Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Kota Doria saris fascinate young women in Chennai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Chennai :

Once, these saris used to be woven by master craftsmen in Mysore. In the 17th century, Maharao Kishore Singh, a Mughal general campaigning for emperor Aurangzeb, took back with him some of these master weavers to reproduce these handcrafted, light and colourful saris in his town of Kota in Rajasthan. Over time, these saris came to be known as Kota Doria saris and the town itself became famous for this craftsmanship.

Centuries later, the Chennai youngster, so used to the heavier silk saris of the south, is taking a liking to these light saris. Catering to this demand, Noor Mohammed, 32, whose family has more than a hundred years of history in weaving Doria sarees, is bringing his wares to the city for the fourth time.

Noor Mohammed, who hails from Kaithoon village in Kota, says, where the weavers from Mysore came to between 1684 and 1695.

“This is the sole occupation of our village and we have more than 3,000 loom pits.”

Kaithoon is the biggest producer of Kota Doria in Kota. Mohammed primarily exhibits in Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai.

“A few years ago, our villagers were mazdooris (labourers) for businessmen who sold our sarees. Then, every family had an income of only Rs 4,500 a month. So we approached chief minister Vasundhara Raje and the government suggested that we weave and sell our own sarees. That’s when we formed our own weaving society, which has more than a hundred women. Now, the entire family weaves together.”

Mohammed says the family incomes have doubled now.

Kota Doria (Doria means thread) is made of cotton and silk threads in different combinations in warp and weft (vertical and horizontal weaving). The weaving produces square check patterns on the fabric known as ‘khat’. The skilfully made khat becomes transparent which is a unique characteristic of this fabric. An authentic Kota Doria is soft to touch with very little starch. Since the fabric is woven by hand on traditional pit looms, the edges on the side are slightly uneven.

“Contrary to the taste of south Indians, there is a separate crowd- mostly youngsters who go in for Kota because of its lightness,” says city based textile businessman C Balamurugan. “It weighs not more than a dupatta and it is particularly comfortable during summer.”

The exhibition will begin on December 20th at The Palace, T-23A, 7th Avenue, GOCHS Colony, Besant Nagar.

For details call 9840012523.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / TNN / December 16th, 2014

10-Day Workshop on Classical Kannada Literature begins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

More research needed for language domain to expand: Prof. Hampana

Nadoja Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah is seen inaugurating the 10-day workshop at CIIL in city this morning as retd Professor of Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies Prof. Ramegowda, scholar Prof. T.V. Venkatachala Shastri, Senior Fellow at CIIL Prof. H.M. Maheshwaraiah, Workshop Asst. Director Prof. Neelagiri M. Talwar look
Nadoja Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah is seen inaugurating the 10-day workshop at CIIL in city this morning as retd Professor of Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies Prof. Ramegowda, scholar Prof. T.V. Venkatachala Shastri, Senior Fellow at CIIL Prof. H.M. Maheshwaraiah, Workshop Asst. Director Prof. Neelagiri M. Talwar look

Mysuru :

“Supplemental research apart from creative writing is vital for expansion of a language domain,” opined Nadoja Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah (Hampana).

He was speaking after inaugurating a 10-day workshop “Study on Classical Kannada Literature” organised under the aegis of the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in city this morning.

Pointing out that scholarly talent will remain in one’s life until the last breath, Prof. Hampana stressed on the need for showing enthusiasm for carrying out literary research.

Maintaining that Kannada literature still has a long path to tread, he called for all efforts to enhance the richness of Kannada language through innovative ways.

Kannada scholar Prof. T.V. Venkatachala Shastri presided. Dr. M. Balakumar of CIIL, Mysuru and others were present.

Nearly 50 research scholars, Kannada teachers and students are taking part in the workshop, which concludes on Dec. 19.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News /  Wednesday , December 10th, 2014

