Mysuru Zoo on high alert after birdflu outbreak

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens has stopped procurement of live fowl and eggs from the retail market for time being. The decision has been taken following outbreak of bird flu at poultry farm in Melkera village of Humnabad.

Zoo procures an average 100 eggs and 50 kgs of live fowl everyday. It will be given as treat to animals along with beef and it is not part of its basic diet. It procures 310 kilos beef every day.

In it's place, procurement of beef, fish and prawns has been increased to feed the carnivorous birds and animals which is for a couple of days till things return to normalcy. Zoo Veterinarian Dr Ramesh says: 'With stoppage of feeding eggs and live fowl there is no difference in diet, as they were provided as treat for the birds.'

Zoo Executive Director S Venkatesan said: 'We have taken all the precautionary measures at Zoo. Stopping live bird feeding to the animals won't affect their diet in any big way.'

This apart, as a Prophylactic measure all birds have been given medication and fecal samples are being collected for screening. Foot dips are maintained at visitor’s entrance, vehicle entry gates and near all animal enclosures, he added.

Altogether, 155 species of birds and animals are currently housed in Mysore Zoo. Mammals – 51 species; birds 80 species; and reptiles – 24 species. The total number of animals housed in zoo is 1432, of which about 150 are carnivorous.

Screening intensified in district

Prasad Murthy, Deputy Director of Department of Animal Husbandry, informed that random screening of poultry birds is being done every month. With the news of outbreak, the screening will be intensified in the 50 poultries located in the neighbourhood of Mysuru, where blood samples of birds will be collected for testing. This apart, training will be conducted for poultry owners regarding maintenance of hygiene and disposal measures. There is no problem in Mysuru as of now.

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Demand for fish to increase

Most of the non vegetarian hotels located in the vicinity tourist places did not have much chicken dishes on the menu on Monday.

Sarvesha, a cook at a Kerala non-veg hotel located near Zoo said because of the outbreak of birdflu we purchased only 25 kg chicken as against our daily purchase of 40 kg. We expect the demand for sea food to go up in couple of days.

Owner of another non veg hotel said that with outbreak of birdflu tourists afraid to order chicken and most of them ask for fish. We have kept a good quantity of fish in stock anticipating demand.

Environmentalists turn red over proposed development works atop hill

Environmentalists have turned red over the developmental works being planned atop Chamundi Hills, and are planing to file a Public Interest Litigation.

Speaking to Express, several environmentalists said that there is no need to develop Chamundi Hills on the lines of Tirupati, and they strongly oppose the proposal to build multiple lanes or take up construction of dormitories and multi-parking facilities etc atop hills.

“The proposed construction works destroys the already fragile ecosystem of the Hills which in recent times has been affected by drought and forest fires. Putting up multi-lane road along the slope requires removing forest cover destroys the forest and is against conservation of green cover. The flora and fauna in the regions will be further threatened with the increasing environment pollution,” was the concern expressed by the environmentalists.

Naturalist Manu said that more than 130 species birds are nesting in Chamundi Hill. With added pollution due to increased carbon dioxide emission by vehicles, it will severely affect not only the flora and fauna but also certain exotic species of plants in the Hill. With decrease in green cover, wild cats like leopards are forced to move out of their habitat resulting in human-animal conflict.

MGP President Chandra Prakash says, 'This will surely going to be a Road to Ruins as for as Chamundi Hill is concerned. There is no need for another four-lane, since there are more than four roads leading to Hill and certain roads can be declared one way for reducing the traffic. The proposed multi-parking can be shifted to the foot of Chamundi Hill. Being hardly 13 kms away from city, there is no need to construct a dormitories atop the Hills. MGP is planning to file a PIL.'

A regular hill climber Shankari said the recent constructions going on in the name of development works has destroyed every know heritage symbol of Mysuru which is a dangerous and this is not a way to retain the heritage and beauty. Tourist flock Hill, to enjoy the scenic beauty, this initiatives will not promote tourism.'

MGP member Bhamy Shenoy says: 'Its shocking that CM Siddaramaiah being Mysorean has approved the construction of a four lane highway for Chamundi Hills. With impact of climate change, awareness on conservation of environment has increased. Instead of preserving the natural beauty of a place like Chamundi Hill, the government is destructing the beauty. I request CM to stop the development works.

Highlights

* CM Siddaramaiah had laid foundation for various development works at the the Chamundi Hill at the cost of Rs 79.90 crores

* Environmentalists say the environmentally unfriendly construction planned atop hill will mar the beauty of heritage city.

* Concerned citizens suggest prohibiting any private vehicle going up the hills and providing only bus service for the pilgrims, as done during Aashada.

