Category Archives: Leaders

DR. K.V. Ramesh : Born for Epigraphy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
Director (Epigraphy), Archaeological Survey of India, Mysore.
Director (Epigraphy), Archaeological Survey of India, Mysore.

Dr. K.V. Ramesh, doyen among the epigraphists, who strode like a colossus in the field of epigraphy, breathed his last on 10.7.2013. His passing away has created a great void in the field of epigraphical research and a terrible loss to the epigraphical fraternity and his admirers.

His long association with the Epigraphy Branch, ASI Mysore, was so close and continuous, even now it is difficult for us to come to terms that he is no more with us. He relentlessly pursued during his tenure as Director (Epigraphy) and also after, for the betterment of the Epigraphy branch. It was during his tenure two zonal offices was created and he was making efforts for further expansion of the branch.

On many forums he strongly proposed to create National Mission for Epigraphy, like National Mission for Manuscripts, so that inscriptions that are located in the farthest and interior places could be located and documented. Apart from this, he had also proposed to have the National Institute for Epigraphy at Mysore to carry on intensive research work in the field of Palaeography and Epigraphy and also as one of the capacity building measures.

His contribution to the field of Epigraphy is immense, particularly with regards to Epigraphical Studies in Karnataka, he added a new depth and dimension.

The book on Western Gangas and Chalukyas of Vatapi, to name only a few are his masterly works. He has contributed innumerable articles for national and international journals and a multi-volume dictionary of the Social, Economic and Administrative Terms in South Indian Inscriptions, a project of the Indian Council of Historical Research. Also, he was fondly remembered by scholars for his profound contribution in the Ayodhya verdict.

To accelerate epigraphical studies and studies in Onomastics, he established two Societies and was the founder-member and Chairman of the Epigraphical Society of India and Place-name Society of India. He took to great heights both the Societies and they have carved a special niche among the scholarly world.

He was a down-to-earth person and friendly towards his colleagues, and always encouraged young scholars. Now we are orphaned because of his sudden demise. He was a fatherly figure to all the members, and continuously guided the destiny of both the Societies till the end.

The rich tribute we can pay to this scholar-extraordinary is by only creating a band of dedicated and committed epigraphists who by unraveling new inscriptions, enrich epigraphical studies, for which he strongly stood for.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by  T. S. Ravishankar / July 21st, 2013

Bangalore University to award doctorates to Krishna, G R Vishwanath

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Education, Leaders, Sports

Bangalore :

Former Karnataka chief minister and Union external affairs minister SM Krishna  will get an honorary doctorate along with six others from Bangalore University.

Former Indian cricketer GR Vishwanath, space scientist UR Rao, playback singer BK Sumithra, chief commissioner (income tax, Karnataka and Goa) K Satyanarayana, Siddaganga mutt pontiff Shivakumara Swamiji and Sanskrit writer Vanita Ramaswamy are the others chosen for the honour.

The honorary doctorates will be presented during the 48th annual convocation to be held at 11am on July 18 at Jnanajyothi Sabhangana, Central College.

The syndicate, the highest decision making body of the varsity, on Friday decided to honour eight eminent people this time for contributions in their sphere of activity. However, the eighth person, litterateur Devanur Mahadeva, has declined to accept the varsity honour.

News for use

* Bangalore University gold  medal/cash prize winners, rank holders and PhD awardees have to bring 2 passport size photos to collect the convocation invitation from July 15 during working hours at the office of registrar (evaluation), Pareeksha Bhavan, Jnanabharathi.

* The SSLC supplementary exam results will be published at 11am on July 13.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore / TNN / July 13th, 2013

Round Table India to celebrate ‘Change over Banquet’ in city

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, All
Tr. Ashwinni Kumar Hemdev, Tr. Harish Shenoy
Tr. Ashwinni Kumar Hemdev, Tr. Harish Shenoy

2nd Mysorean to take over as Round Table India President

Mysore :

The ‘Change over Banquet’ of the Round Table India will be held in Mysore for the first time in the history of the city.

The function will be held tomorrow (July 19) at Hotel Lalitha Mahal Palace here at 7 pm during which city businessman Tr. Harish Shenoy, member, Mysore Heritage Round Table-109, will be sworn-in as the National President of Round Table India.

This is for the second time that a Mysorean will be taking over as the National President of Round Table India.

Tr. Harish Shenoy will be taking over the post from Tr. Vineet Parikh, member of Round Table-40, Ahmedabad.

