#AppealForSirMirzaIsmailMetroStation
#nammametro, #bmrcl, #ನಮ್ಮಮೆಟ್ರೋ,

 

We, Residents of Bengaluru City at large and those of Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar (old name Richmond town) in particular, humbly submit a Proposal, with a request to consider favourably naming the upcoming redline Namma Metro Station being established on Hosur Road adjacent to Johnson Market after Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar, the erstwhile (Prime Minister) Dewan of Mysore state. This humble request needs little justification in ad much that volumes have been written on this able administrator's contribution to Mysore State (today’s Karnataka State) in his capacity as one of the "Navaratna" of the Wodiyar Dynasty.

This gesture would be a fine tribute, a celebration of the man and an acknowledgement of the contribution of an extraordinary statesman and a selfless sincere contributor to India’s development. His childhood home was in Richmond Town (Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar), Bengaluru city. A farsighted Dewan (Prime Minister) of the then princely State of Mysore under the reigns of Maharaja Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV of the Yadu dynasty.

Generally, a station is named, after the locality it comes up in, such as Langford town Metro Station, Chickpet Metro Station, etc. And when it passes by Sampangi Rama Nagar the station acquires its name from the nearby University named after Sir M. Visveshwaraya Metro Station, acknowledging his timeless, life-changing contributions towards the erstwhile Mysore state. The honour bestowed is only becoming of his stature.

Why Vellara Junction Metro Station (Vellara was once a lost toy shop) Why the name? What is the significance of this name? When the Metro station is built within the vicinity of Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar (Richmond Town)? Shocking and unfair!

Precisely current Vellara Metro station is built within the vicinity of Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar and in the lands of Saadut Dispensary acquired by BMRCL. Fortunately, the said land including the Police Quarters was donated to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) by Aga Abdullah Shirazi S/o Janab Aga Ali Asker grandfather of Sir Mirza Ismail, in the loving memory of his wife, Beebee Saaduttunissa in 1911. The Dispensary provided the local population with free medical needs/vaccination, which played a significant role during epidemics -' The Great Plague.

If you ponder the pages of the history of Bengaluru, Richmond Town was officially renamed Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar after the former Dewan of Mysore as a tribute to his contribution. Verily old stone signage stating Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar on Hosur Road does exist to date, but unwillingly it continues to be called Richmond Town unofficially and officially. Sir Mirza Ismail was born and brought up in Bengaluru. He served Karnataka and breath his last in 1959. He loved and strived hard to make it prosperous and had the aesthetic sense to beautify the city. His house in Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar is located right opposite to old Fatima bakery, recently razed to the ground.

Sir Mirza Ismail, an invincible Administrator (former Dewan of Mysore), and a magnificent kind-hearted leader of great brilliance has almost been forgotten today, but a giant of those times with a national reputation as an ardent patriot, a pioneer, sagacious statesman, visionary and highly knighted by the British Government for his services to India. Sir Mirza Ismail was the son of Aga Jan (aide-de-camp to King Sri Chamaraja Wadiyar), the Grandson of legendary Aga Ali Asker, who owned large tracts of lands in Bengaluru.

Sir Mirza Ismail wrought a revolution as a Dewan (Prime Minister) in 3 Indian States; Mysore (1926-41), Jaipur (1942-46) and Hyderabad (1946-47). Sir Mirza Ismail reformed and industrialized the states, modernized the administration, beautified and planned their capital cities, emphasized modern education and Health sector with extraordinary growth and prepared them to be independent of the clutches of the British Empire. Today In both Jaipur City and Mysore City, there are roads named after Sir Mirza Ismail. 

A well-renowned stalwart writer & poet of Karnataka Sri D V Gundappa (DVG) says: "The yearly tribute paid to the British Government by the Mysore state was Cut/removed by Sir Mirza Ismail the Prime Minister of Mysore. And strived & launched Atma Nirbhar Mysore & Swacchh Mysore in his period and many more projects."

An article in the New York Times in 1942 remarked that Jaipur had been a picture of neglect, but after two years of Sir Mirza Ismail’s sojourn, it was “more thoroughly transformed and improved than New York after Robert Moses got through with it.” 

The tenure of Sir Mirza Ismail was a glorious period and the reason why Karnataka is a hub for science and technology is because of Sir Mirza Ismail and Sir M Visvesvaraya. The fact that Bengaluru became the Silicon Valley of India's global innovation centre is because of the foundation laid out by them. 

