Vidhana Soudha diamond jubilee: Prez to address K'taka joint

President Ram Nath Kovind will commemorate the diamond jubilee of the VidhanaSoudha by addressing a special joint session of the Karnataka legislatureon October 25.
Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka.
A series of events have been organised on October 25 and 26 to celebrate the occasion, an official release said.
The celebrations include a special discussion on the state's history,its land, water, resources and nature along with culturalprogrammes.
Families of the firstthree chief ministers of Mysore state (before reorganisation) -- the late K CReddy, Kengal Hanumanthaiya and Kadidal Manjappa -- will be honoured.
Giving details of what has been planned, the release said several people will be bestowed the prestigious 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for their contribution towards the development of the state.

A documentary by GirishKasaravalli on the Vidhana Soudha and another by T N Seetharam on the Karnataka legislature will be screened. Besides, a 3D virtual realitymovie about the building will also be shown.

A special musical performance by Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej has been organised for the momentous occasion.
The foundation for the Vidhana Soudha, considered oneof the most imposing buildings in the country, was laid byIndia's first prime minister Jawaharalal Nehru on July 13, 1951.
The gigantic building was completed in 1956 at a cost of about Rs 1.84 crore in those days.
Built in a 'Neo-Dravidian' style of architecture,the Vidhana Soudha is spread over 60 acres and houses the Legislative Assembly and Council chambers, in addition to offices of the chiefminister, prominent ministers and senior government officers.

The majestic structure has been built largely with Bangaloregranite.