Students generate funds for the needy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Uncategorized

Bangalore:

The world probably first took notice of the underprivileged when a princess got her hands and feet dirty while working towards aiding those who required her help, almost three decades ago. The ripple effect of which is felt when 57 students from the Richard Ivey School of Business recently donated $47,000 to the Dream School Foundation (DSF), a NGO that works in the improving the educational facilities for the underprivileged students.

The batch of 2012 of Ivey Executive MBA (EMBA) raised the funds through numerous fundraising events, including sporting tournaments, silent auctions and raffles, marathons, etc.

Brigit Rameseder, one of the students who took part in the initiative said that though she and her batch-mates had regularly worked for such causes in Canada, this was the first time they have raised funds to help someone from another country all together. “We have never done something like this on such a large scale. When we got this opportunity, we decided to make the most of it. We wanted to set an example and leave a legacy behind for other students who came to the school,” informed Rameseder.

She also said that apart from the ‘feel good factor’, the exercises also taught them a lot. “When we visited the government school here I was surprised to see that education here is imparted in so many different languages. I had no idea that the curriculum in India inculcated the use of different languages,” she said.

Though the batch would finish their school within a week’s time, most of them hope to keep in touch with the organisation in some way or the other, she added.

Maitreyee Kumar from DSF said that the money will ensure that 80 students can pursue dreams. “We want to fund education for these children beyond their tenth standard and the aid we have received from the School will greatly help. The first batch of students have already been enrolled in vocational and professional colleges,” said Kumar. She also informed that while professional courses were usually taken in Government colleges, a few students have performed exceedingly well in their academics and have landed themselves in private institutions as well. “Depending on the child’s aptitude and scores, a professional career counsellor suggest options that might interest the students. Once the choice was made by the students, we help them get into their respective colleges,” she said

Kumar also mentioned that the funds provided by the school will see the students through their education for the next two years.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / South> Bangalore / Express News Service/ The New Indian Express / January 24th, 2012

New lights at KSHA

Sports
Bangalore, Jan 21, 2012/  DHNS:

The Karnataka State Hockey Association has upgraded the floodlights at its stadium here to FIH  standards, paving the way for the conduct of international matches at night

“The KSHA has spent one crore rupees to get this done,” said KSHA secretary K Krishnamurthy. “For a long time, the biggest setback for us was the lack of proper lights. If one wants to host international matches under lights, they must be at least 1200 lux.

“After a lot of discussions, we decided to go ahead with the plan. It did cost us a lot, but we should be in a position to host international matches. With the World Series Hockey coming up, the fans have a lot to look forward to.”

A total of 10 towers have been erected — five on each side with each boasting of ten 200KW bulbs, taking the total capacity to 1300 lux. Most of the work has been completed with just light fittings on one tower left. While the light bulbs are manufactured by GE, the installation work has been done by Saptharishi, Hyderabad.

“We switched on just half of the lights today on a trial basis. The entire work will be complete in a week’s time. A complete check will be done during the Kodava Samaj hockey tournament next month.”

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com/ Home> Sports / DHNS / January 21st, 2012

An Artist from Iran who portrays ‘Moods of Life’ on Canvas

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

People take up art for various reasons. For some it is a life-long passion, for others it is just a hobby and for yet others, it is the only way to express their views, feelings and ideas to transform the world.

Tala Afshin, a young artist from Iran, has been a resident of Mysore city since six years. Hailing from Mashhad city in Iran, the 30-year-old bubbling Tala is fond of painting in sombre colours.

With a passion for painting since teenage, Tala took up Graphic Design in high school itself, followed by an Advanced Diploma in Painting from the University of Applied Science and Technology in Iran.

Tala came to Mysore in 2006 and joined Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) course in Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA). She later completed MFA in Sri Allamaprabhu Lalithakala Academy.

She has displayed her paintings in various exhibitions including a group show in Mashhad city (2004), a group show in Whitefield, Bangalore (2007) and in Sublime Gallery of UB City in Bangalore (November, 2011).

Apart from painting, Tala’s hobbies include interior designing, which she learnt while working with her brothers and father who are architects.

