Monthly Archives: January 2015

Artificial waterfall to bring magic to Jog round the year

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Nri's / Pio's, Science & Technology, Travel

Bengaluru :

The world famous Jog, the second highest plunge waterfall in the country, will soon enthrall visitors round the year.

All the four cascades of the 252 metre-high falls — the majestic Raja, the graceful Rani, the swift Rocket and boisterous Roarer — will be in full splendor through the year as the Jog Management Authority (JMA) plans to re-circulate its water during non-rainy seasons.

Two companies have come forward to take up the project following a global tender and work is expected to start before this rainy season. Once installed, it will be world’s tallest feature of its kind, JMA officials claim.

“The full view of Jog is available to tourists only for four months (July to October) during rainy season. With Jog lacking other features required for a popular tourist destination, the number of foreign and local tourists is considerably less in the year. This is why we approached experts for a solution,” a senior JMA official told TOI.

HR Viswanath, consultant for JMA and the brain behind the project, said the magic of artificial waterfall will be realized through re-circulation method. “Using a reversible pump, the water will be pumped up through a 1,200 mm diameter pipe from the storage pond constructed at the bottom of the falls. A 3-mtr high anicut (dam) constructed upstream the Sitakatte Bridge will receive the pumped water. Then 200 cusecs of water will be let out the four sluice gates of the anicut in off seasons,” he explained.

Asked about the electricity requirement and cost of pumping water upstream, Vishwanath said the water cascading down will generate electricity with the help of a mini power station installed at the bottom of the falls. The pump will get power from the station, and the system won’t need extra power supply unless it is emergency.

Viswanath, who is former principal of BMS College of Engineering, said the technology is of double advantage as the project will be able to generate excess electricity during rainy season from the same pump by letting the waste water down. There will be no pumping up of water from the bottom during rainy season.

“The electricity produced will be surplus after meeting the required quantity for pumping purposes which can be used by the Sharavathi power grid. The project manager can also make profits by selling the excess power,” he added.

Another JMA official said two companies — National Buildings Construction Corporation, New Delhi; and an Abu Dhabi-based company owned by BR Shetty, an NRI businessman and Padma awardee — have come forward to take up the project under the build-operate-transfer model. “Once the detailed project report is ready, we will finalize the company for project implementation. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 350 crore and we are expecting the ground work to begin before July this year,” he added.

How it works

A sump to hold 23,000 cubic ft water will be built at the bottom of 252 mtr (820 ft) fall.

Using a reversible pump, water will be lifted via 1200 mm diameter pipe to a 3 metre tall anicut (dam) constructed upstream. A power pump of 20 kilowatt per hour is necessary for the purpose.

200 cusecs water let out from the four sluice gates of the anicut to create the normal beautiful jog falls.

The water cascading down will also generate electricity with the help of a mini power station installed at the bottom of the falls. The power is sufficient to pump back the water and mechanism will keep the system round the clock. Water lost in evaporation is negligible say experts.

During rainy season, power generated is an advantage as there will be no need to pump the water upstream.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / by Rohith B R, TNN / January 26th, 2015

Team Mangalore set to wing its way to Dubai International Kite Festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

Mangaluru :

City based intrepid group of kite flyers – Team Mangalore are headed for the fourth Dubai International Kite Festival. They are going there on an official invitation at the event organised by Classic Concepts LLC, an event management company in connection with Dubai Shopping Festival that will end on February 1. The kite festival will be held at Jumeira Beach from January 29 to 31.

This unique kite festival will showcase some of the best kites flown by flyers of international fame around the world. Team Mangalore (India), a regular in international kite flying scene will be represented by Sarvesh Rao B, the founder of the team, Nitin J Shetty, Subhash Pai and Sathish Rao. Kites of all shapes and sizes will be on display including some massive character and theme based kites.

These include the Garuda, Yakshagana, Pushpaka, Delta Devil kites and many more. The team’s new creation Vibhishana will be added attraction to this event. It will be an annual gathering of all the kite lovers in the Middle-East. Earlier, Team Mangalore has participated in various International Kite Festivals held at Canada, UK, France, Thailand, Korea, Italy, and Hong Kong, Sri Lanka among other nations.

