Yearly Archives: 2015

Remembering the legendary Cartoonist R.K. Laxman

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders
The caricature of R.K. Laxman, sketched by Star of Mysore cartoonist M.V. Nagendra Babu for this column in 1995, was autographed by the legendary cartoonist when Babu showed the same to Laxman during the National Cartoon Workshop held in Nagpur in 1996. Note Babu’s caricature has all the three important elements R.K. Laxman was famous for — The Times of India where he worked, the common man and the crow.
The caricature of R.K. Laxman, sketched by Star of Mysore cartoonist M.V. Nagendra Babu for this column in 1995, was autographed by the legendary cartoonist when Babu showed the same to Laxman during the National Cartoon Workshop held in Nagpur in 1996. Note Babu’s caricature has all the three important elements R.K. Laxman was famous for — The Times of India where he worked, the common man and the crow.

The legendary Mysuru-based cartoonist R.K. Laxman passed away at age 94 on Jan. 26, 2015, the day when the Nation celebrated its 66th Republic Day with US President Barack Obama as the VVIP chief guest at the Rajpath. Here I reproduce the Abracadabra titled “Hey, that’s Laxman the cartoonist!” published in Star of Mysore dated June 26, 1995, as a tribute to the ‘Common Man.’ Now read on:

Hey, that’s Laxman the Cartoonist !

If it is a Sunday and you suffer from cold, what is the best thing to do? Of course, reading all the Sunday newspapers through the moist eyes, smothering the nose with a handkerchief, sniffing at Vicks or whatever and sipping hot coffee. After that? Well, watching TV is the best thing. It is also more relaxing — less strain on the eyes compared to reading a newspaper in small print. So, after finishing the papers, I did a very best thing yesterday watching TV while nursing a terrible cold.

Thanks to STAR TV. I could watch BBC as well. However, these days, I find our Doordarshan (DD) is not lagging far too behind the STAR TV or Zee TV in providing quality programmes. One such programme I saw on DD was on the famous cartoonist R.K. Laxman. I was glued to the TV watching Laxman speak in a measured, clear tone and language (English, of course) with his buck-teeth not that prominent to be obtrusive. A kind of serenity could be seen pervading Laxman’s personality as he spoke.

I have a special reason to be delighted about Laxman because he started his career from Bombay’s Free Press Journal just as I did much later during late 60s. It was a well-produced programme and the credit indeed should go to the subject of the programme — R.K. Laxman — rather than its producer or director.

It was interesting to learn from Laxman how appointments were made during those early days and how he encountered Bal Thackeray, the Shiv Sena Supremo, at the Free Press Journal. The Editor of this nationalist paper Sadanand without a second thought appointed Laxman and simply asked him to join duty immediately as by then Laxman’s works had been seen by many editors including Sadanand. When Laxman went to occupy his chair, he found another person sitting next to him with a “definite profile,” who asked: Who are you? Laxman told him who he was and in turn asked, Who are you? The reply was: Bal Thackeray, cartoonist.

Later they both went to the canteen for tea and became friends. However, after leaving the Free Press Journal and becoming the Shiv Sena Supremo, Bal Thackeray “went out of my range,” said Laxman and added “but all the same we continued to be friends and hope he still is.”

Another interesting information Laxman gave was about the famous British political cartoonist Sir David Low, who created Colonel Blimp (just as Laxman created his Common Man) whom he had always admired. In fact, the discerning newspaper readers had found the influence of David Low in Laxman’s cartoons. No wonder, Laxman was a great fan of David Low and hoped to meet him one day.

However, as luck would have it, to his great surprise one day when he went to his office, he found a couple sitting in his chamber and Laxman recognising Low (probably from his pictures) spontaneously said: Mr. Low? And the person beamed a smile and said: Yes. You are Laxman. Later, Laxman hired a taxi and took them to Malabar Hills to impress upon the foreigner the beauty of Bombay as seen from the heights of Malabar Hills — the sweep of the Chaupati and the Queen’s necklace, Marine Drive. Laxman also told Low that the latter should not think India was a land of elephants and snake charmers but before Low could react, lo and behold, there he was — a snake charmer ready to entertain the foreigner. Laxman said it was an embarrassing as well as a mysterious moment for him.

