Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Film on Bannerghatta National Park released

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel

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A 20-minute short film titled ‘Bannerghatta Breathing for Bengaluru,’ throws light on man-animal conflict, the rich biodiversity of the forest patch spread across 270 square kilometres and challenges due to increasing urbanisation around the forest.

It shows the wildlife and biodiversity of the fragmented forest patch in full valour.

The lone wild tiger roaming in Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) has also been captured in the film.

It also covers the problems which the department has been facing because of shrinking land due increasing denotification and mining. The movie also dwells on the history on how the forest patch was notified, how the zoo was carved out of it and how land was added to the patch to strengthen elephant corridors.

The film has been commissioned by Sunil Panwar, Deputy Conservator of Forest, BNP and has been filmed by conservationists and film makers duo Ashok Hallur and Padma Ashok of Ideas for Change. The film was released on Friday by Governor Vajubhai Vala.

Butterfly Walk
The Karnataka Forest Department will organise a Butterfly Walk in Hennur Park on Sunday, October 9, for Bengalureans. The park spread across 34 acres has over 34 species of butterflies. During the walk, people will be shown different species, the host plants, the larvae and the nectar plants. Apart from Forest department officials, experts are also being roped in to create more awareness among people.

The Forest department has created three artificial ponds in the park and improved the biodiversity to increase the number of species to the park. The open storm water drain passing through the park, has little impact on the butterflies. This park along with parks in Jarakabandekaval and Doreswamypalya. The green environs of Doraisanipalya Jallary Reserve Forest off Bannerghatta Road is home varied species of butterfly.

BBP open on Vijayadashami
The Bannerghatta Biological Park will remain open on October 11, on the occasion of Vijayadashami. Tuesday is normally a holiday. The management this time has decided to keep it open, said an press release.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / Bosky Khanna / Bengaluru – DHNS, October 08th, 2016

Bamboo Biryani a great hit at Dasara Aahara Mela

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Travel

Mysuru :

District-in-Charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa inaugurated the 9- day Dasara Aahara Mela (Food Festival) at Scouts & Guides Grounds near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahadevappa said that the festival is not only to relish a variety of food items, but also to make people understand the importance of variety of healthy food items, hygiene and also to spread the significance of organic food items.

People from different parts of the State have put up stalls on the ground, serving special dishes of their respective regions.

The food items offered, include vegetarians and non-vegetarian, Bakery products like Pastry, Chocolates, Pizzas, Homemade coffee, Jowar roti and Chutney.

A range of food items made out of millets and organic food products are another attraction of the mela.

Tribal Delicacy: Tribals from various hamlets in the district and from across the State, have setup ‘Adivasi Aahara Mane’, where food cooked in Bamboo stems, is among the star attractions of the mane. Tea made of ‘Makali Beru’ (a root), variety of tubers grown in forests, dishes made of greens, a delicacy made of bamboo shoots and other tribal recipes are also available.

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A plate of Bamboo Biryani costs Rs. 150/-, while a bowl of ‘Bidirakki Payasa’ costs of Rs. 50/- a plate of ‘Kadugenasu,’ Jenu, Rs. 25/-, a cup of Makali Beru Tea Rs. 20/- Crab curry, & Ragi Ball meals Rs. 100/-, Ragi Ball & Uppesaru Rs. 50/- and a cup of Bidiru Kalle Rs. 20/-.

Karnataka State Lamps Co-operative Federation Chairman M. Krishnaiah said Bamboo Biryani, which was a hit during Dasara 2014, receiving a overwhelming response.

“We could serve Biryani only to 50 percent of the visitors in 2014. But this time, we are prepared to serve 100 plates of Biryani in an hour to meet the demand. A team of 15 people are busy preparing a variety of tribal food items”, he said and added that all tribal delicacies are prepared by experts fro m among the community.

The food mela also features exhibition of a whole range of equipments and articles used by tribals residing in different parts of the State.

