Records, Karnataka – Page 5

Kannada Sahitya Sammelana displays ancient scripts, celebrates heritage

The interactive gateway also proved to be an invaluable tool for scholars and educators attending the event.

A school going boy with curiosity leaned closer to a monitor, trying to decipher an ancient Kannada script displayed on the screen. Beside him, his friends lined up eagerly pointed out the characters, guiding him through the process.

This scene, a mix of wonder and camaraderie, was one of many at the Akshara Bhandara platform that captivated visitors during the 87th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Mandya on Saturday.

The Sammelana witnessed a vibrant spectacle on the second day as curious individuals from all walks of life thronged the Akshara Bhandara stall in the exhibition area. The interactive exhibits captivated attendees with its display of ancient Kannada scripts on large monitors, sparking a sense of pride and wonder in Karnataka’s linguistic heritage.

The Akshara Bhandara platform, aptly named “Treasure of Letters,” transformed the academic study of ancient Kannada scripts into an engaging experience. Developed as the first-of-its-kind software, the platform bridges the gap between history and modernity, offering users access to over 30,000 ancient Kannada characters, revealed a stall manager. “We are sensitising people about our initiative which acts as a platform providing a treasure trove of historical metadata, shedding light on Karnataka’s dynasties, regions, and rulers as well,” he said.

The platform became a focal point of attention, drawing an unending stream of visitors eager to explore its features. Children, many of whom were experiencing the ancient script for the first time, gazed in awe at the intricate characters displayed on the monitors. Meanwhile, elders shared stories of Karnataka’s cultural past, weaving a poignant connection between the past and present.

The interactive gateway also proved to be an invaluable tool for scholars and educators attending the event. Researchers praised its extensive database for providing a comprehensive insight into Karnataka’s epigraphic legacy.

Meanwhile, the Book Mela organised as part of the Sammelana added to the literary charm of the event. Over 150 publication houses and publishers set up stalls, offering Kannada books spanning genres such as novels, short stories, poetry, and essays at discounted prices.

The stalls also featured shirts, keychains, and other merchandise adorned with Kannada words, fonts, and letters, which attracted both young and old visitors alike.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Tulsi Gowda, the ‘Encyclopaedia of Forest’, passes away at 86

In his condolence message, PM Modi said Tulsi Gowda would remain a guiding light for environmental conservation.

Padma Shri awardee Tulsi Gowda, an environmentalist from Karnataka who is revered as the “tree goddess” by the Halakki tribal community, died from age-related ailments at her residence in Honnali village of Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada district Monday evening. She was 86.

Condoling her death, PM Narendra Modi said Tulsi Gowda will remain a guiding light for environmental conservation.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Tulsi Gowda Ji, a revered environmentalist from Karnataka and Padma Awardee. She dedicated her life to nurturing nature, planting thousands of saplings, and conserving our environment.”

“She will remain a guiding light for environmental conservation. Her work will continue to inspire generations to protect our planet. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he said.

Known as the ‘encyclopedia of forest’, Gowda was born in Honnali village in Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada district in 1944. But tragedy struck early. Gowda was only two years old when she lost her father. Raised in penury, she began working as a day labourer alongside her mother at a local forest nursery, forgoing any opportunity for formal education.

At the nursery, Gowda was entrusted with caring for seeds meant for the Agasur seedbed, a project of the Karnataka Forest Department. Overcoming the hurdle of lacking any formal education, Gowda became an autodidact, demonstrating extraordinary knowledge of forests, and particularly her ability to identify mother trees.

For 35 years, she worked as a daily wage worker at the nursery until her dedication and knowledge earned her a permanent position at the forest department, where for the next 15 years, she directly supported afforestation efforts, preventing poaching, and mitigating forest fires that threatened local wildlife.

Gowda has been credited with planting and nurturing over 1 lakh trees across Karnataka. Her contributions have strengthened one community reserve, five tiger reserves, 15 conservation reserves, and 30 wildlife sanctuaries, ensuring the preservation of diverse ecosystems.

In 2021, she was conferred the Padma Shri for her exceptional contributions to environmental conservation.

With PTI inputs

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Devi Awards celebrates woman power, pays tribute to 12 trailblazers

The prestigious Devi Awards were instituted by The New Indian Express in 2014 and has since paid tribute to about 300 women achievers from across the country in the preceding 28 editions.

Twelve trailblazing women — from a serial entrepreneur to a handloom revivalist to an Olympian to an inclusive activist — who have made an impact and transcended boundaries, were bestowed with the prestigious Devi Awards by The New Indian Express at the 29th edition of the awards ceremony here on Saturday evening.

