Dispute has led to lack of maintenance of this century old building

The Century old building Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) which is in heart of the city on Sayyaji Rao Road is in a dilapidated condition. The saddest part is due to dispute between Chamarajendra Technical Institute (CTI) and CAVA the maintenance of this heritage building has worsened.

CAVA is a portion of CTI building and it's responsibility of CTI to maintain this historical building in good condition through Public Works Department. But unfortunately the concerned officials have failed to take appropriate measures to protect this heritage building which has a good architect.

Whenever it rains, the entire premises of CAVA becomes muddy and the class rooms gets fills with water for about two feet and students using bench jump from one place to another to come out of their place.

Both the ceiling and flooring are opened with water logging causing seepage and damp walls. Fungus is growing all over the walls as well as the wooden doors and in some places cracks have appeared on walls. This has resulted in several paintings displayed on the walls getting wet and defaced making the dampened walls of CAVA appear like an another modern art on walls.

The situation of Computer room, Graphic Room, Photography rooms are more worsened and students have lost most of their creative works. Near the foundation room where practical and theory classes are held the students are facing lot of hardship. Due to fungus and bubbles formed on the walls of the rooms, a bad foul smell is emitted.

The CAVA obtains grants of Rs 10 lakh under Plan Scheme from government for every year, but CAVA officials say that amount is insufficient for maintain of building amidst various other expensive.



Speaking to Express CAVA students and teachers, said that during rainy season they face lot of problems and they have lost most of their creative works due to rains. They say the rain water collected in the classrooms seems like lake and the water fall from the roof seems like mini jog falls.



`The building has a very good architect and its need of the hour to protect this heritage building. Anyways CAVA will be having its own building at Siddartha Layout and CTI should take initiative to maintain this building,' said another CAVA teacher. Meantime, when Express contacted CTI Deputy Director Suresh, for details, he was neither available over phone nor at his office.

Roadside street vendors have continued selling cut fruits in open

In spite of a ban imposed by the Mysore City Corporation officials not to sell the cut fruits, or any condiments in the open, roadside street vendors have continued selling cut fruits in the open on push carts.

With the intention of public health and to maintain hygiene, officials had instructed vendors strictly not to sell the cut fruits, instead they were asked to place the cut fruits inside transparent glass enclosures to prevent flies sitting on them and dust falling on the cut fruits.

Ironically, the vendors were seen selling cut fruits like papaya, fruit mixture, pineapple in front of Corporation and surrounding places. Apart this in most of the places in heart of the city, in front of Palace, Court, Exhibition, near to Ramsons Gallery, Town Hall, the vendors were having a roaring business.

In this parts of the city there is huge vehicular movement and heavy vehicle ply emitting thick smoke. The eaters were too seen enjoying every bite of slice forgetting the health hazards they might get.

When Express spoke with some vendors in this regard, several of them were neither aware of this law and some were even not bothered to give importance for the public health and maintain cleanliness. Most of them questioned 'what we are not looking healthy, we to have bought up in the same way.'

Senior Citizen and Retired Government Teacher Venkatesh said that 'concerned authorities should undertake drive oftenly. When they introduce any new rule, they ask people to follow it and its mandatory. But later the officials fail to find whether the rule is implemented effectively. Officers should take strict action against and warn the vendors not to sell the cut fruits.

Speaking to Express, Maharani College Students Rohini, Bhuvi, Teju said that vendors should be first made aware of ill-effect caused by selling edible food stuffs in open.'

Speaking to Express Corporation Health Officer Nagaraj said that by next week action will be taken.

Circus performer juggle with life

Concealing their own sufferings behind a benign smile, the circus entertainers continue to keep the audience amused and spell bound by their daredevil acts, show after show. Ironically nobody ever gets to see the other side of their life while they struggle hard to survive in today's competitive era, offering varieties of entertainments.

Especially for these artists life never gets settled down as they are constantly on the move. Moving from place to place once every three months, they leave far from their children and meet once in a year. With no other option, some have left their children with their parents while others have put them in boarding schools, for education purpose.

There are many of them here who are working in circus since their childhood. But due to implementation of Child Labour Act effectively now no artist below the age of 14 are found here. The Children are sent to Circus Academy at Kerala where they get education and physical education which are meant specially for circus.

At present about 14 families are staying in Gemini circus and interesting most of them have married other artist in the same filed. The artists perform daily practice and do exercise in morning from 6 am to 11 am which is compulsory and later they get ready for show. The aged senior artist of circus will be made as trainer.



Staying in a circus especially for girls is a challenging task. They have to maintain their physique in addition to adding glamour to their beauty, and undergoing all sorts of beauty tips from head to toe, to perform on the stage. During their monthly routine most of the girls who are unable to perform take leave for two days while other who can manage go and perform.

The artists are trained to handle any kind of situation and a mechanical support is always provided while performing at heights from the ground or free falling. Even some of them get injured while practicing. Apart from the main artistes, several assistants work in the background commonly known as Ring Boys. The boys are mercurial and once the performance is over they setup the stage for next show without wasting time.

The recent ban on using wild animals like tiger and lion in the circus has slightly affected their income. To sustain interest in the public they are constantly introducing new events like the group performance by the African and Russian artists along with adding several dare devil stunts.

It takes them whole four days either to erect or dismantle the tents. For ladies, bachelors and those with family housing tents are provided separately with all amenities, consisting of a TV with dish connection and individual cots. They organised programmes depending on the upcoming events and season.

Groups are assigned with specific tasks like erecting tents, cooking food, washing and cleaning etc. Four days in a week they are provided with non vegeterain food consisting of fish, egg and chicken while on the rest of the days with only vegetarian food.

Presently there are around 250 artists, 6 elephants, 1 hippopotamus, 2 camels, 2 pelicans, 1 emu, 20 dogs, nine birds. The cost of daily maintenance of circus comes to around Rs 70,000 of which about Rs.15,000 is spent only for maintenance of animals.

Speaking to Express Senior Manager Prabhakar said, 'Circus is a live entertainment and will sustain only if provided with timely improvization and modernization. Novelty should always be maintained. Banning animals affected our business and we brought in Russian and African artistes to compensate.'

