Braille-embedded train to chug out of Mysuru today

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All reserved coaches of Mysuru-Varanasi Express to bear Braille signage

The Mysuru-Varanasi Express will become the country’s first Braille-embedded train. The bi-weekly express (Train No. 16229/16230), which chugs out on Tuesday, will leave Mysuru for Varanasi on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It has been provided with metallic Braille signage indicating berth numbers, location of alarm chains, toilets, and emergency windows. There are also instructions on how to operate the emergency exit windows. The initiative has been financed by Mysuru MP Pratap Simha from the MPLAD fund.

Though the Puri-Delhi Purushottam Express was the first train in the country to have a Braille-embedded coach, the Mysuru-Varanasi Express will be the first in the country where all reserved coaches have been embedded with Braille signage, said Rajkumar Lal, Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru Division, South Western Railway.

Braille signage has been introduced on one rake of the express and it will soon be introduced in the second rake as well. The Chamundi Express and the Mysuru-Talguppa Express are the other two trains that will be provided with Braille displays after this, Mr. Lal said. “The plan is to extend the facility to all reserved coaches of long-distance trains in a phased manner,” he added. Braille signage indicating the coach number is next on the agenda.

The Braille signage indicating berth numbers and location of toilets will be of great help to the visually-challenged travelling on the Mysuru-Varanasi Express.— PHOTOS: M.A. SRIRAM
The Braille signage indicating berth numbers and location of toilets will be of great help to the visually-challenged travelling on the Mysuru-Varanasi Express.— PHOTOS: M.A. SRIRAM

Netravati, a visually-impaired person, welcomed the initiative and said that it will help them identify the seats or berths without seeking help from others. “We will be more independent as sometimes, people do not respond to us as they tend to be in a hurry to locate their berths,” she said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by R. Krishna Kumar / Mysuru – January 26th, 2016

Muay Boran Champions

Sports
Seen in the picture are Muay Boran Champions (from left - squatting) Harish S. Gouli, B. Ravi, K.G. Prajwal Deep & A.M. Arjun with Coach KRU. Chethan M. Ashwathama (standing).
Seen in the picture are Muay Boran Champions (from left – squatting) Harish S. Gouli, B. Ravi, K.G. Prajwal Deep & A.M. Arjun with Coach KRU. Chethan M. Ashwathama (standing).

The 1st South Indian Muay Boran Championship, organised by Muay Boran Association of Kerala under the aegis of Muay Boran Association of India, was held on Jan. 9 and 10 at Salem Marthoma Auditorium, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha District, Kerala.

More than 300 participants of 25 different clubs from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka took part in the tournament which tested the strength, stamina and skills of the fighters.

Muay Boran Fighters of Kimura Fight Club, Mysuru, who took part in the tournament, won one gold and three silver medals.

They also won the 2nd Runner-up Trophy of the Championship. Besides these, the Kimura Fight Club was awarded the 8th Best Club of the Tournament.

K.G. Prajwal Deep won gold in the below 80 Kg category. In the Muay Boran Title Belt Fight, Prajwal Deep lost his bout against Kerala opponent and had to be content with the Runner-up title.

Harish S. Gouli, B. Ravi and A.M. Arjun won silver medals in the below 75 Kg, below 63.5 Kg and below 67 Kg category respectively.

All the fighters are trained by Kimura Fight Club Chief Coach and Trainer KRU. Chethan M. Ashwathama, who is an expert in Muay Thai, Muay Boran and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has been trained at the Tiger Muay Thai Academy,Thailand and is training students from the past six years. He has a KRU Degree (Master in Muay Thai) from the Muay Thai International Association and is accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education, Thailand.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 25th, 2016

Mysuru Roller Skaters fare well in National Championships

Sports
A group photo of the roller skaters who won gold medals in the 53rd National Roller Sports Championships Speed Skating event held at Pune from Jan. 15 to 20. Seen are (from left) Rea Elizabeth Achaiah, Suraksha R. Shetty, M. Harshitha, Aditya S. Rao, Sanjith Gowda, Varsha S. Puranik and Kalpana Kuttappa.
A group photo of the roller skaters who won gold medals in the 53rd National Roller Sports Championships Speed Skating event held at Pune from Jan. 15 to 20. Seen are (from left) Rea Elizabeth Achaiah, Suraksha R. Shetty, M. Harshitha, Aditya S. Rao, Sanjith Gowda, Varsha S. Puranik and Kalpana Kuttappa.

Mysuru :

Mysuru roller skaters, representing Karnataka in the just concluded 53rd National Roller Sports Championships Speed Skating event held at Pune from Jan. 15 to 20, returned with a rich haul of medals — 17 gold, 15 silver and 6 bronze medals.

