Category Archives: Uncategorized

Students generate funds for the needy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Uncategorized

Bangalore:

The world probably first took notice of the underprivileged when a princess got her hands and feet dirty while working towards aiding those who required her help, almost three decades ago. The ripple effect of which is felt when 57 students from the Richard Ivey School of Business recently donated $47,000 to the Dream School Foundation (DSF), a NGO that works in the improving the educational facilities for the underprivileged students.

The batch of 2012 of Ivey Executive MBA (EMBA) raised the funds through numerous fundraising events, including sporting tournaments, silent auctions and raffles, marathons, etc.

Brigit Rameseder, one of the students who took part in the initiative said that though she and her batch-mates had regularly worked for such causes in Canada, this was the first time they have raised funds to help someone from another country all together. “We have never done something like this on such a large scale. When we got this opportunity, we decided to make the most of it. We wanted to set an example and leave a legacy behind for other students who came to the school,” informed Rameseder.

She also said that apart from the ‘feel good factor’, the exercises also taught them a lot. “When we visited the government school here I was surprised to see that education here is imparted in so many different languages. I had no idea that the curriculum in India inculcated the use of different languages,” she said.

Though the batch would finish their school within a week’s time, most of them hope to keep in touch with the organisation in some way or the other, she added.

Maitreyee Kumar from DSF said that the money will ensure that 80 students can pursue dreams. “We want to fund education for these children beyond their tenth standard and the aid we have received from the School will greatly help. The first batch of students have already been enrolled in vocational and professional colleges,” said Kumar. She also informed that while professional courses were usually taken in Government colleges, a few students have performed exceedingly well in their academics and have landed themselves in private institutions as well. “Depending on the child’s aptitude and scores, a professional career counsellor suggest options that might interest the students. Once the choice was made by the students, we help them get into their respective colleges,” she said

Kumar also mentioned that the funds provided by the school will see the students through their education for the next two years.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / South> Bangalore / Express News Service/ The New Indian Express / January 24th, 2012

City’s NISHAT BAGH all set to become a Tourist spot

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, Uncategorized

Gazebo (pavilion) also known as the Band Stand with a painted glass dome is the main attraction of Nishat Bagh.

Nishat Bagh, popularly known as Sunnada Kuppanna Park in Nazarbad in city, is all set to attract tourists, visitors and general public as the park is being renovated to make it a tourist destination.

The Bagh is yet another regal place in Mysore that is seeing hard times. Nishat Bagh — that is its original name — was conceived by the illustrious of all the Maharajas of Mysore — Krishna-raja Wadiyar IV. His visit to the Mughal garden of the same name on the sides of Dal Lake in Srinagar was his inspiration. The Maharaja wanted one such in Mysore too.

The park is an example for late King Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV’s love of parks and gardens.

Earlier, Nishat Bagh was a sprawling park, but modernisation eventually took its toll. Expansion of roads, a sewage canal, a bus stop in the corner, all chopped the park to its present size. Even then, it is a big park covering about 10 acres. Somewhere down the line, the park came be called as Kuppanna Park.

Three other parks are very close to Nishad Bagh. They are, People’s Park towards its north-west, Gandhi Vana (Horticulture / Horticultural Park) towards its south and Curzon Park towards its west. The Nishat Bagh has been encircled by hotels in ‘L-shape’ on two of its sides.

The main attraction of Nishat Bagh is the gazebo (pavilion) with a painted glass dome. This is also known as the Band Stand because the Police Band used to perform there. The painted glass dome that one sees today, used to be the old glass dome of the Palace if one is to go by the then Palace Executive Engineer H.F.Marker’s letter dated September 23, 1918.

It is learnt that the glass dome of the Band Stand was adorned with classic paintings which was redecorated by artist Srihari, the grandson of the artist who had given the classical touch earlier. The paintings on the glass dome depict mythical themes. The ornamental works for the pillar were designed by E.W. Fritchley, who also designed Lalitha Mahal Palace.

