Category Archives: Records, All

Bengaluru boy Vishnu Raj Menon is Mr India 2016

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Menon will now compete in the world pageant, which Rohit Khandelwal won last year.

Hrithik Roshan and Mr World Rohit Khandelwal, with Mr India World, Vishnu Raj S Menon, and the runners-up. Photo: Yogen Shah
Hrithik Roshan and Mr World Rohit Khandelwal, with Mr India World, Vishnu Raj S Menon, and the runners-up. Photo: Yogen Shah

Last year, Rohit Khandelwal made history as the first Asian man to win the title of Mr World. This year, it’s up to Vishnu Raj S Menon from Bengaluru to make India proud.

Menon was crowned as Peter England Mr India World by Hrithik Roshan last evening at a star-studded event. Viren Barman and Altamash Faraz, both from Delhi, were announced as the first and the second runner-up respectively at the finale of the pageant.

16 contestants from all over the country had to go through various grooming sessions that were mentored by eminent panelists from the fashion and film industry of India.

Rohit Khandelwal passed down his ‘crown’ to Menon after a tough competition from the others, at this gala event attended by many celebs like Kirti Kulhari, Gurmeet Choudhary with wife Debina Bonnerjee, Sana Khan, Madhurimma Tuli, Sharad Kelkar, Freddy Daruwalla, Ankita Shorey, Adah Sharma.

“I am very inspired. This competition is not just about looks. This shows lots of characters. These people, while doing their jobs, took out time and disciplined themselves to reach this far. I think that is commendable. I think, if they can achieve this, they can achieve whatever they want in life,” Hrithik told TOI about his experience at the event.

Now we have the global pageant to look forward to. Here’s hoping Vishnu Raj S Menon can bring home the prestigious title, just like his predecesor, Rohit Khandelwal did.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> News> Lifestyle > What’s Hot / November 25th, 2016

City’s first ever Railway station Director keen on improving passenger experience

Records, All

Bengaluru :

It has been a few weeks since Bengaluru’s first Station Director assumed office. The post, created by the Railway Board in just 12 stations in the country presently, is aimed at transforming A-1 railway stations into centres of excellence.

Santhosh Hegde
Santhosh Hegde

Seated temporarily in the Station Manager’s room at the Krantiveera Sangoli Rayanna railway station, Santhosh Hegde, a 2010 batch Indian Railway Traffic Service official, spoke to Express about ‘this highly challenging job.’

Prompt grievance redressal of passengers will be the primary goal of this junior-level administrative officer.

Put simply, the Director will have a team drawn from the Civil, Electrical, Mechanical,Signalling and Telecommunication departments.

Explaining how it could improve service, Hegde said, “Normally, if a passenger has a complaint like say a light bulb not working in a retiring room, this is conveyed to the person in-charge at the station. He in turn relays it to the concerned department head and they need to assign the job to a staff member. The process of finally setting right the issue takes some time.”

The creation of a team exclusively for the purpose, will ensure accountability and a much quicker redressal of issues, he added. An interesting new role assigned to a station-in-charge is that of raising non-fare revenue through advertisements and other commercial ventures.

Cash available
Cash imprest will be made available by the Railways to all Station Directors to enable execution of tasks at the station. “This will help in attending to grievances immediately. Getting money sanctioned even for small things follows a process in Railways and this could also be done away with,” Hegde said. The new Director’s experience has largely been in the Operations Department of the Freight section in Hubballi Railway Division.

However, it will be interesting to watch if the new position would end up creating friction with heads of various railway departments as staff need to be picked from there and the role is suddenly thrust by the Ministry across various Railway Divisions.

Apart from KSR, the stations where the Station Directors have been posted are Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Mumbai Central (in Mumbai); Delhi and New Delhi (in Delhi); Secunderabad, Chennai Central, Howrah, Sealdah, Ahmedabad and Jaipur.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by S Lalitha / Express News Service / November 26th, 2016

Sharjah: Multitalented Ganesh Rai to be honoured with ‘Global Man Award’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Dubai :

Multitalented former president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, B K Ganesh Rai is being bestowed with the ‘Global Man Award 2015’ for his contributions to Kannada language, literature, art, folk and social service both globally and in India and is the only one chosen from the UAE for this award. The award will be presented to him during the 12th Vishwa Kannada Samskruthi Sammelana and 13th anniversary of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah celebrations to be held on November 19 and 20 at Al Boom Tourist Village, Sharjah, UAE.