Shyamala and Trainer Suresh who were inducted into the circus at a very young age say Circus provides them enjoyment and some times even problems as they stay far from families. Suresh says that earlier it was easy to teach children stunts but no so nowadays.

Foreigners to spread message of vedic through canvas

For first time in Country, based on the principles of Vedas-Vedic Art, three women Artists from Finland and Australia are exhibiting their creative paintings from October 23 to 30 at Bharani Art Gallery in Vivekananda Nagar. The exhibition which will be open for public between 11 am and 7 pm will be a cynosure of all eyes mainly art lovers and vedic scholars.

Under the concept of 'Returning to Sources', Pirkko Huttunen Nieminen and Linta Vuorikkinen of Finland and Kate Maconachie from Australia are exhibiting paintings based on the discovered 17 principles of Vedas.

Being the student of famous late Curt Kallman (Swedan) who developed and nurtured the vedic art painting method, this artists want to spread the message of vedic among Indians through canvas, that explores consciousness through Vedic Art.

All the artists are working as teachers of Vedic Art and have created a niche in their respective field by painting together at different locations in the world. Pirkko Huttunene is 65 year old and other two are above 35 have adopted their principles in art and have come out with their own creativity and method in a new freer way.

Speaking to Express Bharani Art Gallery Chief Convenor NB Kaverappa said that based on the ancient Vedic Knowledge Tradition which flourished in India between 1500-500 BC, the artistes will be exhibiting their works.

`For this artist, vedic art is neither an ideology, philosophy, religion nor therapy but its a science of universal laws. At present they are exhibiting their work at Srishti Gallery in Calicutt and expo will end today (October 16) and from October 23 they exhibit their at Mysore,' he added.

He says, using a combination of acrylic, tempera paint, metallic pigments, earth and natural materials, Kate Maconachie has created her works on Canvas and natural elements of earth, water, fire and ether care also present.

`While Linta Vuorikkinen creates works entirely differently on canvas. She spreads the colours, play with them and see what sketch appears. Some time this type of formations will guide her for any creations,' he added.

Kaverappa says, through one of his friend he came to contact with this artistes during their visit to Ayurvedic Yoga Vilas at Wayanad district,
Kerala. Later, the artists visited the Kaverappa's Art Gallery in the month of April and confirmed of exhibiting their works. He expressed happiness for conducting such a rare painting exhibition at his gallery.

Painstaking collection of antique kerosene lanterns rusting in an attic

A one man's lifetime, painstaking collection of antique kerosene lanterns which has to be put up for public display is safely rusting in an attic at his house. The unfortunate collector is MS Padmanabha, resident of Sonar Street, Narayana Shastri Road.

In these days of technological advancements it is really hard to find a wick and kerosene lanterns in any household across the city. But for 75-year-old Padmanabha it became a passion to collect such old lamps. He has around 70 varieties of rare kerosene lamps in his collection. The size of the lamps in his collection range from 5 inch to 15 inches.

In his collection there are a couple of 200 year old rare kerosene lamps made in America, England, Austria, Greece, Germany and other countries apart from India. The 150-year-old German pedestal lamp, the french glass tank, 170-year-old English Carriage lamp, rare Petromax lanterns, and another 20 such rare lamps. If all the lamps are lit it consumes 35 liter of kerosene.

Most of the lamps were given away by people who thought it was useless as they were already broken or not working. Painstakingly he collected such lamps, cleaned and repaired them using his skills and junk materials.

The saddest part is, due to lack of adequate finances, he has packed all these lamps in cardboard boxes and placed them in an attic in a small room, for he can't afford to buy 35 liters of kerosene or has showcase to display it. Due to old age and other family problems he is finding hard to continue his collection.


He has maintained a detailed record of every lamp in his collection like the name, it's origin, the time period when it was in use, which model, capacity of the container to hold kerosene, consumption of kerosene per hour and lastly even the 'candle power' of the light it emits. The wicks and glass holders used in these lamps are rare to find.

In his collection is a unique lamp that can also be used as a cooking stove. He has also designed a stand for this lamp by appropriately modifying a normal mike stand and has also provided two holders for the stand to place a container for storing kerosene along with a match box. Though tucked away, all the lamps are fully functional and he regularly checks them to ensure they are always in working condition. Earlier he was a radio mechanic and as radios gradually became obsolete, he took to repairing taperecorders which helped him to find ways to repair these lamps and make them functional once again.

There was another strong reason for him to pick up this unusual hobby. "There was severe load-shedding during the 1980's and in our house there was just one lamp. But it got broken one day when the tiles from the roof accidentally fell on it. I went to the neighbour's house to borrow their additional lamp which they refused to lend me. This incident made me to begin collecting lamps which later grew into a hobby,” says Padmanabha.

Though many have come forward to to purchase his entire collection of lamps, Padmanabh has refused to sell. 'I have spent almost my entire life collecting this and don't want to sell them. What I need is a small place to exhibit these lamps permanently under one roof. Collecting antiques is also an art and one should encourage it.'

Padmanabh adds, 'If instead I had learnt dancing and taught the same for children, it would have benefitted me tremendously. I have spent thousands of rupees to purchase and repair these lamps. Money apart, it has taken several months of hard work just to repair one lamp.'

As his father Sreenivasachar worked at the Palace for the Royal family, he is thinking of approaching the Wadiyars and seek their help to set up a permanent place of display as an art gallery. He has already exhibited his works in several schools, colleges and even at Rangayana during last year's Dasara when the organizers provided him kerosene freely for the exhibition.

Multi-talent blossoming at a tender age

Most of the teenagers extracurricular activity is limited to watching cricket or playing virtual games on a PC or hanging out with friends on weekends, while for this 14-year-old boy its different.

KM Karthik, a 9th standard student of St Joseph's Central School, is the multi- talented boy who has bagged several National and State level awards and has bagged gold, silver and bronze medals in Swimming, Karate, Trekking expedition, Dance and Singing competitions, Sports, Adventure Sports training and demo.

