Karnataka First

To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work. — Sister Mary Lauretta

Veena Bopanna exactly epitomises this philosophy. Deeply passionate about machines, Veena’s journey from a corporate career at AT&S to founding I-Yantra Technologies, a Mysuru’s startup company in India’s PCB (Printed Circuit Board) industry, is a testament to resilience, vision and empowerment.

In a sector traditionally dominated by men, Veena has carved her place as one of the few women entrepreneurs in India’s electronics and manufacturing landscape. Her love for machines started at AT&S, including a stint  in Austria.

She worked for AT&S till 2013 and her tenure at AT&S is 23 years including her stint in Austria.

Veena returned to India in 2005 intending to bridge the gap between India and Europe in electronics trading. At that time, the focus was largely on China and the Far East, India was rarely a consideration for Western countries.

Realising the lack of locally manufactured machines for the PCB industry, she decided to step in. “Back then, India was known either as a back office for IT or electronic assembly lines, I wanted to change that image of India,” Veena laughs, determined to alter that narrative too.

“After dabbling in the retail business for a few years, and armed with 33 years of experience in the PCB industry, the next logical step was obviously setting up my own manufacturing unit,” Veena humbly shares.

Founded in 2021, I-Yantra is dedicated to producing 100 percent Indian- made machines for the PCB industry, a sector critically dependent on automation and production machinery.

Today, I- Yantra serves clients across Europe, the US, and even ISRO, becoming the first Indian company to offer PCB automation solutions.

Veena’s commitment to India’s manufacturing ecosystem is unwavering. She sources most raw materials locally, empowering her workforce and supporting gender inclusivity in a male- dominated industry.

Despite challenges like the pandemic and financial hurdles, I-Yantra continues to thrive, with 50 percent of its output exported and growing demand from global markets.

The company’s workforce includes engineers, diploma holders, and even SSLC pass individuals, with a strong focus on internships, many of whom are absorbed into full-time employment.

Veena envisions her company becoming a globally recognised name in semiconductor equipment manufacturing. With a target of scaling the business to 50 crore in the coming years and eventually reaching 100 crore, her focus extends beyond profits — she’s building a legacy of innovation, empowerment and job creation.

“I work 24/7. I eat, breathe and sleep machines. I have no life beyond my company, and I’m not complaining. My work gives me endless joy,” Veena says, her face radiating with passion.

Veena Bopanna’s journey reinforces the idea that women can lead, innovate and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Rightly said, with passion and perseverance, no dream is too big to achieve.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

The Bengaluru airport’s sensory room offers a calm, controlled space, allowing passengers to feel more at ease before their journey.

To promote inclusive air travel, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has introduced a first-of-its-kind sensory room at an airport in India. Located near the 080 International Lounge at Level 4 of Terminal 2, the sensory room is a space tailored for neurodivergent passengers and individuals with sensory sensitivities.

The airport operator, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said that airports can be overwhelming with bright lights, continuous announcements, security screenings, and crowded spaces — factors that can be particularly challenging for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other sensory or mental health conditions.

“To address these challenges, the Airport’s sensory room offers a calm, controlled space, allowing passengers to feel more at ease before their journey,” BIAL said.

“The airport has consistently aimed at offering the latest innovations, from our biophilic, sustainable Terminal 2 to digital solutions that enhance efficiency. The addition of the sensory room aligns with our mission to create a seamless and stress-free experience for every traveller, ensuring that inclusivity is not just a feature but a core value for us,” Hari Marar, MD and CEO, BIAL said.

In collaboration with Incluzza

Backed by behavioural science and occupational therapy research, the sensory room at Terminal 2 is designed to provide a calming, engaging, and therapeutic environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

“Research in sensory regulation and occupational therapy indicate that even brief periods (15–30 minutes) in a calming, sensory-friendly environment can significantly alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed and enhance well-being, making travel smoother and more manageable. This benefit supports neurodivergent children and adults alike, allowing them to navigate their travel experiences with greater ease and comfort,” BIAL said.

