This women aims to fulfills her husband dreams

Here is an woman without losing heart in life is fulfilling her husband dreams. Vijaya Sindhuvalli wife of noted theater personality late Sindhuvalli Ananthamurthy is the woman.

Being fond of theater, Ananthamurthy started Kala Suruchi Mini theatre at Kuvempunagar in 1985. After his demise, Vijaya Sindhuvalli without losing heart, launched various programme, specially for children.

The programmes like Kathe Kelona Banni, Nataka Vachana, Ranga Geethe, Sahithya Chavadi, dramas, seminars, theater workshops, music programmes, folk arts, harikathe, and various other programmes were launched.

The programme 'Kathe Kelona Banni' (Story telling for kids) which was started in February 3, 2007 has completed five years successfully, without any break attracting hundreds of children. The reason for introducing this programme is the increase in number of nuclear families, which has led to absence of grandparents in the family.



'In order to inculcate and imbibe human values and make children aware of tradition and culture of country, Kathe Kelona Banni programme was launched. So far, about 268 story has been narrated by scientists, advocates, teachers, litterateurs, police personnel, social workers, and other great personalities from various walks of life,' said Vijaya adding 'Women should not loose heart in any situation. Come forward and leave like a role model.'

The story telling for kids programme will be held on every Saturday from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Stories based on current issues, historic, folklore, science, culture will be narrated to the students, said Dr HK Ramanathan, Suruchi Patron.

Children Seema, Jyothi say 'the story telling programme is very good and we enjoy lot. The way the stories are narrated takes us to imagination word and have lot of values.

Special Story
On account of completion of five years, Suruchi Rangamane has organised special `Kathe Kelona Banni' programme on March 10 at 4.30 pm at Suruchi Rangamane. This 268th programme will be aired by theater personality Subraya Bhat.

An heart rending story of a graduate student

Meet this mentally ill man, who has got depressed in life after seeing death of his girlfriend in front of his eyes, who died in spot. Hailing from Bombay, he has done his schooling in Kodaiknal and while doing his graduation in USA, he got depressed due to the accident of his girlfriend.

Four days ago, an NGO 'Wee Care' has rescued this 40-year-old mentally ill persons Dev Mooses Devrai, who was wandering in the road side of Ashoka road, speaking about his parents, girlfriends and about the financial cheating happened to him.

Wee Care founder B Manu says, 'after the incident of his girlfriend he has got mentally ill and American government has rehabilitated him for couple of months, then have reintegrated him to his parents in India. Later his parents have asked him to obtain Phd in Mysore University and provided him a small rented house to accommodate himself in a better way. '

'But due to memories of his girlfriends demise, made him to get addicted to drugs like ganja, alcohol and he became violent. Meantime his father, who was working as a manager in German press of central government also passed away. All this incidents had made him violent. He started troubling his mother and started wandering on roads nakedly, sleep on road side eat garbage from past four years.'

'He speaks and write English very well. When we rescued from the road side, he was carrying some books in his pocket and has written some wordings which cant be understand. Now after rehabilitation of 4 days he has changed a lot and works on computer like a expert, speaks about the universe like a professor,' he added. Manu says, more than 555 of these patients are to be found wandering in the city.

About Wee Care

'Wee Care', as the name expresses, its the NGO which is striving to save the road side destitute who are mentally ill and addicted patient's. The organisation was started under the guidelines of founder B Manu and Trustee Secretary Vinodh Bhojappa, in 2010. The NGO is running in a rented house at Chikkahalli on T Narasipura Road.

So far the organisation has adopted, rehabilitated and treated about 133 patients who are Mentally ill family dependent patients and addicted patients. The types of rehabilitation that are practice here are Social, Psychological, Cultural, physical and economic rehabilitation.

The types of Re-habilitations that are practice here are Social, Psychological, Cultural, pshysical and economic rehabilitations. Manu says, more than 555 of these patients are to be found wandering in the city and the motto of the organisation is to provide shelter for mental ill people and bring them to mainstream. The motto of the organisation is to provide shelter for mental ill people and bring them to mainstream.

Empowering women in a different way

Fifty six-year-old Shakuntala Venugopal has been striving relentlessly for the past 12 years to empower women in a different way, bringing a new ray of hope in the lives of hundreds of women. After completing Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, she has taken voluntarily retirement from her bank service and has started educating women in various issues.



Her way of empowerment is through personal counseling and advice. Women of all age groups, from teenagers to elderly, seek her advice on how to lead a peaceful and happy life.
Everyday around six to seven people visit her house seeking her counsel about their personal or family problems. Several married couples who had decided to seek divorce due to marital discord, have changed their decision after meeting Shakuntala.

She even visits schools and colleges giving free counseling to students failed in SSLC and PUC motivating them to come out of depression and face exams. She is often invited by Ladies Clubs and Akashavani to deliver talk on the subject of mind and health and various other women issues.

Every day in the morning she teaches Yoga for women and conducts Satsang and Chinthana on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Every Thursday accompanied with group of women she visits orphanage homes and holds talks with inmates and share their feelings. During Chintana programme, she not only advises women, but also encourages them to share their feelings. On every Full Moon Day she holds a get-together party exclusively for women and holds talks on current issues.