In addition to playing foot-ball and cricket, he also plays bugle for the school band. Being a good swimmer, photographer, skater, singer, dancer, Karnatak Vocal recital, and an adventure enthusiast. He has participated in 15 roller skating events and has represented State in several other competitions including Boogie Woogie talent search programme.

Karthik has done a Rapelling Demo at Podar International, Hassan and as a member of IAMAS team trained probationary Police Sub Inspectors of Karnataka Police Academy in a night march held at Kunti Hills.

Karthik has put on his skating wheels at the tender age of three and alongside has practiced martial arts Karate, in which he acquired a Brown belt at the age of seven. But from past couple of months he has stopped practicing Karate.

In a Himalayan trekking he undertook in May 2011, he successfully scaled the Rumtu peak situated at a height of 13,000 ft in Parvathi Range, Kulu Manali Region of Himachal Pradesh. He has even underwent white water rafting in Veas (Himalayas) and has also participated in National Goan Trekking expedition held last year.

Speaking to Express Karthik said, ''I want to become an Aeronautical engineer and to realize that dream, I am leaning the basics of making miniature air craft models at Aero Dreams. I don't want to waste time and am grateful for my parents and mentors for providing the opportunity to learn so many things.'

Karthik is the proud son of Suma and Mahesh Kumar, a professional photographer. His mother Suma said, ' Karthik wont waste time and is always busy even during weekends with his activities.

Anantha Padmanabha Swamy diya attracts visitors at Ramsons

Birth of Goddess Sri Lakshmi emerging from the Ksheera Sagara is central attraction of this years display

'It is better to light a lamp than to curse the darkness,' so goes saying. Then what's better way is there to bring cheers and happiness into home by lighting a diya. With Diwali, the festival of lights fast approaching, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana has organised 'Deepa Soundarya', an exhibition cum sale of diyas at Pratima gallery till October 30 between 10.30 am and 7 pm.

Diyas made out of Plaster of Paries, Bronze, Copper, rot iron, Brass, Glass, clay, stones, white metal and earth are exhibited. Lamps made out of clay are beautifully painted in bright colours and lamps sculpted in stone are a peek into the past. Apart this, highly ornate brass and bronze lamps created in cire purdue (lost wax) method are objects of art here.

The Most striking diya is the wall hanging of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy made out of brass and display of about 110 varieties of mughal style lamps of different size and hue steals the hearts of on lookers. Apart this varieties of wall hanging lamps of Lakshmi, Ganesha, wood table lamps, vruksha deepa, Kalankari, too drew attention of visitors.

Along with thousands of lamps, the expo has a wide array of objects of crafted mirrors in ornate wooden frames from Jodhpur and Jaipur, embroidery hand bags from kutch, telephone pouches, wall hangings from Jaipur, mirror work torans from Kutch, glass and wooden bead jewellery from Harayana. The Gallery has exhibited works from Rs 10 to Rs 75,000 and the specialty of this year is apart from lamps, the gallery has exhibited attractive gift items.

Speaking to Express, Raghu Dharmendra said that 'according to tradition it is believed that in Deepavali any new things should be purchased along with lamps, and hence from this year the gallery is exhibiting hand bags, ornaments and various types of gift items.'

Birth of Goddess Lakshmi

The central attraction of this year's display at the Gallery is Birth of Goddess Lakshmi (Samudra Manthana). The whole creature of Samudra Manthana and birth of Lakshmi are been very well explained. The authorities have not brought special dolls for this concept, instead using the existing dolls which were brought for Doll show they have created this concept.

The model depict the whole sequence of Goddess Sri Lakshmi emerging from the Ksheera Sagara along with Kamadhenu, Kalpavruksha, Kaustubha gem, Ucchaishravas, Airavata, moon and many other jewles and nymphs.

They have also created serpent Vasuki surrounding Mandara Mount in which Lord Vishnu in the form of divine turtle is supporting Mandara on his back and Shiva swallowing the last drop of poison (Halahala).

Kiran Subbaiah house attracts tourists during every Dasara

In spite of people enjoying various Dasara activities, a visit to A Kiran Subbaiah's house will leave one spellbound, watching his creative works in stone. Each year during Dasara hundreds of them visit Subbaiah's 'Museum of Sculptures' near Highway Circle to have a look at his new form and style of sculpture aptly named, 'Multi-sided Sculptures' that is a single sculpture when viewed from four different sides gives four different views.




While it is difficult to create a sculpture work, 61-year-old Subbaiah has created wonder by capturing life's multi-dimensions and multi-facets in his stone sculptures, wherein each side of his sculpture, has a different form - a different theme with different titles.

Maintaining the aesthetic essence of different forms in various styles, patterns and technique, he has sculpted stones in such a special way that when viewed from four sides give four different images can be seen and the subject on one side does not clash or interfere with that on the other side.

It takes some foresight to sculpt the stone so that it appears different when viewed from four different sides. A portion of his house has been converted into a Museum which now houses about 400 works of art in which about 160 are of the multidimensional works type mentioned above.

After reaching the figure of 250 he is planning to apply for Guinness Book of World Records. He has not given any publicity about his works, but relies only on word of mouth as the number of visitors keep increasing day by day. For the past 37 years he has carved around 1400 s cultures and around 1000 of his works have already been sold.



Subbaiah who was originally interested in painting accidentally chose to sculpting. While studying BSC, During his college trip he had been to Belur and Halebidu which inspired him to venture into sculpture. He again visited the place and dedicated his lifetime for this work. Later he took training in Sculpture at Sri Chamarajendra Technical Institute (CTI).



He uses Steatited stones (Krishna Shille) for this work and he chooses hard and medium stones for his works. Another unique feature of this artist is he also works simultaneously on various stones, without sticking to one stone, and completes it. He claimed that he is the first person in the world to carve four and five dimensional works.

Speaking to Express about Dasara celebrations, he said that there is lack of planning in Dasara. He said that attempts should be made to improve Dasara Kala Mela and attract tourists from all over the world, as there are many artistes in city. Some of his works have been exhibited at Kala Mela.



