Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Lalithakala Academy Award for City Artist

Life-time Achievement award for Basavaraja Musavalagi of CAVA

Mysuru :

The painting titled “Think Once” by N. Parameshwara of city has been selected for Karnataka Lalithakala Academy award, which will be presented to him by Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree at the Awards Ceremony and Annual Art Exhibition to be held on Nov. 25 at 6 pm at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru.

Parameshwara, a resident of Hebbal, is a final year BVA student of Ravivarma Art Institute, Chamarajapuram. He has exhibited his talent in many shows like White Space in Kalamandira, Chitra Parise at Karnataka Lalithakala Academy, Mysuru Dasara, Kalamela Mysuru, Kerala Cochin Durbar Hall and so on.

He has won many awards — Mysore Dasara Painting Award, 2013 Drushya Belaku Gulbarga to name a few.

Life-time Achievement

Meanwhile, the Life-time Achievement award will be presented to a veteran artist from Mysuru Basavaraja Musavalagi, Head of Graphics Department at CAVA in recognition of his art works.

Ten artists from across the State, including the one from Mysuru, have been chosen for the 43rd Annual Art Awards. They are: S.H. Mashalkar (Kalaburagi), K.S. Ranganath (Bengaluru), J. Dundaraja (Bengaluru), Ananda Bedraala (Dakshina Kannada), Ashok G. Nellagi (Kalaburagi), N. Kantharaj (Bengaluru), S.S. Maragol (Kalaburagi), Devendra Huda (Raichur) and Vishveshwara M. Patagara (Uttara Kannada).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General  News  / Monday , November 24th, 2014

Lifestyle of Wolves come alive on screen

Premiere of ‘Walking With Wolves’

WolvesBF24nov2014

Mysuru :

The premiere of ‘Walking with wolves’ made by wildlife photographers Krupakar-Senani was organised jointly by Information and Public Relations Department, Karnataka Film Academy and Mysore Film Society at Kalamandira here yesterday and the documentary film was appreciated by a housefull audience.

The movie has been filmed at the plains of Koppal and Raichur districts with perseverance over a period of three years and will be screened across the globe in December.

The scenes of three packs of wolves moving with nomadic tribe have been wonderfully captured and carnivorous wolves devouring banana, maize and berries is just baffling.

The research assistance and narration is rendered by Joseph Raj. The entire life style of wolves featuring their movements, hunting skills and eating habits have been flawlessly and precisely picturised in the movie.

Interacting with the audience after the show Krupakar-Senani said that the human-animal conflict over food dated back to ages and extinction of wolves would cause an imbalance in the food chain. They added that wild animals and humans have a good equation basically which should be maintained. They expressed scepticism over branding wolves as man eaters. They appealed to the people to spare forests and promote wild life.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General  News  / Tuesday , November 18th, 2014

Namma Mysuru gets ‘ Best City ‘ Award

Mayor R. Lingappa and Dr. C.G. Betsurmath seen receiving the ‘Best City’ award from Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu while the founder-publisher and editor-in-chief of India Today Aroon Purie (extreme left), and India Today editorial adviser Shekhar Gupta (extreme right) look on.
Mayor R. Lingappa and Dr. C.G. Betsurmath seen receiving the ‘Best City’ award from Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu while the founder-publisher and editor-in-chief of India Today Aroon Purie (extreme left), and India Today editorial adviser Shekhar Gupta (extreme right) look on.

Mysuru :

Mysuru, the Cultural Capital of Karnataka, which had been adjudged the second cleanest city in the country in the past has now been awarded the ‘Best City’ award by the Union Urban Development Ministry following the findings of a survey conducted by India today.

It may be noted that the heritage city of Mysuru, also known as the city of Palaces has been included in the list of 100 cities in India to be developed as ‘Smart City’ under the ambitious plans of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The award was handed over to Mayor R. Lingappa by Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu at a function in New Delhi on Friday in the presence of MCC Commissioner Dr. C.G. Betsurmath.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General  News  / Monday , November 23rd, 2014

Konkan Bhavan inaugrated

Built at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore

Bishop of Mysuru Rev. Fr. Dr. Thomas Antony Vazhapilly is seen lighting the lamp to inaugurate Konkan Bhavan in city this morning as Valerian Fernandes of Fernandes Transport, Bengaluru; Mangaluru MLA J. R. Lobo; Home Minister K. J. George and Managing Partner of Mangalore Ganesh Beedi Works Jagannath Shenoi look on. Picture right shows a section of audience.
Bishop of Mysuru Rev. Fr. Dr. Thomas Antony Vazhapilly is seen lighting the lamp to inaugurate Konkan Bhavan in city this morning as Valerian Fernandes of Fernandes Transport, Bengaluru; Mangaluru MLA J. R. Lobo; Home Minister K. J. George and Managing Partner of Mangalore Ganesh Beedi Works Jagannath Shenoi look on. Picture right shows a section of audience.

