Sandesha Foundation announces annual Sandesha Award to eight including Venkatesha Murthy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mangaluru :

Eminent writer H S Venkatesha Murthy is among eight achievers selected by Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, Mangaluru to receive the Sandesha Awards 2016. The foundation for the past 24 years has been honouring personalities who have made significant contribution to Kannada, Konkani and Tulu literature, art and culture and in these years has honoured 223 persons, institutions with the award in 10 different categories.

Announcing the awards here, writer Na D’Souza, president of the Sandesha Awards jury said the jury only went by the merit of the names placed before it and did not receive any applications in this regard. The jury comprised on Na Damodhar Shetty, Sara Abubakkar, Chandrakala Nandavar, Eric Ozario and Richard Louis. The awards that consists of Rs 10,000 cash, citation and memento will be presented at an awards ceremony to be held at Sandesha on January 16, 2016.

While Venkatesha Murthy has been selected for Sandesha literature award, Gladys Rego has been selected for Sandesha Konkani literature award, actor-dramatist Devdas Kapikad for Sandesha Tulu literature award, Sugantha Sathiaraj for Sandesha best teacher award, Ustad Rafique Khan from Sandesha Art award, Alexander Joel Pereira for Sandesha Konkani music award, Thomas D’Souza for Sandesha media award and G S Jayadeva for Sandesha music award.

EOM/December 14, 2015

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Mangaluru / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / December 14th, 2015

Udupi man generates power from tidal waves

Science & Technology

Udupi :

Even as the world looks to generate power from alternative energy sources, environmentalist and engineer Vijay Kumar Hegde, head of the Susi Global Research Centre, Udupi has successfully generated power from tidal energy through his small projects after 30 years of dedicated effort. He recently got a patent for his power plant design.

Hegde said, “With government approval, a single commercial plant will be set up within two years to produce 10MW. The project costs around Rs 6 crore per MW and it’s the lowest compared to hydro, thermal or nuclear plants. It’ll be one of the world’s most cost-effective power project. Udupi has a 360-km coastal belt, of which 60km is a thickly populated area used for fishermen. However, a 300-km stretch is free and even if half of that,150 km, is used for tide plantation, 15,000MW can be generated. The state requires 3,000MW additional energy. The proposed plant will have the capacity to distribute power for less than Rs 5 per unit to the government.”

The sea waves are continuous in motion with no pause in their movement so expected power capacity is 100 plus. The proposed plant produces much greater amount of energy at a lesser cost. He has plans to set up five small plants with the same design. Two have already been installed and in January, a third plant will be installed, and the others will be installed within three months. A fifth plant will generate highest capacity of 100kW power.

It is a clean energy project, without artificial dam, turbines and minimal transmission loss.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The  Times of India / News Home> Hubballi / TNN / December 03rd, 2015

Royal Family wins case in SC against MUDA

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

• MUDA asked to return unused 16 acres land and pay compensation for 78 acres.

• JSS Mahavidyapeetha to lose 15 acres at SJCE campus.

Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs & Aerial view of land to be returned.
Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs & Aerial view of land to be returned.

Mysuru :

The Supreme Court (SC) today ruled in favour of the legal heirs of late Sirdar K.B. Ramachandra Raje Urs, who had accused the MUDA of illegally acquiring 94 acres of his property during 1985-88. The 94 acres of land is question is the area next to the Premier Studio and the SJCE campus.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning after the judgement, son of late Ramachandra Raje Urs, Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs said that in 1984 the MUDA had acquired their lands by simply sending preliminary notices and never the final notice. He also said that the MUDA did not even pay them any compensation.

Continuing, Kanthraj said that, suddenly they noticed that fencing work had begun on their properties and it was only then they realised that the MUDA had acquired 94 acres of their family land and had allotted 55 acres of it to the JSS Mahavidyapeetha. In the remaining 30 acres, 22 acres was illegally acquired and houses were built by many Government officials and the remaining 16 acres next to the Premier Studio now lies vacant.

Kanthraj added saying that the 16 acres was left vacant because by the time illegal houses cropped up, his father late Ramachandra Raje Urs filed a case in 1994 and brought a stay.

