Joshna Chinappa clinches Chennai Open

Sports

Chennai:
Joshna Chinappa clinches Chennai Open

Joshna Chinappa claimed her maiden WISPA title at home, and sixth overall, as she rallied to beat third seed Sarah Jane Perry 3-1 in the final of the Chennai Open International Squash championship on Saturday.

The Indian, ranked 71 in the world, recorded a 9-11, 11-4, 11-8, 12-10 win in the summit clash against British rival.

Joshna started off in a sluggish manner and lost the close opening game, in which score were 8-8 at one stage.

However, in the second game, Joshna build up a 6-3 advantage and was swift in her moves, covering the court well.

The Indian took five of the six points to draw the parity, pocketing the second game in just 10 minutes.

The third and the fourth games were closes affairs as Joshna trailed initially in both but showed tremendous fighting ability to comeback and win.
(Agencies)

source: http://www.post.jagran.com / Jagran Post / Home> Sports News / May 26th, 2012

Bahrain: Basava Jayanti-2012 Celebrated in Community Spirit

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's

Kingdom of Bahrain, 20 May 2012:

The Basava Samiti Bahrain organize ’Basava Jayanti-2012’ in the Kingdom of Bahrain with immense enthusiasm and devotion in Ban Sang Thai Restaurant hall recently.

An inaugural welcome with ’mangala kalasa’ and ’tal maddale’ was followed by Basava pooja and prayer with traditional Bharatnatya welcome dance by Basava samiti juniors. Introductory welcome speech was given by Samiti general secretary Shashikala Kallyyanamath.

The famous speaker and master comedian Indumati salimath was invited as chief guest and well-known playback singer Pandit Ravindra Sorganvi, accompanied by renowned tabla player Pandit Satish Hampiholi were invited as guest artistes from Karnataka.

Basava Samiti Bahrain headed by U H Neelkantha as honorary president honoured the chief guests and guest artistes. Shivakumar Kallayyanamath, Ravishankar, Gangadhar Nagthan, R M Patil and Kannada Sangha Bahrain president Rajkumar were the chief guests on the occasion.

Basava Samiti members presented a ’Karnataka Janapada Darshan’, a colourful folk dance choreographed by Raghuram and Praveen Konanje, which included men, women and children performing Dollu Kunita, Kamasale,Yakshagana, Kolata, Kodava Nrutya and Suggi Kunita. The 300-plus audience had a were taken into a different world with the performance. A brief note on the dance was given by Kiran Girish.

The magical voice of Sorganvi and tabla pandit Hampiholi’s flawless beats enthralled the crowd with a lot of devotional, classical, folk and stage-play music. The depth and perfection of Sorganvi’s golden voice impressed the audience.

Indumati Salimath took over to present a string of laughter, message of Basava and advice on healthy social life.

On the successful completion of 30 years of Delta Construction Company, the Basava Samiti Bahrian honoured the dynamic entrepreneur U H Neelakantha as ’Kayaka Yogi’. Sanjay Palled, Shivakumar Kallayyanamath, Shekahr Koppad and Samiti executive committee did the honours.

Neelakantha shared his practical experiences with the gathered audience. He has been a role model for the young generation. He believed in sincere work and supports many charity activities and cultural events in Bahrain.

Shivanand Patil compered the programme, which ended with a vote of thanks by Samiti general secretary and a community dinner.

source: http://www.BelleVision.com / Home> News / by Joel D’Sa / BelleVision Media Network / May 20th, 2012

Bowling talent K.P. Appanna confident of being part of Team India soon

Sports


“IPL is a real test of skill for all players and good performances will definitely be rewarded.”

By K.M. Chengappa

Mysore, May 14
Though due recognition came a bit late for rising talent K.P. Appanna (Ajay), the left arm spinner who created sensation in the on-going Indian Premier League (IPL) series, he is oozing with confidence of getting to play international matches soon, both the T20 format and the One-Day and Test matches.

Appanna of Royal Challengers Bangalore, who got widely appreciated for his four-wicket haul against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL match played on Apr. 24, was given credence for his performance by team-mate AB de Villiers, who in a moving gesture, gifted his Man of the Match award to Appanna [See pic.].

