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Sangeetha Kalanidhis of Mysore

March 2, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leadersadmin

by M.L. Krishnaswamy

The Madras (Chennai) Music Academy is one of the oldest Music Sabhas or organisations catering to the South Indian or Karnatak style of music in the whole of South India. It’s deliberations or festivals celebrating music in all its variety and glory are conducted in the December month of each year, sometimes reaching out to early January also.

Each year the festival starts in the morning and goes through the day, culminating in a concert in the evening by a senior musician of the day. Each year they have made it a practice to invite a very senior Vidwan or Musician of the day to preside over a function, deliberating on the discussions and nuances of the Karnatak style of music and on the last day, he or she will be conferred with the title “Sangeetha Kalanidhi,” the highest award to be given to any musician of the region comprising the four major States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka.

This highly distinctive title — something akin to the ‘Tansen Samman’ in the North has been conferred on four senior musicians of Mysore namely, all late K. Vasudevacharya, T. Chowdaiah, Mysore V. Doreswamy Iyengar and R.K. Srikantan.

This is a great honour for Mysoreans and all of us should justly be proud of the four stalwarts mentioned above. I will write about these four gentlemen in my subsequent series. In fact, the latter two of the above four have been honoured with the Padma Bhushan.

Let me now deviate from the above for a while and write about another forgotten aspect of our heritage city and what our present day Mysoreans’ contributions should be to make Mysore truly befitting to earn that epithet. In this connection, Raga Vaibhav — a nearly decade old — had organised a musical discourse on Saint Thyagaraja last month by the well-known Vidushi Vishaka Hari of Chennai, who gave a splendid performance to a crowded audience of connoisseurs. She exhorted that Mysore should build beautiful Bhavans or Auditoria in the names of the above mentioned four stalwarts.

My suggestion in this connection are as follows:

(i) Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa and Basavanna are the three stellar names in the field of Music and Vachana in pure Kannada language. The former two created what is called ‘Dasa Sahitya’ while the third one created ‘Vachana Sahitya,’ both rich in literary content and philosophical output. We have to commemorate their rich legacy by constructing a beautiful memorial structure in the form of a central circle with three outshoots at 120° apart, each being dedicated to each of the above saints, as is indicated roughly below: and depicting and displaying the photographs, historical evidence and their voluminous contributions to the rich legacy of Kannada literature and music. The central circular building will have a small auditorium with a capacity of 100-200 to stage concerts relating to the above luminaries. The way they have enhanced the content of the Kannada culture is by all means fantastic and the above mentioned structure will be a display-edifice of

their works. This will truly be a notable addition to the heritage title of the city and the discerning tourists, both local and foreign will have a good time visiting this architectural marvel and savo- uring the music and songs of the trio in a compact place with facilities made available accordingly. In course of time, such a centre should become a veritable source of guidance and teaching to young artistes in the field. Audio & video and other adjunct facilities should also be made available in these structures.

(ii) How to fund the above effort?

There are many leading industrial houses in Mysore such as Infosys, Larson & Toubro, N.R. Group and many others who should be persuaded to fund such ventures in a big way on appeals made by the Kannada and Culture Department and Tourism Development Corporation on the Government side and other philanthropic minded connoisseurs of Mysore. As regards the contributions of Basavanna, the Suttur Mutt can be persuaded or requested to associate itself in such a venture in a big way. I am sure Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji, the presiding pontiff of the Mutt will not say ‘NO’ to such an appeal. The Departments are focal point to float the idea and should enlist support from the culturally oriented citizens of Mysore. These edifices would surely attract a large number of tourists also.

In this connection, I have to regretfully mention about the tardy progress made by the Government as regards the house of late R.K. Narayan, an English language Novelist of Mysore, who had made a great name in the literary field. Will the authorities wake up now and complete the project?

The Chief Minister of Karnataka is from Mysore and it is not out of place if an appeal is made to him in this respect to launch this project and make necessary budgetary provisions after envisaging the support of the private enterprises as mentioned above. A kick-start can be made and the ball set in motion.

It is very interesting to note here that the three luminaries namely— Purandaradasa (a Nayaka community born by name Krishnappa Nayaka in an earlier avatar before his enlightenment and evolution); Kanakadasa (a Kuruba community man, who strode into limelight after his enlightenment and JagaJyothi Basavanna (a Brahmin by birth, who shunned his sub-caste and founded a new religious order namely, Veerashaivism). The contributions of all the three to Kannada literature and philosophical thought are immense. It is impossible to imagine that how in their absence, the Kannada literary and cultural world would have been poorer in substance and content. It is only proper that the heritage city of Mysore should honour these stalwarts with appropriate memorials.

