Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Pages from history : Indira Belur’s passion for library

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All
1) Late Indira Belur 2) A file photo of the inauguration of ‘Indira Belur Memorial Library’ at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mysore, which adorns the drawing room of Vinuthamma’s residence.
1) Late Indira Belur 2) A file photo of the inauguration of ‘Indira Belur Memorial Library’ at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mysore, which adorns the drawing room of Vinuthamma’s residence.

by Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy, former Head, Department of Ancient History & Archaeology, University of Mysore

A decade ago some of us were visiting houses of friends in Mysore to collect funds for the construction of a building for Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mysore, under the leadership of Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurthy. K.B.Ganapathy was providing wide publicity by publishing the names of donors in his prestigious Star of Mysore and Mysooru Mithra. This enthused the donors. Dr. Mathoor had such a charming personality that he would speak in such a manner that people would not say ‘no’ and contribute donations for the Vidya Bhavan building.

The Mysore people are generally philanthropic and encouraged cultural activities to happen and the result is that we have an imposing building on the Hunsur Road and I do not think that there is anybody who has not seen this building. Thus Mysoreans and others have helped us to establish Vidya Bhavan which runs a school with 1500 students, an MBA (PGDM) College of Management, a school of Fine Arts, conducts monthly music programmes, discourses etc. All this has been possible because of the generous donations of the people of Mysore to whom we are grateful.

At that time, a lady called me on phone and said ‘I would like to contribute rupees three lakhs to Vidya Bhavan. Will it be possible for you to visit my house in Yadavagiri?’ She mentioned the road and said, ‘ask for Kogod House and anybody will show you.’ I jumped with joy. She was none other than Smt. Vinuthamma, a charming lady with a pleasant disposition. Before I could talk to her, she insisted on myself taking breakfast first. Before inviting me she must have told her plan to donate some money to her friends and relatives and the news spread. Many persons either visited her or talked to her on phone. Some others sent some feelers. All of them had an idea of getting an image of God or Goddess be made and consecrated in a temple so that she will get the religious merit (punya).

As she is an Iyengar lady, many offered the suggestion of making sculptures of either Alwars or Sri Ramanujacharya from her donation. But Vinuthamma had a different idea because the donor was her daughter Smt. Indira Belur and the latter had insisted that the money should be used to establish a library.

A highly laudable idea indeed! After hearing this many persons who had shown interest in taking donation suddenly vanished. However, some of them murmured. What is the use of a library? There are many libraries in Mysore and there are not enough readers in them. Most importantly, we have not heard of a crazy idea like this before and she will not get religious merit (punya) by this gift. But, Indira Belur was firm and her mother Vinuthamma was equally firm.

At that time, I had the good fortune of meeting Vinuthamma. When she offered the donation, I immediately accepted it and said a library will be established in Indira Belur’s name: absolutely no problem. She was taken aback by my acceptance and she repeated her library condition over and again. She also cautioned that I should not go back on my words. I re-affirmed and assured her that ‘as per the desire of your late daughter and your own wish to fulfil her desire, I will establish a library in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mysore and it will be inaugurated by a VIP, most probably our Governor, Dr. T. N. Chaturvedi.’

Before proceeding further, I would like to introduce Indira Belur. After graduating from Mysore University, she did her MBA specialising in marketing. She moved to Madras and became a management consultant and took assignments all over India. In the meantime, she became a consultant to State Bank of India, Bombay. She conducted many programmes in marketing management. Subsequently, she worked with a Japanese company and exported prawns to Japanese market. Subsequently, she became the General Manager for Trans Global Air, U.K. in-charge of South India. I saw this visiting card preserved by Vinuthamma as a memento of her dear daughter. When everything seemed well settled and she was at the top of her career, she became a victim of cancer and passed away in 1998. When she was in the BM Hospital, she celebrated her 50th birthday at the hospital itself. That is how she distinguished herself as a member of the illustrious Kogod Family.She had decided to donate her eyes.

