Rev. Dr. Jose Aikara CM was elected unanimously as the Vice-President of COBSE (Conference of Board of School Education) at the meeting held in New Delhi recently.
Fr. Jose Aikara was the founder Principal of De Paul International Residential School, Mysore. At present, he is the Chairman of the ICSE Board, New Delhi.
COBSE is the apex body of chairpersons of all school education boards in India, including National Boards and State Boards. Representatives of some of the neighbouring countries also attend the COBSE meeting. This body meets, studies and proposes new changes and policies in the field of School Education which are being introduced by various school boards.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / December 24th, 2013
Paresh Hazra’s new show marries the apple and the lotus — two seemingly unconnected motifs — in works that take you from lust to stillness
Bangalore-based artist Paresh Hazra has no problems creating a series. But it is the first painting that is like the “birth of a child”, filled with its share of joy and pain. It was the same with his new series The Apple and the Lotus that is now on display in the city, which had its inception in the sight of lotus blooms in a pond at his studio in Shantiniketan late last year. “I knew I had to capture the sight,” he says.
“After having been an artist for over 40 years, one tends to make connections and narratives,” he adds. “What becomes important is the composition of the story I want to tell.” His first painting came to being after his storyboard had connected the dots between a lotus and an apple. “Yes,” he laughs, “it was a combination that made sense.” His first painting of the series was done there and although there are 19 paintings in all, that particular painting remains conspicuously absent from the display.
It is in the possession of his second daughter, artist Aditi Hazra. “I will give my daughters paintings instead of dowry,” he says in a jocular vein. In fact, he has always discussed his ideas with his wife and two daughters. “I tell them all my thoughts before starting off with a series. When they are bad, my daughter threatens to take me to Brigade Road to see some beautiful girls.” His older daughter, a scientist in the US, joins in the discussions via the Internet.
The story for the series found approval with them. The Apple and the Lotus symbolises several metaphors. Adam and Eve ate the apple and were banished from Paradise. Eating the forbidden fruit, according to Hazra, denotes an evil mind. “With atrocities on women happening frequently, the eating of the fruit symbolises the evil acts.” Another metaphor is to connect the “aesthetically pleasing” apple with the female form. By showing it on his canvases without the complete identity, he feels that the body can be depicted as a site of victimisation. The apple in his paintings becomes a symbol of desire, lust and unbridled temptations, he explains.
The lotus started out as a symbol of peace, but by combining it with the apple, he hopes to depict the period of stillness that comes after any action. “After every action, there comes a period of silence, of absolute tiredness and disconnect — which is what the lotus is connected with. After all, even if you are quarrelling, how long can you quarrel? You have to be quiet a little later,” Hazra expostulates. And so the unlikeliest of symbols become strange bedfellows.
Hazra has seldom made just one single painting — it has always been a series, like storytelling. One scene follows the other in rapid succession. In this case, it took painting all day, every day, for three-four months in his studio, to complete the series. The apple series is done in charcoal whereas the lotus series is done in the medium of old egg tempera. He acknowledges, “I don’t go out much. I don’t socialise. I paint in my studio and remain in it like a prisoner.”
Hazra is already preparing for his next stint in Shantiniketan, where he plans to begin his new series. The idea, he says, came to him when he was helping his wife cook his favourite meal of fish. Fodder for some more unlikely themes? Certainly.
The Lotus and the Apple, till Dec 30, 11 am – 7 pm, at Gallery Time and Space,
source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Entertainment> Lounge / by Jayanthi Madhukar, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / December 16th, 2013
Bosch India , known for its technology prowess in the automotive market, has entered the Indian consumer retail space with the launch of its first home appliance store in Bangalore. It’s also Bosch’s first retail store in the world.
“India is a very different market where you have this concept of independent brand stores. And this concept of exclusive brand stores for Bosch is unique globally,” said Michael Steinborn, director, head of business development Asia, BSH (Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group ).
