Category Archives: Leaders

Down the memory lane

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

To Sir(s) with Love: My student days in Maharaja’s College

By K. Vijay Kumar, Former Jt. Director of Information & Publicity

Caption:  The Maharaja’s College in 1915

I had mentioned at the end of my last feature on Yuvaraja’s College (SOM dated 3rd September) that next I would like to take back my memory to Maharaja’s College.

But while doing so, my pen is not moving, my fingers are not able to hold it firmly to write on studying in this great college, the reason being the fear and respect one had towards it. Yes, it was, indeed, a great learning centre in all respects.

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in the faculty

The very names who taught there starting from Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and many alumni who became distinguished personalities in many fields would prove it. It would become a big list of names if you start counting them. It is also interesting to know from the website of the college that its foundation stone was laid on 27th November, 1889 by the visiting Prince of England, Albert.

It was in 1956, precisely 56 years ago, that I moved into this college from Yuvaraja’s College and came out as a Graduate in 1958. This period, I consider as Golden Days of my student career. On the very first day, it was my pleasure to climb the steps of the college at the entrance. I remember how some of us, while studying in Yuvaraja’s College, eagerly looking at this neighbouring college, thinking when we would become students there.

With an anxious mind we used to go around the college during our leisure, looking at the classrooms from outside — never venturing to go inside the building. I had seen then just only one student in MA class, perhaps in Urdu and Sanskrit subjects.

Kuvempu as Principal

It was Kuvempu who was the Principal when I joined the college. With a dignified look in his usual white close collar coat and pyjama, he would enter the college and climb straight to his chamber upstairs, as students who would gather there watch him with reverence. But in a very short period he was elevated as the Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University.

Prof. CDN, the successor

I cannot forget the friendly and charming personality of that well-known English Professor C.D. Narasimhaiah who succee-ded Kuvempu as Principal. His very presence in the college and going around meeting students, would electrify our minds as I have experienced during my two years student- ship there.

He introduced a couple of new programmes in the interest of students. One was a ‘Teacher-Guide to a group of students’ who would meet together informally over a cup of coffee.

The teacher as a guide would engage his group of students, creating interest in their studies, knowing their background, besides more importantly enquiring about their welfare. This became so popular that each group would wait for that monthly meet with eagerness. I remember our guide was one Prof. Cheluvaraju in Public Administration who with his very useful chat with us, gave guidance to shape our future.

Another was Freshmen Day. When a new batch was admitted to the college, the whole students would gather in the college quadrangle for a get-together when the Principal would welcome them with a speech.

Mitra-Mela, the popular Jr. B.A. Hall

Prof. CDN was also known to give importance to encouraging extra-curricular activities among students. As part of it, the college’s spacious Jr. BA Hall became the centre of activities like debates, staging dramas and other cultural programmes. Thus, a cultural troupe was born with the name ‘Mitra-Mela’ and their very interesting programmes became so popular as to attract an over-crowded student gathering. I recollect even today how much a Muslim student was talented in both singing and acting. The debate wherein my senior co-students V.K. Nataraj (who became University Registrar) and S.R. Vijay (who became an IAS Officer) with their fierce oratory arguing for and against on the subject is still in my memory.

All students of my days will surely remember Principal CDN for his interest in students’ all-round development.

Union Building – Mysore Heritage

The Students’ Union, before our time, was a very popular and strong one with its constructive activities and the college had recognised it with due importance. It was functioning from the adjacent premises known as Union Building. But there were no such activities when I was studying. In fact, the journalism classes were held there in the upstairs.

It is very significant that this building is declared as a Heritage one with due name board installed calling it “Union Building-Mysore Heritage.” I felt happy to see it recently when I took a walk around the college.

It will be interesting if old timers of the college write about the activities of the Union in those days.

[It is sad to see that a room inside this legendary college’s Heritage structure was being altered disfiguring the original door, sawing rudely, which has been stopped in the middle by the University after lecturers of the college opposed vehemently for this alteration (see pic.)]

