Category Archives: World Opinion

This Woman from Srirangapatna is the Queen Bee Among Entrepreneurs

Business & Economy, World Opinion
Chayaa nanjappa National Best Entrepreneur Award From the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India was presented toher in Hyderabad on Monday. |EPS
Chayaa nanjappa National Best Entrepreneur Award From the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India was presented toher in Hyderabad on Monday. |EPS

Bangalore :

From Srirangapatna to Europe, it has been a long and difficult journey for 42-year-old Chayaa Nanjappa. But she has battled the odds and today heads a rural enterprise which produces high-quality honey that sweetens many a home even in Europe and the United States.

As a reward for her hard work, Chayaa was on Monday awarded this year’s ‘National Best Entrepreneur Award’ in food processing by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India.

Her path to success has not been a smooth one; she had to overcome many an adversity, physical abuse and traumatic relationships. But now, this gentle, self-made woman provides a livelihood for not only many illiterates of Mysore and Mandya districts, but also some tribals across the state. She is also the largest buyer of forest honey from Malayalis and tribes like Siddis and Jenu Kurubas.

She began her journey by setting up a small unit at Bommanahalli with the help of a `10-lakh loan. She then shifted operations to Nanjangud and later, to Srirangapatna.

Today her enterprise Nectar Fresh, which produces monofloral honey, has a capacity of 200 tonnes and is worth `6 crore. It is one of the largest bulk suppliers and packers of honey in the country and falls in the top five bulk exporters of raw as well as processed honey. Nectar Fresh also has the ISO 22000:2005 certification.

Chayaa told Express, “With no work experience or exposure, I started a rural industry in 2007 that could be identified with my hometown, Coorg. After doing a basic course from Central Bee Research and Training Institute (CBRTI), I jumped into the industry completely, sourcing honey from tribes and farmers.”  She has 20 mobile apiary vans across the country.

Going International

To earn her brand a significant international presence, she decided to market it as a basket of products, including jams and sauces. The result: it found a place in the European market. “I added jams and sauces to my basket by purchasing pulp from sick units run by women in places like Bangalore and Mangalore, and sourcing fruits like papaya and tomato directly from farmers,” she said.

With exports to Germany and France, Nectar Fresh has broken the monopoly of global companies like Bereenberg, Darbo and Bonne Maman. “We met the stringent standards necessary for approval to export to Germany and made a strong impact by packaging our honey and jam in polypropylene sachets for high quality and shelf life. The European competitors feel threatened by our presence,” said Chayaa, who is now busy tying up with a Saudi Arabian company for the production of jams from dates.

She credited the Karnataka Village Industries Board (KVIB), CBRTI, the Horticulture Department, the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Le Meridien, ITC Foods and a host of others who supported her. “Any small and marginal farmer in Karnataka producing quality honey can contact me. My sole aim is to promote rural products and help women in distress by providing employment opportunities,” she said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Meera Bhardwaj / July 31st, 2014

Sri Veena Vani Music School might get into Guinness Book of World Records

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

City based music institute, Sri Veena Vani Music School (SVMS) located in Banahankari has received a green signal from Guinness Book of World Records’ for its dream of gaining the title of Guinness.

The SVMS is planning for a Carnatic classical keyboard performance in the month of October 2014 and enter the Guinness Book of World Records . The program is to ensemble about 500 key board players, collectively performing the national anthem, national song and a Carnatic piece of music in a western instrument on one stage.

The committee of Guinness Book of World Records has communicated with the city based music school and confirmed the participation of its judges and members and they will be arriving to city in October.

B Gireesh Kumar, president of the school told dna,”We have received the official confirmation of participation from Guinness Book of World Records and asked us to pay the registration and judge fee of 8,700 US dollars. Committee has also confirmed the time for the event and it would be in October,” he said.

After getting inspired by the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records as largest keyboard ensemble created involving 175 keyboard players in USA on July 2013, the city based music school Sri Veena Vani Music School in Banashankari has been aiming to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by playing the western keyboard by over 500 keyboard players and singing Carnatic Classic Music by over 500 singers on the same stage.

Speciality of the event is, an attempt is made to adapt keyboard a full fledge western musical instrument to Carnatic Music and for the first time over 500 keyboard players and 500 Carnatic classical singers will perform on the stage by singing only swara for about 40-45 minutes during the third week of October.

