City industry scene …: Sweet Spot

Business & Economy

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by S. Kenneth Shishir

Mysore :

Sweets and Toffees may be items of impulse-purchase, competing with other categories like soft drinks, snacks and beverages for a share of the consumer’s wallet, but modern trade and other factors have had a positive impact on consumer spending.

VINAY PRODUCTS, manufacturers of sugar boiled confectioneries in city have struggled hard to make a name in the field of candy, toffee and sugar boiled sweets manufacturing.

This confectionery industry indulges consumers’ desire for sweets in various flavours such as Mango, Cookies, Paan, Orange and Strawberry among others.

A. Sunil Kumar, one of the partners, speaking to Star of Mysore, said that the industry has four partners including him and before they ventured into manufacturing of sweets, they were the distributors for companies like Mangharam & Sons and The Ravalgaon Sugar Farm Ltd., to understand the working conditions of the market.

He said that during that time, they felt that there was a gap in the market and felt that an industry to manufacture the same was needed in Mysore. So he, along with his two brothers A. Anil Kumar and A. Rajesh and their uncle K. Susheel Babu (First generation entrepreneurs) ventured into manufacturing and established Vinay Products at Hebbal Industrial Area in 1994 to give quality sweets to people.

Sunil said that prior experience in the field of manufacturing confectioneries helped them establish the industry.

Though initially they faced many hurdles and hiccups, they overcame the hurdles to establish a name in the market.

Some of the varieties manufactured by them are fruit flavours, milk based candies, lollipops and toffees, Eclairs and Pan coated sweets (Sugar coated on Nuts, Jeera & saunf).

When asked Sunil about the types of confectionery products, he said that confections are typically classified by the basic ingredients of chocolate, sugar or flour. Within these categories are a wide variety of products, including hard candies, gums, toffees, cakes, pastries and truffles which are offered in a vast range of flavours, including chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, peppermint, cinnamon and many fruit flavours.

Not only children, adult consumption of chocolates and candies is also growing at the fastest pace in the country, said Sunil.

Sunil said that confectioneries manufactured by them are in the standards prescribed by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The raw materials which are purchased for manufacturing are bought only after the supplier gives them a QC (Quality Check) certificate and the materials are once again tested in their laboratory at the factory before being sent for manufacturing. Their commitment to hygiene is given more prominence which I saw during my visit to this industry.

Earlier, this industry manufactured sweets for Campco, Kwality Biscuits, Cavin Kare for mouth fresheners and the company was briefly associated with Dabur for manufacturing digestives. Presently, they are manufacturing mints for Cafe Coffee Day.

Sunil further said that they are in talks with Lotte, a Korean company based in Chennai for manufacturing Eclairs & toffees.

With the next generation (the children of the partners — Vinay, Mohit, Rahul and Rohit) entering into the business, the company is planning to come out with sugar free products in future. R&D is on to come out with toffee bars & cocoa based products which are quite popular in the market.

The sweets manufactured by Vinay Products are being sold in Tamil Nadu and Kerala apart from the State of Karnataka.

Speaking about taxes levied on such industries, Sunil said that the taxes levied on Confectionery in Karnataka are very high, that is the tax in Karnataka is 14.5% whereas other States charge 5.5% for local industries and an appeal in this regard has been submitted to the Chief Minister Siddharamaiah to consider reduction in taxes. If the taxes are reduced more industries can come up in Karnataka which will increase the job opportunities for the locals.

Vinay Products has its own retail point at Mannars Market, Shivarampet under the name of Universal Agencies.

Over the years the company has ventured into the manufacturing of packing materials in the name of Universal Products catering to the packaging materials requirement of the industries in South India.

The industry, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) supports Old Age Homes, Orphanages and is also involved in many programmes in bringing the downtrodden into the mainstream society.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / February 01st, 2014

Excellence award to CFTRI Scientist

Records, All, Science & Technology

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Mysore :

Dr.G. Muralikrishna, Chief Scientist, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, has been awarded the prestigious “Carbohydrate Excellence Award for the year 2013”.

The award, instituted by the Association of Carbohydrate Chemists and Technologists, India, was given away at the International Conference on Challenges in Chemistry and Biology f Carbohydrates” – Carbo – XXVIII held recently at Dehradun.

Dr. Muralikrishna, a carbohydrate chemist of repute, has delineated the structure-function relationship of many dietary fibre components and non-digestible oligosaccharides derived from cereal brans and pulse husks.

He has more than 60 Peer-reviewed publications and several patents to his credit and is the recipient of prestigious awards such as Laljee-Godhoo Smarak Nidhi (2002) and AFST(I) Fellow (2008) by the Association of Food scientists and Technologists (India) for his outstanding work on carbohydrates and their degrading enzymes.