 Mysuru :

‘Konkan Bhavan’, a community building of Konkani Christian Association, built at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.5 crore was inaugurated by Bishop of Mysuru Rev. Dr. Thomas. A. Vazhapilly at Vijayanagar 2nd Stage here this morning.

Apart from the Bishop, Mangaluru MLA and Vice-President of Christian Development Board J. R. Lobo, Jidda Mohammed Ali, a Konkani Muslim from Bhatkal and M. Jagannath Shenoi, Managing Partner of Mangalore Ganesh Beedi Works representing Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities respectively also inaugurated the Konkan Bhavan by cutting three different ribbons to commemorate the unity and diversity and to symbolise the amalgamation of the Konkani speaking community.

Leonilla Crasto, former Municipal President of Kundapura, one of the guests of honour lit the prayer lamp followed by other guests including Home Minister K.J. George, Ronald Colaco, NRI entrepreneur and Chairman of International Federation of Christian Associations, M. Jagannath Shenoi and MLA J. R. Lobo.

Gracian Rodrigues, President, Konkani Christian Association welcomed the guests and thanked the gathering for their full cooperation in achieving this milestone. He said that the Konkan Bhavan is a big hall which will help Konkani Christians to conduct programmes and added that it would be open for all irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

Appreciating the contribution of the Association’s leaders, Jagannath Shenoi who spoke on the occasion, said “A leader is very important for the development of any community.”

Around 1500 people attended the programme.

John William D’Souza, General Secretary of the Association who proposed a vote of thanks, acknowledged all the benefactors and sought their support in future.

When media persons asked Home Minister K.J. George whether permission will be given to conduct ‘kiss of love’ campaign in Bengaluru, he said that it was left to the concerned Police Commissioner to give permission and added that if at all the permission is given, the organisers must ensure that the culture and the law & order should not be affected.

Valerian Fernandes, Proprietor, Fernandes Transport, Bengaluru; Hemacharya, Editor-in-Chief, Daijiworld Publication Pvt. Ltd., Mangaluru; Adrian D’Souza, MD, Deccan Group of Companies, Bengaluru and Police Commissioner Dr. M.A. Saleem were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General  News  / Monday , November 17th, 2014

Gandhiji’s Harijan Weekly ‘Mirror of his Soul and Voice ‘

Down the memory Lane

by K.Vijaykumar, Former Jt.Director of Information & Publicity

My donation of its New York published 19 Volumes to Journalism Department

While reading the other day a unique initiative of Mysore Librarians and Information Scientists’ Association giving away 2,000 used books to 38 educational institutions (books received by donors) at a book exhibition held in University Library, Manasagangotri, my particular attention was drawn at the donation of three volumes of Gandhiji’s Harijan Weekly published by Navajeevan Trust received by one Tirumala Rao, was given away to the University Library itself.

My donation of 19 volumes

This news drew my memory back to mid nineteen-ninety, when I donated my prized collection of 19 volumes of Harijan Weekly (18th volume missing) published by Garland Publishing Inc., New York and London in 1973 to my Alma Mater Journalism Department in Manasagangotri. Prof. Usha Rani, who was heading the Department, arranged a function in the Department where Prof. M. Madaiah, the then Vice-Chancellor (he was senior in Maharaja’s College in our student days) received the volumes. This shows the importance given to Gandhiji’s Harijan.

Earn Ph.Ds on Harijan

I still remember Prof. Madaiah advising journalism students that they can earn Ph.Ds by studying Harijan Weeklies vis-à-vis Gandhiji’s journalism. The journal which was started in Feb. 1933 (suspended in between 1940-42 by the government and continued again till 1956) with 955 issues running into 8,400 pages, has been published by Garland Publishing Inc., New York and London in 1973 with a brilliant 25 page introduction by Joan V. Bondurant, Professor of Comparative Politics, University of the Pacific.

Views Paper instead of News Paper
Views Paper instead of News Paper

Views Paper instead of News Paper

Gandhiji himself referred Harijan as ‘Views Paper’ instead of ‘News Paper.’ He writes in his autobiography ‘Experiment with Truth’ (Part IV Chapter 15) thus: “I realised that the sole aim of Journalism should be Service. The newspaper Press is a great power… It can be profitable only when exercised from within.”

