Karnataka Shines – Journey of SDGs in the State Mahatma Gandhi, upon witnessing the strides made by Mysuru Kingdom, called the Maharaja of Mysuru Shri Krishnaraja Wodeyar – IV as a “Rajarishi” (Saintly King) and the Kingdom of Mysuru as a “Ramarajya” (a State Idealised by Gandhi). The developments started under the Enlightened King includes rapid expansion of schools, establishment of Mysuru Legislative Council, State’s 1 st Hydroelectric project at Shivanasamudra, Stress on irrigation with the establishment of KRS Dam, emphasis on Industrial progress with organisation of Exhibitions at local, national and international level and most importantly, measures to establish equity in the society. Fast forwarding to 21 st Century, Karnataka today stands as leader in diverse arena – from attracting FDI to being a Front Runner in the SDG India Index. The state has been highly sensitive to universal development programmes initiated by UN,
SDGs – A Tool to Deepen Democracy “Jal Jangal Jameen, Yeh Ho Janata Ke Adheen” – The slogan that ran in the veins of all the tribal movements during the British rule and continue to be the demand of the tribes in deep pockets of the world even today". Brundtland Commission Report defines Sustainable Development as Development that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable Development Goals adopted by UN in 2015 aim at integrating the needs of the planet and the people in such a way that both serve and nourish each other. These Global Goals breathe fresh air into the various tried and tested efforts to carry environment and development together. Unlike the Millennium Development Goals, SDGs brings a plethora of issues such as Poverty, Hunger, Health, Energy, Environmental Pollution, Economic Growth, World Peace and Justice etc