Sir Mirza Ismail launched phenomenal programs: on education, agriculture, and commercial enterprises, more than 25 different industries/factories started in his period, including Iron, Steel, glass, lamp, sugar, paper, Cement, chemical, electric bulbs, Porcelain, fertilisers, Aircraft, agricultural implements, Mysuru Kirloskar machine shop, Oil mills, Soap units, Sawmills, Match-Stick factory, Khadi production, Coffee curing works were also established (Mysore pro- duces 60 per cent of India’s coffee), a factory manufacturing Colour Coated Aluminium, Nylon Textile factory, etc. His period saw Mysore State make substantial progress in the field of industries, both in the private and public sectors. 

Sir Mirza Ismail launched Rural electrification (Mysore was the first state in India to supply electricity to 500 villages). His most memorable contribution to Bengaluru is the supply of drinking water from Thippagondanahalli.

Sir Mirza Ismail promoted the silk and sandalwood industries. He took charge of the development of Wilson Garden, Kalasipalyam, Gandhinagar, N.R.Colony, the Labour colony in Srirampura and the Dattatreya extension in Chamarajapete, among many others. He Initiated small-scale industries and scrutinized heavy investment projects, and Unemployment became a thing of the past.

Sir Mirza Ismail took several measures to promote literacy and established and commissioned many Schools, Colleges, Medical Colleges and Universities. The greatest scientist of India Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. Raman considered Sir Mirza Ismail his mentor. Sir Mirza Ismail played the most important role in establishing an organization like Sanskrit College, Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bengaluru, in the then Mysore state, Raman Research Institute and Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (Bits) in Pilani. On the death of Sir Mirza Ismail, C. V Raman wrote in Current Science, a scientific journal, “Men of Science in India have therefore good reason to be grateful to Sir Mirza Ismail for his farsighted wisdom.”

Sir Mirza Ismail worked for the upliftment of villages, and built many Hospitals, founded NIMHANS in Bengaluru, Narasimharaja Hospital in Kolar, McGann Hospital in Shimoga and Vanivilasa Hospital in Mysore. Built many Markets, asphalted many good roads, and introduced Bus transportation, Bus Stations, and Akashvani Radio stations, building new railway lines and Airports. Built the Iconic Town Hall, Banks, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), hydroelectric stations at Shimsha and Jog falls, and irrigation facility to Mandya, Malavalli T.Narsipura (Irwin Canal) areas. His most cherished contribution is the laying of parks, gardens, beautiful squares in towns and Brindavan Gardens at KRS dam, Lalbagh. He planted trees and streets lit with chandelier lamp posts all over Bengaluru. His Light taxation, minimal interference in the lives of its people and commitment to an environment of progress and prosperity were the hallmarks.

A Shia Muslim by birth, he consistently supported Sanskrit learning including pro-Kannada literature works, many programs he did for language and mandated the Kannada language in the state. He is also responsible for the development of Kannada Sahitya Parishath, Hindu Mutts and Christian institutions; in his own words: “One pleases the Almighty even more by serving other faiths than one’s own”.

Sir Mirza Ismail treated the interest of the 'ordinary' as supreme. His style of governance was participatory and sustainable. He was a people’s man. He was quite sympathetic towards his citizens. He started ‘meet the people’ sessions twice a week where the common man could meet him and tell him about their troubles. It was also a means to check corruption in the higher ranks. He also inspected the city weekly, visiting people from all communities and hearing their problems. He had helped arrange water pipelines and other basic necessities for their households.

Sir Mirza Ismail’s integrity and commitment to public service inspired many philanthropists to donate money for the construction of dispensaries (Medical clinics) in the city for the free treatment of the poor.

Sir Mirza Ismail penned his memoir My Public Life published in 1954. Sir Mirza Ismail was an unequivocal opponent of the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan but advocating for an entire sub-continent that included Nepal, Burma and Srilanka (for an Undivided India AKHAND BHARAT)," said a history professor Mr Shalva Pille Iyengar. And many more pathbreaking policies, projects, and schemes gave Karnataka its golden era during the turbulent pre-independence/partition, prompting Mahatma Gandhi to call it "Ram Rajya. And Lord Sankey, the Chairman of the Indian Round Table Conference, spoke of Mysore as “A Pattern for the World” during the tenure of Sir Mirza Ismail the then Dewan of Mysore state.

