Mark Your Calendars: The Mysore Association of Mumbai to Celebrate its Grand Centenary in February 2026
The story of the Mysore Association, Mumbai, began nearly a century ago on February 26, 1926. A dedicated group of young professionals from the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka) came together with a vision: to create a vibrant platform that would nurture the cultural aspirations of Mysoreans living in Bombay (now Mumbai).
Initially operating from a rented space near Matunga railway station, the association’s activities were modest, focusing on indoor games, communal dinners, and celebrating anniversaries. However, as its membership grew, so did its ambitions. The organization quickly expanded its scope to include a diverse range of activities, from sports and cultural programs to vital social services and educational initiatives.
As the momentous date approaches, the association is now busily preparing for its grand centenary celebration, scheduled for February 26, 2026, in Mumbai. As a delightful prelude to this milestone, a special program was recently held at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Bengaluru earlier this month.
B.R. Manjunath, a committee member of the association, shared his thoughts with a local publication: “The enduring legacy of the Horanada Kannadigas, who founded this association before India’s independence, is truly remarkable. Over the past hundred years, their contributions to Kannada literature, music, art, education, sports, and numerous other fields have been immense.”
Built on a Legacy of Vision and Service
The current office-bearers often reflect on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors, particularly acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Chief Engineer Diwan Bahadur Ramaswamy. This esteemed Kannadiga played a pivotal role in the construction of Mumbai’s iconic ‘Gateway of India’ and served as the association’s very first president.
Interestingly, the roots of this community stretched back even further. When Sir M. Visvesvaraya was working as an engineer in the Bombay Presidency, many engineers from the Mysore region flocked to Mumbai to join him. Since most of them had received their education in Kannada medium, the shared language naturally fostered a strong sense of community among them.
Many of these young men resided in the Girgaon area, and the Mysore Association saw its informal inauguration on August 15, 1925, presided over by Subba Rao, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore. The association formally took shape the following year.
A significant development occurred in 1932 when the Bombay Municipal Corporation granted the association a plot of land on a perpetual lease at Bhau Daji Road, Matunga. This led to the construction of the association’s first building, ‘Vanivilas Hall,’ in 1934, funded by a modest sum of ₹5,000 contributed by its members. Over the years, many prominent figures, including Krishnarajendra Wadiyar, have graced the association with their presence.
Beyond Culture: A Hub for Sports and Education
The association’s dedication to sports has always been exceptional, evidenced by its teams consistently winning numerous prestigious trophies across various disciplines. Its members have even proudly represented India as part of the Olympic team.
Education has also been a core focus. The association established an elementary school in 1927, which later evolved into a separate entity known as the National Kannada Sangha. To this day, the Sangha provides essential education, from kindergarten to Class 10, in both Kannada and English mediums, to children from underprivileged communities in areas like Dharavi, Antop Hill, and Wadala.
From its earliest days, the Mysore Association has been a strong proponent of fine arts, including painting. Collaborating with the Bombay Arts Society, it regularly organized exhibitions showcasing the works of renowned artists from both Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Since 1946, the association has been a proud host of vibrant music and dance festivals during the annual Ganapati celebrations. Another notable achievement was its co-hosting of the All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Bombay in 1934, alongside the local Karnataka Sangha. Throughout its history, the association has welcomed all the leading lights of Kannada literature, including recipients of the esteemed Jnana Peetha award.
A Stage for Dynamic Theatre
Theatre has been a fundamental activity of the association since its inception in 1926. Lawyer Gangadharaiah spearheaded these efforts, presenting ‘Virat Parva’ in 1926 and ‘Shakuntala’ in 1927. The nature of the plays has continually evolved, reflecting changing times and tastes.
Notably, the renowned cinematographer V.K. Murthy was a pivotal figure in driving the association’s theatre initiatives throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. As the new millennium dawned, the association organized an impressive eight-day multi-language theatre festival dedicated to the works of Girish Karnad, featuring performances by eight different groups from across India.