Karnataka First

 Remona Evette Pereira, a final-year BA student of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, has entered the Golden Book of World Records by completing an extraordinary 170-hour Bharatanatyam performance, making her the first in the world to achieve this milestone.

The record-setting feat, which began on July 21 and concluded on July 28, was marked by applause and emotional celebrations as Remona reached the 170-hour mark. The previous record stood at 127 hours, set in 2023 by 16-year-old Sudhir Jagpath.

Remona’s performance was a display of sheer grit, resilience, and discipline. The audience, which included her parents, teachers, and well-wishers, erupted with joy as she crossed the finish line. Throughout the week, several dignitaries including the deputy commissioner, Zilla Panchayat CEO, MLA, district in-charge minister, bishop of Mangalore, corporators, and others visited the venue and lauded her dedication.

A trained Bharatanatyam dancer for the past 13 years under Guru Sri Vidya in Yeyyadi, Remona prepared for the attempt with months of disciplined practice — 5 to 6 hours a day, both before and after college. Her dedication to the arts has previously earned her the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2022 for excellence in art and culture.

In addition to Bharatanatyam, she is also trained in semi-classical, western, and contemporary dance forms. She was earlier featured in the India Book of Records, Golden Book of Records – London, and the Bharat Book of Records in 2017.

The documentation for Remona’s performance is now being submitted for official recognition by the Golden Book of World Records. Her achievement has been hailed as a proud moment for the cultural and academic community of Mangaluru and an inspiration for young artistes across the country.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Two commemorative volumes titled Krishnaloka and Kaavyatatvollekha will be released during the birth centenary celebrations of Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy at Nityotsava Convention Hall near Ballal Circle, Krishnamurthypuram, on July 26 at 10.30 am under the auspices of Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy Centenary Celebration Committee.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar will inaugurate the programme in the presence of Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji. Scholar Nadoja Dr. T.V. Venkatachala Shastry will preside.

The books’ Chief Editor Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK), Karnataka Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ahalya Sharma, MLA T.S. Srivatsa, MLC Dr. D. Thimmaiah, Committee Working President Dr. Mallepuram G. Venkatesh, Secretary Dr. K. Leela Prakash and Convenor C.N. Keshava Prakash will be present on the occasion. Here we publish a tribute to the Scholar Par Excellence by Dr. C. Naganna, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mysuru Kendra and former Director of Prasaranga, University of Mysore. —Ed

Teaching is really a glorious profession which involves not only teaching but writing books, presenting scholarly papers in seminars, symposia and conferences besides guiding Ph.D students and evaluating their theses so on and so forth.

Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy did all this and much more during his seventy-four summers which enabled him to leave a rich legacy behind.

This is an opportune moment to take stock of his contribution to the literary world which encompassed Kannada, Sanskrit and English.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy was born in Keralapura in Hassan district on July 30, 1923 in a family of scholars. He did his BA and MA degrees from Maharaja’s College, Mysuru, obtaining first rank, winning innumerable prizes and gold medals.

The thesis “Dhvanyaloka and Its Critics” he submitted to Bombay University in 1947 drew the attention and appreciation of such greats as P.V. Kane and H.D. Velankar.  Subsequently, he served as Professor and Head, Sanskrit Department at Karnataka University, Dharwad, from 1959 to 1984.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy considered the Sanskrit studies as a labour of love and his single most focus was to explore the boundaries of aesthetics by delving deep into the texts which were rarely touched by fellow scholars.

As a result of his dedication he was able to publish “Some Thoughts on Aesthetics” (1968); “Indian Literary Theories: A Reappraisal” (1972); “Essays in Sanskrit Criticism” (1974); “Vakrokti Jeevitha” (1977); “Dhvanyaloka” (1982) and so on.

Some 70 books in Kannada, 15 books in English and more than 300 research papers have flowed from his pen, which is an astounding production considering the intellectual labour and thinking that has gone  into their making.

