‘Swaraj Utsav’ to be conducted in Karnataka’s Pandavapura on Sept. 13

In a bid to popularise the concepts of sustainable development and self-reliance in rural areas, a ‘Swaraj Utsav’ will be conducted in Pandavapura on September 13, in which more than 40 national and international organisations will participate.

The Utsav, slated to be held at Pandava Stadium in the town, will showcase Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Swaraj, and is conceived as a platform to revisit its meaning in contemporary times through the ideals of self-respect, self-reliance, and sustainable living.

Spread across 11 themes, it will bring together exhibitions, demonstrations, and interactive sessions on agriculture, health, education, technology, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic independence.

MLA for Melukote Darshan Puttannaiah described the Utsav as the beginning of a ‘’Swaraj Movement’’ and not a one-off and a one-day event.

“India is a country of villages, and the progress of villages is the progress of the nation. The holistic development of villages is the nation’s true Swaraj,” he added. More than 50 stalls will be set up to create awareness, provide information, and offer hands-on experiences to visitors.

Mr. Puttannaiah said that the event aims to guide people in adopting self-reliant lifestyles by harnessing local resources, while promoting sustainable agriculture, mixed cropping systems, natural farming, local industries, women’s empowerment, and eco-friendly living. “Even amid changing lifestyles in villages, the Utsav will show ways to build a self-reliant life,” he added.

Beyond agriculture and livelihoods, the Utsav will highlight social dimensions such as women’s empowerment, community health, and environmental awareness, according to the organisers. Visitors can expect to see practical models, meet grassroots organizations, and engage in conversations about sustaining rural life, they said.

Along with the main themes of the Utsav, the historical, cultural, and religious heritage of Melukote will also be highlighted in order to promote tourism.

‘Our village, our pride; our life towards Swaraj Gram’ is the slogan under which the event will be held, said Mr. Puttanaiah in a release. Apart from Puttanaiah Foundation, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), Socratus Foundation, and Rainmatter Foundation will be involved in organising the Swaraj Utsav.