66th REPUBLIC DAY - JANUARY 26, 2015

26TH JANUARY 2015

COFFEEBOARD PARK, BENGALURU

Another Republic Day has come and gone....... this time it's 66th Republic Day....... It was on 26th January 1950, India attained the Sovereign Republic status...... 65 years have passed.... India under the rule of once mighty Congress Party apparently coming to end......  Basic issues like poverty, education, health facilities, rural development remains a distant dream......
Bharatiya Janatha Party under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is showing some signs of hope and aspirations of large number of Indians. The man has charishma, ability, forward thinking and the will to do positive things to improve the conditions of the country......  Even the prisident of mighty United States of America, Mr Barak Obama was present as Chief Guest at the Republic Day Celebrations at Delhi.

Here at Coffee Board Layout Park near Bhuvaneshwari Nagar, a small flaghoisting ceremony was arranged at 8.00am..... with only 25-30 people and some school children present...... President of Kannada Sahitya Parishth, Byatarayapura unit expressed dissatisafaction about peoples' arttitude for attending such functions. Atleast nearby parents with children can make an effort to bring theirchildren and expose them to such National events.....

However, after the flag hoisting, there were speeches from children about Republic Day. Wing Commader (Retd) Balaram Aithal was the chief guest and hoisted the national flag and National Anthem followed.
Written Monday 26th January 2015 6pm

MANDRA - KANNADA DRAMA

24TH JANUARY 2015

RANGASHANKARA, BENGALURU

Kalagangotri puts up a Kannada play Mandra at Rangashankara, Bangalore. Directed by B V Rajaram, Mandra is the troupe Kalagangotri's popular production. The talented crop of actors take you to a world of theatre to let you get in touch with Kannada dramatics in all its glory.
Dr S L Bhyrappa's celebrated novel "MANDRA" is staged as drama, which was presented at Ranga Shankara, JP Nagar, Bengaluru on Saturday, 24th January 2015, at 7.30pm. The play was for 2hr 40 min, and the packed audience at Ranga Shankara stay put on their seats without moving, and there was no interval. The play was very absorbing and most of the people who read the book, was simply enjoying and more than a pleasure watching the best of S L Bhyrappa's dialogues and thoughts put into effective presentation.
The novel was adapted to theatre by Korgi S N Upadhyaya and was directed by Dr. B. V. Rajaram. Mr Korgi himself acted as main narrator throughout the play effectively presenting himself as Pandit Mohanlal, hero of the drama.
Mohanlal, vocalist and musician, achieved his heights through hard work and perseverence and dedication for years. The only weakness of Pandit Mohanlal was woman......
The play starts with Mohanlal's last program at Mumbai, when the audience shouting at him for not starting the program on time and himself leaving the stage without singing. Then the flash back starts revealing his life at various stages, with different people acting as Mohanlal..... Though he is married to Ramkumari, other women in his life..... Chunni, Champa, Madhumitha, Dancer and Lawren Smith (Bhopali) ...... all was through effective dialogues and acting and then leaving it to the imagination of audience......... His concerts were housefull all over Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Varanasi and ...... at different places in United States of America.....

ARTISTS

The question remained till the end, whether the Art and the artist's private life could remain separated...... whether artist can achieve greater heights without his private life and his sexual desires......remain unfulfilled......
written Monday 26th January 2015

SHIVARAMA KARANTH'S YAKSHAGANA BALLET

20TH JANUARY 2015

TARALABALU CENTRE, R T NAGARA, BENGALURU

After 15 years of pause, Dr. Kota Shivarama Karanth's Yakshagana Ballet "PANCHAVATI" was performed at TaralaBalu Centre, R.T. Nagar, Bengaluru on 18th January 2015 at 7.00pm The program was presented on the occasion of SHIVARAMA KARANTH VEDIKE's 22nd Anniversary, by the Karnataka Kaladarshini's artists.

RAMA, SITA AND LAKSHMANA

Karanth’s study centre is into serious work for reviving the art and works of the Yakshagana expert, who spent his entire life on propagating the art form. The Shivaram Karanth Research and Study Centre is now led by Malini Mallya as Director, who was the old-age assistant and secretary to Karanth in his last years. His creative mind saw him gradually bring in the Yakshagana Ballet, pioneering a new choreography and music that almost reformed the dance form to become popular, globally.

While the violin replaced the harmonium to convey pathos, the inclusion of Sax helped the energetic and dynamic moves of dancers get more attention.

