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On the ground learning

Asia’s first RDPR University offers courses to empower students who can further empower rural India.

Mahatma Gandhi’s profound remark, “The soul of India lives in its villages”, resonates through every pulse of the nation even today. About 65 per cent of the Indian population continues to reside in rural areas, adhering to a lifestyle grounded in tradition. However, as India progresses into an era of modernisation on par with its developed global peers, the country’s villages are trying to catch up with the modern times, while preserving their ethos.

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Spearheading this process academically is a unique university in Karnataka, which imparts learnings in Gandhian thought, herbal medicine, rural lifestyle, addressing rural socio-economic problems, and traditional vocations, among others. The Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (KSRDPU) is situated in Nagavi village of Gadag district.

Plan in action
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj are the two main pillars acting as catalysts to change the country’s rural scene for the best. Hence, a university aimed at heralding positive change in the rural areas of North Karnataka was envisioned.

The proposal to establish such a university was approved by both Houses of the Legislature in the Chief Minister’s Budget speech of 2013-14, following which a state government-constituted expert committee visited several academic institutions, such as Institute of Rural Management Anand; National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad; Gandhi Gram, Madurai; Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad; and Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, to come up with an idea for the RDPR University. The committee’s vision through the proposed varsity was to create a committed, dedicated professional workforce to address various issues affecting rural development.

Accordingly, the university had its inception at Raita Bhavan near Bhishmakere in 2016, with academic activities beginning the following year. Later, a plan to establish a full-fledged RDPR University was mooted by the then RDPR Minister H K Patil, following which a new campus was inaugurated in 2018 by the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This campus came up on 353 acres of land near Nagavi. The pleasant weather emanating from the Kappatagudda hillock nearby made this village ideal for learning, especially for the study of subjects surrounding rural and village topics.

Today, this varsity focuses on research, teaching and training in the realms of sustainable rural development through the institution of Panchayat Raj. Special courses include MA in Geoinformatics (Remote Sensing and GIS), MA in Public Administration, MA in Rural Development and Panchayat Raj/Cooperative Management, MBA in Rural Management and Agribusiness Management, MSW in Community Development, Rural Reconstruction and Community Health, M. Com in Entrepreneurship or Cooperative Management, Master of Public Health, and much more.

According to Prakash Merawade, a lecturer at KSRDPRU, “At the university, we teach traditional Ayurvedic herbal medicine and use of charkha for making cloth as well. Students are exposed to practical experiences of rural problems, by getting them to visit the villages of Gadag district.”

“There was a need for such an institution, which is guided by Gandhiji’s idea of Gram Swaraj. We have also built a replica of Sabarmati Ashram on campus so that students can study and imbibe Gandhian philosophy. Today, KSRDPRU works on four main aspects — education-based, research-based, training-based and area-based learning,” concludes KSRDPRU Vice-Chancellor Vishnukant Chatpalli.

The KSRDPR University claims to be the first-of-its-kind institution in Asia, whose sole purpose is to create thought leaders and professionals who will work among rural-folk, bridging the development divide with their urban brethren, thereby blending traditional with modern in a diverse India.

LIFE AND TIMES

The KSRDPRU campus hosts a replica of the Gandhi Smarak of Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, which has been created by the KSRDPRU itself, and is located 10 km away from Gadag town. The ashram is located in the lap of Kappatagudda. The structure has five rooms, comprising a meditation centre, library, Nayee Talim centre, Gandhi Kasturba Kutir, and a kitchen. There is also a big statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the veranda, which can accommodate 60 people for attending speeches on Gandhian principles. The rooms also have a collection of photographs from the life and times of the Mahatma, besides a replica charkha like the one in Gujarat’s ashram.

TRADITIONAL HUT FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

The university has also built a Parnakuti, a traditional hut to create awareness on Ayurveda. Students, traditional doctors and Ayurveda experts are brought here to share their knowledge on medicinal plants. Varsity staff grow Ayurvedic plants at Smritivana on campus. Parnakuti, which has been built using natural materials such as bamboo, eucalyptus wood and dry grass, encourages students to touch base with traditional healers, following practices like in the ancient times, when there used to be an Aushadha Vana, Rajvana and Panchavati Vana, where medicinal plants were cultivated.