She says when she came to Mysore in 2006, she immediately fell in love with the city and this country. Hence she joined CAVA to continue her fine art course as she wanted to stay here and enjoy the hospitality and culture of the people.

Tala says nature is her best teacher in painting which reveals itself to her in its myriad forms. She loves to draw abstract art as abstraction differs greatly than most traditional styles of art because it is more focused on the use of imagination or ideas expressed through emotion.

When asked how she defines art, Tala opines that art is a creative way of expressing a modified view of the world and its objects by simplifying or complicating the use of colour, shape and form.

She says there is a real power in terms of making a connection with people, if the artist applies discipline and works from an authentic form of creativity and expression, whether it be through the use of colour, a mixed media form, figure or shape manipulation…

Art, she adds, is creativity; therefore no single form of art could really be more creative than another form of art.

Tala Afshin has a wonderful imagination, diving into colours to signify her innermost feelings and the moods of life. Her passion to paint is immensely inspired by a person’s adaptation to the changing circumstances in one’s journey of life.

Her paintings portraying women are seductive, revealing the inner thoughts of the character with an alluring body language and facial expression.

Tala, meaning ‘Gold’ in Persian, has been embodied into her art with vibrant hues of colour adding glimmer and richness like gold.

Tala Afshin is not the only person in her family who loves Mysore. Her sister Mona is studying BDS in JSS Dental College in the city.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / by Shwetha Halambi  / January 22nd, 2012

SHRUTHIMANJARI’s 14th Music Fest from today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Caption: Srilatha, Sharma, Vinay, Pranesh, Shubha, Ramaa

Shruthimanjari Foundation was established in 1998 by Dr. R.N. Srilatha, Professor of Music, Mysore University and reputed violinist Veena Suresh. M.K. Seetharam, K.S. Suresh, Dr. R. Vasudeva and Subhadra, lovers of music, are closely associated.

Two of its aims are worth noting — to provide concert experience to young and promising artistes and to conduct mikless chamber music concerts. Every year Shurthimanjari conducts two festivals — Sharavana festival for young artistes during August/September and Annual classical music festival with Purandara and Tyagaraja Aradhana in January.

The 14th Karnatak Classical Music fest will be held from Jan. 18 to Jan. 22 at 6 pm at Rotary West Auditorium. On Jan. 18, Dr. S.C. Sharma and S.R. Vinay (vocal); on Jan. 19, Dr. R.N. Srilatha (vocal); on Jan. 20, M.K. Pranesh (flute); on Jan. 21, Shubha Santhosh (veena); on Jan. 22, T.S. Ramaa (vocal) will be performing.

Dr. S.C. Sharma, a reputed academician and Vice-Chancellor of Tumkur University, holds several Doctorates and has presented numerous research papers on technical subjects. He is passionate about classical music.

Dr. R.N. Srilatha, being a reputed artiste of Mysore, need no introduction. M.K. Pranesh of Bangalore is a ‘B’ grade artiste of AIR and DD. He has performed at prestigious organisations both in India and abroad.

Shubha Santhosh of Bangalore is a ‘B’ high artiste. She has received several scholarships and numerous awards, latest being ‘Ananya Nadajyothi Yuva Prathibha Puraskar’ for the year 2012. Prof. T.S. Ramaa is a ‘A’ grade artiste and was the HOD of Music. She has also performed both in India and abroad. All these artistes will be accompanied by popular accompanists of Mysore.

The festival is being held jointly with Rotary Club of Mysore West. C.V. Nagaraj Memorial Trust, Karnataka Bank Ltd. and State Bank of Mysore are also associated with the festival, which will be inaugurated today at 6 pm by Dr. S.C. Sharma under he presidentship of Rtn. Sam Cherian.

There will be two notable features of the festival. Veteran violist and Sangeetha Kalanidhi M. Chandrashekaran will accompany Dr. Sharma . On Jan. 22 at 10. 30 am, Purandara Tyagaraja Aradhana is organised wherein renowned artistes will join in the goshti gayana.

—K.R.Mohan

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / January 18th, 2012

 

Don’t let Disability Discourage you

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

Nageen Taj with her mother Zaithoon Bi.

