Monthly Archives: October 2016

ZP’s Dasara tableau to bring Maharanis of Mysore into limelight

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
Contributions of Maharanis Doddammanni, Lingarajammanni, Devajammanni, Lakshmammanni and Vani Vilasa Sannidhana to be showcased
Contributions of Maharanis Doddammanni, Lingarajammanni, Devajammanni, Lakshmammanni and Vani Vilasa Sannidhana to be showcased

by Pushpa Vikram

Apart from the grand Vijayadashami Day procession, royal rituals and people’s participation in the festivities, Dasara is a time to recollect the contributions made by the erstwhile kings. While paeans are sung every year hailing the contributions of the Maharajas, very rarely, the sacrifice of the Maharanis are recollected or remembered.

Realising this, the Mysuru Zilla Panchayat has, this year, planned a tableau exclusively dedicated to the Maharanis of Mysore who have selflessly worked for the kingdom and have made sacrifices like selling their jewellery for the welfare of the people.

The tableau has been conceptualised and named ‘Mysurige Maharaniyara Koduge’ when translated in English means the contribution of Maharanis to Mysore. It will be a pictorial representation of the contributions of Maharanis Doddammanni, Lingarajammanni, Devajammanni, Lakshmammanni and Kempananjammanni (Vani Vilasa Sannidhana).

The tableau, one among the 41 tableaux that will be a part of the Dasara procession on Oct.11, is being designed by artists from all parts of the State.

Maharani Doddammanni: In the year 1660 the then King Ranadheera Narasaraja Wadiyar inspired by Maharani Doddammanni built the Bangaradoddi Dam for River Cauvery near Srirangapatna. This turned out to be the first dam built by Kannadigas across Cauvery.

Maharani Lakshmammanni: The kingdom of Mysore saw its low when Haider Ali, a common soldier in the Mysore army, usurped the throne in 1761. He and his son Tipu Sultan kept Maharani Lakshmammanni under imprisonment. Despite being in jail, Maharani Lakshmammanni was able to connect with the then ruling British and was able to give back the kingdom to the Yadu dynasty. Maharani Lakshmammanni’s negotiations with the British proved to be Tipu’s ultimate nemesis. He died fighting on May 4, 1799 at Srirangapatna. Between 1803 and 1804, Mysuru kingdom had to face the outbreak of deadly plague. Though the rulers took effective steps to control the disease, people were not ready for vaccination. Maharani Lakshmammanni had to convince the people and she told the doctors to vaccinate her first. This act by the Maharani earned her laurels from the British and the incident has also been mentioned in the gazette.

Maharani Lingarajammanni and Devajammanni: The Maharanis of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Lingarajammanni and Devajammanni built two lakes in the eastern side of Mysore – Devambudhi Lake – and the western side of the city – Lingambudhi Lake. They also constructed many temples.

Kempananjammanni (Vani Vilasa Sannidhana): Among the Maharanis of Mysore kingdom, Vani Vilasa Sannidhana is the most remembered queen. She was the mother of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar (then a mere teenager) and she ruled the kingdom in the capacity of ‘Rajamathe’.

Vani Vilasa Sannidhana started separate schools for girls, planned the hydro electric station at Shivanasamudra, drinking water and UGD lines for Mysuru city and built Mari Kanive, a dam popularly known as Vani Vilasa Sagara in Chitradurga. This was the biggest reservoir in India at the time of completion. Under Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar (called Rajarishi among kings by Mahatma Gandhi), Mysore witnessed tremendous economic, social and cultural progress. Mysore State had many firsts to its credit and was hailed as the Model State.

The Krishna Raja Sagar or the KRS Dam, completed in 1931, was then the biggest reservoir in Asia. As the estimate for its construction exceeded the State budgets, Nalwadi and his mother Vani Vilasa Sannidhana sold costly diamonds, ornaments, gold and silver plates of the royal family to provide seed capital for the project.

In designing and displaying this exclusive tableau, the ZP hopes to showcase the role played by the Maharanis for the welfare of the people.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Features Articles / October 07th, 2016

This farmer waters his plants by a phone call to the pump

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Science & Technology

ronaldbf11oct2016

Last year, when 56-year-old Ronald Mark D’Souza decided to set up a pineapple farm in Shirva about 18 kilometres from Udupi, the biggest challenge before him was the water supply  – a farming essential that suffered because of electricity fluctuation, as well as labour .

