GIT student designs watch for Swiss firm

October 30, 2016Amazing Feats, Education, Science & Technology, World Opinionadmin

Belagavi :

Parth Sabnis, an electrical and electronics engineering student of KLS Gogte Institute of Technology (GIT) who designed the smart PDG wat ch for Switzerland-based Luxius M’iWatch, will represent the brand at the annual GPHG Awards event at Geneva on November 10.

Parth Sabnis, 22, is thrilled by the appreciation he’s been getting.

“The company specialises in simple yet sophisticated designs. It was a challenging task as watch design was a new domain for me. I considered it an opportunity when I got the assignment,” Parth told TOI.

Parth, who is from Mumbai, said initially it was a challenge to identify the appropriate tool for the design. After some research, he decided to use Autodesk Maya software due to its sheer versatility. After dis cussions with several clients, he decided to go for a traditional design that incorporates modern technology. The objective was to offer something more than usual ensemble of high-end watches.

Smart PDG Watch features a digital face that would run on Android Wear OS along with a fully hand-crafted analog dial. Parth said the watch symbolises two things which never stop — time and news of the world. “I did not realise the magnitude of the project until I received the invitation to attend the awards function. It couldn’t have happened without the support of the college faculty. They allowed me to got Bengaluru to work on the project and resume classes later. The college authorities appreciated my effort,” he said.

The Smart PDG Watch is a hybrid watch with two interchangeable watch cases and two time zone dials. The first watch case contains a Swiss manual winding, mechanical tourbillon movement. The second case integrates a connected smart watch movement, with a digital dial face, with a notification screen streaming real-time world news at the bottom.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City News> Hubli / TNN / October 29th, 2016

AeroMIT and their flying machines win accolades

October 28, 2016Education, Records, All, Science & Technologyadmin

Manipal:

AeroMIT, Manipal Institute of Technology’s aero-modelling enthusiasts who design, build, test and fly radio controlled aircraft, capped their performances earlier this year with two more accomplishments.
AeroMIT participated in two competitions at NITK, Surathkal and NIT, Calicut and returned with ‘flying’ colours. In the competition at NITK, the team won second and third places and at NIT, Calicut, the team finished first and second.

The first competition that AeroMIT participated in was Engineer, Technical Festival of NITK, Surathkal. MIT team’s event was called ‘Wright Flight’.

The aim of competition was to test flying skills and manoeuvrability of scratch built remote controlled aircraft and compete by executing complex in-flight manoeuvers as well as dropping payload on a bulls-eye target. This involved spot take-off and landing and stable flight.

The second competition was in Tathva, a technical festival at NIT Calicut and their event was called ‘Albatross’. Here the team required to scratch build an aircraft with maximum takeoff weight of 700 grams and adhere to limited wingspan and could take-off from top of a building and spot land on a bulls-eye. It also included points for manoeuvrability, range of flight and speed. The team won 1st and 2nd places.

AeroMIT had on December 28, 2015 outmatched 37 teams including IITs and NITs to clinch the first place in its maiden appearance in the Boeing National Aero-modelling Competition for West zone.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Chennai News> Bangalore / TNN / October 27th, 2016

Celebrating Success … : Sankalp Group : 20 Years of Building Homes in Mysuru

October 28, 2016Business & Economyadmin

Dr. V. K. Jagadish Babu, Chairman and Managing Director, Sankalp Group, seen with Nikhil Jagadish, Director.

by B.C. Thimmaiah

Sankalp Group has been building apartments in Mysuru for 20 years now and is known to be the only local builder who has managed to complete big projects. The group that started with 40 apartments near Highway Circle today has grown to building projects like their ambitious Sankalp Central Park at Yadavagiri where already 250 families stay in a community that is set to grow to 1000!

As the Sankalp Group completes its 20 years in construction, Star of Mysore spoke to the Group’s Founder and Chairman Dr. V.K. Jagadish Babu and his son Nikhil Jagadish, who with an engineering degree from Columbia University, USA, has now joined his father as Director, about their journey and future plans.

Jagadish Babu, who started off as a structural and design consultant in Bengaluru, speaking of him taking the plunge into construction industry says: “During my Master’s degree, I was working as a part-time architect for a Bengaluru-based firm and I was selected for a government job as a PWD Assistant Engineer in Gulbarga. I went there and assumed charge and spending just a day at the Gulbarga office made me think about my future and I came back to Bengaluru to complete my studies. Then I set up a small design office in Bengaluru and soon enough the entrepreneurial bug bite me and I became a property developer.”