In 2001, a Single Judge Bench passed a ruling in favour of late Ramachandra Raje Urs and his legal heirs. Immediately, MUDA and JSS went in appeal before a Division Bench of the High Court in 2001 and the appeal was allowed.

After this, Kanthraj Urs moved the Supreme Court in 2004.

This morning the Supreme Court ruled that in the 55 acres that MUDA had allotted to JSS on which SJCE is established, the unused 15 acres be taken back by MUDA.

It also ruled that MUDA should pay the legal heirs of late Ramachandra Raje Urs compensation for 78 acres as per the market value that was prevailing on Jan. 1, 2001 and also return the unused 16 acres of vacant land next to the Premier Studio to them.

The legal heirs of Ramachandra Raje Urs are his son Chaduranga Kanthraj Urs, daughters Tripurasundari Devi (biological mother of Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar), Deepa Malini Devi and Kirti Malini Devi.

When Star of Mysore spoke to the MUDA Commissioner in this regard this morning, he also confirmed that the case was ruled in favour of the legal heirs of late Ramachandra Raje Urs.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Wednesday – December 16th, 2015

Bandipur National Park most visited tiger reserve in 2015

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

After witnessing an increase in tiger population over the last five years, Bandipur National Park emerged as the most visited tiger reserve in the country, according to a recent study by a travel information portal.

BandipurBF16dec2015

The report by HolidayIQ says that for two successive years, Bandipur National Park was the most visited tiger reserve even as tiger tourism in the country has grown by 230 per cent.

“Based on user interactions on our portal during the travel season of October, November and December last year and this year, the number of visitors to Bandipur National Park has shown a marked increase. The interactions also reveal that tiger tourism is fast growing in the country,” a representative for HolidayIQ told The Hindu .

A senior forest official at Bandipur attributed the popularity of the national park to “increased frequency of sightings” and “accessibility”. He said the national park, which was on the road to Ooty, is a natural choice for tiger tourism. Besides, the tiger population in Bandipur had increased, which translates into higher frequency of sightings.

The Forest Department accommodations can house 88 persons and bookings are almost always full during weekends and holidays, and show 70 per cent occupancy during weekdays. In addition, private resorts can accommodate about 250 persons. The department also organises safaris in the morning and evening.

The tiger population in Bandipur and the adjoining Nagarahole, Mudumalai and Wayanad forests was estimated at 570 in 11,000 sq km of habitat, according to a report on status of tigers in India-2014, which also showed that tiger population in the country had increased from 1,706 in 2010 to 2,226 in 2014.

Wildlife experts in the region believe that Bandipur, which is spread across around 870 sq km, hosts more than 110 tigers.

Meanwhile, the study by HolidayIQ shows that couple travellers account for almost 36 per cent of the visitors to tiger reserves, closely followed by families, who account for 32 per cent, while group travellers account for 28 per cent.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Laiqh A. Khan / Mysuru – December 16th, 2015

Selected for Hoysala Awards

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

Mysuru :

Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa will inaugurate a function organised to present Hoysala awards on the occasion of 16th Anniversary of Hoysala Kannada Sangha and Savigannada Pathrika Balaga at 4.30 pm on Dec.27 at Veene Seshanna Bhavan on Adichunchanagiri Road in Kuvempunagar.

The function, which will be presided by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) Mysuru Kendra Chairman Dr. A.V. Narasimha Murthy will be attended by Prof. Bhashyam Swamiji of Yoga Narasimhaswamy temple in Vijayanagar and Sri Ilai Alwar Swamiji of Vangipura Mutt as guests of honour.

Litterateur Dr. Latha Rajashekar will release a souvenir brought out by Savigannada Pathrika while Deputy General Manager of Canara Bank Dr. S.T. Ramachandra will release the book ‘Kannadada Therannayeledavaru’ authored by Ranganath Mysore.

Writer Dr. K. Leela Prakash will deliver the keynote address. BVB Karnataka Chairman N.Ramanuja, Retired Head of the Department of Mathematics, NIE Dr.K.S.Chandrashekar, President of Hoysala Award Selection Committee K.Raghuram will be the chief guests.

