Monthly Archives: September 2012

Paintings of Tipu’s death & Hindu temple for auction at UK

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

Mysore, Sept. 12

Mullock’s Auctions, United Kingdom, will be auctioning a selection of Indian artifacts, some after the annexation of Mysore by the British, including an important 18th century watercolour of a Hindu Temple and a painting of Tipu Sultan on Sept. 27 at Ludlow Racecourse, Shropshire, UK. A British School painting depicting death of Tipu Sultan dating to 1828 is expected to fetch 2000 – 3000 pounds.

Another 18th century water-colour painting of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Mysore by British artist Lt. James Hunter will also be auctioned. James Hunter was a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery under Cornwallis during the Third Anglo-Mysore War where British and Company troops defeated Tipu Sultan.

The watercolor was published in the book Picturesque Views in the Kingdom of Mysore in 1804 and is expected to fetch between £600 to £800. Other notable pieces include several early books on Mahatma Gandhi and historical documents relating to India.

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

‘Greatly moved by Saina gesture’

Sports

“I have been greatly moved by the kind of sportsman spirit Saina Nehwal has shown by giving me Rs2 lakh from her own pocket. Only a true sportsman can feel for another sportsperson.” Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda, India’s lone medallist at the recent Paralympics Games in London, choked as he struggled to find words to express his gratitude to India’s badminton ace on his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday.

Though the 24-year-old Girisha’s barefoot scissor leap of 1.74m matched that of gold medallist Iliesa Delana of Fiji, he had to settle for silver for taking more jumps. But reaching this far was not an easy task for the Bangalore-based differently-abled athlete as he received absolutely no support from the government or the corporate sector in the run up to the London Games.

“I just hope that the corporates will shower the same kind of cash rewards which they did on the six medal winners on their return. The government’s incentive — Rs30 lakh and a job offer in Sports Authority of India — has come as a big relief for me. It wasn’t easy to prepare for the Games without the corporate or government help,” said Girisha, son of a farmer in Hassan, Karnataka.

Girisha revealed that he was motivated by wrestler Sushil Kumar’s silver medal-winning performance in London just a few days before taking the flight for the Paralympics.

“Sushil is my role model. And when he won his second Olympics medal, a silver, I was determined to repeat the same feat,” Girisha said. “People should understand and recognise our efforts because it’s the same kind of training and effort that is required to win a medal at the Paralympic Games.”

Speaking about his future, Girisha said: “Right now, I want to continue with my training and want to win gold in the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016. And when I retire, I want to take up coaching to help athletes like me who hardly get any support in India.” Girisha is India’s third silver medallist ever in Paralympics.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> Sport / Report / by Chander Shekhar Luthra, Place: New Delhi, Agency: DNA / Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Karnataka State Neonatal Conference begins

Business & Economy, Science & Technology

In a bid to improve the quality of neonatal care in the state, the three-day conference, 15th Karnataka State Neonatal Conference, saw the participation of over 300 doctors, nurses, post graduate and medical students wherein top experts in the field spoke about the latest practices in new-born care in the country.

The conference that took place at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium, Central College Compound University, also featured an exhibition that featured the latest equipment in neonatal care in India.

“When you look at problems globally, infection remains one of the biggest problems when it comes to taking care of newborn babies but that problem in compounded that much more in developing countries like India,” said Dr Venkatesh HA, neonatologist and organising secretary of the conference.

“Conferences such as these are very important because they prove as refresher courses for everyone from practising paediatricians to post graduate students. We are not trying to impart them with the latest advances but more about helping them improve the quality of care they provide newborns,” he added.

As part of the conference, one-day workshops were held in top hospitals across the city on Friday wherein nurses and doctors were trained in directly. “We wanted to provide them with hands on experience. Those workshops which were held in hospitals such as St John’s Medical Hospital saw the participation of over 200 people,” he added.

When it comes to conferences such as these, Dr Janaki Viswanath, neonatologist from KR Hospital, said that doctors need to be kept abreast of effective care. “The neonatal mortality rate in India is about 40% to 45%. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar rank high in the list with a high percentage. The state with the lowest number is Kerala followed by Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka is the third lowest in that list,” she said.

One of the most important highlights of the conference that concluded on Sunday, was the special training imparted to nurses, according to Viswanath.