Collecting news for Monthly

Being a student of journalism (though as an optional subject), I was interested in collecting the college news to publish in our department’s monthly experimental paper, which students eagerly waited to read.

A humourous incident

I had taken Hindi as second language and our Hindi lecturer was one Sachchidananda Murthy. He used to come on bicycle and when I met him once riding on his bicycle, I loudly greeted him with folded hands saying ‘Namaste Masterji.’ He did not even look at me balancing his riding (as he was a little aged and was wearing a ‘Kachhe Panche’).

In his next class, looking at me, he began to give almost a sermon explaining pros and cons of greeting him while cycling — like falling down from bicycle to return my greeting rising his one hand from the handle, injury, hospitalisation, damage to the bicycle, not able to take the class, etc., etc… — with a stern warning that none of us should greet him when he was on his bicycle, though the whole class with amusement controlled laughter as the teacher was serious in his sermon.

These are a few recollections of mine of that great college which I would like to end with gratitude.

To Sir(s) with Love

To all those who taught us.

e-mail: kumarkv59@gmail.com

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / October 02nd, 2012

Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan becomes UN Goodwill Ambassador

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, World Opinion

Bollywood’s lovely Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan is now an International UN Goodwill Ambassador, specifically for the UNAIDS (United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS). Doing so, Ms. Rai-Bachchan is following the footsteps of friend and fellow star, Preity Zinta, as well as Hollywood actress and Oscar nominee, Naomi Watts, and many other influential celebrity activists.

Wondering what the beauty has to say about this new responsibility? At the press conference, she said, ““I will initially be like a student, holding the hand of the organization which will lead me to the real picture on the ground.”

Later, Aishwarya went on to say, “I don’t want to be just a poster girl, don’t want to be just part of a platform that will have my face and quotes and voice. By coming on board, I hope to give further impetus to the work that UNAIDS has done and further contribute to the help spread the message. This is a turning point in my life.”

What a fantastic story, right? Hearts are warmed at Aishwarya’s genuine concern for the UN and for making a difference.

By: Brittney Schering

source: http://www.desihits.com / Home> News / September 29th, 2012

Brown University launches initiative for study of India

Business & Economy, Leaders, World Opinion

New York:

Prestigious Ivy leagure Brown University has launched an India-centric initiative that will focus on academic research and public discourse on India.

The ‘Brown-India Initiative’ was launched by External Affairs Minister S M Krishna who visited the Rhode Island-based university yesterday and addressed students on ‘India’s Foreign Policy Priorities for the 21st Century.’

Brown said the initiative would be an interdisciplinary hub for the study of contemporary India through research and a series of public lectures and events throughout the academic year. The initiative would be based out of the university’s Watson Institute for International Studies.

“Developments in India are generating enormous intellectual and practical curiosities,” International Studies and Social Sciences Professor and Brown-India Initiative director Ashutosh Varshney said.

He said the rapid pace of change over the last two decades has led to exciting research puzzles and new challenges have also been posed for the politics and economics of the country.

“By promoting research on questions of contemporary political and economic relevance, Brown University can play a significant role in analyzing key issues and can influence public debates about the future evolution of India,” he added.

The initiative’s goals would be to produce exemplary academic research and to contribute to public discourse on India through convergence of figures from academia, civil society, literature, public policy and journalism.

The initiative would promote research in economics, politics, urbanization, national security and domestic conflict management and work with partners in India to conduct the research.

The partners include Bangalore based nonprofit organization Janaagraha, Center for Policy Research and the National Council of Applied Economic Research, both in Delhi.

Krishna’s lecture was the first in a series of year-long public presentations to be offered by the initiative.

The initiative would also host other prominent public figures like World Bank chief economist Kaushik Basu, who would focus on two decades of India’s economic reform.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / Home> News By Industry> Education / by PTI / September 29th, 2012

Muscat Accords Fitting Honour to Dr Veerendra Heggade

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's

Report : Clarence Pinto
Daijiworld Media Network – Muscat
Pics : Goldwin Soares

Muscat, Sep 28: As the sun moved slowly down the beautiful mountain ranges of the Sultanate of Oman on Thursday September 27, the people of Karnataka residing in Oman witnessed a new dawn in the grand hall of Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi.