“I was once scared to go out and face people… I was scared how they will treat me. But today, I fear none. I earn my living and take care of my mother on my own.”

These are the words of Nageen Taj, a Second Division Clerk at the University of Mysore, whose legs were stunted in childhood. Speaking to Star of Mysore, Nageen shared her story, which may not be extraordinary to normal people but is surely a morale booster to many like her.

“I was born normally. But an attack of chicken pox got worse and there was excessive pus collection in my legs. My condition became very serious and was operated three times. I would attend school for six months and rest six months would be on bed rest. Whenever I would get pain in the leg my father would rush me to Bangalore and they operated my legs. They would bind the legs with wooden slabs so that the bones would get set.

“My father, C.M. Abdul Wahab, was a manager at a private chit fund company in Chennapatna. When I was around 7 or 8 years old we shifted to Mysore and I studied till 9th at Mathrumandali School. We later went to Gargeshwari but my father passed away soon after. We were very well off till he was alive. But after his death we faced a lot of difficulty. None of our relatives came to our help. My mother Zaithoon Bi, who was a home maker, my elder sister Mubeen Taj and younger sister Ghousia Jabeen later came back to Mysore. At that time, my uncles helped us financially.”

“My dad struggled hard to improve my condition. He would ask me to accompany him everywhere so that I got the courage to face the world. His death came as a shock to me. When my elder sister got married, I was studying PU in Maharani’s College and later had to disconti- nue as I got a job at the Mysore University.”

“Life was not easy as I had to travel by bus from Naidu Nagar to the University. It was then that my younger sister started to boost my confidence and asked me to learn riding. I learnt to drive a two-wheeler on my own in around four days.”

“But when I decided to drive a car people advised me against it due to my height and also since I cannot bend my left hand. The driving instructors refused to teach me saying it was not possible. This made me more determined to learn driving a car. With the guidance of a driver I finally did learn and now I drive to work.”

“Earlier, I used to be very depressed at my condition. While some people would support me, others would look down. One day, my sister told there were people who were more unfortunate than me but were leading a good life. She is the reason why I became so strong. Today, I don’t care for what others think about me and I face the world boldly.”

On request, the University has allotted a quarters in front of SJCE to Nageen where she has been residing with her mother since April. Stunted growth and an unbendable hand did not stop Nageen from being what she is today — a strong and confident woman who has answered all those who looked down upon her with her courage.

When asked Nageen what message she had for others like her, she said, “Even though we say that society is kind and helpful towards the differently-abled, with my personal experience, I can say that life is not very easy. But we should not let disability discourage us. We should have the determination to achieve and prove that we are in no way less than others.”

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / by M.S. Apuurva / January 16th, 2012

City’s NISHAT BAGH all set to become a Tourist spot

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, Uncategorized

Gazebo (pavilion) also known as the Band Stand with a painted glass dome is the main attraction of Nishat Bagh.

Nishat Bagh, popularly known as Sunnada Kuppanna Park in Nazarbad in city, is all set to attract tourists, visitors and general public as the park is being renovated to make it a tourist destination.

The Bagh is yet another regal place in Mysore that is seeing hard times. Nishat Bagh — that is its original name — was conceived by the illustrious of all the Maharajas of Mysore — Krishna-raja Wadiyar IV. His visit to the Mughal garden of the same name on the sides of Dal Lake in Srinagar was his inspiration. The Maharaja wanted one such in Mysore too.

The park is an example for late King Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV’s love of parks and gardens.

Earlier, Nishat Bagh was a sprawling park, but modernisation eventually took its toll. Expansion of roads, a sewage canal, a bus stop in the corner, all chopped the park to its present size. Even then, it is a big park covering about 10 acres. Somewhere down the line, the park came be called as Kuppanna Park.

Three other parks are very close to Nishad Bagh. They are, People’s Park towards its north-west, Gandhi Vana (Horticulture / Horticultural Park) towards its south and Curzon Park towards its west. The Nishat Bagh has been encircled by hotels in ‘L-shape’ on two of its sides.

