Water problems looms city in large extent

Water problem is hovering in large extent in city. Citizens are finding hard to tackle the issue and over come the water crisis. Housewife Sujatha, resident of KG Koppalu said she was waiting from 4 am to collect the water and has not obtained sufficient water for daily use.

“Let any government shall come to power our situation remains the same. As per my knowledge no development works has taken in our area from last two decades,” she regretted.

Residents of Kannegowdana Koppalu, Sunnadakeri were seen quarreling in front of water tap to collect the water. In several houses there is no water tank facility to store the water. The women were seen collecting water in plastic pots, huge drums, and other kitchen utensiles.

About 60-70 per cent of Mysoreans depend on Cauvery water and some have access to Kabini water. The situation might worsen in coming days, if the water level at reservoirs fails to reach the brim.

Following dip in KRS and Kabini reservoirs, Mysore City Corporation decided to release water two days once. According to officials, the KRS dam has reached the lowest level in last nine decades. The water level at KRS reservoir is 67.59 ft against 124.80 feet, whereas in Kabini its 2246.77 feet against 2284.00 feet.  

Another hard truth is water problem is common in several areas of city. TK Layout, KG Koppal, Vidyaranyapuram, Ittegegud, Nazarbad, Nanjumalige, Sharadadevi Nagar, Rama Krishna Nagar, Udyagiri, Naidunagar, Siddartha Layout, NR Mohalla, Bannimantap and for several other locality residents overcoming water problems has become day to day task.

Hit in construction works
The scarcity of water has not only affected for drinking purpose, whereas even it has affected the construction of house. Contractor Murali says, from last two days they have not got sufficient water to take-up construction water, as the water released is not sufficient.

Demands for water pots
Manasmarket trader Aktar said demand for plastic pots, huge water drums has gone up from last few weeks. “Majority of the pots are sold to villagers. They collect about 8-10 pots of water for a time from the nearby lakes, borewells and later transport in cycles, bullock carts,” he added.

Dejected lover pens poems in memory of his lover

This four letter magic word 'LOVE' changes the life of every person it happens to touch upon. And for those who lost their sweethearts in the process life will never be the same again. While some decide to remain unmarried, others go to the extreme of taking their life and few others get addicted to drinking, drugs, tying to forget the bad incident.

And, here is another tragic love story of a 25-year-old N Sunil Muktha who lost his love but somehow found his own way to overcome the loss of the broken love affair.
Being a Diploma Engineer (Fire and Safety), Sunil fell in love with a girl, when he was just 18-years-old. Everything went on well for eight years. But, suddenly the unthinkable happened. Their eight years love story came to an end when the girl walked out of Sunil's life last year.

Deeply hurt over the break-up Sunil decided to end his life. Meantime, his girl friend brother who was studying 8th standard committed suicide. After going through agonizing pain for over a year, suddenly things took a turn  in his life. He decided to pen poems in memory of his lover.

He has named his collection 'April 24', to mark the birthday of the girl.  Not satisfied with that he launched a charitable Trust, 'Pranamitra Beeresh Charitable Trust', in memory of her brother who passed away. Through his Trust he has plans to uplift the poor children and bring them into main stream.

Sunil said that “None can fill the place of my lost love. I have decided not to marry and remain a bachelor, dedicating myself for the welfare of needy people through the Trust.”

When asked the reason for the break-up he said that the girl's parents refused to offer their daughter citing the reason he was poor and may not be able to look after her properly. But added hopefully, "In case the girl decides to come back, I am ready to accept her with open heart.”

Through poems he has expresses the pain he is undergoing, felling he had over the girl making readers emotional. Artiste Badal Nanjundaswamy release the book in city on Tuesday.

Tribal youths to climb Himalayas

It will be lifetime memorable for tribal youths who are gearing to climb Himalaya. The team comprising of ten girls and ten boys from different tribal communities of Nagarhole, Bandipur regions are all set to climb a 14,200 feet peak in Parvati Range at Kullu Manali region in Himachal Pradesh. They will be leaving city on April 25.

International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (IAMAS) has launched the programme under the theme 'Udaan-2013'. Thy youth will ascend popular 'Sar Pass' on May 10, which is at an altitude of 14,200 feet in the Pin Parati Range and return on Mary 16.  