Every inch of this traditionally decorated hall had a clear expression of gratitude, manifestation of love and above all a kind welcome to a leader of multitude of human beings in the southern state of Karnataka. There was no barrier of caste, religion and place of birth in Karnataka for the admirers who attended this graceful function and well planned felicitation ceremony, all of them came with the sole purpose to express their infinite feelings of respect and bountiful admiration of the hereditary administrator of the famous temple Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala in the state of Karnataka.

Padma Bhusan Dr Veerendra Heggade, the power behind the transformation of the lives of millions of poor people of Karnataka through his innovative thoughts and supreme ideas, was honored and felicitated by the people of Karnataka residing in the Sultanate.

The Indian tradition was showcased throughout the beautifully planned program and Dr Heggade along with other dignitaries welcomed with an Indian traditional band. Sheikh Kanakshi Gokuldas Khimji –a veteran businessman in Oman and supporter of Indian culture and traditions through various channels and programs, Dr Satish Nambiar – leader and chairman of the Indian Social Club, Kiran Asher – Managing Director of Al Ansari Group of companies, winner of Pravasi Bharathiya Award and prominent leader of the Baniya Business community, Arun Parakh – Financial Advisor at Bahwan Group of Companies were present at the welcome procession. Dr Heggade and other distinguished dignitaries were presented with the floral bouquets by the organizing committee members.

The program commenced with a prayer dance to Lord Ganesha titled Ganesha Vandana which was presented by Sneha Bangera. The anchor of the program was Sudha Sashikanth and she presented the introduction to every part of the program in Kannada and English so that every member of the audience could understand the same.

Kalladi Shankar Shetty, prominent member of the organizing committee presented a profile of Dr Veerendra Heggade.

The program continued with honoring of Dr Heggade by the dignitaries. Sheikh Kanakshi Khimji offered Sandalwood floral garland to Dr Heggade and Kirar Asher honored Dr Heggade with Shawl. On behalf of the people of Karnataka Dr Sathish Nambiar presented Dr Heggade with Fruit basket. It was a token of love and expression of gratitude expressed through a memento which was presented by Mallar Shashidar Shetty.

In his speech Dr Heggade expressed his gratitude to the Karnataka based NRIs in Oman. He expressed his great admiration of Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his benevolence to the non-resident Indians working in Oman. He also called all Indians to become more responsible towards their lives, society and nation. Dr Heggade’s speech was greatly admired by the audience.

Kiran Asher and Dr Nambiar expressed gratitude to Dr Heggade for accepting the invitation from the community and sharing his experience.

The cultural program continued with a Bharath Natyam program titled Natyarpanam by Prameela Ramesh and her Nratyanjalli team. Traditional cultural program Yakshagana Rupaka was then presented by Spandana team of Muscat. The program concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Yoganand.

The organizing committee, the brain and strength behind this fascinating felicitation ceremony comprised Shashidhar Shetty Mallar, Shankar T Shetty Kalladi, Nagendra Kumar Moodabidri, Nagesh Shetty, S. K. Poojari, Ashok Suvarna, Manjunath Nayak, Ramesh Shettigar, Prakash Naik Koni, Yogananda, Karunakar Rao, Ramananda Kunder and Dinkar Bhat.

Dr Veerendra Heggade, a philanthropist, great visionary, educationist, social reformer, safe environment crusader and thinker, is the recipient of India’s national award Padma Bhusan, Global Green Oscar titled Asden Golden Award, honorary doctorates from several universities including honorary fellowship from Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) of the University of Glasgow. The Kshetra Dharmastala in Karnataka, which was an unknown village few years ago has become a unique identity to the region of Karnataka and occupies distinctive spot on the Indian map due to the transformation work carried out by visionary leadership of Dr Heggade. Today, the Kshetra Dharmastala offers to the people of every religion and caste a hope of better future and courage to live honorable and self respected lives.

