Category Archives: Leaders

US varsity honours Narayana Murthy

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

Tampa (Florida) May 16

The University of South Florida has honoured Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy with the Global leadership and Free Enterprise Awards for his leadership and contributions to the international business world.

Presenting Infosys chairman emeritus Murthy with the awards at the Patel Centre for Global Sustainability here Monday, USF President Judy Genshaft praised him for his entrepreneurial spirit, according to a university press release.

Earlier, in an informal conversation with past and present students, Murthy said because of his middle class background, it was not as difficult for his company to maintain its values as it might be for the mass of people eking out a living.

‘You need a spirit of sacrifice and you need to have trust,’ he said.

Murthy explained how the company’s ethos has its roots in the very first meeting held at his house in Mumbai with his six fellow founders. Their discussion was focused on profitability.

Murthy focused their attention on ‘seeking respect’, ‘living in harmony with society’ and making sure ‘you don’t shortchange your customers,’ he said. When you do those things, ‘revenue will come. Profit will come’.

In response to a question from about the chances of Murthy entering politics, he mentioned his preference for ‘rational discussion’ and the difficulty the political world offers for such and expressed some hesitation.

Kaushal Chari, chair of the USF information systems and decision sciences department, said Murthy’s story is inspiring for students.

‘He’s a world-class business leader,’ said Chari, who leads a study abroad trip to India every year for business students.

IANS

source: http://www.india.nydailynews.com / Home> News> Desi News / Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Expect sales of Rs 2000 crore in FY13: Prestige Estates

Business & Economy, Leaders

In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Irfan Razack, chairman and managing director of  Prestige Estates Projects says, he expects sales of Rs 2,000 crore in FY13.

Below is the edited transcript of his interview on CNBC-TV18. Also watch the accompanying video (at http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/expect-salesrs-2000-crorefy13-prestige-estates_695590-0.html)

Q: I will start with your Chennai project where we understand there has been quite a strong response which has been received. Can you just take us through the details of that first?

A: The Chennai project is in Porur. Name of the project is Bella Vista. We launched it on the Pongal day this year. It has done amazingly well. It is totally more than four million sq ft and it has 2,600 apartments. As of date, we have sold little over 50% of the project, which is fantastic, in just about three months time.

Q: Can you give us an idea of the Bangalore commercial market? We understand that office rents, especially commercial property rents are improving there. On a six months basis year-to-date 2012, how much better is it compared to 2011?

A: In the fiscal year 2011-2012, we have been fortunate, we have leased out something like 3.1 million sq ft of office space. The demand is still there and leasing is still going on. I believe even this year i.e. 2012-2013 we will touch another three million sq ft of leasing. When I say it is our company, overall I think last year Bangalore leasing was something like ten million sq ft. So, pretty much we get a 30% market share here.

Even in Chennai, we completed one of our developments called Prestige Palladium of Mount Road, on Greams Road, even that has done very well, the entire building has been leased out as of date at good rental yields. I believe though the supply may have slowed down because people would have been a little cautious, hence the offtake is quite good. So, the rents also have stabilized and are doing well.

Q: What is the trajectory on rents? Since you spoke about volume as well, give us an idea of how it compares with year ago levels both volume of property that is moving as well as the rents at which they are moving?

A: The rents have gone up. Infact, they have to go up, there is no choice because the input costs have gone up. Also, the good thing is that the supply is getting slowed down a bit, hence the demand-supply ratio gap is not that great and hence the rents also have got pushed up. On the Outer Ring Road, today, we are talking of rentals between Rs 45 and Rs 50, which a year ago we would have been talking of between Rs 38 and Rs 42.

Q: What your project pipeline for FY13 would then look like? Also what sort of pricing do you expect because there are some brokerages which do expect you not to move that much on pricing in order to increase volumes?

A: Infact, I would probably not want the prices to move up because again if I breach my affordability barrier, my volumes and my selling stops. So, as far as I am able get my product in place, the pricing and my costing right, I would rather keep on producing and offering it to the customers at a very reasonable and affordable number.

When I say affordable, it could be affordable in any bracket that is there. Like last year it has been a fantastic year for us, we had given a guidance of Rs 1,500 crore of sales in the FY11-FY12. We have exceeded the Rs 2,000 barrier. I think we are in the range of Rs 2,100 crore is the sales that we have done in FY11-12.