'After certain age women think there is no meaning in living. Women should become self-reliant not only in terms of earning but also by thinking of living life fully and powerfully without losing heart. At any point start your life with zero, don’t count age and past setbacks. Keep learning new things and expand your horizons. Always feel good about yourselves, which helps you to maintain good health,' she advices.

She quotes, Empowering housewives is the need of the hour, as compare to working women more number of housewives go into depression. Due to insecurity feeling they develop possessiveness, which lowers their self esteem resulting in health related issues. Most women indulge in gossips. I request every women who indulge in gossip to stop it and instead spend time productively in different ways', she adds.

67-year-old Yashodhamma who attends Chinthana pogramme regularly says, 'We eagerly look forward every week for Chinthana programme. She interacts with us for about three hours and provide solutions for most of our problems. I don't want to miss it."

'I know her for the past eight years. She is a wonderful woman and am very grateful to have her friendship. I have shared with her many things and have obtained solution for the problems,' says Hema housewife.

Empowering tribal women their motto

Under the banner, 'Girijana Mahila Federation' around 45 tribal women residing in HD Kote, are involved in empowering tribal women not only socially and economically but also in educating tribes.

Using the facilities provided by the Government, members of this society have taken up several income generation activities. They purchase daily needs from the local market and sell it to the people residing in tribal colonies after ascertaining their quality and price.

By creating awareness among women about the importance of savings and basic education, the members are taking initiatives to enroll more number of children to the Ashrama school nearby.

Members of Mahila Maramma Swasahaya Sangha situated at B Mathkere hamlet and Niveditha Mahila Swasahaya Sangha situated at Basavanagiri hamlet were in city on Sunday to take part in the 4th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme said that after enrolling into these Self Help Groups's their lifestyle changed drastically and are learning many new things.

Bhagyamma, President of Girijana Mahila Federation said that meetings are held every month with the tribal women where discussions are held on how to solve problems faced in the hamlets as well as in their own families.

Under Right to Information Act (RTI), with assistance of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, the association members have collected details of various projects taken up by the government and have fought against the injustice in their implementation, said Bhagyamma and added, 'We collected details of Kanthana hamlet where low quality drainage work was going-on and forced the concerned person to rework the same project and do a better job.'

She said that they were successful in enforcing a ban on the sale of alcohol in some of their hamlets. The women keep a watch whether the benefits are reaching the appropriate people properly and also whether the ration is distributed regularly. She said that the motto of their organization is to educate women residing in the tribal areas and remote villages.

Now comes jewellery embedded with plant seeds !

Here is an architect who has blended his architect skills to sustain the dying art and has used his architectural skills for creating wonderful pieces of jewellery using seeds of plants. Hailing from Narendrapur in Kolkata, 48-year-old Lakshman Shah has created beautiful pieces of jewellery and ornaments like bracelet, bangles, earrings, necklaces, long chains, pendants and several others, by using plant seeds.

He has crafted jewels using seeds of Red Sandalwood Tree, Soapnut, Canna Indica, Jobtear, Paddy, Olive, Soya Bean and various others trees. He has mixed seeds of various sizes and colours to give a modern look to the ornaments, drawing immediate attention of the onlooker. Apart from retaining their natural colour and aroma, he has given natural look for the jewels.



"Around 2,500 years ago it was a common practice for the Queens in South India to wear jewels made of plants which symbolized their royal lineage. Though all plant seed cannot be used, I select seeds that have long life, strong with ethnic colours and appear smooth. Most of the seeds have good medicinal properties,' he said.

'I buy seeds from Forest Department at reasonable price. As the seeds are found in plenty in summer I book in advance according to my requirement for the entire year. According to the design, I select size of seeds and my wife also helps me to create jewelleries. The difficult is to make ornaments using paddy. By wearing these type of jeweleries one can be in contact with mother nature and there is a need to protect this dying art,' he said.


He relies on his skills to décor the jewels with new designs and shapes. Presently Lakshman is in Mysore to take part in the 'Craft of India' handicraft and handloom exhibition being held at JSS Urban Haat in Hebbal on account of Ugadi. The exhibition is open till February 18 between 10 am and 9 pm.

Mysore University takes up research on human infertility

Mysore University is the first in country, to conduct research on multifactorial problem such as infertility in human males from all corners such as anatomical, biochemical, cytogenetical, molecular and immunological aspects.

The Department of Studies in Zoology, University of Mysore , are conducting research on diseases and disorders having direct impact on human health infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.

The research work is being conducted by eight research scholars from various stream of life sciences and have published papers on male infertility in national and International journals.




The students are collecting semen samples from Mediwave Institute of Medical Science, JSS Hospital and other private clinics. Samples are also collected by holding free health camp at regular intervals for individuals from all walks of life. Various tests are conducted free of charge during these health camps. The researchers perform does these tests and provide the report to the concerned doctors or the individuals themselves.

The team headed Dr Malini also conducting an investigation regarding fertility rates among the tribals of western ghats in comparison with the urban population. The initiative is funded under the Institute Of Excellence scheme by University Of Mysore.

