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Karnataka
March of
MARCH 2015
Governor’s Address to the
State Legislature
C
Karnataka
O N T E N T S
Volume-52 Issue-3 Page-28 Mar 2015
Editor- in -Chief
N R Vishukumar
Department of Information and
Public Relations
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Joint Director
K Gopala Gowda
Deputy Director
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Sr. Asst. Director
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MARCH OF KARNATAKA
March of
Cover Story
Page
No.
4
Highlights of the
speech of hon’ble
Governor made
to the joint session
of Karnataka
legislature
12
Grammy Award
for Bangalorean
Ricky Kej
T C Jagadamba
14
Channaptna gets R-Day
Honour, global acclaim
Gabriel Vaz
19
24
The Uncommon Man
slips into History
Krishna Vattam
Nalanda
Buddhist University in
Karnataka
C V Raghavendra Rao
Pick A Pearl
26
Chennakeshava
Temple Aralaguppe
Views expressed in the articles are not necessarily those of the Government
Highlights of the speech
of hon’ble Governor
made to the joint session
of Karnataka legislature
‘
After the formation of my
Government in Karnataka, several
reformative measures have been taken
up. In order to ensure the all-round
development of all the citizens of the
state, my Government is committed to
provide people friendly, transparent
and effective administration.
My Government is continually
striving to take administration to the
door steps of the citizens and wholly
committed for the development of
farmers, poor and disadvantaged
sections of society and to improve
their quality of life.
Karnataka
March of
MARCH 2015
4
’
I
heartily welcome all of you to this Joint Session of
Karnataka Legislature and I convey my best wishes
for the new year.
After the formation of my Government in Karnataka,
several reformative measures have been taken up. In order
to ensure the all-round development of all the citizens of
the state, my Government is committed to provide people
friendly, transparent and effective administration.
My Government is continually striving to take
administration to the door steps of the citizens and wholly
committed for the development of farmers, poor and
disadvantaged sections of society and to improve their
quality of life.
Sakala
With its Unique service delivery model
creating a new dimension in good governance
the Karnataka Sakala Services (Amendment)
Act 2014 provides time bound services to the
citizens directly in a transparent manner. A total
of 668 services Covering 50 departments have
been included under Sakala. Till now, around 6.8
crore applications have been received from the
Citizens, out of which 6.73 crore applications
have been disposed within the Stipulated time.
Applicants can obtain information on their
mobile, making Sakala more people-friendly.
The Governor Vaju Bhai Ruda Bhai Vala adressing the Joint Session of the State Legislature in Bengaluru on February 2015.
The Chairman of the State Legislative Council D H Shankara Murthy and The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Kagodu Thimmappa are also Seen.
Sakala Mission has received many awards and for
innovation in governance, Sakala has also been
awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Association
fox Administration and Management (CAPAM)
International Award 2014.
Development of Hyderabad-Karnataka region
Special emphasis is laid upon for area development
and reservation in public employment for local
persons in Hyderabad-Karnataka region which has
been conferred special status under Article 371(J)
of the Constitution of India. The restriction imposed
for filling up of vacant posts has been relaxed. All
efforts are being made to fill up the vacant posts in
Government offices’ in Hyderabad-Karnataka region.
The Hyderabad Karnataka Region Development
Board has been constituted and in 2014-15, a special
grant of Rs.600 crore has been provided.
Krishi Bagya
My Government has announced Krishi Bhagy
Scheme which is being implemented in the rain
fed areas of the state to improve the livelihood of
the farming community and Rs.500 crore has been
allocated. The Bhoochethan scheme is implemented
to increase the yield in dry land crops of the state and
to enhance soil quality. By adopting this scheme, the
yields in different crops have increased substantially
In order to improve agricultural production and
help farmers, custom hire centers for agricultural
equipment have been established and Savayava
Bhagya Yojane started at the hobli level.
my Government has implemented agriculture
marketing policy, the first of its kind in the country. As
a part of the reforms undertaken, Rashtriya e-Market
services provides an electronic auction platform for
transparent and efficient price discovery. At present,
51 APMC markets are providing online services
resulting in better prices to farmers and increased
arrivals of agricultural produce to these markets
e-Market Services
Annabhagya
Recognizing the importance of agriculture
markets in empowering farmers to get better prices,
The Annabhagya scheme is in force from
July 2013. After introduction of National Food
My Government has
announced Krishi
Bhagy Scheme which
is being implemented
in the rain fed areas
of the state to improve
the livelihood of the
farming community
and Rs.500 crore has
been allocated.
department, the e-mapan scheme is being undertaken.
In order to boost industrial growth, investment and
employment opportunity in the state, a new industrial
policy has been operationalised. Steps have been taken
to provide more facilities, incentives and concessions
to establish industries in backward regions, in
Hyderabad-Karnataka
region.
Entrepreneurs
belonging to SC/ST, women and minorities will also
get higher incentives. In the current year the State
High Level Clearance Committee has approved 23
proposals with an investment of Rs.17,000 crore
which would generate 24,000 jobs.
Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme
Security Act, 2013, by the Government of India,
the State Government has implemented the same
from January 2014. Food grains are distributed
to BPL card holders at Rs. 1 per kg with a
minimum of 10 kg and maximum of 30 kg per
family depending on the number of members.
This has ensured that poor people have access to
food grains, meeting their basic need at extremely
affordable price. Ragi and jowar are also being
distributed to the BPL card holders at the rate of
Rs. 1 per kg under the public distribution system.