The foremost initiative of Dr Heggade is the Rural Development Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI) concept introduced in 1982. The concept has been borrowed and implemented by the Indian Government under the guidance of Dr Heggade. This experiment of unique nature in public – private partnership for social service is being implemented as a joint venture between Mr. Heggade’s institution and nationalized banks of India to train unemployed youths to become self-employed. As of now, RUDSETI has trained 2,90,000 youths of various villages in Karnataka.

Another well-known experiment of Dr Heggade, which was started in 1982, is the Shri Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP), which organizes small farmers and poor women into Self Help Groups (SHG) for accessing various services at their doorstep. This unique and first of its kind program has benefitted 1.8 million families in Karnataka.

Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) has been encouraging green initiatives and promoting sustainable energy solutions since 1986. It has lit more than 11,000 homes in 26 years through solar lighting and generation of power through micro hydel plants in remote areas. It has also provided 15,000 gobar gas units. All this good work has been carried out by thousands of social workers inspired by the good will of Dr Heggade. These social workers move to every household in the designated villages explaining the various programs and their benefits and motivate them to take part. Mr. Heggade feels that every success that he has achieved is pure sacrifice of these social workers.

Dr Heggade took the responsibility of “hereditary administrator” at the young age of 20 and contributed immensely to the field of education in Karnataka and has been patronizing and managing several educational institutions. He has established educations institutions from medical field to law and thus encouraging the youths of the region to obtain a suitable education to transform the society and nation. He has instituted hospitals to offer medical services from tuberculosis to any major ailments. These hospitals have top class medical staff many a times offering treatment free of cost to the needy.

Dr Heggade was the first Indian to introduce and carry out the mass weddings concept in India at The Kshetra Dharmastala which is a blessing to thousands of poor couples of the region without consideration of caste or creed. A dalit (schedule caste) and Brahmin (Upper caste) couples come together on a pre-determined day and perform marriage rituals. This program of 37 years has benefited thousands of couples.

Dr Heggade has also been nominated as the road safety ambassador by the Karnataka state department’s police department.

Dr Heggade is a shining example of religious harmony. While practicing Jain faith, he is the administrator of a Hindu temple. He is continuously working for the betterment of all sections of the society regardless of their religious identities.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / Friday, September 28th, 2012

Mysore’s visionaries

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

Radhika and Sanjeev Jain scan documents obtained from the Karnataka State Archives and discover that two illustrious doctors, Dr B K Narayan Rao and Dr M S Mekhri, made remarkable contributions to the modernisation of hospitals in the erstwhile Mysore State.

As part of our effort to study the history of medicine in Karnataka, we pored through the documents obtained from the Karnataka State Archives and discovered a report of Dr B K Narayan Rao and a document that talked of grant of foreign scholarship to Dr M S Mekhri.

While B K Narayan Rao was the first eye surgeon of Mysore State, Dr M S Mekhri was co-founder of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. Their journeys abroad, during the late 1920s and early 1930s, were aimed at modernising not merely Minto Hospital, but many medical institutions in the Mysore State.

Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar whose vision was to make Mysore a ‘model state’ on par with, if not better than, British India set about modernising Mysore through interventions in different spheres, including medicine. As part of this agenda, doctors were specially sent abroad to minutely document the latest advancements in medical knowledge and practice.

Narayan Rao’s visit

One of the consequential visits was that of Dr B K Narayan Rao, for over four months in 1933, to reputed ophthalmic and other medical institutions in Europe and England. Dr Rao, who was then Superintendent of Minto Hospital and Principal, Mysore Medical College, covered 37 hospitals across Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Paris, London, Italy, Switzerland and Geneva.

