Category Archives: World Opinion

IGRMS to host National Seminar on ‘Museum Movement’ in city

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

Mysuru :

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Mysuru, in collaboration with Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH), is organising a two-day National Seminar on ‘Museum Movement in South India’ on July 27 and 28 at RMNH premises in Siddarthanagar here.

The seminar will be inaugurated by Prof. Sarith Kumar Chauduri, Director, IGRMS Bhopal.

Prof. P.K. Misra, President, Anthropological Association, Mysuru, will be the chief guest.

The seminar will emphasise on: Museum and Sustainable Society; Curatorial experience linked with exhibition making or making of new museums; Collection and display of objects linking with a conceptual/ideological frame; Museum and vernacular art and architecture; Museum and the emerging social reality; Museum, State and Communities in the digital age.

About 25 delegates and museum professionals will present their papers during the meet. Those who are interested to participate in this seminar may contact Sh. V. Ashok Vardhan, Museum Associate on Mob: 09036373618 or Ph: 0821-2448131.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Saturday – July 25th, 2015

German teacher, residents restore Bengaluru park

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, World Opinion

Bengaluru :

Namma Park in Vasanthnagar is an apt example of how citizens’ intervention can change the face of a public space.

Only months ago, the park spread over 4,000 sqft on 10th Cross was choking with plastic bottles, broken liquor bottles and garbage.Today, the place has undergone a sea change –greenery everywhere, walkways clearly laid out and residents relaxing on benches.

In early April, Friederike Fokuhl, a German teacher in Bengaluru, was appalled by the park’s condition.

Realizing that it hadn’t seen a broom for years, Friederike and her friend Reshma Nargund, a social worker, started cleaning the park every day from 7am to 9am.

“We got in touch with BBMP and learnt this park was categorized as `underdeveloped’ and, therefore, got no funds. That’s when we decided to clean it up,” said Nargund.

In a month, the Vasantnagar Residents’ Welfare Association (VRWA) also joined in. Soon, people descended on the park, armed with gloves, brooms and garbage cans. The park was tidied, gates were fixed and saplings planted.

However, more needs to be done. For instance, some benches are broken and a few pathways require repair; thanks to a garbage dump on the adjacent street, rats frequent the place.

Infrastructure upgradation, pest control and improvement of soil quality will perk up the green space further.

“We weren’t aware that citizens and corporates could adopt parks from BBMP. I urge fellow Bengalureans to come forward and look after their neighbourhood,” said Raj Kumar, secretary, VRWA.

Samantha King, a freelance architect, has come up with an aesthetic design for the park. “Even though it’s in a much better shape now, it’s not visually appealing.The design is viable, sustainable, easy to maintain and cost-effective; it’ll be an inclusive space for the entire community ,” she said.

Watson’s, a neighbourhood restaurant, has decided to host a fundraiser for Namma Park on August 2, 4pm. All patrons can contribute and the amount generated through the event will be used for uplifting the park.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / by Surya Harikrishnan, TNN / July 29th, 2015

Star this week: Golfer and Official: Sonam Chugh

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

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Golf is a popular sport in the world sporting scene. The game needs excellent skill combined with concentration from the individual player to reach greater heights in this game. Our city’s 28-year-old Sonam Chugh, a product of the JWGC, has done everyone proud with her achievements in playing the game of golf as well as being an official of repute. Sonam recently represented India in the 22nd World Corporate Golf Challenge at the Oitavos Dunes Golf Course in Cascais, Portugal, on July 5 and teamed up with Shashidhar Reddy to win the top honours. Sonam and Shashidhar Reddy saw off 31 other teams to win the 22nd World Corporate Golf Challenge Trophy.

Sonam also is a qualified International Certified Rules official and is the youngest and the first women referee to achieve this feat in the country. She is our ‘Star This week.’ Sonam Chugh is a product of the JWGC, Mysuru. In a World Corporate Tournament that was played in the Stableford format on a par-71 course, Sonam Chugh (handicap 3) scored a total of 66 points over two days (34, 32) while Reddy (handicap 5) collected 62 points (33, 29). The two, representing Ramesh Swiss Watch, posted a total of 128 to claim a seven-point victory.

