Water problems looms city in large extent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dejected lover pens poems in memory of his lover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tribal youths to climb Himalayas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This septuagenarian gives life for poor girls, widows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegetable vendors have high hope on new government

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sharp dip in gold sees mad rush of customers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Girls takeup martial arts for self defence

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

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

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

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

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

Spending holidays in 'Ajji Mane' becomes 'outdated'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

Don't consider women as vote bank'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women who emerged as super power

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

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

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

Borewell contractors minting the money in drought

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marriage season powers demand for white horses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    

Hostel students to obtain flexibility at multi-gym center

Here comes the good news for gym enthusiasts of Maharaja's College Boys hostel and Yuvaraja College Ladies hostel pupils. Soon the hostels will be equipped with the multi-gym center, where students can build muscles, stamina, loose wieght, toon their body, and obtain flexibility.

To create fitness awareness among youngsters and motivate them to remain healthier the multi gym will be set-up by Mysore University Physical Education Department at the cost of Rs 3 lakh. The multi gym facility center will start functioning from April.

Majority of the students study here are villagers and have come from middle class or below poverty line. Joining for gym spending thousands of rupees to remain fit or build muscle is a challenging task for them. Hence, the multi-gym facility has become a boon for such students.

The multi-gym facility is already set up at Village Hostel, Boys PG Hostel, Women's Hostel at Gangotri, which comes under Mysore University and there is very good response for the center. Not only the boys, whereas even good number of girls are sweating it out at the fitness center and gaining stamina.

The boys are interested to build the muscles, whereas majority girls throng to lose weight, toon muscles. While, some even to gain weight, build muscles. The students can exercis on 12 types of muscle builders, and various other affects like cardiac, abdomen, knee, neck, back, muscle strengthening and much more at the center. The students can hit the gym center twice in a day (6.30 am to 8.15 pm and 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm).

Instructor Jamuna Rani said there is very good response for multi-gym center and girls in large number are coming to lose weight and remain fit.

Divya, first year Mcom student says: “The gym has become very much helpful to burn our calories. If we go for fitness center we have to bear thousands of rupees and dedicate extra time for travelling. But, now in the same time in hostel premises I am sweating to lose weight and it has helped me lot from last five months.”

Yuvaraja College student Vivek says: “The upcoming gym set-up will be very much helpful for many, specially for sportsperson to take up fitness activities.”

Physical Education Department Director Dr C Krishna said under University With Potential for Excellency Scheme Rs 50 crore was granted for Mysore University, in that Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned for the Physical Education Department, UoM. Colleges which have permanent affiliation and fulfill the norms of UGC can apply for grants for multi-gym facility. 

This Historical temples neglected by officials

One of the century-old temple Sri Prasanna Nanjundeshwaraswamy Temple situated in heart of the city on Santhepete Street is in a dilapidated condition. The sad part is Muzrai Department officials have turned blind eye for the maintenance of this historical temple.

The temple with a beautiful architect, huge space was constructed by Mumadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar in 1732 and the proceeding deity Sri Prasanna Nanjundeshwara Swamy was installed in 1783, says Temple Pontiff MS Radha Krishna.

The traders and distributors of Santhepete and APMC Yard are trying to protect the temple. But due to insufficient fund they have failed to maintain the temple in good condition.

Since 1980, the traders raise fund themselves and hold Dodda Prasanna Nanjundeshwara Swamy rathotsava yearly once and distribute prasadam for nearly 30,000 people. Unfortunately the fund they are getting from the Muzrai Department is only Rs 9,000 per annum.

Being one of the historical temple, nearby residents throng temple to offer puja. But, there is no water facility in the temple, the walls of the temple are in dilapidated condition, lack of security, temple floors are not equal, not cleaned regularly, rain water has logged in several places, seepage and damp wells, fungus growing in some places, cracks on walls and many other lot of problems can be witnessed in many places.

Traders Association Spokesperson D Dhruvakumar says that the fund provided by Muzrai department is insufficient and the department should look into protecting one of the historical temple in city.

Devotee Madamma said that “from my grandfather period we are coming into people. The officials should develop this temple and attract large number of people.

Rathotsava

Sri Prasanna Nanjundeshwara Swamy Temple Dodda Rathotsava will be held on March 27 between 10 am to 10.30 am at Old Santhepete. Prasadam will be distributed for devotees at 1 pm at Jaganmohan Palace.  

They strive for the upliftment of downtrodden

Women who enter the election fray face several problems. Especially in the absence of support from family members, woman standing for election is itself an achievement and big challenge. If she won the elections the challenges become even tougher.

There are several instances where elected women representatives have been snubbed by heads of villages, local leaders for not doing favours to them. In spite of these odds, there are few elected women representatives who stick to their stand and are creating wonders at Panchayat Raj level.