He writes earlier in 1925 when he started a weekly ‘Young India’ in South Africa — “I have taken up journalism not for its sake but merely as an aid to what I have conceived to be my mission in life.”

Gandhiji — A Peerless Communicator

Gandhiji is described as a ‘Peerless Communicator’ but we can tell that he is a ‘Peerless Journalist’ too by running the following papers in his life time:

1. Indian Opinion (From South Africa in four languages)

2. Nava Jeevan (Gujarati Weekly)

3. Nava Jeevan (Hindi)

4. Young India (English Weekly)

5. Harijan (English Weekly)

6. Satyagrahi (Man-script)

7. Harijan Bandhu (Gujarati)

8. Harijan (Urdu)

9. Harijan Sevak (Hindi)

With these multiple journals, Gandhiji can be termed as a model journalist (of newspapers of his time with rich contents in them).

NOTE: As I was writing this column, I came to know that Sri Ankegowda, a remarkable book-lover, who has established a rare rural library in a village near Pandavapura, has been chosen for Rajyotsava award. Calling him to congratulate, I enquired whether Harijan finds a place in his library. To my joy, he immediately said yes. That is Ankegowda’s library with rich collections of rare books in that ‘Pustaka Mane,’ in a village. Congratulations Ankegowda.

Acknowledgement: I have to acknowledge the help rendered by Sri C.P. Ramasesh, Mysore University Librarian and staff, for scanning the facing page and introduction page of Harijan that are appearing with this article.

e-mail: kumarkv59@gmail.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles  / Sunday , November 16th, 2014

Winners of Cricket Quiz

CricketQuizBF22nov2014

Mysuru :

Cycle Pure Agarbathies, in association with ACUK (Association of Cricket Umpires Karnataka), Mysore Zone, had organised the Mysore Warriors Cricket Quiz at Sarada Vilas Law College auditorium, Mysore. The event witnessed active participation from around 120 students in the city. S. Muralidhara, President, ACUK, Karnataka and Balachandar, President, KSCA, Mysore Zone, were the chief guests on the occasion. Vishnu Ranga, Partner, NR Group, was also present.

Winners of Mysore Edition: Champion Team: Vidyaashram PU College (Syed Hisham and Yeshwanth Kumar).

Special Award: Kautilya Vidyalaya (M.C. Gururaj and Nitesh Bharadwaj).

1st Runner-Up: Vijaya Vitalla PU College (T. Pranav and V. Kiran); 2nd Runner-Up: Sadvidya High School (J. Niranjan and B.S. Harsha).

Appreciating the winners, Muralidhara, said: “We are overwhelmed by the response received for the quiz. It is always the knowledge that fuels one’s desire to excel. Through this initiative we want to foster our efforts towards nurturing sporting knowledge and there by instill a growing desire among the children to excel in the sports of their choice.”

Organised as a zonal round run up to the 24th Umpires Day State Level Cricket Quiz Competition, the contest was open to all school students studying between VIII to X grades and I and II PUC in the city.

The winners will now represent the Zone at the State-level Finals to be conducted at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Nov. 30.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Sunday , November 16th, 2014

Forensic fair held

A volunteer at the Forensic Fair is seen explaining to a visitor about the methods used in the detection of fake currency.
A volunteer at the Forensic Fair is seen explaining to a visitor about the methods used in the detection of fake currency.

Mysuru :

More than 500 people including children from JSS Baljagat School, Teresian School, JSS High School and other schools along with their teachers are participating in the day-long Forensic Fair organised by the The Department of Forensic Medicine, JSS Medical College in association with Karnataka Police Academy, Mysuru City Police, Karnataka Medico Legal Society, Department of Criminology (Mahajana First Grade College and University of Mysore) and Regional Forensic Science Laboratory at JSS Medical College premises in Bannimantap here.

The unique fair is organised to create awareness among public about the crime and its investigation in order to have knowledge about day-to-day happenings in crime manifestation.

The Fair also includes orientation to various sections of Forensic medicine like traffic awareness, firearms, trauma, dental evidence, approach to crime scene, analytical procedures used for detection of poisons, fingerprints and examination of questioned documents (handwriting analysis) and tests to detect food adulteration.

The main attraction was the stall set up by Poison Information Centre, Mysuru located at the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, JSS Hospital, MG Road, Mysuru which gave information on first aid during poison.

Public can contact 1800-425-0207 if they need any information on first aid for poison.

