Category Archives: World Opinion

International Conference on ‘Quality Cleft Care ’ held in city

Science & Technology, World Opinion

One milllion untreated cases in the country

Hans Gunter Loffler, Dy. Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany addressing the media at the international conference on ‘Quality Cleft Care’ held at a private hotel in city recently.
Hans Gunter Loffler, Dy. Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany addressing the media at the international conference on ‘Quality Cleft Care’ held at a private hotel in city recently.

 Mysore :

The international conference on ‘Quality Cleft Care’ organised jointly by Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe E.V. (DCKH) in association with St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mysore and Schweizer hilfe fur spaltkinder, Switzerland, was inaugurated by Hans Gunter Loffler, Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany at a private hotel in city recently.

The conference was followed by a live surgical workshop at the St. Joseph’s Hospital. The aim of the conference was to provide quality and accessible cleft care to the underprivileged children who would otherwise never have a chance to reintegrate as productive citizens into the society.

This year, DCKH is sponsoring 20 students who are pursuing research in the field of cleft care — oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and speech pathology.

54 delegates including 15 eminent maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, anaesthesiologists, physicians and speech pathologists involved in cleft care from Bangladesh, Germany, Vietnam, USA and India participated.

Dushyant Prasad, Regional Manager, DCKH India, said, “The current statistics reveal that a overwhelming number of 50 patients a month are slated for surgery at each of the Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe E.V. facility in Mysore, Coorg and Bangalore against the national backlog of one million untreated cases. Though the organisation is not in a position to cater to the huge number of cases, we are consciously making all efforts to provide the highest standards of treatment to whom we can reach.”

Dr. Manu Prasad, Project Director, said, through this initiative it is aimed to sensitise and enrich the knowledge of teams involved in cleft care to make a positive impact in the coming days through this learning programme.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 14th, 2014

Bangalore to biennale

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

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Photography took Shibu Arakkal to Florence. He returned with the Lorenzo il Magnifico gold for digital art, finds NIRMALA GOVINDARAJAN

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The time when Shibu Arakkal first looked at the world through his camera was also the time when he got hooked to it. “I never dreamed of being a photographer,” he confesses. Still, Shibu continued to fool around with his father Yusuf Arakkal’s very serious German single lens reflex camera. “He had paid quite a bit for it those days and it was always loaded with film. I would sneak into his studio, take one or two photographs and quietly put it back. When my dad got the role processed, he would always wonder how there were a couple of pictures he didn’t remember having taken.”

The first time Shibu put his camera to use – constructing a friend’s fashion portfolio, it went on to fetch her several modelling assignments.

After this recognition, Shibu’s momentous tryst with the camera began. “That first shoot got me deeply curious about photography and helped me decide what to do with my life.”

So Shibu’s world came alive through people and stories until recently in end 2013, when he went on to bag the prestigious Lorenzo il Magnifico gold prize for digital art at the Florence Biennale. “Dad always worried about what I would end up doing with my life given my long list of ambitions. When I got hooked to photography, I knew that this wasn’t just a fling. Two decades since, my camera and I have looked at the world, analysed and interpreted life around us, as my method of learning about this world and the things in it. Also to grow as a person and gain that bit of wisdom, which is somehow more important than just intelligence. What I photographed over the years has become my life’s journal and I have been conscious that it is by what I will be known, long after I am gone.”

Going for goldWith lifetime achievement awardee Anish Kapoor, the award and the work that got it
Going for goldWith lifetime achievement awardee Anish Kapoor, the award and the work that got it

“Selection into the Florence Biennale 2013 came with certain confidence that I had the work worthshowing on such a stage. I had been working on the series Constructing Life for nearly four years when I had decided to can it half way through, realising that I needed to come back to it when I was a bit more mature. This body of work seemed to have a destiny of its own. The emotion, which the works from this series carried, was hence extremely powerful.”

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Then came the moment in Florence when Shibu’s heart was heavy and light at once.

