Special Olympics Bharat, National Sports Federation and Union ministry of youth affairs and sports accredited Special Olympics Bharat – Karnataka, a sports event for people with intellectual disability.
To celebrate the landmark achievement, officials of Karnataka State Association for Special Educators and Supportive Staff, Bengaluru said they are organizing a felicitation programme at the Town Hall here on Monday.
Vasanth Kumar Shetty, secretary of the association, said special olympics programme brings the joy of sports to people with intellectual disability by providing life transforming experiences for athletes, coaches and volunteers. Special Olympics Bharat, which offers 25 different sports, has its presence in 36 states and union territories in India. It serves 679 districts and has 12,43,246 registered athletes. In Karnataka, it has 67,662 registered athletes.
Vasanth Kumar, who is also the administrator of Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre, Mangaluru, was the area director of Special Olympics Bharat from 2001 to 2006. He is named the area director again this year.
The event is being conducted at eight regions in Karnataka. The event will have district-, region- and state-level sports. The programme envisages training special educators in different sports and make them certified coaches. “Our aim is to bring out the hidden talents of the intellectually disabled persons and bring them to the main stream of the society,” Vasanth Kumar added.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Mangalore / by Jaideep Shenoy / TNN / March 25th, 2016
Basketball player Dilip Gurumurthy, the only player from Karnataka on the Indian team that went to the 1980 Moscow Olympics, gets nostalgic over the experience
There were whispers among those present at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, at Bambolim. “Did an Indian basketball team really make it to the Olympics?” they asked.
This wonder was evoked during the Federation Cup Basketball Tournament recently, where the cagers who represented the country at the 1980 Moscow Olympics were felicitated by the Basketball Federation of India (BFI).
On the podium, the players exchanged stories from their heyday. Among the many other topics covered in their conversation, one stood out. How did our national side gain a spot in the most coveted of sporting events?
Led by then U.S. President Jimmy Carter, 65 countries boycotted the Games, in protest of Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. This left gaping holes in the entry list, across disciplines.
India – ranked fifth in Asia – suddenly found itself in the main draw, after Japan, South Korea and Philippines (all ranked above India) withdrew. In a twist of fate, the rank outsiders took the court against Brazil, Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia in the main draw. Unable to keep up with their vastly-superior opponents, India was blown away by over 60 points in all three group stage fixtures. In the placement encounters, the hoopsters once again fell short, this time to Senegal, Sweden and Australia.
The results may have been a downer, but overall, there was an undeniable feeling of euphoria among the members of the squad. India had made its debut on the Olympic basketball court, and this feat has not been repeated since.
Centre Dilip Gurumurthy, the only player from Karnataka on that team, speaks about the experience with pride. He says that staying at the Olympic Village felt like heaven, even if the other athletes did not speak the same language. The Vijaya Bank stalwart, however, stated that the nation has a long way to go before dreams of reaching another mega-event can be realised. Excerpts:
Talk us through the Olympic qualification process.
We were fortunate to gain a spot. On the political level, India and the Soviet Union had a very good relationship, so that helped. The National Basketball Federation and the government pushed our case, and it worked. The Indian Volleyball Team was also slated to travel to Moscow, but somehow we got the nod. Of course, all of this was possible only because so many countries withdrew from the Games. After receiving news of the entry confirmation, we had only three weeks to get ready. The team selection was done during the Inter-Zonal Tournament in Calcutta.
What was it like to stay at the Olympic village?
It was like heaven. World-class athletes, from all over the world, interacted with one another in a friendly manner. We would exchange medals, badges and jerseys. There was a lot of security, as those were the days of the Communist regime. Our basketball team followed the fortunes of our countrymen with great interest. If you had the correct ID card, you could enter any stadium and watch any event. Language was never a problem, and we would use sign language to convey our thoughts. The facilities were unbelievable. I saw the marathon guys train even past midnight. I felt like I was living in a dream.
Who were the biggest stars that you wanted to meet?
Sebastian Coe (British middle-distance runner, who won the 1,500m gold at Moscow) and his countryman (track and field legend) Edwin Moses. Unfortunately, we could not meet them as security was too strict. I also saw Cuban boxer Teofilo Stevenson (one of the greatest amateurs in boxing history. He is best known for refusing to defect to the USA in order to fight pro heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali, despite being offered one million dollars to do so).
