September 2022 – Page 4 – Karnataka First

Anathalaya To Present Thathaiah Award-2022 To ‘Software Ratnakara’ Dr. S. Murali Tomorrow

By C. V. Gopinath, President, Anathalaya and former Additional Secretary to Government of India

The Anathalaya on Narayana Shastri Road, Mysuru, founded in 1896 to serve the poor students, this year is celebrating Thathaiah’s Day at 4 pm on Saturday, 10th September 2022, at the Anathalaya premises.

The celebration coincides with the commemoration of the 178th birth anniversary of its Founder, the Grand Old Man of Mysore, Vrudhapitamaha, Daya Sagara, M. Venkatakrishnaiah.

Every year on the occasion of the Founder’s Day celebration, the institute confers Thathaiah Award after the name of Vrudhapitamaha, Daya Sagara, M. Venkatakrishnaiah and carries a purse of Rs. 25,000.

The award is conferred on persons of high achievements in the field of education, journalism, social reforms and service to society. This year’s award will be conferred on Dr. S. Murali, the renowned Educationist and Eminent Computer Engineer popularly known as “Software Ratnakara.”

About the Awardee

S. Murali holds a Ph.D in Computer Engineering from the University of Mysore (UoM) with a teaching experience in engineering subjects for more than 33 years. He has to his credit more than 250 research papers at National and International levels. Murali has conducted several workshops on Computer Vision and Image Processing technology. He has guided more than 16 Ph.D scholars.

At present he is serving as Chairman of two Technical Colleges, twenty Degree Colleges, two MBA Institutes, one each of Ayurvedic Degree College and Nursing College. Murali has received many national and international awards.

Thathaiah and Anathalaya

Hailing from Magge village in Anatharasanthe hobli of H.D. Kote taluk in Mysuru District, Magge Venkatakrishnaiah, popularly known as Thathaiah, and always referred as the Grand Old Man of Mysore established this institution in 1896. He came from a very poor family that migrated to Mysore and was joined by several like-minded people such as Ambale Annaiah Pandit, C. Narasimhaiah and others to serve the cause of poor students by providing free food and shelter.

Initially, Anathalaya was established by Swami Nanjunda Saraswati at Niranjana Mutt premises on Krishna Vilasa Road. Later some land was allotted near Subbarayanakere on Narayana Shastri Road. At this stage, Thathaiah took charge of this institution when over a period of time Advocate K. Chandrashekharaiah, Chartered Accountant P.R. Hariharan, landlord Mirle Najundaiah, Prof. S.V. Ranganna and Thathaiah’s grandson, M.S. Srinivasa Rao joined the humanitarian crusade by making major contributions to develop this institution for serving the cause of poor students coming from villages in and around Mysore district.

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Shell enters EV charging business, starting with Bengaluru

The energy company has plans to install over 10,000 charging points across India by 2030

Shell, an integrated energy firm, has chosen Bengaluru to set up its first sets of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for four-wheeler and two-wheeler segments in India.

To start with, the company on Thursday opened five Shell recharge stations at Yeshwanthpur, Marathahalli, Old Madras Road, Brookefield, and on Kanakpura Road.

Shell will provide customised charging solutions at on-the-go locations such as Shell fuel stations, standalone EV hubs, home charging, and destination locations.

For on-the-go and standalone EV hubs, the company will deploy 100 kilowatts (KW) and above direct-current (DC) fast chargers to enable fast charging and the lowest possible dwell time, as per company officials.

The company has plans to expand its EV charging infrastructure beyond its existing retail markets of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.

Shell Energy said it has plans to set up over 10,000 such stations across the country by 2030. Shell recharge chargers would be 100% powered by green energy, it said.

Customers will be able to operate these chargers through the ‘Shell Recharge India app’, available on both Android and iOS operating systems.

Why home delivery partners prefer electric bikes

Mangaluru: 25th annual national homoeopathic conference ‘Impetus’ inaugurated at FMHMC

The inaugural programme of the 25th Annual national homoeopathic conference ‘IMPETUS 2022 – Kindle The Process To Success’ of Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College (FMHMC) was held on September 16 at the Father Muller Auditorium, Deralakatte.

The chief guest of the programme was Prof Dr Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, MS (ENT), FRCS (England), vice chancellor NITTE (Deemed to be University) and the president of the function was Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, the director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions.

The chief guest of the programme, Prof Dr Satheesh Kumar Bhandary gave his inaugural address in which he highlighted the immense contribution of Father Muller Institution to the field of health and Education. He expressed his wishes and hopes in forming collaborative joint ventures in the field of Scientific Research and Education in the form of Memorandum of Understanding. The chief guest, then proceeded with the release of the souvenir and was accompanied by the other dignitaries on the stage. Dr Raisa Cherian the Chairperson of the Souvenir Committee joined the release of the Souvenir Magazine.