The largest keyboard ensemble consisted of 229 participants and was conducted by M.S. Martin and organized by Sangeetha Sriram at Chennai Trade Centre in Chennai, India, on 16 January 2014. And now Sri Veena Vani music school wants to break that record and want to create such a record in Bangalore with over 1000 musicians including singers and musicians.

Now the school has started this unique model for all keyboard music aspirants who would want to be a part of the event and providing training for age groups from 7-60 years. The lessons are imparted via video, through online modules including Skype and Offline classes and also in the Institute premises, Gireesh added.

source: http://www.dnaindia.con / DNA / Home> Bangalore / Place: Bangalore, Agency: DNA / Monday – July 21st, 2014

Academic council gives nod for admission of ITI passed students to degree courses

Education, Records, All, World Opinion

Mysore :

The University of Mysore (UoM) Academic Council which met here yesterday, gave nod for direct admission of students who have completed ITI to degree courses.This decision follows after Davanagere University granted permission for ITI and JOC passed students to join Degree courses such as B.A, B.Com and BBM.

The other decision taken by the Council included allowing a Singapore-based University to start an International Centre of Physical Biology at UoM, making Computer knowledge and PU education mandatory for candidates seeking appointment to non-teaching posts, granting affiliation to degree colleges started by the Government at Bettadapura, Saragur, Talkad, Chamarajanagar, Terakanambi and Arehalli and bracing itself to implement ‘Connect to India’ scheme as suggested by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

VC Prof. K. S. Rangappa presided over the meeting, which also took the historic decision of providing admission to students from Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) region. With the decision, the UoM becomes the first University outside HK region to allot 8 per cent seats to students from the backward region under the provisions of article 371(J) of the Constitution.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>General News  / July 19th, 2014

JSS Pharmacy colleges get ACPE certification

Education, Records, All, World Opinion
JSS University VC Dr. B. Suresh is seen addressing the press persons in city today as Dr. Basavanagoudappa, Dr. P.A. Kushalappa, Dr. B. Manjunath and Dr. H.G. Shivakumar look on.
JSS University VC Dr. B. Suresh is seen addressing the press persons in city today as Dr. Basavanagoudappa, Dr. P.A. Kushalappa, Dr. B. Manjunath and Dr. H.G. Shivakumar look on.

Mysore :

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), USA reviewed the Doctor of Pharmacy degree programme of Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) University Colleges of Pharmacy, Mysore and Ooty for the purposes of certification and granted Certification to the College’s Pharm D programme.

Disclosing this at a press conference at Patrakarthara Bhavan this morning, Dr. B. Suresh, Vice-Chancellor of JSS University said that the certification status of the College’s professional degree program is listed in the directory of certified programmes of ACPE on its website and the Board’s review and certification was based on due consideration of the Evaluation Team Report (ETR), the Self-Study Report, and the recommendation of ACPE’s International Commission.

He further said that the purpose of seeking certification is to set benchmark for the quality of pharmacy education and particularly Pharm D programme that the University provides in the region with that of global standards and expectations.

Dr. Suresh said that with this coveted ACPE certification, JSS College of Pharmacy in Mysore and Ooty have not only become the first institution in the country but also in the Asia Pacific region and are now poised to provide education on international standards.

Dr. H. Basavanagoudappa, Principal, JSS Medical College, Dr. P.A. Kushalappa, Director (Academics), Dr. B. Manjunath, Registrar, JSS University and Dr. H.G. Shivakumar, Principal, JSS College of Pharmacy were present at the press meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / July 18th, 2014

Infosys co-founder donates USD 1.8 million for Carnegie-IISc brain project

Education, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
The CBR at the IISc was set up earlier this year with funding from a charitable trust set up by the former Infosys CEO. (Source: PTI photo)
The CBR at the IISc was set up earlier this year with funding from a charitable trust set up by the former Infosys CEO. (Source: PTI photo)

SUMMARY

Carnegie Mellon University is a world-renowned leader in many areas of research and education.
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Infosys co-founder and former CEO Kris Gopalakrishnan has announced a donation of USD 1.8 million for the Carnegie Mellon University in the US to establish a research tie-up with the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore for studying aging related disorders of the brain like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

“Carnegie Mellon University is a world-renowned leader in many areas of research and education. I am very pleased to support President Subra Suresh’s strategic vision for the collaboration between CMU and IISc through this gift so that we can address one of the grand challenges of our times by understanding the human brain,” Gopalakrishnan said.

