Arts, Culture & Entertainment – Page 6

French hospitality brand ibis opens its fourth hotel in Bengaluru

Accor will have 100 hotel properties in India in the next five years

Global hospitality chain ibis announced its fourth and 21 hotel property in the city and in the country, respectively, near Manyata Tech Park at Hebbal on Wednesday.

The 154-room ibis Bengaluru Hebbal built-in 8-floors will have a fully-electric fireless kitchen, as per the hotel chain.

J.B. Singh, President & CEO, InterGlobe Hotels, a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises and Accor Asia Pacific, said, “This is the fourth ibis hotel in the city. ibis Bengaluru Hebbal has been designed with our ‘New Generation’ theme, which features highly dynamic, colourful and lively public areas coupled with a unique dining experience.’‘

Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia said, “Bengaluru is known to attract both business and leisure travelers, and this launch will provide them with a comfortable stay with a dynamic atmosphere to suit a globetrotter’s tastes.”

Accor is a French multinational hospitality company that owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties under 40 different brands. It operates in 5,300 locations in over 110 countries.

Mr. Dhawan said the outlook for the hospitality sector in the country looked very positive for the next five to 10 years and Accor would have opened 100 hotels in the country in the next five years, up from 56 at present.

Mangaluru: H M Pernal among Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy honourary awardees

The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy honourary awards will be conferred on H M Pernal, Ramesh Kamath and Kumuda Gadakar in a ceremony on September 18 at Kaashimata, Bengaluru.

The Konkani Sahitya Award will be conferred on H M Pernal, Konkani Art Award on Ramesh Kamath, and Konkani Folk Award on Kumudha Gadakar.

Higher education minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayana, and minister for Kannada and Culture V Sunil Kumar will be confer the awards.

Konkani Sirisampada, Parichaya Pustaka, and Buykaamp Brugana Sangile Pulla Kaanyo books will be released on the occasion.

Mangaluru south MLA Vedavyas Kamath, MLC Prathap Simha Nayak, government secretary Dr N Manjula, Prakash J T, V N Mallikarjuna Swamy and Jayashree Shanbaug will also take part in the event.

The awardees will receive Rs 50,000 cash each.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Jagadish Pai conducted press meet and gave the information. Member Arun G Shet, Canute Jeevan Pinto, Naveen Nayak, Gopalkrishna Bhat and registrar Manohar Kamath were also present.

About the awardees

H M Pernal

Henry Mendonca, popularly known as H M Pernal writes fluently in Konkani, Kannada, English, Hindi and Marathi languages. Initially his poems and short stories were published in Kannada periodicals like ‘Tharanga’ ‘Suddi-Sangathgi’ ‘Mallige’ ‘Sankramana’ ‘Shoodra’ ‘Thaayinudi’ etc. He debuted in Konkani as a cartoonist in the periodical ‘Yuvak’ and later started publishing, poems, articles and essays on poetry, in various other Konkani periodicals.

H M Pernal has published over 750 poems, over 100 short stories and over 2000 essays and articles in the last 38 years. ‘Cholyank Chothrai’ (1999) ‘Kaidyachyo Kavita’ (2004) ‘Bamunanchem Cheddum’ (2006) are the published anthologies of his poems. ‘Devaak sodullo Pado (2002) and ‘Beeg ani Beegatha’ (2016) are the published collections short stories. ‘Konkani Kavyem: Rupam ani Rupakam’ (2021) is a collection of critical essays on modern Konkani poetry.

He was selected as the ‘Poet of the Year’ by popular literary website daaiz.com in 2006. All India Radio Stations of Managaluru and Mumbai aired his programmes. He has represented Konkani poetry in the Amaravathi International’s Poetry Prism book.

