Annual Subscription ` 50.00 only Karnataka March of MARCH 2015 Governor’s Address to the State Legislature C Karnataka O N T E N T S Volume-52 Issue-3 Page-28 Mar 2015 Editor- in -Chief N R Vishukumar Department of Information and Public Relations Editorial Advisory Panel N Bhrungeesh Joint Director K Gopala Gowda Deputy Director Editor T C Jagadamba Sr. Asst. Director Published by The Director of Information and Public Relations # 17, “Vartha Soudha” Bhagawan Mahaveer Road (Infantry Road) Bengaluru- 560 001 Phone : 080- 22028012, 22028046 Printed at: Padmashree Printers # 123, 1st K Block, Dr Rajkumar Road Bengaluru- 560010 Ph: No. 080 23421692 e-mail:[email protected] www.Karnatakavarthe.org Annual Subscription Rs. 50.00 through D.D. only Subscription amount may be sent through D.D., drawn in favour of The Director, Department of Information and Public Relations Bengaluru- 560001 MARCH OF KARNATAKA March of Cover Story Page No. 4 Highlights of the speech of hon’ble Governor made to the joint session of Karnataka legislature 12 Grammy Award for Bangalorean Ricky Kej T C Jagadamba 14 Channaptna gets R-Day Honour, global acclaim Gabriel Vaz 19 24 The Uncommon Man slips into History Krishna Vattam Nalanda Buddhist University in Karnataka C V Raghavendra Rao Pick A Pearl 26 Chennakeshava Temple Aralaguppe Views expressed in the articles are not necessarily those of the Government Highlights of the speech of hon’ble Governor made to the joint session of Karnataka legislature ‘ After the formation of my Government in Karnataka, several reformative measures have been taken up. In order to ensure the all-round development of all the citizens of the state, my Government is committed to provide people friendly, transparent and effective administration. My Government is continually striving to take administration to the door steps of the citizens and wholly committed for the development of farmers, poor and disadvantaged sections of society and to improve their quality of life. Karnataka March of MARCH 2015 4 ’ I heartily welcome all of you to this Joint Session of Karnataka Legislature and I convey my best wishes for the new year. After the formation of my Government in Karnataka, several reformative measures have been taken up. In order to ensure the all-round development of all the citizens of the state, my Government is committed to provide people friendly, transparent and effective administration. My Government is continually striving to take administration to the door steps of the citizens and wholly committed for the development of farmers, poor and disadvantaged sections of society and to improve their quality of life. Sakala With its Unique service delivery model creating a new dimension in good governance the Karnataka Sakala Services (Amendment) Act 2014 provides time bound services to the citizens directly in a transparent manner. A total of 668 services Covering 50 departments have been included under Sakala. Till now, around 6.8 crore applications have been received from the Citizens, out of which 6.73 crore applications have been disposed within the Stipulated time. Applicants can obtain information on their mobile, making Sakala more people-friendly. The Governor Vaju Bhai Ruda Bhai Vala adressing the Joint Session of the State Legislature in Bengaluru on February 2015. The Chairman of the State Legislative Council D H Shankara Murthy and The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Kagodu Thimmappa are also Seen. Sakala Mission has received many awards and for innovation in governance, Sakala has also been awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Association fox Administration and Management (CAPAM) International Award 2014. Development of Hyderabad-Karnataka region Special emphasis is laid upon for area development and reservation in public employment for local persons in Hyderabad-Karnataka region which has been conferred special status under Article 371(J) of the Constitution of India. The restriction imposed for filling up of vacant posts has been relaxed. All efforts are being made to fill up the vacant posts in Government offices’ in Hyderabad-Karnataka region. The Hyderabad Karnataka Region Development Board has been constituted and in 2014-15, a special grant of Rs.600 crore has been provided. Krishi Bagya My Government has announced Krishi Bhagy Scheme which is being implemented in the rain fed areas of the state to improve the livelihood of the farming community and Rs.500 crore has been allocated. The Bhoochethan scheme is implemented to increase the yield in dry land crops of the state and to enhance soil quality. By adopting this scheme, the yields in different crops have increased substantially In order to improve agricultural production and help farmers, custom hire centers for agricultural equipment have been established and Savayava Bhagya Yojane started at the hobli level. my Government has implemented agriculture marketing policy, the first of its kind in the country. As a part of the reforms undertaken, Rashtriya e-Market services provides an electronic auction platform for transparent and efficient price discovery. At present, 51 APMC markets are providing online services resulting in better prices to farmers and increased arrivals of agricultural produce to these markets e-Market Services Annabhagya Recognizing the importance of agriculture markets in empowering farmers to get better prices, The Annabhagya scheme is in force from July 2013. After introduction of National Food My Government has announced Krishi Bhagy Scheme which is being implemented in the rain fed areas of the state to improve the livelihood of the farming community and Rs.500 crore has been allocated. department, the e-mapan scheme is being undertaken. In order to boost industrial growth, investment and employment opportunity in the state, a new industrial policy has been operationalised. Steps have been taken to provide more facilities, incentives and concessions to establish industries in backward regions, in Hyderabad-Karnataka region. Entrepreneurs belonging to SC/ST, women and minorities will also get higher incentives. In the current year the State High Level Clearance Committee has approved 23 proposals with an investment of Rs.17,000 crore which would generate 24,000 jobs. Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme Security Act, 2013, by the Government of India, the State Government has implemented the same from January 2014. Food grains are distributed to BPL card holders at Rs. 1 per kg with a minimum of 10 kg and maximum of 30 kg per family depending on the number of members. This has ensured that poor people have access to food grains, meeting their basic need at extremely affordable price. Ragi and jowar are also being distributed to the BPL card holders at the rate of Rs. 1 per kg under the public distribution system. To computerize the activities of Legal Metrology Karnataka is in the forefront in terms of health facilities in the country. My Government has launched Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme for giving benefit to APL beneficiaries and Jyothi Sanjeevini Scheme providing cashless facilities to Government employees. My Government has also launched Mukhyamanthri santhvana scheme for providing care to accident victims. Fleet of 108 Arogya kavacha is augmented by 198 ambulances. Manochaitanya programme for treatment of mentally ill persons and after their recovery, day care centre for rehabilitation under Manasadhara programme have been launched. Oral health policy providing free dentures to BPL senior citizens are among a spectrum of health care services provided in the state. To boost the economy and ensure all-round development, infrastructure and connectivity are extremely important. Even though providing railway connectivity is the responsibility of Government of India, yet keeping in view the urgent requirement, my Government is bearing 50% cost of railway projects Special emphasis is laid upon for area development and reservation in public employment for local persons in HyderabadKarnataka region which has been conferred special status under Article 371(J) of the Constitution of India. My Government has launched Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme for giving benefit to APL beneficiaries and Jyothi Sanjeevini Scheme providing cashless facilities to Government employees. My Government has provided Rs. 15,834 crore in the current year for executing programmes benefitting SC/ST population which is allocated to 33 departments to ensure their comprehensive development. along with land free of cost. Several railway line projects have been taken up. Hassan-Bengaluru Ramanagara. Mysuru and Bidar-Kalaburagi new railway line projects have shown good progress. Kotturu -Harihara railway line has been commissioned for traffic. Gadag-Wadi and Bengaluru-Chamarajanagara railway lines, have been approved. Up gradation of existing airports and minor airports are underway. Since my Government came to power in May 2013, 15 point programme has been implemented vigorously and 6 more programmes are added in the current year. For development of the vast rural areas, a programme to construct 10 lakh individual toilets, 2000 water purification plants have been taken up as a drive. Creation of 439 new gram panchayats have been Karnataka March of JUNE 2015 2014 MARCH 68 approved and the process of delimitation of gram panchayats is being taken up. Grama Vikas Yojane is being implemented to develop model villages with all-round development. My Government is also considering amendments to the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act to strengthen the panchayat raj institutions. My Government has provided Rs. 15,834 crore in the current year for executing programmes benefitting SC/ST population which is allocated to 33 departments to ensure their comprehensive development. Schemes are formulated to bridge the gaps in development and first priority is given to those programmes directly benefitting SC/ ST individuals, then schemes which benefit their habitation and general schemes are being taken up. Rules for effective implementation of the Karnataka Scheduled Castes sub plan and Tribal sub plan (planning, allocation and utilization of financial resources) Act, 2013 are being framed. As per the provisions of the Act, funds are allotted to SC / STs proportionate to their population as per 2011 census. For the welfare of minorities, new minority PU colleges, residential schools have been started. Construction of community halls, repairs and renovation of churches have been taken up and grants are provided to old age homes and orphanages. Direct loan is provided to financially poor minority students to pursue professional courses which is first of its kind. Honorary grants are provided to the Pesh Imam and Muezzin of registered Masjids to improve their financial status. Construction of Hajj Ghar is being taken up in Mangaluru and Kalaburagi. Irrigation For major and medium irrigation projects in the state, around Rs.10,000 crore has been provided. Field irrigation channels and field drains have been constructed, saline and alkaline affected lands reclaimed, to improve groundwater, tanks across several districts have been filled up and old canals modernized for increasing water use efficiency. Extension of Upper Bhadra project to provide irrigation facilities and to fill up minor irrigation tanks in drought prone areas of Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Davanagere and Tumakuru districts has been approved. Solar Pump Sets An innovative scheme has been taken up in the current year to adopt solar pumpsets in community lift irrigation schemes being implemented under SCP & TSP in a programme called SuryajyothiRaithara Balina Paramjyothi. Under the scheme Kere Abhivruddhi - Naadina Shreyobhivruddhi, comprehensive improvement of minor irrigation tanks has been taken up. For recharge of groundwater particularly in districts of Gadag, Honorary grants are provided to the Pesh Imam and Muezzin of registered Masjids to improve their financial status. An innovative scheme has been taken up in the current year to adopt solar pumpsets in community lift irrigation schemes being implemented under Suryajyothi-Raithara Balina Paramjyothi programme. Vijayapura, Koppal, Kolar and Chikkaballapur a series of pickups across natural rivers and streams are being constructed. For conservation of tanks in the state, the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority has been brought into force through an Act. My Government is taking steps to tackle the various problems of Bengaluru city particularly infrastructure and waste disposal. Under