Mysuru Dasara celebrations begin; 6 corona warriors feted

MYSURU: Imploring deity Chamundeshwari to protect the human race from the infectious novel coronavirus and help find a vaccine at the earliest, Dr CN Manjunath, chairman of the state Covid expert committee, inaugurated the 411th edition of the 10-day Mysuru Dasara atop Chamundi Hills on Saturday.
The celebrations were restricted to a limited audience this year, but were impressive as usual.
This year the festival is being dedicated to corona warriors, six of whom were honoured on the occasion. The event was inaugurated by Dr Manjunath, a Padma Shri and director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research.
Contributions of the Mysuru maharajas to the fields of health, education and agriculture were hailed on the occasion.
Dr Manjunath felt that it was the biggest honour for him to inaugurate the festival.
"There are still no immediate signs of relief from coronavirus which continues to spread. Phase-III human trials are under way towards developing a vaccine. We can expect the latest vaccine by February or July 2021. Till then, the only protection humans have is by wearing masks properly and maintaining social distancing. I have prayed to the deity to help us find a vaccine and to ensure the world is free of the virus soon," said Dr Manjunath.
Rs 7.5 crore package to
develop Chamundi Hills
Heeding the request of local elected representatives, chief minister BS Yediyurappa promised to sanction Rs 7.5 crore for the development of Chamundi Hills.
Two water bodies, including Devikere, will be rejuvenated, the 1,001 stairs going up to Chamundi Hills will be realigned and proper lighting will be provided, Yediyurappa said.
On the occasion, the chief minister prayed to the deity to save the world from coronavirus, and said the government is committed to providing relief to residents in flood-hit areas of the state.