“Although the Lorenzo il Magnifico Gold Prize was being talked about in regard to my work from day one at the Biennale and knowing how strong my work was, I was also very aware of how these things are decided by people who also have subjective views and opinions. So when the award was announced without prior notice, it was entirely surreal, a moment, which I wasn’t fully conscious of, being thrown by the fact that I got awarded in a category above what I had entered. It however made the extremely trying times in my career and the very difficult actual process of executing the work, truly worthwhile.”

Back from the Biennale to life in Bangalore, Shibu explores India, reaching out to the world through what he does best – photography in an era of click on the go.

“It is a very real and satisfying life. Besides, Bangalore is home. It is where I was born and raised. I have resisted settling down abroad purely because of my love for it. It is ground zero and Bangalore has been extremely good to me in terms of recognition, patronage and support for my work in general. It is a place where I can be fearless in any sort of experimental work that I put out and be quite assured that it will be received for what it is,” he says as he readies for a day in his life – between his work, riding and the joy of being a dutiful father to his four-and-half-year old daughter.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Nirmala Govindarajan / March 13th, 2014

With sheer grit, Haseena moves on

Amazing Feats, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, World Opinion
Haseena Hussain./ File photo: K.Gopinathan / The Hindu
Haseena Hussain./ File photo: K.Gopinathan / The Hindu

We want society to be humane to us: acid attack victim

Earlier this week, Laxmi, a victim of acid attack, was awarded the International Women of Courage Award by U.S.’s First Lady Michelle Obama for successfully leading the campaign against acid attacks on women in India.

The story of Haseena Hussain of Bangalore, who fought a long battle after an acid attack in 1999, is as inspiring as Laxmi’s.

Ms. Haseena was attacked with acid in 1999 by Joseph Rodriguez, her former employer, as she had not responded to the marriage proposal and had refused to stay back in his firm. Today, almost 15 years later, Ms. Haseena is the sole breadwinner of her family of four comprising her father, mother and grandmother.

Choosing not to be bogged down by 35 surgeriesand loss of vision in both eyes, besides constant “stares” and comments from relatives and acquaintances, she now works in a government office. When asked if she was offered the job by the government, an irked Ms. Haseena says: “I got this job on my own. I cleared several rounds of tests after undergoing computer training.”

Ms. Haseena hates re-living what she calls “sob story” and says that she hopes every acid attack victim is able to fight the odds and become independent. “As I was educated, I was able to secure a job. But acid victims, particularly in rural areas, may find it difficult to be independent. Most acid attack victims lose their vision. If the government provides jobs, they can remain independent.”

She adds categorically that she needs no sympathy. “We only want society to behumane to us.”

Besides the discrimination she faced in society, her family had a tough time mobilising resources for her surgeries and other medical aid. “My father had to sell our house and his entire bank balance was empty as we had to spend Rs. 15 lakh on my medical expenses.” Though the Supreme Court had directed all States to pay acid attack victims Rs. 3 lakh towards medical treatment and for after care rehabilitation, Ms. Haseena says it is inadequate.

It was nine years after the attack of Ms. Haseena that the accused was finally convicted, even as she struggled every minute of those years. “There is a need to have a fast track court for trying cases related to acid attack victims,” she says.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Tanu Kulkarni / Bangalore – March 07th, 2014

Shrine to immortalize Pope John Paul II’s visit to Bajpe

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

Mangalore :

The ‘Rome of the East’, which celebrated the beatification of Pope John Paul II three years back on the silver jubilee year of the first ever Papal visit to this coastal city, has another celebration in the offing.

A shrine is being built at the place where Pope addressed a humongous gathering of more than four lakh people on February 6, 1986. Also doubling the joy will be canonization of John Paul II by Pope Francis on April 27 this year.

Canonization is the act by which the Catholic Church declares a deceased person to be a saint, upon which the person is included in the canon, or list, of recognized saints.

Elaborating on the importance of the initiative, Fr William Menezes, public relations officer of the diocese of Mangalore, said: “It is a momentous occasion for us. Not only was John Paul II the first Pope to visit Mangalore, but will also be a Saint declared in our time.”

