MLA Released on bail

MLA BK Sangameshwar, who was arrested on Thursday night, was produced before the second additional civil judge and JMFC on Friday morning by the police, who released the accused on conditional bail. The conditions stipulated that Sangameshwar will report to the police on every Sunday, he shall not disturb the peace as well as law and order in the constituency and that he shall appear before the court whenever he is summoned to do so.

Shops and commercial establishments remained closed on Friday morning following the tense situation prevailed in Bhadravati city since Thursday late night. Elaborate security arrangements were made by the police and the superintendent of police of Shimoga Raman Gupta personally supervised the law and order situation. Talking to reporters he said that situation was under control and it would remain so in future also. He also told that no untoward incident was reported except for a stone pelting incident in Santhe Maidan road near MLA Sangameshwar’s house.

Although security was beefed up before arresting the MLA on Thursday night few stray incidents took place in old town area. Tyres were set afire on the roads by the supporters of MLA Sangameshwar. Some threw stones at the jeep in which old town sub inspector Nanjappa was seated resulting in damage to the windshield of the jeep. The officer, however, was safe. DySP HD Mendoza, Rural sub inspector Thimmappa and two other constables were reportedly injured while discharging their duties in old town. The police had to wield their canes to disperse the agitating mob near MLA’s house. Few supporters of MLA including councilor Lakshmamma were injured. Ten people were reportedly injured in the incident.

Assistant public prosecutor HD Anandakumar pleaded on behalf of the government. Advocate BS Mahesh Kumar who supplicated for the accused MLA submitted that the accused was not involved in the charges mooted against him and further clarified that the tahsildar, who was the returning officer, was supposed to examine the application submitted to him to include the names of the two voters whose names were missing from the electoral list. This application was submitted well within time to tahsildar and the applicant has also received an acknowledgement from the tahsildar. The secretary of APMC has also recommended the inclusion of the names of the two voters from the traders’ constituency which was left out in the electoral list. But, the tahsildar has ignored all these facts and denied the issue of ballot sheets to the two voters on the day of election of directors to APMC on April 25. This will tantamount the constitutional rights of those two voters, and the elected MLA had every right to intervene and interrogate the violations, the defendant’s lawyer maintained.

Former MLC Shanthaveerappa Gowda, district congress sevadal leader YH Nagaraj, Ramegowda accompanied by MLA’s elder brother BK Jagannath and other local Congress leaders shouted slogans against the Tahsildar Abhijin and alleged that he had lodged a false complaint against the MLA. Shanthaveerappa Gowda was about to address a public meeting in front of the Court. But, it was withdrawn when the police informed that it would violate the prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC which was clamped in the city since Thursday late night.

The mob outside the Court hall aired slogans praising MLA Sangameshwar when they learnt that the MLA was released on conditional bail. They took MLA in a procession to his house ignoring the prohibitory orders.

MLA Sangameshwar, who spoke to reporters, said that his arrest was a political motivated one. He specifically nitpicked that it was a conspiracy hatched by chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and Rajya Sabha member Ayanur Manjunath. If this is the result of fighting against injustice for a legislator then what is the fate of a common man questioning against the maladministration, he interrogated.

(Pic. 29bvt1-1 – Caption – MLA Sangameshwar stepping out of police van to appear before the court at Bhadravati on Friday morning.

Pic. 29bvt2-2 – Caption – Sangameshwar’s advocate BS Mahesh Kumar talking to MLA who is sitting in the police van.

Pic. 29bvt1-3 – Caption – MLA Sangameshwar coming out from the court with a triumphant smile on his face after he was release on conditional bail

Pic 29bv51-4 – Caption – Former MLC Shanthaveerappa Gowda and other Congress leaders condemning the act of arresting the MLA BK Sangameshwar describing it as a political conspiracy of the BS Yeddyurppa’s government)

Yoga is a process of purifying body, mind and the soul - BABA RAMDEV

Pathanjali Yoga foundation and Bharat Swabhiman Trust aim at revive Indian culture and spread the message of the benefits of practicing Yoga everyday to keep both body and the mind healthier, said Baba Ramdev of Pathanjali Yoga Peetha, Hardwar. He was giving a discourse on yoga and pranayama in the Yoga camp and public meeting organized by Bhadravati unit of Bharat Swabhiman Trust and Pathanjali Yoga Samiti, Bhadravati at VISL Silver Jubilee stadium on Sunday.

In fact Asian countries have a rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. But the European countries are utilizing these thins more for their benefit. If the Indians realize this and try to switch to Ayurveda type of medicine and practice Yoga regularly they can bring back the glory of this great country, Baba asserted.

