Monthly Archives: December 2011

Dr.Latha Rajashekar to Chair Vishwa Kannada Sammelana in Abu Dhabi

Mysore, Dec. 21 (DV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poetess Dr. Latha Rajashekar has been selected as Chairperson of Vishwa Kannada Sahitya Sammelana to be held at Abu Dhabi by Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha on Jan. 27.

The Sammelana is being held under the aegis of Kuvempu Kalaniketana, Bangalore, in co-operation with different Kannada Associations of Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Denmark and Singapore. Prominent personalities including Karnataka Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and litterateur Prof. Dejagow will participate in the meet.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / December 21st, 2011

CPK Conferred Dakshina Kesari Award

Caption: The CPK couple who were felicitated by the Lions Club of Mysore South at a function in city last evening are seen with Dr. C.K.N.Raja, Dr.C. Naganna, Lions South President Ln. Ranjit Hegde, Ln. K.D. Kariappa and others.

Mysore, Dec. 24:

Veteran litterateur C.P. Krishnakumar, who chaired the recently concluded 78th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana at Gangavati, was conferred with Dakshina Kesari (2010) literary award at a function organised by Lions Club of Mysore South at Lions Service Centre near DC office here yesterday.

Dr. CPK was presented the award for his book Chintana Chintamani.

Legal expert Dr. C.K.N. Raja, who spoke after presenting the award, said Dr. CPK is to Kannada litterateur like Sachin Tendulkar is to cricket. CPK who chaired the Sahitya Sammelana has proved that he is capable of carrying out any responsibility. As such the day is not far off when CPK gets the Jnanpith award and as well be honoured with Saraswathi Samman, he observed.

Dr. CPK who spoke after accepting the award, shared his experiences of Gangavathi Kannada Sahity Sammelana.

He said his work Chintana Chintamani incorporates many specialities and sheds light on many realities of life.

Dr. CPK couple were feted on the occasion. Mysore University Prasaranga Director Dr. C.Naganna spoke about the book.

Club President Ln. Ranjit Hegde presided. Prof. K.P. Kumar, Ln. K.D. Kariappa and others were present

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / December 24th, 2011

Driving home the need for lakes that will help you drive safely on a rainy day

 

Marianne de Nazareth

 

His energy revitalises all of us wilting in the noon day sun. And his passion for birds and the environment is palpable in the way he speaks with such drive and enthusiasm, giving up his Sundays to take ordinary citizens around Bangalore’s dying lakes. This is part of the Whispering Wilderness Programme conducted by the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC) Bannerghatta, on the Urban Lakes and Birdlife of Bangalore. Dr Subbu Subramanya is a scientist working in the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and one of the top ornithologists in the country. His basic funda is, we need to band together to save what is left of our city’s open spaces. Being a scientist he sees how wrong some decisions taken by our citys administrators are and he takes it upon himself to educate them.                 Dr Subbu Subramanya creates awareness among fellow citizens on the importance of preserving the remaining water bodies in Bangalore “Bangalore had no natural lakes. In the past our ancestors dammed the streams that flowed in the monsoons so that they could grow two crops instead of just one. They were not stupid like us and respected the lakes, understanding the need to keep them clean and the water fresh. “It was a dynamic relationship, where the water was used carefully. When the lakes dried out, fresh water flowed in during the next rains through specially created inlets from the catchment areas which were grassy meadows around the lakes.

“Today the meadows are built up and to top it all, untreated sewage is let out by all the posh buildings around the lakes directly into the lake. Therefore what we have now in Bangalore are cesspools of sewage, not fresh water lakes,” says Dr. Subbu with feeling. Every time it rains, certain areas in Bangalore flood. Dr Subbu says that is because there is no path for the water to pour into the lake or in some places even the lake has been built up. So taking its natural path the water somehow makes its way and floods the lower floors and basements of these buildings. “Dramatic pictures of floating cars are printed in the next day’s papers and one sees people being ‘rescued’ in life boats by the army,” says Dr Subbu. Lakes replenish the ground water table and are mandatory requirements in any urban city, explains Dr.Subbu. If we build them up, or abuse them we are sounding our own death knells. The heavy metals and lead which percolate into the soil of the lake from all the dumped chemical waste or untreated pollutants, and sewage let out into the lake will come back to hit us. These pollutants percolate into the acquifers that we tap now with our numerous bore wells, he says. “Isn’t it better to treat our effluents rather than pollute these lakes which are our life line?” asks Dr Subbu, whose only hope is that Bangalore’s citizens will rise up to save the few remaining water bodies from extinction.

source: http://www.theweekendleader.com / Home> Causes> Open Whispers / by Marianne de Nazareth / Bangalore / Vol.2, Issue 51 / December 23rd, 2011

Rs 100 Crore Biotech Park to Be Set Up in Mysore

A Rs 100 crore neutri/neutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical (N2P2) project would be developed in Mysore, according to a key government official. 