This was the second time when corporate Indian team won the prestigious World Finals title after Credit Suisse in 2008. There were other teams like Jet Airways (2014), Close-up, HUL (2011) and Swiss Military (2010) who came close and finished 2nd.

Sonam Chugh and Reddy reached the World Finals after edging out 13 corporate teams in the National Finals of the Take Solutions Corporate Golf Challenge held at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in April this year.

All 26 golfers who made it to the National Finals were winners from three regional qualifiers held in Delhi & NCR, Mumbai & Pune and Bengaluru.

Sonam Chugh is a Post Graduate Diploma holder in Marketing Management & a Masters in Science Communication. She is the daughter of V. Prakash and Leena Prakash of Mysuru.

She has also published a book “Networking & Golf – A research paper to validate the question – ‘Is Networking through golf’ A Myth or Reality? And the same has been published by LAP LAMBERT in April 2012 and is available for sale in Amazon. Sonam finished among the top two referees in the Grade ‘A’ level in the Referee Exams held in 2015 and was sent to St. Andrews in Scotland in February 2015, where she completed her certification and became an International Certified Rules Official.

Sonam is the first International certified Rules Official among women in Karnataka and along with city’s Paramjith Singh (Level A-International certified rules official) has achieved this status. City’s Dr. Karumbiah (Level ‘A’) and Drishti Karumbiah (Level ‘B’), all from JWGC, are the other certified Rules Officials, who have qualified as National Rules referees.

Sonam intends to work hard in the days to come and officiate in as many tournaments as she can in the National and International circuit and improve on her knowledge in the game of golf.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Sunday – July 19th, 2015

City girl bags outstanding achievement award in Germany

Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, World Opinion

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Mysuru:

City girl Rini James, studying in Weinhenstephan – Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Germany, was awarded “Outstanding Achievement of a Foreign Student Award” in Germany on July 10.

Rini James, who completed her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Mysore, is also a Deutscher Akademischer Austanschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service), DAAD Scholar having received a scholarship for a student exchange at the Technical University, Berlin, Germany in 2011-12.

During her Master’s Programme in Germany, she has won many awards and prizes for her excellence in Studies.

Rini James is the daughter of James Balu and Alice J. Balu of Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com  / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Saturday – July 18th, 2015

KSIC to showcase 100 years of Mysore Silk

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

Cultural programmes planned, cine stars to participate; Rs. 5 crore sanctioned for modernisation of Mysore Silk weaving factory

Mysuru :

The Karnataka State Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) in city has also planned to celebrate 100 years of its service to the people in a big way in August, similar to the Centenary celebrations of the University of Mysore and the City Central Library.

Addressing a press conference at Pathrakartara Bhavan in city yesterday, KSIC Chairman D. Basavaraju said that Chief Minister Siddharamaiah has given his consent to prepare the schedule for the KSIC’s Centenary celebrations in Mysuru in August. The KSIC has completed 103 years of its inception.

KSIC’s delayed Centenary event will be a memorable one as the Chief Minister has agreed to inaugurate and planning has begun, said Basavaraj and added that to mark the celebrations, efforts will be made to offer Mysore Silk saris at cut-price.

Replying to questions, as to why the Centenary celebrations of KSIC were not held in 2012, Basavaraju said the celebrations were postponed due to professional commitments.

A Centenary Bhavan had been built at the factory premises on Mananwadi Road in city but the centenary had not been publicly celebrated, he added.

Basavaraju pointed out that the 100 years of Mysore Silk will be showcased along with cultural programmes and other events and added that cinema stars will also be invited for the Centenary celebrations of KSIC.

The Silk factory in Mysuru is one of the oldest and historical silk manufacturing units in the country. It was founded by the Wadiyars in 1912 for manufacturing silk fabrics for the royal family and ornamental fabrics for armed forces.