A close friend and admirer of Mahatma Gandhi, after Gandhi’s fast for peace in Calcutta in September 1947, Sir Mirza Ismail wrote to him; "You are rendering the greatest possible service to India in her most trying time. Your moral influence on all communities; Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, alike on all races, whether in or outside India, is at its highest today."

Sir Mirza Ismail's Awe-Inspiring and Pathbreaking contributions should not be, lost in the annals of history. This Iconic story must be told, valued, appreciated, and should be well-honoured in Bengaluru City, Karnataka state, India. Although Sir Mirza Ismail may not live amongst us, his everlasting legacy lives and history shall never forget him.

Are these achievements and contributions not significant enough for you to consider our request favourably?

Henceforth, We Residents of Bengaluru city and those of Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar (old name Richmond Town), humbly request the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) to earnestly consider our requisition by mobilizing our concern for the renaming of the upcoming Redline Vellara Junction Metro station to Sir Mirza Ismail Metro Station planned between M.G road & Langford Town at Bengaluru City. In recognition of his outstanding and marvellous contributions.

Note: Signature campaigns are being held in various parts of Bangalore city.

Image source: Metrosaga.com

For more information Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirza_Ismail

Newspaper & News Articles about Sir Mirza Ismail (Dewan of Mysore State) are given in the below links:

The son of the city  https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-son-of-the-city/article30038749.ece/amp/

The Unknown side of Sir Mirza Ismail: His Lineage and Legacy  https://starofmysore.com/the-unknown-side-of-sir-mirza-ismail-his-lineage-and-legacy/

Tipu Jayanti: Can Mirza Ismail Be a Better Icon for Karnataka?https://www.thequint.com/news/india/tipu-sultan-jayanti-celebration-can-mirza-ismail-be-a-better-icon-for-karnataka-mysuru-protests#read-more

This man Pink City will always remember  https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/sunday-herald/sunday-herald-articulations/man-pink-city-will-always-697810.html

The Story of How This Unsung Diwan of Mysore Shaped Bengaluru & Jaipur https://www.thebetterindia.com/223176/karnataka-history-diwan-mysore-mirza-ismail-bengaluru-jaipur-hyderabad-ang136/amp/

Speech Made by Sir Mirza Ismail Dewan of Mysore  https://indianculture.gov.in/archives/speech-made-sir-mirza-ismail-dawan-mysore-proceeding-mysore-representative-assembly

Sir Mirza Ismail A far-sighted visionary https://oneindiaonepeople.com/sir-mirza-ismail/

The man, Sir Mirza Ismail, who beautified our Bengaluru  https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/the-man-sir-mirza-ismail-who-beautified-our-bengaluru/amp_articleshow/60713805.cms

Studies on Dewan Sir Mirza Ismail of Mysore state   https://books.google.com/books/about/Studies_on_Dewan_Sir_Mirza_Ismail.html?id=qkxuAAAAMAAJ

Sir Mirza Ismail the progressive Diwan of Mysore state
https://www.vijayavani.net/sir-mirza-ismail-the-progressive-diwan-of-mysore-state/

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) (1869-1948) Letter Signed, To Diwan Sir Mirza Ismail, Peshawar, May 8, 1938 https://www.waddingtons.ca/a-letter-from-gandhi/

Record of excellence   https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/advertorial/article30221028.ece/amp/

The Statesman  https://m.timesofindia.com/city/bengaluru/the-statesman/amp_articleshow/66296400.cms

An outstanding statesman  https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/an-outstanding-statesman/article29786149.ece/amp/

Contributions of Sir Mirza hailed   https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/110209/contributions-sir-mirza-hailed.html

Atma Nirbhar in Mysuru state in early 1900s  https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/state/karnataka-districts/atma-nirbhar-in-mysuru-state-in-early-1900s-841161.html

https://vijaykarnataka.com/edit-oped/columns/k-satynarayana-stories/amp_articleshow/59507343.cms

Sir Mirza Ismail the Progressive diwan of Mysore State https://www.vijayavani.net/sir-mirza-ismail-the-progressive-diwan-of-mysore-state/

More than Anecdotes  https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/views/more-than-anecdotes/amp_articleshow/61107348.cms

Another important Diwan was Sir Mirza M. Ismail (1926-41) https://www.karnataka.gov.in/info-1/History/History/en

Mirza Ismail's life and deeds reflect the essence of India https://www.awazthevoice.in/culture-news/mirza-ismail-s-life-and-deeds-reflect-the-essence-of-india-10166.html

