In candid conversation …

Sports

‘Mysore is my heroine in my anthem for MYSORE WARRIORS,’ says Raghu Dixit !

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Intro: Noted Music Director, Singer and Composer Raghu Dixit, who has composed the Team Anthem “Nee Salam Hodi” for Mysore Warriors, the KPL franchise from Mysore owned by NR Group, manufacturers of Cycle Pure Agarbathies, was in city and Star of Mysore caught up with the Mysorean at heart and a musician by soul. Excerpts:

by Phalgunn Maharishi

What Mysore is to you?

Well, it’s my home town and the best years of my life have been there right from childhood to Pre-University and Post-Graduation. That is definitely still where my heart is [laughs]… and my mom is! It is the centre of my universe.

“Nee Salam Hodi” is a unique anthem of its own kind with some extra energies filled in it. What made you compose it the way it is?

The song had to reflect the energies and sentiments of Mysore Warriors. The word ‘warriors’ itself pretty explains that the boys are ready for the battle and the song had to be a battle cry! Yet, at the end of the day, it is just a game with fun added into it. There is nothing better than the “Tapanguchi” style to express fun in Karnataka [laughs]. It is the heartbeat of folk music in Karnataka. And also from the audience perspective I had to bring in the fact that the team belongs to our city and that’s the reason for the words “Nee Salam Hodi.”

So, you are happy supporting them…

Absolutely! See I am from Mysore and I am just fortunate enough that some Belgaum or Bellary team didn’t invite me to compose a theme song [laughs].

And, how do you feel working for the anthem?

I had complete pride and honour in accepting the work and thanks to Arjun Ranga [team owner]. He used to be my classmate in PU at Mahajana. So, that’s the connection we have. For all these twenty years, he never gave me a single call or a message [laughs]. Now he called me and it was for a good reason [laughs].

You met your long lost friend [Arjun Ranga] again in life! How was it?

Well, yes, this anthem has also been an opportunity for the revival of a friendship that was kind of forgotten and lost. [laughs] It was great actually! Everything worked not in a client and service provider kind of relationship but in a friendship. I told you, he called me for a good reason.

How long did you take to compose the anthem?

Oh, I didn’t have much time actually. The song was completed in five days since Arjun called me. It took three days to compose and two days to produce it.

That’s great! So, when was it launched?

Well, it was completed on 23rd of August and launched at the Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore.

Can you provide us an inside information about the song… like who worked with you for the musical part and where was it produced?

Well, actually some instruments have been recorded live by my band mates — like Guitar by Bryden, Flute by Parth Chandiramani and Bass Guitar by Gaurav while the rest of the instruments were programmed by me in the computer. The song was actually recorded at my own studio in Bangalore.

Do you think the backbone of the song is Arjun Ranga or the Mysore City?

Well, actually… the idea for the song was by Arjun Ranga but the backbone is definitely the Mysore city. Mysore is my heroine in this anthem [laughs].

Okay, so has the song reached the hearts of Mysoreans?

Well, it has just been a few days since the launch! It will take some time and once the tournament starts, we hope to reach more people through the song. But, yes! Whoever has listened to it have loved it!

You have composed many songs. Is there any difference you find in yourself while you worked for this anthem?

Well, inspiration was always in my heart as I am a Mysorean and I didn’t have to look on that. For other songs I usually look at the lyrics or the person who is acting in a film. But as I told before, Mysore city itself was my heroine, so it was really easy for me!

Do you think Mysore Warriors will win the KPL?

They are looking super good in the paper. I have met them couple of times during the shoot of music video and also its launch. They are in a very good form I believe. A few are experienced and some are brand new! Well, it’s a good mix. The determination should carry them forward. I would be really thrilled if they can get inspired by the song and bring home the winning trophy.

How has your journey been from the days of ‘Mysore se aayi’ to ‘Nee Salam Hodi?’