As a translator, Dr. Krishnamoorthy has given us such works as “Dhvanyaloka and Lochanasara”, “Kannada Kavyaprakasha”, “Kannada Kavyalankara”, “Kannada Kavyameemamse” which had been created in Sanskrit nearly one thousand years ago. He translated the plays of Bhasa, Kalidasa, Shudraka, Bhavabhuthi, Shaktibhadra and many others, into Kannada enriching the dramatic literature in our language.

Dr. Krishnamoorthy’s deep knowledge of world literature enabled him to demonstrate that Sanskrit poetics was not confined to that language but it encompasses a wider linguistic spectrum. His mastery over three languages — Kannada, English and Sanskrit — was legendary.

He was a poet of the first order as he composed poems with equal felicity as prose and his translated poems are a testimony to his prowess.

He was decorated with so many awards and honours that the important ones may be, mentioned here: Rajyotsava award, Rashtrapati Puraskar, Karnataka Sahitya Academy award, Uttar Pradesh Sanskrit Academy award, P.V. Kane Gold Medal, Chairmanship  of Akhila Bharata Prachyavidya Sammelana, etc.

His scholarship was so respected among the learned people that they said with reverence,                                                                “Whatever Dr. Krishnamoorthy says on Indian Poetics is not his opinion, but it is his judgement.” Very rarely scholars contradicted him, for his enquiry was so thorough and comprehensive.

Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy, a scholar par excellence, breathed his last on July 18, 1997 even as the scholarly world expected that he would contribute a few more gems to the world of literature.

Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy Prathishtana and Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy Centenary Celebration Committee are jointly bringing out the commemorative volumes “Krishnaloka” and “Kaavyatatvollekha” consisting of Dr. Krishnamoorthy’s  research papers at a function tomorow in the presence of writers, scholars and admirers of late Dr. K. Krishnamoorthy.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

The Kundapra Kannada Study Chair was officially inaugurated on Saturday, July 26, during the two-day ‘Kundapra Kannada Habba – 2025’ held at Nandi Link Grounds near NICE Road Junction, Hosakerehalli.

Former MP and committee member K Jayaprakash Hegde, speaking on the occasion, called on the community to strengthen the initiative by collecting and preserving linguistic resources of the Kundapra Kannada dialect. He recalled that the demand for establishing the Chair was first raised during a Kundapra Kannada Habba held four years ago. The proposal later received the approval of the Mangalore University Syndicate and the state government. Chief minister Siddaramaiah subsequently sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore for the initiative.

Hegde urged people to document unique vocabulary used by village elders and women, highlighting earlier contributions like the Kundagannada dictionary by Panju Gangolli and a mobile app developed by music director Ravi Basrur. He also hinted at a formal inauguration of the Chair in Kundapura in the near future.

Kundapura MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi lauded the establishment of the Chair, stating it would play a key role in preserving and promoting the regional dialect. Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole expressed hope that a dedicated Kundapra Kannada Bhavana would soon be constructed in Kundapura.

A highlight of the inaugural event was the launch of the Kundagannada Digital Dictionary app by Ravi Basrur, featuring over 9,000 words from the dialect.

Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, chairman of Manipal Hospitals, was conferred the Oora Gaurava award in recognition of his contributions to healthcare and his deep ties to Kundapur. “Kundapura holds a special place in my heart,” he said, emphasizing that promoting one’s language means embracing linguistic diversity—not disrespecting others.

The Kundapra Kannada Pratishtana submitted a set of demands to the government, including the construction of a modern Kundapra Kannada Bhavana in Kundapura, establishment of a medical college in the town, development of an airport in Byndoor, and support for Kundapura-origin hoteliers and small entrepreneurs based in Bengaluru.

The second day of the celebrations, Sunday, July 27, will feature a valedictory ceremony with dignitaries including deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, MRG Group CMD Prakash Shetty, actor-director Rishab Shetty, journalist Jogi (Girish Rao), Universal Group’s Upendra Shetty, and actors Pramod Shetty, Praveer Shetty, and Shine Shetty.