To computerize the activities of Legal Metrology
Karnataka is in the forefront in terms of health
facilities in the country. My Government has
launched Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme for giving
benefit to APL beneficiaries and Jyothi Sanjeevini
Scheme providing cashless facilities to Government
employees. My Government has also launched
Mukhyamanthri santhvana scheme for providing care
to accident victims. Fleet of 108 Arogya kavacha
is augmented by 198 ambulances. Manochaitanya
programme for treatment of mentally ill persons and
after their recovery, day care centre for rehabilitation
under Manasadhara programme have been launched.
Oral health policy providing free dentures to BPL
senior citizens are among a spectrum of health care
services provided in the state.
To boost the economy and ensure all-round
development, infrastructure and connectivity are
extremely important. Even though providing railway
connectivity is the responsibility of Government of
India, yet keeping in view the urgent requirement, my
Government is bearing 50% cost of railway projects
Special emphasis is
laid upon for area
development and
reservation in public
employment for local
persons in HyderabadKarnataka region which
has been conferred special
status under Article
371(J) of the Constitution
of India.
My Government
has launched Rajiv
Arogya Bhagya
Scheme for giving
benefit to APL
beneficiaries and
Jyothi Sanjeevini
Scheme providing
cashless facilities
to Government
employees.
My Government
has provided Rs.
15,834 crore in the
current year for
executing programmes
benefitting SC/ST
population which
is allocated to 33
departments to ensure
their comprehensive
development.
along with land free of cost. Several railway line projects
have been taken up. Hassan-Bengaluru Ramanagara.
Mysuru and Bidar-Kalaburagi new railway line
projects have shown good progress. Kotturu
-Harihara railway line has been commissioned for
traffic. Gadag-Wadi and Bengaluru-Chamarajanagara
railway lines, have been approved. Up gradation of
existing airports and minor airports are underway.
Since my Government came to power in May
2013, 15 point programme has been implemented
vigorously and 6 more programmes are added in the
current year. For development of the vast rural areas,
a programme to construct 10 lakh individual toilets,
2000 water purification plants have been taken up as a
drive. Creation of 439 new gram panchayats have been
Karnataka
March of
JUNE 2015
2014
MARCH
68
approved and the process of delimitation of gram
panchayats is being taken up. Grama Vikas Yojane
is being implemented to develop model villages
with all-round development. My Government is also
considering amendments to the Karnataka Panchayat
Raj Act to strengthen the panchayat raj institutions.
My Government has provided Rs. 15,834 crore
in the current year for executing programmes
benefitting SC/ST population which is allocated
to 33 departments to ensure their comprehensive
development. Schemes are formulated to bridge
the gaps in development and first priority is given
to those programmes directly benefitting SC/
ST individuals, then schemes which benefit their
habitation and general schemes are being taken up.
Rules for effective implementation of the
Karnataka Scheduled Castes sub plan and Tribal sub
plan (planning, allocation and utilization of financial
resources) Act, 2013 are being framed. As per the
provisions of the Act, funds are allotted to SC / STs
proportionate to their population as per 2011 census.
For the welfare of minorities, new minority PU
colleges, residential schools have been started.
Construction of community halls, repairs and
renovation of churches have been taken up and grants
are provided to old age homes and orphanages. Direct
loan is provided to financially poor minority students
to pursue professional courses which is first of its
kind. Honorary grants are provided to the Pesh Imam
and Muezzin of registered Masjids to improve their
financial status. Construction of Hajj Ghar is being
taken up in Mangaluru and Kalaburagi.
Irrigation
For major and medium irrigation projects in the
state, around Rs.10,000 crore has been provided.
Field irrigation channels and field drains have
been constructed, saline and alkaline affected lands
reclaimed, to improve groundwater, tanks across
several districts have been filled up and old canals
modernized for increasing water use efficiency.
Extension of Upper Bhadra project to provide
irrigation facilities and to fill up minor irrigation
tanks in drought prone areas of Chikkamagaluru,
Chitradurga, Davanagere and Tumakuru districts
has been approved.
Solar Pump Sets
An innovative scheme has been taken up in the
current year to adopt solar pumpsets in community
lift irrigation schemes being implemented under
SCP & TSP in a programme called SuryajyothiRaithara Balina Paramjyothi. Under the scheme
Kere Abhivruddhi - Naadina Shreyobhivruddhi,
comprehensive improvement of minor irrigation
tanks has been taken up. For recharge of
groundwater particularly in districts of Gadag,
Honorary
grants are
provided to the
Pesh Imam
and Muezzin
of registered
Masjids to
improve their
financial
status.
An innovative scheme
has been taken up in the
current year to adopt solar
pumpsets in community
lift irrigation schemes
being implemented under
Suryajyothi-Raithara
Balina Paramjyothi
programme.
Vijayapura, Koppal, Kolar and Chikkaballapur a
series of pickups across natural rivers and streams
are being constructed. For conservation of tanks
in the state, the Karnataka Tank Conservation and
Development Authority has been brought into force
through an Act.
My Government is taking steps to tackle the
various problems of Bengaluru city particularly
infrastructure and waste disposal. Under Nagarothana
scheme Rs. 1,000 crore has been allocated for
improvement of infrastructure in Bengaluru city,
new solid waste management plants are being set
up. Bengaluru Metro Rail project phase-1 is targeted
for completion this year. An expert committee has
been set up to study the issues of bifurcation of
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike for effective
governance. For development of 10 city corporations
in various districts of the state, works with an
estimated cost of Rs. 1,000 crore have been approved
under Nagarothana scheme phase 3. In order to
provide housing to the economically weaker sections,
a policy of earmarking 10% of the gross land in
layouts and 15% of the gross floor area in buildings
in all housing projects has been approved. Rs.75
crore has been provided for scientific management
of municipal solid waste in urban local bodies.
