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Just Heat and Eat

For the first time in the country, city based food industry manufactures Heat and Eat food products.

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by S. Kenneth Shishir

In the current fast changing and fast moving lifestyle we have all failed to realise the importance of nutrition in our food intake. With no time to cook a good healthy meal, most of the working class couples and families are moving towards heat and eat food products.

Although the Ready to Eat (RTE) food category was first introduced in India in 1987, it was not well received by Indian consumers due to the dependence on traditional cooking and in the early 2000s, with the advent of new technology that improved the shelf life of products and the growth of storage and distribution centres, RTE products began to gain popularity.

The heat and eat food industry in India, has been growing for the last three years and is expected to grow in the next five years due to rapid urbanisation.

Food has always been an important part of every Indian no matter which country he/she lives in.

This has prompted lots of food manufacturing companies to come up with new innovative ideas to woo its customers and one such popular city based company is KAVERI FOODS which was established in the year 2013.

Noticing the growth potential in this particular sector, Mysore based Kaveri Foods has launched their Heat and Eat products brand called RefriFresh.

They manufacture Ready-To- Eat products made out of 100% natural ingredients without any Preservatives, Artificial Colours or Flavours. Their USP lies in their ability to deliver home-cooked freshness and taste in the refrigerated format through minimal processing.

SOM met Ashwin Rajagopal, CEO of the company which is marketing its Heat and Eat products under the brand name ‘RefriFresh’ at his industry at Hebbal Industrial Area in city and had a brief chat about his products.

Ashwin, a MBA graduate in International Marketing from Australia speaking to SOM said that the company Kaveri Foods, sister concern of Kaveri Enterprises, a company which holds a strong market presence in edible oil industry sector was established in the year 1945 with the brand name R.G. manufactures of R.G brand Vanaspati and is popularly known as R.G Ghee among old Mysoreans.

Speaking about the new venture, he said that the company was looking at diversification into new areas in the food industry and thought of Ready to Eat industry which is growing at a tremendous rate with bright growth prospects.

He further said that as they decided to venture into Ready to Eat segment, they thought of coming out with a product that is unique with regards to technology and consumer requirement and decided to come out with South Indian delicacies, as they wanted to be known as a company that introduced south Indian delicacies on Heat and Eat format.

The company is currently concentrating in South Indian Breakfast and Dinner category.

They manufacture combo packs like Idli Sambar, Masala Paddu with Tomato Chutney, Mini/Button Idli with Sambar, Set Dosa with Coconut Chutney and Rava Idli with Coconut chutney apart from Sambar and Tomato Chutney which are all on ready to eat format and all that the consumer has to do is just open the pouch heat them in microwave or on a stove for a minute or two and it’s ready to be consumed.

All their products are manufactured only after consultations with CFTRI.

RefriFresh currently has nine Stock/Store Keeping Units (SKUs) and are planning to introduce more products like Pongal, Kesari bath, Onion Dosa which at present are available in Mysore and Bangalore and by the end of 2015 they would expand the market in Tamil Nadu and other States in South India, by targeting working families and senior citizens as their products have the traditional aroma and taste, said Ashwin and added that their products are minimally processed to keep up with the quality, taste, texture and quality of the products and added that the lifespan of the products are 35 days which would be increased to 60 days.

As the pioneers and one-of-its-kind in the industry ‘Refrifresh’ brand is being recognised as a synonym for tasty, fresh South Indian delicacies.

Asked if he was looking at other segments like spices or ready mixes he said there are ideas for the same and are still in the pipeline.

He ended by saying that his company is proud to have implemented successfully a unique technology that was pioneered by them for the first time in India.

The products are available at More Mega Stores, Easy Day and Loyal World in city.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 31st,  2014

The talking Two …

Suma Rajkumar and her doll Ricky

A marvellous relationship between Suma Rajkumar and her doll Ricky started around five years ago when Suma had decided to learn something unique and achieve in life. She knew life very much as a homemaker and a mother of two but the potion of success she had never tasted! Like they say, “there is always a time for everything in life,” Suma was being known to people as a ventriloquist when Ricky came into her life!