D’Souza, though, was determined to find a solution to the problem. After reading up a lot on the GSM-based irrigation system, he decided that that was what suited his farm the best. Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, he said, “I have implemented a very simple mechanism. One need not be in the farm while waiting for the supply of electricity in order to switch on the pump. We have in place a system that provides the farmer the flexibility to regulate and control the operations of their irrigation systems. The GSM sim-based control system has a registered sim inserted in it. The system can control the pump set operations (on and off) from a mobile number with which it has been tuned. The user just needs to make a call to start the pump. It has been programmed to receive commands from only one mobile number. It also sends an SMS whenever there is an interruption in the power supply. I just need to recharge it with an SMS pack.”

D’Souza has developed a pineapple farm called Ronjus garden. “Even when I am not in station, I can control the sprinklers in our farm,” he said. After working in Abu Dhabi for 10 years, he returned to India to work as a financial consultant. In about 3.5 acres of land that he owns, he has grown about 40,000 pineapple plants. He plans to develop a papaya farm as well as a full-fledged organic vegetable farm. His wife Jacintha, a beautician, assists him in the farming. “My dream is to develop a model organic garden. In the west, the support for farming is excellent. Labour is one of the biggest problems haunting the farming community,” he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City News> Bangalore / Bangalore Mirror Bureau / October 10th, 2016

Dasara Sports 2016 : Three new records created on day – 2

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports, Travel
( Picture right shows ) Keerthi Kumar of Belagavi who created a new meet record in Discus Throw attempting his final throw at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium. (Centre) K.A. Bharath of Bengaluru City sporting victory sign after creating a new meet record in the men's 1,500 meter run. ( Picture in extreme left shows ) the Bengaluru 4x100 meters women's team sporting victory symbol after creating a new meet record in 4xx100 meters relay.
( Picture right shows ) Keerthi Kumar of Belagavi who created a new meet record in Discus Throw attempting his final throw at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium. (Centre) K.A. Bharath of Bengaluru City sporting victory sign after creating a new meet record in the men’s 1,500 meter run. ( Picture in extreme left shows ) the Bengaluru 4×100 meters women’s team sporting victory symbol after creating a new meet record in 4xx100 meters relay.

Mysuru :

Three new meet records were created on the second day of Dasara athletic events held at Chamundi Vihar Stadium yesterday.

K.A. Bharath of B’luru City in 1500 mts), Keerthi Kumar of Belagavi Division in Discus Throw and 4×100 women’s relay team of Bengaluru City broke old records to set new records in men’s and women’s categories at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium here yesterday.

At the end of Day-2, Bengaluru City tops in both men’s and women’s category with 10 gold, two silver and two bronze medals and are followed by hosts Mysuru with 9 golds, 11 silver and 7 bronze medals.

Bharath shines: K.A. Bharath of Bengaluru City, who had earlier won gold in 800 mts, hogged the limelight again by creating a new meet record in the men’s 1500 mts event by clocking 3:58.00s to erase the previous record of 4:01.58s set by M.D. Manjunath of Mysuru Division in 2009.

Keerthi Kumar of Belagavi division threw the discus to a new meet record of 49.77 mts and broke the previous record of 47.76 mts set by Dharamveer Singh of Mysuru Division in 2011. Keerthi Kumar on day-1 had won a silver medal in the men’s shot put.

The third record came in the women’s section with the Bengaluru City’s relay quartet of Afsana Begum, Nityashree, Prajna S. Prakash and Reena George creating a new meet record in the 4×100 mts relay event with a timing of 47:00 sec, erasing the old mark of 47.48 sec, set by Bengaluru City’s athletes in 2014.

Swimming: In the swimming events held at the University Swimming Pool. S. Nishanth of Bengaluru City with 11 points (gold in 200 mts Breaststroke, silver in 100 mts Breaststroke & silver in 200m Individual Medley) won the individual champion title in the men’s section. Sunaina Manjunath of Bengaluru City excelled in the pool in the women’s section by winning the individual title with 15 points (three golds).

