City’s Orthopaedic Surgeon Feted

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

ProfChackoBF07feb2017

City’s orthopaedic surgeon and former President of Karnataka Orthopaedic Association Dr. N. Nithyanand Rao being felicitated at the ongoing 41st Annual Karnataka Orthopaedic State Conference in Hubballi this morning.

The highlight of the conference is an Oration in honour of Prof. Verghese Chacko, Past President of Indian Orthopaedic Association and Head, Department of Orthopaedics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.

The Oration was delivered by Dr. Nithyanand Rao, who spoke on “Rapid rise of over-informed patient – Opportunity or ‘probortunity’.”

About 1000 delegates are attending the three-day conference which will conclude tomorrow.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>General News / February 04th, 2017

Call for Documentation of Medicinal Plant Species

Agriculture, Records, All, Science & Technology

MedicinalPlantsBF07feb2017

Mysuru :

A five-day national workshop on tribal healers and tribal medicines organised jointly by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Southern Regional Centre and Anthropological Survey of India (ASI), Bogadi, Mysuru, began at IGRMS premises on Irwin Road (near Sub-urban bus stand) in the city this morning.

Speaking after inaugurating the workshop, Head of IGRMS, Bhopal, Prof. Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri said the workshop is aimed at bringing all tribal healers on a single platform for display of rare tribal medicines and to demonstrate tribal healing practices from different States of the country. Pointing out that traditional health practices across the country is diversified with changing cultures, diverse ecological conditions, geography, climate and vegetation, Prof. Chaudhuri said that every State has its own and unique traditional health practices.

Highlighting the role of tribals in ethno-medicinal practices, he underlined the need for appropriate documentation of medicinal plant species and unearthing the ethno-botanical knowledge among tribal communities.

IGRMS, Mysuru Incharge Director Vijay Mohan, ex-Director P.K. Mishra, ASI, Mysuru staff Nilanjan Katuve, Social Anthropologist from Ooty Dr. Dekka Parthasarathy, Horticulture Assistant from Bhopal Dheer Singh and others were present.

More than 60 tribal healers from Karnataka, AP, Kerala, TN, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, MP and Uttarakhand are taking part in this 5-day event which concludes on Feb.8.

The event also features Kerala massage and stream bath. For more details call: 2448231.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / February 04th, 2017

Media Academy Awards Announced

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Uncategorized

‘Mysooru Mithra’ Sub-Editor A.C. Prabhakar among 15 awardees

Prabhakar, Shantala, Chandru & Rajeev
Prabhakar, Shantala, Chandru & Rajeev

Mysuru :

‘Mysooru Mithra’ Sub-Editor A.C. Prabhakar and photo journalist K.H. Chandru of Mysuru are among the 15 journalists who have been selected for Karnataka Media Academy awards (2016).

Other awardees are senior journalist H.R. Sreesha of Bengaluru, Shantala Dharmaraj of Samyukta Karnataka, Mysuru, G. Veeranna of Vijayavani, Ballari, Siddiqui, Alduri of Chikkamagaluru, Ronald Fernandes of Deccan Herald, Mangaluru, Chini Purushotham of Tumakuru, Ujjini Rudrappa of Koppal, Hemanth Kumar of Bengaluru, Ramaswamy of Ramanagaram, Shankarappa Chalavadi of Bagalkot, Nagaraj Sunagar of Dharwad, Anil Kumar Hosamani of Vijayapura and Malatesh Angur of Haveri.

The award carries a purse of Rs. 20,000 and a citation.

Shivamogga Times has bagged the ‘Andolana’ award, while Chandrashekar More of Udayavani has bagged ‘Abhimani’ award, C.J. Ravi of Vijaya Karnataka has bagged ‘Mysuru Digantha’ award, Cinema Journalist Snehapriya Nagaraj has bagged ‘Aragini’ award and senior journalist Dr. Nataraj Huliyar has bagged ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Mookanayaka’ award.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / February 04th, 2017

Manish, Vineet emerge as YW Quiz winners

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Students hail from Chinamaya Vidyalaya, Hubballi

Manish H. Bhojedar and Vineet S. Hiremani of Chinmaya Vidyala, Hubballi, emerged as winners of the 17th edition of The Hindu Young World Quiz regional finals held here on Wednesday.

