Former chief justice of India Justice S Rajendra Babu and professor emeritus Prof G V Ajjappa received honorary doctorates at the first annual convocation of the Karnataka State Law University (KSLU).
An honorary doctorate was also awarded to former chief justice of India Justice M N Venkatachalaiah in absentia.
Governor Vajubhai Vala presented the honorary doctorates at the convocation held at D Veerendra Heggade Kalakshetra at Sattur near Dharwad on Saturday.
MP and former attorney general of India K Parasaran delivered the convocation address. He said justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, as elaborated in the Constitution, should be the profession of faith for those in pursuit of law in whatever walk of life. He also stressed the need to encourage women to take up the legal profession.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra, KSLU Vice-Chancellor T R Subramanya, Registrar T V Manjunatha, Registrar (Evaluation) B S Reddy, and others were present.
Degrees were awarded to the first batch graduates of the five-year BA LLB, BBA LLB and honours courses, three batches of the three-year LLB course, three batches of the LLM course, and PG diploma. Gold medals were presented to the first rank holders in the courses, while 10 cash prizes were also distributed.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / Hubballi – DHNS, November 23rd, 2014
Basketball is a very popular sport in the International sporting scene and it’s a game which demands speed, ability and stamina. Our city’s women’s basketball player P.U. Navaneetha has been a outstanding performer for Karnataka in the senior and junior levels. She has represented India in the FIBA Asia Youth Cup and has also attended the Indian Junior camp. She was recently awarded the prestigious ‘Ekalavya Award’ for her feats in the sport at a grand function held at Vidhana Soudha last week. She is our ‘Star This Week.’
Navaneetha, 20, is the daughter of P.P. Udhay Kumar and P.U. Girija, residents of Suntikoppa, Kodagu. A 1st year MA student at Teresian College for Women, Mysuru, and a product of the Department of Youth & Empowerment Services (DYES, Mysuru), Navaneetha has been performing consistently in National and State basketball scene.
Encouraged by her parents, she joined Sports School, Vidyanagar and later on joined Sports Hostel, Mysuru, in 2006. Initially she was coached by B.S. Girish, SAK Basketball coach and presently she is being trained by DYES & SAK Basketball coach M.B. Patil at DYES, Mysuru.
A forward, Navaneetha is an attacking player and impresses with her skilful play. She began her career by representing Karnataka in the School Nationals held at Punjab in 2008 and from then on has never looked back. She has represented the State in the women’s Nationals, Youth Nationals in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, she represented the State in the Senior and Junior Nationals in Delhi.
She represented the Mysore University in the Inter-University Championships in 2011-12 at Kannur and has been a regular in the team from then on.
In 2009-10, her excellent play in the Nationals earned her the Indian cap when she donned Indian colours in the 1st FIBA Asia U-16 Championships held at Pune. She also took part in the NBA All India Tournament held at Delhi in 2001-12.
She took part in the Junior Indian and Youth Indian camp held at Deli and Tamil Nadu respectively. She represented Karnataka in the Federation Cup held at Gujarat in 2013-14.
Encouraged by her parents, coaches, DYES, Teresian College and the Mysore University, Navaneetha intends to work hard and represent the country in the senior level.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Sunday , November 16th, 2014
by K.Vijaykumar, Former Jt.Director of Information & Publicity
My donation of its New York published 19 Volumes to Journalism Department
While reading the other day a unique initiative of Mysore Librarians and Information Scientists’ Association giving away 2,000 used books to 38 educational institutions (books received by donors) at a book exhibition held in University Library, Manasagangotri, my particular attention was drawn at the donation of three volumes of Gandhiji’s Harijan Weekly published by Navajeevan Trust received by one Tirumala Rao, was given away to the University Library itself.
My donation of 19 volumes
This news drew my memory back to mid nineteen-ninety, when I donated my prized collection of 19 volumes of Harijan Weekly (18th volume missing) published by Garland Publishing Inc., New York and London in 1973 to my Alma Mater Journalism Department in Manasagangotri. Prof. Usha Rani, who was heading the Department, arranged a function in the Department where Prof. M. Madaiah, the then Vice-Chancellor (he was senior in Maharaja’s College in our student days) received the volumes. This shows the importance given to Gandhiji’s Harijan.