At this juncture it would not be out of place if, to the list of three persons above mentioned, another name is added: D.V. Gundappa, whose ‘Manku Thimmana Kagga’, a classic by itself and, if it had been translated into English, it would have perhaps hit the portals of the Nobel Committee meriting a prize along with ‘Geethanjali,’ Rabindranath Tagore’s masterly classic which brought him the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Note: We already have three such auditoria named as ‘Vasudevacharya Bhavana’, ‘Veena Sheshanna Bhavana’ and ‘Bidaram Krishnappa Ramamandira,’ all named after three musical greats of Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / February 24th, 2014

Country’s First Electric Bus Launched in Bangalore

March 1, 2014Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Science & Technology, Traveladmin

BMTC launched an electric bus at Shantinagar Bus Station on Thursday; Right: A view of the interiors | Sudhakara Jain

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) introduced the country’s first electric zero-emission bus in the city on Thursday.

Although the bus has been in Bangalore for over a month now, it was officially launched by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy after getting the required permissions from the Transport Department.

The bus will run on a trial basis for the next three months. During this time, it will operate along various routes, beginning with one from Majestic to Kadugodi that is likely to cost `80.

Plans are also afoot to run the bus along the airport routes. The charging point for the bus is at the Volvo depot at Majestic.

“We will study whether the bus is economical and if it can function efficiently in the city. When the battery is fully charged (six hours), the bus can run for about 250 km, which is ideal for BMTC. However, this needs to be tested. We also need to see how it fares on various roads in the city and which routes are best suited to operate the bus,” said BMTC managing director Anjum Parvez.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that though the bus is expensive, it is likely to be a good deal as a long-term investment.

“The bus costs about `2.7 crore and this is expensive. But this is one bus in the entire country. Once the demand for the bus goes up and more people express interest in purchasing it, the rates are likely to come down. Moreover, the research and development wings of various bus manufacturers are working on this and it is some only time before the initial cost of the bus is reduced,” he said.

When asked if the state government would be willing to share the cost or offer subsidies, Reddy said, “We will consider various options if the bus is found to be suitable for the city. At present, it is on a three-month trial and following this, a decision will be taken on whether or not to purchase the bus,” he said. He added that what was important was that pollution levels would be brought down by using electric buses, hybrid or CNG-operated buses. The bus, manufactured by Build Your Dreams (BYD), was brought to India by Utopia Pvt Ltd. At least 5,000 such buses are operational in countries such as the United States, Netherlands, Switzerland and some European countries.

GOING GREEN

Zero emission

No oil required

Costs Rs 2.7 crore (Volvo Rs 88 lakh)

Fare from Majestic to Kadugodi – Rs 80

Runs for 250 km with 6 hours of charging

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service – Bangalore / February 28th, 2014

Eavesdropping on some Mysore court musicians – 2

March 1, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independenceadmin

Here we present the last part of the column ‘Eavesdropping on some Mysore Court Musicians’ by R.G. Singh of Ramsons Kala Pratishtana…

Mysore :

Veene Subanna was yet another star in firmament of stars that surrounded Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV.

Veene Subbanna was born with the proverbial silver spoon since not only was he born into wealth but he was also the grandson of Veene Venkatsubbaiah. Venkatasubbaiah was musician at the court of Tanjore and was invited by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III to the Mysore Royal Court.

Subbanna was born in 1854 into a family of musicians tracing their lineage to the legendary Adi Appayya of Viriboni Varnam. Subanna’s grandfather Venkatasubbaiah’s extraordinary skills earned him both honours and lands as gifts.

The untimely early death of his younger brother left Subbanna the sole heir to the vast properties.

Subanna’s music lessons began early under the guidance of his father Dodda Sheshanna from whom he learnt Veena and Mysore Sadashiva Rao who trained him in singing. He, along with Veena Seshanna would practice for long hours. Subbanna often sang along as he played.

Musicians visiting the court of Mysore were invited to perform in Subbanna’s house and Subbanna would honour them with money and rewards several times more than that given by the King himself.

At one concert, Ramnad Srinivas Iyengar, after giving a concert at Subbanna’s house, found that his ring was missing. Subbanna at once brought out his own jewel box and showing the musician several rings requested him to take whatever he wanted. The story is that Srinivas Iyengar chose the most expensive one!

