Monthly Archives: March 2015

He developed hobby into profession

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Kiran Urs, after completing his B.E in Automobiles, took up a job in a car showroom at his hometown, Mysuru. However, he could not continue there for more than a month. “I picked up my camera and decided to make my hobby a profession to earn,” Mr. Urs told The Hindu on Saturday.

He was here as the first three-day exhibition of his photographs had been organised by the Maland Eco Club of Malnad Engineering College (MCE), where he did his B.E. “This is my college. It had given me opportunities to exhibit my talent even when I was a student here. I am happy that the maiden exhibition of my photographs is being held here,” he said.

Mr. Urs completed B.E. in 2013. He was attracted to camera at a very young age and put his talent to test with his father’s camera In the first exhibition, he has displayed 92 works, many of which were already sold.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / by Satish G.T. / Hassan – March 29th, 2015

Architects push for heritage zone

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Bengaluru:

Every time you strolled past KR Market or Avenue Road, did you pause to look at Bengaluru’s historical buildings? Did you hear the stories they tell? Did you even know how close you were to these iconic structures? Probably not. To give these heritage sites their due recognition, a group of architects has come up with a novel project.

It has drawn a blueprint for a heritage walk between Tipu Sultan’s Palace in south Bengaluru and Bangalore Palace (owned by the Mysore royal family) near Vasanth Nagar. Called Palace to Palace, the project urges the government to name the 4.7km stretch Swarna Marg and declare it a heritage zone. It aims to give visitors a peek into the history of a bygone era through seamless travel between the historical monuments. The walk will also cover areas in the vicinity of the two palaces.

“An ideal city tour should include such walks. While earmarking the historic sites, I have walked on the stretch many a times. The idea was conceived in 2013 and now we’re ready with a blueprint. I am willing to explain the modalities of the project and reason behind choosing these places to any government officer who has time and interest to implement it. Not just the stretch, but the entire zone surrounding it has been highlighted,” said Naresh V Narasimhan, city-based architect and urban strategist who has designed the project.

Though Bengaluru is dotted with such monuments, the heritage zone has been proposed for only one particular stretch. The idea being that heritage is not just historical significance. Some buildings may not be significant in themselves but attain heritage value due to the people associated with them. Vidyarthi Bhavan, a well known south Indian restaurant near Basavanagudi, comes to mind.

SIGHTS TO SEE ON SWARNA MARG

K R Market; North Gate of Old Bangalore fort near Victoria hospital, Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Bangalore Medical College; Fort High School, Bangalore city institute; Carlton House, Secretariat KPSC; Maharani College; SJI Polytechnic; Freedom Park; Bangalore University; Law College; State Bank of Mysore; Historic centre of Bangalore (near Avenue Road); Rice Memorial Church, Bangalore Palace; Mt Carmel College; Niton House; Manikyavelu mansion or the present National Gallery of Modern Art; Balabrooie guest house; Water reservoir; Golf Club and Raj Bhavan.

BLACK SPOTS

Lack of awareness has been a major hindrance to conservation of some of these structures. For example, of the four pillars erected on Avenue Road, only two remain. Most of the listed places on the heritage walk route house government offices built during the pre-independence era, like the Central College campus of Bangalore University, KR Market, SJI Polytechnic and Law College.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / by Sunitha Rao / March 18th, 2015

Kannada Hero Vijay Beats Stalwarts to Win National Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Bengaluru :

Sanchari Vijay (32) got a jolt when his name was called out at a press conference to announce the 62nd national film awards on Tuesday.

The Bengaluru artiste has bagged the best actor award for his performance in the Kannada film Naanu Avanalla, Avalu (I am not him, but her). “I don’t know how to react to this word ‘congrats!’ I am shocked and surprised,” Vijay told Express.

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The film, directed by B S Lingadevaru, is a docu-drama based on the book I Am Vidya: A Transgender’s Journey by ‘Living Smile’ Vidya, who works with a voluntary organisation serving the destitute in Chennai.

Vijay had dreamt of an award while shooting for the film, but had stopped after he realised he had to compete against the likes of Aamir Khan, Mammootty and Shahid Kapoor in the best actor category.

The award, however, has reinforced his belief that good cinema can win over commerce and stardom.

