Applying freshly for ration card puts applicants into hardship

This could be one good example for the glaring apathy shown by bureaucracy when it comes to implementing people friendly projects. More than one lakh beneficiaries who had applied for APL and BPL ration cards two years ago are yet to receive their cards. Having deprived the beneficiaries of their rightful claim for rations, officials of the Department of Food and Civil Supplies have now asked the beneficiaries to apply once again fresh in next month, stating the requirements to issue ration cards have been changed.

Though the new guidelines came into effect just two months ago, there are more than one lakh people waiting for over two years to receive their cards. With new rule of government the sufferers are the poor beneficiaries as they have to once again run from pillar to post to collect all the relevant documents and spend a couple of hundred rupees as well as time to submit the applications refresh.

Due to staff shortage, non completion of verification process by food inspectors, officials of the department could not complete the process of issuing ration cards from last two years. Assembly elections and other government / office related works has further delayed the process of issuing of ration card. Added to this, enrollment for fresh application forms have been stopped since May and new seekers are sent back.

Admitting delay in issuing cards, officials responded that a few beneficiaries have not provided proper documents, as such incomplete and incorrect applications have been rejected. But beneficiaries say if the officials needed additional details they could have communicated with applicant and would have issued ration cards after getting details, and thereby blamed officials stating they are simply evading their duties citing flimsy reasons.

Speaking to Express, some of the beneficiaries opined that applying again for ration card is waste of time. 'We are fed up with the process of inquiring with the officials to issue ration card and the lack of sensitivity they show and we have decided not to apply again.'

“The government should consider the application already submitted by beneficiaries under new system and issue ration cards. Or else it will be difficult for senior citizens to apply freshly standing in the long queues,' says 58-year-old Premamma.

“If the officials had done their duty properly we would have not suffered from last one and half years to get the ration cards. We were informed officials will visit for verification, but none visited. Applying freshly again is nothing but harassing consumers. There is need of adopting advanced technology to adopt people friendly initiatives,” opines housewife Kavyashree.

Food and Civil Supplies Department Deputy Director K Rameshwarappa said that they have informed orally not to enroll or issue ration cards until they receive further instructions from the Government as the new system is being introduced, under which just four yardsticks are enough to issue ration cards (earlier there were 14 requirements).

'Soon application will be invited under new system and within seven days cards will be dispatched through speed post and people need not wait for long time. The enrollment process might start from December,' he added. 

As Lakshmi Puja nears, bank cashiers get busy counting crispy notes

The queues before the cash counters in city banks have become longer since the past few days. This is not because the ATM machines have gone cash dry, but due to the demand for fresh and crispy currency notes by devout Hindus who are gearing up for Lakshmi Puja, the god of wealth.

Sources in the banking sector said during Lakshmi Puja, celebrated on third day of Deepavali festival, there will be huge demand for crispy notes keeping the bank cashiers busy. The banks get fresh notes from RBI a month in advance to meet the demand. Though the banks will not able to meet the full demand of customers, they will try to provide atleast half of the fresh currencies.

While many ask for fresh notes while drawing cash, others exchange their old notes to new ones. The banks do not charge any fee for that and the exercise is seen as a goodwill gesture to keep their customers happy.

People are heading in large number for banks seeking of fresh currency notes of Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations. Speaking to Express, some of the banks employees said that they have distributed upto Rs 8-15 lakhs in the last one week.

While the fresh notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 are sought by businessman and Marwaris, others mostly ask for Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 100 denominations.

People seek fresh notes as they refuse to use the old ones for puja. They think that by changing hands, they have become 'impure'. 

Kiran, an employee of a nationalised bank said: 'The demand has gone

up for the fresh currency notes. We have already distributed more than

2 lakh of fresh notes in last three days. The demand for Rs 10, Rs 20,

Rs 100 notes are in rise, compared to Rs 1000.'

Another Bank Employee Dev Prakash said they have distributed more than 5 lakh currency notes and still people are coming seeking fresh notes. 'There

are even instances people who seek huge amount of fresh notes are sent

back as we are not able to meet the demand.'

The money will be used for decoration purpose, such as backdrop of Lakshmi Kalash, to make lotus formation and others designs. Santosh Jain said that: 'The festival is celebrated grandly by Marwadis, businessman and, gujaratis who also distribute alms and sweets to people. We perform abhisheka for Silver and Gold coins on that day, while fresh notes are kept in cash boxes, and used for decoration of Goddess Lakshmi praying her to keep the cash box brimming throughout the year.'