Mirza Ismail, the ‘serial Diwan’ who made industrial Bangalore beautiful, painted Jaipur  https://theprint.in/opinion/sahapedia/mirza-ismail-serial-diwan-who-made-industrial-bangalore-beautiful-painted-jaipur/344807/?fbclid=IwAR0hmxfTwxDwPk0xGtfXgqB2fYr6UWx3YoF87yRepd4bdInp3wyFwI6n34o

Mirza Ismail, a Bangalorean who advocated openness in education  http://m.hindustantimes.com/columns/mirza-ismail-a-bangalorean-who-advocated-openness-in-education/story-H9Aq1DmDuoJWvTgLd29erO.html

Landmarks for Dewans and their services forgotten  https://starofmysore.com/landmarks-for-dewans-and-their-services-forgotten/

No Raman effect: How his dream died a quiet death
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/280217/no-raman-effect-how-his-dream-died-a-quiet-death.html

Scholars remember Sir Mirza Ismail
https://www.inmysore.com/scholars-remember-sir-mirza-ismail

The Legacy of Sir Mirza Ismail
https://islamicvoice.com/features/the-legacy-of-sir-mirza-ismail/

Birth Anniversary Of Mysore's 'Rajarshi' Krishnaraja Wadiyar; First To Introduce Compulsory Education For Children In India
https://thelogicalindian.com/story-feed/get-inspired/maharaja-krishnaraja-wadiyar/?infinitescroll=1

Jainism as a Social and Political Factor in Indian History http://www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=82648

Narayana Murthy (Founder of Infosys) presents a manifesto for Kannadigas: Says: “One should also remember Kuvempu, Da Ra Bendre, Shivaram Karanth, Sir M Visvesvaraya and Sir Mirza Ismail.”  https://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-narayana-murthy-presents-a-manifesto-for-kannadigas-1518914/amp

Johnson Market in Bengaluru was set up in 1929 on a Persian trader's stable  http://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/johnson-market-in-bengaluru-was-set-up-in-1929-on-a-persian-traders-stable/articleshow/48185239.cms

Diwan Mirza Ismail's contribution to Bengaluru
https://karnatakahistory.blogspot.com/2015/01/diwan-mirza-ismails-contribution-to.html 

Remembering Sir Mirza Ismail and his Numerous Contributions. https://www.thenewshamster.com/remembering-sir-mirza-ismail-and-his-numerous-contributions/?amp=1 

Sir Mirza Mohammad Ismail, K.C.I.E., O.B.E. http://muralirvarma.blogspot.com/2009/02/sir-mirza-mohammad-ismail-kcie-obe.html

Diwan of Mysore - Mirza Ismail - https://peoplepill.com/people/mirza-ismail/

Biography of Mirza Ismail Released https://islamicvoice.com/national-news-and-affairs/biography-of-mirza-ismail-released/

Diwans take over https://sites.google.com/site/thumboochetty/the-hindu

Chronicling the Legendary Dewan https://islamicvoice.com/books-and-reviews/chronicling-the-legendary-dewan/

History https://www.ias.ac.in/About_IASc/History/ 

Grooming the Jaipur beyond the old walled city area  https://www.cityofjaipur.com/jaipur-local/about-jaipur/interesting-stories-of-jaipur/grooming-the-jaipur-beyond-the-old-walled-city-area/

Sir Mirza Ismail Nagar, commonly known as Richmond Town  https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Town 

Sir Mirza Ismail’s contribution to Bengaluru https://thehindustangazette.com/latest-news/sir-mirza-ismails-contribution-to-bengaluru-2327

Sardar Vallabhai Patel - Sir Mirza Ismail Pact. https://www.prekshaa.in/article/contributor-patel-mirza-pact-and-member-reforms-committee#_ftnref1

Birthday Celebration of Sir Mirza Ismail. http://timesofkarnataka.in/birthday-celebration-of-sir-mirza-ismail-by-belagavi-district-kasapa-unit/

Speeches of Sir Mirza Ismail  https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.63063/2015.63063.Speeches-Mirza-M-Ismil-Vol-I_djvu.txt

https://www.prekshaa.in/tags/mirza-ismail                                                            This is the first part of the translation of the eleventh essay in D V Gundappa’s magnum-opus Jnapakachitrashaale (Volume 4) – Mysurina Dewanaru.

Yours Sincerely 

The Resident of Bengaluru city