Ganesh Rai is the name that flashes in the minds of every Kannadiga specially in the UAE when it comes to matters of creativity. Multitalented, one can call him “Sakala Kala Vallaban”, be it different forms of painting, from miniatures to wall size, various forms of sculptures, from paper pulp to plaster or parry’s, large stage settings, tableaux, palatial sets, photography, videography, brochures, digital banners, souvenirs, models… you name it and you will find the skills in this great man, Ganesh Rai. He will simply smile and says yes without any hesitation, as for him work is worship and so he does it with ease. He is a good speaker too, a recepient of “Karnataka State Best Teacher Award” in the year 1993.

Hailing from Madikeri, Coorg, Ganesh Rai was born to Thulasiamma and Krishnappa Rai who themselves sound ‘Krishna Tulasi’, close to the Lords. Madikeri has gifted to the world this unique personality called Ganesh Rai who always keep saying “Elladaru iru, yenthadaru iru, yendendhigu nee Kannada vaagiru. (Live wherever you want to, be whatever you want to be, but remain a Kannadiga forever).”

Professor of art, B K Ganesh Rai needs no introduction in this part of the world. He is a person who rises above boundaries of colour, caste, creed, religion and language. Be it a request for art, stage setting, designing, printing, executing brochures, logos, invitations, souvenirs, sculpture, decorating stage from any corner of people, any corner of UAE, at any point of time, you will find only one person who creates with a smile and executes in spite of his busy schedule. ‘Sirigannadam Gelge, Sirigannadam Baalge’ – he never forgets to say that when completing his speech in any of the respected podiums he addresses.
Ganesh Rai’s Work – Service without Boundaries

* Turnkey project management for almost all social organisations without linguistic barriers
* Conceptualization, designing, printing and distribution of invitations
* Creation of giant size banners, stage backdrops, stage settings, cut-outs, posters etc.
* Creative journalism writing to various web media flashing timely news around the world
* Publication of high profile visit reports of specially invited artistes and guests from India
* Master of ceremony (MC) par excellence with easy flow of language and literature
* Conceptualization of ‘Certificate of Honour’ for dignitaries, high profile guests, artistes etc.
* Concept, design and execution of various souvenirs to almost all the existing Associations in UAE
* Creating sculptures especially Ganesha idol every year, Narayan Guru idol and many more
* Paintings of deities, brush arts, pencil art, charcoal art and various naturalistic creations
* Assumed and discharged active role as president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2004
* Conducted first blood donation camp for Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in association with MOH
* Attends all blood donation camps organised by various associations and spreads awareness
by creating banners, role-ups and notices for blood donation camps and providing media news
* Compiled, created and released brochure of all Karnataka-based organisations’ blood donations. Brochure released by M K Lokesh, Ambassador of India
* Record of Indian blood donors presented to governments of India, UAE and Karnataka
* Helping the unfortunate deceased Indians in formalities of sending the mortal remains to India
* Enlightening and spreading the essence of Kannada as a soldier of Karnataka to Kannadigas
* Attained appreciations and accolades from almost all Karnataka based associations, and from Tamil, Malayalam and other Indian associations
* Won accolades from NMC Group where he is serving as creative art director
* Supported people of Bangladesh during the flood and natural disasters and helped those affected by the calamities.

Rai, a BCom graduate of Government College, Madikeri, a fine arts diploma holder of Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Art6s, an art master certificate holder from Kalanikethan School of Arts, Mysore and Mahalasa School of Arts, Mangaluru, is very well supported by his charming wife Manjula Rai, beautiful daughter Aishwarya Rai and handsome son Monish Rai.

 

Below are some of the creations for which he has been applauded:

Rai’s creations in India

Sculpture / Statues: Created Pushpanjali, Elephants, Lion and Carving Designs in the year 1974 at Govt Junior College Madikeri – Courtesy P P Ayyanna, principal, and unveiled by Field Marshal K M Cariappa

Ganapathy Statues: From 1979 onwards he has created more than 350 statues (2ft – 12 ft) for Karnataka Electricity Board Madikeri 1979-1995, Archana Ganapathy Festival, Virajpet, Angala Parameshwari Temple, Virajpet, Sri Rama Mandir Dechoor Madikeri, Hindu Yuva Shakti New Extn, G T Circle, Madikeri.