He is the founder and editor/publisher of premier Konkani literary website www.kittall.com, which is in its 12th year of non-stop publication. He is the founder and presently publisher of ARSO Konkani magazine, edited by popular poet Wilson, Kateel. He runs a publication house in Konkani under the banner KITTALL PUBLICATIONS, which publishes quality books every year. To encourage youth writers in Konkani he started KITTALL YOUTH AWARD in the year 2012 sponsored by NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Leo Rodrigues and family. He was conferred prestigious Smt Vimala V Pai award for the year 2018, by the World Konkani Center, for the best literary creation for his collection of short stories ‘Beeg Ani Bigath’. In the same year Kavita Trust, institution working for the promotion and promulgation of Konkani poetry conferred Mathias Family Kavitha award for his contribution to Konkani poetry and research work. His book ‘Konkani Kavyem : Rupam ani Rupakam’ published by Kavita Publications, publication wing of Kavita Trust founded by Poet Melvyn Rodrigues was adjudged best book of the year by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.

Ramesh Kamath

Ramesh Kamath is a renowned face in the field of drama, film and social activities as well. He is the only Konkani person from the state who holds degree in film making.

He has produced and directed three Konkani films. From the year 1971-1975, he has acted in 5 Konkani plays. NAKA association of US awarded him life time achievement award in the year 2016.

Kumudha Gadakar

Kumudha Gadakar is actively involved in Konkani folk. She has performed in 60-70 Konkani drama and 100 Konkani Yakshagana roles. She has performed in Karawara Karavali Utsav for the past 15 years.

She was part of Konkani awareness campaign in 15 districts of North Karnataka conducted by Konkani Sahitya Academy from the year 2009 to 2011.

India Foundation for the Arts offers a chance to tell stories about Bengaluru neighbourhoods

IFA seeks to implement projects that engage with the spaces, stories, and people in Bengaluru’s neighbourhoods

India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) is inviting proposals for Neighbourhood Engagements under its Project 560, which seeks to explore Bengaluru’s neighbourhoods.

IFA seeks to implement projects that engage with the spaces, stories, and people in the neighbourhoods. They can be an event or a series of events with storytelling sessions, music, street performances, art installations, mapping exercises, walks and so on.

The projects are supposed to make their neighbourhoods more visible and express through art, the joys and challenges of living together.

How can you apply?

Send a proposal with:-

1. A description of your neighbourhood and its uniqueness — the various kinds of people who live there, its history, shopping areas, housing patterns, community centres and cultural practices.

2. Details of what you would like to do and who would participate in the activities.

You may choose to write your proposal in any Indian language, including English.

If you wish to discuss project ideas before sending your proposal or have queries regarding the same, please write to menaka@indiaifa.org.

The final proposal, with all supporting materials, should be submitted online in a single email not exceeding 25 MB to menaka@indiaifa.org on or before September 5.

For your project, you can also request IFA for financial support up to ₹35,000.

More information: here

Clay seed Ganesha campaign sets a new Guinness record

People from various age groups join hands to sculpt 3,308 idols

The clay seed Ganesha campaign, organised by Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava and Shree Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangha, in association with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Rotary Bangalore Parisara, claimed to have set a new Guinness World Record for ‘the most number of people sculpting with modelling clay simultaneously’ on Sunday at National College Grounds in Basavanagudi. Although the initial goal was set to create 10,000 Ganesha idols, only 3,308 idols could be created, making it to the records book.

“We are elated because we have broken our own record that we had created three years ago. We would like to do this more and more. We couldn’t reach our desired number, but I’m glad that we could set a new benchmark,” said Nandish Mariyappa, managing trustee of Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava.

The campaign saw over 3,000 people from various age groups and professions joining hands to sculpt their personal Ganesha idols. Idol-making materials such as clay, sculpting popsicle sticks, plant seeds, and water were provided at the venue. Many professional artist volunteers were also assisting participants. The live screening of the sculpting procedure by an artist was also organised. Seeds of plants such as tulsi, ashwagandha, sunflower and other flowering plants were provided for embedding within the idols. QR codes were also allocated to individual idols.

“We are so happy about the Guinness record. It’s a milestone for the KSPCB because we had planned to execute this systematically and create awareness about environmental pollution. We have all created our green Ganapa and seed Ganapa. This has been a success not only because of the record but also because of it being environment friendly,” said Shanth A. Thimmaiah, KSPCB Chairman.