As soon as I received the donation amount, I placed it before the Kendra Committee and apprised it of the details. N. Ramanuja, who was a relative of Vinuthamma, applauded the idea and insisted that the donation should be used for establishing a library in Mysore Vidya Bhavan. As soon as the building was completed, a place was identified for the library and a black granite name plate ‘Indira Belur Memorial Library’ was fixed on the wall. It was inaugurated by Sri Dhiru Mehta, the then Director General of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai in the presence of Dr. T. N. Chaturvedi. This photograph adorns the drawing room of Vinuthamma’s residence and she proudly shows this to her visitors. Though the loss of a daughter before her own mother is unwelcome, Vinuthamma is proud of the achievements of her daughter and her final decision to establish a library.

This library is just ten feet from my chambers and I daily pass through the library and automatically my eyes go up and look at the name plate ‘Indira Belur Memorial Library.’ Incidentally, library is not just a place where books are stacked, but it is a repository of knowledge. Ancient India was famous for libraries and the Chinese have described the libraries of Nalanda. Chinese scholars used to visit this library for consulting original books (manuscripts) on Buddhism and allied subjects. In the modern period many good libraries have come up. I had the good fortune of visiting British Museum Library in London and Weidner Library (Harvard) which contain excellent and valuable collections. National Library at Calcutta is also a good library. I am a proud owner of a small library which has good books on ancient history and archaeology which I have been using all these days. Maintaining a library is a difficult job because books require daily cleaning and periodical check-up. But a personal library has its own pleasure and advantage.

But, I did not get any clue for the passion and love for library by Indira Belur. Perhaps she understood the secret that library is the source of knowledge and one has to go to that source. Though gifting a library is uncommon, it is welcome and Vinuthamma should take pride in that gesture of her daughter Indira Belur. I would like to say to Indira Belur ‘wherever you are, we remember you with pride and gratitude’ that is the best tribute according to our tradition.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles  / May 31st, 2014

Youngster from city walks the red carpet at the famed Cannes Film Festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

by S.N.Venkatnag Sobers

Every person dreams of walking the Red Carpet at premier film festivals or at least to be a part of the festival in some way or the other. This is a talented Mysorean has had that opportunity.

Vaishak Vasanth Kumar, son of Rajyotsava awardee Vasanth Kumar Thimkapura, city’s renowned Agricultural Scientist, has just fulfilled his dream of walking the Red Carpet at Cannes Film Festival held this year.

A student at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, Vaishak was one among the 30 students selected to be a part of the Cannes Film Festival from the University.

Vaishak has been pursuing his studies in Bachelor of Arts with Political Science and Economics as his major subjects in the University.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Vaishak said that every year his University gets 30 invitations from the organisers of Cannes Film Festival and the University conducts a selection process which includes writing essays and one-on-one interviews to select the team to represent the University at the Cannes Film Festival.

He added that he was the only student from India and the only non-American to be a part of the student delegation.

“The interview involves writing about the history of cinema and the Cannes Film Festival as well. Only after getting through the two rounds I got an opportunity to be a part the team which visited Cannes,” said Vaishak.

During his 13-day stay in Cannes, the student team was given the task of watching 25 films screened at the festival. But, Vaishak making good use of the given opportunity watched 30 movies one among them was the ‘Winter Sleep,’ a Turkish movie, which won the prestigious PALME D’OR (Golden Palm Award) this year.

He added that it was his first visit to the Cannes Film Festival and said that he got an opportunity to meet the representatives of Warner Brothers and Disney.

Vaishak also added that he also met actors James Mc Avoy of X-Men fame, Jassica Chastian of Zero Dark Thirty fame, Salma Hayek, Zoe Saldana and Indian actors Ranvir Shorey and Shashank Arora.

Speaking about movies, Vaishak said that when compared to Hollywood movies and films from other countries, Indian movies had very little international appeal as it is made only for the Indian audience and it was very hard for the producers to pitch in the Indian movie for international audience.