Keshava Murthy, a priest, said: 'Lakshmi Puja is considered as very auspicious. The festival falls on Amavasya, third day of Deepavali, and people worship Goddess Lakshmi seeking wealth and prosperity, and well being in business. Some of the people who don't get fresh notes use the coins, and there are even households who have coins collections and use the coins every year only on the day of Lakshmi Festival.'

Rubber Skill Development Center to come up at SJCE

There is a growing demand for Rubber Science and Technology education research and Training in India. In the connection, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering to set up a Center of Excellence in Rubber Skill Development at its premises.

The center consists of testing laboratory, mini conference room, lecture hall and office facility. The center will facilitate education, research and training in rubber technology,  equipment facility required for testing of rubber and allied material, laboratories and other facilities.  

An MoU has been signed by SJCE with Indian Rubber Institute (IRI) to construct a three floored building at 10000 sq ft at college premises. If everything goes as per the plan, SJCE will become a nodal center in Karnataka State for vocational training for Rubber and Allied Industries.


Dr GM Shashidhara, Principal, SJCE said that JSS-IRI Rubber Skill Development Center is first of its kind in Karnataka. The center will bridge gap between industry and Academia for sharing of knowledge and serve as a national referral hub for organising workshops, demonstrations, symposium and  providing structured training programmes on Rubber Science and Technology for academia and industry.

IRI Secretary S Vasudevarao said that the center will be a nodal for Rubber Skill development and various operations in rubber. 'Our aim is to develop skilled manpower for Industries by providing training to the students. The center will also be used for vocational training, for skill development of people from Rubber and Allied Industry as per Rubber Skill Development Corporation (RSDC) under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) Programme,' he added.
 
JSS Science and Technology University VC Sangameshwar said that  within a year the center will be ready for functioning. The Centre shall also have dedicated persons with special training to maintain the facilities and the instruments with highest level of performance and conduct workshops and training courses as and when required.

National / international conferences on Rubber Science and Technology will be held in different parts of India. The fund generated from such conferences will be utilised for building infrastructure for Rubber Science and Technology Education throughout the country through its branches, he added.

Who can undergo training
More than 20 forms of training will be provided for students, which include vocational training, short term training and one year courses.
SSLC passed or PU passed students are eligible to take the course.
Diploma in Rubber Technology and Post Graduate Diploma in Rubber Technology will be introduced for BE, Btech passed students. Stipend will be given for students during the training.  

With support of industries lot of activities will be conducted and hand on experience on handling machines, and various factors involved in rubber technology, including hazardous management techniques will be taught to the students. All India Rank will be given for students.

The tradition of doll making disappearing in cultural city

The culture of making dolls is vanishing in the cultural city Mysuru.  Earlier large numbers of people were engaged in making traditional dolls and were displayed during Navaratri Festival.

The dolls were kept based on themes, and elders in the house used to narrate the stories to the children and visitors based on the themes dolls were displayed.  This was helping the children to learn about mythological stories, history, rulers, heritage and cultural significances, etc. Whereas down the years not only the doll makers, while those display dolls are also declining.

Lack of space crunch to store the dolls collection at houses, change in life style, easily available readymade dolls, lack of interests among young generation are said to be the reasons. Couple of the traditional doll makers who are in 60’s to 70s admitted that there are no new comers in doll making, and the tradition of doll making is disappearing.

“Except those displaying dolls from last more than six decades we can find the home made dolls. The things have change in a drastic way, and the doll making is in extinct. As most of the women are working class, those come forward to place dolls are also very few. It appears in few years the traditional might completely stop,” they opine.

85-year-old Prema Vittal, who has stopped placing dolls from last couple of years, due to  lack of support from younger generation said: ‘Now-a-days people are not showing enthusiasm to make dolls at home. There were days where few months prior to Navaratri dolls were created and beautifully decorated. We are missing the grandeur of the Navaratri festival today. In last two decades lot of changes has taken place in related to cultural and traditional aspects.’

Sexagerian Mangala Sathyan who wanted to keep the tradition alive, introduced an concept of awarding prizes for best doll show three decades ago. Whereas, from last couple of years she has stepped back due to lack of support, and interests among women folk.

She says: “Its hard to find even a couple of doll makers now-a-days. Some of them bring ready dolls and place them just for a show off and no theme based dolls are placed. The tradition and concept of Navaratri has changed completely. Without any traditional touch, few place dolls for namesake and to take part in doll show contests. Doll show helps to know our neighbours and build harmony. There is need of reviving the lost art form and engage people to continue with doll keeping tradition and making dolls, and not to give traditional practice.”