* MGP finding out legal remedy available to this malady. It has invited environmental activists and lovers of Mysuru to join with its efforts to save Mysore and send suggestions to mygrapa@gmail.com 

He cracked IAS at his seventh attempt

 

He failed to crack the UPSC, to be precise IAS, six times. But that

did not stop this Mysurian from giving a try for the seventh time and

finally his efforts paid off. He not only managed to wear the IAS cap,

but came out with flying colours - coming second in the state with

56th rank.

A resident of Mysuru, 29- year-old HS Srikanth, aM.Tech graduate,

received job offers from reputed companies who offered handsome

salaries, but he rejected all of them to realize his childhood dream

of cracking the UPSC. He qualified twice in the Mains but he was not

the one who could settle for anything less than IAS.

He says: ‘Since was my childhood I dreamt of becoming an IAS officer.

I never gave up. Instead I dedicated myself and took it as a

challenge. I was confident that I would clear the exams. There are

several opportunities to serve people in the administration sector and

bring change in lives of people, which provides immense satisfaction.

My goal is to provide a good administration and make people feel that

there is good governance,’  says Srikanth who was an average student

in his school days.

There is no shortcut to success. With hardwork anyone can achieve

success. No one should lose heart and always remmebr that failure and

success or part of life. I prepared for 6-8 hours for three years. I

took coaching for nine months in Delhi. My father has motivated me

lot. IAS officer P Manivanan is inspirational, says Srikanth who has

worked as project trainer at National Aerospace Laboratories.

A native of Nanjangud,  Srikanth completed schooling education in

Town. A decade ago they settled in Mysuru. His hobby is collection of

rare coins, foreign currency, stamps, diary writing. He has collected

more than 200 rare coins. Parents M Shantharaju, former assistant

director of Agriculture and T Sowbhagya said they are very proud of

their son and their enjoyment had no bounds. 

Unaided schools get conversion to English Medium

More than 60 unaided schools in the district are converting to English medium beginning this academic year, following a recent verdict of Supreme Court which ruled that Kannada is not mandatory as medium of teaching in primary schools.

There are 518 unaided primary schools in district of which more than 60 schools, have got conversion to English Medium from the existing Kannada medium. In addition to this, 20 new English medium schools (15 primary and 5 middle schools) are coming up and most of these are located at the Taluk levels.

Sources in the DDPI said that more number of primary schools are expected to come with applications seeking conversion and its expected that in the coming years more than 85 per cent of the unaided Kannada Medium Primary Schools will change over to English medium.

Parents Jayamma and Basavaraju, residents of Mysuru taluk said: 'It's a good news for us. Beginning this academic year we can enroll our children to English medium. We want our children to have their basic education in a English medium school. With the rapid advances that are occurring definitely there is a need to learn English'.

Parent Chandrashekar said: 'Parents have a fundamental right to choose the medium of instruction for their children. With the SC upholding giving a verdict in our favour, we can now enroll our wards to English Medium right from primary level, which helps them to have a better future. It also increases employment opportunities.'

Mysuru District DDPI BK Basavaraj said that there will be no threat for Government Schools with increasing conversion of unaided schools to English medium. 'We have good strength as of now, and there is no threat of closure of schools nor decline in strength of students who may quit to join private schools.'

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Bring Amendment to Constitution

Kannada activists have decided to bring pressure on MPs from the State to raise voice in the floor of the House and bring necessary amendments to the constitution where parents have a fundamental right to choose the medium of instruction of their children at the primary schools under Article 19(1)(1) of the constitution.

Kannada Activists P Mallesh said: 'The order of SC is a death blow for Kannada . As everybody hankers after English language, our regional languages will become extinct soon. We have decided to hold a meeting with MPs from Karnataka through our Kriya Samithi in the coming days requesting them to raise voice to bring amendment to the constitution for the survival of mother tongue. It's the only way we can save our language. Nearly 2/3 of the Parliament members should vote for this. Already talks have been held with CM Siddaramaiah in this regard, and inturn he has return a letter to PM,' he added.

Kannada activists say that the recent developments is a threat for Kannada, which will lead to decline in the enrollment of students in government schools and this might to lead to closure of Kannada medium schools in State.

'Quite a good number of unaided English medium schools have come up in district over the years. With the order of SC, the existing Kannada schools are also heading towards conversion. This is a cause of concern which has to be addressed. There is a need to take a call to protect the Kannada language,' added Kannada activists, raising concern over the increasing demand for English medium schools.

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Facts and Figures

Government Schools: primary school – 1912; High Schools – 232.

Aided : Primary: 142; High school – 141

Unaided Schools: primary schools - 518; High School – 283

New Schools coming up: Primary 20 – High School – 3

Mysore City Corporation gears up to tackle monsoon

Mysuru City Corporation is getting ready to tackle any eventualities during rainy season. The heavy rains lashed last week in city, had thrown the normal life out of gear, and one person was killed in rain-related incident. Thus, to over come the calamities several programmes and precautionary measures has been chalked out by MCC to ensure safety of people.