The outcomes of the visit were: an opening for future Mysore medical postgraduates to study in Vienna; recognition of the work at the Minto Hospital by the Royal College of Physicians and the possibility of recognising Mysore’s MBBS degree. However, what is remarkable is the descriptive 32-page report that Dr Narayan Rao submitted, subsequent to the visit, accompanied by photographs of hospital buildings and equipment, and blueprints of hospital layout plans. The report is rich in detail ranging from treatments to hospital design. Dr Rao comments on new surgical methods and treatment techniques.

He also mentions the rise of plastic surgery as a specialisation after World War I.
Having visited many university hospitals, especially the eye clinics at Vienna, Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague, Dr Rao highlights how they incorporate both practice and research. Subsequently, one of the foremost recommendations he makes to the then government is the need for research laboratories in our hospitals without which “our work can never attain the high quality of many western institutions.”

Lamenting the absence of adequate diagnostic instruments in Mysore hospitals, a situation not unfamiliar even today, Dr Rao says that if the University Eye Clinic, Berlin with about 50 beds and a daily out-patient attendance of 100 patients “has 5 slit lamp microscopes, 4 perimeters, 3 heretometers, we with 125 beds and 300 out-patient attendance have but one of each.” Additionally, “it is a frequent experience for patients to go from Minto to Victoria and vice versa for their BP taken because the one instrument is ‘out of order’”! Further, the few instruments we have are “jealously guarded against both breakage and use”!

Dr Rao’s report ends with a series of recommendations to set up: annual fund to hospitals; library to support research, trained staff to keep records and statistics, testing laboratories and notably, to employ women in these labs. Women, he adds, could also work as almoners, i.e., welfare workers. Citing financial constraints, only a few of the Dr Rao’s recommendations were considered: library, personnel for maintaining records, research and teaching in bigger hospitals, and providing fellowships for specialised training abroad. Others were to wait for better times.

Mekhri’s visit

The other momentous visit is by Dr Muhammad Shaffiuddin Mekhri to England in 1930 for specialised training in Ophthalmology. Dr Mekhri had at the time just completed his MBBS in Madras Medical College and begun working as a Medical Probationer at the Minto Ophthalmic Hospital earning Rs 100/month.

But Dr Mekhri’s great skill and interest was noted by Dr Narayan Rao and Dr Mahommed Usmon, Senior Surgeon in Mysore. What was in dispute however was whether Dr Mekhri could be granted study leave since he had only put in six months of service at the hospital and whether his pay was adequate to maintain himself in England.

The travel and stay was estimated for six months at about Rs 3,575, including passage money at Rs 750 and scholarship amount at Rs.2700 (=£150). The matter was finally resolved with the government approving a one year scholarship of “£275 together with passage to and fro”.  But what is fascinating is the petition submitted by Dr Mekhri to the Government of Mysore where he discusses, along with his meritorious academic record, his “main object…to serve his fatherland and to be one of the humble servants of the Universally beloved sovereign” the Mysore Maharaja.

He mentions his choice of serving in Mysore as a Medical Graduate getting a meager Rs 100 instead of going to Madras where as House Surgeon and subsequently Asst. Surgeon he would have earned Rs 200 rising to Rs 1,000.

What is even more fascinating is his allusion to the immemorial service rendered “faithfully and with distinction” by many generations of the Mekhri family to the Mysore Maharajas. This includes Dr Mekhri’s father Mohamed Jafar Mekhri (City Superintendent of Police) his grandfather Mohamed Myruddin Ali Khan Mekhri (Palace Pensioner) and great grandfather Bakshi Mohiuddin Ali Khan Mekhri (Adalat Committee Bakshi).

The petition symbolises a double movement of a desire for modernity but a means of accessing modernity through not only academic proficiency but also monarchic patronage. It highlights the contrary pulls on science and technology in Mysore that adopted the universalism and modernity of science but evolved under conditions of feudal patronage.