Rs. 5 crore sanctioned for modernisation of Mysore Silk weaving factory

Stating that the State Government through Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) has sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for modernisation of the Silk weaving factory in Mysuru, the KSIC Chairman said: “new technology will be adopted to manufacture better quality silk sarees for the customers. About 645 people, including management staff and workers have been employed at the Silk weaving factory and 254 people have been hired on contract basis.”

Basavaraju said that fresh recruitments have not been made at the factory since 21 years despite shortage of workers even after retirement of several employees and added that steps were being initiated to recruit employees.

KSIC, in its first phase, has installed modern machines at a cost of Rs. 68 lakh at the thread spinning unit in T. Narasipur, said Basavaraju. The spunk silk factory at Channapatna will be restored at a cost of Rs. 9.26 crore and the unit is expected to produce low-cost silk sarees priced at Rs. 4,000 to cater to middle class and economically weaker sections, he added.

The KSIC Chairman pointed out that KSIC had a record transaction of Rs. 146.42 crore in 2014-15 — an increase of Rs. 20 crore when compared to Rs. 127.15 crore in 2013-14. The profit earned during the current fiscal is Rs. 25 crore and Rs. 1.10 crore has already been deposited to the Government as its share dividend, he added.

As there is more demand for setting up of Mysore Silk retail units in the State, 6 units in Mysuru, 7 in Bengaluru, one each in Channapatna, Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada have been functioning and from these 17 units 72,000 silk sarees were sold during the last year, said Basavaraju. New retail units will be set up by the end of this year at Davanagere, Hubballi, Dharwad, Tumakuru, Belagavi and Kalaburgi, he added.

KSIC officers N.H. Thimappa, Krishnappa and Suresh were present at the press conference.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Thursday – July 16th, 2015

‘We are among the top 3 in water heaters’

Business & Economy, World Opinion

The response to A O Smith from the consumer and trade community in India has been so good that it has encouraged us to make more investments.

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It has only been seven years since A O Smith, the world’s No.1 water heater maker, entered the Indian market. The NYSE-listed, $2.36-billion (2014 revenues) company first introduced its range of water heaters in the India market, and now claims to be a leading player in the segment. Very recently, the company started selling its water purifiers as well. Deccan Herald’sGeorgy S Thomas recently sat down with A O Smith’s newly appointed India Managing Director Parag Kulkarni to discuss the company’s journey so far and its future strategies. Excerpts:

When did your India journey begin?

We started operations in India seven years back. Our first manufacturing plant was inaugurated in 2010 at Harohalli, KIADB Industrial Area, just outside Bengaluru. We have 20 acres of land over there. In the first phase, we set up a plant spread over 75,000 square feet. Our water heaters are manufactured there. It has been received well by the market as a premium offering. We are among the most recalled brands in the modern retail outlets.

What is your product range in water heaters? How are they priced?

Our water heaters range from 1-litre capacity to about 100-litre capacity. Prices start from Rs 3,000 for the 1-litre offering to Rs 15,000 for the 25-litre offering. The 100-litre offering is custom-built and targeted at commercial establishments like hospitals, hotels, etc. Our water heaters boast of patented, unique blue diamond technology (glass coating) which increases the life of the inner tank. The lining is stronger and more corrosion-resistant than that of competing products. The A O Smith range of water heaters come with five‐star rating for energy efficiency. They feature digital and wireless remote control which not only enables the user to set temperature, but also shows the energy consumed by the unit and has a real time clock and a built-in timer.

Another feature on the aesthetics front is that our water heaters come with interchangeable decorative front panels in eight different colours. The colours can be changed to match that of the tiles in the bathroom. We transformed the water heater industry in the country.

What is your market share in water heaters?

This is data which is very difficult to pull out because nobody publishes it. Suffice it to say that we are among the top three players in the market.

What are the volumes that you do?

