Crowds swell at Lalbagh flower show

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
A massive crowd turned up at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens to enjoy the biannual flower show - Photo: V Sreenivasa Murthy / The Hindu
A massive crowd turned up at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens to enjoy the biannual flower show – Photo: V Sreenivasa Murthy / The Hindu

Over 50,000 people thronged Lalbagh on Saturday, resulting in windfall collections

Like butterflies, thousands fluttered into Lalbagh on Saturday for the annual Independence Day flower show. According to official figures, over 50,000 people thronged the venue, resulting in windfall collections at the gate.

The show, which was opened to the public on Wednesday, took wing on Friday with nearly 60,000 footfalls thanks to the public holiday for Ramzan. With one more day to go before this long weekend ends, the Horticulture Department expects the total figure to touch two lakh. “We are expecting one lakh people at the very least on Sunday,” said Deputy Director of Horticulture J. Gunavaantha.

The Ikebana display and the flower-laden houseboat appeared to be the biggest draws. Almost every second visitor could be seen walking out with Ikebana showpieces. George and Christina Butcher from England bought such a large display that they had to carry it together with the taxi driver, who brought them to the venue. “We don’t know how we will take this back with us. But we couldn’t not buy them,” said Mr. Butcher. “I have never seen something so beautiful,” gushed his wife.

TRAUMA OF TRAFFIC

However, the city’s meagre infrastructure once again played the party pooper. The roads leading to Lalbagh were clearly in no shape to bear the extra load. Negotiating traffic on Lalbagh Double Road, J.C. Road and Hosur Road is a tortuous experience even on a normal day. But on Saturday, these roads were practically impenetrable.

The jam on K.H. Road extended all the way to Richmond Circle Flyover. The situation was not too different at Dairy Circle, Lalbagh West Gate and Main Gate junctions as well as the R.V. Road Junction. Special arrangements were made at the multistorey parking lot at the Shanti Nagar KSRTC bus depot as well as the BBMP multistorey parking lot on J.C. Road.

Yet, hundreds could be seen stalling on the road waiting for a parking spot and blocking traffic. Policemen were at their wits end trying to wave these vehicles forward but they stuck to their ground. Commuters arguing with each other and with overworked traffic constables was a common sight throughout the day.

The crowd displayed their lack of civic sense by littering the venue. It was a sad contrast: lily and chrysanthemum blooms on one side; chocolate wrappers, ice-cream sticks and corn cobs on the other.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Staff Reporter / Bangalore – August 11th, 2013

‘SILK INDIA-2013’: Expo-cum-sale of pure silk sarees and silk products

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

SilkBF02sept2013

Mysore :

“Abhivridhi”, an Association assisting Artisans and Weavers, established in Mysore, which has successfully exhibited Pure Silk, Silk Cotton and Silk products throughout South India, has organised a six-day exhibition- cum-sale ‘Silk India – 2013’ for the second time in city from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3 at Hotel Regaalis.

The aim of the organisation is to provide access to products directly to the customers from the weavers and artisans. Various Silk Saree Weavers, Handloom Clusters and Silk Cooperative Societies will exhibit their products at more than 40 stalls.

Tassar silk sarees and suit, Kanchi Silk, designer fancy Sarees, Darmavaram silk sarees, handloom silk cotton Sarees, silk blends sarees & stole, silk shawls, silk blends fabrics and furnishing,Bomkai Sarees, hand block print sarees, silk bed covers, Assam Muga fabrics, Apoorva silk sarees, Baluchuri Sarees, Bhagalpur suits and Butti sarees, Karnataka silk sarees, Chanderi silk sarees and suit, Kota silk, Mulberry silk with temple border, Banaras Jamdani etc., will be on display.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10.30 am to 8.30 pm.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 27th, 2013

The entrepreneurial spirit that doesn’t deter these two women from selling food on the streets

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

I was strolling down the lanes of an upcoming Bangalore suburb when I came across a stall run by two women selling food items. They were very well dressed and if they stood in a crowd, no one could pick them apart from the regular IT crowd in Bangalore. And the surprising part is that they are IT Professionals. Well, atleast one of them still is while the other quit her job 3 years ago.