“There is much more to be done in Bollywood if Indian movies have to be showcased in International Film Festival like the Cannes. The only movie which was showcased was ‘Titli’ of Yash Raj Films. People in Hollywood and film makers around the world take risks while scripting a movie, but in India such risks are not taken. There is a need for film fraternity in India to also give importance for parallel movies compared to the mainstream commercial movies,” said Vaishak.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles /by S.N.Venkatnag Sobers /  May 29th, 2014

Karnataka sites make to Unesco world heritage tentative list

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion

Mysore :

Architectural jewels in Belur and Halebid in Hassan, historical monuments in Srirangapatna and remnants of history from Deccan sultanate are in line to be declared as the world heritage site by the Unseco.

Put together, these sites represent the pluralistic spiritual beliefs that the state government is planning to preserve and promote.

The three sites have been included in the Unesco’s world heritage tentative list, thanks to the department of heritage, archaeology and museum which is now working with experts to prepare dossiers of each of them. Experts from across the world will evaluate the submission of the department and make recommendations. To be included on the world heritage list, the sites must be of outstanding universal value, according to the Unesco.

The chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced the inclusion of the three sites in the tentative list of the Unesco indicating that the government is serious in protecting the monuments. He linked it to tourism promotion in the region where the government is planning to create a tourist circuit comprising Mysore, Mandya, Hassan and Chamarajnagar to revive the local economy pointing out that many nations depend on tourist inflow to sustain their economies.

Heritage commissioner C G Betsurmath said he submitted the proposal to the Union ministry of culture in mid-February. “We consulted the experts and prepared the proposals focusing on the unique character of each of the sites identified,” he told The Times of India. The sites of Belur and Halibedu throws light on the pluralistic spiritual beliefs of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Jainism. Here the spiritual intersected with ordinary people while monuments at Srirangapatna we’ve projected different developmental stages of defence architecture in Hindu and Islamic traditions, he stated adding that the fort is a symbol of strength given that it was breached only four times. The Deccan sultanate properties indicate the convergence of different styles of Islamic architecture and their intersections with the prevalent Hindu architecture of the period, he stated.

A string of monuments in historical Srirangapatna, including the Fort, Bahmani monuments at Gulbarga, Bahmani and Barid Shahi monuments at Bidar and Adil Shashi monuments at Bijapur and properties of heritage value at Belur and Halebid have made it to the tentative list. He has received a communication from Shikha Jain, the member-secretary of the advisory committee on world heritage maters, in the Union ministry of culture asking him to work on presenting the dossiers. There are several parameters and we are keenly working them out, Betsurmath stated.

The world heritage site gets international attention for conservation and helps attract visitors from across the globe. The state’s prized possessions have passed the stage two among the five stage process. The next is be evaluation by two advisory bodies– the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union. They will provide the world heritage committee with evaluations allowing it to make a decision. According to Shikha Jain, the dossiers can be submitted after February, 2016.

Presently group of monuments at Hampi and at Pattadakal are recognized as the world heritage sites by the Unesco. This comes a decade after Srirangapatna, Bidar among other towns were declared as heritage cities.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> India / by H M Aravind, TNN / May 22nd, 2014

Minister to release Dr. M.R. Ravi’s books

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mysore :

District in-Charge Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad will release Additional Regional Commissioner Dr. M.R. Ravi’s books — ‘Ee Jeevana Nammadu,’ ‘Modern Education & Social Change’ and its Kannada translation ‘Adhunika Shikshana mattu Samajika Badalavane’ — at a function to be held at Rani Bahadur auditorium, Manasagangotri, here on May 31 at 6 pm.

Dr. Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, President, Sri Muruga Mutt, Chitradurga, will grace the occasion. MP R. Dhruvanarayan will be the chief guest.

Prof. A.V. Narasimhamurthy, former Head, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, will speak on the book. Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy will preside. Author Dr. M.R. Ravi will also be present on the occasion.

The books have been published by Samvahana, Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 28th, 2014

Tabla Guru Instils Fear and Respect

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Bangalore :

It’s hard to imagine an Indian classical music recital without percussion instruments. And yet, it’s not often that you see those who play them taking centre stage. So with an intention to change this, Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar began Kallur Mahalaxmi Tabla Vidyalaya.