Again these are unpublished data and difficult to share. What I can tell you is that the response to A O Smith from the consumer and trade community in India has been so good that it has encouraged us to make more investments.

What is you installed plant capacity?

What I can tell you is that 75,000-square feet is what was invested earlier. But very recently we have gone ahead and made another investment, and now the plant size is 226,000 square feet. Our installed capacity is much ahead of our current requirements. It is 3,100 water heaters per day and 300 water purifiers per day.

What’s the size of the India water heater market?

It is estimated at around Rs 800 crore. South India is the largest market for organised water heaters.

What else is new at A O Smith?

We recently entered the reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier market. There are three models in the market now. One of them is called PURITEE+ HOT. It has 10-litre capacity, of which 9.8 litres is for regular water, and 0.2 litres for hot water.

What is the price range of your water purifiers? What is their value proposition?

Prices for the water purifiers range from Rs 17,000 to Rs 25,000. We offer two-year warranties which are much higher than that of our competitors.

Our unique patented Side Stream technology gives RO membrane life of 12,000 litres from the usual 6,000 litres. Our purifiers boast of seven-stage amino purification process.

Two of our water purifiers come with the unique ColourMatch system which can be matched to the kitchen decor. We have also introduced ‘The Greatest Buy Back’ offer where you can get Rs 3,000 off on exchange of any water purifier to upgrade to an AO Smith model.

What is the size of the water purifier market?

The water purifier market in India is approximately estimated at Rs 3,500 crore. Of this, the RO market is estimated at Rs 1,200 crore. The RO market in India is growing at 22-25 per cent CAGR.

In which all markets do you distribute your products?

We distribute water heaters in 23 class A cities, 61 of 67 class B cities, and 314 of 400 class C cities. Our water purifiers are distributed only in the Delhi/NCR and Bengaluru markets.

What about customer service?

We have launched the ‘Power of 1’ service, which is one of its kind. We are committed to respond to the customer’s problem within one hour of the call being registered on the toll-free number. The customer problem will be rectified and closed within one working day. And the solution will be provided the first time itself. We have an outsourced call centre, where calls will be attended by AO Smith-trained operators. They take the call and house visits are done by our A O Smith-trained technicians. This service is available in the top ten cities of the country.

What are your investments so far in India?

We have invested upwards of $50 million in India so far. We will be investing more in India to grow the market.

Do you do research and development (R&D) in India?

We have a full-fledged R&D centre in India, which commenced operations in 2010. We have an R&D team of around 35-40 people who work on products for the Indian market. Innovations by the India R&D team include the hot water dispensing purifier, remote control for temperature in water heaters, side membrane technology, ColourMatch system for the water purifiers and water heaters, etc.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Economy & Business / by George S. Thomas / DHNS – June 29th, 2015

City’s Sonam, Shashidhar pair triumphs

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Mysuru :

The Indian pair of Sonam Chugh from Mysuru and Shashidhar Reddy saw off 31 other teams to win the 22nd World Corporate Golf Challenge at the Oitavos Dunes Golf Course in Cascais, Portugal, recently.

Sonam Chugh is a product of the JWGC, Mysuru. In a tournament that was played in the stableford format on a par-71 course, Sonam Chugh (handicap 3) scored a total of 66 points over two days (34, 32) while Reddy (handicap 5) collected 62 points (33, 29).

The two, representing Ramesh Swiss Watch, posted a total of 128 to claim a seven-point victory.

Chugh and Reddy reached the World Finals after edging out 13 corporate teams in the National Finals of the Take Solutions Corporate Golf Challenge.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Monday – July 06th, 2015

Premji gives half of his stake in Wipro for charity

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
In Wipro's annual report for the year ended March 2015, Premji said he has now allocated the equivalent of 39% of the company's shares to a trust focussed on philanthropic initiatives, mainly primary education.
In Wipro’s annual report for the year ended March 2015, Premji said he has now allocated the equivalent of 39% of the company’s shares to a trust focussed on philanthropic initiatives, mainly primary education.

