Category Archives: Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

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

Count, count ’n’ there’s more

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All

P. Subramanyam Setty has a collection of coins and notes that encapsulate nuggets of history.

TREASURE TROVE My collection is the rarest, says Subramanyam / Photo: Murali Kumar K. / The Hindu
TREASURE TROVE My collection is the rarest, says Subramanyam / Photo: Murali Kumar K. / The Hindu

At the 5th National Numismatic Exhibition that concluded in the city recently, Bangalorean P. Subramanyam Setty, the veteran coin and note collector, was honoured for his impressive collection over the years. At his Vijayanagar residence, heaps of albums with the rarest of notes and coins are neatly arranged and placed in a room that attracts anyone to take a closer look. “At the outset I want you to see the Fancy Number series in my note collection, they are thrilling,” says the septuagenarian, a member of the Karnataka Numismatic Society. The fancy is in the Mahatma Gandhi note series where the denominations from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10 bear the numbers 111111 to 999999 and from 100000 – 1000000, — 19 notes in all.

Out of the 136 Star Notes issued by the Reserve Bank of India, Setty has 130 out of them in Rs. 10, 20, 50 and 100. “Star Notes are currency notes issued by RBI for replacement of defectively printed bank notes bearing the star in the number panel for indication. Issued between 2006 and 2014, the present RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan too has issued three Star Notes of Rs.10, and I have many of them issued by former governors, Dr. Y.V. Reddy and D. Subba Rao too,” he explains. Going back to pre-Independence British India Series-1, with a profile portrait of King George VI on the first series of RBI notes issued in 1938 is what Setty cherishes, while his post-Independence Republic India Series – II has a Rs.1000 note issued in 1954 with the Brihadeeshwara Temple of Tanjore depicted on the reverse. “Look at the size, it’s a huge 20 x 13 cms!” exclaims Setty.

“My collection is the rarest. Each of the old and exceptional of the notes costs in thousands to get hold of them. On many occasions we have travelled to the nook and corners to meet people who possess them, and we pay a premium,” says Setty. The Republic of India Ashoka Pillar series with the Chakra depicting the wheel motif of the Konarak Sun Temple issued in 1975 and the Mahatma Gandhi Series issued from 1996 are all available with him. “The one rupee Gandhi series of 1969 and the Rs.2. 5 and 10 issued between 1957 and 1970 stands out in my collection as the RBI stopped one and two rupees in 1995,” he says, the nearly 200 staggering variety with different signatures making up his note collection.

Subramanyam Setty also has an astounding 71 varieties of ‘Commemorative Coins’ up-to-date, issued by the government since 1964. “They are referred to as the uncirculated proof-sets,” he says. While most of these coins are in memory of events or renowned personalities of the country which are mostly in quaternary alloy with 50 per cent of silver along with copper, nickel and zinc, the thousand years of the Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur is commemorated with a 44 mm thousand rupee coin with 80 per cent of silver in its make-up!

The Platinum Jubilee dedicatory coin of the RBI released in 2010 is a Rs.75 denomination with the RBI monogram of the Tiger. “I am still waiting for the Motilal Nehru and Sant Tukaram coins, it takes six months to one year and we book a year in advance,” says Setty. “I also treasure the Mahatma Basaveshwara coin that I possess.” Born in Andhra Pradesh and settled in Bangalore with an agarbathi business, Setty’s son Sharath Babu and daughter Sharmila are captivated to be part of the note and coin fold, while his other son Varaprasad, a central excise employee, has received several awards for his postal stamp collection.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Society / by Ranjani Govind / Bangalore – March 03rd, 2014

Satya Nadella, Manipal University alumni named 3rd Microsoft CEO

Amazing Feats, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella

Bringing great pride to India, Hyderabad born Satya Nadella has been selected as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Microsoft Corporation. Having worked at Microsoft for 22 years, the 46-year old Nadella is the third leader of the software magnet, after Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. Although without the clichéd pedigree of IIT/IIM, Nadella has risen to great heights following his graduation in Engineering from Manipal University.