New Tourism Policy
A new tourism policy is being implemented
in the state. In the current year Rs.400 crore has
been provided for development of tourism. My
Government has approved formation of a new
company viz., The Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure
Limited which will undertake development of
infrastructure at tourist places.
Karnataka 10
March of
MARCH
JUNE 2015
2014
My Government is taking
steps to tackle the various
problems of Bengaluru city
particularly infrastructure
and waste disposal. Under
Nagarothana scheme
Rs. 1,000 crore has been
allocated for improvement
of infrastructure in
Bengaluru city, new
solid waste management
plants are being set up.
Bengaluru Metro Rail
project phase-1 is targeted
for completion this year.
Ksheera Bhagya
The scheme aims to overcome nutritional
deficiency among school going children.64-65lakh
children of classes 1 to 10 in Government and aided
schools are getting 150 ml of milk on alternate
days. Under the Right to Education Act, more than
90,000 children of disadvantaged groups have been
given admission in unaided private schools.TeleEducation in 1000 select rural schools is being
implemented in association with IIM- Bengaluru.
A special programme Ganitha Andolana to enhance
learning levels of children in classes 4 and5 with
regard to mathematics is being implemented in the
districts of Hydrabad –Karnataka region.
Bhagyalakshmi
Children requiring medical treatment are being
given free treatment facility for 18 diseases in 28
identified hospitals under Balasanjivini scheme. In
order to empower the girl child, Rs.340 crore have
been provided under Bhagyalakshmi scheme in
2014-15, and bonds have been distributed to more
than 65,000 beneficiaries.
Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme has been
launched for those children belonging to BPL
families who are suffering from autism, cerebral
palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities
and a Rs.250 premium will be paid per person as one
time payment. The beneficiaries under this scheme
can avail insurance coverage upto Rs. 1 lakh per year.
It is intended to benefit more than 40,000 disabled
persons during 2014- 15 under this scheme. Action
has been taken to open Helplines for senior citizens
in 30 districts of the State.
My Government continues to give priority to
Kannada as the administrative language and is
making all efforts to promote heritage, culture and
language of Karnataka.
New Information Technology Policy announced
last year aims at taking information technology to
the cities of the state with population between 5
and 25 lakhs. A number of initiatives have been
started towards encouraging entrepreneurship,
accelerating the growth of start-ups, setting up
New Age Incubation Centres, skill development
programmes, providing Wi-Fi in all the district
capitals, which will lead to enhanced e-commerce
activities, giving a boost to the State economy.
A State wide GIS will be established which will
be available to all departments as an important
and innovative governance tool in their day-today planning and monitoring of schemes. The
Karnataka-GIS Portal will be first of its kind in the
country.
I wish that both the ruling and opposition
parties will come closer through discussions thus
taking the state forward to all-round development
and welfare. Keeping public interest in mind as the
foremost objective, I sincerely hope that transparent
governance for the benefit of citizens would lead
to peace, prosperity and bright future of the state.
MoK
A State wide GIS will be
established which will be
available to all departments as
an important and innovative
governance tool in their day-today planning and monitoring of
schemes. The Karnataka-GIS
Portal will be first of its kind in
the country.
11 Karnataka
March of
FEBRUARY 2015
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah felicitated RICKY KEJ in
Bengaluru along with Sri K J George, Minister for Home
and Smt Umashri, Minister for Kannada and Culture.
Grammy Award for Bangalorean
Ricky Kej
T C Jagadamba
I
nternationally popular as silicon city, education hub, Bangalore
was in news recently. The reason behind was none other than our
Bangalore music composer- KEJ
Music composer and producer Ricky Kej has won the 57th annual
Grammy Award for his album “Winds of Samsara” produced in
collaboration with South African Flutist Woulter Kellerman. Kej is the
first person of Indian origin to win this award.
Ricky Kej born on 5 August 1991 in North California. Kej moved
to Bangalore when he was 8 years old. He completed his schooling at
Bishop Cotton Boys School Bangalore and subsequently his Dentistry
from Oxford Dental College, Bangalore. He did not pursue a career in
Karnataka 12
10
March of
MARCH
JUNE 2015
2014
The Government
of Karnataka
announced
Rs.25 lakhs
for the winner
of Grammy
award for his
collaborative
album “Winds
of Samsara”.
Chief Minister
Siddaramiah
invited Kej to his
home office and
felicitated him
by presenting
a traditional
Mysuru Peta and
a shawl.
the field and opted for a career
in music instead.
Kej produced jingles for
television and radio in the
beginning of his music career.
Ricky Kej produced jingles for
TV, Radio and continued this
throughout his education, over
a
period of 13 years, he produced over 3000
jingles for TV and Radio. His expertise in this
field allowed him to work with a variety of
companies like Essilor, Microsoft, Levis, Air
India, and Blaupunkt. He also produced music
for Kannada films, which never really satisfied
him. After his jingle success, in 2003 Kej
released his first International lounge album titled
‘Communicative art – Lounge from the bay’.
Songs from this album were released on over
20 international compilations in France, Poland,
China, Taiwan, India, Israel and Germany.
After the success of his first album, Kej
featured on the compilation album titled ‘Asha
Waali Dhoop’, which was released in 2006. Kej’s
success in India was recognised in the US, which
led him to release his next two albums with Water
Music Records USA. His second and third albums
were released in quick succession and were titled
‘Kamasutra Lounge part 1 & 2.
After the release of Kej’s third album, he went
onto win a number of awards. In 2008 he received
an advertising award at the Clio Awards. A year
later he was awarded another advertising award at
the Adfest Asia Awards.