Earn Ph.Ds on Harijan
I still remember Prof. Madaiah advising journalism students that they can earn Ph.Ds by studying Harijan Weeklies vis-à-vis Gandhiji’s journalism. The journal which was started in Feb. 1933 (suspended in between 1940-42 by the government and continued again till 1956) with 955 issues running into 8,400 pages, has been published by Garland Publishing Inc., New York and London in 1973 with a brilliant 25 page introduction by Joan V. Bondurant, Professor of Comparative Politics, University of the Pacific.
Views Paper instead of News Paper
Views Paper instead of News Paper
Gandhiji himself referred Harijan as ‘Views Paper’ instead of ‘News Paper.’ He writes in his autobiography ‘Experiment with Truth’ (Part IV Chapter 15) thus: “I realised that the sole aim of Journalism should be Service. The newspaper Press is a great power… It can be profitable only when exercised from within.”
He writes earlier in 1925 when he started a weekly ‘Young India’ in South Africa — “I have taken up journalism not for its sake but merely as an aid to what I have conceived to be my mission in life.”
Gandhiji — A Peerless Communicator
Gandhiji is described as a ‘Peerless Communicator’ but we can tell that he is a ‘Peerless Journalist’ too by running the following papers in his life time:
1. Indian Opinion (From South Africa in four languages)
2. Nava Jeevan (Gujarati Weekly)
3. Nava Jeevan (Hindi)
4. Young India (English Weekly)
5. Harijan (English Weekly)
6. Satyagrahi (Man-script)
7. Harijan Bandhu (Gujarati)
8. Harijan (Urdu)
9. Harijan Sevak (Hindi)
With these multiple journals, Gandhiji can be termed as a model journalist (of newspapers of his time with rich contents in them).
NOTE: As I was writing this column, I came to know that Sri Ankegowda, a remarkable book-lover, who has established a rare rural library in a village near Pandavapura, has been chosen for Rajyotsava award. Calling him to congratulate, I enquired whether Harijan finds a place in his library. To my joy, he immediately said yes. That is Ankegowda’s library with rich collections of rare books in that ‘Pustaka Mane,’ in a village. Congratulations Ankegowda.
Acknowledgement: I have to acknowledge the help rendered by Sri C.P. Ramasesh, Mysore University Librarian and staff, for scanning the facing page and introduction page of Harijan that are appearing with this article.
e-mail: kumarkv59@gmail.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Sunday , November 16th, 2014
Braving mating tigers, crocodiles in water, bison moving around huge trees and pythons slithering on grass, a team of wildlife enthusiasts from Bengaluru have captured the beautiful flora and fauna of the Bhadra tiger reserve.
The Unsung is the first documentary film on the forest spread across Chikmagalur and Shivamogga, which was declared the country’s 25th tiger reserve in 1998.
According to Prashanth S Nayaka, director and team leader, the 37-minute documentary narrates an untold story of a silent movement deep inside one of the most pristine jungles of Karnataka. “Besides showcasing the untainted beauty of Bhadra, the film follows the footsteps of forest guards who protect the reserve with dedication and passion.”
The team members are Pradip Shastry, CJ Anil, Hulivan Nagaraj, Prashanth Nageshappa, Vinod Reddy, Sharath and Chethan.
“It was tough making a movie covering 500 sqkm of forest. We started our work in October 2013 and completed it in May 2014. We worked for nearly 122 days shooting, facing tigers and elephants deep inside the jungle. We had to shoot at night for several days. Usually, tigers moved at nights as they are nocturnal. There were snakes on our way also. We saw an Indian rock python, bears, gaurs and many other animals,” says Prashanth.
The documentary has also captured the beautiful streams, rivulets, waterfalls, thick clouds, humming of birds, bamboo and teak trees that thrive under the watchful eyes of the forest department.