Father Muller Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical division is famous all over the world for its quality products and medicines and is always in the process of modernizing, renovating and creating better products. Fr Roshan Crasta, administrator, FMHMC&H and FMHPD, launched a series of new products, along with the director Fr Richard A Coelho. In his message on the occasion, the administrator explained about the new products and also conveyed his wishes for the day.

Research and innovations are the life blood of any educational institution and the research unit of FMHMC have brought out a research bulletin, aggregating and spotlighting the achievements of the staff and students in this arena. The first introductory volume of the research bulletin was released by the director, Fr Richard A Coelho. The Research and Scientific Committee coordinator Dr Kurian P J also joined the dignitaries for the release.

Rangayana Mysuru gears up for 17-day cultural celebration of theatre and theatre music from September 19

The theatre music festival is being held in memory of B.V. Karanth while the Dasara theatre festival will celebrate Nada Habba

Theatre repertory Rangayana has chalked out a series of programmes to mark the birth anniversary of playwright and doyen of theatre B.V. Karanth as well as Dasara celebrations over the next 17 days in Mysuru.

The programmes will commence from September 19 which is being celebrated as ‘’Bharatiya Rangasangeetha Dina’’ (Indian Theatre Music Day) to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late Karanth, who was also the first director of Rangayana.

Sharing details of the forthcoming programmes, Mr. Addanda C Cariappa, Director of Rangayana, said the contribution of Karanth to the field of theatre and culture was immense. Hence, since the last two years, his birth anniversary was being celebrated with a Ranga Sangeethothsava or theatre music festival and this year, too, it will be celebrated in a befitting manner, he said.

The theatre music festival will be inaugurated by Amod Bhat of Rangaparva, Mumbai on September 19. The venue for the programme is Bhoomigeetha and the events will commence from 6.30 p.m. This will follow programmes by Srinivas Bhat of Ranga Snehitaru, Mysuru (Sept 20); Y.M. Puttanaiah, music director, Mysuru (Sept 21); Kalyani, music director, Sopanam Institute of Performing Arts and Research Centre, Kerala (Sep 22); R. Srinath, music director, Ranga Snehitaru, Bengaluru (Sept 23) and on the last day (Sept 24), a play Mookana Makkalu, for which the late B.V.Karanth composed the music, to be staged by the Rangayana repertory of Mysuru.

Dasara Rangothsava

The theatre music festival will be followed by Dasara Ranghotsava from September 25 to October 4. The two back-to-back events spread over 17 days will provide a rare treat to connoisseurs of arts in the city.

The Dasara theatre festival will also be held at Bhoomigeetha everyday from 6.30 p.m. and the inaugural play, Krishnegowdana Aane, will be staged by the Rangayana repertory. The other plays are: Samarkatha by students of Bharatiya Rangavidyalaya, Rangayana, Mysuru (Sept 26); Policeariddare Echharike by Ayama Rangathanda, Mysuru (Sept 27); Madhavi by Kaivalya Kalakendra troupe (Sept 28); That’s All Your Honour by Rangasangathi Sanskrathika Pratishtana, Mangaluru (Sept 29); Ee Kelaginavaru by NSD troupe, Bengaluru (Sept 30); Marichana Bandhugalu by Sneharanga, Bengaluru (Oct 1); Halagali Samara by Rangayana repertory, Mysuru (Oct 2); Vishanke by Rangabhumi, Udupi (Oct 3) and Mamateya Suli by Kalabhi theatre, Mangaluru (Oct 4).

Mr. Cariappa said the valedictory ceremony of the theatre festival on October 4 will also be marked by bestowing Dasara Rangagowrava Puraskara to veteran theatre personality Dr. Na Ratna.

Theatre training

A short-term theatre training camp will also be conducted by Rangayana from October 5 onwards for 45 days. It is open to those interested in theatre in the age group of 18 to 40 years. The training programme will be conducted from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily and the participants will also be exposed to technicalities of theatre. Certificates will be issued on completion of the course.

Krishi Mela in Dharwad from Saturday

University of Agricultural Sciences will host the four-day event

University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) Dharwad will host a four-day Krishi Mela to showcase various developments in the farm sector and farm technologies in Dharwad from Saturday.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of UAS Dharwad R. Basavarajappa told presspersons in Dharwad on Wednesday that the Krishi Mela being organised with the theme, Agriculture Technologies for Doubling Farmers Income, will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday, at 11.30 a.m.

The Krishi Mela is being held after a gap of two years because of COVID-19 and related restrictions. Exhibition of agricultural inputs, farm machinery, organic farming, hi-tech horticulture, integrated farming system, Home Science, cottage industries, bakery products, medicinal and aromatic plants and animal husbandry will be organised, apart from consultation to farmers by farm scientists.