Cultural events will begin at 9:30 am and include a devotional concert by Dr Vidyabhushana (Pillangoviya Cheluva Krishnana), Yakshagana by children (Baalagopala), a Kundapra Kannada quiz hosted by Manu Handaadi, a youth fashion show (Chandamudi), and a poetic tribute (Kaalinga-Kaalinga) featuring the works of Kaalinga Navada and P Kaalingarayaru. The evening will conclude with a live concert by Raghu Dixit and felicitation of “Clean Kundapura” and “Save Our Ocean” campaigns.

Among the many dignitaries present were Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader, Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Karnataka Hotel Owners’ Association president G K Shetty, VL Group MD Anjali Vijay, AS Groups MD Satish Shetty, Mangalore University registrar Raju Mogaveera, Lifeline Tender Chicken MD Kishore Hegde, and office-bearers of Kundapra Kannada Pratishtana: honorary president Uday Hegde, president Dr Deepak Shetty Barkur, vice president Narasimha Beejadi, secretary Raghavendra Kanchan, joint secretary Ajith Shetty Ulthoor, and treasurer Vijay Shetty Haladi.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

 It was an emotional day at Bannerghatta Biological Park as four beloved elephants – Suresh, Tulsi, Gauri, and Shruti – embarked on a historic journey to Japan under the International Animal Exchange Project, marking the first such instance in the country.

In heart-wrenching scenes witnessed on Thursday morning, Suresh the elephant showed visible reluctance to leave his lifelong companion Basava. As the transfer operation began at around 11 am, Suresh clung to Basava before finally taking hesitant steps towards the transport cage. The others – Gauri, Shruti, and Tulsi – soon followed, comforted by the presence of familiar keepers.

The exchange, in the works since 2023, was made possible through the collaboration of the Central Zoo Authority, Embassies of Japan and India, and other departments. The elephants were airlifted from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, to Kansai International Airport, Osaka, aboard a Qatar Airways B777-200F cargo aircraft. The flight is expected to last about eight hours.

In preparation, the elephants had undergone three months of specialized training. A dedicated team — including two veterinary officers, four mahouts, a supervisor, and a biologist — will accompany them and remain in Japan for 15 days to help them adapt to their new home.

While Bannerghatta said goodbye with heavy hearts, the future holds excitement. The park is expected to welcome rare species such as cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, chimpanzees, and capuchin monkeys, offering wildlife enthusiasts the chance to witness exotic animals in enriched habitats.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) have developed an innovative multi-layer nanomaterial that can help detect harmful chemicals, including explosives like TNT and RDX, at trace levels. This innovation is expected to boost airport security and environmental pollution monitoring.

According to the Department of Science and Technology, noble metals like gold and silver have traditionally been vital for signal enhancement.

However, the high cost of gold and the poor long-term stability of silver remain significant obstacles to their commercial viability.

The department said that in recent years, numerous methods have emerged to detect harmful chemicals that impact our daily lives. Among them, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has stood out for its exceptional sensitivity and reliability.

“SERS works by amplifying the molecular fingerprint signals of chemicals, allowing for precise identification even at extremely low concentrations,” it said.

Now the CeNS researchers have developed an innovative multi-layer nanomaterial combining reduced graphene oxide (rGO), silver nanoparticles (Ag), and cerium oxide (CeO₂) on a glass substrate.

The department said that each layer contributes a specific function, and the CeNS team fabricated the composite material using physical vapour deposition techniques, resulting in a uniform and scalable sensing platform.

“While silver nanoparticles are excellent at amplifying Raman signals, they are highly prone to oxidation, especially in humid or warm conditions—reducing their effectiveness over time. The coating of a thin layer of cerium oxide brings two key advantages. It enhances charge transfer between the material and the analyte, further boosting the fingerprint Raman signal of the analyte molecule and also acts as a protective barrier, shielding silver from humidity and temperature-induced degradation and ensuring long-term stability,” the department said.

Environmental chamber tests revealed that the substrate maintained its high performance even under extreme conditions—90% humidity and 70 °Celsius—proving its exceptional stability and reliability.

