Monthly Archives: April 2014

It’s time to study folk fashion designing

April 5, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, Alladmin

KUD Department of Folk Studies to offer diploma, certificate courses

Like folk arts, folk costumes and designing too will make an entry into academics shortly.

For the first time in India, the Department of Folk Studies of Karnatak University Dharwad (KUD) has come forward with the innovative idea of launching diploma and certificate courses in Folk Fashion Designing. The KUD academic council meeting on Friday approved the proposal submitted in this regard.

The course is expected to be launched in an year’s time after completing the statutory formalities.

The department chairman V.L. Patil told The Hindu that the department had thought of introducing this innovative course with the broader intention of safeguarding the rich folk costume and designing tradition and prevent the techniques of the villages from slipping into the hands of outsiders.

In recent times the fashion and interior designing industry had developed tremendously and those engaged in this industry have begun exploring innovative ideas from Indian folklore. The very concept of fashion designing has changed over the years and the Indian folk tradition was being accommodated in this sector.

Rich folk culture

Karnataka and especially the northern districts have a rich folk culture. One can see various communities and tribes in this region mastering the art of costume designing. Moreover, the people here are expert in manufacturing fabric materials using minimal raw materials and also waste materials. One can hardly match the costumes of the Lambani tribe in matters of their colour combination and designing skills.

Similarly, Kaudi (quilt) is another special material of north Karnataka. The women make patchwork quilts for their families with old sarees and scraps of cloth to stitch Kaudi. It is the glorious tradition of recycling and reusing. These days the Kaudis are being exported also.

To begin with, the university will start certificate and diploma courses in folk fashion designing. The minimum qualification for the certificate course is PUC while it is degree for the diploma course.

Most of the girls in villages and small towns discontinue education after PUC here. Hence, the certificate course will help them to learn fashion designing using technology.

The main intention is to help them explore self-employment opportunities rather than hunt for jobs. The diploma holders will have the choice of joining fashion designing firms as folk designers or go for self-employment, Prof. Patil said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Education Plus> Colleges / by Dinesh Nayak / Bangalore – March 23rd, 2014

Tennis champ : R. Nagaraj

April 5, 2014Sportsadmin

This Week

Tennis is a global sport and Mysore has been producing talented tennis players from time to time who have gone on to represent the country in different levels. Mysore Tennis Club, Mysore, has one of the pioneer tennis clubs in the country and top products like P. Srinath, Raghuveer, Neeth Devaiah, Mohit Vijaykumar, who have gone on to reach great heights in the sport. Continuing the tradition, city’s Nagaraj Revannasiddiah, a tennis player cum-coach from Mysore Tennis Club, Mysore, has gone on to reach great heights, both as a player and coach. Nagaraj, an employee of Income-Tax Department, Mysore, is ranked No 4 in the country in the men’s 45 plus category. He recently taking part in the AISTA-AITA Senior Nationals tennis tournament conducted by Solaris at Pune last week won the 45 plus singles title.

Nagaraj also will represent India in the Senior world Tennis championships to be held in USA from Apr. 21 to May 4. He is our “Star This Week.”

R. Nagaraj took part in the AISTA-AITA Senior National tennis championship in the 45 plus category and won the men’s singles title. R Nagaraj has been selected to represent India in the individual and team competition in the Senior World Tennis championships to be staged at Palm Beach, USA. from April 21 to May 4. He will represent India in the 50 plus age category along with Pawan Jain, Sajan Kumar and Chandra Bhushan.

Nagaraj won the 45 plus men’s singles title in the T.S. Santhanam Memorial National AITA veterans tennis tournament held at Chennai in February 2014. In the final, Nagaraj beat C. Rameez Samad (TN) 6-4, 6-4 and clinched the title. The one-hour, 35 minute contest wasn’t as comfortable for Nagaraj as the scoreline might suggest. Both players worked hard for every point and there were many interesting and long-winded rallies in which finally Nagaraj triumphed.

Nagaraj also won the 40 plus singles title in the All India Central Revenue Sports meet held at Chandigarh from 19-21st February 2014. He has won many National level titles and has been a consistent performer in the national and International circuit. He has produced many a talented players as a coach who have gone on to represent the country like Poojashree Venkatesh, Abhayprakash, Likitha Devaraj and C. Vasisht and many more players.

