** Lalitha Mahal Palace turns 100 this year

The iconic Lalitha Mahal Palace, one of the city’s most famous landmark on the foothills of Chamundi, is celebrating its centenary this year. And, the celebrations would be held in November this year.

The Palace was commissioned by the then Maharaja, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, to treat his guests. The architecture was inspired by the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

** Chitra Santhe: 1,500 artists exhibit works online

On any first Sunday of the New Year, the stretch on Kumara Krupa Road from Shivananda Circle to Windsor Manor junction would be a riot of colour with lakhs of people attending or participating in Chitra Santhe.

This year, however, the popular the street art festival was launched online, and inaugurated virtually by Sudha Murthy, chairperson of Infosys Foundation.

** KsoU first varsity in Karnataka to offer open distance learning

MYSURU:

Call it a New Year gift to Mysuru- based Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), the state government has declared it as the sole university of the state to offer Open Distance learning (ODl) education.

The state cabinet which passed an ordinance in this regard recently, has issued a gazette notification on the same.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Friday, KSOU vice-chancellor Prof Vidyashankar said this would boost the prospects of KSOU as it now becomes the only varsity in the state to run distance learning courses, which is likely to double their admissions in the coming days.