The shrine is being built at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore. Though work has begun, the shrine will not be complete when John Paul II is elevated to sainthood in April. It will be ready by August-September and the Vatican Ambassador to India – Apostolic Nuncio Salvatore Pennacchio will inaugurate it, Fr William said. A life-size bronze statue of John Paul II, sent by the Apostolic Nuncio, will be unveiled on that day.

Recently, a delegation led by Mangalore Bishop Aloysius Paul D’ Souza met chief minister Siddaramaiah requesting him funds for the shrine.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Times of India / Home> City> Mangalore / by Stanley Pinto, TNN / February 28th, 2014

City Doctor to address American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Records, All, World Opinion

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Mysore :

Dr. B.R. Prashanth, Joint Replacement and Sports injuries expert, Columbia Asia Hospital, Mysore, has been invited to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) to moderate one of the sessions of the annual meeting in New Orleans, Lousina, from March 11 to 15.

Dr. Prashanth, who has been associated with AAOS, will also be critically evaluating two instructional courses on Joint Replacement and Knee Reconstructive Surgery along with Dr. Frederic Wilson from USA and Prof. Raman from UK for these sessions. The session will also include scientific research papers from Canada, Sweden, USA, UK and Korea.

Founded in 1933, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is the pre-eminent provider of musculoskeletal education to orthopaedic surgeons and others in the world.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 03rd, 2014

‘Dynamic’ Ramya impresses British politician

Leaders, World Opinion

It seems actor-turned-politician Ramya is quickly climbing the political ladder and impressing a lot of people with her work. Her latest admirer is none-other-than Lindsay Patricia Northover, a Liberal Democrat British politician and currently government spokesperson in the House of Lords , who recently visited Mandya with other British MPs.

“Women’s self help group in #Mandya: we need more #women in #Parliament, like our dynamic young MP Ramya,” tweeted Lindsay along with a picture of Ramya interacting with members of women self-help groups in Mandya.

On Saturday, actor-turned-politician Ramya hosted a group of British politicians at her constituency in Mandya. The British Members of Parliament had an interaction with women self-help groups from Mandya.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / TNN / February 25th, 2014

African nations to adopt biofuel models from State

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Models or prototypes of biofuels developed six years ago by the Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board (KSBDB) are being adopted by certain African nations under a programme by the United Nations through the World Agroforestry Council (WAC). 

The models are aimed at empowering farmers.

State government, however, is lending minimal support to the models. Speaking at a press conference here to announce the national conference on Accelerating Biofuel Programmes in India on February 22, A K Monnappa, Managing Director of KSBDB, said: “It has been observed that similar agricultural situations prevail in Asia and Africa. Some African countries such as Mozambique have decided to espouse the multi-species cultivation approach model, unlike the Karnataka government, which promotes the single-species cultivation approach.”

Fuel crops

“The Hasiru Honnu and Baradu Bangara models, which are already in use, encourage farmers to grow oil seeds along the borders of farmlands and wastelands. They also ask them to cultivate fuel crops in addition to agricultural crops. These seeds are then collected and sold at standardised rates,” he said, while pointing out that the recent budget had made provisions for 10 per cent biofuel to be blended in automobiles, compared with the earlier five per cent.

MoU to be signed

The KSBDB and the WAC will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard. African nations will set up information and infrastructure development organisations, which will have a capacity to generate 100 litres of biodiesel a day.

Asked about the slow growth of biofuel in India, Divakar Rao of Vision Group on Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, said: “The KSBDB is only a facilitator. The board functions through NGOs. The mindset of the people and lack of adequate funding from the government have delayed the implementation of various models. Recommendations from the national conference will be sent to the Government of India for implementation.”

Meanwhile, the KSBDB is striving to increase production of oil seeds in the State by encouraging farmers, especially in the districts of Bijapur, Bagalkot, Davangere, Chitradurga and Tumkur. The board would also seek the help of the Indian Railways.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / DHNS / Bangalore – February 19th, 2014

Bangalore’s 5-year-old kid in Guinness Book of Records for skating

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Bangalore :

A five-year-old boy from the city made it to the Guiness Boook of World Records by skating under 39 Toyota Qualis cars in just 28 seconds. The wonder kid, Gagan S, a kindergarten student at Florence School in Basveshwaranagar, achieved this feat last month.

