Monthly Archives: January 2013

Mangalore varsity spruces up infra at constituent colleges

Education

Mangalore , JAN. 18:
Mangalore University has taken steps to improve infrastructure at its two constituent colleges in Mangalore and Madikeri.

T.C. Shivashankaramurthy, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said this while inaugurating the BBM block at University College in Mangalore city on Friday. University College in Mangalore city is a constituent college of Mangalore University.

Giving details of the infrastructure development at University College in Mangalore, he said around Rs 1.80 crore has already been spent on the infrastructure development. Added to this, the university has built a BBM block at a cost of Rs 2.3 crore on the college campus.

The university is planning to add more postgraduate courses at its campus in University College. He said that the University College will have a new look by June this year.

Stating that constituent colleges in Mangalore and Madikeri have been accredited with ‘A’ grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council), he said these colleges will now seek ‘centre of excellence’ status.

H.R. Lakshminarayana Bhat, Principal of University College, said the college has a history of more than 125 years. Earlier, this college was called the Government College. It became a constituent college of Mangalore University 20 years ago. Since then it is known as University College, he said.

P.S. Yadapadithaya, Registrar of Mangalore University, and Chinnappa Gowda, former Registrar of the university, spoke on the occasion.

vinayak.aj@thehindu.co.in

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> News> Education / by The Hindu’s Bureau / Mangalore, January 18th, 2013

Kodagu homemade wine a hit among tourists

Business & Economy

Shops get wine for Rs. 100 to Rs. 110 a bottle

Kodagu is not only known for its natural beauty and salubrious climate, but also for oranges, coffee, spices and honey. Latest addition to the famed list is homemade wine. It is good tidings as the sale of homemade wine has been increasing in the district, thanks to the increase in the number of visitors, particularly to Madikeri.

Tourists have found homemade wine a good addition to their kitty when they go back from Kodagu. Wine is made from not just grapes or gooseberries. It is also made from betel leaves, ginger, pineapple, passion fruit, rice, and banana.

Sale of homemade wine is good during weekends when there are many visitors to Madikeri. Shops in Madikeri get supply from winemakers for Rs. 100 to Rs. 110 a bottle (750 ml). In turn, they sell it for Rs. 180 a bottle, even exceeding Rs. 200 on occasions and depending on the variety.

Initially, winemaking and consumption was limited to households in Kodagu. Thanks to home-stay visitors, who flock the district these days, wine has gained extremely in popularity, both in terms of consumption and sale, says Anil of Madikeri. There are specialists who make sugar-free wine.

Though, according to a rough estimate, more than 500 bottles of wines are sold in Madikeri during weekends, the quantum of business it churned out is yet to be arrived at.

It is estimated that wine is made in more than 1,000 homes in Kodagu.

There are reports that Stree Shakti groups too make wine. Wine is sold in a good number of shops across the district.

Wine sale will be high during winter. It has become part of the culture of Kodagu, according to K.T. Baby Mathew of Madikeri.

The Karnataka Wine Board, which promoted making of grape wine, can do a lot in this regard, he adds.

However, presence of liquor was found when samples collected from Virajpet were tested in a laboratory in Bangalore last year. Wine makers are expected to obtain licence from the Karnataka Wine Board.

The Excise Department had contended that certain winemakers mixed liquor with wine to boost its efficacy. Mixing brandy or whisky or rum will reduce the fermentation period.

Sunil, a winemaker, denies this and says there is no need for mixing liquor with wine. In some cases, the department had asked winemakers to stop making wine.

However, certain organisations had taken exception to the conditions imposed by the department stating that winemaking was part of local culture and it could not be stopped.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Karnataka / by K.Jeevan Chinnappa / Mysore, January 19th, 2013

Kodagu boy Suhail among 22 chosen for National Bravery Awards

Amazing Feats, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Madikeri, Jan 19:

Suhail K M, a 17-year-old Kodagu boy, who without knowing swimming, had jumped into overflowing Cauvery River to rescue his classmate, who was about to drown, is among 22 children chosen for the National Bravery Awards-2012.
It was raining cats and dogs on November 3, 2011. The Cauvery River at Bhagamandala in Kodagu district had turned into a fast-flowing torrent.

