For the first time, a priest from coastal region is canonized

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Mangaluru :

Most Rev Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bengaluru diocese, said let the shrine of Blessed Joseph Vaz satiate the spiritual hunger of those who approach in need of strength.

The Archbishop on Friday unveiled the statue of St Joseph Vaz to mark the end of the three-day celebration of the canonization of the saint at the Miracle Hill shrine. The Archbishop also launched a free meal programme for devotees by pouring rice into a pot. The shrine will provide free meals once a week to devotees on Friday.

The celebrations were a bit dampened after chief minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet colleagues missed the event due to state mourning announced in the wake of the death of former governor Rameshwar Thakur on Thursday.

This is the first time a priest from the coastal region has been elevated to sainthood.

The statue of Blessed Joseph Vaz was brought to the shrine in a procession from Panir to Mudipu in a decorated vehicle on January 9, in the run-up to the event. Pope Francis on January 14 raised Blessed Joseph Vaz, who performed miracles on the hill of Mudipu, to the altar of sainthood in Sri Lanka.

Earlier during the mass, Mangaluru Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, PRO Fr William Menezes, and others took part. In his homily, Moras said Blessed Vaz brought more people near God with his work and dedication. Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza said apart from his missionary work, his service to society in helping the needy was exemplary.

Who’s the saint:

Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651, in Benaulim, Goa. He was the third son of Christopher Vaz and Miranda. He became a priest in 1676 and served in different parishes of Goa till 1681. Later, he was sent to Canara. Fr Joseph Vaz travelled from Goa barefoot. He served in Honnavar, Basrur, Kundapur, Gangolli, Mulki, Mangaluru and Panir. He was miraculously saved from an attempt on his life in 1684 while serving as the parish priest of Panir Church.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangaluru / TNN / January 17th, 2015

Moment of glory for Bengaluru woman

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Komala J. and G. Sudhakar Babu, parents ofSub-Lieutenant Hema S. (inset), display a photograph of their daughter, in Bengaluruon Sunday.— Photo: Sudhakara Jain
Komala J. and G. Sudhakar Babu, parents ofSub-Lieutenant Hema S. (inset), display a photograph of their daughter, in Bengaluruon Sunday.— Photo: Sudhakara Jain

A woman from the city will be part of the Navy’s first-ever all-woman marching contingent at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Monday.

When Sub-Lieutenant Hema S. (23) marches up the Rajpath and salutes the most powerful leaders, her parents G. Sudhakar Babu, an autorickshaw driver, and Komala J., a typist with the Karnataka Milk Federation, will stay glued to the television and take part in their daughter’s moment of glory.

“This is such a rare distinction and we couldn’t be prouder. As both my wife and I are severely diabetic, we can’t make it to Delhi. But we won’t miss a moment of it,” says Mr. Babu, a resident of Marenahalli.

Sub-Lieutenant Hema has treated a rough terrain to achieve success. While her father ferried passengers to fund his daughter’s education and her mother toiled hard at work and at home, Hema also took up part-time jobs while pursuing her studies.

“Hema got a government quota seat to pursue electrical engineering course. But there wasn’t enough money to fund her education. Without complaining she took up odd jobs till the last semester to reduce burden on us,” says Mr. Babu.

In 2014, when her course was nearing completion, she had two paths to choose from: a cushy, high-paying job at a software company or short-service commission of the Navy. “She didn’t hesitate to join the Navy. She had always wanted to serve the country. In fact she worked as a volunteer for an NGO during her college days, and even aired her desire to become a politician,” says her proud father.

After training in Kerala, Ms. Hema was posted to Gujarat for a four-week training. However, within four days she was called to New Delhi for training for the Republic Day parade.

“They start training at dawn, and I’m sure it must be very cold there. But she hasn’t complained even once. The Navy must have toughened her,” adds Mr. Babu.

Hema S. to be part of the Navy’s first-ever all-woman marching contingent at the Republic Day parade

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Mohit. M. Rao / Bengaluru – January 26th, 2015

100 and still fresh

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MysooroMalligeBF27JAN2015

Today is the birth centenary of K.S. Narasimhaswamy, a poet known for a language and style that was simple and quintessentially Old Mysore

The notion of love and its expression may have changed over a generation, but K.S. Narasimhaswamy holds his place in the Kannada literary canon as the ultimate “poet of love”. His best known workMysooru Mallige, published in 1942, still is fresh and fragrant.