The sensory room has been developed in collaboration with Incluzza and the key features of the sensory room include multiple ambient lighting sources — such as a bubble tube, galaxy projector, and LED cubes — which offer diverse sensory stimulation, encourage visual tracking, and allow personalised sensory input.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

To mark International Women’s Day, Indian Railways operates trains with all-women crew, including loco pilots, train managers, ticket checkers and security personnel, highlighting women’s capabilities and promoting gender equality.

Authorities hailed the initiative as a tribute to women’s empowerment in the railways. As part of the celebrations, the Mysuru Division of the South Western Railway (SWR) operated Train No. 12975 Mysuru-Jaipur Express this morning, which departed at 10.30 am from Mysuru City Railway Station with an all-women crew, symbolising empowerment in action.

The all-women Jaipur Express crew comprised Senior Loco Pilot Sijina, Assistant Loco Pilot Krishnaveni, Train Manager Kasi Monicasai, Deputy Station Manager Nagalakshmi Prasad, Traveling Ticket Examiner Smitha Rajeshwari and Station Superintendent A. Vibha.

The train was flagged off by Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Shilpi Agarwal and Senior Divisional Operations Manager Haritha.

With 22 bogies, the Jaipur Express is scheduled to reach its destination on March 10 at 6 am. To mark the occasion, the platform and the front portion of the train were adorned with festive decorations.

Speaking to Star of Mysore before departure, Sijina and Krishnaveni expressed their excitement at steering a long-distance train connecting Karnataka and Rajasthan. “We have undergone rigorous training and have been mentored well to ensure passenger safety and the train’s timely arrival and departure,” they said, thanking the South Western Railway for the opportunity.

A grand reception was organised for the all-women Jaipur Express in Bengaluru. Additionally, the Bengaluru Division ran Train No. 20624 KSR Bengaluru-Mysuru Malgudi Express with an all-women crew, which departed Bengaluru at 1.50 pm.

Range of activities

The SWR has launched International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations with a range of engaging and empowering events aimed at recognising the contributions of women and fostering an inclusive workplace culture across all its divisions.

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,’ highlights the ongoing efforts to bridge gender gaps and ensure equal opportunities for women globally. At SWR, this theme holds special significance as women continue to break barriers and make impactful contributions across operational, technical and leadership roles.

From track maintainers, technicians and loco pilots, to senior section engineers and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs), women are playing crucial roles in railway operations, ensuring efficiency, safety and excellence in service delivery.

South Western Railway remains committed to fostering a work environment free from gender discrimination, where women are encouraged to take on challenging roles and leadership positions.

Celebrations at SWR headquarters

The South Western Railway (SWR) Headquarters marked International Women’s Day with a series of activities aimed at celebrating and empowering its women employees.

Sports events such as badminton and throwball competitions were organised to promote fitness, teamwork and camaraderie. A Rangoli competition showcased vibrant designs focusing on themes of women’s empowerment and safety, highlighting  participants’ creativity.

In the culinary display competition, women employees exhibited their culinary talents by preparing diverse cuisines, reflecting their passion for food and culture. Additionally, a flower decoration contest encouraged artistic expression, with participants crafting intricate floral arrangements.

Divisional-level celebrations

The celebrations extended across South Western Railway’s Bengaluru, Hubballi and Mysuru Divisions, where various events were conducted to honour  the occasion.

Sports activities, including badminton, throwball and chess tournaments, encouraged participation and team spirit among women employees. Creative competitions such as rangoli, mehendi and nail art contests provided a platform for artistic expression.

A unique fireless cooking competition also challenged participants to showcase innovative culinary ideas without the use of open flames.

Special initiatives for women’s health

Prioritising women’s health, the Mysuru Division took a proactive approach by organising several wellness initiatives. A bone mineral density test was conducted to assess bone health and detect early signs of osteoporosis.

A breast cancer screening camp was set up to promote awareness and early detection of the disease.

Additionally, a session on obesity and stress management, scheduled for March 8, aims to provide valuable insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, stress management techniques and overall well-being.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

The Dean of Behavioural Science, NIMHANS, will describe a 10-year longitudinal study of the mental health of young mothers in Bengaluru at the conference.

The National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), in association with The PARC — a city-based mental health training organisation — is co-hosting the 10th World Congress of Women’s Mental Health, an initiative of the International Association for Women’s Mental Health (IAWMH) in Bengaluru. The congress kicked off with a pre-conference event at NIMHANS on Wednesday and will continue till Saturday.