The Vision Group on Biotechnology headed by Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has recommended sector-specific biotech parks to be set up in tier 2/3 cities of the State and this project is one such to be developed in Mysore, Principal Secretary in the Department of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, M N Vidyashankar told PTI here.

The private partner for development of this project has been selected following a tender process. The state Cabinet has given its clearance. The State Government’s major role in the project is to develop the R & D zone.

“M/s. JSS Mahavidyapeetha are the successful bidders for the project, estimated to cost about Rs 100 crore,” Vidyashankar said.

He said the biotech sector faces talent shortage and to address this, the State Government has initiated the BT Finishing Schools project. As many as 12 educational institutions have been selected by a Committee headed by Dr G Padmanaban to establish such schools, covering Bangalore, Mysore, Manipal, Mangalore and Gulbarga.

“The BT Finishing School concept involves academics for six months and industry internship for six months. The students are assured of a job after they clear the one year Diploma course,” Vidyashankar said.

The students for BT Finishing Schools have been selected through an entrance test and interview conducted by the educational institutions.The course has commenced in September 2011.Regular monitoring is done by a High Level Committee headed by Principal Secretary – Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology,and Prof G Padmanaban.

The courses and other day-to-day matters are steered by another Committee comprising the educational institutions, it was stated.

source: http://www.news.outlookindia.com / Home> Science & Technology> Mysore / PTI / December 22nd, 2011

Mysorean bags ‘Hillier Krieghbaum’ Award

Mysore, Dec. 19:

Dr. Sriram Kalyanaraman, a native of Mysore and currently a faculty member at the University of North Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, has won the prestigious Hillier-Krieghbaum Award for 2011 conferred by the Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication (AEJMC) for “outstanding achievement and effort in research, teaching and service in journalism and mass communication” by anyone under the age of 40 years.

Dr. Kalyanaraman holds the rank of Associate Professor and Director of the Media Effects Laboratory at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

At UNC, he has an adjunct appointment in the School of Information and Library Science and is affiliated with the Interaction Design Lab.

Dr. Kalyanaraman has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysore and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Penn State University, USA.

His primary research focuses on the psychology of new technologies, particularly as they inform persuasion and attitude change in online environments. He also studies information processing of persuasive health messages, and social and marketing effects of sexual and violent media content.

Dr. Kalyanaraman is an alumnus of Nirmala Convent, St. Joseph’s High School, Mahajana College and NIE.

He is a guest faculty at Mysore’s International School of Information Management.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / General News / Monday, December 19th, 2011

Celebration of KUVEMPU Birthday on Dec. 29

Mysore, Dec. 18 (DV):

 

The Mysore district Vokkaligara Hitharakshana Vedike has decided to celebrate poet laureate Kuvempu’s birthday on a grand scale on Dec. 29.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held at Jaladarshini Guest House on Tuesday under Chairmanship of Vedike President Rajkumar. It was also decided to felicitate 15 achievers of the community who are serving in different fields.

Vedike Hon. President SBM Manju, who also addressed the meeting, said that after garlanding the bust of Kuvempu near Gun House at 9.30 am on Dec. 29. A, a procession will be taken out to Institution of Engineers auditorium on JLB road via Ramaswamy Circle, where a function will be held. Sri Somanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, Mysore Branch, legislators of the community, senior politicians, social workers and elected representatives will participate, he said.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / General News / Sunday, December 18th, 2011

 

Dosa with Gold Leaf at Rs.1,011

Bangalore: , Dec. 15

Raj Bhog, a restaurant opened in Malleswaram yesterday, is offering dosa with a gold leaf layer on it.

The restaurant located on Margosa Road, provides visitors with 101 different varieties of dosas along with other fast food and a sizzler cafe which will open within next fortnight.

The gold leaf, procured from Uttar Pradesh, comes in a pack of two and costs Rs. 590 per leaf.

One leaf is placed on the top of each dosa which is priced at Rs. 1,011. Proprietor Prabhushankar says that the gold leaf has several health benefits and that is the reason it has been used in Indian culture.

The restaurant is probably the first to in the State and country to bring a gold leaf covered dosa for customers, says Proprietor Chandan Lokes

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / General News / Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Deepika Padukone, the new face of Olympics

Taking charge of her sporty lineage, actor Deepika Padukone will now be seen in a motivational campaign for London Olympics next year. The actor, who recently shot the campaign, says that it “aims to encourage our nation to support all the athletes” for the sporting extravaganza.

Confirming the news, Deepika says, “I finished shooting the promotional campaign for the Olympics. It’s meant to motivate all our athletes—not from  any particular sport.” The actor’s campaign has come through in collaboration with Sports Development Corporation.

Deepika, who is badminton legend Prakash Padukone’s daughter, has played the sport at state level. “I think the media will also help a lot in supporting and motivating Indian athletes. That’s what our sportsmen need right now,” she feels.

Ask the actor if she plans to attend the Olympic events next year, and she says: “I want to go for it. But I haven’t seen the event itinerary yet. So, I don’t know what’s happening when. But I would love to go and watch some of our athletes perform.”

