Mysuru: The world knows the political acumen of Jayalalithaa, the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. Her accomplishment as an actor is known to all, but very little do people know that ‘Amma’ as she is fondly called, is a blessed classical dancer as well.
                                          Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa and the invitation of the dance event

A school in Mandya, even to this day is indebted to this fine dancer, who lend a helping hand to villagers who had dreamed of having a school in the village.

Naguvalli in Mandya district has a special place for Jayalaithaa.

Back in the 60s the locals felt the need to have school in the village so that young kids could be educated. In sync with their emotions, a landlord named Doddahatti Ramachandraiah donated eight acres land to the school.

But, mere land could not materialise the dream. The villagers needed money and when required resources could not be pooled, the locals thought of an idea to pool money.

One of the ideas that the villagers settled on was to invite a leading actress of those days, who was reigning over the hearts of her fans. It was none other than Jayalalithaa.

As per the suggestion of School development Committee member TLS Upadhyaya, a classical dance programme of Jayalalithaa was arranged.

On 19-03-1967, at 6 pm, Jayalaithaa, the queen of hearts enthralled a jam packed audience at Mysuru Crowford Hall. The tickets for the show then cost Rs 50, Rs 25 and Rs 10.

Since it was Jayalaithaa’s maiden performance in Mysuru, the tickets sold like hot cakes and the school- Mysuru- Melkote Prana Shale was built.

Doddahatti Ramachandraiah, the donor of the land has the invitation of the event preserved till date and says that the school will always be indebted to the woman who today rules Tamil Nadu.