Prof. Basavarajappa said that to educate farmers on value-addition to crops for better returns, the university has invited resource persons from across the country. This apart, food processing units too have been invited to participate in the farm fair and the effort is to create a link between them and farmers, he said.

The Krishi Mela attracts lakhs of people from across North Karnataka and neighbouring States. This time, it will have 184 hi-tech stalls, 364 general stalls, 21 machinery stalls, 27 food stalls, 54 livestock display stalls and nine field stalls.

The Krishi Mela will have sessions and stalls on nutri cereals – production, value addition and marketing, bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, integrated crop, nutrient, pest and disease management, rabi crop technologies, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, hi-tech horticulture, fruits and flowers show, nutri-garden, terrace garden and vertical garden, improved water management practice for higher yield and water conservation, conservation of resources through integrated watershed development, soil fertility and conservation of soil health, use of improved farm equipment and drone in agriculture, farmers innovations, dialogue with progressive farmers and farm women, farm advisory services by experts, animal husbandry, exhibition of breeds and fodder crops technologies, community science technologies for empowerment of women.

Prof. Basavarajappa said that seven progressive farmers and farm women each chosen from seven districts under the jurisdiction of UAS Dharwad will be honoured with the Shreshta Krishika and the Shreshta Krishika Mahile awards during the event.

This apart, the university has instituted an award in the name of poet Channaveera Kanavi and it will be conferred on those who have penned poems on farming, he said.

Director of Extension P.S. Hugar, Director of Research P.L. Patil and others were present.

IISc scientists develop gold-coated vesicles to fight tuberculosis

The spherical vesicles, which can be delivered to immune cells, are expected to potentially trigger an immune response

To combat tuberculosis, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have designed a new method under which a vaccine candidate for the disease can be delivered by making use of Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs). These spherical vesicles, which can be delivered to immune cells, are secreted by bacteria coated on gold nanoparticles. The deliverance is expected to potentially trigger an immune response to offer protection against TB.

Across the world, TB, which is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, claims the lives of over a million people every year. Currently, BCG is the only effective vaccine against TB. It contains a weakened form of the disease-causing bacterium, which when injected into the bloodstream, produces antibodies which can help fight the disease.

However, the scientists have said that the BCG vaccine does not protect adolescents and adults as effectively as it does children. Prompted by this, Rachit Agarwal, Assistant Professor at the Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering (BSSE), IISc, and his group worked on developing a potential subunit vaccine candidate that contains only parts of the infectious bacterium to stimulate an immune response.

Although other scientists had developed subunit vaccines based on a handful of proteins from the disease-causing bacteria earlier, they had not been effective in the treatment. Agarwal’s group decided to take a slightly varied approach and made use of OMVs — which are spherical membrane-bound particles released by some bacteria, and contain an assortment of proteins and lipids which could induce an immune response against the pathogen.

“They’re safer compared to a live bacterium, and since they are membrane-derived, they contain all kinds of antigens,” explained Agarwal, the senior author of the paper published in Biomaterials Advances. The researchers further explained that while subunit vaccines typically only contain a limited number of antigens — bacterial proteins that can elicit an immune response in the host, the OMVs contain a variety of antigens, which can induce a better immune response.

“Mycobacterium-derived OMVs are usually unstable and come in different sizes, making them unsuitable for vaccine applications. But the OMVs coated on gold nanoparticles (OMV-AuNPs) by the IISc team were found to be uniform in size and stable. The researchers also found that human immune cells showed a higher uptake of OMV-AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) than of OMVs or gold nanoparticles alone”, said an IISc press release.

According to Avijit Goswami, a former postdoctoral fellow at BSSE and one of the first authors of the study, the most challenging part was the production and scaling up of OMVs as it was a complex process. “To synthesise OMV-AuNPs, the OMVs and the gold nanoparticles are forced together through a 100 nm filter. The OMVs break up in the process and encapsulate the gold nanoparticles,” explained Edna George, a former postdoctoral fellow at BSSE, and co-first author of the study.

During this study, the immune cells, which were cultured in the lab, were treated with OMVs derived from a related bacterial species which does not cause disease in humans, called as Mycobacterium smegmatis. Furthering their research, the team plans to develop gold-coated OMVs derived directly from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They will then test the same on animal models and carry the results forward for clinical applications.

“Such efforts could open up new avenues for the development of vaccines for other bacterial diseases as well”, the release said.

Woman entrepreneurs expo in Hubballi

The two-day exhibition, Koushalya 2k22, is being organised by WeTie

A two-day exhibition of products manufactured by woman entrepreneurs, Koushalya 2k22, is being organised by WeTie (Women’s wing of The Indus Entrepreneurs-TiE), Hubballi, from Friday.

