Category Archives: Records, All

Sacred landmarks in ‘Rome of the East’

Hailed as the Rome of the East, Mangaluru is known for its beautiful churches with the oldest one, Rosario Cathedral, dating back to 450 years.

As Christianity started spreading roots, places of worships also started being established with Rosario Church (Our Lady of Rosary) in AD 1568. (Photo | EPS)
As Christianity started spreading roots, places of worships also started being established with Rosario Church (Our Lady of Rosary) in AD 1568. (Photo | EPS)

Mangaluru :

Hailed as the Rome of the East, Mangaluru is known for its beautiful churches with the oldest one, Rosario Cathedral, dating back to 450 years. A testament to the cultural, religious and architectural history of the city, these magnificent churches with their pinnacles and structures and jaw-dropping design and interiors hold you spellbound.

Christianity came to the Canara region by the 15th century and probably the Franciscans and Our Lady of Mercy missionaries working at Kerala coast would have visited Mangaluru during this time. With Portuguese taking Goa in AD 1510 and reinforcing it as their stronghold, the Christian community from Goa started migrating to Canara region. In AD 1526, a group of Franciscan Missionaries opened their mission in Mangalore and the first batch of Jesuits arrived by AD 1570 when evangelization started full scale. And by 1609, the region was under the jurisdiction of Goa Archdiocese.

ST Paul’s Church
ST Paul’s Church

As Christianity started spreading roots, places of worships also started being established with Rosario Church (Our Lady of Rosary) in AD 1568 – 69 followed by Milagres (Our Lady of Miracles) in AD 1680. And, as Christian population grew, the sub-stations became parishes and churches were constructed in these parishes with each church dedicated to either Mother Mary or prominent Saints of Catholic Church.

Since the early missionaries were from Europe, predominantly from Portugal and Rome, they brought in their architecture to the churches constructed here. “Churches are nothing but larger halls (nave) with an altar and most of them were replicas of the European churches. But not of that grandeur, as missionaries and local community constructed them with whatever material they could get here. The style was definitely Roman and Gothic,” says Mangalore Diocese Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha.

A major blow came when Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan captured Mangaluru from the British in 1784 and Tipu believing that the local Christian community aided the English, decided to punish them, taking them as captives to Srirangapatna. Thus began the long exile of the Christian community from Mangaluru between 1784 and 1799 till Tipu fell to the British East India Company. Tipu’s army ravaged several churches in the region, including the Milagres church. “However, the local Hindu community was benevolent towards the Christian places of worship protecting them till the community came back to erect the churches again,” says Lawrence Cutinha of Design Palace specialising in designing churches in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts.

“Catholic churches fall mostly into two categories, Roman and Gothic, where the former is dominant. Even today, most of the churches are designed in the same old design like a cross -with a nave and wings- though other shapes like circle and hexagon are also presently being considered. The facets in front of these churches give their traditional look,” he states.

SacredBF27dec2018

With a good number of churches crossing 100 years, several of them have undergone renovation. “Old churches have a lot of interiors like carvings which we don’t replicate. It needs masonry skill and a lot of money. The old lime plaster is replaced with cement. The altar and tabernacle designs correlate with the type of the church, either Gothic or Roman style,” Cutinha says.

Author and journalist John Monteiro says that old churches have been conceived keeping in mind that there was no electricity or microphones in those days. “During the days without microphones, the voice of the priest had to reach the last man in the church. So they have been designed to echo the voice. There were special provisions like pulpits and lofts for choirs to sing. All have disappeared after the advent of microphones,” he says.

Further, the church architecture took a notable change when the Second Vatican Council in 1962 – 65 changed the way liturgy was conducted. From facing away from the laity, the priest turned towards them and altar was brought as a separate structure from tabernacle or sanctum. The council also brought in the vernacular language into worship in place of Latin, Monteiro says.

Compared to Roman Catholic church, Protestant church came to Mangaluru later – during the Basel Mission when missionaries from Germany and Switzerland evangelized in the area starting from AD 1834. The oldest of Protestant churches is Shanti Cathedral at Balmatta constructed 154 years back and other older churches of the denomination are Kanthi Church at Jeppu and Vishranti Church at Bokkapattna as well as St Paul’s Church near State Bank —  all established between AD 1843  and 1888. “The early missionaries from Basel Mission conceived these churches on the models back in their hometown Basel,” says Winfred Amanna, pastor of Vishranti Church.