MANOCHETANA COUNSELLING CENTRE

The university has started Manochetana, a free counselling centre for people who are under stress after the pandemic. Free counselling can be sought at the old building, in the old DC’s office building in Gadag town. This facility is open to farmers, health workers, students, and people from both rural and urban areas.

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A time to share love and letters ‘Postal Week’ – October 09th – 16th

The Karnataka Postal department is set to celebrate Postal Week starting next week by bringing orphaned, underprivileged children and senior citizens together to spend time on October 14.

Speaking to TNIE, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka, S Rajendra Kumar said, “It will give everyone an opportunity to bond with each other in the traditional role of grandparents and grandchildren. We are in talks with NGOs to facilitate this by identifying the right people.”

Some retired postal employees will also take up the role of grandparents. “The seniors will be goaded to write letters to the children they are introduced to on the day. We expect a total of 100 participants. A senior and a junior will form a pair, who will also take part in a quiz event,” he added. The day-long event will take place at the GPO.

The Postal Week is an annual event held from October 9 to October 16.

Walking 7km every day

Kumar has been walking 7 km every day since October 2 to follow Centre’s Fit India Freedom Run 3.0 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative observed from October 2 to October 31. “I have been walking 3.5 km from my residence at Museum Road to the CPMG office on Palace Road and back. I hope it also inspires staff in the Postal Department if they stay near the office,” he told TNIE. “I am enjoying it. I walk via Cubbon Park, and taking new routes to my workplace,” he said of his experience.

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International Coffee Day to be celebrated at Belur on Oct. 1

Karnataka Growers Federation, an umbrella organisation of coffee growers in the Malnad region, will celebrate International Coffee Day at Belur on October 1. This time the event will be part of the Sharannavarathri Dasara programme being held at Belur since September 26.

In a press release on Thursday, KGF president H.T. Mohan Kumar and general secretary K.B. Krishnappa said the KGF and other coffee planters associations will jointly hold the programme at Government Junior College grounds in the town at 10 a.m. Excise Minister K. Gopalaiah, who is also Minister in charge of Hassan district, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shobha Karandlaje, BJP national general secretary C.T. Ravi and others will take part in the programme.

India has a prominent place among coffee-growing countries. Every year, coffee production contributes ₹8,000 crore of foreign exchange to the government. The KGF will take up a programme to promote coffee consumption in the country, the press release said.

Mangaluru: MCC bags Swachh Bharath League special award

The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has bagged the special award of Swachh Bharath League given by union ministry for housing and urban affairs. This award is given to cities with population between three and ten lac.

In this competition, which was held under Swachh Bharath Abhiyan campaign, more than 1850 city and local bodies took part. This award is given to cities who are striving to realize the idea of waste free city.

Roopa Mishra, joint director of urban affairs of Swachh Bharath Abhiyan said that the award will be conferred on September 30 at the Talkatora stadium of New Delhi.

You have honoured all daughters of India: President tells Hubballi Dharwad

President of India Droupadi Murmu was accorded civic honour by Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation(HDMC) on September 26

President of India Droupadi Murmu, who was accorded civic honour by Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation(HDMC) on September 26, termed the honour as ‘an honour to all the daughters of the nation’.

The President said, “By honouring a person like me, who comes from a humble background, you have honoured all the daughters of the nation.” The audience responded with a huge round of applause.

Earlier, the President was accorded ‘poura sanmana’ (civic honour) by Hubballi Dharwad Mayor Iresh Anchatageri, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in the presence of Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, former chief minister Jagadish Shettar and other MLAs.

The President began her speech by recollecting the contribution of the twin cities of Hubballi Dharwad to the field of education and music. She said that she was very happy to be in Hubballi Dharwad, which had great cultural significance and are known as ‘Vidya Kashi’ (the Kashi of education).

Referring to the history of the region and contribution of Hubballi Dharwad to the field of art, culture, education and also the freedom struggle, she recalled the names of Kittur queen Chennamma and Baba Sahib of Naragund. She also cited legendary vocalists Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru and Gangubai Hangal, and their contribution to the field of music.

