Category Archives: Leaders

Prof. J.A.K. Tareen feted

Caption: Prof. J.A.K.Tareen, Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry Central University, who was felicitated by the PBMM PG Centre in city recently is seen with (from left) Prof. P. Sarojamma, Administrative Officer, MES, R. Vasudeva Murthy, President, MES, Dr. Prabhushankara, Vice-President, Dr. C.K.Renukarya, Centre Director, Dr. P. R. Naga Srinivasa, Hon. Secretary, MES and Prof. S.R.S. Khadri, Director, Management Studies, PBMM PG Centre.

Mysore, Aug.23

“Be prepared to become global citizens of today and tomorrow.”

This call was given to the students of Pooja Bhagavat Memorial Mahajana Post Graduate Centre by Prof. J.A.K.Tareen, Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry Central University, at a function to felicitate him organised by the PBMM PG Centre at its premises on KRS Road, Metagalli, in city recently.

The PG Centre had organised a felicitation programme in honour of Prof. Tareen.

On the occasion, Prof. Tareen, shared his wisdom gathered through his forty five years of service in the academic field.

He told the students that constraints of resources and discrimination should not become hindrances to growth. Rather, they must be taken as challenges which can be successfully overcome with hard work and determination.

Further he asked the students to learn as many languages as possible so that they can take up work not just in Karnataka, but anywhere in India or abroad.

Dr. Tareen said that the Pondicherry Central University offers free education to all the girl and physically handicapped students. The transportation facility is free for all staff and students, along with subsidy in a number of student welfare programmes.

Dr. C.K.Renukarya, introduced Prof. Tareen highlighting his career achievements as Professor of Geology in Mysore University, the work he did as VC of J&K University, his service to higher education as Member of UGC and getting Padma Shri award in recognition of his service in the field of education.

C.R.Rachana, Asst. Professor, welcomed. Prof. Shiv Shankar proposed a vote of thanks.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / August 29th, 2012

‘Tiger Ashok Kumar’ retires


Caption: A file photo of Governor H.R. Bhardwaj presenting President’s Medal to ACP B.B. Ashok Kumar.

Mysore, Aug. 2

ACP B.B. Ashok Kumar, nicknamed Tiger Ashok Kumar for his valorous feats, retired on Tuesday.

He earned the epithet of Tiger when he was PSI at Ulsoor Police Station, B’lore for chasing and catching chain-snatchers.

He won the President’s Medal thrice and CM’s medal once. Other Police officers who won the President’s Medal thrice are Shankar Bidari, Gopal Halsur and G.A. Bawa.

Biddanda Ashok Kumar, hails from Parane village in Kodagu.

He was a terror for criminals and is credited with 18 encounters. While being a part of STF to nab Veerappan, Ashok Kumar had slain 13 accomplices of the brigand and shot down three notorious anti-social elements.

His promotion to DCP was challenged by some at KAT. It is said that even though KAT favoured Ashok Kumar, he was deprived owing to petty politics.

Finally, when the order for promotion came last month, some petitioned against it at High Court. The court’s verdict was expected on the very day he was to retire. Ironically, the court deferred the verdict to a further date.

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

School Leadership Development Program to empower teachers

Mysore:

The rural kids studying at the government schools in Tirumakudlu Narsipur will get some special lessons.

They will be told the importance of leadership and their skills will be honed by their head masters or head mistress, who will be trained by experts to empower them to take lead in their assignments. An initiative of the Azim Premji Foundation aimed at improving the quality of primary education, the Vivekananda Institute for Leadership Development (V-LEAD), which is  Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), will train the head of the primary and higher primary schools in the district asking them to take leadership in addressing the issues locally. Be it addressing the concerns raised by the parents or challenged related to infrastructure, the HMs will be trained to handle them independently so that such issues doesn’t affect the education of the kids.