On the floor, the Indian basketball team could not compete against its rivals. We were able to score about 60 points in each match, but that was never going to be enough. The other teams were superior is many aspects – physique, skill and strategy. A side like Senegal which was supposed to be the lowest-ranked Africa unit, was tough to guard. We just could not match their physique. In fact, the average height for a player in any team was around 6’6”. And not only were they big, they were athletic as well. We could do well only till half-time, and after that, they would take over.
How did life change after the Olympics?
I came back with a strong desire to prove myself as a good player. I was supposed to get selected for the 1982 Asian Games, but somehow, that did not happen. So I decided to give up my international dreams. In 1983, I had an ACL injury which required surgery. Those days, even techniques like orthoscopy did not exist. The surgery was done and though, I was supposed to rest for six months, I returned to action in three months. I went on to play regularly for several more years. Towards the end of my career, I helped the Vijaya Bank side by being a player-coach. I retired from my service at Vijaya Bank only last year. They have supported me well for many years.
You are here to watch the best in the country compete in the Federation Cup. How would you compare your generation to the current generation?
We never had these facilities. It makes me cherish all the hardships we went through. Travelling in unreserved tickets to tournaments, eating whatever we could – all for the sake of basketball.
I was known for my defence and asked to mark the toughest man. I’m not boasting, but I was never taken out of the game for not doing my job. See these current players. After their match, they should sit in the venue and analyse other matches. But they never do that. Doing your homework is important. Somehow I feel that current players have no real fighting qualities in them. Players may be taller now, but where are the results? That drive to succeed is not there. Coaching wise, the emphasis should be on defence. My take is that if you stop two points on defence and then score on the counter, you are up by four points.
I don’t know, these guys seem casual in their approach. If a team is winning by 20 points, they want to try fancy passes and dunks. At the national level, players should remain serious and composed, with a sharp focus on being productive.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Ashwin Achal / Bangalore – March 28th, 2016
Car collector Dr Ravi Prakash promises to pull the wraps off over 900 classic beauties
Classic car lovers may soon be spotted wheeling down the state highway more frequently than ever before. Giving the finishing touch to his glossies, doctor-turned-vintage-car-collector Ravi Prakash is almost ready to steer open the doors of a nine lakh square feet property on the fringes of Bengaluru that will house a covetable collection of more than 900 classic cars, together with a range of time-honoured motorbikes and carriages.
Describing it as an ‘auto-history museum’, Dr Ravi says, “More than a treasure trove of vintage automotives, I hope to create an aural-visual and educative experience that every vehicle enthusiast and historian would want to have. The museum will illustrate the evolution of motor vehicles through its exhibits. But more importantly, it will replicate the bygone era, complete with the classic favourites, road networks as well as the people and attire of old times.”
From the Bentleys, Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces to the Mini Coopers, the museum will showcase a diverse collection of glistening steel beauties that could make even the most hard-nosed cynic quiver with excitement. Located on a farmland near Rajarajeshwari Nagar along the Mysore Road, the museum will not just line up the cars in an array. “Expected to be one of the 10 largest vintage car museums in the world, this state-of-the-art venue will promote awareness about old-style vehicles. The property will also comprise an automotive mall, serving as a platform for buyers and sellers,” adds the collector, who himself was a national rallying and racing champion between 1981 and 1984, and is a die-hard fan of the Mercedes Benz classics.
It’s not just this cardiothoracic surgeon who likes to travel back in time. His daughter Rupali also takes interest in old cars. “She is into vintage car merchandising and is quite passionate about it,” sums up Dr Ravi, who dreams to make this museum a major tourist hub in the coming years.
Zooming facts
The museum will be equipped with advanced technology, wherein each car will be displayed under individual sheds.
Among the lot will be a car driven by Motilal Nehru.
Visitors will have access to an enviable collection of 18,000 books and journals on automobiles, apart from other antiques.
Typically, the restoration and modification process for every car takes around six to nine months, while it may also vary between three to four years, depending on the amount of work required on the vehicle.
The restoration of the vehicles is a done by a team of 15 motor experts at a special workshop.
A restaurant featuring car-themed design and decor will be the star attraction of the auto-mall.
A charitable foundation will run the museum, the proceeds of which will be primarily spent for the treatment of road accident victims, while the rest of the money will be used for the acquisition and restoration of cars.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bangalore / by Reema Gowalla / TNN / March 28th, 2016
Kadri Gopalnath of Mangaluru may have bagged a multitude of awards, but this year’s S.V. Narayanaswany Rao National Award from the Chamarajpet Ramaseva Mandali seems extra special to him.