The President said that she would like to congratulate the people of Hubballi Dharwad as they were living in twin cities, which contribute immensely to Karnataka and the nation. She said the people of the twin cities had not forgotten their roots and culture while embracing technology. “You have not forgotten history while embracing science for development,” she said.

‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Recalling the contribution of freedom fighters from north Karnataka, she said that the country is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, and by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence, it would be ‘developed’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’.

Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Mayor Iresh Anchatageri briefed them about the region and twin cities. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi referred to the contribution of the region to music, literature and education. Of the eight Jnanpeeth award winners from Karnataka, five are from Dharwad, known as the land of literature and music, he said.

The Union Minister also briefed the audience about the life of President Droupadi Murmu and elaborated on how, coming from a humble tribal family, she became an elected representative and rose to the position of President of India.

Karnataka Ministers Halappa Achar and Shankar Patil Munenakoppa, MLAs Prasad Abbayya, Arvind Bellad and Amrut Desai were among those who attended the event.

Udupi: Feast of Mackerel, Milk Shark fish in coastal districts

Mackerel, which is one of the most sought after fish in the coastal districts by pescatarians, is available in plenty these days. It is being sold at a throwaway price. People are stocking them in refrigerators for future use as well.

Two days ago 50 mackerels were sold for Rs 100. Two fish were being bought for Rs 100 during June and July.

Due to inclement weather in the deep sea even during the beginning of the fishing season most of the fish swam close to the beach and even traditional fishermen were having a feast time.

Another fish that is available in abundance is Milk shark. A few days ago sardines had fallen in tonnes on the Thottam beach. Now it is the turn of Milk sharks. These fish weigh two to three kilos and are sold at Rs 280 a kilo. Most of it is exported to Kerala also.

Milk Sharks are mostly located near huge rocks in the sea beaches of little inside sea. Fins, tail and ear of these fishes are in great demand. They are cut at the port itself and kept separately for export after drying in sun. This is used in making medicines.

On the whole fish lovers of coastal districts are having a feast time. The arrival Navaratri has also contributed to the reduction in fish prices as most of the Hindus do not eat fish during this period.

In a first, BBMP to distribute ‘smart cane’ for visually challenged

Officials said that the smart cane is capable of conveying information about an obstacle with at least three different patterns of vibrations that vary with distance. The detection range of the sensor is up to 3 metres

Bengaluru

For the first time, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will distribute ‘Smart Cane’, a handle-like device that can be attached to the white cane normally used by the visually challenged under a welfare scheme.

The welfare department of the civic body will provide smart cane to 943 visually impaired beneficiaries in the city.

Speaking to The Hindu, a senior BBMP official said, “This is the first time such an initiative has been taken up by the welfare department to provide a smart cane to visually impaired persons in the city free of cost. This unique scheme will help blind people who are from poor backgrounds who cannot afford such smart canes.”

According to officials, the smart cane will be foldable and is capable of detecting obstacles in front. “The detection range of the sensor is up to 3 metres and users have the option to reduce the detection range with help of a switch. Users also can adjust the angle sensor according to the height of the user,” officials explained.

The smart canes will be provided to beneficiaries who have registered for this scheme at the welfare department. The officials said that the smart cane is capable of conveying information about the obstacle distance with at least three different patterns of vibrations that vary with distance. “The smart cane is built in a rechargeable battery with 8 hours of use on a single charge. The sensor is detachable and it can be removed from the cane. The manufacturer of the product will give a 36 months warranty,” the official added.

Schemes to restart

After the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, most welfare schemes were on hold and the funds were all diverted for COVID-19 management. Now, the BBMP is clearing such welfare schemes by approving files, officials informed. “No welfare scheme has been implemented since 2020. The schemes were all put on the backburner on account of the pandemic. Available funds were all diverted for COVID-19 management,” BBMP’s senior officials said.

Barring a few schemes, such as reimbursement of school fees of children of pourakarmikas and ‘Onti Maney’, others such as wheelchairs for the disabled, distribution of sewing machines, laptops and tabs, and self-help programmes for women and transgender persons have not been implemented. The officials added that such welfare schemes will be implemented soon.