He has guided 8 Ph.D and given several lectures in National and International Symposia. He is an Advisory Board Member for the E-Journal entitled “Trends in Carbohydrate Research and peer reviewer for more than 12 International journals.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / February 01st, 2014

President’s medal for SP K.R. Venkatesh

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

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Mysore :

K.R. Venkatesh, Superintendent of Police (sp), Finger Print Bureau, Bangalore, was conferred with the President’s Medal for his meritorious service in Police Department. The award was conferred by the President of India on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations.

Venkatesh, a Mysorean, also served as Sub-Inspector and Inspector in Mysore city between 1995-2002. He pursued his education at Marimallappa and Sarada Vilas institutions. His wife, S. Rajalakshmi, is a Veena artiste at the Akashavani, Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 31st, 2014

Three-Day workshop on Sanjhi Mask Art from tomorrow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Travel

MysoreHuseiniMPos06feb2014

Mysore :

Mysore Art Gallery and Saanjhi Kala Loka have jointly organised a three-day workshop and exhibition on ‘Sanjhi Mask Art’ by artist S.F. Huseni (Mysore Huseini) at Mysore Art Gallery premises on Ramanuja road in city from tomorrow.

The programme will be inaugurated tomorrow by D. Mahadevappa, Chief Editor of ‘Prajanudi’ at 11 am.

Nirmala Matapati, Assistant Director, Dept. of Kannada and Culture and Littereteur P.M. Subramanya will be the chief guests.

A workshop and training programme on Sanjhi art will be held on Feb. 2 and those interested may register their names through Mob: 98451-53277.

The exhibition and the workshop will conclude on Feb. 3.

Artist’s Profile

S.F. Huseni (Syed Fakruddin Huseni), was born on April 15, 1976 to Syed Peer and Zeenatunnisa Bi at Shivana Samudram (Bluff) in Mandya district.

He completed his Diploma in Fine Arts, Art Master (A.M) and BFA in painting at K.P.J. Prabhu Artisan’s Training Centre (Canara Bank PRJD Trust).

Huseni, who is gifted with this art, received encouragement from his parents right from his study time. The present theme of paintings created by the artist mainly depict the theme “Home in every Heart.”

Huseni has participated in many solo exhibitions and group exhibitions besides conducting camps and is a recipient of various State Awards and scholarships. For details, log on to mysorehuseini.blogspot.com or call Mob: 98451-53277.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 31st, 2014

New heights for Bangalore Lad

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Kush Maini with F1 driver Jean Alesi after receiving his trophies
Kush Maini with F1 driver Jean Alesi after receiving his trophies

City boy Kush Maini became the first Indian to receive the prestigious World Series Karting (WSK) Championship awards at the WSK Gran Gala held at the Adria International Track on January 18.

The go-karting champion and his brother Arjun have been making waves on all tracks and with this win he felt on top of the world.

Kush came second in the Overall Championship in the WSK Euro series in the 60 mini category for races held at two different tracks in Italy. Competing with over 50 drivers was not easy. Kush also came third in the Overall Championship in the WSK Master series which was held across four different tracks in Italy, once again with over 50 participants from all over the world.

The Gran Gala awards were bagged by the drivers, who finished first in the top three overall Championships from all over the world in the 60 Mini, KF, KFJ, KZ2 and KZ1 series. The event was held at the Adria International Raceway in North Eastern Italy in the province of Rovigo, where several renowned people in the field of racing and karting had come together.

Jean Alesi the Formula 1 driver for Ferrari attended the ceremony and was a great motivation for all the young drivers who are making their way forward with Formula 1 as their main goal.

Kush was ecstatic on receiving both his awards and said, “I have worked very hard for many years as I started karting at the age of five and started racing the year I turned eight. After receiving several podium finishes in 2012 in Europe, I started understanding European racing and competitions and wanted to focus on the Championships in the year 2013.”

“To be at the Gran Gala was a big motivation.

I was able to pull off the win at the right time, and even though I was going through ups and downs during the season, I never lost focus. In the end, it felt great that I was the only Indian driver to have been invited to the Gran Gala function. Receiving these Championship awards has really motivated me and now that I have moved up the category to race in the KFJ this year, I will be giving it my best shot to be back at the Gran Gala this year as well,” Kush added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by S S Shreekumar – Bangalore / January 23rd, 2014

Triumph Motorcycles’ first Indian dealership opens in Bangalore

Business & Economy, World Opinion

About two months after entering India, British Motorcycle brand Triumph Motorcycles opened its first showroom cum service centre in the country in Bangalore.

In November, Triumph had launched a range of 10 motorcycles starting from the Triumph Bonneville priced at Rs 5.7 lakh (ex-showroom) with the range-topping Rocket III priced at Rs 20 lakh. The entire range will be available at the showroom.

