Category: Uncategorized

Noted scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah on Tuesday (July 28) said old Kannada is the root of the richness of modern Kannada, asserting that classical Kannada literature is far less difficult than perceived and becomes easier to understand through regular reading.

He was inaugurating a workshop on reading and interpreting old Kannada texts for research scholars and Kannada lecturers from degree colleges. It was organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture in association with the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, University of Mysore, on the university campus.

Dr. Nagarajaiah urged teachers to explain classical poetry by familiarising students with “Chandussu, Champakamala, Shardulavikridita, Mattebhavikridita and Utpalamala”, along with the linguistic nuances.

Expressing concern over the declining study, teaching and research of old Kannada, he said such workshops are essential to revive interest in the language and preserve its literary heritage.

Referring to poet Pampa’s Adipurana, he said the work highlights the importance of experiencing worldly life before attaining renunciation and liberation. Rather than merely translating the Sanskrit Adipurana, Pampa recreated it to reflect Kannada culture and indigenous life, making it a literary masterpiece on par with Vikramarjuna Vijaya, he said.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor N.K. Lokanath said the education system had become increasingly examination-oriented, with teachers teaching for examinations and students studying only to score marks, leading to a decline in genuine interest in language and literature.

Recalling his own Kannada teachers, he said Karnataka’s literary growth was owed to dedicated teachers and lecturers who inspired generations of students through engaging classroom teaching.

While digitisation and preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts are progressing, Prof. Lokanath pointed out that there is a shortage of scholars capable of reading and interpreting them. Unless the younger generation is introduced to old Kannada, it would amount to an injustice to the State’s rich literary heritage, he said.

M. Nanjayya Honganuru, director of the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, N.K. Lolakshi, S.D. Shashikala, Nirmala Mathpati, Joint Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, Assistant Director M.D. Sudarshan, Kannada lecturers and research scholars were present.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru’s prestigious Tulu organization, Tuluverenkulu (R.) Bengaluru, organised a friendly get-together of various Tulu organizations in Bengaluru, which was held on Friday evening, July 17, at the Swathi Hotel Auditorium in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.

The program commenced with the Boodageethe (invocation song) sung by Prakash Pavanje. The president of Tuluverenkulu Association, Charles Gomes, warmly welcomed everyone and explained the noble objective behind this friendly meet. Around 56 office bearers from various organizations attended the event.

Discussions were held regarding:

* The Tulu language, culture, traditions, and practices.
* Official language status within the state.
* Inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
* Construction of a Tulu Community Hall (Tulu Samudaya Bhavana) in Bengaluru.

Notably, leaders from the Christian Konkani Federation and the Beary Association participated in the event. Expressing deep affection and concern for the culture, language, and communal harmony of the Tulu region where they were born and raised, they assured their continuous support for Tulu-centric activities.

Addressing the gathering, Charles Gomes proposed the necessity of establishing a Tulu Okkoota (Tulu Federation) in Bengaluru so everyone could work unitedly for the various constitutional rights and demands of Tuluvas. The leaders of the various organizations present unanimously voiced their agreement and support for the proposal by Charles Gomes to form a Tulu Federation.

The office bearers and executive committee members of the ‘Tuluverenkulu’ association worked with deep commitment to make this get-together a success.

To bring together Tulu brethren residing in Bengaluru in larger numbers, the ‘Tuluverenkulu’ has arranged two shows of Prasanna Shetty Bailoor’s popular drama ‘Raghu Mastru’, on August 16, at the Town Hall in Bengaluru.

The general secretary of Tuluverenkulu, Umesh B Karkera, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks to everyone present.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The National Institute of Technology-Karnataka (NIT-K), Surathkal, has emerged as the overall champion among all National Institutes of Technology in India for the academic year 2025-26, topping the All India Inter NIT (AIINIT) Sports Meet with 144 points, the highest tally among the participating NITs.

The result places NIT-K at the top of the national standings across athletics, team sports, racquet sports and strength disciplines, with gold-medal finishes in men’s athletics, men’s kabaddi, women’s badminton, women’s volleyball, women’s kho-kho and women’s swimming, a NIT-K release said on Friday.