Vijay’s performance won acclaim for his subtle and unconventional portrayal of a woman trapped in a man’s body — her confusion, rejection and humiliation.

Sanchari VijayBF29mar2015 For him, the challenge was about how to bring the character to life. “People usually laugh at transgenders, but I needed to essay the role with sensitivity,” he said.

The theatre and film actor devoted 15 days just to get under the skin of the character.

“I visited many places where transgenders live. More importantly, many transgenders on the cast and crew helped me give depth to the character,” Vijay said.

Vijay wants to thank many people for his success, and told Express he would like to dedicate the award to them all. “To my parents first, who are no more. Then to my older and younger brothers. And of course, my fellow theatre artistes and my audiences who have watched my plays and films,” he said.

He hopes the honour will open doors and bring him opportunities to work with the best in theatre and films.

To add to Vijay’s delight, debutant Manjunatha Somashekara Reddy’s (Mansore) Harivu, another Kannada film in which he plays the lead, has won the National Award for Best Regional Film.

Vijay has been active in theatre for eight years. The prefix to his name, Sanchari, is also the name of the theatre troupe founded by the famous actor couple Mangala and Rangayana Raghu. Besides being an actor, Vijay is also a writer.

Vijay’s film career took off in 2011 with Rangappa Hogbitna, starring Ramesh Aravind. “I have acted in 11 films, but it was mostly theatre that helped me hone my talent,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 25th, 2015

Talented cricketer – J Suchith

Sports

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Cricket is a very popular game in our country and after the exploits of the Indian team which has been doing well in the International scene, and inspired by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s feats, many youngsters have taken up cricket as their career. Mysuru has also its share of producing talented cricketers who have gone on to represent the country and on these lines is upcoming allrounder J. Suchith who has gone on to represent the State. Suchith is presently representing Karnataka senior squad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy South Zone T20 Cricket Tournament being played at Kochi and is performing well with the ball. Suchith was also part of the triumphant Karnataka Ranji and Irani Trophy team which won the title this year. He is our ‘Star This Week.’

In the ongoing T20 Tournament at Kochi, Suchith played a big part in Karnataka’s win over Tamil Nadu with figures of three for two. He also performed well against Andhra (one for 11), Hyderabad (one for 29) and Goa.

Suchith performed well this season for the Karnataka U-23 team both with the bat and the ball. He played a major part in Karnataka’s 6-run win over Rajasthan in the Col. C.K. Nayadu Trophy tie played at SDNR Wadiyar Grounds, Mysuru, recently. He returned with a match haul of 12 for 181 and was instrumental in helping his team register a exciting win.

Suchith, a left-arm spinner took six for 115 in Rajasthan’s first innings and helped Karnataka gain a vital first innings lead. In the second innings, Rajasthan, needing 176 runs to win, were bowled out for 169 in 71 overs. Suchith returned with excellent figures of six for 66 (28-8-66-6) and helped his team win by a six run margin. Suchith also scored a vital 28 (5x4s) in Karnataka’s second innings with the willow.

Earlier, Suchith played a big part in Mysore Warriors winning the ‘Karbonn Smart’ Karnataka Premier League 2014-15. Suchith emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 16 wickets. He also bowled well in the finals and took three for 38 against Belagavi Panthers.

A very energetic fielder, this lad impressed everyone with his allround capability and is one of the find of the tournament. Suchith has played for Karnataka in the one-dayers and has represented the State in the U-16, U-19, U-22 levels and is knocking the doors for recognition in the higher level in the days to come.

Suchith learnt his cricket and played for the Mysore Gymkhana in our city. He has represented Mysore Zone in different age category tournaments in the Inter-zonal level and has performed well.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Monday – March 23rd, 2015

Two ordinary women who have left their imprints on the city

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

The Mysore That Was… Part 27

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I am inclined to write about two Mysuru women from ordinary backgrounds, who, in their own style, made their lives memorable in a small way, though their impact will run for many decades. While the life of one of them was strewn with a path of thorns all through, she fought against all odds and rose to the desired level, the other’s life was a comfortable one after her marriage, her act of sacrifice and commitment to a social cause at the fag end of her life became a startling example to many in this world where majority of people see life through a narrow prism of self and self alone. Now read on:

Smt. M.N. Sarojamma was born on 17.10.1926 to Narasimha Iyengar and Vedavalli. Father died early and the family came under the care of grand mother and maternal uncle. Even when she was studying in high school she was married off to one M.K. Rangarajan, who worked in the ITL (Industrial Testing Lab, Bengaluru) and the duo got two pretty daughters in quick succession. Tragedy befell on the family like a thunderbolt when Rangarajan died at an early age leaving Sarojamma a widow at 23 years and two young daughters. All three of them came under the loving care of Sarojamma’s brother.