The success of his first three albums allowed
him to get involved in film soundtracks. His first
break in this field came
in 2008 composing the
entire score and songs
in the Kannada language
including Accident in
2008 and Venkata in
Sankata in 2010. Ricky
won a ‘One Show’
award for Advertising
Excellence
and
a
finalist for the Cannes
Advertising Award for
his Nike jingle.
His
other
works
during this period include
‘Bollywood Remixed’, ‘Dance
The Golden Years’. In 2011, he
composed music for the opening
ceremony of the ICC Cricket
World Cup, held at Dhakka on
17 February 2011. This opening ceremony
was telecast in over 200 countries worldwide. It
was hailed by the World Media as the best Opening
Ceremony in the history of World Cup Cricket.
In 2011, Times of India nominated Ricky as one
of Bangalore’s Most Desirable and Indian Express
hailed him as the most eligible bachelor in Bangalore.
In 2012, Kej’s music video for “Arabian Sea” had
frequent airplay on VH1, leading him to be declared
an “India Rules – Artist” by VH1 in September 2012.
During the same year, he also composed/produced
tracks for various French compilation albums, such as
Indian Zen and Des Voix De L’Inde, and, he created
an official remix of the Oscar-winning Slumdog
Millionaire song “Jai Ho”, which was featured on the
compilation album Dance The Golden Years for the
USA markets.
In 2012 Ricky Kej created the anthem ‘Jaya
Hain Kannada Thaye’ as a tribute to the state of
Karnataka. He collaborated with well-known
wildlife photographer and Conservationist in creating
the first ever ‘Wild Life Music Video’ in India.
This music video was shot entirely in the forests
of Karnataka including the Western Ghats. It featured
rare species found indigenous to Karnataka. With a
message of conservation, the video got tremendous
airplay television channels, and was unanimously
critically acclaimed.
The Government of Karnataka announced Rs.25
lakhs award for the winner of Grammy for his
collaborative album
“Winds of Samsara”.
Chief
Minister
Siddaramiah invited
Kej to his home
office and felicitated
him by presenting a
traditional Mysuru
Peta and a shawl.
The Kej couple
presented a copy of
the compact disc of
the winning album
to the Chief Minister
on this occasion.
MoK
Ricky Kej with African flautist Wouter Kellerman
receives 57th Grammy Awards.
13
25 Karnataka
March of
MARCH
JUNE 2015
2014
Channaptna gets R-Day
Honour, global acclaim
Gabriel Vaz
T
he sleepy town of Channapatna, barely
60 kms away from Karnataka’s capital
Bengaluru, got the rare honour of leading
the tableaux of all Indian States, just behind that of
the Defence forces, at the country’s 66th Republic
Day and also earned global acclaim, thanks to the
State’s tableau depicting the colourful wooden toys
and dolls as well as lacquerware with which the
town has become synonymous with.
The traditional craft of making toys, for which
Channapatana has become world-famous, with a
history of over 200 years came alive in Karnataka’s
tableau that displayed the rich and attractive array
of toys.
As was widely expected by all these, who were
deeply involved in the entire project of preparing
the tableau from the conception to execution stage,
the State’s effort was accorded the third prize. ``We,
however, know very well that Karnataka deserved
much more than even the first prize because the
Karnataka 14
10
March of
MARCH
JUNE 2015
2014
tableau simply marvellous,’’ said Shashidhar Adapa,
the celebrated art director.
Second attempt, but worth waiting
More importantly, it is the Director of Karnataka’s
Information Department, N R Vishu Kumar, who is
pleased as punch, that the State’s attempt to project
the traditional craft of Channapatna Toys at the
Republic Day parade by presenting a tableau clicked
this time round.
``We had submitted a proposal seven years ago.
But it was not accepted,’’ says he adding: ``Giving
prominence to Channapatna Toys is more than
necessary now because the famed traditional craft
has been facing myriad challenges from the modern
toy industry, especially those made of plastic and
the Chinese products. This national projection
would certainly give a big boost.’’
Concurs Adapa. ``When our proposal for a
tableau on Channapatna Toys was rejected last time,
I felt extremely disappointed. As the person, who
prepared the key model, I had a guilty feeling that
the failure may have been on my account too because
I perhaps did not give it my 100 per cent. I did not
wish to take any chances and made sincere attempts,
including personal visit to Channapatna to interact
with the local artisans and a feel of the craft of making
toys,’’ he explains.
But the Information Department Director feels the
rejection of Karnataka’s proposal of the tableau on
Channapatna Toys earlier may have been providential.
He recalls that the US First Lady Michelle Obama had
bought the Channapatna toys from a stall put up in
an exhibition in New Delhi during the family’s first
visit to India in 2010. Now, five years later, when
US President Barack Obama and his wife visited
the country again as the chief guests at the 66th
R-Day parade, Karnataka not only got the honour of
displaying bigger models of the Channapatna Toys
but was conferred the pride of place by being the first
entry from a State after those from the Defence.
Gombegala Ooru
Channapatna, on the Bengaluru-Mysore
highway, world-famous as ``gombegala ooru’’ or
the town of toys, is part of the Ramanagara district
that shot into national limelight with its picturesque
hilly terrain in the Bollywood blockbuster
``Sholay.’’
The multi-coloured toys with attractive designs
in myriad colours and varying shapes and design as
well as the attractive and captivating lacquerware
have caught the imagination and hearts of the
young and old, not just domestic customers but
discerning art-lovers across the globe as well.
The Channaptana toys have found pride of
place in England’s royal palace, US White House,
Sri Lankan PM’s residence and the homes of a
large clientele of domestic and foreign dignitaries,
the mansions of the rich and famous and the lowly
huts of the poor. Truly, global acceptance and even
acclaim for the Channapatna toys!