Varsha S. Puranik won 5 gold medals in the women’s section, while Rea Elizabeth Achaiah won four gold and one silver, M. Harshitha won three gold, Aditya S. Rao won two golds, two silver and one bronze, Akash Aradhya won two gold, two silver and one bronze, Suraksha R. Shetty won one gold and one silver, Deeksha Devangi won one silver and one bronze and Kalpana Kuttappa won one silver and one bronze medal respectively.

The team was accompanied by Ekalavya Awardee coach Srikanth Rao.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 25th, 2016

Prof. AVN releases commemorative Volume “Abhyudaya ”

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

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Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy (second from right), Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mysuru, released the Commemoration Volume “Abhyudaya” brought out in honour of late Dr.K.V.Ramesh, an erudite scholar and an epigraphist of international-fame, edited by Dr.T.S. Ravishankar (extreme left) and Dr. S. Swaminathan (extreme right), at function in BVB premises in Vijayanagar here recently under the auspices of K.V.Ramesh Memorial Committee, Mysuru.

Prema Ramesh (second from left), wife of late Dr. K.V. Ramesh and Kamalamba Narasimha Murthy are also seen.

The volume contains a detailed bibliography of Dr. Ramesh’s research work and his bio-data.

It has been embedded with 72 pearls (research articles penned by scholars from all over India and abroad).

Published by Bharatiya Kala Prakashana, Delhi, the book is priced at Rs.4,000

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday – January 25th, 2016

Women’s folk fest kicks off in style

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

The city on Friday saw the inauguration of the three-day All Women World Folk Arts Festival. Pegged as a first of its kind, the arts festival was launched at the Ravindra Kalakshetra by KA Dayananda, director, department of Kannada & culture and actor and classical dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy.

Not just a man’s domain:

Setting the evening on an energetic note were folk dance performances by all women groups. This included a Dollu Kunitha performance by M Sujatha Murthy and ensemble and Kaikottikali performance by the Monisha Arts Dance ensemble. “The reason we chose to focus on women’s folk dances is because there’s a stereotypical thought that folk dances and music are a men’s-only arts. By getting all women performers and groups to perform, we hope to dispel this myth,” said Srivatsa, managing trustee of International Arts and Cultural Foundation that’ s organiz ing the festival.

Talking about what’s in store for interested viewers on Saturday, he said, “There’s a workshop on Hejje Kunitha that will be held at the Maharani’s College in the morning. The highlight of the day will be a musical performance in the evening by Gangamma Keshavamurthy at Kalagrama in Malathahalli.She will be presenting a very rare form of folk songs called Hase Hadu – these are wedding songs that are sung by the (Havyaka) community and what’s really unique is that these songs are passed down by word of mouth and have never been recorded. On Sunday, we again have an all-woman’s group that will perform folk music on classical instruments such as the ghatam, morsing and the mrudangam.”

While the festival has just begun, Srivatsa said the dates for the next year have already been set: The festival will be held on January 27, 28, 29, 2017. This is to facilitate easy travelling for international dance groups,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bangalore / TNN / January 23rd, 2015

Carmelites create Guinness world record

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All, World Opinion

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More than 900 students of Mount Carmel College created a Guinness world record for opening the most number of softdrink cans simultaneously at their annual ‘Cul-Ah 2016’ fest on Friday.

They broke the previous record created by Ltd CidoGrupa (Latvia) in Ligatne, Latvia, on August 2, 2014, involving 689 people. Representatives of the Guinness World Records, who were present on the occasion, validated the new world record and an official certificate will be issued in a week, said a release.

Niveditha Umesh, general secretary, Students’ Union, Mount Carmel College, said, “We at Mount Carmel College always look for something different in whatever we do and that has been our key differentiator. We are happy to partner with TWISS to set this new record. We hope to become the first college in India to take away this kind of Guinness World Record honour. Cul-Ah, our annual cultural fest, is the right platform for this.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / DHNS – Bengaluru – January 23rd, 2016

Vishisht Naagrik Sammaan for Dr. Manik Bengeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Dr. Manik Bengeri being felicitated by the guests at the awards function in Bengaluru recently
Dr. Manik Bengeri being felicitated by the guests at the awards function in Bengaluru recently

Mysuru :

City’s noted music critic and Hindustani vocalist Dr. Manik Bengeri is among the 33 achievers in various fields, who have been honoured with the Vishisht Naagrik Sammaan-2016 by Parivartan Prabha at a ceremony held at Haryana Bhavan in Bengaluru on Jan. 9.