Nagarothana scheme Rs. 1,000 crore has been allocated for improvement of infrastructure in Bengaluru city, new solid waste management plants are being set up. Bengaluru Metro Rail project phase-1 is targeted for completion this year. An expert committee has been set up to study the issues of bifurcation of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike for effective governance. For development of 10 city corporations in various districts of the state, works with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,000 crore have been approved under Nagarothana scheme phase 3. In order to provide housing to the economically weaker sections, a policy of earmarking 10% of the gross land in layouts and 15% of the gross floor area in buildings in all housing projects has been approved. Rs.75 crore has been provided for scientific management of municipal solid waste in urban local bodies. New Tourism Policy A new tourism policy is being implemented in the state. In the current year Rs.400 crore has been provided for development of tourism. My Government has approved formation of a new company viz., The Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Limited which will undertake development of infrastructure at tourist places. Karnataka 10 March of MARCH JUNE 2015 2014 My Government is taking steps to tackle the various problems of Bengaluru city particularly infrastructure and waste disposal. Under Nagarothana scheme Rs. 1,000 crore has been allocated for improvement of infrastructure in Bengaluru city, new solid waste management plants are being set up. Bengaluru Metro Rail project phase-1 is targeted for completion this year. Ksheera Bhagya The scheme aims to overcome nutritional deficiency among school going children.64-65lakh children of classes 1 to 10 in Government and aided schools are getting 150 ml of milk on alternate days. Under the Right to Education Act, more than 90,000 children of disadvantaged groups have been given admission in unaided private schools.TeleEducation in 1000 select rural schools is being implemented in association with IIM- Bengaluru. A special programme Ganitha Andolana to enhance learning levels of children in classes 4 and5 with regard to mathematics is being implemented in the districts of Hydrabad –Karnataka region. Bhagyalakshmi Children requiring medical treatment are being given free treatment facility for 18 diseases in 28 identified hospitals under Balasanjivini scheme. In order to empower the girl child, Rs.340 crore have been provided under Bhagyalakshmi scheme in 2014-15, and bonds have been distributed to more than 65,000 beneficiaries. Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme has been launched for those children belonging to BPL families who are suffering from autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities and a Rs.250 premium will be paid per person as one time payment. The beneficiaries under this scheme can avail insurance coverage upto Rs. 1 lakh per year. It is intended to benefit more than 40,000 disabled persons during 2014- 15 under this scheme. Action has been taken to open Helplines for senior citizens in 30 districts of the State. My Government continues to give priority to Kannada as the administrative language and is making all efforts to promote heritage, culture and language of Karnataka. New Information Technology Policy announced last year aims at taking information technology to the cities of the state with population between 5 and 25 lakhs. A number of initiatives have been started towards encouraging entrepreneurship, accelerating the growth of start-ups, setting up New Age Incubation Centres, skill development programmes, providing Wi-Fi in all the district capitals, which will lead to enhanced e-commerce activities, giving a boost to the State economy. A State wide GIS will be established which will be available to all departments as an important and innovative governance tool in their day-today planning and monitoring of schemes. The Karnataka-GIS Portal will be first of its kind in the country. I wish that both the ruling and opposition parties will come closer through discussions thus taking the state forward to all-round development and welfare. Keeping public interest in mind as the foremost objective, I sincerely hope that transparent governance for the benefit of citizens would lead to peace, prosperity and bright future of the state. MoK A State wide GIS will be established which will be available to all departments as an important and innovative governance tool in their day-today planning and monitoring of schemes. The Karnataka-GIS Portal will be first of its kind in the country. 11 Karnataka March of FEBRUARY 2015 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah felicitated RICKY KEJ in Bengaluru along with Sri K J George, Minister for Home and Smt Umashri, Minister for Kannada and Culture. Grammy Award for Bangalorean Ricky Kej T C Jagadamba I nternationally popular as silicon city, education hub, Bangalore was in news recently. The reason behind was none other than our Bangalore music composer- KEJ Music composer and producer Ricky Kej has won the 57th annual Grammy Award for his album “Winds of Samsara” produced in collaboration with South African Flutist Woulter Kellerman. Kej is the first person of Indian origin to win this award. Ricky Kej born on 5 August 1991 in North California. Kej moved to Bangalore when he was 8 years old. He completed his schooling at Bishop Cotton Boys School Bangalore and subsequently his Dentistry from Oxford Dental College, Bangalore. He did not pursue a career in Karnataka 12 10 March of MARCH JUNE 2015 2014 The Government of Karnataka announced Rs.25 lakhs for the winner of Grammy award for his collaborative album “Winds of Samsara”. Chief Minister Siddaramiah invited Kej to his home office and felicitated him by presenting a traditional Mysuru Peta and a shawl. the field and opted for a career in music instead. Kej produced jingles for television and radio in the beginning of his music career. Ricky Kej produced jingles for TV, Radio and continued this throughout his education, over a period of 13 years, he produced over 3000 jingles for TV and Radio. His expertise in this field allowed him to work with a variety of companies like Essilor, Microsoft, Levis, Air India, and Blaupunkt. He also produced music for