“It was nearly 40 years ago that I was in the process of rediscovering and exploring the Belgian instrument for adapting it to Carnatic genre. After years of research and modifications to suit the genre, I was rearing to showcase my Carnatic experimentations when mandali founder S.V.N. Rao was open-minded to offer me a morning slot. Today, I feel rewarded to be taking an award instituted in his name,” says Mr. Gopalnath, who will receive the award during Ramothsava on May 1.
Mr. Gopalnath was at the right place at the right time, according to S.N. Varadaraj, general secretary of the mandali.
“In 1977, when some of the best Nadaswara professionals were unable to make it to the mandali, Gopalnath’s approach proved timely as audiences were exposed to a foreign instrument on a classical platform,” says Mr. Varadaraj.
Belgian instrument-maker and musician Adolphe Sax, who invented saxophone in 1840, would never have imagined that his invention would one day see Carnatic flourishes on it.
“My modifications with controlled blow, apart from altering the pads and fastening some keys for easier Carnatic oscillations helped me tackle every composition in every raga. In a way, my hard work not only helped me propagate classical Indian music on an established European instrument, but it is more rewarding to see hundreds of enthusiasts taking to the instrument in the last two decades. The instrument has gained a niche in Carnatic,” says Mr. Gopalnath.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – March 28th, 2016
City’s Sneha Spandana Mahila Mandali, Kuvempunagar, was conferred with District Youth Club Award at the District Youth Convention jointly organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Department of Collegiate Education, Student Welfare Wing and NSS Unit, University of Mysore, (UoM) at Humanities auditorium, Manasagangotri here recently.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 and a citation.
Speaking on the occasion of award presentation, Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa said that Mysuru bagging the ‘Cleanest City in India’ tag for the second consecutive time, has brought enormous joy to him.
Pointing out that many Self Help Groups had joined hands with the MCC in keeping the city clean, Bhyrappa observed that relentless co-operation by Associations and Organisations, civic groups and members of the public, will go a long way in the city retaining the tag for a long time.
Maintaining that the MCC has launched several initiatives for making the city plastic-free, he called upon the co-operation of all stakeholders in this regard.
Noting that every individual has his/her own strengths, he opined that everyone should utilise their strengths for the betterment of society. He called upon Organisations to guide the youths in the right direction.
Joint Director of Collegiate Education Prof. Morabada Mallikarjuna, University of Mysore Dean Dr. M. Rudraiah, Administrative Officer Prof. C. Ramaswamy, Nehru Yuva Kendra’s M.N. Nataraj and others were present.
A total of 25 youth groups of the district were presented sports equipments on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 28th, 2016
“By not fixing time for return of their wives, who go to their parents’ homes, men need to provide mental independence to women as even if they are at their parents’ house, they always think about the safety and well-being of their family,” observed Assistant Professor of Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies Dr. N. K. Lolakshi here yesterday.
Speaking after inaugurating a function organised by Karnataka Rajya Sarvajana Mahila Hitharakshana Vedike to present various awards to achievers as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at Rotary Centre on JLB Road in city, she said that laws should be formulated to make it binding on sons-in-law to take care of women who do not have sons.
Speaking after conferring Mysuru Rathna award on P. Supreeth, Chiguru Rathna and Sadhana Rathna awards on others, litterateur and former Sanskrit Professor Prof. K.R. Premaleela called upon the electronic media not to glorify events like child-marriages, sati, honour killing etc., which need to be shunned in the interest of safety of women, who have often been victimised for no fault of theirs.
The other awardees are: C. Vani Raghavendra – Sahityashree award, Lalitha Sharma – Prathibha Rathna award, Chithra Nanjappa and Vidu. P.H.Vijayalakshmi – Shikshana Rathna awards.
C. Vikyath, S. Pratheek Gowda, K.S. Dhanush, S. Vidyadhar and H.S.Vinay – Chiguru Rathna awards; H.S. Vinayraj, N. Ranjini, B.S.Sahana Sharma, V. Ambika, N. Dhanushree, C. Kailash and Preethu Manjunath – Sadhana Rathna awards.
Vedike State President Yashodha Narayan presided. Vedike District President Amitha Subbaiah, General Secretary Latha Ranganath and others were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 28th, 2016
DC Shikha & 10 women entrepreneurs feted during the seminar
DC C. Shikha (seated centre) was felicitated by Women In Small Enterprise (WISE), the Women’s Wing of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at the Quorum Hotel on Vinoba Road this morning. Also seen are ten women entrepreneurs who were felicitated by WISE and MCCI members.