Prema Shivaraj, GP member of Hirege village, HD Kote has taken up several developmental works for the welfare of the women and children. She is educating villagers about child marriage, importance of girls education and has stopped four marriages. She ensures no drop out children from schools.

By visiting Self Help groups she educates women about domestic violence, evils of child marriage and how to solve family problems. She helps widows and disabled persons get access to Government pension benefits. She has ensured majority of the schools get access to water by digging borewells.

Accompanied with another GP Member Pushpa, she is admitting even children belonging to nomads to school, and planning to provide them permanent shelter, help them get access to Government schemes including a permanent house.

Manjula, a GP member of Hebbur, Chamarajanagar, hailing from a Schedule Caste family refused to curry favours for local village heads. Amidst strong oppositions she won the elections not once, but twice. She is working for the upliftment of the poor and backward community people. She has solved drinking water problem, implementing various government schemes, and recovering the pending revenue dues in the village.

Somwarpet Hangal GP member Chandirka and Komala of Channamgere GP, KR Nagar have discovered that many of the families have obtained BPL cards by furnishing false information. Taking a bold step, the duo have raised voice against the decision of Panchayat heads and have ensured the BPL cards is hold by genuine beneficiaries.

The people in village were not interested to enroll under the employment guarantee scheme, but through persistent door-to-door campaign Chandirka has made them aware of benefits of the scheme.

GP Member Shruthi of Lalandevanahalli, KR Nagar is collecting tax by villagers and ensuring the reserved amount be used for the development of SC/ST. GP Members Manjula (Hebbasur), Vasantha, Rani (Panchavalli) are concentration of domestic violence, atrocity towards women and involving NGOs are trying to solve the problems. 

He is a role model for many

There are many instances where handicapped, unemployed, disillusioned people waste their time, cursing fate for their misfortune and become burden for their family. But here is a fine lesson in self reliance and how can a person be a role model for others.

Everything was fine with Ghous Madeen till he turned ten. But then suddenly an unexpected thing happened in his life changed his life forever. When he was nine years old he was afflicted with Gangrene.

As days passed the situation got worsened and finally reached the stage where his right leg was amputated upto knee at first time.

As again the Gangrene started spreading like wildfire killing healthy tissues his entire leg was amputated for second time. Meantime for some unknown reason his right hand also got twisted.

In spite of all this Ghous did not lose heart. In a tender age of ten he decided not to be a burden to his family and accompanied his father who had a puncture shop.

As there is no energy in right hand, slowly he learnt how to put puncture to the deflated tyres by working with only the left hand. Watching him remove the tyre from the vehicle and fitting it back after putting puncture mesmerises the onlookers who silently stand staring at his feat.

He has been doing this relentlessly for the past three decades gaining the appreciation and praise of even his competitors in the neighbourhood.

Though working in a garage and being handicapped he is perfect in his work. He even gives alms to beggars who come to his shop though being physically fit than him. Without being a burden on anyone, he earns his own livelihood and recently tied a knot.

He says: “I feel happy and proud that I earn and live on my own efforts.” His neighbour Saleem says that they all feel happy for not depending on any one for livelihood and working hard amidst all odds.  

Women keep the legacy of 'Harikathe' for next generation

'Harikathe' the art of orally rendering tales and incidents from  ancient scriptures Ramayana, Mahabharatha and also from mythological texts like Purana, interspersing with interesting anecdotes seems to be gradually  losing its popularity in urban areas.

But a group of elderly women who are in the mid's of 50-60's are striving hard to keep the legacy for the next generation. The women who are professional Harikathe artistes are keeping the artform alive by performing across State and are encouraging youngsters to learn this.

Of the few women who are actively rendering Harikathe performances in public in the city is the 64-year-old Vasantha Lakshmi, considered to be the senior most Harikathe artiste along with 57-year-old Bellur Nagalakshmi, Malini, Vani, Veena, Subadra Parthasarathy, Suvarna, Banumathi Narasimha. Malini and Vasantha Lakshmi are Akashavani high grade artistes.

Age is not at all a barrier for these artistes. They can perform  Harikathe standing for hours together at a stretch. To update their knowledge they keep reading books in their spare time. The artistes say by reading various kinds of books they acquire knowledge so they can either narrate the story quickly or stretch it for a long time.

There common concern of all Harikathe artistes is that the interest of listening to Harikathe is gradually dwindling among the city dwellers, whereas just the opposite is true in villages and rural areas, where people still come and enjoy listening to the discourses.    

"The present generation is not interested in either listening or practicing Harikathe. To encourage this dying art the Government should come forward and provide a handsome honorarium for all the practicing artistes,"  says Vasantha Lakshmi.

Bellur Nagalakshmi adds: "Reality shows on classical music aired at   television channels is becoming popular these days. As a result most parents encourage their children to enroll for music classes. They should also treat Harikathe likewise and revive the art for next generation."