The original name of the area was Jaagara valley, but changed to Bhadra wildlife reserve in 1974.
Today, 36 anti-poaching camps protect the tiger reserve, with jeeps patrolling day and night and forest watchers covering nearly 15 km on foot. “Once, I noticed a tiger at very close range. I did not know what to do. I just stood still and stared at it for five minutes. It quietly left,” recalls Govindaraj, watcher, anti-poaching camp.
The film has commentary in English (Pradeep Shastry) and Kannada (Prakash Kumar). The music has been composed by C J Anil.
According to Prashanth, the film aims to create awareness among public about the need to protect forests and animals. “We have not taken money from anyone for the project. The team members pooled in money and spent nearly Rs 1.5 lakh. We plan to screen the documentary in schools and colleges. The intention is to convey the message that guarding forests is as important as guarding our nation.”
QUOTE
They have done a nice documentary on the problems faced by frontline staff in forests. The focus of the film is different from what one generally does. They have brought out a CD and we are ready to distribute copies in schools and colleges. It is a fine attempt.
—Vinay Luthra | principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), karnataka
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Environment> Flora & Fauna / GS Kumar, TNN / November 09th, 2014
The five-year long wait for Geographical Indicator (GI) tag for Veerangere Badanekaayi or brinjal, the distinct horticulture produce of Mysuru district, may soon end.
The State Horticulture Department will expedite the process for acquiring the tag.
At a recent meeting of the screening committee constituted for this purpose, it was decided to exert pressure on the authorities concerned to grant the prestigious tag.
The eponymous crop was earlier grown in Veerangere, a village in Old Mysuru, named after a gallant soldier in the army of the erstwhile rulers, the Wadiyars of Mysuru.
The brinjal variety popularly known as ‘Veerangere or Eerangere Badanekaayi’, is still available in two types – snuff and green coloured, but very short in length akin to the fingers. When compared to the other varieties of brinjal, Veerangere brinjal during harvest is in bunches, with every flower of the plant, after the sprouting season, producing four to five brinjals in a bunch. It is mostly used as a side dish and especially in ‘Vaangi Baath’, a rice dish.
Though there has been a fall in production and supply, the vegetable has its own steady stream of customers.
Horticulture department senior director Krishna Kumar told Deccan Herald that the proposal was pending from 2009. It was listed among the second batch, along with the crops from other districts in the State.
The State Directorate of Horticulture is expected to give it a push, with the delay in getting the tag being a matter of concern, as discussed in the recent meeting in Bengaluru.
The crop earlier grown on a vast area, in and around Veerangere, was later shifted to other places within the district. While the rapid urbanisation at Veerangere, now sporting a ghetto look, took a toll on the crop, the inhabitants of the village, who had inherited brinjal farming, continued to cultivate it near Bannur and T Narsipur, Krishnaraje Urs, a horticulture enthusiast said.
According to Urs, the brinjal may now be cultivated in less than 15 acres near Keelanpura and Megalapura on Mysore-T Narsipur Road, and the supply too is limited to Devaraja Market, roadside vendors and some vegetable shops having regular demand for the vegetable, in Mysuru.
The geographical indications registry comes under the purview of General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, Chennai. Once a proposal is placed before the registry, personnel attached to the registry are expected to make a field study.
The field visit in this case is yet to happen, while the proposal is pending before the registry.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by Sreekantswamy B, Mysuru / DHNS – November 19th, 2014
Named after the patron saint of Scotland – St. Andrew – the church was originally home to the Scottish regiment in the cantonment area with Scottish customs. Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P. / The Hindu
Entering its sesquicentennial year, St. Andrew’s Church is still a symbol of the spirit of the people of Bangalore – enduring, strong and rooted in tradition amid modernisation
A lot has changed in Bangalore over the years. But, one prominent edifice in the city’s landscape that has retained its old glory is St. Andrew’s Church. Surrounded by a canopy of trees on the lush Cubbon Road, you may breeze past this massive monolith without much ado, only catching a fleeting glimpse of its magnificent clock tower amid the trees, but nestled in the heart of this church is a history as vibrant as the city itself.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the foundation stone for St. Andrew’s Kirk (as it was called back then) was laid on November 22, 1864 by Lady Grant, the wife of Lieutenant-General Sir Hope Grant, the then Quartermaster-General of Her Majesty’s Forces. Designed by engineers Major Sankey and R.C. Dobbs, the building was completed and opened for worship on November 18, 1866, within a period of two years at an overall cost of Rs. 45,000, including the land.