Paper Pulp Statues: Created paper moulding statues 8ft-12ft of different styles at Madikeri Dasara Festival, Gonikoppal Dasara Festival, viz, Ganapathy, Natya Ganapathy, Durga Parameshwari, Lakshmi, Saraswaty, Cauvery, Subramanya, Veera Hanumaan, Soorya Bhagavan with Seven Horses, Shanmuka Tarakasura vadhe, Vishnu Bhagavan, Narada, Thumbura, Shiva Linga, Lions, Tigers, Swamy Ayyappa, Maha Kali and many more. Also at Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Gouli street Madikeri, Kote Mariyamma Temple new Extn. Madikeri, Dechoor Sri Rama Mandir Madikeri, Kote Ganapathy Temple Madikeri, Kundurumotte Chamundeshwari Temple Madikeri Uma Maheshwari Temple Gonikoppal, Sree Hanuman Garadi, Beltangadi, South Canara, Bhuvaneshwari Statue – Kannada Rajyotsava celebration – Virajpet etc.

Concrete Moulding Statues: Created 9 ft Cauvery Statue both front and back faced double dimension in front of Cauvery Kalakshetra Madikeri, St Michael Statue (9 ft) at St Michael’s Church Madikeri, St Mary Statue at Kedamalloor Church – Virajpet, Nandi Basava – Arameri Kalancheri Mata statues, Raghavendra Swamy Statue at Raghavendra Temple – Mantralaya, AP, Karu Mariyamma / Nandi / Shiva Linga statues at Karu Mariyamma Temple Madikeri, Swamy Vivekananda 12 ft statue at Cauvery Krupa Madikeri and Prabhavali at Ganapathy Temple Virajpet

Wax Statues: Created Ganapathy, Lakshmi, Sarswathy, Cauvery statues at Madikeri.

Oil Colour/Water Colour Paintings: Created Birth Place of Cauvery oil color canvas painting for Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Board, Chennai. Also created Field Marshal K M Cariappa lifesize oil colour painting, Gopala Krishna Gokale lifesize oil colour painting for Govt Junior College Auditorium Madikeri, Coorg landscape paintings in oil colour for Public Library Virajpet, Jayaprakash Narayan oil colour portrait for A B Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, Omkareshwara Temple by night oil colour painting for Lalitha Kala Academy Bengaluru and many painting collections in Delhi, USA, Australia, France, Dubai etc.

Besides, he has participated in a number of art exhibitions in several places right from 1977.
Souvenir Cover Page Design and Logos

Created souvenir pages for 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Madikeri, Madikeri Kodava Samaj Amruta Mahotsava (80 Years), Karnataka Police Centenary Celebration, St Anne’s Church 200 years Celebration, Kodagu Dist Honey & Wax Co-op Society Virajpet.

Created logos for Kodagu District Co-op Central Bank, Kodava Sahitya Academy, Kodagu Zilla Parishat, 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Taranga Virajpet, St Anne’s High School Virajpet, Many more commercial company

He was responsible for multi-coloured picture, offset printing at Shivakasi which was the first time a multi-coloured picture was published in Kodagu (1980)

Birth Place of River Cauvery – Released by Field Marshal K M Cariappa.
Tala Cauvery – Poster released by A Ramaswamy, former deputy commissioner, Kodagu
Tala Cauvery – Triveni Sangama, Theerta Kundike – Picture cards released by M K Poovaiah
Tala Cauvery – Raja Seat Madikeri, Abbi Falls Madikeri – Greetings cards released by R Gundu Rao, the then chief minister of Karnataka
Cauvery – Amar Chitra Katha (pictorial book) Kannada, English, Kodava language released by M C Nanaiah, the then law minister of Karnataka government.
Aishwaraiswara Kubera Lakshmi, Framing picture – Released by Shekar Shetty of Arab Udupi Group of Hotels UAE


Organisations Served

President –Kodagu Kala Parishat / Kodagu Art Masters Association
Secretary –Bharat Scouts and Guides Taluk Association
Secretary –Kodagu District Bunts Association
Founder Member – ‘Taranga’ Cultural Association Virajpet
Technical Advisor – Field Marshal K M Cariappa Statue Committee, Madikeri
Rai’s activities in United Arab Emirates from 1996 onwards

