Vidhana Soudha diamond jubilee: Prez to address Karnataka joint session

President Ram Nath Kovind will commemorate the diamond jubilee of the Vidhana Soudha by addressing a special joint session of the Karnataka legislature on October 25.

Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka.

A series of events have been organised on October 25 and  26 to celebrate the occasion, an official release said.

The celebrations include a special discussion on the state's history, its land, water, resources and nature along with cultural programmes. Families of the first three chief ministers of Mysore state (before reorganisation) -- the late K C Reddy, Kengal Hanumanthaiya and Kadidal Manjappa -- will be honoured.

Giving details of what has been planned, the release said several people will be bestowed the prestigious 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for their contribution towards the development of the state. A documentary by Girish Kasaravalli on the Vidhana Soudha and another by T N Seetharam on the Karnataka legislature will be screened. Besides, a 3D virtual reality movie about the building will also be shown.

A special musical performance by Grammy Award winner  Ricky Kej has been organised for the momentous occasion. The foundation for the Vidhana Soudha, considered one of the most imposing buildings in the country, was laid by India's first prime minister Jawaharalal Nehru on July 13, 1951.

The gigantic building was completed in 1956 at a cost of about Rs 1.84 crore in those days.

Built in a 'Neo-Dravidian' style of architecture, the Vidhana Soudha is spread over 60 acres and houses the Legislative Assembly and Council chambers, in addition to offices of the chief minister, prominent ministers and senior government officers. The majestic structure has been built largely with Bangalore granite.