I believe even that same trend will continue in this current year. Though my guidance, I won’t be giving Rs 1,500 crore, but I will be giving a guidance of Rs 2,000 crore for the next year. Hope, we exceed that.

But price range, we are trying to see that even if it goes up, it goes up marginally. So, it helps by us to keep buying and the product doesn’t go out of their rich. Now, with the interest rates going down by half a percent and the likelihood of it going down further because hopefully the economic factors provide for it, I think there will be much more activity.

Q: You said Rs 2,000 crore, you mean FY13 revenues, is that what you are referring to?

A: I am talking about sales. There is a difference between what sales I clock during a financial year and what revenues I book. Our revenues are linked to completion of 30% and occupancy certificates and all of that. So, sometimes the revenue trigger doesn’t kick in. But if you look at it, the volume of sales we have done at some 3,500 in 68 units in FY11-12. We have crossed Rs 2,000 crore barrier. In the year 2012-2013, it will be a guidance of Rs 2,000 crore.

Q: I was looking for a guidance on revenues, what kind of percentage growth in revenues you can expect?

A: Revenues will be lumpy. Though I will have this in the pipeline, ofcourse FY13 booked revenues will be much larger than FY12 because all the sales that I have done in 2011-2012 and 2010-2011 will start coming in for recognition in financial year 2013. Margins also will be pretty much the same as what we have had in the current year. I think margins will hold out.

Q: What is your debt and your debt/equity?

A: Right now, we are looking at a debt/equity ratio of about 0.5 with an overall net debt of about 1,000 crore. Even this debt more than 50% probably even 60% of this debt is basically leased rental discounting, most of our debt that we have is more for capex project. Even if there is some debt on my residential, it is only just to see that there is some bit of flexibility. It is where the capex projects, whether it is hospitality or retail or even office where we are retaining for rental, those are the ones that will consume the cash for the debt.

source: http://www.monecontrol.com / MoneyControl> Home> News> Business>  Business News / source: CNBC-TV18 / Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Rural life is my inspiration to write: Hamsalekha

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders

Caption: Hamsalekha interacting with kids during Belli Hejje programme yesterday. Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Chairperson Tara looks on.

Mysore, Apr. 22

Music director and lyricist Hamsalekha, who composed the famous song Kurak Kukralli Kere for the Kannada film Nenapirali and bagged an award for it, participated in an interaction programme Belli Hejje at Vanaranga of Rangayana on the banks of Kukkarahalli lake last evening.

The programme was organised by Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy. Journalist and music critic Suresh Chandra interacted with Hamsalekha and asked questions based on his life and works on behalf of the audience.

Born as Govindaraju Gangaraju in Kannambadi village near KRS, he got the pen name Hamsalekha after entering the film industry. He has directed music for 300 Kannada films and has scored background music for more than 3000 film.

“I entered the industry as a lyricist with the song Neena Bhagavanta for the film Triveni in 1971. I debuted as a musician with the 1981 film Rahuchandra,” he said.

“My father was a stage artist. I too would accompany him on stage and got attracted by the rural language. This was my inspiration to write songs,” he added.

When asked about the secret of his success, Hamsalekha said, “Those in music field, in addition to their style of composing, should learn to love life. Only then can they succeed. Many who practice classical music hesitate to experiment. But, we do not hesitate. This is also a reason for my success.”

On a suggestion from the audience to write a song on the soldiers who protect our country, Hamsalekha assured to do so.

A documentary on Hamsalekha was screened on the occasion. District In-charge Minister S.A. Ramdas released a booklet on Hamsalekha. Academy Chairperson Tara Anuradha explained the purpose of extending Belli Hejje to other districts instead of just in Bangalore.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / April 22nd, 2012

Advani felicitated by Karnataka Billiards Association

Leaders, Sports

Bangalore, April 17 (IANS)

Pankaj Advani, who earlier this month became the first Indian to win five Asian titles, was felicitated by the Karnataka State Billiards Association (KSBA), here Tuesday.

Advani defeated Thawat Sujaritthuarkarn of Thailand, 6-3 in the final of the Asian billiards championship in Goa this month. He had earlier won the title in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

In his response to the felicitation, Advani said: “Winning a title is not my individual achievement alone, but the result of the help and support of many people who have worked tirelessly.

