Bengaluru-based violinist becomes vocal against corporates for asking free services from musicians

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

At a time when artistes have found themselves in a precarious financial position, this hasn’t gone down well with many.

Dr Jyotsna Srikanth
Dr Jyotsna Srikanth

Bengaluru :

Exposure doesn’t pay bills’ is what up and coming artistes retort when they are asked to play pro bono. But this is something renowned classical musicians have also been facing in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

At a time when artistes have found themselves in a precarious financial position, this hasn’t gone down well with many. Taking up the issue, violinist-composer Dr Jyotsna Srikanth, who is also the artistic director of London International Arts Festival, has lashed out on social media against corporates and event management companies for asking artistes to play for free.

“They want to either promote their own page or ask us to perform as part of a recreational activity for their employees. They even refuse to include a digital tip-jar where the viewers can contribute as per their wish to the artiste,” says the medical doctor-turned-musician who has also played the violin for nearly 300 films under music directors like Ilaiyaraaja.

Srikanth recalls how two weeks ago, she was invited to perform by an organisation for their members and she asked them to include a tip jar. “They agreed. But five minutes before going live, they said it should be a free performance. Is this fair? If this is happening to senior musicians, what about upcoming ones?,” she wonders.

According to Manasi Prasad, classical vocalist and museum director, Indian Music Experience, this expectation to perform free for exposure existed even earlier, and has only amplified now. “The idea began during the lockdown when we thought this would encourage people to stay indoors. But now it seems the assumption is that free online concerts will continue indefinitely,” says Prasad, who points out that while some artistes are uncomfortable with the idea of tip jars, seeing it as a compromise on dignity, it could benefit others.

“If the artiste is comfortable with it, then it should be considered,” she asserts. While musician Praveen D Rao has heard of these instances, he looks at it differently. “For many, this is the only source of livelihood. Until now, online concerts were a small part of a musician’s life. I feel these shows are a trial run for bigger concerts. For instance, there was an online show recently where 49 artistes performed, and this was to be showcased to sponsors for a bigger festival in August,” he says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Vidya Iyengar / Express News Service / May 24th, 2020

Free app to help dementia patients and caregivers

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

It has been developed by the Nightingales Medical Trust

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the restrictions accompanying it, have been especially taxing for people suffering from dementia and their caregivers, for whom this time has been physically and psychologically burdensome.

To ensure a support system for them, the Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT), an NGO working with the elderly and for those with dementia, has developed Demkonnect, a mobile application which is aimed at providing access to care and support related to dementia. This app is available on Android and iOS and is free of cost.

According to NMT, the nature of the disease tends to cause disorientation and makes those who are affected more vulnerable. This has a direct impact on the stress levels of caregivers. Family members, who have now turned into full-time caregivers, have noticed symptoms of dementia, like memory loss and behavioural changes, but are unable to visit a specialist and seek a formal diagnosis due to the lockdown and the fear of contracting the virus, a release said.

The application has options based on the need of the user.

“The Memory Screening option enables the user to assess their loved ones or themselves through a range of questions which would advise them on how to go forward based on the score. This could then be followed up with a consultation with a dementia care expert, through the chat option or through a video call. This is specially intended for those who are unable to visit a specialist for a diagnosis. Family carers, who are facing challenges at home or have queries regarding care of a person with dementia, can opt for the consult-an-expert option, which would enable the user to chat with a dementia care expert any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” the release explained.

Users can learn from the experiences of other family carers and share their own experiences through the Communities option.

With day care centres closed, the Demkonnect app has a few brain games to keep patients engaged and a Reminiscence album, which can help the user reminisce by discussing memories and past experiences using prompts such as photographs. The app aims to remove the stigma associated with dementia by educating users about the disease, the release added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / May 26th, 2020

Corona Bandaite Jopaana: Folk Song On Coronavirus Goes Viral

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

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Mysore/Mysuru:

A song written, composed and sung by a College Lecturer with a folk touch on Coronavirus has gone viral. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Manapur, a lecturer working in Maharaja’s College in city, has not only written the song titled ‘Corona Bandaite Jopaana,’ she has also composed music and sung the folk song much to the delight of people living in rural areas and as a result, the song has become an instant hit in social media.

Her husband P. Premkumar Wellington, whose mother-tongue is Tamil, has also translated the song into Tamil (Coronavin Karappu Nilal) and has sung the Tamil version. And their son P. Pranil has sung the Hindi version (Corona Mahamari Ka). All the three versions of this composition are popular now.

Dr. Vijayalakshmi is an expert on folk and teaches folk subjects in her College. “Over 80 percent of our population live in rural areas. I wanted to create awareness about this deadly virus among rural folk. I thought folk tune would be a good idea and hence wrote the song, composed the music with folk touch and sung it. This song has now reached rural households in Karnataka,” she said.