(L to R) Divya Anne Joseph, Cheryl George, Anto Roy
(L to R) Divya Anne Joseph, Cheryl George, Anto Roy

The two women in question are Cheryl George and Divya Anne Joseph who both were in their typical IT jobs when they felt this pang to do something more. Acting on their gut, they decided to work to their strength which was cooking and setup a stall outside their building in February 2013. Their friend Anto Roy also joined them with the endeavor. They tried the mobile stall concept to begin with but half of their day went in just explaining what they were doing and they weren’t seeing many returns. Hence they decided to stick to one place and setup the stall outside their building.

They have a Facebook Page where they update the menu (usually snacks and light dinner items) and stand on the streets, alongside the coconut vendor and others to sell their items. And it’s not something they did for a few weeks. The team of three have persisted and it’s been more than 6 months now where they stand out (in all weathers) and take in the joy of serving. “We’re not doing this for money or to build a grand business, we’re doing it for the joy we get out of it,” says Cheryl.

The ladies cook at their home and the three of them then bring the items to the stall in their cars. Anto Roy handles the other stall and the two stall together are serving around 80-90 customers every day. They call themselves ‘Street Eats’ and their average ticket size is around INR 50.

Divya is into this fulltime while Cheryl still holds her job. They don’t have immediate plans to scale and formalize but are taking it as it comes. “We’re really enjoying what we are doing and the kind of people we’re meeting everyday is just phenomenal!” says the team in chorus.

This is the kind of spirit that thrills us here at YourStory and gives us the motivation to go out there discover more such interesting people. Follow StreetXEats on Facebook.

source: http://www.yourstory.in / Your Story / Home / by Jubin Mehta / August 10th, 2013

Taste and feel of Uttara Karnataka

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
A Food stall at the 'Uttara Karnataka Utsava' organised by the Uttara Karnataka Nagareekara Abhivruddhi Vedike at Palace grounds in Bangalore./ Photo : K . Bhagya Prakash / The Hindu
A Food stall at the ‘Uttara Karnataka Utsava’ organised by the Uttara Karnataka Nagareekara Abhivruddhi Vedike at Palace grounds in Bangalore./ Photo : K . Bhagya Prakash / The Hindu

If you want to experience the art, culture and distinct cuisine of north Karnataka, head to Palace Grounds over the weekend to witness the Uttara Karnataka Utsava 2013.

When you enter, you’re greeted by loud percussion and the sight of men and women performing the ‘dollu kunita’. On display are stalls selling paintings, traditional clothes and handicraft — Ilkal saris from Bagalkot, cotton towels, the Gandhi cap, a traditional north Karnataka accessory for men — but food remains the star attraction.

Businessman Ranganath said, “I tasted the mandakki and it was a change compared to the food we eat regularly. I will try the jolada rotiand brinjal curry next.”

Virupaksha B.T., whose stall, Jolaa, had a large number of visitors, said, “Our food has a lot of variety and our USP is the spiciness. It is special, yet it is like homemade food.” Of course, a wide variety of pickles and chutney powders are also a big draw.

After all that spice, you may need some sugar andkaradantu, a sweet made of dryfruits, would be ideal. Mahantesh Savaligeppa Aiholli of Pooja Sweets said he was the third generation of a family that has been selling the sweet from Aminagad, Bagalkot, since 1907. He explained to a perplexed customer, “This sweet is made of cashew, badam, pista, raisins, dried coconut and jaggery procured from Belgaum.”

The Dharwad peda, kunda and peanut laddus are also there to add to your sugar rush.

However, there were some visitors who were disappointed. Kasturi Devandrakumar, an artist said, “The food stalls have hogged all the limelight. It could have been better if there was more emphasis on the art and culture of the region.”

The fair is on till August 11.

WELFARE

Earlier, speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government was keen to work for the welfare of the people of the north Karnataka region. They had accepted all recommendations made by the Cabinet sub-committee on the implementation of Article 371(J) of the Constitution, providing special status to the Hyderabad Karnataka region.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Staff Reporter / Bangalore – August 10th, 2013

She sets her sights on a better future for the disabled

Amazing Feats, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All
Recipient of UN’s ‘Youth Courage Award for Education’ Ashwini Angadi during an interaction in Bagalkot on Friday
Recipient of UN’s ‘Youth Courage Award for Education’ Ashwini Angadi during an interaction in Bagalkot on Friday

Ashwini Angadi from Bellary district, who shared United Nations ‘Youth Courage Award for Education’ with Malala Yousufzai, stressed on the role of education in improving the lives of differently abled.