15
25 Karnataka
March of
MARCH
JUNE 2015
2014
Shashidhar Adapa,
The man behind State’s R-Day Tableau
T
he credit for earning a pride of place for
Karnataka in the selection of its chosen subject
for display at the country’s Republic Day parade
every year by preparing the key model and helping
the State in executing the actual design, thereby win
laurels at the national level must mainly to go one
person, Shashidhar Adapa, if an individual can be
singled out.
The 59-year-old bearded Adapa, a veteran of stage
and film set designer, who has worked for Kannada,
Hindi, Tamil, English, Konkani and even French
movies, is loath to hog the limelight for himself as
he strongly believes that executing a tableau like
the R-Day tableau for the entire State is always a
collective effort right from the conceiving of the idea,
preparing the key model and the actual designing.
Hailing from Kuppepadavu, the birthplace of the
present Archbishop of Bengaluru Bernard Moras, off
the coastal city of Mangaluru, Adapa is a product of
the amateur theatre movement and a veteran stage art
director and is acclaimed as one of the best interactive
set designers.
He has worked with B V Karanth, Shankar Nag,
Prasanna, M S Sathyu, Arjun Sajnani, Vijay Nair, Sulfia
Shiekh, Miriam Endorous, R Nagesh, C R Simha,
C G Krishnaswamy, B Jayashree, Basavalingaiah,
V Ramamurthy, Prakash
Belawadi and other veterans
of theatre. He is favourite
art director for Kannada
film-makers like T S Nagabharana, Girish Karnad,
Kavitha Lankesh, T N Seetaram, Girish Kasaravalli
and Yogaraj Bhat among others.
Bollywood biggies like Mani Rathnam and
Aamir Khan have made use of Adapa’s talent and
expertise for creating sets for their movies. He
also fabricated and executed sets for the Women in
Black and Back to Present, directed by Robin Herford
and Constanza Macras respectively, for their tour in
India. He has designed sets for six English films,
including Allan A. Goldstein’s Jungle Boy, Fred
Glen Ray’s Inferno, Pamela Rooks’ Dance like a
Man and Prakash Belawadi’s Stumble.
Adapa has designed, conceptualized and
executed sets for numerous theatre productions,
feature films, television software, event stages,
exhibitions and all other related aspects of show
business.
Proprietor of Prathiroopi, a creative outfit for
set design and art direction, Adapa has designed,
conceptualized and executed sets for numerous
theatre productions, feature films, television
DIPR Director N R Vishukumar, designer Shashidhar adapa with artists.
software, event stages,
exhibitions and all
other related aspects of
show business besides
producing his own film
documentaries.
He is hailed as
a genius with many
talents and also a
skilled puppet maker
and has conducted
many puppetry
workshops at national
and international levels.
He has won several
State and National
awards, including the
prestigious Rajyothsava
Award.
Prathiroopi formed
in 1984, has carved a
name for itself in the
field of set designing
for theatre, TV
software, Ad-films,
feature films and other
such events.
The 8 Delhi
students, who formed
part of the ground
elements pulling the
colourful toys, are:
Sahana, Bhavana,
Varsha, Bhoomika,
Raghavendra, Manohar,
Punith, Basavegowda.
Karnataka’s much
acclaiamed Tableaux in
the past:
Tiger of Mysore Tippu
Sultan- 2014
Kinnala art- 2013
Bhootaradhane- 2012
Bidar’s Bidriware2011
Bahubali Maha
mastakabhisheka- 2006
Prathiroopi
Adapa and his team from Prathiroopi, which has earned name and fame
for itself for its expertise in designing and executing sets for stage and
movies in not just Kannada but in Hindi, Tamil, Konkani, English and even
French, is involved in the task of preparing the key models based on the
theme suggested by the Information Department and executing it after the
final selection by the Defence authorities.
In fact, Adapa and Prathiroopi have been behind the tableaux produced
by the State for the Republic Day over the past few years.
Local raw materials, most eco-friendly
The Channapatna Toys tableau is fabricated on a multi-layered platform
fitted on a tractor trailer with overall length of 48 ft and width of 13 ft. A
total of 42 toys including 30 giant-sized ones and four fitted with battery for
rotation formed part of the tableau. The height of the toys range from 4 ft to
10 ft. A total of 100 artists, 20 moulders, 16 wood workers and 10 painters
were involved in the work over a period of three months.
The Channapatna Toys tableau is fabricated
on a multi-layered platform fitted on a tractor
trailer with overall length of 48 ft and width
of 13 ft. A total of 42 toys including 30 giantsized ones and four fitted with battery for
rotation formed part of the tableau.
Though the widely available local specie of aale mara or tree (Wrigtia
tinctoria) was mainly used in the making of toys, ivory wood, rosewood,
sandalwood – also available in local forests -- as well as rubber, sycamore,
cedar, pine and even teak were used in the making of the toys.
From procuring the desired type and quality of wood as the main raw
material, seasoning and cutting the same into required shapes, pruning and
carving, applying the necessary mix of colours, fine-tuning and polishing
the finished product formed part of the entire intricate process.
The distinctive combination and mix of colours - mostly of vegetable
dyes to ensure safety standards for use by children -- have added to the
charm of the toys and dolls.
Tipu Sultan to Mysore Rulers
Though the artisans of Channapatna were known for their craft of
making colourful wooden toys and dolls as also lacquerware of varied hues,
sizes, shapes and designs since ancient times, it was during the reign of the
`Tiger of Mysuru’ Tipu Sultan that the cottage industry got a fillip as he
brought artisans from Persia to train local craftsmen.