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by Phalgunn Maharishi

Suma who hailed from an orthodox family in Bangalore dreamed of achieving a lot since her childhood. She had her hands laid on the then popular course of Printing and Technology in Mysore University and also had procured flying colours in her Kannada and English Typing Senior Grade courses. While recalling her life as a young girl, Suma said, “My father had a printing press at home and may be that’s the reason why he made me learn Printing and Technology.” She further added, “My friends and relatives know me for how much I talk! The chatterbox inside me pushed me into anchoring events and also into a local TV channel as a host.”

Suma takes pride of being the first female ventriloquist and magician of the city after she learnt the art of talking dolls and illusion from her master Jadugar Guruswamy six years ago. Before that, she knew nothing about the art. But her dedication, willingness, participation and involvement in learning has made her a maestro. While speaking about how she came into contact with her master, Suma said, “I used to take my children to Subrahmanya for their drawing classes and that is where I came to know about Jadugar Guruswamy whom I later bombarded with requests to teach me the art,” with a big smile. She also added, “He was really kind enough to accept my request and bring out the ventriloquist in me.”

With the urge of wanting to leave a footprint in this journey called life, Suma soon started performing the art of ventriloquism on small stages here and there. She has so far performed 450+ number of shows throughout the State. Some of her most successful shows have been performed at Dharmasthala Laksha Deepothsava, Mysore Dasara Exhibition, Central Jail, GRS, Suttur Jathra and also corporate get-togethers at companies like Nestle, BOC India Ltd, BEML, KMF, KPTCL, Rangsons and WEP Peripherals to name a few. She has also been in the focal point during the TV show ‘Kamanabillu’ aired in Kasturi TV when her talking doll Ricky gave it a tremendous opening.

While speaking about her first presentation, Suma said, “Five years ago, I had taken my children to a cultural event organised by Inner Wheel – Rotary Club. There I met the then President of the Club Rachana and requested her to provide me an opportunity to showcase my talent at the valedictory function. Never before had I presented a ventriloquism show but the President was kind enough and agreed immediately.” She later added with a proud smile of achievement, “The show was a success and thereafter I have never looked back in my life.”

Suma presented her ventriloquism show for twenty minutes in the beginning and most of her shows were adjoined or collaborated with other artistes. Later, the demand for her talent and the constant requests of people to see her shows for longer duration led Suma to learn the art of illusion under her master Jadugar Guruswamy. By then she was totally ready to give an independent two hour show and entertain the audience. She dedicated her first show with both ventriloquism and illusion to ‘Balakiyara Bala Mandira’, a government undertaken orphanage near Race Course in city. “The pleasure in performing a full length show in front of the orphan girls was surely an unforgettable experience,” commented Suma while remembering those days.

The shows presented by Suma are usually fun-filled with jokes being cracked every now and then. She usually takes the role of a mother and Ricky the doll as her child and deliver every possible notorious and mischievous dialogues tackling the present social situations. While speaking about the format and presentation of her shows, Suma said, “My shows are usually built up constantly. No story line and no dedicated themes can be found. But I develop the script and sequence everything according to my audience and the society.” She also added, “My master has taught me everything and imbibed his knowledge into me. Apart from that, I have implemented my own style of presentation to avoid the imitations of my master.”

Suma is lucky enough to have a husband and children who support her a lot in fulfilling her dreams. Her husband who is a businessman has been assisting Suma everywhere and in every show to make it a success. “He is the one who assists me back stage,” said Suma with happiness loaded in her words.

Suma Rajkumar, a unique talent in a very unique field, is really an appreciable woman who has proved once again that women are no lesser than men. She is also a trained yoga practitioner and is currently teaching her students daily for two hours along side her busy schedule. Suma has also been a proud recipient of the prestigious “Kittur Rani Chenamma Prashasthi” for her tremendous achievement in ventriloquism and illusion along with other numerous awards like “Kadamba Seva Ratna,” “Mysore Nakshatra,” “Kayaka Ratna” and many more. She truly is an inspiration for all the mothers and homemakers to keep their right step ahead to live a life they deserve!