Well, my life has been eventful. It is worth a film story I guess someday… I don’t know. I really consider myself a very fortunate one for having experienced many amazing places, moments like playing in front of Queen Elizabeth herself and also for travelling around the world. Very few are blessed to live up to their dreams and I consider myself one of them. I have just loved each and every second of it.

Okay then, let’s wrap this session up with this last question. Any words you would like to tell to Mysoreans?

Well, I love you all! Please keep showering me and our Mysore Warriors all the love and wishes. I am looking forward to see you all support our team by sharing the anthem in social networking sites!

PS: Mysore Warriors anthem can be downloaded at www.mysorewarriors.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014

Sea Shell Ganesha

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

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Mysore :

City’s noted Sea Shell artist Radha Mallappa is seen giving final touches to the 11 feet tall idol of Ganesha made out of sea shells at her residence in Bannimantap.

She has worked on it for the past three years, using 260kgs of sea shells of 240 types, including some exotic varieties, the entire project costing approximately Rs. 8 lakhs.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014

Seven Myra students selected for study-abroad programme

Education, World Opinion

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Mysore :

Seven students of MYRA School of Business, Yelwal, have been selected to study one semester at Católica–Lisbon School of Business and Economics in Portugal.

As part of its state-of-the-art programmes, MYRA School has a Study-Abroad Programme, to provide students a greater understanding of cross-cultural trade and business practices and to promote cultural interchange of ideas.

MYRA has established global partnerships with global business schools namely W. P. Carey School of Business in the US, Católica–Lisbon School of Business and Economics in Portugal and University of Washington Bothell School of Business, USA.

The seven students who have been selected to study at Catolica Lisbon School of Business and Economics in Portugal are: S. Bharat, Navin Kumar, M. Rituja, Ragini Sharma, Surya Vadhana, Ashutosh Kar and Chankey Agrawal. They will be studying Finance and Marketing courses for one semester.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014

City’s science whizkid Shreesha designs ‘ E-Cart ’

Education, Science & Technology

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Mysore :

City’s science whiz kid R. Shreesha, a II PUC student of Vijaya Vittala Pre-University College, won the National-level Amateur Scientist Competition organised by PES University in Bangalore recently.

Shreesha won the award for his project ‘e-Cart — The multipurpose Hybrid Vehicle.’ Previously, he had won the second prize for designing a Self-Sustained Wheel Chair last year.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Shreesha said that the e-Cart was designed for Senior Citizens and the Physically Challenged to carry out their tasks at various levels independently and efficiently. “The e-Cart can be used at the malls as a shopping cart/wheelchair, but also a swift vehicle ‘On Road’ with its most inventive features,” he said.

Shreesha was assisted by M.V. Krishna, Ajaya R. Shankar, T.V. Varun, Himanshu Vikram Sharma and V. Adithya.

Shreesha is the son of R.S. Ramaswamy, a retd. Principal of Mahajana High School and S. Srimathi, a home maker. The Management and Staff of Vijaya Vittala PU college have congratulated Sreesha on his achievement.

The features of the e-Cart include:

• Dual motor front wheel drive.

• Most comfortable rider seat with auto ignition and spacious fold features.

• Walk-along Mode.

• Intelligent auto-drive.

• Body massager seat

• Anti-collusion cruise control.

• Built-in phone/laptop charger

• Built-in billing & payment unit.

• Darkness sensing.

• Temperature controlled cabin.

• The safest of its kind to users with automatic fire extinguish system.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014

‘ Adivasis are rulers of forests ‘

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Mysore :

“Adivasis are rulers of forests But some of them and Tribals who caught up with modern civilisation are living under deplorable conditions,” opined writer Prof. Aravind Malagatti.

He was speaking after inaugurating a day long seminar on “The status of Adivasis and Tribals” organised jointly by Aranya Moola Adivasigala Hitarakshana Vedike (Forum of Original inhabitants of forests) and Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagruta Vedike (Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum) at Maneyangala, Kalamandira on Hunsur road today.