‘Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together,’ Gates said in a statement.

Professors at Manipal University Tuesday voiced happiness at alumnus Satya Nadella being named the new Microsoft chief and remembered him as a quiet student with a keen eye for detail.

Vinod V. Thomas, his teacher at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), remembered Nadella as a “sincere, quiet student in his college days who earned his degree in first class with distinction”.

“It is a great moment which makes every MITians proud..” said Thomas, now the MIT director.

The university rejoiced at the new responsibility for Nadella, who was part of the 1988 batch in Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Communication, terming it a great day for the university.

“Yes, it is a great day for Manipal University. Every single student, past and present will cherish this glorious moment. Satya’s great achievement has done Manipal Institute of Technology and Manipal University proud,” said Chancellor Ramdas M. Pai.

“This is the biggest event for Manipal University. Over the last three months, when his name was shortlisted for the job, we have been hoping and praying that Satya would get the job. Today is a red letter day in the history of Manipal University,” Pai said, according to a varsity statement.

School of Information Sciences director Harishchandra Hebbar, who taught digital electronics to Nadella, said: “As a student he had a keen eye for details. He would always want to know the how and why of everything that was being taught in the class. He never would take the next step without fully knowing the step he has already taken.”

After completing his BE here at MIT, Nadella went to the US and completed his master’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He has been with Microsoft for 22 years.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.inEducation / Home> New>Story / India Today Online / New Delhi / February 05th, 2014

Bedridden for 10 years, she’s back on her feet

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technology

Bangalore :

Kavitha Tubaki was in class 8 when she experienced nerve-wracking pain in her knees, hips, wrist, hands and feet. The condition worsened, and in 2003, the Dharwad girl had to drop out of college. Diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis that intensified into severe osteoporosis, Kavitha was confined to bed for 10 long years. In 2010, she weighed barely 19 kg as a 27-year-old. Her joints, wrist, neck, hip, knees and ankles were rendered non-functional.

But Kavitha saw a ray of hope when she consulted Dr Praveen Basavanagoudar. She underwent four surgeries in a span of 12 days in April 2013. Now back on her feet, although with support, Kavitha feels she’s got a new lease of life. Bilateral hip and knee replacements have restored her smile.

“In my 17 years of medical service, I haven’t come across a patient with such fragile bones. I didn’t promise to make Kavitha walk again, I only saidIwouldtry my best.Thesurgery waschallenging for me as well as the cardiologists and anaesthetist,” said Dr Praveen, consultant and joint replacement surgeon at Sagar Hospital, Kumaraswamy Layout. Senior anaesthetist Dr HN Chandrappa and cardiologists Dr KS Kishore and Dr Deviprasad were part of the team.

“Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis which transforms into osteoporosis is a systemic inflammatory disease affecting joints. It can also harm the liver and eyes,” he said. Kavitha weighed less than 30kg when she was wheeled into the OT. A victim of social stigma, she was depressed and suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), characterized by recur- FIT AGAIN: Kavitha Tubaki underwent bilateral hip and knee replacements last April. Now, the Dharwad woman is able to walk with support rent, unwanted and repetitive behaviour.

“I’ve gone through the worst. But now I have forgotten where it pained. I never imagined I would be able to set my foot on the ground again. This is a second life for me,” said a beaming Kavitha who wants to resume studies.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Dharwad / by Sunitha Rao, R – TNN / January 31st, 2014

Tribals land jobs at eye clinics

Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Science & Technology

Backward Kudubi youth are being employed in eye hospitals to be set up across Udupi by a charitable trust

tribalsBF11feb2014

The Kudubis, one of the most backward tribes living in Udupi district, are all set to witness a white collar transformation. A few among the new generation kids have landed jobs at an eye hospital, one as an optometrician, unlike the parents, who are mostly daily wagers.

S Jayaram Shetty, chairman, Parvathi Mahabala Shetty Charitable Trust, Shiroor, told Bangalore Mirror: “The formal inauguration of our new eye hospital will be held on Feb 2. The speciality is that we have employed youth from the local Kudubi community. There are about 25,000 Kudubis living in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.”