Addressing presspersons in Hubballi on Tuesday, TiE Hubballi president Shravani Pawar, convenor of WeTie Shilpa Shetty and co-convenor Shruti Hebsur said that the event is aimed at promoting woman entrepreneurs of North Karnataka.

The exhibition will be held at Hebsur Bhavan on Gokul Road in Hubballi. The exhibition will showcase products and services by woman entrepreneurs from across the State and also from Maharashtra, Gujarat and other States.

Ms. Shravani said that apart from providing training in various business skills to facilitating upscaling of their business, WeTie wanted to provide them marketing space so that they can reach out to a larger number of customers. So, the exhibition is being organised, she said.

Ms. Shilpa Shetty said that there will be 50 stalls, in all, at the exhibition showcasing different products and services.

Ms. Shruti Hebsur said that the exhibition will be inaugurated by Joint Director of District Industries Centre T. Siddanna at 10.30 a.m. on Friday.

Managing Director of Swarnaa Group of Companies V.S.V. Prasad and entrepreneur Kalpana Nayak will be the guest of honours for the inaugural session.

CSIR-CFTRI reaches out to micro entrepreneurs, start-ups

Plans skill initiatives on spice processing and post-harvest technologies for horticultural crops this month under CSIR Integrated Skill program

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) is organising two Skill Development initiatives in Spice Processing on September 20 and Post-Harvest Technologies for Horticultural Crops on September 30 under CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative for the benefit of the budding entrepreneurs, micro-entrepreneurs, startups, SHGs and entrepreneurial aspirants. The registration fee for the programs is nominal, it said.

Founded in 1950, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is a well-regarded research and development institution in the field of food science and technology which is actively engaged in the creation of novel and sustainable solutions for national development. The institute has expert faculties who have considerable years of experience in the area of food science and technology, a release said.

India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices — the country produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) and accounts for half of the global trading in spices. Indian spices are the most sought-after globally, given their exquisite aroma, texture, taste and medicinal value. India has the largest domestic market for spices in the world.

According to the CFTRI, the workshop on Spice Processing will be conducted in a hybrid mode — both offline and online mode. As many as 30 participants can visit the Institute for offline participation on a first-come-first-serve basis. The workshop will cover in detail about the current status and opportunities in spice processing, spice nutraceuticals and trends towards their value addition, analytical methods in spice processing, encapsulation of flavours and colorants, fumigation and infestation control for safe storage of spices, food safety standards and regulation in spice processing etc., the release said.

According to APEDA records, India is the world’s top producer of vegetables like ginger, okra and the leading producer of fruits including bananas, papayas, and mangoes. Utilising India’s capacity for processing fruits and vegetables into frozen (IQF), canned, pulp, puree, paste, sauces, dressings, flakes, dices, dehydration, pickles, juices, slices, chips, jams, and jellies etc. presents a significant opportunity.

The key topics in the one-day workshop on “Post-Harvest Technologies for Horticultural Crops” covers role of pack house in post-harvest handling of horticultural products, technologies for estimation of shelf life and pack house operations of fruits and vegetables, packaging requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables, equipment for fruits and vegetables processing, dehydration and canning of fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and beverage manufacture, cold storage for fruit and vegetable products.

The last date to apply for the workshops is September 18 (for spice processing) and September 26 (post-harvest technologies).

Those interested to attend these workshops may go through the details available online at https://www.cftri.res.in/sdp

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.

8th edition of Bangalore Business Literature Festival from September 13 to 17

One attraction this year is startup literature, and a full day has been dedicated to it in hybrid mode at the Bangalore International Centre

The Adani juggernaut, less-known mega corporate scandals, meltdown of big brands, such as Café Coffee Day, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, future of money, data half-truths, start-up literature: these are just a few topics the Bangalore Business Literature Festival will feature in its eighth edition, which will be held from September 13 to 17.

Another attraction this year is startup literature and a full day has been dedicated to it in hybrid mode at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC).

A release said Indian and international authors and business leaders will engage in fireside chats that are sure to excite and entertain entrepreneurs, executives, and students, while professionals and entrepreneurs can expect insights that will help them wade through rough times.

“The festival will capture the spirit of resilience and how this will help businesses, entrepreneurs and executives lift themselves up and consolidate from setbacks from the pandemic, economic slowdown, and plan for a better future,” added the release.

The 2022 winner of the BBLF C.K. Prahalad Best Business Book Award will be announced on September 17. The award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. The jury includes Rishikesha Krishnan, Director, IIMB, Jessie Paul, thought leader marketing, and Malavika Harita, branding guru.

For details, visit www.bizlitfest.com.