The working multifactorial disorders is challenging as the root cause cannot be traced by employing simple diagnostic procedures and analysis. The etiology of the both male and female infertility is multifactorial and very scarce is known about the interplay of various factors affecting spermatogenesis. As men hesitate to provide semen for research purpose, it’s very difficult to carry out the tests recommended for research activities. Hence public must encourage this research activity by providing samples for social benefit, they feel.

At 75 years of age he climbs the hill, daily!

For this 75-year-old elderly citizen, climbing Chamundi Hills is like a regular morning walk. HS Jagannath, a resident of Vidyaranyampuram, is in his mid-seventies and has been climbing the hill daily, without missing a day, for the past 34 years.

He leaves his home at 4.45am in the morning, starts climbing the steps at 5.30am and is back home by 8 am, taking in all a little over 3 hours. He claims that by climbing 1100 steps of the the hill daily, he is healthy and fit, doesn't suffer from any ailments, in addition to inhaling fresh oxygen everyday.

He says climbing the hill is not difficult, provided one maintains a regular pace both while climbing or coming down.'Some people in their enthusiasm climb 100 steps without any stopping and relax for 10-15 minutes. That is not correct. While climbing don’t sit down in between. If your are tired, pause, take a deep breath and when heart beat comes to normal start climbing again. That way you can enjoy climbing tirelessly and maintain a good health as well.'

'I was suffering from high Blood Pressure along with being Diabetic. I then realized the importance of exercise and as the Hill was just 2.5 km away from my house, I thought of climbing the hill. After I began climbing the Hill daily my health returned to normal and I feel quite comfortable.'

'Some believe that by climbing hill frequently, one suffers from joint pains and also face other problems. It is the case only with few persons, not for everyone. For the rest, Hill climbing is a very good exercise,' he adds

'Also by simultaneously practicing Gymnastics and Yoga, one can build muscles and make nerves strong. By climbing Hills the blood circulation improves', he observes.

Advantages of climbing hills regularly are getting rid of respiratory problems, control blood pressure, reduce sugar,diminishing joint pains and improved resistance to diseases. He has also become a motivation to several middle aged men like SP Yogamurthy, Shivkumar, Basavanna, Pradeep, Vittal, Babu, Sundar, Chinnappa, Shankar, Kumar, Sundar, Govinda, Naveen and several others to climb the hill and are now accompanying him for the past 20-25 years.

They say 'We enjoy lot climbing hills together. While returning, we all assemble near Nandi, discuss current issues and crack some jokes, having lot of fun. We sometimes even sit with Swamiji Jamaunagiri and have spiritual talk for a while.

Holistic trip from Women

Here is a group of women who celebrate Maha Shivaratri in a quite different way. The women, who have named their team aptly as ‘Sneha Vrunda’, take out a trip every year on Maha Shivaratri Day from past 11 years and visit far and near places and will be back on next day morning. During their visit to temples they hold Bhajans in temples for 10-15 minutes in all the temples, what they have practices in group.

Womens Shakunthala, Gowri, Kavitha, Jayashree Bhat, Shamala, Hemalatha, Rajaeshwari, Vimala, Sudha, Geetha Montadka, Channamma, Jayashree Bhat, Balamba, Saraswathi, Gayatri, Pushpa, and many other women have never missed the chance to accompany together on Shivaratri Day and go for a trip. Even some of them who have settled in Bangalore, Chikkanayakana Halli to have never missed the chance to join here on the day.

So far they have paid visit to Kashi Vishweshwara at Baburayana Koppalu, Suttur,
Atmalingeshwar at Maddur, K Hemmanahalli Mahalingeshwara Temple, Shiva temple at Anandooru, Ardhalingeshwara, Agastheshwara, Gargeshwari, Ardhanareshwari in T Narasipura, Omkareshwara Temple, Shiva temples at Holalu, T Gangadeshwara at Srirangapatna, Nanjangud.

The holistic trip which began with the group of 8-10 members now has reached about 40 members. Every year a week early to Shivaratri festival this women conduct meeting and list out the temples to be visited. Later, they finalise the places and book vehicles.

Speaking to Express Shakunthala said that ‘ Every year we add a new temple to the list and based on the time we plan the temples to be visited. We began the travelling on Shivaratri Day and will be back on next day before 8 and we have never missed the visit to Sri Trinetreshwara Temple at Palace and Mahabaleshwara Temple atop Chamundi Hill and the Nandi.

Amba and Gowri says, ‘It’s a day we spend for ourselves. While travelling we conduct
Anthakshari, puzzles, quiz, bhajans and many other programme. Some of them bring their children too. The members are increasing year to year and we are forced to stop the sits around 30 and have asked remaining women to come in other vehicle.
Gowri says, earlier family members opposed stating its dangerous women travelling in groups in late nights. But still I convinced them and manage all my work mean times.

She flies from Switzerland to obtain PhD in Bharathanatya

Twenty Three year old Sarah Gasser has came from Switzerland not only to learn our traditional dance form Bharathanatya but also to obtain PhD in it. Sarah who is quite passionate about Bharathanatya flew to India and has completed her Bharathanatya practice in Seniors with distinction.