A group of Class 8 students from the Sri Cauvery Junior College at Bhagamandala in Madikeri taluk attempted to cross the river via a bridge.

One of the boys, Faruq, stopped to clean his muddied trousers. Losing a toe-hold on the bank, he slipped into the water and the current carried him downstream. Faruq, who did not know how to swim, cried for help, the water entering his mouth and nostrils with each cry.

Seeing this, Suhail, who also did not know swimming, immediately jumped into the water and made his way towards Faruq. Reaching the ailing boy, he somehow managed to get to the shore and safety.

Suhail’s act of courage has rendered him suitable for an award from the National Awards for Bravery in 2012. Suhail is a resident of Ayangeri village near Bhagamandala. He wants to become a medical doctor.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will present the awards to children prior to Republic Day and all children will participate in the parade.

Apart from giving each awardee Rs 1 lakh cash prize, the government will also ensure that they pay no education costs till the graduate level. Awardees will also get a scholarship, which will allow them to study professional courses such as engineering and medicine.

source: http://www.CoastalDigest.com / Home> News / CD Network / Saturday, January 19th, 2013

Akhyana 2013: The Keyboard to New Media – Internet Overload?

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

The Department of Communicative English conducted their annual Media Fest on January 16, 2013. This year the theme for the Fest was, “The Keyboard to New Media – Internet Overload?”. The event was preceded over by the College’s Principal, Dr. C.S. Elizabeth, Karan Medappa, Public Relations Professional and Freelance Model, Islahuddin, Manager of Qyuki and Rakesh Kumar, Radio Jockey at Radio One.

New media refers to on-demand access to content anytime, anywhere, on any digital device, as well as interactive user feedback, creative participation and community formation around the media content. In 1984, Rice defined new media as communication technologies that enable or facilitate user-to-user interactivity and interactivity between user and information.

The Panel Discussion that was held in the first session of the program was the highlight of the day.The Panel Discussion focused on the theme, “The Keyboard to New Media – Internet Overload?”. The Panelists included Karan Medappa, Islahuddin, and Rakesh Kumar. They briefly discussed the pros and cons of the Internet and the safety that one needs on the internet. “How much is too much?” was a common question that was echoed by each one of the panelists. Mr. Islahuddin spoke about how the times have flown – from the times of the ‘kabutaar’ letters to online communication. He also stated that the Online medium can swing both ways – good and bad – and it really depends on how we use it. Echoing this was Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Radio Jockey, who states, “How much of the internet or information is actually on your hands?”. Karan Medappa, on the other hand, stated the importance of content and the importance of Public Relations in a fast changing world.

To break the serious tone of the first session, the Rock Gospel Band, Apocalypse performed. Their performance was spread over a period of half an hour. Their performance garnered much appreciation from the audience. The Guest Singer, Kekri – a runner up of Naga Idol, also held the audience’s captivity and had gotten a lot of support from the audience. Their performance can be seen on YouTube, at this link.

There were various events spread through out the day and included Ad Presentation, Internet Spoof and Photography. The participants participated in all the events with great enthusiasm an showed great interest. The Paper Presentation saw participants talking about various topics, ranging from getting noticed on YouTube to the power of new media in social media. The event, Ad Presentation, saw a lot of participants enacting out a advertisement to promote the chosen topic and saw an variety of talent come out. Topics varied from Women safety to promoting a new motorbike.

The fest ended on a successful note, with an ever eager audience and participants from various other colleges. One of the participants of the Fest stated, “I have learned a lot at the fest today, especially about the New Media. Along with the learning that I had today, I had a lot of fun and an great experience.

source: http://www.coolage.in / Home / by Pooja Svathi Mahesh, Jyotivas College – Bangalore / January 19th, 2013

For Bangalore, by Bangalore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

You know Manish Malhotra. You know Rocky S. But do you know who Shalini Subramanian or Saunak Sen is? They are fashion designers, working right here in the city and trying to make a difference as far as Bangalore’s fashion identity is concerned. And starting today, they and few more designers are going to be making a point — Bangalore can be in the middle of a fashion revolution after all.