Those selected for Hoysala Award for the year 2015 for their contribution to various fields are: H. Ramachandra (spiritual), MUDA Chairman K.R.Mohan Kumar (culture), S.K.Ananda Theertha (Sports), Srinivas (Co-operation), B.R. Nataraj Jois of Sandhya Suraksha Trust, Gopinath (Astrology), G.R. Parameshwarappa (Sharana Sahitya and Culture), M.D.Gopinath (Education), Doddegowda (Publisher), Sathanur Devaraj (Science literature), Dr. C.G.Narasimhan (Medical and culture), Dr. R.N. Srilatha (Classical Music), Madhuri Thathachari (Culture), Vijaya Sindhuvalli Ananthamurthy (Theatre), Prof. Maleyur Guruswamy (literature), Dr. C. Naganna (Translation) and L.S.N. Achar (Artist).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / December 15th, 2015

Krishi Jnana Vijnana Vedike imparts training for farmers

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

‘Integrated Disease Management in Vegetable Crops’

Mysuru :

A free training programme for farmers on ‘Integrated Disease Management in Vegetable Crops’ was jointly organised by Krishi Jnana Vijnana Vedike (KJVV) and Lions Club of Mysore Heritage City recently.

Dr. Vasanth Kumar Thimakapura, the Founder of KJVV and Rajyotsava Awardee, addressed the farmers on how to grow vegetable and fruit crops scientifically without the indiscriminate usage of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

He elaborated the harmful effects of these not only on the health of consumers but also on the farmer’s cost of production and suggested practical ways to avoid them.

He stressed the importance of using disease-resistant varieties, bio-control agents and environmental-friendly practices of cultivation to get maximum yield.

Dr. Vasanth Kumar suggested farmers to utilise his free plant clinic service in order to increase their productivity and yield.

More than fifty farmers from various parts of the district participated. A few progressive farmers shared their views and ideas during the session.

Dr. Lakshimipathigowda (former Deputy Director General of ICRISAT), Jayaprakash (Public Relations Officer of DRDO), Bannur Narayan (Farmer Leader) and Ln. Jai Prakash (Lions Club of Mysore Heritage City) were among the distinguished guests. KJVV Director D. Bharath and Scientists Dr. Harish, Dr. Yogesh and Dr. Chandrashekar were also present.

For any crop problems, suggestions and information on upcoming training prog., contact Dr. Harish on Mob: 98806-22979 or Dr. Chandrashekar on Mob: 97393-85165.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / December 15th, 2015

This Bengaluru man completed 190 dives in 2 years

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports, Travel
Ajit SN recently completed a 45-day world tour where he dived with humpback whales, great white sharks and bull sharks.
Ajit SN recently completed a 45-day world tour where he dived with humpback whales, great white sharks and bull sharks.

Bengaluru :

This Bengalurean spends more time underwater than on land.Ajit SN, a diver and underwater photographer, has completed 190 dives in two years and surprised most dive masters around the world.

It started two years ago when he took a diving course in Sri Lanka with a friend. “It was a spontaneous decision. I knew nothing about underwater photography or diving but I was determined to learn both,” he said.

But it wasn’t as easy as he imagined it would be. “I had to make a huge investment in underwater photography equipment because it wasn’t available in India and had to order it from the US,” he said.

While his friend left after four days into the course, Ajit stayed three more days and completed the advanced open water course which takes divers 30 metres deep.

“I wasn’t allowed to take the camera first.When I did, water leaked into a very expensive camera. Fortunately , the lens wasn’t damaged,” he said. Then followed trips to remote islands off Cambodia and Sri Lanka and Ajit was certified in technical diving. He also got a wreck diving licence but the first time was a near-death experience when he entered the HMS Hermes, a World War 2 British aircraft carrier in the waters off Sri Lanka.

“It was pitch dark and I was 45m below sea level. I had a blackout and began taking in water. I couldn’t even see my dive buddy . I was inside the wreck and saw a beam of light through a hole and began waving my torch.My buddy saw me and quickly put my mask back on my nose. It had got dislodged when I was entering the ship,” he said.

That experience didn’t stop Ajit from exploring other wrecks near Sri Lanka. And snorkelling was on his bucket list. He spent a week in the ocean in the Maldives with certified divers.