Exclusive camp for Dasara Jumbos to keep them fit round the year

A camp exclusively for elephants which take part in the Dasara procession will be set up soon. Plans are on cards to set up a camp either at Nagarahole or Bandipur to house the elephants and provide them with special care round the year.

The elephants will be given utmost care in camps and will be provided with special diet rich in protein and carbohydrates. Everyday the jumbos will be fed with green gram, wheat, boiled rice, vegetables, urud dal, jaggery, black gram, sugarcane, Boiled cereals, pulses, onions, coconut and several other food which are rich in nutritious supplements and make them gain more weight. By gaining weight they get good stamina to brave the sun, and bare the heavy loads.

Usually in the forest the elephants are fed with green grass, paddy and left openly in forest, due to this there will be lot of variations in their diet. With providing special diet for them it helps them to increase stamina, and strengthen muscles.

About 14 elephants take part in Dasara procession every year. They will be brought to Palace 45 days prior to Dasara in order to fed them special nutritious supplements, which helps the elephants to gain weight upto 450 kg in a month. Once they return to their respective camps they miss this 'Royal Food'. Thus, measures have been taken to set up a exclusive camp for panchyderms which participate in dasara.

Speaking to Express RFO Devaraj said: 'The elephants have gained weight from 250 to 300 kg in the last one month. This was possible because nutritious food was provided every day and a special care was given for jumbos.'

'By daily providing them with nutritious supplements there is no need of special treatment during Dasara, and meantime helps jumbos to remain fit round the year. Vegetables like cucumber, betrrot, radish, carrot, sliced onions, sugarcane boiled pulses, cereals added with salt is given largely to elephants in the camp. Already a meeting have been held and soon a final call will be taken in this regard,' he added.

Veterinary Dr Nagaraj said that an average of Rs 4,000 to Rs 5000 is spent on dasara elephant's food daily. Special ration of food around 10 to 12 kg will be given twice a day, this apart normal food, snacks, carbohydrate content foods will be provided till last day of Dasara ceremony. 

GM technology is answer for the emerging problems in agriculture sector

'Adoption of GM technology is the answer for emerging problems in agriculture sector,' opined Agriculture Scientist Dr Vasanthkumar Thimakapura. 'Drought resistance varieties are available in GM based. Its high time farmers should adopt scientific methods and should increase their production, quality. If we wont adopt it, country like India will be a big looser,' he alerted.

He was speaking at the symposium on ‘Climate is changing: Food and Agriculture must too’, organised by Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Yuvaraja’s College and World Food Day here on Sunday. 'Adding, GM technology seeds varieties will not cause any harm, and GM crops are more safe than the traditional crops. There is a need of creating awareness among farmers in the regard,' he opined.

Stating agriculture Sector has turned as biggest challenging field down the years, he further stressed the need for research on different crop varieties, which can be easily adoptable to the varying climate changes.

“Scientists should work towards developing simple, reliable and economic forecasting system. There is also need to develop disease resistant, insect resistant, drought resistant, salinity resistant crop varieties, which are adoptable to the varying climate changes and benefits immensely for agriculture scientists.”

'Change in climate pattern also changes the crop dimension. Insects and diseases damage crop due to climate change. Its estimated that about 30 per cent of crops we lost due to insects and diseases.
Weather condition, humidity, temperature, land scarcity, water availability and several other factors have become cause of worrisome today,' he regretted.

He further suggested farmers to grow short term crops like maize, pulses, millets, ragi, and to adopt drip irrigation and construct ponds to conserve water, and adopt measures to increase the ground water level.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jamuna Prakash, Professor, DoS in Food Science and Nutrition, University of Mysore said that though India produces good quantity of food, more than 2 millions people people are suffering rom micro nutritious deficiency.

'The antibiotics used for animals is getting into our body, and people are losing immunity and resistance power. Change in food habit and lie style has also severally affected the health. Al this has led to increasing mortality, increase morbidity, lower work performance,' she underlined.

'Due to improper storage conditions, decreasing area of cultivation, unrestrain pets, changing climate, drought and several others reasons the production is decreasing down the years and today demand and supply have turned major agricultural challenges.
India and China are major rice growers in the world. Following decrease in paddy cultivation it might cause scarcity for rice across the world in future', she added. 

Peanut sellers educates people about cauvery water dispute on wheels

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should immediately take a call to link Ganga-Cauvery to solve water dispute of both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, says Venkatesh.

