Did you know that Sir M. Visvesvaraya, Dewan of Mysore, founded Century Club in the city?
Fittingly, the club is celebrating its centenary by commemorating Sir MV and his contributions to the State. On Friday, the first day of the three-day celebrations, the ‘Century Art Extravaganza – a tribute to Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya’ kicked off.
The celebrations are being held in association with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
A 100-ft canvas has been put up on the club’s campus to symbolise 100 years. Around 30 artists will, over the next two days, fill the canvas with paintings and sketches of Sir MV and various facets of his life. Club president Manandi N. Suresh told The Hindu that the paintings, once finished, would be displayed at the special hall of the club — Sir MV Art Gallery. The hall will henceforth only be used to conduct cultural programmes for the members and their families. “The centenary celebrations are centred round creating awareness among the younger generation about Sir MV and his immense contributions to the State. He is the one who established State Bank of Mysore, Mysore Paper Mills, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Bangalore Press, and built the Krishnaraja Sagar dam,” he said.
The art camp began with M.S. Murthy, chairperson of the Karnataka Lalitkala Academy, making a small sketch of Sir MV.
The camp is coordinated by J.M.S. Mani, art director.
Mr. Suresh said while the formal inauguration of the celebrations would be held on Saturday evening, some events will be held on Sunday.
An on-the-spot painting competition will be held for children of club members, and a Rangoli competition for adults will be held on Sunday morning, followed by the valedictory. The artists, who participate in the art camp, will be felicitated, he added.