The youth have undergone training at various places like Chamundi hills, forests ranges, apart from classes on flora fauna. The team will pass through various camps before their summit, such as Grahan, Ming Thatch, Padari, Biskeri, Bhandak thatch and will culminate the trek at Barsheni Road.

They will be visiting Indian Military Academy and museums in Dehradun and will take part in river rafting in ganges which is being organised by Ravers Expedition. On e-route they will be visiting various historical places like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mathura, Parliament, Red Fort, Golden Temple, Jallianwallah Bagh, Wagh Border, Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, ForestResearch Museum, Haridwar, Rishikesh.

Addressing the media persons here on Tuesday, Programme co-ordinator N Shankara Subramanyan said that the budget for the expeditions is about Rs 9 lakhs, which is being contributed by adventure enthusiast.

The team consists of four teachers from Viveka Tribal Centre for learning, HD Kote Taluk. The project is led by N Shankara Subramanyan, T Rajeev, Shrisha Bhat, Mahaveera, Vinay Singh, Master KM Karthik and Lakshman Raju.

The event has been organised to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and Diamond Jubilee celebrations of first ascent on the Everest on May 29 by Sir Edmund Percival Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

This septuagenarian gives life for poor girls, widows

It is said marriages are made in heaven, but the real fact is they need someone here on earth to bring the bride and the groom together. Meet, this 70-year-old C Sathyanarayan Setty who has given life for hundreds of poor girls, by matching them a right partner and has even arranged alliances for widows, widowers and divorcees about 25 of them in all.

He has arranged more than 1200 alliances without taking a single rupee from last four decades, purely for humanitarian reasons and for a social cause. Seeking financial help from well wishers, donors he has bear the marriage expenses of about 7-8 poor girls.

He always encourages simple marriages and any expectations of giving or taking dowry is not encouraged as most of the brides whom he has arranged marriages hail from poor families.

Another interesting thing of Sathyanaryana is he gives Ayurveda medicines for several diseases. Specially for jaundice, kidney failure, piles, infertility and much more. Among 20 infertility couple he has addressed, 15 couple have obtained positive result. All this done in a free of cost.

Though he is working as a service engineer in a local electronics shop, he takes time off only during weekends to visit the prospective groom's or the bride's place. He gets call from Bidar, Hubli, Karwar, and several other districts. Considering his service he has been awarded with title 'Arya Vaishya Sahasra Kalyana Peetamaha' by Arya Vaishya Maruthi Seva Trust, Badravathi.

Hailing from poor family of Arya Vysya community, he says he couldn't forget the pain he underwent 40 years ago when he was searching for a girl to get married. He says: “After realising how difficult its to search for a life partner, I decided to do something for the scores of girls and boys who could not get married following several problems.”

Prema who had come from Badravathi said she knew Sathyanarayan from last 12 years. “Its because of him, I got married. Bearing marriage expenses he tied my knot 12 years ago. Now, again have come to take Ayurveda treatment following infertility.”

Sharat resident of Mysore said: “Just last week he has meet Sathyanarayan and he is very endeared towards Sathyanarayan's straightforwardness, frankness. He arranges for the interviews after meeting the boy and girl personally and ascertaining their background.”   

Vegetable vendors have high hope on new government

The sorry state of vegetable and fruits sellers on Mahatma Gandhi Road is unexplainable. The vendors are struggling hard to lead life due to several problems.

After D Devaraj Urs Market, this vegetable market is considered as biggest market and people throng here to purchase fresh vegetables, fruits from the wee hours. But, there is no permanent shelter for them to sell their veggies. During rainy season women, girls, struggle in rain to sell their vegetables.

“The then DC Manivannan had taken measures to construct the permanent shelter in the vacant place. But, the politicians created controversies and the case is pending in court and everything is unclear,” sais Bettaiah, vendor.

Following water crisis due to drought the yield has come down this year. Meantime, soar in prices of vegetables, fruits has led the business down, pushing farmers life into misery. Farmer Nanjunda says: “people are buying half kilo vegetables in place of more than one kilo, following price hike.”

Lack of cleanliness, and dilapidated condition of shops are the problems witnessed in D Devaraj Urs. Parking problem is also causing inconvenience among people and sellers.

Thus, the traders have decided to elect the candidate who hear their grievances and think of eradication of poverty. Majority of them opined that they are fed-up with the rule of BJP government, while some say let any government shall come to power, no one thinks of development of poor people.

The next government should promote agriculture sector in state, and think of development of state and bring down the prices of essential commodities, says Venkatesh, of D Devaraj Urs Market.