With Bangalore as its home, Karnataka’s first tabla- only school recently celebrated its 29th anniversary, and  featured Ustad Fazal Quereshi (Ustad Allah Rakha’s son and Zakir Hussain’s brother), in a solo concert. “I want all the great musicians and artistes to visit the school,” says Kallurkar.

Starting in 1985, the school follows the guru-shishya parampara model. “I never treat my students as friends,” he says. “And I don’t encourage them to treat me as a friend either. I do inspire a little bit of fear,” he relents.

While the exponent is particular that the school doesn’t become a money-making enterprise, and teaches only students who are dedicated to the art, it doesn’t look down upon people who don’t want to embrace the art as a career.

“I talk to all my students from the beginning about the challenges of choosing this as a career. And if they choose to retain it as a hobby, I’m fine with that too so long as they respect and admire the art,” he shares. “And of course, there are those who don’t have the calibre to learn too well, but we have to make the effort,” he adds.

According to him, a good artiste is a result of a good teacher, dedication and luck.

His definition of luck also includes a home environment conducive to learning the art, and he tries his best to ensure that he solves his students’ problemst. “When students are close to Class 10, parents believe that tabla is a waste of time. But I usually talk to them, and, even if they don’t send the children to class, I convince them to allow the children to practise. After all, no one can study 24 hours a day, and playing the tabla will only act as a stress-buster,” says the tablist who teaches students ranging from five to 60 years.

The school offers no short-cuts. “Everyone wants fame and money immediately — haste has become a way with this generation,” he rues.

Located in Banashankari, the school conducts evening classes from Monday to Friday and morning and weekend classes.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service / May 28th, 2014

CPK releases biography of A.N. Murthy Rao

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders
Litterateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK), who released the book at Institution of Engineers on JLB Road here yesterday, is seen with District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M. Chandrashekar, Yakshagana Academy member Dr. Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj, writer G.S. Bhat, Prof. D. Javaregowda, Mandya District Sahitya Sammelana President Prof. K. Bhyravamurthy, writer Dr. Malali Vasanthkumar and Publisher G. Dwaraknath.
Litterateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK), who released the book at Institution of Engineers on JLB Road here yesterday, is seen with District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M. Chandrashekar, Yakshagana Academy member Dr. Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj, writer G.S. Bhat, Prof. D. Javaregowda, Mandya District Sahitya Sammelana President Prof. K. Bhyravamurthy, writer Dr. Malali Vasanthkumar and Publisher G. Dwaraknath.

Mysore :

The biography of noted Kannada writer A.N. Murthy Rao, written by litterateur Dr. Malali Vasanthkumar, titled ‘Akkihebbalu Murthy Rao-Jeevana Charitre’ was released here yesterday, by litterateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK) at a function jointly organised by District Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP), DVK Murthy Publications and Karnataka Vichara Vedike at the Institution of Engineers on JLB Road.

Speaking on the occasion, CPK said that Rao’s books were appreciated by people of all generations as he (Rao) was a multifaced personality with subjects varying from divinity to complex Kannada literature.

CPK pointed out that Rao could be equated to great litterateurs like Kuvempu, BMSri, P.T. Narasimhachar (PuTiNa) and Masti Venkatesh Iyengar. He said that the biography written by Dr. Malali Vasanthkumar, who had known Rao from close quarters, throws light on every aspect of Rao’s literature.

Continuing, CPK said that Vasanthkumar had made a list of lapses of Rao and has mentioned the same in the book. When the same was sent to Rao, he had accepted them sportively which indicated his stature, said CPK.

Litterateur Prof. D. Javaregowda (Dejagow) presided. Mandya District Sahitya Sammelana President Prof. K. Bhyravamurthy, Yakshagana Academy member Dr. Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj, writer G.S. Bhat, Publisher G. Dwaraknath, District KSP President M. Chandrashekar and others were present.