“My brother Shree Advani has helped me a lot with my mental preparations. He has taught me to think right, and overcome mental barriers.

“I would also like to thank my coach Arvind Savur who has been a great guiding force for me. If not for him, I would not have improved as quickly.”

KSBA President M.C. Uthappa said: “He (Pankaj) already has to his credit many titles – 7 world titles, 5 Asian titles, 2 Asian Games gold medals, 2 Australian Open titles, and 22 National titles. With each passing year, he is inching towards the 100 mark.

“This felicitation ceremony is to reiterate his achievements and a token of appreciation from us. We wish him the best of luck for his next tournament.”

Thanking the KSBA for their support Advani said: “KSBA is my second home. This is a wonderful place to hone your skills. Should the younger players need any advice or assistance from seniors like Bhaskar or me, we are always there.”

source: http://www.newstrackindia.com / Home> Others / Karnataka, Sport/ Tuesday April 17th, 2012

 

Industrialist donates Rs. 48 lakh for research on Cotton

Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technology

Mysore, Apr.13


M. Jagannath Shenoi, Managing Partner of Mangalore Ganesh Beedi and Chairman of Silent Shores Resort, Mysore, today donated the first instalment of Rs. 9 lakh to the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Dharwad for conducting research on cotton, specifically to create a hybrid variety. He will be donating a total of Rs. 48 lakh in installments for the purpose.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Rampriyadas, Chartered Accountant of Jagannath Shenoi said that only BT cotton seeds were available in the market and no research had been done in the past 35 years on the indigenous varieties of cotton.

He said that the UAS had come up with the idea of doing research on Indian cotton for which Shenoi agreed to fund the resea-rch programme and added that once the research is completed, cotton seeds would be distributed to the farmers free of cost.

He also said that this variety could be grown using organic manure, without any artificial fertilisers and pesticides.

A cheque for Rs. 9 lakh was handed over to Dr. S.S. Patil, Senior Cotton Breeder, UAS, who is deputed by the VC. Rampriyadas said this was the endeavor of Shenoi to encourage use of desi variety of cotton, thus making farmers self-sufficient.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / April 13th, 2012

XLRI award for Narayana Murthy

Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology
Kolkata, MARCH 30:

XLRI School of Business and Human Resources, Jamsedhpur, will confer the Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal to Infosys Technologies chairman emeritus and chief mentor, Mr N.R. Narayana Murthy, during its annual convocation.

The Sir Jehangir Ghandy Medal for Social and Industrial Peace is awarded to heroic leaders who have contributed towards the growth of their respective organisations.

Mr Jaspal Singh Bindra, group executive director and chief executive officer, Asia, Standard Chartered, will be present as chief guest at the convocation.

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Industry & Economy / by Hindu Bureau / March 30th, 2012

Respect the Girl Child: Prema Cariappa

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

Caption: Prema Cariappa, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Board, inaugurating the International Women’s Day celebration organised by Karnataka State Social Welfare Board at Rajendra Auditorium in JSS Hospital premises here recently. Others seen are State Board Chairperson Vinoda Nataraj and Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation Chairperson Sarojini Bhardwaj.

Mysore, Mar. 28

“Members of the Indian society need to shed the ancient notion that only male issues can support us in our old age and that one attains ‘sadgati’ after death only if one is the a parent of a male child,” said Prema Cariappa, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Advisory Board, New Delhi.

Speaking after inaugurating International Women’s Day celebration held under the aegis of Karnataka State Social Welfare Board at Rajendra Bhavan in city on Monday, she said that women are playing a pivotal role in the development of the nation and the country; but in spite of this, they are being discriminated.

She further said that even today, the birth of a female child is considered shameful. Even though girls excel in education they are being discriminated in the fields of higher education, professional courses and employment.

“The need of the hour is to educate girls. She said that the social evils like dowry etc. have ruined the society. Women are being burnt alive if dowry is not given. Police and judiciary seem to be helpless in stopping these crimes. Govt. is taking appropriate steps for the development of women but it is the duty of the voluntary organizations to come forward to work in the field of social work,” she said and opined that local elected representatives need to work towards eradicating this discrimination.