Akhil Banoth (Mechanical Engineering), was the standout individual performer, winning three gold medals in the 200m, 400m and 4x100m relay at the sports meet held at NIT Jalandhar. Rohit V. (Ph.D., Physics) won gold in the hammer throw with a 41.60-metre effort and was named the “Most Powerful Man” of the meet.

NIT-K’s men’s kabaddi team won the championship outright at NIT Delhi, with Veerendra M. named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

The women’s volleyball and kho-kho teams both won gold at NIT Rourkela, while the women’s swimming team won the overall championship at the event, led by Suvali P. Shetty, who was named the tournament’s Best Swimmer.

NIT-K’s women’s badminton team also won the AIINIT title, with Manashree named the tournament’s Best Player.

The men’s table tennis team also won gold at the tournament held at NIT Jamshedpur, with Dilip G. named the event’s Best Player.

In chess, NIT-K’s men’s team finished second at NIT Jalandhar, with Aaron Sanju Thomas (Artificial Intelligence) winning gold on the first board and Ekansh Goel (Information Technology) winning silver on the second board. The women’s team, captained by Vinitha M. Rao (Mechanical Engineering), finished third, with Rao winning silver on the third board.

In power sports, NITK’s weightlifting team placed third overall at the sports meet at NIT Delhi with two gold and one bronze medal, and the bodybuilding team won three gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the same meet, with Hitesh Dagar crowned Champion of Champions of the tournament.

The men’s handball team won bronze at VNIT Nagpur, with Tanshiq Chopade and Vidyashankar H.R. named Man of the Match.

NITK staff and faculty also competed at the national level this season, with the staff chess team finishing fourth among 25 NITs at the All India Inter NIT Staff Tournament held at NIT Jalandhar. Vignesh M. (Civil Engineering) and Shri Rakesh Kumar (Purchase Section) won individual board medals, the release said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

With a wide range of products and services, Karnataka can benefit significantly from the trade agreement, says Chandru K. Iyer.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka, Chandru K. Iyer, said on Friday that the State, including its coastal belt, can benefit from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the United Kingdom and India, which came into effect on July 15.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr. Iyer said the State has a variety of products, from marine goods to services and space technology, that could be exported to the U.K.

Under CETA, or the free trade agreement (FTA), 99% of Indian products will attract zero or minimum import duty in the U.K., while 90% of U.K. products will receive the same treatment in India.

The agreement, Mr. Iyer said, has opened vast opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and service providers in Karnataka to export their products. They have to register on the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) portal to avail the benefits of the FTA, he said.

He said India-U.K. bilateral trade is already worth £48 billion a year, having grown by over £4 billion in 2025 compared with 2024, even before CETA came into force. In the long run, the agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by a further £25.5 billion a year, adding £5.1 billion to India’s GDP and £4.8 billion to the U.K.’s GDP.

Mr. Iyer said duty-free access to the U.K. market could benefit Karnataka’s oilseeds, spices such as pepper and cardamom, and the Byadagi and Devanoor chilli varieties. Millets, vegetables and fruit and flower exports such as coconut, mango, lime, sunflower, jasmine, and marigold could also benefit. Coffee growers would gain duty-free market access to the U.K., while tariff elimination would strengthen the competitiveness of fisheries exports from Dakshina Kannada. Agri- and food-processing hubs in Bidar, Hassan and Bengaluru Urban stand to grow further.

The IT industry would benefit from the U.K.’s Mode 1 services commitments, which enable cross-border trade in services, while districts across the State, including Bengaluru and Mysuru, could see increased U.K. interest in setting up Global Capability Centres. Reduced tariffs on aircraft parts and engines would benefit the State’s aerospace and auto industries in Belagavi, and Bengaluru and Mysuru silk could benefit from greater international exposure and export access.

With many U.K.-based universities keen to establish their presence in Karnataka, he said he would urge them to consider Dakshina Kannada and Udupi as well, as they are known as the education hub of the State.