Mysuru :
‘Women should shun inhibition and become entrepreneurs to help solve unemployment in the country,’ suggested Sudhakar S. Shetty, Chairman, District Co-ordination Committee, FKCCI.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the seminar on ‘Women Entrepreneurship Development’ organised by Women In Small Enterprise (WISE), the Women’s Wing of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), which commenced this morning at the Quorum Hotel on Vinoba Road here which was organised as part of International Women’s Day.
About 150 budding women entrepreneurs participated in the seminar where they were made aware on various topics pertaining to women entrepreneurs by several Resource Persons.
Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha inaugurated the seminar.
Addressing the gathering, Sudhakar Shetty pointed out that a soft loan at 4% interest was being offered upto Rs.50 lakh for women entrepreneurs and hence suggested women to make best use of the scheme.
Stating that the government too was providing good schemes for women entrepreneurs, he said that FKCCI too was offering good support for women to set up industries.
Shikha and ten women entrepreneurs — N.C. Chandana, Kavitha Sanjay, Jayashri Venkatesh, Kalpana Surendra, Smrithi, Veda Rai, Vyshali Hanumanthu, Lalitha S. Ramannanavar, Jayalakshmi Lingaraj and Shashikala Ashok — were felicitated on the occasion with shawl, garland and citation.
Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President A.S. Satish, Vice-President N.H. Jayanth, Treasurer Srisaila Ramannanavar, Women In Small Enterprise (WISE) President Gayatri Keshava Rao, Vice-President Vasantha Kumari, Treasurer Malini Srinivasan, DIC Mysuru Joint Director Ramakrishna Gowda and others were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 28th, 2016
The last flute concert of Vidwan A.V. Prakash at Chandramouleshwara Temple in Vontikoppal, Mysuru.
Vidwan A.V Prakash was born into a lower middle class family of musicians with many brothers and a sister, the parents striving hard to make both ends meet. His father Ganakalarathna A.K. Muthanna, a violinist of repute, derived more pleasure in listening to the divine twang of the violin than in collecting fees from his pupils. Vid. Muthanna played the violin to its glory till he was a hundred and two years of age.
Prakash learnt to play the flute from a very young age and achieved success through diligence, single-mindedness and discipline. Within a short period of time, he was not only able to earn eminence as an artiste of absolute finesse but to also help the family economically. He contributed his mite in celebrating his sister Rajalakshmi’s marriage with the well-known violinist Vid. H.K. Narasimhamurthy, who was also a disciple of his father. Rajalakshmi too is a musician of repute.
I have been acquainted with Prakash for a long time. He was my classmate at Government Middle School, Chamundipuram and I had taken a few lessons from him on playing the flute, which he had given me, free of cost, a generous trait which he was known for. It is another matter that I did not pursue the art. We played cricket together and I attended a number of his music concert practicing sessions as well as a few of his concerts. Prakash took up a job in the State Bank of Mysore (SBM)at Mysore which brought some material relief to his family. He devoted his spare time to the flute — his soul mate, demonstrating the impossibility of separating an artiste from his musical instrument.
Vid. Prakash grew in stature under the tutelage of well-known flautists T.R. Mahalingam and N. Ramani. He associated himself with Mysuru Akashvani as an artiste and a Board Member. He gained in more fame having performed at Gayana Samaja; Gana Kala Parishat; Lalithakala Academy and Sri Krishna Sangeetha Sabha in Bengaluru. Vid. Prakash gave concerts all over the country and won plaudists for his mastery over the art. In 1986, he thrilled the audience at the International SAARC Summit held in Bengaluru. And in 1996, he regaled the audience at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal.
Vid. Prakash was honoured with the Best Flautist Award (1987-88) from the Indian Fine Arts Society in Chennai. He has given concerts at the Durbar Hall of Mysore Palace and in many countries abroad. Laxmi Enterprises, Mysuru, has recorded and released a number of cassettes of quality by way of felicitating the grandiose flutist. Continuing his saga in the world of music, Vid. Prakash received Artiste of the Year award in 2004-05 from Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy. He was also honoured by the Gayana Samaja, Bengaluru, in 2001-02 by the then Chief Minister S.M. Krishna. He has been conferred the titles of Kalajyothi and Adarsha Kalavida by the music patrons in Karnataka.
On the evening of 17th March 2016, a few minutes into the concert at Chandramouleshwara Temple in Vontikoppal, Mysuru, Vid. Prakash suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. He was playing krithi ‘raghunayaka’ in hamsadwani raga with aplomb. The fact that he met his end while giving a concert in a well-attended programme gives one the feeling that his soul has reached the lotus feet of the Lord. Fortunately, for music lovers, his two sons, A.P. Srinivas and A.P. Krishna Prasad are musicians of great promise and will carry the legacy forward.