The first Kudubi who will be serving at the hospital is 21-year-old Ravi, son of daily wagers Chandra Naik and Rukmini Bai. Ravi’s father was closely associated with Shetty’s family as a labourer.

Shetty said, “This boy too is closely associated with our family. Most of our family members are doctors and he has closely watched them. People from this tribe never went to school. But they are a very clean community and Holi is the only festival they celebrate.”

Shetty’s brother Dr Sundaram Shetty, chairman, Globe Eye Foundation, Bangalore, noticed the boy had the potential. Once Ravi completed his PU from Durgaparameshwari Pre University College in Mandarthi, he saw to it that he was trained in optometry. “Ravi completed his diploma at the same institute and will soon be joining the hospital at Shirva — a village in Udupi district which is about 100 kilometers from Mangalore. While he was being trained at Bangalore, he even worked at Siddi Eye Care Clinic, Indiranagar, in the evenings and earned some money. Among the eight students who took up the course, he stood first,” Shetty said, with pride.

Ravi said, “Till I reached class five, I was not interested in studies. I gradually developed interest and was helped by the Shetty family. I am really happy that I have got a job. People in my community are trying to understand the value of education. I am an example to many from our community.”

Now, Ravi’s mother forces kids around to study. “My younger brother Sudhakar is in class nine and another brother Ganesh works as a coolie. Ganesh has been sent to a driving school by the hospital and we are hoping that he too will be absorbed by this hospital as a driver. I now dream of working for a while and then doing BSc,” Ravi said.

Shetty said that the hospital will also have a telemedicine counter — where doctors from Narayana Hrudalaya and Narayana Nethralaya will be connected. Ravi will be handling the fundus camera. He will also be visiting nearby schools to screen children.

At the hospital, doctors from Bangalore will be visiting for eight days a month. The hospital also plans to set up 7-8 vision centres in Udupi where people can go and get their eyes screened. For this the hospital has already given a two-month training to three youth — Suresh, Lakshman and Harish — from the Kudubi tribe. They have studied upto SSLC.

Since the inauguration of the hospital was delayed by six months due to monsoon, the boys have gone back to masonry. They will return as soon as the hospital begins functioning and will be provided a month’s training in Bangalore. Interestingly, all the masonry work at the hospital is being undertaken by the Kudubis. “We are willing to train Kudubis. In fact are looking forward to these children from the backward community. We have a burning desire to do something so that they can be trained,” said Shetty.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Bangalore> Other / by Deepthi Shridhar, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / January 29th, 2014

President’s medal for SP K.R. Venkatesh

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

VenkateshBF06feb2014

Mysore :

K.R. Venkatesh, Superintendent of Police (sp), Finger Print Bureau, Bangalore, was conferred with the President’s Medal for his meritorious service in Police Department. The award was conferred by the President of India on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations.

Venkatesh, a Mysorean, also served as Sub-Inspector and Inspector in Mysore city between 1995-2002. He pursued his education at Marimallappa and Sarada Vilas institutions. His wife, S. Rajalakshmi, is a Veena artiste at the Akashavani, Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 31st, 2014

Sneha Kiran … Celebrating 10 years of service

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

SnehaKiranBF31jan2014

by S.N.Venkatnag Sobers

Mysore :

Not many organisations come forward to work for the noble cause of bringing up special children and make them lean an independent life. Mysore has a few organisations working for special kids. Their endeavours may yield success or fail. But, the efforts put in by them cannot be ruled out. One such organisation is Sneha Kiran.

Sneha Kiran is a part of Mysore Spastic Society which was started in the year 2002 and has been working for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The organisation was started by a group of philanthropists, professionals, volunteers, and parents of children with CP with the objective to cater to the needs of such children.

Earlier, Sneha Kiran was working in a space which was donated by Raghunath, President of Sneha Kiran. But now, the organisation has its own building in Bogadi, where around 70 special children with CP are being looked after by the volunteers. Sneha Kiran is the only centre committed to provide help and solace to the families of such children in and around Mysore.