Earlier, city-based industrialist Tr. Ashwinni Kumar Hemdev of Darshan Flexibles Private Limited, member of Mysore Round Table-21, became the first Mysorean to take charge as the National President of Round Table India in the year 2011-12, which was also the Golden Year of Round Table India.

More than 300 delegates from all over India will be taking part in the event.

The delegates will be staying at Lalitha Mahal Palace, Windflower Resorts & Spa and Hotel Regaalis during their visit to Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / July 18th, 2013

Women at Work: Wipro’s Sangita Singh

Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technology
Sangita Singh, pictured, is the only woman to have ever led a business unit at Wipro
Sangita Singh, pictured, is the only woman to have ever led a business unit at Wipro

Sangita Singh, a senior vice president at Wipro Ltd., India’s third-largest software exporter by sales, is one of the few women to rise up the ranks in an industry dominated by men. The 44-year-old mother of a young teenager is the only woman to have ever led a business unit at the Bangalore-based outsourcing firm.

Despite growth in India’s $110 billion information technology industry, few women are seen at the helm of operations in the sector. Ms. Singh says companies are growing conscious about the lack of representation of women at key positions. “I would be very surprised if, in the next five years, you don’t have women in senior positions at Indian IT companies,” she says, adding that firms, including her own, have recently made an effort to recruit more women staff.

At Wipro, where Ms. Singh’s career has spanned two decades, the IT executive has donned several hats, including the role of chief marketing officer and the head of the company’s business applications software unit.

This week on India Real Time’s  “Women at Work” series , Ms. Singh speaks about why few Indian women venture into the world of business, the challenges of being a female executive, and what organizations can do to retain women employees.

Edited excerpts:

The Wall Street Journal: At what stage do Indian women decide to pull the plug on their careers?

Ms. Singh: When a woman starts her career, she is young, ambitious, and wanting to make a difference. You see a lot of women in that stage. In fact, they do better than men at that stage. The real challenge is when they reach the crossroads, when they have to get married or have kids.

WSJ: What can organizations do to prevent this?

Ms. Singh: Most of the organizations have started opening crèches and offering some form of flexible working hours to such women. But they have not been able to address the softer aspects around it, which is mentoring, counseling, or the relationship with the individual at that time, to give them courage and motivation.

Organizations have to take personal interest in giving such women flexibility to take breaks. It can’t just be lip service. Give them roles where they can balance both family and work and get past that crossroads stage.

Even society can play a role in terms of making sure that they instill a sense of pride in women wanting to achieve their best.

WSJ: What challenges have you faced as a woman executive?

Ms. Singh: The crossroads stage was the toughest one. One has to have supreme motivation to be able to ride through this stage.

Also, people have very low expectations about what a woman will bring to the table. So if they do well, it’s good, but if they don’t, it is fine.

WSJ: What mistakes do women often make at the workplace?

Ms. Singh: Sometimes, women themselves create barriers. They don’t take the initiative to network. As a result, there could be an issue of access, because you are not known enough. Networking may come easily to a man, but it doesn’t to a woman.

What is important is to be aware of those things. If you are conscious about it and start working on it, it will help you. If you think that you are not being included in a network, you have to take that initiative of networking with people. Don’t wait for organizational mandates to say you need to have a woman chief executive, because you have had three men CEOs. You be the agent of change and demonstrate those traits that they would need in a leader.

At the end of the day, everybody wants to run a successful business. If you have the ability to deliver a successful business, leaders will take that call of you being at the head of affairs. A lot of the onus today lies on us rather than the organization.

Follow India Real Time on Twitter   @IndiaRealTime 

source: http://www.blogs.wsj.com /  The Wall Street Journal – India / India Real Time / Home> Economy & Business> Article / by Dhanya Ann Thoppil / July 01st, 2013

Kundapur: Keshav Koteshwar Bags Honorary Doctorate

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders

Kundapur :

Keshav Koteshwar, chief trustee of Spoorthidhama Rehabilitation and Orphanage, Koteshwar, near here selected to award honorary doctorate by New International University, in recognition of his selfless service to humanity in caring for the destitute.

KeshavaBF18jul2013

In spite of Keshav was born in a poorest family, he pursued his mission to bring light in the life of poor and downtrodden.  He has been awarded several titles – Samaja Sudharaka, Samaja Ratna, Mukti Ratna and Kalaposhaka, and awards including Shirdi Sai Baba National Service Award, Aryabhata Award, Dr Shivaram Karant Sadbhavan state Award, in recognition of his yeomen service in uplifting the destitute.