Pointing out that the soul of Adivasis and Tribals lie in forests, Prof. Malagatti regretted that the onslaught of civilisation is hurting thei social structure.

Stressing that Adivasi culture, lifestyle and other social practises can never be linked with modernisation, he called upon the government for setting up of exclusive residential schools for Adivasis in urban areas.

Earlier, Adivasi troupes comprising mostly of children, presented a magnificent tribal dance, dancing to the tunes of music generated by using water drum, kerosene cans, oil tins and the like. Floral tributes were offered to the portrait of tribal leader Birsa Munda.

Litterateur Prof. Neelagiri Talwar, journalist Rajashekar Koti, Backward Classes Forum office-bearers K.S. Shivaramu, C. Naganna, Adivasi Forum President Gopal Poojar, Adivasi leader P. Basavaraj and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  / August 27th,  2014

LINK TO THE PAST – Ancient map of Bidar unearthed in London

About Bangalore(Bengaluru) / Karnataka, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion
Historian and painter Rehman Patel says illustrations on the political and social history of India are included on either side of the map. / The Hindu
Historian and painter Rehman Patel says illustrations on the political and social history of India are included on either side of the map. / The Hindu

The map is included in an atlas produced by Colonel Jean Baptiste Gentil, Military Adviser to the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula

In exciting news for historians, an ancient atlas, which includes a map of Bidar, prepared by French officer Colonel Jean Baptiste Gentil, Military Adviser to the Nawab of Awadh Shuja-ud-Daula (1763 to 75), was found tucked away in the India Office Library at London. The map shows Bidar, which was once a capital city of the Bahamani Kingdom and an educational centre with historical importance.

Historian and painter Rehman Patel, who reproduced the map, said that in the interests of preserving the historic post and throwing more light about the history of the Bidar and its cultural heritage, the State government should put pressure on the Union government to bring it back to India and place it in Bidar.

Illustrations

He added that Col. Gentil had utilised the services of local artists to produce a series of illustrations on the political and social history of India.

Dr. Patel pointed out that illustrations were included on either side of the map. They reveal the representatives of different Sufi orders and thick forests with drawings of wild animals. These drawings also include Bidri craftsman and the different wares that were produced in Bidar. The bespectacled artisan at the bottom left of the page is portrayed as engraving a floral pattern on the side of a globular huqqa, with his wife and pet parrot looking on.

The illustration is reinforced by having a caption: ‘Fabrique de Beder ou on incruste en or et argent’ (Beder workshop for inlaying in gold and silver).

At the bottom right corner, there is a drawing of the types of wares produced: ‘vases incrustes’, or ‘inlaid vessels’. These include a globular huqqua on a stand, a bell-shaped huqqua, spittoons, boxes, a ewer and wash basin.

Reference to Bidriware

Dr. Patel said so far, the earliest unambiguous reference to Bidriware was in the Chahar Gulshan, written in Persian in 1759 AD. This includes a statistical account taken, on internal evidence, from an earlier compilation of about 1720 AD.

Book II of the Chahar Gulshan is ‘an account of five Subhas (administrative divisions) of Deccan’, one of the five being Bidar, referred to by its Bahmani and Mughal names. A manuscript in the British Library has the following passage: ‘The subah of Mohammadabad called Zafarabad (Bidar).

Bidar was also known from an illustration in an atlas produced in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh in (1770 AD) under the Nawab of Awadh (Oudh) Shuja-ud-Daula, who ruled from 1754-75 AD. During this period, Bidar was under the control of Muhammad Ghauth Saif-ud-Daula, but he died shortly after his appointment, and his brother Saif Jang Najm-ud-Daula Bahadur became the governor in his place.