One more interesting information that throws light on Laxman’s own philosophy of life and also the courage of his conviction is the manner he left the Free Press Journal. It appears, the Editor Sadanand, who never interfered in Laxman’s work in the past, one day called him and said that he should not make fun of Communists any more in his cartoons. This fiat from the editor surprised Laxman no end and disturbed him also.

Apparently, he could not work with such fetters. Submitting his resignation to the editor on the spot, he walked out of the Free Press Journal hiring a horse-drawn carriage (as there was a taxi strike on that day) straight to ‘The Times of India,’ the old lady of Bori Bunder. Fortunately, it was not a case of walking out of one prison to another or from the palace to the prison. It was a case of walking out of a prison to a palace. The rest is history.

— PUCK

NOTE: Puck was my pen name those days which I gave up on finding the printer’s devil replacing the letter P with F. After all, original is the real thing.—KBG

e-mail: kbg@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Abracadabra…Abracadabra / Monday – February 16th, 2015

Chota packet , Bada power …

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

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Meet city’s young singing talent Shreekar

He has made significant achievements in singing. He has participated in hundreds of State and District-level cultural competitions and won many prizes in Karnatak music (vocal), sugama sangeetha, Daasara padagalu, film hits (solo), classical music (vocal), devaranama, jathiswara, bhavageethe (solo), vachana gaayana, folk songs, patriotic songs, janapadageethe, keerthanas, bhajans, vachanas and Bhagavadgita chanting…and what have you?

He also has the talent in him to repeat any song heard by him once just like the original one. Meet B.R. Shreekar, a 5th standard student of DAV Public School in Vishweshwara Nagar, who has performed in ETV Kannada Channel’s ‘Canara Bank Yede Thumbi Haduvenu’ programme hosted by noted playback singer S.P. Balasubramanyam (SPB) in 2011. This child participated in three episodes and went up-to semi finals receiving appreciation from SPB for his talent.

The ten-year-old was conferred ‘Balashree Award-2013’ by Mysuru Sahitya Matthu Samskruthika Pratishtana, Kuvempunagar, for excellence in classical and light music.

He was conferred State-level Children’s Pratibha Puraskara by the Department of Women and Child Development, Bengaluru on Nov. 14, 2013 (Children’s Day) for exceptional achievements in academics.

He was presented Children’s Exceptional Achievements Award for the year 2013-14 along with a cash prize of Rs.10,000 by the Department of Women and Child Development, Mysuru, for excellence in cultural field.

He was conferred with ‘Adarsha Baala Prathibha Rathna’ award by Adarsha Seva Sangha, Mysuru on Jan. 26, 2014 for excellence in singing.

Shreekar, who took part in the ‘Mysuru Kogile-2014’ singing competition, organised by Bharathiya Samskruthika Vikasa Vedike, Mysuru in association with Yashaswini Groups, Mysuru at Jaganmohan Palace, won the second place where he was honoured with a cash prize of Rs.10,000.

Apart from excelling in the cultural field, Shreekar has made achievements in academics too.

He won prizes in Wordsworth International Spelling Bee Contest at the School, District and State-levels in 2011; He passed the National Scholarship Examination conducted by Divine Publishers, Cochin thrice with distinction in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 while he was studying in 1st, 2nd and 3rd standard respectively; He secured top ranks in National Science Olympiad and International Mathematics Olympiad conducted by Science Olympiad Foundation, Gurgaon.

Shreekar passed the Karnatak Music Junior Grade Vocal Examination, conducted by Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, in October, 2014 with 94%.

He is being trained in music under Karnatak Vocalist Vidwan P.C. Vijesh of Guru Subbanna Keshava Music School.

Considering, Shreekar’s outstanding achievements in academics, DAV School awarded a proficiency certificate to him.