[Suma Rajkumar can be contacted on Mob: 94806-39568]

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 31st,  2014

All-India Open Dog show

357 dogs of 37 breeds participate

 District Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad is seen releasing catalogues on dogs at the All-India Level Dog Show conducted by the Canine Club of Mysore (CCM) at the Dasara Expo Ground this morning while MLA G.T. Devegowda, CCM President B.P. Manjunath, former MUDA Chairman L. Nagendra and others look on. Picture right shows a lady holding a St. Bernard, which was a star attraction at the Show.
District Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad is seen releasing catalogues on dogs at the All-India Level Dog Show conducted by the Canine Club of Mysore (CCM) at the Dasara Expo Ground this morning while MLA G.T. Devegowda, CCM President B.P. Manjunath, former MUDA Chairman L. Nagendra and others look on. Picture right shows a lady holding a St. Bernard, which was a star attraction at the Show.

Mysore :

The people assembled at Dasara Expo Grounds here watched in sheer awe and praise as dogs of various breeds sashayed on the ramp with immaculate behavior at the first All India Open Dog Show organised by Canine Club of Mysore (CCM) this morning.

In all, 357 dogs of 37 breeds including Siberian Husky, Pinscher, Great Dane, Pug, Boxer, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd, Mudhol, Chow, Hound, Labrador, Dachshund, Beagle and Cocker Spaniel participated in the show.

The show was judged by Edwina Thomas, Yvonne Meintjes from Austrialia, C.V. Sudarshan from Chennai and T. Preetham from Bangalore. Prizes will be awarded in the evening.

The dogs were judged on seven parameters like gait, health, looks, behavior and taking orders from the owner. The smallest of the dogs weighed just 1.5 kg.

The dog owners had come from Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pune, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and other places.

It was a common sight to find some of the owners pampering their prized exotic possessions in the air-conditioned comfort of their vehicles as they did not want to take any chance with the vagaries of weather which could affect the dogs.

Some of the participating dogs were seen draped in dazzling clothes to beautify them.

A few stalls had cropped up at the grounds to sell dog biscuits, belts, leads and toiletries, making good business.

District In-charge Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad inaugurated the dog show which was dedicated to late Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar.

Earlier to that, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar offered floral tributes to a portrait of Wadiyar kept on the dais.

MLA G.T. Devegowda, CCM President B.P. Manjunath, BJP leader L. Nagendra and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 31st,  2014

Major Dhyanchand Memorial hockey : NIE, Teresian FGC win titles

NIE team, which won the College boys title in the Dhyanchand Memorial Hockey Tourney, conducted by the National Sports Day Celebration Committee & DYES at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium Hockey Grounds in city, is seen with the guests during the valedictory on Friday.
NIE team, which won the College boys title in the Dhyanchand Memorial Hockey Tourney, conducted by the National Sports Day Celebration Committee & DYES at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium Hockey Grounds in city, is seen with the guests during the valedictory on Friday.

Mysore :

Defending champion, National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysore, on Friday, retained the title in the College Boys section in Major Dhyanchand Memorial Hockey Tournament-2014, conducted jointly by the National Sports day Celebration Committee and DYES, Mysore.

NIE’s Muthanna impressed with two goals in the 44th and 49th minutes of the game. Mohan Poovaiah scored in the 11th minute. Nachappa scored the lone goal for the loser in the 4th minute through a field goal. SJCE, Mysore, secured the third place. SJCE beat SBRR Mahajana FGC 5-0 to register a big win. Manjunath scored a brace (18th & 46th min) and K.P. Aiyappa, Aditya and Suraj were the goal scorers.