The Mysore State saw itself as a modernising monarchy that had to implement graded reform in the social and political spheres, having to contend with ‘tradition’ but also emerging identities of caste and religion. However, in spheres such as medicine, especially in the incorporation of advancements in science and technology, the state marched ahead with its modernising project.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com /  Home> Supplements> Spectrum> Heritage / September 18th, 2012

Making a real difference

Amazing Feats, Education, Leaders, Records, All, Uncategorized

Muscat:

He’s one of the wealthiest men in the world -“ he’s India’s third wealthiest man and the world’s 36th -“ but what gives Wipro chairman Azim Premji immense joy and fulfillment is devoting time and money to philanthropy.

That, of course, is evident through the innumerable acts of generosity he has indulged in all through the 40 years he has headed Wipro. Premji, in fact, is one of the first industrialists in India to devote a significant portion of his wealth to philanthropy (he donated $2 billion for the purpose of improving education). This money has been used for activities of the Azim Premji Foundation that works to promote education in rural India as well as the Azim Premji University in Bangalore.

For Azim Premji, the chairman of Indian multinational Wipro, social responsibility is a serious vocation, which is why they have appointed a full time CEO for their philanthropy movement, as he revealed to Times of Oman in an exclusive interview, while also lavishing high praise on the Oman government for creating a business-friendly environment . /Photo by Jun Estrada


The Wipro founder, who considers social responsibility his greatest duty in life, sheds light on his philosophy of philanthropy thus: “I have been lucky to have created quite a lot of wealth and feel that it should be used for the betterment of the society.-

Azim Premji was in Oman recently on an official visit when Times of Oman caught up with him.

Why this emphasis on education?
Premji replied, “We figured that we have a certain social responsibility and decided to focus on one area. So we focused on education. Through our foundation we focused on school education in the villages of India. Since the beginning, we worked in close partnership with various authorities, to help contribute to the improvement of the quality of education. We found the need for change and the need for improvement in the education sector was the most pressing there. That’s why we’ve been single mindedly focusing on education for the last 10 to 11 years and the good thing is that we have found success.-

Informing that the group is scaling up its operations now, Premji said, “We are using Azim Premji University for training teachers and for training in leadership and community development. We are taking young people with about two to three years experience, preferably from small towns, in the hope that at the end of the two-year course they’ll go back and use the learning in leadership in the places they come from.-
The university, he informed, has around 68 world class professors on the role.

“We have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of the talent we have been able to recruit. This goes to show that if we want to do sustained and honest work, people want to be part of the team. They think there’s a lot of pride, learning, and a sense of being able to contribute to that atmosphere,- he explained.
Premji believes that good education is crucial to building a just, fair, compassionate and sustainable society.

“We want to contribute significantly towards improvement of education in India, and through that towards building a better society. Next year we plan to launch a four-year bachelors’ programme.-

He is happy that his team has been making a difference.
“Our programme, called Wipro Applying Thought in School, has covered a million programmes so far accumulatively. The intent of this initiative is to improve the quality of education -“ so that opportunities and possibilities are expanded for everyone.-

Talking about a programme called Mission 10X launched in 2007 for engineering schools, Premji said, “India sees around 700,000 engineers graduate every year of which only a third are employable by the industry. The rest are not employable because the curriculum is primarily not current and professors are not taught well or up to date on technology. The Mission10X is basically a not-for-profit initiative created by Wipro to enhance employability skills of engineering graduates.-
Wipro has dedicated some 15 full time professors for this purpose from its training and leadership institute.

“We have also covered 30,000 professors. We feel if we can bring up the quality of teaching in the engineering students, the quality of students will improve, which in turn will result in the eligible students going up by 50 per cent,- he explained.
As for the philanthropy meet Premji hosted along with Bill Gates and Ratan Tata in Bangalore recently, he said, “This will be an annual event with workshops in between. There is a lot of wealth in our country. So we thought let’s together assemble corporates that have shown a track record of philanthropy and get some common understanding with them.

“We started off with this thought and now, as per the need, we have appointed a full time CEO for this philanthropy movement. Four to five of us are funding in terms infrastructure and people cost. We have formed four groups (education, healthcare, water and agriculture). Each group has a chairman who is a member of the large core group. We’ll have small workshops throughout the year so that more specialised discussion can take place.