Presently she is doing her Masters in Bharathanatyam at Music University in Mysore and has completed her first semester. After completing her Master's, she wants to pursue further and get a PhD in Bharathanatya connected with spirituality. She is a disciple of Dr Chethana Radha Krishna of Gurudeva Academy of Fine Arts.

Hailing from a family with music background, her father Ueli is a Music teacher at a Music University in Switzerland while her mother Theresia was a Bharathanatya teacher. She developed a keen interest in Bharathanatya while at the tender age of four.

She says, 'As my mother was a dance teacher, I naturally developed interest to learn Bharathanatya. In the meantime though my mother gave up dancing, my interest didn't end. Later, I joined classes for Bharathanatya near Master Keshav, hailing from Mysore, who teaches Bharathanatya in Switzerland. I did my Rangapravesham in 2008 and it is the most memorable moment in my life,' she added.

'Bharathanatya is a very rich art form and is quite vast to understand. Even though I am learning Bharathanatya for the past several years, there is still too much to learn. I want to show the world how rich this Indian art form is. I will do my best to master it and will open a dance school in Switzerland. I am very clear about this,' she added.

'Offering my services working with physically challenged children, I have earned some money which is sufficient to bear the expenses incurred for learning Bharathanatya. I have traveled across all over India to a lot of places but it was Mysore that I liked most. I feel that I was extremely lucky that I got this opportunity to learn Bharathanatya in Mysore. I am beginning to feel Mysore as my home town,' she said.

'While, I have noticed that most girls give up Bharathanatya after their marriage, some practice just to make a name. I feel even a life time is not enough to study it,' she added.

Dr Chethana Radha Krishna said that 'Sarah is a very hard working student and dedicated girl. She has learnt all the basics and she can perform mudras as well as recite Sanskrit Shlokas with equal ease. She has even learnt to speak Kannada quite fluently.'

HD Kote Tribal women is BR Hills ZP member

Thanks for the 33 per cent of reservation for women, which has helped this 38-year-old tribal women Ketamma to enter politics. Hailing from HD Kote, Soliga Community tribe, Ketamma was never aware that she would become Zilla Panchayat
Member.

Like other girls of her community, after completion of 7th standard, she has entered forest for livelihood, accompanied with her parents. But her desire for serving for her community people has never left her.

As the days passed, due to the inspiration of her school teachers words and well wishers, she contested in Gram Panchayat elections and was elected as member in 2000. From there she has never turned back. From 2000-10 she has served as member and President of Taluk Panchayat and at present she is serving as Zilla Panchayat Member at BR Hills in Chamarajanagar.

The credit of providing water facility for nine villages in BR hills goes to Ketamma. She is creating awareness among tribals about forest rights and their reservation. Apart this, she has taken the initiative to provided title deeds
for about 1500 tribes.

She says, its her luck she got the chance to enter politics and thanked MP Dhruvanarayan for providing her the opportunity.

'I have used the facilities provided by government and have reached this position. Every tribe should be aware of their rights and to claim their rights. At present only about 30 per cent of tribes are aware of legal issues,' she said.

'We have obtained only 50 per cent of facilities from the government and we are deprived of basic facilities like health, education, and transportation facilities. Since I have come to power, have taken initiative to provide drinking water facility for nine villages, my next step is towards providing good roads and creating awareness among tribes about the importance of education,' she added.

She said that many schools have been opened to provide education for tribal, but due to lack of awareness among parents most of them are not sending their children to school and the children are deprived of education. She requested government to provide special grants under Tribal Sub-Plan for the welfare of tribes.

'I have a special attachment with mother nature. We the tribes are the one who are protecting forest from smugglers, accompanied with Forest Department,' says Ketamma with proud.

Almirahs used to bifurcate the classes in this college

Here's yet another glaring example of government apathy. The Government First Grade Women's College at Vijaynagar appears like a godown lined with wardrobes and not a college. The classes for students of BA, B.Sc, B.Com and BBM are held under one roof like a nursery school, and there are no dividing walls between the classes. Instead the classes are bifurcated using almirahs !

The college which is situated right in the midst of a shopping complex was started in 2005-06, and has a strength of 472 students. Right from the day one the classes are being held amidst noise and distractions, caused due by the shopping complex below.

B.Com and BBM Students sit right in the corridor on the first floor just immediately after climbing the steps facing the blazing heat of the sun from outside. As there are no permanent walls separating the classrooms, classes held by teachers in one classroom can be heard by the students of the adjacent classes, which has made students difficult to concentrate on teachers lesson.

There are two rooms on the first floor. In one room Staff Room, Principal's Room, Computer Room, and even the Library have been accomodated, while in the other classes for BCom, BSC students along with laboratories for Physics and Chemistry are found.

All these are partitioned using only hundreds of almirahs. Even the bifurcated rooms are very small and due to lack of space, only some computers are provided for students and about 20 computers have been kept safely packed above these almirahs without opening.