Despite being born blind, she is a crusader for the welfare of the disabled. Angadi, who was in Bagalkot on Friday, interacted with journalists at Basaveshwara Science college. “I had heard of Malala, but had never seen her. I got an opportunity to meet her personally and share the dais with her at the award ceremony,” she gushed.

Ashwini also recalled with gratitude Malala’s words to her: “You (Ashwini) are an inspiration for the whole world as despite your disability, you have been fighting for the betterment of the differently-abled.”

That programme accorded me a platform to share my views with UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon, Gorden Brown and other dignitaries, said Angadi.

After the recognition, Angadi feels that her responsibilities have only increased but her feisty persona is determined to live beyond expectations. Angadi works as a national facilitator of the Bangalore-based NGO Leonard Cheshire Disability Centre and tours the country to motivate the differently-abled. Angadi said that she had met CM Siddaramaiah after receiving the award and he appreciated her cause.

Prakash and Vedavati — Ashwini’s parents, CGC Chairman Ashok Sajjan, principal S C Danreddi and prof V S Katagihallimath were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service – Bangalore / August 10th, 2013

Corporation Bank to open 9 more SME loan centres this year

Business & Economy

Mangalore :

Corporation Bank will open nine more SME (small and medium enterprises) loan centres by the end of the current financial year.

Inaugurating an SME expo in Mangalore on Saturday, B.K. Srivastav, Executive Director, said the bank has 16 SME loan centres across the country. The intention is to take the total number to 25 by March 2014.

He said the bank is expecting not less than 30 per cent growth in the SME portfolio from these loan centres during the fiscal.

Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Bhat, Director of Science and Technology Entrepreneurs’ Park (STEP) of the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), said banks should meet the financial requirements of budding entrepreneurs.

Responding to this suggestion, Srivastav said Corporation Bank could enter into a tie-up with NITK-STEP to help entrepreneurs. If NITK-STEP mentors and supports the entrepreneurs, Corporation Bank could extend them financial assistance, he said.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Industry> Banking / by The Hindu Bureau  vinayak.aj@thehindu.co.in / Mangalore – August 10th, 2013

Son of Esoor, India’s first free village, talks

Amazing Feats, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
Freedom fighter Huchcharayappa. (Express photo)
Freedom fighter Huchcharayappa. (Express photo)

He is 110 years old. But he is not tired of speaking about Mahatma Gandhi, the freedom struggle, his experiences in jail and the days when he was awarded the death penalty for killing government officials as part of the struggle.

He considers Gandhi as god and sings ballads on him and other leaders.

Freedom fighter Huchcharayappa from Esoor village in Shikaripur taluk, the first village in India to declare independence and form a local government in the 1940s, gets emotional when asked about the freedom movement. He has completed just his 3rd standard but speaks English, Hindi and Kannada fluently and recalls  each and every date.

He lost his right eye after a policeman hit him during the struggle, but says, “I lost one eye. My friends lost their lives for our freedom.”

As part of the Independence Day celebrations, Express spoke to Huchcharayappa. Some excerpts:

“The Sahukar Basavanyappa family in Esoor had been supporting the freedom movement. Knowing this, the British set his house ablaze. It burned for weeks and was reduced to ashes. They raped women, robbed houses, assaulted people. When an inspector and Amaldar insulted freedom fighters, the fighters forced them to wear Gandhi topis. The police lathi-charged us and opened fire. Paniyappachar, Gurushantappa and Kenche Gowda were injured. The situation went out of control and the fighters killed the inspector and Amaldar. After this, the British exploited the villagers, including the women and children.”

“The British deployed 500 men to quell protests. Many people escaped. I was arrested and put in Sagar jail. Some 22 fighters were given life imprisonment, while 11, including me, sentenced to death. But our advocates went to the High Court where six people were given death penalty and the rest life imprisonment. Judge Yarlu had pronounced the verdict on March 1, 1943. We were released on October 26, 1946,  as a daughter was born to the Mysore Maharaja.”

‘’When Gandhi visited Shimoga, I was young. We used to inspire others through ballads, songs and dramas. When Gandhi called for the Quit India movement, we declared Esoor independent. When Gandhi was shot dead, people, including women,  committed suicide as they considered him god.’’

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home>  States> Karnataka /  by Jagadeesh Sampalli / ENS – Shimoga / August 15th, 2013

Karnataka small-scale industries body to hold national SME convention

Business & Economy

Bangalore : 

The Karnataka Small Scale Industries’ Association (Kassia) is to hold a three-day national small and medium enterprises (SME) convention in Bangalore.