The boy broke the record of Rohan, 9, from Belgaum who skated across 24 cars in 47 seconds.

Gagan’s father Satish works at a washing machine service centre. He said Gagan was always enthusiastic about skating and joined the skating classes just one-and-half year ago.

Gagan’s proud parents hoped Gagan’s achievement would help skating gain popularity in India and more youngsters take up the sport.

It is not the first recognisation of Gagan’s skating abilities though. In November last year, he had won the ‘youngest skate award’ in Belgaum. His parents now dream about sending him to the Olympics.

OneIndia News

source: http://www.news.oneindia.in / Home> OneIndia> News> Bangalore / by Shubham Ghosh / Thursday – February 13th, 2014

Minister Ramanath Rai interacts with Mangaloreans in Doha

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

Doha :

The enthusiastic Mangaloreans who had gathered in the Ashoka Hall at ICC premises on Wednesday February 12 had an opportunity to meet and interact with Karnataka minister for forest and ecology and Dakshina Kannada district incharge Ramanath Rai.

It was the first-ever visit by a Karnataka minister to Doha Qatar. Ramanath Rai was on a private visit, courtesy Kasaragod District Expatriate Association-Qatar.

The interaction with the minister on Wednesday was organized by Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) along with other Karnataka Associations in Qatar.

The evening began with an introduction by compere of the evening Divakar Poojary, followed by a welcome address by KSQ president Deepak Shetty. Later, presidents of various Associations such as Karnataka Sangha, Tulu Koota Qatar, MCC, Bunts Qatar, KMCA, Billawas Qatar, Kundapur Muslim Welfare Association, and South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association escorted Ramanath Rai and KPCC minority cell general secretary and Central Coir Board member T M Shaied to the dais. All the guests were welcomed with bouquets by KSQ children. Bunts Qatar president Ravi Shetty then presented a brief profile of Ramanath Rai to the gathering.

He was felicitated with a shawl and ‘Mysore Peta’ also presented with a memento by representatives of each of the Associations present.

It was then the turn of Ramanath Rai to address the gathering. Speaking in Kannada, he expressed his happiness on being the first minister from Karnataka to visit Qatar and lauded the unity of Kannadiga expats in Qatar. He then placed before the gathering his plans for Mangalore in particular and undivided Dakshina Kannada in general. He spoke on developing modern infrastructure including construction of better national and state highways which would boost connectivity.

He further said that he was a leader since his days as a student, when he was president of student Congress, Youth Congress, district Congress, as MLA and now district incharge and forest minister. Further, he humbly added that he may not have mega projects to show to his credit but he served the political field with sincerity and honesty, maintaining a clean image, and this is why people of all communities elected him six times as MLA.

Thereafter, he discussed his plans and visions with the gathering, listened to their opinions and assured to implement all that he has planned.

KPCC minority cell general secretary T M Shaied in his address thanked all Kannadigas in Qatar for their contribution to the country by making sacrifices such as leaving their families back home. He requested everyone not to support any communal agendas and urged them to unitedly fight against anti-social elements and build a strong India.

Later a question and answer session was held wherein the gathering was given a chance to discuss various issues with the minister.

To a question on extending the runway at Mangalore International Airport for which land is yet to acquired, he said, “Once the land is acquired, the runway will be extended and wide-bodied aircraft will then be able to land at Mangalore airport without any safety issues. But this is a lengthy and costly process and will take some time,” he added.

A specific query was raised about the proposed ultra mega power plant at Niddodi, to which Ramanath Rai said that the project will never happen and hence there was no need to discuss it either.

On being asked to comment on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), he said, “Some people promise many things when they are not in power, but when they come into power they try to escape from responsibility.”

For a question on forest and animal protection, he replied, “A couple of years back there were only 3,000 elephants in Karnataka whereas today there are more than 6,000. However, expanse of forest has remained the same.