Team games: In the team games, Mysuru men’s tennis team spearheaded by S. Prateek won the title beating Bengaluru Rural 2-1 in the final. Bengaluru Rural won the women’s title beating Bengaluru City 2-0 in the final.

results

Athletics: Men: 400mts: Tarun Shekar (B’luru City, 48.10 sec), 2. V. Gowrishankar (B’luru City), 3. Ananda Bhyrava (Mysuru), 1500mts: K.A. Bharath (B’luru City (NMR-3: 58.00 sec, 2. Vinayaka Ghadi (Mysuru), 3. T.S. Sandeep (Bengaluru Rural), 110m Hurdles: Akshaya Shalavadi (Belagavi-16.90 sec),2. M.D. Dnayanashwar (Belagavi), 3.M. Amog (Bengaluru Rural), Discus Throw: Keerthi Kumar (Belagavi, NMR: 49.77 mts), 2. V.S. Vikyanth (Mysuru), M.R. Nandish (Mysuru), High Jump: Abhijeet Singh (Mysuru -1.95mts), 2. Nagaraj Gowda (Belagavi), 3. Raje Nayak (Belagavi) & A. Ravi (Bengaluru Rural), 4x100m Relay: Mysuru (42.30 sec), 2. Bengaluru City, 3. Belagavi.

Women: 400 mts: 1. Nityashree (B’luru City, 56.40 sec), 2. R.A. Chaitra (Mysuru), 3. Supreetha (Mysuru), 1500 mts: Thippavva Sannakki (Mysuru, 5:04.00 sec),2. Shraddha Shetty (Mysuru), 3. R.Usha (Bengaluru City), 100m Hurdles: 1. Prajna S. Prakash (B’luru City,14.30 sec), 2. P. Harshitha (Mysuru), 3. S.G. Priyanka (Mysuru), Discus: 1. Navya Shetty (Mysuru, 38.43 mts), 2. P.S. Uma (B’luru City), 3. N.M. Jayasheela (B’luru Rural), High jump: Abhinaya Shetty (Mysuru, 1.65 mts), 2. V. Chaitra (Mysuru), 4x100m Relay: B’luru City (NMR- 47:00s-Afsana Begum, Nityashree, Prajna S Prakash, Reena George), 2. Mysuru, 3. Belagavi.

Team Games

Men: Tennis (Final) Mysuru Division bt Bengaluru Rural 2-1 (S. Prateek bt Basavaraj 6-4, 6-4, Aryan Pathage lost Alokh Aradhya 4-6, 4-6, S. Prateek/Manjunath Prasad bt Alokh Aradhya/Basavaraj 6-3, 7-5).

League Results

Kabaddi: Bengaluru Rural bt Kalaburgi 33-14, Bengaluru City drew with Belagavi 14-14, Mysuru bt Kalaburgi 31-9, Bengaluru Rural bt Kalburgi 30-19, Football: Belagavi 4 (Navaz (1), Sufain (1), Faran (1) & Kiran (1)) bt Kalburgi 0, Bengaluru City 2 (Sunil (1), Sujith Kumar (1)) drew Bengaluru Rural 2 (Surya (1), Sampath (1)), Mysuru Division 6 (Praveen Kumar (3), Kiranthan (1), Praveen (1), Manju (1) bt Kalburgi 1 (Vijay (1)), Bengaluru City 8 ( Satish (1), Sunil Kumar (1), Manivannan (1), Vignesh (1), Sujay Kumar (1), Sridhar (1), Suresh (1), Hariharan (1)) bt Belagavi 1 (K.Joped (1)), Hockey: Bengaluru Rural 7 (Srikanth (4), Jay Karan Kumar (1), Rohan (28), Sanjeev Kumar (38)) bt Kalburgi 2 ( Bharath (1), Anand (1)), Kho Kho: Belagavi bt Kalaburgi 12-6, Bengaluru Rural bt Bengaluru City 20-10, Net Ball: Mysuru Division bt Belagavi 39-8, Mysuru bt Bengaluru Rural 16-10.

Women: Tennis: (Final): Bengaluru Rural 2 (Kushi Santosh bt Tejaswini 6-2, 6-3, Sagarika bt Tanuja 6-4, 7-6 (8)) bt Bengaluru City 0.