Monday marks the birth centenary of K.S.Na., born on January 26, 1915.

A poet known for a language and style that was simple and quintessentially Old Mysore, K.S.Na’s early poetry (including the iconic Mysooru Mallige) celebrated conjugal love and portrayed images of middle-class life.

It’s a world of ordinary men and women with their simple pleasure, but not devoid of tensions and strife. His early poetry won him a great fan following, but proponents of the ‘Navya’ (modern) tradition also mocked him as ‘pushpa kavi’, implying that he was too romantic and incapable of “more serious” preoccupations.

Though K.S.Na’s great popularity still rests on his image as a ‘love poet’, his later poetry proved his detractors wrong. Poems like ‘Tereda Baagilu’ and ‘Gadiyaradangadiya Munde’ are testimony to his poetic genius that far surpassed his image. This was acknowledged by firebrand journalist and critic late P. Lankesh, who was once scathing on K.S.Na’s ‘romanticism’.

Writer and critic Narahalli Balasubrahamanya argues that Mysooru Mallige’s popularity overshadowed the “real potential” of K.S.Na. He read moderns like Ezra Pound and T.S. Elliot and was influenced by Robert Burns. The native Kannada idiom and poetry of 16th Century poet Ratnakaravarni shaped his sensibility, Mr. Balasubrahmanya said.

Poet H.S. Venkateshamurthy says that though family remained the central metaphor of K.S.Na’s poetry, the definition of family itself grew and evolved to include the whole world, taking on a metaphysical dimension.

Describing his oeuvre in a nutshell, critic G.S. Amur describes K.S.Na as “a poet of the earth, its joys and sorrows, its beauty and ugliness”.

Poetic inspiration

K.S. Narasimhaswamy’s collection of poems Mysooru Mallige, published in 1942, has seen more than 32 reprints and was long regarded as an ideal gift for newly-married couples in Karnataka. National award-winning director T.S. Nagabharana made a film based on the poems, popularised by Sugama Sangeeta (light music) singers of the State. This was the first such film in Kannada where a story was written with the framework provided by poems. K.S.Na’s poems have been used by various film directors, including Chaduranga and N.C. Rajan, in their movies.

KSNa on Peotry

“What is a poem? I have no idea. Eyes are boats as tiny as shells, but the view is a beast as vast as the ocean. I grope for an answer as I write.”

“I have worked for long as a clerk in government offices. I have been through many hardships of life. All that pain has metamorphosed into the fragrance of poetry, giving me equanimity.”

January 26, 1915: Born in Kikkeri in Mandya district

1977: Conferred Sahitya Akademi Award for Tereda Bagilu

1995: Awarded Pampa Prashasti

1991: Presides over 60th Kannada Sahitya Sammelan, Mysuru

1996: Named Fellow of Sahitya Akademi

December 27, 2003: Passes away in Bengaluru

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Muralidhara Khajane and Bageshree S. / Bengaluru – January 26th, 2015

29 from State get police medals

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Twenty-four police personnel and five Home Guards have been selected for the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Republic Day. The awards will be presented during the Republic Day parade held at the Manekshaw Parade ground here on Monday.

N. Shivakumar (Inspector-General of Police, Police Headquarters, Bengaluru); C.H. Pratap Reddy (Inspector-General of Police, Internal Security Division, Bengaluru); Babu Rajendra Prasad (Deputy Commissioner of Police – Bengaluru Traffic East) and D. Narayanaswamy (Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta, Ramanagaram) have been selected for the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service.

