Gangotri goes chic ahead of centenary jamboree

Manasagangotri, the expansive campus of the University of Mysore, is turning swanky to extend a red carpet welcome to President Pranab Mukherjee, who is arriving here on July 27 to launch the university’s year-long centenary celebrations.

About 8,000 alumni, including some of the big names of the country, are expected to witness the historic event that will unfold at the Open Air Theatre, an amphitheatre located amid lush greenery, on the campus.

Main venue

The amphitheatre is getting a makeover to host the mega event. The road leading to the venue, and its surroundings are being spruced up for the VVIP visit. Vice-Chancellor K.S. Rangappa told

The Hindu that arrangements for the event were nearing completion and the major works taken up in view of the President’s visit would be completed soon.

The Open Air Theatre, which is undergoing a facelift after a long-time, will be prime venue. “The open air theatre was finalised for hosting the event in view of the large congregation. We had earlier thought of holding the event at Crawford Hall but it cannot accommodate such a big audience,” the VC said.

The guest house, which also got a facelift, and the main welcome arch of the Manasagangotri campus on Bogadi Road, will be inaugurated.

The former vice-chancellors of the university would be felicitated on the occasion, Prof. Rangappa said. A booklet on all the 24 Vice-Chancellors of the university will be published on the occasion.

The university has proposed to develop a state-of-the-art technology-driven international convention centre at a cost of Rs. 30 crore; a planetarium, proposed to be set up at a cost of Rs. 20 crore; and an interactive museum planned at a sum of Rs. 20 crore. A volume and a coffee table book on the 100-year history of the university is also proposed.

As part of beautification of the campus, signages, fountains, electronic information display boards, eco-friendly buggies for campus tours, heritage bus shelters, parking lots and a countdown clock at Crawford Hall and the university library have been proposed at a cost of Rs. 10 crore.

President Pranab Mukherjee to launch year-long centenary celebrations on July 27

About 8,000 alumni expected to witness the historic occasion unfolding at the Open Air Theatre