Protest

Meanwhile, members of Kannada Nadu Sene and Kannada Sene staged a protest at the book release function venue against CPK and other litterateurs condemning their support for the transfer of NTM School to Ramakrishna Ashram. The Kannada activists also waved black flags and shouted slogans against the group of writers.

CPK clarifies

Intervening, CPK clarified that the government had already sanctioned the NTM School and premises to the Ashram for establishing Swami Vivekananda Memorial. Hence, he again stated that any protest on that subject would be futile. CPK regretted that his statement has been misinterpreted.

He contended that he was not against any Kannada association.

On hearing the news of the protest, Lakshmipuram Police arrived on the scene and brought the situation under control allowing the programme to go on smoothly.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 22nd, 2014

D-Star Beauty Pageant held in City

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Pallavi Ravishankar (sixth from right) is seen with the contestants and the show-stopper Chandhana S. Ghanavi (sixth from left).
Pallavi Ravishankar (sixth from right) is seen with the contestants and the show-stopper Chandhana S. Ghanavi (sixth from left).

Mysore :

Pallavi Ravishankar, who owns Dhenu Creations, a designer boutique and a beauty salon in city, had organised a beauty pageant ‘D-Star’ for the ladies of Mysore, on the occasion of the golden jubilee anniversary celebrations of her in-laws, at JP Fortune Palace here on May 13.

The event showcased the exclusive collections of Pallavi in which Kannada cine actor Srinagara Kitty was the chief guest and Anushree of Big Boss was the MC. The event had an audience of more than 2,500. Pallavi and Ravishankar’s daughter, Chandhana S. Ghanavi, was the show-stopper of the event.

Eleven contestants were awarded various titles in different categories — Miss Beautiful Smile: Rithika Gupta; Miss Talented: Neusa; Miss Photogenic: Thanvi Muthamma; Miss Ten: Sarah; Miss Congeniality: Poorva; Miss Beautiful Hair: Punya: Miss Beautiful Skin: Apoorva; Miss Iconic Eyes: Pooja Jain; Best Catwalk: Tenyah; Best Personality: Monica Raikar and Best Dressed: Sushmitha Gowda.

Neusa was adjudged the winner of the beauty pageant, with Rithika Gupta emerging first runner-up and Thanvi Muthamma, second runner-up.

Photography and video for the event was by Dinesh & team and make-up and hairstyling by Nagesh, a celebrity make-up and hair artist; sound and lighting by Shreedhar and team and stage design by Prakash Palya.

The event provided a great platform the ladies of Mysore to showcase their talent and make a fashion statement.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 20th, 2014

Sleeping amongst the fauna in Bandipur

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel
Snapshots from Bandipur
Snapshots from Bandipur

Chennai:

Bandipur is situated at the southern edge of Karnataka, and the National Park located there has drawn its fair share of visitors. Sharing its boundaries with three other national parks — Nagarhole, Mudumalai and Wayanad — which together form the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, Bandipur makes the ‘must-see’ list for most nature lovers. This belt is considered an eco-sensitive region and is also a part of the Project Tiger scheme since it has a considerable tiger population.

Bandipur’ s biggest lure is its promise of wildlife sightings. The reserve is home to a variety of species, including tigers, leopards and sloth bears, which is the reason for visitors to come. Bandipur National Park is amongst the most beautiful and oldest national parks in the country. Declared as a National Park in 1974, it once served as a hunting ground of the Mysore Maharajas. Bandipur National Park covers an area of 890 sq km, housing some of the most exotic species of flora and fauna along with Nagarhole National Park, it is the largest protected area in south India and a part of the Nilgiris, which is located 560 km from Chennai and 80 km from Mysore, Karnataka.

Bandipur lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats and hence the vegetation is rather dry and deciduous but this lack of forest cover increases one’s chances of spotting wildlife. The yellowish-brown grass and scrub that covers the land is reminiscent of the African savannah and the occasional tree with its widespread branches seems like the perfect location to spot a wild cat lounging around. When we visited Bandipur, it was just before the monsoons, the weather cool in the evenings only.