The School Leadership Development Program (SLDP) is devised based on the premise that the quality of leadership directly influences the quality of education imparted. Over the next two years, HMs and cluster resource persons (CRPs) will be trained. The CRPs are tasked with monitoring 10 schools. The training sessions were formally launched on Thursday at the V-LEAD. In the first installment, HMs and CRPs in T Narsipur will be trained. The Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan and UNICEF are supporting the SLDP. The Azim Premji Foundation leader M Manjunath said at the inauguration that the quality of education primarily depends on the teachers and there is need for capacity building among the teachers serving in the government schools. The SVMY founder Dr R Balasubramaniam said teachers should stay put at the villages for increased focus on their students.

The Block Education Officer (BEO) will select the HMs and the CRPs for the batches, who will have in-house training and also visit the fields. “We will ask the trainees to locate the challenges they are facing and work on it when they are here,” the V-LEAD’s team leader (Education Leadership Management) Bellegowda said. The training sessions are spread over 15 weeks and they will have in-house training for 22 days. The Azim Premji Foundation has selected us for the project, he told The Times of India. The V-LEAD will implement the SLDP in Mysore, Chamarajnagar, Kodagu and Mandya districts starting with Mysore’s three educational blocks-T Narsipur, Mysore rural and Krishnarajnagar.

There are 229 HMs in T Narsipur taluk, who will undergo training first. The HMs who will have at least 4 years of service are favoured since they need time to implement what they pick up during training at their schools.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mysore / HM Aravind, TNN / August 02nd, 2012

Biocon seeks marketing alliances in several emerging markets

MUMBAI:

Bangalore-based Biocon is planning to forge partnerships as well as leverage existing alliances to augment the access and penetration of its biosimilar molecules.

“We are investing in augmenting our manufacturing, research and marketing base to pursue strong and sustained growth. This includes our first overseas manufacturing facility in Malaysia, a new state-of-the-art research centre in Bangalore, and a number of marketing alliances in several emerging markets,” Biocon chairperson & managing director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said in the company’s annual report.

The company has regional partners in 32 geographies including Brazil, Mexico, China and Japan.

“Building on our domestic experience, we have begun unlocking value in other emerging markets with recombinant human insulin (rh-Insulin), insulin analogs and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), key products of our biosimilars portfolio,” Shaw said.

The company’s new insulin facility in Malaysia started last September and will help to take its biosimilar insulin and analogs to the global markets. The company is also looking at optimising its regional partnership approach to carve out a large slice of the global insulin market, the report said.

In the Novels portfolio, the company had received positive outcomes from phase III trial in Psoriasis for Itolizumab, the anti-CD6 molecule targeted at autoimmune disorders like plaque psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Itolizumab successfully met all primary and secondary end points in the 52-week, double blind, and placebo controlled trial.

Its partner, Amylin had filed an IND in the US for phybrid, which is a novel biological entity targeted at diabetes and obesity. The molecule has entered into phase I clinical trials in the US markets.

Its biosimilar Trastuzumab has commenced multi- centric, phase III trials in the country, aimed at accessing the pie in emerging markets. The other molecules from its Mylan partnership are also due to enter clinics over the course of the next couple of years, the company said.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> News by Industry> Healthcare/Biotech / PTI / July 15th, 2012

Dr. Vasundhara awarded Hon. Citizenship of Louisville, USA

Mysore, July 3

Renowned danseuse Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy of city-based Vasundhara Performing Arts was recently presented with the GeeVA Lifetime Service Award at the GeeVA Heritage Festival, a fest committed to promoting Indian classical arts, held on June 29 and 30 at the auditorium of the Ursuline Arts Centre in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy has been a frequent visitor to Louisville for the last ten years and has conducted various workshops and training in yoga, Kalaripayattu and Bharatanatyam. Several of her students have performed Rangapravesha under her tutelage.