He says in foreign countries artists are awarded with Hon. Doctorates as support pours in from all quarters but whereas in India artists are neglected and no effort is made to promote him and bring him to main stream of other disciplines.



He says art should be freed from politics and talented artists should be brought to forefront. He has been honoured by various organisations and has exhibited his works all over Karnataka.

About 50 per cent of staff shortage at RTO, vehicles goes unchecked

In addition to this the emission testing equipment kit in RTO is under repair.

Regional Transport Office (RTO) is running short of manpower. As the shortage of staff in city RTO is less than 50 percent, vehicle owners are being asked to get emission test done from private Emission Testing centers. In addition to this the emission testing equipment kit in RTO is under repair.

There is a severe shortage of technicians to operate these machines which comes mounted in a separate vehicle. In addition to dedicated technicians drivers are also required. According to sources the vehicle provided for Emission Test is being used for office works. Meantime, it can be witnessed many three-wheelers and four-wheelers vehicles are emitting thick smoke spoiling the quality of air.

As it was not feasible for the RTOs to conduct emission testing on their own due to the logistics involved, permission was given to private parties to conduct emission tests and issue certificates. The RTOs were equipped with mobile testing vans to verify vehicles suspicious of violating the emission norms.

Regional Transport Officer Siddappa Kallera said that RTO has less than 50 per cent of staff and they are working on the existence staff and can’t comment on the policy matters. As more than 60 per cent of vehicles are presently running on LPG, the pollution levels have come down drastically compared to earlier, he added.

But according to a sample survey conducted by Express visiting various places and collected public opinion, the pollution levels in the city is still high and some owners of goods tempos, lorries and old autos are using adulterated fuel resulting in pollution. The practice of mixing kerosene with petrol has not completely come down, and sale of adulterated petrol goes on unhindered in some areas and the RTOs cannot check them due to lack of staff and equipments.

When Express contacted a couple of emission testing centers in city, they said `vehicles running on LPG still need lubricating oil, especially the earlier two stroke engines as most of autos in the city are. But they use reconditioned oil that is sold cheaply, resulting in these vehicles emitting more smoke and causing pollution.'

`RTO officials should check vehicular emissions to keep city's pollution under control. As these pollutants are released into the atmosphere, the pollution levels increase', said Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (Mysore) Environmental Officer Dr Niranjan.

Number of vehicles plying in the city is 6,11,904 of which 2,14,927 comes under East RTO and 3,05,340 under West RTO and the remaining 91,637 under Hunsur RTO. Daily around 110 to120 new vehicles are registered in city.

Speaking to Express, Advocate Suma said, `all these emission tests are being done just for the sake of formality as most of the public are unaware for what the readings actually mean. Creating awareness is the need of the hour.'

'Now-a-days we see more number of vehicles plying on the roads emitting smoke including government owned buses. Officials should curb this menace that result in affecting the health of the public, said Savitha a resident of Agrahara.

Emission Test report filed on-line : Reminders will be sent to mobile

Earlier vehicle emission tests were being done at the respective centers which issued the test certificate. But most of these centres blindly issued the certificates without conducting tests properly.

To curb this, the Transport Department recently introduced on-line verification system, in which the emission readings of all the vehicles being tested along with a photo of the vehicle with it's Registration number plate clearly visible will be sent to Bangalore through e-mail.

This is stored in a server and can be retrieved anytime for verification. Once approved, hologram stickers will be affixed on the certificate before issuing them to the vehicle owner to avoid counterfeiting. Reminders will be sent to their mobile phones asking them renew after the due date.

The procedure of emission test takes 2 to 3 minutes for petrol vehicles while it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for diesel vehicles.

Women gears up for Dasara

Anna Hazare to be placed in doll show;
Even when District administration is still launching the Dasara programmes, here are section of women who have been sprucing up for dasara from since after Gowri-Ganesha Festival. Some section of women maintain good garden across the year to take part in the Dasara contest and grow various type of flowers and fruits in gardens. While some be busy making dolls of their own to place during Navaratri festival and have kept separate room for dolls at house and indulge in illuminating houses with colourful serial lights, various designs of bulbs so on.

Once the women decide the theme decide they go in search of dolls for Bombay, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Clacutta, Hyderabad, Poone to purchase doll and exhibit it in the contest. The competitions has increased their spirit and with winning spirt every women takes lot of efforts to collect dolls and to make a theme.

The women say, they do want to give up the tradition and want to explain the history to the children through arranging in dolls, so that it interests them too. Apart this several organisation have organised contest for women and children, in which women will be made indulged with curriculum activities and drew the attention of others. For children most of them have organised contest of decorating dolls.

Even after dasara festival the celebrations will continue in this houses for another ten more days. To know more about how women in city celebrating dasara festival, Express had a tete-a-tete with group women of various wings. Here are the Experts

'From past one month I am placing dolls in house and within four days it will be completed. This year Social Crusader Anna Hazare who fought against corruption theme has been placed,' says Banumathi Sundareshan, resident of Saraswathipuram.

Malini Satyan says that hardly she purchase dolls and all the dolls what she exhibit will be created by her. Once after Dasara festival is over she start making dolls through out the year to get set for next year concept. In her collections she has collection of all religions marriage costumed dolls, varities of dance forms of India.

`Using thermacol and other basic techniques, every year I create seperate incidents and give movements for dolls. Last year I had done Krishna lifting Govardhana Hill and this year I am making Samudra Manthana concept. It intersts kids very much,' says Vijayakantha resident of JP Nagar.

Yamuna Nagaraj says from past three months she has worked on embriodery to exhibit it in Dasara exhibition. The uniqueness of embroidery is using eight types of designs on single plot she has carved designs.

'There are 48 members in our organisation. Every year we place doll at one member house and conduct programmes for children and women. Every members of organisations brings one or two dolls and the festival celebrated in all the members of houses routinely,' V Hemalatha of Gokulam Mahila Sangha.

Government High School Teacher and members of Sthree Shakthi AS Vani Subbaiah, says she conducts cultural, debate, quiz contest for children every year during Dasara and inform children about the history and importance of celebrating the festival will be informed to kids.