H.T. Duggappa (Superintendent of Police, State Intelligence, Bengaluru); R. Lakshman (Additional Superintendent of Police, Tumakuru); M.I. Jameel (Additional Superintendent of Police, Kolar); C.N. Janardhan (Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID, Bengaluru); M. Vijayakumar (Deputy Superintendent of Police, Central Zone, Bengaluru); H.N. Venkatesh Prasanna (Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mangaluru); D.D. Malagi (Deputy Superintendent of Police, Hospet Subdivision, Ballari); S. Babushankar (police inspector –Wireless Control Room, Bengaluru); Mohammed Mohsin (police inspector, Wireless Control Room, Kalaburagi); B. Bhojaraju (assistant sub-inspector, City Armed Reserve, Headquarters, Bengaluru); S.M. Raghavendra Rao (assistant sub-inspector, Wireless, DGP Control Room, Bengaluru); M. Narayanaswamy (assistant reserve sub-inspector, Munirabad); N. Ramanna (assistant sub-inspector, Special Branch, Mandya); V. Kariyanna (head constable, City Crime Records Bureau, Bengaluru); Ananda K. Deshpande (head constable, Hubballi-Dharwad); V. Narayanappa (head constable, State Intelligence, Bengaluru); D. Mahadevaiah (head constable, 3rd Bn., KSRP, Bengaluru); P.M. Ravindra (head constable, 5th Bn., KSRP, Mysuru); N.U. Aiyyanna (head constable, 5th Bn., KSRP, Mysuru), and Shivappa A. Nilankar (head constable, Kalaburagi) have been selected for Police Medal for meritorious service.

Home Guards and Civil Defence

While L. Lakshminara-simha (Second-in-command, Home Guards, Ballari district) has been selected for the Distinguished Medal, Shivakumar (instructor, Home Guards and Civil Defence Academy, Bengaluru), Chaluva Shetty (head constable, Home Guards and Civil Defence Academy, Bengaluru), Shivanna (driver, Home Guards, Hassan) and M.S. Sharieff, (Divisional Warden, Civil Defence, Bengaluru) have been selected for the Meritorious Medal.

The awards will be presented at Manekshaw Parade ground today

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – January 26th, 2015

Artificial waterfall to bring magic to Jog round the year

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Bengaluru :

The world famous Jog, the second highest plunge waterfall in the country, will soon enthrall visitors round the year.

All the four cascades of the 252 metre-high falls — the majestic Raja, the graceful Rani, the swift Rocket and boisterous Roarer — will be in full splendor through the year as the Jog Management Authority (JMA) plans to re-circulate its water during non-rainy seasons.

Two companies have come forward to take up the project following a global tender and work is expected to start before this rainy season. Once installed, it will be world’s tallest feature of its kind, JMA officials claim.

“The full view of Jog is available to tourists only for four months (July to October) during rainy season. With Jog lacking other features required for a popular tourist destination, the number of foreign and local tourists is considerably less in the year. This is why we approached experts for a solution,” a senior JMA official told TOI.

HR Viswanath, consultant for JMA and the brain behind the project, said the magic of artificial waterfall will be realized through re-circulation method. “Using a reversible pump, the water will be pumped up through a 1,200 mm diameter pipe from the storage pond constructed at the bottom of the falls. A 3-mtr high anicut (dam) constructed upstream the Sitakatte Bridge will receive the pumped water. Then 200 cusecs of water will be let out the four sluice gates of the anicut in off seasons,” he explained.

Asked about the electricity requirement and cost of pumping water upstream, Vishwanath said the water cascading down will generate electricity with the help of a mini power station installed at the bottom of the falls. The pump will get power from the station, and the system won’t need extra power supply unless it is emergency.

Viswanath, who is former principal of BMS College of Engineering, said the technology is of double advantage as the project will be able to generate excess electricity during rainy season from the same pump by letting the waste water down. There will be no pumping up of water from the bottom during rainy season.

“The electricity produced will be surplus after meeting the required quantity for pumping purposes which can be used by the Sharavathi power grid. The project manager can also make profits by selling the excess power,” he added.

Another JMA official said two companies — National Buildings Construction Corporation, New Delhi; and an Abu Dhabi-based company owned by BR Shetty, an NRI businessman and Padma awardee — have come forward to take up the project under the build-operate-transfer model. “Once the detailed project report is ready, we will finalize the company for project implementation. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 350 crore and we are expecting the ground work to begin before July this year,” he added.

How it works

A sump to hold 23,000 cubic ft water will be built at the bottom of 252 mtr (820 ft) fall.

Using a reversible pump, water will be lifted via 1200 mm diameter pipe to a 3 metre tall anicut (dam) constructed upstream. A power pump of 20 kilowatt per hour is necessary for the purpose.