Another illustrious and enterprising craftsman, Baba Saheb Mia, is
believed to have obtained special training in Japan on the use of mechanical
17
25 Karnataka
March of
FEBRUARY
JUNE 2014
2015
the oil-rich Gulf and many more is a standing testimony to the wide
appeal, attraction and world-wide market.
Evidently, Karnataka’s efforts to showcase the pride and fame of
Channapatna by presenting a tableau at the R-Day parade has already
given a boost to the traditional craft judging from the brisk sales
of the toys at the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation
(KHDC) outlets.
instruments to modernise the
traditional art of crafting the toys
and also perfecting the art of
preparing face masks of wood as
well as images of gods, goddesses,
animals and birds to mesmerise the
art-lovers.
However, after Tipu, the
erstwhile rulers of Mysore extended
royal patronage with the Diwan
establishing a craft training centre
at Channapatna to impart training
to the craftsmen in carpentry,
lacquerware, preparing the colourmix and making toys and dolls.
WTO protection of GI Tag
The centuries-old traditional
craft of world-famous toys of
Channapatna,
which
secured
WTO’s protection of geographical
indication (GI) tag, is a multi-crore
industry.
The traditional toys and dolls
are facing stiff competition and
challenge from plastic and even
Chinese models, the artisans and
craftsmen have managed to hold
their own by adapting themselves
and their products to suit modern
day-to-day use objects as well
as presentation as corporate gifts
besides finding a place in the school
curricula.
That the Channapatna toys
and dolls are being exported to
such diverse countries as the US,
England, Japan, Germany, France,
Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and
Karnataka
March of
MARCH 2015
18
A suggestion that Adapa offers is worth consideration by all
those interested in encouraging and promoting the traditional craft.
``Let us patronise our own traditional craftsmen and buy the toys for
gifting purposes, especially to young kids. The eco-friendly wooden
toys of varying hues, shapes and sizes can be used in the educational
sector and even as playmates rather than the craze for cheap plastic
ones or foreign toys,’’ he says making an earnest appeal: ``Let every
house keep a set of toys at a prominent place in their houses. It will
definitely go a long way to help our traditional craftsmen, if we don’t
want them to vanish.’’
MoK
Statement about ownership and others particulars
about March of Karnataka
form iv rule 8
1. Place of publication
: Bengaluru
2. Periodicity of Publication : Monthly
3. Printer Name
: Vinay S.M.
Nationality :Indian
Address
: Padmashree Printers
# 123, 1st K Block, Dr. Rajkumar Road
Bengaluru- 560010
4 Publishers Name
: N.R. Vishukumar
Director
Nationality :Indian
Address
: Dept. of Information & Public Relations
# 17, Mahaveer Road, (Infantry Road)
Bengaluru - 560 001.
5. Editors Name
: T.C. Jagadamba
Nationality :Indian
Address
: Dept. of Information & Public Relations
# 17, Mahaveer Road, (Infantry Road)
Bengaluru - 560 001.
6. License No
: Regd. No. KA/BG/GPO 2525 / 2015-2017
I, N R Vishukumar, hereby declare that the particulars given
above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Bengaluru
Sd.
01.02.2015Director
Sd.
Signature of the Publisher
The Uncommon Man
slips into History
The two distinguished and illustrious Mysore Brothers,
who having had their roots in Mysore, brought name
and fame and found their names etched in the Hall of
Fame in the international sphere were the legendary
Indian Writer in English R K Narayan and iconic
Cartoonist R K Laxman .Both mutually shared their
different innate talents to leave a deep impression on the
minds of readers through the medium they had chosen
,a pen and a brush, observes Senior Journalist Krishna
Vattam in his tribute to the Creator of the Common Man,
Laxman, who slipped into history on February 26, 2015. T
he
two
distinguished
and illustrious
Mysore Brothers, who
brought name and
fame and found their
names etched in the
Hall of Fame in the
international sphere,
were the legendary
Indian
Writer
in
English R K Narayan
and his brother the
iconic cartoonist R K
Laxman.
19
25 Karnataka
March of
MARCH
JUNE 2015
2014
Sri R.K. Laxman receives the Padma Vibhushan award
from the President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
‘
Both mutually shared their different innate talents and if the
literary genius of the Creator of Malgudi had its impress on his
younger brother, the Creator of the ubiquitous mute spectators
Laxman’s art came handy for Narayan to have his brother’s
sketches and illustrations used in his (Narayana’s) short stories
published in the Hindu. Thus they mutually complemented
the other with their pen and brush to leave deep impression
on minds of their readers through the medium they had chosen.
If the eldest of six children Narayan worked his way towards
becoming the leading writer, the youngest rose to become India’s
best known political cartoonist. Born on October 24 1921 in
the Lakshmipuram suburbs of Mysore, Laxman had developed
passion for drawning since his childhood days. He was drawing
on the walls, floor and halls of the house and his elders did
not impinge or impose their regimen on the creative genius of
budding artist. He was left alone as he cycled to Devaraj Market
to closely watch the vegetable vendors and common men in the
street.
The end of one of the
greatest cartoonists of our
time came on the evening
of February 26, 2015, when
he passed away in a Pune
Hospital. But Laxman’s
Common Man will be alive
till the end of the World.
’
Lifetime Achievement Award was handed over to
sri Laxman by Sri D S Kulkarni, Founder, Chairman
and Managing Director, DSK Group.