Expressing his happiness about the huge turnout at the stadium Baba Ramdev explained the benefits of various types of Pranayamas which were easy to practice at home. He also demonstrated few Yoga Asanas and elucidated the advantages of them. Most of the acute and chronic diseases can be cured by Yoga and Ayurveda medicine and they also prevented most of the common diseases that are affecting our daily activities, he stated.

Both cause and remedies of any disease exist in our body. We can find solutions for most of the diseases from within our body itself. For this we have to activate the energy that is latent in our body by practicing yoga regularly, he stressed. He also assured that a Pathanjali Ayurveda clinic would soon be opened in Bhadravati.

Calling upon the people to understand the cultural and spiritual values that were extant in India he predicted that India would soon become the world leader by its natural and spiritual riches. He gave a message to the gathering to transform the native country into a heaven.

Baba Ramdev, while appreciating the team of people behind organizing the Yoga camp and public meeting befittingly he felicitated MLA BK Sangameshwar, municipal commissioner BK Mohan, executive director of Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL) V Gowrishankar and few other elites of the city. Seer of Adichunchanagiri branch mutt of Shimoga Prsannanatha Swamiji, seer of Biliki branch mutt of Rambhapuri Rachoteshwara Shivacharya Swami and seer of Panduranga Sadhakashrama in Gondi Namadevananda Bharati Swami were on the dais. General manager (P&A) of VISL and other senior officers were also present.

Aralihalli Prakash rendered invocation. Students of SAV School recited the song of Yoga while the dignitaries lit the lamp to mark the inauguration of camp. President of the reception committee of the camp Dr. GM Nataraj welcomed. Chairman of the physical arrangements committee MS Janardhana Iyengar welcomed and anchored the programme as well.

Public support essential for effective policing - SP Raman Gupta

Superintendent of police Raman Gupta addressing the citizens’ forum meeting at Bhadravati on Saturday. Probationary officer Sinha and Dy.SP HD Mendoza look on

Policing can be more effective with the cooperation of the public, NGOs and other associations, said superintendent of police Raman Gupta. He was replying the queries raised members of the citizens’ forum on Saturday evening in the citizen forum meeting held in the premises of the circle inspector’s office.

Police will certainly keep a watch on organized crimes. Few members pointed out the problems existing which are not related to police department. However, the officials will make sincere attempt to interact with the concerned departments and try to solve those problems also, he assured.

Veteran social worker Javarappa who spoke earlier asserted that the police should try and solve the disputes through conciliation and compromise at the police station level instead of registering the case soon after receiving a complaint of a non-genuine nature.

State convener of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) Sathya insisted to continue the district level DSS leaders’ meeting usually conducted at the SP’s office in Shimoga once in six months at least. He also suggested putting up barricades at Prof. B Krishnappa circle in the bypass road to avoid traffic perplexity and added that police department should organize “untouchables’ month” to bring awareness in the society to eradicate the social evil – untouchability.

Veteran sportsman H Ramegowda pointed out that the new bridge road was in a very bad shape and needed immediate attention of the municipality. He also opined that the police should initiate stringent action against those who were disrespecting aged ones forgetting the humanitarian ethics.

Councilor Mehaboob Sab urged the SP to one more sub inspector on duty and provide additional vehicle since the limit of Paper Town police station was vast. Reporter BS Sudheendra nitpicked that security for the government and police officials needed to be stepped up in the wake of recent attacks on government officials who were discharging their duties sincerely, citing the example of attack on food and civil supplies officials who tried to seize the unauthorized LPG cylinders and the following political interference when the Tahsildar initiated actions against the offenders.

Convener of Geleyara Balaga HR Gundurao drew the attention of the SP towards the hasty step taken to demolish the buildings on both sides of B.H. Road and the negligence shown in further development of the road. Railway board zonal consultative committee member and former deputy mayor Mohammed Sanaulla moaned that the approach road to railway station from B.H.Road was always blocked by vegetable vendors and the transportation vehicles like hurdles in the way of commuters who were anxious to reach the railway station. He also insisted that police should mercilessly take action against the political conspiracy to disturb the peace and cut the tail of vandalism after collecting intelligence report on such issues.

Peer Shariff from Anjuman Islahul Muslimeen, MS Sureshappa from BJP, Chinnaiah from DSS Shimoga district unit, V Kadiresh (councilor), BS Jagadish from Bar association, Muneer Ahmed from Anwar colony and many other elites expressed their opinion in the meeting and lauded the efforts of SP to stop gambling dens in Shimoga. They also urged that similar action was necessary in Bhadravati also.