Served as creative art director at Mirrage Advertising, Winning Communivations, Modern Graphics and now currently serving as creative director in Gulf Public Relations Advertising – Signage Division, NMC Group

Public Service

President – Karnataka Sangaha Sharjah 2004 – 2006
Entertainment Secretary – Karnataka Sangha Dubai 2000-2002
Art Director – UAE Tulu Koota Dubai, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE
Organising Committee Member – UAE Bunts -2000-2001
Blood Donation Camp, 2006 – Karnataka Sangha Sharjah and Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman and Ministry of Health, Sharjah


Art works created in UAE: Digital banners created with the concept of Karnataka art and culture and Indian traditional art for Karnataka Sangha Dubai, UAE Tulu Koota, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, UAE Bunts, Mogaveers UAE, Billawas Dubai & Northers Emirates, Billawas Dubai, Gulf Billawa Sangha, Daiji Rang Mandir, Symphony Music Institute – Ajman/Sharjah, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE, Nama Tuluveru UAE, Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE, Devaadiga Sangha UAE.

Logos created in UAE for Karnataka Sangah Sharjah, UAE Tulu Koota (decennial), UAE Bunts, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Al Ain Kannada Sangha, Dhvani Pratistana UAE (silver jubilee), Mogaveers UAE, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE, Gulf Kannadiga Forum, Devadiga Sangha UAE, UAE Tamil Sangam, Mangalore Konkans (20 years), Daiijiword website, Kannadadhvani website

Stage settings and gateway creations in UAE with the concept of Karnataka art and culture and Indian traditional art for Karnataka Sangah Dubai – Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore setting in 2001, Mysore Palace setting in 2002 (Karnatakotsava – Vishnuvardhan Kannada cine star), UAE Tulu Koota – Tulunadu setting.


Tableaux, gateways and souvenirs designed

* UAE Bunts Souvenir Cover page design – 1999
* Karnataka Sangha Dubai Souvenir – “Gaana Vaibhava”2001 , “Chandana” 2010
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah – “Saadhane” – 2006
* Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha “Rajata Rashmi” – 2006
* Mangalore Konkans Dubai 2003 – 2010
* Billawas Dubai & Northern Emirates “Suvarna Kedage”- 2007
* UAE Tulukoota – “Sangama” 2000
* St Mary’s Church Dubai – 2005
* St Francis Assisi Jebal Ali – 2007
* St Michael’s Church Sharjah
* SMC Malayalee Catholics
* Tamil Sangam Ras Al Khaimah
* SMC Fr Daniel’s Hon Souvenir
* Dhvani Pratistaana UAE – “Kannada Naadu Nudi Rakshane” Cover
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah -” Suvarna Karnataka Picture Card”

Besides, he has written and conceptualised a book titled ‘Footprints – A fascinating journey’ to Padmashri Dr B R Shetty.
Awards

Honoured at Govt Junior College Madikeri 1974 at Field Marshal K M Cariappa unveiling ceremony of sculptured art work, Main Gate GJC Madikeri
Karnataka State Best Teacher Award – 1993 by Karnataka Teachers Benefit Fund Bangalore
Karnataka Rajyotsava District Award -1987 by R Gundu Rao, the then chief minister of Karnataka
Gold Medal -1987 at Lakshadeepotsava Dharmasthala by Dr Veerendra Heggade
State Level Honouring – 1993 – at Gokrananatheshwara Temple Mangaluru, by Sri Pejawar Swamiji
Dr Shivaram Karanth Shilpa Kala Rathna Award – 1983 at Karnataka Electricity Board – Madikeri, by K A Somanna, state commissioner, Bharat Scouts – Karnataka
Kala Praveena Award – 1984 Ganapathy Utsava Samiti Gandhi Nagara Virajpet by Sri Shanthamalla Swamiji, Arameri Mata
Kala Kirana Award – 1990 at Angala Parameshwari Temple Virajpet, by M K Poovaiah, president, town muncipal council, Virajpet
Honoured at 100 years Karnataka Police Celebration – 1984 by P S Ramanujam, DIG Mysore
Honoured at Lalitha Kala Academy, Bangalore -1991 by P R Thippeswamy, president, Lalitha Kala Academy Bangalore
Honoured at Madikeri Dasara – Navaratri festival by M C Nanaiah, the then law minister Karnataka
Honourred at Sarva Dharma Sammelana – Arameri Math, by Shiva Kumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Math,Tumakuru and Shantha Malla Swamiji Kalncheri Arameri Math
Honoured at Madikeri Dasara Utasav Temples by Kanchi Kaamkshi Temple, Kote Mariyamma Temple
Honoured by Kodagu Bunts Association 1993 at Rotary Hall Madikeri
Honoured at Vishwa Bunts Convention -1993 at Art Exhibition – Chitra Kala Parishat Bangalore by Dr Shivarama Karanth and Jeevaraj Alva, the then minister of Kannada and culture, Karnataka
Awards in UAE