The team giving the background score was led by Bhavagatharu Sudhir Rao Kodavooru.

The score tunefully explained the thoughts for taking the audience across the art form.

The background team too added to the majesty required for the dance with instruments such as maddale, chande, violin and saxophone to bring out the grandeur. 

All the artists performed brilliantly and made the story from Ramayana, JATAYU MOKSHA, an epic presentation.

Mr P.C. Chadaga, President of the Sivarama Karanth Vedike was man behind the initiative, thanked the artists.

written Tuesday 20 January 2015

VISIT TO DEVANAHALLI

15TH JANUARY 2015

DEVANAHALLI, NEAR BENGALURU

Thursday 15th January 2015, being holiday for MAKARA SANKRANTHI, decided to go to the nearby place, Devanahalli, 25 km from here. Mom, Rishi and Dr. Smitha (Sujatha's daughter) was there..... It's just half hour drive from Bhuvaneshwari nagar, BirthiMane.
The place has become famous because of Bangalore International Airport (Now called KempeGowda International Airport) and lot of commercial activities coming up.

There are few temples around the village, one of them being VenugopalSwamy Temple, old temple, renovated with granite slabs.
The famous ruler Tipu Sultan was born in Devanahalli in 1750 AD. A signboard and a stone tablet surrounded by fields proclaim the birthplace of Tipu.

DEVANAHALLI FORT

Also present is the DEVANAHALLI FORT, build during Vijayanagara period by a feudal lord Malla Baire Gowda of Avati in 1501 AD . The fort remained in the hands of his descendants until the mid seventeenth century. In 1749, the then Dalwai of Mysore, Nanjarajaiah, attacked the fort and occupied it. Later, the fort passed into the hands of Hyder Ali and subsequently Tipu Sultan. In 1791, Lord Cornwallis laid  seize to the fort and took possession during the Mysore War.

TIPU'S BIRTH PLACE

The palace once owned by Tipu and Hyder Ali can be seen to this day. The Dewan Purnaiah, a high ranking official during the time of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, also had a haveli here.
Written Saturday 17 January 2015

WELCOME 2015: HAPPY NEW YEAR

31st December 2014

UDAYA'S RESIDENCE, HIRIADKA, NEAR UDUPI

During our Dubai days, every year we used to celebrate the arrival of new year with family and friends getting together, going out on 31st night, outside the city to a villa or a resort, with 10/12 families, Welcome the New Year, have food, fun, cut cake, games, Eventually after 3 or 4am when every one tired sleep for a while Then get op 6/7 am, again play games outside. Normally we have breakfast and then disperse. One time, we even went to a villa with a swimming pool and the next morning, i,e, 1st January, swimming session for 2/3 hours and then leave. Years pass, some have left, new group formed and the Welcome New Year celebrations continued for some more years. Eventually we were also relocated to Bengaluru in 2010.

Ramakrishna Achar family

Dinesh family

Udaya family

December 2014, we were in in Ooru (Birthi, Salekeri) for attending some function (PANCHA DURGA HOMA) at home and some other functions. Shubha-Raghu, who were on visit from USA, were also in ooru..... proposed to have get-together to welcome 2015 and celebrate HAPPY NEW YEAR at Munduje, near Hiriadaka at Udaya Achar's nice, big house. It;s house like a resort, on the slopes of small hill, house surrounded  by large yard for drying aracnuts.

NewYear Cake

GAME

We had dinner with some people about 15 and then Shubha, Raghu, Ramakrishna Achar family joined. There was dance by children, fun, cutting of NEWYEAR cake, and simple game PASSING THE PARCEL. Everyone enjoyed.

Udaya's house

We slept in Udaya's house for the night and next morning, after breakfast, left for Birthi, Salekeri. Since we had Sujatha's car, it was very comfortable to move around.
written on Monday 12 Jan 2015.

UDUPI SHRI KRSHNA TEMPLE

2nd January 2015

UDUPI

Our visit to Sri Krishna Mutt Udupi was on the evening of Friday, 2nd January 2015. As we were to leave for Bengaluru after a week long visit, we took time off in the evening to visit the temple and get darshan.