Nagaraj, 51, is married to Vimala and has a son and a daughter.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / March 30th, 2014

Second edition of Krishna’s book unveiled

April 4, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Capt. Gopinath, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Girish Karnad and T. M. Krishna during the release of Mr. Krishna’s book ‘A Southern Music’ at Chowdaiah Memorial hall in Bangalore on Wednesday. — Photo: Bhagya Prakash K. / The Hindu

Actor and playwright Girish Karnad on Wednesday launched the second edition of Carnatic musician T.M. Krishna’s book ‘A Southern Music – The Karnatik Story’ published by Harper Collins . He was joined in the release function by Capt. Gopinath for a felicitatory address, while Gopalkrishna Gandhi read a few portions from the book.

After the official release, Mr. Karnad opened his talk by saying, “When I saw T.M. Krishna teach students on YouTube and heard him say, ‘Just as an engineer or doctor, it doesn’t take anything more to be a musician too. But how you take your role across is what it matters,’ I thought the meaningful musician in him came across,” said Mr. Karnad, observing that Mr. Krishna was not “just a great musician, but a thinker who had soaked existing musical traditions while authoritatively questioning irrelevant ones.” The book steered beyond the music sphere and enveloped life itself, said Mr. Karnad. Capt. Gopinath said that the book wasn’t just for music connoisseurs but any lay person who wanted to know this “inclusive world”.

“It took me three months to figure out what I wanted to write, but once I had the form within me, I had to say the things that were within me, ” said Mr. Krishna.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Ranjani Govind / Bangalore – March 26th, 2014

97-year-old First Voter Does a Class Act in Film on Ballot Power

April 4, 2014Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, Alladmin

Shyam Saran Negi, independent India’s first voter, in the film.

A Google initiative to inspire Indians to exercise their right to vote has gone viral. The two- minute-30-second motivational film, part of Google’s Pledge to Vote campaign, has in its lead role 97-year-old Shyam Saran Negi, independent India’s first voter.

Negi, popularly known as Masterji, lives in Kalpa village of Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh, along with his son C P Negi, a farmer. Directed by Bangalore-based leading advertisement film maker Manoj Pillai, the film was released on the public domain on Monday evening with the creative agency being Ogilvy, Mumbai.

Sandeep Menon, Director, Marketing, Google India, told Express via an email interaction on Wednesday that old age hasn’t diminished Negi’s belief in India’s democracy and the power of elections. “India’s first general elections were held in early 1952. But an exception was made for Kinnaur in anticipation of snowfall, and the elections were held there in October 1951. That’s when Negi got a chance to cast his first vote. Since then he has voted in every single elections, including each of the 15 Lok Sabha polls. He also continues to be an inspiration to his family, friends and community in Kalpa,” says Sandeep.

The film, shot in Kalpa in early March, had a 100-member crew closely working with the village folk and Negi, a retired government primay school teacher, in executing the project. “The time spent with our protagonist in this lovely mountain town helped in bringing alive not just his story, but even his commitment to the country,” says Sandeep. To a specific query as to what prompted Google to rope in Negi, he says: “These elections are about capturing the imagination of millions of both first-time as well as experienced voters. This film has been developed to inspire them to come out and vote during this election. The story of Negi is a testimony of Indian voters’ belief in the power of democracy.”

While sharing the challenges of shooting in Himachal Pradesh and also engaging elderly Negi to follow the storyline, Manoj felt that those living in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore might not associate with the emotions of Negi. “He lives for the nation and his family comes next. He has seen the birth pangs of India, the problems of Partition and the struggle we are undergoing dealing with many complex issues. Masterji is upset with the happenings across the country, yet he comes and votes every time with the hope that things would change,” says Manoj, who heads Thinkpot Productions. Even the Central Election Commission officials have visited Negi couple of years back to felicitate him.

Negi refused to wear the costume initially as demanded by the storyline, and wanted the crew to take money from him. “He agreed only when we explained about the budget that was set aside for his costumes. He told us that he voted without expecting any favour or help from the politicians. He always walked to the polling booth, which is two km from his home, and never accepted the transportation help offered by parties,” says Manoj. He said the crew had to shoot at temperatures as low as – 6 degrees Celsius. “The physical contribution of Negi to the film, in terms of moving around as per the script, is outstanding. There’s a child-like innocence in him and his eyes light up every time we speak about voting,” he adds.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Nation / by Anantha Krishnan M – Bangalore / March 27th, 2014

Pedaling to Glory

April 4, 2014Records, All, Sports, Travel, World Opinionadmin

Shreyas is all set to participate in the Ultra BOB Race Championship

The Ultra BOB Race Championship, India’s first ultra cycling event, will take place from April 4 to 6 in the city.