The park is now being given a face-lift. The developmental works of the park which began in the year 2009 and moving in a snail’s pace, will be completed soon. The park is being developed at a cost of Rs.100 crore from the Chief Minister’s Fund.

A rock garden, an amphitheatre, a restaurant and a musical fountain is coming up in Nishat Bagh. The developmental works of the park is taken up by B.G.E. Associates, Bangalore, at a cost of Rs.89 lakh. Trees and ornamental plants have already been planted. Works on the rock garden is going on. Walking path and stone benches have been constructed.

A musical fountain at the cost of Rs. 43 lakh has been installed and the trial run completed. Three high mast lamps have been erected to illuminate the park attractively during night. Entry fee to the park has been fixed and ticket counters constructed. The developmental works is in its last stages and the park will be opened to the public soon. Nishat Bagh, once renovated, will be the ‘Jewel in the crown’ of the heritage city, Mysore.

All attempts to reach the concerned officials over phone proved futile as those who could be contacted passed the buck to other officials who did not respond.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / by S. Kenneth Shishir / January 16th, 2012

Good-old temple wedding

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Nobody who’s grown up on a steady diet of Hindi films from the ’80s and ’90s can be completely immune to the romance of a temple wedding. A young runaway couple, an ancient pile of stone and exquisite sculpture, black clouds lowering in the sky, some vermilion to mark the bride as one’s own (blood will do), and a genial temple priest (actually even that’s not strictly on the list; in some cases the weddings are refreshingly DIY)…

Many young couples today are opting for exactly that – minus all the drama. They want to get married in a place that has more character and charm than a hotel ballroom can provide in a thousand years, and they are willing to brave a few logistical issues to get just such a wedding.

Take for instance the Bhoganandishwara temple. Situated on the foothills of Nandi Hills and at a very convenient distance of some 50-odd km from Bangalore, this ninth century temple is increasingly a niche wedding venue that remains a closely guarded secret among a few people. Bangaloreans who regularly drive down to Nandi Hills to get away from the city may have noticed a turn that marks the way to the temple, but few actually visit it.

The temple was built around 810AD, according to an ASI board on the premises. It has an unusual mixture of different architectural styles, including those used mainly during the Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara periods. Legend says the temple was commissioned by Queen Manikabbe, also known as Ratnavalli, who was the consort of the Bana King Vidhyadhara. There are three main shrines in the temple dedicated to the deities Bhoganandishwara, Arunachaleshwara and Umamaheshwara. Attached to the small shrine of Umamaheshwara is the kalyanamantapa, where most modern weddings are held. The temple is a ‘live’ one, which means besides being of considerable historic and architectural interest, it is used for actual worship.

The temple pond is a beautiful sunken structure surrounded by shallow steps that lead down to it. All around are gorgeous carved pillars, small shrines and covered awnings. There are plenty of open spaces within the temple to host a decent-sized wedding, but since there are no overnight stay options at the temple it has to be vacated by evening.

Contact: Sri Bhoganandishwara Swami Devalaya Nandigrama, Nandi Village, Chikkaballapur.

Trek and get married

The trend of choosing unusual and historic locations for weddings is catching on. Everyone wants a memorable, unusual wedding and a considerable number of people are rejecting the hotel ballroom or lawn kind of venues that are generic and have nothing unique to offer. In and around Bangalore, venues such as The Tamarind Tree, Temple Tree, Ganjam Mantapa and the Bhoganandishwara Temple are becoming more popular. Even though this temple can be considered out of the way, and doesn’t have much to offer in terms of modern conveniences, it is ideal for those who are willing to make that trek for a wedding venue that has so much beauty and character.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / City> Bangalore / Home> City> Bangalore / TNN / by Shrabonti Bagchi / January 15th, 2012

Joyous celebration of diversity in unity

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports, Uncategorized

When Gen Y from across India congregates at Mangala Stadium here for the 17th National Youth Festival which kicks off on Thursday, they will see why chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda reposed such faith in the Dakshina Kannada district administration to pull off such a mega event. For, no stone has been left unturned to make the five-day event a grand success.