Shree Krishna Temple Udipi is first among the seven places of pilgrimages. Thousands of pious devotees throng the Udupi Krishna temple all round the year to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna. The unique feature of Shree Krishna Mutt temple is that the Lord is worshipped only through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki. The window is exquisitely carved and silver - plated. It has been a tradition in this temple to worship the Lord only through this window. Read on to know more about the temple, the legends, the pujas & rituals and the festivals celebrated.
Udupi acquired nation-wide fame, when it was turned into a unique seat of Vedantic learning in the 13th century under the leadership of Sri Madhvacharya. Apart from his contributions to Vedantic philosophy, Sri Madhva founded the famous Krishna Temple of Udupi and made it the fountain-head of a new devotional movement, which eventually spread all over the country.
The system of worship in its present form is believed to have been established in the 16th century by Sri Vadiraja Swami, a celebrated pontiff of one of the Eight Maths called Sode Math. According to the present practice, the Swamijis of Eight Maths conduct worship, by turns, for two years each. This tenure of worship by rotation is known as paryaya. The Swamiji, who is in charge of the worship, is called the PARYAYA SWAMIJI, and his Math called the PARYAYA Math. The ceremony of handing over the charge of worship by one Math to another is known as the PARYAYA FESTIVAL. This festival, held once in two years, in the month of January, attracts thousands of pilgrims, from various corners
written on Sunday 11 January 2015

SHREE DURGAPARAMESHWARI TEMPLE - KATEEL

4TH JANUARY 2015

KATEEL, NEAR MANGALURU

Kateel (also known as Kateelu) is a temple town located at a distance of 29 km from Mangalore city in Dakshina Kannada district. This sacred place is surrounded by panoramic scenes and attractive greeneries.The main attraction of the town is the temple of Sri Durga Parameshwari.

The holy temple is situated on an islet in the middle of the sacred river Nandini amidst panoramic scenes and greenery. Thousands of devotees visit Kateel every day to seek blessings from goddess Durga Parameshwari.
We planned the visit the place in Tuesday, 30th December 2014, from Salekwri, Birthi. Left at 10.30 in the morning by car and reached Kinnigoli, after passing through Mulki and visited Dayananda Hebbar, happened to be in his Father-in-law's place on that day. From there about 5km to Kateel temple. Got Goddess Sri Durga Prameshwari darshanam and waited for some time foe oota. There was nice lunch served by 2pm, after which we left for Mangaluru. There we visited Shubha-Ramesh and Padakannayas.

Written Sunday 11 January 2015

ANEGUDDE VINAYAK TEMPLE-VISIT

4TH JANUARY 2015

The Anegudde Vinayaka Temple situated on the hill, attracts a large number of pilgrims. Important new activities in the area are started after a worship of this deity.
That was Thursday afternoon New Year First January of 2015, we were in Birthi, Salekeri. The place is about 20 km and visited the temple in the evning and got Lord Vinayaka's blessings. On our way back, we visited Sumangali-Sudhakars at Parampalli, Saligrama and returned home.
Kumbhashi, about nine kms to the south of Kundapur, is famous for its two Temples, namely, Mahalingeshwara and Anegudde Vinayaka. The name of the place is said to be derived from Kumbhasura who was slain here. Inscriptions mention this place as Kumbha-Kashi. It is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region called "Parashurama Srishti" or the creation of Saint Parashurama. Anegudde means elephant (Aane) hillock (Gudde) and it is the abode of the elephant god, Sri Vinayaka.

The main sanctum sanctorum contains the majestic figure of Vinayaka resplendent in silver Armour, in standing posture. Of the four arms two are "varada hasta" indicating his inclination to grant boons. Two hands point to his feet, as a means to salvation. The Vinayaka here is said to be a swayambhu (emerged by himself) who manifested in Dwapara Yuga. What is striking is the very large head of the God with huge ears.
written on Sunday 11 January 2015

SHRADDHANJALI - PROF. K. R. HANDE

25TH DECEMBER 2014

Kota Ramakrishna Hande was the Headmaster at SMS High Brahmavar, when I was high student. My Brother B P Somayaji was drawing master for a while in the same school. It was a sad to hear the news of his passing away on 19th Dec. 2014

Paying tributes

SHRDDHANJALI and Vaikunta Samaradhane program was organized at Govinda Kalyana Mantapa, Udupi on 31st Dec.2014, for which I had opportunity to attend and pay my respects.
Prof K R Hande, a renowned educationist, resident of Brahmagiri here passed away after cardiac arrest at his residence on Friday December 19 morning. He was 89. Prof Hande is survived by his wife Padmakshi Hande, three daughters and two sons.
 He completed his graduation at St Aloysius college, Mangaluru and began his career as a teacher in the same institution. Later he got married to Padmakshi on June 1, 1947. He retired as a principal in Manipal University, Udupi in 1980.
He received his education in professional courses at Chennai (then Madras) and completed MA in Kannada literature by orrespondence. He also studied social science in the USA as a Fulbright scholar.