The MCC's three emergency 'Abhaya' team with six members in each team have been roped in to work day and night and attend the complaints round the clock. Pruning dead tree branches has already taken up, apart from fixing potholes, and de-silting drainage.

At present three Abhaya teams are working in Krishnaraja Constituency, Narasimharaja Constituency and Chamaraja Constituency. The team members are visiting all the wards and taking up precautionary measures. If need arises, more abhaya team will be formed.

Abhaya Team Member Raju said: 'Dead tree branches are being removed, and tree branches which have crossed over electric pole are being trimmed. Once complaints are registered, we rush to the spot and attend the complaint. In case if the problem cant be solved by us, we report to higher officials.'

Mayor Bhyrappa said: 'The Abhaya team will reach the spot within a few minutes and take all the precautionary measures. Last year corporation managed to tackle rainy season successful with just three teams.'

MCC Commissioner Dr CG Betsurmath said that 'we have geared up to tackle monsoon. Silts are being removed from storm water drainage and other drains, which helps for easy flow of water, and avoid drain water entering low lying areas. This apart, blocked drains will be cleared and officers have been instructed to be on alert during rainy season. Soon, the Hardinge Cirlce works will be completed and will be tared by this month end. With this the water accumulation in city centers can be prevented.'

Now, Adopt a Plant Initiative to make Mysuru more greener and cooler

Do you wish to increase the green cover of city and fight against global warming. Then adopt a tree by just paying Rs 250 per annum. A sapling will be planted and nurtured scientifically using the money.

A group of volunteers to plant nearly one lakh trees to make Mysuru a greener city and reduce the global warming phenomenon. This movement has been taken by Let's do it ! Mysore, in collaboration with multiple associations. The organisations aim to motivate citizens for adoption of plants, and plant minimum 50,000 trees by next month.

The money raised will be used to purchase tankers and to pay salary for a group of people who will be roped into nurture the plants round the year. The drive will be initiated from June 5, on the occasion of World Environment Day.

The volunteers have selected gomala, new layouts, vacant places in industrial areas, hostels, government schools, surrounding to lakes, and surrounding to Chamundi Hill to plant trees like Honge, Neem, Nerale, and other fruit bearing saplings.

Speaking to Express, Let's do it Mysore Member Prashanth said that adoption of plants scheme will be announced soon, which is expected to become a big hit among Mysoreans.

'Most of the time saplings planted are not taken care and they die. There is need of recruiting persons to take care of the saplings. This initiative will also create employment and helps to make Mysuru much more greener and cooler city. We are planning to fix Rs 250 as maintenance charges per annum, which is affordable,' he added.

This apart, the organisations are planning to rope in school children from 5^th to 10^th standard to plant trees and educate them conservation of environment, and importance of growing trees.

In this connection, to formulate a strong plant to make this movement a grand success, a meet has been called on May 25 at 7 pm at SJCE CS&IE Auditorium. Residents association, institutions, industrialists and concerned citizens are requested to take part in the meet.

Rapid response team to combat epidemic diseases during monsoon

In the wake of alarming dengue, chikungunya cases in the district, district health department has come out with a special team to tackle water borne diseases during coming monsoon.

A Rapid Response Team has been constituted to check water borne diseases. The team comprising of five male health workers, a laboratory technician and a group D employee will be reaching every remote village to under take preventive measures and combat epidemic diseases.

The team will provide technical assistance to staff as well as local public on how to prevent outbreak of diseases. A call has been taken for spraying to kill mosquitoes larvae in sensitive areas. The team will go around district and ask the Corporation to clear uncollected garbage, water logging and clogged UGD pipes, which pose a greater health risk for the residents. While in rural areas concerned panchayat members will be alerted.

This apart, a team comprising Asha and ANMs, and staff from 145 primary health care centers have been roped in to clean up places where mosquitoes breed, and also to educate villagers about spread of diseases. They have been provided vector control training. Water samples are being collected from overhead tanks and public taps and sent to laboratory to check for potability in order to ensure safe and clean drinking water.

An inter departmental meeting will be held on May 27, in which officials of various department will be informed about their role and responsibilities to avoid water borne diseases during monsoon. Corporation, Panchayat Raj, Education, Information Department officials will be participating in the meet.

Speaking to Express, Dr S Chidambara, District Vector Borne Diseases Control Office said: 'During monsoon cases of chickungunya, dengue will be on rise. Thus several measures have been taken to control the spread of these deadly epidemic diseases. The team will rush to the affected areas, and provide necessary assistance to the affected people including staff. We have asked the concerned officials to look into rain water / drain water not getting mixed with drinking water, which is the primary cause for Viral Hepatitis A and E.'

Another health officer said: 'With the number of dengue cases on rise, we do not want to take any chance. hence we are gearing up to chalk out all preventive measures to prevent outbreak of communicable and water borne diseases, including typhoid. People will be taught about hygiene apart from instructing them to drink boiled water, and keep their surroundings clean to avoid breeding of mosquitoes and several other measures.