Kannada films, which never really satisfied him. After his jingle success, in 2003 Kej released his first International lounge album titled ‘Communicative art – Lounge from the bay’. Songs from this album were released on over 20 international compilations in France, Poland, China, Taiwan, India, Israel and Germany. After the success of his first album, Kej featured on the compilation album titled ‘Asha Waali Dhoop’, which was released in 2006. Kej’s success in India was recognised in the US, which led him to release his next two albums with Water Music Records USA. His second and third albums were released in quick succession and were titled ‘Kamasutra Lounge part 1 & 2. After the release of Kej’s third album, he went onto win a number of awards. In 2008 he received an advertising award at the Clio Awards. A year later he was awarded another advertising award at the Adfest Asia Awards. The success of his first three albums allowed him to get involved in film soundtracks. His first break in this field came in 2008 composing the entire score and songs in the Kannada language including Accident in 2008 and Venkata in Sankata in 2010. Ricky won a ‘One Show’ award for Advertising Excellence and a finalist for the Cannes Advertising Award for his Nike jingle. His other works during this period include ‘Bollywood Remixed’, ‘Dance The Golden Years’. In 2011, he composed music for the opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup, held at Dhakka on 17 February 2011. This opening ceremony was telecast in over 200 countries worldwide. It was hailed by the World Media as the best Opening Ceremony in the history of World Cup Cricket. In 2011, Times of India nominated Ricky as one of Bangalore’s Most Desirable and Indian Express hailed him as the most eligible bachelor in Bangalore. In 2012, Kej’s music video for “Arabian Sea” had frequent airplay on VH1, leading him to be declared an “India Rules – Artist” by VH1 in September 2012. During the same year, he also composed/produced tracks for various French compilation albums, such as Indian Zen and Des Voix De L’Inde, and, he created an official remix of the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire song “Jai Ho”, which was featured on the compilation album Dance The Golden Years for the USA markets. In 2012 Ricky Kej created the anthem ‘Jaya Hain Kannada Thaye’ as a tribute to the state of Karnataka. He collaborated with well-known wildlife photographer and Conservationist in creating the first ever ‘Wild Life Music Video’ in India. This music video was shot entirely in the forests of Karnataka including the Western Ghats. It featured rare species found indigenous to Karnataka. With a message of conservation, the video got tremendous airplay television channels, and was unanimously critically acclaimed. The Government of Karnataka announced Rs.25 lakhs award for the winner of Grammy for his collaborative album “Winds of Samsara”. Chief Minister Siddaramiah invited Kej to his home office and felicitated him by presenting a traditional Mysuru Peta and a shawl. The Kej couple presented a copy of the compact disc of the winning album to the Chief Minister on this occasion. MoK Ricky Kej with African flautist Wouter Kellerman receives 57th Grammy Awards. 13 25 Karnataka March of MARCH JUNE 2015 2014 Channaptna gets R-Day Honour, global acclaim Gabriel Vaz T he sleepy town of Channapatna, barely 60 kms away from Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru, got the rare honour of leading the tableaux of all Indian States, just behind that of the Defence forces, at the country’s 66th Republic Day and also earned global acclaim, thanks to the State’s tableau depicting the colourful wooden toys and dolls as well as lacquerware with which the town has become synonymous with. The traditional craft of making toys, for which Channapatana has become world-famous, with a history of over 200 years came alive in Karnataka’s tableau that displayed the rich and attractive array of toys. As was widely expected by all these, who were deeply involved in the entire project of preparing the tableau from the conception to execution stage, the State’s effort was accorded the third prize. ``We, however, know very well that Karnataka deserved much more than even the first prize because the Karnataka 14 10 March of MARCH JUNE 2015 2014 tableau simply marvellous,’’ said Shashidhar Adapa, the celebrated art director. Second attempt, but worth waiting More importantly, it is the Director of Karnataka’s Information Department, N R Vishu Kumar, who is pleased as punch, that the State’s attempt to project the traditional craft of Channapatna Toys at the Republic Day parade by presenting a tableau clicked this time round. ``We had submitted a proposal seven years ago. But it was not accepted,’’ says he adding: ``Giving prominence to Channapatna Toys is more than necessary now because the famed traditional craft has been facing myriad challenges from the modern toy industry, especially those made of plastic and the Chinese products. This national projection would certainly give a big boost.’’ Concurs Adapa. ``When our proposal for a tableau on Channapatna Toys was rejected last time, I felt extremely disappointed. As the person, who prepared the key model, I had a guilty feeling that the failure may have been on my account too because I perhaps did not give it my 100 per cent. I did not wish to take any chances and made sincere attempts, including personal visit to Channapatna to interact with the local artisans and a feel of the craft of making toys,’’ he explains. But the Information Department Director feels the rejection of Karnataka’s proposal of the tableau on Channapatna Toys earlier may have been providential. He recalls that the US First Lady Michelle Obama had bought the Channapatna toys from a stall put up in an exhibition in New Delhi during the family’s first visit to India in 2010. Now, five years later, when US President Barack Obama and his wife visited the country again as the chief guests at the 66th R-Day parade, Karnataka not only got the honour of displaying bigger models of the Channapatna Toys but was conferred the pride of place by being the first entry from a State after those from the Defence. Gombegala Ooru Channapatna, on the Bengaluru-Mysore highway, world-famous as ``gombegala ooru’’ or the town of toys, is part of the Ramanagara district that shot into national limelight with its picturesque hilly terrain in the Bollywood blockbuster ``Sholay.’’ The multi-coloured toys with attractive designs in myriad colours and varying shapes and design as well as the attractive and captivating lacquerware have caught the imagination and hearts of the young and old, not just domestic customers but discerning art-lovers across the globe as well. The Channaptana toys have found pride of place in England’s royal palace, US White House, Sri Lankan PM’s residence and the homes of a large clientele of domestic and foreign dignitaries, the mansions of the rich and famous and the lowly huts of the poor. Truly, global acceptance and even acclaim for the Channapatna toys! 15 25 Karnataka March of MARCH JUNE 2015 2014 Shashidhar Adapa, The man behind State’s R-Day Tableau T he credit for earning a pride of place for Karnataka in the selection of its chosen subject for display at the country’s Republic Day parade every year by preparing the key model and helping the State in executing the actual design, thereby win laurels at the national level must mainly to go one person, Shashidhar Adapa, if an individual can be singled out. The 59-year-old bearded Adapa, a veteran of stage and film set designer, who has worked for Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, English, Konkani and even French movies, is loath to hog the limelight for himself as he strongly believes that executing a tableau like the R-Day tableau for the entire State is always a collective effort right from the conceiving of the idea, preparing the key model and the actual designing. Hailing from Kuppepadavu, the birthplace of the present Archbishop of Bengaluru Bernard Moras, off the coastal city of Mangaluru, Adapa is a product of the amateur theatre movement and a veteran stage art director and is acclaimed as one of the best interactive set designers. He has worked with B V Karanth, Shankar Nag, Prasanna, M S Sathyu, Arjun Sajnani, Vijay Nair, Sulfia Shiekh, Miriam Endorous, R Nagesh, C R Simha, C G Krishnaswamy, B Jayashree, Basavalingaiah, V Ramamurthy, Prakash Belawadi and other veterans of theatre. He is favourite art director for Kannada film-makers like T S Nagabharana, Girish Karnad, Kavitha Lankesh, T N Seetaram, Girish Kasaravalli and Yogaraj Bhat among others. Bollywood biggies like Mani Rathnam and Aamir Khan have made use of Adapa’s talent and expertise for creating sets for their movies. He also fabricated and executed sets for the Women in Black and Back to Present, directed by Robin Herford and Constanza Macras respectively, for their tour in India. He has designed sets for six English films, including Allan A. Goldstein’s Jungle Boy, Fred Glen Ray’s Inferno, Pamela Rooks’ Dance like a Man and Prakash Belawadi’s Stumble. Adapa has designed, conceptualized and executed sets for numerous theatre productions, feature films, television software, event stages, exhibitions and all other related aspects of show business. Proprietor of Prathiroopi, a creative outfit for set design and art direction, Adapa has designed, conceptualized and executed sets for numerous theatre productions, feature films, television DIPR Director N R Vishukumar, designer Shashidhar adapa with artists. software, event stages, exhibitions and all other related aspects of show business besides producing his own film documentaries. He is hailed as a genius with many talents and also a skilled puppet maker and has conducted many puppetry workshops at national and international levels. He has won several State and National awards, including the prestigious Rajyothsava Award. Prathiroopi formed in 1984, has carved a name for itself in the field of set designing for theatre, TV software, Ad-films, feature films and other such events. The 8 Delhi students, who formed part of the ground elements pulling the colourful toys, are: Sahana, Bhavana, Varsha, Bhoomika, Raghavendra, Manohar, Punith, Basavegowda. Karnataka’s much acclaiamed Tableaux in the past: Tiger of Mysore Tippu Sultan- 2014 Kinnala art- 2013 Bhootaradhane- 2012 Bidar’s Bidriware2011 Bahubali Maha mastakabhisheka- 2006 Prathiroopi Adapa and his team from Prathiroopi, which has earned name and fame for itself for its expertise in designing and executing sets for stage and movies in not just Kannada but in Hindi, Tamil, Konkani, English and even French, is involved in the task of preparing the key models based on the theme suggested by the Information Department and executing it after the final selection by the Defence authorities. In fact, Adapa and Prathiroopi have been behind the tableaux produced by the State for the Republic Day over the past few years. Local raw materials, most eco-friendly The Channapatna Toys tableau is fabricated on a multi-layered platform fitted on a tractor trailer with overall length of 48 ft and width of 13 ft. A total of 42 toys including 30 giant-sized ones and four fitted with battery for rotation formed part of the tableau. The height of the toys range from 4 ft to 10 ft. A total of 100 artists, 20 moulders, 16 wood workers and 10 painters were involved in the work over a period of three months. The Channapatna Toys tableau is fabricated on a multi-layered platform fitted on a tractor trailer with overall length of 48 ft and width of 13 ft. A total of 42 toys including 30 giantsized ones and four fitted with battery for rotation formed part of the tableau. Though the widely available local specie of aale mara or tree (Wrigtia tinctoria) was mainly used in the making of toys, ivory wood, rosewood, sandalwood – also available in local forests -- as well as rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine and even teak were used in the making of the toys. From procuring the desired type and quality of wood as the main raw material, seasoning and cutting the same into required shapes, pruning and carving, applying the necessary mix of colours, fine-tuning and polishing the finished product formed part of the entire intricate process. The distinctive combination and mix of colours - mostly of vegetable dyes to ensure safety standards for use by children -- have added to the charm of the toys and dolls. Tipu Sultan to Mysore Rulers Though the artisans of Channapatna were known for their craft of making colourful wooden toys and