Team Mangalore incidentally had unveiled Vibhishana at an international Kite festival at France winning accolades from the people of France. In addition to Vibhishana, the Team is going to showcase their other variety of kites including Yakshagana, Kathakkali – the largest kite in India and also various other kites such as Garuda, Delta Devil, Durga, Owl, Pushpaka Vimana, Bird, Bat Series.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangaluru / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / January 25th, 2015

A vocal advocate of women’s political rights

Leaders
Sarojini Mahishi (fourth from left) at the first State-level conference of women writers in Bangalore on March 16, 1985.— file photo: T.L. PRABHAKAR
Sarojini Mahishi (fourth from left) at the first State-level conference of women writers in Bangalore on March 16, 1985.— file photo: T.L. PRABHAKAR

Sarojini Mahishi, former Union Minister, passed away in New Delhi on Sunday

The name of Sarojini Mahishi, former Union Minister who passed away in Delhi on Sunday, is referred to every time the question of representation to locals in jobs comes up.

The much-quoted report submitted by a committee headed by her in 1986, which recommended job reservation to locals, however, has remained on paper.

Though she is remembered mostly in the context of her unimplemented report, Ms. Mahishi was a force to reckon with in politics in her heyday. She was elected to the third Lok Sabha in 1962, making her the first woman from Karnataka to achieve this distinction. Ms. Mahishi had bagged 71.68 per cent of polled votes from Dharwad North on Congress ticket. She was one of three women from across the country to have bagged more than 70 per cent votes that year.

When this correspondent had contacted the octogenarian ahead of the 2014 elections, she had said with pride, “I did not lobby for a ticket. I spent less than Rs. 10,000 for the election then.”

A lawyer and writer, it was her interest in social service that had drawn her into politics. Ms. Mahishi won the next three elections and served as Minister in the Cabinet of the late Indira Gandhi.

She translated Indira Gandhi’s speeches from Hindi to Kannada during her campaigns in Karnataka. Ms. Mahishi was a votary for more representation for women in politics. “Not just 33 per cent, women should have 50 per cent presence in the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies,” she had told The Hindu .

Women’s role

She believed that women can play a role in “cleansing politics” and had said she “wouldn’t mind” contesting elections again for the cause, if given a ticket.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Bageshree S. / Bengaluru – January 26th, 2015

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WHEN SAROJINI MAHISHI MET MYSORE MAHARAJA…

Sir,

Karnataka has lost a distinguished Kannadati, an early woman Parliamentarian, a multi-lingual literary figure and a protector of Kannadigas’ job quota, in the death of Sarojini Mahishi. While I was serving in Mysore, I had to fix a meeting of her with Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar and his Huzur Secretary M. Narayanaswamy had arranged for it at the Summer Palace. She had come with her advocate-sister Hemalata Mahishi.

When we reached the Palace, there was already Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao and another Philosophy Professor waiting for an evening discussion with the Maharaja on his request. We were first taken inside by Narayanaswamy who introduced us.

I still remember the very delicious Mysore masala dosa and coffee served to us and then a very scholarly discussion began when Sarojini’s sister and myself came out. But before leaving, I could make out their deep knowledge of the subjects they started discussing.

When we were waiting outside, Maharaja’s close aid Dharanipal was very eager to show Hemalata Mahishi around the Summer Palace describing how the Maharaja spends his daily schedule there for his physical training in the gym there and later held discussions with the scholars. But Hemalata was more eager to spend time with the waiting Professors whose eminence she knew.

Later, when Sarojini Mahishi came out, Narayanaswamy told me aside what a scholarly discussion they had and the Maharaja was greatly impressed with the high scholarship of Mahishi. While returning I heard her describing to her sister how rich and valuable their hour-long discussion was. She was also repeatedly praising the Maharaja’s deep knowledge of all the topics they discussed.

—K.Vijaya Kumar

V.V.Mohalla

29.1.2015

ource: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Voice of the Reader / Friday – January 30th, 2015

City celebrates Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanthotsava

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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Mysuru :

The District Administration in association with Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanthotsava Samithi had organised a function at Kalamandira here this morning to mark Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanthotsava.

Inaugurating the function after offering floral tributes to a portrait of Ambigara Chowdaiah, Mayor R. Lingappa said that Ambigara Chowdaiah was a contemporary of Basavanna and his Vachanas were very meaningful.

He further said that Ambigara Chowdaiah was a voice for the poor and oppressed class and always fought for gender equality.

Yuvaraja College Kannada Professor Dr. G. Srinivas spoke on the life and works of Ambigara Chowdaiah while Hindustani Singer Vyshnavi Hangal Talakad rendered Vachanas of Ambigara Chowdaiah.

Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha, MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar, MUDA Commissioner S. Palaiah, Assistant Commissioner Syeda Ayesha, Deputy Mayor M. Mahadevamma, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M. Chandrashekar and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 21st, 2015

City model signs Kannada movie

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

ShilpaBF27jan2015

Mysuru :

Shilpa Irdal, a model from namma Mysuru, is all set to star in a Kannada movie.

Shilpa started modelling just two years ago. She first contested in ‘Belli Chukki Mr. & Miss Karnataka 2013’ contest and won ‘Miss Best Cat Walk’ title. After winning this title, she contested in ‘The Times of India fbb Femina-2013’ contest in Bengaluru where she was the runner-up.

She won ‘Rumors Diva’ title at the ‘Rumors Femina Style Diva South’ Sub-contest held at Vivanta by Taj Hotel in Bengaluru recently. Now, Shilpa, an alumnus of CKC Convent and Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru, has signed a Kannada movie called ‘Players.’ The movie is produced by Sridhar Kalburgi and directed by Navneeth & Bhaskar. The movie is expected to be released by the end of this year. Shilpa, who resides in Kanakadasanagar in city, is the daughter of Dr. S. Anjaneyalu, Professor in History, Maharaja’s College, Mysuru and T. Manjula, a home-maker.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 21st, 2015

Shivanna is the new VC of UAS-B

Education, Leaders, Records, All

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Plant breeder and geneticist H. Shivanna was on Friday appointed vice-chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru. He is the first Dalit vice-chancellor of any agricultural university in the State.

A search committee had recommended three names, including that of Mr. Shivanna (62).

Mr. Shivanna will have a three-year term as vice-chancellor. At present, he is working as Dean of Agriculture in the UAS-B. He has already held important posts, such as research director and dean of post-graduate studies in UAS-B.

The post of the VC had been vacant since June 2014 after the retirement of the then vice-chancellor K. Narayana Gowda.

The UAS-B has jurisdiction over 10 districts: Kolar, Bëngaluru Urban and Rural, Chickballapur, Tumkur, Ramanagaram, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, Mysore and Hassan.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by B.S. Satish Kumar /Bengaluru – January 24th, 2015

Chikka among 4 Indians to make Asian Tour cards

Sports

Four Indians, led by S Chikkrangappa, earned their Asian Tour cards while Swede Daniel Chopra topped the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand today.

ChikkaBF24Jan2015

While Chikka (68), the leader after the second round was tied fourth at nine-under 276, former winner on Asian Tour, Himmat Rai (72) and young Angad Cheema (72) qualified in tied 12th place at five-under 280 each.

The fourth Indian to make the grade was another young talent, Abhijit Chadha (71) at one-under 284 in tied 37th place.

Amardip Malik (67) at two-over 287 missed out in 62nd place as did Khalin Joshi (74) at four-over 289 in tied 77th place and former Hero Indian Open winner, C Muniyappa faltered in the final round with a 76 to end at five-over 290 in tied 84th place.

Chopra, a two-time winner on PGA Tour and a former winner on Asian Tour carded a final round of three-under 68 and finished at 15-under 270 to top the Qualifying School.

Chopra, who played most of his golf in the formative years in India, outclassed the field by signing for a three-under-par 68 to win by four shots on 15-under-par 270  total at the Springfield Royal Golf Club.

Finland’s Kalle Samooja, a former member of the Asian Tour, returned with the day’s lowest round of 65 to take second place while Thailand’s Phiphatphong Naewsuk settled one shot back in third on 275 at the Qualifying School.

Himmat Rai also returned to the Tour by finishing 12th, while Angad Cheema and Abhijit Chadha made the card for the first time by finishing inside top-40 and ties.

Chopra, who fired six birdies against three bogeys, shrugged off the final round pressure and credited his experience for a remarkable performance this week.

Chikka made up for the disappointment of missing out on his Tour card by one shot last year by putting up a remarkable display in what was only his second attempt at the Qualifying School.

“This means a lot to me. I really worked hard for this. It took me a year to come back again and finally get my Tour card. It has a tough week.

Missing out last year was really emotional for me but it has made me a stronger person. My attitude in my game got better and I am really happy I made it,” said the 21-year-old Indian.