Probationary officer Sinha, DySP Henry D Souza Mendoza, circle inspector (rural) Venugopal and many other police officers were present. Hosamane sub inspector K Kumar welcomed and anchored the programme as well. Circle inspector (town) HS Suresh proposed a vote of thanks.

Midday meal employees stage atigation

Midday meal preparing cooks working under Akshara Dasoha scheme took out a protest rally at Bhadravati on Friday demanding statutory minimum wages and other benefits

Federation of Akshara Dasoha midday meal preparing cooks staged a protest rally on Friday demanding the government to pay statutory minimum wages and dearness allowances to the persons preparing midday meals under Akshara Dasoha scheme.

They also demanded a compensation of Rs.1,50,000 for the death or permanent disability caused by an accident to cooks while discharging their duties. Harassment of cooks by the school development and maintenance committee members and the dismissal of cooks demanding justice should be stopped forthwith through a government order. Provisions should be supplied to the schools during working hours and such delivery should be made within the school premises. Midday meal cooks should not be held responsible for the poor quality of meal resulted by the supply of inferior food grains and other provisions. Government should issue a mandate to supply quality food grains and provisions to the suppliers, the protesters demanded.

Protest rally which began near KSRTC bus stand went through B.H.Road, Madhavachar circle, CN Road and Rangappa circle before culminating near taluk office, where a public meeting was held. The protesters handed over the memorandum of demands and cautioned that they would intensify their agitation if government failed to respond positively to their demands.

Taluk unit president of the federation Hanumamma, Vimalabai, Susheela, Muniyamma, Saraswathi, Renukabai, Anasuyamma, Parvathamma, Lalithamma and others led the agitation.

Mahaveer Jayanti celebrated at Bhadravati

Jain Samaj organized a religious procession with portrait of Bhagawan Mahaveer on Saturday as part of Mahaveer Jayanti celebration at Bhadravati on Saturday

Mahaveer Jayanti was celebrated with devotion at Bhadravati by Jain Samaj. People of Jain Samaj took out a procession with an idol and a big portrait of Bhagawan Mahaveer and aired the slogans of non-violence and universal religion. The devotional songs tuned to popular Hindi movie songs played through amplifiers enticed the people. A religious meet was held later at Jain Bhavan and Jain Samaj leaders spoke on the occasion.

MPM sets Rs.120 crore turnover target for student notebood sales

Chairman of The Mysore Paper Mills, Araga Jnanendra, displaying the indigenously manufactured student notebooks at MPM in a press conference held at Bhadravati. NP Prabhu and BN Srinivas look on

Mysore Paper Mills (MPM), a unit of government of Karnataka, is striving to turn the corners round amidst rough patches through which it was passing through, said Araga Jnanendra, chairman of MPM and former legislator. He was addressing a press conference at the MPM on Wednesday.

Talking to reporters after the release of the student notebooks indigenously manufactured at MPM with the local expertise he said that the process, which was outsourced earlier, was going to save lot of money for the mill. MPM had a target of achieving a turnover of Rs.120 crore for the current fiscal and has also shortlisted the wholesale dealers to market its products all over the state, he added.

He also said that in the wake of MPM celebrating its platinum jubilee this year foundation stone will be laid for the construction of platinum jubilee mansion at Bangalore in May. On the same day green signal will be shown for the installation of a deinking plant at MPM in Bhadravati, he added.

Director (operation) NP Prabhu and general manager (HRD&A) BN Srinivas were also present in the press conference.

Caste-free Society - Dreams of Ambedkar should come true - BK Sangameshwar

MLA BK Sangameshwar addressing the Ambedkar and Babu Jagjeevaram Jayanti at Bhadravati on Thursday (14.04.2011). ZP members Gowramma, DY Usha, Shimoga Rural MLA KG Kumaraswamy, Tahsildar Abhijin and others look on)

Patriotism, which is quite often confined to celebrate the victory of Indian Cricket team, should always be augmented to rejoice the birthdays of great souls of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Babu Jagajeevanram, said MLA BK Sangameshwar. Addressing the celebration of Ambedkar and Jagajeevanram Jayanti held under the aegis of Bhadravati taluk panchayat, city municipality, social welfare department and various associations in the premises of taluk panchayat on Thursday, Sangameshwar expressed his deep concern about the not so good turnout of audience. Ambedkar and Jagjeevanram are remembered for their contributions for uplifting the downtrodden while receiving the benefits from the government and very easily forgotten while joining the celebration of their birthdays, he lamented. People should know their life history and disseminate the same among uninformed, he noted. He also proclaimed that he would perform his son’s marriage with a Dalit girl to spread the message of inter-caste marriage to herald a caste-free society.