Sridhar Hande paying tribute

Oscar Fernandes speaking about K R Hande

Sri Sridhar Hande, Oscar Fernandes, Prof. Hande's daughter, his grandson and others paid tributes to Late Prof. Hande.
Chandrashekhar Kedlaya rendered a song as a tribute to departed soul. 

He rendered his dedicated service in various educational institutions namely St Aloysius College, Mangaluru (as a demonstrator in chemistry department in 1945), National High School, Barkur (as first assistant lecturer in 1947), Vivek High School, Kota, and SMS High School, Brahmavar.

After his retirement from Manipal University in 1980, till his last day, he rendered his service as director of human resource development center in Manipal University.
His works included ‘Janasankhya Shikshana Rupu Reshegalu',‘Sarthaka Shikshana’, ‘Jana Jagattu’, and ‘Shalegalalli Adhyaapana Adhyana'. He was active member of several organizations.He had worked as the president of Karnataka state association of teachers' education (KSATE), He was the founder member of academy of progressive teachers,Bengaluru and also the permanent member of council of teachers education, Bhopal.

Prof Hande received many national awards and honours for his dedicated service. He was the first recipient of Kota Shivaram Karanth Memorial Award. He had also presided over Kota Kannada Sahitya Sammalena.
Written,  Monday, 5th Jan.2015

SANGEETHA MAALIKE - 10

27TH DECEMBER 2014

BIRTHI, SALEKERI

Shama Somayaji on Flute

In memory of Late Srikanth Somayaji, music program, SANGEETHA MAALIKE  is organized every year by his wife Abhilasha, at the Birthi House, Salekeri Brahmavar premises.
This year, the same was scheduled on Saturday, 27th December 2014.

Vidushi Pavan Achar honoured

Felicitating Sri Rama Bhat

Vote of thanks by Abhilasha

There was Instrumental Music for an hour, with Shama Somayaji on the flute, Vidushi Pavan Achar on Veena,and Vidwan Balachandra Bhagavat on Mridangam. The performance was simply fantastic by Shama,  who has been studying flute for last 10 years and  really a great tribute to his Late father Srikanth Somayaji, who was a talented music composer, singer.
Shri Rama Bhat, accomplished music artist was honoured with shawl, fruits.

Audience enjoying music

In the second half of the program, Hindustani Vocalist, Ms. Shanteri Kamth, accompanied by Sri Shankar Shenoy on Harmonium and Sri Raghavendra Bhat on Tabla.. The singing was very good, bhajan singing was with ease and enjoyed the presentation.

Hindustani Vocalist Ms Shanteri Kamath

There was also light refreshments, Art Exhibition by Ms Valentia D'Souza , Book Exhibition by Surabhi Book Centre, Udupi.
The program ended with vote of thanks by Smt.Abhilasha.

Written Sunday, 4th Jan. 2015

PANCHA DURGA HOMA

24TH DECEMBER 2014

BIRTHI, SALEKERI

On the initiative of Shobha D/o Leela Somayaji, Durga Homa was decided to perform at Birthi, Salekeri on Saturday, 27th December 2014. Purohit Raghav Bhat and his team came at 8.30am prepared for homa and drew the necessary MANDALA, 

Sankalpa and pooja started at 10.30am and continued till 12.30pm, lot of smoke due various offerings to Goddess  Durga.
Mangalarathi and Poornahuthi was performed at 12.30pm, after which thirtha prasada was given to all who were invited and present.
Grand lunch was served by the caterers and 85 people were present for oota.   

This homa is done for goddess Mother Durga It’s for getting” Fame and Mother Durga’s” blessings. Its also done for shathru samhara we have 6 types of enimies in our mind calld Kama, krodha,lobha, moha, mada, matsarya. it helps to controll it and it protect us from out side enemies. vidhya vruddhi (improvement in studies),  improvement in business and to win the court cases etc,. Procedure: Three materials  Bhilva Samithu, Gudannam (Jaggery Porridge) and Ajya (ghee) are offered in the homa. Pancha Durga mantra, durga moolamantra,  Durga Sooktha is recited during the homa.The pooja is done using “Durga yanthra”(mandla) and Kalasha. end of the homa danas given.
written Sunday, 4th Jan. 2015