'The college atmosphere is not conducive for studies and we get the feeling that we are coming to a shopping complex. We don’t have proper infrastructure like classrooms and sanitation. There are only two toilet room in the college,' the students said.

College Principal KS Lakshmana Gowda said,'Rs.1 core has been sanctioned for the construction of a new college near Vijayangar 3rd Stage in 2010, of which Rs 30 lakhs was paid to purchase the site. Due to lack of funds the works is at a snail's pace.'

Joint Directorate of Collegiate Education Prabhakara said that plans have been made to commence the classes in new college from next academic year. Students complain that for the past three years we are being promised of opening the college shortly, but of no use. Even lecturers expressed their helplessness in this regard.

800 year old temple falls out of the purview of archeology department

A 800-year old temple built by Hoysalas and located just on the outskirts of the Mysore city has ironically missed the attention of the Archaeology Department leading to the neglect of the historical monument. Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple at K Hemmanahalli which is a house for some of the rare sculptures, though renovated by private parties about 15 years ago is crying for more attention because of its significance.

The temple dating back to the Hoysala period (1188 AD) houses sculptures like Hoysala emblem, shivalinga and earthen pot which were used in those period. There is a stone inscription mentioning the year the temple was constructed and its history. Sculptures of various other Gods and Goddesses were also found during the excavation along with sculptures narrating the important incidents of the Hoysala periods. One sculpture depicts the Queen bidding farewell to the King by offering him puja, before he goes to battle field. and household articles unearthed when the temple was renovated during 1993-94.

According to villagers the temple is much older and believe that the Shivalinga here was worshiped by sage Bhagiratha, before it came under the rule of the Hoysalas, which later became the chief deity of the Hoysalas.

The reconstruction of the temple which was completely in ruins, was taken up in the year 1993, under the supervision of the Trustees of the Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple funded by Sri Dharamsthala Dharmadikeri Veerendra Heggade.

While renovating the temple, the authorities decided to further extend the temple's premises, and while digging the land they unearthed several antique sculptures and household utensils articles. All the discovered artifacts are exhibited in front of the temple, and are arranged very neatly.


Speaking to Express, temple Secretary, GN Anantha Vardhana said that 'When we approached the Muzrai department to renovate the temple. But they refused and asked us to take care of it on our own. It was then we formed a Trust named, 'Mahalingeshwara Seva Samithi' and took up the renovation work with the assistance of Dharmadikeri Veerendra Heggade.'
'There is a possibility that several more sculptures and stone engravings are buried underneath which can be uncovered if a proper excavation work is undertaken by the Government. The Devaraj Poornaiah Canal has also passed right beneath the temple,' he said and added retired Superintendent of Archeology SR Rao too had visited this place and confirmed that the stone sculptures belonged to a very ancient period.

When contacted Archaeology Department Director R Gopal acknowledged that the unearthed sculptures and households artifacts are indeed very old but was unaware of the existence of the temple. He added that he would be visiting this temple soon.

Maha Shivaratri celebrations in a unique way in this temple

In this 800-year-old Hoysala Period 'Sri Mahalingeshwara temple', situated at K Hemmanahalli, Bogadi Road, Shivaratri is celebrated in a unique way. To mark the day, Mass Suryanamaskar, Shiva thnadava Pranitha Yoga, Wrestling, staging of mythological drama will be held by rural children.

Temple Trustees of Mahalingeshwara Seva Samithi are organising this type of jathra mahotsava from past 18 years, to promote rural children. On the day, people from surrounding 40 villages take part in the event and watch mythological drama (Sri Krishna Mayaaloka_', wrestling and do Jagrane. The drama is staged by Kumarabeedu Villagers at 8 pm.

Another, interesting part of the temple is one can seen the face of Shiva on the 'Shivalinga' very clearly. It is learnt Sage Bhagiratha was worshiping Lord Shiva at this place. Apart this 24 hours (6 am to next day 6 am), Rudraabhisheka will be performed.

The temple priest Avadoota Chidambara Joshi, gives counseling, traditional medicine, and educate villagers about blind believes. For all the devotees archanas, pujas will be performed without any charges. The temples has exhibited rare sculptures which were excavated during renovation in 1993-94.

Speaking to Express, Temple Secretary Anantavardhana said that holistic development is needed in temple and hence there is no demand for money from the devotees in the temple. He said that apart from Shivaratri, in Karthika Masa, Ugadi, also special puja and various competition will be held to promote villagers and keep the rural activities alive.

The day to express love to your beloved ones

Today is Valentine's Day, the best day to express your love to your beloved ones, through greeting cards, gifts, chocolates and roses. In the same, the sale of these items in the gift shops have picked up over the past couple of days.

Even though it's been common exchanging gifts, wearing red dresses, and celebrating the day, Valentine's Day still retains it's old charm year after to year. Youngsters were seen buzzing to gift shops and were busy in choosing the gifts for their dear ones.

Apart from gifts, varieties of colour roses are always in demand during Valentine Day. The prices of flowers which will be Rs 10 on Valentine Day the price of rose will go up and the flowers are sold for Rs 10 to Rs 20 per flower, depending on the bloom.