After the signing of CETA, large U.K. businesses including Arm, NatWest, Graphcore, Rolls-Royce, Applied Computing and DSP have already expanded their footprint in Karnataka. HSBC, the U.K.’s leading multinational bank, is also looking at fast expansion into India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

In a first for the High Court of Karnataka, all the judicial Benches in the Dharwad Bench will function exclusively with 10 women judges of the High Court on August 1.

The one-day special Saturday sitting will see seven Benches at the Dharwad Bench presided over entirely by women judges.

The roster of sitting officially notified by court’s administration wing comprises three Division Benches and four Single-Judge Benches, making it one of the few instances in the country where an entire High Court Bench will conduct judicial proceedings only by women judges.

As per the High Court’s sitting notification, the three Division Benches will comprise Justices Anu Sivaraman and K.G. Shanthi, Justices Jyoti M and P. Sree Sudha, and Justices Lalitha Kanneganti and K.S. Hemalekha. The four single-judge Benches will be presided over by Justices Chillakur Sumalatha, Tara Vitasta Ganju, Geetha K.B., and Rajeshwari N. Hegde.

It is learnt that the Dharwad Bar Association had earlier requested the Chief Justice to organise all-women judicial Benches at Dharwad Bench to mark International Women’s Day but it could not be fructified then. Also, a conference of women judges of the High Court and the district judiciary of Southern states is likely to be held in the city during August.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Journalist and writer Jayananda Peraje, who has been continuously engaged in pro-Kannada initiatives serving as president for the Akhila Bharatiya Sahitya Parishat, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Kannada Chutuku Sahitya Parishat, Writers’ Association, and Kendra Kannada Sahitya Vedike, has been selected for the prestigious Rashtrakavi Manjeshwar Govinda Pai National Award for the year 2026.

The announcement was made in a joint press release by Karnataka Gadinadu Kannada Sammelana committee president Dr K N Venkataramana Holla and Kasargod Kannada Bhavan founder president Dr Vamana Rao Bekal.

Peraje has been serving responsibly as a Kannada language teacher and lecturer for the past 40 years. Alongside his teaching career, he is a prominent journalist well-known for his insightful articles in major newspapers. He has participated in several national-level poetry conventions and has brought out collections of limericks (Chutuku Kavana). A multi-faceted talent, he is also an artist, director, creative trainer, and resource person.

The selection committee stated that Peraje is being honoured in recognition of his versatile contributions and relentless involvement in national and social service through organisations such as JCI, SCI, Lions Club, and various other social groups.

The prestigious award will be conferred upon him at the Karnataka Gadinadu Kannada Sammelana during the silver jubilee valedictory function of the Kasargod Kannada Bhavan on July 26, the sammelana committee stated in the press release.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, inaugurated the 4th edition of the UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme (2026-2028) on July 23 at Dr TMA Pai Hall, Manipal campus, Karnataka. Organised in partnership with the British High Commission, the three-day accelerator, July 22-24, marks a significant step in strengthening India-UK collaboration in healthcare technology and digital health innovation.

The inaugural session was addressed by distinguished leaders from academia, government, and the United Kingdom’s science and innovation ecosystem. Dr Neha Sharma, senior adviser – health & life sciences, science and technology network, British High Commission, New Delhi, outlined the objectives of the accelerator programme and highlighted its role in promoting innovation-driven partnerships between India and the United Kingdom.

The accelerator has selected 25 HealthTech startups across India to participate in the fully funded programme. At the conclusion of the accelerator, six startups will be selected for a fully funded immersion programme in the United Kingdom, where they will engage with the UK healthcare ecosystem, investors, and the National Health Service (NHS).

The inaugural session was attended by Chandru Iyer, British deputy high commissioner to Karnataka and His Majesty’s deputy trade commissioner for investment, South Asia; Dr Sharath K Rao, vice chancellor, MAHE; senior officials from the British High Commission; healthcare leaders; startup founders; and faculty members of MAHE.