“We are satisfied with the interest we got and what we are doing. We are all serious people because we didn’t want a tamasha. We had shown a track record of doing serious work and we hope to see success. We have started and plan to expand it. But we hope to do something which has a possibility of success.-

Recently, his wife, Yasmeen Premji, launched her first book, Days of Gold and Sepia and Azim Premji looks very proud of this endeavour. “I have read the book twice. It is an interesting book which is well written. I am not saying that because she is my wife. It has to be good; she has taken 20 years to write it,- he told Times of Oman.

On investing in India, Pemji said, “I think you have to have faith in India. It is a sound democracy. The voter is mature. Besides, the leadership is there in the country so it can change or get modified. Politicians can see the threat of survival and change themselves in terms of survival. Overall, I am optimistic. Besides, we wouldn’t be investing so much in India if we were frightened.-

About his impressions about Oman, he said, “I think it’s a country which has a great future. Government and companies are open to do business here, which is why they are open to meet companies.-

And at this note, he concluded: “I will back to Oman within a year.-

source: http://www.TimesofOman.com / Home> News / by Mrudu Naik, mrudu@timesofoman.com / September 13th, 2012

Freedom Fighter Thathayya remembered

Leaders, Records, All

Mysore:

Mayor Rajeshwari Puttaswamy is seen after garlanding the statue of freedom fighter and journalist Thathayya (Dayasagar late M. Venkatakrishnaiah), on the occasion of his birth anniversary, at the Thathayya Park in front of City Bus Stand on New Sayyaji Rao Road in city this morning.

MCC Commissioner Dr. M.R. Ravi, Deputy Mayor Mahadevappa, Assistant Commissioner E. Thimmappa, Industrialist R. Guru, President and office-bearers of Anathalaya & Dayasagar late M. Venkatakrishnaiah Vichara Vedike and others are seen.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / Sunday, September 02nd, 2012

Aishwarya Rai Is Radiant in Red in Brand New ‘Tamas’ Ad! (Photo)

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Leaders

Aishwarya Rai’s brand new ad for Kalyan Jewellers has just gone public. The poster, for their “Tamas” collection, features the actress in a scintillating red mood.

The poster (in billboard form) was spotted in Kerala and quickly went viral. It’s by far the boldest ad Aishwarya has done for the company; her previous ads had a certain traditional softness about them. The first featured Aishwarya bathed in gold, the next showed her as a traditional Indian bride, seated on a palanquin, and the most recent displayed Aishwarya in a pale blue avatar.

But the Tamas ad kicks it up a notch, and how! Aishwarya can only be described as luscious in this photo–her hair falls seductively around her face and she sports vibrant red lips. And then of course there’s the jewelry: a massive, sparkling red and gold ring adorns a finger held against her face.

The ad copy reads “Jewellry in every hue for you.” Hopefully this means even more beautifully colorful ads from the iconic actress are on their way!

source: http://www.celebs.gather.com / by Renee Shah / August 27th, 2012

URA is Central Varsity Chancellor

Education, Leaders

Bangalore, Aug. 25

President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Jnanpith awardee Dr. U.R. Anan-thamurthy (URA) as the first Chancellor of Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, for five years.

The 80-year-old litterateur earlier served as Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam, Kerala. He was also the President of Sahitya Akademi and Chairman of National Book Trust of India, New Delhi.

Born in 1932 at Melige village in Shimoga, URA started his career in the Department of English in the University of Mysore.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / August 25th, 2012

State Govt. to honour eight veteran journalists

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

TSR Memorial & Mohare Hanumantharaya awards to be presented

Caption: Shivasharanappa Vali, Ranganatha Rao, M.B. Desai, Nagaraja, Narayana Karantha, K.V. Paramesh, Ramesh Kuttappa, Ravindra Bhat

Bangalore, Aug. 25

The State Government will be honouring journalists by presenting the TSR Memorial and Mohare Hanumantharaya, Development and Environmental Journalism awards for the years 2010 and 2011 at Ravindra Kalakshetra here on Aug. 27 at 11 am.