A live demonstration on awareness about snakes presented by Snake Shyam was an additional attraction at the fair which benefited people of all walks of life including students, teachers and general public.

The fair was inaugurated by Dhananjaya, Asst. Director, Karnataka Police Academy, Mysuru

About 10 stalls were put up at the venue to provide information on topics such as Annihilation through Alcoholics, autopsy, causes of sudden death, identification of gender using skulls, cyber crimes among others.

Dr. Arun, HOD of Forensic medicine, JSS Medical College speaking to Star of Mysore said that this fair was the first of its kind in Karnataka. He said “Forensic Science is reconstruction of crime scene”

M.G. Ramesh, Traffic Head Constable explained about traffic rules violations and asked the public to follow traffic rules.

Demonstrations were given on food adulteration, finger prints identification and how to identify fake currency.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Sunday , November 16th, 2014

Wildlife enthusiasts capture the ‘unsung story’ of Bhadra

Bengaluru  :

Braving mating tigers, crocodiles in water, bison moving around huge trees and pythons slithering on grass, a team of wildlife enthusiasts from Bengaluru have captured the beautiful flora and fauna of the Bhadra tiger reserve.
The Unsung is the first documentary film on the forest spread across Chikmagalur and Shivamogga, which was declared the country’s 25th tiger reserve in 1998.

According to Prashanth S Nayaka, director and team leader, the 37-minute documentary narrates an untold story of a silent movement deep inside one of the most pristine jungles of Karnataka. “Besides showcasing the untainted beauty of Bhadra, the film follows the footsteps of forest guards who protect the reserve with dedication and passion.”

The team members are Pradip Shastry, CJ Anil, Hulivan Nagaraj, Prashanth Nageshappa, Vinod Reddy, Sharath and Chethan.

“It was tough making a movie covering 500 sqkm of forest. We started our work in October 2013 and completed it in May 2014. We worked for nearly 122 days shooting, facing tigers and elephants deep inside the jungle. We had to shoot at night for several days. Usually, tigers moved at nights as they are nocturnal. There were snakes on our way also. We saw an Indian rock python, bears, gaurs and many other animals,” says Prashanth.

The documentary has also captured the beautiful streams, rivulets, waterfalls, thick clouds, humming of birds, bamboo and teak trees that thrive under the watchful eyes of the forest department.

The original name of the area was Jaagara valley, but changed to Bhadra wildlife reserve in 1974.

Today, 36 anti-poaching camps protect the tiger reserve, with jeeps patrolling day and night and forest watchers covering nearly 15 km on foot. “Once, I noticed a tiger at very close range. I did not know what to do. I just stood still and stared at it for five minutes. It quietly left,” recalls Govindaraj, watcher, anti-poaching camp.

The film has commentary in English (Pradeep Shastry) and Kannada (Prakash Kumar). The music has been composed by C J Anil.

According to Prashanth, the film aims to create awareness among public about the need to protect forests and animals. “We have not taken money from anyone for the project. The team members pooled in money and spent nearly Rs 1.5 lakh. We plan to screen the documentary in schools and colleges. The intention is to convey the message that guarding forests is as important as guarding our nation.”

QUOTE

They have done a nice documentary on the problems faced by frontline staff in forests. The focus of the film is different from what one generally does. They have brought out a CD and we are ready to distribute copies in schools and colleges. It is a fine attempt.

—Vinay Luthra | principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), karnataka

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Environment> Flora & Fauna / GS Kumar, TNN / November 09th, 2014

MELANGE: HIDDEN HISTORIES – Retaining its old glory

Named after the patron saint of Scotland – St. Andrew – the church was originally home to the Scottish regiment in the cantonment area with Scottish customs. Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P. / The Hindu
Named after the patron saint of Scotland – St. Andrew – the church was originally home to the Scottish regiment in the cantonment area with Scottish customs. Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P. / The Hindu

Entering its sesquicentennial year, St. Andrew’s Church is still a symbol of the spirit of the people of Bangalore – enduring, strong and rooted in tradition amid modernisation

A lot has changed in Bangalore over the years. But, one prominent edifice in the city’s landscape that has retained its old glory is St. Andrew’s Church. Surrounded by a canopy of trees on the lush Cubbon Road, you may breeze past this massive monolith without much ado, only catching a fleeting glimpse of its magnificent clock tower amid the trees, but nestled in the heart of this church is a history as vibrant as the city itself.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the foundation stone for St. Andrew’s Kirk (as it was called back then) was laid on November 22, 1864 by Lady Grant, the wife of Lieutenant-General Sir Hope Grant, the then Quartermaster-General of Her Majesty’s Forces. Designed by engineers Major Sankey and R.C. Dobbs, the building was completed and opened for worship on November 18, 1866, within a period of two years at an overall cost of Rs. 45,000, including the land.