League Results: Kabaddi: Mysuru bt Belagavi 44-13, Bengaluru City bt Kalaburgi 55-5, Bengaluru Rural bt Belagavi 41-8, Mysuru bt Bengaluru City 26-16, Net Ball: Mysuru bt Bengaluru Rural 12-4, Bengaluru City bt Belagavi 20-5, Hockey: Bengaluru Rural 5 (Shalini (1), Sriraksha (3), Dhruthi (1) bt Kalburgi 1 (Vijayalakshmi (1), Bengaluru City 7 ( Sandra (1), Anjali (2), Abhinashree (2), Mahira (1), Dhruthi (1) bt Belagavi 0, Kho Kho: Belagavi bt Kalaburgi 11-4, Bengaluru City bt Bengaluru Rural 11-10.

Swimming

Men: 200mts Individual Medley: 1. V.M. Hemanth Jenukal (Mysuru, 2:19.40 sec), 2. S. Nishanth (Bengaluru City), 3. P.M. Suhas (Mysuru), 100mts Breaststroke: 1. D.S. Pruthvik (Mysuru, 1:10.67 sec), 2. S. Nishanth (Bengaluru City), 3. L. Manikanta (Bengaluru Rural), 200mts Backstroke: 1. V.B. Hemanth Jenukal (Mysuru, 2:22.71 sec), 2. M. Sharath (Mysuru), 3. Jagrut Amuri (Bengaluru City), 100mts Freestyle: 1. Gaurav Yadav (Bengaluru City-0:55.84 sec), 2. Tanmay R. Shetty (Bengaluru Rural), 3. H.M. Anirudh (Bengaluru City), 4x100mts Medley Relay: 1. Bengaluru City (4:28.26 sec), 2. Belagavi, 3. Bengaluru Rural.

Individual Champion: Nishanth (Bengaluru City-11 points).

Women: 200mts Individual Medley: 1. Sunaina Manjunath (Bengaluru City-2:45.13s), 2. Arundhathi S. Deshpande (Bengaluru Rural), 3. A.B. Bhavana (Bengaluru City), 100m Breaststroke: 1. D. Arundhathi (Bengaluru Rural-1:25.62s), 2. Pratiksha Patel (Bengaluru City), 3. B.G.Madhura (Bengaluru City), 200mts Backstroke: 1. A.B. Bhavana (Bengaluru City-2:45.24s), 2. K. Kshitija (Mysuru), 3. Bhoomika R. Kesarkar (Bengaluru City), 100m Freestyle: 1. Sunaina Manjunath (Bengaluru City-1:05,56 sec), 2. U.S. Saptami (Bengaluru City), 3. D. Arundhathi (Bengaluru Rural), 4x100mts Individual Medley:1. Bengaluru City (5:23.64 sec), 2. Bengaluru Rural, 3. Kalaburgi.

Individual Champion: Sunaina Manjunath (Bengaluru City-15 points).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / October 04th, 2016

Look for bygone era relics here …

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

relicsbf10oct2016

by Pushpa Vikram

In a bid to throw more light on the history of our ancient archaeology and culture, the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, has set up a stall at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds.

The stall, which is very informative to students and the public alike, features the biography of B.L. Rice, who was the first to establish an exclusive Archaeology Department in the country.

The exhibition also provides information on the country’s many great historians who include R. Shamshashi, M.H. Krishna, Dr. S.R. Rao, Prof. H.D. Sankalia, Sir Jadunath Sarkar, Prof. R.C. Majumdar, Prof. Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi, Prof. K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, Prof. Romila Thapar, Prof. G.S. Dikshit, Prof. A.R. Desai, Prof. Bipin Chandra, Prof. B.P. Desi, Sardar K.M. Panikkar, Dr. B.A. Salvatore, Dr. Radha Kumar Mukherjee and Prof. Irfan Habib.

The exhibition is divided into four galleries, with one providing information on 20 areas listed by the Government as heritage sites, which include Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Golconda, Belur, Halebid and Srirangapatna, one on the 16 museums controlled by the Government, which feature historical site such as Talakad and Hampi, one of folklore and the other on the complete history of Dasara festivities.

The Department has taken great pains to make a documentary which will be screened for an hour everyday in the evening.