“We had a whole session just dedicated to training nurses and the kinds of methods they can employ to ensure the health of a new born. It is important to make sure we provide the best for children. If we are able to take care of a cardiac patient at 70 years of age, we should know that we are only giving that person with a few more years of quality life but if we can provide the same care to a newborn, we are giving at least 70 more years of quality life,” she added.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> Bangalore> Report / by DNA Correspondent, Place: Bangalore, Agency: DNA / Monday, September 10th, 2012

Mandya artist claims kirigami is an Indian traditional art form

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Mysore:

Kirigami is well known as a Japanese art form involving paper. But, going by the claims of a Mandya-born artiste, the art of hand cutting designs on paper is a typical art of Mathura, which makes it an Indian traditional art.

Artist Syed Fakrudin Huseni said the traditional art was started in Mathura in the 14th century as per records. Many people are not familiar about its Indian name ‘Sanjhi’.” Motifs from Krishna’s stories are created on paper and used to decorate spaces during festive seasons. “It was also used for filling colours on the floor of temples or in front of houses,” he explains.

Huseni said he chanced upon the “Indian art” a decade ago while attending a camp. Someone introduced him to ‘Sanjhi’, after which he did a research by touring the state. Just like the images of Krishna, Huseni does images of Ganesha, birds and rangoli designs.

The traditional art also has a folk touch in Karnataka. According to him, the art is called by different names in the state. In Shimoga, it is called ‘Parapare’, while it is ‘Gejje Haara’ in Udupi. In Chamarajanagar and rural areas, people know the art as ‘chitra’ (design).

The 36-year-old artist has been travelling across the state for the past nine years to spread the good word about this “folk art”. “I want this art to be called Sanjhi, and not kirigami. Many people in Bangalore are interested to learn this, but they call it a Japanese art,” he said.

However, artist Thyagarajan Wesley begged to differ, saying Indians may have adopted the Japanese art form centuries ago. “As per the records that I have come across, the art forms involving paper cutting and paper folding were started by Japanese. It is their traditional art. Indians may have adopted that centuries ago.”

Till date, Huseni has visited 18 districts, which include Gulbarga, Dharwad, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagaram and Mysore, to spread awareness on Sanjhi. He has conducted workshops for people, including children and senior citizens. He has exhibited his works in many places. But they differ from traditional Sanjhi style. He implements folk and contemporary designs in his works. That not only makes him unique, but also gives a different touch to the traditional art. Huseni hails from Shivanasamudra in Mandya district. He has been awarded with Mysore Dasara Award-1999.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mysore / by Yashaswini  S N, TNN / September 11th, 2012

Messiah of Orphan Corpses Ghulam Hussain passes away

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All

Ghulam Hussain

Mysore, Sept. 10

Ghulam Hussain (65), a messiah who had performed last rites of more than 5,000 unclaimed dead bodies, irrespective of their religious affiliations at his own cost over the last 40 years, passed away at his Sathyanagar residence near Udayagiri in city this morning following a massive heart attack.

The Good Samaritan that he was, he also used to bear the medical expenses of destitutes and performed the last rites of the bodies as per the traditions of respective religions.

He leaves behind his wife, son and a daughter.

Namaz-e-Janaza will be held today at 1.30 pm at Masjid-e-Elahi in Elahi Nagar, and the burial will take place at the Old Muslim Burial Ground behind Central Jail.

Besides being a saviour for unclaimed bodies, Ghulam Hussain served in various organisations in different capacities as Secretary of Elahi Welfare Association, member of Wakf Board and School Development Committee of Sathyanagar Government Higher Primary Urdu School, etc.

MLA Tanveer Sait, former Mayors Ayub Khan and Arif Hussain, former Corporator Anwar, President of Muslim Co-operative Bank Mir Humayun, City President of All India Milli Council Chand Saab, State Youth Congress President Rizwan Arshad, journalist Mohammed Nayeem and well-wishers have condoled the death of Ghulam Hussain.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / September 10th, 2012

Senior Journalist Vattam’s book released

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Andolana Editor Rajashekar Koti is seen releasing the book Chintana Manthana, a collection of articles by senior journalist Krishna Vattam (third from left) at a function organised by District Kannada Sahitya Parishat and Samvahana Publications at JSS Law College in city yesterday. Others seen are (from left) Parishat President M. Chandrashekhar, Mysore District Journalists’ Association President C.K. Mahendra, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, publisher D.N. Lokappa, Senior journalist Ravindra Bhat and former Mayor Vasu.