The doctorate will be conferred during a function scheduled to be held at Hotel City Centaur banquet hall, Bangalore, on Sunday July 7.

source: http://www.bellevision.com / BelleVision.com / Home> News / Bellevision Media Network / Kundapur – July 02nd, 2013

Eminent Epigraphist DR. K.V. Ramesh passes away

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

DrKVRameshBF18jul2013

Mysore : 

Dr. K.V. Ramesh (78), eminent Epigraphist and former Joint Director-General of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), passed away at a private hospital here on July 10 following a cardiac arrest.

A resident of Kuvempunagar, he leaves behind his wife and three daughters. Last rites will be performed in city tomorrow after the arrival of his daughters from abroad.

Profile: Born on 8.6.1935, Dr. K.V. Ramesh had a Master’s degree in Sanskrit language and literature from Madras University; Doctorate from Karnatak University, Dharwad (1965).

He joined the Epigraphy branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Ootacamund as Epigraphical Assistant (Sept. 1956). He also served as Dy. Superintending Epigraphist (1966); Superintending Epigraphist (1976); Chief Epigraphist (1984); Director, Epigraphy (1986) and Jt. Director-General of ASI (May,1992) before his superannuation (June, 1993).

He was also the Hon. Director of Oriental Research Institute, University of Mysore (1998-2006). He was awarded “Honour of Excellence” by the Prime Minister of India, in recognition of his contribution to the field of Epigraphy at a function in Delhi (Dec. 2011) to mark the celebration of 150th year of ASI.

He was also honoured by Governor of Karnataka on Dec. 28, 2012 on the occasion of 150 years of ASI, jointly celebrated by the Bangalore and Dharwad Circles of ASI at Bangalore.

He was appointed as the National Professor in Epigraphy by ASI on Sept. 11, 2012, was the Chairman of the Epigraphical Society of India and the Place Names Society of India also.

Condoled: Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy, former Head, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore and Dr. Mysore Nagaraja Sharma, a researcher in Archaeology have condoled his death.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / July 12th, 2013

A tribute ….. : Passing of Dr. Parpia : End of an Era of active Activism in Mysore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
Dr. Parpia with Andal Siddharthachary during “Save People’s Park” protest when he was 90 years young.
Dr. Parpia with Andal Siddharthachary during “Save People’s Park” protest when he was 90 years young.

By Bhamy V. Shenoy, Convenor, MGP

How many top scientists we can identify in Mysore who after having achieved the pinnacle of success will take up the equally important role of questioning the status quo in our society and fight for the much-needed reform? But for Dr. H.A.B. Parpia, I have not come across any such person in Mysore.

With his passing on July 9 at the age of 91 years, Mysore has lost a great social worker with many outstanding qualities.

Just two weeks before his demise, he was busy writing letters to different authorities on the justification for awarding high grade to Amity University by NAAC. Since one year, he was collecting information on the amount of money spent on different Ministers in Karnataka using RTI.

Parpia was pushing the MGP members to publish an article using the information before the recent Assembly election so that voters can elect the right candidates.

He was very much agitated about the corruption in high places. He had gathered volumes of information through RTI on this issue and was very serious in exposing this malady in our democracy.

As an educationist, he constantly questioned the rote learning and examination oriented education system. He was involved in the management of People’s Education Trust (PET) as its Founder-President.

PET must have helped several hundred poor students from different parts of Mysore. He took active part in promoting education reform.

It was because of Parpia’s efforts as a member of MGP education committee that today students in Karnataka are able to get their answer sheets back to make sure they have been evaluated correctly.

Dr. Parpia was also instrumental in convincing the Education Department to stop announcing ranks based on public examination marks. He never believed that examination marks are the true indicator of one’s capacity. It is unfortunate that private schools/coaching centres are again highlighting “ranks” to promote themselves.

He constantly worried about the worsening traffic situation in Mysore. Whenever there was a new Police Commissioner he gave a lot of information which he had collected from different countries on how to improve traffic conditions. Because of his initiative, NIE conducted the first scientific traffic study of Mysore.

Soon after Bangalore Agenda Task Force was constituted, he wrote a vision paper for Mysore to convince the then Chief Minister S.M. Krishna to have a Mysore Agenda Task Force (MATF). He succeeded. He was one of the most active members of MATF constantly pushing the bureaucrats to improve governance.