In the College Girls Section, Teresian FGC beat Teresian PU College 2-1 and clinched the title. B.M. Komala (10th min) and Sandhya Rani (25th min) were the goal scorers.

In the High School Boys Section, Sree Ramakrishna Vidyashala beat JSS High School 2-1 in the final.

In the High School Girls final, Demonstration School beat JSS HS 1-0.

In the Primary Boys Section, JSS (S) beat DMS 1-0 to clinch the title.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / August 30th,  2014

Renowned Kathak dancer Maya Rao dead

 

Maya Rao
Maya Rao

Renowned Kathak dancer Maya Rao, who helped the dance form gain popularity in South India, died here on Monday. She was 86. Known for her mastery over abhinaya and dance ballet, Maya Rao died at a private hospital following a massive cardiac arrest, according to her only daughter Madhu Nataraj, Kathak and contemporary dancer.

Guru to nearly 4,000 students across the globe in about eight decades of her career, she set up the Natya Institute of Dance and Choreography in 1987 here. Scores of her students paid their last respects to “Maya Didi” at the institute at Malleswaram.

Some of her dance ballets such as Amir Khusro, Krishnadevaraya, Vijayanagara Vaibhava, and Masti’s Kaamana Billu are regarded as masterpiece productions in dance.

Maya Rao, recipient of the National Award for Choreography, was born in 1928 in Bangalore, and practised the Lucknow and Jaipur gharana of Kathak having learnt from greats such as Shambhu Maharaj and Sunder Prasad. Armed with a Master’s in Choreography from the USSR in 1964, Maya’s ground-breaking work in choreography has helped thousands of dancers learn the composition and arrangement of dances.

Maya Rao was cremated in the evening.

source: http;//www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Ranjani Govind / Bangalore – September 02nd, 2014

DVD on Daasara Padagalu

 Mysore :

The premier launch of Daasar – The Fables, India’s first DVD with animated visuals on Daasara Padagalu, will take place at 6 pm on Sept.1 at Bhavan’s Priyamvada Birla Institute of Management auditorium, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Vijayanagara First Stage.

Prof. Bhashyam Swamiji, founder of Vijayanagar Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple will be the chief guest. N. Ramanuja, Chairman, BVB Bangalore and Dr. A.T. Bhashyam, Hon. Treasurer, BVB Mysore, will be the guests of honour. BVB Offg. Chairman & ‘Star of Mysore’ Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy will preside.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Brief / August 30th,  2014

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Daasa Sahitya Animated DVD released 

BVB Mysore Officiating Chairman and Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy (centre) released the DVD ‘Daasa - The Fables’ in city yesterday. Others seen are Vedatma Animation Studios Director B.S. Srinivas, Gundlupet Municipal Councillor S. Govindarajan, BVB Karnataka Chairman N. Ramanuja, BVB Mysore Hon. Treasurer Dr. A.T. Bhashyam and Vedatma Animation Studios Managing Director Sukanya Srinivas.
BVB Mysore Officiating Chairman and Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy (centre) released the DVD ‘Daasa – The Fables’ in city yesterday. Others seen are Vedatma Animation Studios Director B.S. Srinivas, Gundlupet Municipal Councillor S. Govindarajan, BVB Karnataka Chairman N. Ramanuja, BVB Mysore Hon. Treasurer Dr. A.T. Bhashyam and Vedatma Animation Studios Managing Director Sukanya Srinivas.

Mysore : (SBD&DM)

India’s first DVD with animated visuals on Daasara Padagalu (Daasa – The Fables), brought out by Vedatma Animation Studios, Bangalore, was released at a function organised at Bhavan’s Priyamvada Birla Institute of Management, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Vijayanagar, here yesterday.

Speaking after releasing the DVD, BVB Mysore Officiating Chairman and Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy said that the DVD is a very useful tool in developing a devotional mindset among the people, who are living in the midst of a confused society.

Ganapathy further said that this DVD was brought out not purely for commercial purpose but also as a service to the society.