Stylist, fashion and image consultant or choreographer — call him what you will, but Prasad Bidapa has been part of the action for a while and now he’s all set to pay a homage to the city and its fashion fraternity with the Prasad Bidapa Fashion Week. “It has been a longstanding dream of mine to present Bangalore designers and brands on a platform that could become an event that celebrates the talent and diversity of our designers. Bangalore designers need to make their presence felt on a national and international level and PBFW will make every effort to present our designers in that perfect light,” says Bidapa, of the event.

According to him, after Delhi and Mumbai, Kolkata became a very important centre in fashion. “It was relatively upsetting, considering how Bangalore has always been known for its vivid interest and high sense of what is and can be ‘fashion’. So after years of mulling it over, it’s Bangalore’s turn to make the same statement and ensure that our designers take centrestage,” he adds.

The fashion week will feature a host of designers including Nimirta Lalwani, Runa Ray, Sanchita Ajjampur, Jason and Anshu, Anjali Sharma, Shoba Nickham, Saunak Sen’s House of Three, Sneha Satyaprakash, Namrata G, Rony Dutta, Pallavi Foley, Amanda Bachalli, Shalini Subramanian, Seema Malhotra, Manish Saksena, Deepika Govind, Lokessh Ahuja, Anu and Susan, Ritu Pande and Raj Shroff. “I am showcasing my Spring-Summer 2013 collection that I recently showed at Wills India Fashion Week in Delhi.

Staying true to the monochromes, I am focussing on a chic and plain look in mulmul and cotton. I generally design only for women, but I’ve also added a few special pieces for men, especially for this fashion week. They stay true to the look of the rest of the collection too,” shares Raj Shroff.

“My collection will be a sequel to my Ode to Sindh collection and I’ve decided to call it Sindh Contemporary. Staying true to the soul of Sindh, this collection will be in white and will focus on chiffons and georgettes for women and linen and khadi for the men,” explains Namrata G.

Nimirta Lalwani is also excited about her Spring-Summer 2013, where she will focus on the silhouette she loves the most — the evening gown. “I am staying minimal and trying to bring in classical elements. I’ve experimented with colour blocking, different kinds of layering and laser cutting and have ensured that I play with different kinds of fabric,” Nimirta concludes.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> LifeStyle> Report / by L Romal M Singh / Agency: DNA / Thursday, January 17th, 2013

I am spiritual, but I do not believe in God: Biddu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's

Dressed casually in tees and track pants with his trademark long hair, iconic composer singer Biddu wears his years lightly. The Grammy Award winning musician, who grew up in Bangalore, now divides his time between Spain, London, and India, and insists he leads a relaxed life, and has the full day in which to get things done. TOI caught up with him during his recent visit to the city…

It all began in Bangalore for you, didn’t it? Bangalore has indeed shaped my musical destiny. I started young at the age of 13, so it’s been 55 years since I have been earning a living professionally. I left Bangalore for the first time when at the age of 16 I went to Kolkata to sing at night clubs. I credit Bangalore’s Anglo-Indian community for my initiation into music. The Catholic Club and the Bowring Institute are where I used to sing at music competitions. I had two ambitions when I was a boy. One was to become a Hollywood actor, and the other was to make it big in the world of music. The second one was easier!

Just two years shy of 70, you look remarkably well preserved…. Thank god you said well preserved and not pickled. Well, I guess it is in the genes. All of us siblings look fairly good for our age. Also, we maintain high levels of activity. My sister, who’s played tennis for India, still plays tennis every day, come what may. I swim five days a week, and then there’s yoga and a walk. However, when it comes to food, I eat all the wrong things. Chocolates, pizza and donuts. But no matter whichever part of the world I am in, I start my day with papaya. I am, however, not obsessive about exercising or maintaining routines. I don’t want to be like Madonna. My looks… it could be the makeup too! I kid, of course!