Sarojamma’s married life lasted only five years, but by then she had completed her middle school exams and her grandma insisted she should join high school and continue studies. After completing her SSLC after a short vocational course, she got her first job in a primary school. This was the period she became active in the cultural fields of singing and drama. The stout hearted that she was, she took all this in her stride, not losing faith in the Almighty, by exploring all avenues possible in expanding her professional and cultural activities. She did not rest at this and was determined to give her young daughters as good education as possible within her means.

In course of time, she made her foray into higher stages of education and qualified herself with M.A. B.Ed of Mysore and Sahitya Ratna from Allahabad Varsity. She studied hard and obtained ‘Sanskrit Kovida’ 1st Class degree from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay. She also served in the Adult Education Council for a while. An independent spirited lady from the beginning, she never sought free assistance from anybody and brought up her two daughters imbibing in them similar qualities of head and heart.

Sarojamma’s literary activities (her pen name was Rozi) includes fifteen dramas and a seven act-drama ‘Ramanuja’ which won a special award from the Central Hindi Institute, an offshoot of the HRD Ministry. She got a cash prize for this. The ‘Magnum Opus’ of her creative activity blossomed in the form of a translation into Kannada of the monumental work ‘Ramcharitha Manasa’ of Sant Tulasidas. This work took more than five years in preparation and she had to undergo tremendous physical and mental pressure in getting it printed and published.

At some stage she had to literally go from door-to-door with a bag containing those books hung on her slender shoulder. This has been the lot of many writers in Kannada those days and some of them ran out of their life in this process. Courage of conviction and fortitude were the hallmark of Sarojamma and she took upon all this drama on her slender shoulders.

Accolades came from many quarters for this work and former Chief Minister R. Gundurao honoured her at a function (see photo) and Dr. Rajkumar applauded her work with a cash prize saying, “I am offering a palmful (bogase in Kannada) of cash to an ocean (sagara) of literary gems.” The Karnataka Government wrote a nice letter !

Sarojamma’s life is a beacon light in the literary field and should inspire many aspiring writers for her quest for excellence in what she did in her lifetime. In her old age, she lived alternately with her two daughters Malini Srinivasan and Shalini Chari, both of whom have carved a niche for themselves in the cultural and social circles of Mysuru. Sarojamma had a peaceful end and died in her daughter Shalini’s house on 6.4.2014, at the ripe old age of 88 summers. A life lived with full of struggle and qualitative achievement in the field of literature. Hats off to that gentle soul.

A.R. Sundaramma, a homemaker, was born in 1923 in Mysuru to a lawyer-father K. Visweswariah and his wife. The family lived in K.M. Puram and had besides Sundaramma, two more daughters and two brothers. Her father gave his wards good primary education and as was the practice those days got his elder daughter married off to a boy in Bengaluru and as he could not find a suitable match to Sundaramma, he got her married off to a rich landlord who had lost his first wife. His name was A.K. Rangarao, who lived in Lakshmipuram with his parents. Rangarao had a younger brother who died early leaving the former the only heir to his ancestral property. The Rangaraos did not have any children and after the demise of her husband, Sundaramma became the sole inheritor of the property.

Sundaramma actively engaged herself in social and music activities in her own way and became a helping soul in her community encouraging poor boys for studying and setting them up in their own small ventures. She also encouraged young musicians.

Age caught her up in course of time and her younger brother Krishnamurthy, a retired engineer, started looking after her and her interests. In this connection, I should mention that she donated a large sum of money to her community organisation which was running a boys hostel. When she reached nearly ninety years of age, she took an important decision of her life and called her lawyer and made a registered Will thereby making a handsome gift of her huge ancestral house to her community Sangha and asking them to convert the property into a girls hostel, to be run by the said Sangha. What a fine gesture.