Was honoured with ‘Mayura Award’ by Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2009
Received ‘Prathiba Puraskar Award’ at Vishwa Kannada Cultural Convention in 2009
Honoured at Nama Tuluveru ‘Tuluvere Parba 2012’
Honoured at Kuvempu Utsava 2012 at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Honoured at UAE Bunts Satyanarayana Pooja by Dr. B.R. Shetty in 2015
Honoured at UAE Tulukoota Silver Jubilee Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Devadigas Dubai Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Ramakshatriya Sangha in 2015
Honoured by Shri. Veerendra Hegde at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sanga Rajyotsava Celebration 2015
Other than the above there are innumerable events Ganesh Rai has contributed selflessly to in one or the other way which was noticed and appreciated by the concerned on various occasions.

In my view, Ganesh Rai should be considered as a great asset to the Kannadigas in the UAE and India as well, for his contribution so far. With his sheer enthusiasm and commitment towards Kannada and Tulu language, he is promoting community spirit from so many years in this part of the world. He deserves all accolades and appreciation from the government of Karnataka which should recognize his service towards Kannada/Tulu language, art, folk and literature packed with a unique blend of artistry, social awareness, commitment of service to humanity and honour him soon.

Wishing him more success in his future endeavors.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Shodhan Prasad / Dubai – November 19th, 2015

PES University to launch another satellite

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Barely a month, after 250 students launched a nano-satellite PISAT, under the mentorship of PES University staff, another group of students have started work on developing another satellite at the university, the PISAT-2.

While the earlier satellite, which entered orbit on September 26 on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), is a stabilised imaging satellite, PISAT-2 will have an ultraviolet imager that will stare at a single point in space for the lifetime of the mission.

“The goal is to search for variable sources, those that change in brightness. These may include explosive events like supernovae, exotic events such as planets falling into their parent stars or events in our neighbourhood such as nearby asteroids or comets,” a statement from PESU said.

Students will work with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) on the project which will be supported financially by the university. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has also evinced interest in funding the mission, sources said.

With an outlay of Rs. 2.3 crore, 18 to 24 months have been set for the launch.

“PISAT-1 was developed for Earth observation while PISAT-2 will help us head towards deep space exploration,” said Ajay Kumar, a student working on the project.

Explaining the difference between the two missions in terms of technological expertise, Divya Rao, a mentor for the project said, “PISAT-2 will be more advanced in terms of technology like the control systems onboard as well as the composition of the satellite which will have space grade components on board.”

Chancellor of PES University, M.R. Doreswamy said that the institute was committed to extending support for the design and development phase of the satellite. PISAT-1 in the meantime is functioning as per parameters and is healthy. The team will continue to use the satellite for earth observation in the coming months, a team member said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / Staff Reporter / November 21st, 2016

Tree Facts : Floral Splendour

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All

treefactsbf12nov2016

Ornamental garden is the dream of plant-loving urban dwellers. Plants, foliage and flowering of different hues in various combination can express the beauty of nature around the living area. It is not the size that matters as one can landscape even a small home ground in the same way as done for larger estates or public parks. When done in the best form it is the pride of the house.

An ‘ornamental garden’ developed by a woman falls into this category. The owner, gardener and executor is none other than the winner of the first prize in the Annual Dasara Flower Show under ornamental garden category: Ms. Hashmath Fathima. It is an artistic outdoor garden developed around her little dwelling place in a plot of land in Kalyanagiri, all on her own. The garden has all the ingredients of a modern ornamental garden with display of choicest flowering and foliage plants in the form of annuals and perennials (herbs, shrubs, climbers, trees, ornamental grasses, bulbs etc.) embellished with various design elements.