‘Kadalishree’ Award conferred

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

14th Anniversary of Kadali Mahila Vedike

Sitting from left: Prof. K.R. Premleela Mallanna, retd. Sanskrit Professor, Dr. B. Nirmala, International Awardee and HoD of Hindi, Maharani’s Science College for Women, Mysuru and Dr. C.G. Ushadevi, retd. Kannada Professor, who were honoured during the 14th Anniversary of Kadali Mahila Vedike yesterday, are seen with Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa, Mahadeva Swamiji of Benakanahalli Mutt, Music University VC Dr. Sarvamangala Shankar and others
Sitting from left: Prof. K.R. Premleela Mallanna, retd. Sanskrit Professor, Dr. B. Nirmala, International Awardee and HoD of Hindi, Maharani’s Science College for Women, Mysuru and Dr. C.G. Ushadevi, retd. Kannada Professor, who were honoured during the 14th Anniversary of Kadali Mahila Vedike yesterday, are seen with Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa, Mahadeva Swamiji of Benakanahalli Mutt, Music University VC Dr. Sarvamangala Shankar and others

 Mysuru :

Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat Kadali Mahila Vedike, Mysuru, celebrated its 14th Anniversary yesterday at Rajendra Bhavan in old JSS Hospital premises here.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Sarvamangala Shankar, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Mysuru. Parameshwarappa, President, Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat, Mysuru, presided.

Dr. B. Nirmala, International Awardee and Head of the Department of Hindi, Maharani’s Science College for Women, Mysuru, was conferred with Kadalishree award by Dr. Sarvamangala Shankar on behalf of the Vedike.

Also, Dr. C.G. Ushadevi, retd. Kannada Professor and Prof. K.R. Premleela Mallanna, retd. Sanskrit Professor, were felicitated on the occasion.

Books released: Two books — Shivaniruvudelli? (a poetry collection) and Niraase (Drama) — authored by C. Ankappa were released by litterateur Prof. Maleyuru Guruswamy.

Seminar: Later in the afternoon, a seminar on the topic ‘Women in present situation’ was also organised which was presided over by Dr. R. Indira, a retd. Professor, University of Mysore.

Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa, Mahadeva Swamiji of Benakanahalli Mutt, Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat Mysuru Unit Presdient Go.Ru. Parameshwarappa, Vedike President M.A. Neelambika and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  /  Tuesday , December 09th, 2014

Vanamali Seva Award and Dr.Mathoor Krishnamurti Award presented

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Senior Sarvodaya worker Surendra Koulagi (left), who was conferred Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurthi award and Historian Prof. S. Settar, who was conferred Shree Vanamali Seva Award at a function organised under the aegis of Shree Vanamali Charitable Trust at Vivekananda Auditorium in city yesterday, are seen with Trustees Meena Kumar, R.S. Nagaraj, Trust President K.S. Sundar Raj, Scholar Prof. T.V. Venkatachala Shastri, Trustees Bhama Nagaraj and T.S. Vishwanath.
Senior Sarvodaya worker Surendra Koulagi (left), who was conferred Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurthi award and Historian Prof. S. Settar, who was conferred Shree Vanamali Seva Award at a function organised under the aegis of Shree Vanamali Charitable Trust at Vivekananda Auditorium in city yesterday, are seen with Trustees Meena Kumar, R.S. Nagaraj, Trust President K.S. Sundar Raj, Scholar Prof. T.V. Venkatachala Shastri, Trustees Bhama Nagaraj and T.S. Vishwanath.

Mysuru :

Former Director of Indian Council of Historical Research Prof. S. Settar was conferred Shree Vanamali Seva Award and senior Sarvodaya worker of Melukote Surendra Koulagi was conferred Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurthi award for the year 2014, at a function organised under the aegis of Shree Vanamali Charitable Trust at Vivekananda Auditorium, Mahajana College premises, Jayalakshmipuram yesterday evening.

Speaking after receiving the award, Surendra Koulagi mourned the sad demise of Sumana Vishwanath, a close associate of Dr. Mathoorji, who led the Vanamali Charitable Trust, by sheer dedication, creativity and hardwork.

Taking exception to the general perception that physical growth was the only yardstick of development, he regretted the failure to built a better society post-independence.

Wondering why there was no panel in place for spreading strong moral values among the society, when there is a Planning Commission for the country’s economic growth, Koulagi expressed concern over rising atrocities and sexual violence against women.

He stressed the need for imparting Sarvodaya ideologies and Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts in order to build a better society, free from social ills and corrupt practices.

Pointing out that there were many personalities who have rendered selfless service to the society, Koulagi recalled that great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan and Vinobha Bhave never aspired for any recognition or honour.

Dr. Boregowda Chikkamaradi of Vijaya First Grade College, Panadavapura, who introduced Surendra Koulagi said that Koulagi was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinobha Bhave and Jayaprakash Narayan has dedicated himself to the service of the society for over 7 decades.