Bengaluru Poetry Festival 2022: Celebrating the spoken word

The Bengaluru Poetry Festival is back for its sixth edition this weekend after a two-year break

The Bengaluru Poetry Festival (BPF) returns to the city this weekend after a gap of two years. Presented by Atta Galatta, the event spread over two days will see as many as 70 poets and artistes participating in various interactive sessions and workshops.

Subodh Sankar, founder of Atta Galatta and one of the organisers of BPF, says one of striking features of the festival is its inclusion of poetry in multiple languages. “We have readings by poets in different languages. We don’t restrict ourselves to a theme as it ends up creating boundaries where none need exist,” he says, adding, “It is a celebration of Indian poetry and a chance to bring those voices to a live audience.”

For Bengaluru-based poetess Mani Rao, the joy of being part of BPF is a celebration in itself. “The BPF is one of those events where there are no overlapping sessions; everyone can enjoy every module without having to scurry out of one halfway, just to attend another. Here, there will be two intense days poetry sessions. Today, there are so many people writing poetry in different styles and through their work one can get an idea of their views. The spoken word has really taken off in India,” says Mani, who is looking forward to meeting poets she has read at the fest as well as other members of the poet community.

Udupi: Rotary Brahmavar celebrates World Photography Day, honours senior photographers

World Photography Day was celebrated by Rotary Brahmavar in association with South Canara Photographers’ Association Dakshina Kannada-Udupi Brahmavar unit.

Dinesh Nairy, president Rotary Brahmavar inaugurated the event by unveiling a 50-year-old photo camera.

An informative session on using cameras was also organized on the occasion.

Stephen Lewis Brahmavar, Sreedhar Hegde Kundapura, and Naveen Ballal Udupi were felicitated on the occasion for their service in the field of photography. Pratheesh, Mohan Udupa and Sunil introduced the awardees to the gathering.

Prakash Jattanna, president South Canara Photographers’ Association Dakshina Kannada-Udupi Brahmavar unit proposed the vote of thanks. Alwyn Andrade, secretary Rotary Brahmavar welcomed the gathering. Sunil Pandeshwar compered the programme.

Eric D’Souza, member central committee Unnathi Uday Kumar Shetty, director Rotary professional services were present on the occasion.

Mangaluru: Mauzo is an icon of composite culture of Goa – Dr M Prabhakar Joshi

“Damodar Mauzo bridges complexities and simplicity of literature in Konkani for the benefit of common reader and connoisseur equally.

He is an icon of the composite culture of Goa and he lives and practices the ethos of his writings. He has maintained Konkani identity and distinctiveness in his literature,” said Dr M Prabhakar Joshi, eminent thinker and Yakshagana scholar, after unveiling the portrait of Jnanapith Awardee and celebrated Konkani novelist Damodar Mauzo at World Konkani Hall of Fame of World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru in a ceremony held on Tuesday August 23.

Present on the occasion, Damodar Mauzo, expressed his humility in accepting this honour. He said, “World Konkani Centre is like a second home to me. It is true embodiment of Basti Vaman Shenoy, as I always saw both are none the same.” His wife was also present on the occasion.

President of World Konkani Centre, Nandagopal Shenoy, welcomed the guests and the gathering. Konkani poet and trustee of World Konkani Centre, Melvyn Rodrigues hosted the event, and secretary Giridhar Kamath delivered the vote of thanks.

Gilbert D’Souza, vice president, B R Bhat, treasurer and trustees of World Konkani Centre Ramesh Naik, Shakuntala R Kini, CEO Gurudath bantwalkar, Dr B Devadas Pai, director (Research), philanthropist James Mendonca, Konkani writers H M Pernal, Titus Noronha, Kudpi Rajanikanth Shenoy and others were present.

Udupi: Bejai Lourdes School, Bantwal’s BRMPC emerge winners at ‘St Mary’s Mindathon’

Lourdes Central School, Bejai, Mangaluru (under-14 category) and BRMPC Public School, Vidyagiri, Bantwal (under-17 category) emerged winners in the ‘St Mary’s Mindathon’ AICS Interschool Chess Tournament 2022, organized by St Mary’s English Medium School Kannarpady here at the school auditorium on Tuesday August 23.