BSH is a joint venture company that Bosch has with Siemens AG that is the largest manufacturer of home appliances in Europe and the third-largest home appliances manufacturer worldwide.
With a plan to open 10 retail stores by the end of next year across Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Delhi, Bosch will be taking on the likes of South Korean majors Samsung and LG, and US-based Whirlpool, all of who have gained significant market share over the last decade.
However, Bosch is looking to tap the premium end of the market in appliances, carrying a 10% to 15% premium over its competitors. Last year, Bosch had announced an investment of around Euro 50 million to set up a manufacturing facility in Chennai for its consumer retail business, which would be operational by the end of the next year.
The retail stores will also include consumer products from the Robert Bosch Power Tools division such as garden equipments and DIY (do-it-yourself) products. The DIY segment had sales of Rs 30 crore last year. The company aims to grow the business to Rs 100 crore in the next 2 years through the consumer retail channel and exclusive DIY centres.
“On a global level, this is the first store where Bosch home appliances, power tools and security solutions will be retailed under one roof,” said Vijay Pandey, VP, Power Tools Division. Bosch entered the Indian home appliance market two years ago with a range of refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, but was present through organized multi-brand electronic retail channels. “Our success in India has been tremendous. At the moment we are the market leader in imported refrigerators,” added Steinborn.
By the second quarter of next year the company will launch its range of kitchen appliances such as hoods and hobs, a segment where homegrown players TTK Prestige and Pigeon dominate.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Business> India Business / by Anshul Dhamija, TNN / December 13th, 2013
Fardeen Khan and wife Natasha welcome their first child, a daughter whom they plan to bring up in Mumbai.
Diani Isabella Khan entered the world on December 11 at 5.33 pm in a London hospital. And papa Fardeen Khan hasn’t stopped smiling since. Speaking to Mirror from London, Fardeen, who was present during the delivery, describes it as an “awesome, lifechanging experience”.The 39-year-old actor admits that he was overwhelmed when he first laid eyes on his daughter, also the grandchild of film icons Firoz Khan and Mumtaz. “It stuns you, shocks you. Your eyes fill up and so does your heart, with pure love and joy,” he says, relieved that both his wife Natasha (Mumtaz’s daughter) and their baby are healthy. “Since she’s just a day old, it’s hard to say yet who she looks like. What’s important is that she has all her toes and fingers, and her brain is intact.”
Natasha, the actor’s wife of eight years, has been in London for the last two years and Fardeen has been shuttling between the British capital and Mumbai.
“Natasha has been through the worst to have our baby and today she deserves all the happiness in the world,” he says emotionally.
So which city will Diani call home?
“Once she’s done with her vaccinations and it’s safe to travel with her, we’ll bring her to Mumbai which is her home. She will be brought up here,” he says.
For now, the entire family is in London to be with the happy threesome. “My mother is here and so are Natasha’s parents (Mayur Madhwani and Mumtaz). I think it’s as special for them as it is for us. I wish my father (Feroz Khan) had been here too. He is greatly missed but I know that whatever joy comes into my life is because of his blessings. I’m a part of him and my daughter is a part of me. I’m gearing up for the life-long responsibility of bringing her up well,” he adds.
The mother and baby will be back home by the weekend and everything’s in place, from a nursery with shades of pink, matching furniture and a wardrobe of little dresses.
“We were aware that we were going to have a daughter which is how we had the name ready. Diani is Portuguese for Divinity and Isabella is a name I have always loved. My daughter will always be Isabella for me. As for her, we’ve given her two names, she can choose what she wants,” he says.
And what’s happening on the career front? “I’ve commissioned two scripts, the films should start next year. I will be acting in one of my productions,” he says. “But before that No Entry 2 should kickstart in June,” he signs off.
source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / December 14th, 2013
Karnataka and neighboring states are shown in this map from Wikipedia.
Indians from Karnataka celebrated Rajyotsava Day at the Indian consulate recently to mark the formation of their state 57 years ago.
