By N. Niranjan Nikam
The cool monsoon breeze, the panoramic 360 degree view that sweeps the landscape of Mysuru, very few have the chance to experience. The drive past the Mahishasura Statue, further atop the Chamundi Hill to the highest point is indeed a breathtaking experience. Sadly, the road built by the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore to this dream destination lies neglected. Rajendra Vilas does not ring a memory for many in this generation today. Very few bother to lift their head and wonder what lies atop the Hill that is at a higher altitude than the reigning deity of Mysuru and the presiding deity of the erstwhile royal family — Goddess Chamundeshwari. Rajendra Vilas Palace, as it is fondly referred to, lies in neglect today with a caretaker and a few watchmen. However, there is hope that this Palace too will regain its lost glory where the Kings and Queens, Viceroys and Ambassadors wined and dined. And, that hope lies with the ‘Trustee’ of the property — Pramoda Devi Wadiyar. Just as she is re-doing the Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, she also plans to renovate this magnificent Palace. “How do I do it? God has been very kind and she has helped me many times. I won’t allow it to deteriorate further,” said Pramoda Devi, speaking to Star of Mysore. “Both my husband (the late Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar) and I did not believe in borrowing money. You know assets do not ooze out money. In December 2013, when my husband suddenly passed away I was financially, psychologically in an unenviable situation. Today the buck stops with me. I have to resolve it myself,” she said. Talking about the kind of support she gets from her late husband, Pramoda Devi mysteriously said, “I still communicate to my husband. I share all my problems with him and he will always help me.” According to Pramoda Devi, they have spent a lot of money refurbishing the Rajendra Vilas Palace and even the Fernhill in Ooty. “I can say it with pride that I manage the hotel in Ooty very well. I invite your Editor-in-Chief to come, visit and see for himself.” Asked whether she is willing for a joint venture to run the Rajendra Vilas, she said, “I am willing to consider it and have had a discussion. However, my first priority is to retain the property. I do not want to relinquish the ownership at any cost. In the last three-and-a-half years I have cleared a lot of liabilities. Today my ancestors and my husband can be proud of me.” Pramoda Devi becomes very philosophical. “Today it is the ‘duty hat’ that I am wearing. There are so many uncertainties. We are in a real world full of pseudo-people. Life is the greatest teacher that no college education can give,” she reflected.
