Agari Raghurama ‘bhagawatha’ | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Noted Yakshagana singer-cum-director ‘bhagawatha’ Agari Raghurama passed away here on Sunday. He was 83 and is survived by three sons and a daughter.
Mr. Raghurama, from Surathkal, died in a private hospital in the city at about 10.30 a.m., family sources said.
Hailing from a family of Yakshagana, his father, Agari Srinivasa, was also a well known ‘bhagawatha’ of olden days.
Mr. Raghurama had quit the government job after serving as a clerk in the Education Department for nine years to become a professional artiste. He worked as the ‘bhagawatha’ in the erstwhile Mahammayi Krupaposhita Yakshagana Mandali, Surathkal for three-and-half decades.
Mr. Raghurama had a typical style of singing which became popular as ‘agari shaili’. Some of the contemporary ‘bhagawathas’ in Tenku Thittu school of Yakshagana now sung in the same style to carry it forward.
He was the contemporary of doyens of Yakshagana late Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat, late Malpe Shankaranarayana Samaga, late Tekkatte Ananda Master and late Puttur Narayana Hegde.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mangaluru – January 27th, 2019
Senior advocate K M Nataraj has been appointed Additional Solicitor General of India (ASGI) for the SC by the President with effect from Jan 14.
According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Nataraj will serve in the said post till June 30, 2020, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
He served as Additional Advocate General for Karnataka government from 2009 to 2013.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / January 16th, 2019
L. Narayan Reddy, 84, a pioneer of organic farming in Karnataka , passed away in his sleep on Monday at his Marenahalli farm near Doddaballapur. He was known as Karnataka’s Masanobu Fukuoka, after the pioneer organic farmer of Japan. Mr. Fukuoka had even visited his farm in 1988.
Known for his simplicity and practical approach to farming, Mr. Reddy never minced words when he criticised what he called the “lopsided agricultural policy” that rendered agriculture unsustainable. He hailed from a village near Varthur on the city’s outskirts and started with chemical farming in 1970s, only to soon realise that it was unsustainable and he was incurring losses.
Influenced by Fukuoka’s book on farming, he took to organic farming. “Organic farming is not just about mere cultivation practices but is a lifestyle in itself,” he argued, adding that agriculture was a philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Following the rapid urbanisation of Varthur, he bought land at Marenahalli near Doddaballapur and built his farm there in his old age. Though he was not formally educated in farming, he was known for experiments and a scientific approach to farming. Several foreign universities sent their students on study visits to his farm. He was awarded the Nadoja award and an honorary doctorate from Kannada University, Hampi.
Jagadish Reddy, his grandson, told The Hindu that Mr. Reddy, who stayed healthy till the end, rarely went to the hospital. “He had been suffering from an incessant cough for a week. He agreed to get a full body check-up done on Sunday evening. We were supposed to take him on Monday morning. But he passed away in his sleep,” he said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – January 14th, 2019
The synthetic metabolite was more stable and more effective in treating and preventing colitis in mice model than the natural metabolite, say Sandeep Chandrashekharappa (right) and Praveen Vemula.
Inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis occurs when the integrity of the gut lining is compromised
Researchers have successfully isolated a microbial metabolite (Urolithin A or UroA) responsible for protecting the integrity of the gut lining. Leakage of toxins and bacteria leading to inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis occurs when the integrity of the gut lining is compromised.
However, not everyone has the gut microbes essential for converting the polyphenols present in berries and pomegranates into UroA metabolite. Besides isolating the metabolite, a multi-institutional team co-led by Dr. Praveen Kumar Vemula from the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bengaluru, synthesised an analogue by chemically modifying the naturally occurring metabolite.
The integrity of the gut barrier is maintained by tight junction proteins. Colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases cause a significant reduction in the levels of the junction proteins, leading to leakage of microbes and toxins from the gut causing acute or chronic inflammation. Restoring the integrity of the gut barrier is therefore essential for treating colitis.
The natural and synthetic metabolites have anti-inflammatory property and also increase the production of tight junction proteins. “But the synthetic metabolite was more stable and more effective in treating and preventing colitis in mice model than the natural metabolite. It was able to prevent and repair the damaged gut barrier and reduce inflammation. Synthetic metabolite even in nanomolar range was sufficient to treat or prevent colitis,” says Dr. Sandeep Chandrashekharappa from inStem and a co-author of a paper published in Nature Communications.
The metabolite (both natural and synthetic) repairs the gut barrier by activating a particular pathway (AhR-nrf2) leading to excess production of the tight junction proteins.