Named after the patron saint of Scotland – St. Andrew – the church was originally home to the Scottish regiment in the cantonment area with Scottish customs, classical Scottish square dancing, western music and other traditions. After the complete independence of the churches with the formation of Church of South India, St. Andrew’s Church joined the C.S.I. in September 1959.
Walking into the compound, you will discover one of Bangalore’s most well-preserved structures in true classic gothic architectural style with brick red finish and long windows. The ambience gives the vibe of entering a Victorian era, reflecting the Scottish Presbyterian roots the church has. The first thing that catches your eye is the 90-foot belfry tower that houses the church bell that has been ringing at 9.30 a.m. every Sunday for 149 years and the clock, installed in 1893, that chimes every quarter hour.
A botanical paradise, Andrew’s harbours over 30 species of trees, including the Nile Tulip, Jacaranda, Ashok Tree, Rain Tree among others and also shelters a host of migratory birds that can be spotted perched on the tree top canopy surrounding the church. The real breath-taker is the massive 25-foot stain glass painting that welcomes you behind the altar.
Hand-painted by artist Alex Ballantine from Scotland and set up in the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, the magnificent creation depicts Abraham, Moses, Kind David and Prophet Isaiah from the Old Testament, the Apostles Andrew, Peter, Paul and John, a burning bush, the symbol of the Church of Kirk with alpha and omega, above which is Lord Jesus Christ.
Presbyter-in-charge Reverend Sanjay Samuel Ayer says St. Andrew’s has an identity of its own. “The structure of the building and the worship format has not changed. Some of the original Presbyterian traditions have been upheld while some are intertwined into the C.S.I. Despite the modernization in Bangalore, Andrew’s is still maintaining its heritage value. The challenge for Andrew’s is to hold on to its strong foundation in tradition and adapt to modern times.”
Another hard-to-miss part of the church is the 800-odd pipes-fitted pipe organ. Built by Peter Gonacher in 1864, the pipe organ was installed at the church in 1881 and is one of the few well-maintained pipe organs in the country.
When St. Mark’s Cathedral was damaged by fire in 1923, it was St. Andrew’s Church which accommodated the congregation till the cathedral was rebuilt in 1927. Known to many as a giving church, Andrew’s, even today, supports several socio-development projects with a congregation that believes in reaching out to the needy.
The church runs a school for slum children, supports mission fields and has in the offing the setting up of a senior citizens’ home and a pre-school on its premises.
Andrew’s has had a series of celebrations heralding in its sesquicentennial year, including concerts and special services and will have more programmes and a carnival soon. “We are privileged to have enjoyed this building for the last 150 years. The congregation members are highly committed to the church and love to maintain its tradition. We hope to carry this legacy forward and ensure the church and its heritage continue to flourish and endure for generations to come,” adds Rev. Sanjay.
The church has English and Kannada services and special prayers and meetings all through the week.
A house in HSR Layout has become the first and smallest solar power-generating station in the country after the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the house owner on Monday.
The residence of Lalitha Shankaranarayana now generates about eight units of solar power per day and can export up to five units per day to the grid, on a sunny day.
After years of delay and debate, Bescom has now taken a big leap in encouraging micro-power producers by signing an agreement with Lalitha on November 17.
With this, Bescom, too, has become the first electricity supply company in the country to encourage green energy production in households by entering into a full-fledged PPA.
“The implementation of the rooftop power plant has been delayed for a long time, but this is a significant step and the Bescom is credit-worthy,” said Ravi Shankar Satyanarayana, son-in-law of Lalitha, an IITian and the person responsible for setting up the plant.