In the annual event held at Samskrutika Bhavan located at New Cotton Market, the team secured 51 points. They picked up after the first round, and increased it in the final round to bag the winners’ trophy and BSA Ladybird and Hercules bicycles.

Sutej R.T. and Saloni S.P. of SBI Officers Association Education Society’s English Medium School too started slow, faltered once, but managed to beat others to secure the second position to clinch the first runner-up trophy.

Siddharth Bhatt and J. Manoj of The Jindal Vidyamandir, Ballari, came next to them to bag the second runner-up trophy.

Last year’s champions from Lion’s English Medium School, Sirsi, Chinmay V. Hegde and Prajwal M. Yaji started off well to take lead in the first round, subsequently faltered twice with the buzzer to lose points and ended in the fourth position. Preetish and Shreesh of Chetan Public School, Hubballi, and Srujan S. K. and Shekhar Suman of Sainik School, Vijayapura, ended up in the fifth and sixth positions.

Commissioner of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) Major Siddhalingaih Hiremath, gave away trophies and gift hampers to the winners and finalists.

Lauding the efforts of The Hindu in organising the event, he said such programmes would help in instilling competitive spirit among the children.

Major Hiremath called upon the students to develop love for reading. “During the school days we have to read the maximum. Read newspapers, comics and read whatever interests you to develop reading habit”, he told the students.

A total of 230 teams of schools of north Karnataka participated in this programme, which is an integral part of The Hindu in School (THiS) initiative. After the preliminary round of written test, six teams made it to the final and played the quiz. Conducting the quiz in his typical style with peppy interventions, quizmaster V.V. Ramanan engaged the children throughout the event and gave away prizes to those among the audience who answered the questions correctly.

Sponsors

BSA Ladybird and Hercules is the national gift sponsor. This event was supported by KLE Technological University of Hubballi and BASE Educational Services Pvt.Ltd. was the regional sponsor. Other sponsors of the event were Swarna Groups of Hotels (food sponsor) and JBM Industries, Hubballi (gift sponsor) and Srikrishna Milks Pvt. Ltd(gift and beverages sponsor).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Staff Reporter / Hubballi – February 01st, 2017

‘An award places a greater responsibility on a winner’

Amazing Feats, Records, All
Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram presenting the Karnataka State Jeeva Rakshak Prashasti to Rajesh Gopalrao Khatavkar on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations in Belagavi.
Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram presenting the Karnataka State Jeeva Rakshak Prashasti to Rajesh Gopalrao Khatavkar on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations in Belagavi.

“An award in recognition of social service or contribution to society is not an end in itself. Instead, it implies a greater responsibility on the part of the recipient,” said Karnataka State Jeeva Rakshak Prashati awardee Rajesh Gopalrao Khatavkar. Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram had presented him with the award during the Republic Day celebrations in Belagavi.

A few months ago, two senior citizens were seriously injured in an accident on Fort Road in the city. They were hit by a reckless motorcycle rider. Mr. Khatavkar, who was passing by then, rushed them to the district government hospital and ensured that they received immediate medical help. He did not wait for the ambulance to arrive. The injured victims survived the accident, which could have been fatal.

What followed, however, were days of unexpected ordeal from the police, who kept calling him in connection with the accident. Finally, his name was recommended to the district administration for the award.

Mr. Khatavkar, an engineer and a social activist, is also the winner of the Godfrey Philips National Bravery Award. He was recently conferred with the CID Gallantary Award that carried a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a gold medal and a memento. He has received several awards for his acts of bravery, including stopping a bank robbery a few years ago. These were conferred upon him by the President, the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to a section of the media here on Tuesday, he appealed to citizens to play a proactive role instead of being mute spectators to various unexpected happenings, or looking at someone else to do or lead.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Belagavi – February 01st, 2017

‘Guerillas’, ‘bombers’ march into Bengaluru

Amazing Feats, Education
Corporate executives making seedballs using native seeds and cow dung
Corporate executives making seedballs using native seeds and cow dung

Bengaluru :

Students, corporates and NGOs have turned ‘bombers’ to save the city from becoming a concrete jungle. There is no cause for worry though, the ‘bombs’ aren’t explosives but mud balls that hold seeds.

If they come to pass any degraded land, they make a seedball and hurl it over the fencing or wall.
Some NGOs say that they have thrown over lakhs of seedballs in and around the city. Students and corporates say they have shot about thousands. The idea is to green the city once more.