The equipments on display include rope used for honey extraction, Net used for catching wild cocks, fish, birds etc.,

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / October 02nd, 2016

‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan ‘ award presented

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, who inaugurated the Dasara cultural programmes at Mysore Palace premises in city yesterday, is seen presenting 'Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan Award-2016' to Pandit Somnath Mardur on the occasion.
District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, who inaugurated the Dasara cultural programmes at Mysore Palace premises in city yesterday, is seen presenting ‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan Award-2016’ to Pandit Somnath Mardur on the occasion.

Mysuru :

PWD and District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa launched cultural programmes organised as part of Dasara festival at the glittering platform erected in front of the Palace yesterday.

The Minister also presented the prestigious ‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan Award-2016’ to Pandit Somnath Mardur.

Later speaking, Dr. Mahadevappa said poet Channaveera Kanavi, who inaugurated Dasara festivities and Pandit Somnath Mardur, both hailed from Dharwad, which is widely known for freedom movement, cultural and literary activities, just like Mysuru.

Recalling the contribution of the erstwhile Mysuru rulers in the promotion of music and cultural activities, the Minister said that this rich tradition can be seen in Dasara cultural programmes.

Pointing out that Pandit Somnath Mardur is an unassuming musician who has many achievements to his credit, the Minister said he felt happy to present the prestigious award to him.

Noting that many musicians have triumphed amidst great difficulties faced by them, the Minister said that Karnataka was in the forefront in promoting music and arts.

Speaking after receiving the award, Pandit Somnath Mardur said he felt too happy about receiving the award at Mysuru, the cultural capital of the State.

Stating that he would dedicate the award to Pandit Puttaraj Gawai and all his other Gurus, Mardur sought the blessing of everyone for continuing his musical journey.

Following the inauguration, Pooja Rajesh and team from Bengaluru presented a dance- drama titled ‘Jeeva Jala.’ Later, singer Chaitra and team presented a musical performance, which delighted the audience.

MLA M.K. Somashekar presided. DC D. Randeep, ADC T. Venkatesh, Kannada & Cuture Dept. Principal Secretary S.R. Umashankar, Director K.A. Dayananda and Jt. Director Balawant Rao Patil were present.

Dasara cultural programmes were also being held at Jaganmohan Palace, Town hall, Chikka Gadiyara, Kalamandira and Ganabharathi, with art connoisseur attending in large numbers.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com  / Star of Mysore / Home> General News > October 02nd, 2016

These artisans inject life into stone

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Are you an art connoisseur? Want to see how a rock/boulder turns into a magnificent piece of art, them head to Kalamandira, the venue of sculptors’ camp, where a group of sculptors are busy giving a shape to the boulders.

A score of sculptors from various parts of the state are creating attractive pieces of contemporary and traditional art works at the camp jointly organised by Lalithakala Academy, Shilpakala Academy and Dasara Fine Arts and Crafts sub-committee, as part of Mysuru Dasara.

Traditional art works, including ‘Kambodhbava Narasimha’, Hoysala-style ‘Shiva’, Naga-style ‘Kalikadevi and ‘Veerabhadra’ in Kalyana Chalukya style and contemporary art works like ‘an artiste in a rabbit mask’, ‘face of a man and woman with a music instrument’ among others catch the attention of the visitors.

As many as 15 sculptors from Mysuru, Mandya, Dakshina Kannada, Bagalkot, Raichur and other places are busy carving attractive art works for the past one week, and the camp will end on October 6.

The event is organised to popularise sculpture, traditional art forms, and to showcase the efforts of the sculptors, who carve these articles. The visitors can see how the sculptors give attractive shape to a rock.

Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Dr M Mahesh, also deputy special officer of Dasara Fine Arts and Crafts sub-committee said, the works will be kept on display on the premises of Kalamandira and at other government offices. The committee has provided the stones and wood to the artistes to create different forms of art, the commissioner said.

Deputy Commissioner D Randeep, also Dasara Special Officer, said, the Dasara committee will try to organise such events in a big way and also try to rope in national and international artisans in future. The DC said, the event definitely promotes sculpture and motivates artisans, apart from making the people understand the efforts of sculptors behind each beautiful work.