“I was in the middle of the ocean when I saw a manta ray circling around the boat. I grabbed my camera and jumped into the water at 9pm. It brushed by me many times. I got a brilliant shot and when I came back to the deck, it was 1am,” he said. That shot was among the top four trending photos on National Geographic Daily Dozens.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / by Aditi Sequeira, TNN / December 14th, 2015

Mysore University faculty bags Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Award

Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology
Dr. K.N. Amruthesh (right) is seen receiving the National Award from former Chief Minister of Goa, Digambar Kamat, at the awards ceremony held in Panaji, Goa, on Dec.6.
Dr. K.N. Amruthesh (right) is seen receiving the National Award from former Chief Minister of Goa, Digambar Kamat, at the awards ceremony held in Panaji, Goa, on Dec.6.

Mysuru :

Dr. K.N. Amruthesh, Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator at Department of Studies in Botany and Co-ordinator, CSIR/UGC- NET Coaching Centre of University of Mysore, has been given the prestigious “Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Award” by the International Institute for the Social and Economic Reforms, Delhi.

This award was conferred for his significant contributions in the field of major agricultural crops’ disease management strategies, especially for his extensive research work on pearl millet downy mildew host pathogen interaction and reporting of two new plant species to the Science, Research Publications and Teaching.

Dr. Amruthesh received the National Award from former Chief Minister of Goa, Digambar Kamat at the Entertainment Society of Goa, Panaji, on Dec.6. The award comprises a certificate, memento and a citation.

Dr. Amruthesh, who obtained his doctoral degree from University of Mysore with Government of India, ICAR Fellowship, completed his post doctoral degree research work at University of North Texas (UNT), Texas, United States of America (USA).

He started his professional career in 2002 as a Senior Scientist with the Danish Government, Copenhagen-funded collaborative research project at the Department of Biotechnology and subsequently was appointed as a faculty in 2004 to the Department of Botany of the Varsity.

Dr. Amruthesh has published more than 65 research articles in the national and international reputed journals and 3 book chapters so far on plant – microbe interaction and disease management strategies. He has successfully guided 7 Ph.D. scholars for their doctoral degree and currently 7 Ph.D. scholars are working under his guidance. He is the Principal Investigator for three research projects funded by DST, UGC and DBT. Dr. Amruthesh is also the recipient of Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) & Department of Science & Technology (DST)- Young Scientists’ Awards among others.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday – December 14th, 2015

ITF Indore Women’s Tennis Tournament : City’s Dhruthi, Karman Kaur emerge runner-up

Sports
Karman Kaur Thandi (left) and Dhruthi T. Venugopal of Mysuru seen with their women’s doubles runner-up trophy.
Karman Kaur Thandi (left) and Dhruthi T. Venugopal of Mysuru seen with their women’s doubles runner-up trophy.

Indore :

City’s Dhruthi T. Venugopal teaming up with Karman Kaur Thandi finished runner-up in the women’s doubles event in the ITF $10,000 Women’s Tennis Tournament at Indore on Friday.

In the women’s doubles final, Veronika Kapshay & Anastasiya Vasylyeva of Ukraine the top-seeds beat Dhruthi T. Venugopal & Karman Kaur Thandi of India 6-1, 6-3 in the final which lasted for just 48 minutes.

In the women’s singles semi-finals, Karman Kaur Thandi beat Prerna Bhambri 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 while Ukraine’s Anastasia beat top-seed Katy Dunne 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-3 and entered the title summit.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Saturday – December 12th, 2015

Wins Bronze in National Paralympic Swimming Championship

Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Sports

KusumaBF08dec2015

Mysuru :

K. Kusuma, Senior Technician in CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, who participated in the 15th National Paralympic Swimming Championship -2015 organised by Paralympic Swimming Association of Karnataka (PSAK) at Belgaum recently under the auspices of Paralympic Swimming Federation of India (PARASWIM) and Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), won a bronze medal in 100 mts. Butterfly Stroke under S9 category.

She had also participated in the State-level Paralympic Swimming Championship-2015 held at KLE School, Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru, where she won 4 Gold Medals in 100 meters Free Style, 100 meters Butterfly Stroke, 50 meters Free Style and 50 meters Back Stroke under S9 category.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Tuesday – December 08th, 2015