Mysore, Sept. 10

Chintana Manthana, a collection of articles penned by senior journalist Krishna Vattam was released at a function organised jointly by Mysore District Kannada Sahitya Parishat and Samvahana Publications at JSS Law College in city yesterday.

Andolana Editor Rajashekar Koti, speaking after releasing the book, said that journalists must have social concern and time sense.

“Merely reporting the events does not make a journalist in its truest sense. A journalist must have concern towards the society and must function for the overall development of the society,” said Koti and added that Vattam has all the qualities required to be a true journalist.

“The previous generation of journalists had immense concern and commitment towards the society they lived in. But the present generation journalists, though are intelligent and enthusiastic, lack the virtues of social concern and commitment,” said Koti and called upon the young crop of journalists to seek guidance from senior journalists like Krishna Vattam.

“Journalists must raise voices on behalf of the oppressed, the downtrodden masses, women and poor farmers,” he said and deplored the tendency of media giving priority only to politics.

“Though a journalist cannot be master of all subjects, most of them pretend to know all. The only journalists with no bad habits and writing being their only addiction are Patil Puttappa and Krishna Vattam,” he added.

Senior journalist Ravindra Bhat, speaking on the occasion, said that Krishna Vattam’s book Chintana Manthana was not just a collection of articles but a chronicle of history and it must be made of part of studies for the journalism students.

Former Mayor Vasu, who received the first copy of the book, said in his address that newspapers must spread legal awareness among their readers.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M. Chandrashekhar, speaking on the occasion, said that a Book Fair will soon be started at the Parishat’s premises in Vijayanagar and it would act as a bridge between the writers, publishers and readers.

An information centre of the district’s writers will also be started, he said and added that 100 books will be purchased and given to all newspaper offices.

Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy presided over the function. Mysore District Journalists’ Association President C.K. Mahendra and publisher D.N. Lokappa were among the chief guests. Sambamurthy invoked. Y.D. Rajanna compered and K.S. Shivaramu proposed a vote of thanks.

Bandipura Vattam

Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, who presided over the function, said that earlier, whenever any information about wildlife, politics, history, geography and other subjects were needed, he and many other local journalists used to approach Krishna Vattam, who was considered as a walking encyclopedia.

“I entered the field of journalism during the 70s. At that time, there was no internet. For any information regarding wildlife, we used to refer to Vattam, who was a treasure trove of knowledge on information needed for writing a report or an article. We used to call him Bandipura Krishna Vattam,” said Ganapathy and opined that the book Chintana Manthana penned by Vattam was a must read for all journalists and students of journalism.

It is also a book with Vattam’s articles written over many years on various subjects that will make his contemporaries nostalgic of the times past.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / September 10th, 2012

Pages from History: Lansdowne’s Mysore connection

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

By Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy, former Head Department of Ancient History & Archeological, University of Mysore

The name of Lansdowne is on the lips of every Mysore- an for the past one week for a wrong reason, that being the collapse of a building due to heavy rains which lashed the city of Mysore recently. Unfortunately, the collapse of this heritage building took a toll of precious young lives, injuring others. The entire city mourned the death of the innocent lives.

Some of my friends asked me a question, “Are you for the tottering heritage buildings or for the present and future?” It made me pensive as I could not give an immediate reply. It is hard to choose between the two. Finally, I said to myself that this is due to human failure and not the fault of the heritage building. Had the conservation wing of the concerned department taken proper steps at the proper time, things would have been different. Even the people who were using this building for their business are to be blamed for their wrong decision of going to the court against vacating the building which would have taken away their livelihood temporarily till the completion of the repair work.

Some years ago when Chiranjeevi Singh was in-charge of the Mysore Palace, the Palace was found to be structurally weak as not to take the load of Dasara music programmes. He took the decision of not conducting the Dasara music programme at Amba Vilas. Many eyebrows were raised and politicians showed their anger towards this IAS officer by going to the Vidhana Soudha at Bangalore to bring pressure on him. Good sense prevailed on the power that was and saved a possible calamity. Consequently, the Dasara music programmes take place in front of the Palace without endangering either the Palace or the music lovers. But that was not to be the case of Lans-downe building.