While the city wears a festive look with lights and decorations, citizens are getting ready to savour the rich cultural diversity of Karnataka as well as the rest of the country during NYF 2012, which starts with a 4-km procession at 3pm. They’ll also get a taste of India during the ceremony.

NYF, which began in 1995 as a major activity under the National Integration Camp (NIC), propagates national integration, communal harmony, brotherhood, courage and adventure among the youth. NYF 2012 has a mix of competitive, non-competitive and performances and shows and events are aimed at fostering teamwork, leadership, etc. among participants.

K Jairaj, additional chief secretary, says the state will showcase the strength of Karavali as a centre for learning, youth and a place of unity in diversity. Asked ‘Why Mangalore?’, Jairaj quipped, “Why not Mangalore?” He added, “It’s the Gateway to Karnataka. The state capital has had enough and more exposure. The last edition of NYF was at Udaipur and the same logic is at work here.”

While Udaipur NYF’s mascot was Teengur, the tiger which represented enthusiasm and excitement of youth, this festival’s mascot Yakshi conveys unity, diversity, strength, love and social nature.

It’s a fun-loving elephant sporting Yakshagana headgear. While last year’s theme was Sabse Pehle Bharat striving to generate the right attitude among the youth, the theme this year is ‘Celebrating Diversity In Unity’.

Mohan Alva, procession and stage in-charge, said the inaugural procession will be a knock-out. “Whatever Mangaloreans have heard or seen on a small scale will be amplified here. Various cultural aspects of the state like Kombu, Chende, Dholu, Huli Vesha, Keelu Kudure, Karaga Nritya, Yakshagana, both Tenkathittu and Badagathittu varieties, Veerabhadra Kunita, Aati Kalenja, Kamsale, Kalladka dolls, Kerala Chende, Kangeelu Kunita, Suggi Kunitha, Goravara kunita, Veeragase, Patada kunita, Tashe, band sets from Chitradurga, Honnavara, Alike, Daff, Mara kaalu kunita, Dudi kunita, will be part of the procession,” he said.

The procession starts from AB Shetty Circle and after traversing through the thoroughfares via KS Rao Road and PVS, it’ll reach Mangala Stadium where delegates will join in.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / City> Mangalore/ Home> Collections>  Cultural Diversity / TNN / by Stanley Pinto & Jaideep Shenoy / January 12th, 2012

Med school first step in Shetty project

Business & Economy, Education, Science & Technology, Uncategorized, World Opinion

Dr. Shetty

Cardiologist Dr. Devi Shetty plans to partner with a local educational institution to open a medical school this year in Cayman as part of his medical facility.

Dr. Shetty, who was in Cayman for four days this week to meet government officials and local partners, also revealed that the first phase of the hospital project was expected to break ground in August this year.

“It is our plan to work with a current local institution to get [the medical school] going quicker… In the [initial] plan, the medical school was not supposed to start till the third or fourth year. We decided to expedite that,” explained local partner Gene Thompson.

The medical school will be based within an existing building at a local institution. Dr. Shetty declined to identify which local institution he was partnering with, saying the deal had not yet been “tied down”.

Dr. A. Raghuvanshi, managing director of Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospitals, the group behind the proposed project, said: “By the end of this year, the coming academic year, we should start a medical school that will take about 100 students.”

Dr. Shetty said about 700 students graduated in Cayman every year, only one or two of whom opt to take medical courses after leaving school. He said that if there were a medical school on the island where they could train as doctors, nurses or technicians, one in seven graduates would go into the medical field,

“Healthcare jobs are the only recession-proof jobs,” he said, adding that in recent years, the only industry that created jobs was the healthcare sector. “Currently there is a shortage of three to four million jobs in the healthcare sector,” he said.

“No country should depend on foreign medical specialists to look after healthcare in their country. It is very important that the Cayman government and Cayman people train adequate numbers of doctors, nurses and technicians to look after their own healthcare,” Dr. Shetty added.