Speaking of why he chose Mysuru instead of staying in Bengaluru where he had opened his first office, Jagadish says: “I chose Mysuru as I did my schooling in Demonstration School (DMS) and my family was closely associated with Ramakrishna Ashram here.” Jagadish Babu’s first project in Mysuru was a wing of Bharat Cancer Hospital in 1995 after which he established Sankalp. “Sankalp means determination in Kannada, and in 1996 I did not have the money but I had “Sankalp” so I named my company with the one thing I had,” he says and adds: “At that time, the concept of apartments was new to Mysuru and it was a one-man show — I was the builder and the marketing manager. Fortunately, my first apartment on the New Sayyaji Rao Road clicked and the rest is history.”

Jagadish says the secret to his success is he sees himself as custodian of people’s hard-earned money as many of them are first-time home owners and also he has never compromised on quality while making sure the properties have clear titles. This is the reason he says he has over 3,500 customers and quite a few of them have turned into repeat customers.

Mentioning about the group’s flagship Sankalp Central Park at Yadavagiri, the land which once housed Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd., that manufactured the most sought-after two-wheelers in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Jagadish Babu said that today, Sankalp Group has converted the 18-acre “Old Jawa Factory” (as called by many in Mysore) into a beautiful and sprawling neighbourhood with 500 completed apartments, 250 already occupied and another 412 planned in the next phase.

“For the first time in Mysuru, we brought architects from Singapore for designing. While the first phase of the project has been completed, the second phase is nearing completion. A unique feature about this international lifestyle project is that only 22 percent of the total land is built area and the rest 78 percent is dedicated to landscaping and open space,” he says.

Jagadish Babu’s son Nikhil Jagadish, who joined as the Director of Sankalp Group early this year, also added saying that now the Group plans to move beyond just apartment construction and will soon be setting up educational institutions. One specifically would be a Sankalp Finishing School where architects will be trained practically on live projects. The other important project he says is an efficient senior citizen’s home where the old can live with dignity, joy and confidence, a place they will be truly cared for.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / October 22nd, 2016

An app that helps one search for lawyers

October 27, 2016Business & Economyadmin

District and Sessions Judge Joshi launches Legall

Legall, an app developed by a Mangaluru-based start-up that helps in finding lawyers and has a host of services, was launched here on Saturday. First Additional District and Sessions Judge C.M. Joshi launched the app at a function held on the SDM Law College premises.

Using Legall, people can search for lawyers across the State.

A separate section has been created in the app that guides people in preparation of agreements and other documents required for real estate transactions. The app provides services required by entrepreneurs having start-ups.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Legall Uday Prakash Muliya said that they have listed many advocates on the app and have classified them based on their areas of practice. People can book their appointment for advocates using the app. This service is available free.

Mr. Muliya said that the app offers lawyers assistance in preparation of arguments. The entrepreneurs are offered solutions based on their requirements. Charges will be collected for these services and for assistance provided in preparation of documents in real estate transactions, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by Staff Reporter / Mangaluru – October 23rd, 2016

Corneal transplant gives Kalaburagi man a new life

October 27, 2016Records, All, Science & Technologyadmin

Access to higher education makes the impossible possible

Siddaramayya Hiremath, who was born visually impaired at a remote village in Jewargi taluk, Kalaburagi district, and later underwent a corneal transplant, is a happy man today. He has now been selected for the post of Second Division Assistant (SDA) in the Directorate of Employment, Bengaluru.

Born in Kanameshwar village in Jewargi, Mr. Hiremath had his first glimpse of the world in 2009, when he was studying in Class 9 at the Government Blind School in Kalaburagi city, after a successful corneal transplant by noted ophthalmologist Prashant Kamalapurkar. This corneal transplant was reportedly a first for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

“I have no words to express my joy… one of my patients not only got his vision back, he also completed his education and got a government job after passing the KPSC (Karnataka Public Service Commission) examination,” said Dr. Kamalapurkar.

Mr. Hiremath said that after gaining vision, he completed SSLC at the Government Blind School in Kalaburagi and moved to Bengaluru, where he completed Pre University Course (PUC) at the A.P.S. College.

He later moved to Vijayapura district to pursue BA at the H.A. Nandi College, Almel. He said he took the KPSC exam for the post of SDA in 2015-16 and cleared it. “It would not have been possible to continue my education beyond SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) since there are no study books in Braille. The visually impaired pursue studies any further only through audio. I am grateful to the donor and Dr. Kamalapurkar, who performed the surgery and provided medicines free of cost,” Mr. Hiremath recalled.

