How important are the responsibilities, which now devolve upon me I fully realise, and it is my intention to prove by performance rather than by words. The inhertitance to which I succeed is no ordinary one, and I appreciate what Mysore owes to the administration of wise statesmen, and the care of British Government under the regency of my revered mother…. may heaven grant me the ability as well the ambition to make a full and wise use of the great opportunities of my position, and to govern, without fear or favour for the lasting happiness of my people.

In his speech on being installed as the Maharaja of Mysroe at the age of 18Quoted in Vikram Sampath. SPLENDOURS OF ROYAL MYSORE (PB). Rupa & Company. pp. 492–. ISBN 978-81-291-1535-5.