Every good work has an inspiration. For Sneha Kiran the inspiration was Joel, who was affected with Cerebral Palsy and happens to be the son of A.P. James, the Director of Sneha Kiran.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, James said that it was Joel who inspired him to start the organisation. “I used to visit various places for Joel’s treatment. One day a thought struck my mind and I decided to start an organisation to cater to the needs of the children with Cerebral Palsy and that is how Sneha Kiran came into being,” he added.

Sneha Kiran admits children from three years onwards. Children are subjected to various rehabilitation programmes to make them self-dependent. Although there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, these rehabilitation programmes could avoid their condition from getting worse.

“Children with Cerebral Palsy should be treated as children with problems not problem children. For them, therapy is a way of life and there is a need to try and develop their skills similar to that of normal kids. People should accept them like they accept any other kids. For children affected with cerebral palsy, therapy has to be regular and upgraded accordingly,” said Shashikala Ramnath, an Occupational Therapist.

It is also important that the normal kids interact with these children once in a while so that these children are allowed to gel well with them and such ventures would also help the special children to be accepted by the society.

Sneha Kiran will be celebrating its 10th anniversary tomorrow and a special event has been organised at Silent Shores in this regard.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

It is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle co-ordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of brain, usually occurring during foetal development, before, during or shortly after the birth or during infancy. These children may have the following problems depending on their severity of the brain damage: Delayed milestones, difficulty in posture and movement, muscle tightness or spasm, involuntary movement, impaired hand functions, impaired sight, hearing and speech, seizures and mental retardation. Although the brain damage is non progressive, if left without intervention, the degree of disability faced by the child will increase as the child grows. All the CP children need some rehabilitation to help them to lead a normal within the limits of their condition.

Every student at Sneha Kiran is provided with Physio-Occupational and Speech Therapy, Special Education and Pre-vocational Training. Other inputs include Sensory Stimulation, Functional Academics, Assistive Technology (Use of Specialised adapted devices for computer use), Respite care, Parent counseling and Guidance.

At Sneha Kiran, various rehabilitation programmes are being organised:

• Special education: This begins with sensory-stimulation, classroom programmes, environmental awareness, pre-academics skills to syllabus oriented study. Pre-vocational training for young adults who aspire to working in a community or be a part of sheltered workshop.

• Physio-therapy: To develop control of limbs, improve balance and work for better voluntary skills and muscle strength.

• Occupational therapy: Improve Hand function, self-help skills, aids and adaptations to enable seating, functional skills, mobility and independence to survive.

• Speech and communication: Most children with CP need speech therapy using speech production gestures and pointing skills, to point at pictures, symbols and written words to communicate. This is part of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). The computer is also a useful tool to aid this communication.

• Assistive Technology: Enabling the use of computers by special access switches for those who are unable to use the keyboard. These include Ball Mouse, flat switch pads that can be pressed easily by various parts of the body. Children can enjoy simple games, cause and effect interaction and then move on to academic programme. The software is specialised to be slower in speed with word prediction features. This technology opens up the world to children who have CP.

Sneha Kiran has specialised equipments like CP chairs, wheel-chairs, specialised Physio equipments, special keyboards and software in order to carry out these activities. Sneha Kiran also provides transportation facilities to the children free of cost. At present, around 70 children are being trained at Sneha Kiran.

Sneha Kiran, is supported wholly by donations from well-wishers. Children go on outings and picnics regularly. Even the parents and staff have picnics to rejuvenate themselves.

Students of Sneha Kiran have also participated in Special Olympics and other events organised by Govt. departments, Rotary and other NGO’S.

Art, music and dance is an integral part of the curriculum which adds colour and joy to the lives of these children.