Karnataka
March of
OCTOBER
JULY 2015
2014
MARCH
20
“Since childhood I do not remember wanting to do anything
else except drawing” says Laxman in his autobiography ‘The
Tunnel of Time’. How true he was for he did nothing else as he
grew up to become the celebrated Cartoonist. “I drew objects
that caught my eye outside the window of my room—the dry
twigs, leaves, lizard-like creatures crawling about, the servant
chopping firewood, and ofcourse, the number of crows in
various postures on the rooftops of the buildings opposite”. The
crow was also a common figure in his cartoons later on.
The world-famous British Cartoonist David Low had a
profound influence on young Laxman who had an eventful
day when he met Low years later when he was serving in the
Times of India. Even while he was a student in the famous
Maharaja’s college Laxman was drawing sketches for Narayan’s
short stories. His English teacher Kesavan had Laxman’s
sketches published in the college magazine. Outside the college
portals Laxman was a house hold in Karnataka as a popular
humours Kannada magazine Koravanji, edited and published
by Dr Shivaram, an alopathy doctor, encouraged the budding
cartoonist by publishing his works.
After graduation, Laxman went to Bombay (now Mumbai)
in 1940s to join the Free Press Journal, where his colleague was
Bal Thackery, who later became a commanding political force
in Maharastra was also a cartoonist and they remained as friends
till Thackery passed away in 2012. In 1947 Laxman joined the
Times of India beginning his career that spanned over five
decades. It was here during his long stay he, as he acknowledges
“ and it’s as many years since I accidentally discovered the
Common Man. In fact it was the other way round. The Common
Man found me and today he has become so famous that he is
known internationally.’’ Yes, his Common Man character
featured in his pocket cartoons portrayed was a witness to the
making of democracy. There were many readers, fans who
he was looking for, Laxman told an interesting story.
would wait every morning for over five
decades for Laxman’s iconic “Common
Man” who watched the life and politics
in India. The Common Man with his
signature checked jacket, dhoti, Gandhi
glasses and twin tufts of gravity –
defying hair, exposed the hypocrisy in
politics.
Although physically away from
Mysore, Laxman’s attachment and
longing sentiments for his home town,
where he was born, educated and grew
up, Mysore, never diminished. Infact I
had an occasion to meet him in February
2002 in the company of his long timefriend, college mate and reputed Photo
Journalist T S Satyan in the latter’s
house. He had driven to Mysore from
Bangalore after receiving the Lifetime
achievement Award instituted by the
Indian Institute of Cartoonists.
Laxman was very keen and eager to
go round Mysore and relive his days he
spent here. He and Satyan set off to their
alma mater Maharaja’s College, where
Principal Prof. Padma was pleasantly
surprised to see them wandering in the
corridors of the College, having come
there without informing her. They were
in the Junior B A hall and as he stepped
into the hall Laxman went back in time,
recollecting happy moments he spent
as a student. He then surprised all as he
went up the tiered roof of the hall and
was keen to see a desk. He critically
examined the desks and moved his
palm over each of them and seemed to
be feeling disappointed.
Recapitulating the incident Satyan
writes in his autobiography ‘Alive and
Clicking’, when he enquired as to what
“My mind used to wander a great deal in the class room and
I often doodled idly. The teacher’s voice would make me sleepy.
One day I was dreamily gazing across the desk’s surface, when
suddenly I saw very familiar initials-RKP. That was my brother
Pattabhi. Below that was RKN followed by RKS, RKB and
RKR. All my brothers at various stages of their passage through
the portals of the Maharaja’s college had discovered this part of
the desk and left their names. And of course I etched RKL below
the last one and completed the genealogy.” Principal Padma
had a hearty laugh when Laxman asked her to search for those
precious etchings the next morning.
After spending some time in the house where he was born,
and grew up and wandering freely in the familiar Lakshmipurar
suburbs, Laxman and Satyan drove to Narayan’s home in
Yadavagiri. After Narayan had left for Chennai some years earlier
the building was given on rent to a businessman. Laxman was
ecstatic on seeing a flower-laden tree `Deva Kanigale’ and said
he was very much attached to this tree. He had made a drawing
of this tree and had written an article in the Times of India. He
had taken a branch of the tree and had planted it in his Bombay
house, where it flourished and he did the same when he moved
on to Pune later on.
Laxman’s devotion to excellence won him many awards,
which included Padmabushan, Padmavibushan and Raman
Magsaysay Award. The Mysore University honoured him by
conferring Honorary Doctorate in 2004. Due to debilitating
strokes from which he suffered, he could not come to
Mysore and instead the University with its Vicechancellor had moved on to Times of India
office in Mumbai, where Laxman in full
University regalia came in wheel chair
to receive the Award. The entire Office
staff had gathered to witness this
emotional spectacle and this was his
last visit to the Times of India office
from where through his brush strokes
had put smile on every readers’
faces. The end of one of the greatest
cartoonists of our time came on the
evening of February 26, 2015, when
he passed away in a Pune Hospital.
But Laxman’s Common Man will
be alive till the end of the World.
On the following day Laxman
was given a state funeral in Pune
and the Maharashtra Chief
Minister has announced
to build a memorial of the
legendary Cartoonist to inspire
future generations. MoK Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented Kannada Medium Award to the Students in Bengaluru.
Sri R Roshan Baig, Minister for Information and Public Relations also seen.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hearing public grievances at Cauvery in Bengaluru.
Karnataka
March of
OCTOBER
JULY 2015
2014
MARCH
20
22
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah watching the Photo Exhibition organised by the Dept. of Information & Public Relations
on the occasion of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s 125th birth anniversary. DIPR Director N R Vishukumar also seen.
Retired Chief Secretary S V Ranganth submitted report on starting of university on Rural Development &
Panchayath Raj to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. RDPR Minister H K Patil also seen.