We rode the Bonneville in India and were quite impressed by the entry-level Triumph motorcycle. Here are the five things we loved about the Bonnie .

Triumph India officials at the opening of the Bangalore showroom
Triumph India officials at the opening of the Bangalore showroom

Triumph Motorcycles have tied up with Keerthi Motors in Bangalore and the showroom is located on St Marks Road.The new dealership will be an ultra-modern showroom integrated with an after-sales service facility. The showroom will have an array of Triumph merchandise which includes riding gear, accessories and memorabilia.

Speaking at the opening, Triumph Motorcycles India managing director Vimal Sumbly said, “With the launch of Triumph Motorcycles in Bangalore, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in providing high quality service experience to our brand enthusiasts and prospects in India.”

source: http://www.overdrive.in / Overdrive / Home> News / January 23rd, 2014

Dr. Veerendra Heggade releases book on Financial Management

Business & Economy, Education
Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade is seen releasing the book as author Dr. N.R. Parasuraman looks on.
Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade is seen releasing the book as author Dr. N.R. Parasuraman looks on.

Mysore :

Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala and Chairman, SDM Educational Trust, released the book “Financial Management: A Step-By-Step Approach” authored by Dr. N.R. Parasuraman, Director, SDM Institute for Management Development (SDM-IMD) at SDM-IMD premises here on Jan. 28.

On the occasion, the author introduced and presented an overview of the text book which would be helpful for students in pursuit of Management Education.

Dr. Heggade, while expressing his appreciation, said ‘the book is an excellent work covering all critical areas of corporate finance and application. The book is well planned, the flow is smooth and facilitates easy understanding even to a lay reader. Another facet of the book is its practical thrust and the blending of theory with practice at all stages.’

He also said the book is unique and makes study of finance easy and interesting.

About the Author: Dr. N. R. Parasuraman is Commerce and Law graduate, Fellow member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). His doctorate was on capital structuring of Indian companies. He has been researching and teaching in the areas of strategic finance, financial derivatives, cost management, portfolio management and international finance.

Dr. Parasuraman has published more than 40 papers on various topics of finance in leading journals. He has also authored a book titled Fundamentals of Financial Derivatives, which featured in the top 10 management bestsellers of Businessworld in August 2008. He has been a visiting adjunct faculty of finance at the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, for more than a decade. He has also been a visiting faculty at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and the Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 30th, 2014

Goregaon Karnataka Sangha organises lecture on Kanakadasa

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

Mumbai :

“Kanakadasa is a large cultural asset.  He was a question for the pride based on caste.  He swam against current without sacrificing his principles and lived a life of stress.  His literature reflects different phases of his life”, said Dr H S Anupama.

Anupama was speaking after inaugurating a lecture here recently on the late Kanakadasa held by Goregaon Karnataka Sangha – Library section and Mangalore University Kanakadasa research center.  Famous author and intellectual Ravi R Anchan presided over the programme.

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“Ramadanya Charithe” poem written by Kanakadasa reminds us of rice and millet and appears like a statement against discrimination in society. So far birds, trees and nature were the feature for poems but meditation made by Kanakadasa as a feature for his poetry shows his excellence in talent”, said Anupama.

He explained the purpose of lectures advising not to fight for caste and creed.  “He is influential as a poet and lyricist among us.  However his poems have not influenced us the way they should have.  The university has attempted to make them reach the people here.  We are glad to see the desire”, said Dr Shivarama Shetty, convener of Mangalore university Kanakadasa seat.

“Kanakadasa was a poet and a warrior.  He is equal to poet Pampa of Champoo era.  He is also a saint poet. His poetry echoes among common people even now.  Questions whether he is a Srivaishava, Vaishnava or Shaiva have no meaning.  His poems show that he was a rational human being”, said Ravi R Anchan in his presidential address.

Members of the sangh sang poems of Kanakadas under the leadership of Vidya Deshpande, Nikhita Amin, Seema Kulkarni, Vasudha Nayak, Usha Shetty and Rakshita Nayak.  Vasanthi Kotekar, Veda Suvarna, Mohini Poojary, Sushila Nayak, Rama Nayak, Nagaratna Nayak, Sumita Gujaran, Akshari Anchari and Pratiksha Nayak accompanied them.