Fact and Figures

From January to May 15

Dengue – 98 infected against 24 last year

Chikungunya – 42 infections against 24 last year.

Police canteen in district are not benefiting cops

 The police personnel in district are not getting adequate number of household items in the police canteen. With infrequent supply of stock, and a very few branded products are sold in the three canteens located in city, the cops are forced to purchase items in retail shop by paying high price.

On an average there are around 8,000 police personnel rendering service in district. Rs 3000 worth of items can be purchased by each person. Not able to buy what they want they police personnel are forced to go outside and buy.

Only washing soaps, detergents, coconut oil, cooking oil, biscuits, broom sticks, snacks, and three brands of bath soap are available.

This apart, one can purchase electronic items upto Rs 75,000 in a year. The other major constraint is that they have to make purchase before seventh of every month. If they are late, then they have to do shopping for the items leftover. Though most of the Police personnel have registered out complaints no action has been taken.

Speaking to Express, cops said: 'One cant shell out Rs 3,000 on biscuits, soaps, ditergents. The government should take measures to provide facilities in canteen on the lines of DFRL, Air Force canteen.

With no stock, left with no other choice we are forced to purchase whatever is available in canteens. Every month we are sent back asking to come after a fortnight sighting shortage of items,' they regretted.

A woman constable said: 'The canteens are not benefiting, and its there only for a name sake. Only three branded bath soaps are available. There is a difference of Rs 4 to Rs 5 on each product. We feel its better to shop once in retail as it even wont works out on the cost of petrol.'

Another police personnel added: 'Most of us cant afford to buy electronic good by paying entire amount in cash. So, like retail outlets easy installment should be provided. Measures should be taken to tie up with finance companies, so that we can purchase the electronic products in easy installments from the canteen. Lot of changes can be brought in if planned properly.'

'In initial days there was good response for the canteen. But, now as most of them seek particular brand products the people in less are turning to the canteen. Added to it shortage in stock has also contributed to higher extent,' says a canteen caretaker who did not wished to disclose his name.

* Mysuru is the first city in country to open an exclusive canteen for police personnel.

* The canteens are located at the Mounted Police Unit at Lalitha Mahal Road, Mysuru District Police Canteen at Jyothinagar, and another at KSRP premises.

Their ambition is to get well educated and serve society

These girls come from different walks of life, and have faced several challenges in their tender age. But, without losing hope, overcoming all their odds they have excelled in PU examination by scoring distinction marks. Their common ambition is to get well education and serve society.

Hailing from a poor family and a remote village of Banganehalli in Uttara Kannada, Poornima Damodar Marati has scored 72 per centage (437 marks) and has made her parents proud.

With economic condition of family was not good and dont wanted to be burden for parents, she decided to leave home at the age of eight. With the help of some organisation, she joined Vanavasi Kalyana Organisation at Dandeli, Haliyala Taluk and completed her schooling. Later, she relocated to Mysuru Adivasi Center and joined Vijaya Vittala PU College, to continue her studies.

Everyday Poornima wokes up at 5 am, and after preparing food, breakfast she rush to study. With only five strength no cook has been appointed at the Vanavasi Kalayana Organisation located in Kuvempunagar, due to which the inmates are engaged in cooking.

Poornima who had completed her schooling education in Kannada medium, opted for English medium and decided to study PCMC. She says: 'I dint had good command over English. It was quite challenging in initial days to study science in English. But I did not give up, I dedicated time to learn English, and covered subjects thought everyday. The college lecturers gave me private tuition free of cost, which helped me lot to clear exams.'

Poornima has scored 78 in Kannada, 70 in English, 72 in physics, Chemistry – 86; Computer Science 76 and mathematics - 54. Her wish is to pursue carrier in Engineering, and serve society. There was sense of satisfaction in her face with excelling in distinction marks.

While, the other girl from the same organisation Manitha, has excelled scoring 79 per cent (491). Poornima and Manitha are friends from last six years. Whereas, the bitter news is Mantiha to discontinue her studies, as her father passed away recently and wants to take care of family. She has expressed doubt over her continuation of education.

This apart, Reshma and Shabhana of Odanadi Seva Samsthe, working for the rescue, rehabilitation and empowerment of trafficked and sexually exploited women and children, have come out with flying colours.

Reshma a native of Periyapatna has scored 55 per cent (329) in commerce stream. Her desire is to become bank manager and give education for needy. Reshma is very interested in theater field. She has given few performances.

While, Shabhana has scored 421 (70 per cent), and wants to pursue carrier in administration line. Shabhana has no mother, and she is at Odanadi from last eight years. Odanadi Founder Stanely said that these children are rescued during difficult circumstances. They have faced several economic and social issues. 

It may be raining or shining, she keeps moving pushing her push cart

Hiding her sorrow behind a smile, she keeps moving pushing her push cart hollering 'Rangoli..., Rangoli...'