Vanamali Seva awardee Prof. S. Settar in his address, regretted that the society had failed to recognise those who serve the country with honesty and dedication.

Pointing out that writers and littérateurs were given more recognition than honest and dedicated social workers, Prof. Settar regretted that the society had failed in recognising and honouring researchers, intellects, scholars and achievers who have given their best for building a better society.

Regretting that Kannada research had maintained a low profile over the past several years, Prof. Settar took a dig at governments for not showing sincerity when it came to fighting in Courts over historical prevalence of Kannada. He also said that he was accepting the award as a mark of respect to Sumana Vishwanath, who was enthusiasm personified.

Research Scholar Dr. H.S. Gopal Rao, who introduced Prof. Settar, said that he is a versatile genius with 27 works in the fields of Archaeology, Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy and Epigraphy to his credit.

He also said that Prof. Settar should be credited for proving that Kannada script was much older than the Tamil script.

Scholar Prof. T.V. Venkatachala Shastri presided. Trust President K.S. Sundar Raj delivered the keynote address. Trust members Meena,R.S. Nagaraj and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  /  Tuesday , December 09th, 2014

Cycles race ahead of cars in vintage exhibition

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Bengaluru :

Hiding from shutterbugs and strangers on mommy’s insistence, Afsan, 7, was still all over Jayamahal Palace, unable to control her curiosity. The little girl was checking out vintage wheels that have stood the test of time.

“This was made before dada (grandpa) was born,” her mother told Afsan pointing at a 1950 Vauxhall. Currently owned by Pradeep Konalkar, the car is older than many Bengalureans’ grandparents, and Pradeep is proud of it.

From the popular Mini 1000 to the Morris Cowley and the Sunbeam Talbot, the Southern India Vintage Automobile Exhibition of Bangalore Vintage Group (BGV) showcased around 150 cars and bikes, including our very own Ambassador. Among the bikes were the popular Lambretas, Javas, RD-350s and many more, but the Vijay Super was able to hold its own.

The show-stealers on this sunny Sunday morning were the noiseless legends that paved the way for the automobile era — the bicycles. K Narayan in his late 50s, who was among the early-bird cyclists at the venue, was quite a head-turner. Videographers ran towards him leaving some of their interviewees standing under the sun and a bunch of children followed him. The way he parked the vintage beauty, in slow motion, was reminiscent of a black-and-white film. As he twisted two knobs of his made-in-England cycle, allowing it to fold, the crowd went berserk.

“How old is this?” a car restorer asked, awestruck by the foldable technology. Modern-day cycles equipped with the feature cost a bomb. “It was made in 1939,” Narayan said in a matter-of-fact manner. Narayan’s brother rode in the Royal Winchester bicycle (1897), one of the oldest you would see in Bengaluru, and possibly India.

The exhibition drew visitors from Mysore, Pune, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, among others.

The Gentleman’s Bike

The Sunbeam Special (1914) has many firsts to its name. R D Srinivasan, owner of a Sunbeam bike in Bengaluru, said: “It doesn’t have a belt or a shaft. The chain is operated through a pool of oil. It was among the first bikes to have a bar control and gear system.” Among other attractions, the Sunbeam comes with a stand to hold tennis rackets, but Srinivasan, a former state-level hockey player uses it for his hockey stick. “…You cannot imagine the kind of technology used 100 years ago. It is just mind-blowing,” Srinivasan said, adding that it’s called The Gentleman’s Bike.

Helping ailing kids

Unlike previous editions of vintage exhibitions, Sunday’s event was aimed at helping children who need dialysis. Gautham Kalaburgi of NH4 Motorheads, one of the organizers, told TOI: “NH4 already supports two children. Dialysis for a single child costs Rs 12,000 a month and we thought that others can also contribute to the cause. We aren’t collecting money from public in the form of entry fee. The participating groups will pool in and contribute funds”.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / TNN / November 24th, 2014

Setting Aussie standards in Mangalore pools

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
While pursuing a Masters degree in Adelaide, Partha won over 10 gold medals in Aussie Masters
While pursuing a Masters degree in Adelaide, Partha won over 10 gold medals in Aussie Masters

A 28-year-old who resigned from an organisation promoting swimming in Australia to join his family business near Mangalore is trying to raise standards in the locality.