This is the route we took when we drove to Bandipur and Mudumalai from Chennai: It was Chennai — Ranipet — Chittoor — Bangalore — Mysore — Bandipur, a journey of about 560 km that took us eight hours, with stops at Chittoor, Bangalore and Mysore.

The four of us set out at 11pm from Chennai. We stopped at Chittoor for coffee. By 4 am we were in Bengaluru, where we stopped for about 15 minutes before going on to Mysore. The weather was pleasant, perfect for driving without an AC. By 7 am, we were on the last leg of our journey from Mysore.

We were stopped by security when we reached the forest area for the toll fee and for safety and environment conservation tips. This was a strictly plastic-free zone and the speed limit 30 km. There was pin drop silence in the forest. We spotted a deer and peacock the moment we began our slow drive through the 13 km to the resort where we were going to stay.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Travel / DC / by S. Somasundaram / May 15th, 2014

Kaviraj to get hitched this weekend

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Lyricist and writer Kaviraj, who has won several Best Lyricist awards, is all set to begin a new journey. The Shimoga-born writer is all set to tie the knot with Rajeshwari, who is also from Shimoga. It is said that the two met a few month ago and fell in love. Both their parents were reportedly happy with the alliance, and the two will soon be united as man and wife on Sunday.

KavirajBF23may2014

Sources have revealed the couple will get married in Kuppalli in Thirthahalli taluk, Shimoga. What is interesting is that Kuppalli is the birthplace of renowned Kannada playwright and poet Kuvempu, which is probably why the wedding will be done in Kuvempu Mantra Mangalya style.

The writer debut in 2003 with the Kannada film Kariya and has so far written lyrics for over 800 songs.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / TNN / May 09th, 2014

Taluku – The Achievers’ Village

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Pages from History

AchieversBF22may2014

by Prof. A.V.Narasimha Murthy

The Maharaja met Prof. Venkannaiah and requested him to give private tuition to the prince on a monthly remuneration of Rs. 250 per month, which was a luxury in those days. But Venkannaiah politely refused the offer, but made arrangements for the private tuition, through some other scholar. The family members of Venkannaiah were very unhappy for his refusal which they thought was a god-send opportunity. But Venkannaiah had a different logic — “I am a Professor at the College for which I receive salary and to take up private tuition is an offence and hence I rejected the offer.” While sending him back, the Maharaja had sent fruits in a huge silver plate. The Professor humbly kept the fruits and sent back the empty plate to the Palace. He was told that the silver plate was also a gift along with fruits. That was how the Maharaja treated him, with respect.

Some months ago, we were returning to Mysore from Hampi after finishing the South Indian Numismatic Conference. Our wives insisted on visiting Molakalmuru famous for the silk sarees. At this place every home has a weaving machine to produce silk sarees which have a good market. While returning from Molakalmuru, to our right, I saw the name board ‘Taluku’ which was the name of a village.

I was thrilled because this small village has given great scholars to Kannada literature. It became famous because of Talukina S. Venkannaiah, Professor of Kannada in Mysore Maharaja’s College. Practically, he was the pioneer in starting the Kannada Department here. Even educated persons also might not have heard about this man’s greatness. Such persons should refer to Kuvempu’s Sri Ramayana Darshanam. This book contains a dedication page, dedicated to Kuvempu’s Guru Prof. T.S. Venkannaiah whom the former has treated as an embodiment of divinity. One has to read it to believe it. Ta. Su. Shamarao has given a good glimpse into the life and works of Prof. Venkannaiah in his famous book Mooru Talemaru (Three generations).