For this 38-year-old Rathna, life did not come easily. A native of Mandya, when she was just 12-years of age, her parents married her off and by the time she was 15 she had become a mother rearing two children. Everything was fine for three years. An unexpected thing happened in her life one day, that her husband deserted her. She had turned 16 just then.

With two kids to look after and not knowing where to go, she decided to leave the village and moved over to Mysuru 23 years ago. She eked out a livelihood by selling several products on the streets for an year, which did not yield much returns and that's when she decided to sell rangoli.

She hired a vegetable push cart and approached a wholesale Rangoli dealer in Mysuru who procures it from Salem, Tamil Nadu. In due course this became a regular routine of her life. It may be raining or shining, she just keeps moving pushing her push cart and passes through other major thoroughfares in the city every day. On an average she earns around Rs 7500 every month by selling about 100-150 kg of Rangoli every day, out of which she has raised her children, and has managed to marry off her daughter.

She has regular customers in Vidyaranyapuram, Gundurao Nagar, Nanjumalige, Bandikeri, Kanakagiri, KG Koppalu, foothills of Chamundi, Sollepura, Ashokapuram, and several other areas. By the time sun rises she will be on her way selling rangoli powder, which is used to draw designful patterns in front of the houses.

'Am an uneducated woman. When my husband left me, I was not aware where to go and what to do. Have seen ups and downs in my life. One should be courageous enough and face the challenges of life. I request parents to provide good education for girls too,' are her motivating words.

Speaking to Express, Rathna said: 'I got married, when I was not even aware of what it is. My happy life ended when I was 16. Since then I have never turned back. I am proud that I am the only woman, out of 60 persons engaged in rangoli selling. My dropout son is now a daily wage worker. I don't want to be dependent on anyone, and want to lead a life of dignity with the money I earn,' she added.

Deepa a resident of KG Koppal who is purchasing rangoli from her for the past two decades said: 'Unmindful of the blazing sun overhead she is eking out for livelihood by selling rangoli powder. She comes once every fortnight to our area, and am purchasing rangoli from her only. We are proud of this woman, who is a symbol of confidence for many of us women.'

Awareness helps to rescue children and protect their rights

With increasing awareness among populace about child help line, it has been possible for the department of Women and Child Welfare and Child Line to rescue children in trouble, child labour, trafficking, and stop child marriages.

The statistics obtained from the Child Help Line reveals that quite a good number of child abuse, child labour and child marriages cases have been registered in the district since February 2015 to April 2015.

About 424 children have been protected from abuse, and 50 child marriages have been stopped of the registered 85 marriages, and 48 children rescued from child labour of the registered 68 cases.

This apart, 20 begging children have been rescued (58 registered); and ten children subjected to sexual abuse have been rescued out of 13. Of the eight child trafficking registered six children have been rescued, and 44 physically abused cases are attended.

In the 1381 break-up of Intervention Calls received (including missed calls), 780 complaints have been registered at Child Line. Children seeking medical help (59); Shelter (32); Sponsorship (68); Emotional support and guidance (64); Counseling (52); Missing (30); Child lost found (51) Corporal punishment: 27; 104 dropout cases been registered.

Speaking to Express, Rural Literary and Health Programme (RLHP) Director Saraswathi said that with increasing awareness about child help line 1098, people from all walks of life are complaining to the Child Line, which helps to bring down crime against children, and rescue children from human trafficking, and provide then education, and fight for their rights.

'Awareness programmes will be intensified by reaching the communities, conducting out reach programmes and reaching schools. We aim to bring down child abuse, human trafficking and child labour, and other violations against children. Most of the child marriage cases are being registered at rural areas, and series of programmes will be conducted to educate them,' she added.

Women and Child Welfare Department DD Radha said that there is very good response for the helpline, and it has become possible to protect the rights of the children.

He was confident he will be topper

“As the adage goes: 'Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars', I tried seriously, and dedicated myself. At last my hardwork has bore fruits,” says K Akshay Rao, second topper for State in the SSLC exams. 

Akshay Rao, students of Vijaya Vittala is an very talented and confident student. Before announcements of results he had knew he will score 624 and will miss one mark in third language Kannada for not mentioning date in the letter writing. He has scored out of out marks in all other subjects, with total of 624/625. He has taken tuition for Maths and Science subjects.

'A week before the exams I had fallen sick for four days. Was bit nervous during the time. But I did not give up. As I was dedicating some time for reading, it did not affected me so much. Am not surprised or shocked with the marks have scored, as I was confident I get 624 marks. What disappointing is I could not score that one mark,' says Akshay who want to puruse carrier in Medical, and become an neurologist.

He is a proud son of Radhakrishna, an Civil Lab Engineer in Singapore, and Asha Rao, native of Mengaluru and resident of TK Layout. His mother Asha Rao says, he was never wasting time and was reading upto 12 pm.