Those interested in supporting this cause may contact:

Sneha Kiran, CA-01/ B, Railway Layout, Sharada Nagar, Bogadi Mysore-570 026 or call Ph: 0821-2581113 or Mob: 98440-43965. [e-mail:spasticmysore@yahoo.co.in or snehakiranmysore@gmail.com or visit www.mysorespasticsociety.com]

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / January 25th, 2014

Mangalore: Conference marking Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya’s 110th year begins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

Mangalore :

A three-day conference on women organized by Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation in commemoration of the 110th year of social reformer and freedom fighter Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya got under way at Nehru Maidan here on Thursday January 9. The conference has been organized as part of the ongoing NBT book fair.

Basti Vaman Shenoy, president of World Konkani Centre welcomed the guests.

Speaking after inaugurating the conference, Kannada writer Padma M Shenoy said, “Mangalore abounds with culture and writers, which is very good. They serve as a guidance for the youth.”

She further said that women’s writing today is improving and as they are sharing their work openly.

Commenting on the issues and problems prevalent today, “In these days in newspapers we only read about gang-rape, molestation, kidnapping and many more bad things. Criminals who are doing all this must be dragged on to the streets and have their faces exposed to everyone,” she said.

“Woman is everything in this world. It is a shame that the youth of our country are involved in bad habits,” she added.

Books ‘Janara Kathegalu’ by Mumtaz Begum, ‘Vaishaka Fullo’ by Padma Shenoy, ‘Nanna Aduge’ by Geetha Kini and ‘Ajjiya Katha Bhandara’ by Geetha Shenoy were released on the occasion.

Writer Prema Bhat, addressing the gathering, she said “The dais looks very clean with none of the corrupt politicians being invited to the programme.”

“Writing is life and life is writing. It is easy to write your life story when you are not corrupted,” she said.

Writer Dr Vasundhara Bhupathi said “I can see women’s writing conferences happening in a few places. We want the youth to read more novels. They must start reading books. A book provides all the information you need. Kannada is a rich language and everyone must spread Kannada everywhere, in all the places. Mangaloreans are lucky to have good libraries. If a person gets addicted to books, he will stay away from all bad habits. Education must teach social values, and encourage youth to stay away from bad habits. Media is being used for wrong purposes these days.”

Writers Vijayalakshmi B Shetty, Janaki Brahmavar, Karnataka Tulu Academy registrar Chandrahasa Rai B and others were present.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MD) / January 09th, 2014

Gowris of Mysore : A happy family of five brothers and five sisters meet and celebrate …

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's
All in the family: Seen in the picture are (front row from left) Sumukh (kneeling), Padma G. Murthy, Mythili Ramakrishna, G. Ramakrishna, G. Satyanarayana, Nirmala Satya, G. Soumi, Shashank Gowri; (standing from left) G. Ananth, Shruthi Ananth, Spurthi Vinay, G.Vinay, G. Subbanarasimha, Srilakshmi Subbanarasimha, Swamini Varadachaitanya, Deepa, Dr. Asha Shekar, Jayanthi B.G Nath, Suvarna Laxman, M.S. Laxman Rao, Dr. G. L. Shekar, Shamsundar and Vijay Simha.
All in the family: Seen in the picture are (front row from left) Sumukh (kneeling), Padma G. Murthy, Mythili Ramakrishna, G. Ramakrishna, G. Satyanarayana, Nirmala Satya, G. Soumi, Shashank Gowri; (standing from left) G. Ananth, Shruthi Ananth, Spurthi Vinay, G.Vinay, G. Subbanarasimha, Srilakshmi Subbanarasimha, Swamini Varadachaitanya, Deepa, Dr. Asha Shekar, Jayanthi B.G Nath, Suvarna Laxman, M.S. Laxman Rao, Dr. G. L. Shekar, Shamsundar and Vijay Simha.

Mysore :

When families split over trivial issues, here is a family of five brothers and five sisters and their children and grandchildren, living with love and affection.

Gowris of Mysore city, known more through the evening English newspaper ‘Samachar’, edited by one of the brothers, G. Satyanarayana, who have a rich past, assembled last Sunday at Hotel Dasaprakash Paradise in Yadavagiri to felicitate two brothers and a sister, who have crossed 70.

The get-together of over 20 members of the Gowri family was marked with homely and happy atmosphere throughout. The extended family of all the five brothers and five sisters are spread over Mysore, Bangalore, Chennai, US, New Zealand and Australia.

