The Mysore-based Kalisu Foundation, in collaboration with World Wide Trade, inaugurated a new library at Dr. Kalmadi Shamrao Kannada Medium High School, Ketkar Road, Pune. This significant event was graced by the presence of Mysore Maharaja, Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, on November 13, 2024. The Maharaja received a warm welcome, with traditional aarti and tilak, and was greeted with a captivating Lezim dance performance, as well as a Mallakhamba display by the students.

Following the library inauguration, the Maharaja interacted with students, offering encouraging responses to their questions. He emphasized the importance of speaking in Kannada as a primary step to preserving Karnataka’s culture and heritage, sharing his admiration for the richness of the Kannada language and traditions. He also commemorated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s time in Bangalore, noting that Shivaji spent six to seven years there, approximately from 1640 to 1646. During this period, Shivaji received crucial training in combat, war strategies, and governance. Maharaja Yaduveer highlighted how Shivaji’s exposure to South Indian military tactics and cultural diversity helped shape his inclusive administration.

The occasion also marked a celebration of Karnataka Rajyotsava, with symbolic worship of Mother Bhuvaneshwari and the hoisting of the Karnataka flag. Wodeyar Maharaja spoke on the history of Karnataka’s unification and the contributions of the Wodeyar dynasty. He emphasized the significance of unity and the need for an inclusive mindset, recounting how the diverse regions of Karnataka were brought together. He also recognized the pivotal role of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad in nurturing Kannada literature and culture and commended Kannada Sangha’s efforts to preserve and promote the Kannada language and heritage.

Dignitaries present included the President of the School Management Board, Mr. Kushala Hegde; Vice Presidents Dr. Narayana Hegde and Mrs. Indira

Salian; Secretary Mrs. Malathi Kalmadi; Joint Treasurer Mrs. S. S. Radhika Sharma; and Kannada Sangha trustee Ms. Devika Shetty. Kalisu Foundation Founder and CEO Mr. M. M. Nikhilesh, Senior Manager Mr. Vinay Malagi, and Senior Analysts Mr. Nitin and Ms. Savita Gowda from World Wide Trade also attended. The program was compered by Principal Mrs. Jyothi Kadakol, and Mrs. Shobha Panchangamath proposed the vote of thanks.

This event has truly become an unforgettable milestone in the history of Kannada Sangha’s Kannada medium school.