In the under-14 category, Sharada Vidyalaya, Kodialbail, Mangaluru, Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Vidya Kendra, Alike, St Theresa’s School, Mangaluru, and Delhi Public School, MRPL, Mangaluru bagged the second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively.

In the under-17 category, Sharada Vidyalaya, Kodialbail, Mangaluru, Little Rock Indian School, Brahmavar, Udupi, St Aloysius Gonzaga School, Kodialbail, Mangaluru and St Mary’s English Medium School Kannarpady secured the second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively.

Deric Pinto, proprietor of Derik Chess School, Mangaluru inaugurated the chess tournament by lighting the lamp.

Wishing the best for all the contestants, he said, “Chess has many benefits. It will develop our decision making, memory and concentration. Chess players can become leaders and raise awareness. Chess is the only game where humans could compete with machines. A man becomes a man, when he can take decisons. Mangaluru is producing top players in many fields. Master Aaron Reeve Mendes (under 10) is one among them.”

Eliza Vaz, principal, Christ School Manipal was present as chief guest at the valedictory ceremony. She said, “Participation is very significant. Many of them may lose the game, but it does not matter. Children who are here to participate have made their parents proud. You have represented your school. Keep practicing and participating in the upcoming sports events.” She congratulated the institution for organizing such an event and wished the students a bright future.

Fr Charles Menezes, the correspondent of the institution also addressed the gathering. Benedict Fernandez, secretary, Parish Pastoral Council was present.

Fr Johnson Sequeira, the principal of St Mary’s English Medium School welcomed the gathering.

Gerald Pinto, physical education teacher of St Mary’s school, rendered the vote of thanks

Pictorial remembrance of partition horrors at Sharnbasva University

SBU students explained about the horrors through pictures in the newspapers

The horrors of the partition of India and Pakistan were presented in a pictorial format at the Sharnbasva University. Godutai Women’s Engineering College students explained about the horrors through pictures in the newspapers.

Presidential Sena Medal awardee Subedar Shantayya Swamy went around the exhibition with Subedar Major Phool Chand Sharma of the 32 Karnataka Batallian, NCC, Kalaburagi.

Later, addressing the students, Mr. Swamy recalled his exploits as the leader of the commando group which ambushed a team of Pakistan soldiers during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war and asked the students to come forward to join the Armed Forces for a bright future and also get a chance to serve the nation.

He said even during his school days, he was enamoured by the exploits of the Armed Forces and had joined the NCC when he was in school and with those NCC certificates he joined the Madras Regiment in 1961.

“With just 50 paise in my pocket, I travelled to Secunderabad in Andhra Pradesh to join the Armed Forces. After his six months training at Madras Regiment in Wellington at Ootacamund (Udhagamandalam), I was posted at the Indo-China Border. After my participation in the Indo-China War in 1961, I was transferred to several other forward areas and participated in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Pakistan 1971 war in which Bangladesh was created,” Mr. Swamy said.

Padma Shri awardee Tulsi Gouda gets bridge after decades

After an outburst over the pathetic condition that Padma Shri awardee Tulsi Gouda was living in, as she and her family were forced to stay indoors during monsoon with the stream in front of their house overflowing, now a temporary bridge has been constructed.

She has been living on an elevated platform at Honnali along the Hubballi-Ankola highway for decades. During the rainy season, it used to be a nightmare as the overflowing stream would cut them off from the main road. She poured out her woes with the authorities, who visited her house and saw her plight first-hand. “Water comes till our house, even if it rains for half-an-hour,” Shekar Gouda, her grandson, said.

Tulasi said, “I don’t step out much as I am old and weak. But my family members have to go out and work for a living.” Responding to her pleas, Karwar-Ankola MLA Rupali Naik ensured that the makeshift bridge was constructed.

“We have completed the temporary bridge now. But we are planning to construct a permanent foot over bridge. Rs 45 lakh has been sanctioned,” Naik said. “But the neighbouring property owner claims that the land on which the bridge is coming up belongs to him. We will resolve the issue once the monsoon gets over,” she informed.

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