Within a few months thereafter, Sundaramma (90) passed away and only a few fortnights after this, the family (brother) and her lawyer called up the beneficiary Sangha and legally made over the gift deed to it at a small function in the premises of the same gifted house. At the time of her death, Sundaramma had a brother and children of her two sisters to whom normally she could have given the gift but as they were all well-settled in life, she thought otherwise and decided in her own way. This act speaks volumes.

In the present age when people, comfortably well-placed in life, leave their property to their own family members — all to me and my clan and none to others, here was a lady who thought otherwise and made a grand difference to the present generation. The beneficiary Sangha has already started a girls hostel in that property and fifteen girls have benefited staying there. The hostel is named after her.

Kudos to Sundaramma and may her tribe increase hundred fold and may her splendid act become a beacon light to many more people so that society grows equitably. What a brilliant idea of sharing one’s wealth.

e-mail: mlkswami@yahoo.in

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Monday – March 23rd, 2015

PM invited to unveil Basaveshwara statue in London

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion
Former Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth Dr. Neeraj Patil, who called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi on Mar.24, is seen presenting a bust of Basaveshwara to the latter.
Former Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth Dr. Neeraj Patil, who called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi on Mar.24, is seen presenting a bust of Basaveshwara to the latter.

Mysuru :

Extending an invitation on behalf of the British Indian community to unveil the Statue of the 12th century Indian Philosopher Basaveshwara in London, United Kingdom (UK), the former Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth, Dr. Neeraj Patil met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi on Mar.24 and requested him to unveil the statue during his next visit to London.

Modi has expressed his willingness to unveil the statue during his visit to London, slated to be in the month of June/July this year after the British General Elections in May.

Modi has thanked the British Indian community for their efforts to get the approval for Basaveshwara Statue in the backdrop of Big Ben bell and the British Parliament.

As per the Statue’s Act of 1854 of United Kingdom, a petition to erect the statue of the 12th century Indian Philosopher, social reformer and Statesman, was approved by the Planning Department of the London Borough of Lambeth on Apr. 4, 2012 and subsequently by the British Cabinet Minister for Culture, Jon Penrose on July 3, 2012.

Paying tribute to Basaveshwara, Speaker of British Parliament, John Bercow said, “It is amazing and extraordinary that Basaveshwara professed, campaigned and advocated genuine democracy, human rights, gender equality way back in 12th century, even before anyone in UK had even thought about it.”

The statue of Basaveshwara which will be installed on the bank of River Thames will be the second statue of an Indian only after Gautham Buddha.

The other Indian leaders’ who’s statues have been approved and installed in London are that of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Friday – March 27th, 2015

Sugama Sangeetha trio to Japan

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

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Mysuru :

For the first time, Kannadigas in Japan have organised a Music Festival in Tokyo on April 5 inviting Karnataka’s three popular Sugama Sangeetha artistes — Ratnamala Prakash, Indu Vishwanath and Dr. Rohini Mohan — to sing Bhavageethas written by famous Kannada poets.

The artistes will be leaving for Tokyo on Apr. 2. Kyoko Miura of Japan will present a Bharathanatyam recital on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Friday – March 27th, 2015

University of Mysore honours Sports Persons

Sports
University of Mysore yoga team which won the bronze medal in the All India Inter-University Yoga Competitions 2014-15, held at Kurukshethra University recently was honoured by the Department of Physical Education, UoM in a function held at the University Sports Pavilion yesterday. Seen in the picture are (standing from left) Huchagowdar (Manager), S.Sanjay (Bronze medalist -JSS College, Nanjangud) and B. Ravi (Coach). (sitting from left) Dr. C. Krishna, Director, Dept. of Physical Education, UoM and P.M. Somashekar, Vice-Chairman, SAK
University of Mysore yoga team which won the bronze medal in the All India Inter-University Yoga Competitions 2014-15, held at Kurukshethra University recently was honoured by the Department of Physical Education, UoM in a function held at the University Sports Pavilion yesterday. Seen in the picture are (standing from left) Huchagowdar (Manager), S.Sanjay (Bronze medalist -JSS College, Nanjangud) and B. Ravi (Coach). (sitting from left) Dr. C. Krishna, Director, Dept. of Physical Education, UoM and P.M. Somashekar, Vice-Chairman, SAK

Mysuru :

The Department of Physical Education, University of Mysore honoured its outstanding sports persons for the year 2014-15 with cash awards and mementos at the University Sports Pavilion yesterday.