Eastern Catholics or Syro – Malabar or Malankara rites from Kerala came to Dakshina Kannada around the 1950s catering to the spiritual needs of people from Kerala migrating to the region. The style of churches resembles mostly Syrian churches in Kerala with a special distinction of the cross known as St Thomas Cross.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Arockiaraj Johnson / Express News Service / December 23rd, 2018

St Mary’s Island a new hotspot for cliff diving

Cliff-jumping training will begin on the island from January, 2019.

A cliff diver in action at St Mary’s Island
A cliff diver in action at St Mary’s Island

Udupi :

St Mary’s Island off Malpe beach has been charming visitors for decades. Lately, it is capturing the interest of many because of various water sport activities. If one wishes to let go of all the fear and anxiety and wants to experience the thrill of jumping off a cliff without any strings attached, then one should head to St Mary’s Island. Reason: Cliff-jumping training will begin on the island from January, 2019.  On Thursday, four expert cliff divers – Partha Varanasi, Siddharth of Puttur, Antony of Australia and Anusha of Bengaluru successfully dived and sent out the message that St Mary’s Island was also a perfect destination for cliff jumping.

Sudesh Shetty, a leaseholder who is authorised to take up development projects at St Mary’s Island, said  Udupi district administration, Tourism Department and Malpe Development Committee arranged Thursday’s cliff- jumping event and four expert cliff divers trained about 10 enthusiasts.

“We are planning to conduct training sessions for those who want to learn cliff jumping from January. Cliff jumping event will be organised in April’’ he said. Master Surfer and Cliff Diver Partha Varanasi said that cliff jumping in St Mary’s Island was safe as the sea there was more than 18 m deep.The divers have the option to jump from the height ranging from 15 feet to 35 feet. As per safety standards, the depth of water should be fifteen feet.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prakash Samaga / Express News Service / December 15th, 2018

Theatre actor aims to hit 1,000-play mark

A. Nicholas
A. Nicholas

A. Nicholas, noted theatre person from Hassan, who has been chosen by Karnataka Nataka Academy for the Cultured Comedian Award, plans to direct and act in 10 plays. In his career spanning six decades, Nicholas, 68, has played major roles in 990 plays so far. He wants to reach the 1,000 mark.

The academy chose him for the K. Hirannayya Datta Puraskara, meant for actors who played comedians. The son of a policeman, Nicholas began acting at the age of nine. He was given the opportunity to act in plays sponsored by a local church in his school days. He toured different places and performed. When he was 19 years old, he started his own theatre group – Amara Jyoti Kala Sangha. “Those days, a month-long cattle fair was held in Hassan annually. Every year I used the occasion to stage plays. In 30 years, my team staged 280 plays,” he said.

Many established drama companies chose him to play the role of comedian. Besides this, for a few years, he worked as a comedian in Prabhat Circus, a famous circus company. Because of his involvement in theatre, he got in touch with many film actors, who had roots in theatre, and ventured in to cinema as well. He worked as an assistant director for around 25 movies including four directed by Puttanna Kanagal.

Music director Hamsalekha, former Minister and artist Umashree, actors Sunder Raj Urs, Sudhir, and Srinath, are among those who he has worked with in theatre.

“Those days there weren’t as many movies as there are today. We could get work only for six months in a year. Hence, I gave up the field and returned to the theatre,” he said. When there was no invitation to act in theatres, he used to sell sweets or run a cycle shop in Hassan. He gave up studies after SSLC, but obtained MA in Kannada from Karnataka State Open University at 55 and did his diploma in film technology at the age of 60.

He is glad that the academy has recognised his contribution to theatre. “Now, I cannot walk because of pain in my legs. I am confident of regaining my strength and get into acting again and completing 1,000 plays”, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / December 17th, 2018

Another milestone for HAL’s light utility helicopter

The light utility helicopter (LUH) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) took another step towards being inducted in the Armed Forces after its third prototype completed its maiden flight recently.

The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). (File Photo)
The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). (File Photo)

Bengaluru  :

The light utility helicopter (LUH) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) took another step towards being inducted in the Armed Forces after its third prototype completed its maiden flight recently.

According to HAL, the flight was completed on December 14. “With this achievement, LUH is now close to production clearance and HAL is confident of meeting requirements of the Armed Forces,” said R Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL.

According to Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engineering, R&D), the successful flight was a step towards replacing the fleet of Cheetah/Chetak helicopters.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 18th, 2018

Agriculture labourer gets Mangaluru Press Club Award

Amai Mahalinga Naika from Amai village in Bantwal taluk.
Amai Mahalinga Naika from Amai village in Bantwal taluk.

