Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday, 27 June led the 517th Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations at the 108-foot 'Statue of Prosperity' of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda near Bengaluru International Airport, announcing a drive to plant 15 lakh saplings across the city in honour of its founder. The Chief Minister said the initiative embodies Kempegowda's vision of sustainable urban development and environmental conservation.

Tributes and Dignitaries

Shivakumar offered floral tributes to the bronze statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda at Devanahalli. Among those present were Adichunchanagiri Seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Nanjavadhuta Swamiji of Spatikapuri in Sira taluk, and Vishwa Vokkaligara Mutt Seer Nischalanandanatha Mahaswamiji. The Chief Minister also toured the theme park developed adjacent to the statue.

Key Announcements by CM Shivakumar

Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar outlined a series of initiatives framed around Kempegowda's governance legacy. 'The programmes have been designed keeping in mind Kempegowda's vision, values and administrative principles. Along with the tree plantation drive, we have organised a marathon and taken up a comprehensive development project for Kempegowda Fort at Magadi at a cost of ₹100 crore,' he said.

The government has initiated the acquisition of 10 acres of land around Kempegowda's memorial at Magadi, of which five-and-a-half acres have already been purchased. Separately, five acres near Sumanahalli were earlier allotted for the construction of Kempegowda Bhavan, and a Town Planning College in Kempegowda's name has also been proposed.

Shivakumar directed the Airport Authority to prepare a detailed plan to introduce visitors arriving in Bengaluru to Kempegowda's legacy through suitable facilities near the trumpet interchange leading to the airport. 'We want everyone coming to Bengaluru to know about the founder of the city,' he said.

Visibility of the Statue and Theme Park

While crediting the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for constructing the iconic 108-foot statue, Shivakumar noted it was not clearly visible to travellers heading to the airport. Following discussions with religious seers and Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, the Airport Authority has been asked to take steps to improve the statue's visibility. The completed theme park, whose maintenance has been taken over by the Airport Authority, is set to be inaugurated shortly.

Celebrations Across Bengaluru and the State

In a significant expansion of the annual event, Shivakumar announced that Kempegowda Jayanti would henceforth be celebrated across all 28 Assembly constituencies of Bengaluru over the next 28 years, moving beyond its traditional venue at Vidhana Soudha. Directions have also been issued to observe the occasion at the ward level across all Assembly constituencies statewide.

Highlighting Bengaluru's scale, the Chief Minister noted the city now has a population of nearly 1.40 crore and approximately 1.30 crore registered vehicles. The government aims to extend Metro connectivity to the airport within a year and plans to expand the city's Metro network to nearly 500 kilometres over the next two years.

Who Was Nadaprabhu Kempegowda?

Nadaprabhu Kempegowda I (c. 1513–1569) was a 16th-century chieftain and administrator widely regarded as the founder of modern Bengaluru. A feudatory of the Vijayanagara Empire, he established the city in 1537 by constructing a mud fort and laying out planned markets, residential zones, lakes, and temples. He is credited with building an extensive network of tanks for water conservation, promoting trade and civic infrastructure, and erecting four watchtowers that marked the city's original boundaries — a long-term urban vision that continues to shape Bengaluru's identity.

Shivakumar emphasised that Kempegowda's legacy belongs to all communities and that the celebrations were intended to promote his governance model and commitment to the holistic development of Bengaluru.