In the past, the Department had set up an exhibition featuring only the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru, who included Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. But the Department, realising the importance of educating the public, especially younger generation, on our rich culture and practices, has designed the exhibition in such away that it is more educative and informative, throwing light on our great heritage and past glory.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / October 04th, 2016

Government to conserve Malnad Gidda cow

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology

Project will be implemented at livestock breeding and training centre at Koila, says Manju

The government has taken up a project to conserve and promote the Malnad Gidda cow breed, according to A. Manju, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.

Addressing a gathering at a function organised to lay the foundation stone for a veterinary college at Koila, he said that the project would be implemented at the livestock breeding and training centres at Koila in Dakshina Kannada and at Koodige in Kodgadu district.

“The government has sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for the project,” he said adding that 50 cows had been selected now for breeding.

Maland Gidda is an indigenous breed of cow whose numbers are on the decline.

The veterinary college at Koila would be opened in 2018. The Minister said that the State’s milk production had touched 75 lakh litres a day now. He said that the government would recruit 650 veterinary doctors within a month.

Mr. Manju said that the government had constituted Karnataka Sheep Federation with 260 cooperative societies attached to it.

U.T. Khader, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, urged the Minister to open a dairy unit of Dakshina Kannada Cooperative Milk Union Ltd. at Koila.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / Special Correspondent / Koila (Puttur Taluk) / October 10th, 2016

Channapatna dolls continue to charm buyers

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Seasonal demand for the handcrafted wooden dolls

is mostly from non-resident Indians

No Dasara is complete without Gombe Habba, the festival of dolls. It’s a time-honoured tradition where dolls of all varieties — mud, brass, wood and even cloth — are displayed. And this season, handcrafted Channapatna wooden dolls are in demand, especially among non-resident Indians.

A majority of the customers are NRIs from the U.S. and the U.K. who are seeking dolls that are handcrafted the traditional way and not mass produced, say artists. “There are merely 200 artisans who practise the traditional lathe making and use original lacquer-ware, a craft that is protected as a geographical indication,” said designer Atul Johri, who is based out of Channapatna and works with local artists.

However, such dolls come at a steep price during Dasara. While on a recent trip to Bengaluru, M. Raghava, who teaches anthropology in the U.S., ordered a set of four Channapatna dolls for Rs. 4,200. “We also paid Rs. 17,800 for a set of 150 mud dolls” he said.

Many handicraft emporiums in the State have started shipping orders. “We have NRIs who order them during Dasara. I think it’s nostalgia that drives the demand,” says Kiran Grandhi from Raaga Arts at Jayanagar.

Varna, a handicraft store in Malleswaram, has noted a demand for Channapatna dolls among the NRIs. “Forty per cent of our customers are not from India. Our bestseller is ‘Jathre’ a five-piece set which costs Rs. 2,000,” said proprietor R.N. Arun Kumar. “NRIs place orders for doll sets that can easily be shipped and Channapatna dolls are light but sturdy.”

But the price rise is seasonal and artisans often do not benefit from this. Consider Mr. Johri’s example of the market chain: if a Channapatna artisan gets Rs. 100 per doll, the doll commands a price depending on the market demand and the distance travelled. The price in Bengaluru would be approximately Rs. 700, but in the export market, that same doll can retail at Rs. 3,000. “It’s an unorganised market, with an abundance of middlemen calling the shots,” Mr. Johri added.

And after Dasara, the prices fall drastically as does demand.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – October 08th, 2016

Film on Bannerghatta National Park released

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel

banerghattaparkbf08oct2016

A 20-minute short film titled ‘Bannerghatta Breathing for Bengaluru,’ throws light on man-animal conflict, the rich biodiversity of the forest patch spread across 270 square kilometres and challenges due to increasing urbanisation around the forest.

It shows the wildlife and biodiversity of the fragmented forest patch in full valour.

The lone wild tiger roaming in Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) has also been captured in the film.

It also covers the problems which the department has been facing because of shrinking land due increasing denotification and mining. The movie also dwells on the history on how the forest patch was notified, how the zoo was carved out of it and how land was added to the patch to strengthen elephant corridors.

The film has been commissioned by Sunil Panwar, Deputy Conservator of Forest, BNP and has been filmed by conservationists and film makers duo Ashok Hallur and Padma Ashok of Ideas for Change. The film was released on Friday by Governor Vajubhai Vala.