dolls as also lacquerware of varied hues, sizes, shapes and designs since ancient times, it was during the reign of the `Tiger of Mysuru’ Tipu Sultan that the cottage industry got a fillip as he brought artisans from Persia to train local craftsmen. Another illustrious and enterprising craftsman, Baba Saheb Mia, is believed to have obtained special training in Japan on the use of mechanical 17 25 Karnataka March of FEBRUARY JUNE 2014 2015 the oil-rich Gulf and many more is a standing testimony to the wide appeal, attraction and world-wide market. Evidently, Karnataka’s efforts to showcase the pride and fame of Channapatna by presenting a tableau at the R-Day parade has already given a boost to the traditional craft judging from the brisk sales of the toys at the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation (KHDC) outlets. instruments to modernise the traditional art of crafting the toys and also perfecting the art of preparing face masks of wood as well as images of gods, goddesses, animals and birds to mesmerise the art-lovers. However, after Tipu, the erstwhile rulers of Mysore extended royal patronage with the Diwan establishing a craft training centre at Channapatna to impart training to the craftsmen in carpentry, lacquerware, preparing the colourmix and making toys and dolls. WTO protection of GI Tag The centuries-old traditional craft of world-famous toys of Channapatna, which secured WTO’s protection of geographical indication (GI) tag, is a multi-crore industry. The traditional toys and dolls are facing stiff competition and challenge from plastic and even Chinese models, the artisans and craftsmen have managed to hold their own by adapting themselves and their products to suit modern day-to-day use objects as well as presentation as corporate gifts besides finding a place in the school curricula. That the Channapatna toys and dolls are being exported to such diverse countries as the US, England, Japan, Germany, France, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and Karnataka March of MARCH 2015 18 A suggestion that Adapa offers is worth consideration by all those interested in encouraging and promoting the traditional craft. ``Let us patronise our own traditional craftsmen and buy the toys for gifting purposes, especially to young kids. The eco-friendly wooden toys of varying hues, shapes and sizes can be used in the educational sector and even as playmates rather than the craze for cheap plastic ones or foreign toys,’’ he says making an earnest appeal: ``Let every house keep a set of toys at a prominent place in their houses. It will definitely go a long way to help our traditional craftsmen, if we don’t want them to vanish.’’ MoK Statement about ownership and others particulars about March of Karnataka form iv rule 8 1. Place of publication : Bengaluru 2. Periodicity of Publication : Monthly 3. Printer Name : Vinay S.M. Nationality :Indian Address : Padmashree Printers # 123, 1st K Block, Dr. Rajkumar Road Bengaluru- 560010 4 Publishers Name : N.R. Vishukumar Director Nationality :Indian Address : Dept. of Information & Public Relations # 17, Mahaveer Road, (Infantry Road) Bengaluru - 560 001. 5. Editors Name : T.C. Jagadamba Nationality :Indian Address : Dept. of Information & Public Relations # 17, Mahaveer Road, (Infantry Road) Bengaluru - 560 001. 6. License No : Regd. No. KA/BG/GPO 2525 / 2015-2017 I, N R Vishukumar, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Bengaluru Sd. 01.02.2015Director Sd. Signature of the Publisher The Uncommon Man slips into History The two distinguished and illustrious Mysore Brothers, who having had their roots in Mysore, brought name and fame and found their names etched in the Hall of Fame in the international sphere were the legendary Indian Writer in English R K Narayan and iconic Cartoonist R K Laxman .Both mutually shared their different innate talents to leave a deep impression on the minds of readers through the medium they had chosen ,a pen and a brush, observes Senior Journalist Krishna Vattam in his tribute to the Creator of the Common Man, Laxman, who slipped into history on February 26, 2015. T he two distinguished and illustrious Mysore Brothers, who brought name and fame and found their names etched in the Hall of Fame in the international sphere, were the legendary Indian Writer in English R K Narayan and his brother the iconic cartoonist R K Laxman. 19 25 Karnataka March of MARCH JUNE 2015 2014 Sri R.K. Laxman receives the Padma Vibhushan award from the President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. ‘ Both mutually shared their different innate talents and if the literary genius of the Creator of Malgudi had its impress on his younger brother, the Creator of the ubiquitous mute spectators Laxman’s art came handy for Narayan to have his brother’s sketches and illustrations used in his (Narayana’s) short stories published in the Hindu. Thus they mutually complemented the other with their pen and brush to leave deep impression on minds of their readers through the medium they had chosen. If the eldest of six children Narayan worked his way towards becoming the leading writer, the youngest rose to become India’s best known political cartoonist. Born on October 24 1921 in the Lakshmipuram suburbs of Mysore, Laxman had developed passion for drawning since his childhood days. He was drawing on the walls, floor and halls of the house and his elders did not impinge or impose their regimen on the creative genius of budding artist. He was left alone as he cycled to Devaraj Market to closely watch the vegetable vendors and common men in the street. The end of one of the greatest cartoonists of our time came on the evening of February 26, 2015, when he passed away in a Pune Hospital. But Laxman’s Common Man will be alive till the end of the World. ’ Lifetime Achievement Award was handed over to sri Laxman by Sri D S Kulkarni, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, DSK Group. Karnataka March of OCTOBER JULY 2015 2014 MARCH 20 “Since childhood I do not remember wanting to do anything else except drawing” says Laxman in his autobiography ‘The Tunnel of Time’. How true he was for he did nothing else as he grew up to become the celebrated Cartoonist. “I drew objects that caught my eye outside the window of my room—the dry twigs, leaves, lizard-like creatures