For her dedication towards Louisville, the City of Louisville, Mayor’s Office, presented her with an Honorary Citizen of Louisville Award in the presence of the Mayor of Kentucky, USA.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / July 03rd, 2012

Five Personalities selected for ‘Basavashri’ Award

Mysore, June 12

Five distinguished personalities have been selected for “Basavashri-2012” award by Sharana Mandali, 5th Cross, Anikethana Road, Kuvempunagar in city:

1. Senior officer Dr. C. Somashekhar, who is currently serving as the Director of Agriculture Marketing Department at Bangalore.

2. A.S. Sadashivaiah, Chairman, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

3. Rajashekara Koti, Editor of Andolana Kannada daily.

4. Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement.

5. K.N. Basavaraj, Veteran Theatre Artiste of Mysore.

The awards will be presented by Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathi Deshikendra Swamiji at a function to take place on the evening of June 17 in city, according to a press release.

Dr. C. Somashekar began his career as a lecturer at KLE College, Bangalore, before joining government service. He was secured in various capacities including as Deputy Director of Food & Civil Supplies Department at Dharwad, Assistant Commissioner at Mangalore and Housing Board Secretary.

A.S. Sadashivaiah hails from Tumkur district. He earned his Diploma from the Indian Institute of Forestry. He has delivered many lectures and presented papers in many countries on issues concerning forest. He retired as the State’s Principal Conservator of Forests. He is currently the Chairman of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

Rajashekara Koti is a veteran journalist and Editor of Andolana, city’s Kannada daily. Koti has over four decades of experience in Kannada journalism. He has many awards to his credit for his service to journalism field.

Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, the founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), is a social activist and an expert in leadership development training.

After completing his MBBS degree in Mysore, Dr. Balasubramaniam got his M.Phil from BITS, Pilani and Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University. He has been assisting the Lokayukta in unearthing many irregularities and scams in the PDS system and health sector of the State.

K.N. Basavaraj, a veteran theatrist, has been involved in the theatre field of Mysore for over six decades. He has also served in the famous yesteryear drama troupes such as Gubbi Company, Honnappa Bhagavathar Company etc.

He was accorded the Kalarathna award by then Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah. He floated his own theatre group Kannadambhe and has performed plays all over the State.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News /  June 12th, 2012

Govt. has forgotten Nalwadi, bemoans Historian

128th birth anniversary of Krishnaraja Wadiyar

Caption: The achievers who were felicitated by Pathi Foundation are seen with Historian Prof. P.V. Nanjaraje Urs, Journalist Ravindra Bhat, Pathi Foundation President M.D. Parthasarathy, KEA Chairman B.P. Manjunath, Corporator Vidya Urs and others.

Mysore, June 5

Commemorating the 128th birth anniversary of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, a programme was organised by Pathi Foundation at Agrahara Circle here yesterday where historian Prof. P.V. Nanjaraje Urs felicitated six achievers in various fields.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Nanjaraje Urs recalled that Krishnaraja Wadiyar was instrumental in the construction of KRS Dam, industrial growth and hospital in city and also for the growth of the State. He added that Nalwadi improved education facility, established CITB and paved way for development of city.

However, Prof. Urs regretted that the great visionary has been literally forgotten by the people and the government. “Ironically, the government celebrates Jayanthis of several persons with little or no contribution to State,” ridiculed Prof. Urs.

The following persons were felicitated on the occasion: Chetan Ram Rao (acting), Dr. Sridhar Achar (medical service), Dr. Chandrashekhar (ayurvedic medicine), Vinutha Srikanth (education), District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M. Chandrashekhar and upcoming artiste Nagarjun.

Pathi Foundation President M.D. Parthasarathy presided. Journalists Biligiri Ranganath & Ravindra Bhat, KEA Chairman B.P. Manjunath, MCC opposition leader Vidya Urs, Corporator Asha Lakshminaryan and others were present.