The hospital project, officially called the Narayana Cayman University Medical Centre, is slated to be built at the High Rock area of East End, where the Shetty group has bought 200 acres of a 600-acre site. The hospital, its associated assisted living facility and research centre will be built on the 200 acres, while related infrastructure, such as a hotel, will be built by Joseph Imparato, who sold the land to the Shetty group and who still owns the adjacent 400 acres.

The initial phase of the project involves the establishment of a 140-bed hospital, which if all going to schedule, should start accepting its first patients in August 2013, Dr. Shetty told reporters at a briefing Friday, 6 January, shortly before flying off island.

source: http://www.CompassCayman.com / by Norma Conolly,  norma@cfg.ky / January 06th, 2012

Make Chai Not War :U.S sponsored NRI comedy team to spread religious harmony in India

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, Uncategorized, World Opinion

Ohio, Jan 1 (TruthDive):

A trio of Indian origin comedians – Rajiv Satyal, Hari Kondabolu and Azhar Osman will be on an US sponsored Indian tour in an effort to strengthen ties and spread religious harmony. The state department officially announced the trip.

Victoria Nuland, a State Department official said, “We are, indeed, sending an Indian-American comedy group,” adding, “I believe the full tour costs about $100,000. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is supporting them with a grant of $88,000.”

The tour named “Make Chai, Not War” will be on from January 4th to 17th and will perform in seven Indian cities: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Patna, Kolkata, Durgapur and Mumbai. Nuland cited it as “part of our regular global cultural exchange program that we do around the world,” explaining, “The reason we decided to support this tour is because among the things that they are known for is their talk about religious tolerance, about the importance of breaking down prejudices, and about the positive experiences they had growing up as Indian-Americans in the United States.”

“In addition to doing shows, they’ll also be holding audience discussions on these issues of religious tolerance and doing workshops and having some interviews with the press,” added Nuland.

Rajiv Satyal, who is best known as “The Funny Indian” said, “I’m pretty much going to do my act. But the tone changes, if I do a lot of Indian jokes with an Indian audience, it’s a ‘you guys know what I’m talking about’ thing, whereas, if I’m in Alabama, it’s more explanatory.”

“It’s cool to be able to go to India because that’s where a lot of religious strife has been happening,” he said. “We’re not even really religious on stage. We might do some religious jokes, but it’s more just bringing people together,” he added.

Usman, who is a Muslim is known for his religious swipes. “I never make religion the butt of my jokes,” he said, adding, “I target stupidity, human foibles and fundamentalism.”

source: http://www.truthdive.com / posted by Mohan Ramraj / January 12th, 2012

 

City’s Agri Scientist bags ‘Best Science Communicator’ Award

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology, Uncategorized

Mysore, Dec.30:


City-based agriculture scientist Dr. Vasanth Kumar Thimakapura has been selected for the “Best Science Communicator Award” by the Vision Group on Science Technology, Department of Information Technology, Biotechnology, Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka.

The award comprises a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and a citation which will be presented by Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda at Bangalore soon.

Dr. Vasanth Kumar is a well- known agriculture scientist, teacher and science writer. He has penned many popular science articles in both Kannada and English and published in many leading magazines in order to promote science.

He also delivers scientific lectures in schools and colleges to enthuse the students to pursue basic and applied science research. He gives talks in AIR and Doordarshan on various aspects of science and agriculture.

He is a successful and popular communicator among the farmers and conducts free training programmes at village level on a regular basis. Dr. Vasanth has produced a video film on “Scientific Nursery Management in Tobacco” and telecast it through local cable TV to reach the scientific methods to the farmers at their doorsteps. He has saved the damaged crops of poor farmers on several occasions, at his own cost. He is also the recipient of “Agricultural Extension Service Award” of Indian Phytopathological Society, Delhi.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / December 30th, 2011

 

ASI Celebrates 150th Anniversary

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Uncategorized

Prof. AVN & four others felicitated

 

 

 

 

 

 


Caption: Senior archaeologists (from left) Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy, Dr. K.V. Ramesh and Dr. A. Sundar were felicitated by Governor H.R. Bhardwaj during the 150th anniversary celebration of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Bangalore last evening.