“Meanwhile, the rGO layer plays a crucial role, effectively quenching the overwhelming fluorescence emitted by silver nanoparticles, which would otherwise drown out the distinct Raman fingerprints of the analyte. This clever suppression ensures that the true detection signals shine through with clarity and precision,” it added.

The researchers demonstrated the material’s high performance using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) as a model analyte, achieving a detection limit as low as 10 nM.

“More impressively, the substrate demonstrated the ability to detect a wide range of explosives, including TNT and RDX, at nanomolar concentrations, highlighting its broad potential for trace-level contaminant detection,” the department said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

If Srinivasa Ramanujan were a teenager in coastal Karnataka today, where would he cut his mathematical teeth? Starting July 27, CFAL’s new contest hopes to be exactly that crucible.

‘Search for the Next Ramanujan’ is a seven-round puzzle league for students entering Grades 7-10 and it literally pays to keep showing up: the Rs 500 entry fee is fully refunded after any five completed rounds.

The Big Idea

India has national Olympiads, but few grassroots circuits that reward consistency rather than one-off brilliance. By scoring only the best six of seven tests, we focus on growth, grit, and creative problem-solving; traits that defined Ramanujan’s legacy.

Why it Matters—Three Quick Reasons

1. Pipeline for STEM talent – The contest feeds directly into CFAL’s Olympiad and JEE/NEET training, where alumni routinely crack national top ranks.

2. Equity through refunds – Removing the cost barrier after five rounds encourages wider participation from government and aided schools.

3. Culture of curiosity – Monthly league scheduling lets teachers weave contest-style puzzles into classroom practice, multiplying impact beyond our campus.

Zoom In: Nuts-and-Bolts

• Students entering Grades 7 to 10 for the 2025-26 academic year are eligible, with two tracks—Junior (Grades 7 & 8) and Senior (Grades 9 & 10).

• The seven test dates are July 27, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026, each running from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm IST at CFAL’s Bejai Campus in Mangaluru.

• Top performers will vie for the Ramanujan Award (best overall) and the Harish-Chandra Award (deepest thinker), while every student who attends at least six rounds receives book vouchers worth Rs 1,000.

• To register, simply scan the QR code on the contest poster or visit cfalindia.com, but hurry, the registration window closes at 12 pm on July 23, 2025.

Zoom Out: A Word from the Faculty

“Mathematics thrives on repeated curiosity,” says Dr Smitha Hegde, principal, CFAL. “This league turns that principle into a habit, one Sunday at a time.”

Contest convener Chris Crasta adds, “Ramanujan taught himself with whatever resources he found. Today we provide the puzzles, mentors, and even a fee refund so that nothing stops a child from trying.”

The Bottom Line

CFAL is not just handing out trophies, it is building an ecosystem where perseverance, not privilege, predicts success. The next Ramanujan could be waiting for a nudge—and seven Sundays of joyful struggle.

For more details:

CFAL India Mangaluru
+91 99005 20233
www.cfalindia.com

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

A first-of-its-kind OTT platform that teaches Sanskrit, developed by Vyoma Linguistic Labs Foundation, was launched in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The platform, available at www.digitalsanskrit.com, features an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered user interface that allows users to explore videos, podcasts, audiobooks, games, and e-books. It is designed to help people of all ages and proficiency levels learn Sanskrit.

Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys, who launched the platform said, “Leveraging technology will help preserve our timeless knowledge and make it universally accessible. This is a creative, open, and joyful space for learners from across the world. This is a powerful way to bring ancient Indian intellectual traditions to the global stage.”

The launch of the initiative brought together scholars, technologists, educators, and cultural enthusiasts of Sanskrit and Indian knowledge systems. The programme also had a panel discussion on the theme “Indian Knowledge Systems: Towards Democracy Through Technology.”

B. Mahadevan, a distinguished Sanskrit scholar and former IIM Bangalore professor, noted that technology should serve as a bridge to make India’s knowledge traditions more accessible and meaningful to everyone.

The platform is free, but also has a subscription model on monthly and yearly basis which will provide extra features.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)