u/Ok_Middle8677

Source: https://x.com/thugner101/status/2087516012166152553?s=20

AI Enhanced images by u/DontKillUncleBen

Context,

HAL was established in 1940, well before independence through a partnership between American aviation pioneer William D Pawley and Indian industrialist Walchand Hirachand.

The pivotal force was Maharaja Dr Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar, whose Mysore government provided 700 acres of free land in Bengaluru, invested Rs 25 lakh, and offered full support when other princely states like Baroda, Gwalior, and Bhavnagar declined.

On December 23, 1940, Hindustan Aircraft Company was incorporated under the Mysore Companies Act, with a hangar and runway ready in weeks.

Only the Maharaja of Mysore, Dr Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar agreed to back this venture, making Bengaluru India's aerospace hub.

In 1947, the company was transferred to the Indian government. The Maharaja's private Dakota plane was subsequently utilized by leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to integrate princely states into the Indian Union.

It is sad that HAL and the Karnataka government barely acknowledge the Maharaja’s contribution to its establishment.