A flower vendor Ravi said that compared to last year this year he is having good business. The reason being that last year Valentine's Day had fallen on a Sunday ! He says, the demand for flowers is always more on New Year and Valentine's Day and specially during Valentine's Day they sell varieties of colours flowers. The most sold colour flowers are red, pink and yellow.

Different varieties of chocolates coming in different flavours, specially those shaped like 'heart', are in great demand. Shops selling small teddy bears, dolls, decorative gift articles are being visited by teenagers to buy a special gift for their loved ones.

Even in this era of message and internet most of them prefer to give greeting cards to their dear ones. In such, greeting cards with love symbol, black and white tiny cards, musical cards are in great demand. When cards are unfolded they play with a music 'I love u....' which drew the attention of lovers.

Most of the shops are displaying red colour 'love symbols' balloons, and dolls holding the symbol in front of the shop to attract customers. Even the interior shops have been decorated with cherry red colour in some of the shops.

Some shops are even offering special discounts on select gift items. Apart from this, hotels and ice cream parlours have introduced special items in the menu to celebrate the occasion.

Shalini (name changed), who is love with Raghav says, 'All the gift articles are beautiful. Every year new things can be seen at the gift shops. I am confused what to gift my boyfriend.

Interestingly, from past two years they are in love and they are celebrating the day every year and purchase gift items and cards in one shop at a time.

Ban on visitors littering plastic water bottles inside Zoo evokes good response

The idea chalked out by officials of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens to stop littering plastic water bottles inside Zoo premises has evoked good response. From past three-days about 2,300 bottles have been collected apart from plastic covers and other plastic containers.

Since the declare of Zoo as plastic free zone, the authorities are affixing a sticker on every plastic bottle by collecting a refundable deposit of Rs 10 at the entrance of the gate. After collecting the empty plastic bottles from the visitors, the amount Rs 10 will be returned to the visitors.



About three workers have been specially deputed near the entrance gate to screen the visitors snack pockets, and they affix a sticker on water bottle and remove the plastic covers of biscuits, mixtures and other snacks and pack the same with paper covers.

Apart from entrance, the stickers will be affixed at other three points where water / juice are purchases by visitors. The places are KSTDC Canteen, Near Kalyani Water Tank and near Chimpanzee Center.

The saddest part is, the visitors have to collect the refunded amount only at the entrance of gate. If a visitors empties the bottle at the earliest, he cant refund the amount in any other three centers. He has too carry the bottle all his way and return it near entrance gate only.



'The intention of officials is good. To make it more people-friendly, if the officials allow to dispose the bottle in all the other three centers it will be very helpful,' says Ghosal from Andhra Pradesh.

'Earlier, only sign boards were displayed, but there was no restriction. Due to this visitors used to dispose the plastic covers, bottles here and there. But now this idea has prevented 100 per cent littering of bottles in zoo premises,' says RFO Pramod Kumar.

---------------------
eom/mys/rathna

Farmers take up cultivation of Sandalwood

Karnataka which is famous as 'Srigandhada Nadu' (Sandalwood State) is facing verge of Sandalwood extinction and is classified as one of the endangered plant species in India.

Hence, to meet the growing demands of the Sandalwood, Karnataka Soaps and Detergent Limited (KSDL) has launched the programme 'grow more sandalwood' and is encouraging farmers and entrepreneurs to take up cultivation of Sandalwood.

The major plantation company in Australia M/s TFS Ltd has already planted about 5,000 hectares of the Indian Sandalwood and is planning for about 2000 hectares in the Kemberly region of Western Australia.



Apart this, Several countries like China, Australia, Thailand, Costarica, Cambodia and Srilanka are also entering into Santalam Album plantation because of its fragrance characteristics coupled with huge demand for natural products worldwide.

In Mysore, the sale of sandalwood sapling has kicked-off and there is a tremendous increase in sale of sandalwood saplings. The seeds are available in two seasons, April to May and September to October. Well-developed healthy seedling of 6 to 8 months old is ideal for planting in the field.

There is a 'buy-back' arrangement for this programme, in which the KSDL signs an agreement with the planter and purchase the tree after 20 years. The price of the sandal wood will be fixed depending on the quality of the wood. The superiority of wood is usually judged based on colour, weight and from the portions of the tree from which it is taken (root, log, so on).


Meantime, Horticulture department is providing subsidy of 25 per cent for farmers who grow sandalwood in one acres of land. The cost for each sapling is Rs 12. This year KSDL in Mysore has obtained about orders for about 1.5 lakh saplings and last year about 60,000 saplings has been sold.

Speaking to Express, KSDL DGM VSVenkatesha Gowda said that 'Sandalwood plants are also widely distributed in the southern states like, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Preadesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam and Kerala.



He says, due to rampant smuggling, illegal trade of Sandalwood and decline in the area of cultivation present scenario of Sandalwood production in India may reach to 300 - 400 Mts per annum.

This student gives free consultation to companies

Meet this 24-year-old student who is equipped with tools, provides free consultations to companies to solve many of their problems. Hailing from Jamshedpur, Rajanikar Kumar is doing his Post graduation Diploma in Management SDM-IMD
College situated in Mysore. He suggests companies what is the equipment or machine best fitted according to their requirement, apart this he presents paper in the same to Industries. He says, his works can be converted into the software, where company will just have to mention the preference of its investment.