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The Tamil version of the same song has also been a hit. Her husband Premkumar, who works in Mysore Akashavani, is delighted about this. Interestingly, the Hindi version of the song sung by their son  Pranil has now reached other parts of the country through their friends in Delhi, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 24th, 2020

Bengaluru-based startup becomes the helling point amid COVID-19 crisis

Business & Economy

From cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, dehydrated chips, shell bowls, vegan wax candle, soaps, coir dish scrubbers, the list is endless.

Tengin founder Madhu Kargund
Tengin founder Madhu Kargund

Buy local, be vocal is the buzz in this time of corona crisis. Madhu Kargund (32) had no idea that this would be the affairs to come when he quit his corporate job a few months ago to pursue his start-up, Tengin, which turns every part of the coconut into something usable.

From cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, dehydrated chips, shell bowls, vegan wax candle, soaps, coir dish scrubbers, the list is endless. “A few years ago I took some of this coconut oil to work and found many takers. In addition, the benefits of the oil as an immunity booster has been doing the rounds,” says Kargund who took impetus from such remarks.

Hailing from Arsikere, Hassan, but who has made Bengaluru his home in the last eight years, Kargund felt the need for farmers in his village to integrate age-old practices for new-age consumers. “Ragi is sold at Rs 10 in villages, but ragi biscuits here go for Rs 40. A slight value addition can make a huge difference,” says Kargund who has five acres of farmland back home.

“Something like the coconut bowl can be used to mix hair colour. Usually a steel container is used wherein the steel reacts with the dye, which does not happen in this case,” says Kargund, whose unit belonging to a group of farmers, manufacturers 400 litres of cold pressed virgin coconut oil. On an average around 300 litres is sold.

Now, sourcing from farmers in his village, Kargund’s mission is also to retain the skilled workers in his hometown. “I noticed several young farmers were moving to cities for better opportunities. Instead, with organic products seeming to be the go-to thing, I thought it necessary to gainfully employ farmers,” he says, adding that women are employed in creating products like the coconut bowl shell.

“My parents co-ordinate with the farmers while I look into research and marketing,” says Kargund who has invested over Rs 2 lakh into the venture. Having left his job at a French MNC in the midst of this pandemic, there are times Kargund wonders if he has made the right move. But with plans like organising coconut tours something on the lines of a wine tour, and working with other crops, Kargund is hoping to make a difference both in terms of creating eco-friendly products as well as empowering women and rural farmers.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Vidya Iyengar / Express News Service / May 24th, 2020

Writer Shantadevi Kanavi dead

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Veteran short-story writer and thinker Shantadevi Kanavi died at the KLE hospital in Belagavi on Friday. She was 88. She was the wife of writer Channaveera Kanavi.

Her stories have been translated into English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. They routinely found their way into anthologies that became part of university textbooks.

She hailed from Vijayapura and settled in Dharwad after marriage to Mr. Kanavi. She received awards from Karnataka Sahitya Akademi and the Dana Chintamani Attimmabbe Puraskara of the State Government.

She leaves behind nonagenarian Mr. Kanavi, five children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and friends.

Mangala Metgud, president of the Belagavi zilla Kannada Sahitya Parishat, has expressed grief at the death of the senior writer.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Belagavi – May 23rd, 2020

Bengaluru-based gardener’s idea makes way to France

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion

Deepthi Chandra B made two visits to France in January and February to carry out the execution of her design, which is now open to public till November 1 this year.

Garden designed by Deepthi Chandra BGarden designed by Deepthi Chandra B. (Photo| EPS)
Garden designed by Deepthi Chandra BGarden designed by Deepthi Chandra B. (Photo| EPS)

Bengaluru :

Deepthi Chandra B’s fairytale moment came complete with a castle. The city-based landscape architect was among the 20 winners at an international garden festival, which takes place in the castle of Chaumont sur Loire, Blois, near Paris.

“There were 400 entries from across the globe and this is the first time an Indian team won in 28 years,” says Chandra, who adds that other winners this year belonged to Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and USA. She made two visits to France in January and February to carry out the execution of her design, which is now open to public till November 1 this year.

The theme for the 2020 edition of the festival was Return to Mother Earth. For her submission of the design, which Chandra called Dharitri: The Garden of Mother Earth, she decided to rely on something that would represent Indian culture, borrowing ideas from the harvest festival. The entrance to the 2,000 sq ft space begins with a walkway of bamboo and flowers one would normally use for worship, like rose and jasmine.

“These are also flowers that are used extensively by the French perfume industry,” explains the 30-year-old. As the view opens up, the visitor notices a circular water body, which was inspired by the Rig Veda’s concept of “Father sky and mother earth being complementary,” says Chandra, adding, “This way, one can see the reflection of the sky in the water.” The small pond is surrounded by step terraces that double as benches for visitors to take in the view. This part of the design was inspired by Indian paddy fields.