One-foot Tall Forests
Uttishta Bharata, a Bengaluru-based NGO, took to seed-balling in 2015. In their first outing, the seedballs were scattered in the foothills of the Madhugiri mountains in Tumkuru. “The plants are now about one foot tall,” says Neeraj Kamath, co-ordinator with the NGO.

Citizens turn ‘bombers’ to save the city from becoming a concrete jungle
Citizens turn ‘bombers’ to save the city from
becoming a concrete jungle

The same NGO, last year, tossed 3.5 lakh seedballs with the help of school students. “Some primary school students and those in Classes 8 to 10 participated in the seedball fest last June and they thoroughly enjoyed it,” says Asha, school teacher of Agara School.

Children Are Best Recruits

Hundreds of seedballs were distributed that were tossed along a 5 km stretch of Kanakapura Road, says Asha. “Children are the best people to do this,” says Neeraj. “They are enthusiastic and love throwing these balls.”  The appeal lies in the simplicity of throwing the seedballs instead of the elaborate digging.
The seedballs are thrown in common land areas on the side of the streets or the land surrounding the lakes.

Terra Taala, a social enterprise and a subsidiary of Art Plantz, a plant incubating platform, also started seed-balling (or seed bombing, as it is also known) in 2015. They conduct workshops for students and corporates and usually prefer scattering the seeds in the outskirts of the city such as Tumakuru, Kolar and villages beyond Bengaluru.

‘Green Terrorists are a Must’

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Regina Gurung / Express News Service / January 31st, 2017

A Good Samaritan

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Uncategorized

An award in recognition of some good social service or contribution to the society is not an end itself but puts up greater responsibility on individuals, says the Karnataka State ‘Jeeva Rakshak Prashasti’ winner Rajesh Gopalrao Khatavkar of Belagavi city.

A few months ago, two senior citizens were seriously injured in an accident on Fort Road in the city. They were hit by a motorbike rider from the rear. They fell down in a pool of blood oozing out from head injuries and injuries in other parts of their body. Mr. Khatavkar, who was passing by, immediately shifted them to the district government hospital and ensured quick medical help instead of calling and waiting for an ambulance to arrive. The injured victims survived the accident.

But, what followed was days of unexpected ordeal with the police often calling him in connection with the accident. Finally, his name was recommended to the district administration for the award, which was presented to him on the occasion of Republic Day by Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram.

Speaking to a section of the media here on Tuesday, he appealed to citizens to play a proactive role instead of being mute spectators to various unexpected happenings, in order to save life and property.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Belagavi – January 31st, 2017

Ravalkatta Baba, revered guardian of the night

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Belagavi  :

Almost six decades ago, he walked the streets of Sangargali and neighbouring villages at night, guarding them from thieves and other crimes. Ravalkatta Baba went on to become a local hero and was so revered that villagers built a temple in his honour.

The temple is built on the spot where Ravalkatta Baba used to rest | tushar a majukar
The temple is built on the spot where Ravalkatta Baba used to rest | tushar a majukar

The initiative to build the temple was taken up by ex-serviceman Vasant Bandodkar, a resident of Sangargali. He recalls stories of Baba roaming Sangargali, Gunji and nearby villages with a stick fitted with a bell in one hand and a lamp in the other. As he moved around, he would tap the stick on the ground, sounding the bell every time.

After his death, other watchmen tried to take Baba’s place but one of them died and another fled due to unknown reasons. Some villagers believe they can still hear the sound of Baba’s bell.
Bandodkar said in 2006 villagers decided to build a temple to honour his service. “We searched the whole forest for 3-4 days along with forest department personnel, but could not find the spot where Baba used to sit.

One day, as we were searching, an old man from a neighbouring village was passing by and asked us what we were searching for. He directed us to a spot. When we cleaned the bushes, we found the platform on which the Baba used to rest.

BabaBF29jan2017

We built the temple at this spot and cleaned up the platform,” said Bandodkar.
Villagers used to earlier conduct a jatra (fair) once a year. Devotees sacrifice hens, goats and sheep at the temple as part of the pooja. “Baba used to take a train every day to the village and he would arrive at the neighbouring Gunji railway station around 12 noon. It became a practice to sacrifice the animal only after 12 noon or after hearing the sound of an approaching train,” he said.