The special feature is most part of the garden is developed using containers of various size, shape and hues. The entrance gate opens up into a path leading to the garage, beautifully paved with lawn grass in the crevices which makes up for the absence of a lawn (due to lack of space). On entry into the garden you can notice the potted plants stacked up in multiple rows in various colour combination of foliage and flowers & height along side the wooden wall. The half wall of the verandah has been decked up with colourful overhanging Lantanas, besides the hanging pots at the entrance of the house.

For embellishment valuable objects of artefacts in the form of figurines of various objects, birds nests etc., are placed at vantage points. The northern wall of the house is fully green, a breathing wall completely covered with creeping fig (Ficus repens). The perennial climbers (Allamanda, Quisqualis, Bougainvillea etc.) with their foothold on the northern edge ramble on the wooden barricade. The garlic vine (Mansoa alliacea) overarching the garage makes spectacular display with purple coloured blooms and attracts the onlookers. A small pond is also designed in the backyard with water lily (Nymphae sps) in it. In addition to being pleasant to look at, this ornamental garden is also enjoyable to use with a recreation area to sit and enjoy reading etc., in the form of a bench decorated with an arch covered with a climber in the front yard and an aviary with plenty of beautiful birds in the backyard.

Another eye-catching addition is the bottle garden (hanging) created using soft drink bottles planted with variegated Alternantheras. This impressed me a lot. In general the display of plants is such that as soon as one enters one can experience the burst of flowers of all hues amidst the colourful foliage. Above all, with innumerable flowering and foliage plants (Acalypha, Althea rosea, Asparagus, Aglonema, Alternanthera, Anthuriums, Asters, Coleus, Catharanthus, Chrysanthemums, Cocks comb, Begonias, Cosmos, Calendulas, Chlorophytum, Duranta, Euphorbia milii, Gamphrena, Gazania, Gerberas, Day lily, Ferns, Marigolds, Pentas, Petunias, Zinnias etc., etc.) this little paradise looked like a “mini flower show.”

Ms. Hashmath is into gardening for more than a decade and has won several first prizes in the past too. I understand that she herself carries out most of her gardening work and uses only organic manure. Most of her earnings are spent on maintaining the garden. A dress designer by profession, she has put her heart and soul in designing the beautiful and attractive garden as well! Furthermore, she has shown the ability and imagination of the gardener in her in the best form besides the woman power.

Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy, Scientist, Mob: 97429-91057, e-mail: swamy_clri@hotmail.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / November 06th, 2016

Rajyotsava Award conferred on J.R. Lakshmana Rao

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Minister for Kannada and Culture Umashree is seen presenting Kannada Rajyotsava Award to Prof. J.R. Lakshmana Rao at his residence last evening. Others seen are Prof. Rao’s wife Jeevu Bai, daughter Vidya Shankar, son Anil Kumar, niece Jayanthi, her husband Mohan, along with MLA Vasu, Kannada and Culture Director K.A. Dayanand, former Mayor Modamani and others
Minister for Kannada and Culture Umashree is seen presenting Kannada Rajyotsava Award to Prof. J.R. Lakshmana Rao at his residence last evening. Others seen are Prof. Rao’s wife Jeevu Bai, daughter Vidya Shankar, son Anil Kumar, niece Jayanthi, her husband Mohan, along with MLA Vasu, Kannada and Culture Director K.A. Dayanand, former Mayor Modamani and others

Mysuru :

Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree yesterday conferred Kannada Rajyotsava Award on Kannada science writer G.R. Lakshmana Rao at the latter’s residence on 12th Main, Saraswathipuram here.

Umashree, who conferred the ward on Lakshmana Rao, also met his wife Jeevu Bai and handed over a cheque for Rs.1 lakh which is a purse associated with the award.

Speaking to media persons on the occasion, Umashree said that the Government had chosen Lakshmana Rao for the award on the basis of his contribution to the world of Science literature.

She also said that she came to Mysuru to personally present the ward as Lakshmana Rao could not attend the award presentation ceremony on Nov. 1 owing to ill health.