23
25 Karnataka
March
March of
of
OCTOBER
JANUARY
MARCH
JUNE 2014
2015
A casket showing the relics of Buddha
Nalanda
Buddhist University in Karnataka
C V Raghavendra Rao
K
arnataka will add another feather in its
cap by establishing the second Nalanda
Buddhist University helping to revive
and reestablish the once flourished golden age of
Buddhism and its contribution to culture, learning
and civilization in the country.
The proposed university will come up at
Jyothigowdanapura in Chamarajnagar district and a
research centre on Dr.B R Ambedkar along with an
84 feet Stupa to exhibit the sacred priced possession
of relics of Lord Goutama Buddha.
Buddhism stimulated and enriched the
intellectual and spiritual life of the country. Due
to its essence of universal love for mankind and
intrinsic vitality and spiritual energy, it spread
beyond the land of its growth.
Buddhist monks adopted life of meditation
and teaching at monastic learning centers called
“Pirivenes”. They later developed the centers as fullfledged universities adopting exemplary discipline
in teaching, discussion and debates to thousands of
learners.
According to historical evidences there were
five major universities established by Buddhist
monks all over the country namely, Nalanda,
Vikramsila, Odantopri and Jagadalala in Somapura.
Nalanda was acclaimed as world famous
university from 5th century onwards for many
centuries under the patronage of several famous
emperors and dynasties which ruled Magada region
in Bihar. The university believed to have attracted
learners for far off places including from many
Asian countries. It accommodated over 10000
students and 2000 scholarly expert teachers.
During days of Buddha, Nalnada was equipped
with huge collection of manuscripts and books on
varied subjects like religion, grammar, literature,
astronomy, astrology, agriculture, medicine, art and
culture which were part of the teaching curriculum.
There were three main libraries at Nalanda
named as Ratna Sagara, Ratno Nidhi and Ratna
Ranjana. It was graced by India’s most brilliant
Buddhist luminaries and contributed their rich
expertise through publication of many books. But
Ancient site of Buddhist monastery
MoK
unfortunately after the invasion of
Nalanda and its surroundings by
other rulers all the precious works
were destroyed.
The Chinese scholar Hieun Tsang
visited Nalanda University during
its golden days and has recorded
his comprehensive account of the
achievement of the university.
He called it as treasure house of
accurate information. There was
an entrance test to admit students to
university done orally. Caste creed
and nationality were no barriers for
learners.
Remarks by Chief Minister
“There is a need to eradicate discrimination in society
based on caste and religion. People should follow the
valuable ideologies of Bhagavan Buddha and human
values propounded by Buddhism.
Dr. B R Ambedkar who fought against caste system and
superstitions embarrassed Buddhism because it allowed
people to live with equality and mutual respect.
Human values clubbed with peace and love propagated
by Buddhism helps to eradicate many social evils in the
society and promotes equality”.
-Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
Efforts are on to re-establish
the glory of Buddhist efforts again
in the country by opening similar
institutions. The first Nalanda
University was opened its doors in
Bihar state in 2014 and the second
university will come up in Karnataka
soon.
Dharma Charka
Appreciating
the
efforts in opening a
special university in the
state along with a research
centre of Ambedkar, chief
minister of Karnataka
Siddaramaiah hailed the
decision and said that the
university will boost the progress
of the area and provide a rich
opportunity to learners to enhance
their knowledge. He announced a
donation of 100 million (10 crores)
and lease of 50 acres of land for
the establishing the university and
research centre at the proposed site.
The university conceived by a
group of international academics
lead by Nobel Prize winner Amartya
Sen will be developed by Nalanda
Buddha Vihar and disciples of
Buddha in Karnataka. The proposed
university has planned to develop it as
an international university focusing
humanities, ancient Indian art and
culture, economics and management,
information technology besides
promoting Asian languages. MoK
“RELICS OF BUDDHA”
‘Emperor Ashoka of Maurya dynasty divided the remains
of Lord Buddha after his “Maha Parinirvana” in to 84000
fragments. Few parts of relics were taken by his daughter
“Sangamitra” to Srilanka to be placed at Buddha Vihar.
A part of relics of Goutama Buddha was brought from
Somathi Buddha Vihar in Srilanka to be placed in new
university area during 2008. The precious relics will be
installed at Chmarajnagar Nalalnda University in a 84 feet
Stupa which will be built along with the university.”
-Revered Bodhidatta Bhante. Nalanda Buddha Vihar.
MoK
25 Karnataka
March of
MARCH
JUNE 2015
2014
Pick A Pearl
T
Chennakeshava temple—
Aralaguppe
he Chennakeshava temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is located in Aralaguppe, a small town
in the Tumkur district. This temple was built by Hoysalas in 13th century.
Though the temple is simple and elegant, it is a highly articulate example of Hoysala architecture.
Architecturally, the plan is 16-star pointed (stellate) with a well design sikhara (tower) over the vimana (shrine).
The kalasa on top. The tower starts with a topping roof which is also 16-star pointed and is followed by four
tiers of square roofs, some of which still have their decorative kalasa.
This is a ekakuta plan (single shrine with a tower) with the temple raised on a platform called jagati.
The Cheif Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah greets the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the
Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bengaluru. His Excellency the Governor of Karnataka
Sri Vaju Bhai Ruda Bhai Vala also seen.
Prime Minister inaugural address at AERO India
Air Show-2015 at Bengaluru.
March of Karnataka (pages 28) MARCH 2015.
``Registered’’ No. KA/BGGPO/2525/2015-2017 and RNI NO KARENG/2010/4081 and licensed to post without
prepayment license No. WPP-55, at GPO Bengaluru on 29th & 30th of every month
Aero India Show - 2015
Bengaluru