Named after the patron saint of Scotland – St. Andrew – the church was originally home to the Scottish regiment in the cantonment area with Scottish customs, classical Scottish square dancing, western music and other traditions. After the complete independence of the churches with the formation of Church of South India, St. Andrew’s Church joined the C.S.I. in September 1959.

Walking into the compound, you will discover one of Bangalore’s most well-preserved structures in true classic gothic architectural style with brick red finish and long windows. The ambience gives the vibe of entering a Victorian era, reflecting the Scottish Presbyterian roots the church has. The first thing that catches your eye is the 90-foot belfry tower that houses the church bell that has been ringing at 9.30 a.m. every Sunday for 149 years and the clock, installed in 1893, that chimes every quarter hour.

A botanical paradise, Andrew’s harbours over 30 species of trees, including the Nile Tulip, Jacaranda, Ashok Tree, Rain Tree among others and also shelters a host of migratory birds that can be spotted perched on the tree top canopy surrounding the church. The real breath-taker is the massive 25-foot stain glass painting that welcomes you behind the altar.

Hand-painted by artist Alex Ballantine from Scotland and set up in the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, the magnificent creation depicts Abraham, Moses, Kind David and Prophet Isaiah from the Old Testament, the Apostles Andrew, Peter, Paul and John, a burning bush, the symbol of the Church of Kirk with alpha and omega, above which is Lord Jesus Christ.

Presbyter-in-charge Reverend Sanjay Samuel Ayer says St. Andrew’s has an identity of its own. “The structure of the building and the worship format has not changed. Some of the original Presbyterian traditions have been upheld while some are intertwined into the C.S.I. Despite the modernization in Bangalore, Andrew’s is still maintaining its heritage value. The challenge for Andrew’s is to hold on to its strong foundation in tradition and adapt to modern times.”

Another hard-to-miss part of the church is the 800-odd pipes-fitted pipe organ. Built by Peter Gonacher in 1864, the pipe organ was installed at the church in 1881 and is one of the few well-maintained pipe organs in the country.

When St. Mark’s Cathedral was damaged by fire in 1923, it was St. Andrew’s Church which accommodated the congregation till the cathedral was rebuilt in 1927. Known to many as a giving church, Andrew’s, even today, supports several socio-development projects with a congregation that believes in reaching out to the needy.

The church runs a school for slum children, supports mission fields and has in the offing the setting up of a senior citizens’ home and a pre-school on its premises.

Andrew’s has had a series of celebrations heralding in its sesquicentennial year, including concerts and special services and will have more programmes and a carnival soon. “We are privileged to have enjoyed this building for the last 150 years. The congregation members are highly committed to the church and love to maintain its tradition. We hope to carry this legacy forward and ensure the church and its heritage continue to flourish and endure for generations to come,” adds Rev. Sanjay.

The church has English and Kannada services and special prayers and meetings all through the week.

Call 25591874 or visit St. Andrew’s Church for more details.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Society / by Allan Moses Rodricks / Bangalore – May 23rd, 2014

Achievers presented with ‘Basavasri’ Award

BasavasriBF18nov2014

Sharana Sahitya Sammelan concludes

Mysuru :

“To enable social justice to reach the lowest strata of society, the essence of Vachana Sahitya should be imbibed into legislature, administration and judiciary” said H.N. Nagamohan Das, retired High Court Judge.

He was speaking at the valedictory of the second Sharana Sahitya Sammelan organised by Akhila Bharat Sharana Sahitya Parishat at Kalamandira here yesterday.

Nagamohan Das pointed out that there was a wide difference between caste and religion and social reformers always struggled to evolve a healthy society by eradicating the concept of caste, race and gender. He regretted that casteism was still very much prevalent in society to cash in on by vested interests. He added that illiteracy and superstition too were contributing to spoilage of health of society.

Basavasri award was presented to Dr. B.N. Chandraiah, Senior litterateur, Dr.C. Naganna, Director, Prasaranga, University of Mysore and Shanta Jagadish, Singer.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji graced the occasion. Minister for Co-operation H.S. Mahadevaprasad, MLA Vasu, Retired Government Secretary Dr. C. Somashekar, former MLC Thontadarya, Parishat Vice-President Chandrakanth Bellad, City wing President G.R. Parameshwarappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday , November 17th, 2014