S.Sanjay, who won the Bronze medal in the All India Inter-University Yoga competitions 2014-15 held at Kurukshetra, Manager Huchagowdar and Coach B. Ravi were honoured with Rs.10,000/- cash prize each. Sanjay was also given the Mysuru University Sports Scholarship award for his performance.

The other award winners:

University Inter Collegiate Inter Zonal Games Team championship- Men and Women-Rs.20,000/- each. University Inter Collegiate Athletic Meet Team championship- Men- Post Graduate Sports Council, MGM-15,000/-; Women: Bharathi College, Bharathinagar-Rs.15,000/-. University Inter-collegiate Cross Country Team championship- Men- Govt. FGC, K R Pet & Women-Teresian College, Mysuru- Rs.10,000 each. University Inter-collegiate Athletic meet record holders- C.M. Sowmya- Bharathi College, Bharathinagar-5km walk-Rs.5000/- and T.S.Ravi, DoS in PE & SS, UoM; Broad Jump and High Jump and Mr. Mysuru University Title Winner-V Nagaraju, GFGC, Siddartha Layout, Mysuru-Rs.5000/-.

The prizes to the winners were given away by SAK Vice Chairman P.M. Somashekar.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Friday – March 27th, 2015

Bengaluru biologist is WEF’s Young Global Leader

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

Bengaluru :

It’s good that the World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognized the importance of wildlife and conservation, says conservation biologist Krithi Karanth who was recently selected as one of the 187 Young Global Leaders (YGL) of 2015.

Bengaluru-based Krithi said very few wildlife people are selected as YGL. “So I am honoured and excited about being an YGL. This provides new opportunities to engage with the world’s brightest and most creative business leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs to do more for wildlife conservation. For me, the WEF has recognized the importance of wildlife and conservation,” she told TOI on Wednesday.

She is one of the 12 Indians selected as YGL this year.

An associate conservation scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Krithi has worked on several projects like examining human wildlife conflicts in seven states across India, bird and amphibian diversity in coffee-rubber-areca plantations of Karnataka’s Western Ghats, implementation and experiences of families being voluntarily relocated from many parks in India. “We go to villages and listen to their problems like devastation of livestock and crops caused by wildlife, and also discuss the compensation issue. We do a research paper and share it with the forest department.”

According to Krithi, red-tape is delaying compensation reaching people affected by wildlife. “The government should give compensation to the people affected by animals like tigers, leopards and elephants. There should not be any delay in this.”

On frequent elephant-human conflicts in the state, Krithi said elephants need space for their movement. “But their habitats are fragmented,” she added.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

The WEF chose Krithi Karanth as a Young Global Leader for her professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through inspiring leadership.

In a letter congratulating her on her nomination, Klaus Schwab, executive chairman and founder of the Forum of YGL, said, “Your nomination is in recognition of your record of professional accomplishments, your commitment to society and your potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through your inspiring leadership.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / by G S Kumar, TNN / March 26yth, 2015

Karnataka History Congress at Mangalore University from March 26

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

MANGALURU: Department of History of Mangalore University will host the 24th session of Karnataka History Congress from March 26 to 28. Upinder Singh, professor of University of Delhi and well-known historian on ancient and early medieval India will inaugurate the History Congress and deliver key note address at Mangala Auditorium in the campus. Upinder, daughter of former PM Manmohan Singh is an authority on ancient and medieval India.

G Ramarathan, former professor of History, Karnataka State Open University will take over as the new general president of the KHC and present his general president’s address. B N Naidu, former professor of history of Bangalore University and outgoing general president of KHC and R Rajanna, professor of history, University of Mysore and president of the KHC will be the guests of honour. K Byrappa, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University will preside.

About 300 delegates are participating in this session. Mega magic star Kuddroli Ganesh and troupe will present ‘Vismaya Jadoo’ as part of cultural programme on March 26. Karnataka History Congress is an academic organization of historians, teachers and research scholars of history and it has more than 600 members. Ever since its inception, it has been playing an important role in constructing the history of the land and people of Karnataka, a university release states.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangaluru / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / March 24th, 2015