Amai Mahalinga Naik single-handedly drilled tunnels to get water for his land

Amai Mahalinga Naik, who single-handedly worked to irrigate his two-acre land and succeeded in raising a small plantation has been chosen for the Mangaluru Press Club Award, 2018.

Mr. Naik, 73, a resident of Amai village near Adyanadka in Bantwal taluk, was chosen by a panel of Balakrishna Gatti, Vasanth Kumar Perla and Nagaveni Manchi for the award, Club General Secretary Ibrahim Adkasthala said in a release. The award would be presented during the Press Club Day to be celebrated on January 5 at Urwa Church Hall.

An agriculture labourer and expert in climbing areca and coconut palms, Mr. Naik was working in the fields of Amai Mahabala Bhat. Realising his desire to own agricultural land, Mr. Bhat donated him two acres of land four decades ago; but being on hill slopes, it lacked accessibility to water sources.

Unmindful of the obstacles, Mr. Naik began drilling tunnels to fetch water as he was aware open well would not yield any water on the hill slope. He drilled not one, but seven tunnels and at the end, he got water that was suffice to raise his small plantation. He also built a water storage tank digging the ground on the land.

The slope terrain helped Mr. Naik introduce the drip-irrigation network in the field through gravitational force. He was engaged in his routine palm climbing for half a day and spent the rest of his time drilling tunnels. Mr. Naik also fell off a tree 14 years ago. Though he survived the fall, he could no longer climb palms and restricted himself to his field work.

With the help of his wife Lalitha and their three children, Mr. Naik has now raised areca, coconut, banana and pepper crops on one acre of the land and forest in another acre. As many as 300 areca and 75 coconut palms and 200 banana plants are on his field. He only uses conventional manure and does rainwater harvesting on his land. All these measures Mr. Naik implemented without taking any bank loans, depending solely on his work as a labourer.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mangaluru – December 18th, 2018

Tribal teenage girls to scale western Himalayas

During the expedition, the girls will also engage in other adventure activities like paragliding, rappelling, and river crossing.

Mysuru :

Fourteen-year-old Shilpa’s eyes gleamed when asked about their upcoming trek in the Western Himalayas.

“We have started our practise for the trek. Every morning we run around our school and practise breathing exercises,” said Anjana, a tribal girl studying at the Viveka Tribal Centre for learning, Hosahalli, HD Kote.
Anjana is a part of the 12-member tribal girl’s team that will trek the Western Himalayas in the coming year through a crowd-funded expedition organised by a city-based adventure sports foundation, Tiger Adventure Foundation. According to the organisers at the expedition that is planned for May next year, the girls will trek to the scenic Saurkundi Pass in Himachal Pradesh that sits 14,000 feet above the sea level through Sarsai, Mayalee, Longa Thatch and Lekhni areas.

During the expedition, the girls will also engage in other adventure activities like paragliding, rappelling, and river crossing.“We have only read about the Himalayas. We never thought we will set our feet there. We are already excited about the trip,” said Shilpa who hails from Sera tribal hamlet in Hunsur.Notably, the expedition will be led by 13-year-old Riya Solanki, a Mysurean who is the youngest to scale the Everest Base Camp.

The girls are currently undergoing training for the expedition under the supervision of experts. “They are being trained on a daily basis at their schools as well as at other places like Chamundi Hills, Kunti Hills and Karanji Lake area,” said Suma Mahesh of Tiger Adventure Foundation.According to the organisers, the Mysuru wing of Ladies Circle India has agreed to sponsor the expenditure of a few girls in the team and they are expecting the public to contribute for the initiative.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 12th, 2018

The good doctor

DrHebbi01BF12dec2018

Dr Sunil Kumar Hebbi is embarking on a right to health yatra across the country in his mobile car clinic

Dr Sunil Kumar Hebbi’s humanitarian deeds have earned him name and fame. Last month, he was awarded Sri Sathya Sai Award for Human Excellence. Hebbi, however, is not one to rest on his laurels.

After some 700 medical camps across Karnataka and seeing 35,000 patients, he has a new goal in sight — the right to health. In January 2019, the health practitioner is embarking on a health yatra across the country by his car.

“Health is a fundamental human right but is it really so in countries like ours?” Hebbi asks. “According to the National Health Policy 2015, 63 million people face poverty every year. Two million slum children die every year in India. We have one of the highest disease index in the world. What development are we talking about when basic needs such as health is not accessible to people?

