'Brand Mysore': A blurred image at CII meet

Commissioner for Industrial Development didnt focus on topic

For the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) meeting that was supposed to deliberate on the infrastructure of Mysore, or the lack of it, it was a poor show. 

Though the panelists did try to an extent to put forth their demands and suggestions about developing brand Mysore, the Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director for Industries and Commerce, Maheshwar Rao went for the ‘larger picture’ here on Friday. The keynote speaker that he was, whose most awaited speech was to be the highlight of the event, said he hadn’t come prepared for the meeting. And, caused the biggest disappointment to the gathering. 

In his address, which was mainly about ‘showcasing Karnataka and mostly Bangalore’ with upcoming Global Investors Meet being central, there was not even a single mention of Mysore in terms of improving infrastructure here. Referring to setting up of industrial corridors and industrial planning zones, high speed rail link between Bangalore city and international airport, development of ports etc. Except for the fact that he was in tune with track doubling between Bangalore and Mysore ‘which may ease the situation to a large extent’; there wasn’t much. 

The dapper looking officer sought to know if he had to speak about ‘any particular issue’ right before he started his presentation. When someone from the audience mentioned ‘connectivity’, he went said ‘yes, everyone’s talking about it,’ and went on with his presentation, which was a huge letdown to the core.   

For his part, deputy commissioner P S Vastrad, made a brief appearance and delivered even smaller a speech, mostly going over the same details on heritage and tourism potential of Mysore. As for the air connectivity that has been absent in the recent days, Vastrad said he had taken up the matter with the Chief Minister and promised to pursue it further. 

President and Head - Infra and Facilities Management B Ramaswamy said it was time Mysore decided on its tourism identity. “Mysore has lagged behind in exploiting its potential as a tourism destination. The city was able to draw only a small quantity of foreign tourists in the past, compared to Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Jammu Kashmir. Connectivity between Bangalore and Mysore must be improved with multiple options and this must be done fast,” he added. 

CII Karnataka Chairman S Chandrashekhar, CII Mysore Zone Chairman Biswajit Mitra, past chairmen Ashok Rao, Aroon Raman, centre for sustainable development chairman Ravindra and others were present on the occasion.