K J Deepak Kumar from Pandavapura in Mandya district, who was carving a modern art work ‘an artiste wearing rabbit mask’ said, his work mirrors the relationship between visual artistes and viewers.

“As my work will be placed on the premises of Kalamandira, I planned a relevant work which is suitable for the place,” said Deepak.

Another nationally accredited sculptor S Manjunatha Acharya said, art is inevitable to protect civilisation. But, in recent years, the scope for/of traditional arts is declining. He said, due to unavailability of materials including stones and lack of promotional activities, artisans are not getting an opportunity to showcase their talent.

Acharya, a sculptor, said, “In olden days, we used to spend only Rs 200 on a piece of high quality stone, but, now even if we pay Rs 8,000, they are hardly available.

‘Soap stone’ or ‘neela shile’ and ‘pacche shile’ are good for art works. They are available only at a few places — H D Kote in Mysuru district, Moodabidri in Dakshina Kannada district and in Bagalkot — in the state. With the use of modern technologies, now, it is possible to carve magnificent works out of marble, granite and other stones,” he added.
DH News Service

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Ranjith Kandya / DHNS – Mysuru, October 04th, 2016

Mysuru is N0. 1 ‘ Open Defection-Free City ’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Resources of Free Materials, Travel

Mysuru :

Adding to its Clean City fame, Mysuru has bagged the Number 1 position as the ‘Open Defecation-Free City’. It has been recognised as the first city with a million-plus population to achieve this distinction.

For two years in a row, Mysuru has topped the list of the cleanest cities in the country. It was named the cleanest in the country by a nationwide survey Swachh Survekshan 2016, which was carried out under the Swachh Bharat Mission that was launched on October 2, 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It may be mentioned here that about a couple of months back, representatives from the Quality Council of India visited Mysuru for an inspection and had submitted a report to the Union Urban Development Ministry that the city qualifies the parameters of an open defecation-free city.

The report also mentioned about the city’s cleanliness, waste disposal and drainage systems.

The MCC will be presented with the award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sept. 30 in New Delhi which will be received by Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa, Deputy Mayor Vanitha Prasanna and MCC Commissioner G. Jagadeesha, according to MCC Health Officer Dr. Ramachandra.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / September 24th, 2016

School reunion: Old boys look back at happy days

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Bengaluru :

They had grown up together on the same campus. And when they returned to their alma mater, St. Germain High School, on Sunday, it was time to soak in memories through the day.

About 600-odd alumni turned up for the annual general meeting of the Old Boys’ Association of St. Germain High School, Promenade Road, Fraser Town.

The day started with a holy mass, followed by hoisting the school flag and singing the anthem. Resolutions were passed and a new alumni team constituted.

After hours of celebrations, the old boys concluded the day with a group photograph.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City News> Bangalore / TNN / September 26th, 2016

Capturing poetry in stone

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel
A picture from ‘Beluru Halebeedu Shilpa Kalasamrajya’ by Pundalika Kalliganuru.
A picture from ‘Beluru Halebeedu Shilpa Kalasamrajya’ by Pundalika Kalliganuru.

D.V. Gundappa, a prominent poet of Karnataka, had penned 60 Kannada poems in his book ‘Antahpura Geetegalu’ in 1950 after being mesmerised by the dexterous chisel of the stone sculptures at Belur.

After that poetic attempt, a book, ‘Belu-Halebeedu Shilpakala Saamrajya’, brought out by Kikkeri Publications, Bengaluru, tells tales through the photography of illustrator and photographer Pundalika Kalliganuru.

The pictures in the book are also enhanced with commentaries, verses, and hymns penned by Pramod Nallur and Kalliganuru.

The 400-page book, with around 2,000 pictures, is a compilation of Mr. Kalliganuru’s four years of painstaking effort.

Assisted by other photographers, such as Mahalingu, Deepu, M. Viswanath and Vipin Baliga, the work of the 10th century Hoysala sculptors of the Jakkanachari style comes through splendidly in the book.