DrHebbi02BF12dec2018

Hebbi says Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees right to life and education but not health. “A country like Philllipines guarantees right to health to its citizens.”

So, when he travels pan India in his mobile car clinic with just an aide and driver, Hebbi intends to campaign for the right to health. After launching it at the Bengaluru Press Club, Hebbi will go to Kanyakumari from where he will travel to Kashmir by car.

He will go to schools, colleges and universities to spread awareness and also hold medical camps where he will conduct general check-ups.

“Through local activists and NGOs, we are tying up with schools and colleges for venues and the like.

“When we do these check-ups, we will give a health card to people with basic details on it such as blood group, blood pressure, drug allergy, illness, and age.

“These details can come in handy and save time in crisis situations,” says Hebbi, who upon reaching Delhi will hand over a report of his findings collated during the journey to the concerned people in the Ministry of Health.

“We spend 1.25% of our GDP on health but according to WHO, we should be spending 5% of our GDP on health. You make a temple, mosque, anything, I have no issue but also provide us healthcare.”

Born to a farmer in Bijapur, Hebbi was practising on Hosur Road in Bengaluru, until he rescued the life of an accident victim on the road.

“I gave him first aid and took him to hospital. His family called me and said, ‘we want to thank you and feed you’. Their emotions made me realise how badly people need healthcare.”

In 2007, he started Matru Siri Foundation and connected with old age homes, government schools and slums. Since then, every Saturday and Sunday, Hebbi conducts medical camps in these places.

While he treats patients with problems that come under his ambit, patients with serious health concerns or needing surgery are referred to specialised doctors in government hospitals.

Hebbi invites senior doctors to join him voluntarily on the camps. “I first assess the area and the concerns. Once or twice the local MLA has appropriated the camp and made it his show. My doctor friends gave me feedback. We felt disappointed and have tried to steer clear of politicians ever since. We want to make a difference. We are not doing it for effect. Doctors join us voluntarily without any monetary compensation.”

With the help of volunteers, his network of doctors and the money generated from his regular practice, Hebbi says, he manages to run things smoothly. “But even here, I don’t charge more than ₹ 100 to ₹150. I see about 40 to 50 patients daily.”

Health on wheels

Dr. Hebbi’s car operates as a mobile clinic. The project is called Mobile Dr Clinic started in 2010. With a folding chair, table, basic health apparatus and umbrella, Hebbi can set up a temporary clinic anywhere.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sci-Tech> Health / by Shailaja Tripathi / December 12th, 2018

Two Bengaluru teenagers dribble their way to national football scene

Vishnu Sunil (extreme right)
Vishnu Sunil (extreme right)

Bengaluru :

Karnataka’s representation in the top two national football leagues (I-League and ISL) has been scarce in recent times. Two Bengaluru boys, however, are dreaming of changing the scene in near future. Vishnu Sunil and Hrishikesh Sanadhi were recently called up for the U-15 National Team high-performance programme underway in Odisha.

“The camp is really challenging. It was difficult to adjust to the conditions initially as the level and tempo of the training were very high. But we got adjusted slowly,” Sunil said.

The six-feet tall centre-back defenders from Bangalore Youth Football League (BYFL) academy are not regular kids jostling on a football pitch to have fun. The 15-year-olds are as serious as professional footballers donning the national jersey. When boys of their age go out and binge on junk food, they stick to dietary plans made by the academy nutritionist. “We avoid eating outside and even if we do, we work out in the gym or on the pitch to burn those calories. Staying fit is important for footballers and we are serious about that,” said Sanadhi.

Both Sunil and Sanadhi have had overseas exposure. Their fathers’ job profiles helped them get international experience at an early age. Sunil started training in China and represented his school team till he turned 12, before moving to Nigeria where he played in the West African International School’s Athletic League. Sanadhi, similarly, started playing in Belgium in 2010 and got selected for Football Academy Royal Racing Club, Etterbeek for the 2013-14 season. Back in Bengaluru, they joined BYFL academy and have impressed their coach Salim Pathan since.

“Vishnu is a well-disciplined boy. He is getting matured as a centre-back. He is very effective in aerial balls and is good in tackling. He has an eye for goal and has scored many goals in free-kicks. He has a good future as a leader of the team,” Pathan said. “Hrishikesh is very good technically. He reads the game very well and final tackle is his speciality. He has a good passing ability with aerial and ground balls.”