After nine years, the Devi Awards event was back in Bengaluru to celebrate the accomplishments of the distinguished women at a gala event graced by the glitterati.

The awardees were two-time Olympian Anju Bobby George; theatre exponent Arundhati Nag who founded the popular Rangashankara; Nimhans Director Dr Pratima Murthy; serial entrepreneur Meena Ganesh; author Samhita Arni; founder of Mitti Cafe Alina Alam; educationist Kavita Gupta Sabharwal; handloom revivalist Pavithra Muddaya; founding director of Science Gallery Bengaluru Jahnavi Phalkey; classical dancer Nirupama Rajendra; researcher Dr Vatsala Thirumalai and designer Sonali Sattar, who started Grasshopper.

The prestigious Devi Awards were instituted in New Delhi in December 2014, and has since paid tribute to about 300 women achievers from across the country in the preceding 28 editions.

Co-founder and former CEO and MD of IT giant Infosys SD Shibulal, who presented the awards, was all praise for The New Indian Express Group. “I am particularly happy to share this stage with The New Indian Express Group, an organisation that has consistently amplified the voices of trailblazing women across India,” he remarked.

“Devi Awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment to spotlight extraordinary women who exemplify dynamism and innovation. By recognising and celebrating women’s contributions through platforms like the Devi Awards, we are not just honouring their work but also reinforcing the belief that the future belongs to those who dare to lead, innovate, and inspire. Throughout history and across the globe, women have demonstrated an exemplary ability to lead in ways that transform not only enterprises but entire economies and societies,” he said.

He pointed out that studies have ascertained the truth that companies with greater gender diversity outperform their peers across key verticals such as innovation, productivity and profitability. “In my own journey, I first witnessed a unique and holistic approach to leadership in my mother who began working at the age of 20,” he recalled. Apart from his mother, an employee with the excise department, Shibulal holds his wife Kumari and daughter Shruti as role models who have struck a balance with professional and personal lives… “each of whom seems to so intuitively carry the truly inspiring quality of combining innovation and leadership with empathy”.

“This particular quality — rare and essential — is shared by each of the women we are recognising here today. It is a quality rooted in knowing that success is not solitary, it is not personal, it cannot be measured by a single metric, and it does not exist in isolation,” he elaborated.

“Women in leadership approach their own success as the success of those around them — their families, communities, and countries. When women succeed, they make sure to take the rest of us with them. We cannot acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the women here today without recognising that they have done so despite a largely unequal playing field. The barriers that continue to curb opportunities and growth of women need to be broken. And much work remains to be done,” he said.

“While partly accomplished by corporate policies, legislation and external factors, the glass ceiling will most thoroughly and permanently shatter when we begin to shift mindsets. A mindset that compels society to educate, encourage and enable women to lead boldly and unapologetically,” he said.

He hoped that the women honoured with Devi Awards pull others up along with them, building a stronger, more resilient India. When women thrive, societies flourish, he added.

“As a strong believer in women empowerment, I heartily congratulate the 12 achievers and wish them the best to continue their relentless work, which will inspire other women,” remarked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in his message.

The event also featured a roundtable with Devis titled ‘Leading Change: What’s the Superpower?’ Arundhati Nag, Kavita Gupta Sabharwal, Samhita Arni and Jahnavi Phalkey were part of the engaging conversation on varied issues.

TNIE CMD Manoj Kumar Sonthalia, Editorial Director of The New Indian Express Prabhu Chawla, Group CEO Lakshmi Menon and Editor Santwana Bhattacharya were present. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and City Police Commissioner B Dayananda were among the audience.

Noted author Kaveree Bamzai moderated the session, including the candid interaction with the awardees.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Two Bengaluru students Arham Nilesh Gada & Atharva Shastry set to represent India in the ‘Wild Wisdom Global Challenge ‘(WWGC) international finals

Students from different schools worldwide participate to test their knowledge about nature and wildlife.

Two students from Bengaluru — Arham Nilesh Gada, a student of grade 9, and Atharva Shastry, a student of grade 7, from National Public School (NPS), Koramangala — recently won the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge (WWGC). The WWGC is an educational initiative organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India).

The WWGC challenges students to explore various aspects of wildlife, ecosystems, and sustainability through quizzes, activities, and interactive formats. Students from different schools worldwide participate to test their knowledge about nature and wildlife. The challenge also helps them build teamwork and enhance their problem-solving skills.

This year over four lakh students from across the country and more than 2,500 schools participated and six teams from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu made it to the WWGC National Finals. Among them, Arham and Atharva representing Karnataka won the finals.