A peanut seller in trains is creating awareness among public by distributing handbills containing complete information about Cauvery water dispute.
Keeping a bunch of handbills in his peanut basket, Venkatesh, native of Mukanahalli Village, Chamarajanagar District is distributing the handbills to the commuters between Mysuru-Bengaluru train from last two weeks, thereby asking people to raise voice over cauvery issue.
Venkatesh who has studied 4th standard, daily earns Rs 300 to Rs 500 by selling peanuts on wheels. Out of his hard earned money he has printed about 3,000 handbills and is distributing to the commuters in train. People who are happy after reading the handbills, have contributed him small amount of money to get more xerox and distribute for more people, which has brought happiness for him.
He is not only creating awareness among general public, which drawing attention of elected representatives who commute in trains by handing over the handbills. For those don’t know to read, he explains them for two-three minutes in oral.
In his four page booklet he has given a call for Kannadigas to come together and raise voice for the cauvery issues. He has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for linking Rivers Ganga and Cauvery to solve the water issues of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, including Andhra Pradesh. He has highlighted how even after Independence we are following the 1892 agreement and releasing water to Tamil Nadu, and failure to resolve the issue even after Independence of seven decades.
He has gone through Indian Constitution, Cauvery Water Judgements, Commiitees report before penning a write up.

Speaking to Express, 35-year-old Venkatesh said: 'I come across river cauvery several times in a day, while commuting between Bengaluru-Mysuru. From last 15 years am selling peanut in trains, and a special bondage has developed within me, which made me to print handbills and educate people.'
The State government should give importance to distribute water for farmers in the five district of Cauvery Catchment area and protect the interest of farmers. If same thing continues for couple of years, farmers in the region will migrate to urban areas in search of job to eke for livelihood, and villagers will disappear gradually, says Venkatesh.
Hailing from a poor farmer family, I know the ups and downs in agriculture sector, plights of farmers and importance of water. Any citizen takes a call over the row, I will be very happy. Its high time PM Modi should intervene and resolve this issue, he stressed.  

A personality with multifacated talent

 This 56-year-old women is a personality with multifacated talent. She has done enormous achievement in art sector. Artist Manishekar, an BA Graduate resident of Saraswathipuram has dedicated her life for the sake of art and craft.

She is running a famous Manis School of Art and has imparted training for more than 70,000 students in the last four decades of her professional journey.

Mani from her childhood was passionate of creating artworks. It may be any of the drawing forms starting from Mysuru Traditional Painting to Tanjore Painting, modern paintings, oil paintings, water, traditional art painting forms she has expertise her skill and infuse life to the works. She has acquainted and practiced over 100 forms of art and crafts.

She has displayed her crafts and has given demonstration on art works at Australia, and cities like Delhi, Chennai, Shillong Madurai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Gwalior, Indore, Patna and other parts of the country.

Being inspired from her mother Leelamma, who is also good artist, Manishekar what started as hobby became her profession. She is recipient of several awards including Karnataka Pragathi Shri Award and Buddha Shanti Award.

She is equally good in sports. She has taken part in several Kho-Kho, Kabbadi competitions and has won prizes. She is also a champion in various sports like chess, volleyball, basketball. She is also good in drawing Mehandi, vegetable carving, Ikebana and she has won several prizes in several art and culture competitions.

'Apart from giving training, I create varieties of design materials and crafts and sale them in India and Abroad with link of many agencies. There is very good demand for art and craft products in market, including in foreign countries. I have a peace of mind and earn handful of money,' she adds.

 

Commuters face heat with lack of bus shelter in city

Septuagenarian Premavathi who was waiting for bus for more than 30 minutes, collapsed all of a sudden at Shivarathreshwara Nagar bus stand here on Sunday. With absence of bus shelter she was maid to sit on footpath and relax for some time.

This is just a example. Every day lakhs of bus commuters are facing heat with lack of bus shelters in city. Tourists, Women, children, senior citizens are more vulnerable. School, college students are also facing severe hardship due to lack of bus shelters. The children with heavy bags on back can be found sitting on footpaths waiting for arrival of buses.

There are 3,000 bus stops all around the city, whereas the number of bus shelters is around 450. Of which some of them are not in good condition, lack maintenance and few of them are occupied by vendors, and beggars to relax. Absence of bus shelters in front of bus stops at schools, colleges, hospitals has irked localities.

'Major junctions in city lack bus shelters. With buses wont arrive on time and not able to face heat some of the commuters hire autos. There is need of constructing proper bus shelters in main junctions,' added School Teacher Ambuja.

'With decline in green cover surrounding to city following road widening works the people cant even shelters themselves under shades of trees. Senior citizens, women can be find struggling hard and few of them sit on ground waiting for buses,' added Medical Student Tharun.

