Monthly Archives: October 2014

Centre clears change in names of Karna cities, Belgaum now Belagavi

About Bangalore(Bengaluru) / Karnataka, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Eight years after it received a proposal from Karnataka government, the Centre today cleared renaming 12 cities and towns of the state including Belgaum as Belagavi and Bangalore as Bengaluru.

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh gave his approval to the proposal of the Karnataka government made on October 27, 2006 to change the names of the 12 towns and cities in consonance with their pronunciation in Kannada language.  Karnataka and Maharashtra, where the Assembly elections had just concluded, are locked in a boundary row over Belgaum.

The Karnataka government had taken the decision to rechristen these cities on the occasion of the golden jubilee of formation of the state of Karnataka on November one, 2006.

The Home Minister’s nod came after Survey of India, Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts, Ministry of Science and Technology and Intelligence Bureau have given their No Objection and clearance for the change in the nomenclature of the identified cities.

Besides Bangalore and Belgaum, the other cities and towns which will be known by new names(which are in brackets) are Mangalore(Mangaluru), Bellary(Ballari), Bijapur(Vijapura), Chikmagalur(Chikkamagaluru), Gulbarga(Kalaburagi), Mysore(Mysure), Hospet(Hosapete), Shimoga(Shivamogga), Hubli (Hubballi) and Tumkur(Tumakuru).

Instructions have also been issued for rechristening the post offices and Railway stations, a Union Home Ministry oficial said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / PTI / New Delhi – October 17th, 2014

Of Libraries and Books

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

by D. Lalitha Rao

When I was studying for my Library Science degree, we had a professor who would teach through anecdotes that often had us in splits. To stress how important it is for a librarian to know the location and appearance of every single book on the shelves he would narrate how a student came to him once and asked him, “Sir, please give me the red book with four authors.” Only the librarian’s years of experience plus the fact that, the particular book was most in demand among the students of B.Com prevented him from throwing the student out.

We librarians are used to the strangest demands, believe me. I have always felt that a library should be the friendliest place, where you can curl up in a corner with your book or browse shelves undisturbed by time or crowds.

I have always loved cataloguing books. To determine the subject of a book, and to give it the appropriate numbers in the cataloguing system and then place it correctly in the shelves — it gives me a sense of joy. The circulation desk is, of course, where all the activities go on in a library, with people coming and going constantly, borrowing or returning books, and searching for particular volumes. However, the stacks — the shelves where books are stored — is where the heart of the library resides.

The simplest arrangement of books is by subject matter and the world’s libraries use mostly what is known as the Dewey Decimal System of cataloguing created by Professor Melvil Dewey in America in the 19th century. You may have seen in libraries like The British Council numbers on the spine of any book: a set of 3 numbers followed by a decimal point and then further sets of numbers. The first number is the code for the subject and can be from 0 to 9. Thus 954 is the number classification for Indian History. Anyway, to get a librarian started on the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is asking for trouble, so I will spare you the details.

At first this whole classification business was confined to ten subjects and a hundred sub-categories. Now, as the frontiers of knowledge become ever distant, there is no limit to subjects. The DDC is already in its 23rd edition and has 4 volumes compared to the 4-page pamphlet published in 1876 by Dewey.

In the 1930s, Dr. Ranganathan of Madras University invented the Colon Classification, an extremely complex system but one which could include many more subjects than the Western-centric DDC. Madras University Library and then Delhi University Library were among those catalogued according to the Colon Classification (CC). The system has now fallen into disuse as there are not many people proficient enough to teach it to students of Library Science. Even the very old Nilgiris Library in Ooty which used CC is now digitizing its catalogue as per the DDC.

Sooner or later one has to make way for new ideas, improvements and new versions of the old. Browsing in my personal library some days ago, I unearthed the Agatha Christies that I own, and was happily leafing through them. Coincidentally, I found in an online bookstore a brand new mystery that I ordered right away. It so happened that I read two newly published books which I must share with you.

The first book I read was the mystery I have mentioned above, by British author Sophie Hannah, in which she brings back to life the legendary Agatha Christie detective Hercule Poirot. This is not the first time that fictional icons that died with their creators have been revived. Anthony Horowitz a few years ago wrote The House Of Silk, a riveting story of Sherlock Holmes, and has now written Moriarty, which I am eagerly waiting for.