The rider from India is city-based Shreyas K, who works for a US-based firm. Shreyas has qualified for the 4th edition of the race.

He began his cycling career in 2011 and has come a long way in a short time. The whole idea of staying out of one’s comfort zone, testing your limits by pushing yourself, enduring all pain and suffering is what enticed the lad into long distance cycling.

“Every time you ride, it feels better than before, and the distance is just a mere number you might want to a keep count of,” said Shreyas.

Through the Bangalore Bikers Club, he volunteered to take part in the third edition of the race.

“I have not participated in races around the world, and I am looking forward to doing so in the near future,” Shreyas added.

“As a kid, when I got on a bike for the first time, I tasted freedom. It was for the first time, I really escaped home on my own. Then, as I grew up, I got busy. My priorities changed. Studies, work, family took over. I was lucky to get a second chance to get on a bike again. I wasn’t satisfied with just one or two bikes, I wanted more. That is when, with the help of my mentors, I started my own bicycle tune-up business,” he said.

“The goal was to provide services to friends, their friends and every biker in the city. For me, riding is synonymous with freedom. There is nothing I care about while I’m riding,” he added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by S. S. Shreekumar – Bangalore / March 27th, 2014

Japan’s Netmagic expands data center footprint in India

April 4, 2014Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinionadmin

Netmagic, an NTT Communications Company and India’s only Data Center Infrastructure Lifecycle Management (DILM) service provider, today announced the launch of its new data center in Bangalore .

This 100,000 sq. ft. data center is the first time Netmagic and NTT Communications have collaborated in building an entire facility from the ground up, and thereby, draws from their combined engineering and operations expertise.

“This is a moment of pride for us, as this new data center will give Indian and multi-national enterprises an opportunity to experience the state-of-the-art data centers that NTT Communications operates across the world. The added advantage of Netmagic’s excellence in IT infrastructure management and service delivery in the Indian enterprise space, gives this data center the capability of becoming the new benchmark for data centers in India, said Akira Arima, President and CEO, NTT Communications at the unveiling of the data center. He added, “This facility is part of our Global Cloud Vision to become a genuine global ICT partner for enterprises, providing seamless ICT solutions such as networks, data centers and applications, thereby capitalizing on the trend of enterprises’ migrating their on-premise systems to the cloud.”

“Bangalore offers a strong growth potential and a supply-constrained market, making this the most opportune moment to launch our new data center. Given the large concentration of data intensive activities in Bangalore, our objective is to accommodate enterprises’ demand to house their critical IT infrastructure closer to them, as well as ensure that our data centers have the scalability to meet their growing needs, while offering highly efficient services at the same time,” said Sharad Sanghi, MD and CEO, Netmagic. “The launch of this data center will enhance the confidence of our customers who have been part of our 16 year old journey and strengthen our position as one of India’s leading IT infrastructure management players”, he added.

This new facility also marks the formal launch of the Nexcenter brand of data center services in India. Under this brand, NTT Communications offers leading-edge data center services across the globe. In India, these services are offered through all 8 Netmagic data centers.

The data center will deliver Netmagic’s entire suite of services including managed co-location, dedicated hosting, cloud computing, IT infrastructure monitoring and management and security. It will provide enterprises customizable hosting space with high power and cooling densities and offer not only individual racks, but also highly secure cages and enclosed server rooms to meet the requirements of large global enterprises.

Consistent with Netmagic’s data center standards, connectivity from multiple telecom providers will be available from physically redundant paths allowing customers to architect on any network of their choice. Extending the ‘carrier neutral’ approach to building data centers, this facility is designed with high levels of redundancies and a stringent focus on security – both physical and logical. Enterprises can expect further attention to detail with amenities, such as a highly secure material handling system, based on bar coding and multiple checkpoints, adequate customer office space, dedicated storage space and heavy equipment handling systems.

One of the other strengths of this facility is that its location is one of the least prone to natural calamities and importantly, allows ready access to key resources. This makes it ideal for large enterprises, across India and other geographies to establish their disaster recovery and business continuity sites.