His two papers “Facility Location Selection Using the UTA method” published in IUPJOM and another paper on "Selection of Industrial Robots using Utility Additive method" published in the 24th AIMTDR conference, has received lot of applauds. The papers have been uploaded in website and if anyone wants to view the paper then it cost around Rs 50 and many of them have viewed his paper.

His paper is related to Multi-Criteria Decision Making methods. He says, “When I was doing Production Engineer in Jadavpur University, it was compulsory to do projects and if possible convert it into national/international papers.
It was a difficult and challenging task for an undergraduate to present papers. But later when my papers were accepted, I was very happy and started giving consultants for industries.”

He is presently working on papers – Application of Game Theory in various fields and Ethical Investment, which are very new topics for India. He says, 'In foreign countries the game theory is famous where as not same with India. By using game theory many of the serious problems can be solved and it works as a tool to make strategic decision. I want to educate both public and industrialist about game theory.'

'Ethics has become a big issue in the companies. Most of us talk theoretically about ethics but its need of the hour to convert ethics into moral values. So I am working on ethical investment. This will be very much helpful for people to know where and whom to invest their money, and meantime how companies should practice the ethics,' he added.

Accompanied with his friend Syed Mammon Hasan, Rajanikar has took part in many Business Plan held at IIFM Bhopal, Amrita University in Coimbatore, Nirma University (Gujarat) and has bagged appreciations. He says in future he wants to work has a manager to gain the experience and later wants to become an entrepreneur.

He says if a business management student has engineering background the student can create wonders with the knowledge of both subjects. So far, he has not taken any remuneration for his works, apart from gaining Rs 50 for the articles viewed by persons.

About his works

“The companies take consultation for expensive investments like purchasing Robots, CNC Lathes etc. or investing in facility layout. Decisions related to such investment are important for companies. In one my industrial project in TRF Ltd. - I reduced the manufacturing time of pulley by proposing the alternate layout for the pulley section of the company. We proposed the cellular layout for the pulley section and suggested the alternative layout for pulley section. This reduces the the distance materials required to move during the manufacturing process. the work was well accepted and appreciated by the company,” says Rajanikar.
For details contact him on 8884995860.

She is silently educating the illiterates in her village

Hear is a woman hailing from a village, striving hard to educate the illiterates residing there, and also to make them aware about the various aspects of environment.
KP Arunakumari is the lone woman who has been rendering this relentless service in Mandya District.

Hailing from Kargodu village, Mandya, she has undertaken several developmental works and has been relentlessly educating people belonging to backward communities, including SC/STs, residing at Hulivan, H Kodanahalli Farm and Bidarkatte villages.

Being Elected President of Kargodu Grama Sneha Yuvathi Sangha, she has conducted several awareness programmes on literacy, youth welfare, protecting environment and healthy living.

Surveying 32 villages falling under five Gram Panchayats, she identified around 2000 illiterate people, and brought them together and made them to read and write, all within a span of six months, under Government of India National Mission Committee 2008.

On the occasion of World Cultural Day, she organises various cultural programmes and competitions in the village. Under 'Akshara Krushi' programme she has imparted education for hundreds of SC/ST women while at the same time teaching them about maintaining health, self employment, planting saplings, awareness programme on Malaria, HIV/AIDS, leprosy and various other issues.

While creating awareness among villagers about the importance of environment and its protection, she also teaches them how to conserve flora and fauna found around. Her training also includes rain water harvesting. She also conducts workshops and seminars on these issues.

For her all-round service for the backward people involving cultural, sports and development activities, she has been bestowed with several awards. She was awarded, 'Swami Vivekananda State Youth Award' for the year 2008-09, which was presented to her on February 3 at Chitradurga by former Minister Goolihatti D Shekar. She is a recipient of Sakshar Bharath Award twice while the Mandya District Lok Shikshana Samithi has honoured her with 'Sakshratha Award'.

She has completed her BSC, BEd, COPA. Her Husband M Yogesh, a youth organizer is also a recipient of State Youth Award. Both husband and wife couple are involved in social service, are are striving to educate the illiterates amongst them.

Street vendors strive hard for livelihood

To provide free vehicular movement, recently, city's traffic police completely banned parking on Krishna Vilas Road at Thindi Beedhi, with the result the road-side vendors are losing business.

Though alternate parking has been provided in the vacant place in front of the Nallapattanna Police Station, many are not aware of this parking place and they just simply drive away.

They start parking their mobile canteens from 3 pm and sell hot instant foods, preparing freshly on the spot and continue their business till 11 pm. The vendors were once having a roaring business in this small stretch of road, are now striving hard for livelihood.

If people visiting this place park their two and four wheelers on one side of the road, opposite to the food selling push-carts. There is no chance for them to escape from the mouth of 'Tiger' (tow vehicles).

Expressing their helplessness to Express, Kumar who sells Chinese item said that 'earlier most of the people used to visit this place and have snacks. But now gradually the number has been decreased due to afraid of 'Tiger'.