So, Hercule Poirot in The Monogram Murders. Was it an interesting read? Most certainly. Was it Hercule Poirot? To my mind, and I feel most Christie loyalists will feel the same, Poirot as presented by Hannah lacks a certain gentleness that Christie’s character possessed. This Poirot is more egotistical, rather boastful, as brilliant as ever, but perhaps not as endearing. The humour is not Christie’s, naturally but then the plot has more complexity. In fact, in terms of complexity it compares with some of the classic cases that are solved by Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Sleeping Murder comes to mind as also The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I think this is probably the reason that for the first time the heirs of Agatha Christie’s estate have given permission to publish a book containing her characters, so I assume Miss Marple will also reappear some time. To read The Monogram Murders, you must forget that Hercule Poirot existed before (very difficult) and just go with the story. The only way to enjoy it.

The other book was Chetan Bhagat’s latest, called Half Girlfriend. Set in Bihar, New Delhi and New York, the story takes us through several years in the life of a boy from rural India, as he falls in love with a typically wealthy Delhiwali but has neither the social skills nor the smarts to deal with it. The same goes for his super rich girlfriend as she leads him a merry dance. Even though you can sense that our author has a soft corner for her, perhaps more than for the hero, I found it difficult to feel much sympathy for her. Supposedly she has psychological issues that we get to hear about much later in the story.

At another level the story of rural India is sensitively told, with the clash of feudalism, local politics and corruption sharply defined. All ends well, but I was left feeling slightly irritated at the end of the saga and several times I felt that both protagonists needed a good smack on the head. No, I haven’t forgotten what it was like to be in love, but why has Mr. Bhagat forgotten that he can write better? Where is the superb timing of Five Point Someone, the humour of Two States? You should read this because it’s a Chetan Bhagat quick read, but don’t expect too much.

I am myself working on a modern revamping of a very ancient and much loved story and will share it with you when done. Till then happy reading.

[e-mail: raolalitha@hotmail.com]

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles  / Sunday,  October 26th, 2014

Dr.Dharanidevi Malagatti’s epic ‘Elabharatham’ to be released on Oct. 30

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leaders

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Mysore :

Deputy Director of Karnataka Police Academy Dr. Dharanidevi Malagatti has come out with her epic ‘Elabharatham’ focussing on Mahabharatha viewed from a different angle by women.

Her epic has been published by Kannada Sahitya Parishat and will be released on Oct. 30 at 10. 30 am at Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies in Manasagangotri here.

Speaking to the press here recently Dr. Dharanidevi said that it took 10 years to come out with the epic. She added that the epic was written in a different perspective which would be welcomed by literary lovers.

Dharanidevi has obtained Ph.D. in Management Science after. She has also done M.A. (Kannada) through distance education. Her grand father Ramaiah Nayaka and father Dhoomanna Rai too have literary prowess. Her grandmother Lakshmi Alva reads Bhagavatha even now. She is ably supported by her littérateur husband Dr. Aravind Malagatti.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Sunday,  October 26th, 2014

Of snakes and women

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Nagamandala PHOTO: BHAGYA PRAKASH K.
Nagamandala PHOTO: BHAGYA PRAKASH K.

Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry’s Nagamandala earned appreciation from the playwright Girish Karnad itself – you have really understood my play, he said

One story and so many tellings. A.K. Ramanujan told this folktale and it became three plays – Nagamandala, Siri Sampige and Haavu Hokka Manegalu by Girish Karnad, Chandrashekar Kambar, and Hooli Shekar respectively. Girish Karnad’s Nagamandala, when compared to Kambar’s Siri Sampige is less complex, but makes for good theatre. His plays are a reflection of contemporary Indian cultural and social life. For this, Karnad makes use of folk tales, myths and historical legends.

Nagamandala was first produced in Kannada in 1989 by the late actor Shankar Nag. A grand and ambitious production, the play had B. Jayashri, Padmavathi Rao, Arundhati Nag and Shankar Nag himself in the play. Music was composed by C. Ashwath and the stunning song, “Maayada Manada Bhara” written by Gopal Vajpeyi. Recalling those days, Padmavathi Rao says: “Those were not days of theatre workshops. Much of our association with theatre was fuelled by our own personal passion and the willingness to work with ourselves. Aru, Shankar and me would discuss every little detail. For me, the most intense part of the play was Rani’s loneliness. It’s the story of most women in India. They come from loving families and don’t know the world is going to change dramatically for them. I would think that this is the world’s best kept secret. There is a duality between ‘said’ and ‘unsaid’ and throughout history and mythology one sees this happening to women.”