Mr. Hiremath lost his father when he was young and his mother Sharanamma is an agricultural labourer. His brother Ningaiah Hiremath, who is also visually impaired, has been selected to the post of a First Division Assistant (FDA) in a State government department. His younger brother and sister have normal vision.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Kalaburagi – October 20th, 2016

Great-granddaughter of Lalbagh’s creator looks to restore his legacy

October 27, 2016Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independenceadmin

Bengaluru :

Amid cries of protest over the steel flyover, which could sound the death knell for over 800 trees in the heart of Bengaluru, a ringing message to protect green spaces reverberates across the pages of the city’s past. Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel, the German botanist who was largely responsible for turning Lalbagh into the wonder it is today, often cycled around the city with his oldest daughter, Hilda, their baskets leaden with plants to raise awareness on the importance of trees.

As the city’s lung spaces shrink, Krumbeigel’s greatgranddaughter, Alyia PhelpsGardner, 55, is all set to resurrect her forbear’s legacy . In a bid to restore the dilapidated Krumbiegel Hall, Alyia too will cycle around Bengaluru. The cost of restoration comes up to £32,000, and Alyia is being helped in her endeavour by Intech Bangalore. The plan is to have the house restored in a traditional manner, with lathe and plaster.

Pointing out that her greatgrandfather was described to her in heroic terms, Alyia said, “He was affectionately known as Krumbie, and his wife as Great Granny Krumbie.”

Seated on the Lalbagh wall, Krumbiegel sipped his coffee along with a cigarette – a ritual in itself – while his family members relaxed in the garden. This will be Alyia’s first visit to the Garden City . Her tryst with Lalbagh too, is confined to pictures. “The hall, once restored, can be used as a media library for all horticultural students. He had a special love for Lalbagh. He also loved books. In this day and age, I would like to offer books and internet access. His work, and mode of thinking will come alive,” she said. She attributes the image of Krumbiegel that she carries around in her head to the many tales and anecdotes that her grandmother, Hilda Gustav’s daughter used to narrate. “One story that makes me giggle even to this day is of a tiger jumping through a window of their house in Vadodara, when the family was having a dinner party . Only Granny Krumbie saw it. She left the room, and it jumped out again.She didn’t say anything, since she did not wish to alarm anyone,” she said.

Alyia recalled that Maharaja Wadiyar had intervened twice to prevent Krumbiegel from being sent back to Germany by the British.

“He always wanted independence for India. One of his last planning assignments was Mahatma Gandhi’s tomb. One of his greatest wishes was to start a horticultural school, a dream not many were aware of,” she added.

Alyia’s granddaughter, Sofia too shares her love for planting flowers and other planting.Alyia said that she is regaling her grandchildren with Krumbie’s any adventures in India.

Krumbiegel Hall
Previously a horticulture lecture hall, it was named Krumbiegel Hall to honour the German botanist. Built in accordance with the classical principles of Greek architecture, one of the distinctive features of the structure is the Gandaberunda – the two-headed mythological bird, which is believed to possess magical strength.

The many years of neglect have rendered restoration both difficult and expensive. The lime and mortar that the British builders used cannot be replaced with regular cement or plaster of Paris.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City News> Bangalore / by Aditi Sequeira / TNN / October 27th, 2016

G Balakrishna, Bengaluru driver, wins Mr. Asia 2016 title

October 27, 2016Sports, World Opinionadmin

25-year-old water tanker driver from Bengaluru has won two distinctive bodybuilding titles – the Mr Asia 2016 and “Arnold Schwarzenegger of Whitefield” – during the 5th Phil-Asia bodybuilding championships in the Philippines. G Balakrishna, a gym instructor, is a resident of Ramagondanahalli near Varthur, who has a list of accolades behind him.
“I am proud of my achievement and hope to repeat it more often with some financial support,”I owe it to my mother, Parvathamma, and brother Rajesh who have been my pillars of support,” he said.

Balakrishna, an ardent fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, said he practices nearly six hours a day and is trained by renowned bodybuilders from Mumbai and Punjab, named Sangram Chougla and Manish Kumar respectively. Balakrishna adds that he’d followed strict diet to bring down his weight for the tournament.

“I am maintaining my position with a rich daily diet that includes 750 gms of chicken, 25 eggs, 300 gms of rice, 200 gms of vegetables along with fish for extra protein and fruits,” he said.

He has earlier won the Mr Universe Under-24 junior contest in 2013 in Germany and the Mr Universe title in the same category at the world championship in Athens in 2014. He joined the water-tanker business in 2010 in Whitefild, Bengaluru.