It is believed that Subbanna donated to charity liberally and even gave away his 300-year-old Kanaka Rajata Veena, to his disciple Keshava Murthy !

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by R.G. Singh / February 23rd, 2014

Bangalore’s 5-year-old kid in Guinness Book of Records for skating

February 26, 2014Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, World Opinionadmin

Bangalore :

A five-year-old boy from the city made it to the Guiness Boook of World Records by skating under 39 Toyota Qualis cars in just 28 seconds. The wonder kid, Gagan S, a kindergarten student at Florence School in Basveshwaranagar, achieved this feat last month.

The boy broke the record of Rohan, 9, from Belgaum who skated across 24 cars in 47 seconds.

Gagan’s father Satish works at a washing machine service centre. He said Gagan was always enthusiastic about skating and joined the skating classes just one-and-half year ago.

Gagan’s proud parents hoped Gagan’s achievement would help skating gain popularity in India and more youngsters take up the sport.

It is not the first recognisation of Gagan’s skating abilities though. In November last year, he had won the ‘youngest skate award’ in Belgaum. His parents now dream about sending him to the Olympics.

OneIndia News

source: http://www.news.oneindia.in / Home> OneIndia> News> Bangalore / by Shubham Ghosh / Thursday – February 13th, 2014

Bangalore: Nine from coast get state Media Academy Awards

February 26, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, Alladmin

Bangalore :

The Karnataka Madhyama Academy Awards were conferred on persons with outstanding contributions to the field of journalism by chief minister Siddaramaiah at a function organized on Monday February 24 at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha. These awards pertain to the years 2012 and 2013.

Among the winners were nine from coastal region – Founder of Udayavani daily and managing director of Manipal Media Networks T Sathish U Pai, Chetan Padubidri of Udayavani (Mysore Diganta award for the best human interest article), B M Hanif of Prajavani (Dakshina Kannada), Surendra S Wagle of Vijayavani (Dakshina Kannada), Thimmappa Bhat of Vijayavani (Uttara Kannada), Sadashiva Shenoy (Dakshina Kannada), P S Chandrashekar (Udupi), Ravi Hegde of Udayavani (Uttara Kannada) and Raghavendra Bhat of Kannada Prabha (Uttarakannada).

They were among the 58 journalists to receive the awards. In addition to Satish Pai, Prof H S Eshwar from Shimoga and veteran journalist, H S Balaram, received special prize for lifetime contribution to the field of journalism.

Speaking on the occasion, president of Karnataka Working Journalists Union president, Gangadhar Modaliyar, thanked the chief minister for his positive response to the demand for providing health insurance to the families of journalists, and raising the honorarium for retired journalists to Rs 6,000 per month.

Minister for information, R Roshan Baig, presided over the programme. MLC, K Govindaraju, secretary of Kannada, culture, and information department, K R Niranjan, director of information department, N R Vishukumar, and academy secretary, S Shankarappa, were present.

In his introductory address, president of the academy, M A Ponnappa, said that the academy has now been functioning more professionally and actively than ever before.

In his address, chief minister, Siddaramaiah, requested the newspaper and television media to lay more emphasis on serving public interest rather that selfish interests. He asked them to give importance to value-based objective information and investigative reports rather than simply conveying falsified statements of political and other leaders. He also held himself against giving exaggerated coverage to unimportant news items for sensationalizing them.

The special awards carry cash reward Rs 20,000 each and a plaque, while the other awards carry Rs 10,000 in cash and a plaque.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – (SP) / Bangalore – February 25th , 2014

Minister Ramanath Rai interacts with Mangaloreans in Doha

February 26, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinionadmin

Doha :

The enthusiastic Mangaloreans who had gathered in the Ashoka Hall at ICC premises on Wednesday February 12 had an opportunity to meet and interact with Karnataka minister for forest and ecology and Dakshina Kannada district incharge Ramanath Rai.

It was the first-ever visit by a Karnataka minister to Doha Qatar. Ramanath Rai was on a private visit, courtesy Kasaragod District Expatriate Association-Qatar.

The interaction with the minister on Wednesday was organized by Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) along with other Karnataka Associations in Qatar.