Aao naa pyar karein is being adapted for India’s first zombie film… How did that happen? Luke Kenny called me up last year. He asked me if he could use the song and adapt it for his upcoming film The Rise of Zombie. I like Luke. He seems like a nice guy and his team is a bunch of enthusiastic kids. John Lennon said give peace a chance; I say give the youth of India a chance.

Any parting pangs for a song that was a rage in its day? None at all. If you do that, you’ll never be able to cross the threshold. Nothing is so sacrosanct that you can’t let go of it.

Have you heard the rearranged song? Yes, I’ve heard two versions of it. In the first, Luke has given it a David Guetta kind of style, which I liked immensely. And the second one has a trancy technoish feel to it. I told Luke that the second one may tie in better with the zombie genre.

You became famous with Qurbani… How did it come about? I was famous much before that in the west with my albums with Carl Douglas (Kung Fu Fighting) and Tina Charles, among many other successful projects. I didn’t think I’d have anything to do with Hindi music. I had failed my Senior Cambridge because my Hindi was abysmal. Hindi has always been a foreign language for me. It still is. Director Feroze Khan had heard about all the stuff I had done in the west. He wanted me to be associated with the project. I was hesitant, but he coerced me.

Coerced? No, it was more like blackmail. You know the You-are-from-Bangalore-and -I-am -from-Bangalore kind of talk, and I was on.

You are a card-carrying atheist I am spiritual, but I do not believe in God. I don’t put religion and spiritualism in the same box. Spiritualism is a way of life you create, whereas religion is what others force upon you. I don’t believe that God made man, I believe man made God.

Your favourite songs from your body of work? My perennial favourites are Disco Deewane and Made in India. My other songs have earned me a thousand times more, but these two I can listen to over and over again and never tire of them. I get goose flesh each time I listen to them.

Indian singers you admire? Frankly, I am not clued into the music scene here at all. I know very little of what is happening, musically speaking. But I think Shreya Ghosal has a fabulous voice. I also like Sonu Nigam, and have done an album with him. Even Shaan, he’s got a nice voice.

You were disappointed when you finally came face to face with your childhood idols, The Beatles. Yes, it was disappointing. They were my heroes. At that age, you expect your heroes to be these larger-than-life figures. You know the six-foot-six types. And then I see John Lennon, with his dirty canvas shoes and unkempt straggly beard. The only Beatle who made somewhat of an impression on me in the way he was turned out was Paul McCartney that guy should give up now. All artists must call it a day when they hit 65.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Entertainment> Music /by Purba Dutt, TNN / January 16th, 2013

HIL will help in reviving Indian hockey, feel former players

Sports

New Delhi :
Former hockey players feel that the much-awaited Hockey India League will help in reviving the dwindling fortunes of the game in the country.

“After a long time such an opportunity has come. Technical exchange of knowledge and skills between players and coaches would help improve the status of the game in the country,” former India captain and Olympian Pargat Singh said.

Olympian Mohammed Shahid believes that it would be a treat to watch the best talents from across the world in the league.

“I am excited to see such good players in one league. Many people would come to watch these greats,” Shahid said.

Pargat and Shahid along with former goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi, drag-flicker Jugraj Singh and forward Deepak Thakur would form the Hindi commentary panel for Star Sports.

The English commentary team comprises of former captain Viren Rasquinha, former women’s team coach Sandeep Somesh and goalkeepers Cedric D’Souza and AB Subbaiah.

Cedric feels that the league would give Indian hockey the impetus it requires to regain its past glory.

“This will give a launch pad to popularise the sport in the country again. We have the heart and skill to play the game but this tournament will also bring in tactics which will take our game further ahead,” he said.

Also, Star Sports have roped in former India cricketer and MP Navjot Singh Sidhu to be their brand ambassador for the league.

Despite the ongoing controversy over the participation of Pakistani players in league, Sidhu feels sports should not be mixed with politics.

“I feel a sportsperson joins people. He does the work of bridging gaps,” he said while whatever is apt should be done at the diplomatic level to decide whether Pakistani players should be part of this league or not.

