Karnataka: Iconic Vidhana Soudha turns 60

Bengaluru: A two-day special session of the state legislature will be held on October 25 and 26 as part of the diamond jubilee celebrations of the city’s most prestigious and famous landmark, the Vidhana Soudha, which turns 60 this year

The occasion will see President  Ram Nath Kovind  give a 90-minute speech on the Vidhana Soudha and the contribution of Karnataka to the country on October 25. Following his  address the two Houses of the legislature will debate various issues revolving around the land, language  and culture of the state. 

Members will be expected to give suggestions to the government on ways to preserve the state’s rich heritage.

Families of stalwarts like the first Chief Minister of Karnataka, K C Reddy and his successors, Kengal Hanumanthaiah and Kadidal Manjappa, who were instrumental in conceptualising and building the Vidhana Soudha, will be honoured.  

The steps  of the Vidhana Soudha, where the awards ceremony will be held, will later come alive with  cultural events based on the art and culture of the state. 

A 3-D mapping show on the Vidhana Soudha will be part of the evening’s entertainment. The next day will be devoted mainly to  cultural programmes, including a musical evening by Grammy Award winner, Ricky Kage. 

The day will also see a screening of a documentary by noted film director, Girish Kasaravalli on the construction of Vidhana Soudha, and noted director, T N Seetharam  present his film on the Soudha’s journey over the years. Master Kishan will present a 3-D virtual reality show on the iconic building that is Karnataka’s seat of power.