NTT Communications provides consultancy, architecture, security and cloud services to optimize the information and communications technology (ICT) environments of enterprises. These offerings are backed by the company’s worldwide infrastructure, including leading global tier-1 IP network, Arcstar Universal One(tm) VPN network reaching 196 countries/regions, and over 150 secure data centers. NTT Communications’ solutions leverage the global resources of NTT Group companies including Dimension Data, NTT DOCOMO and NTT DATA.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-ANI> Business / ANI / Bengaluru – March 27th, 2014

Orkla, owner of major Indian brand MTR Foods, commits to No Deforestation

April 4, 2014Business & Economy, World Opinionadmin

Jakarta :

Nordic consumer goods giant, Orkla, which also owns Indian brand MTR Foods, today committed to remove forest destruction from the palm oil it uses in its products.

“This policy covers one of the biggest palm oil buyers in the Nordic countries and is the first to cover a major brand originating in India. People power is driving enormous change in the industry. This means there is now no place to hide for companies like Procter and Gamble, or local Indian brands like Godrej, which are failing to act on forest destruction,” said Erika Bjureby, head of the forest campaign at Greenpeace Nordic.

Orkla’s policy recognises the need to go beyond the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) rule and criteria in order to break the company’s links to forest destruction. It includes full traceability down to plantation level by next year and commits it to not buy any palm oil from forest or peatland destruction by 2017. It also commits its suppliers to protect the rights of workers and local communities.

Orkla acquired MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room) Foods in 2007. MTR is well known in India for its spices, ready to eat meals, desserts and snacks. Orkla’s policy adds to the growing momentum towards responsible palm oil sourcing among consumer companies such as Unilever, Nestlé, Mars and Ferrero, as well as producers GAR and Wilmar plus the companies in the Palm Oil Innovation Group.

“In order to achieve so-called ‘sustainable sourcing of palm oil’, Procter and Gamble is relying on a certification scheme that has failed to prevent rainforest destruction. It’s time for P&G to follow the lead set by its competition, like L’Oréal, Nestlé, Unilever and now, Orkla, by committing to No Deforestation,” said Areeba Hamid, forest campaigner at Greenpeace International.

“Emerging markets such as India are the new frontier for responsible palm oil and the key to achieving responsible sourcing of the commodity. Consumers here, just as anywhere else, must be guaranteed their products are free from deforestation.”

Over the last eight months, Greenpeace has been confronting P&G on how it is exposing its consumers to forest destruction, during which time the company has failed to take any adequate action. Prominent RSPO members, such as Musim Mas and KLK, both suppliers to P&G, continue to clear forests.

Indonesia’s forests are disappearing at a rate of more than nine Olympic swimming pools per minute, with palm oil being the biggest driver of forest destruction. Through a global campaign launched in February, Greenpeace is demanding Procter & Gamble to end its role in forest destruction.

source: http://www.dominicantoday.com / Dominican Today / Home> World / March 20th, 2014

Lalbagh director’s colonial residence set for makeover

April 4, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, Alladmin

The dilapidated residence-cum-office of Director of Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a heritage building constructed in 1850s, that also houses a library, is set for a makeover.

Director of Horticulture D R Maheshwar said this is the first time the building is being renovated. Lalbagh Deputy Director Gunavantha K said the renovation would cost Rs 30 lakh.

The renovation work by PWD, which has been undertaken after consultation and guidance from Indian National Trust For Art & Cultural Heritage, will be completed in six months. The building area includes the garden spread across two acre of land.

Harish Padmanabha, grandson of Rao Bahadur H C Javaraya, first native Indian Director of Lalbagh during British rule said, it was built around 1854. It was a colonial bungalow with horse carriage way, verandah and tennis court in the back side. Famous people like John Cameron and Hermann Krumbeigel, former directors, resided there.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / DHNS / Bangalore – March 20th, 2014

Campus Capsule

April 1, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Educationadmin

Synergia

“Synergia”, an inter-medical collegiate sports and cultural fest, got off to a start at the Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital (RRMCH) with Ramachandra, Medical Director, RRMCH, inaugurating it. Teams from Bangalore and Kolar participated in T-shirt painting, ‘air crash,’ and rangoli and mehendi competitions.

Awareness programme

The NSS unit of M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) and the Criminal Investigation Department, in association with the Narcotics Control Bureau, organised an awareness programme on ‘Drug abuse’ recently. Anil Kumble, former Indian cricketer, inaugurated it. The guest of honour was Kannada actor Vijay Raghavendra.