In 2012, however, the practice of conducting the jatra was stopped by villagers after seniors of the village said it was improper. Forest department too objected to the jatra, saying it was disturbing wildlife.
But this hasn’t stopped devotees from thronging the temple. The temple is open only on Sundays and Wednesdays, but devotees visit throughout the week. Villagers from Sangargali, Gunji and surrounding villages, and from neighbouring states like Goa and Maharashtra make their journey to the temple to seek Baba’s blessings. The temple restricts entry to women. With the temple gaining such popularity, a local MLA provided `2.5 lakh for development of the temple a few years back.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Tushar A Majukar / Express News Service / January 29th, 2017

Mysuru-Born Vikas Gowda chosen for Padma Shri Award

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports

VikasGowdaBF28jan2017

New Delhi:

Olympian and Mysuru-born Vikas Gowda has been chosen for the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Government of India. The Government of India announced Padma Awards 2017 on Jan. 25.

Discus thrower Vikas represented India at four Olympics-2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London & 2016 Rio.

The athlete from Mysuru, based in the US, Vikas also made India proud by winning two consecutive gold medals at the Asian championships in Pune, Indian in 2013 and Wuhan, China in 2015.

He also won the gold medal at Glasgow Commonwealth games in 2014.

Vikas Gowda is the son of Shive Gowda, a former Mysore University athlete, who initially was based in Saraswathipuram, Mysuru and later on shifted to the US for better prospects.

PERSONAL BEST – OUTDOOR: Shot Put- 19.62 Atlanta, GA 13 May 2006; Shot Put (6kg)- 19.30 Kingston, JAM 16 July 2002; Discus Throw- 66.28 Norman, OK 12 April 2012; Discus Throw (1.750kg)- 56.93 Kingston, JAM 17 July 2002; PERSONAL BEST – INDOOR Shot Put- 19.60 Chapel Hill, NC 18 February 2005.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 27th, 2017

Bengaluru woman braves Russia’s ‘highway of bones’

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Daunting task: Nidhi Tiwari completed 5,080 km from Yakutsk to Magadan and back. | Photo Credit: Handout E Mail
Daunting task: Nidhi Tiwari completed 5,080 km from Yakutsk to Magadan and back. | Photo Credit: Handout E Mail

Adventure lover flew to Yakutsk and drove East solo for 14 days along icy roads, to Magadan and back

Even for experienced drivers at home in extreme terrain, the route to the icy Russian village Oymyakon, dubbed the Pole of Cold, and Magadan beyond can be daunting. So when Nidhi Tiwari, an outdoor educator and a passionate driver from Bengaluru steered her Toyota Prado through –50° C temperatures, many Russian villagers were surprised.

The 36-year-old adventure lover and mother of two completed her 5,080 km solo expedition from Yakutsk to Magadan and back, through the coldest regions of Sakha Republic to become the first Indian to get there.

Ms. Tiwari, born in Dharwad and raised in Bengaluru, wears her badge for inter-continental expeditions proudly. “My drive from New Delhi to London in 2015 put me on the road for 97 days, covering 23,800 km across 17 countries,” she says. She zeroed in on Oymyakon in December 2016, as she wanted to see the coldest place on earth, and take the treacherous ‘Highway of Bones’ route from Yakutsk to Magadan, viewed by some as one of the world’s most dangerous roads.

The trip started with a flight to Yakutsk, followed by the drive for 14 days with a low temperature record of –59° at Ustnera near Sakha Republic. “I would drive for 14 hours a day on rough snow and ice. Even a minute’s exposure would freeze me with pain,” the explorer says.

During the trip, she had Skype conversations with 5,000 school children in India on what she saw.

With many geographical surprises popping up en route, adaptability was crucial. “The weather pierces the skin, and one has to deal with fatigue,” she says. What helped her was perfect four months of road-mapping and planning. Her SUV achieved an average of 12 km per litre.

Villagers surprised

As she covered the miles to Magadan, people could only stare in disbelief that someone from faraway India had made it to Oymyakon. “Shocked people offered free food and told me that I was crazy to be driving there,” says Ms. Tiwari who had to get used to just reindeer and horse meat with hot soup.

As the goal was reached, historian Vasielia Tamara Yagerovna of the Russian Geographic Society said on Facebook that the list of visitors from 47 countries to Oymyakon now had an Indian name, the first.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – January 27th, 2017