200 cusecs water let out from the four sluice gates of the anicut to create the normal beautiful jog falls.

The water cascading down will also generate electricity with the help of a mini power station installed at the bottom of the falls. The power is sufficient to pump back the water and mechanism will keep the system round the clock. Water lost in evaporation is negligible say experts.

During rainy season, power generated is an advantage as there will be no need to pump the water upstream.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / by Rohith B R, TNN / January 26th, 2015

Team Mangalore set to wing its way to Dubai International Kite Festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

Mangaluru :

City based intrepid group of kite flyers – Team Mangalore are headed for the fourth Dubai International Kite Festival. They are going there on an official invitation at the event organised by Classic Concepts LLC, an event management company in connection with Dubai Shopping Festival that will end on February 1. The kite festival will be held at Jumeira Beach from January 29 to 31.

This unique kite festival will showcase some of the best kites flown by flyers of international fame around the world. Team Mangalore (India), a regular in international kite flying scene will be represented by Sarvesh Rao B, the founder of the team, Nitin J Shetty, Subhash Pai and Sathish Rao. Kites of all shapes and sizes will be on display including some massive character and theme based kites.

These include the Garuda, Yakshagana, Pushpaka, Delta Devil kites and many more. The team’s new creation Vibhishana will be added attraction to this event. It will be an annual gathering of all the kite lovers in the Middle-East. Earlier, Team Mangalore has participated in various International Kite Festivals held at Canada, UK, France, Thailand, Korea, Italy, and Hong Kong, Sri Lanka among other nations.

Team Mangalore incidentally had unveiled Vibhishana at an international Kite festival at France winning accolades from the people of France. In addition to Vibhishana, the Team is going to showcase their other variety of kites including Yakshagana, Kathakkali – the largest kite in India and also various other kites such as Garuda, Delta Devil, Durga, Owl, Pushpaka Vimana, Bird, Bat Series.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangaluru / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / January 25th, 2015

A vocal advocate of women’s political rights

Leaders
Sarojini Mahishi (fourth from left) at the first State-level conference of women writers in Bangalore on March 16, 1985.— file photo: T.L. PRABHAKAR
Sarojini Mahishi (fourth from left) at the first State-level conference of women writers in Bangalore on March 16, 1985.— file photo: T.L. PRABHAKAR

Sarojini Mahishi, former Union Minister, passed away in New Delhi on Sunday

The name of Sarojini Mahishi, former Union Minister who passed away in Delhi on Sunday, is referred to every time the question of representation to locals in jobs comes up.

The much-quoted report submitted by a committee headed by her in 1986, which recommended job reservation to locals, however, has remained on paper.

Though she is remembered mostly in the context of her unimplemented report, Ms. Mahishi was a force to reckon with in politics in her heyday. She was elected to the third Lok Sabha in 1962, making her the first woman from Karnataka to achieve this distinction. Ms. Mahishi had bagged 71.68 per cent of polled votes from Dharwad North on Congress ticket. She was one of three women from across the country to have bagged more than 70 per cent votes that year.

When this correspondent had contacted the octogenarian ahead of the 2014 elections, she had said with pride, “I did not lobby for a ticket. I spent less than Rs. 10,000 for the election then.”

A lawyer and writer, it was her interest in social service that had drawn her into politics. Ms. Mahishi won the next three elections and served as Minister in the Cabinet of the late Indira Gandhi.

She translated Indira Gandhi’s speeches from Hindi to Kannada during her campaigns in Karnataka. Ms. Mahishi was a votary for more representation for women in politics. “Not just 33 per cent, women should have 50 per cent presence in the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies,” she had told The Hindu .

Women’s role

She believed that women can play a role in “cleansing politics” and had said she “wouldn’t mind” contesting elections again for the cause, if given a ticket.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Bageshree S. / Bengaluru – January 26th, 2015

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WHEN SAROJINI MAHISHI MET MYSORE MAHARAJA…

Sir,

Karnataka has lost a distinguished Kannadati, an early woman Parliamentarian, a multi-lingual literary figure and a protector of Kannadigas’ job quota, in the death of Sarojini Mahishi. While I was serving in Mysore, I had to fix a meeting of her with Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar and his Huzur Secretary M. Narayanaswamy had arranged for it at the Summer Palace. She had come with her advocate-sister Hemalata Mahishi.