Not many know that Deepika is also a board member of the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), an organisation that is dedicated to training Indian athletes for the prestigious competition next year. “A lot of our athletes are training at the moment for the Olympics. The build-up is very exciting as we are nearing the event,” she says.

Talking about sports and athletes, Deepika’s father has openly supported the contentious Sports Bill along with some other sportsmen. Ask the actor what she stands for and she’s quick to support what is best for the country and its sportsmen.

“I don’t know the details of the bill, but people who are a part of it, including my father, have achieved a lot for our country in their respective fields. They are all highly respectable sportsmen, who obviously want the best for Indian sports and our country. So, I would definitely support it,” says the Love Aaj Kal (2009) actor, who is also the face of the Force India F1 Team.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Tabloid / by Prashant Singh / Hindustan Times, Mumbai / December 20th, 2011

Dr Malathi Manipal Hospital launches Elder’s Clinic

(Special privilege for the cause and care of the Senior citizens)

Senior citizens of Bangalore will now get special privileges during their next visit to Dr Malathi Manipal Hospital


Dr Malathi Manipal Hospital, a unit of Manipal Health Enterprises today launched a unique service, “Elder’s Clinic”, dedicated to the cause and care of the senior citizens. Every senior citizen of Bangalore would be enjoying these benefits through their association with Dr Malathi Manipal Hospital’s Elder’s Clinic. The “Elder’s Clinic” will be open onAll the days* (except Saturday and Monday), where the priority will be given to the elders for appointments and consultation. Apart from many other privileges, there will be special discounts on consultation & pharmacy along with a free Manipal Registration Card given to the senior citizens.

The benefits under “Elder’s Clinic” would be as follows –

  • Package of 5 Consultations at discounted price

( For Men -Gen. Medicine, Ortho, Dental, Urology , Opthal ) (For Women –Gen. Medicine, Ortho, Dental, OBG, Opthal )

  • Special discounts on Consultation & Pharmacy
  • Option to select the days and time of consultation (all days except Saturday and Monday)
  • Consultation benefit is valid for max. 30 days from the date of registration
  • Focused diagnostic packages as discounted tariff
  • The Senior citizens card will be issued for all who are consulting the Doc. for Elder’s Clinic

These consultations can be availed on any Day (except Saturday and Monday) with prior appointments only. All the benefits of Elder’s clinic are valid till 31st March 2012.
for any assistance please call: +91 9632775666/+91 80 40091000

source: http://www.manipalhospitals.in

Silva Storai — only professional woman jockey in India

It was some kind of a karmic connection that lured 17-year-old Italian Silva Storai to India in 1978. Kodaikanal became her new home and there she found love and married Eddie Joseph, an artist based in the hill station.

Soon the teenager got her own horses and her love for speed encouraged her to pursue her passion of horse racing. And from there it was no looking back for Silva who has acquired the stature of being India’s only professional woman jockey and the only woman jockey in the world to have won two derbys.

“I decided to pursue horse racing and shifted my base to Bangalore,” said Silva. “My partnership with Irfan Ghatala, who was my trainer, lasted for 16 years.”

It has not been an easy journey for Silva but she considers herself lucky. She agrees with the stereotypical notion that it is difficult for a woman to walk into a man-dominated field.

“It is very tough for a woman jockey. I think it is more so in India. But I can definitely say with experience that women can compete alongside men,” said a confident Silva.

She gave an example. “When you win a race, the credit goes to the horse and if you lose, you are a bad rider.” A lose-lose situation is what she calls it. But that didn’t hamper her spirit and she continued to trot on the other side to prove herself.

Silva is in the city for the Raymond National and Junior National Equestrian Championship, the first such show being held at the Mahalakshmi Race course for youngsters. The event comprises horse jumping, show jumping, tent pegging, cross country and six bar jumping among other interesting equestrian activities.

Children raging between 10 and 21 can participate.

A popular name in the Bangalore Turf club, Silva has participated in thousands of races. She won the 2003 Hyderabad Derby with Brown Sugar and the Mysore Derby 2004 with Full Speed.“It’s a brilliant feeling to win a derby,” said Silva.

Silva explained the difference between equestrian and other sports. “In other sports, an individual’s merit matters the most. But in horse racing, obviously, the animal is an integral part but the rider is also important. Without one, the other cannot perform.”

Silva established the Embassy International Riding School in 1996. The school is run by experienced instructors from UK, personally selected by Silva. But a change in the designation does not mean that she has hung her boots up. She still heads to race course early in the morning to ride for a good three hours.

“My day does not begin if I don’t ride in the morning.”

Silva has also noticed a change in the horse racing circuit.
“Till 2004, all those parents who used to enrol their kids in the school were foreigners — expats living in Bangalore. There were hardly any Indian kids. “Come 2005, and there has been an amazing transformation. Now, a lot of Indian parents are registering their children. They have become aware of the sport and are ready to go that extra mile for their child,” said a beaming Silva.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Home>  Sport>  Report / Daily News & Analysis / by Namita Handa / Mumbai, Tuesday, December 20th, 2011