Dr. Patel said that enquiries at the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Bidar revealed that the district administration did not have a copy of the manuscript and the atlas produced by Col. Gentil.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by T. V. Sivanandan / Gulbarga – September 01st, 2014

Jawa and Yezdi ride to Hampi to promote road safety

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports, Travel

Bangalore :

The first all-India Jawa and Yezdi Ride to Hampi will be held between August 15 and 17 in support of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India’s (FMSCI) Action for Road Safety campaign.

Organised by the Jawa and Yezdi Club of Hyderabad (JAYCOH), close to 60 riders from across the country have confirmed participation for the ride to the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire in northern Karnataka on Independence Day.

The motorcyclists from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Nasik on their vintage machines will ride out of their respective cities on the morning of August 15 and reach Hampi by the evening.

Pune has the most participants at 24, followed by Hyderabad at 16.

“It is a very encouraging sign when motorcycle clubs and independent groups take the initiative to promote road safety,” FMSCI President J Prithiviraj said.

“India has the world’s largest number of road accident casualties. We need to work towards improving road safety awareness in the country,”Prithiviraj added.

The FIA (Federation Internationale de L’Automobile) had launched its Action for Road Safety global campaign in support of the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety. The FIA’s initiative aims to lower the alarming figures associated with global road accidents and to spread the safer motoring message.

The FMSCI has adopted and is implementing FIA’s Action for Road Satefy global campaign.

All participating vehicles will carry FIA Road Safety Campaign sticker to create awareness on the importance of road safety. The riders will distribute pamphlets propagating road safety and take the FIA Road Safety pledge – 10 Golden Rules – in front the Queen’s Bath, a World Heritage monument in Hampi.

“We thank the FMSCI and Hosepet Round Table 231 for being associated with this ride to promote road safety awareness,” said P Jaiveer Rao of JAYCOH. “Our Jawas and Yezdis being vintage motorcycles, we felt the a World Heritage site like Hampi.

source: http://ww.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> More Sports> Others / by Sunil Subbaiah, TNN / August 14th, 2014

Vijendra wins inter-district Chess Championship

Sports
The winners in the Inter-District chess championship conducted jointly by the Mysore District Chess Association jointly with Hoysala Karnataka Sangha seen with their prizes and certificates along with the guests. (Sitting from left) M M Biddappa (Vice-President, MDCA), Prof. S K. Ananda Thirtha (President, MDCA), P Baradwaj (President,Hoysala Karnataka Sangha), S Vijay Prakash (Former State Ranji cricketer), H T Raviprakash (Treasurer, MDCA) and M Nagendra (Hon. Secretary, MDCA).
The winners in the Inter-District chess championship conducted jointly by the Mysore District Chess Association jointly with Hoysala Karnataka Sangha seen with their prizes and certificates along with the guests. (Sitting from left) M M Biddappa (Vice-President, MDCA), Prof. S K. Ananda Thirtha (President, MDCA), P Baradwaj (President,Hoysala Karnataka Sangha), S Vijay Prakash (Former State Ranji cricketer), H T Raviprakash (Treasurer, MDCA) and M Nagendra (Hon. Secretary, MDCA).

Mysore :

Former State Champion Y.G. Vijendra of Mysore with 7 points from eight rounds clinched the Inter-District chess championship title in the tournament conducted jointly by the Mysore District Chess Association (MDCA), jointly with Hoysala Karnataka Sangha, here on Sunday.

V.P.S. Darshan of Mandya, S.N. Jatin (JSS HS, SJCE Complex) and D. Arun tied with 6.5 points, but based on their tie-break scores secured the places from second to fourth respectively. Seven players tied with 6 points each and took the places from fifth to eleventh respectively. The prizes to the winners were given away by S. Vijay Prakash, Former Karnataka Ranji Trophy player. MDCA President, Prof. S.K. Ananda Thirtha, M. Nagendra , Hon. Secretary, MDCA and other office-bearers of MDCA and Hoysala Karnataka Sangha were also present.