In vitro studies
Two different cell lines of the colon and another of immune cells (macrophages) were used for the study. A monolayer of colon cells mimicking the gut lining was treated with lipopolysaccharide to induce inflammation and breakage of the monolayer. While lipopolysaccharide destroyed the integrity of the monolayer, there was only minimal inflammation. Both metabolites were able to repair monolayer leakage with the synthetic one being more efficient than the natural metabolite.
In the case of immune cells, lipopolysaccharide treatment caused inflammation and excess production of inflammatory cytokines. Treatment with the metabolites stopped cytokine production and reduced the inflammation. Again, the synthetic metabolite outperformed the natural one.
Animal studies
The researchers induced acute colitis in mice by using a chemical (dextran sodium sulphate). There was increased inflammation and gut barrier leakage. Metabolites given orally led to complete reduction in inflammation and gut leakage repair. To mimic chronic colitis, the chemical was given to the mice for a prolonged period of ten weeks with two weeks of break after each week of chemical exposure. “The animals treated with the metabolites showed no inflammation and gut leakage even during the course of the treatment. We saw the leakage being repaired after two cycles of chemical treatment,” says Dr. Vemula.
Acute colitis in mice was produced by using a single dose of a different chemical followed by metabolite treatment. There was much lower inflammation and leakage after treatment. “The colon which had shrunk in length due to colitis regained its original length after treatment,” says Dr. Vemula.
Prophylactic property
To test the prophylactic property of the metabolite, mice were given one dose of the metabolite each day for seven days and a chemical was used to cause colitis on the seventh day. The ability of the metabolite to render protection was tested on day 11. “The animals did not develop colitis while the mice in the control group showed full-blown colitis,” says Anikita A. Hiwale from inStem and one of the authors of the paper.
“We are now making a library of analogues to come up with a synthetic metabolite that is even better than the one currently tested. We are planning for a start-up company for clinical development,” says Dr. Vemula.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Science / by R. Prasad / January 12th, 2019
An aerial view of Vijaya Vittala temple complex on banks of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi; the famous stone chariot | Express
Ballari :
Hampi has emerged at the second spot in the list of ‘52 places to go in 2019’ published by The New York Times. The UNESCO World Heritage Site figures behind Puerto Rico, which has grabbed the top place for its amazing recovery from Hurricane Maria to rebound as a tourist destination.
The report recommends Hampi as a favoured place, and talks about its archeological monuments, scenic vistas against the Tungabhadra river, and geological rock formations. “At the heights of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, Hampi thrived as one of the largest and richest cities in the world. Its architectural legacy lives on in the Southwestern State of Karnataka with over 1,000 well-preserved monuments, including Hindu temples, forts and palaces,” the report says. The description also mentions the difficulty in reaching there, while pointing out the recent air connectivity provided to Ballari from Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Tourists can take up rock climbing and river jaunts in basket boats (coracle), the feature says, while suggesting a few places to stay.
Hampi is the only destination not just from India, but entire South Asia, in the list.While the report brought happiness to experts, they also said that more needs to be done. “Let monuments be protected and showcased in a better manner. It is important for tourism,” Professor C S Vasudevan from Department of Ancient History and Archeology, Kannada University, Hampi, said.
Mallika Ghanti, Vice Chancellor, Kannada University, said that history of the Vijayanagara Empire is popular, and still has many hidden things. “If a proper excavation is done, it will bring out many more surprises pertaining to the lost history, best architectures and sculptures,” she said, adding that development of only Hampi is not enough, since villages around it should also see progress. “There should not be any eviction in the name of development of the world heritage site; it should be a package development,” she said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Subhash Chandra N S / Express News Service / January 11th, 2019
Caring for women: Participants at the 62nd All India Congress of Obstretics and Gynaecology formed a line stretching 1,078 metres using 10,105 sanitary pads.
Participants formed a line stretching 1,078 metres using 10,105 sanitary pads
To promote menstrual hygiene, especially among adolescents, gynaecologists attempted a Guinness world record by creating the ‘longest line of sanitary pads’ at the 62nd All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG) that began in the city on Wednesday.
Over 1,500 gynaecologists, led by the organising chairperson Hema Divakar, created a line of 1,078 metres using 10,105 sanitary pads. Depicting women’s health, the sanitary pads were designed in the shape of a uterus and carried the tagline ‘Nothing’s more cuterus than your uterus’.
The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), which is organising AICOG 2019, collaborated with a pharma company for the attempt.