The main attraction of Nishat Bagh is the gazebo (pavilion) with a painted glass dome. This is also known as the Band Stand because the Police Band used to perform there. The painted glass dome that one sees today, used to be the old glass dome of the Palace if one is to go by the then Palace Executive Engineer H.F.Marker’s letter dated September 23, 1918.

It is learnt that the glass dome of the Band Stand was adorned with classic paintings which was redecorated by artist Srihari, the grandson of the artist who had given the classical touch earlier. The paintings on the glass dome depict mythical themes. The ornamental works for the pillar were designed by E.W. Fritchley, who also designed Lalitha Mahal Palace.

The park is now being given a face-lift. The developmental works of the park which began in the year 2009 and moving in a snail’s pace, will be completed soon. The park is being developed at a cost of Rs.100 crore from the Chief Minister’s Fund.

A rock garden, an amphitheatre, a restaurant and a musical fountain is coming up in Nishat Bagh. The developmental works of the park is taken up by B.G.E. Associates, Bangalore, at a cost of Rs.89 lakh. Trees and ornamental plants have already been planted. Works on the rock garden is going on. Walking path and stone benches have been constructed.

A musical fountain at the cost of Rs. 43 lakh has been installed and the trial run completed. Three high mast lamps have been erected to illuminate the park attractively during night. Entry fee to the park has been fixed and ticket counters constructed. The developmental works is in its last stages and the park will be opened to the public soon. Nishat Bagh, once renovated, will be the ‘Jewel in the crown’ of the heritage city, Mysore.

All attempts to reach the concerned officials over phone proved futile as those who could be contacted passed the buck to other officials who did not respond.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / by S. Kenneth Shishir / January 16th, 2012

MCC to set up Biogas Plant with Swedish know-how

Business & Economy

Mysore: Jan. 16:

Mysore, after gaining recognition as the country’s second cleanest city and the most sought after destination of south India by the foreign tourists, is poised to become a pollution-free city too, devoid of carbon in its atmosphere.

To attain this objective, Sweden has come forward to provide its technical know-how and funding through a Swedish private company. As the first step of this project, the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) has launched global e-tender process to launch the project on a Private Public Partnership (PPP) basis to install a bio-gas plant in the city. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 50 crore. After getting the project approved at the MCC Council, the project proposal will be sent for final approval to the State Government, MCC Commissioner K.S. Raikar told SOM recently.

A team of technical experts from Eskilstuna in Sweden will be arriving in city to identify a suitable location for the bio-gas plant, said Raikar, adding that the proj-ect needs to get the government approval before the team’s arrival. Completion time of the proj-ect is expected to be June 2012.

The gas generated from the biogas plant using all the wastes of the city will be used as fuel for the MCC vehicles and later for the KSRTC buses. Once completed, the project will be doubly beneficial to the city — the garbage will be disposed off and alternative fuel for running government vehicles will be produced.

According to statistics provided by the project’s technical officer Shanthala, about three lakh cubits of biogas can be produced from 6,600 tonnes of garbage which will be drenched in water and treated in the plant.

The biogas produced from 20 rotting banana peels can produce enough biogas for a car to run a kilometer, said Shanthala and one litre oil can be obtained from one kg of plastics. More than 1,500 units of energy can be generated from 2,500 tonnes of compost, she said.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / by Kiran Kumar / January 16th, 2012

 

“GOKAK’S Works Depicted Creativity, Intellectuality”

Arts, Culture & Entertainment


Jnanpith Rangothsava : Day-5

Caption: Students viewing the library books of the eight Jnanpith awardees which was arranged by one of the lecturers of SDM College as part of Bahuroopi seminar which was held at the college yesterday.

Mysore : Jan.19:

Former Chairman of Karnataka Sahitya Academy Prof. M.H. Krishnaiah has opined that the works of Jnanpith awardee late Dr. V.K. Gokak were unique as they portrayed creativity, intellectuality and equality.

He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar on the thoughts of V.K. Gokak oragnised as part of Bahuroopi festival at SDM Women’s College in Krishnamurthypuram here yesterday.

“The play Jananayaka of Gokak very well depicted the atrocities of the then province heads and jahagirdars which seems quite relevant to today’s mining barons and politicians. Similarly the play Yuganthara clearly drove the point that happiness is not achievable through anything but is an entity to qualify one’s own contentment,” he said.

