When Sir. M. Visvesvaraya was the dewan (1912 to 1918) both he and the Maharaja rewarded Bangalore with galore of gifts in the form of several developmental projects. Though Sir M.V was an engineer, his foresight encompassed several aspects required for the all round development of the city.
Sir M.V in his speech on June 1915 to the Economic Conference, had suggested the establishment of Chamber of Commerce, for the whole state to focus and consolidate commercial opinion on current topics and to publish the united judgement of representative merchants and businessmen regarding topics for the information of the public. A chamber with these objects was inaugurated on May 8 1916 in the hall of Government High School, Bangalore and the Chamber began to work under the chairmanship of W.C. Rose from 1916 to 1920. In 1966-67, it was called Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and later it was renamed as Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries ( FKCCI). This more than a century old Institution has had he distinguished array of businessmen and Industrialists at the helm, establishing it as an apex organization for the Industry, Trade, and Service Sectors in Karnataka. Since its inception the prestigious institution has sought to promote the national interest by way of both public and private sector led economic growth and has played a catalytic role in policy making at the state and central level. FKCCI stands as one of the five foremost chambers in the country apart from being the oldest parent chamber of any state in India.
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Though Sir. M.V gave thrust to the development of Industry and Commerce, he was equally concerned about the Agricultural sector. He thought that if the farmers are trained to cultivate more adopting scientific and progressive methods, rural developments will be more effective. So, In 1913-14 an Agricultural school was opened in Bangalore with more emphasis on practical training. The farmers, after undergoing training, were given a certificate and guidance to adapt innovative methods in their routine agricultural pursuits.
In the same year, the Agricultural department was strengthened by the appointment of a Director. Today, the Agricultural University in Bangalore is globally known, not only for teaching but also for its multi dimensional research .
Sir M.V had realised that silk industry was lucrative and would enhance the income of the state. But by 1913, this industry had been hit due to a silk worm disease. To find a solution to solve this problem, a centre was also started in Tata Silk Farm near Basavanagudi. In 1913, Bangalore- Chikkaballapur and Bangalore-Kolar railway lines were completed. A survey for new railway lines for Bangalore-Hassan, Bangalore-Arasikere and Mangalore were also conducted.
During the First World War, England passed through a critical period. The Maharaja of Mysore sent substantial financial help and a regiment of soldiers to help England. The British gratefully acknowledged the help and praised the King and his subjects. In all these efforts, Sir M.V. played a remarkable role.
Sir. M.V. had felt the need to conserve and promote Kannada language and literature. He created a study circle under the guidance of H.V. Nanjundiah, a well-known statesman. A sub-committee formed under the study circle came up with five different topics on which suggestions were invited. There was a good response from the people and it was decided to organize a conference in Bangalore on 3rd May 1915 to act upon these suggestions. The meeting was held at the Fort high school grounds and was attended by the literary luminaries, press and other elites of the city. The gathering agreed to create Karnataka Sahitya Parishath with a mandate to conserve and promote Kannada Language and Literature. On May 5, 1935 The Parishath was formed and H.V. Nanjundiah was unanimously elected as the President of the Parishath. Later, the name was changed to Kannada Sahitya Parishath. The century old institution today is household name in the state.
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Drainage work in areas like Basavanagudi, Malleswaram and Shankarapuram was completed. Sir M.V personally used to supervise the construction of reservoirs to store the water coming from Hesaraghatta. In 1915, Cubbon Park was made more attractive and electric lights were provided for Attara Katcheri.
To streamline the distribution of electricity A, B and C stations were built. In 1917-18, the Dewan formed a committee with a special officer for the proper development of Bangalore city. Another remarkable contribution of Sir M.V. to the city as well as the state is starting an Engineering College in Bangalore.
On January 27, 1955, while addressing the gathering at the College of Engineering, Sir M.V. reveals the facts responsible for beginning the prime institution. “The College of Engineering was started in the year 1917. It came to existence because the Engineering Colleges at Madras and Poona were not able to provide seats for the number of students for whom Mysore wanted provision. As far as I can remember, we wanted admission for ten students annually, but the authorities in Madras and Poona could provide only for two or three. Thereupon, we decided to start a college of our own in Bangalore city. Mr. K.R. Sheshachar, Retired Chief Engineer, Mysore, was appointed the first Principal. And subsequent principals and professors have been mostly Mysore Engineers.”
Though the college was his brain child, Sir M.V. while concluding his speech, pays tribute to the Maharaja… ‘The Institution was started as stated above more than 37 years ago, in the time of the late Maharaja, His Highness Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar Bahadur. On such occasion as this, we must tender our tribute of respect and gratitude to his honoured name for the keen interest he took in the establishment of such useful institutions and the great good he has done for the state…’
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