The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Mysuru Dasara Festival at Chamundi Hills, Mysuru today (September 26, 2022). 

Addressing the gathering, the President extended her greetings to the people of Karnataka on the auspicious occasion of Mysuru Dasara. She said that she prays to the Goddess Chamundeshwari that her blessings will always be available to all.

The President said that the sages as well as people of our country have kept the Indian society connected for centuries through festivals. Festivals based on divine and human characters from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, history and folk-tales are celebrated all over the country. She said that there is diversity as well as uniformity in these festivals. Mysuru Dussehra is also a festival of pride for Indian culture, she added.

Speaking about the developmental journey of Karnataka, the President noted that during the financial year 2021-22, Karnataka attracted 53 per cent of the total foreign direct investment in the hardware and software sector. Bangalore is considered to be the top start-up-hub of India. According to NITI Aayog Sustainable Development Goals – India Index 2020-21, Karnataka ranks first in the country in the Innovation Index. She noted that Karnataka has achieved the target of 100 per cent enrollment in primary education. It has also achieved the target of 100 per cent connectivity under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana’. She appreciated the Government and people of Karnataka for making India proud with many such achievements.