The CBR at the IISc was set up earlier this year with funding from a charitable trust set up by the former Infosys CEO.

The partnership between the Carnegie Mellon Universoty, one of the foremost in brain research and the Centre for Brain Research at the IISc aims to leverage the research strengths of the two premier research institutions.

“This partnership will provide opportunities for applying new technologies from fields ranging from imaging to machine learning to address critical questions about neuro-degeneration and one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity is to understand the human brain. Our hope is that this new research collaboration will lead to discoveries about neuro–degenerative diseases that afflict the aging population, and that those findings help improve our diagnostic and treatment capabilities for such diseases,” Carnegie Mellon University president Subra Suresh said.opalkrishnan who was instrumental in taking Infosys from a start up in 1981 to a USD 8 billion revenue company, has a personal wealth valued at USD 1.4 billion and is among the top 1500 billionaires in the world at present.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The New Indian Express/ Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service / Banglaore – July 17th, 2014

US President’s education award to students with Mysore link

Education, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

MysoreLinkBF21jul2014

Mysore :

In order to recognise academic success in the classroom, the US Department of Education presents President’s Award for Educational Excellence every year.

Nikitha Chalgeri, daughter of Smitha R. Chalgeri and Raju Chalgeri, residents of US, has been awarded American President’s Education Award for outstanding excellence for achieving all-round progress in Academic as well as extra curricular activities during 2014. She is pursuing her 7th standard in Tesoro Del Velle School, California, USA. Nikitha’s elder sister Nidhi Chalgeri was also awarded similar education award during 2010.

President Barack Obama has also sent a congratulatory message from White House for achieving this unique Education Award which reads as follows:

“Please accept my congratulations on receiving the President’s Education Award. I am pleased to join your family, friends and teachers in honouring this tremendous achievement.

America’s continued success depends on how well your generation is prepared for the future, and this special recognition is a testament to the dedication and skill you have shown in the classroom. I am proud of you for pushing yourself academically, and I am counting on you to continue to set a good example and help others whenever you have the opportunity. Smart, driven young people like you remind me that America’s best days are yet to come. And as long as you continue to stay focused on your education and work hard, no dream will be beyond reach.

Congratulations, again. I hope this award inspires you to continue seeking out new challenges and setting your sights on new horizons. I wish you all the best for the years ahead.”

Nikitha and Nidhi are the grand-daughters of Rohini and Dr. P.D. Padmakumar Jain, retd. Joint Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, residing in Kuvempunagar, Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / July 16th, 2014

CSA Group Opens its First Testing and Certification Laboratory in Bangalore, India

Science & Technology, World Opinion

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CSA Group, a global leader in testing and certification services and a standards development organization, today inaugurated its first highly specialized testing and certification laboratory in Bangalore, India. The new laboratory will offer testing and certification for medical and healthcare, industrial control products, automation and IT/AV technology products, appliances, and control equipment.

“The launch of our new laboratory in India is a milestone for CSA Group and is a part of our overall global business growth strategy in Asia,” said Ash Sahi, President and CEO, CSA Group. “Today, India is increasingly moving towards efficient and sustainable manufacturing to meet global standards and product safety is becoming paramount to consumers and businesses.  Our new lab has been designed to provide sophisticated testing and certification services to Indian manufacturers and help them attain access, acceptability and competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

The new lab is staffed with highly trained engineers who provide the latest testing and certification services in accordance with applicable safety and performance standards, and consists of a digitilized training room and cutting-edge testing equipment from North America and Europe. Training and awareness programs will be offered to manufacturers, government officials and students on global standards and regulatory requirements for safety, the environment and sustainability.  These training programs will help encourage an understanding of the importance of standards as well as testing and certification in a global market.

“This new facility will offer Indian manufacturers world-class compliance services in multiple business segments to help them reach global markets,” said Saibal Mukhopadhaya, CSA Group Country Manager, India. “The lab will also provide testing and certification services for both local and global clients intending to sell products in India.  In a few months, we plan to expand our service offerings to provide hazardous locations testing and certification for manufacturers and exporters across markets.”

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CSA Group’s new 2,500 m2 lab is situated in the Beary’s Global Research Triangle (BGRT). The BGRT is the first building to receive the platinum LEED certification from Indian Green Building Council and United States Green Building Council with the highest energy savings of over 54 per cent and water usage reduction of more than 41 per cent. It is a zero discharge building fully dedicated to research and development facilities.