Board’s chairperson Vinoda Nataraj, State Women’s Development Corporation Chairperson Sarojini Bhardwaj and Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director N.R. Vijay were the chief guests.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / March 28th, 2012

Eminent Scientists chosen for ‘Thathachari Memorial Awards’

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

Mysore, Mar. 19

The city-based Bhramara Trust of Y.T. and Madhuri Thathachari has announced the awardees of the Thathachari Memorial Science Awards for the year 2011.

Prof. T.P. Singh, distinguished Biotechnology Research Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi will be the recipient of Bhramara’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Science — 2011 and Dr. Debashis Mitra, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune will receive the Prof. Y.T. Thathachari Prestigious Research Award for Biological/Medical Sciences, said Trustee Madhuri Thathachari, in a press release.

Dr. Singh has made significant contributions in the field of Rational Structure based drug design, Protein Structure biology and X-ray crystallography. Prof. Singh is carrying out elaborate structural studies of proteins from several systems which are important potential drug targets.

He has submitted more than 400 protein structures in the Protein Data Bank. He has published more than 400 research papers in leading international journals. He is a fellow of national and international academies — The Third World Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Sciences, Indian Academy of Sciences, Alexander von Hum-boldt Foundation and Biotech Research Society of India.

Dr. Singh is the recipient of many national and international awards.

Dr. Debashis Mitra is an outstanding immunologist who has contributed greatly to the understanding of modulation of host cell factors during HIV-1 infection. His laboratory has been able to identify several novel HIV inhibitors which are being worked upon as anti-HIV lead compo-unds to develop potential micro-bicides for HIV prevention.

In recognition of his work, Dr. Mitra has received several aw-ards such as American Foundation for AIDS Research Award in 1995 and DBT Overseas Associateship Award in 2007. He was elected as a Fellow of the Maharashtra Academy of Science, India, and the National Academy of cience, India.

The Award for Science consists of a memento, citation and a cash prize of Rs. one lakh. The award would be presented at a function to be held in city. The date, venue and other details will be announced soon, stated Madhuri Thathachari.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / March 19th, 2012

 

A unique father-son duo remembered

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders

DVG’s birthplace salutes litterateur on his 125th birth anniversary

D V Gundappa and B G L Swamy were an unusual father-son pair. Their contributions to Kannada literature were remarkable in their variety and intensity, said Dr Chandrashekhar Kambar

Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambar was felicitated at the Rangavithala Hall at Narashimhatheertha in Mulbagal on Saturday, the 125th birth anniversary of DVG. Justice N Nagamohan Das, Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar Meena, P N Srinivasan, K Prahlad Rao, K R Narasimhan and Komul Director Kadenahalli Nagaraj are also seen.  DH Photo.

“Both of them won the Sahitya Akademi Award twice. In many ways, they were like another father-son duo, Kuvempu and Poornachandra Tejaswi.”

Dr Kambar was speaking at the programme commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of DVG, organised at the Rangavithala Hall at Narasimhatheertha on the outskirts of the town on Saturday.

“DVG was a multi-faceted personality. He contributed greatly not just to Kannada literature and culture, but also to Indian journalism,” said Kambar. “The litterateur followed the ideals he presented in his works.”

Justice H N Nagamohan Das inaugurated the programme.

“His lifestyle was simple, as he never used the money he received with the awards for his own needs. Instead he donated the money for the establishment and growth of the Gokhale Institute,” he said.

Speaking about DVG’s works, Justice Das said one can find in the writings several interesting aspects of contemporary town-life in Mulbagal, the birthplace of DVG.
P N Srinivasachari, general secretary of the Department of Small Irrigation, unveiled a picture of DVG. Amaresh, MLA, presided. K R Narasimhan spoke on the life and works of the litterateur.

Dr Shivanna welcomed the gathering. Cultural events were presented by Moodala Nritya Academy. The programme was organised jointly by the Dr D V Gundappa Trust, Department of Kannada and Culture, C Munishami Charitable Trust, Amarajyothi Education Society, Deccan Education Society, Sharada Education Trust and pro-Kannada organisations.

Manjunath Prasad, managing director of KSRTC, Manoj Kumar Meena, Deputy Commissioner, Kadenahalli Nagaraj, chairman of the Amarajyothi Education Society, K Prahlad Rao, chairman of the DVG Trust, K V Jagannath, chairman of the Taluk Primary School Teachers’ Association, Mangamma Muniswamy, Zilla Panchayat member, P Jayamadhava, tahsildar, B N Venkatachalapathi, assistant director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, and others were present.