Mandya Ramesh and troupe staged a comedy play Sathrappo Sathra.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / June 05th, 2012

Lost in the ecstasy of melodies

Bangalore:

The ‘Sound of Music’ is one that will reverberate in the lives of those who breathe, eat and drink music. One such passion driven individual, who sings with his heart, is Belakavadi Rangaswamy Iyengar. In the overwhelming era of ‘Jhankar Beats’ and commercial tunes, traditional musicians rarely find a place to fit in. However, with his vibrant melodies and powerful voice he continues to uphold the family legacy, by indulging and immersing himself in the blissful ocean of raaga, taala and bhava. Having celebrated his 90th birthday last week, he is probably one of the oldest Carnatic musicians in Bangalore second only to R K Srikantan.

Well acquainted with all forms of Carnatic music, he specialises in singing

‘Pallavi’. A seasoned audience at a regular ‘Kacheri’ will be able to spot his tact in inaugurating the Varna and concluding the ‘Ragatana Pallavi’ with the same raaga. CP Rangaswamy Iyengar, his principled guru, endowed him with the rare art of mastering ‘Ragatana Pallavi’. His music is regularly punctuated with trills and challenging raagas, his favourite being the profoundly melodious and delightful, Todi and Kambhoji raagas. Many iconic figures of Carnatic music graced him with their teachings and appreciated his love for music. Some of them are Tiger Varadachari, Tirumakudalu Chowdiah, Veena Subbanna and Veena Sheshanna.

Over the years, the artiste has performed individually and in collaboration with other musicians, at many state level sabhas. He enraptures the crowds with his hypnotic voice and transcendental execution of traditional Indian music. In 1959, during the celebration of Hanuman Jayanthi, which also served as his first ‘Kacheri’, an enchanting performance was inscribed in his memory. Three generations of Belakavadis, with Rangaswamy as the lead vocalist, son BR Sridhar and grandson LV Mukund (flute), captured the attention of the listeners in a bewitching musical endeavour. “It was an unforgettable evening”, he recalls. Yet another surpassing event added to his collection of memorable performances, during the Ram Mahotsava celebrations at Shimoga. The musical standards of the evening soared with the presence of violinist, M Chandrashekar. According to Rangaswamy’s family, he even set down the instrument and bowed to him to commemorate his superior quality of music.

Coming from a family of renowned musicians, the culture of orchestral music was imbibed in his blood and flowed through his veins. Having learnt from his father, B Srinivas Iyengar — an extremely popular musician of his time, Rangaswamy and his brothers practised a ‘voice culture’ throughout their training period. “From 4 to 8 in the morning, my brothers and I would rehearse from A-kara to O-kara in three varying speeds”.

With such rigorous training and discipline he was able to develop his gifted voice, and channelise his vocal strength in a positive direction. A traditional Iyengar, he never gave up on food or followed a strict diet. He believes that discipline and self imposed coaching is the key for developing an efficacious voice. Apart from music, he was extremely pro active in sports. He was an acclaimed football player, local wrestler, yogi and an athlete.

He has many awards to his credit some of which are the Karnataka Rajyothsava Award, Nritya Academy Award and Karnataka Sangeetha Vidwan Award.

Yet, he is disappointed that his music could not bring home a national recognition. Having taught hundreds of students worldwide, he is responsible for shaping the musical sculpture of many a young lads. One of his students, S M Haricharan, CEO of ISAC Global writes in his blog, “My outlook towards music changed predominantly due to the influence of my guru Vidwan Belakavadi Rangaswamy Iyengar.” He is currently training 15 individuals to pursue their career in music. Along with students, he trained his sons and daughter to consummate their love for music. His daughter B R Geetha, has been a staff artist at the All India Radio for 22 years.

The aptitude for learning conventional Indian melodies and rhythmic instruments is inculcated in each of the Belakavadis. When his father and brothers trained at the brink of sunrise it seemed as if ‘the 24 walls of the house resonated in the mesmerising Sangeeth’.

With determination and infinite divinity, he is often seen with a wooden tambourine in his lap, lost in the ecstasy of euphony.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> South> Southern News / by Mandara Vishwanath / The New Indian Express / May 30th, 2012

AVN couple celebrate golden jubilee of marital bliss

Caption: Historian Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy and his wife Kamalamba (sitting centre) are seen with their family members and (sitting from left) NIE Founder-Chairman M.A. Sampath Iyengar, litterateur Dr. D. Javare Gowda, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Karnataka Chairman N. Ramanuja.