G.N. Ranganath Rao and Garudanagiri Nagaraj will be honoured with TSR Memorial Award for 2010 and 2011 respectively. Shivasharanappa Vali (2010) and M.B. Desai (2011) will be given the Mohare Hanumantharaya Journalism Award while K.V. Paramesh (2010) and Ravindra Bhat Ainakai (2011) will receive Development Journalism Awards. Narayana Karanth Peraje (2010) and Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa (2011) will be given Environmental awards by the government.

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar will present TSR and Mohare Hanumantharaya awards while Dy.CMs K.S. Eshwarappa and R .Ashok will present Development Journalism and Environmental Journalism awards respectively.

MP Ananthkumar and Justice G.P. Shivaprakash, retired High Court Judge & President of Journalism Award Selection Committee will be the chief guests.

Chikpet MLA Dr.D. Hemachandra Sagar will preside.

Late T.S. Ramachandra Rao (TSR), as the Editor of Prajavani, was famous for his column Choobaana. The government is presenting an award in his name since 1993 which includes Rs. 1 lakh cash prize. Till now, 18 journalists have received this award.

TSR award recipients: G.N. Ranganatha Rao entered journalism field by joining Tayinadu as a Sub-Editor. He also served in Samyukta Karnataka. He worked in Prajavani for 34 years and has authored 30 books.

Garudanagiri Nagaraja joined the movement for a responsible government against Mysore State when he was a student and was imprisoned. He received progressive farmer award also. He first served in Janavani, Praja-matha and later in Kannada Prabha. He has also served as the President of Karnataka Newspaper Academy.

Late Mohare Hanumantharaya was a freedom fighter from Bijapur district. After working as the Sub-Editor and Editor of Karnataka Vaibhava weekly in Bijapur, he joined Samyukta Karnataka as Editor and later became its Managing Editor. He started Kannada’s first digest Kasturi in 1956.

Mohare Hanumantharaya award recipients: Shivasharanappa Vali of Bidar district was involved in freedom movement, journalism, social work, educational, religious and political activities. He worked in Delhi’s Hindustan Samachar for 10 years and later in ‘Uttara Karnataka’ daily.

Mohan Basavaraja Desai: He started a Kannada weekly Darshana and later converted it into a daily Loka Darshana in border district of Belgaum. He has served as an Editor for 50 years in Kannada journalism.

Development journalism: K.V. Paramesh – Entering journalism field through Kodagu’s Shakti daily newspaper, he also served as Mysore Centre Head of E-TV Kannada, Bangalore Senior Reporter & Head of Political Division of Suvarna 24×7 and also in Samyukta Karnataka. His contributions include reports on Nagarahole forest fire, H.D. Kote taluk forest conditions, smuggling and sale of minor girls of Girijana tribes in Mysore district etc.

Ravindra Bhat Ainakai joined Samyukta Karnataka in 1990 and later served in Kannadamma of Belgaum, Aragini, Abhimani and Ee Sanje papers, for three years in Udayavani and later as Mysore Branch Chief of Prajavani. His columns have been published in book form titled Baduku Marada Mele, apart from other books Hejjenu, ‘Moorane Kivi’ etc.

Environmental journalism: Narayana Karantha Peraje – He has been serving in Dakshina Kannada’s monthly Adike since 22 years. He is well-known for his columns in Sudha, Taranga, Udayavani, Hosadigantha, Kannada Prabha etc. He is the author of more than 10 books including ‘Tala Tapasvi.’

Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa – Entering journalism through Kodagu’s Veeranadu paper, he later worked in DK’s Kannada Janantaranga and as Senior Reporter in Vijaya Karnataka for 11 years. At present, he is the Kodagu Reporter of Vijayavani. He has penned many articles on Kodagu’s environment, developmental works in forest, Nagarahole forest’s condition etc.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com  / General News / August 25th, 2012