Partha Varanashi is an accomplished swimmer. He was the Mangalore University champion from 2003 to 2005 and a three-time finalist in national swimming contests. While pursuing a masters degree in plant biotechnology at the University of Adelaide, he became South Australian Masters Swimming record holder in 2009 besides winning over 10 gold medals in Aussie Masters.

Working as the swimming coaching coordinator at State Swim, an organisation promoting swimming in South Australia, he went on to coach over 900 swimmers in Australia.
In June, 2012, he returned to India to join his parents’ bio-technology venture — Varanashi Farms — that is into production of organic manure in Adyanadka, Bantwal taluk, about 60 kilometres from Mangalore.

 
As he was winding up in Australia, Paul Mason, owner of State Swim, advised him to start a swimming pool or an academy in India. Inspired by these words, Partha set up the Varanashi Swimming Academy. He says, “In India, a swimming pool is seen as a white elephant. Hence I did not have to put in much effort when I decided to take Balavana Swimming Pool in Parladka, Puttur on lease.” But Partha was not satisfied running the academy. He dreams of taking Indians up to Australian swimming standards.

 
Towards this end, he approached eight schools in Puttur and Vittal with a proposal to coach their students. Vivekananda School in Puttur showed interest in his dream and has now decided to introduce swimming classes from this academic year.

 
Partha says, “Students from Std V to IX will have one swimming class a week from June-July. Every student will get 30 classes a year. We are expecting at least 1,000 students to participate.”

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> News> State / May 12th, 2013

India’s Asha Bhat wins ‘Miss Supranational 2014’ title

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
Asha Bhat, after being crowned in Warsaw, Poland.
Asha Bhat, after being crowned in Warsaw, Poland.

India’s Asha Bhat has won the beauty pageant  ‘Miss Supranational 2014’, becoming the first Indian to receive the title.

Asha competed with contestants from 70 countries at the event held in Warsaw, Poland last night. Looking dazzling in a beautiful Gavin Miguel gown, Asha was crowned by the outgoing Miss Supranational, Mutya Datul from Philippines.

“I am ecstatic. It’s an unbelievable feeling and I couldn’t feel more proud. I am happy to have won this title for my country. I am extremely thankful to the Miss India Organization for giving me this wonderful opportunity to prove myself. Now, I am just waiting to come back to my country and meet my family and friends who supported me throughout my journey,” Asha said after her win.

She will be also rewarded with USD 25000.

Earlier in the competition, Asha won the title of ‘Miss Talent’ by giving a sizzling Bollywood  fusion performance, choreographed by Khush Numa Daruvalla on songs like ‘Kajrare’, ‘Yaar Na Mila’ and ‘Dhol Baaje’.
Asha was also seen competing for various sub-titles like Best National Costume, Miss Best Body, Miss Fashion Show, among others.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> News> World / Agency:PTI,  Place:New Delhi / Saturday – December 06th, 2014

Asha Bhat felicitated

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All
Asha Bhat with her parents at the felicitation function in Bhadravati on Sunday. ;— Photo: VAIDYA
Asha Bhat with her parents at the felicitation function in Bhadravati on Sunday. ;— Photo: VAIDYA

Asha Bhat, the second runner-up at the finals of the Miss Diva Universe-2014, who proved that success in beauty pageants is not the hegemony of those born and brought up in metropolitan cititis, had been to her hometown Bhadravati on Sunday.

Representatives of various organisations had organised a programme to felicitate Ms. Bhat at the Nayana Convention Hall in Bhadravati.

Interacting with presspersons on the occasion, she said that with hard work and commitment, even girls from rural areas and mofussil centres could also succeed in beauty competitions.

Ms. Bhat is the daughter of Subrahmanya Bhat and Shyamala Bhat, who run a clinical laboratory at Bhadravati. She studied up to 10th standard at St. Charles School here and pursued her Pre-University Course at Alva’s College, Moodbidri. She is pursuing seventh semester of BE at R.V. College in Bangalore at present.

Ms. Bhat, who had enrolled for National Cadet Corps while studying PUC, was selected to participate in the Republic Day parade. She was also a member of the NCC delegation from SAARC nations that visited Sri Lanka. “The stint with NCC instilled confidence in me to face new challenges,” she said.