Venkannaiah was a towering personality and commanded great respect as a Professor. Mysore Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (Nalwadi) had also heard of this great Professor and thought that this man was best suited to give private tuition to Prince Jayachamaraja Wadiyar. The Maharaja sent the Palace car to the residence of Venkannaiah and the Professor went to the Palace. The neighbours were pleasantly surprised that the Palace car had come to the residence of this Professor who had the good fortune of travelling in the Palace car. The neighbours’ respect for the Professor increased. The Maharaja met the Professor and requested him to give private tuition to the prince on a monthly remuneration of Rs. 250 per month, which was a luxury in those days. But Venkannaiah politely refused the offer, but made arrangements for the private tuition, through some other scholar. The family members of Venkannaiah were very unhappy for his refusal which they thought was a god-sent opportunity. But Venkannaiah had a differ

ent logic- “I am a Professor at the College for which I receive salary and to take up private tuition is an offence and hence I rejected the offer.” While sending him back, the Maharaja had sent fruits in a huge silver plate. The Professor humbly kept the fruits and sent back the empty plate to the Palace. He was told that the silver plate was also a gift along with fruits. That was how the Maharaja treated him, with respect.

Venkannaiah believed and lived according to the adage ‘Simple living, high thinking.’ Though not rich he was generous to a fault. Once a law college student wrote him a post card, asking money to pay his examination fee. Venkannaiah did not know that student but took pity on him. But he had no money at that time. Immediately he borrowed Rs.150 and sent it to that student. At another time a theft took place in his house. The thief could not get anything except a silver plate which he was using for eating. Everybody was cursing the thief but Venkannaiah said, ‘I am grateful to the thief who has stolen my silver plate so that I can eat along with others in an aluminium plate.’ Such anecdotes are available in plenty. That is how Venkannaiah lived. He died in 1939 and hence I did not have the good fortune of seeing or meeting that great personality.

But this is amply compensated by my close association with his brother Prof. T.S. Shamarao who was also a Professor of Kannada and a towering personality. One of his sons was my student and even today I feel guilty that I could not get him a job in Archaeology. But he on his own got a job in a bank and now is a retired happy person. Prof. Shama Rao did not mistake me for this lapse. In those days monthly meetings at the residences (Satsang) used to be held in which about 10 scholars took part. These meetings used to begin with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with a lecture by a scholar, and later, a discussion on the lecture. One day my turn came and I went to Prof. Shamarao’s residence where I saw H.M. Shankaranarayana Rao, Venkataramappa and others. I was asked to give a talk on ‘Ancient Indian education with special reference to Karnataka.’ It was my good fortune that the scholars present there admired my lecture.

Chief Minister Bangarappa was a student of Ta.Su. Shamarao. One day, he came to the residence of Shamarao and paid respects. He said, ‘Sir, the Government has come to your doorstep, please command.’ The condition at Professor’s house was not encouraging. Bangarappa promised to give jobs to his sons and daughter and give him a State award. Shamarao did not like it and addressing Bangarappa in singular, said, ‘Administer the State well and earn a good name, that is all I want.’ A similar thing happened to Minister Abdul Nazir Saab too.

With the passing away of Shamarao, everyone thought that Taluku publication would end. At that stage, a young and energetic son, T. S. Chayapati, came on to the scene with a determination to continue Talukina Venkannaiah Memorial publication started by his father. He has published more than one thousand books and continues to do so. He has earned the title ‘Savira Pustakagala Saradara.’ Almost all the great Kannada authors are included in his publications including K.B. Ganapathy whose four books he has published including Adarshavadi.

Almost all my Kannada books have been published by him. Not only is he a publisher, he is also an author and has 23 books to his credit.

On turning 70, Mysore District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, under its dynamic President Chandrashekar, jointly with Ranganath of Savigannada fame had organised a function, during which a felicitation volume titled ‘Chayabhinandana’ was released. Chayapati has made immense contribution to the society through his publications and the society salutes this achiever in public. Most people celebrate their birthdays at home but it is the privilege of some to get the distinction of celebrating birthday through public service. Persons like Chayapati have no retirements who is planning to publish more books.

I will be failing in my duty if I do not refer to with admiration the part played by his wife Pushpa Chayapati who has been his backbone and stood by him in all his activities including publications. She is a good PRO and Chayapati also accepts this truth without any hesitation. On this happy occasion of the release of the felicitation volume on attaining 70, I wish him good health, long life and all prosperity including more publications under the magic name Taluku. Hope all my readers will say ‘amen.’

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / May 17th, 2014