Karnataka model of development inspired by Basavanna, Mahatma Gandhi, and Ambedkar: H.C. Mahadevappa

Minister in charge of Mysuru district H.C. Mahadevappa said here on Friday that Karnataka’s inclusive development was inspired by the ideals of Basavanna, Mahatma Gandhi, and B.R. Ambedkar.

Describing it as the Karnataka model of development, Mr. Mahadevappa said the inclusive model is based on the principles of ‘Sarvodaya’ that embraces all, unites all, and gives equal share and care to all within the objective of improving the standard of living of the citizens.

After reviewing the parade and hoisting the national flag as part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations, the Minister said that while Basavanna propounded social justice, Mahatma Gandhi was the harbinger of village self-rule and Ambedkar was the champion of social democracy, and added that the Karnataka Model encapsulates all their ideals.

Mr. Mahadevappa said that India is built upon the foundation of freedom, harmony, and fraternity, and it is the duty of every citizen to remember the generation which fought, sacrificed, and laid down their lives for the freedom of the country. “Our patriotism should not be limited to the Independence Day alone, but it must flow in our veins every day and moment,” he added.

Paying tributes to national leaders who fought for freedom, Mr. Mahadevappa said if the citizens were able to stay safely and peacefully in their respective homes in the present times, it was because of the soldiers guarding the borders. “Let us bow our heads to our soldiers who guard us day and night, and embrace martyrdom in the course of duty,” said Mr. Mahadevappa. Growth and development was possible only if there was security and peace, he added.

Stating that real or true freedom was development, the Minister said that the State government has initiated many measures, including the five guarantee schemes, in order to usher in development in society.

The ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme has provided relief to the poor from the pangs of hunger, and the concept was inspired by the philosophy of ‘Dasoha’ of the Sharanas. Mr. Mahadevappa said. It has been implemented with the aim of building a hunger-free Karnataka, he added.

The Minister also dwelt on the remaining four schemes — Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, and Yuva Nidhi, and underlined their benefits and the number of people availing it. On the issue of horticulture, the Minister said that the district was on the forefront, and the government was implementing various schemes for the benefit of farmers.

Under district panchayat, State sector, and centrally sponsored schemes, ₹23 crore has been spent in Mysuru till the end of March 2025, and benefits have been distributed to 8,102 beneficiaries as per the scheme guidelines, he said.

Referring to housing, the Minister said that 3,243 houses have been sanctioned for the district under the B.R. Ambedkar Nivas Housing Scheme in 2024–25. Similarly, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Housing Scheme, 13,985 houses have been sanctioned for the district, he added.

Earlier, the Minister reviewed the parade presented by the armed police. There were 24 contingents that took part in the march past, including the City Armed Reserve, KSRP, Fire Services, NCC, Scouts and Guides, etc.

Elected representatives from Mysuru; senior officials of the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner G. Lakhmikanth Reddy, Commissioner of Police Seema Latkar, Superintendent of Police N. Vishnuvardhan; and others were present.