Final Placings: 1. Y.G. Vijendra (8 pts); 2. V.P.S. Darshan (6.5 pts- 32); 3. S.N. Jatin (6.5 pts-31.5); 4. D. Arun (6.5 pts-29); 5. L.Vivekananda (6 pts-33.5); 6. M.P.Ajith (6 pts-33); 7. H.R .Manasa (6 pts-32.5); 8. C. Pavan (6 pts-30); 9. R. Sharan Setty (6 pts-29) 10. M. Bharath (6 pts-24.5); 11. Venkatesh Babu N (6 pts-22.5).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News  / August 26th,  2014

A rare discovery of ‘ Stone Hut ‘ at Kunti Betta

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

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Kunti Betta is a hillock near Pandavapura Taluk head quarters in Mandya District. It is a mine of ancient archaeological site of importance for the researchers. Situated at about 2882 ft above the sea level it has the evidences of Megalithic culture. Stone hut of the Stone Age man was discovered at this place, which is a rare and a unique discovery in the subcontinent.

Dr. S.G. Ramadasa Reddy, HoD of History and NSS officer of Govt. First Grade College, Kuvempunagar, Mysore, along with Prof. B.S. Manjunatha, D. Banumaih’s College, Mysore and NSS volunteers, conducted field survey of Kunti Betta and were successful in tracing the rare stone hut of Stone Age man.

At the outset, the stone hut appears triangular in shape and seem to be constructed by the ancient man. It appears that they must have cut stone rocks and inclined in a triangular shape with a supporting heavy rock at the back, and stone slabs fixed to the floor. The door of the hut is of 5.7 ft width and 6.5 ft height. The inside dimension is 8 ft wide, 6.5 ft width in the middle and 8.2 ft width at the back. Considering all these details, one may come to the conclusion, that the ancient man must have used this stone hut for living purpose.

Similar stone huts have been discovered in various parts of the world but is the first of its kind in India. For instance American Research and Preservation Department has discovered four stone huts in Colorado. There is a marked similarity between them and the stone hut discovered at Kunti Betta.

Similar stone hut has been found at Terra Amite in Mount boron in nice in France. This is the first discovery of the stone hut of the old Paleolithic man. Upper Paleolithic man hut was found in Israel’s Bahalo II.

Huts made out of the bones of the mammoth animals, were also discovered at Chi Chu Bu in Japan, Sub Sahara of South Africa and South Russia. The hut at Ukraine is a mammoth animal bone hut in the shape of a room of 8 ft space. Similar hut is also found at Kostenski Bershevo in Malt and Berlet sites near Masco.

Kunti Betta with all such rare evidences of ancient culture and civilisation richly deserves to be taken note of by the concerned departments so as to shed new light on the history of Ancient India by excavation, research and conservation.

[e-mail:ramadasareddysg@yahoo.in]

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

D.Litt for Prof. Nagapathi

Education

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Mysore :

Prof. K.S. Nagapathi, Director of Mahajana Tourism Development Institute, Mysore, has been awarded D.Litt. (Doctor of Letters) degree by Rani Channamma University, Belgaum, for his thesis ‘Karnataka – A delight for tourists.’

He has been instrumental in procuring funding for the establishment of the Institute from Govt. of Karnataka. With assistance from Dept. of Tourism, he has also helped to start one year Diploma in Hotel Management and several short duration courses in tourism and Hospitality for the benefit of economically weaker sections of the society.

From current academic year, the Institution is starting a Masters program in Tourism and Air Travel Management.

Prior to joining Mahajana FGC in 2005, the Prof. Nagapathi retired as Professor and HoD of Commerce from D. Banumaiah’s College of Commerce and Arts, Mysore. Prof. Nagapathi has authored the following books: Management Accounting; The Art of Entrepreneurship; Tourism Development – A new Approach (Both in English & Kannada); Mysore Guide- Edited; Karnataka – A Delight for Tourists; Tourism and World Heritage (Hand book) and Samskruthi (a hand book on heritage and cultural tourism).

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