National winners will represent their countries at the WWGC international finals, set to take place on December 12.

Atharva explained how her fascination for nature and wildlife helped her win the quiz. “I have had an amazing and enjoyable time preparing for this quiz, reading about reptiles and discovering more astounding facts, skills, and myths about all kinds of reptiles. Every day, my interest grows as I explore the diverse world of reptiles,” she said.

For Arham it was Jurassic Park movie he watched seven years ago that fostered his dream of becoming a paleontologist. “My interests include math, photography and wildlife, and one of my favourite things to do is watching and photographing birds. It brings me a lot of joy to observe and learn about animals, and it has been my dream to become a paleontologist, ever since I saw Jurassic Park seven years ago.”

“Preparing for WWF’s WWGC was very insightful, and I got an opportunity to learn more about some of the most interesting creatures on this planet. It involved a lot of reading and watching videos about reptiles. I think the experience opened my eyes to a lot of things that I have never thought about,” he further added.

A statement from the school said, “The students’ journey to the national stage was a team effort, with teachers, parents, and peers providing constant encouragement. Regular mock quizzes were held to simulate the competition environment and hone the students’ quick-thinking and decision-making skills.”

The competition was hosted by the quizmaster, Gerry Martin, a distinguished herpetologist, conservationist, and founder of The Liana Trust.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Seven little bravehearts in Karnataka honoured with Shourya Award

Minister of Women and Child Development and Disabled and Senior Citizen Empowerment, Laxmi R Hebbalkar, presented the Shourya Awards to seven children.

A Class 9 student’s presence of mind and courage saved a woman and her two children who attempted suicide in Belagavi district in August this year. Spoorti Vishwanath Savwasheri was awarded the Hoysala and Keladi Chennamma Shourya (Bravery) Award, along with six other children for awards for bravery and saving the lives of others from danger.

The awards distribution ceremony was held at the Jawahar Bal Bhavan auditorium on Friday and Minister of Women and Child Development and Disabled and Senior Citizen Empowerment, Laxmi R Hebbalkar, presented the Shourya Awards to seven children.

Speaking to TNIE, Spoorti Vishwanath Savwasheri, who dreams of serving in the police department, said that on August 22, at around 8:30 pm, she was travelling in a car with her parents. She suddenly noticed a woman walking on the railway track with her two children near the railway gate on Congress Road in Tilakwadi, Belagavi district.

Suspecting that the woman was about to take a drastic step, Spoorti alerted her father, who was on a phone call. When he did not respond properly, Spoorthi immediately got out of the car and ran towards the woman. She also called passersby for help and pulled the mother and her children away from the tracks.

“I was able to save three lives through this small act. I am really happy and satisfied with myself. My parents work for the welfare of refugees and needy people. They are my inspiration and have always encouraged me to extend a helping hand to those in need,” she said.

Spoorti’s father, Vishwanath Savwasheri, expressed pride and happiness over his daughter’s brave act. For her bravery, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar awarded Spoorti Rs 5,000, which she gave for the treatment of one of the children who had broken an arm.

Additionally, she has also decided to give the woman, her cash prize of Rs 10,000, to help her clear her debts. It is alleged that financial problems drove the woman to attempt suicide with her children. Spoorti also tied a rakhi to the two young boys she saved, her father said.

Nishant L and Ashwini, two nine-year-old boys from Sagar taluk in Shivamogga, were also honoured with the Shourya Award for saving a man’s life.

Nishant told TNIE that he and Ashwini were friends and were playing near a 55-foot open well when a man trying to save a calf fell into the well. The rope he was using broke, and the man started to scream for help. The duo quickly rushed to the well, threw a rope to him, and alerted nearby villagers for help, he said.

Manikantha R, a second standard student from Hosanagara Taluk in Shivamogga, noticed a snake inside his classmate’s school bag. Without panicking, he calmly zipped the bag and safely released the snake outside the school premises.

Mahammad Sameer, a fifth standard student from Kalaghatagi taluk in Dharwad district, Vaibhavi, a seventh standard girl from Dakshina Kannada, and B Dheeraj Aital of Udupi were also honoured during the event.

Meanwhile, Aruni from Bengaluru was recognised with a special achievement award for her excellence in sports, arts, and education. She began performing in theatre at the age of three and has performed more than 100 times. Additionally, four social organisations and four individuals were honoured with state awards for their contributions to improving the lives of children in the state.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Priyank Kharge highlights growing Indo-Swiss Biotech Collaboration

IT/BT and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted the growing Indo-Swiss Biotech Collaboration as Anabio Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering force in femtech innovation has acquired the Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), a Zurich-based leader in microbial research and diagnostics.