The introductory speech by D. Roopa, IPS officer, was on the different types of drugs widely used by teenagers and about women’s safety.

Mr. Kumble spoke about the short attention span of the present youth and requested the gathering to keep themselves busy and aim for their goals instead of thinking of ways to get away by taking drugs. He also mentioned his experiences in college and school life. Mr. Raghavendra also spoke about ways to stay away from drugs and asked the youth not to experiment with their body. He sighted Mr. Kumble as the best example for the youth to follow.

Doctors from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences and the officials of Narcotics Anonymous talked about the different types of drugs and about the consequences they may lead to and the prevention measures.

CSR conference

Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), in association with Child Rights and You and Global Compact Network India, organised a one-day conference-cum-workshop on corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation. ONGC, RNIL and HAL were the sponsors. Representatives from industry, NGOs and B-schools participated in the discussions and workshop.

Pushpa Sundar, trustee, Partners in Charge; Pooran Chandra Pandey, Executive Director, Global Compact Network India; A. M. Muralidharan, President, Volvo India Ltd; M.J. Xavier, Executive Director, VIT University; and J. Philip, President, XIME, spoke during the inaugural session. Later, three different sessions were done for the industry, B-schools and NGOs.

Leaders’ conclave

A leaders’ conclave was held at R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE) during its techno-cultural event ‘8th mile’. Based on the theme ‘Indian leaders in a global scenario’, the event was organised by the Entrepreneurship Cell of RVCE.

The speakers included T.V. Mohandas Pai, chairperson, Manipal Global Education Services; Revathy Ashok, chief co-ordination officer, BPAC; and V.R. Ferose, senior vice-president, SAP Labs India, among others.

Scholarship

The Institution of Engineering and Technology has sought entries for the second edition of its India Scholarship Award, an annual grant with a combined prize of Rs. 8 lakh. The award is designed to celebrat excellence and innovation among undergraduate engineering students. Entries are open for second and third year B.Tech students from AICTE/UGC-approved institutions across two categories – General and Women. Lateral entry students who join B.Tech programme in the second year are also eligible. Entries close on April 25. For more details visit http://scholarships.theiet.in/criteria#criteria

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Education Plus / by Staff Reporter / Bangalore – March 23rd, 2014

Impresario launches ‘Social’ in Bengaluru

April 1, 2014Business & Economyadmin

Bengaluru :

Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality (Impresario) has launched the first of the three ‘Social’ cafes for 2014 in Bengaluru. The company has also planned for a 22 April launch in New Delhi and a 17 May launch in Mumbai.

Impresario says that its core strength is in understanding the changing dining out habits of new young India and delivering quality dining-out experiences tailored to delight their guests. The chain has 36 outlets under popular brands such as Mocha – Coffees & Conversations, Smoke House Deli, The Tasting Room, Stone Water Grill and Le Kebabiere.

Depending upon the success of the three ‘Social’ outlets, Impresario plans to open about 20 ‘Social’ cafes over the next three years. Targeting the youth (aged between 18 and 35 years), with brand ‘Social’, the company plans to have a one-on-one connect using technology and the internet with its clients. For some of its other brands such as Mocha, the company uses radio for mass media communications. The company believes that it is strong in the use of technology as the main tool, or as a supplement for other mediums such as radio and social media.

Impresario CEO and managing director Riyaaz Amlani revealed to indiantelevision.com, “We spend around 2.5 per cent of revenue towards brand building and communications. Our topline is around Rs75 crore (Rs750 million). A lot of our activities are BTL and event associated. We have our own creative teams, and media buying, where required, is in-house.”

“People have been coming in to use our cafes to work from, hold meetings, make presentations. All we did was build a space that caters to that need, a productive space driven by a radical 9-6 creative community, a space for doers and makers to work and network, said Amlani.

“Social is a path-breaking urban hangout that’s designed to take you offline while still keeping you connected; a place where networking can happen. Social is a collaborative workspace, a hub for artists, designers, and innovators. Social has everything an office has; a boardroom, wall-space and wall-to-wall uber high-speed WiFi. The café has an app that lets you order and review food, check out the restaurant’s playlist (to like and recommend music) and even check in on what the other guests in the space are up to, to allow room for collaboration and interaction between tables,” added Amlani further while speaking about the new chain.

source: http://www.indiantelevision.com / IndianTelevision.com / Home> MAM> Marketing> News Headline / by indiantelevision.com / March 24th, 2014

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