Pandavapura's 'Swaraj Utsav' to Showcase Mahatma Gandhi's Vision for Self-Reliant Villages

In just a few days, on September 13, 2025, the town of Pandavapura will host a 'Swaraj Utsav' to promote the concepts of sustainable development and self-reliance in rural areas. The event, which will take place at the Pandava Stadium, is conceived as a platform to revisit Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Swaraj and its meaning in contemporary times through the ideals of self-respect, self-reliance, and sustainable living.

Spread across 11 themes, the Swaraj Utsav will bring together more than 40 national and international organizations to showcase exhibitions, demonstrations, and interactive sessions on a wide range of topics, including agriculture, health, education, technology, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic independence. The event aims to guide people in adopting self-reliant lifestyles by harnessing local resources, while promoting sustainable agriculture, mixed cropping systems, natural farming, local industries, women's empowerment, and eco-friendly living.

According to MLA for Melukote Darshan Puttannaiah, the Utsav is not a one-off event, but the beginning of a "Swaraj Movement" to drive the holistic development of India's villages, which he believes is the true path to the nation's Swaraj. The event will also highlight the historical, cultural, and religious heritage of Melukote to promote tourism in the region.