According to Ms. Bhatm, preparing for beauty pageants was a rigorous exercise. Balanced diet and regular fitness sessions were part of the peparations. There would be training sessions on mannerisms, etiquette and communication skills. “While in NCC, I used to enjoy participating in parades. The catwalk on ramp is all together a different experience. Initially, I experienced pain with high-heeled foot wears. It is essential to endure pain to taste success,” she said.

Ms. Bhat is proud of her traditional middle-class

background. “There is a wrong notion prevailing among a section of society that beauty pageants is all about glamour. My parents used to tell that emphasis should not be given for external appearance, but to keep the heart and soul unpolluted. Beautiful person is one who is compassionate and has firm belief in the path of righteousness,” she said.

Ms. Bhat has been selected to represent India in Miss Supranational 2014 competition to be held in Poland. No Indian has won the crown at Miss Supranational event so far. My immediate aim is to emerge victorious in the event and bring laurels to my nation,” she said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Veerendra P.M. / Shimoga – October 27th, 2014

Wadiyar portrayed in Anamorphic art

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders
Wadiyar’s portrait in anamorphic form
Wadiyar’s portrait in anamorphic form

Mysuru :

After the sand and wax art, the last scion of Yaduvamsha of Mysuru, Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar has now been portrayed in the sporadic anamorphic art form that is on the verge of extinction.

B. Anil Kumar Bhogashetty, city’s artist and a student of CAVA has portrayed Wadiyar in his own creative way which will be gifted to Pramodadevi Wadiyar on Dec. 8.

Anil, having obtained his BFA degree from CAVA, was captivated by this beautiful imaging art. With an urge to familiarise this art among people, he earned expertise in this art. Presently, this rare art is being practiced in Karnataka only by Anil.

Anamorphosis: An unconventional way of seeing

Anamorphosis is a distorted projection or perspective requiring the viewer to use special devices or occupy a specific vantage point to reconstitute the image. It was Leonardo Da Vinci who first experimented with anamorphic perspective, and the first known example of an anamorphic drawing is an eye that he made in 1485. As time flourished this art started to conceal.

Anil Kumar has created the portrait of Wadiyar on a 6 ft tall and 4 ft wide canvas and has used a cylindrical reflective mirror, the most common form of viewing the art.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  /  Saturday , December 06th, 2014

Winners of Zoo Photography contest

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment

S.R. Madhusudhan bags 1st prize in Wildlife category; B. Pruthvi in Zoo category

City-based photo-journalist S.R. Madhusudhan's (inset) photo capturing a white-naped woodpecker's fight with a myna, which was adjudged the best in the wildlife photography section.
City-based photo-journalist S.R. Madhusudhan’s (inset) photo capturing a white-naped woodpecker’s fight with a myna, which was adjudged the best in the wildlife photography section.

Mysuru :

The following are the winners of Wildlife Photography competition conducted by Mysuru Zoo in city recently:

Wildlife Category: S.R. Madhusudhan – I; G.S. Ravishankar – II; M.K. Saptha Girish – III; M.B. Abhishek, M.N. Shivaprasad, Vinod Kumar, Uday Thejaswi Urs — Certificates of Merit

Zoo Category: B. Pruthvi -I; N.S. Adarsh Urs – II; N.R. Harsha- III; Nagesh Panathale, G.S Ravishankar, Basavanna, N.S. Adarsh Urs — Certificates of Merit.

There was a very good response for the photography competition conducted during September. Altogether 76 photographers participated in the competition with a total of 390 photographs for both Zoo (201) and Wildlife (189) categories.

The award winning and selected photos were displayed in the exhibition at Zoo Library Hall yesterday. 220 photos were shortlisted for display out of total 390 photo images. These images were selected by the three-member expert panel comprising Sudhir Shivaram, Girish Cavale and Subharghya Das.

The Syndicate Bank, Zoo Branch, has sponsored cash prizes to the winners in the photography competition under Zoo category and the Zoo is giving awards for the wildlife category which is as follows:

Zoo Category: I prize-Rs. 5,000; II prize- Rs.3,000; III prize -Rs.2,000.

Wildlife Category: I prize-Rs. 5,000; II prize- Rs.3,000; III prize -Rs.2,000.

The prizes will be distributed during the valedictory function of Youth Club of Mysuru Zoo in the first week of January 2015, according to a press release from the Zoo Director B.P. Ravi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News  /  Friday , December 05th, 2014