The evening began with an introduction by compere of the evening Divakar Poojary, followed by a welcome address by KSQ president Deepak Shetty. Later, presidents of various Associations such as Karnataka Sangha, Tulu Koota Qatar, MCC, Bunts Qatar, KMCA, Billawas Qatar, Kundapur Muslim Welfare Association, and South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association escorted Ramanath Rai and KPCC minority cell general secretary and Central Coir Board member T M Shaied to the dais. All the guests were welcomed with bouquets by KSQ children. Bunts Qatar president Ravi Shetty then presented a brief profile of Ramanath Rai to the gathering.

He was felicitated with a shawl and ‘Mysore Peta’ also presented with a memento by representatives of each of the Associations present.

It was then the turn of Ramanath Rai to address the gathering. Speaking in Kannada, he expressed his happiness on being the first minister from Karnataka to visit Qatar and lauded the unity of Kannadiga expats in Qatar. He then placed before the gathering his plans for Mangalore in particular and undivided Dakshina Kannada in general. He spoke on developing modern infrastructure including construction of better national and state highways which would boost connectivity.

He further said that he was a leader since his days as a student, when he was president of student Congress, Youth Congress, district Congress, as MLA and now district incharge and forest minister. Further, he humbly added that he may not have mega projects to show to his credit but he served the political field with sincerity and honesty, maintaining a clean image, and this is why people of all communities elected him six times as MLA.

Thereafter, he discussed his plans and visions with the gathering, listened to their opinions and assured to implement all that he has planned.

KPCC minority cell general secretary T M Shaied in his address thanked all Kannadigas in Qatar for their contribution to the country by making sacrifices such as leaving their families back home. He requested everyone not to support any communal agendas and urged them to unitedly fight against anti-social elements and build a strong India.

Later a question and answer session was held wherein the gathering was given a chance to discuss various issues with the minister.

To a question on extending the runway at Mangalore International Airport for which land is yet to acquired, he said, “Once the land is acquired, the runway will be extended and wide-bodied aircraft will then be able to land at Mangalore airport without any safety issues. But this is a lengthy and costly process and will take some time,” he added.

A specific query was raised about the proposed ultra mega power plant at Niddodi, to which Ramanath Rai said that the project will never happen and hence there was no need to discuss it either.

On being asked to comment on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), he said, “Some people promise many things when they are not in power, but when they come into power they try to escape from responsibility.”

For a question on forest and animal protection, he replied, “A couple of years back there were only 3,000 elephants in Karnataka whereas today there are more than 6,000. However, expanse of forest has remained the same.

Further he said the present government has introduced a new scheme wherein those installing solar fence for their land will get 50 percent of the total cost from the government.

On the controversial Yettinahole project, he said the Karnataka government has studied the case and assured that diversion of Netravati river would not have impact on Dakshina Kannada.

Over 200 office-bearers and members from various associations such as Karnataka Sangha, Tulu Koota Qatar MCC, KMCA, SKMWA, KMWA, Billawa Sangha and others attend the gathering.

Abdulla Monu proposed the vote of thanks. Snacks and tea were served to the gathering.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Doha / Doha, Thursday – February 13th, 2014

City industry scene …: Ganesha food products

February 26, 2014Business & Economyadmin

Delivering Quality Food Products to Mysoreans

By S. Kenneth Shishir

India is known as the “Home of Spices” and has a long history of trading. It is a known fact that even the Britishers who came to India as traders, were drawn towards the rich fragrance of these spices. Today, Indian spices are popular all over the world, for their exquisite aroma, texture and taste. In fact, India has the largest domestic and global market for spices.

One such industry in Mysore which manufactures spice powders and Vermicelli is Ganesha Food Products located at Belagola Food, Industrial Area, Metagalli, in city, which has become a household name, especially for its Vermicelli.

Started by Krishnamurthy at a small corner of his home in 1976 by manufacturing vermicelli and various spice powders, Ganesha Food Products, now, supplies chilly powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and Puliyogare mix to various outlets in Mysore district.

Krishnamurthy, speaking to Star of Mysore, said, “Marketing in those days was really difficult. I was supplying products to K.R. Hospital, P.K. Sanatorium and many hostels in city; it was a one man show then.”

“In 1990, I thought of expanding the unit and by chance saw an advertisement in the paper about a sick unit in city being put up for sale. I immediately approached KSFC which provided me with financial assistance. I then started a manufacturing unit under the name Ganesha Food Products in 1992. The then DGM of KSFC helped me a lot,” he added.