“This the first time that the IAWHM is holding the World Congress of Women’s Mental Health in a developing country in South Asia, India,” said Dean, Behavioural Science, NIMHANS, Prabha Chandra. She is also president, IAWHM, and organising chairperson, 10th World Congress of WMH.

She will describe a 10-year longitudinal study of the mental health of young mothers in Bengaluru in the scientific programme of the conference.

“The congress will have panel discussions with domain experts for the delegates, book panels and talks across the city and an art workshop for the general public,” said Pavitra Jayaraman, co-founder, The Psychotherapy Advanced Research Centre (PARC) and organising committee of the 10th World Congress.

Over 800 delegates from across the world are likely to participate in the conference, which will include over 90 symposia, case conferences and panel discussions, 350 e-poster presentations by researchers and practitioners on topics including addiction, perinatal trauma, bipolar disorders, psychosis and the lived experience of women as caregivers. There will be skill-based workshops on eating disorders in adolescents, ADHD, sexual dysfunction and perinatal psychopharmacology by leading international experts.

Prof Norman Sartorius, former director, Division of Mental Health, WHO, will speak on priorities for mental health in 2025.

The pre-conference event – Empowering Minds, Embracing Gender: Creative Dialogue on Women’s Mental Health – engaged with over 350 university students through slam poetry, poster making and interactive theatre.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

‘Heart Lamp’, a short story collection written by Banu Mushtaq and translated by Deepa Bhasthi, has been longlisted for the International Booker Prize.

For those with even a passing familiarity with Kannada literature of the past few decades, writer Banu Mushtaq needs no introduction. The 76-year-old has been a prominent Kannada writer since the 1970s, but with her latest short story collection Heart Lamp making it to the International Booker Prize longlist, she is now in the spotlight of a global audience.

Heart Lamp, a collection of 12 short stories, has been translated by Deepa Bhasthi.

“On the 24th of February, our agent said in an elated tone that the collection had been longlisted……I was stunned. I was wondering what I was hearing and how to take it. It was an emotional moment,” Mushtaq told The Indian Express .

“When Deepa read the stories, she was moved by some of them and would say that she wanted one story or the other to be included in the collection. She was a major decision-maker….I said that if she was so impressed by those stories, then they could be translated. In that way, we selected 12 stories,” she added.

Bhasthi, herself a writer, said the Kannada written by Mushtaq has some unique characteristics that mirror the way the language is spoken in Karnataka’s Hassan area. “There is a certain balance one hopes to achieve between keeping certain words which are very essential to the Kannada text while also making it so that a reader across the world does not find it too alien,” she said, adding that she would also take into account the sociopolitical perspective that the stories were written from.

A Karnataka Sahitya Academy awardee, Mushtaq was among those who translated Adil Shahi literature in recent years, having worked on 500 pages of Urdu literature archived at the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad .

Looking back on influences in her writing career, Mushtaq said, “At an early stage of writing, I used to be angry because of the injustices against women and the poor… how people are marginalised and victimised. I was in social movements like the Dalit and Kisan movements and the Bandaya Sahitya Sangatane…..all these movements we had from the 70s to the 90s. I also served as the state convenor for the Bandaya Sahitya Sangatane. There was a wave of social awareness that provided intellectual equipment to the younger generation.”

She added, “One would read heartbreaking stories about a woman or a farmer or a Dalit in the newspapers. These thoughts grew in my mind and I started writing about them.”

Bhasthi’s journey with translation began with the work of Kodagina Gowramma, who hailed from Kodagu, the same part of Karnataka she is from. “Her birth centenary was in 2012. When I started reading her stories, I wanted them to have a wider readership. Back then, I had no clue about the field of translation so I had to learn on the job. It also brought me closer to Kannada…I realised that when I translated, I was getting closer to my language and culture,” Bhasthi recalled.

For Mushtaq, this latest recognition comes with the hope that it will bring more positive attention to Kannada literature and its heritage. “Kannada has got a history of literature…of more than a 1,000 years…..but it has not come up on a global venue. Now, it is high time it is recognised as a cultural language,” she said.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)