When we reached the Palace, there was already Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao and another Philosophy Professor waiting for an evening discussion with the Maharaja on his request. We were first taken inside by Narayanaswamy who introduced us.

I still remember the very delicious Mysore masala dosa and coffee served to us and then a very scholarly discussion began when Sarojini’s sister and myself came out. But before leaving, I could make out their deep knowledge of the subjects they started discussing.

When we were waiting outside, Maharaja’s close aid Dharanipal was very eager to show Hemalata Mahishi around the Summer Palace describing how the Maharaja spends his daily schedule there for his physical training in the gym there and later held discussions with the scholars. But Hemalata was more eager to spend time with the waiting Professors whose eminence she knew.

Later, when Sarojini Mahishi came out, Narayanaswamy told me aside what a scholarly discussion they had and the Maharaja was greatly impressed with the high scholarship of Mahishi. While returning I heard her describing to her sister how rich and valuable their hour-long discussion was. She was also repeatedly praising the Maharaja’s deep knowledge of all the topics they discussed.

—K.Vijaya Kumar

V.V.Mohalla

29.1.2015

ource: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Voice of the Reader / Friday – January 30th, 2015

City celebrates Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanthotsava

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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Mysuru :

The District Administration in association with Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanthotsava Samithi had organised a function at Kalamandira here this morning to mark Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanthotsava.

Inaugurating the function after offering floral tributes to a portrait of Ambigara Chowdaiah, Mayor R. Lingappa said that Ambigara Chowdaiah was a contemporary of Basavanna and his Vachanas were very meaningful.

He further said that Ambigara Chowdaiah was a voice for the poor and oppressed class and always fought for gender equality.

Yuvaraja College Kannada Professor Dr. G. Srinivas spoke on the life and works of Ambigara Chowdaiah while Hindustani Singer Vyshnavi Hangal Talakad rendered Vachanas of Ambigara Chowdaiah.

Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha, MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar, MUDA Commissioner S. Palaiah, Assistant Commissioner Syeda Ayesha, Deputy Mayor M. Mahadevamma, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M. Chandrashekar and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 21st, 2015

City model signs Kannada movie

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

ShilpaBF27jan2015

Mysuru :

Shilpa Irdal, a model from namma Mysuru, is all set to star in a Kannada movie.

Shilpa started modelling just two years ago. She first contested in ‘Belli Chukki Mr. & Miss Karnataka 2013’ contest and won ‘Miss Best Cat Walk’ title. After winning this title, she contested in ‘The Times of India fbb Femina-2013’ contest in Bengaluru where she was the runner-up.

She won ‘Rumors Diva’ title at the ‘Rumors Femina Style Diva South’ Sub-contest held at Vivanta by Taj Hotel in Bengaluru recently. Now, Shilpa, an alumnus of CKC Convent and Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru, has signed a Kannada movie called ‘Players.’ The movie is produced by Sridhar Kalburgi and directed by Navneeth & Bhaskar. The movie is expected to be released by the end of this year. Shilpa, who resides in Kanakadasanagar in city, is the daughter of Dr. S. Anjaneyalu, Professor in History, Maharaja’s College, Mysuru and T. Manjula, a home-maker.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 21st, 2015

Shivanna is the new VC of UAS-B

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Plant breeder and geneticist H. Shivanna was on Friday appointed vice-chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru. He is the first Dalit vice-chancellor of any agricultural university in the State.

A search committee had recommended three names, including that of Mr. Shivanna (62).

Mr. Shivanna will have a three-year term as vice-chancellor. At present, he is working as Dean of Agriculture in the UAS-B. He has already held important posts, such as research director and dean of post-graduate studies in UAS-B.

The post of the VC had been vacant since June 2014 after the retirement of the then vice-chancellor K. Narayana Gowda.

The UAS-B has jurisdiction over 10 districts: Kolar, Bëngaluru Urban and Rural, Chickballapur, Tumkur, Ramanagaram, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, Mysore and Hassan.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by B.S. Satish Kumar /Bengaluru – January 24th, 2015