MLA of Shimoga rural assembly constituency KG Kumaraswamy, who inaugurated the 120th birthday of Ambedkar and 104th birthday of Jagajeevanram, said that both of them fought to endow the social justice to the downtrodden people. Few leaders have restricted national leaders like Ambedkar and Jagajeevanram to a particular caste or community which is incorrect, he opined.

Dr. HM Nagarjuna, assistant professor in Kannada from Sahyadri science college, Shimoga, described Babu Jagajeevanram as a stupendous scholar. Being a stanch follower of Gandhiji’s principles he displayed his firm stand in land reform act and served the nation in various superior positions, he added.

HM Ravishankar, principal of Visvesvaraya high school, said that Ambedkar was the voice of voiceless people. Though he differed from Mahatma Gandhi his ideals and principles mainly focused in organizing the people, unified and harmonious living as well as the social equality. Heading the committee of drafting the constitution of India he had to crusade the mission solitarily. Ambedkar believed in autonomous principles that ensured equal rights to all, he pointed out citing few anecdotes.

ZP members HL Shadakshari, municipal president BK Mohan and TP president R Halappa also spoke. ZP members DY Usha and G Sujatha, TP vice president Shantakumar, social justice committee president of TP Gowramma, Tahsildar Abhijin, TP executive officer Dr. H Chandrashekarappa, municipal commissioner N Renuka, educationist K Shamanna and many other officials as well as the leaders of various Dalit organizations were present.

Cheques were given to the beneficiaries of various government schemes and couple who married inter-caste spouse by the department of social welfare and sericulture. Subsidy cheques were also given to various Stree Shakti self-help groups on this occasion.

Srinivasan welcomed. Revenue officer Mandara Kumar anchored. Divakar of social welfare department proposed a vote of thanks.

BABA Ramdevji to visit Bhadravati on Sunday

BABA RAMDEVJI to visit Bhadravati on 17th April 2011

The Bhadravati unit of Patanjali Yog Samiti, Bangalore, has organized free awareness programme on Yog and Pranayama (breathing exercises) camps conducted by Bharat Swabhiman Patanjali Yogpeeth of Haridwar in Uttarkhand State. Patanjali Yog Samiti is a committee of Yog teachers and the free Yoga camp and public meeting is arranged at VISL Stadium on Sunday from 5.30 pm to 7 pm. Founder of Patanjali Yog Trust, Baba Ramdevji will enlighten the people about the benefits that could be derived from practicing various Asananas including advantages of doing pranayamas regularly, said the president of the organizing committee Dr. GM Nataraj. Talking to reporters in a press conference held on Wednesday at Patrika Bhavan he said that elaborate arrangements were being made to accommodate the huge gathering expected.

Secretary of the organizing committee H Ramappa informed that various committees were formed to conduct the programme successfully. Baba Ramdevji will arrive around 5 pm after completing similar programme at Moodabidare via Udupi by road. He will be received by the reception committee and escorted to a special dais being constructed at the Stadium. Seer of Sri Adichunchanagiri branch mutt at Shimoga Prasannanatha Swamiji, seer of Rambhapuri branch mutt at Biliki in Bhadravati taluk Rachoteshwara Shivacharya Swami, seer of Panduranga Sadhakashrama of Gondi at Bhadravati taluk Namadevananda Bharati Swami, seer of Sri Sivasubramanya Ashram of Bhadragiri in Tarikere taluk and the executive director of Visveraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL) V Gowrishankar will be present on this occasion, he briefed.

People participating in the Yoga camp should carry non-plastic bags to keep the Yoga mat and other belongings. Discipline should be followed strictly and silence should be maintained to overcome any comprehension loss of the words expressed by Baba Ramdevji. Special arrangements have been made to park the vehicles at the stadium and drinking water will be supplied by the volunteers, said the honorary chairperson of the organizing committee and district coordinator Dr. Veena Bhat.

BS Jagadish, KP Rao, P Venkataramana Shet, MS Janardhana Iyengar, Annapoorna Satish, KP Dakappa, H Shylesh Koti, Mutturamalingam, HM Ramachandra, Shivalinge Gowda, SN Subhash, BL Rangaswamy and others were present in the press conference.


Satyanarayan RT is Mr. Karnataka 2011

Goolihatti Shekar handing over the first prize under 55 Kgs. section to Jyotiba Kolkar of Belgaum. S Narayan, BK Sangameshwar and Nagesh look on

RT Satyanarayan of Davangere has won the Mr. Karnataka title in the 17th state level bodybuilding competition held at Bhadravati under the aegis of Royale Health Club in association with MLA BK Sangameshwar as the chief sponsor.