Sellers Sowmya says: “Development means not only providing basic facilities and improving cities. Instead bringing poor people to the mainstream of society, which no party candidates think of. Once they get elected voters are sidelined and indulge in minting money.”

“We are fed-up with the selfish, greed politics, who concentrate more on their growth, they people. This time we have decided to cast our vote for a candidate who think of upliftment of lower class people,” says Afsar, vegetable vendors member.

Sharp dip in gold sees mad rush of customers

People who had been waiting for the fall, were seen thronging jewellery shops

A sharp dip in the prices of the yellow metal just after the beginning of the new year (Ugadi), has brought cheers among customers, dealers attracting buyers in large number. After a long spell, this is the first time the prices have come down to the level it was in 2011. The rate has suddenly crashed by Rs 2100 for 10 gram of gold.

In November 2012, the price of 10 gm gold was Rs 29,500 (22 carat), and an approximate of Rs 31,600 for 24 carat while Silver was about Rs 56,000 per kg. In February the price of 10 gram gold came down to Rs 28,500. Whereas today the prices have plummeted down to Rs 25,550 for 10 gram of 22 carat gold and an approximate of Rs 27,600 for 24 carat. Per kg Silver is about Rs 48,500.

Following fall in prices, the crowd in majority of the jewellery shops on Monday was more than usual. With the marriage season also setting in, the fall in price of gold has brought cheers among many. While most were in a haste to buy at the earliest thinking the prices might go up again.

Housewife Tanuja says “At the earlier rates gold was no longer affordable for a common man. After knowing the prices have come down, I rushed to purcahse some jewels which I had been planning for long.”
Prominent jewelery mart in Mysore MD Sharuddin said that for the past two days the number of buyers have increased and a huge rush is witnessed at the shop.

“Over the past two years the price of gold had been steadily increasing, reaching such astronomical level, that it had turned away gold buyers from the bullion market. But, now we are expecting sales to go up this season as many are investing on it,” said Madan Lal another jewllery mart owner, adding the prices have dropped to what it was in 2011.

"We had never thought of gold prices would crash suddenly by this extent,” said another customer Raghu and added, "I wish the price of gold would decline even further, so that many can invest on it as there is always gurantee of getting back our money."

With May 13 being 'Akshaya thadige', the day considered most auspicious for buying gold, several women were seen booking their favorite jewellery, when the prices have come down.

Girls takeup martial arts for self defence

After the Delhi gang rape incident the number of girls enrolling for martial arts classes especially Karate has seen a drastic rise in the city. The girls, including married women are heading towards karate classes and to learn techniques in self defence.

Ekalavaya Awardee S Naveen said that after the report of the Delhi incident there is a very good response for his Karate classes from girls. "Self Help Groups, Women's Colleges, schools are planning to teach martial arts as a part of curriculum. I have received several calls inquiring if I can teach martial arts, specially those involving self defence techniques."

Women Wing trainer Roopa said increase in chain snatching incidents has also driven several women to learn Karate. For the past six months more than 30 women have learnt martial arts under her. Chinnaswamy of Okinawa School of Martial Arts said city dwellers are thronging to learn Martial arts. Earlier, there was misconception among parents about enrolling their wards for martial arts, specially girls as they were denied of this opportunity. Whereas, now the parents voluntarily come and enroll girls. Martial Arts not only help to defence ourselves, but also help a person to be fit."

“My parents in the beginning did not encourage me to learn karate, following the age old stigma. But, later I convinced them and joined for Karate. The self defence techniques I learnt in a span of two months has helped me to become mentally strong and physically fit," says Chintana, who is waiting for 10th results.

Parent Mala who has enrolled her 10-year old girl Namratha for the karate class in Saraswathipuram said: “For self defence karate will be very helpful and Girls will be more benefited if they learn karate.”
More than 45 Martial Arts School are functioning in city. Following summer holidays the number of joining for classes has increased drastically. The familiar four forms of style like shoto keni, shitoryu, wadoryu, gojuryu will be taught for the participants.

Spending holidays in 'Ajji Mane' becomes 'outdated'

The age old practice of children enjoying their summer holidays by visiting their granny's house has become outdated as summer camps have become a big attraction for parents who can't afford to spend time with their children because of busy schedule. 