Dr Mandara Maharushi brings dolls from across country and given finishing for it and given it to the womens who will be placing the dolls at home, while Jayashree a resident of Saraswathipuram is also coming out with novels themes year and has bagged prizes in competition.


Women have also planned to place dolls showing women are assaulted in politics, film land and in another hand how women are misusing the power for judiciary and harassing man. The concept has been thought by Mangala Satyan to show women are also going cruel equal to men.

'Stop last minute preparations for Dasara', complain Mysore citizens

'Full of praise for former District-in-Charge Minister Shobha Karandalje'
With Dasara fast approaching preparations are still not completed and works are going in a hurried manner, reminding us how the Common Wealth Games were conducted with last minute preparations. Anyway officials are determined finish all pending works in time before Dasara which will be formally inaugurated on September 28. The question is why this happens, year after year. Why officials wait till the last moment.

The delay was observed right from day one when Dasara Sub-Committees were constituted followed by the welcoming ceremony first batch of Dasara elephants. With major political changes happening in the Capital city, Ministers were busy with the crisis involving former CM Yeddyurappa.

The hastily convened sub-committees began announcing their plans only about four days ago. Besides this major things like road repair works have still not been completed and are being completed shoddily for which already lots of protests are being heard. Besides the city is besieged with parking problems.

Repair and cleaning works inside the Palace are going on in very brisk face. Cleaning, White-washing and painting, gardening and illumination of government building,s roads, commercial complexes across city are also going on simultaneously.

Exhibition is also gearing up for Dasara and the Welcome arch has been installed. Inside the stalls are getting ready and decoration works on behalf of this are going on. Another major attraction of Dasara is Circus, where the pendal has been erected at Doddakare Maidan and the shows to being from September 24.

Apart this, Curzon Park is gearing up for Dasara festival planting of varieties of fruits and flower has begun for the flower show contest conducted by the Horticulture Department every year.

To check public response about this Express Spoke with some people and their reaction are here.

`The officials never correct themselves. Every year the same thing repeats and in the last minute we can see work done hurriedly resulting in lack of quality work. Proper planning should be done and the work should commence at least one-month earlier,' says Auto Driver Venkatesh.

When Shobha Karandalje was District-in-Charge Minister, being a lady she managed very well. At least the officials would have followed her steps. The Dasara festival conducted during her tenure is unforgettable, says senior citizens Shamala and Vijay, residents of Vijayanagar.

`Lack of proper planning. Instead of filling the pot holes why cant the District Administration provide permanent solution for roads. They declare Mysore as Tourist Place, they should know how to maintain the tag. If same things continue one day we can lose the tag,' Jayashree an LIC agent.


Students reaction over Dasara preparations
To know students reaction towards this year's Dasara festival, Express spoke with some of the students. Most of the irked students questioned authorities whether they have properly utilised the Rs 120 crore grant given by the JNNURM effectively. Continuing, they stated that the money has been wasted and no proper work has been done.

The festival which has to be cherished by youngsters, has instead brought sadness to them. Most of them were frustrated even to speak saying that commenting would be of no use. In spite of this few raised their voice. Here are the experts:

`Everyone join hands to fight against corruption. First let everyone shall work honestly and make corruption free in public-affairs. For past one year they did Raja Marga work but its of low quality work. People to are fed up with all this and have remained silent. Changes want to be happen from grass root level in India,' says Sujay Student of Marimallappa.

`Recently I read about Mane Mane Dasara programme and its learnt that 30 lakh is provided for one Sub-committee. Do they really spend it Women clean their surroundings and place rangoli, they does illumination for themselves, dolls are also placed by them. Then why does they spent so much of money,' questioned Roopa of Sadvidya School.

'Only they say its world famous Dasara but it does not seem like it. In the name of making heart of the city only for tourists, thousand of street vendors life are thrown into streets. Let the officials shall provide shelter first for localities, apart from making tourist-friendly city, says Vijay.

'Every year for Mysore Dasara crores of amount being granted. Why its needed, when they give sponsorship for other companies. It's doubtful whether officers are really using that money for Dasara,' says Vivek another student.

Four caretakers for eight elephants !

Elephants are considered to be intelligent next only to man and predicting the behaviour of an elephant is difficult. When provoked, even a tamed elephant can suddenly turn violent and there are several instances where tamed elephants have trampled their mahouts to death in a fit of rage.

Surprisingly, Mysore Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens which houses eight elephants has only four caretakers for the past six years, three mahouts and one keeper. Earlier there were nine.

Whenever one of them goes on his weekly off, only three members will be taking care of these eight elephants. It indeed becomes a challenging task for the mahouts. Interestingly, Zoo has provided three caretakers for two African Elephants.

According to Zoo sources all the eight elephants are bathed once in a week and amongst them it is the elephant Rama who is considered very unruly and dangerous. It turns violent most of the time. At least twice or thrice every day they have to clear the elephants dung. But mahouts cannot devout all the time for these elephants as they are also assigned other duties and will be working under pressure.

If the elephants fail to obey their commands, they even cant use stick due to afraid of public who visit. Further each of the elephant to be trained to maintain human contact and there has also been a proposal to walk them around the zoo premises at least once a week.

Speaking to Express Zoo Executive Director Ravi said that a proposal for recruiting 160 staff under Cadre and Recruitment Rules is in front of Governing Council. In 160 staff, 97 post are meant for Assistant Animal Keepers. After the proposal is approved by Governing Council, further action will be taken by Zoo Authority of Karnataka.

Speaking to Express, Dasara elephant mahout Raju revealed that elephants are like our kids and each elephant needs at least two person to look after them properly. Sometimes it becomes quite challenging to make these elephants accept us.

'Though highly intelligent like us, still they are basically wild animals and training them is difficult. Just as we beat our kids when they disobey us, we sometimes have to beat them to instill fear in them. They recognizes our voice and respond only to our commands just as a kid responds to the mother.

Will bad roads hamper this year Dasara festivities !

