 |
| /Kempe Gowda mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net |
Above image: Kempe Gowda I (June 1510-1569) a vassal of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire in the early 16th century was instrumental in developing a small nondescript village into Bangalore Town in the same period. He also built a mud fort in 1537 and established the area around it as Bengaluru Pete, his capital. He also hard many Kannada inscriptions installed across the region.....................
On the 515th birth anniversary of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda (June 27) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar highlighted the importance of honoring Kempegowda's legacy. As the founder of Bengaluru, Kempegowda is renowned for his contributions to the city's infrastructure, including the construction of reservoirs, temples, and forts. Temples of Vinayaka and Anjaneya were built at the Northern Yelahanka Gate of the fort (near the present head office of State Bank of Mysore under his direction. Bengaluru centuries ago was a small village with lots of woodlands and plateaus. Kempe Gowda, bein a visionary as he was, saw the potential to develop it into a modern town with good facilities. Various events were organized by the state government to commemorate his memory, such as cultural activities, exhibitions, and symposiums across different districts.
A significant part of the celebrations included the unveiling of a 30-foot statue of Kempegowda, underscoring his lasting impact on the region. Additionally, the government allocated funds to develop Kempegowda’s birthplace in Devanahalli and other significant sites linked to his legacy. Each taluka received financial support to prepare for the celebrations, which were aimed at educating the younger generation about Kempegowda's contributions.
About 10 acres of land has been identified in Devanahalli. and the government has also sanctioned five acres near Sumanahalli on Magadi Road for constructing the head office for the Kempegowda Authority. Plans are afoot to develop the open space around the newly built Kempegowda statue, situated in the premises of the Bengaluru International Airport.
.jpg) |
| new statue of Kempe Gowda near the Bengaluru airport.youtune.com |
Kempegowda is remembered for his visionary leadership and social reforms that laid the foundation for modern Bengaluru. His efforts in urban planning and community welfare have made him a revered figure in Karnataka. The annual celebration of Kempegowda Jayanti reflects the state's commitment to preserving his heritage and educating future generations about his pivotal role in the region's history.