Speaking on the occasion, Chandru Iyer, British deputy high commissioner to Karnataka and His Majesty’s deputy trade commissioner for investment, South Asia, said, “The UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme was one of my first major initiatives as British deputy high commissioner, and it is immensely rewarding to see it delivering real impact today. As I prepare to leave my role in Bengaluru, I am proud to see the programme fostering innovation, partnerships and knowledge exchange between the UK and India, and I am confident it will add further gravitas to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force earlier this month.”

Delivering the presidential address, Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE, said, “Healthcare innovation today demands strong partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries. Through initiatives such as the UK-India HealthTech Accelerator Programme, MAHE continues to create opportunities for academia, industry, and government to collaborate on developing solutions to global healthcare challenges.”

Welcoming the gathering, Dr Sharath K Rao, vice chancellor, MAHE, said, “The UK-India HealthTech Accelerator represents the power of partnerships in addressing some of the most complex challenges facing healthcare today. At MAHE, we believe that meaningful innovation happens when medicine, engineering, technology, research and policy come together with a shared commitment to improving lives. As the host institution for the 2026–28 programme, in collaboration with BCKIC and with the strategic support of the British High Commission, we look forward to providing innovators with the ecosystem, expertise and mentorship they need to take their solutions from ideas to meaningful impact. This partnership will not only strengthen UK-India healthcare collaboration but also create opportunities for startups to develop globally relevant solutions rooted in real societal needs.”

Delivering a virtual message, Sophia Nestius-Booth, regional director- science and technology, British High Commission, New Delhi, underscored the growing strength of the UK-India partnership in health and life sciences. She highlighted the importance of collaborative innovation, knowledge exchange, and technology-led solutions in addressing shared global healthcare challenges and strengthening long-term bilateral engagement.

Delivering the remarks on behalf of the knowledge partner, Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, chairman, Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC), emphasised the importance of building strong innovation ecosystems that connect academia, industry, startups, and government.

As the Host Institution for the 2026-2028, MAHE emphasises the promotion of innovation, entrepreneurship, translational research, and international collaborations.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Just two days after clinching a bronze medal in the Classic category, powerlifter Roshan Lobo of Hosala, Barkur, delivered another outstanding performance by winning four medals, including an overall silver, in the 83 kg Equipped category at the National Powerlifting Championship held at Garkheda Stadium.

The 41-year-old lifter registered a total lift of 610 kg to secure the overall silver medal in his weight class. His performance included a bronze medal in the squat with a lift of 235 kg, bronze in the bench press with 130 kg, and silver in the deadlift with an impressive 245 kg.

The combined total earned Lobo the second-highest overall score in the country in the 83 kg Equipped division, surpassing the bronze medal performance he had recorded in the Classic event just 48 hours earlier at the same venue.

The Equipped category differs significantly from Classic (Raw) powerlifting. While Classic lifting permits only basic supportive equipment such as a singlet, belt and wrist wraps, Equipped lifting allows the use of specialised supportive suits and bench shirts that require a distinct level of technical skill to maximise performance. Lobo’s ability to switch between the two formats within a span of two days and still reach the podium in every lift highlights his remarkable versatility and adaptability.

The deadlift silver stands out as the day’s high point. At 245 kg, it was his heaviest single lift across both competitions this week, and enough to hold off the rest of the 83 kg equipped field for second place. It suggests that whatever fatigue two competitions in three days might carry, Lobo’s pulling strength was undiminished – if anything, sharpened by back-to-back competition rhythm rather than worn down by it.

For an athlete who balances his training with professional commitments, winning medals in two different formats at the national level within the same week is a significant achievement. While many lifters prepare to peak for a single competition, Lobo successfully sustained his form across consecutive events under different competition rules.

With these results, Roshan Lobo concludes the championship with an impressive five national medals -one bronze in the Classic category and four medals in the Equipped category, including the overall silver, two bronze medals in squat and bench press, and a silver in deadlift

The achievement caps a successful season that began with his selection through the Karnataka State Championship in February and qualification for the national Masters competition, further cementing his reputation as one of Karnataka’s accomplished Masters powerlifters.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Jammada Preeth Appaiah, a resident of Bannimantap and a member of Mysuru Sports Shooting Academy (MSSA), who won two gold medals at the 14th Karnataka State Shooting Competition and Championship-2026, organised by Karnataka State Rifle Association (KSRA) at Sports Authority of India (SAI) at Bangalore University shooting ranges in Bengaluru was felicitated by KMPK Charitable Trust during an event held at a private hotel in city recently.  