Though summer camps have brought relief for parents to some extent, grand parents feel its not a good move. Being traditional, cultural country, today's generation people are neither in a position to look into their wards, nor parents. Old people are sent for oldage homes, and children to summer camps. 

“The only time I used to spend long time with my grand children was summer. From last two years the children are sent for summer camp in Bangalore, and hardly they visit Mysore for four days or a week. I feel, the concept of leading life has completely changed,” says 72-year-old Yashodamma, who is eagerly looking after her grand children way.

Another 60-year-old granny Lalitha, mother of four says: “Life become misery at old time. After my husband passed away, I did marriage of four and all of them have children. The pain of loneliness cant be explained. Children, grand children are busy in their activities, they even don’t have time to come on occasions.”

While, Parent Rekha says: “We are happy to enroll our children for summer camps. They get new friends, they can enrich their knowledge which will be indeed helpful for their future and to face this competitive world.”

Meanwhile summer camps are mushrooming every year offering wide variety of creative events and games for children. The themes at the camp vary from Indian to Western. While some camps even offering colourful attires for six year old tots. A few have made good use of the opportunity and converted it into a profitable business by attracting children to their summer camp during these two months of April and May.

Though some organisation are attracting children towards them through introducing rural sports and festival traditions, some concentrate on fitness, martial arts, cricket, football, basketball, swimming, computer classes, camps and wide variety of events.

While some on yoga, meditation, personality development horse ride, camp fire, theatre camps, calligraphy and filigree, cultural, sports, adventure events, kolebasavanna marriage, rural sports, marakoti play, rangoli and much more.

  

Don't consider women as vote bank'

Sthree Shakti Sanghas came into existence with the sole objective of making women economically independent by providing them with self employment. But now it has transpired that such Sanghas can become potential vote banks at the time of elections.

Around 50 percent of voters are comprised of women and majority of them in rural areas are associated with some woman organisation or the other, predominantly Stree Shakti Sanghas. With Assembly elections round the corner, political parties have found an easy way of using them to swing votes in their favour by luring them with funds and promises.

Its learnt that Politicians are offering money to certain Sthree Shakti organisations in return asking the members to cast their vote for the party's candidate. Women residing in villages fall easy prey for such tactics employed by unscrupulous politicians.

Though not all Sthree Shakti associations are targeted by politicians, a larger number of women's organisations, are under their radar. Even the Associations not shy of making as much as possible while the sun shines. There are even instances for their political gain some of the party candidates are forming association on caste lines.

Speaking in anonymity, one of the women organisation member said that a major political leader has assured of distributing houses for the association members, who are in 160 number.

Deposit of amount from Rs 1000 to Rs 15000 for bank accounts after studying the family condition of the voters, distribution of sarees, shalls, set-top box, and several other tactics are followed to lure the voters.

Sociologist Prof Indira says: “Across the country its reported that women organisations are being misused. But women should realise that being a responsible citizen they should exercise their franchise not swayed by such entices. They have the power to bring changes in the society. The mistake committed by a few will become a black mark for the entire SHGs.”

Mahila Samakhya organisation Mysore District Co-ordinator Lochana also admitted that women in villagers are easily lured by politicians.

The organisation members have taken a initiative to educate women residing in villages under Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP).

As per the statistics obtained from Women and Child Welfare Department as many as 6,602 Shree Shakthi Sanghas have registered under the department.

  

Women can compete equally to men and emerge as good rulers'

Many of the political party leaders project women as losing candidate and say women cant compete equal to men and win the election. For this the best example is the ensuing Assembly elections. 

Stating there is no promising women contenders, political parties are stepping behind to give an opportunity for women to contest in the elections. From which, only countable number of women have succeed in entering the election fray in the ensuing assembly elections.

Kalpana Siddaraju name is being heard for the contestant from Maddur, Anitha Kumarswamy from Channapatna, and Parimala Nagappa from Hanur, Chamarajanagar district.

Parimala Nagappa said that “About 50 per cent of women voters are there and its high time women should be given preference to contest in the elections. Citing there is no promising women candidate denying the ticket is not good cause. Women should be encouraged, promoted to contest. Though women cant spend money like men, women emerge as good rulers.”

Corporator Manjula Manasa says: “Its very sad that women are deprived of tickets to contest in elections. At least for every district two women would have been provided ticket to contest in the election. If women become politically stronger they can create wonders.”

