In Mysuru, 59-year-old Bhagya, a Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation employee from T Narasipura, has finally fulfilled her long-cherished dream of buying a Mysore Silk saree after spending nearly 30 years producing the world-famous sarees. Bhagya, who has worked at the silk filature unit for almost three decades, recently purchased her first-ever Mysore Silk saree at a concessional rate offered by the KSIC, describing it as one of the happiest moments of her life. The opportunity came after KSIC introduced an initiative to honour workers who recently fought to protect the T Narasipura silk unit from losing its land to a proposed sports stadium project. The state government had earlier ordered the transfer of five acres of KSIC land for stadium construction, prompting employees to launch a protest demanding that the order be withdrawn. A total of 202 workers participated in the agitation, with 187 employees sacrificing 12 days’ wages during the protest. Following sustained pressure from workers, the government eventually revoked the order. As a recognition of their contribution and commitment, KSIC made nearly 200 Mysore Silk sarees available to employees at discounted prices, offering concessions of up to 20 percent. Bhagya, whose husband also worked at the same unit for 15 years, said financial responsibilities had prevented them from buying a Mysore Silk saree earlier. After her husband’s death, she continued working while raising and educating their two sons. Bhagya said, “Buying a Mysore Silk saree always remained a dream. Today, I am delighted to own my favourite purple-coloured saree.” KSIC Managing Director Zehra Nasim said many workers who dedicate their lives to producing Mysore Silk are often unable to afford the premium product themselves. The initiative, she added, was aimed at recognising their invaluable contribution to preserving Karnataka’s iconic silk heritage.