“If you see the grandeur of Hoysala architecture you will know that sculptors created more than 1,500 Hoysala temples. Belur and Halebeedu were their signature works. I wanted to showcase them pictorially giving them a huge spread,” says Kalliganuru.

“Amongst the 5,000 pictures clicked in four years, I felt bad that 3,000 could not be accommodated. This speaks of the specifics of detailing in each stone sculpture of Belur and Halebdu,” he adds.

The assortment in the stone art made Kalliganuru present his pictures in 39 chapters with nearly 10 categorisations of the sculptures.

“The carvings are intensely soaked in their explicit details. The only way that I could mirror them was shoot them in both natural sun and in rain where they reflected their true poetry in stone,” says Kalliganuru.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – September 26th, 2016

City Artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat Honoured in USA

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
Artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat with his paintings at Arizona, USA.
Artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat with his paintings at Arizona, USA.

Arizona, USA :

The Mayor of the City of Tempe, Arizona, USA, Mark W. Mitchell, has honoured the well-known Mysuru artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat, a visiting artist at the local temple, by declaring September 16, 2016 as Sri Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat Day in Tempe, Arizona.

This honour is for his two painting masterpieces of Hanumantha and Garuda, two Hindu mythological characters, for the temple in Sri Venkatakrishna Kshetra, Tempe, established by Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, the 30th pontiff in the lineage of Puthige Matha, Udupi, India.

The proclamation of the Mayor says that his paintings are exhibited in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He is also the first artist to revive the dying ancient Indian art of Ganjifa miniature painting and has done much acclaimed work in the field.

He is also known as a restorer of ancient, heritage paintings and buildings like temples and Palaces. His restoration work of walls and ornate pillars at the Mysore Palace was much appreciated by the connoisseurs and qualified experts.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / September 19th, 2016

Global food with an Indian twist on wheels

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All, Travel

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Food trucks may not be new to Bengaluru but one run on women power alone is a novel and refreshing sight. Founder Archana Singh and CEO Praveena Nandu along with the all-women team of five launched the food truck in Bagmane Tech park on Monday. And it is already a hit with customers.

After years of working in corporate communication, Archana left to pursue her two passions- children and food. Heading operations for a pre-school chain, she fulfilled the first. She had been playing with the idea of starting a food truck for two years before she founded the company, 7th Sin Hospitality Services in November last year.

“When the remodelling of the truck delayed the launch, I got an offer from a corporate to run a bistro on their premises.” Archana said. With the bistro up and running, it was time for the truck to roll out. The ‘Glocal’ cuisine they serve at the bistro got the corporates interested.

The food truck too serves the same food. One can find unusual items on their menu- malai tikka pasta, quesadillas with Chettinad chicken filling, paan cheesecake- essentially, global food with an Indian twist. “Since gluttony is the seventh sin, I thought this would be an appropriate name, Our portions are also large, in keeping with this,” Archana said.

Having been independent all her life, she wanted women from all strata of society to be able to experience the same freedom. Most of the women she hires, be it at the bistro, the truck or the central kitchen in Mahadevapura, are from underprivileged families, often school dropouts and victims of domestic abuse. Archana wanted to empower such women to become financially independent and get a new lease of life.

“I believe that with training, unskilled labour can be converted to talented workers.” she said.  Professional chefs in the company train the women and according to Archana, now they cook just as well as them.  Hemavathi, who studied till class 10, said: “This is my first job and I love the work. It is a new experience for me and it feels good to be earning.”

The food truck will be open for business six days of the week, parking in colleges, IT parks, at events and even birthday parties. On Sundays, the truck will park in different parts of the city to provide free food to those in need of it.
The truck is already grabbing attention of other states with people from Hyderabad and Chennai asking if franchises could be opened in those cities. Praveena Nandu, CEO, said, “It’s been less than a week but the response has been great. People are being drawn in by curiosity and we are being invited for many events.”
DH News Service

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / by Meghana Chaukkar / Bengaluru – DHNS, August 30th, 2016