Much later the play was taken up by Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry. The play which drew from several theatre traditions dazzled for its aesthetics. Nagamandala was Neelam’s first major work. For the first time, writes Chaman Ahuja, speech, narration, recitation, songs, dances, costumes, props, movements, stood unified. In a sense, she did not just direct the play, she recreated it- a recreation that earned full approval from the playwright Girish Karnad: ‘You are the only person who has really understood my play.’

Neelam’s Nagamandala is based on a fine translation in Punjabi by poet Surjit Patar. In fact, Neelam took up this same play some time in the late eighties and it proved to be a turning point in her journey as a director. Speaking of her later Nagamandala, which Neelam calls a recreation, she says: “I wasn’t very excited to begin with. I didn’t know if I wanted to do a tale about snakes and women all over again. The Manto festival at Lahore got cancelled and I just started reading Nagamandala again. The story had the power to grip her again and so I picked up the same script and most of the same actors and started work on it all over again.”

The Company presents Nagamandala (Punjabi) directed by Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry, will be staged at Ranga Shankara on November 2, 7.30 p.m. For tickets, bookmyshow.com and Ranga Shankara box office.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by D.G. / October 30th, 2014

Many facets of a child prodigy

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

We have all heard and known that if kids are encouraged towards doing a certain thing, they will go on to learn and implement the same to the best of their abilities. And a few kids are lucky enough to even get encouraged extensively towards achieving great goals in life.

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One such fortunate child is 9-year-old P.N. Nihal, whose parents are ready to go to any extent towards encouraging their multifaceted son for the little one turns to be an achiever in everything that he tried his hands on. At nine, the kid is already a karate champion, a melodious singer, dancer and a good artist as well.

The kid has already won quite a few State-level awards for different categories given away by various organisations in recognition of his talent. A few of them include awards like the Balashree award given away by the Mysore Sahitya Mattu Samskrutika Pratisthana; Kalachitra award by Bharatiya Lalithakala Academy, Bangalore; Kannadashree award given by Sirigannada Vedike, Mysore; Mysoru Ratna by Sneha Sinchana, Mysore and Ganashree given away by Gana Mandara Trust, Bangalore. He has also taken part in several drawing, colouring and handwriting competitions for which he has been awarded with the first place constantly.

What’s more, while the prodigy was selected to present a 14-minute talk on Akashavani even when he was just a LKG student. Academically too, Nihal is a bright student. He has also won gold ranking in the International Mathematics Olympiad and National Science Olympiad for the year 2014.

A student of Rainbow Public School in city, he receives good encouragement at his school as well, says his mother Rashmi. “While we encourage him towards doing things of his interest, his school staff is equally encouraging too. They encourage him to partake in various contests and events, which is of great help for us,” she says.

And having seen him show so much interest in all these extracurricular activities winning numerous prizes and awards, parents Naveen Kumar and Rashmi have made the child’s goal their own goals too.

Says the proud mother: “It feels wonderful to see him having turned out be such an achiever at such a young age. In a month or so, he will soon be getting awarded with the black belt in Karate which he is learning from trainer K.P. Johnson at the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Shori-Kan Karate-Do and Kobudo Association. He was awarded 6 belts in just 1.4 years of time which is an achievement in itself. Hence, seeing his enthusiasm, I have made his aims my goal for life. I never go anywhere and not even to family functions several times, just to stay by his side and support him in achieving whatever he wants to. As he is an achiever in many areas, he still not too sure what exactly he aims to be but whatever he wishes to do, we will be by his side. Be it academics, cultural or sports, we will let him make it big in the field he chooses.” —AN

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

Freedom fighters celebrate 67th anniversary of Mysore Chalo

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Official celebrations by District Administration on Oct. 28

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Mysore :

Freedom fighters in the city, on Friday, celebrated the 67th anniversary of ‘Mysore Chalo,’ the Independence Day of erstwhile princely Mysore State.

The freedom fighters, under the auspices of Mysore City and District Freedom Fighters Association, decided to go ahead with the celebration yesterday even as the District Administration that had, for the first time decided to celebrate the occasion, decided to organise the ceremony on Oct. 28, on account of Deepavali festival.