BVB Karnataka Chairman N. Ramanuja complimented Vedatma Studios for bringing out the DVD with the united efforts of everyone involved. Terming late Mathur Krishnamurthy, K.B. Ganapathy, P.S. Ganapathy and A.V. Narasimha Murthy as pillars of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Ramanuja recalled their services in the growth of the BVB.

Vedatma Animation Studios Managing Director Sukanya Srinivas, who delivered the keynote address, gave a brief on the greatness of Daasa Sahitya.

BVB Mysore Hon. Treasurer Dr. A.T. Bhashyam, Gundlupet Municipal Councillor S. Govindarajan, Vedatma Animation Studios Director B.S. Srinivas and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / September 02nd,  2014

In candid conversation …

‘Mysore is my heroine in my anthem for MYSORE WARRIORS,’ says Raghu Dixit !

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Intro: Noted Music Director, Singer and Composer Raghu Dixit, who has composed the Team Anthem “Nee Salam Hodi” for Mysore Warriors, the KPL franchise from Mysore owned by NR Group, manufacturers of Cycle Pure Agarbathies, was in city and Star of Mysore caught up with the Mysorean at heart and a musician by soul. Excerpts:

by Phalgunn Maharishi

What Mysore is to you?

Well, it’s my home town and the best years of my life have been there right from childhood to Pre-University and Post-Graduation. That is definitely still where my heart is [laughs]… and my mom is! It is the centre of my universe.

“Nee Salam Hodi” is a unique anthem of its own kind with some extra energies filled in it. What made you compose it the way it is?

The song had to reflect the energies and sentiments of Mysore Warriors. The word ‘warriors’ itself pretty explains that the boys are ready for the battle and the song had to be a battle cry! Yet, at the end of the day, it is just a game with fun added into it. There is nothing better than the “Tapanguchi” style to express fun in Karnataka [laughs]. It is the heartbeat of folk music in Karnataka. And also from the audience perspective I had to bring in the fact that the team belongs to our city and that’s the reason for the words “Nee Salam Hodi.”

So, you are happy supporting them…

Absolutely! See I am from Mysore and I am just fortunate enough that some Belgaum or Bellary team didn’t invite me to compose a theme song [laughs].

And, how do you feel working for the anthem?

I had complete pride and honour in accepting the work and thanks to Arjun Ranga [team owner]. He used to be my classmate in PU at Mahajana. So, that’s the connection we have. For all these twenty years, he never gave me a single call or a message [laughs]. Now he called me and it was for a good reason [laughs].

You met your long lost friend [Arjun Ranga] again in life! How was it?

Well, yes, this anthem has also been an opportunity for the revival of a friendship that was kind of forgotten and lost. [laughs] It was great actually! Everything worked not in a client and service provider kind of relationship but in a friendship. I told you, he called me for a good reason.

How long did you take to compose the anthem?

Oh, I didn’t have much time actually. The song was completed in five days since Arjun called me. It took three days to compose and two days to produce it.

That’s great! So, when was it launched?

Well, it was completed on 23rd of August and launched at the Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore.

Can you provide us an inside information about the song… like who worked with you for the musical part and where was it produced?

Well, actually some instruments have been recorded live by my band mates — like Guitar by Bryden, Flute by Parth Chandiramani and Bass Guitar by Gaurav while the rest of the instruments were programmed by me in the computer. The song was actually recorded at my own studio in Bangalore.

Do you think the backbone of the song is Arjun Ranga or the Mysore City?

Well, actually… the idea for the song was by Arjun Ranga but the backbone is definitely the Mysore city. Mysore is my heroine in this anthem [laughs].

Okay, so has the song reached the hearts of Mysoreans?

Well, it has just been a few days since the launch! It will take some time and once the tournament starts, we hope to reach more people through the song. But, yes! Whoever has listened to it have loved it!

You have composed many songs. Is there any difference you find in yourself while you worked for this anthem?