Soon after, Krishnamurthy’s eldest son Narasimhamurthy, after completing his PU, joined the business. Then his other sons Keshavamurthy, a BE (Mech.) graduate, Guruprasad, a B.Com graduate and Raghavendra, a BE (Electricals) graduate, joined too, thus making it a family business.

His business grew and Krishnamurthy then faced the problem of space constraint. He then bought another sick unit and launched a second unit of Ganesha Products, close to the first unit. Even this time, KSFC came to his help and provided financial assistance.

Speaking about the quality of his products, Krishnamurthy said that his products were getting good response from the consumers due to the quality of products that he is maintaining since its inception till date. “Giving our consumers quality food products is our motto and we never compromise on quality,” he added.

He further said, “because we give quality products, we have survived in this industry. Food industries today, are facing a lot of competitions and most of the food industries in the surroundings have closed down due to stiff competitions from MNCs.”

Krishnamurthy said, apart from catering to the needs of our own Mysoreans, we now supply our products to other parts of Mysore district, Bellary, Davangere, Shimoga, Hiriyur, Udupi, Mangalore and other places.

Even major hotels in Mysore and Bangalore use our products.

Speaking about the raw materials required for manufacturing, he said that raw materials are purchased at the source where they are auctioned, example, for an item like Chilly. “We buy the products only after checking it’s quality. Sometimes, products are bought from Maharashtra also if we are not satisfied with the quality of our raw materials at the local markets.”

Speaking about the taxes levied on their products, Krishnamurthy said that the raw materials are exempted from taxes but taxes are levied on the finished products and also for packing materials.

His son Narasimhamurthy said that earlier there were a lot of food industries like pickle manufacturing units, jam manufacturing units, squash manufacturing units and much more in this zone, which is popularly called as ‘Belagola Food Industrial Area,’ but due too stiff competitions from MNCs, most of them have closed down.

He said, “if you want to run an industry you should not depend on anybody. Apart from giving 100% efforts, one has to be a driver, a technician, an electrician and should have a sound knowledge of everything pertaining to the industry to survive and succeed.”

He further said that their products are manufactured according to the standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and to guarantee this standard, they make use of the latest technology and the latest machineries and equipments.

Krishnamurthy said that his industry has survived all these years because of the quality and patience which is a must, also because of good business etiquettes and full support of his family members especially his sons who are now the working partners for the industry.

The work place and all the surrounding places are kept clean, tidy and hygienic in order to have cent percent sanitation. Employees and management of Ganesha Food Products are dedicated in providing best quality foods to every household.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> Feature Articles / February 22nd, 2014

Meet the multifaceted actor, philanthropist, teacher and much more …

February 26, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinionadmin

He is one of the good looking actors in the Kannada Film Industry. Though, he has not acted in many movies, he is highly regarded for his acting skills. We are talking about Chethan Kumar, Kannada cinema actor who made his debut in the 2007 released film Aa Dinagalu, which was great hit in recent times. Chethan is also a theatre artiste who has been using this form of art to educate the rural women and other students. Being born and both up in Chicago, USA, Chethan has completed his BA in South Asian Studies with an emphasis to Comparative Theatre Studies. He also received a Fulbright Scholarship to come to India in 2006.

Chethan has also been serving as Rural School Instructor, Mullur, Karnataka. He has been voluntarily teaching critical thinking and analytical skills at Vinayaka Gnana Vidya Shale, which is located 25 km away from Mysore, Karnataka. Star of Mysore caught with the actor when he was in city yesterday to inaugurate a college event. Excerpts…

By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Star of Mysore (SOM): Having born and bought up in US, what made you to settle in India?

Chethan: Normally, we learn about some places in books and by watching programmes on television. But, the fact is that one will get to know more only by visiting such places. I wanted to be in India for several reasons among which one is to educate the rural masses who have been denied access to education. Being a theatre artiste I have used the art to educate the rural women and I have been working constantly with women Self Help Groups creating awareness on various issues.

SOM: Being an actor you have involved yourself with many philanthropic works. Tell us more about it?

Chethan: As an actor, it is important to do something for the society. There are several issues which need to be addressed in our State and country. One of the recent things that grabbed my attention was the Endosulfan. It was very sad to see children suffering for no fault of theirs. It is good that the State Government has taken steps to help these children and also against the use of Endosulfan.

SOM: You are actively involved in student movement and also in fight against discrimination. What do you have to say about it?