Seen in the picture are Mysuru Hoteliers Association President C. Narayanagowda, KMPK Charitable Trust President Vikram Iyengar, Lakshmipuram Police Inspector Ravishankar, Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Dr. K.B. Lingaraju, KR Bank President Basavaraj Basappa, Gagan Gowda, Srikanth Kashyap, Rajesh, Chakrapani, Surendra, Rakesh, Ajay Shastri and others.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Fleeting Thoughts

It was April 1965. After my SSLC examination, I went to my uncle’s place for my vacation. He was M.M. Devaiah, working as Manager at Gangegiri Estate, part of Sangameswar Group of Estates in Chikamagalur District. It is here that I heard of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for the first time. My uncle had a quaint old HMV Radio set.  He soon put me onto BBC World Service Radio and I gladly subscribed to London Calling, the monthly free programme guide of the Radio Station.

Therein began a nearly quarter century relationship with the Radio Station that contributed greatly to my knowledge of English and brought about a sea change in my personality. My awareness about the world around me increased by leaps and bounds.  

Since I was on a holiday, I had all the time in the world, most of which was spent in walking around the garden enjoying the spectacular view of the mountain ranges. The rest of the time, I was fiddling with the radio, but it was BBC Radio that captured my imagination. What began as a pastime, soon turned into a hobby and later into an addiction! A whole new world opened to my ears and eyes!

Gradually, my English vocabulary, to say the least, turned out to be very impressive. The real bonus was my understanding of Standard English pronunciation. I could sense deep within me how there was a remarkable change in my spoken English. Constant and continuous exposure to BBC brought out this transformation in me. BBC, in effect, turned out to be my English Tutor.

This is only one side of the story of my tryst. I was a GK freak since my boyhood. My father had me hooked on to The Hindu at the very young age of ten. We possessed a cute Philips radio set with a green magic eye. My knowledge of current affairs increased phenomenally. I was an avid listener of World News and World Today. I was terribly thrilled to hear my name on BBC Radio, not once but twice in the late 60s!

First time was when Hugh Tattersal mentioned my name in “Letter Box” when I had pointed out their error in getting the assassination date of Mahatma Gandhi wrong. Second time was when my request for Tom Jones’ song, ‘Love Me Tonight’ was played on “Listener’s Choice.” And, of course, “Brain of Britain” and “Just A Minute” were the other favourite programmes of mine. The result was that I ended up as a Quiz Master and JAM Master for over two decades after the mid-80s in the city of Mysore.

Another interesting fact is that I began my teaching career as a Lecturer in English in JSS College at Chamarajanagar in June 1972 with a princely salary of Rs.446 per month. After working for three months, my first prized possession was a Philips Transistor Radio set. It cost me a whopping 280 rupees. But this was absolutely essential to renew my contact with BBC Radio. It was my constant companion throughout the day and night as well. In the nights, the set rested beside my head next to the wall. Many a night, I have gone to sleep with the radio set on. This habit went on for the next fifteen years or so.

Thanks to a Shastri Fellowship and British Council Visitorship, I spent three weeks in London in March-April, 1989. My most cherished desire of visiting BBC Studios happened and I was filled with innumerable memories and nostalgic moments as I stood inside the building in Strand, London. In the souvenir shop, I bought the book,The Story of English for 10 pounds. I also picked up a brass keychain with the BBC emblem embossed on it for 1 pound.

Incidentally, after 37 long years, I have now linked it to my car key. A BSc, I ended up as an English teacher in the University of Mysore for over three-and-a-half decades. When I look back on my career and the popularity I enjoyed as a teacher, a large part of the credit, I now realise with deep gratitude, should go to BBC Radio

by: Prof. K.C. Belliappa, former  Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh  & former Professor of English, University of Mysore, is the Founder-President of Mysore Literary Association that promotes English studies and hosts Lit festivals

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)