Workshop on Vedic Maths begins in Mysuru

December 28, 2017Education, Records, Alladmin

Vasista, an organisation involved in research and activities to popularise Indian ancient knowledge, is conducting a one-day workshop for over 1,000 high school students from Wednesday (December 27, 2017) up to February 15, 2018, for a batch of 30 students every day, to mark the National Mathematics Day.

According to B Shilpa of the organisation, Vasista has been celebrating December 22, the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the National Mathematics Day, every year to pay tribute to many accounted and unaccounted mathematicians of ancient India for their contribution to the field of Mathematics.

“To make the celebration worthwhile, this year, Vasista is conducting free workshops to 1,000 students of class 7, 8 and 9 of government and private schools. The workshop on ‘Vedic Maths and Indian Mathematics’ is being held at Vasista’s office at Kuvempu Nagar, in Mysuru up to February 15, for 30 students per day,” she said.

“Vedic Maths is an ancient system of mathematics, which was rediscovered from the Vedas between 1911 and 1918 by seer Swami Bharathi Krisna Thirthaji of Govardhana Pitha (1884-1960). According to his research, all kinds of calculations of Mathematics are based on a 16-word formulae or the sutras and 13 upasutras. It is the world’s fastest way of doing maths, where one can do complex calculations like 998X993 in less than five seconds and 7584656/9 in less than 9 to 10 seconds,” she said.

Shilpa said, “Vedic Maths is recommended for aspirants of competitive exams like UPSC, KPSC, banking, etc as it takes hardly 30-36 seconds to read, understand and solve a problem. The workshop aims at creating awareness about the importance of Indian Ancient Knowledge and its application in academics and also day-to-day life among the new generations. The participants acquaint themselves with the magic of Vedic Maths and uncover mental arithmetic and take home endless short one-line solutions for complex mathematic numbers, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division by S Vinuthan, director of Vasista Eduventures.”

She said, “Since the inception of Vasista Eduventures in 2011, Vinuthan has been conducting Vedic Math classes in various parts of the country through franchises of Vasista. More than 10,000 students and over 700 teachers have been trained across 22 states. The workshop is conducted from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Each school is allowed to send one boy and one girl from class 7, 8 and 9 respectively to attend the workshop.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by T R Satish Kumar / DH News Service / Mysuru – December 27th, 2017

These swimmers are making waves

December 28, 2017Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sportsadmin

One thing that inspires fitness enthusiasts not to miss their training sessions is Shridhar Malagi pumping weights at Jairaj Gym in Tilakwadi.

While others sweat it out, Mr. Malagi seems to do it effortlessly and that too with just one hand. Doctors had amputated his left hand after he met with an accident.

Mr. Malagi visits the gym only to keep himself fit. His real prowess is seen in swimming. He is part of the State team that won several medals at the recent national para swimming event. He won five medals under various categories and plans to compete at the 2020 Paralympics.

Mr. Malagi remembers the fateful day when he lost his arm. He was returning home in Belagavi when his school auto met with an accident. Multiple visits to hospitals, before and after surgery, and many painful nights later, he returned to school. That was 12 years ago when he was in Class 1. “I was feeling down and out. We were poor and could not afford any special school. My father works as an assistant in a factory and mother a maid,” he told The Hindu. And then his swimming story began. Coach Umesh Kalaghatagi, who trains children at the JNMC swimming pool and the Rotary sports centre, spotted him at the edge of the pool, and asked him if he wanted to swim.

Mr. Malagi hesitantly said yes and brought his parents to meet the coach the next day.

“I have seldom missed my swimming classes since that day,” he says.

In his para swimming career of over five years he has won 27 medals at national events.

A similar inspiring story is that of Simran Gaundalkar who won two medals at the recent World Dwarf Games at Ontario in Canada. The 14-year-old girl has collected 24 medals at the national and international events.

Born with Achondroplasia, a genetic disorder that restricts growth and leads to dwarfism, she was ridiculed by neighbours and schoolmates. But her parents supported her and sent her to study in a normal school in Belagavi.

“Coach Kalaghatagi spotted me and initiated me into swimming. I never believed I would do it, but now I enjoy it,” she said. She has been training since she was in Class 2.