MLA Vasu, former Mayor R. Lingappa, Kannada and Culture Director K.A. Dayanand, Asst. Director Chennappa and family members of Lakshman Rao were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / November 06th, 2016

Selected for Rotary – Muktaka Sahitya Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Mysuru :

Noted Muktaka poet K.S. Manjunatha of Hariharapura, Chikkamagalur, has been selected for the Rotary-Muktaka Sahitya Award.

He will be conferred the award at a function jointly organised by Mysuru-based Karnataka Muktaka Sahitya Academy and Rotary Mysore North, on Nov. 25 at Rotary Centre on JLB Road at 6.30 pm. Dr. K. Anantharamu, retired Professor of Kannada, University of Mysore, will inaugurate the function.

Profile: K.S. Manjunatha hails from Hariharapura in Chikkamagalur district and is serving as Sub-Divisional Engineer of Bharath Seva Sanchara Nigam Limited in Hassan. A Muktaka poet by virtue of his literary involvements, he has produced a Muktaka book titled “Sri Manjunatha Vachanamrutha” which contains more than 13,000 Muktaka verses.

Apart from this, he has authored books, Sri Raghavendra Bhakthi Sukthi, Sri Govindha Suktha and the like. An expert in Yakshagana, Talamaddale arts, he was instrumental in establishing a number of Socio – Cultural organisations like Yakshavedike.

The award consists of a cash prize, citation and a memento, according to a press release from S. Ramaprasad, President of the Academy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / November 05th, 2016

‘ Samathentho ’ turns 50

Records, All

To stage play ‘Yamala Prashne’ in city this evening

samathenthobf11nov2016

 

Mysuru :

For any organisation or group to survive for 50 years is nothing but a great achievement. And that to a theatre group completing golden jubilee is something truly that needs to be recognised and appreciated. Mysuru-based theatre group ‘Samathentho’ has just achieved another feather in its camp through successful completion of glorious 50 years.

‘Samathentho’ (Saraswathipuram Madhyada Thengina Thopu) was the brainchild of Dr. Sindhuvalli Ananthamurthy, Dr. Na. Rathna, Vishwanath Mirle, H.M. Cennaiah, Dwarakanath, Balagopal Verma — who also formed the core group of the amateur theatre group. It was in 1966 that the amateur stalwarts came together to form an amateur theatre group which today is celebrating its golden jubilee.

The first play Samathento staged was ‘Yamala Prashne,’ written by Poornachandra Tejaswi, during the Kannada Writers Conference in 1967, but Samathentho gained currency during 1968 by staging the play ‘Raktakshi’ written by Kuvempu. Later, plays such as Kaaduprani, Ellige Eli Bonu, Sattavara Neralu, Mruchhakatika, Jo Kumaraswami, Ghashiram Kotwal, Hucchu Kudure Tuglak, Vamshavruksha, Taledanda, Bhootagalu, Maadriya Chite, Muktaadhaara, Huliyakathe, Cocktail Party, Kadadidaneeru and others were staged by the group over the past 5 decades.

Samathentho is known to be the first group to charge for the entry tickets, conduct writing contest and the troupe to introduce Dr. U.R. Aanthamurthy, H.M. Chenniah, Na. Ratna, Chaduranga and others as playwrights to people of Mysuru. It also started the legacy of honouring great personalities who have contributed immensely to theatre. Stalwarts like Sampath, Prof. Gururajarao, G.B. Joshi, Parwatawani and others have been felicitated by Samathentho. It also has the credit of instituting scholarship for students of theatre.

The specialty of Samathentho is that all its members have an equal say as they believe in universal decision making. The friendship among the mem- bers is such that all of them consider themselves to be a part of a single family. Though for various reasons there was a lull in the activities, the troupe still enjoyed the love of Mysureans which encouraged the troupe to revive and rejuvenate in 2009.

The troupe, not limiting its activities to Mysuru, has staged plays in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Dharwad, Gonikoppa, Ooty and other places to a packed audience. Many of the plays staged by Samathentho have found repeated audience thus making it one of the favourites among the amateur troupe in Mysuru.

On the occasion of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the troupe has organised a programme titled ‘Suvarna Samathentho.’ The programme, which began this morning with the inauguration of poster exhibition at the Lankesh Gallery in Rangayana, will also feature staging the play ‘Yamala Prashne,’ the first play which was staged by the group in 1966. The play will be staged at Vanaranga in Rangayana premises after the stage function at 6 pm.

