Kannada University Hampi will be conferring the prestigious ‘Nadoja’ title (equivalent to honorary D. Litt degree) on sarod maestro Rajiv Taranath, in recognition of his contribution in the field of classical music.

Governor Vajubhai Vala, who is Chancellor of the university, will be awarding the degree at the 26th Nudi Habba (convocation) to be held on Saturday on the university campus at 5.30 p.m., according to Mallika Ghanti, Vice-Chancellor.

A total of 299 students, including 91 Ph.D., would be conferred degrees.

Meena Chandavarkar, former Vice-Chancellor of Akkamahadvi Women University, will be delivering the convocation address.

Basavaraj Rayaraddi, Minister for Higher Education and Pro-Chancellor, will be present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Hampi – March 08th, 2018

Most of us have crossed the Indian Express Circle umpteen times and hardly notice the surroundings as we are always in a rush. At times, when you are waiting your turn at the chaotic traffic signal, your eyes may catch a glimpse of an old structure with The Lady Jehangir Kothari Memorial Hall written in bold black letters.

The building is usually locked and sometimes is hidden from view with ugly hoardings or banners screaming out various sales that are conducted in the complex, almost robbing the building off its beauty. Be it books or saris, umpteen exhibitions and sales are conducted here. It is only when you venture into the complex, that you notice the beautiful architecture.

It has a small veranda with tall pillars at the entrance. Once inside, in spite of the huge stacks or rows of products put up for sale, you will see the pretty white interiors. It has a high ceiling with large open windows all around. It also has a tiny room inside and little platform in the main wing. The building is predominantly white – right from the walls, windows, doors and even the pillars – all of which have turned a pale grey over the years due to pollution and dust.

The building, initially, was built by Sir Jehangir in memory of his wife, Lady Goolbai Kothari. According to Parsi history, Jehangir was a globetrotter and came to Bengaluru with his wife who is believed to have fallen ill and died here.

Sir Jehangir built the place not just as a memorial for his late wife, but also as a place where Parsis could get together for parties and also celebrate their events and functions.

It is believed to have been built with a donation of ₹25,000 and started functioning in 1932.

Normally, the hall is given out for parties and events for the Parsi community. But, as the place “does not provide the proper facilities for such grandeur, most Parsis prefer conducting their weddings and functions outside,” says a representative.

“It was started as a Parsi club, initially. And, now is also open to outsiders for fairs. Some Parsi families also celebrate Navroz and Pateti here,” he adds.

So, the next time, you walk into The Lady Jehangir Kothari Hall, remember that you are walking into a slice of Parsi history.

Where we discover hidden and not so hidden nooks and crannies of the city.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Shilpa Sebastian / February 06th, 2018

The annual two-day Rani Abbakka Utsava will be held at Kolya near Someshwar from February 3. It will be inaugurated by writer Vaidehi.

Chandrahas Rai B., Assistant Director, Kannada and Culture Department, Dakshina Kannada, said the programme will begin with a procession of folk artistes from Bhagavati English Medium School to the Rani Abbakka Utsava Grounds at 3 p.m.

After the inauguration at 5 p.m., there will be a cultural competition. There will also be State-level women wrestling competition and district-level football competition.

On February 4, a seminar on ‘Freedom movement and role of women’ will be inaugurated by journalist R. Poornima at 10.30 a.m. There will be a talk by Meenakshi Ramachandra on ‘Thoughts and war strategies of Rani Abbakka’.

A multilingual poet meet of women will be held at 3 p.m. Writer Sara Aboobacker and actor Vinaya Prasad will receive Rani Abbakka awards, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States / by Special Correspondent / Mangaluru – February 03rd, 2018

Tens of thousands of devotees congregated to witness the annual Sri Kanaka Durgamma Sidi here on Tuesday.

Sri Kanaka Durgamma is the principal deity of the city and devotees spread across not only Ballari but also from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh come to witness the event and also worship the goddess.

As has been the practice during the Sidi Bandi festival, an idol, symbolising evil, is hung on a pole with hooks, and tied to a cart pulled by three pairs of bullocks, owned by the Ganiga community, and taken round the temple thrice with the belief that it would protect all from evils.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Ballari – February 28th, 2018