According to the agreement, the household will supply power at a cost of Rs 9.56 per unit as fixed by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission. Bescom has agreed to procure power from the house for 25 years. The agreement can be terminated at the will of the seller.
To encourage more people, Bescom has said it will pay interest to the sellers, if it fails to credit the money for power supplied within 30 days of pumping energy into the grid. House owners can also lease out their rooftops for generation of solar energy.
The house has solar power plant with a generating capacity of two kilowatts. It was taken up as a pilot project by Bescom in 2011.
The power supplied free of cost to the grid was produced using nano rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.
After the first PPA, Bescom on Tuesday signed four more PPAs with homeowners in Bengaluru, where pilot projects were taken up in 2013.
Pankaj Kumar Pandey, managing director, Bescom, told Deccan Herald that they hope to add at least five megawatt of power by end of the financial year. “The response is good and we already have 120 applications till Monday. People in the City being more green conscious are collecting more applications,” Pandey said.
With the City still growing and receiving 300 days of sunshine, there is potential to generate solar power through rooftop plants, he said.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / by Subhash Chandra NS, Bengaluru / DHNS – November 18th, 2014
The Mysuru City Police Commissionerate, which was established on Nov. 22 in 1989 by the Government to bifurcate it from the control of Superintendant of Police, will be celebrating its Silver Jubilee with its 16th Commissioner Dr. M. A. Saleem at the helm of affairs.
It may be recalled that V.V. Bhaskar assumed charge as the First City Police Commissioner at the office of the Mounted Police on Lalitha Mahal Road in city on Nov. 22, 1989 and served till 26.5.1990.
It may be recalled that Kempaiah, who has now been appointed as advisor to Home minister K.J.George, during his tenure as City Police Commissioner, had upgraded Mysuru Police Stations besides creating infrastructure like CAR Ground, Horse Park, CCB building and Police Bhavan and also shifting of the office of the Commissionerate from Mounted Police building to the Band Bungalow building in Nazarbad.
The incumbent Commissioner Dr. M.A.Saleem,who has launched many programmes like Shubhodaya, M-Trac to control crimes and traffic violations is planning to make the cultural capital a Model City.
Sources said that Dr. Saleem is planning to felicitate all Police officers who have served as Police Commissioners as part of the Silver Jubilee.
Mementos to cops
It is said that a proposal would be sent to the Government for presentation of mementos to 2,500 cops working under the Commissionerate.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Dr. Saleem speaking to SOM said that the date of holding the celebration would be decided in consultations with Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and other dignitaries.
City Police Commissioners:
V.V. Bhaskar- 22.11 1989 to 26.5.1990
K.S. Krishnamurthy- 28.5.1990 to 26.3.1991
Surath Prasad- 26.3.1991 to 10.7.1991
K.S.Mandegara- 3.11.1991 to 3.12.1992
H.R. Kasthuri Rangan- 28.12.1992 to 6.5.1995
Kuchhanna Srinivasan- 6.5.1995 to 8.7.1996
Kempaiah- 8.7.1996 to 16.11.1999
C.Chandrashekar- 17.11.1999 to 21.12.2002
Bipin Gopalakrishna- 21.12.2002 to 7.11.2004
Praveen Sood- 7.11.2004 to 25.6.2007
Bhaskar Rao- 25.6.2007 to 3.1.2008
Dr. P. Ravindranath- 3.1.2008 to 14.7.2008
Dr. S. Pashiva Murthy- 14.7.2008 to 20.6.2009
Sunil Agarwal- 25.6.2009 to 26.1.2012
K.L. Sudheer- 27.1.2012 to 3.7.2013
Dr. M.A.Saleem- 3.7.2013
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday , November 17th, 2014
* Indian batswomen set world record with 275 runs for 2nd wicket partnership in Women’s Cricket.
* India comfortably placed at 357 for three in 138 overs.
Indian Batswomen M.D. Thirushkamini (left) and Punam Raut crossing over for a run during the second day’s play of India Vs South Africa Women’s Test Match played at SDNR Wadiyar Stadium.