“Harikathe is a powerful medium to educate people and children alike about our past history, culture and tradition. But the the number of public performances have come down drastically except during special occasions like the Ganesha festival, Navaratri, Shivaratri, Ayudha puja and others. Some villagers still continue the practice of holding a Harikathe when a person dies in the village,"  says another artiste Suvarna.

Lack of facilities put patients in hardship

All seems to be not good with Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research situated at KR Hospital premises. Space congestion, shortage of doctors and equipment has become major set back.

On an average 100-150 patients with cardaic related problems visit the hospital daily for treatment and check up. The patients have to first wait in long queue to register their names, next to get done ECG, followed by collection of report, to meet doctors. Again, for further tests like treadmill, Echocardiogram they have to stand in long queue. By this time the patients get frustrated only by waiting. The situation of senior citizens, mother holding the little kids for long time to get treatment is unimaginable.

Being equipped with two Echocardiogram and 12 ECG machines, it takes around 20-30 minutes to diagnose a patient, some times depending on the condition of the patient the time consumed is even more. In the meanwhile if an emergency case arrives, they have to be attended first and all other patients continue to wait. According to sources 8 to12 emergency cases comes daily. This further increases the waiting time of other patients.

The patients are called on first come first serve basis issuing token. As the number of patients waiting to get treatment are more, many times the token will be exhausted before 12 pm. As a result many of patients who have come from far off places, can be seen helplessly waiting in the OPD Waiting Lounge. Most of them have to come back next day to get a fresh appointment. Not willing to take a chance some of them stay back, sleeping overnight in the corridor, so as not to miss the next day's treatment.

Shortage of cardiologists, and staff is another problem. It has become hard not only for doctors to handle the patients, whereas even patients are suffered at large extent.

A patient named Nagaraj from Bannur said he is prepared to wait the whole day to get an appointment for the next day and requested the concerned officials to take appropriate measures to ease the problems.

Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Director Dr CN Manjunath agreed that the problem exists but said that people can take prior appointment over phone before visiting the hospital. “The problem will be eased after the construction of 350 bedded hospital on KRS Road, for which construction begins from August,” he added.

Fact File

A record of 37,000 outpatients were treated while 4,400 were admitted as in-patients in 2012. 16,000 Eco-Cardiograms and 2,200 cardiac cath lab procedure(Cardiac catheterisation) have been performed, in which 500 were Angioplasty and other procedures 50. 

It was women's day out in city on Friday

International Women's Day was celebrated by various organisations in city on Friday. While some of them celebrated the day by holding talks, seminar on women issues, other section celebrated the day by conducting day long fun activities, games, cultural programmes, dramas for women.

What was different this year was, some of the shop owners marked the day by offering special discounts for fair sex on their purchase and wished them. Discount on gifts items, sarees, jewellery, slippers, vanity bags were given for women.

Some of the private hospitals had organised free health check-up camp, cancer screening camp, discount of fitness, and so on. There was even offers on pizzas, ice creams at some of the centers.

Amidst many of these celebration there were the section of women unaware that there is a day for them to celebrate. It was just an another day in their life. Hundreds of construction women, pourakarmikas, nomades were seen on their routine work.

Student Jyothi says: “The day is celebrated by the women in urban areas. There are many women residing in rural areas not aware of women's day. More over, the celebration should not be meant only for a day. The women should celebrate the day with the same zeal across the year, and such atmosphere should be created for women.”

Reshma says: “The respect, honour for women should be given always. Its high time women should raise their voice against social-ills and play major role in society.”  

Men on a mission to break the 'male chauvinism' stigma

To break the jinx called 'male chauvinism', a stigma attached to every male, a man has dedicated himself for the empowerment of women especially those residing in rural areas.

Social worker 56-year-old H Roop Singh is the man working for the cause of empowering women. For the past 20 years he is regularly visiting villages giving a patient hearing to the pleas of the suffering women. He empowers them to overcome the problems with proper guidance, how to be a part of society, how to face problems courageously and to become financially self-reliant.

“The practice is to blame women for everything that happens in the family and this prejudiced mindset of society needs to be changed. A woman suffers continuously right from after her birth till every stage of her life. As a counselor, I help them to overcome their problems courageously,” he says.

“Families break up for trivial reasons. All they need is right guidance at the right time to cement the relationship. Women have lot of patience and bear silently the ill-treatment meted out to her,” he added.

He says, he learnt this quality from his mother who helped the underprivileged and he is now continuing the same. Around 2000 families have been benefited so far because of timely advise.

Being a native of Rajasthan, he resides in Hebbal. After the closure of city's Ideal Jawa Factory, where he was employed, he has completely become reserved for his time for a social casue.

With his interests in Social Service, he is serving in an NGO named Shaktidhama as a social worker. His wife Shakhila Kumar, who is a Head Master is supporting him in all his endeavours.