A regular contributor to SOM, Dr. Manik Bengeri was felicitated in recognition of her contribution to the cultural field with her vast knowledge on Hindustani music. By learning music under her, precision is attained not only in singing but also the pronunciations in Sanskrit, Hindi and Marathi.

She has authored quite a few books in Marathi, Hindi and Sanskrit languages.

Padma Shri and Chancellor of Karpagam University Dr. R. M. Vasagam; Vice-Chancellor of Vivekanand Vishwa Vidyalaya Dr. Ramchandra G. Bhatt; Higher Education Department Principal Secretary Bharath Lal Meena and CMD of Prashant Goenka Group Prashant Goenka were the chief guests, who gave away the awards.

The voluntary organisation ‘Universal Forum For Human Dignity’ was the associate partner of the awards ceremony.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Saturday – January 23rd, 2016

Rehearsal for Republic Day Celebrations in City : Show Jumping to be the highlight of R-Day at the new venue — Torchlight Parade Ground

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports, Travel

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Mysuru :

With the District Administration taking all measures to ensure total success of the Republic Day celebrations at the new venue — Torchlight Parade Ground in Bannimantap, the Police Department held a rehearsal at the venue this morning.

A total of 30 contingents, including more than 15 Police teams (City Police, Mounted Police, CAR, DAR, KSRP, Home Guards, Traffic, Women, Fire Services, Police Band, etc.) and hundreds of children from schools, including NCC and Scouts & Guides across the city took part in the rehearsal.

For the first time, the Mounted Police will be performing equestrian events and show jumping during the celebrations.

The participants were rehearsed to a few patriotic songs and march past. Pavani, an LKG kid of Teresian School, who was the youngest participant at the parade, presented an attractive dance performance.

KSRP Commandant Ramdas Gowda supervised the rehearsal, which was led by CAR ACP K.N. Suresh. CAR DCP B.V. Kittur, Palace Police Inspector Chandrasekhar and others were present.

The rehearsal will also be held tomorrow, which will be attended by City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Saturday – January 23rd, 2016

Golden Jubilee Celebration of Mysore Diocesan Edn. Society begins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

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Mysuru :

The day-long Golden Jubilee Celebration of Mysore Diocesan Educational Society (MDES) began at St. Philomena’s College Indoor Stadium in Bannimantap here this morning.

The programme commenced with thanksgiving concelebrated high mass.

Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bengaluru, Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Vazhapilly, Bishop of Mysuru and President of MDES and Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shivamogga, graced the occasion.

The programme features two lecture sessions with Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao speaking on the topic ‘The Vision and Mission of Christain Education and Prof. M. Krishnegowda, Principal, St. Philomena’s College, speaking on the topic ‘The challenges in this era of competitive world and the role of teachers in preparing the students for meeting such challenges,’ in the second session.

The valedictory will be held later in the evening.

Rev. Fr. Dr. N.S. Marie Joseph, Rev. Fr. Desmond, Rev. Fr. Joseph Manipadam and others were present.

Hundreds of students and teachers from educational institutions run by the MDES in Mysuru, Mandya, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts are taking part in the day-long event.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Saturday – January 23rd, 2016

St. Joseph’s Convent School to celebrate 125 years on Friday

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

St Joseph’s Convent High School for Girls will observe its quasquicentennial (125 years) jubilee in a grand manner here on Friday. Superior General of the Canossian Daughters of Charity from Italy M. Annamaria Babbini will be present to witness the celebrations.

Addressing a press conference, school principal Thankam Michael said here on Tuesday that the school had been functioning under the management of the Canossian Sisters Congregation since 1891.

It was founded 125 years ago when the British civilian and military officers petitioned the then Archbishop of Goa to establish an English-medium school here.

In response to the request from the Archbishop, Mother Stella of the Canossians in Hong Kong sent five nuns who reached Cochin by ship and then Belgaum (now Belagavi) covering the distance by bullock cart and on foot. Since then the school has shaped the lives of a large number of girl students of Belagavi, Goa and north Karnataka region.

To commemorate the occasion, the school has given a facelift to basic infrastructure and also launched a project, Light a Lamp, to help the poor and deserving girl students. Donors and philanthropists could sponsor a girl child for education.

About 15 former students, including social activist Olive D’silva, Anita Rodrigues, Ruhi Sait, Padmashree award winner Sucheta Dalal, psychiatrist Belinda Viegas Muller, Sadhan Pote, renowned artist and sculptor Veena Chandavarkar and the former Deputy Mayor of Belagavi Asma Tahsildar, who have excelled in various fields, would be honoured.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Belagavi – January 21st, 2016