Kassia President B. P. Shashidhar said the convention, to be held in December, would discuss and have a dialogue with representatives of all the departments and associations of the 30 States.

The convention would also provide a platform for the exchange of views and experiences in order to help individual industries. This would help in dealing with small industry promotion, he added.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Industry / by The Hindu Bureau / Bangalore – July 11th, 2013

Jubilant Biosys announces filing of Investigational New Drug

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Mumbai : 

Jubilant Biosys , a Bengaluru-based subsidiary of Jubilant Life Sciences, today announced the USFDA acceptance of The Investigational New Drug (IND) filing for a novel molecule targeting prostate cancer.

This molecule will now progress towards the next phase of development and is anticipated to go into clinical trials by late 2013, a company statement said here.

(Jubilant Biosys, a Bengaluru-based…)
(Jubilant Biosys, a Bengaluru-based…)

“We are elated with this successful outcome, which is the result of excellent collaboration between the scientists at Endo and Jubilant Biosys. Being at the forefront of pharmaceutical, life sciences and healthcare innovation, Jubilant pursues its goal to enable affordable healthcare to patients worldwide,” President, Global Drug Discovery Services, Jubilant Life Sciences  SubirKumar Basak said.

The multi-target oncology collaboration between Jubilant and Endo began four years ago, and is focused on developing best-in-class, differentiated therapies that address the unmet needs of cancer patients worldwide. The collaboration has delivered on multiple milestones across the discovery continuum.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.timesofindia.com / The Economic Times / Home> Pharmaceuticals> Collections> Cancer Patients / by PTI / August 07th, 2013

Bangalore to host world’s biggest science festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Science & Technology, World Opinion

The widely celebrated Edinburgh International Science Festival will be on from August 30 to September 8 at Bhartiya City.

You may not be a surgeon, or a perfumer, or even a scientist; but here’s a chance to play one and have a gala time while you are at it. Come August 30, and the world’s largest science festival—Edinburgh International Science Festival (EISF)—will be in town.

For the first time, this well-known science event will be held India in the form of EISF-India. Bangalore is hosting the EISF-India at Bhartiya City near Hebbal and the event will go on till September 8.

According to the website www.sciencefestival.co.uk, which has details on the ESIF-India, the crowd pullers at the show are expected to be the four engaging workshops—ER (Evergreen Room) Surgery, Splat-tastic, Pongy Potions and World of Bubbles—which promise to keep people of all ages, especially children, engrossed with almost real-life situations in the science and medical world.

In the ER Surgery, visitors can actually go through all the steps of performing an emergency surgery in a simulated conditions on a ‘patient’ and actual surgeons will provide details on how to go about it.

Splat-tastic will lure you to experiments involving the generation of slimes and learn about polymers, and also test the viscosity of your slimy creations on a ‘splat-o-meter’; while Pongy Potions will transform you into a chemist who can actually produce, say, perfumes on the go using a fair amount of chemistry.

Children may get a real kick out of Bubble Magic, which involves creating various interesting shapes out of bubbles ranging from the tiniest of them to unbelievably huge ones.

Over the past 25 years, the festival has been making science fun, exciting and engaging for young minds, EISF and Bhartiya City officials said.

They have planned an array of interactive workshops, live shows and exhibits, besides a science circus, an international nature photo exhibition, forensic science experiments, illusion room, smoke bonanza and lego robosports, which will keep people belonging to all age groups enthralled.

Eight of EISF’s specially trained science communicators will travel to Bangalore to deliver the workshops and train the local teams ahead of the event.

EISF–India is being presented jointly with Bhartiya City, in association with Art Konnect and MyCity4Kids, and is being supported by the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund.

According to EISF, the Bangalore event could be a starting point to create and develop more science festivals across the country over the next five years.

Simon Gage, director and CEO, EISF, said: “This festival is a bold first step in our plans to present more work in India and to bring our science festival to a nation that is currently making incredible advances in science and technology.”

Snehdeep Aggarwal, founder-chairman, Bhartiya City, said: “It (EISF’s foray into India) will engage our youth and spark their curiosity in science and technology.”

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Bangalore> Report / by DNA Correspondent / Place: Bangalore, Agency: DNA / Friday, August 09th, 2013