Mr. Karnataka best poser prize wa bagged by Lavin of Dakshina Kannada district. Jr. Mr. Karnataka title went to Raja Murugan M of Bangalore and Jr. Mr. Karnataka best poser prize was secured by Rajkumar Gorgunde of Belgaum.

Master Karnataka title was won by Laxman Uppar of North Karnataka district whle the best physically challenged bodybuilder prize was won by Jagadish Poojari of Dakshina Kannada district.

Belgaum bodybuilders stole the show by bagging maximum number of prizes while Bangalore lads followed them. Most of the places were won by Bangalore builders under +80 section. The results of the event are:

55 Kgs. Section: Jyotiba Kolkar, Belgaum (I), Rajkumar Dorgude, Belgaum (II), Vivek Pawar, Belgaum (III), Rajendra, Udupi (IV) and Manikanth B Murdeshwar, North Karnataka (V)

60 Kgs: Babruvahan Goudar, Dharwad (I), Ramesh KR, Dakshina Kannada (II), Pratap Kalkundrikar, Belgaum (III), Ram Jayaswar, Belgaum (IV) and Vinayak V, Davangere (V)

65 Kgs: Vijay Gouda, Belgaum (I), Nagendra Madiwal, Belgaum (II), Raghavendra, Udupi (III), Nagesh, Dakshina Kannada (IV) and Akash Patil, Belgaum (V)

70 Kgs: Sumant Ekkur, Dakshina Kannada (I), Deepak More, Belgaum (II), Arun, Udupi (III), Dinesh Patil, Belgaum (IV) and Mohammed Nafeez, Bangalore (V)

75 Kgs: Raja Murugan M, Bangalore (I), Anil, Udupi (II), Pankaj Rutkute, Belgaum (III), Sumeet Patil, Belgaum (IV) and Imran Havre, Belgaum (V)

80 Kgs: Praveen Chandra, Dakshina Kannada (I), Krishna Chikktumbal, Dharwad (II), Prasad Jadhav, Belgaum (III), Vijay Konnurkar, Belgaum (IV) and Chetan KN, Shimoga (V)

+80 Kgs: Satyanarayan RT, Davangere (I), Lavin K, Dakshina Kannada (II), Alex Kurian, Bangalore (III), Suresh R, Bangalore (IV) and Prakash N Bangera (V).

Former sports minister of Karnataka Goolihatti Shekar and cine artiste and director S Narayan gave away the prizes. Cash awards of Rs.5000 to Rs.1000 in the descending order were given to the winners in each weight section. Chief sponsor MLA BK Sangameshwar had borne the major expenditure of the event by donating Rs.5 lakhs. Royale health club’s Cyril D Costa felicitated BK Sangameshwar, Goolihatti Shekar and S Narayan. Municipal president BK Mohan, Taluk Panchayat vice president Shantakumar, ZP member HL Shadakshari, TP members Babajan, Srinivas and Madhusudhan, bodybuilder of international fame Krishnamurthy alias Panipuri Kitty, former TP member Dasharatha Giri, councilors Channappa and Praveen Kumar and trader Nagesh were present.

17th State Level Bodybuilding Competition starts at Bhadravati

MLAs Satish Jarkiholi and Krishna Bhyregowda lit the lamp to mark the inauguration of the 17^th state level bodybuilding competition at Kanaka Mantapa playground on Saturday at Bhadravati. MLA BK Sangameshwar, YH Nagaraj, CM Sadiq and others look on

Sports and sportsmen can progress only if the elected representatives dedicate themselves to encourage the sports events, said Satish Jarakiholi, MLA and patron of All India Bodybuilders’ Association. Addressing the inauguration of the seventeenth state level bodybuilding competition and women fitness competition organized by Royale Health Club at Kanaka Mantapa here on Saturday with MLA BK Sangameshwar as chief sponsor of the event, he said that India was comparatively lagging behind in sports and urged that the central and respective state governments should, therefore, lay stress in promoting sports. Expressing his happiness over the 17th bodybuilding competition being organized as a mega event in Bhadravati he announced that National level competitions would be held at Gokak in October 2011.

MLA and Karnataka Youth Congress president Krishna Bhyregowda, who inaugurated the junior bodybuilding competitions, said that a county would be reckoned as a developed nation only when it progresses in all fronts including sports. Looking at the population of India her achievements in the sports arena could be rated as far behind recognition level, barring a few who have figured at international level. Parents have a notion that only academic excellence can make their wards great, which is totally wrong, he said citing examples of accomplished sports personalities who were less educated. He pointed out his finger towards bodybuilder Krishnamurthy, alias pani puri Kitty, who had participated at many international competitions and brought laurels to the country although he was not well educated. Only cricket is gaining popularity. Governments and sports academies should encourage all sports and promote remarkable talents, he stressed.

