As we celebrate 77 years of independence, a journey that began with Pandit Nehru's iconic 'Tryst with Destiny' speech, it is natural to reflect on how far we have come. While Nehru's contributions to our nation are well known, my thoughts wander to another visionary—Sir Mirza Ismail, a stalwart who played a pivotal role in shaping the Mysuru Kingdom and, in many ways, contributed to the larger canvas of India’s progress.
Sir Mirza Ismail, who was likely a few years older than Nehru, shared a deep bond with Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the Maharaja of Mysuru. Starting as the Maharaja’s Private Secretary, Sir Mirza's rise to the position of Diwan was not just a testament to his capabilities but also a reflection of the Maharaja’s foresight. As Nehru was championing the cause of Purna Swaraj, the Maharaja found in Sir Mirza a partner who shared a similar vision for the Mysuru Kingdom—a vision of progress and prosperity.
During Sir Mirza’s tenure as Diwan, Mysuru witnessed unparalleled progress. The State had already carved a niche for itself with several firsts under the able leadership of statesmen like Sheshadri Iyer, Sir M Visweswariah and many stalwarts , including being the first to produce hydroelectricity and illuminating Bengaluru with streetlights, long before Mumbai or Calcutta, the seats of British India.
Sir Mirza built on this legacy, initiating the first rural electrification process, a testament to his commitment to spreading progress across the kingdom.
The industrialization of Mysuru surged ahead under his leadership, with the establishment of factories producing everything from cement and steel to electric bulbs, sugar, paper, and glass.
Yet, Sir Mirza's pride in his Mysuru roots never meant he was disconnected from the rest of India.
During a speech in Travancore (modern-day Kerala) at the inauguration of the Travancore University Stadium, he warned against the dangers of isolation, advocating for athletics as a means of fostering unity and cooperation. Today, seeing a Keralite and decorated athlete like P.T. Usha preside over the Indian Olympic Association as its President looks like a fulfillment of his words.
In another address, Sir Mirza emphasized the importance of industrialization as a tool to alleviate pressure on land, foreseeing a future where India would emerge as one of the great industrial nations of the world. Today, India’s industry spans from aviation to manufacturing to IT, with our young minds leading some of the most cutting-edge technological advancements globally.
So, have we made progress? The answer is an unequivocal YES. But should we be content? Certainly not. There remains much more to be done, and much more to achieve. In technology, science, sports, and the arts, we must continue to strive for perfection. We must aim for the stars, for we have only just begun our journey to the Moon and Mars!
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