Prabhat K. Jain, Indian consul for labor affairs, was the chief guest. Vishwanath Hegde, chief patron of the forum; Ilyas Momin, a member of the Indian International School-Jeddah management committee; and Iqbal Yousuf, founder of Jamiatul Falah, were special guests.
The program started the traditional way with the lighting of a lamp, and a song performed by Nagarathna Prasad and her group.
Krish Jangal, president of the forum, welcomed the guests. He spoke about how the state was formed and the functioning of the Karnataka Non-resident Indian Forum (KNRIF). He asked all Kannadigas to help the poor and downtrodden in the state.
Syed Nasir Khursheed, general secretary of the KNRIF, outlined the work of the organization, and how it had helped many poor people since its inception.
Jain thanked Karnataka residents here and in India for assisting various community initiatives. He advised the forum members to help other members of the Indian community. He thanked the forum for recently helping a needy Kannadiga in Jeddah.
Momin highlighted the importance of charity and praised the KNRIF. Yousuf described Karnataka as a major tourist attraction with natural beauty, flora and fauna, historical monuments and exotic beaches.
Sabu Chandra and Roshan Rodrigues choreographed programs to entertain the audience. Mohammed Kaleem, Mohammed Saif, Mohsin, Miss Rehana, Miss Nidhi and others presented favorite Kannada and Hindi songs. Niaz Ahmed, the master of ceremony, hosted a quiz show.
Manzoor Ahmed, vice president, and Sri Harsha, treasurer of the forum, said the program helped bring Kannadigas together. Yashwanth Amin, joint coordinator, and Aijaz Ahmed, the meeting coordinator, said it felt like the celebration was taking place in India.
Shaikh Saoud, Vishwanath Karkera and Mohammed Sahib praised the organizers for setting up a successful function. Alok Pattar, IT coordinator of the forum, organized games. Mohammed Mansoor, event manager of the function, delivered the vote of thanks. The program ended with the national anthem.
source: http://www.arabnews.com / Arab News / Home> Jeddah – by Fouzia Khan / Saturday – 14th December 2013
Kannada Sangha will organise its annual mega cultural event Kannada Vaibhava on Tuesday at the Al Raja School, from 5pm.
Well-known flautist and world famous fusion artist Pravin Godkhindi and his troupe are being specially flown in from Bangalore to perform at the eagerly awaited show in the Kannada Sangha calendar.
“We are once again coming together to put up another mega show to highlight our music, art and culture,” said Sangha president Mr B Rajkumar.
“Pravin Godkhindi is a household name in India and the world over for his contribution to Indian classical music and experimentation with various instruments. I’m sure music lovers in Bahrain can look forward to a memorable evening of classical music.”
Mr Godkhindi became the first Indian flautist to perform the eight-feet contrabass flute and the first Indian to represent ‘Bansuri’ at the World Flute Festival held in Mendoza, Argentina.
He has toured the US, Canada, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Muscat, Qatar, Holland, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai, Argentina and Portugal for his solo and fusion performances. He has also performed with eminent musicians like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Dr Balamurali Krishna, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Dr Kadri Gopinath.
Three prominent politicians from Karnataka will also attend the event. They are Forest Minister B Ramanath Rai, Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader and Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree.
Title sponsors are United Land Bank, Platinum sponsors Metalco, and main sponsors are Al Namal Group, State Bank of India, Prudential Manpower, Auma Bahrain and Malabar Gold and Diamonds.
Entry is free and all are welcome. For more details, contact Mr Rajkumar on 39688395.
source: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com / Gulf Daily News / Home> Local News / Saturday – December 14th, 2013
In partnership with the California-based Keck Graduate Institute, Biocon Academy – the educational arm of the pharma company – will launch the Biocon KGI Certificate Programme in Biosciences next year on January 9 in Claremont, California.
Indian pharmaceutical giant Biocon has teamed up with a top American bioscience institute to train and develop industry-ready talent for India’s rapidly growing pharma sector.