The freedom fighters, who assembled at Subbarayanakere Ground, the nerve centre of Independence movement in those days, reminisced the freedom of the State by garlanding the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the ground along the Chamaraja Double Road, which is also called the Freedom Fighters Memorial Park. They also hoisted the Tri-colour.

Addressing the freedom fighters, the Association Secretary M.R. Ramasesh recalled the moments associated with ‘Mysore Chalo’ movement that eventually bore fruits with the independence of the princely State.

Pointing out that the princely State, which earlier comprised nine districts — Mysore, Mandya, Bangalore, Kolar, Tumkur, Chitradurga, Shimoga, Chikkamagalur and Hassan — has now risen to 13 with the formation of Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Davanagere and Ramanagar districts. Ramasesh said, the government has decided on official celebration of ‘Mysore Chalo’ from this year.

Accordingly, the District Administration has organised the celebration on Oct. 28, with many programmes scheduled to take place at Subbarayanakere Ground. Mayor R. Lingappa will flag off a procession at Subbarayanakere at 10 am, which will pass through Chamaraja Double Road, Ramaswamy Circle, Sanskrit College, Sayyaji Rao Road, K.R. Circle, D. Devararaj Urs Road and Narayana Shastri Road, before returning to the Subbarayanakere.

District Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad will inaugurate the stage programme at 11.30 am, MLA Vasu will preside. Later, cultural programmes will take place at Kalamandira at 2.30 pm, during which freedom fighters will be honoured, he said.

The government has sanctioned Rs. 10 lakh for ‘Mysore Chalo’ celebration, out of which Rs. 1 lakh has been given to the Kannada and Culture Department for bringing out a book on the Movement, he added.

Association President D.S. Jagadish, Vice-President M.N. Jayasimha and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News   / Saturday ,  October 25th, 2014

Kasturba Hospital pioneers yet another landmark — bone marrow transplantation

Records, All, Science & Technology

Mangalore :

The first Bone Marrow transplantation at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal was performed on a patient with Multiple Myeloma.

The advanced oncology treatment medical procedure – Autologus Bone Marrow transplant – was performed by Medical Oncology department under the leadership of Dr Karthik S. Udupa..

Kasturi, 28 (name changed) from Raichur district, was suffering from multiple myeloma and was being treated at Shirdi Sai Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal for the same. She underwent high dose chemotherapy and Autologus stem cell transplant from September 29 to October 15. The various indications for Autologous stem cell transplant includes multiple myeloma, relapsed Hodgkin’s lymphoma, relapsed Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and also paediatric tumor like Neuroblastoma.

Autologus Bone Marrow transplant involves three steps: First step is Apheresis – mobilisation of stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream and circulating stem cells are then harvested or collected. In the second step, the patient is given High dose chemotherapy dose to wipe out the problematic cells. And the third phase is the stem cell infusion phase where the stem cells are given back to the patient to reconstitute the immune system. Apheresis also was performed for the first time in the entire coastal belt of Karnataka under the guidance of Dr Shami Shastry, Associate Professor – Transfusion Medicine.

Dr (Col) M Dayananda, Medical Superintendent and COO, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal claimed: This facility was previously available only at Oncology Centres in Bangalore.

He congratulated the Team from Medical Oncology Department for making a major step in providing care to the needy patients. From now onwards, patients from coastal belt, Malnad and plains and the other nearby districts will be able to get this treatment of Bone Marrow transplantation at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Dr Dayananda added that this advanced medical procedure for cancer treatment is offered at a just a fraction of the cost than that available in Bangalore.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangalore / by Stanley Pinto, TNN / October 24th, 2014

R.K. Narayan’s Lakshmipuram residence

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

Sir,

While the picture of R.K. Narayan’s own residence in Yadavagiri dominates popular imagination (Star of Mysore dated Oct. 10), a 70 to 75-year-old building, which houses precious memories of the earlier life of RKN in Mysore, remains largely hidden from public view.

It was in Lakshmipuram, R. V. Krishnaswamy Iyer (father of R.K. Narayan and R.K. Laxman) and his extended family were tenants of this building for a number of years.