“If you climb them you can get a top view of the garden. The pathway finally leads to the exit point thereby completing the Pradakshina path as seen in Indian temples, thereby paying tribute to the sacredness of Mother Earth,” she says.

Chandra’s first visit to France in January involved a meeting with the local contractors. During her second trip, her architect friend Chandrakanth GM, accompanied her to execute the design. Besides a slight language barrier, the duo also had to brave temperatures as low as 7 degrees Celsius while constructing the garden.

“But we also got to see the transition to spring, which came with beautiful views of cherry blossoms,” says Chandra, adding that all the teams getting together for meals was a good cultural experience. “The culture there was different. They construct everything themselves. It was nice to see the other winners coming in with their friends, family and neighbours to build the garden together.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / May 24th, 2020

Musician Shyamala Bhave passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

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Classical musician Shyamala G. Bhave, who was well versed in both the Hindustani and the Carnatic styles and earned the title ‘Ubhayagana Vidushi’, passed away in Bengaluru on Friday morning. She was 79.

Born on March 14, 1941, in Bengaluru to a musical family, she was one of the early practitioners of the Hindustani style in the city and also taught hundreds of students at her school, Saraswati Sangeet Vidyalaya at Seshadripuram.

“Last week, she was admitted to a private hospital as her BP and sugar levels were erratic and she also had breathing difficulties. For the last three days she was home. This morning she breathed her last listening to music,” said one of her senior students, Vageesh Bhat, who is secretary of the vidyalaya.

Ms. Bhave was the daughter of Pandit Govind Vittal Bhave, who sang and played multiple instruments, and vocalist Lakshmi Bhave.

Trained from an early age, she gave her first performance at 12, said Mr. Bhat. She performed, taught and held positions in institutions related to the arts for decades. She served at the Karnataka Sangeeta Nrithya Academy for two terms from 1997 to 2001. She had also composed music for some films, including the first Sanskrit film by G.V. Iyer, Adi Shankaracharya, and India’s first Sanskrit serial Kadambari.

Hindustani singer Sangeeta Katti, said, “I have been associated with Shyamala Bhave for three decades, and she was one of the foremost vocalists to propagate classical melodies in Bengaluru.”

The last rites of the musician were performed at Friday evening at Chamarajapet crematorium.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States > Karnataka / by Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – May 23rd, 2020

IIHR launches portal for online sale of seeds

Agriculture, Education
Arka Rakshak, a high-yielding and disease-resistant variety of tomato brought out by IIHR in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: B.S. Satish Kumar
Arka Rakshak, a high-yielding and disease-resistant variety of tomato brought out by IIHR in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: B.S. Satish Kumar

The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) in Bengaluru has launched a seed portal through which people living anywhere in the country can get quality seeds at their doorstep after paying online.

Said to be the country’s first such seed portal from a public sector unit in horticulture with a wide range of seeds, it offers more than 60 high-yielding varieties of seeds for vegetables, flowers and fruit crops. Though the ICAR-IIHR seed portal (https://seed.iihr.res.in) was launched by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director-General Trilochan Mohapatra during the National Horticulture Fair organised by the institute on its campus this February, it has become functional now.

According to institute director M.R. Dinesh, the portal aims to take the institute’s quality seeds to even remote places of the country which do not have access to quality plant material through this portal. “This helps in increasing productivity of horticultural crops as all our seeds are high yielding and have resistance to several diseases,” he said.

Pointing out that IIHR has adopted a novel seed village concept of using skilled farmers to produce seeds, he said the income of farmers who are into seed production is also bound to increase thanks to the seed portal. Environment protection will also get a boost as the use of pesticides will reduce since IIHR varieties have resistance to many diseases, Mr. Dinesh said.

K.K. Upreti, principal scientist and nodal officer of the Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit of the institute, said the institute produces over 15 tonnes of seeds of fruits, vegetables and flower crop varieties annually for sale to farmers. The sales are expected to increase by 20-25% now. When a farmer registers online for buying seeds, he will also be told whether the location is suitable for cultivation of such a variety, he said. In the coming days, the institute also plans to provide counselling on cultivation practices. It has prescribed norms on maximum purchase of each variety, to ensure that quality seeds are available to a large number of farmers.

IIHR has branded all of its seeds with the prefix “Arka”, as it is located on the banks of river Arkavathi. Some of the popular varieties of vegetable crops developed by the IIHR include tomato (Arka Rakshak), chilli (Arka Meghana), onion (Arka Kalyan), ridge gourd (Arka Prasan), French beans (Arka Arjun), and okra (Arka Nikita and Arka Anamika).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by B.S. Satish Kumar / Bengaluru – May 22nd, 2020