Shreekar is the proud son of B.S. Ramamurthy, Senior Manager, Finance & Accounts, Ripple Fragrances Pvt. Ltd., VV Mohalla and H.S. Vageeshwari, a home-maker, who reside in Krishnamurthypuram in city. His elder brother B.R. Shankar is pursuing 1st year Engineering at Vidya Vikas Institute of Engineering & Technology.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday – February 16th, 2015

 

Rotary Midtown to present Soukya Sports Award on Feb.18

Sports

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Rotary Midtown Soukya Sports Award-2015 will be conferred on O. Sushmitha Pawar at a function to be held on Feb.18 at the Rotary Centre on JLB Road, Mysuru, at 6.30 pm.

Chief guest Dr. C. Krishna, Director, Department of Physical Education, University of Mysore, will present the award to Sushmitha, who had won gold medal in kabaddi at the 17th Asian Games held at South Korea during Sept.-Oct. 2014.

The award is sponsored by Soukya Travel & Tours, Saraswathipuram, Mysuru, in association with Rotary Mysore Midtown.

Profile: Sushmitha was appointed to Karnataka State Police through sports quota and posted in Bettadapura Police Station, Periyapattana Taluk.

Now, she regularly represents Police Women’s Kabaddi Team, State Women’s Kabaddi team and National Women’s Kabaddi Team.

She was the captain of Karnataka Junior Kabaddi Team and was a member of South Zone and Karnataka State Team too.

A recipient of Kempegowda Award-2014 and Karnataka Olympics Association Award-2014, she has participated in many National level tournaments, Federation Cup, National Games, Women games and festival games and won numerous gold and silver medals.

Sushmitha is the daughter of Omprkash Pawar, a flour mill owner and Manjula Bai, a homemaker, residents of N.R. Mohalla in city.

Sushmitha is married to Venkatesh Yadav, Proprietor of a photo studio in Bengaluru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday – February 16th, 2015

Visually impaired strike a chord, win hearts

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

Chennai :

These aspiring singers required no accomplices, not a single musical instrument. Their sole voices would do the job for them once they were handheld and aided to climb the stage. For, they were all visually impaired.

More than 100 students from- Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh endeavoured to hit all the high and low notes at the South Indian Singing Festival 2015 organised by the NGO, Nethrodaya. And it was 20- year- old Bhagyamma a student from Bangalore who was adjudged the best among them for her rendition of a Carnatic based Kannada cinema song and won Rs 50,000 in cash. The second and third winners were both from Chennai. “I don’t know what raaga I sang in, I’m not trained in music, but I have the gift of singing which I don’t want to waste,” says Bhagyamma, a BA History student from Bharat Education Society, Bangalore who has been visually impaired since she was born.

But the man who was placed after her in the third position is Gokula Krishna who has been training in Carnatic music since he was 6. This final year B Com student from Loyola College sang a medley of the popular Rajinikanth song raagangal pathinaru and the recent aanandha yaazhai. Krishna, 20 is also part of Loyola’s light music team. “Parents forced me into learning classical music but I began liking it,” laughs Krishna who now says he wants to make it as a professional singer. Krishna has a condition of low vision but like Bhagyamma he says they are not stumbled by difficulties. “No one deliberately isolates you, if you can mingle with a normal crows, it’s just fine. Fortunately my peers who have vision are friendly and cooperative,” Krishna says.

Six playback singers from Tamil cinema were the panellists who marked them on par with any other singing competition. Social Welfare minister B Valarmathi gave away the prizes. “The purpose was to provide entertainment and competitions for the visually impaired and to make an impact that they are on par with sighted singers,” says Nethrodaya founder C Govindakrishnan known as Gopi to Chennaiites. “The fighting spirit among is prevalent but they have no platform to showcase their talents. This is why we increased the price money to encourage the student community. It is a hope that now other clubs and organisations too will host competitions and fests for them.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / by Divya Chandrababu, TNN / February 22nd, 2015

From Caddie to Professional Golfer : K. Harish

Sports

Star this Week

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Caddies are golfers best buddies. Good caddies say the right things when the chips are down and ease the pressure of golfers. Lugging heavy bags, they walk all over the course, from hole to hole, dripping sweat and taking on the hot sun. A caddies life can be tough but some break out of the shell and make it big as a golfer. Rohtash Singh, Ali Sher were the first caddies in India who turned professional and showed the way to others.