Bengaluru :

Wipro’s billionaire chairman Azim Premji, the first Indian to sign the Giving Pledge, has set aside more than half of his wealth for charity by allocating an additional 18% stake in the company to fund philanthropy.

Premji, who will turn 70 this month, controls a 73.39% stake in India’s third-largest software company, which is worth about Rs 99,500 crore ($15.7 billion). In Wipro’s annual report for the year ended March 2015, Premji said he has now allocated the equivalent of 39% of the company’s shares to a trust focussed on philanthropic initiatives, mainly primary education. The additional 18% stake forms the latest tranche of shares Premji has allocated for charity.

The Giving Pledge is an effort to invite the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to commit half of their wealth to philanthropic causes and charitable organisations. In his pledge in 2013, Premji said he believes that those who are privileged to have wealth should contribute significantly to try and create a better world for the millions who are far less privileged. “Over the past 15 years, I have tried to put this belief into action through my personal philanthropic work. Over these years, I have irrevocably transferred a significant part of the shareholding in WiproBSE -0.03 %, amounting to 39% of the shares of Wipro, to a trust (of which ownership of 21.14% was transferred and for the balance, the trust is entitled to the beneficial interest of dividends and sale proceeds),” Premji wrote in a letter to shareholders.

People close to Premji said he has been quietly and steadily been transferring wealth to fund philanthropy.

“Apart from the Tata Trust, nothing comes close to the commitment made by him on this front,” said a person who knows him well. “And now, he has two engines to carry on philanthropy—the Azim Premji Foundation, and the newly formed Philanthropic Initiatives formed to making grants to NGOs.”

Last year, Premji hired Amnesty India head G Anantha Padmanabhan to build an organization that will offer grants to external agencies.

“The new initiative of making grants to NGOs has just started under what we call Philanthropic Initiatives. We are continuing to look at various areas, e.g., nutrition, water — the only area that we have decided on is support to NGOs working with the most vulnerable people — eg, street children, urban homeless, teenage girls from disadvantaged communities, women at risk of violence,” said Anurag Behar, CEO of Azim Premji Foundation and vice-chancellor of Azim Premji University.

“The Foundation’s work continues to expand and deepen in helping improve public (government) school education across seven states, which have about 350,000 schools. The university that we run also continues to expand. This year, we have launched a Master’s in public policy and governance and also our undergraduate programme,” Behar added.

Philanthropy has been on the rise among the rich in India as Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates , the world’s richest person, and business magnate Warren Buffet urged the wealthy to give their fortunes to charitable causes.

According to the Hurun Research Institute, at least 50 individuals donated over Rs 10 crore to philanthropic causes in 2014.

Premji, Anil Agarwal, Shiv Nadar and Ratan Tata were the most generous givers in India, according to the Hurun India Philanthropy List 2014.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Business> India Business / by Pankaj Mishra, ET Bureau / July 08th, 2015

A bundle of charm

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

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They got her an imported ‘body cream’ and she is massaged to sparkle her pista green colour every Sunday. A 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, she is the “happiness” of GB Ravichandra’s family. The best-selling car for the longest time, she has a unique body shape with fins, a rear engine, and a huge boot space at the front.

A classic beauty, she was the childhood dream of Ravichandra who says, “I watched the Beetle rallies as a kid. It was after 20 years that I am able to own one.”
He adds that his dream would not have been fulfilled if it was not for his wife Bharathi. “Although I wanted to own a Beetle, I was skeptical about spending money on it, as it is an expensive hobby. My wife’s support was and is still the biggest boost to my passion.”

It is not just the Beetle that takes him back to his childhood. He also owns a Bajaj scooter. He explains, “It belonged to my dad Bhaskarayya. A family of four — my father, mother, sister and I — have travelled all around in this scooter. With the four of us, there would be some extra luggage too. My father was very passionate and cared more for his scooter than his wife!” A layman’s mode of transport, it is in good running condition and has a humble charm.