'Officials have placed 'No parking' sign board. If any vehicles park their vehicles they will be fined and four wheelers will be locked using wheel clamp. Hence, most of the people scared of 'Tiger', have stopped visiting the place,' he says.

Another street vendor Rajeev, opines that a traffic police Inspector has been exclusively deputed to monitor the vehicles which parked on this road.

Food vendors are requesting to restore the vehicular parking once again assuring if the vehicles are parked orderly it would not cause any traffic jam to other vehicles. Will the concerned authorities take a favourable decision in this regard considering their plea.

DDPI office to be converted into Transmit Home

The office of the Deputy Director of Public Instruction(DDPI) situated at Bannimantap will be converted into 'Chinnara Thangudhama' (Transmit Home) by next week, where challenging children will be provided shelter.

To provide shelter for deprived children under Sarva Shikshana Abhiyan, the Dept. of Education has launched this pioneer project, 'Chinnara Thangudhama', a Transit Home along with Residential School. Already Rs 15,20,000 has been sanctioned by the government for this project and a MoU has been signed with NGO Don Boscoe.

The Department with the assistance of the NGO has already identified 1,074 children in the age group of 4 to 14 years of which 853 are boys and 221 girls from 47 different backgrounds like children of Beedi workers, beggars, book binders, bullock cart drivers, bus cleaners, butchers, carpenters, maid servants, agarbathi workers, garage shop workers, rag pickers, street children and those found working with parents, orphans and various other categories. In 1,074, about 784 children were working as sales boy and girls (241), coolie (151), street children 147, others 143, helper (85) and Mechanics (27).

Speaking to Express, Puushottam, Deputy Project Co-ordinator for Samanvaya Yojana, said that around 50 children will be housed at Transmit House while another 100 children will be housed at the Residential School.

"Every six months the children at transmit house will be moved out and admitted to nearby schools, seeking permission of their parents, if they are alive. The remaining children will be provided shelter and schooling facility at different schools with the help of NGOs", added Purushotham.

--------------------

Hardship to officers

The normal practice is officers and staff work in the same buidling. But the present situation in the DDPIs office is different.

The DDPI Office which is functioning at Bannimantap is functioning since January 18 at the Joint Director of Collegiate Education on JLB road (behind The New Indian Express Office).

As only the DDPI's offices has been shifted, the junior officers of the DDPI have to come all the way from Bannimatap to JLB Road, to get signature of the DDPI for relevant files or to discuss any official matters.

Speaking to Express DDPI BK Basavaraju said that he will discuss the matter with JDA and make arrangements to construct additional rooms in the same premises after obtaining due permission.

PHRII to identify women afflicted with HIV / AIDS

Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII) a non-profit charitable Trust involved in community service for the past six years, is providing free and quality healthcare services for women and adolescent girls in reproductive health care, cancer screening, family planning, and HIV prevention in Mysore district.

Presently the organisation is involved in community based project called 'Saving Children Improving Life' (SCIL), and is conducting a survey in 10 Panchayats to identify women with HIV / AIDS.

In ten panchyat about 85 rural villages, five panchayat towards HD Kote side and remaining 5 Panchayat towards T Narsipura side in Mysore district. Till today, the organization has covered four panchayat and have seen 329 pregnant women from these panchayat.

Earlier, the organisation has completed surveying 144 rural villages in Mysore District and has identified 12 women afflicted with HIV. Speaking to Express, PHRII Administrator Poornima Jaykirshna said 'the motto of PHRII is to identify women afflicted with HIV and take steps to prevent transmission of HIV from mother to child.'

'On the first day we identify the place and setup a camp; on the second day we create awareness among women about HIV/AIDS and on the third day the medical check-up will be held. After identifying women who are tested positive, they will be refereed to other organisations like Samartha, DAPCO for providing free medical treatment,' she added.

Apart this, providing Health education, nutritional support, prevention and treatment of anemia, highlighting importance of breast feeding, preventing infections during child birth and various other counseling will be provided to women, says Poornima.

Training for Physicians

PHRII in collaboration with Prevention International No Cervical Cancer (PINCC), NGO based in California, is providing training to Physicians and Registered Nurses on how to screen people for cervical cancer using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), a low cast technique widely used for detecting early stages of cervical cancer.

Apart from this, doctors are trained to treat abnormal wounds using cryo-therapy and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), in which abnormal tissues are cut using a thin wire loop carrying an electric current.

Till January 2012, PHRII and PINCC have trained eight Indian physicians and nurses and have screened more than 900 women, among them 20 were treated with cryo-therapy and 10 with LEEP procedure and 20 were referred to cervical cancer treatment, said Poornima.

About PHRII

PHRII is equipped with a complete in-house laboratory with microbiological and PCR equipments for the diagnosis of STI/HIV along with two mobile diagnostic clinics. The institute established in 2007, is situated at Yadavagiri.

PHRII in collaboration with communities and the National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) takes up implementation of projects and rural health programmes. PHRII has more than 25 full-time employees including physicians, nurses, laboratory personnel, health counselors and community outreach workers.