Chethan: Education is the most important means to create awareness among the people. I have been involved with Student Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) which have been fighting for various causes related to education. If the society has to develop, education plays a vital role. For me, everyone in the society has to be educated. This apart, discrimination between men and women, castes still exists in the society. My intention is to fight against such discriminations and eradicate the social evil.

SOM: After making your debut as an actor in 2007, you are not seen in movies. You seem to be very choosy when it comes to scripts. Is it true?

Chethan: Yes. For me script is very important. I believe that cinema is a medium which should be used to send good message to the society. People get influenced by watching cinemas. As an actor, I only do movies which I think will have a positive impact on the society. I do not accept movies which glorify rowdism or where women are ill-treated. I have been hearing to number of scripts which have good characters. Hopefully, you will see me soon on silver screen.

SOM: What do you have to say about the present scenario in Kannada Film Industry?

Chethan: A number of newcomers have been trying to make their mark in the industry, which is a positive sign. But, if the industry has to grow further, it is important that we give emphasis to writers and directors. Of course, the subject has to be good. Unfortunately, we have been remaking movies from other languages. Writers should be given importance to come out with good original subjects. 2013 was good year for our industry. Hopefully, we will get to watch good movies in the years to come.

SOM: Your take on dubbing?

Chethan: Firstly, Karnataka has less number of theatres compared to other States. Sometimes there is fight for releasing Kannada movies. Dubbing will only affect the labourers of our industry. In my opinion, it is only for making money and nothing else. I have no problem if programmes of NGC and Discovery channels are dubbed as it can reach more people. But, movies are good to watch in original languages.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> Feature Articles / February 22nd, 2014

Pharma Fest 2014 begins

February 26, 2014Business & Economy, Science & Technologyadmin

ESI Scheme Director Dr. (Mrs.) Rahimunnisa inaugurated the programme.

Mysore :

0ver 300 pharmacists of ESI hospitals attended day-long Pharma Fest-2014, organised by the pharmacists Association of ESI Hospitals of State, which commenced this morning at Guru Residency on JLB Road here.

ESI Scheme Director Dr. (Mrs.) Rahimunnisa inaugurated the programme.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Karnataka State government Employees’ Association (KSGEA) General Secretary Patel Pandu opined that the role of a pharmacist in dispensing the right medicine prescribed by a doctor was very vital. He said that a pharmacist should always be attentive and cautious is work. He advised the pharmacists to always abide by moral ethics.

Dr. Rahimunnisa and Dr. Subramanya, who are due to retire on Feb. 28, were feted on the occasion.

Children of Pharmacists — Swathi, Navya S. Rai, Deepak and Nihal — who excelled in SSLC and PU were presented prizes.

KSGEA President H.K. Ramu, Pharmacists’ Association President D.B. Mahadevaiah, Secretary M.K. Manjunath, Working President B. Mohan, General Secretary K. Narasegowda and others were present.

The afternoon session featured interaction on pharma sector.

source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> General News / February 22nd, 2014

Making a habit of it

February 25, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Science & Technologyadmin

Dr AJ Ansari (52) Director, Pristine Medical Services

His commitment to running and reading helps this doctor juggle multiple activities

A man with his finger in many pies, Dr AJ Ansari is also the President of the Classic Road Runner’s Athletic Club and MD-Chairman of Community House and Development (CHAD), an NGO. He even holds membership in various medical associations, and juggles a busy work day with multiple emails and responsibilities at the clinic. It is his exercise routine and spiritual quest that keeps him centred enough to power through his busy days.
“My day starts by 7.30 am and ends late — sometimes by midnight,” he says. But he doesn’t allow that to affect his essential rituals. As a child he would play football and basketball in Dubai, where he grew up. Later when he came to India for studies, he couldn’t join a sports club, but ensured that he was involved in some kind of sporting activity.
His running journey began a few years ago, when he participated in the Human Rights Day run organised by the Classic Road Runner’s Club. “I decided to become part of the club. We promote health through sports by conducting aerobics classes for people and continue to organise the Human Rights Day run.”
While he advocates sports to beat the stress of life, Dr Ansari is also a spiritual man. The divine texts of different religions are an important part of his morning. “I am a strong believer in God. Every morning I look for quotations from the holy writings. I have all of them. Each one has a kind of light which can guide you,” he believes. Late in the evening too, he finds solace in books, which help him “sleep better”.
It is these routines, that Dr Ansari follows without compromise, that streamline his life.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Columns> Work / by Ayesha Tabassum, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / February 24th, 2014

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