His passionate collection of many antique and classic things has led his daughters — Aishwarya and Aashika — to follow his footsteps.

“The passion is completely passed on as we, at the beginning, did not understand the so-called antique charm. But we are a part of it now and have emotions attached to our Beetle,”  they say in unison. They call it a package of love and happiness and Aashika says, “I love the rallies that happen in the City and it is exciting to see many colourful Beetles moving in a single lane. We have made so many friends who share the same passion because of this car.”

Bharathi is equally passionate about this small car and she has made it a point to include the car in every family celebration. “During birthdays or anniversary celebrations, we make sure to deck the car with flowers and placards and take her for a drive with all family members. She is a part of every special
occasion.”

There is a story behind the car’s arrival which he summerises, “I saw an advertisement and she was in Cochin. Hesitant, but later encouraged by my wife, I flew to Cochin. She was in a bad condition and it was an expensive affair. However, I picked her up and got her to Bengaluru in a truck.” She was restored and it took him a year to find the right mechanics and get her back in shape. “Some parts were not original and I had to source them from abroad. It took me a year to get everything fixed — all to her original charm,” he adds.

A left hand drive car, she is a showstopper in the busy traffic and Bharathi says, “While taking her for a drive, people first tend to look at the driving seat, which is usually on the right and jovially think that a lady is driving. Sometimes, we even pretend to hold a rod in the front trying to fool them and this is a fun process.” She adds that the car is a bit tougher to drive because of the left hand steering.

They own another unusual car — 2004 Ambassador Avigo — that has a body shape of a classic ambassador, but a power steering with all the modern amenities. “There are about only hundred cars produced in India and this is made to look like a 1960 model,” he says. He comments on the technology of the classic cars and says, “They are very superior and reliable. The engine parts of this Beetle are rugged and the car does not topple.” With a dream to own many cars including the Citroen 1970 and a classic Mercedes Benz, he concludes, “It has taken me twenty years to own a Beetle and I will never let go of her.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Prajna GR, Bengaluru / DHNS – July 07th, 2015

City’s Thriveni C. Mysore’s article published in WW-I Centenary special German Book

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

Mysuru :

An article titled ‘My dear son’ written by Thriveni C. Mysore has become the only article from India to be published in a German project — ‘The Book of Plans, Hopes and Dreams,’ that marks the Centenary of the beginning of the First World War (1914-2014).

Thriveni C. Mysore’s article, written under the pen name ‘Bharathi,’ gives the picture of India’s struggles during World War I and the turmoil in the country before and after Mahatma Gandhi.

‘The Book of Plans, Hopes and Dreams’ project is a German-British WW-I remembrance activity concentrated on local and European history. It was created to let the people of today remember people in the time of war by finding out about them, and setting down their own ideals and stories, to hand on to generations to come. The project is a writing competition to link 1914 to 2014 and beyond, by writing a letter, story or poem.

The project has won the European Association for the Education for Adults (EAEA) International Grundtvig Award, launched by EAEA in order to recognise and celebrate excellence in adult education.

The articles that were selected for ‘The Book of Plans, Hopes and Dreams’ were printed in the form of a book and were presented to the Blackburn Cathedral by the Diocese of Braunschweig, Germany, while the only two original copies of the book are kept in Brunswick Cathedral, Brunswick, Germany and Blackburn Cathedral, Lancashire, England. The project is described by the Canon Chancellor of Blackburn Cathedral, Lancashire, Ian Stockton as “A symbol of reconciliation and hope.”

A lecturer in Yuvaraja’s College here, writer and critic, Thriveni is a graduate from Yuvaraja’s College who has won the prestigious Kannada Sahitya Parishat award for her book on religious ethics and a State level award for her criticism on D.V. Gundappa’s ‘Kagga.’ She also holds lectures on environment and conservation.

Thriveni’s letter that was selected to the project can be viewed at www.book-of-phd.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / Wednesday – July 01st, 2015