As part of the celebrations, Samathentho also plans to organise theatre workshops, exhibitions and other theatre activities throughout the year apart from staging various plays.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / November 05th, 2016

Dragon boat race draws huge crowd to Ulsoor Lake

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports
dragonracebf09nov2016
 The finals of the 200-metre Dragon Boat Championships, which was held for the first time in Bengaluru, on Sunday proved to be a fine spectacle for the residents of the city, especially for those in and around Ulsoor Lake.
 The race was held in three categories — women’s, men’s and mixed — with participants from Kerala,  Maharashtra as well as different parts of Karnataka, as well as from those from armed and naval forces.
The races were eagerly cheered on by curious, enthusiastic crowds.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India /News Home> City News> Bangalore News / by Mohammed Waseem / TNN / November 08th, 2016

What started with 10 beds

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel
Monkey top windows in the heritage building;
Monkey top windows in the heritage building;

Bengaluru :

The structure built in 1887 has seen the city change, from a quiet abode for retiring seniors to a rushed metro that stays up all night.

Located in a lush green 20 acres, the hotel is said to be one of the first luxury hotels in the city. As you walk around the hotel, you will be greeted by turkey, geese and butterflies.

heritage02bf09nov2016

“Bengaluru was a leafy British cantonment and all families owned a part of the city’s gardens. A British couple, Mr and Mrs Bronson, opened a boarding house with ten beds and called it Bronson’s West End. It was opened to offer efficient boarding with laundry and kitchen facilities to the soldiers,” says Somnath Mukherjee, General Manager at the hotel. The single-storey building has been now converted into a Jiva Grande spa.

Arun Prasad, a historian and researcher, says that the guesthouse was need of the hour as there were no exclusive lodgings to accommodate the upper-class British who visited the city. “They would come here to visit the city or the officers living here. Some of them would also come to visit Royal Maharaja of Mysore,” he says.

“While the guesthouse was run by Mrs Bonson, who was married to a British officer, she started getting enough visitors and next year her husband also joined her and helped her in developing the property,” says Arun Prasad. The hotel had an ideal location – on the high grounds, next to Golf Club and adjacent to Race Club. The historian says that this made it easier for officers to access both the facilities.
There was so much demand that they extended it to two other existing buildings. One of the two buildings was earlier occupied by Grenadier Guards Regiment, one of the units of British Army, says Arun Prasad. Another building, he says, belonged to the secretary of the Race Club. They must have been built in early 1900s.

The post box located in the building which is the oldest functioning one in the city.
The post box located in the building
which is the oldest functioning one
in the city.

Oldest Post Box
Walk to the right of this building and you will find a post box that is still functional. It was used by the guests when it was Bronson’s West End. “It is the oldest operational post box in the city. It has the original Victorian Crest. It is made of cast iron,” informs Somnath Mukherjee.
But much before the guest house was opened by Bronsons, Muneshwara temple existed a little ahead of the building, which is now part of the hotel. The year in which it was built remains unknown. “It would have been a place of worship for people who lived in this locality,” says Somnath Mukherjee. The carving in front of the temple says that a great jamun tree fell on this temple ‘kalasham’ splitting the trunk into two but the temple remained unharmed. Even now the temple is open to the guests who visit the hotel and also to outsiders.

168-year-old Tree
Even the trees here are ancient, among them is a Rain Tree. According to a carving put up in front of the tree, it was planted in 1848 approximately. A Christmas tree planted in front of it measures more than 130 feet and is believed to have been planted even before the guesthouse came up. Eagles and parrots have made their nests here. Many more trees have been added and maintained by The Taj West End which occupied the place in 1984 and have preserved it with much love.
Arun Prasad says that in a book called Cyclopedia of India, a descriptive account of the landmarks and the people of India in early 1900s is listed. One of the landmarks mentioned in the edition printed in 1909 is Bronson’s West Land.

“The book describes it as an establishment of six fine buildings, spacious verandas, overlooking beautiful gardens and cottages. It also mentions that the building had a large dining room, a spacious drawing room, lofty billiards room with two full-sized billiard tables. All the rooms were furnished with modern amenities. There was a bakery, a dairy and carriage services as part of the hotel according to the book,“ he tells us.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Pratima Shantaveeresh / Express News Service / November 09th, 2016