A matchless depiction of RKN by R. K. Laxman. Picture right shows Former residence of R.K. Narayan at # 963, III Main, Lakshmipuram, Mysore.
A matchless depiction of RKN by R. K. Laxman. Picture right shows Former residence of R.K. Narayan at # 963, III Main, Lakshmipuram, Mysore.

Krishnaswamy Iyer was a renowned Head Master of Maharaja’s High School and his children grew to become distinguished alumni of his own school, as well as Lakshmipuram Middle School and Maharaja’s College.

— S. G. Seetharam /Gita Road /12.10.2014

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Voice of the Reader  /  Thursday ,  October 23rd, 2014

Grand Silver Jubilee of Railway Malayali Samithi in city

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Noted Malayalam litterateur Alankode Leelakrishnan releases souvenir ‘KABANI’

Malayalam litterateur Alankode Leelakrishnan is seen releasing the souvenir ‘KABANI’ along with M. Balan, Senior member, during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Railway Malayali Samithi at NIE Diamond Jubilee Complex in city as (from left) K. L. Vinod Kumar, Organising Secretary, T. D. Anilkumar, Patron, Silver Jubilee Committee, K. Surendran, Treasurer, Babu P. Naresh, President, V.R. Harikrishnan, Secretary and K. K. Pavithran, Vice-President, look on.
Malayalam litterateur Alankode Leelakrishnan is seen releasing the souvenir ‘KABANI’ along with M. Balan, Senior member, during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Railway Malayali Samithi at NIE Diamond Jubilee Complex in city as (from left) K. L. Vinod Kumar, Organising Secretary, T. D. Anilkumar, Patron, Silver Jubilee Committee, K. Surendran, Treasurer, Babu P. Naresh, President, V.R. Harikrishnan, Secretary and K. K. Pavithran, Vice-President, look on.

Mysore :

The Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Railway Malayali Samithi were conducted in a grand manner on Oct.19 at NIE Diamond Jubilee Complex in city.

The celebrations were inaugurated by famous Malayalam litterateur Alankode Leelakrishnan, who also released the souvenir ‘KABANI’ which was published as part of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations.

The retired members were felicitated during the programme. Prizes were distributed to the participants who won in the competitions which were conducted as part of the year-long celebrations. Cultural programmes were performed by the family members as well as by ‘Niswartha Band, Calicut.’

Silver Jubilee Committee Patron T. D. Anilkumar welcomed. President Babu P. Naresh presided. Secretary V.R. Harikrishnan proposed a vote of thanks.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  /  Thursday ,  October 23rd, 2014

Natural farming should be given top priority for a better India

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Intro:

Natural Farming and Organic products are becoming popular at a fast pace in Mysore, thanks to R. Swamy Anand, State Convener of Karnataka State Natural Farming Movement and a resident of Jayalakshmipuram in City, who has made this happen by his sheer dedication, determination, consumer awareness programmes, workshops & seminars on Natural Farming and through his Green Shop ‘Hasiru.’

Originally from H.D. Kote taluk, Swamy moved to Mysore to pursue his Master’s degree. When Swamy was pursuing his Master’s, he had written an article on Taraka Dam and sent it to ‘Lankesh Pathrike.’ The editor of ‘Lankesh Pathrike’ was so impressed by the article that he not only published it but also appointed Swamy Anand as a journalist for ‘Lankesh Pathrike’ where Swamy Anand worked for 15 years.

Swamy Anand has also written a book in Kannada on Natural Farming.The book was awarded Karnataka Sahitya Akademi award in the year 2005 and nearly 65,000 copies of the book were sold. Swamy Anand is married to L. Geetha and the couple have three children. SOM spoke to Swamy Anand about his experience with Natural farming, Organic farming , Organic products and his shop Hasiru. Excerpts…

by Arafat Ahmed Aizaz

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SOM: You were a Journalist. What made you take up Natural and Organic Farming as a profession?

Swamy Anand: I worked as a Journalist because of my writing skills. But I had more interest in Agriculture as my great grandfather, grandfather and father were all farmers. I knew what hardships farmers face and hence wanted to do something better for the farming fraternity. Farmers work hard but they do not know how to market their products in a better way. So I started ‘Hasiru’ to help farmers to market their products and to get them better price for their products. One more reason is “I love the traditional agriculture system – Natural Farming.”

SOM: How does your shop ‘Hasiru’ help farmers in getting better price?