Despite praise from their coach, both the boys are grounded. The fans of Real Madrid and Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos aim to become professional footballers in future and being in the U-15 National Team high-performance programme, they are aware of the hard work they have to put in every day, without hampering their studies.

Thus, they are mastering time management skills to stay ahead of their peer group. “Although professional football is our target, it’s also important to study. It takes me around three hours to return home from the training ground and I utilise that time to prepare my homework and study,” said Sanadhi, a class 10 student. Both will be playing for BYFL U-15 team in the upcoming Junior League.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Krishnendu Banerjee / Express News Service / December 10th, 2018

12th century Nishidhi stone inscription found in Karnataka’s Shivamogga district

The Nishidhi inscription found in Harakere village near Shivamogga. | Photo Credit: VAIDYA
The Nishidhi inscription found in Harakere village near Shivamogga. | Photo Credit: VAIDYA

It commemorates a Jain ascetic

A Nishidhi stone inscription from the 12th century was found at Nandi Basaveshwara temple in Harakere village in Shivamogga taluk recently.

R. Shejeshwara, Assistant Director, Department of Archeology, Heritage and Museums, and Jagadeesh, historian, discovered the inscription during a field work undertaken in Harakere. The inscription is of 60 cm long and 15 cm wide and is chiselled from a schist rock slab.

Mr. Shejeshwara said the Nishidhi stone inscriptions are issued to commemorate Jain ascetics who perform Sallekhana vratha. According to the text of the inscription, a discipline of Nemideva, a Jain seer of Moolasangha took Sallekhana vratha here. The image of Nemideva preaching a couple on Sallekhana vratha has been carved on the inscription. The seer carried pinchi, a bunch of peacock feathers and kamandala. The umbrella, popularly known as mukkode, and the images of the sun and moon are intricately carved here.

He said that eight lines are engraved here in archaic Kannada. Based on the language used here, the historians have come to the conclusion that the inscription was issued in 12th century. The inscription found here proves that there was a strong influence of Jainism in the region. The Jain sculptures and inscriptions were also found in the past in Yalavatti, Purale and Hasudi villages in the vicinity.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society> History & Culture / by Staff Reporter / December 10th, 2018

Awash with history, yet neglected

Kolar01BF09dec2018

Around 30,000 monuments under threat as they don’t come under purview of Central or State Acts

A muddy path snakes its way between eucalyptus plantations, stone quarries and fields of tomatoes to reveal a hollowed-out hill at Uddappanahalli in Kolar district. Dried eucalyptus branches, which are burnt to crack the stone underneath, litter the hill. The entire hillock has been carved out, leaving just a small fort on top.

“Every night, 2 to 4 truckloads of stones are taken from the hill… the mining has been happening for decades by some influential people,” said a villager.

Over the years, quarrying has come to the edge of the fort. Now, blocks are removed from right under the fort. “The fort won’t last long,” said the villager. The origin of the fort is unclear, with some historians believing that the structure could date back to the 17th century, where it was used as a defence post for the army. It is from this post, that they could get a view of the plains stretching till Bengaluru.

However, there is no legislation to protect the structure.

KolarChart09dec2018

No recognition given

The unprotected site is just one of the estimated 30,000 historical structures dotting the State’s landscape that has not been recognised under either the Central Acts governing the Archaeological Department or State laws for the State Archaeological Department.

Experts believe a majority of these structures, like the Uddappanahalli fort, are under threat. Their fears were communicated to Tourism Department officials during a recent meeting on protecting such monuments.

“There has been no survey of unprotected monuments since 1942. Surveys do not cost much, and there are enough archaeologists and students who can do it. It needs to be done before we lose out on a lot of history. We’ve already spoiled megalithic burial (10,000 to 30,000 years old) sites in most places of the states,” said N.S. Rangaraju, a former Archaeology professor and a member of the Heritage Expert Committee.

Kolar02BF09dec2018

A few years ago, he and his students had taken up a pilot of three districts in south Karnataka. Over 550 unprotected structures were identified. “These monuments are over 100 years old, and many of these are religious structures under the Muzrai Department, which does not have the expertise for conservation,” he said.

S.K. Aruni from Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) said a majority of these unprotected structures represent hundreds of years of village histories.

“There needs to be a micro-level documentation of history. But, it needs involvement from the people and the panchayat first. If they can get a preliminary document of the historical structures in the village, then researchers can build upon it,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Mohit M. Rao / Bengaluru – December 08th, 2018