As world famous Dasara is approaching closer, Corporation took up road repair works on the busy Devaraj Urs Road on Monday morning where pot holes that were formed on the middle of the road was filled with jelly stones and tarred leaving the sides of road untouched.

Every time, after a heavy down pour the tar will be washed, making the potholes resurface again. Earlier also the sub-standard quality of the patchwork was revealed within a few months of their filling the potholes.

City is witnessing intermittent rains from past several days, if it continues to rain for couple of more days, will the shoddy patchwork remain till Dasara begins which is about three weeks away. If it happens so, the highly deplorable state in which the city roads are presently may dampen the Dasara festival this year.

All roads along the Dasara route, especially the Sayyaji Rao Road and the road in front of Town-Hall are extremely in bad shape. As part of the Dasara procession which comprises among several things live performances and folk-dances, the artists would find it extremely difficult to perform on such bad roads not to mention of the Jamboo Savari comprising of elephants and horses walking along these roads.

Even the much hyped Raja Marga is going on in a snail's pace and as the Corporation Commissioner Raikar had assured that the road will be thrown open before Dasara for the traffic seems like not possible.

The numbers of tourists visiting the city is increasing year after year and there will be gradually increase in the density of the traffic vehicles. This would invariably lead to more traffic jams as also one-ways and no-entries. Will the civic authorities at least wake up and take immediate steps on a war-footing to repair the city's roads and save the image as a heritage city.

On August 31, District in-charge Minister SA Ramdas did a survey of the prominent roads in the city by conducing bike riding and promised that the roads repairs work will be begin by the 8th of this month. Even after three days of his promised date the road works have hardly even begun.

Speaking to Express Vanaja a resident of VV Mohalla said that `20 days ahead the officials are undertaking road repairs works and if city witness heavy rains it doubts whether the tar remain on roads or washes out as usual.'

Flower Show at K'halli Lake from October 1 to 9

Model of Sri Chamarajendra Circle to be displayed during this year’s Dasara Flower show ; Flower Show at K'halli Lake from October 1 to 9

A replica of the city’s famous landmark, Sri Chamarajendra Circle, will be readied inside Curzon Park where it will be kept on display for this year’s Flower show, being held as part of Dasara festivities. The Flower show will be held for 9 days, from October 1 to 9 and will be inaugurated on October 1 at 3.30 pm.

The pillars and dome of the replica will be decorated with Anthuriums, Liliums, Roses and varieties of other flowers, while the statute of Chamarajenda Wadiyar at the centre will be made of Plaster of Paris (PoP).

The replica of the circle measures 15 feet in height, while the PoP statue of the Maharaja inside measures 6-8 feet. The contract to supply the flowers and decorate the model has been given to firm Upahaar in Bangalore, selecting through tender.

Continuing with the heritage theme that is being followed in all flower shows held in the recent past where models of the bull Nandi atop Chamundi Hills, Gandaberunda - the insignia of the Mysore Royal family, Mahishasura – the demon king after whom our city is named, Dasara Elephants carrying Golden Howdah were displayed, this year the model chosen was the Sri Chamarajendra Circle, a prominent landmark of the city.

When questioned why PoP statue will be placed, speaking to Express Shashikala, Senior Director of Horticulture, Mysore said that 'due to previous experience it has been studied that three dimensional features will not stand out clearly decorated in flowers and without taking chance for the replica of great personality, after consulting CAVA students, the decision of placing PoP statue of Chamaraja Wadiyar has been decided.'

Upahaar agency are considered to be well experienced in executing such projects all over Karnataka and the tender has been given to them. The team is led by Kalidas and Seema Garg, she added.

On this occasion, one MN Gauri will display sand art-form by creating the figure of Goddess Chamundeshwari on sand. Apart this, Mangalore Indo-American Hybrid seeds will display exotic varieties of seeds consisting of fruits, vegetables and Neeladri Nursery of Hunsur will be giving a live demonstration on how to grow plants in a cockpit.

Unblossomed flower buds will be used for the decoration and as it takes about 3 to 4 days for them to fully blossom, they can remain fresh till the entire duration of the flower show lasting nine days, not requiring to replace the flowers, except for removing a few dried flowers here and there.

Various industrial houses in and around Mysore, will be displaying various kinds of flowers they have grown inside their premises as part of their initiative to maintain Green environment. Even Government offices like the Mysore Palace, Mysore City Corporation, Administrative Training Institute, Brindavan Sagar Gardens will be taking part in the display and competition for various events to be held.

About 50 varieties of foliage and flowers will be exhibited in the show by these industries while they are expected to bring in some new varieties. One such rare display will be the Violet, Pink and Yellow coloured Liliums which will be displayed by Liladri Nursery, Hunsur.

The flower show is being organized in association with District Horticulture Society and Horticulture Department. The department will bring some exotic flowers from Ooty from the famed Furnhill gardens there.

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Various competitions to be held during the event:

September 28 - Competition for owners of private gardens along with gardens owned by industries and government organizations.

September 29 - Competition held for gardens owned by other organizations along with competition held in the Flower show premises for arranging flower plants.

September 30 - Competition for arranging flower plants inside the Flower show premises.

October 1 - Vegetable carving and inauguration of Flower Show at 3.30 pm;
October 2 - Flower Rangoli competition; October 3 - Ikabena competition;
October 4 - Indian flower show competition. October 5 - Ayudha puja; October 6 – Vijayadashami; October 9 - Prize distribution and closing ceremony.

Interested to take part in the contest contact 2438572 / 94480 88303.

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Flower Show at Kukkarahalli Lake from October 1
The Flower Show which will held by the Horticulture Department of Mysore University on banks of Kukkarahalli Lake will begin from October 1 and ends on 9. Speaking to Express Assistant Garden Director Kemparangegowda said that about 12 varieties of vegetables and 20 varieties of are flowers will be exhibited.

Wide varieties of flower like Marigold cape, Marigold garden, French Marigold, Anthuriums, vegetables like Brinjal, Cabage, Cucumber, varieties of chilli will be exhibited.

Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple unearthing treasure in doll show

Doll show is an indispensable part of Dasara and the tradition is being followed right from the times of the Vijayanagar rulers who conceived the Navaratri celebrations involving public participation.