Swamy Anand: I started ‘Hasiru’ in April, 2011. Since then, farmers directly approach me with their organic products and quote a rate for which their produce need to be sold. I will keep a very minimal margin on the rate quoted by them and will sell it at my shop, thus helping them in getting good price for their products.

SOM: How do you justify that Organic products are better than the products which are grown or made using chemicals?

Swamy Anand: Organic products are better in taste and have more nutrients. They are safe, non-poisonous and save the environment. Organic products are free from chemicals, artificial manure and artificial colours. Hence organic products are better when compared to those grown using chemicals.

SOM: You say that Organic products are non-poisonous. Do you mean to say that vegetables and fruits which are sold for lesser rates in the market are poisonous?

Swamy Anand: Yes, they are poisonous because they are grown by using chemicals and urea. They may not kill you immediately, but in the long run, they will create problems such as acidity, blood pressure and diabetes. Urea is highly dangerous. It not only spoils the soil but also creates health problems.

SOM: What are the activities conducted by ‘Hasiru’ in the recent past?

Swamy Anand: Hasiru has conducted Mango Mela, Grapes Mela, Millets Mela and Rajmudi Vaibhava – a mela where Rajmudi rice was sold.

SOM: Why did you name your shop as ‘Hasiru’?

Swamy Anand: One of my friends Sachidananda, an artiste, suggested me to name my shop as ‘Hasiru’ because I am a lover of agriculture and greenery.

SOM: Can you name some of the products you sell at Hasiru?

Swamy Anand: We sell organic Basmati brown rice, Organic Sonamasuri brown rice, Organic hand-made soaps, Organic teas, Organic coffee powder, Organic Foxtail millets & Little millets, Natural unprocessed forest honey, Organic Spirulina tablets, Organic perfumes, Organic wheat, Organic multi-grain malt, Organic Flax seeds, Desi ghee (Indian cow ghee) and many more. We get products from Ooty, Coorg, Maharashtra, Coastal Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and other places.

SOM: How is the response for Organic products in Mysore?

Swamy Anand: The response is very good in Mysore. We have customers’ support. We have customers of all ages who are concerned about health and most of our customers are factory workers, because factory workers need quality food to get more nutrients and energy to do physical work.

SOM: Do you have any unique product at ‘Hasiru’?

Swamy Anand: We have a unique product ‘Love Tea’ which is made by using Organic Roses, Chamomile, Lavender and other flowers. It warms the heart. Youths are buying ‘Love Tea’ at our shop in large quantity to gift their friends.

SOM: The fruits and vegetables grown by Natural Farming look exactly similar to those grown by Chemical Farming. How do you prove that the fruits and vegetables available at ‘Hasiru’ are naturally grown?

Swamy Anand: Both look alike. But the taste of naturally grown food products is really good compared to those grown by Chemical Farming. Those who consume foods which are grown naturally do not get acidity problems. We can take you to our farms and prove that no chemicals are being used by us. One can even pay a surprise visit to our farms and check out what we are doing. People who consume naturally grown food products on a regular basis can feel the difference between the food products grown by natural farming and those which are grown by Chemical Farming.

SOM: Poor people can’t afford to buy the food products grown by Natural Farming or Organic Farming as they are very costly. What do you say about this?

Swamy Anand: The food products grown by Natural or Organic Farming are costly because the yield is low in these two types of farming as chemicals are not used to kill the pests. They are completely free from chemicals.

SOM: Which State is doing well in Natural Farming in India?

Swamy Anand: Karnataka is doing well. In Mandya district, 200 small villages have been certified as Organic Villages. Natural Farming and Organic Farming have a better future in Karnataka.

SOM: What are the challenges being faced in Natural and Organic Farming?

Swamy Anand: The main challenge is the labour problem. Both Natural and Organic Farming need more skilled labours when compared to Chemical Farming. These days, very less people are ready to work in the fields.

SOM: Natural farming is an old method. Do you think it can give better yield like that of Chemical farming?

Swamy Anand: I agree that the yield in Natural Farming is low when compared to Chemical Farming, but the whole world can be fed by Natural Farming. Hence, we should stop Chemical Farming and completely move into the path of Natural Farming.

SOM: Would you like to give any message to the public?

Swamy Anand: Yes. Government is treating Natural Farming as an alternative to Chemical Farming. According to me, Natural Farming should be given top priority for a better India and everyone should support it.

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