On a personal note, nearly four decades ago, when my mother (a connoisseur of music) was alive, Vid. Prakash and Dr. S.Vijayaraghavan, a well-known Veena exponent and a mutual friend of the Vidwan and me, had visited my house where they presented a delightful duet con- cert that was recorded in an Akai tape recorder which is still with us, a priceless souvenir.
Condolence Meet: At the condolence meeting that was held on March 23, Dr. S. Vijayaraghavan observed that Prakash’s home was a flute factory, a hub of teaching and learning. The sombre end of Vid. Prakash makes one realise that the true value of a moment becomes apparent until that precious moment becomes a memory.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by B .K. Vishwanath / March 26th, 2016
Seen on the dais are (from left) Annes Selina Vagh, Binnie Nanaiah, Naina Achappa, Past Association President Shailaja Bhat, Inner Wheel Mysore President Seijal Luthra, Inner Wheel District – 318 Chairman Sudha Prasad and Inner Wheel Mysore Secretary Sujatha Bhat.
Mysuru :
The Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Inner Wheel Club of Mysore was held last evening at Wind Chimes in Nazarbad with the Past Association President of Inner Wheel Clubs in India Shailaja Bhat as the chief guest and Sudha Prasad, District Chairman-318, as the guest of honour.
The senior-most member of the Club, who is the first Charter Treasurer and a Past District Chairman Binnie Nanaiah and Selina Vagh, a dedicated member and major donor of the Club were recognised for their service and involvement in the Club’s activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shailaja Bhat stressed on the need for personal Service and commitment to the cause of Service.
She appreciated the Club’s Project of Organ Donation awareness as a need of the hour and Swachh Bharat programme as an attempt to work towards a cleaner city.
Sudha Prasad emphasised on the need to develop the Happy School Project of Building Toilets in Schools which the Club has taken up and the growth of the Club in its 50 years of Friendship and Service.
She said the Club was engaged in various social service activities such as installation of drinking water units in schools, construction of school toilets, distribution of wheel chairs to the specially abled and other such activities.
She further said that the Club has come with three more plans — Swachh Bharat campaign, creating awareness on organ donation and construction of toilets in villages.
Swachh Bharat campaign and organ donation posters were released by the dignitaries. The Club’s blue coloured collar was changed to yellow colour to mark the occasion.
Inner Wheel Mysore President Seijal Luthra, Secretary Sujatha Bhat, senior members Naina Achappa, Geetha Kuttappa, Chandrika Raghu, Jahnavi Murthy and others were present at the celebrations.
The 50 Past Presidents of the Club and 12 Past District Chairmen were recognised. It was a gala evening of cultural programme and celebrations
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 26th, 2016
Aravind Jatti, President, Basava Samithi, Bengaluru, is seen delivering the keynote address at the 23rd National Congress of Spiritual Scientists at Rotary School on KRS road here this morning. Others seen are Rotary Mysore President H.S. Venkatesh, Vijay Foundation Managing Trustee Dr. B.R. Pai, Brahmarshi Patriji and Vice-Chairman, Indian Federation of Spiritual Scientists S.K. Rajan.
Mysuru :
The two-day 23rd National Congress of Spiritual Scientists organised jointly by Indian Federation of Spiritual Scientists, Rotary Mysore and Vijay Foundation commenced this morning at Rotary High School auditorium on KRS road here.
Nearly 250 Spiritual Scientists across the country are participating in the meet which will focus on meditation and knowledge of spiritual wisdom and pyramid energy.
Founder of Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement Brahmarshi Patriji inaugurated the Congress by lighting the traditional lamp.
Delivering the keynote address Aravind Jatti, President, Basava Samithi, Bengaluru said that Culture and Civilisation were two faces of the same coin, the former focussing on inner behaviour and the latter on outer effect.
He stressed the need for a scientific angle to assess spiritualism and added that the concept of meditation was preached ages ago by Basavanna, the unparalleled Social Reformer. He pointed out that meditation was an excellent tool to focus thoughts on any subject.
Several spiritual Scientists will address the gathering.
S.K. Rajan, Vice-Chairman, Indian Federation of Spiritual Scientists, Dr.Jeevandhar Ketappanavar, Expert on works of Kabir Das and Basavanna, Dr. B.R. Pai, Managing Trustee, Vijay Foundation and H.S. Venkatesh, President, Rotary Mysore were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 26th, 2016