Zilla Panchayat CEO R. Ramachandran felicitated the swimmers on Monday. He promised all help to the swimmers and their coach Mr. Kalaghatagi.

“We will help them in their search for sponsors and try to provide them with other assistance,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> States> Karnataka / by Rishikesh Bahadur Desai / Belagavi – December 27th, 2017

Once waste pickers, now successful managers

December 28, 2017Amazing Feats, Uncategorizedadmin

Most of the city’s waste managers, including pourakarmikas, are women. Of the 181 dry waste collection centres (DWCC), many are managed by women, who were formerly waste pickers. These women have not only transformed their lives, they are also helping other women move up. The batch of women managers have also earned the respect of the communities they work with.

Waste management experts say women have the drive and desire to do something good for the city and also improve their lives in the same process. “For this, they are ready to face all odds and circumstances,” they point out. These are some of the women waste managers who turned around their lives.

Annamma

Annamma has been managing the DWCC at Kamakshipalya for the past five years. From being a waste picker for nearly 30 years, Ms. Annamma now is no less than an entrepreneur, employing eight women who were also formerly waste pickers themselves. “Initially, I hesitated to take responsibility of managing a centre. Later, I changed my mind … I knew the basics of segregation. I’m happy that my decision has brought me thus far,” she said. Life as a waste picker was difficult and she is now leading a comfortable life. “What gives me immense satisfaction is that I have helped other waste pickers out of their situation,” she said.

Ms. Annamma’s centre collects nearly two tonnes of dry waste every day.

Subbamma

“I used to face verbal abuse on a daily basis, and also harassment from the police. People used to look at me with suspicion. I lived in a hutment and had no idea where my next meal would come from,” said Subbamma, a former waste picker. She now manages the Kamalanagar DWCC, sometimes guiding local residents about waste segregation.

“It has been a long five years. My journey has seen ups and downs. I now live with my three school-going sons, and my daughter and her husband in a rented house,” she said proudly.

Though she was earlier collecting dry waste going door to door in the ward, the garbage contractors now drop off the dry waste at the DWCC every day. “We get around 400 kg of dry waste on an average every day. Though I am not making much, I’m satisfied,” she said.

Geetha

Four years ago when Geetha was entrusted with the Rajagopalanagar DWCC, she faced a lot of difficulties for the initial three months. She used to work at another DWCC before she was asked to manage the Rajagopalanagar one. “I used to regret my decision … I didn’t have money for the vehicles, the contractors were creating problems. I was incurring a loss,” she said, and added that she persevered to overcome her problems.

Today, Ms. Geetha leads of team of eight men, who work with her at the DWCC. “With four vehicles, I am able to collect more than one tonne of dry waste going door to door every day. We have divided the area into blocks and have a rota for collection of dry waste from each of these blocks.”

Kumuda

As early as 6 a.m. every day, Kumuda and her team of 12 women, who were formerly waste pickers like her, come to the Katriguppe DWCC to start work. Ms. Kumuda, who manages the DWCC, instructs the three drivers on the areas they need to go to collect dry waste. “I have to start early. The DWCC is on the main road and the shops next to the centre raise objections. We are also grappling with limited space,” she said.

Despite the cramped centre, Ms. Kumuda manages to collect more than two tonnes of dry waste a day, earning her a revenue of around ₹1 lakh a month. “But that is hardly enough. After payment of wages and expenditure towards diesel and maintenance of the three vehicles, there is hardly anything left. Some months, I am forced to borrow to meet the expenses,” she said.

Sampangi

Over the past seven months, Sampangi’s confidence has grown by leaps and bounds. As a waste picker, she was wary of interacting with people. Today, she has no problems. She has been effectively managing a team of 10 former waste pickers at the Kumaraswamy Layout DWCC.

“I knew nothing when I started. Over the past few months, with a lot of cooperation from the BBMP’s health inspector and supervisor, I am able to collect around two tonnes of dry waste a day,” she said, and added that the local residents have also been cooperative.

The centre lacks water connection and does not have a functional toilet. That has not deterred Ms. Sampangi and her team. “The only problem I face is that most recyclables get picked by the pourakarmikas and contractors themselves and I’m left with low- value waste that just eats into the space at the centre,” she said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Chitra V. Raman / Bengaluru – December 28th, 2017

Monogram of Jain inscriptions getting ready in Hassan

December 27, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

A team of 10 epigraphists has so far copied about 138 stone inscriptions from various monuments.