Lansdowne (1845-1927) was a famous Viceroy of British India and that is how he came to have a link with Mysore. He was born in an Irish family on Jan. 24, 1845. His full name was tongue twisting, Henry Charles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne. His father was Henry IV and mother was Emily. They were rich and naturally he was educated at Oxford and at the age of just 21, he succeeded to his father’s position. He married Maud Evelyn Hamilton. He was elected to the House of Lords from the Liberal party and became the Chief of Treasury under Prime Minister Gladstone. He resigned and became Governor General of Canada. Because of his vision and efficiency, he was appointed as the Viceroy of British India in 1888 and he continued in that post till 1894.

His period was very eventful in British Indian administration. His main contribution was the extension of British Empire by annexing certain areas, particularly North-East India. He also took various steps to enhance the opportunities for Indians to learn English. He dabbled in the politics of Afghanistan as also Manipura and Kashmir. Practically he cheated the people of Manipura and well-meaning Britishers also condemned him on this account.

There were hundreds of Maharajas in British India most of whom were stooges of the British Empire. To curb their power, Lansdowne brought an Act which compelled the Maharajas to maintain a separate army to help the British in times of need. Thus the Indian Maharajas had to waste huge amounts of money to maintain this white elephant. Even the Maharaja of Mysore did the same to curry the favour of Lansdowne. The contemporary Mysore Maharaja was Chamaraja Wadiyar IX and he took special care to keep the Viceroy Lansdowne in good humour.

After retirement from India as Viceroy, he served as the Minister in-charge of wars. In the meantime, he lost his son in First World War (1916) and this had serious impact on his health. Consequently, he passed away on June 3, 1917. On the whole he was considered a good, benevolent and cultured administrator.

The British Governors and Residents were always creating problems to the rich Maharajas to get maximum benefits for themselves. The then Governor requested Chamaraja Wadiyar IX to invite Viceroy Lansdowne and his wife to Mysore to show them the good work that was being done in the State. It was decided to build an elegant and architecturally beautiful building to commemorate his visit. The Viceroy arrived in Mysore on Nov. 10, 1892 and inaugurated the building which was then known as Lansdowne Bazaar (market). Lansdowne praised the Maharaja in glorious terms.

It was built at a cost of 89,000 rupees. It extended upto the Devaraja Market. In course of time that portion was removed to make way for future development. It even had a fountain. The building has cusped arches with a small walk-path. The first floor also had rooms which were leased out on rent.

In recent years (half a century ago), it housed a variety of small businesses such as DTP, photoframe, ayurveda shop, dentist, khadi shop, newspaper house and a juice & ice cream shop called Phalamrutha.

This Phalamrutha was managed by Y.S. Gundappa, a grand old man who was also a freedom fighter and a philanthropist. It is said that when Gandhiji came to address a public meeting at nearby Town Hall, he came to Phalamrutha and tasted the sogade root juice which was Gundappa’s speciality. I had taken Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurthy to this place. Not only we tasted sogade juice but also got a good donation from Achuta, the grandson of Gundappa.

The khadi emporium was also sanctified by Mahatma Gandhi’s visit. Lansdowne building was also a centre of journalists of the city. It housed the offices of Thayinadu and Mysore Patrike.

The fate of this celebrated building is now uncertain. Culture-minded people are watching with fingers crossed whether Lansdowne building will raise or go down into the pages of history. For the present, it is a million dollar question.

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

INAC Dirt Cross to vroom in city ‘Morrow

Sports

Caption: The track being readied for the racing event at the grounds near Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel in city tomorrow.

Mysore, Sept.8

All roads in the city will lead to the grounds adjacent Lalitha Mahal Palace tomorrow where the FMSC Indian National Autocross Championship-Round Three is all set to vroom, much to the delight of city’s motor sport enthusiasts who will witness the excitement of the event after a lapse of seven years.

Wynnsport, the Promoter of the series, in association with An Open Mind (AOM) as Principal Associate, is bringing this event to the motorsport enthusiasts in the city. The event will be organised by the IMSC and presented by Mysore Automotive Racing Club (MARC).

This event has attracted participants from all over the country in the four-wheeler section. Ranjith Ballal leads the Championship in the 850 cc, upto 1150cc and the Gypsy Class after 2 round and is second in the 1400 cc class. Den Thimmaiah of Team R3A run by PGA motorsports, the only team entry in the Championship leading the 1400 cc class.