The Guinness record certificate will be presented to the organising chairperson of AICOG 2019 on Thursday. According to the organisers, the pads will be donated to four city-based schools — – Indirapriyadarshini Girls High School; RSPAVK High School, Jayanagar; Gokul Vidya Kendra and Muambika School for New Age — for distribution among their students.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) report published in December 2017, only 58% of women in the country in the age group of 15 to 24 use a hygienic method of menstrual protection.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Special Correspondent / January 09th, 2019
Champions: Participants of the zonal finals of Prajavani Quiz Championship, along with VC of University of Mysore G Hemantha Kumar, in Mysuru on Tuesday. DH Photo
The students of Kautilya Vidyalaya emerged zonal champions in the Prajavani Quiz Championship, held at Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar auditorium of Senate Bhavan in Manasagangothri in the city on Tuesday. Students of Maharshi Public School, followed them by a narrow margin of eight points.
The students of Kautilya Vidyalaya, Kaushik S Nandan and Sachit C Shetty, studying in 10th standard, scored 108 points and gained entry to the state finals of Prajavani Quiz Championship, scheduled to be held at Bengaluru on January 24.
The second prize was won by Shashank and Balaji of Maharshi Public School, who scored 100 points. Ankith Anish and Sudhanva Kashyap of Excel Public School, with 65 points, secured the third prize. The other teams in order are Sathvik and Dhyan from Sadvidya School; Aprameya and Kishen from Sadvidya School; and Uday and Yogesh from St Joseph’s School. The winners got cash prizes of Rs 6,000, Rs 4,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively, along with medals, trophies and certificates.
Brave bandh
Despite the Bharat bandh call, given by various organisations, the quiz championship received good response and the auditorium was almost full. More than 150 teams of two students each took part in the preliminary written quiz. Each school was allowed to send a maximum of three teams. Teachers, school staff and also parents accompanied the students.
The students had 20 questions, including five starred ones, to answer, in the preliminary written quiz. The highest score was 14 points, scored by five teams.
The sixth team, which had scored 13 points, was selected in a tie-breaker, based on the score in the starred questions section. A team of Excel Public School defended the tie-breaker.
The quiz master was Meghavi Manjunath. Vice Chancellor of the University of Mysore G Hemantha Kumar distributed the prizes to winners. Assistant general manager for circulation R Jaganath Jois, Prajavani Mysuru bureau chief K J Mariyappa, Deccan Herald principal correspondent T R Sathish Kumar and circulation manager H C Lakshmikantha were present.
The fifth edition of the Prajavani Quiz Championship began in the city on Tuesday. It will be held in nine more cities across the state, up to January 24. The competition will be held on Wednesday at Hassan. All zonal winners will take part in the in the state finals.
Students from Mysuru, Mandya, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts participated in the quiz in Mysuru. The publishers of Deccan Herald, Prajavani, Sudha and Mayura, The Printers (Mysore) Limited (TPML), have organised the quiz competition for children of Class 5 to Class 10. It is being held in association with Deeksha group of institutions.
While the first prize in the finals is Rs 50,000, the second, third, fourth and fifth prizes respectively are Rs 30,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 6,000 and Rs 4,000.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by T T Sathish Kumar / DH News Service, Mysuru / January 08th, 2019
If you meet the general manager of the radiology department at Columbia Asia Hospital, it’s hard to imagine that Anto Ramesh Selvi D started out as a daily wage labourer.
Anto Ramesh Selvi D completed the radiography course in 1994
Bengaluru :
If you meet the general manager of the radiology department at Columbia Asia Hospital, it’s hard to imagine that Anto Ramesh Selvi D started out as a daily wage labourer. Hailing from Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, he lost his father to a heart attack when he was 10 years old. “My mother was a nursing assistant at a hospital. She raised my younger sister and me with great difficulty. I wasn’t a great student. I dropped out of my college when I was in the third year of my BSc,” recalls the 50-year-old.
He couldn’t find a clerical job due to his low academic score and started working as a daily wage worker at an electronics repair shops and at construction sites. This went on from 1989 to 1992. Later, with help from his uncle, he came to Bengaluru with his friend to write an examination at the CSI Hospital, for an admission in a radiography course.
He says, “I didn’t get through. Since it was a mission hospital, my uncle requested people to give me the job since my mother was the sole earner in the family.” His uncle’s request bore fruit and Selvi joined the 1992 batch. This period was full of doubts as he wasn’t sure if he could survive staying in a hostel and manage expenses. Luck, however, was on his side and he passed out as ‘the best outgoing student’.
Despite completing the course in 1994, he wasn’t able to find a job. He took up a part-time job at Jain Hospital for a salary of `300 a month. During his time there, he continued to apply for different jobs until he finally got the job of a technician at Jindal Charitable Hospital. He worked there with an earning of `1,000 a month, before he resigned to pursue further studies in CT/MRI, through a six-month course in Salem. “When I completed the course, Jindal Hospital called me back and increased my salary to `3,500. They had also provided a 2BHK flat in their quarters,” he says.