The inaugural HIL will be held across five cities of the country from January 14 to February 10.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Sports> Hockey / by PTI / January 14th, 2013

Music lovers head for Storm

Arts, Culture & Entertainment


Migrating for music seems to be the next big trend among music lovers in Delhi, who are willing to travel far and near just to enjoy some good notes. The rise in destination music festivals is a testimony to this fact; and the next hot spot marked in musical calendar for 2013 is Coorg, Karnataka, where the first-of-its-kind outdoor camping Storm music festival will be organised on February 1 and 2.

The second edition of this fest will feature 45 plus artistes and bands from India and abroad. The finale act for this festival will be collaboration of musician Shankar Mahadevan and Delhi-based rock band Indian Ocean.

Speaking about this gig, Shankar says, “I really wanted to collaborate with Indian Ocean, I love them as people as well as for them being the wonderful musicians they are.”
Rahul Ram, bass guitarist at Indian Ocean, also feels that festivals like these are great platforms to create new compositions. “Shankar is a fantastic guy, a very capable musician and an outstanding singer. We’re really looking forward to this collaboration,” he mentions.

Speaking about the other highlights of this festival, Lavin Uthappa, festival director of Storm says, “The festival was conceived a few years ago with an aim to create a space where we could bring some of the best of mainstream entertainment to a pristine location like Coorg. The festival brings together nature and adventure with great music. We plan to have have more than three stages this time for performers.”

He adds, “We also want to spread social awareness messages about environment, minimising usage of plastic as well as discouraging consumption of drugs, through renowned musicians.”

source: http://www.AsianAge.com / Home> Life and Style / by Nivi Shrivastava / January 08th, 2013

City to miss Ashwini Ponnappa as she shifts base

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Glamour girl of Indian badminton Ashwini Ponnappa, who not long ago made Hyderabad as her ‘second home’, has decided to shift her base to Bangalore — a decision which could trigger intense speculations. However, 23-year-old Ashwini on Monday insisted that since her parents had shifted to her hometown, she too had decided to join them. “But, whenever the national camps are scheduled in Hyderabad, I will be coming here,” said Ashwini, who along with Gutta Jwala, has become the first pair from India to win a bronze medal in the World Championship last year.

Ashwini told ‘The Hindu ’ that she would be training at Thomas John’s Academy in JP Nagar in Benguluru where the other national players.

“I love Hyderabad. It gave me so much in life and in sport. And, it was a pleasure to train with Arif Sir (Dronacharya S.M. Arif). I always look forward to train under him,” the champion shuttler said.

“There is no animosity with anyone. I am grateful for all the support I got in the city and the reason for shifting base to Benguluru is I prefer to be with my parents,” she pointed out. Asked if Jwala taking a six-month break from badminton after the 2012 London Olympics could have been a reason, the doubles shuttler replied in the negative.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad, January 08th, 2013

Curtain raiser to a fashion fiesta in Bangalore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

South India has always boasted a rich heritage when it comes to fashion. Bangalore leads the pack, with the right mix of the contemporary and the traditional. This is what The Gitanjali Prasad Bidapa Fashion Week 2013 intends to celebrate.

The curtain raiser to the fashion fiesta had some of the city’s top models showcasing garments and accessories crafted by various designers who will be showcasing at the event.

(Prasad Bidapa and Hari….)

Kick-starting the mini show at the curtain raiser, Prasad Bidapa said, “While Kolkata seems to be taking away the title of the country’s third fashion capital, I’m hoping that we can help Bangalore surge ahead by showcasing the eclectic mix of talent the city offers.”

While the colours, fabric and design wowed those present, the special attraction was the new launch of the Valentine collection from Nakshatra, available at JewelSouk. The collection offers a range of earrings, pendants and rings, along with specially-crafted diamond couple-bands. The range celebrates love in all its splendour.

At the fashion week starting from January 18, Gitanjali will showcase True Platinum, Envi by Gemfields, Nizam and Nakshatra.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Life & Style> Parties / TNN / January 12th, 2013