Apart from the smart cane, the BBMP will also provide laptops to blind people under welfare schemes.

Golden Shikhara for Ayodhya Ram Temple from Karnataka

‘Golden Shikhara from the birthplace of Lord Hanuman will be an apt gesture’

Udupi Pejawar Mutt Seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji on Sunday, September 11, informed the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust that devotees of Lord Rama from Karnataka will present the Golden Shikhara for the upcoming Sri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Sri Vishwaprasanna, one of the Trustees of the Trust, made this demand at its meeting in Ayodhya, said a communiqué from the Mutt office. Presenting the Golden Shikhara from Karnataka, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, would be an apt gesture, the Swamiji informed other trustees.

He said the Shikhara would be so designed to match the architecture of the temple with the help of devotees from Karnataka and be taken in procession across the State under the banner of Vishwa Hindu Parishat before presenting it at the temple in Ayodhya.

The Seer also suggested that the trustees may undertake a National Yatra to invite people for the inauguration of the temple scheduled for next year-end.

Meanwhile, the Trust decided to get the idol of Lord Rama carved in white stone mixed with blue colour for consecration of the temple. The cost of construction, initially estimated at ₹400 crore, was revised to ₹1,300 crore even as donations from devotees from across the country were pouring in. Construction cost as on date amounting to around ₹300 crore was managed through donations alone, the meeting was informed. The meeting discussed apt management of the initial donations of ₹1,000 crore.

Trust President Mahanta Gopala Dasa chaired the meeting attended among others by Secretary Champath Ray, Treasurer Govinda Giri Maharaj and others.

Sri Vishwaprasanna, who was observing Chaturmasa vrata at Hyderabad, went directly to Ayodhya after completing the ritual.

Airbnb ranks Bengaluru among top tourist destinations

Travellers are eager to visit India, and inclined to stay on for longer to explore more places, which is increasing economic opportunities for the locals, a survey by Airbnb has revealed.

Travellers are eager to visit India, and inclined to stay for longer to explore more places, which is increasing economic opportunities for the locals, a survey by Airbnb has revealed. A study of searches by international tourists for Airbnb Stays in India showed that it jumped by more than 60 per cent Y-o-Y from Q1 2021 to Q1 2022, indicating that the tourism industry is bouncing back.

Data also showed that metro cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai have emerged as the most popular destinations among international and domestic travellers. Those from Canada, the UAE, the UK, Germany, and Australia were among the top origin countries for searches for India. Airbnb GM for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Amanpreet Bajaj said the uptick in preference for metro cities and tourist hotspots indicates people have resumed travelling along with workstations and vacations.

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Leading the way: Mysuru engineering students build automated stick for visually impaired

Four students from Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE), Mysuru, have developed an automated stick as a supportive device for the visually challenged.

Constant worry about potholes and obstacles affects the confidence of the visually impaired when they step out of their home. The stick helps them traverse safely, identifying potholes and hurdles while moving in crowded places, according to the students.

The stick developed by the students uses ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection and pothole detection for ensuring timely alerts to the visually challenged person.

Smrithi Baliga, a third-year Electronics and Communications Engineering student at VVCE, was worried seeing visually-challenged persons facing difficulties while crossing roads.

Teaming up with enthusiastic classmates Sapna H.M., Shreyas N., and Yogesh Gowda V., Ms. Smrithi came up with the idea of developing the stick. The Internet of Things (IoT)-based stick with an obstacle and pothole detection system using ultrasonic sensors was developed with guidance from Chandrashekar M. Patil, professor and Head, Department of ECE, and Girijamba D.L., assistant professor.

B. Sadashivegowda, principal, VVCE, said: “We are proud of our students for taking up the project. In recent times, technology has helped improve healthcare across the world. Through this project, our students have proven how technology could be used to fight visual impairment. The automated stick helps visually-impaired individuals move freely with confidence.”

The students have proposed to bring in some improvement to their product. Voice output via Bluetooth; upgrade of pothole detection from ultrasonic sensors to image-processing technique; LDR to sense lighting conditions; RF remote to locate the stick itself are among the additions, a note from the college said.