'People can be seen standing in rains, braving heat to catch buses. With increasing population the officials have to construct bus shelters and look into all basic facilities are provided. Most of the bus shelters are constructed under Public Private Partnership and lack maintenance. There is lot of scope to make the journey happy of bus commuters', adds Concerned citizen Sunil Kumar.

Speaking to Express, KSRTC Divisional Controller Ramamurthy said that atleast 50 per cent of the major bus stops need shelters and they have hold talks with MCC officials in the regard. 'We are ready to provide all required assistance. Soon a drive should be conducted and bus shelters has to be constructed. We have submitted a details of the major bus stops which need shelters,' he added.

MCC Commissioner Jagadish said that 'Corporators have been asked to submit the area where bus shelters are required in their ward. Within a week tenders will be invited. In first phase in all the 65 wards bus shelters will be constructed within two months. Further studying the requirements few more bus shelters will be constructed'.


Some of the major bus stops need shelter are at: Shanthi Sagar, KG Koppalu, Panchavati Circle near Mathrumandali Circle, Hardinge Circle, Ittegegud, Siddartha Layout, Kesare, Sharadadevi Nagar, Dattagalli, Akshay Bhandar Cirlce, Bogadi Road, Paduvarahalli Circle, BM Hospital on Hunsur Road, Teresian College lane, Vidyaranayapuram Chamundeshwari Temple, and several other localities.

Exclusive camp for Dasara Jumbos to keep them fit

A camp exclusively for elephants which take part in the Dasara procession will be set up soon. Plans are on cards to set up a camp either at Nagarahole or Bandipur to house the elephants and provide them with special care round the year.

The elephants will be given utmost care in camps and will be provided with special diet rich in protein and carbohydrates. Everyday the jumbos will be fed with green gram, wheat, boiled rice, vegetables, urud dal, jaggery, black gram, sugarcane, Boiled cereals, pulses, onions, coconut and several other food which are rich in nutritious supplements and make them gain more weight. By gaining weight they get good stamina to brave the sun, and bare the heavy loads.

Usually in the forest the elephants are fed with green grass, paddy and left openly in forest, due to this there will be lot of variations in their diet. With providing special diet for them it helps them to increase stamina, and strengthen muscles.

About 14 elephants take part in Dasara procession every year. They will be brought to Palace 45 days prior to Dasara in order to fed them special nutritious supplements, which helps the elephants to gain weight upto 450 kg in a month. Once they return to their respective camps they miss this 'Royal Food'. Thus, measures have been taken to set up a exclusive camp for panchyderms which participate in dasara.

Speaking to Express RFO Devaraj said: 'The elephants have gained weight from 250 to 300 kg in the last one month. This was possible because nutritious food was provided every day and a special care was given for jumbos.'

'By daily providing them with nutritious supplements there is no need of special treatment during Dasara, and meantime helps jumbos to remain fit round the year. Vegetables like cucumber, betrrot, radish, carrot, sliced onions, sugarcane boiled pulses, cereals added with salt is given largely to elephants in the camp. Already a meeting have been held and soon a final call will be taken in this regard,' he added.

Veterinary Dr Nagaraj said that an average of Rs 4,000 to Rs 5000 is spent on dasara elephant's food daily. Special ration of food around 10 to 12 kg will be given twice a day, this apart normal food, snacks, carbohydrate content foods will be provided till last day of Dasara ceremony. 

Disabled face hardship after Dasara sports meet put off

Physically Challenged person Santosh Patik had come all the way from Bijapur travelling a distance of 549 kilo meter just to take part in the dasara sports meet organized for physically challenged at JK Grounds here on Thursday. While, he was shocked, disappointed and surprised to know the event has been cancelled in last minute.

Another physically challenged Srikanth who had come from Bijappur travelling 490 km, accompanied with other physicall challenged Bagalkot, Hassan was found wandering in the JK grounds seeking to arrange food for the physically challenged.

This was the plight of physically challenged at JK Grounds, who had come all the way from Bidar, Gulbarba, Bijapur covering distance of 550 kms, only reaching here they were informed the event has been cancelled.

The sad part is they were not provided with any accommodations, food and shelter facility, due to this lot of inconvenience was faced by them. Every year on sports day spot registration will be done, whereas this year the officials have cancelled the event coming to conclusion no one will participate.

Later, Prabhu of NGO by name Abhyudaya School took initiative and hosted four events not to disappoint the participants, who had come all the way from across State travelling across night.