In 2000, Selvi married his childhood friend and moved to Bengaluru. During this time, he applied for a position at Columbia Asia Hospital. This was in 2005 but all the vacancies were filled. Selvi was told to try again the next year. The following year, he eventually got selected, and now earned a salary of `12,000 a month.
While he was confident about his technical knowledge, Selvi faltered in his computer and communication skills. Over time, he widened his computer, management and also communication skills. “The hospital helped a lot too. They would go through my draft e-mails before I sent them,” he says. Interestingly enough, though Selvi struggled with academics in school, he now holds degrees in BSc (Physics), DTT, MRIT and MBA.
He also ran a hospital in Doddaballapura, Bengaluru rural, from 2011 to 2013 where he was in charge of all aspects of operations and management. However, Columbia Asia asked Selvi to return as the general manager of the radiology department. It has now been five years since he took over as the general manager of the department for all branches of the hospital in India. “My biggest takeaways are to keep trying and the importance of giving people a chance,” he says.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Akhila Damodaran / Express News Service / January 07th, 2019
The new cabs, with women drivers in pink uniforms, are aimed at strengthening the safety of women passengers.
Women stepping out of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) can now rely on cabs meant exclusively for them.
Launched here on Monday by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL), the new cabs — with women drivers in pink uniforms — are aimed at strengthening the safety and security of women passengers.
A release said the drivers will be fluent in multiple languages, well-versed with local areas, and trained in self-defence. The cabs will be equipped with safety features such as GPRS tracking and an SOS switch.
The initiative has been launched on an experimental basis, the release said.
“This concept has been implemented with the objective of providing a safe and secure mode of transport for women travellers from the airport, while simultaneously creating opportunities for women drivers to be self-employed and empowered,” said Kumar Pushkar, managing director, KSTDC.
Hari Marar, managing director and CEO, BIAL, said: “At the airport, safety and security of women passengers is of prime concern. This is another step in our endeavour towards ensuring 100% safety.”
The service will be operational round the clock and has been priced at ₹21.50/km during the day (6 a.m. to 11.59 p.m.) and ₹23.50/km at night (midnight to 6 a.m.).
Fog causes delay
Meanwhile, fog continued to wreak havoc on flight schedules at the KIA, with departure delays for 41 flights and arrival delay for one flight. One Indigo flight from New Delhi was diverted to Hyderabad.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – January 08th, 2019
An ECG machine being handed over to a remote Primary Health Centre in Kodagu district.
The PHCs in Guthigar, Bellare and Aranthodu in Sullia taluk can now boast of well-equipped ECG machines thanks to the efforts of like-minded doctors led by Dr Padmanabh Kamath, HoD of Cardiology and professor at KMC, Mangaluru.
Dr Kamath, who started CAD (Cardiology at doorsteps), a crusade against coronary artery disease initiative— a WhatsApp network of over 450 like-minded doctors across eight doctors in Coastal Karnataka and Malnad region, is engaged in screening poor patients for cardiac problems in remote areas for free. The group was set up in February 2018 and has installed 100 ECG machines in the PHCs of interior villages with the help of donors. “When a patient visits with a symptom of a heart attack, an ECG is immediately carried out and the results are shared on WhatsApp. If it’s a heart attack, then the patient is referred to the nearest hospital for treatment,” Kamath told DH.
He said, “We want to instal 250 ECG machines by 2020 and cover three more districts including Hassan and Kasargod. The PHCs in Humcha, Koppa, Muniyala, Shikaripura, Sajipanadu will get ECG machines next week. In fact, one of the pilgrims who suffered a cardiac arrest, supported the CAD initiative to instal ECG machine at Humcha,” Kamath added.
ECG machines are already installed at PHCs in Gonikoppa, Suntikoppa and Siddapura in Kodagu. The CAD initiative wanted to instal it in 15 places in Kodagu. Owing to natural calamities that wreaked havoc in Kodagu district, the initiative saw a setback, he said.
So far, cardiac diagnosis was achieved in more than 1,000 patients and 985 cases of ischaemic heart disease and 345 of unstable angina have been detected. About 124 heart attack patients were picked up and 95 angioplasties have been conducted, said Dr Kamath.
Dr Kamath said 71-year-old Leelavathi, a resident of Sullia and a heart patient, responded to Kamath’s mission of installing ECG machines and donated money from her pension to instal the ECG machine at Guthigaru. Sri Veera Venkatesh Charitable Trust has paid for five ECGs to be installed in village PHCs recently.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by Naina J A / DH News Service / Mangaluru / June 05th, 2018