Mysuru :
Mysuru entered the cricket record books with India’s batswomen, M.D. Thirushkamini and Punam Raut, setting a world record for the second wicket partnership on the second day of the first Test match between India and South Africa at the SDNR Wadiyar University Platinum Jubilee Stadium in city this morning.
The duo added a record 275-runs for the second wicket before losing Punam Raut at the score of 283 in 121.1 overs. Punam was dismissed for a well compiled 130 (355b, 18x4s) by leg-spinner Dane Van Niekerk.
Thirushkamini and Punam bettered the previous record of 235 runs set by Betty Snowball (189) and Molly Hide (110) of England vs New Zealand at Lancaster Park, Christchurch at New Zealand on Feb. 16,1935.
When we went to the press, India were comfortably placed at 357/3 in 138 overs with M.D. Thirushkamini batting on 167 (22x4s, 1x6s) and Harmanpreet Kaur batting on 9 (2x4s). Skipper Mithali Raj scored 37 runs before getting out.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday , November 17th, 2014
Checkmate: M.S. Thej Kumar / by Special Arrangement
M.S. Thej Kumar is doing all the right things to become a Grandmaster
Mysore’s M.S. Thej Kumar, IM (International Master) has made rapid strides towards his goal of becoming a Grand master.
He is the highest ranked player in Karnataka. With an ELO rating of 2452, he needs 48 more points to get his Grand Master title. Ranked 35th in the country and 1573 in the world, this South Western Railway employee has been a consistent performer.
Triple Grand Master Norm holder, and seeded 20th in the tournament, Thej’s eight move draw with GM Deepan Chakravarthy was enough to give him his maiden National B chess title when he clinched the coveted trophy at Bhopal with 10.5 points from 13 rounds.
He became the first Karnataka player to win the National B chess title. He has wins against OP Yadhav, Rohan Ahuja, Abhishek Das, WGM Padmini Rout, Vishnu Prasanna, IM Ashwin Jayaram, IM Swayms Mishra, IM K Ratnakaran.
He drew with GM G B Prakash, GM S P Sethuraman, IM Akshat Khamparia, IM Debashish Das and GM Deepan Chakravarthy. He gained 30.5 ELO points with his performance in this tournament.
A superior tie-break score earned this hard working International Master from Mysore win the title after Ashwin Jayaram matched his winning tally.
With this win, Thej also qualified for the National A Championships scheduled to be held at Jalgaon, Maharashtra in December 2013. Significantly, the top four seeds, Deep Sengupta, B Adhiban, M R Lalith Babu and S P Sethuraman failed to make the top 9 bracket.
“I want to play in as many tournaments as possible so that I can achieve the target. I am grateful to my employers, the State Government and my sponsors,” says this soft spoken chess champ from Mysore.
With support from Yashasvi Shankar of Saanvi technologies, USA and www.mysoresport.com, and the airfare being paid by the Government of Karnataka, Thej has been able to participate in several international tournaments.
He recently played in the Montepellier International chess tournament in France during July 2013, where he finished third.
He also represented South Western Railways in the 66th Inter-Railway chess championship at Hubli in October 2013 and helped his team secure the runner-up spot.
Although Thej was awarded the IM title in 2009 by FIDE, he first shot into prominence at the National ‘B’ chess championship in Aurangabad in 2011, where he finished second. He followed that with good performances at the Rajiv Gandhi All-India Open Chess tournament at Delhi and in the 32nd National team championships in Goa.
In 2010, he also finished second in the National B tournament held at Bhiwani and in the 2009 National B tournament held in Goa he finished fourth.
Thej — a post-graduate from Mysore University — has represented his University at the all-India inter-university championships and won a silver medal.
He lives in Mysore with his wife, M K Jayashree, and coaches upcoming players at the Mysore Professional Chess Academy. His success on the National and International scene will provide huge encouragement to the chess fraternity in India, and Karnataka in particular.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by C.K. Muralidharan / Bangalore – November 10th, 2013
