Month: September 2022

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.

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Lalbagh’s Christmas tree planted by Elizabeth II in the spotlight 

The tree has now grown beyond 70 feet and will soon carry her name

The Lalbagh Botanical Garden is home to thousands of trees and plants and many have, hidden in their foliage, nuggets of history. One such has suddenly found itself in the spotlight following the death of Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-ruling monarch.

The Christmas tree planted by her during her visit to Bengaluru in February 1961 has now grown beyond 70 feet, according to Horticulture Department officials.

The tree is located behind the Bandstand, near the Glass House. “In Lalbagh, we have over 75 trees which were planted by VVIPs. One of them was by Elizabeth II. Just 20 feet away from the tree planted by her is another Christmas tree planted by Abdul Ghaffar Khan (well-known as Frontier Gandhi). Almost 50 feet away from those trees is an Ashoka (Saraca asoca) tree planted by the former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi,” explained M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director (Parks), Horticulture Department.

Video surfaces

A video dating back to the queen’s visit to the city in 1961 has surfaced on the internet after her demise. In the video, it can be seen that as soon as she landed in Bengaluru with her husband, Prince Philip, she was welcomed by the then Governor of the State and the erstwhile ruler of the Mysuru, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar. It also shows huge crowds which had gathered on the streets to greet and catch a glimpse of the royal couple and the queen planting a sapling at Lalbagh.

Thanks to this video, for the last two days, department officials have received many enquiries regarding this hitherto little-known tree.

“There is a lot of curiosity among people about the tree. They are calling and asking us where the tree is located and its identification. So far, we have not put up any sign or information board, but in a few days, we will put up an information board and a picture of the queen near the tree,” Mr. Jagadeesh said

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Bengaluru boy tops JEE(Advanced) exam

R.K. Shishir, a student of Narayana E-Techno School, Vidyaranyapura, obtained 314 marks out of 360

A Bengaluru student aced the JEE (Advanced) exam, the results of which were announced on Sunday.

R.K. Shishir, a student of Narayana E-Techno School, Vidyaranyapura, emerged as the top ranker in the Common Rank List (CRL) of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay zone. He obtained 314 marks out of 360.

Vishal Bysani, a student from Allen Carrier Institute, got a CRL 13 of IIT Bombay zone and is the second topper of the State.

Shishir got 109 marks in Chemistry, 96 in Physics, and 109 in Mathematics. He also got the first rank in CET-2022 pharmacy and fourth rank in the Engineering stream. He got second rank (AIR) in Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana, which was conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.

Shishir wants to pursue Computer Science Engineering at IIT, Bombay. He shared his happiness with The Hindu: “It was really challenging, but I am very happy that I could make it. I would definitely thank the Narayana system, my parents, and my teaching faculty who were with me in and out during two years of my advanced preparation.”

“Narayana Micro Schedule, the weekly and cumulative exams, the rectification of errors list and national-wide analysis made me understand the pros and cons in every subject, which helped me understand my position and worked on it continuously. As my goal was to achieve a seat in top-notch IITs, COVID-19 didn’t affect me in any way. During the pandemic, I preferred self-study. In fact, it helped me to prepare well. IIT Bombay is the startup hub of India. I am interested to set up a startup and contribute to society,” he added.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai lauded Shishir’s achievement. In his tweet, he congratulated him, “Hearty congratulations to Shishir R.K, who got the first position in JEE (Advanced) examination and increased the fame of Karnataka. I wish you further success in the future.”

Vishal, who was also the fifth topper in CET 2022 and second topper in COMED-K in the Engineering stream, said, “The habit of performing consistently every year was due to my mentors. They had unquestionable faith in me, my preparation instincts and approach towards studies. During this entire period of preparation, my parents and my teachers’ unstinting support played a big role in my success.”

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Coffee Board to launch four premium varieties under ‘India Coffee’ brand on Amazon

As international price volatility challenges prevail, the Coffee Board is strengthening the domestic appeal for pure coffee across the country

Coffee Board of India, a body that represents coffee growers and coffee industry in the country, has decided to expand its reach by launching four premium coffees under the ‘India Coffee’ brand as well as two affordable coffees under the ‘Coffees of India’ brand on Amazon, said K.G. Jagadeesha, IAS, CEO & Secretary, Coffee Board on Monday.