In partnership with the California-based Keck Graduate Institute, Biocon Academy – the educational arm of the pharma company – will launch the Biocon KGI Certificate Programme in Biosciences next year on January 9 in Claremont, California, a press statement said.
The 16-week course, offered in Bangalore, will leverage the industry leadership strengths of Biocon and the academic vigour of KGI to benefit participants and make them readily employable, the statement said.
India’s Biotech industry is valued at about USD 11 billion, having grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 20 percent over the last 10 years. At present, more than 40,000 biotech students graduate every year from more than 725 institutions across India. However, lack of hands-on trainings and practical industry exposure prevents many of these students from building a successful career in biotechnology, Shaw said.
source: http://www.moneycontrol.com / MoneyControl.com / Home> News> Business / by PTI / December 13th, 2013
The Karnatak College Building is one of the venues for the Dharwad Zilla Utsav on Thursday. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
280 troupes, 3,000 artistes will perform
The three-day cultural and entertainment extravaganza ‘Dharwad Zilla Utsav’ will take off at a function to be held on the Karnatak College Dharwad (KCD) grounds here on Friday.
Last year the government had cancelled the event owing to the drought condition prevailing in Karnataka.
The cost of the event is Rs. 1 crore; as many as 280 troupes and 3,000 artistes will perform, according to utsav committee chairman and Deputy Commissioner Sameer Shukla.
It will begin with a colourful procession in which cultural troupes, students, and officials will participate. The procession will be flagged off at the R.N. Shetty district stadium at 5 p.m. on Friday. Cultural programmes will be held simultaneously at different venues.
The schedule for Friday’s events is as follows:
KCD grounds: All religions’ prayer at 5.30 p.m. Folk music by Basalingaiah Hiremath and troupe; light music by Jayadevi Jangamshetti and inaugural session from 6. 30 p.m. Laser show by the Department of Information; Rasamanjari by Gurukiran and team; Rasamanjari by Javed Ali and team; dance performance by Mangalore artists (7.30 p.m.).
Srijana Auditorum: Kannada play ‘Tugalak’ by Samudaya, Bangalore, 6 p.m.
Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha: Nadaswara by D. Bhaskar; clarinet solo by Narasimhalu Vadavati; Gayana by Shilpa Navalimath, Sujata Kammar, Shridevi Shirol and Vinayak Huggannavar; Parijata by Nagabhushan Hiremath (6 p.m. onwards).
R. H. Deshpande Bhavan (KVS): violin solo by Shankar Kabadi; tabla solo by Lokesh Bhajantri; Gayana by Srikant Bakale and Arati Patil, folk music by Ratnamala Korpade (6 p.m. onwards).
M.B. Patil hall: songs and guitar performance by Pooja Prabhu; yoga and music by Police Residential School children; dance ballet by Kamalapur Rural Development Service Institute; classical music by Surabhi Suresh; flute solo by Kumaresh Konnur; tabla solo by Shamant Desai; folk songs by Damini Desai; mono act by Shejal Shetty; mimicry by Mahesh Hadapad; skating by Roshan Pawar (6 p.m. onwards).
Sadhan Keri lake park: Bhajan by Satish Shivappannavar; Karadimela by Yallappa Gorl; Hejjemela by Basappa Bani; folk songs by Prabhu Kundaragi; dollina pada by Dyavappa Pujar; and suggi kunita by Bhagya Galemmanavar, (6 p.m. onwards).
Rangayana: Kannada plays ‘Mooru Hejje’, ‘Kanaka Vijaya’ and ‘Yamana Solu’ (6 p.m. onwards).
Samskrutika Samuchaya, College Road: Makkala Samvada, ballet by Government High School, Veerapur; children’s play by Ashish Savadatti and troupe; and dalapatti show by Nityananda Khanapur, (4.30 p.m. onwards).
Kittur Chennamma Park: ballet by K.G. School, Hebballi; children’s play ‘Jike’; and talent show by children with disabilities. (6 p.m. onwards).
