Kolar has distinction of women holding all top executive posts
International Day of the Girl Child has gotten a special meaning in Kolar district, which is witnessing a women’s empowerment, albeit in a different way.
With G. Sathyavathy’s appointment as the Deputy Commissioner of Kolar, the district has the rare distinction of women holding all the top executive posts. Ms. Sathyavathy, DC of Chikkamagaluru, succeeds K.V. Thrilokchandra, who was the Deputy Commissioner for last 35 months.
Many prominent elected bodies also have women as presidents and vice-presidents in the district.
K. Vidyakumari (Additional Deputy Commissioner), Rohini Katoch (SP), B.B. Kaveri (Zilla Panchayat CEO) are the other prominent women holding higher posts in the administrative structure.
For Ms. Vidyakumari, it’s not a question of gender but the work that has to be done. “An officer is an officer. There is no difference in executing the administrative duties and responsibilities by men or women”, she said.
However, she admitted that a prejudiced view of gender roles where women are seen as weak still exists.
Ms. Vidyakumari, who has been ADC in Kolar for one year, highlighted the smooth smooth running of zilla panchayat by its CEO Ms. Kaveri and police department headed by Ms. Katoch in the district.
“Girls need to be encouraged to take up higher education, which will result in women make foray in to administrative system,” Ms. Vidyakumari added.
Pallavi Honnapura, senior assistant director of Public Relations and Publicity Department, says it is a very good sign. “People expect more work from the bureaucracy and particularly they pose trust in women authorities as they can do work efficiently,” she said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Vishwa Kundapura / Kolar – October 16th, 2017
Aims to spread the studio network across 20 cities in India
Ashish Shah, COO and Founder, Pepperfry inaugurates the first Franchise Studio at HSR Layout with P K Ramesh, Nagendra Kaushik and A R Ramaprasad, Partners, Prakruthi Enterprises
PepperFry.com, India’s No.1 Furniture and Home marketplace announced the launch of its first franchise Studio in Bengaluru. In the last 3 years Pepperfry has been rapidly grown its omni-channel network across the country through 22 Pepperfry owned Studios in 11 cities with plans to expand this network to 20 cities by 2018. The first franchise launch in Bengaluru marks the second phase of Pepperfry’s strategy to build the largest omni-channel business in the furniture and home segment.
As the market leader Pepperfry was the first online marketplace to set-up an offline experience centre in the form of Pepperfry Studios in December 2014. Today, 25% of the sales on the online platform relate to customers who have experienced the services extended at Pepperfry Studios. A one-of-its kind concept Pepperfry is outspreading the Studio proposition to first-time and experienced entrepreneurs presenting them with an opportunity to establish a truly differentiated and highly profitable franchise business.
Pepperfry has launched the first franchise owned Studio in partnership with Prakruthi Enterprises. It is owned and operated by three partners – P K Ramesh, Nagendra Kaushik and A R Ramaprasad. The franchisee partners have an extensive experience of over two decades in managing high-growth franchise businesses for Titan, Fastrack, Helios, Titan Eyeplus, to name a few. They are excited about Pepperfry’s vison and are committed to offering superlative customer experiences through the Pepperfry Studios.
Pepperfry’s franchise model is a truly unique business model with immense potential to scale. It is unlike any franchise business in the country and does not require partner to hold product inventory and is based on 100% price parity. Pepperfry is offering a lucrative commission structure where the franchise owners can benefit by earning commission on each online transaction made at the franchise studio. Pepperfry will manage the customer experience end-to-end, starting from pre-sales to post-sales thereby providing a seamless shopping experience to customers.
Ashish Shah, Founder and COO, Pepperfry says, “We have received an overwhelming response for our franchise business from all across the country. With Bengaluru being our key market our first franchise outlet kick starts an exciting journey for us where we are looking at unlocking the entrepreneurial potential in the country. We want to be available to our customers in as many touchpoints as possible to help them build beautiful homes. We are already present in major metros & cities and are geared to spread our network across other TIER I and TIER II cities.”
He added, “I am extremely excited about our association with Prakruthi Enterprises and I am confident that it will accelerate our journey to becoming the largest omni-channel network in India. Our franchise partners bring in a strong understanding of the retail franchise space. They will add immense value and bring along their experience to help us scale-up our omni-channel network. They are in sync with our goals and believe in our Studio franchise model. We look forward to associating with them to open more franchise Studios”.
Speaking about the launch A R Ramaprasad, Partner, Prakruthi Enterprises said, “We were looking to partner with a brand which is honest and has a strong credibility. We were truly impressed with the franchise model created and offered by Pepperfry. Pepperfry has built a formidable business in less than 6 years and is synonymous with furniture and home purchases in the country today. The Studio concept presents us with a unique proposition to build a large customer franchise. We are looking forward to partnering with Pepperfry to open more franchises while they are on their journey to help create 20 million beautiful homes by 2020.”