The event was attended by Priyank Kharge, who lauded the acquisition as a reflection of Karnataka’s burgeoning biotech ecosystem.

Other key leaders from both India and Switzerland including Mr. Jonas Brunschwig, CEO and Consul General of Swissnex, Mithun Shah, CEO of Anabio Technologies, Prof Dr Hendrik Tevaearai, Chairman of the Board, MIS were also present at the event.

The minister, in his address, said “This acquisition is a testament to Karnataka’s thriving biotech ecosystem.

With initiatives like Elevate, Unnati, and world-class infrastructure such as the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC), Karnataka is proud to provide a conducive environment for innovation.

“We are committed to supporting companies like Anabio Technologies, who are taking India’s biotech prowess to the global stage,” He emphasized the critical role of collaboration between India and Switzerland in advancing biotech research and addressing global challenges,” Kharge said.

The event also marked the launch of a refreshed MIS brand identity, including a new logo and website.

The acquisition is a significant milestone in strengthening the Indo-Swiss partnership in biotechnology, fostering greater collaboration between India and Switzerland in microbial diagnostics, microbiome research, and sustainable innovation.

It will allow Anabio Technologies to enhance its capabilities in areas such as entomology, microbiome research, and environmental sustainability.

With a renewed brand identity, MIS is now poised to scale its operations globally while continuing to drive innovation in microbial diagnostics.
This landmark acquisition signals a new era of collaboration between India and Switzerland, positioning both countries as key players in the global biotech landscape.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

An Atlantic Odyssey…. Ananya Prasad will be rowing solo 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean for a noble cause

Imagine travelling 3,000 miles rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for over 60 days to raise funds for a noble cause. Not many would come forward. But, Ananya Prasad, an Economics graduate from Sheffield University, is just about to embark on a voyage next month to raise funds for the London-based Mental Health Foundation and Deenabhandu Trust in Chamarajanagar. She has named her campaign as ‘Atlantic Odyssey.’

The Atlantic Row, considered to be the World’s Toughest Row, is held every year in the month of December, where rowers from across the globe participate in teams or alone to row across the Atlantic Ocean from San Sebastian village in La Gomera located in Canary Islands (Spain) till Nelson Dockyard in Antigua (Caribbean Islands). Ananya will be rowing solo in her journey.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Ananya said, “I have been associated with adventure sports since my childhood but rowing is something that I have picked for the past three years. I enjoy challenging myself which is why I chose rowing. It is important to understand the navigation system, using radio, fixing the boats while on water and most importantly to be mentally tough to overcome fear.”

Ananya will be using ‘Odysseus’, her 25ft ocean rowing boat built to withstand tough marine environments. The boat is completely neutral and self-sufficient, fixed with solar panels for all electronic needs.

It also has a water desalinator which helps convert ocean water into drinking water.

Ananya will have to face 30ft waves, sleep deprivation, isolation and the forces of the ocean for approximately 60 days.

This endeavour of Ananya to row across the Atlantic is being supported by Mysuru’s Cycle Pure Agarbathi.

Ananya’s Mysuru Connection

Ananya, daughter of Dr. Poornima Prasad and Dr. G.S. Shiva Prasad couple, is a graduate of Economics from Sheffield University in the United Kingdom. While her mother Dr. Poornima Prasad is a retired General Physician, her father Dr. Shiva Prasad is a retired Paediatrician.

Ananya’s maternal grandfather is Guggari Shanthaveerappa Shivarudrappa (G.S. Shivarudrappa), who was awarded the prestigious ‘Rashtrakavi’ title by the Government of Karnataka in 2006 and her paternal grandfather Prof. Parashivamurthy was a Professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Mysore.

Ananya’s paternal uncle is the Founder of the popular Deenabhandu Trust in Chamarajanagar.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

PM launches Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders at IISc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday digitally launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Ayurveda for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.

The launch of the CoE under the Union Ministry of Ayush coincides with the 9th National Ayurveda Day observed on Tuesday (October 29).

This year’s theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health” emphasises the importance of integrating Ayurveda with modern science to address critical health issues like diabetes.

Led by principal investigator Navakanta Bhat (professor at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at IISc) and co-principal investigator Sona Rajakumari (assistant professor, Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc), the CoE is one of the six new ones in Ayurveda launched across India on National Ayurveda Day.