“During my tenure as the Academy Chairman, it was proposed to bring out a 16-volume collection on Gokak but it could not be accomplished. Now two volumes are ready and the rest are it the process which may be through soon,” added Prof. Krishaiah.

Prof. A.S. Jayaram, Prof. H.L. Pushpa and others presented opinions and discussed on the works of Gokak.

Gokak’s son Anil Gokak, Rangayana Director Dr. B.V. Rajaram, litterateur Prof. Chandrashekar Patil, College Principal Prof. M. Balachandre Gowda and others were present.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / January 19th, 2012

 

‘MAASTI’ was a Writer with Humanitarian Concerns’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Jnanpith Rangothsava : Day-6

 

Caption: Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah, President, Kuvempu Prathishtan, Koppal, speaking on Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar at the seminar organised as part of Bahuroopi at Maharaja’s College here this morning. Others seen are Maharaja’s College Principal Dr. C.B. Ramachandrappa, Dramatist Prof. H.S. Shiva Prakash and Rangayana Director Dr. B.V. Rajaram. Picture shows a section of the participants attending the seminar.

 

 

 

 

 


Mysore: Jan. 19:

Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar was a great writer with a lot of humanitarian concerns, said Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah, President, Kuvempu Prathishtan, Koppal, here this morning.

Inaugurating the seminar on Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar as part of the 6th day’s programme of Bahuroopi National Theatre Festival at the Centenary Hall of Maharaja’s College in city, he described Maasti as a big hearted writer who loved even his critics.

Recalling the broadmindedness of Maasti, Nagarajaiah said when A.N. Krishnarao, who had critised Maasti, passed away, Maasti covered the chest portion of Krishnarao’s body to protect it from mosquitoes and flies.

Dwelling upon the nature of Venkatesh Iyengar, Hampana recalled how Maasti had reacted to Gopalakrishna Adiga’s comment during the 75th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana that he had not been paid sufficiently by saying “Becoming the President of the Sammelana itself was a big prize.”

Rangayana Director Dr. B.V. Rajaram, in his address, said that a Sahitya Sanchike will be released on the works of Maasti and lauded the services of Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar in the field of literature.

KSOU Vice-Chancellor Dr. K.S. Rangappa and Dramatist Prof. H.S. Shiva Prakash were the chief guests.

Maharaja’s College Principal Dr. C.B. Ramachandrappa, AO Latha K. Biddappa and Student Welfare Committee Chairperson Chethana were among those present.

Poet Prof. H.S. Venkatesh Murthy, Dr. N.S. Taranath and Dr. Nataraj Honavalli presented lectures on Maasti which was presided over by Kannada & Culture Jt. Director K.T. Chikkanna.

Winners: Gajendra, Vijay and Venkatesh won the first three prizes respectively in the essay writing competition on the works of Maasti Venkatesh Iyengar.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / January 19th, 2012

 

Workshop on ‘BioEnergetics and Energy Medicine’

Science & Technology

Mysore: Jan. 21:

Vijay Foundation and Global Alliance on Traditional Health Systems (GA-THS), Mysore have organised an introductory talk and workshop on ‘Bioenergetics and Energy Medicine to enhance our wellness’ at Rotary Centre on JLB Road in city.

A free introductory talk will be held on Jan. 23 at 6.30 pm and the workshop will be held on Jan. 24 from 10 am to 1 pm. CEOs and HODs of hospitals /nursing homes, medical practitioners, pranic healers, holistic ther-apists, yoga masters and others in related disciplines can participate.

Dr. Krishna Madappa, Co-founder, Institute for Science, Spirituality and Sustainablity, USA, Dr. T.M. Srinivasan, Dean, Sri Vivekananda Yoga Anusan-dhana Samsthana, Bangalore and Dr. B.R. Pai, Managing Trustee, Vijay Foundation, will be the speakers. For details contact, Vijay Foundation, # 429, Hebbal Industrial Area, Mysore-570026 or call Ph: 2412284.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / January 21st, 2011