B.S. Rudresh is 2nd in the 850 CC class followed by Ashok Mudigere. In the upto 1150 CC class, S.P. Suchindra is second followed by Lokesh Gowda. K.H. Aditya is 3rd in 1400 CC class.

The 1600 CC class is led by G.A. Vishal followed by Chetan Shivram and Shefeeq-ur-Rehman. Chetan leads the 3000 CC Championship followed by Lohit Urs and Rahul Kanthraj, both from Team R3A.

Shafeeq-ur-Rehman is 2nd in the Gypsy class followed by Philip Thomas. In the women’s class, M. Ashika again of Team R3A leads the Championship followed by Anita Kholay and Veena Ponnappa. All these leading drivers are a part of the starting grid in Mysore.

The event is conducted by Mysore Automotive Racing Club (MARC) which was established for the purpose of promoting auto sport in the country by Anil Sadanand, a passionate and successful racer himself from Mysore, who began his career in motocross in 1986. MARC is professionally run, backed by proven and passionate individuals.

Lohitt Urs, the dream boy of the motorsport enthusiast from the region, is instrumental in bringing Auto-Cross championship to Mysore. The following events will be conducted in different classes, open to vehicles manufactured in India: Class 1: upto 850 cc Open; Class 2: Over 850 cc upto 1150 cc Open; Class 3: Over 1150 cc upto 1400 cc Open; Class 4: Over 1400 cc upto 1600 cc Open; Class 5: Upto 3000 cc Open; Class 6: 4×4 Gypsy upto 1400 cc Open; Class 7: upto 1400 cc (Ladies) Open.

This is the official National Autocross Championship, run under the aegis of the FIA.

The event will carry prizes and trophies amounting to Rs. 1.5 lakh and has got more than 100 entries. Team R3A of PGA Mo-torsports who are leading the Overall Team championship and Driver championship in 3 classes have given 8 entries in 4 Classes for 3rd round in city.

The track will accommodate 2 cars. There will be one qualifying round of 2 laps. After the qualifying round, the top 6 cars from each class will run for the finals. The finals will be run over a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 laps.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / September 08th, 2012

IAF to host an exhibition of models of its aircraft

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Science & Technology

Bangalore, Sep 7 (ANI):

A month prior to its anniversary on October 8, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to host an exhibition of various aircraft models in Bangalore.

This exhibition would open for general public on September 8 and 9 and will be the first of its kind.

A preview of this educative and informative expo was held on Thursday at Orion Mall in the city.

Group Captain Maruti, the Command and Public Relations Officer of the Training Command, said the motto of the exhibition was not meant to show off the country’s air power, but to educate the masses about various aircrafts.

“Indian Air Force is celebrating the 80th anniversary that falls on the 08th October, 2012. As a mark of this 80th anniversary, we are having this exhibition, mainly to have a people contact to make people aware and conscious of the Indian Air Force,” said Maruti.

Group Captain Anil Tiwari, the Commanding Officer of the Electronic Training Institute, said they have tried to display a variety of aircrafts, missiles and electronic items.

“We will be putting maximum models on display and there will be different kinds of models, including the ones which we are developing and ones which are already in use. Besides aircraft we have also displayed electronic equipments like weapon locating radar with which we can identify the location of weapons. We are also showcasing the indigenous missile, which India is developing,” said Tiwari.

“It is actually a good initiative by the IAF. It is a good thing actually. So many aircraft, I didn’t know so many aircraft. I got to learn more. I didn’t know about Avnov and all those things that is a good plane. I just read the features and all. Actually seeing all these, actually makes me feel join the Air Force. Very good thing, it’s very knowledgeable and I need to thank the IAF for doing this actually,” said Rakshit a visitor at the preview of exhibition.

Bangalore has been the venue for Aero India shows every second year for the past two decades and more.

It is also the home to some of the prime establishments of the IAF such as the Headquarters of Training Command, various ground and flying training centres, institute of aviation medicine and above all the ASTE (Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment) that certifies every other flying machine flown by the gallant air warriors. (ANI)

source: http://www.truthdive.com / Home> News> Entertainment / posted by News Desk / September 07th, 2012