Parking arrangements
The district administration has issued orders regarding the special parking arrangement for the utsav.
Four-wheelers: KCD grounds to Dasanakoppa Circle road, Satya Sai College grounds in Saptapur and B.Ed. College campus near Alur Venkatrao Bhavan.
Two-wheelers: Left side of the road between KCD and LIC and KCD to Haliyal Naka road.
Vehicles of VIPs, artists and coordinating officials: on road from Uday hostel to KCD grounds.
The entry of the vehicles to KCD premises from the KCD main gates has been prohibited from Friday to Sunday. Vehicle owners are requested to strictly abide by the parking arrangement to ensure smooth flow of traffic during the utsav, stated a release from the Department of Information.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Dharwad – December 13th, 2013
Caravan Craft Retail (CCRPL), a single brand retail venture committed to the revival and promotion of Indian craft and providing meaningful livelihood to the country’s artisans opened its first store in Phoenix Market City, Whitefield Bangalore.
The products at the store combine contemporary functional design and traditional craft forms in a unique collection. Silhouettes and colour palettes aligned with international trends are blended with authentic, hand-painted Kalamkari to create graceful and elegant tunics and tops for women. Tastefully hand-embroidered pieces make a distinct departure from the usual kitsch associated with Indian craft. The finest Muslin from Bengal gives the apparel a sensuous feel.
An exquisite limited edition jewellery collection combines Dhokra with Silver and Cubic Zirconia (CZ). This collection displays one of the finest demonstrations of Indian craftsmanship. Each piece is a complex and intricate fusion of different materials and technical detail.
The fusion of technology with craft is another interesting direction the brand has taken. USB memory sticks and digital photo frames adorned with Bidri Silver inlay are exclusive. Caravan had made a conscious attempt to marry contemporary needs of a modern discerning customer and the rich heritage of Indian craft. The venture is funded by Unitus Seed Fund and NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation).
source: http://www.fashionunited.in / Fashion United / Home / Friday – December 13th, 2013
Achieving another milestone in the hospitality industry, Movenpick Hotel&Spa Bangalore in India, has recently been awarded Green Globe certification. This makes it the first five-star hotel in the country to be Green Globe certified. In line with the corporate philosophy, Movenpick Hotel&Spa Bangalore has been dedicated to the preservation of a safe and healthy environment for years.
“In the tough times of today, being eco-friendly and maintaining it, is the core of all business, said Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager at Movenpick Hotel&Spa Bangalore. “We have implemented eco-friendly practices at all levels of our operation, from people to procurement, to product and services. The core values at our property include a firm commitment to conserving resources, preventing pollution, and to act with integrity. Sustainability to us means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We are proud of our achievements, and will challenge ourselves to improve the standards, since sustainability is an ongoing process.”
The values of quality, reliability, and care are fundamental in guiding this upscale property towards best sustainable business practices. A special Green Team formed of eleven individuals from different departments, monitors the progress of eco-friendly measures, shaping and realizing the environmental goals of the hotel. The hotel uses green energy, provided by wind, and LED lighting is installed throughout all areas of the property. Waste volume, weight and reduction goals are specified, garbage is being segregated per the waste management policy of Movenpick. A reuse and recycle policy is in place and packaging is reduced to a minimum. Suppliers adhering to environmentally friendly practices, organic and certified products are favored.
As part of their CSR initiatives, Movenpick Hotel&Spa Bangalore works closely with a number of social and fund raising organizations, contributing to a positive community and environment. “Joy of Giving” is a campaign conducted every three months, and employees donate their clothes, books, and toys that are still in good condition, to fund local charities, such as the regional Snehasadan. In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the hotel strongly supports Hunar Se Rozgar, a training program creating employable skills in eligible young people. Blood donation drives, relief funds, and charitable events are organized by on a regular basis.
source: http://www.forimmediaterelease.net / ForImmediateRelease.net / Home> In Accomodation / December 13th, 2013