CSA Group is among the leading global testing and certification organizations with 37 offices in 14 countries.  CSA Group has been expanding to help meet the needs of clients in Asia. In addition to the new lab in Bangalore, CSA Group has labs in Shanghai, Shenzen, Guangzhou, Kunshun, Taipei and Seoul. These state-of-the-art facilities also provide testing and certification for industries including hazardous locations, alternative energy, medical and health care, automotive and appliances.

source: http://www.moneylife.in / MoneyLife / Home> Bangalore / July 08th, 2014

Dr. B R Shetty Honoured with Frost & Sullivan – Lifetime Achievement Award for the Year 2013

Business & Economy, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Frost & Sullivan).

Dr. B R Shetty is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the Abu Dhabi-based NMC Healthcare and Managing Director & CEO of UAE Exchange. He was recently presented with the Frost & Sullivan – Lifetime Achievement Award of the Year 2013 by Y.S. Shashidhar, Managing Director – Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, Frost & Sullivan and Sandeep Sinha, Vice President – Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, Healthcare & Life Sciences at Frost & Sullivan.

Speaking about the Award, Dr. B R Shetty said, “I feel honoured to have been conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award. I want to thank Frost & Sullivan for their encouragement and appreciation. Awards such as these are always a source of motivation to dream bigger and achieve higher. They act as the fuel that drives my passion towards serving the society through my professional ventures and personal pursuits.”

Frost & Sullivan Awards are presented to companies and individuals who have pushed the boundaries of excellence in the industry – rising above the competition and demonstrating outstanding contribution to industry and economic growth. Through this award, Dr. Shetty was recognised for playing a pivotal role in development and strengthening of the healthcare sector in the UAE and for his exemplary leadership qualities and involvement in philanthropic activities. Dr. Shetty’s journey is an inspiration to many and exemplifies the power of the human will.

Presenting the Award to Dr. Shetty, Y.S. Shashidhar, Managing Director – Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, Frost & Sullivan, said, “Dr. Shetty’s contribution to the healthcare sector in the UAE is exemplary. Achieving one’s ambition through path-breaking innovation, ability to turn challenges into opportunities and strategic thought leadership to ensure sustainable growth are skills which the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises. We are therefore, proud to present this Award to Dr. Shetty for the phenomenal impact he has made through hard work and perseverance.”

source: http://www.moneylife.com / MoneyLife / Dubai, UAE / July 03rd, 2014

Bangalore to host first Israeli film festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

Project of new Israel consulate to open with classic Israeli tale of Indian Jewish immigrants.

A scene from "Turn Left at the end of the World."
A scene from “Turn Left at the end of the World.”

Israeli cinema continues to find new audiences as Bangalore, India gets its first official Israeli film festival, The Hindu reported Tuesday.

The festival debuts on Wednesday appropriately with the blue-and-white classic “Turn Left at the end of the World,” which recounts the tale of a family of Indian immigrants in a small development town in the Negev and their interaction with fellow immigrants from Morocco.

The year-old Consulate General of Israel in Bangalore is hosting the festival through the end of July jointly with Suchitra Film Society and Bangalore Cultural Partners.

Menahem Kanafi, Israel’s Consul General in Bangalore said he hoped the event would bring Indians and Israelis closer together culturally, according to The Hindu.

“The festival will expose [India to] the facets of life in Israel and point out universal connections between Israeli and Indian art and life,” he told a news conference.
Kanafi said nine films would be screened, including “Footnote,” a 2011 Oscar nominee in the Best Foreign Film Category, and “The Band’s Visit.”

Another film that should appeal to Indians is “Album 61,” a 2013 biopic on Israeli chess player Boris Gelfand, who has played against Indian legend V. Anand.

source: http://www.haaretz.com / Haaretz / Home> Life / Movies & Television / by Haaretz / July 02nd, 2014

City’s Srikantha Rao is Indian ice-skating team coach

Sports, World Opinion

Mysore :

Mysorean K. Srikantha Rao, an Ekalavya Awardee and the General Secretary of the Mysore District Roller Skating Association, has been chosen as the Indian team coach for the short course Ice-skating team which will train at Inzel in Germany.

Srikantha Rao will be visiting Germany and will be in-charge of the four-member Indian Ice-skating team’s training camp to be held in Inzel, Germany from July 7 to 20, 2014.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports  News / July 05th, 2014