Rags to riches stories have been rarely told in Mysuru golf, but the meteoric rise of city lad K. Harish who started off as a caddie at the JWGC and now being the only professional golfer from the city playing in the PGTI Tour Circuit is one such classic tale. Harish recently taking part in the 2015 PGTI qualifying school-final stage golf tourney held at Eagleton Golf course from Jan. 20 to 23, tied 13th with a four-day aggregate score of 290 (two over course) and qualified for the PGTI tour 2015. He is our ‘Star This Week.’

Harish, 30, used to caddie at the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Course when he was a nine-year-old for a living (1994). He was a very keen student of the game and learnt the finer points during his caddying days at the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf course. His playing talent was spotted by Dr. Sundarraj and Raian Irani in 1997 and they encouraged him by giving him the permission to play in the course free of charge. He trained under the guidance of coach Sudharshan at the JWGC and improved his game. Harish played his first tournament as a Junior in Coimbatore and won a prize in the second tournament.

Harish improved his game by leaps and bounds and with the support from the JWGC club who have been giving him the needed support for playing as well as financially from then till now, has helped him to improve on his game and he has made a mark for himself in the Circuit.

Previously Rahul Ganapathy (former National Amateur Champion and ace professional golfer) and two caddie turned professionals Prabhu and Srikanta were the only others who played from Mysuru in the professional circuit.

Harish is the son of Krishna and Chikkamma who reside in Gowrishankar Nagar, on the foothills of Chamundi Hill. Harish qualified as a professional golfer in 2006 after securing his card from the qualifying school, played 6 tournaments in the 2007 circuit and it was a learning experience for him. He could not continue playing in the professional circuit due to lack of financial support.

In 2013, once again he started playing regularly and made the cut in three tournaments (the PGTI-Eagleburg Open-46th place, Indian Oil Servo Masters at Assam-36th place and PGTI players championships-Noida-37th place). In 2014, he started off well and gave his best performance of his career in the PGTI tour by making the cut in 7 tournaments. He finished 15th in the CG Open 2014 at the Mumbai Presidency golf course and won a cash prize of 1,45,000 which is his best performance in the tour till date. Presently, he stands 128 in the list of earners in the PGTI tour.

Harish intends to play the 2015 professional tour and starts off his campaign with the Golconda Masters 2015 at the Hyderabad Golf Club from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1. He will also play the PGTI Masters in Cochin and the Ahmadabad leg. He intends to train hard and improve on his chipping and approach shots to the green and aims to perform well in the higher level in the days to come and bring laurels to JWGC, his home club and Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / February 15th, 2015

Ready for a Blast from the Past? Royal Collectible Goes Under the Hammer Today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Bengaluru :

A letter penned by Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV of the Mysore royal family, bearing the royal coat of arms in gold glitter, will be the cynosure of all eyes in the city on Saturday as it goes on auction.

The auction is being organised by Marudhar Arts, a licensed auctioneer, as part of the ongoing National Numismatic Exhibition. The “extremely rare” collectible is pegged at a base price of `25,000. It was sent by the ‘Philosopher King’ to Maharaja Sir Bhanwar Pal Deo Bahadur of Karauli (Rajasthan) on October 14, 1917.

The letter is a response to King Bahadur’s letter, which had lauded Wadiyar for conducting the Dasara festival in an excellent manner. Wadiyar’s letter runs thus: “My dear Maharaja Saheb, I thank Your Highness most sincerely for your congratulations to me on my Dasara festival and I hope, as you do, that it may prove an augury of the complete victory of the British Arms. With all good wishes for the health of Your Highness and your family. Your Highness’s sincere friend, Krishnaraja Wadiyar.”

Wadiyar ruled the princely state of Mysore from 1894 till his death in 1940. His rule was billed as `Rama Rajya’ by Mahatma Gandhi and the state was described as the ‘Model State’ by the British.

When asked about the price the letter is expected to sell at, Archie Manu, co-director at Marudhar Arts, did not give an exact figure but expressed optimism that it would fetch a high  amount. He explained that the base price was fixed at `25,000 because it was the sum paid to the collector (name withheld) who had sold Marudhar Arts the letter. His father and co-director Rajendra Manu was more forthcoming. “We already have internet bidders showing interest (to pay) up to `40,000. I am confident of it (highest bid) crossing `1 lakh.”