The physically challenged persons were found questioning programme organizers why they are being ill-treated and not provided and reason for cancelling the event. They alleged they are not even provided with cash prizes during dasara from last couple of year on par with general persons being awarded.

“No encouragement is given for physicall challenged during dasara and to promote sports. We demand government to host events for physicall challenged also, and motivate. Government has not taken any initiative to encourage and give proper resignation,” said Javranayaka, from HD Kote.

‘There was no provision were made by the committee to provide food for physically challenged athelets. Some how the NGO managed to arranged food. Even mentally retarded were not provided with food till afternoon,’ added Devendra.

"We were not even served with breakfast. We are fed up wandering without any clarity. If they had cancelled the event, they would have given a press release, so that we were not coming all way to Mysuru," regretted, Rajesh.

Women and Child Welfare Department DD Radha said that no one registered thus they cancelled the event in last minute. When questioned about cash prize for winners, she said they will be provided only certificates.

Donning the dress of males the women theater artistes mesmerized audience

Donning the dress of males, female artistes drew wide administration from artistes at Town Hall. The entire auditorium was fully occupied to watch ‘Krishna Sandhana’ play staged by Professional Women Artistes Association from Mysuru.

The women team comprising of 22 members mesmerised the audience, through their performances. Characters of Krishna, Dhyurodhana, Bheema, Arjuna had come alive. The artistes performed the characters very well making the audience spellbound. The stage wore a grand royal look and the costumes, dresses used were very attractive. There was a pin drop silence in the auditorium and theater lovers were found hearing every conversation with rapt attention and were found astonished after watching the play staged for nearly three hours.

The association with around 60 women artistes, some of them are widows,  students, divorcee, housewives. They have dedicated themselves for theater field. The troupe have staged performance in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and other states.

“Engaging ourselves in theater field we have forgotten our worries. Acting like men, walking like them was not an easy go. Through practice from years, now we have become professionals and stage plays with full of confidence. We have learnt lighting, make up, playing music which is an added advantage for us. It will be good every year during dasara if we get an opportunity. Most of the times we won’t get permission,” regretted the women folk,

With lot of youngsters are showing interests towards theater field, senior artistes opine that the government should ensure they are provided with proper training and theater field has to be streamlined.

“Many are depended on livelihood even today on theater field. Apart from main artistes, thousands of people who work back screen also facing lot of problems. A minimum of Rs 4000 pension should be given, and a special health package should  be given,” says 65-year-old Vasantha Krishna, President of Association.

“We don’t know any other occupation except theater acting, we are involved and dedicated ourselves in theater field. It gives us a immense pleasure and a sense of satisfaction, and a matter of proud as we educate people through plays,” added Sulochana, who is in theater field from last six decades.

Makeup Man Ramachandra said: “Thousands of stage artistes are earning for livelihood from staging plays. The plights of artistes are unexplainable. Proper encouragements should be given and proper training for Youngsters to review this art form for next generation. The government should give houses for shelterless artistes and think of their future.’

‘Even today there is lot of interest among people to watch theater plays. There is special importance given for mythological and historical plays. Have watched more than 800 theater plays in last four decades, and enjoy the most,’ says theater lover Rajalkahsmi, resident of Agrahara.

Tradition blends with technology:Tech Dasara to represent the history through automated models

 

Normally pictures, videos and some static models are used to depict the history, beauty and significance of a place or person. But how about using the mechanized models to depict the story of Mysuru?

Vesto Education Solutions, is adding a feather in the cap of Dasara festival  by conducting an Tech Dasara exhibition, representing the history, culture and beauty of Mysuru through automated models. 

With the theme ‘Edu Namooru-Mysuru’, the expo to give the citizens of Mysuru, the essence of Science, Technology and Innovation by organizing a six- day exhibition ‘Tech Dasara’.

In this exhibition, the history, culture and tradition of Mysuru and the marvel of Mysuru Dasara is depicted through various automated working models. About 60 mechanised models tell the story of Rich Heritage, culture of Mysuru, including model of Goddess Chamundeshwari piercing the chest of Mahishasura; miniature of ‘Moving Jambu Savari’, and much more.

This exhibition shows how science and technology can be used to create  working models. This is a great platform where people from all walks of life can know about Mysuru with witnessing the new way of representation of Mysuru.

 ‘ In the era of fast growing technology, we need to equip our children to be ready with the moving world. This exhibition is very important for the students,’ says Sumanth Prabhu / Founder and Director of Vesto.

The expo will be held from October 7 to 12 everyday from 11 am to 9 pm at Mall of Mysuru. Entry fee is Rs 20 per head.