Though the themes for arranging the dolls in the past centered mainly on victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura or the Jamboo Savari procession or sometimes the Royal Darbar, with the passage of time people began arranging and exhibiting dolls based on contemporary issues.

The changed trend can be seen in this year's Dasara Doll show arranged in a couple of houses. In one such arrangement made by Shantha Lakshmi Naraya and Asha Prasad residents of Agrahara and Vivekananda Circle respectively, is attracting huge number of public to their houses.

They have arranged a doll and created a temple of Thiruvananthapur,
depicting the Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple unearthing treasures and antiques made out of gold, diamond and other precious stones which is estimated crores of rupees.

The deity made of Ananthapadmanabha is an exact replica of the original and is seen reclining on a serpent. The clothing and decorations on the idol appear quite realistic with treasures scattered all around made of gold paper.

Shantha Lakshmi Narayana ahead one step of all this, has exhibited dolls depicting the enter of Cheetah and the Elephants into the city recently and the panic caused among the residents. Apart this she has chosen the Anna Hazae's campaign against corruption as also the theme for the doll show. Dolls of Anna Hazare and his supporters fasting on the dais were placed at the center with public and other onlookers nearby.

Maharani College Lecturer Kankeshwari of Vidyaranyapuram, Hemalatha Kumarswamy in Agrahara, Dr Malini Satyanarayana, SK Nagarathnamma of Vivekanandanagar, Suma in Kuvempunagar, Geetha Srihari, Asha Prasad and many other have also displayed dolls based on village life, varieties of Ganesha, arrangement of dolls accordingly to festival events, farmers agriculture process and much more.

As many organisations have come forward to give doll show prizes, the participants number is increased and different themes are chosen for the doll arrangements based on contemporary issues and historical issues.

Apart from house-wives, more number of working women have also exhibited dolls and its good they are showing interest in the events happening around. Most of the working women have taken long leave to invite visitors every time.

Speaking to Express MA Jayashree said that she do want to give up the tradition and every year during Navaratri she chants Ramayana's Sundarakhanda Parayana. She says according to tradition it is believed that by reading Sundarakhanda, the persons desire will be fulfilled in that year.

Banumathi Sundareshan said that during this nine-days she daily does 'arathi' for nine childrens. The specialty is on day one she does arathi for one year child, which will be followed by two years for second day, three years for third day and so on.

This 26 year old magician has won 7 National and International awards

This 26 year old magician has already won 7 National and International awards in magic and wants to create public awareness masses through his magic. Samarth Shenoy is the magician who desires to use magic not only for entertainment, education, awareness but also to launch new products.

A native of Mangalore, he took to magic when he was just a 12 year old kid. Though residing abroad, after his mother Veenadhai's demise who was a Karnataka Rajyotsava awardee, he returned to India in 2007 and began residing in Mysore.

He has bagged the IBM International Magic Award in 2000; Vazakunam Trophy 2000; Gili International award 2001; IBM 2001; Garudi 2003; Garudi Shreshta 2003 and Switzerland guest magician award and several others.

To teach basic magic to school children and create awareness about Magic, he has conceived and implemented a novel teaching concept called 'Shaikshanika Jadoo' at schools in Mysore and Mangalore. The intention of this programme is to develop their IQ and remove blind beliefs. He opines that his Jadoo is quite useful as an educational aid.

'I was fascinated towards magic when I first watched Lance Burton perform the dove act who was three times film award winner in USA . Since then I was dreaming of performing the same act. Initially I practiced in front of mirror for hours together daily.'

'I chose a category called sleight of hands and bagged first price at the age of 13 at IBM International Magic Convention. After winning that competition I was selected to perform in Europe in a circus.'

His specialty performances are the Billiard ball Manipulation, card manipulation and dove act. He says 'I chose these as they are the most difficult to perform and needed years of practice. Very few people in India can perform these tricks which requires mastery of 'sleight of hands'.'

He says his mother motivated him to become a magician and thanks his mentor, MP Hashim, a top manipulator of India. He has already given around 1500 shows in Italy, Paris, Germany, Switzerland, India and several other European Countries.

A new ray of hope for deaf and blind in this institution

The National Association for the Blind (NAB), Karnataka Branch, which is in service of the blind since 1977, has taken up range of projects and services for imparting education, training, placement and general welfare of the visually impaired, hearing impaired as well as deaf and blind persons.

The institution set up in Mysore began functioning in 1989 and till now has successfully completed providing training to 21 batches while the classes for the 22nd batch are currently going on. Till date 495 blind and deaf candidates have been trained and about 75 per cent are already provided with employment in selected areas where they can work effectively.

The institute provides training in archery, bird watching, rifle shooting among various other kinds of training for the physically challenged students that includes electrical wiring, repairing home appliances, assembling serial sets, operating injection moulding machine. The rifle training will be provided by Police Armed Reserve personnel.

Even operating heavy machineries like lathe, drilling machine, power axe, saw are taught depending on the individual's ability to handle them. ITI courses in Fitter, Screen Printing, Transformer Coil winding, math making and Optics are also being offered for the students.

All the tools are kept for display in a board to show case with their names written both in Braille language and normal writing (both English and Kannada) for the benefit of the blind and the deaf respectively. By reading the Braille and feeling the tool in their hands, students can understand what tool they are using.

Speaking to Express, Workshop Manager R Muniraju, said that as economic rehabilitation of these physically challenged students is the main concern of the Institute, students marks are announced with only percentage and not declared as pass or fail.

Students Naveen and Prahlad expressing in sign language said that 'the courses are very interesting and find difficulty in filing Karta. We learn the skills being taught here with dedication.'

Puneeth Kumar who is suffering from multiple disorders is the best student of the year. The teachers have found extremely difficult to teach him in the beginning, but worked hard without giving up hope. Now the instructors are happy for successfully teaching a student with multiple disorders.

'As a safety measure all the cutting machines and lathes are fitted with a warning buzzer. If by any chance a student's hand enters the danger zone of the machine, the buzzer gets activated and begins to sound an alarm. Alerted by this the student immediately comes back to safety zone', explained Instructor Srinivas.