Mysore, Dec. 31:

The 150th anniversary of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was celebrated by the Department’s Bangalore and Dharwad zones in Bangalore last evening.

As part of the function, noted city-based historian Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy (popularly known as AVN) and four others were felicitated by Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj, in recognition of their distinguished services in the field.

Dr. AVN retired as Head of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Mysore University.

The others who were feliciated are Dr. K.V. Ramesh, Dr. A. Sundar, Dr. Subbaraman and Dr. K.P. Poonacha.

Kannada & Culture Minister Govind Karjol, ASI Bangalore Zone Superintendent G.S. Narasimhan, ASI South Zone Regional Director Dr. S.V. Venkateshaiah and others were present.

Late Dr. M.S. Nagaraja Rao, former Director General of ASI, was also felicitated by the ASI a few years ago.

Dr. Rao, a Mysorean, passed on Dec. 24, 201

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / December 31st, 2011

 

Bantwal: ‘Drishti-Srishti’ National Level Painting Camp Inaugurated

About Bangalore(Bengaluru) / Karnataka, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bantwal, Dec 25:

“Museums have been the saving grace of our times, when globalization, westernization, and modernization are threatening to endanger our culture. Museums have been attending to the work of conserving our culture, and taking it forward,” said Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, vice chancellor of Mangalore University.

He was speaking after inaugurating the national level painting camp, ‘Drishti-Srishti’ at Sanchayanagiri in B C Road here on Saturday December 24. The camp, which is based on the life of valiant Tuluva queen, Rani Abbakka, will be on for five days.


He advised the young women of the 21st century to get inspiration out of the life and achievements of Rani Abbakka, who fought against the Portuguese for four decades. “We are in an era of knowledge explosion. Because of fast advances in all fields, culture faces the danger of becoming a casualty. Tukaram Poojary, who has pledged himself to the task of upholding our culture, which is facing risks from several angles, deserves wholehearted appreciation,” he lauded.

Adding further, Murthy hailed the concept of building the blocks of history through scenes taken of one’s life. “I know the painters who are participating in this camp will face several challenges, one of which is taking care not to distort history. I have full faith in their talent, and am sure that an art gallery which will a model for the whole country will come up at this venue,” he said.

Appreciating the functioning of Rani Abbakka Museum and Tulu Study Centre here, he said that the university is prepared to give academic accreditation to the centre, if it has plans to take up academic activities.

Renowned Kannada cine director, T S Nagabharana, who was the chief guest of the function, lamented that the society here is not aware how best the visual medium can be utilized. He expressed his concern about the use of visual medium only in a symbolic manner than exploring its full potentials. Nagabharana said that the people who dream about the future, should have proper knowledge of their past, lack of which robs them of the ability to live in the present. “The foundations of our cultural heritage should remain permanently. In this backdrop, this camp, being organized to present the woman power Rani Abbakka represented in a society –centric fashion, is appreciable,” he said.

Local MLA, B Ramanath Rai, who presided over the function, hailed Abbakka as an ideal leader who symbolizes the self respect of Tuluvas.

Coordinators of the camp, N S Pattar and Kandan G, apart from secretary of Tulu Study Centre, Prof Ashalata Suvarna , were present at the dais. Reception Committee president, A C Bhandary, welcomed. President of the centre, Tukaram Poojary, delivered introductory address. Prof Vrishabhraj Jain extended best wishes to participants. Secretary of the reception committee, Navaneet Hingani, proposed vote of thanks. Dr R Narasimha Murthy compered the programme.