Tech Dasara Major Attractions:

In Tech Dasara the history, culture, tradition and beauty of Mysuru are depicted through automated working models. This is one of its kind exhibition, where technology is blended with art.*

* Mythological Models The origin of Mysuru is explained through the models of ‘Mahishasura’ ruling the dynasty of then Mysuru and Goddess Chamundeshwari destroying the monster.

*  Wodeyar Dynasty , contribution of wadiyars,  are depicted through interesting automated models. Construction of Hydroelectric Plant, State Bank of Mysore, implementation of Street Lights, construction of KRS dam, implementation of 5 year plans and many more are depicted through attractive working models.

* Navaratri Sambhrama  working models to give a holistic representation of Mysuru Dasara Navaratri.

* Dasara Exhibition and Jamboo Savari procession mimic and mysuru memories.

About Vesto

Vesto Education Solutions, is an education startup that partners with schools to provide hands-on science training. In the last 2 years, Vesto has partnered with more than 30 schools and made difference to about 8000 students in the way they learn Science. The team also tries to extend the possibility of science and technology learning through such innovative exhibitions. In 2015 Dasara, Vesto conducted an exhibition called Digital Dasara where channapattana toys were mechanized and presented. In 2016 Vesto had also conducted an exhibition in Suttura Jatra that depicted the History of Sutturu through mechanized models.

People throng to savour millet dishes at Food Mela

Millets book recipe sold like hot cake 

Do you want to taste recipes prepared out of millets. Then it’s a good opportunity for the food lovers to taste food prepared out of millets at the on-going Food Mela in Scouts and Guides Ground.

Lot of people were found thronging towards Siridhanya Counter (millets) to savour the dishes and know about the millets. Young generation were found watching how millets appear and were knowing their names. Some people out of curious how millets dishes taste are heading towards the ecounter, while some people to obtain a good health and develop immunity.

Experts in preparing millets have come from Haveri, Mysuru and Shivamogga. They are preparing lip sacking Kajayan, Haraka Pongal, Haraka Paisa, Navane Paisa, Bisibelebath, Millets Cake, Obbitu, Kemmapakki Dosa and Kajaya, Ragi halbai, Jower roti, Navane kajaya, Navane Chakuli, Kempakki Chakkuli, Saame Nippitu, and other varieties of dishes are being sold at the outlet.

This apart, books on informing health benefits of millets, how is add millets in diet, and recipes book how to prepare dishes are being sold like hot cake. The books ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 60 gives complete information about how to prepare the dishes and health benefits.

‘First time am tasting the dishes prepeared out of millets. After coming to know it has lot of health benefits, have decided to add in my diet. Couple of millets had never seen in my life and am happy I learnt something new. The dishes also tastes yummy,’ says Ganesha, students of Maharaja College.

Akansha who was selling Harake Pongal said: ‘There are nine varieties of millets and we are preparing dishes out of all the millets. Every day a demonstration on a millet will be given to educate people about the particular millet and informed about its health benefits. Two years ago, when first time Millets mela was set up hardly countable number people showed interest to know about millets. Whereas, this year there is overwhelming response from public,’ she added.

Senior Citizen Shashikumar said: ‘From last couple of months am using millets and have seen lot of health benefits. Today am surprised to come to know  delicious sweet dishes are also being prepared using millets. Am eager to prepare all the recipes and taste. There is need of turning towards our traditional food habit to keep out next generation health intact which helps for the development of the country.

‘Awareness among people has increased down the years, and now-a-days millets is getting popularity. Large number people from all age groups are enquiring about the millets its health benefits, how to prepared dishes out of it’, says Manju, millets seller.

‘There was not much response two years ago for millets. The trend has changed and people are opting slowly to add millets in their diet. But still there is a long way to go to revive the traditional dishes. Following health benefits the demand has gone up and am growing millets from last two years,’ said Farmer Vishwanath.

Dinesh Kalyani from earth 360 ventures organization, who is promoting millets from last several years, said that the government should distribute millets in fair price shops, as the millets provides all nutrition required for the body, and develops immunity, and people suffering from ailments will reduce to higher extent. Also, helps to save water, and protect environment, he added.

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* Good number of people took part in millets identification contest, including youngsters. Three people who identified all nine millets were awarded with prizes. The winners are: Tarun, Unnathi and Nandini.

* Good response turned for ‘Naalapaka’ cooking contest.  Around ten people participated in the contest and prepared delicious dishes. 75-year-old Sumitra Bai bagged first place, while Spoorthi and Bhavya stood at second and third place respectively.