Butterfly Walk
The Karnataka Forest Department will organise a Butterfly Walk in Hennur Park on Sunday, October 9, for Bengalureans. The park spread across 34 acres has over 34 species of butterflies. During the walk, people will be shown different species, the host plants, the larvae and the nectar plants. Apart from Forest department officials, experts are also being roped in to create more awareness among people.

The Forest department has created three artificial ponds in the park and improved the biodiversity to increase the number of species to the park. The open storm water drain passing through the park, has little impact on the butterflies. This park along with parks in Jarakabandekaval and Doreswamypalya. The green environs of Doraisanipalya Jallary Reserve Forest off Bannerghatta Road is home varied species of butterfly.

BBP open on Vijayadashami
The Bannerghatta Biological Park will remain open on October 11, on the occasion of Vijayadashami. Tuesday is normally a holiday. The management this time has decided to keep it open, said an press release.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / Bosky Khanna / Bengaluru – DHNS, October 08th, 2016

Bamboo Biryani a great hit at Dasara Aahara Mela

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Travel

Mysuru :

District-in-Charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa inaugurated the 9- day Dasara Aahara Mela (Food Festival) at Scouts & Guides Grounds near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahadevappa said that the festival is not only to relish a variety of food items, but also to make people understand the importance of variety of healthy food items, hygiene and also to spread the significance of organic food items.

People from different parts of the State have put up stalls on the ground, serving special dishes of their respective regions.

The food items offered, include vegetarians and non-vegetarian, Bakery products like Pastry, Chocolates, Pizzas, Homemade coffee, Jowar roti and Chutney.

A range of food items made out of millets and organic food products are another attraction of the mela.

Tribal Delicacy: Tribals from various hamlets in the district and from across the State, have setup ‘Adivasi Aahara Mane’, where food cooked in Bamboo stems, is among the star attractions of the mane. Tea made of ‘Makali Beru’ (a root), variety of tubers grown in forests, dishes made of greens, a delicacy made of bamboo shoots and other tribal recipes are also available.

bamboobiriyanibf08oct2015

A plate of Bamboo Biryani costs Rs. 150/-, while a bowl of ‘Bidirakki Payasa’ costs of Rs. 50/- a plate of ‘Kadugenasu,’ Jenu, Rs. 25/-, a cup of Makali Beru Tea Rs. 20/- Crab curry, & Ragi Ball meals Rs. 100/-, Ragi Ball & Uppesaru Rs. 50/- and a cup of Bidiru Kalle Rs. 20/-.

Karnataka State Lamps Co-operative Federation Chairman M. Krishnaiah said Bamboo Biryani, which was a hit during Dasara 2014, receiving a overwhelming response.

“We could serve Biryani only to 50 percent of the visitors in 2014. But this time, we are prepared to serve 100 plates of Biryani in an hour to meet the demand. A team of 15 people are busy preparing a variety of tribal food items”, he said and added that all tribal delicacies are prepared by experts fro m among the community.

The food mela also features exhibition of a whole range of equipments and articles used by tribals residing in different parts of the State.

The equipments on display include rope used for honey extraction, Net used for catching wild cocks, fish, birds etc.,

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / October 02nd, 2016

‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan ‘ award presented

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, who inaugurated the Dasara cultural programmes at Mysore Palace premises in city yesterday, is seen presenting 'Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan Award-2016' to Pandit Somnath Mardur on the occasion.
District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, who inaugurated the Dasara cultural programmes at Mysore Palace premises in city yesterday, is seen presenting ‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan Award-2016’ to Pandit Somnath Mardur on the occasion.

Mysuru :

PWD and District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa launched cultural programmes organised as part of Dasara festival at the glittering platform erected in front of the Palace yesterday.

The Minister also presented the prestigious ‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan Award-2016’ to Pandit Somnath Mardur.

Later speaking, Dr. Mahadevappa said poet Channaveera Kanavi, who inaugurated Dasara festivities and Pandit Somnath Mardur, both hailed from Dharwad, which is widely known for freedom movement, cultural and literary activities, just like Mysuru.

Recalling the contribution of the erstwhile Mysuru rulers in the promotion of music and cultural activities, the Minister said that this rich tradition can be seen in Dasara cultural programmes.