Former corporator Mahadevamma said “Men do want to give up their power. Many women have capability to combat in the elections, but are denied with the opportunity in this male dominated society.” 

Women who emerged as super power

In the history of Mysore city, only two women candidates have got tickets from major political parties to contest in the elections. Muktar Unnisa Begaum in 1985 had won the election from Congress NR Constituency. Dr Kamalrama had contested for elections in 1967 (Bharatiya Janasangha) and 1983 as a congress candidate. Since then no women has been fielded by major political parties in Mysore city.

Before undivided Mysore district, a women has carved niche in the political arena. Its none other than late KS Nagarathnamma, who has won the assembly elections consequently for seven times from Gundlupet (1957 to 89). She was called as 'Amma of Gundlupet'. Being one of the powerful leader she was a speaker and was Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

Though Yashodamma Dasappa and Soundaramma Venkatesh were said to be powerful candidates they were denied by giving opportunity to contest in the election.

Borewell contractors minting the money in drought

With the sun scorching, and the taps running dry due to drought the demand for digging borewells has tremendously increased in city. Several borewell contractors in the city own around 5 to 6 vehicles and are engaged round the clock earning good money by drilling borewells during the drought.

They receive dozens of enquiries over phone everyday enquiring about costs incurred. According to sources around 3-4 borewells are dug every day in the city and nearby villages from these drillers.

They charge Rs 75 for drilling one feet of bore if the vehicle is bought to the the spot, else the rates differ depending on the distance from where the vehicle is parked and the place of bore. The total approximate cost for digging a bore in the city ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000 depending on depth.

Last year the prices was around Rs 70. Hike in diesel prices has pushed the contractors to rise the price. Sri Ram Borewells Chandru says following tough competition, labour problem, hike in diesel price they are facing lot of problems.

“Irregular supply of water has caused lot of hardship. Specially during summer our problems were unimaginable. After we placed bourwell water problem has solved for some extent,” said Archana, resident of TK Layout.

Meenakshi who had drilled borewell recently said: “We got the number in yellow pages and contacted the borwell drillers, then indeed came and setup the bore of us.”

Vignesh, who takes agency of digging borewell said: “The response in summer has gone up and they are having good business.” Mines and Geology Department Officer Chowdry said the department is getting applications from farmers, government department, whereas not from residents.

The official even added that there is no objection for drilling bores in houses in Mysore. Meantime, none is bothered to know if any law exists that requires prior permission to be obtained before digging a new borewell.

When contacted a couple of borewell drillers in the city over phone seeking details of the permission to be obtained from concerned authorities for digging a new borewell, the replies received were astounding. Several borewell drilling contractors not aware of which department they should consult to obtain a permission.

“Once a borewell is dug, that's it. Nobody bothers. Without fear you can get your bore drilled. We are in this business for the past several years and there is no risk. Its just a matter of few hours,” say Contractors. 

Marriage season powers demand for white horses

Some religions still follow the old tradition of bringing the bride-groom to the wedding place seated on a horse, which is white in colour. With the months of April and May considered auspicious for weddings the demand for white horses in the city has gone up.

In all there are eight horses in Mysore and only the 'Katewada' breed white horse is preferred. The horse is bedecked with special dresses to suit the occasion. It being the tradition for the groom to ride atop only a white coloured horse, though other colour horses are available, they are not preferred.

The charges for renting such a white horse ranges from Rs 2500 to 3500 per hour, and sometime ever more depending on the distance of the wedding hall. Owners of white horses, mostly tongawallas, are happier as they can earn good money in this seasons for a few hours ride on the horse from families who don't want to break the tradition.

Anuradha who had come to book the horse says: "The nuptial ceremonies begins only after the groom arrives at the wedding hall seated on a white horse. Though the prices are hiked we are left with no other choice.”

Tongawalla Zameer says: “Sometimes marriages are held continuously on certain auspicious days. On these days our horses have no rest. We lend them to more than three or four functions and try to meet the demands with the existing eight horses.”

Tongawalla Babu says: “traditional families still follow the customs of their religion and we lend horses to them. We earn good money during this season, and moderate response during the rest of the year. Though we have been in the business of lending white horses since our fore-fathers, we don't want our children to continue doing the same.”

“The only time we have good business is during Dasara to carry tourists on horse-backs, other than the April to June wedding season. With no other option left we have to charge more during the season, to cover the costs of expensive feed given to the horses and also maintain our livelihood,” observed Babu.