Dasara expo 2004 proves a success, nets Rs 1.56 cr

The Dasara Exhibition, one of the main attractions of Mysore Dasara is set to conclude on January 16. It had drawn in the crowds for 103 days.

The Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA), organiser of the annual event at the sprawling Doddakere grounds, opposite the famous Mysore Palace, over the period saw revenues of Rs 1.56 crore, both from the stalls and the gates.

The gates fetched Rs 53.62 lakh as on January 11. Around 200 commerical and 25 government stalls and pavilions contributed the rest. Forty women entrepreneurs showcased their products.

Over 8.5 lakh people "� a lakh more than last year "�visited the exhibition. The impressive revenue has boosted the KEA's profit to Rs 34.18 lakh from Rs 25 lakh in 2003. Rs 1 lakh will go to the tsunami relief fund.

KEA chairman R Raghu told the media that five prominent women will be given the Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award at the closing ceremony of the exhibition on January 16.

They are: Karnataka State Open University vice-chancellor Dr K Sudha Rao, divisional railway manager Usha Mathur, social activist from Davangere Sakamma, singer Nanditha and journalist Gayathri Devi. The award given to outstanding women was instituted three years ago.

Proposals to make the Mysore expo a permanent feature, holding exhibitions in other parts of the state and plans for 2005 Dasara exhibition are to be discussed at the KEA meeting at the Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore on January 20. Industries minister P G R Sindhia will chair the meeting.