Mysuru Division of South West Railways, University of Mysore and Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University were among the various institutions that celebrated the 77th Republic Day with patriotic fervour in Mysuru on January 26.
Divisional railway manager of Mysuru Railway Division, Mudit Mittal, who unfurled the national flag, addressed the gathering and said train punctuality in the division had improved from 89% to 91.68%.
On the freight front, the Division surpassed last year’s loading by nearly 2%, with freight earnings increasing by 9% due to a longer lead. He attributed this achievement mainly to the upgradation of the Chikjajur–Raidurga section to a 25‑T axle load, which enabled higher loading per rake, said a statement issued by the Mysuru Railway Division.
He also disclosed that the entire Ghat section in the Division has been electrified, making it fit for Vande Bharat operations. He said several Traction Sub-Stations have been commissioned, and 46 trains were converted from diesel to electric traction in the last five months.
Highlighting operational and welfare achievements, Mr Mittal stated that scrap worth ₹12.3 crore was sold in the last five months, including ₹4.5 crore in October alone.
Also, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued 63 persons, including a notable case in which a kidnapped six-month-old child was traced using CCTV footage and safely reunited with the mother.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mysore, Prof. N.K. Lokanath unfurled the national Tricolour at Crawford Hall in Mysuru on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Lokanath said Republic Day symbolised the triumph of democratic ideals over colonial rule. “It reaffirms India’s identity as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic”, he said.
Describing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the chief architect of the Constitution, Prof. Lokanath said Dr. Ambedkar strongly advocated for social justice and empowerment of the oppressed.
“Dr Ambedkar considered education as a powerful tool for emancipation and progress. He firmly believed that democracy must be rooted in social and economic equality”, he added.
Meanwhile, Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal University of Music and Performing Arts, Mysuru, celebrated the 77th Republic Day at its new campus at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar on January 26.
University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nagesh V Bettakote, in his address, said India’s Constitution served as a model for the world and deserves to be studied by everyone.
He said the University will soon have a new building in the new campus, where classes will commence.
“All the basic infrastructure required to obtain NAAC accreditation is now ready,” he said, adding that efforts are under way, in phases, to bring education in music and performing arts across the State into a structured academic framework, provide training through a modern gurukul system, undertake research, and establish a museum as well as an audio recording archive.
Published – January 26, 2026 07:48 pm IST