Pointing out that Pandit Somnath Mardur is an unassuming musician who has many achievements to his credit, the Minister said he felt happy to present the prestigious award to him.

Noting that many musicians have triumphed amidst great difficulties faced by them, the Minister said that Karnataka was in the forefront in promoting music and arts.

Speaking after receiving the award, Pandit Somnath Mardur said he felt too happy about receiving the award at Mysuru, the cultural capital of the State.

Stating that he would dedicate the award to Pandit Puttaraj Gawai and all his other Gurus, Mardur sought the blessing of everyone for continuing his musical journey.

Following the inauguration, Pooja Rajesh and team from Bengaluru presented a dance- drama titled ‘Jeeva Jala.’ Later, singer Chaitra and team presented a musical performance, which delighted the audience.

MLA M.K. Somashekar presided. DC D. Randeep, ADC T. Venkatesh, Kannada & Cuture Dept. Principal Secretary S.R. Umashankar, Director K.A. Dayananda and Jt. Director Balawant Rao Patil were present.

Dasara cultural programmes were also being held at Jaganmohan Palace, Town hall, Chikka Gadiyara, Kalamandira and Ganabharathi, with art connoisseur attending in large numbers.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com  / Star of Mysore / Home> General News > October 02nd, 2016

These artisans inject life into stone

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Are you an art connoisseur? Want to see how a rock/boulder turns into a magnificent piece of art, them head to Kalamandira, the venue of sculptors’ camp, where a group of sculptors are busy giving a shape to the boulders.

A score of sculptors from various parts of the state are creating attractive pieces of contemporary and traditional art works at the camp jointly organised by Lalithakala Academy, Shilpakala Academy and Dasara Fine Arts and Crafts sub-committee, as part of Mysuru Dasara.

Traditional art works, including ‘Kambodhbava Narasimha’, Hoysala-style ‘Shiva’, Naga-style ‘Kalikadevi and ‘Veerabhadra’ in Kalyana Chalukya style and contemporary art works like ‘an artiste in a rabbit mask’, ‘face of a man and woman with a music instrument’ among others catch the attention of the visitors.

As many as 15 sculptors from Mysuru, Mandya, Dakshina Kannada, Bagalkot, Raichur and other places are busy carving attractive art works for the past one week, and the camp will end on October 6.

The event is organised to popularise sculpture, traditional art forms, and to showcase the efforts of the sculptors, who carve these articles. The visitors can see how the sculptors give attractive shape to a rock.

Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Dr M Mahesh, also deputy special officer of Dasara Fine Arts and Crafts sub-committee said, the works will be kept on display on the premises of Kalamandira and at other government offices. The committee has provided the stones and wood to the artistes to create different forms of art, the commissioner said.

Deputy Commissioner D Randeep, also Dasara Special Officer, said, the Dasara committee will try to organise such events in a big way and also try to rope in national and international artisans in future. The DC said, the event definitely promotes sculpture and motivates artisans, apart from making the people understand the efforts of sculptors behind each beautiful work.

K J Deepak Kumar from Pandavapura in Mandya district, who was carving a modern art work ‘an artiste wearing rabbit mask’ said, his work mirrors the relationship between visual artistes and viewers.

“As my work will be placed on the premises of Kalamandira, I planned a relevant work which is suitable for the place,” said Deepak.

Another nationally accredited sculptor S Manjunatha Acharya said, art is inevitable to protect civilisation. But, in recent years, the scope for/of traditional arts is declining. He said, due to unavailability of materials including stones and lack of promotional activities, artisans are not getting an opportunity to showcase their talent.

Acharya, a sculptor, said, “In olden days, we used to spend only Rs 200 on a piece of high quality stone, but, now even if we pay Rs 8,000, they are hardly available.

‘Soap stone’ or ‘neela shile’ and ‘pacche shile’ are good for art works. They are available only at a few places — H D Kote in Mysuru district, Moodabidri in Dakshina Kannada district and in Bagalkot — in the state. With the use of modern technologies, now, it is possible to carve magnificent works out of marble, granite and other stones,” he added.
DH News Service

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Ranjith Kandya / DHNS – Mysuru, October 04th, 2016