Tumakuru (Karnataka) [India], November 15 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday inaugurated a massive LED digital display system, 'Tumakuru Square', at Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji Circle in Tumakuru, describing it as a new landmark for the city and a significant step towards its transformation into a Smart City.
The digital display system, developed jointly by the Tumakuru City Corporation and Tumakuru Urban Development Authority at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore, has been installed at the circle named after revered Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Parameshwara said that no other district headquarters in the country had such a massive digital display system, adding that the installation was a gift to the people of Tumakuru.
“No other district headquarters in the country possesses such a massive digital display system. Installation of this innovative electronic display system at the circle named after revered Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji is a gift to the people of Tumakuru city. With this, Tumakuru has created a new history,” he said.
Recalling his visits to various cities across the world, Parameshwara said he had observed prominent landmarks designed to attract visitors and had long wanted Tumakuru to have a similar attraction.
He said the project was proposed by the Deputy Commissioner and the City Corporation Commissioner, following which the circle was inspected and a blueprint prepared. He appreciated the officials and their teams for their efforts, saying that the Municipal Commissioner and his team had supervised the work until 3-4 AM.
Parameshwara also expressed happiness over the presence of the revered seer of Siddaganga Matha at the inauguration and recalled his family's longstanding association with the institution.
“Our family shares an inseparable bond with Siddaganga Matha. During my childhood - when I was about 10-12 years old - revered Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji visited our town and, alongside my father, blessed me during a school function. Since then, our family has maintained a relationship of deep respect and devotion toward Matha. It is through the blessings of Matha that our family and educational institutions have flourished. My elder brother, Shivaprasad, was a student at Siddaganga High School. I wish to clarify that there is absolutely no room for misconceptions regarding the deep respect and close connection our family holds for Siddaganga Matha. Installation of this system at Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji Circle serves as a tribute both to the circle and the revered Swamiji,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the digital installation would enhance Tumakuru's appeal and could serve as a model for other cities in Karnataka, while contributing to the city's development as a Smart City.
Recalling his political journey, Parameshwara said, "I first came to the district as an MLA in 1989 and had witnessed several ups and downs during nearly four decades in politics." He also spoke about high-level positions that had slipped away from him and thanked the people of the district for giving him opportunities to serve as a minister and Deputy Chief Minister twice.
He said he wanted to be remembered for contributing to development and recalled establishing Tumakuru University, where thousands of students are now pursuing education.
Recalling his tenure as Home Minister, Parameshwara said he had introduced several changes in the Police Department. He cited the replacement of traditional large-sized police caps with modern ones after police personnel pointed out that the former became heavy when soaked in rain.
Parameshwara said, "Efforts were underway to establish what he described as Asia’s largest industrial hub at Vasanthanarasapura, for which approximately 20,000 acres had been acquired. More than 200 industries had already been established there."
"A proposal had recently been received for an investment of approximately Rs 80,000 crore to establish a Green Hydrogen plant and a data centre. The investors were looking to provide employment to 30,000 people, subject to the allocation of around 1,000 acres in Tumakuru," he added.
Parameshwara said, "Tumakuru should no longer be viewed as a small city, adding that it was developing as an extension of Bengaluru. He said road connectivity between the two cities was already good and would improve further.
He appreciated the Deputy Commissioner and district administration for organising large-scale events attended by lakhs of people, including programmes in which then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah participated on three occasions. He said the events helped ensure that the benefits of various government schemes reached lakhs of beneficiaries.
He also praised the Municipal Commissioner and his team for supervising the digital display project through the night and working until the early hours.
Parameshwara said, "The Tumakuru Dasara festival had been organised on a larger scale over the past three years through the cooperation of the public and officials."
He added, "Approximately 20 lakh people had attended this year’s Dasara celebrations over a period of nine to ten days." (ANI)
Tumakuru gets Rs 7 crore digital display system, Deputy CM G Parameshwara calls it new city landmark