The get-together was arranged chiefly to felicitate G. Ramakrishna, former Director of Tourism, Government of India, now settled in Los Angeles (US), who is on a month-long visit to India, on his 80th birthday. Along with him his next brother G. Satyanarayana (Gowri Satya), former Editor of ‘Samachar’, and his immediate sister, G. Padmavathi, wife of late Gurumurthy, Librarian, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, were also felicitated. A host of their relatives and close common friends were present.

Candle was lit, cake was cut, the couples exchanged garlands and offered a piece of cake to each other and they were felicitated with Petas (turbans), shawls, fruits and flowers, as per Mysore tradition while their friends recalled their association with them during their felicitation speeches.

Popular All India Radio (AIR) Kannada news reader of yesteryears M. Ranga Rao felicitated Ramakrishna with a Mysore Peta and shawl, while Star of Mysore and Mysooru Mithra Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy honoured Satya with shawl and educationist Sreepada Rao with turban. R.V. Lalithamba honoured Padma with a shawl, flowers and fruits.

Speaking on the occasion, Ganapathy recalled his close association with the brothers and their journalistic career and expressed happiness over the camaraderie at the get-together. He recalled the cordial relations they had in their journalistic career.

During the brief and informal speeches, Ranga Rao recalled his association with Ramakrishna, when both were working in New Delhi.

Andolana Editor Rajashekara Koti was nostalgic of his friendship with Satya and recalled the contribution of the brothers, and in particular their father late G.L. Swamy, for development of tourism and journalism in Mysore. Though Mysore had several attractions to offer, he deplored that the Government was doing very little for development of tourism, despite repeated demands.

NIE-IT Vice-President M. Sreepada Rao, Consumer activist Dr. S.P. Thirumala Rao and Col. (retd.) Dr. Anand also spoke felicitating the Gowri family members.

Ramakrishna recalled his days in the Department of Tourism in India and thanked all for the felicitations.

NIE Principal Dr. G.L. Shekar, who was chiefly responsible for organising the function, said how the Gowri family, whose strength had grown to about 100 members, is well-knit and maintained cordial relations.

The other first generation Gowri family members are G. Subbanarasimha, Gowri Sunder, Swamini Varadachaitanya (formerly G.L. Gayathri), Rama, Suvarna and Jayanthi.

The Gowri clan of G.L. Swamy and G. Meenakshamma has 10 children, 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Former MLC M. Sathyanarayana Rao, NIE Secretary S.L.Ramachandra, Writer E.R. Ramachandran, Journalists K.V. Sreenivasan and Prabhurajan were among those present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 08th, 2014

Richa’s First Step Made a Huge Difference

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

It was a five-year-old girl who changed Richa Khator’s outlook of the world. The child suffered from blindness and could not read beyond a line during a routine eye check, where Richa was a volunteer.

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Six months later, Richa is a self-motivated person who strongly believes that even a single person can make a lot of difference. “Before my first activity where I met this girl in Austin Town, I thought a single person cannot make any difference to the world around us. I was happy that I was able to get that girl the medical attention she needed during that eye camp. Now, I can definitely say that I can help at least ten people,” says Richa, a second year BBM student at Jain University Centre for Management Studies.

Richa joined Yuva Ignited Minds, a student-driven NGO, as a volunteer and she presently handles its public relations. “I organise media coverage for our activities besides taking active part in them,” Richa says. She was a part of Yuva’s latest venture towards religious tolerance. “We started with Buddhism and very recently, we had a seminar on Islam. We went to a mosque where renowned personalities spoke about Islam and clarified many misconceptions surrounding the community,” she says.

Thanks to her stint with Yuva, Richa is able to strile a balance between college, her internship and social service. “It has shaped my personality and keeps me happy. Social service is something that I want to be associated with for the rest of my life,” she says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express /  Home> Education> Edex / by Bharat Joshi – Bangalore— bharath.joshi@newindianexpress.com / December 30th, 2013