In Malur

“DVG was a great thinker who visualised the cultural life in the 20th century,” said H S Satyanarayana, professor at the Varthur Pre-university College.

He was speaking at the DVG birth anniversary programme organised at the Agricultural Society Hall in the town by the Chutuku Sahitya Parishat on Saturday.

“Having arrived in Bangalore, tugging along the ‘bullock cart of life’, DVG presented the versatility of his achievements as a litterateur as well as member of the Legislative Assembly,” said the professor.

The book ‘Raktaratri’, by youth poet Na Muniraju, was released by Satyanarayana.

M V Hanumanthaiah, chairman of the Bapuji Education Society inaugurated the programme. Kannada Sahitya Parishat immediate past president A Ashwattha Reddy chaired the programme.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Mulbagal, DHNS / March 17th, 2012

Big boys don’t want to spend

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Uncategorized

* Our local hottie has now become one helluva an international one too. Nicole Faria was in Perth to host an exclusive event at Mazzucchelli’s store. This Miss Earth has already been doing so much for the forgotten lakes of Bengaluru and is quite the activist.

Nicole Faria

Now Faria is travelling the world, as the global brand ambassador for Frederique Constant Geneve and was seen pretty busy rubbing shoulders with Perth’s celebrities and the who’s who of Ozzie land. And she looked beautiful, if we say so ourselves. Kudos to Nicole and should we see a Hollywood venture in the offing too? Let’s hope so.
* This popular coffee and quick snack hangout for youngsters on the busy Church Street, Java City allegedly shut shop a few days ago, owing to bad business. Singer and actor Sunil Raoh was often spotted at Java City most evenings with his gang of friends from the Sandalwood industry. Just next door to Java City is a small but always buzzing wine shop that is thronged by many after work every evening and that is doing brisk business. Just opposite is another eatery, Empire Restaurant that continues to rake in the moolah. Does that say something about our city’s changing preferences?

*February was one lucky month for Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha. She took part in two game shows and was crowned the winner in both. The people competing against her were Kavitha Lankesh, actor Suriya’s mother and another actress from their upcoming release Crazy Loka. At the other game show, her competitors were the same as the first, except Suriya’s mother was replaced by Nam Anna Don actress Sana. The tasks were simple but the prizes were extravagant. Harshika won lots of goodies, cash prizes and gift vouchers.
*The three city youngsters who were selected to play lead roles in Malayalam film Cinema Company are on cloud nine. The shooting is done and post-production is underway. But the actors Basil, Shruti and Sanjeev are aggressively promoting their film. They are not going big on promotions. Word of mouth publicity, SMSes and social networking sites are the latest promotion tools for this team of youngsters. The May release will be a first of its kind film in Mollywood where the lead actors were chosen through a reality show format.
Who, what,when, where, why
Who is slowly becoming the personal AD guy of the season? From the “Bold Look of Kohli” to the cartoon of a sad Malinga doing the rounds with a larger than life “Melan-KOHLI”, written across, the Royal Challengers Bangalore lad Virat Kohli is the one everyone relies on for excitement and admiration… on and off the field. These recent ads and cartoons doing the rounds on social networking sites are all about the Kohli quotient!
What can Arundhati Nag’s fans look forward to? Her much-awaited film Chaurahen — Crossroads is finally releasing on March 16. The movie which was shelved for nine years has since travelled to 11 film festivals before releasing in India.
When will we see a new nightclub in the sky? Soon… as the newest mall in the City MG Road One is touted to have one helluva party place on its terrace… but we’ll wait till it opens to decide on that!
Where was Nidhi Subbaiah spotted prancing with her boyfriend, actor Sudhanshu Pandey? In Mumbai, where she is shooting for an upcoming Kannada movie. She was seen spending all her free time with him there.
Why is danseause Madhu Natraj a happy lady? She will be receiving the ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ from the Sangeet Natak Akademi? Madhu has been chosen for her contribution to the field of creative dance. The award will be conferred on March 7 in New Delhi.
source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / TABLOID / Home> Tabloid> Talk of the Town / DC, Bengaluru / March 02nd, 2012