Mysore, May 27

A huge number of friends, relatives and well-wishers had gathered at Silent Shores Resort on the outskirts of the city last evening where a programme was organised to mark the 50th wedding anniversary of renowned historian and researcher Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy (AVN) and Kamalamba.

The occasion also saw the release of two books written by Prof. AVN. While NIE Founder-Chairman M.A. Sampath Iyengar released the book Namo Narasimha, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy released Ithihasada Putagalinda.

The couple, dressed immaculately, exchanged garlands and cut a cake. To give a traditional touch, Sampath Iyengar, who is also the Chairman of Lakshmi Venkataramanaswami Temple Committee in Vontikoppal, offered the temple Prasad to the couple and blessed them.

Litterateur Dr. D. Javare Gowda, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) Karnataka Chairman Ramanuja, Academy Newspapers Executive Director Ralie Ganapathy, former Mayor Vasu, Dr. K. Rajashekar, writer Latha Rajashekar, litterateur Dr. T.V. Venkatachala Shastri, publisher Chayapathi, denseuse Tulasi Ramachandra, BVB (Mysore) Treasurer A.T. Bhashyam, Kodagu Assistant Commissioner M.R. Ravi, Editor of Tamil newspaper Dinamalar Krishnamurthy and others were present.

Prof. AVN’s son Dr. A.N. Santosh Kumar, daughter-in-law Roopashri, daughter Dr. Savita, son-in-law Dr. Rajan, grand children Meghana, Mayur, Sheela, Smitha, Aishwarya and Archana were present.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / May 27th, 2012

Fashionista in the making

To wear lingerie that fits perfectly, is a dream come true for a woman, and this young NIFT student aims to do just that. 20-year-old Pooja Upadhyay just bagged the Triumph International Award in Mumbai and come October, she will be representing India in the finals at Shanghai.

Designing and art always inspired Pooja, who never thought about a career in fashion until a few years ago. “My father encouraged me to pursue fashion as a career and there has been no looking back ever since.” Though based in Mumbai, Pooja’s maternal and paternal grandparents hail from the state and she is enamoured by what the city has to offer to the world of fashion. “Bengaluru has a huge market for fashion and people are clued in to the proceedings. It’s just a matter of time before the city will be reckoned as a fashion hub in India,” claims the young design student.

The award came as a complete surprise to Pooja. She contested with several people across the country and was chosen in the top ten for the finals. “We had to depict duality in our design. I have combined the dragon and butterfly coming together in my lingerie design. I also had to consider the flow of the garment, since lingerie has to be well-fitting and accentuate a woman’s curves. The idea is to make the garment sensuous, not vulgar.”

Inspired by designers like Alexander McQueen, Ritu Beri, brands like Victoria’s Secret among others, Pooja too aims to launch her own fashion line one day. “Making the cut in this industry is not easy. Apart from a unique sense of design, you also need to have excellent social skills.” One particular designer who inspires her is, “Manish Arora. He was the artistic director for Paco Rabane and that’s very inspiring. Indian designers are being recognised by international brands.”

So what does it take to carve a niche in this fiercely competitive industry? “From what I’ve seen, handmade creations are deeply valued. At the turn of the millenium, trends were leaning towards the sporty side. Solid colours and bold cuts dominated the fashion preference. Now, people are inching towards surface ornamentation. It’s challenging and opens up a window of opportunties.”

Pooja has spent a good number of weeks in interior Karnataka, researching on local art and design. “My personal favourite is the lambani design. I would love to incorporate them in my work in the future.” In her spare time, Pooja loves shopping and reading up on the latest fashion trends. “I also sing, but that’s only in front of my close friends!” adds the bubbly youngster with a laugh.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Lifestyle> Fashion / by Sindhuja Balaji / DC, May 17th, 2012