Pepperfry will establish 48 owned and franchise Studios by the April 2018.
source: http://www.busineswireindia.com / Business Wire India / Home> New Details / Mumbai, Maharashtra – Friday, October 13th, 2017
The 1-million-sqft project, previously called CityView, was originally owned by Goldman Sachs (73%) and Dayanand Pai’s Century Real Estate Holdings (26%). (Photo: TOI)
HIGHLIGHTS
Embassy Group has sold an apartment for Rs 50 crore to chairman and chief executive of engineering outsourcing company Quest Global.
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and some of the Infosys co-founders were among the first to invest in these branded residences.
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Bengaluru :
The Embassy Group has sold an apartment for Rs 50 crore to Ajit Prabhu, chairman and chief executive of engineering outsourcing company Quest Global, making it the biggest residential deal in Bengaluru, according to people familiar with the matter.
Prabhu has bought the 16,000-sqft apartment in Embassy One, near Hebbal, which houses a 230-room Four Seasons luxury hotel, 110 Four Seasons-branded residences, 150,000 sqft of office space and 60,000 sqft of retail space. The per-sqft rate for the apartment works out to about Rs 31,000. Last year, Flipkart’s Binny Bansal acquired a 10,000-sqft home in Koramangala III Block -a coveted neighborhood of self-made billionaires -for Rs 32 crore.
Prabhu, who grew up in Hubballi, divides his time between Singapore and India. He will own the yet-to-be customized apartment on the top of the South Tower, and it’s the 30th floor. The first 21 floors will be dedicated to the Four Seasons hotel, and the rest will be serviced residences. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and some of the Infosys co-founders were among the first to invest in these branded residences. Embassy confirmed the deal, but declined to confirm the buyer. Prabhu could not be immediately reached for comment. “Sales like this bring a great sense of confidence in the market,” Reeza Sebastian, head of Embassy residential marketing and sales, told TOI.
The 1-million-sqft project, previously called City View, was originally owned by Goldman Sachs (73%) and Dayanand Pai’s Century Real Estate Holdings (26%). The investment bank entered into a conditional agreement to sell it to RMZ a few years ago, but failed following opposition from its minority shareholder.
Embassy, led by its flamboyant billionaire promoter Jitu Virwani, stepped in and bought the entire project for Rs 605 crore. During this period of uncertainty, the project was hobbled by delays and ran the risk of being classified as a nonperforming asset by the State Bank of India (SBI).
Prabhu, who has made 75% of the payment, is expected to move in once the apartment is ready by the middle of 2018. Sebastian said the company has sold about 52% of the apartments. The residences will have concierge services, 24 hour valet parking, and residents will enjoy the hotel’s paid services such as room service, limousines and apartment-cleaning.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Bangalore News / by Avik Das / TNN / October 11th, 2017
Freedom fighter N.S. Huchrayappa near the pillar erected on the outskirts of Esur with the names of freedom fighters who were hanged engraved on it. | Photo Credit: VAIDYA;VAIDYA – VAIDYA
In 1943, the British hanged five residents of this village for declaring independence and forming their own government
The name of Esur village in Shivamogga district is etched in the annals of Indian history for the uprising by its residents 75 years ago against the British.
But the alleged negligence by the State government to commemorate the event is being rued now by those who had participated in the Esur struggle.
In 1942, a series of programmes were held in Esur village of Shikaripur taluk as part of the Quit India Movement. Farmers in the village had suffered loss that year due to natural calamity and refused to pay tax.
The intimidation tactics by the British administration to collect tax didn’t yield result and the farmers barred the entry of government officials to the village.
On September 29, 1942, the residents hoisted the tricolour on Veerabhadreshwara temple and declared that the village was liberated from British rule.
A meeting of villagers that was convened immediately formed its own government.
Upon hearing this, the British government sent the police to arrest those who had hoisted the flag.
A clash ensued and a policeman and a revenue officer were killed.
The additional troops sent by the British allegedly looted and plundered the village, following which the residents fled and took refuge in a nearby forest.
More than 200 people who had participated in freedom struggle in Esur were arrested, of which five, Gurappa, Jinahalli Mallappa, Suryanarayanachar, Badakalli Halappa and Gowdru Shankarappa, were hanged to death on March 8, 1943.
Anusuyamma, a freedom fighter from Esur, told The Hindu that as part of the Quit India Movement the entire village used to take part in bhajan programmes on a daily basis.
Dramas on the theme of patriotism were staged in the village regularly. “The same patriotic fervour and spirit should be recreated in the village by organising special programmes to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Esur struggle,” she said.
N.S. Huchrayappa, a freedom fighter who was jailed for four years, told The Hindu that a pillar, erected on the outskirts of the village with names of those hanged engraved on it, is covered with weeds and the place is cleaned only during national festivals.
The Huthatmara Smaraka Bhavan, a building constructed in the memory of martyrs that was converted into an anganwadi centre later, has now become dilapidated.
