Once celebrated as the “City of Palaces,” Mysore (Mysuru) has gracefully transitioned into a dynamic hub of education, technology, and urban innovation. While its regal heritage remains etched in its grand architecture and cultural ethos, modern Mysore is a testament to Karnataka’s vision of balanced growth. In this city, tradition and progress coexist. Lets explore how Mysore has evolved into a centre of learning, a rising IT destination, and a model of sustainable urban development.
Education: Nurturing Minds, Building Futures
Mysore’s reputation as an educational powerhouse dates back to the early 20th century, when the Wadiyar kings prioritised intellectual growth. Today, the city is home to premier institutions that attract students nationwide:
1. University of Mysore (Est. 1916)
India’s sixth-oldest university remains a beacon of academia, offering science, arts, and humanities programs. Its iconic Crawford Hall and lush campus symbolise Mysore’s scholarly legacy.
2. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
Part of India’s elite network of research institutes, IISER Mysore focuses on cutting-edge science and technology, fostering innovation in fields like biotechnology and renewable energy.
3. National Institute of Engineering (NIE)
A pioneer in technical education, NIE has produced generations of engineers and entrepreneurs, contributing to Karnataka’s industrial growth.
4. Emerging Private Institutions
Colleges like JSS Academy of Higher Education and SJCE (Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering) blend traditional pedagogy with modern research, offering specialised courses in AI, robotics, and data science.
Mysore’s educational ecosystem also thrives on vocational training centres, art schools, and language institutes, making it a holistic hub for skill development.
IT and Tech: The Silent Revolution
While Bengaluru’s tech boom often overshadows its neighbours, Mysore has quietly emerged as Karnataka’s second IT destination. Its serene environment, lower cost of living, and skilled workforce have attracted global and domestic giants:
1. Infosys Global Education Center
Spread over 350 acres, Infosys’s Mysore campus is one of the world’s most extensive corporate training facilities. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, it trains thousands of IT professionals annually, boosting the city’s economy.
2. IT Parks and Startups
– Mysore Software Park: Hosts companies like Wipro, L&T Infotech, and CGI.
– Emerging Startups: Homegrown ventures in edtech, agritech, and fintech leverage Mysore’s talent pool and affordability. The Mysore City Startup Policy offers incentives for innovation-driven enterprises.
3. Impact on Employment and Economy
The IT sector has created over 50,000 jobs, reducing reliance on traditional industries like silk and sandalwood. Youth retention has improved, and the city’s per capita income has surged 12% in the last decade.
Despite the growth, Mysore’s IT scene retains a laid-back charm—tech parks blend with green spaces, and professionals rarely enjoy a work-life balance in metros.
Urban Evolution: Smart City, Sustainable Growth
Mysore’s urban transformation balances modernisation with heritage preservation. Recognised as one of India’s cleanest cities, it was selected for the Smart Cities Mission in 2016, accelerating its infrastructure development:
1. Transportation and Connectivity
– Mysore Metro: Proposed to ease traffic congestion and connect key areas like the railway station and Vijayanagar.
– Ring Roads and Flyovers: Projects like the Outer Ring Road decongest the city centre, protecting heritage zones.
– Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS): Eco-friendly cycles promote last-mile connectivity in areas like Kukkarahalli Lake.
2. Green Initiatives
– Waste Management: Mysore was among the first Indian cities to implement door-to-door waste collection and segregation.
– Solar Power: Government buildings and streetlights increasingly rely on solar energy, aligning with Karnataka’s renewable goals.
– Urban Green Spaces: Parks like Karanji Lake and Lingambudhi Lake are biodiversity hotspots, offering residents fresh air.
3. Heritage Conservation
Strict zoning laws protect historical landmarks like Mysore Palace and Devaraja Market. Adaptive reuse projects convert heritage buildings into cultural centres and boutique hotels, blending old-world charm with modern utility.
4. Affordable Housing
Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) address urbanisation pressures by ensuring housing for migrant workers and students.
Challenges: Balancing Growth and Identity
Mysore’s evolution isn’t without hurdles:
– Traffic Congestion: Rising vehicle ownership strains narrow heritage roads.
– Water Scarcity: Depleting groundwater levels demands sustainable solutions.
– Cultural Erosion: Rapid urbanisation risks diluting traditional crafts and community practices.
However, citizen-led initiatives like heritage walks and eco-clubs strive to keep Mysore’s soul intact.
The Road Ahead: A Blueprint for Aspiring Cities
Mysore’s success lies in its phased, inclusive growth strategy:
1. Education-Industry Partnerships: Universities and IT firms collaborate to ensure job-ready graduates.
2. Tourism-Tech Synergy: Digital platforms promote Mysore’s heritage while tech parks attract global attention.
3. Community-Centric Policies: Urban planning prioritises citizen welfare, from pedestrian-friendly zones to affordable healthcare.
Modern Mysore is a city reborn—a place where students code next to centuries-old temples, IT parks rise against the backdrop of Chamundi Hill, and where sustainable policies safeguard its future. It embodies the idea that progress need not erase the past. As Mysore strides toward becoming a smart, green, and inclusive city, it offers a blueprint for India’s urban centres: growth with grace, innovation with identity.