All Qualifying School entrants will be eligible to compete on the burgeoning ADT, which was inaugurated in 2010 as a gateway to the premier Asian Tour.

With the Olympic Games looming in 2016 where golf will be reintroduced as a medal sport, players in the region could earn their spots in Rio de Janeiro by earning Official World Golf Ranking points through the Asian Tour and ADT.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports / by Hua Hin (Thailand) / PTI / January 24th, 2015

Star this week : Talented chess player : H.R. Manasa

Sports

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Mysuru has been producing talented players from time to time who have gone on to represent the country in different levels. One such player who has been consistently doing well in the International, National and State-level is H R Manasa, who won the title in the Karnataka State Inter school Chess Tournament for under-17 girls held at Bengaluru on January 10-11th, conducted by Innovative Chess Academy. She is our “Star This Week”.

Manasa secured 5.5 points from six rounds to win the title. Manasa with a rating of 1690 had wins over K. Dhanushree, Ankita Malakar, G. Shreesha, Disha and M. Tulsi. She drew with Shalmika K. Jain.

Manasa is a student at De Paul International Residential School, Mysuru. She is the daughter of Prasad and Suchithra Prasad and a product of the Mysore Chess Centre.

Encouraged and given all the facilities by her school, Manasa has emerged as the State champion in the women’s, under-15, under-17, under-19 levels and been making good progress in her rating by participating in FIDE rated tournaments.

Manasa who took part in the Karnataka State Inter- School Chess Tournament for under-17 girls, brought laurels to everyone with her excellent performance.

Manasa last year finished second in the National U-15 schools chess tournament 2014. Manasa tied with Isha Sharma(the winner) with 8 points from nine rounds, but the later’s better tie-break score of 43.25 to Manasa’s 39 helped Isha Sharma to clinch the title. Manasa finished second.

Manasa has represented the country in the Youth Chess Championships last year and performed well. She intends to work hard in the days to come and improve on her rating in the International and National level in the days to come.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News /  Sunday , January 18th, 2015

Santosh conquers Dakar Rally

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

31-year-old Bengalurean proves his resilience by finishing 36th in the gruelling rally despite suffering a fractured toe and an injured left shoulder

SatishBF21jan2015

It’s just getting to be crazy. Even in the best physical shape of my life I am so tired that I can hardly stand. The Dakar is excruciating,” CS Santosh wrote on his official Facebook page, mid-way through his 14-day-long Dakar Rally. Considered the world’s deadliest rallies, a Dakar participant needs to find his way through a jungle of rocks, rivers, slush, rain, sand and sweltering heat and freezing cold to survive the 13-stage 9,000 kilometres race traversing through three South American countries – Argentina, Chile and Bolivia

And Santosh conquered that, earning tremendous respect from the biking community in India. This 31-year-old, six foot, Bengalurean finished at an overall 36th position.It is his resilience and hunger to earn respect among his own that makes him a unique sportsperson.

Out of the 160 riders, Santosh, the lone and first-ever representative from India, started the race in the 85th position. By the end of stage two he had climbed up to the 50th position. In the following stages, he jumped up the order despite suffering multiple falls injuring his left shoulder and a bleeding nose due to harsh weather conditions.

Scores of sporting enthusiasts in the country following the Rally posted their best wishes on social networking sites when he had a major fall while overtaking. He was only 15 kilometres into stage six and ended up with a fractured toe on his left foot. But that didn’t stop Santosh from pursuing his dream challenge.Three injections and tight strapping later, he went on to complete the 318 kms treacherous stretch at an unbelievable 64th position.
“I am on some really good medication and feel no pain,” he told Bangalore Mirror, a day after the race concluded in Buenos Aires late on Saturday.

Injuries are not new to this rider.In 2013, Santosh suffered life-threatening third degree burns when his bike caught fire following fuel overflow in the sweltering desert in Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. This incident took him months to recover physically and mentally. “I fell about 10 times in all that slush,” he said.

Through the 784 kms challenging terrain in stage eight, which required him to service and repair his bike without any support, Santosh recorded his best finish yet, ending at 32nd position after starting from the 65th position. In the following stages he had to jump start his bike, nearly got swept away by a freak river, injured his shoulder, spent 30 minutes draining the air box and changing the filter. Once he made it to the destination, he had no energy left, even to get off his bike. “Shivering and unable to speak, I was warmed up with a good shower and some traditional Bolivian clothes. I struggled and fought every day and in this epic race I managed to carve out a name for myself like all the heroes I have read about in history books,” Santosh said via an interview on WhatsApp.