MLA BK Sangameshwar, who presided over the inaugural function, said that cine artiste Duniya fame Viji and noted cine actor and director S Narayan would take part in the valedictory function to be held on Sundry much to the delight of the huge gathering. He called upon the youngsters to involve themselves in their favourite sports to be hale and healthy. He also lauded the efforts of steel man of India title awardee Cyril D Costa of Royale health club for his concern about producing fully fit bodybuilders and healthy citizen through his health club.

Former union minister CM Ibrahim praised the organizers for arranging a state level bodybuilding competition at Bhadravati for the first time. Making a scorn on present political crisis in the state he said in his inimitable rhetoric, using verses of vachana literature of Basavanna, the number of people who take part in the funeral when we die was far superior to the crowd that assembled when a politician wins. He called upon the youngsters to develop patriotic feelings along with taking part in the sports events.

President of Karnataka State Bodybuilders’ association Ravindranath Rai, general secretary Ajit Siddannavar, ZP member HL Shadakshari, paani poori Kitty of Bangalore, BK Ganesh, Rev. Fr. Devanasan, Karnataka scouts and guides president YH Nagaraj, CM Saidq, Congress leader Kannappa, Shimoga councilor Yogesh, Nataraj and others were present. Royale health club founder Cyril D Costa gave a prefatory talk. Shivabasappa welcomed. Pushpalatha Chandraiah and Raghunath anchored. Sharanya performed the welcome dance.

We must imbibe the good things of other culture - S Rudre Gowda

Industrialist and KPSC member S Rudregowda addressing the Region meet of Region IV of the Lions Clubs International at Bhadravati on Sunday. Lions district governor Jayakar Shetty, vice governors Dr. Madhushdhana Hegde, Jayakar Shetty Indrali, Region chairperson KC Veerabhadra, Lioness Manjula and others look on

“Melvyn Jones, founder of association of Lions Clubs International had a foresight of globalization concept and hence he initiated to celebrate October 8 as world service day”, said noted industrialist and member of Karnataka Public Service Commission S Rudregowda. Addressing the Region meet of the Region IV of Lions Clubs International hosted by Lions Club of Bhadravati at Lions multipurpose service project centre on Sunday Rudregowda said that there was nothing wrong in transcending the sovereignty of nations to understand the western culture and imbibe the good qualities of that culture.

Appreciating the service projects launched by Lions Clubs he said that giving sight to the sightless people was one of the yeomen services that this great international service organization was rendering.

Region chairperson KC Veerabhadra while placing on records the efforts put in by the Region meet committee members, said the notion that Lions Clubs were meant for rich and intellectuals was not right and added that being a farmer his services to the society at various levels at the Club level and now as a region chairperson was a living example to say that the Lions Clubs developed individuals as leaders of the society who aspired to dedicate themselves to serve the people.

First vice governor of Lions Clubs district 324-D4 Jayakar Shetty Indrali said that being born as human beings was a greatest privilege and called upon the people to utilize this privilege to serve the poor and needy. Lauding the service projects of the forty-four year old Lions Club of Bhadravati he said that all the thirteen Clubs in Region IV were functioning very actively.

The second vice governor of district 324-D4 Dr. Madhusudhan Hegde said that among the four types of services namely professional or occupational service, service for the privilege, self centered service and unselfish service the last one was the best. He also called upon the people to donate eyes to give sight to the sightless.

District governor Jayakar Shetty expressed his happiness about the meticulous care taken by the host club in organizing the Region meet and gave a donation of Rs.5,000 in appreciation of the good job done.

Veteran Lion and past district governor HP Basavarajappa was felicitated on this occasion. Sewing machines and gas stoves were distributed to the poor widows and needy people by the host club. 307 Delegates participated from Lions clubs of Bhadravati, Bhadravati Sugartown, Holehonnur, Sagar, Yadehalli, Shimoga, Shimoga Cosmopolitan, Shikaripur, Shiralakoppa and Soraba in the Regional meet. Many Region chairpersons, Zone chairmen and past district governor Dr. T Basavaraj were present.

Lioness Manjula, wife of Region chairperson KC Veerabhadra inaugurated the Region meet by lighting the lamp. Bindushree Iyengar rendered invocation. Devaraj carried the national flag and KV Chandrashekar did the flag salutation. Region meet committee chairperson Lingaian welcomed. Dr. T Narendra Bhat and Shyamala S Bhat anchored the programme. H Bhuvaneshwar, MS Janardhana Iyengar and SI Biradar introduced the guests. Secretary AG Nagaraj proposed vote of thanks.