Apart from IISc, these centres – established under the “Ayurswasthya Yojna” programme, will be led by premier institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, and Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai. Backed by a grant of ₹52.47 crore, the centres will spearhead cutting-edge research, education, and healthcare innovation in the field of Ayurveda, according to an official statement.

Additional investigators of this CoE from collaborating institutes in Bengaluru include Sulochana Bhat, who heads the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI); S. Srikanta, director of Samatvam: Science and Research for Human Welfare Trust and K.S. Nagabhushana, Prayoga Institute of Education Research.

Longitudinal study

As a part of this CoE, a randomised active comparator controlled clinical trial will be conducted, with a longitudinal study over two years, to assess the efficacy of two new Ayurvedic formulations (Mustadi Ghana Vati and Varadi Ghana Vati) in prediabetes and type II diabetes. A total of 444 patients, including 120 from CARI, will be enrolled for the clinical trials, stated an official release.

In conjunction with the clinical trials, systematic in vitro (cell lines and animal models) and in vivo (blood samples of participants) studies will be pursued to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of protein glycation and oxidation (through mass spectroscopy), the role of different adipose tissues (brown, white, beige), and response to therapy.

“This study builds on our prior work on albumin glycation and oxidation,” said Dr Bhat. “By generating scientific evidence for the efficacy of Ayurvedic approaches, the Centre will pave the way for its integration into mainstream healthcare,” she said.

Dr Rajakumari said this would perhaps be the first such comprehensive study on the interplay between Ayurvedic therapy and reprograming of adipose tissue function.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru emerges as top market for GCCs, holds highest share in IT/ITeS

2024 marked a rebound in demand, attributed to global companies aiming to reduce costs while accessing India’s wide talent pool.

Bengaluru has emerged as the top market for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) occupying flexible office spaces, accounting for 41 per cent of GCC-focused flex seats across India’s major markets, according to Knight Frank India’s latest report.

Titled ‘GCC — Driving India’s Real Estate Growth Story’, the report shows that GCC flex space occupancy across eight cities rose from 17,380 seats in 2023 to 22,881 seats by September 2024, with Bengaluru’s large share underscoring its position as a tech and corporate hub.

The report also highlights a significant regional contrast in GCC flex space distribution — while Bengaluru holds 41 per cent of GCC occupancy in flex spaces, Kolkata claims just 1 per cent. This distribution suggests distinct regional preferences, with Bengaluru leading the way as the preferred market for flex space among GCCs.

Across India’s top six cities, GCCs occupy nearly 202.6 million sqft of Grade A office space, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad collectively accounting for three-fourths of this space. From 2018 through the second quarter of 2024, the IT/ITeS sector has consistently dominated the GCC landscape, followed by Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) and consulting sectors. Specifically, Mumbai leads with the highest share of GCCs within the BFSI sector, while Bengaluru holds top position in the IT/ITeS sector.

The report points at several recommendations, including innovative financing strategies, exploring new micro markets, supportive government policies and flexible office space for enhancing GCC operations and growth in India.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

EIB Global announces 300 million euro loan for Bengaluru suburban railway network

EIB Global, the arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for financing activities outside the European Union (EU), on Friday, announced it would provide a 300 million euro loan to build a new suburban railway network covering four dedicated rail corridors in Bengaluru.

The network will stretch over a total of 149 km and include 58 stations and two depots.

At a meeting here, EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer and Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company Ltd’s (KRIDE) Director of Finance Awadhesh Mehta, formally announced the loan towards Bengaluru suburban railway network will help cut pollution and carbon emissions and improve safety for women passengers.

“This funding complements the 500 million euros we allocated for the construction of the Bengaluru Metro R6 line, addressing Bengaluru’s mobility challenges by developing a clean, modern and efficient public transport system,” said Beer.

“The two projects we are financing in Bengaluru aim to create India’s most integrated rail network, providing seamless connectivity with all other modes of public transport in the city,” Beer said in a statement.

The earlier 500 million euro loan was given to build the 23 km Bengaluru Metro R6 line and purchase a fleet of about 96 metro cars. The EIB has so far financed metro projects in Agra, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Pune, with a total of 3.25 billion euros committed since 2016 – making India the largest beneficiary of its transport financing outside Europe.

EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, said it marks a major milestone in our collaboration as “we unlock new opportunities for growth, connectivity and positive social, economic and environmental impact, further strengthening the partnership between India and the EU”.

Once fully operational, the Bengaluru transport system will see a 43 per cent drop in CO2 emissions. The estimated daily ridership will be approximately 400,000 trips per day in 2029, the first year of full operation, and is expected to increase to about 1.4 million trips per day in 2040, largely aligned with the projected population growth.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)