“What is life if not for the possibility of a seemingly impossible challenge and it was great to see that hundreds were behind me 100 per cent. I’m so overwhelmed by all the support,” he added. Santosh arrives in Bengaluru on Wednesday and is expected to get a roaring welcome from the biking community in the city.

Who is CS Santosh? 

Chunchunguppe Shivashankar Santosh has been a pioneer in the Indian adventure biking scene for the past decade. He started participating in international events from 2010, winning India’s toughest rally, the Raid De Himalaya, in an incredible first attempt.

He then went on to bag the 9th position in the World Cross Country Championship, which is like a proving ground for future Dakar participants.

Riding a number 59 KTM 450 rally bike and supported by Red Bull, CS Santosh became the first Indian to participate in the history of Dakar, which is going on as you read this, through Argentina, Chile and Bolivia on a looping 9,000 km route, to end on January 17.

Why is the Darkar Rally deadly?

Since its inception in 1978, over 60 people have died during the course of this rally-raid. Competitors have to cross anywhere from 200 to 900 kms in a day, on difficult terrains. In this race, Fabrizio Meoni, who won the race in 2001 and 2002, crashed and died during the 2005 event.

In the 2015 edition, KTM Factory rider and one of the upcoming stars of Dakar Sam Sunderland crashed out of the rally in the fourth stage.The British rider suffered collarbone and shoulder injuries while 39-yearold Polish competitor Michal Hernik died while racing the third stage of the course. His body was found roughly 300 meters off the course’s path. Tests performed later by doctors suggest that Hernik succumbed to dehydration and hypothermia. He was an experienced rider, but this was his first Dakar outing.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Bangalore> Others / by Nandini Kumar, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / January 20th, 2015

‘ Soap Santhe ‘ begins

Business & Economy

38 products of KSDL on discount sale during 10-day expo

MLA Vasu is seen taking a look at the soaps on display during the inauguration of ‘Soap Santhe’ organised by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry in city this morning. Others seen are (from left) KSDL MD A.C. Keshava Murthy, Mayor R. Lingappa and KSDL Chairperson Veronica Cornelio
MLA Vasu is seen taking a look at the soaps on display during the inauguration of ‘Soap Santhe’ organised by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry in city this morning. Others seen are (from left) KSDL MD A.C. Keshava Murthy, Mayor R. Lingappa and KSDL Chairperson Veronica Cornelio

Mysuru :

A 10-day soaps and detergents exhibition-cum-sale ‘Soap Santhe’ organised by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), Bengaluru, began at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry in city this morning.

Inaugurating the first ever ‘Soap Santhe,’ Mayor R. Lingappa said that the factory which was established during the reigns of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Sir M. Visvesvaraya will be completing its centenary soon.

“The factory, which manufactures 38 products, should create awareness on other products also, except for Mysore Sandal Soap, which is already famous, for the products to gain popularity,” he said.

The Mayor said that MCC would provide space in its limits for the company to set up its outlet.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Vasu expressed happiness over the company earning profits in the recent years despite stiff competition from private companies.

“The company, which was on the verge of lock-out has been earning profits. We hope that it continues to work as a profitable organisation in future,” said Vasu.

The products on display-cum-sale at the ‘Soap Santhe’ include: Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Sandal Gold, Mysore Sandal Classic, Mysore Sandal Millennium, Mysore Sandal Baby Soap, Mysore Rose, Wave Lime, Mysore Sandal Trio, Mysore Sandal Gold Sixer, Wave Turmeric, Mysore Sandal Baby Powder, Clean All Multi-Purpose Liquid, Mysore Sandal Agarbathi, Mysore Sandal Dhoop, Mysore Sandal Talc, Mysore Detergent Cake and Powder, Mysore Carbolic, Mysore Sandal Herbal Care, Mysore Sandalwood Oil among others.

KSDL Chairperson Veronica Cornelio, Managing Director A.C. Keshava Murthy, Deputy General Manager (Marketing) C.M. Suvarna Kumar, Asst. General Manager (Marketing) N.B. Harish Kumar, Corporator M.J. Ravikumar and others were present.

The ‘Soap Santhe’ is open from 9.30 am to 8.30 pm every day till Jan. 26. The company has also announced discounts on its products.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General  News /  Friday , January 16th, 2015