“Now, we are expanding our reach by launching four premium coffees such as Coorg Arabica Coffee (GI), Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee (GI), 100% Arabica coffee and a blend of Arabica and Robusta under ‘India Coffee’ brand,’‘ he said.

The launch would also include affordable coffees such as 100% Arabica and a blend of Arabica and Robusta under the ‘Coffees of India’ brand, he said.

“Coffee Board’s collaboration with Amazon is expected to boost domestic coffee consumption. Our coffees are sourced from the best coffee estates to suit the taste of millions of coffee connoisseurs across the country,” Dr. Jagadeesha added.

As international price volatility challenges prevail, the Coffee Board was in the process of strengthening the domestic appeal for pure coffee across the country, Coffee Board CEO further stated.

Sourced from Karnataka

Coffee consumption in the country is on the rise. Through this association, a premium range of coffees will be available on Amazon.in, that are sourced from the coffee-producing regions of the country in Karnataka, as per Amazon.

“This is in line with our endeavour to offer flavours of Indian coffee at value offers to our customers,’‘ said Nishant Raman, Director – IN Consumables, Amazon India, in a statement.

The country’s coffee exports stood at a rise of 90% in April-June 2022 over the same period in FY 2013-14. As the seventh largest coffee producer in the world, India exports 70% of its coffee overseas. Acclaimed as a region known for the origin of high-quality coffee, India has created a niche for itself with seven GI-registered coffees that are offered globally, according to Coffee Board.

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Chairman of Canadian Canara Vision Inc Gilbert D’Souza passes away

 Renowned personality Gilbert D’Souza, chairman of Canadian Canara Vision Inc (CCVI), one of Canada’s prestigious institutions, passed away on Sunday September 11 after suffering a massive heart attack.

Gilbert was known in Mangaluru, Bahrain, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Canada among the universal Konkani community. He was residing in Mississauga Canada, along with his family. Before migrating to Canada, he was the owner of Al Taqa Equipment LLC in Abu Dhabi.

After completing his graduation in Mangaluru, he worked for Reserve Bank of India, Bakelite Haylam and Hindustan Lever in Bombay, and subsequently joined Unilever in the Middle East, for 20 years and retired holding the post of sales manager.

Gilbert is survived by wife and three children.

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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.

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Kundapur: 32nd annual conference of Indian Psychiatric Society Karnataka branch held

 “Mental health is very important in the modern days of pressurized world. No one should hesitate to get treatement for psychological health. We will not get solutions to our mental health issues if we do not go to the psychiatrists. This conference, which is intended to extend to community is very meaningful,” said Jayaprakash Hegde, president of state backward communities’ commission.

Hegde was speaking after inaugurating the 32nd annual conference of Indian Psychiatric society, Karnataka branch that was held at Yuva Meridian auditorium at Koteshwara on Saturday.

Hegde further said, “In order to protect the mental health I am doing the work of providing cooperation from our trust with the active cooperation of renowned psychiatrists of the district. Many people ask money for treatment but do not take medical help.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr N N Raju, president of Indian Psychiatric society said, “Karntaka is in the forefront of psychological health sector in the country. It is also leading the implementation of new projects in this connection. The service of psychiatrists of Kundapur is excellent service to society. Service of senior doctor like Dr K S Karanth is known throughout the country.”

The programmes was presided over by Dr P Kiran Kumar, president of Karnataka branch of society.

President designate of Indian Psychiatric association Dr Vinay Kumar, president of south zone Dr Udayakumar, president of Karnataka branch Dr N M Patil, honorary secretary Dr Somashekhar Bijjal, secretary of conference committee Dr Ravindar Munoli were present.

Dr Prakash Tolar welcomed the gathering. Psychiatrists of various states are partaking in this conference. Discussions and discourses about community mental health will be held. The valedictory function of the conference will be held on Sunday, September 11.

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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.

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