The ASI has launched a project to copy them and make a monogram to spread awareness among people about their historical significance. (Photo: DC)

Hassan:

In an attempt to conserve the ancient stone inscriptions found in Vindhyagiri, Chandragiri and other monuments of Shravanabelagola, a popular Jain pilgrimage centre in Hassan, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a project to copy them and make a monogram to spread awareness among people about their historical significance. A team of 10 epigraphists has so far copied about 138 stone inscriptions from various monuments, including Vindhyagiri, also called Doddabetta. It’s believed there are around 500 such stone inscriptions in Shravanabelagola.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bengaluru Circle, Moortheeswari said the monogram of stone inscriptions would be released during the much awaited Mahamastakabhisheka of Bahubali in February.

“Whatever is written in stone will be brought to the people’s attention through the monogram to help them understand its historical significance and keep them from damaging them,” she explained.

One of the epigraphists on the ASI team revealed that some of the inscriptions were in Kannada, Tamil and Marathi.

A few spoke about the practice of Sallekhana or fast unto death that was practiced here in ancient times, he adds.

Tracing the origin of the stone writings, he says they appear to have been first made on palm leaves before they were chiselled on the rocks of Doddabetta, Chikkabetta and other monuments.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / by Girish M B, Deccan Chronicle / December 24th, 2017

Farmers in Hassan take the silk route

December 27, 2017Agriculture, Business & Economyadmin

Eggs stored in a coldstorage unit of the Sericulture Department in Hassan.Prakash Hassan

This year alone, 392 farmers got into sericulture in the district

Hassan district has emerged as one of the major districts in the State in silk production.

This year alone, 392 farmers got into sericulture. “In sericulture, farmers do not face losses, provided they give constant attention and work hard,” said H.D. Shivananjaiah, Deputy Director (Extension) of Sericulture in Hassan.

The department had set a target of bringing 250 hectares more into sericulture in the district in the current fiscal year. By November itself, the department succeeded in extend sericulture to 243 hectares.

With that, the total sericulture area in the district has gone up to 1,404 hectares and number of farmers producing silk is 2,244.

“A few years ago, the number of farmers in sericulture in the district was very high, but the production was low. In the recent years, the production has gone up owing to advances in technology. Many people gave up this as it demanded constant vigil and hard work,” the official told The Hindu.

In the current year, silk production in the district has reached 425 tonnes as against the annual target of 700 tonnes. The department is sure of reaching the target by the end of March 2018.

“The factor that attracts people to sericulture is the price they get in the cocoon market. Last year, the price per kg went up to 3,200,” the official said.

The department has chosen a few places to produce basic seed cocoons required for the production of disease-free layings.

Hassan is also one such area designated for production of bivoltine seed cocoon. Sericulturists from Hassan and neighbouring districts approach the cold storage unit at the grainage (seed production centre) for the eggs. “Farmers are advised to carry eggs in evening or early morning hours as eggs should not be exposed to high temperature. We have a cold storage unit, where we store eggs for next four-five months. We have already stored eggs required up to March 2018,” said Annaji Rao, Deputy Director in-charge of production of seed cocoons.

The cold storage unit was set up in 1985. Eggs are kept in compartments with temperatures varying from 25C to 2.5C.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Hassan – December 02nd, 2017

A museum soaked in history

December 27, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, Alladmin

The two domed structures in front of the district hospital on Sedam Road can pass off as one of the many historical monuments that dot the city of Kalaburagi. Historical monuments they are, but they also house the Government Museum, which has many sculptures, inscriptions, palm manuscripts, prehistoric artefacts, terracotta figures, beads, coins, cannons, etc. The well-maintained garden adds to the peaceful ambience of the place.

For centuries, Kalaburagi has been a melting pot of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Talking about the history of the museum, Shivakumar, archaeological assistant, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, said that the State government took a decision to establish a museum in Kalaburagi (then Gulbarga) in 1964 to showcase its rich history. Artefacts from different periods of time and representative of various cultures, from the Maurya Empire to the Rashtrakutas, Bahamanis and the Nizam rule are placed here.