Shankuntala Prabhu, director of Grantayana welcomed the gathering.  Vice president Laxmi Shetty wished everybody well.  Petri Vishwanatha Shetty set the programme in motion and Usha Shetty proposed vote of thanks.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld / Home> Mumbai / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Mumbai / Friday – January 24th, 2014

Down memory lane : Udaya Ravi : A fitting memorial with museum to Kuvempu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, Travel
1) Kuvempu (2) A front view of Kuvempu's house 'Udaya Ravi.'
1) Kuvempu (2) A front view of Kuvempu’s house ‘Udaya Ravi.’

by  K. Vijaya Kumar, Former Jt. Director of Information & Publicity

Udaya Ravi, Rashtrakavi Kuvempu’s house in Mysore (5th Cross, V.V. Mohalla), is not just a simple house but has a greater significance since Kuvempu wrote his magnum opus Sri Ramayana Darshanam sitting in his room from this home. Acharya Vinobaji during his padayatra in Karnataka (Kuvempu had great reverence to him) was eager to visit Kuvempu’s house since he had come to know about Ramayana Darshanam. When (on 25.9.1957) Vinobaji enters inside Udaya Ravi, Kuvempu records in his diary, he pronounces in Hindi three times ‘Bahut prashanth hai’ (very peaceful atmosphere).

Tarini Chidananda, Kuvempu’s daughter, in her book Magalu Kanda Kuvempu (Kuvempu as seen by his daughter), vividly describes how much Kuvempu was sentimental and attached to Udaya Ravi and the garden he had raised with various flowers and fruit plants in front of the house. Kuvempu built this house in 1937 and the then President of Ramakrishna Ashrama Swami Deshikanandaji sent a Bengali contractor, one K.C. Dham (who had migrated to Mysore and a devotee of Ramakrishna Mission) who had earned a good name as a committed person in his work.

Tarini, who spent most of her life in Udaya Ravi and taking care of Kuvempu after the death of her mother Hemavathi, writes how her father after building and living in Udaya Ravi, got married, worked in the University, wrote most of his works and breathed his last in the midnight on 11.11.1994 in Udaya Ravi.

Many of those who had visited this house, just to cite a couple of them as recorded by Tarini — a Soviet Delegation, UGC Chairman C.D. Deshmukh and his wife Durga Bai Deshmukh had expressed great appreciation of Udaya Ravi and its garden and complimented Kuvempu and his wife Hemavathi for their efforts in maintaining it so neat and tidy.

It is appreciable that the State Govt. has declared Kuvempu’s native place Kuppalli where his body has been laid to rest in Kavishyla as a memorial of Kuvempu and entrusting it to Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Pratishtana to maintain it, who have opened a Kuvempu Museum for visitors.

I recollect here my memory of 30-35 years back, when my Dept. of Information was producing a documentary film on Kuvempu, directed by Chaduranga, the noted writer, my numerous visits to Udaya Ravi to meet Kuvempu in that connection and on many several other occasions, I fondly remember the pious moments spent with the poet in his house.

Many felicitations to Kuvempu used to take place at Udaya Ravi only as the poet was reluctant to accept it and I remember one such felicitation organised by State Bank of Mysore in early eighties wherein I was made the chief guest.

I sincerely feel and as many other literary figures of yesteryears, who were direct disciples of Kuvempu, with scores of others who have high liking for Kuvempu’s literature, might also agree that Udaya Ravi in Mysore where Kuvempu spent most part of his life needs to be declared by the Govt. as a Memorial in his memory and a Museum could be established entrusting it to be run and maintained by an organisation locally, either University of Mysore or a similar body like Kuvempu Prathistana. I am sure scores of Kannadigas will support this cause.

Even now, quite a few visitors, particularly student groups on conducted tour visiting Mysore do come to see Udaya Ravi. Though inconvenient to Tarini and her husband Prof. Chidananda Gowda who reside there, do not disappoint the visitors. Besides many even in Mysore and around have not been able to see the place though they have a desire to visit.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature articles / by K.Vijaya Kumar   e-mail: kumarkv59@gmail.com / January 29th, 2014

Sharmiela Mandre walks the ramp for Michelle Salins at BFW

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

It is that time of the year again when fashionistas from the town are all taking a second look at their wardrobes. Literally so! As the Bangalore Fashion Week is currently on and everyone is heading there to catch the latest fashion trends.

The event, which has designers from all over the country showcasing their work, saw a decent turnout on the first day where city based designer, Michelle Salins, showcased her work.

Michelle, who has been catering to the clients abroad, has now launched her label in India and her collection at BFW showcased what she has targeted for the Indian audiences.

The collection, which had designs for both men and women, was fun and flirty. Short dresses, gowns, jumpsuits, shirts and suits – they were all there.

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A lot of prints were seen in the collection which made it stand out. While the models strut their stuff, the showstopper, actress Sharmiela Mandre walked down the ramp in a cream and white ensemble which had lace work on it. The pretty actress was seen having fun on the ramp. Later, she was seen catching up with her friends once the show was over.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Bangalore Fashion Week / by Taniya Talukdar, TNN / January 24th, 2014