Having spent one year in Sevagram serving Mahatma Gandhi, he imbibed many qualities (punctuality, men toring young talents, courtesy to all, never exceeding time allotted to deliver talks, etc.) at a young age.

Parpia never hesitated to stand for principles even if he was the only one in the group and consequences could work against him.

During Ayodhya riots in the city, Dr. Parpia took an active part to bring about peace in the city. Fighting for religious harmony and to get rid of casteism in the society remained his cherished goals till the last.

One of his great contributions to promote activism in Mysore was the role he played during the start of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) and also later as it took up civic issues. He never hesitated to call a spade a spade. He was never afraid to expose corruption even at the highest levels. This made him an unpopular figure in several government offices and also educational institutions.

Because of his scientific background, Dr. Parpia had the unusual talent of identifying the strategic factors needed for bringing about any reform.

A mantra he used to chant for any activist group (MGP, MATF, PET, etc.) he was involved, was that we need a sound policy, a good strategy and well thought-out plan of action to bring about any reform.

In Mysore today, sincere activists receive less gratitude than they deserve for the good they do. But Dr. Parpia soldiered on without worrying about bouquets or brickbats. Mysore will miss him.

Years to come, Mysore will be recalling the great service Dr. Parpia has rendered in the areas of education, traffic, environmental protection and above all governance.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Bhamy V. Shenoy, Convenor, MGP / July 11th, 2013

A tribute ….Dr. H.A.B. Parpia, the man

Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Science & Technology

Mysore : 

Freedom fighter,  Scientist,  Activist

By Maj. Gen. S.G.Vombatkere (Retd.)

Dr. Hossain Ali Bhimji Parpia, “Hossy” to his friends, passed away in his home in Mysore on 9th July 2013. It is difficult to break up his 90-years lifetime into his “working years” and his “retired life” because he was a do-er, a go-getter, in his thoughts, words and actions throughout his life.

In his early years as a volunteer at Gandhiji’s Sewagram Ashram, he learned about truth, freedom and secularism from his personal interactions with the Mahatma. Later, while in college at Bombay (now Mumbai), he was a student leader active in the freedom movement, beaten and arrested by Police under British rule. This motivation and experience in his formative years made him what he was in later life — a fighter with a powerful drive to use his skills and abilities to better the lives of his fellow countrymen.

He went to USA for higher studies and earned his Ph.D in Food Science & Technology from Oregon State University at Corvallis, returning to India in 1951. It was in Corvallis that he met Carolyn Wilkes, who joined him in Bombay, where they were married on Republic Day 1953, and Carolyn relinquished her US citizenship to become an Indian citizen.

His expertise in food technology was recognised by Pandit Nehru, who urged him to join the CSIR and this led him to CFTRI in 1956. As Director from 1962-72, Dr. Parpia’s remarkable abilities helped place CFTRI on the world map for research in food science and technology. His initiative got CFTRI recognised as a centre for academic research. He was doctoral guide to 18 candidates for their PhD degrees, and was Visiting Faculty in Food Science at M.I.T, USA, from 1967-78. This led to key, prized UN appointments in Rome, New York and Tokyo in the areas of food science and technology, development and education, between 1972 and 1984.

In his eventful professional life as a scientist, he rose to be an authority in his chosen field, with a host of scientific publications. He organised national and international workshops and symposia, and chaired sessions at many other international and national events. It would need too much space to mention the awards and honours that he received in India and USA for his work in food science and its practical applications. He was a member of several professional scientific bodies both in India and abroad, and a regular reader and contributor to their journals.

He later remained in touch with his profession as Founder-President, Afro-Asian Federation of Food Science and Technology Institutions.

On retirement, Dr. & Mrs.Parpia settled in Mysore. Never one to sit back and put his feet up, he along with six others, Dr. Bhamy V. Shenoy notable among them, founded Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) in 1989, to address Mysore’s consumer, civic and environmental problems and was its first President.

As a student of comparative religion and his early exposure to the Mahatma, he had respect for all religions. When the fallout of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition hit Mysore, he was among the few intrepid, communally neutral stalwarts who, with moral and physical courage, dared to walk the troubled streets of Mysore, calling upon all to cease violence.

Though some people saw a rough exterior when he strongly objected to wrong-doing, corruption and inefficiency in government working, Dr. Parpia was in reality gentle at heart, compassionate and generous. He never turned away anybody who came to him for help, involving himself in their problems, with his ready personal participation, advice or financial assistance.

