President in Karnataka for two days from Monday

President Pranab Mukherjee is visiting Karnataka on a two-day visit from Monday to participate in academic, trade and healthcare events at Mysuru, Bengaluru and Kalaburgi.

"The president will herald the centenary celebrations of University of Mysore and address a huge gathering of students, faculty and dignitaries at the Mansagangotri campus in Mysuru, a protocol official told IANS on Sunday.

Governor Vajubhai Vala, who is also the varsity's chancellor, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, cabinet ministers and invitees will be present on the occasion.

Post-varsity event, Mukherjee will fly to Bengaluru and inaugurate the centenary year of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) at the state secretariat.

"In view of the president's visit to the secretariat, and tight security, the state government has declared half-day holiday for its employees working in Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha on Monday," the official said.

On Tuesday, the President will fly to Bidar and participate in the second annual convocation of the Central University of Karnataka at Kalaburgi, about 650km from here.

On his return, Mukherjee will dedicate to the nation the renovated heritage building and magneto encephalography research centre of the state-run National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) in the city. He will return to New Delhi on the same evening.