Legal awareness programme at Taruna Bharati High School

Additional civil judge (Sr.Dvn) Mohammed Mujeerulla addressed the students at Taruna Bharati Vidya Kendra after inaugurating free legal awareness programme for students on Saturday. SN Subhash, Prabha, 2^nd Additional Civil Judge (Jr.Dvn.) KM Puttaswamy, Bar Association secretary HL Vishwanath and others look on

Drama Fest and Diamond Jubilee of VIKASAM Concludes

Dramatist and director C Laxman addressed the valedictory of the diamond jubilee celebration of the Vikasam Kalavidaru at MPM open air theatre on Thursday. Shamamurthy, C Lakshminarayanappa, N Harikumar, K Balaraj, MP Prabhu and Hooli Shekar look on

Shimoga district is the terrain of artistes; but the patronage and encouragement is required for them to develop, said dramatist and film producer C Laxman. Addressing the valedictory of the drama festival organized by VIKASAM artistes in connection with the diamond jubilee celebration of VIKASAM at the MPM open air theatre on Thursday, he said that children should be set free for their mental development. Although India is known as Bharatha Bhoomi signifying the encouragement and patronage for stage and fine arts patting on the back of child artistes is not up to the desired level, he regretted. He also insisted that the employers must lay importance on encouraging their employee artistes whenever they go out to perform on the stage. Invoking the verses from Mankuthimmana Kagga, Laxman said that spectator was the King in the theatre.

N Harikumar, assistant director of Kannada and Culture, Shimoga, said that the state government was giving more importance to foster the stage art through Karnataka Nataka Academy. Recollecting the history of Bhadravati, which was beehive of drama activities decades ago, he expressed his concern about the decline in the number of drama troupes that were performing remarkably. Nurturing the theatre was the joint responsibility of the respective governments, government departments, industries and commercial establishments and the amateur artistes, he noted. He lauded the determination of Vikasam which was celebrating diamond jubilee amidst the onslaught of the television and mobile phone that were drifting the creativity of the people astray.

MLA BK Sangameshwar said that the art of drama brings about a positive transformation in one’s life. He called upon the spectators to sustain and develop the declining divine art, drama, without depending upon the government for the support. He also gave twenty-five thousand rupees as his contribution to the diamond jubilee celebration and further assured that he would donate five-lakh rupees if a Kala Bhavan was built in Bhadravati by the enthusiastic band of artistes in Bhadravati.

Dramatist turned TV serial maker Hooli Shekar and retired general manager of MPM K Balaraj also spoke. Director (operations) of MPM MP Prabhu was present. Vikasam president C Lakshminarayanappa presided over and he also spoke.

Many senior artistes, founder of Vikasam Kalashree Shamamurthy, president of Vikasam C Lakshminarayanappa and C Laxman were felicitated on this occasion. N Venkatesh rendered invocation. D Venkataramanaiah welcomed. Barandur Prakash anchored. General secretary of Vikasam Shamamurthy proposed a vote of thanks.

“Bommana Halliya Kindari Jogi” Kannada play performed by Ranga Kahale troupe of C Laxman was appreciated by the spectators who enjoyed the show ignoring the biting cold.

Freedom Fighter's wife passes away

VIKASAM Diamond Jubilee Celebrations inaugurated

General manager of MPM BN Srinivas addressing the inaugural function of the diamond jubilee celebrations of VIKASAM at Bhadravati on Friday. DY Venkatesh, seer Panditharadhya Shivacharya Swami, Ramalinga Setty, KP Jagannath, C Lakshminarayanappa and K Shamamurthy look on

An actor appears in his true dimension whereas he appears bigger on the silver screen and very smaller on television screen, said seer of Sanehalli mutt Pandithacharya Shivacharya Swami. Activities on the stage are the true pictures unlike the ones portrayed in cinemas and televisions. Addressing the inaugural function of diamond jubilee celebrations of VIKASAM (erstwhile Vidyarthi Kala Sangha) at MPM Kalyana Mantapa on Friday, he said one who is curious about arts and literature will grow as a cultured citizen. The stage art also enhances the self confidence. In this perspective only the ‘Shiva Sanchara’ drama troupe is setup and nurtured by the mutt, that has so far given 2000 shows of 42 plays in a span of fourteen years, the seer added. He also lauded the personality of the founder of VIKASAM K Shamamurthy who had been trying hard to unearth the young talents and nurture them on the stage. Shamamurthy is a person who always aspires to walk tall, he concluded.