Further he said the present government has introduced a new scheme wherein those installing solar fence for their land will get 50 percent of the total cost from the government.

On the controversial Yettinahole project, he said the Karnataka government has studied the case and assured that diversion of Netravati river would not have impact on Dakshina Kannada.

Over 200 office-bearers and members from various associations such as Karnataka Sangha, Tulu Koota Qatar MCC, KMCA, SKMWA, KMWA, Billawa Sangha and others attend the gathering.

Abdulla Monu proposed the vote of thanks. Snacks and tea were served to the gathering.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Doha / Doha, Thursday – February 13th, 2014

Meet the multifaceted actor, philanthropist, teacher and much more …

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

He is one of the good looking actors in the Kannada Film Industry. Though, he has not acted in many movies, he is highly regarded for his acting skills. We are talking about Chethan Kumar, Kannada cinema actor who made his debut in the 2007 released film Aa Dinagalu, which was great hit in recent times. Chethan is also a theatre artiste who has been using this form of art to educate the rural women and other students. Being born and both up in Chicago, USA, Chethan has completed his BA in South Asian Studies with an emphasis to Comparative Theatre Studies. He also received a Fulbright Scholarship to come to India in 2006.

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Chethan has also been serving as Rural School Instructor, Mullur, Karnataka. He has been voluntarily teaching critical thinking and analytical skills at Vinayaka Gnana Vidya Shale, which is located 25 km away from Mysore, Karnataka. Star of Mysore caught with the actor when he was in city yesterday to inaugurate a college event. Excerpts…

By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Star of Mysore (SOM): Having born and bought up in US, what made you to settle in India?

Chethan: Normally, we learn about some places in books and by watching programmes on television. But, the fact is that one will get to know more only by visiting such places. I wanted to be in India for several reasons among which one is to educate the rural masses who have been denied access to education. Being a theatre artiste I have used the art to educate the rural women and I have been working constantly with women Self Help Groups creating awareness on various issues.

SOM: Being an actor you have involved yourself with many philanthropic works. Tell us more about it?

Chethan: As an actor, it is important to do something for the society. There are several issues which need to be addressed in our State and country. One of the recent things that grabbed my attention was the Endosulfan. It was very sad to see children suffering for no fault of theirs. It is good that the State Government has taken steps to help these children and also against the use of Endosulfan.

SOM: You are actively involved in student movement and also in fight against discrimination. What do you have to say about it?

Chethan: Education is the most important means to create awareness among the people. I have been involved with Student Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) which have been fighting for various causes related to education. If the society has to develop, education plays a vital role. For me, everyone in the society has to be educated. This apart, discrimination between men and women, castes still exists in the society. My intention is to fight against such discriminations and eradicate the social evil.

SOM: After making your debut as an actor in 2007, you are not seen in movies. You seem to be very choosy when it comes to scripts. Is it true?

Chethan: Yes. For me script is very important. I believe that cinema is a medium which should be used to send good message to the society. People get influenced by watching cinemas. As an actor, I only do movies which I think will have a positive impact on the society. I do not accept movies which glorify rowdism or where women are ill-treated. I have been hearing to number of scripts which have good characters. Hopefully, you will see me soon on silver screen.

SOM: What do you have to say about the present scenario in Kannada Film Industry?

Chethan: A number of newcomers have been trying to make their mark in the industry, which is a positive sign. But, if the industry has to grow further, it is important that we give emphasis to writers and directors. Of course, the subject has to be good. Unfortunately, we have been remaking movies from other languages. Writers should be given importance to come out with good original subjects. 2013 was good year for our industry. Hopefully, we will get to watch good movies in the years to come.

SOM: Your take on dubbing?

Chethan: Firstly, Karnataka has less number of theatres compared to other States. Sometimes there is fight for releasing Kannada movies. Dubbing will only affect the labourers of our industry. In my opinion, it is only for making money and nothing else. I have no problem if programmes of NGC and Discovery channels are dubbed as it can reach more people. But, movies are good to watch in original languages.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> Feature Articles / February 22nd, 2014