* Women were found tasting lipsacking recipes made out of millets and a demonstration on how to cook Lavane millet was given at venue.

Traders from Tamil Nadu yet to erect stalls at Dasara Exhibition

The cauvery water dispute has also repercussions on World famous Dasara festival. Traders from Tamil Nadu used to erect stalls at Dasara Exhibition every year. Whereas this year stall are yet to be installed due to cauvery water issue.

The traders from Tamil Nadu have not yet come forward to erect stalls.
Around 40 traders had confirmed their names to participate in the dasara exhibition to be held for three months. Most of the garments stalls were being erected by the traders from Erode, Tirpur.  

Sources in the exhibition say after looking at the outcome of Cabinet meeting they might take a call, and hoping they will erect shops by next weekend.  Though this year officials have made a serious attempt to open all stalls before inauguration of Dasara, as per the strict instructions from CM Siddaramaiah, due to cauvery water issue this year too rows of empty stalls were found at Dasara Exhibition.  

KEA CEO Shashikumar said that every year around 60 traders from Tamil Nadu used to take part in the dasara expo, whereas this year around 40 have confirmed their participation. We hope by next they will erect the shops.

Anyways, last minute preparations were going in full swing at the premises. The workers were found busy erecting the stalls, which might be occupied by traders from Tamil Nadu in days to come. Hardly around 8 shops have been completed and in a good move few of the government stalls. Minister Tanvir Sait and HC Mahadevappa inaugurated the incompleted exhibition.

Artistes from across country have converged in Mysuru

The city of Mysuru is well known for rich heritage and culture. The rulers of Mysuru have always patronised art, culture and have encouraged artistes inviting them to Mysuru, thereby motivating various art forms.

The city with such a rich heritage culture has continued the legacy same during world famous Mysuru Dasara. Artists from several parts of country have converged in city to showcase their talent. The artists have displayed their works at Kalamandira, JSS Urban Haat, JK Grounds and have displayed their creative works.

Wood carving, sculptor, display of wide varieties of mediums of paintings, art and craft works, 3d stone works, are attracting art lovers in large. Art students are turning in good number to watch the ongoing handicraft, sculptor, painting works at Kalamandira.

RM Ajesh who has come from Calicut has displayed mural paintings at Dasara Gandhi Shilpa Bazar being held at JSS Urban Haat. 'There is very good demand for murals. From centuries the artform is used to decorate palaces, houses, temples. The painting will be applied directly on ceiling, wall, surface which makes the premises look rich. Most of the painting are done on gods and goddess,” he adds.

Dexterous artist Anil Varma from Indore, Madhya Pradesh has displayed leather craft works. He has created animals, products needed in our day to day life. From last two decades he is engaged in creating craft objects using the leather. He says, giving a shape, and coloring need of lot techniques.

“This is a perfect platform for us to showcase our talent. There will be a sense of satisfaction when people appreciate the modern designs and 3D angle works,” says sculptor Manjunath who has displayed his work at Kalamandira.

Rohini, Art Student from CAVA said: 'The on-going exhibitions at different venues helps us to learn new techniques. 3D stone carving works gives new insight and the exhibition benefits immensely for learners.' 

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A team from newly formed Telengana had come to city to perform Bonalu dance, an annual festival dance performed to worship Goddess Mahakali.

Its the first time since the formation of the State, the team has come to participate in Mysuru Dasara Activities. With this, the rich artistic traditions and culture of Telangana came alive at the on-going Dasara Cultural programme at Jaganmohan Palace here on Monday.

A team of 20 members performed the dance, and there was no end for their joy to showcase their culture in cultural city Mysuru.
This annual ritual dance is staged during Ashada Masa in Telangana, seeking blessing of Goddess Kali (Gram Devatha) to eradicate plague.
“The ritual is performed yearly once, and we are happy we have showcased the play at Mysuru, where Goddess Chamundeshwari is worshiped,” say the team members led by B Rama Rao.

“Dasara is the festival which showcase the rich heritage, culture of our country. Artistes from across country come to participate here, which helps the youngsters to know about the tradition, culture, practices of other states,” say the team members.

Anyways, it will be a cultural festival during dasara and a rare treat to watch various forms of cultural events at different cultural joins. There are multiple choice for art lovers to watch different forms of cultural programmes of our country, and quite a good number of passing crowd had gathered at all the seven venues giving visual treat for art lovers. The venues are: Town Hall, Kalamandira, Jaganmohan Palace, Ganabharathi, Palace, Chikka Gadiyara.