While, the other topper of the school is, TS Srinidhi has scored 623. He has lost one mark in each English and Social Science subject. 

Now, its not difficult to make ragi balls

 

Despite knowing the health benefits of ragi, many especially the city

bred people were not able to have ragi balls because of the difficulty

in its preparation. It needs experienced hands to shape the balls.

Now, its not an issue.

Defence Food Research Laboratory has come up with a technology in

order to provide easy to cook ragi balls. 

The instant mix would be of great benefit to people, especially those

residing in urban areas and are either health conscious or suffer from

life style diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The entire process

of preparing ragi ball has been kept simple. Ragi balls can be

prepared instantly by simply adding the flour to hot water in the

ratio of 1:2 and stirring the mixture for a while and the ragi ball

will be ready to eat. There is no need of cooking. Dry lumps of flour

that normally form when ragi balls are prepared the conventional way

does not happen here, say Scientists.

Scientists are working to increase the shelf life for one year, from

the present six months. Other ingredients will be added to make the

flour   more rich nutritional.  P Renuka Kumari, Technical Officer of

Food Preservation and Sensory Science, DFRL said that ‘Most of people

are still not aware how to cook Rabi Mudde, a staple food of Southern

Karnataka. Now, by simplifying the process, everyone across the

country can saviour the ragi ball. Further study is under process and

interested manufacturers can buy the technology,’ she added.

Student Sharavni said: ‘This is a good news for lovers of ragi mudde

and also those who are diet conscious. Inspite of other instant mixes

readily available, ragi mudde mix is a specialty of its own. Health

benefits of consuming ragi is already well known as they are rich in

Calcium fiber, proteins, low in fats, good in carbohydrates, fiber,

mineral content and high in amino acids.  For those who want to become

Ragi Mudde is good, she added. 

Upcoming products   

* Alternative for Plastic: With ban of plastic, biodegradable spoons and sweet dishes in edible film packing materials are being introduced. 

* Instant products for significant reduction in weight by 60 to 70 per cent has been launched using ingridents Labia, Black Gram, Green Gram, Moth Bean, Bengal Gram, Tur Dal, Bengal Gram Dal and others. 

* The vegetable milk from oil seeds which are rich in dietary fibers and minerals has been introduced with shelf stable for minimum 30 days will be launched soon. They  are free from cholesterol and lactose; Good source of essentali fatty acids as they are prepared using sesame seeds, watermelon, muskmelon cucumber pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. 

*Highly nutritious Betrrot Bar, Juice, and instant beetroot juice power to use in defence and civil sectors for high altitude adaption and also for prophylaxis has been introduced. 

An initiatives to give new lease of life for widows

A massive survey of widows, who are willing to get re-marriage will be taken up in district starting from June 1. This initiative is first of its kind in country.

About 6600 SHGs and Anganwadi workers and their assistants will take up the survey. The NGOs working on issues related to women will be roped in for the survey. There are nearly 1.2 lakh members from the 6600 SHGs, and about 2827 anganwadi workers and 2827 assistant in district.

They will be reaching into the remote corners of the villages to obtain data of widows, which include their age, children, family background, requirements and other details. Only after ascertaining the fact and obtaining consent from both the families simple or mass marriage will be arranged, and the marriages will be registered.

As most of the widows do not agree for re-marriage with still a taboo in society, expert counseling will be given in grass root levels for villagers to change their mindset. Once they are mentally prepared for the marriage their names will be registered, and a platform will be created for them where interest grooms can select their life partner.

The survey will be taken by Mysore District Women Federation. While, the brain child of the programme is B Radha, Deputy Director, Women and Child Welfare Department, Mysuru. After hearing a plight of a widow during her recent visit to a village, she decided to create a platform for widows to get remarried.

She says: 'An approximate there are more than 23,000 widows in district, of which young widowsare in large number. By entering wed lock they can lead a peaceful life. We obtain physical fitness report, their interest and try to find the match who almost have similar character and will be like minded.'

'Most of the women in rural areas enter wedlock at the age of 16 to 20. Following accidents, illhealth, suicides they become widow at the early age. These initiatives will give a new lease of life, and they can have a better future. While interacting with a 16-year-old widow, I thought of this programme,' she adds.

Widow of a farmer from Nanjangud said: 'The initiative will be helpful for large number of women. Am 25-year-old and my husband committed suicide rencently. I have a 5-year-old daughter, and I need a life partner to continue my life. Its hard to lead life with no source of income, and safet. Thinking of future have decided to register my name with the Federation, and hope will soon find a good match.'

Most of the young men marry again if wife dies and family agrees. Whereas, its not the same with awidow. There is a need to change the mindset. This will be a mile stone in the history of Mysuru, adds women activist Sandya.

Sociologist Prof Indira says: 'Widow's life will be better if get married is itself a questionable and appears to be a very traditional framework. Getting married is choice of widow. Whereas, those who come forward their background has to be studied well. Or else it might lead to exploitation.'