Well, inspiration was always in my heart as I am a Mysorean and I didn’t have to look on that. For other songs I usually look at the lyrics or the person who is acting in a film. But as I told before, Mysore city itself was my heroine, so it was really easy for me!

Do you think Mysore Warriors will win the KPL?

They are looking super good in the paper. I have met them couple of times during the shoot of music video and also its launch. They are in a very good form I believe. A few are experienced and some are brand new! Well, it’s a good mix. The determination should carry them forward. I would be really thrilled if they can get inspired by the song and bring home the winning trophy.

How has your journey been from the days of ‘Mysore se aayi’ to ‘Nee Salam Hodi?’

Well, my life has been eventful. It is worth a film story I guess someday… I don’t know. I really consider myself a very fortunate one for having experienced many amazing places, moments like playing in front of Queen Elizabeth herself and also for travelling around the world. Very few are blessed to live up to their dreams and I consider myself one of them. I have just loved each and every second of it.

Okay then, let’s wrap this session up with this last question. Any words you would like to tell to Mysoreans?

Well, I love you all! Please keep showering me and our Mysore Warriors all the love and wishes. I am looking forward to see you all support our team by sharing the anthem in social networking sites!

PS: Mysore Warriors anthem can be downloaded at www.mysorewarriors.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014

Sea Shell Ganesha

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Mysore :

City’s noted Sea Shell artist Radha Mallappa is seen giving final touches to the 11 feet tall idol of Ganesha made out of sea shells at her residence in Bannimantap.

She has worked on it for the past three years, using 260kgs of sea shells of 240 types, including some exotic varieties, the entire project costing approximately Rs. 8 lakhs.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014

Seven Myra students selected for study-abroad programme

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Mysore :

Seven students of MYRA School of Business, Yelwal, have been selected to study one semester at Católica–Lisbon School of Business and Economics in Portugal.

As part of its state-of-the-art programmes, MYRA School has a Study-Abroad Programme, to provide students a greater understanding of cross-cultural trade and business practices and to promote cultural interchange of ideas.

MYRA has established global partnerships with global business schools namely W. P. Carey School of Business in the US, Católica–Lisbon School of Business and Economics in Portugal and University of Washington Bothell School of Business, USA.

The seven students who have been selected to study at Catolica Lisbon School of Business and Economics in Portugal are: S. Bharat, Navin Kumar, M. Rituja, Ragini Sharma, Surya Vadhana, Ashutosh Kar and Chankey Agrawal. They will be studying Finance and Marketing courses for one semester.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014

City’s science whizkid Shreesha designs ‘ E-Cart ’

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Mysore :

City’s science whiz kid R. Shreesha, a II PUC student of Vijaya Vittala Pre-University College, won the National-level Amateur Scientist Competition organised by PES University in Bangalore recently.

Shreesha won the award for his project ‘e-Cart — The multipurpose Hybrid Vehicle.’ Previously, he had won the second prize for designing a Self-Sustained Wheel Chair last year.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Shreesha said that the e-Cart was designed for Senior Citizens and the Physically Challenged to carry out their tasks at various levels independently and efficiently. “The e-Cart can be used at the malls as a shopping cart/wheelchair, but also a swift vehicle ‘On Road’ with its most inventive features,” he said.

Shreesha was assisted by M.V. Krishna, Ajaya R. Shankar, T.V. Varun, Himanshu Vikram Sharma and V. Adithya.

Shreesha is the son of R.S. Ramaswamy, a retd. Principal of Mahajana High School and S. Srimathi, a home maker. The Management and Staff of Vijaya Vittala PU college have congratulated Sreesha on his achievement.

The features of the e-Cart include:

• Dual motor front wheel drive.

• Most comfortable rider seat with auto ignition and spacious fold features.

• Walk-along Mode.

• Intelligent auto-drive.

• Body massager seat

• Anti-collusion cruise control.

• Built-in phone/laptop charger

• Built-in billing & payment unit.

• Darkness sensing.

• Temperature controlled cabin.

• The safest of its kind to users with automatic fire extinguish system.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014