General manager (HRD) of MPM BN Srinivas, who inaugurated the diamond jubilee celebrations and the exhibition prizes and certificates arranged in this connection, said that ignoring the magnetism of cinema and television Shamamurthy chose to remain in stage art because of his passion for the great art. He was committed to foster the stage art by introducing many innovative ideas to impress the spectators, Srinivas added.

Exective director of Hatti Gold Mines, who was earlier general manager (HRD) of MPM, DY Venkatesh said that Vidyarthi Kala Vedike formed to accommodate amateur artists has grown in size to become a ‘talk of the town’. Remembering the days of enjoying the month-long drama competition that were being held under the auspices of Mitra Kala Mandali in the premises of Sharada Mandir in VISL township way back in 1969, he proclaimed that Bhadravati was not only an industrial city but also a paradise for many budding as well as professional artistes.

Cine artiste Bhagyashree, former vice presidents of VIKASAM Ramalinga Setty, K Jagannath and CK Gopal were felicitated on this occasion. Founder member HB Gopal was also honoured.

KP Jagannath and CK Gopal spoke on behalf of the felicitated dignitaries. President of VIKASAM C Lakshminarayanappa presided and also announced that a website of VIKASAM – vikasam.com – would be shortly launched for the benefit of those interested in the stage art. Invoking the quote of Barnard Shaw “the culture will be very rich where the stage art is alive” Lakshminarayanappa said that there was a direct relationship between the drama and real life.

Founder of VIKASAM Kalashree K Shamamurthy gave a prefatory talk highlighting the way Vidyarthi Kala Sangha performed and grown in to VIKASAM to see the diamond jubilee celebrations. He also placed on records the encouragement and support lent by MPM and VISL management as well as the people of Bhadravati who always patted on the back of artistes.

Shankaramurthy welcomed. Barandur Prakash anchored. Kapanigowda proposed a vote of thanks.

Republic Day Celebrated at Bhadravati

 Executive director of VISL VG Shanker inspecting the parade troops after hoisting the national flag at VISL SJ Stadium on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations by VISL on Wednesday

 School Children presenting a cultural programme at VISL Stadium during Republic Day celebration by VISL on 26th Jan 2011

Tahsildar V.B. Fernandez hoisted the tricolour at Kanaka Mantapa playground to mark the Republic Day celebration by National Festivals Committee on 26th Jan 2011. Municipal commissioner N Renuka, MLA B.K. Sangameshwar and others look on

“Let us rededicate ourselves, individually and collectively to strengthen the integrity of our country”, executive director of Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Plant (VISL), a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), VG Shankar gave a call. Addressing the Republic Day celebrations after hoisting the national flag at VISL SJ Stadium on Wednesday, he said that Indian economy was reckoned as one of the world’s best and this was amply proved when the Indian economy withstood the onslaught of economic slowdown that affected most of the economies in the world.

Dwelling upon the performance of VISL VG Shankar said that the plant was putting in persistent efforts to improve the techno economic parameters to cut down the input cost.

VISL security guards and children from various schools took part in the parade that followed the guard of honour received by executive director VG Shankar. Parade commander Ratnakar led the parade. General manager (P&A) P Sahay, general manager (blast furnace and raw materials) V Suryanarayana, general manager (works) NC Jha, office bearers of VISL workers’ association and officers’ association and many senior officers including Asst. general manager (PR) Poornachandra were present.

Officers and employees who had put in commendable service and offered valid suggestions to improve the productivity were recognized with cash prizes and citations on this occasion. Students from various schools presented cultural programmes.

Girls from Eshwaramma High School, St. Charles English High School and Little Flower School won the first, second and third prizes respectively for their performance in parade.

Republic Day was celebrated at MPM football playground under the auspices of the Mysore Paper Mills. As per the tradition there, senior most employee of MPM V Srinivasamurthy unfurled the national flag. Home guards, Sevadal, MPM security, NCC, Scouts and guides and schoolchildren from schools in paper town took part in the march past. Students from various schools presented cultural programmes.

Republic Day was celebrated at Kanakamantapa playground by the national festivals committee and Tahsildar VB Fernandez hoisted the tricolour flag. He called upon the people to fortify the unity and integrity that were the hallmark of this great country while giving message to the gathering. MLA BK Sangameshwar, municipal commissioner N Renuka, BEO TN Somashekaraiah, Many police officers, freedom fighters and political leaders were present. MLA BK Sangameshwar felicitated the persons who had put in praiseworthy in their respective areas of activities.