In Vidurashwatha village in Gauribidanur taluk known as Jallianwallah Bagh of South India, a Veera Soudha that hosts a photo gallery and a library has been constructed to commemorate the freedom struggle. In addition to this, the Vidurashwatha also has an open air theatre and a park.
Mr. Huchrayappa has pressed the State government to develop Esur village on a similar model.
“Esur should be developed in such a way that, the spirit of patriotism should be rekindled among those who visit it,” he added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Veerendra P M / Shivamogga – October 08th, 2017
Head coach P V Shashikanth and his assistant G K Anil Kumar look to revive Karnataka’s glory days
MEN IN CHARGE: Karnataka team’s head coach PV Shashikanth (right) and assistant coach G K Anil Kumar, who have replaced J Arun Kumar and Mansoor Ali Khan respectively, will have big shoes to fill. DH PHOTO/ Srikanta Sharma R
When Karnataka begin their campaign in this edition of the Ranji Trophy against Assam in Mysuru on Saturday, P V Shashikanth and G K Anil Kumar will have massive shoes to fill.
After they failed to win a single title for two straight seasons, Karnataka saw a change in the coaching set-up. The popular coach duo of JAK and MAK — J Arun Kumar (head coach) and Mansoor Àli Khan (his assistant) — were removed from their respective posts. The combination, which guided Karnataka to six titles between 2013-15, made way for Shashikanth and Anil.
For a team brimming with equal amount of talent and experience, the eight-time champions have flattered to deceive in the last two editions and the newly-appointed coaches will have their tasks cut out. There exists an air of curiosity as to how the pair will go about its business. Shashikanth says he is aware of the expectations.
“There is no doubt that JAK and MAK did a fantastic job. We have worked hard ever since we joined the team. I see our role as facilitators. I think we need to create a good atmosphere around the team to gain the desired results. There were certain things which were going awry and we believe we have set it right,” the former Karnataka batsman offered.
The fact that the duo holds good amount of coaching experience augurs well for them. Shashikanth and Anil have in the past helmed various age-group sides of Karnataka and together they were instrumental in putting the Karnataka U-23 team into the Elite group from Plate Division last year. Anil is confident of carrying forward the good work to the senior side.
“Shashikanth sir has been the State captain and has led legendary cricketers. He has the experience of handling teams. I have worked with the India U-19 team and we both have coached the Karnataka ‘A’ teams. We believe in working with a disciplined and meticulous approach,” explains Anil.
The duo perhaps also has an added advantage of nurturing the current set of senior players right through their junior days. “We have been working with these guys for a long time now. Almost 80 percent of the players were 13-14 years old when we started our coaching stint. They have been nurtured well and we have a good connect with them. We know them inside out, how they react to situations and how they are useful in different situations in a game. So it is like a journey of ten years. This will be really important for us to bind the team this year and it is a big plus point,” says Anil.
JAK and MAK did wonders for the Karnataka side with their enviable chemistry. The team achieved unprecedented success and players like K L Rahul, Manish Pandey and Karun Nair realised their goal of playing for the country.
Echoing Anil’s thoughts, Shashikanth says he shares a great rapport with his colleague. “We start with an advantage. We have an edge because we have worked with the players during their under-23 and under-19 times. Of course there are differences. Now they are no longer boys. They are men. It’s about man managing them. That’s where our role lies. As far our chemistry is concerned, we know each other from a long time. It’s like running between the wickets. I need not ask him anything. I just have to look at him and he is ready to respond. We have been working hard to serve Karnataka cricket.”
While there were standout individual performances, it was evident that Karnataka failed to click as a unit in the last couple of seasons. Their inability to fire as a group saw them fall short in crunch games.
Shashikanth asserts that regrouping the side was their main challenge. “We are trying to regroup the team and keep them motivated. Karnataka has got a rich history in cricket. Whenever players get selected for the State side, they dream of playing for the country. We need to get everyone together for a common goal and that’s the only way we can win the Ranji Trophy. When we won the title in 1995, around eight of them went on to play for the country. Similarly, following the stellar show between 2013 and 2015, many players got breaks. Thus the players must now once again perform well and try to win matches for Karnataka.”
Regaining the past glory will not be easy for Karnataka. There is no denying that they start one of the favourites and but R Vinay Kumar’s men will certainly be tested in their quest to win their ninth title. Both the coaches see this as an exciting challenge. “For a team that has won six titles in two years, for the kind of experience it brings in, the kind of depth we have, the season is certainly interesting and exciting. But we are looking at one match at a time. If we realise our potential and do the basics day in and day out then we can do wonders,” expresses Anil.
Shashinakth believes senior members of the team will have a crucial role to play.
“We have enough firepower and the senior members in the side will be of great help. They will make our job easier. Take Vinay for example. He has been around for ten years now. Our pacers share close to 800 first-class wickets between them. The senior campaigners will look to keep the team together and make them be on the same page,” concludes Shashikanth.