Balakrishna’s journey to the Mr Asia platform was not easy. Whitefield Settlers’ and Residents Association funded helped him raise funds for the competition. Despite winning the championship, he says, With no government support, I still struggle to participate in bodybuilding championships outside the country,”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Beauty Pageants> Others / TNN / October 26th, 2016

Kittur gets ready for cultural fest

October 27, 2016Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Uncategorizedadmin

The Kittur Fort will be the venue for the event.– PHOTO: VIJAYKUMAR PATIL

The historical Kittur Fort, the seat of the erstwhile princely state of Kittur ruled by Rani Chennamma in the early 19th century, is being readied for ‘Kittur Utsav-2016’, the annual cultural extravaganza organised by the district administration and the Department of Kannada and Culture.

The three-day event will begin on Sunday.

The State-sponsored festival is organised to celebrate ‘Vijayothsava’, the heroic battle the queen of Kittur fought against the British army in 1824. Since then, her historic deeds have celebrated in songs and stories.

This time of year is festive for the residents Kittur town of Bailhongal taluk, situated along the Pune-Bengaluru NH-4, and for the large number people from adjoining villages and towns who converge at Kittur to watch the cultural programmes depicting various art forms and sports native to north Karnataka and other parts of the State.

The festivities were symbolically set off last Sunday with Small Scale Industries and district in-charge Minister Ramesh L. Jarkiholi offering ceremonial puja at the memorial of Rani Chennamma in Bailhongal town before flagging off the ‘Vijay Jyoti’.

The main events will commence with the arrival of the Vijay Jyoti, after travelling through all the 10 taluks of the district, in Kuttur town on the morning of October 23. After according a ceremonial reception to the Vijay Jyoti, a grand cultural rally will be flagged off at 10 a.m.

Later in the evening, Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa will inaugurate the cultural festivities at 7 p.m. at the huge pandal erected on the fort premises.

The State government has sanctioned Rs. 30 lakh for the festivities, said Vidyavathi Bhjantri, assistant director, Department of Kannada and Culture.

All about it

It will be on fromOctober 23 to 25.
A huge pandal with 6,000 chairs and a big stage measuring 140×260 ft has been erected.
Sports events onOct. 24: Bicycle race for men and women, 7 a.m.; open volleyball competitions for men and women, 11 a.m. onwards; open kabbadi competitions, 12 noon onwards.
Sports events onOct. 25: Open marathon, 7 a.m.; stone-lifting contest, 11 a.m.; wrestling bouts for men & women, from 2 p.m.
Valedictory function at 7 p.m. on October 25

_____________________________________

Rose Society formed in Belagavi

October 27, 2016Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environmentadmin

The Belgaum Rose Society was inaugurated here on Sunday to encourage, create and develop a love for roses and disseminate systematic knowledge about the flower to the people. It was inaugurated by M.R. Kulkarni, chairman, Karnataka Law Society.

Suresh Patil, president of the society, said that the organisation would organise awareness and training programmes on the cultivation of rose. Growers would be trained in budding, pruning, fertigation, plant protection and disease control as per local climatic conditions. It would establish nurseries, gardens and trial grounds for rose plants and carry out scientific research on hybridisation and development of new varieties of rose plants.

It has plans to organise national and international-level rose exhibitions; take up exchange programmes with sister societies; set up a library on roses for the benefit of its members; and organise seminars, discussions, conferences, demonstrations, refresher courses, and lectures.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Belgavi – October 18th, 2016

Martyrs remembered at their school, college

October 27, 2016Uncategorizedadmin

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Bhushan Gulabrao Borase paying tributes to martyrs at the Banadka Government Higher Primary School near Subramanya on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day.

It was 15 years ago that Border Security Force head constable Ram Naika died following a terrorist attack on the BSF team guarding the Indo-Bangladesh border. His bravery and sacrifice were remembered on Saturday by students of Banadka Government Higher Primary School near Subramanya, where he studied.

A similar programme was held at SDM College in Ujire to remember Mohandasan of Central Reserve Police Force, who died following a terrorist attack in Manipur in 1998. Mohandasan did his PU in this college.

These programmes were organised by the district police. While Superintendent of Police Bhushan Gulabrao Borase attended the programme at Banadka school, Additional Superintendent of Police C.B. Vedamurthy attended the programme at Ujire.

Village residents came in good numbers at Banadaka school and SDM College on Friday afternoon. The Banadka School Development and Monitoring Committee on Friday opened a memorial in the name of Ram Naika where wreaths were laid. Ram Naika’s younger brother and sister participated in the programme.

In Ujire, Mohandasan’s father A.K. Vittaman and mother V.R. Madhavi attended the programme.

At the end of the programme, the district police presented a five-minute film about the work of defence forces that was coupled with information about the two martyrs.

This film had packaged this information with songs ‘Maa Tujhe Salam’ and ‘Ee Mere Vatan Ke Logon’ sung by Lata Mangeshkar.