Speaking to press persons later, Nagabharana revealed about his plans to bring before the people a piece of history in the form of a mega television series based on the life and achievements of Keladi Chennamma. He said that he has been studying about Chennamma since the last two years, and that no other achiever in history had been able to rule a province for 26 long years as Chennamma did. He revealed that this series will be brought to the people through Suvarna television channel.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com/ DaijiWorld Media Network – Bantwal (SP)/ Sunday, December 25th, 2011 / PHOTOGRAPHS by: Mounesh Vishwakarma

The ‘ugliest’ church

About Bangalore(Bengaluru) / Karnataka, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With less than a week to go for Christmas day, workers are busy giving finishing touches to the Christmas decorations inside St Mark’s Cathedral. They are tying sprigs of poinsettia to each pew and hanging the last holly garlands (plastic, alas). The tree, a new fibre-optic one donated by a member of the congregation, is up and laden with ornaments, as is the crib in the Nativity scene. “The decoration begins on the first Sunday in Advent [the four weeks leading up to Christmas], and we keep adding to it,” says Anjana Samuel, convener of the music and programme committee.

The decorations are but one part of the Christmas festivities at St Mark’s, one of the oldest churches in Bangalore. Situated in the heart of the city, the cathedral was built in 1808 as a place of worship for the soldiers and officers of the British army stationed in Bangalore Cantonment. At that time, it was a plain structure. A chronology of the cathedral’s history says it was called “one of the ugliest buildings ever erected. With its yellow-washed walls and low roof it resembles nothing so much as a Bryant and May’s Match Box!”

The yellow-washed walls remain but there is nothing remotely ugly about the cathedral now. A dome was added a few years after it opened, and when the interiors were redone after a disastrous fire in 1923, St Mark’s got a pulpit and font made in Genoa, Italy, beautiful stained glass windows, and a cross and candlesticks from Oxford, among other things.

The imposing pipe organ was a gift to the cathedral from the parents of the famous English cricketer Colin Cowdrey in 1928. Bought for Rs 33,000 then, it is now worth Rs 10 crore, says senior organist

E D George, adding that Rs 2-3 lakh is spent annually on its maintenance. The organ, made of Burma teak, has 1,000 pipes made in England and is one of the few of its kind in the country, says George, a former music teacher at Bishop Cotton’s School.

Christmas celebrations at St Mark’s, says its pastor Reverend Daniel Ravikumar, begin from the first Sunday in Advent, with special sermons. On the first Sunday, an ecumenical service is held, to which members of other denominations are invited. At this year’s service, nine choirs from other churches took part. During Advent, church members also visit the poor and distribute food and clothing, a custom started in 1961 by the late Harry Daniels, the first Indian priest at St Mark’s. Special Christmas programmes by Sunday School children and senior citizens are also held.

All this culminates in the Christmas Eve service close to midnight on the 24th and, of course, the service on Christmas Day. These, along with Easter, are the best-attended services every year, with the cathedral putting up shamianas outside for the spillover. There are “festival Christians” who come just for these services, says Ravikumar wryly. The 1,500-family-strong congregation, he adds, has been growing, perhaps because of the influx into the city.

One of the most awaited events on the St Mark’s Christmas calendar is the special carol service, on the fourth Sunday in Advent. The one-hour service is followed by a parish dinner on the church grounds, with a bonfire to fight the winter chill. This year’s dinner saw three Santas arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, says Samuel, the convenor of the programme. “Each year we have a different theme and this time it was Hawaiian Christmas,” she says. Samuel is also a member of the 35-member choir, which begins practice for Christmas three months in advance. Apart from the carol service, the choir also goes on carol rounds to the houses of church members, for at least two nights. Typically, the group starts out at 7.30 pm and returns only by 8.30 the following morning!

All this makes for a packed schedule for active members of the congregation, like Samuel. But Christmas remains her favourite time of the year. “We are able to touch the lives of many people and it holds a lot of meaning for me,” she says. It is, after all, the season for peace on earth and goodwill to mankind.

source: http://www.Business-Standard.com / Home> Life & Leisure / by Indulekha Aravind / December 25th, 2011