517th Birth Anniversary of Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda

On the occasion of 517th Birth Anniversary of Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda, the dignitaries sharing the dais with me, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot Ji; Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy Ji; Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna Ji; Hon’ble Leader of Opposition, Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Shri R. Ashoka Ji; MLA, Malleshwaram Constituency & Former Deputy C.M., Karnataka, Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan Ji; Dr. Nirmalanandanath Mahaswami Ji; President Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Foundation, Prof. M. Krishnagowda Ji; Shri Basavamurthy Madara Chennaiah Swami Ji; Brothers and Sisters.

It is a moment of profound joy and humility for me to stand before you today in this great city of Bengaluru. A city whose every street, every lake, every temple, and every neighbourhood is a living tribute to the extra-ordinary vision of Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda. To be present at the 517th Birth Anniversary celebrations of this towering son of Karnataka – the far-sighted builder of cities, the gentle reformer of society, the scholar-king of letters and lakes, is in the truest sense, a pilgrimage. I thank the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Foundation and its Patron, Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan ji, for inviting me to participate in this important occasion.

Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda was far more than a ruler. Friends, history remembers many kings. It remembers many warriors. But it remembers very less builders. I am happy that today we are remembering one such great builder- Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda, born on the 27th of June in the year 1510.
He was a builder of cities, administrator, environmental visionary, social reformer, patron of culture, and a leader whose legacy continues to shape Bengaluru nearly five centuries after it came into being. Inspired by the ideal of creating a prosperous and harmonious society, he envisioned a city where farmers, traders, artisans, scholars, and people of different faiths could live and work together.

At the heart of his vision was a simple but profound principle taught by his mother: “Build lakes and plant trees.” This wisdom became the foundation of a sustainable urban model that remains relevant even today. Long before modern urban planning emerged as a discipline, Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda demonstrated extraordinary foresight in designing Bengaluru. He established the city’s boundaries with the four famous Kempegowda Towers, developed a planned settlement around Doddapete Square, and organized it into specialized commercial petes dedicated to various trades and occupations. What is remarkable is that these communities were integrated into the city’s economic life rather than segregated by social hierarchy. His model encouraged cooperation, productivity, and social harmony. In many ways, it anticipated principles that modern cities around the world continue to follow.

Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda’s greatest contribution may well have been his understanding of environmental sustainability. Recognizing Bengaluru’s lack of a perennial river, he created an inter-connected network of lakes and rajakaluves to harvest rainwater, recharge groundwater, prevent flooding, and support agriculture. He also ensured community participation in water management through local custodians who maintained the system and guided agricultural practices.

Equally important was his commitment to greenery. Large-scale tree planting, protection of lake surroundings, and preservation of open community spaces created the pleasant climate for which Bengaluru became famous. At a time when cities across the world confront climate change, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda’s model offers valuable lessons. His work reminds us that sustainable development is not a modern invention but part of India’s long civilizational wisdom.

Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda was also a reformer who challenged harmful customs with moral courage and a commitment to human dignity. He abolished the practice known as Bandi Devaru, which required young women in certain communities to undergo physical mutilation as a ritual offering.
He was a proud son of Kannada soil while also embracing linguistic and cultural diversity. He patronised multiple languages and demonstrated that civic leadership could unite people across linguistic and social differences. He believed a great city also needed culture, learning, faith, and ethical values, a vision reflected in the temples and institutions that continue to enrich Bengaluru’s spiritual and cultural life.

Today’s Bengaluru—the technology capital of India, home to innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific research, and institutions such as ISRO—stands upon the foundations laid by Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda. The openness that attracts talent from across India and the world reflects the inclusive spirit with which he built the city. The diversity, creativity, and dynamism of modern Bengaluru are extensions of the values he established nearly five hundred years ago. It is therefore fitting that his name is honoured through landmarks such as Kempegowda International Airport, Kempegowda Bus Station, and other public institutions.

The unveiling of the 108-foot Statue of Prosperity in 2022 by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji symbolised the gratitude of Karnataka and the nation toward this great city-founder. Nada-prabhu Sri Kempegowda’s life offers lessons that extend far beyond Bengaluru. He teaches us the importance of long-term thinking, sustainable development, social inclusion, and institution-building. As India moves toward the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda’s example reminds us that enduring progress requires both ambition and responsibility. Great nations are built by individuals who think beyond their own lifetimes and work for generations yet to come.

To the young students present here today, I offer a special message.  Study the history of your city and your nation. Draw inspiration from leaders like Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda who transformed vision into reality. Whatever your chosen field—science, technology, medicine, law, education, literature, or public service—ask yourself-What will I build? What contribution will I leave for future generations? Success is not measured only by personal achievement but by the positive impact we create for society. That spirit of service and nation-building is the true legacy of Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda.

I also commend the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Foundation for preserving and promoting the memory of this great leader. My appreciation extends to Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan ji, the Foundation’s members, volunteers, supporters, and the leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh Bangalore City University for hosting this gathering. As we celebrate the 517th birth anniversary of Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda, let us honour not only his memory but also his ideals. Let us commit ourselves to building a stronger, greener, more inclusive, and more prosperous India. I bow to his vision, salute his legacy, and invite all of you to carry forward the spirit of service, sustainability, and nation-building that he embodied.

• Jai Hind!
• Jai Karnataka!
• Long Live Mother Bharat!

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