The site

“The two empty 15th-century tombs that were in a dilapidated condition were renovated and turned into galleries. The first tomb is situated on the left side of the entrance and is bigger than the second tomb, situated on the right. The third gallery, a newly constructed building, was inaugurated in 1997. The museum has three galleries now,” Shivakumar added.

Sculptures, several hundred years old, have been neatly placed on the platforms on pathways leading to the galleries. Besides, sculptures of tirthankaras, cannons, veeragallus (hero stones), nishidi stones (erected in memory of those who performed sallekhana to attain nirvana); Sati stones and other stones dating from 10th century to 18th century and those from Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Hoysala and Vijayanagar periods have been neatly placed on platforms around the tombs. While some of the stones are carved from black stone, others are carved from limestone.

The entrance to the first tomb is flanked by two ancient cannons. A few can also be found inside the tomb. Among many idols and sculptures, a beautifully carved Natyashiva, a 12th century Kalyani Chalukya stone panel, is unique. It depicts Lord Shiva dancing with Shivagana, joined by other gods, and is carved on both sides. The sculpture, said to be part of a temple entrance, was found at Kalgi in Chittapur taluk in Kalaburagi district.

Equally beautiful is the 18th-century idol of Goddess Durga, which was found at Sedam. The Jalashayana Vishnu, a 12th-century stone panel found in Kalaburagi, and the idols of Lord Madhusudana and Shiva-Parvati are exhibited here.

The gallery also houses arrow tips and stone tools from the Neolithic era, including terracotta figures and beads, and pottery items sourced from Maski in Raichur. Palm-leaf manuscripts and models of motifs of the Indus valley civilisation are also on display here.

This apart, the gallery houses the porcelain crockery used by Colonel Philip Meadows Taylor, administrator of Surpur in Yadgir district. The collection includes a 20th-century wooden palanquin, swords, armour and a few brass and copper utensils. In the second tomb, a majority of the sculptures and stone panels are carved from limestone and date back to the first and second centuries. They were found during surface excavations in Sannati in Yadgir district and are said to be the remains of a Buddhist stupa.

Most of the sculptures and stone panels, some with inscriptions in Brahmi script, though damaged, speak volumes about the artistic skills of the sculptors from a bygone era as carving is difficult on limestone. The 12th-century black-stone idol of Lord Parshwanatha, a tirthankara, is unique as it has the carving of mango buds. The idol was found at Harasur in Kalaburagi.

Religion & royalty

In the third gallery, sculptures, stone panels and the remains of the Buddist stupa at Sannati are housed, along with a few modern paintings. A stone panel depicting winged animals with a human face bears testimony to the earliest influence of Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations on Indian architecture. There are many stone panels that have the carving of the multi-headed snake.

However, most of them are damaged. A fully intact stone Buddha pada (footprint) with intrinsic carving including dharmachakras is a delight to watch. Among the other stone panels, a royal couple seated with horseshoe archway is a unique exhibit. The museum also has a collection of 100 coins from various centuries. Six of them are gold coins from the Vijayanagar period and 44 silver coins are from the Bahmani Sultanate.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / by Rakesh Sama, Kalaburagi / DH News Service / December 11th, 2017

Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur married Karnataka girl

December 26, 2017Uncategorizedadmin

Mysuru :

Jai Ram Thakur, the 14th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, is Karnataka’s son-in-law.

The soft-spoken Thakur, 52, a Rajput leader and five-time MLA from Seraj constituency, is the husband of Dr Sadhana Thakur from Shivamogga.
Sadhana’s parents shifted to Jaipur in Rajasthan when she was a child. Before marriage she was known as Sadhana Rao, and studied medicine at SMS Medical College in Jaipur in the1980s.

Sadhana, who was active in the ABVP, met Thakur, a full-time activist who worked in Jammu and Kashmir before contesting from Mandi on a BJP ticket. They got married and have two daughters.