A pass in SSLC is necessary for visually challenged to get admission in the Institute and they must also be aware of the Braille language, while sign language is must for the hearing impaired. The candidate should be in the age group of 17-25 years. Admission is free and Rs 250 stipend will be provided every month for learners.

The courses have been approved by the State Council for Vocational Training undertaken by the GoK. Three tests will be held in a year followed by a final exam. A social service organization, Sri Sai Seva Samithi, has been providing mid-day meals for the students for the past 21 years.

There is one instructor for every six students and a total of four instructors are here along with a Manager and Clerk. Interacting with students for the past 22 years, the Instructors here have mastered their sign language to perfection and communicate with them quite easily.

Eco-friendly cycle-cum-mobike to save petrol

To draw the attention of passers-by towards them, most of the youngsters prefer attractive bikes with loud noise. But here is a students who has designed his cycle equal to bike using the scrap bike materials found in garage and has drewed the attention of college students towards his bike.

Punith an Final Year BFA Sculpture student at Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA), is the lad who has crated this unique Eco-friendly cycle-cum-pulsar. To create awareness among masses to protect environment and save fuel for future generation, Punith with the help of old CAVA student Kiran has created this novel bike in which one can obtain a pleasure of driving bike by pedaling the cycle.

Punith visiting many garages has collected parts of pulsar and had created this unique vehicle. The cycle which is just like pulsar is two feet more in height than pulsar bike and has double seat, with loud horn, silencer pipes, motor meter. Using thermocol he has created mudguards of bikes. Using binding wire a grip holder for pillion riders has been created. This cycle-cum-bike has every feature what a pulsar has, expect the tires of cycle remain same and needs pedaling.

To obtain whrm.. whrm... sound and smoke from the vehicle, he has tagged a balloon near wheel, and has used 'Sambrani Incense' near silencer for emission of smoke. When pedaled, the balloon touches wheels and makes sound and the 'samrani' which is kept inside silencer emits smoke.

Speaking to Express Punith said that 'I came out with this idea to crate awareness among youngsters, as the future of country is in today's youth. Most of the youth don’t like to ride cycle in college day and want bike. By making alterations for cycle the youth can have a pleasure of riding bike and meantime save environment from pollution and fuel for future generation. Apart this, by pedaling they obtain good health and Samrani incense is very good for health and prevents pollution too,' he added.

Youth extend support to Gandhian Anna Hazare at CAVA Mela

When most of the corrupt politicians are going behind the bars one after the other, keeping this has a concept 2nd year students of Applied Department, CAVA have created a replica of jail using thermocol and have placed corrupt politicians caricature inside it. The students have created works on account of two-day CAVA mela which was inaugurated on Thursday. The Mela concludes on Friday at 8 pm.

In one hand they have depicted that politicians like Yeddyurappa, Janardhan Reddy, Kumaraswamy, Katta Subramanya Naidu, Suresh Kalmadi, Kanimozhi, have been jailed and in another hand by placing different size Gandhi caps made out of paper, they have depicted how from people of all walks of life without any age limit supporting Social Crusader Anna Hazare's fight against corruption. The students have also displayed a message stating youth play major role in curbing corruption menace from society.

Speaking to Express, Students Vidya and Anand said that 'to create awareness among masses about Anna Hazare and what position a corrupt person obtains in society at last, the concept has been designed.

Apart this, the department students had exhibited about 70 types of water colour landscape paintings, puzzles, and colouful works made out of waste foam cardboard like photo frames, photographies, greeting cards, varieties of different colourful candals and gift boxes.

Dustbin made out of waste coffee cups

Always used coffee / tea cups are thrown for dustbins. But CAVA students, ahead in their creative works, have created dustbin using the waste cups ! Sneha says, 'we collected around 110 paper coffee cups, from visiting coffee day and cleaned it. Later, using paste the glasses were sticked firmly to each other in basket shape.'

'Don't abort children'

The way students had conveyed the message not to abort children, was very sensitive. They had created huge bathroom and had depicted don’t abort child, by placing a child in the water pass basin. The students had also created 12 feet high cigar to depict ill-affects of smoking in which how the healthy persons losses healthy and becomes skeleton at the final stage of his life.

Apart this, they had placed, 20 feet height gorilla in front of CAVA, reuse of plastic, harmful effects of throwing garbage and plastic on roads, ill-affects happens on animals by consuming plastic, messages like save tiger, save trees, give life to orphans, adopt a child and save life, were very informative.

They had also created beautiful art works using waste cigars, colourful stones, soda bottle caps, wine bottles and had created the garlands using waste paint bottles and had placed them to doors and plenty of waste glucose bottles injected to single hand., so on received lot of applause from visitors. They had also pasted all CAVA students picture in a replica of twin tower which was above 10 feet in height.

Photo Journalism

Students of Department of Photography and Photo Journalism had displayed very rare pictures and creative works. The photos were self explanatory and no captions were placed. The students had ended their expo with a thought 'Adjustment is always better than argument'.

Graphics Department

Graphics Department students had displayed multi-colour creative works with a social message. Most of their displayed works were two and three dimensional works. Apart this sculpture works created by students were fabulous. Books, ladder, multi-angle works, created of marbles were very eye-catchy.

News Paper Room

To create awareness among masses to ban use of plastic and spread the message among people that for every print media rocks, the students had pasted newspapers for entire room. Students Sirsi said that using paper and coconut leaves huts are constructed at Hubli, Dharwad and he has tried to create it.

Rain spoils creative work

The CAVA students have come out with creative works at their venue by working day and night from past 15 days. But due to heavy rains witnessed in city from past five days, most of the works were spoiled. Not caring for all that the students had recreated most of the works, attracting huge number art lovers towards it.

Tiger Dance : CAVA students who were seen very enthusiast, dressing like tiger staged dance and passed on main streets of the road. The energy in their step was everlasting. Earlier former CAVA Dean Sholapurkar who inaugurated the event advised students to spread message through public to their works.