Already a quite a number of widows have registered the names, and they are looking for match. Interested widows can contact 99022 70154 and register at free of cost by furnishing complete details. 

A fresh approach to recycle newspapers

 

With complete ban on plastic being enforced in Mysuru city, an artisan has come all the way from Pondicherry to sell specially designed hand baskets made of waste newspaper.

30-year-old Vijayalakshmi was earlier engaged in making ordinary paper bags. Over the years, Vijayalakshmi improvised on her skills and creativity and started making lifestyle products such as jewellery boxes, small pouches, laundry basket and wall hangings out of discarded newspapers.

An interesting fact is the durability of the baskets are expected to be than ten years. They can even be washed and reused again. Natural colours and natural varnish are used to coat its exteriors which does not absorb water. She has displayed her creative works at the ongoing Handloom Exhibition at JSS Urban Haat, which concludes on April 7.

Vijayalakshmi who is visiting Mysuru for the first time says: 'I came to know that Mysuru has being awarded as cleanest city in the country. It was when I thought of displaying my unique newspaper products.'

'When tsunami had stuck India coast, a couple had visited our village near Auroville, Pondicheery. who taught me to create lifestyle products using newspapers, from which I am earning good money. Most of them wonder and ask is this really created out of newspapers, as the baskets are of such good strength.'

'The works are not only unique, but makes the onlookers to mesmerise. This is the first time I saw the baskets created out of newspapers, and are natural. Different size of baskets with hues of colours are really good one and affordable,' adds Yamuna, resident.

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Mother browses laptop to teach knitting for blind girl

Her life took a downturn when Kalyani lost her vision at the age of five. It was then her mother Seethalakshmi who stood next to her, and gave moral support to Kalyani.

Now 55-year-old Kalyani and her 74-year-old mother Seethalakshmi are interdependent. Natives of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, the duo are in Mysuru to take part in the handloom exhibition.

Seethalakshmi did not had much knowledge about knitting yarns. It was three decades ago, she decided to join a computer class just to learnt how to browse internet. Now, watching videos on knitting, and updating new skills, she teacher her daughter.

Kalyani says: 'For the past 30 years I have been working on my skills. My mother browses the internet on her laptop and explains new designs and teaches how to weave using multi coloured yarn. Due to which I come out with unique designs, which fetches me quite a good money.'

Kalyani who knows to play Veena, going down the memory lane said: 'When I lost my eye sight, I discontinued my studies and was completely upset about my future. By that time my father too passed away. It was my mother who motivated me. I have plans to teach for interested women in the knitting, after couple of years.'

eom/mys/rathna    

Vendors hit hard as paper carry bags makers are not in sight

 

The complete ban on plastic has hit hard the fruits, vegetables and grocery vendors in city. Thanks to paper cover makers who have almost vanished from city with the arrival of plastic carry bags decades ago.

Though the demand for paper covers have gone up in the wake of plastic ban, there is no or very less supply of it in the market. Newspaper sellers in Santhepet and Shivarampet are sending back vendors empty hand due to non availability of paper bags.

Newspaper bags are comparatively cheaper and affordable than clothbags, thus the demand has gone up. A kg of paper bag is being presently sold for Rs 30 for which one can get about 120 medimum sized covers that can carry 1.5 kg weight. For the same prize they get around 75 paper covers of big size, with capacity to hold upto 3 kg. On the other hand one kg of cloth bags cost around Rs 155 to Rs 175, and the number of pieces they get is also less compared to paper bag. Thus, the small and medium vendors are preferring the newspapers bag.

Muskmellon seller Srinivas says: 'We are small vendors. We sell fruits and vegetables earning a meager margin of Rs 2 to Rs 5. If we pay Rs 1 for cloth bag, then we do not gain much. Still only very few number of people carry bags along with them, while majority of them ask carry bags from vendors.'

Banana seller Muniraju says: 'Due to ban we have stopped using plastic cover to pack fruits and vegetables purchased by the customer. With non availability of newspaper covers we are facing severe hardship in our daily sales. There are instances where consumer leave without purchasing due to non-availability of cover.'

Rekha, a volunteer of an NGO named Segregation of Waste and Composting at Home (SWCH) said that there is severe dearth of manpower to take up manufacturing of newspaper bags. 'Though we are creating awareness and encouraging NGOs and SHGs to take up making paper bags due to the ban on plastic, they are still hesitant to come forward doubting the ban might be for short time.'

Another Volunteer Sindhu adds: Though Corporation is promoting use of cloth bags it should also motivate people to make paper bags and take steps to make it available in markets. Or else this will severely affect the profit of small vendors.

Newspaper sellers Ramesh says: 'It has become hard to find out people engaged in making newspaper carry bags. Five decades ago, there were people who made paper covers for a living. Now, we are looking forward to them again.'