He actively participated in the civic and environmental affairs of Mysore City and was the initiator of Mysore Agenda Task Force (MATF) by personal liaison with the then Chief Minister, S.M.Krishna. Along with Sheila Irani, he conducted the activities of People’s Education Trust as its President, and was devoted particularly to education of the girl child and to women’s empowerment.

Dr. Parpia was vigorous and tenacious in pursuing issues of education and food adulteration at the local level, and reforms and policy at national level concerning civil liberties, food, agriculture and elections. He always used his considerable influence and personal contacts for greater social benefit, never with partisan aims. In later years, even failing health did not diminish his zeal and he continued to wield his pen and telephone to fight for causes that were close to his heart.

At a personal level, Hossy was gifted with a quick wit and a wry sense of humour. With a prodigious memory, he always had an appropriate anecdote or joke for every occasion and, together with Carolyn, was always excellent company. A man of impeccable integrity and forthright honesty, he was a mentor to many and a beacon for his dedication to the principles of democracy and secularism, and peaceful protest.

His passing away is an irreparable loss to Carolyn and their four children and ten grandchildren. It is also a great loss to his many friends and admirers in India and abroad, who will miss his towering presence.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles /  By Maj. Gen. S.G.Vombatkere (Retd.) / July 10th, 2013

MMC alumnus honoured in US

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Mysore : 

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., America’s trusted source for identifying top doctors, has selected Maywood’s Psychiatry specialist Dr. Murali Rao, an alumnus of Mysore Medical College (MMC) in city, for inclusion in its highly selective list of Regional Top Doctors this year.

Dr. Murali Rao, MD, FAPM, DFAPA, is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at the Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago.

Castle Connolly Top Doctors are selected by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. after being nominated by peer physicians in an online nomination process.

Nominations are open to all board certified MDs and DOs and each year tens of thousands of doctors cast many tens of thousands of nominations.

The honourees are selected from the nominees by the Castle Connolly physician-led research team based on criteria including their medical education, training, hospital appointments, disciplinary histories and more.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / July 06th, 2013

New Police Comr. takes charge

Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, All
Outgoing City Police Commissioner K.L. Sudheer is seen handing over the baton to Dr. M.A. Saleem, who assumed charge as the new Police Commissioner at the Commissioner’s office in Nazarbad this morning. DCPs Basavaraj Malagathi (extreme left), K.P. Bheemaiah and Prabhashankar are also seen.
Outgoing City Police Commissioner K.L. Sudheer is seen handing over the baton to Dr. M.A. Saleem, who assumed charge as the new Police Commissioner at the Commissioner’s office in Nazarbad this morning. DCPs Basavaraj Malagathi (extreme left), K.P. Bheemaiah and Prabhashankar are also seen.

Mysore :

Emphasises on accountability, transparency and responsibility among the Police; Assures efficient traffic management

“Accountability, transparency and responsibility will be strictly enforced among the Police personnel of the city to make them more people-friendly,” said City Police Commissioner Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Saleem, who assumed charge this morning from his predecessor K.L. Sudheer, who has been posted as Additional Director of Fire Services at Bangalore.

Dr. M.A. Saleem, who has obtained Ph.D in Traffic Management and was serving as Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) in Bangalore, said that traffic problem is not limited to Mysore city alone but is global, because of the rise in population and increase in number of vehicles.

Dr. Saleem, who has undergone a training course in Traffic Management in the US, assured of streamlining the city’s traffic system using the existing infrastructure, after studying the existing system and then holding discussions with the elected representatives, government organisations and NGOs.

Recalling that he had served as the DCP in Mysore city for nine months during 1997-98, the new Police Commissioner said that a lot of changes have taken place since then. I will study the priorities for policing here and then implement schemes if required.

Sudheer thanks efficient colleagues, alert media and co-operative citizenry: Outgoing Commissioner Sudheer, who had served here for one and a half years, said that he could serve Mysore successfully because of the efficient Police personnel, alert media and a co-operative citizenry.

“People of Mysore are very peace-loving; hence we were able to implement ‘people-friendly policing’ in city. The successful conduct of Dasara and other events requiring elaborate Police security is because of the people’s co-operation,” he said.

DCPs Basavaraj Malagathi, K.P. Bheemaiah and Prabhashankar, all ACPs and Inspectors were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / July 03rd, 2013