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
A Helava community member with documents in his possession. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Helavas have documents containing the genealogy of almost all families in 10 districts
They may look like members of yet another nomadic tribe moving from one place to the other. The big difference is that people in certain parts of the State look upon their arrival eagerly, as the bundles that they carry contain documented information dating back centuries.
Helavas, traditional archivists, have documents containing the genealogy of almost all families in every village and town in Belgaum, Dharwad, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Haveri, Gadag, Bellary, Uttara Kannada, Davangere and Chitradurga districts.
Their traditional occupation is to visit every household in different groups, read out the genealogy, and add on details of new members of the family.
Perhaps, it is the only community in India that has made archiving a source of livelihood. Families offer them money, gold and silver articles, and foodgrains in return. Their inherited skills of archiving can leave modern archivists awestruck.
K.S. Korishettar, a lawyer in the Karnataka High Court, said he got details of nearly 10 generations of his family from them. “The oldest details are in copper plates which appear to be reliable. The names of ancestors of three to four generations in the Helava records are accurate. They have legal sanctity and courts have termed them valid documents in some partition-related suits,” he said.
“Earlier, people would give donations in kind. But today, most of the families pay in cash. We earn enough for our subsistence,” Fakirappa of Hadagali village said. He said they have some ancient records written on copper plates and palm leaves.
Their lifestyle too has not changed over the years. During their tour, they stay in tents and use bullock carts to commute. Women are mainly engaged in household work.
The legend has it that the Helavas existed from the days of Basaveshwara. An extensive research of their documents may unearth several interesting facts.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by N. Dinesh Nayak / Dharwad – December 13th, 2013
The taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishat organized Sahitya Sammelan at Siddapura, near here on Sunday December 8.
The former MLA A G Kodgi hoisted the national flag at freedom fighter the late Bailu Krishnaraya Kodgi stage here on Saturday morning.
Udupi district Kannada Sahitya Sammelan chairman Nilavara Surendra Adiga released the new books.
The Sammelan chairman K K Kalavar in his presidential address urged the parents to instill patriotism, respect the religion and develop helping nature in their children during their childhood.
Kundapur taluk Kannad Parishat president K Narayan Karvi hoisted the flag of Parishat.
Dakkeru Balu Yashawant Kamat flagged-off the procession, while Manibailu Shivaram Shetty inaugurated the late Kadri Narayan Master stage. The former MLA B Appanna Hegde inaugurated the exhibition of books.
MLA Haladi Srinivas Shetty felicitated the veterans for their significant achievement in their respective spheres.
The artistic carvings of different vegetables by Raghavendra Mogaveera Kodlady were the key attraction of the Sammelan.
Seminars and cultural programmes by social welfare organizations and students of different schools were held on the occasion.
The members of Stree Shakti self-help-groups, teachers and volunteers assisted for the success of the programme.
The dignitaries from literary sphere and politicians were also present.
The Sammelan reception Committee president D Gopalakrishna Kamat welcomed the gathering. The secretary Dr Jagdish Shetty proposed vote of thanks. Santosh Kumar Shetty and Prashant compered the programme.
source: http://www.bellevision.com / BelleVision.com / Home> News / by Bernard J D’Costa, Bellevision Media Network / Kundapar – December 12th, 2013
Suma Prakash and Suma Dinesh at their newly-opened office Flames in city.
Mysore :
Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a human rights activist who was renowned as the First Lady of the World has once beautifully said about women that ‘a woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.’
The saying speaks volumes about a woman’s endless capabilities that make her special. And what could be the strength of women power when two delightfully energetic women join hands together? Needless to say, they can achieve wonders. Want a of for the same? Here is one:
Meet the entrepreneur-duo Suma Prakash and Suma Dinesh from city whose story could inspire many a young aspiring entrepreneurs. The ladies who are into the business of event management since almost a decade now, set up their firm named Flames about 9 years ago, not just with a view to start up something different but also to make it big as entrepreneurs in a world so full of challenges.
What started as an initiative taken during kitty parties, ladies club celebrations or simple events in their own children’s school soon became a passion and a way of life for the two. “Back then, when event management itself was little known to the people of Mysore, we had a very difficult time convincing people as to what we were actually into,” recalls Suma Prakash, adding: “but we took every small, big and challenging opportunity that came our way and strived for perfection with every event that we organised. The journey started there and there has been no looking back since then.”
Explaining that they have organised about 100 weddings and over 200 other kinds of events such as birthday parties, baby showers, corporate events and more, Suma Dinesh says, “When we initially started it, it was a major challenge, especially because it is just us two women who ran up and down to plan and organise everything. But now, we are so well versed and have such cooperative people associated with us that it has all become really easy for us now.”
And according to both the ladies, the credit goes to their respective families which they say have thoroughly cooperated with them from day one. “It is no easy thing to let all things at your home haywire and reach out to perfectly organise someone else’s big day. There have been times at which we have both reached homes at almost 1 in the night, yet our families did not object even a single bit and thus been our biggest strengths.
Suma & Suma have constantly persevered to achieve professionalism, perfection and utmost customer satisfaction, with an endeavour to serve their clients better.
“Today, we feel extremely happy when people compliment us for the way we organise events, especially weddings. And each time a wedding gets over, we feel like we have achieved something special.
The ladies have newly opened an office of their own on city’s Valmiki Road in V.V. Mohalla. For details call: You can contact them on: 98866-19954 or 98452-71051.
— AN
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 22nd, 2013