The auction will be held between 5 pm and 8 pm on Saturday at The Bell Hotel and Convention Centre. The letter is likely to come up for bidding around 7.30 pm, Manu added. Three photos signed by Wadiyar too will be auctioned.

A novel aspect of this auction is the real-time audio and video bidding that will happen simultaneously on the website www.maruuction.com. “This is the first time in Asia this has been done in a numismatic auction,” Manu claimed.

Coin Fetches `6.25L

One gold and one silver coin (sold as one lot) belonging to the reign of Mubarak Shah, fetched the highest price of `6.25 lakh at the expo on Friday. It was among the 348 coins auctioned. It was bought by a North Indian bidder, said Manu. The same dye has been used on both coins and this is something very unique as usually, different dyes are used, Manu told Express. The base price quoted was `6 lakh.

The coins have a quotation from the Quran on the reverse. Another lot, of one gold and one silver coin from the Sultanate era, fetched `4.25 lakh.

“This pair is exceedingly rare and was being offered on auction for the first time ever,” said Archie Manu. The day’s auctioning was described as “good and satisfactory”.

On day two (Saturday), 579 coins will be up for bidding in two auctions.

three-day National Numismatic Exhibition Opens

The interest shown by the country’s youth in numismatics (study or collection of currency) is heartening, said Jan Lingen, regional secretary (Europe) of the Oriental Numismatic Society of London, on Friday.

Delivering the inaugural address at the three-day National Numismatic Exhibition at The Bell Hotel and Convention Centre, Lingen said every coin tells a story of its own. Lingen, who was born in the Netherlands, is known across the globe for his passion for Indian coins, and has written extensively on the subject.

Rezwan Razack, chairman of the Indian chapter of the International Bank Note Society, said the expo offers a platform for coin dealers and collectors from across the country. Overall, 76 numismatic dealers are taking part in the expo. Among the unique pieces on display are two lithographs on the city’s past, including the 1794 piece ‘The East View of Bangalore with Cypress Garden’.

Coins from the Mughal, the Hindu Medieval and the Sultanate eras, old tokens, medals and paper money are on display. The expo is open from 10 am to 6 pm and entry is free.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by S. Lalitha / February 21st, 2015

State Central Library, 100 years and counting

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

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The State Central Library, one of the oldest and largest libraries in the country, is all set to celebrate its centenary this year.

The government plans to use this occasion to give a fillip to all State libraries. It also plans to construct a library on the lines of the Anna Centenary Library in Chennai.

After meeting 40 writers and academicians from across the State on Thursday, Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar said the government plans to launch a movement to promote libraries and inculcate the habit of reading among children. “Various writers and academicians from every district took part in the meeting on Thursday to discuss the campaign that will begin in May or June,” Mr. Ratnakar said.

Some of the prominent personalities who attended the meeting were Kannada filmmaker Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, journalist Ravindra Reshme, and politician and writer B.T. Lalitha Naik.

Satish Kumar S. Hosamani, Director, Department of Public Libraries, said the department would send a proposal to the BBMP and BDA to construct a centenary library building.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Tanu Kulkarni / Bengaluru – February 20th, 2015

Rev. Fr. Michael Gonsalves passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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Mysuru :

Rev. Fr. Michael Gonsalves (61), a Priest of the Diocese of Mysuru, passed away in the early hours here today. Born on Feb. 11, 1954, he was ordained a Priest on April 23, 1982.

Fr. Michael Gonsalves had served as a Priest in Chamarajanagar, K.R. Pet, Kushalnagar, Maradiyoor and presently was serving at Virgin of the Poor Church in Bannimantap, Mysuru.

The body will be kept at Prashantha Nilaya, (opposite Vidyaniketan SVD Seminary), Bannimantap, for the public to pay their last respects.

The body will be brought to Virgin of the Poor Church, Bannimantap, at 8 am on Sunday (Feb. 15) and there will be a Holy Mass for the repose of the soul of the deceased at 8.15 am.

Thereafter, the body will be kept in the same Church for the public to pay their last respects upto 8.30 am on Monday (Feb. 16).