crawling about, the servant chopping firewood, and ofcourse, the number of crows in various postures on the rooftops of the buildings opposite”. The crow was also a common figure in his cartoons later on. The world-famous British Cartoonist David Low had a profound influence on young Laxman who had an eventful day when he met Low years later when he was serving in the Times of India. Even while he was a student in the famous Maharaja’s college Laxman was drawing sketches for Narayan’s short stories. His English teacher Kesavan had Laxman’s sketches published in the college magazine. Outside the college portals Laxman was a house hold in Karnataka as a popular humours Kannada magazine Koravanji, edited and published by Dr Shivaram, an alopathy doctor, encouraged the budding cartoonist by publishing his works. After graduation, Laxman went to Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1940s to join the Free Press Journal, where his colleague was Bal Thackery, who later became a commanding political force in Maharastra was also a cartoonist and they remained as friends till Thackery passed away in 2012. In 1947 Laxman joined the Times of India beginning his career that spanned over five decades. It was here during his long stay he, as he acknowledges “ and it’s as many years since I accidentally discovered the Common Man. In fact it was the other way round. The Common Man found me and today he has become so famous that he is known internationally.’’ Yes, his Common Man character featured in his pocket cartoons portrayed was a witness to the making of democracy. There were many readers, fans who he was looking for, Laxman told an interesting story. would wait every morning for over five decades for Laxman’s iconic “Common Man” who watched the life and politics in India. The Common Man with his signature checked jacket, dhoti, Gandhi glasses and twin tufts of gravity – defying hair, exposed the hypocrisy in politics. Although physically away from Mysore, Laxman’s attachment and longing sentiments for his home town, where he was born, educated and grew up, Mysore, never diminished. Infact I had an occasion to meet him in February 2002 in the company of his long timefriend, college mate and reputed Photo Journalist T S Satyan in the latter’s house. He had driven to Mysore from Bangalore after receiving the Lifetime achievement Award instituted by the Indian Institute of Cartoonists. Laxman was very keen and eager to go round Mysore and relive his days he spent here. He and Satyan set off to their alma mater Maharaja’s College, where Principal Prof. Padma was pleasantly surprised to see them wandering in the corridors of the College, having come there without informing her. They were in the Junior B A hall and as he stepped into the hall Laxman went back in time, recollecting happy moments he spent as a student. He then surprised all as he went up the tiered roof of the hall and was keen to see a desk. He critically examined the desks and moved his palm over each of them and seemed to be feeling disappointed. Recapitulating the incident Satyan writes in his autobiography ‘Alive and Clicking’, when he enquired as to what “My mind used to wander a great deal in the class room and I often doodled idly. The teacher’s voice would make me sleepy. One day I was dreamily gazing across the desk’s surface, when suddenly I saw very familiar initials-RKP. That was my brother Pattabhi. Below that was RKN followed by RKS, RKB and RKR. All my brothers at various stages of their passage through the portals of the Maharaja’s college had discovered this part of the desk and left their names. And of course I etched RKL below the last one and completed the genealogy.” Principal Padma had a hearty laugh when Laxman asked her to search for those precious etchings the next morning. After spending some time in the house where he was born, and grew up and wandering freely in the familiar Lakshmipurar suburbs, Laxman and Satyan drove to Narayan’s home in Yadavagiri. After Narayan had left for Chennai some years earlier the building was given on rent to a businessman. Laxman was ecstatic on seeing a flower-laden tree `Deva Kanigale’ and said he was very much attached to this tree. He had made a drawing of this tree and had written an article in the Times of India. He had taken a branch of the tree and had planted it in his Bombay house, where it flourished and he did the same when he moved on to Pune later on. Laxman’s devotion to excellence won him many awards, which included Padmabushan, Padmavibushan and Raman Magsaysay Award. The Mysore University honoured him by conferring Honorary Doctorate in 2004. Due to debilitating strokes from which he suffered, he could not come to Mysore and instead the University with its Vicechancellor had moved on to Times of India office in Mumbai, where Laxman in full University regalia came in wheel chair to receive the Award. The entire Office staff had gathered to witness this emotional spectacle and this was his last visit to the Times of India office from where through his brush strokes had put smile on every readers’ faces. The end of one of the greatest cartoonists of our time came on the evening of February 26, 2015, when he passed away in a Pune Hospital. But Laxman’s Common Man will be alive till the end of the World. On the following day Laxman was given a state funeral in Pune and the Maharashtra Chief Minister has announced to build a memorial of the legendary Cartoonist to inspire future generations. MoK Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented Kannada Medium Award to the Students in Bengaluru. Sri R Roshan Baig, Minister for Information and Public Relations also seen. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hearing public grievances at Cauvery in Bengaluru. Karnataka March of OCTOBER JULY 2015 2014 MARCH 20 22 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah watching the Photo Exhibition organised by the Dept. of Information & Public Relations on the occasion of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s 125th birth anniversary. DIPR Director N R Vishukumar also seen. Retired Chief Secretary S V Ranganth submitted report on starting of university on Rural Development & Panchayath Raj to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. RDPR Minister H K Patil also seen. 23 25 Karnataka March March of of OCTOBER JANUARY MARCH JUNE 2014 2015 A casket showing the relics of Buddha Nalanda Buddhist University in Karnataka C V Raghavendra Rao K arnataka will add another feather in its cap by establishing the second Nalanda Buddhist University helping to revive and reestablish the once flourished golden age of Buddhism and its contribution to culture, learning and civilization in the country. The proposed university will come up at Jyothigowdanapura in Chamarajnagar district and a research centre on Dr.B R Ambedkar along with an 84 feet Stupa to exhibit the sacred priced possession of relics of Lord Goutama Buddha. Buddhism stimulated and enriched the intellectual and spiritual life of the country. Due to its essence of universal love for mankind and intrinsic vitality and spiritual energy, it spread beyond the land of its growth. Buddhist monks adopted life of meditation and teaching at monastic learning centers called “Pirivenes”. They later developed the centers as fullfledged universities adopting exemplary discipline in teaching, discussion and debates to thousands of learners. According to historical evidences there were five major universities established by Buddhist monks all over the country namely, Nalanda, Vikramsila, Odantopri and Jagadalala in Somapura. Nalanda was acclaimed as world famous university from 5th century onwards for many centuries under the patronage of several famous emperors and dynasties which ruled Magada region in Bihar. The university believed to have attracted learners for far off places including from many Asian countries. It accommodated over 10000 students and 2000 scholarly expert teachers. During days of Buddha, Nalnada was equipped with huge collection of manuscripts and books on varied subjects like religion, grammar, literature, astronomy, astrology, agriculture, medicine, art and culture which were part of the teaching curriculum. There were three main libraries at Nalanda named as Ratna Sagara, Ratno Nidhi and Ratna Ranjana. It was graced by India’s most brilliant Buddhist luminaries and contributed their rich expertise through publication of many books. But Ancient site of Buddhist monastery MoK unfortunately after the invasion of Nalanda and its surroundings by other rulers all the precious works were destroyed. The Chinese scholar Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda University during its golden days and has recorded his comprehensive account of the achievement of the university. He called it as treasure house of accurate information. There was an entrance test to admit students to university done orally. Caste creed and nationality were no barriers for learners. Remarks by Chief Minister “There is a need to eradicate discrimination in society based on caste and religion. People should follow the valuable ideologies of Bhagavan Buddha and human values propounded by Buddhism. Dr. B R Ambedkar who fought against caste system and superstitions embarrassed Buddhism because it allowed people to live with equality and mutual respect. Human values clubbed with peace and love propagated by Buddhism helps to eradicate many social evils in the society and promotes equality”. -Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Efforts are on to re-establish the glory of Buddhist efforts again in the country by opening similar institutions. The first Nalanda University was opened its doors in Bihar state in 2014 and the second university will come up in Karnataka soon. Dharma Charka Appreciating the efforts in opening a special university in the state along with a research centre of Ambedkar, chief minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah hailed the decision and said that the university will boost the progress of the area and provide a rich opportunity to learners to enhance their knowledge. He announced a donation of 100 million (10 crores) and lease of 50 acres of land for the establishing the university and research centre at the proposed site. The university conceived by a group of international academics lead by Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen will be developed by Nalanda Buddha Vihar and disciples of Buddha in Karnataka. The proposed university has planned to develop it as an international university focusing humanities, ancient Indian art and culture, economics and management, information technology besides promoting Asian languages. MoK “RELICS OF BUDDHA” ‘Emperor Ashoka of Maurya dynasty divided the remains of Lord Buddha after his “Maha Parinirvana” in to 84000 fragments. Few parts of relics were taken by his daughter “Sangamitra” to Srilanka to be placed at Buddha Vihar. A part of relics of Goutama Buddha was brought from Somathi Buddha Vihar in Srilanka to be placed in new university area during 2008. The precious relics will be installed at Chmarajnagar Nalalnda University in a 84 feet Stupa which will be built along with the university.” -Revered Bodhidatta Bhante. Nalanda Buddha Vihar. MoK 25 Karnataka March of MARCH JUNE 2015 2014 Pick A Pearl T Chennakeshava temple— Aralaguppe he Chennakeshava temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is located in Aralaguppe, a small town in the Tumkur district. This temple was built by Hoysalas in 13th century. Though the temple is simple and elegant, it is a highly articulate example of Hoysala architecture. Architecturally, the plan is 16-star pointed (stellate) with a well design sikhara (tower) over the vimana (shrine). The kalasa on top. The tower starts with a topping roof which is also 16-star pointed and is followed by four tiers of square roofs, some of which still have their decorative kalasa. This is a ekakuta plan (single shrine with a tower) with the temple raised on a platform called jagati. The Cheif Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah greets the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bengaluru. His Excellency the Governor of Karnataka Sri Vaju Bhai Ruda Bhai Vala also seen. Prime Minister inaugural address at AERO India Air Show-2015 at Bengaluru. March of Karnataka (pages 28) MARCH 2015. ``Registered’’ No. KA/BGGPO/2525/2015-2017 and RNI NO KARENG/2010/4081 and licensed to post without prepayment license No. WPP-55, at GPO Bengaluru on 29th & 30th of every month Aero India Show - 2015 Bengaluru
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