Another paper bag seller Raghav says: 'Dozens of vendors, petty shop owners, and general store people are approaching us every day seeking paper bags. Though the demand for newspaper covers has gone up, non availability of paper covers has made us to send the vendors empty hand.'

MCC initiative

Corporation has taken steps to make the cloth bags available in the market. Vendors opine similar measures should be taken to make paper carry bags available in market.

Speaking to Express, MCC Commissioner Dr CG Betsurmath suggested vendors to make paper bags of their own, adding, they will think over what can be done.

'The Corporation has distributed more than 1000 sewing machines to people belonging to SC/ST. They will be roped in to stitch cloth bags, and they will be provided clothes and incentives. About 300 tailors have come forwards and soon they will be provided clothes to stitch bags, which indeed will be circulated to all shops in the city soon,' he added.

This corporator wields broom every morning to keep his ward clean

Dressed in track suit and shoes, with a broomstick in hand, this corporator is winning hearts of local residents of his ward. The day starts with a difference for this Ward 10 Corporator M Sunil, who has dedicated one hour of his busy schedule to sweep roads.

Faced with severe shortage of pourakarmikas and government yet to take call on recruiting additional pourakarmikas, he decided to sweep roads on his own to reduce the burden on pourakarmikas, and also to ensure cleanliness.

The population of the ward is around 12,000 and 23 pourakarmikas have been assigned for cleaning work in his ward, out of which atleast two-three will be on leave every day. His request for 10 more pourakamikas is pending for past two years. There are 652 permanent staff, while 1645 through out sourcing are engage in cleaning and waste collection drive.

For the past eight days Sunil, a LLB Graduate sweeps in areas surrounding Chamundivana upto to Ramalingeshwara Temple including parks and other areas inn the neighbourhood. The local residents have begun to join hands with him by helping him to collect the garbage and dump to dustbins.

'Compared to the population of the city, the strength of pourakarmikas is very less. With city being awarded as cleanest city , more number of pourakarmikas are required to keep the city clean . We cant pressurize pourakarmikas to do more work . Until five more persons are appointed to my ward, I will continue the work,' adds Sunil, who has been elected for first time.

Pourakarmika Muniya said: 'The initiative of Corporator has brought happiness amongst us. With shortage of manual labour there was extra pressure on us to sweep roads. Slowly residents also joining hands with Corporator, which has helped us.'

Resident Vanajalakshmi said: 'I was surprised to see our Corporator sweeping the road. With cleanliness we can achieve higher goals. He advises us to reduce the use of plastic, and keep the city clean.'

This apart he has taken initiatives to increase green cover in the ward. He has planted more than 60 saplings, and the guards for trees has been sponsored by a local businessman. Distribution of cloth bags, filling potholes with mud, removing overgrown shrubs, visiting Chamundi Hills once a month and cleaning garbage there are some his contributions towards making a Swacch Bharath.

She blend colours in thread to create her art work

 This sexagenarian has explored into new art work. She is infusing life into objects using colour threads. Her works are so realistic that for a moment a onlooker gets confused them for paintings on canvas.


Artiste Sumithra Y Putti has to her credit more than 60 master pieces all done with thread works. She refers to her work as thread work. Using silk and cotton thread she has created rare work which mesmerises the onlookers.


Portraits of Jnanpith awardees, famous personalities, great political leaders and freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Sir M Visweshwaraiah, colourful birds and animals, actor Amithab Bachahan, musician Bismilla Khan and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan amongst several others are cynosure of all eyes.


Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has signed for his thread work portrait during his visit to Mysuru, which to her is a very memorable moment in life says Sumithra.

The biggest she has worked on is the 24”x36” inch sized Lord Venkateshwara, which is said to be toughest to create on thread. Presently she is working on Indira Gandhi, Swami Vivkenanda and rare birds.


Sumithra who has won several awards for her rare artworks says: 'Painting with thread is quite common. But hardly few creates images using only threads. Compared to paintings on canvas the thread works are very challenging and takes long time to complete one piece of work. Keeping the portraits, different coloured shades have to be given by using multi-coloured threads. I dedicate nearly 6-8 hours to create the thread work.'


'I learnt embroidery works and woolen weaving and with help from my husband I started my initial thread work by making birds. As it received wide appreciation from public, it encouraged me to come out with more works. Later, I attempted to create thread works of great leaders. Over the years, I mastered my skills and learnt to blend colours in thread and started creating portraits using some innovative techniques,' says Sumithra.

'Youngsters are not interested to learn this work. More youngster should come forward to learn this rare form of works,' opines Sumithra, who has taught few students about her creative work.


Senior Artiste Shivalingappa says: “Sumithra works are indeed very exquisitely beautiful collections. Her works which are put up on display inspires art lovers to learn thread work, and give new ideas on how to enhance the skill and come out with new designs in art.” Sumithra can be contact on 94484 62948.