Apart from her practice, Sadhana also conducts medical and blood donation camps and organizes programmes on women’s empowerment in Jaipur.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City News> Mysore News / by TNN / December 26th, 2017

Karnataka : Kundapur lad sets sights on Mt. Kanchenjunga

December 26, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sportsadmin

This 29-year-old has made a habit out of scaling peaks. On May 21 last year, Harshad Rao summited the Mount Everest at 8.20 am, and is now aiming to scale the Mt Kanchenjunga, which he will be climbing around May next year.

Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m/28,169ft) referred to as the ‘treasure of the snow’ is the highest peak of India. Rao will take the Nepal route and attempt this extremely tough climb. The software graduate will also give his climb a unique tech touch. He will adapt Live Location Tracking (LLT) system during his climb. “This will help track my climb real time on Google Maps. This is going to be done for the first time in civilian Indian mountaineering history,” he said.

The total budget for Rao’s expedition is about Rs 20 lakh and he is currently working on the permissions and logistics for the expedition in form of oxygen, food and equipment. He is practising long-distance running, cycling and yoga. It is going to be a 60-day expedition along with an international team. He will soon be practising in the hyperbaric chamber in Pune.

“I am working towards it mentally and physically. The peak remains unclimbed in this year and in 2016. In 1988, mountaineers from India attempted to climb Mt Kachenjunga, but fell short of the summit. The summit is definitely technically difficult because of the presence of soft snow on its route. The death ratio is also higher than Mr Everest,” he said.

Rao hails from Ardi village of Kundapur in Udupi district. He gave up his job for the sake of the Mt Everest expedition, which was a tough one especially because his oxygen mask developed a leak. He developed an interest in mountaineering after going on treks regularly. He got formally trained from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttar Kashi and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. In 2009, he climbed the Jaonli peak (6632 mt) and Jogin 1 and 3 in 2011. He had also undertaken a cycling expedition from Pune to Kanyakumari.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> News> State / by Deepthi Sanjiv, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / December 21st, 2017

Belagavi swimmer sets sight on Tokyo Paralympics

December 26, 2017Records, All, Sportsadmin

Belagavi:

Shridhar Malagi of Belagavi, who represented India, at the Asian Youth Para Games held from December 8-14 in Dubai, bagged silver medal in 100m breaststroke and bronze medals in 100m butterfly and 200m individual medley. He was included in the Indian team based on his performance at the national competition in Udaipur where he won five gold medals.

Shridharis being trained by Umesh Kalghatgi, Rajesh Shinde and Guruprasad Tangankar. Shridhar told reporters: “He is now targeting the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and is practising hard to qualify for the event.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Hubballi News / TNN / December 22nd, 2017

In the shade of history

December 25, 2017Agriculture, Science & Technologyadmin

Mother Teresa Peace Park has an avenue with over a 100 trees created from tissue culture

A walk through Tissue Culture Avenue at St. Aloysius College in Mangaluru is a revelation. The avenue has endangered trees created from tissue culture. Over 100 trees have been produced by tissue culture at Dr Kupper’s biotechnology lab in St. Aloysius College.

“These trees form an important lung space on Light House Hill,” Fr Leo D’Souza, director of the lab said. “Research students use biotechnology to clone endangered species, some of which are hyper endemic. I vividly remember the day we planted the first cloned cashew sapling in the world in 1989.”

Tissue Culture Avenue is at Mother Teresa Peace Park and is a haven for collegians doing last-minute preparation and revision. With the fast-approaching festive season, youngsters are also rehearsing carols. Ashwin, a student who was hanging out with his friends, was overwhelmed on learning of the history of the avenue. He hugged the 50-foot-matchwood tree saying, “I never knew you were here.”

Smitha Hegde, a researcher and former associate professor said the matchwood tree (scientific name ailanthus) was planted 26 years ago. In an article in the golden jubilee souvenir of the St. Aloysius Evening College, she writes how Fr D’Souza motivated students to clone endemic trees of the Western Ghats including the Flame of the Forest.

The millingtonia hortensis (akasha mallige) creates a carpet of white, fragrant flowers every morning. Students enjoy studying under this tree. Smitha describes the gnetum ula as a “living fossil. The tree has conical bunches of flowers. It grows on other trees.”

The trees have plates with the names of the researchers and students who have contributed to the development of the tree. These are painted regularly to motivate the students and researchers to keep up the good work.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style / by M Raghuram / December 25th, 2017

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