There will be concelebrated funeral mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral (St. Philomena’s Church), Mysuru, at 10.30 am on Feb. 16 which will be presided by Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, Bishop of Mysuru. The deceased Priest will be laid to rest at around 12 noon at the Catholic Cemetery on Mahadevapura Road, Gandhi Nagar here, according to Rev. Fr. K.A. William, PRO – Diocese of Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Saturday – February 14th, 2015

Wrestling coach Manjappa felicitated

Sports
Mayor R. Lingappa seen presenting a silver maze to L. Manjappa during the felicitation event held at Lions auditorium yesterday. Others seen are (from left) Dr. C. Krishna, Director, Dept. of Physical Education, UoM, Prof. K.R. Rangaiah, Secretary, Karnataka Wrestling Association and D. Ravikumar, CEO, Cauvery Neeravari Nigama & Secretary, Dasara Wrestling Committee
Mayor R. Lingappa seen presenting a silver maze to L. Manjappa during the felicitation event held at Lions auditorium yesterday. Others seen are (from left) Dr. C. Krishna, Director, Dept. of Physical Education, UoM, Prof. K.R. Rangaiah, Secretary, Karnataka Wrestling Association and D. Ravikumar, CEO, Cauvery Neeravari Nigama & Secretary, Dasara Wrestling Committee

Mysuru :

Wrestling coach L. Manjappa (SAI), who retired from service recently, was felicitated in a function organised by wrestlers headed by former National Level Wrestler Shankar Chakravarthy at the Lions Hall auditorium here yesterday.

Mayor R. Lingappa was the chief guest on the occasion. D. Ravikumar, CEO, Cauvery Neeravari Nigama and Secretary, Dasara Wrestling Committee, Dr. C Krishna, Director, Dept. of Physical Education, UoM and Prof. K.S. Rangaiah, Secretary, Karnataka State Wrestling Association were present on the occasion.

During his felicitation, Manjappa was presented with a silver maze by Mayor R. Lingappa.

Speaking on the occasion, Lingappa lauded the service of Manjappa to the society and said that he had produced quality wrestlers who had brought laurels to the country and state.

D. Ravikumar, CEO, Cauvery Neeravari Nigama, Mysuru, said that the State Level Wrestling Tournament would be held on Mar. 1, 2015 at the Devaraj Urs Multi-purpose Wrestling Stadium in honour of L. Manjappa and urged all wrestlers from the state to take part in the tournament.

Dr. C Krishna speaking on the occasion, said that L. Manjappa, had trained many a wrestlers who represented State and University at different levels. He also said that Manjappa was responsible to start women wrestling in University of Mysore. Ramya, a wrestler, who are trained by Manjappa, representing University of Mysore, won a bronze medal in the All India Inter-University Competitions. Later, Manjappa thanked all the wrestlers for felicitating him and said that even though he had retired from service he would continue to coach the wrestlers for another 10 years.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / February 12th, 2015

Karanji Lake to Host Its Second Butterfly Park Soon

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel
Mysuru :
Karanji Lake Nature Park, one of the most scenic places in Mysuru city, will soon open its second butterfly park.

One such park is already situated in a small island within the lake but hasn’t been able to attract many butterflies.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens executive director B P Ravi told Express, “Butterflies require specific eco-climatic conditions. The island concept is wrong. The habitat is not suitable and attracts very few butterflies as it is surrounded by water. The temperature and humidity needs to be mild. This is why a new butterfly garden is being set up near the entrance gate.”

Mysuru Zoo authorities own and maintain Karanji Lake.

Nearly 150 varieties of nectar and host plants will be planted in the garden to attract various kinds of butterflies.

Display boards with information on the kinds of butterflies along with their specialities and importance will be put up.

The lake authorities also plan to encourage college students to plant saplings and will teach them about the importance of conservation. Nearly 60 per cent of the work has been completed and the garden will be ready by March. Apart from this, visitors to the lake will get to visit an orchidarium (an area where orchids are cultivated), a cactus terrarium, and a paludarium (an area that incorporates both terrestrial and aquatic elements).

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / February 16th, 2015