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Appanna said that his selection to the Indian squad depended on his performance both in the IPL and the Ranji, as the selectors closely watched both these formats. “Many world-class batsmen play in the IPL and there is a lot of pressure on the players — not only the international players are under pressure with great expectations from them but the youngsters too have to live up to the standards in the shortest format of the game — which means the IPL is a real test of skill for all and good performances will definitely be rewarded,” opines Appanna.

Bogged down by a knee injury for the past year, Appanna is now fully fit and rearing to go, as he has been proving in the IPL through his spinning prowess, which the India team desperately needs now.

Appanna told SOM that he would like to continue with the RCB in the coming tournaments too and added that he had gre-atly benefited from the bowling tips from former international pla-yers Anil Kumble, Muttiah Murali-tharan and Venkatesh Prasad.

“Yes, I have improved myself a lot. I missed the entire last season due to the knee injury. Though it was very depressing, I had resolved to make myself fit and bounce back to action,” he said.

Appanna, as a specialist slow left arm leg-spinner and a right handed batsman, represented Karnataka at Under-14 level, later playing at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 level. Appanna made his first-class debut for Karnataka as a 17-year-old in 2006. In 2007, he played for India Under-19. He has also represented South Zone. He was selected in the squad for RCB (2009 IPL). He played again for RCB in the 2010 tournament. However, he was not contracted for 2011. In January 2012, he sig-ned for the 2012 tournament after a strong season for Karnataka.

Appanna, aged 23, is the son of Kotramada Prabhu and Rani, residents of Srimangala village in Kodagu. App-anna has an elder brother, Abhishek. Appanna, who began his primary education at a school in Kutta village, Kodagu, continued studies in Bangalore from 5th standard. “Though I love to play hockey, I got more into cricket and was given a lot of encouragement by my parents, physical education teachers and friends,” recalls Appanna who looked forward to the match against Mumbai Indians this evening.

Former Ranji player for Karnataka, S. Vijayaprakash, who also is the Convenor of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Mysore, was all praises for Appanna. “He is a very good bowler and his recent performance will gain credence, considering that he was not in the Ranji squad for the last two seasons owing to injury,” said Vijayaprakash, adding, “Though T20 format has ruined the original game of cricket, the short version helps the players improve in their skills because of the pressure and the chances of getting injured too is higher.”

Vijayaprakash, who said that since Appanna has come back with flying colours in the IPL, his Ranji performance too will be judged, and wished him all the best for his likelihood of being a part of Team India.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / by K.M. Chengappa / Monday, May 14th, 2012

82.52 pass per cent recorded in Kodagu

Education

Of 7,490 students appearing for the SSLC examinations in 2011 in Kodagu district, 6,181 have passed, including repeaters, amounting to 82.52 per cent, according to information received here on Thursday.

Girls account for higher pass percentage as usual with 85.93 followed by boys with 79.08. Although Kodagu recorded 2.43 per cent higher pass than last year, it slipped one rung, finishing 13th in the State among the districts against the 12th place last year, according to N.A. Ramaswamy, Deputy Director of Public Instruction, Kodagu.

Girls outsmarted boys in urban and rural centres in the district recording a pass percentage of 85.69 in the rural areas against 79.11 of boys and 86.18 in the urban centres against 79.08 achieved by the boys.

Pass percentage in Kodagu during 2011 was 80.09 while it was 72.76 in 2010.

A total of 3,656 boys appeared for the examination and out of them 2,892 passed while among the 3,834 girls appearing for the exams, 3,289 passed out.

A total of 245 students passed with distinction, 2,161 with first class, 1,414 with second class the rest passes. There are 148 high schools in Kodagu district — 47 government schools, 48 aided schools, and 53 unaided schools. Of the 20 schools which achieved 100 per cent results, Makkandur and Kanbail schools were government schools and the rest unaided institutions. Last year, 15 schools in Kodagu had secured 100 per cent results.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Mysore, May 18th, 2012

RTE Act to benefit 630 students in Kodagu dist

Education

The department of public instruction, in view to help Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe and other Backward Class children, has implemented the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

N A Ramaswamy, deputy director, said the Act would benefit as many as 630 students in the district. As per the Act, a total of 25 per cent of the total seats should be reserved for children from weaker section of society. Accordingly, a total of 630 students in 81 un-aided schools in three educational blocks would be benefited.

As per the Act, 7.5 per cent seats should be reserved for Scheduled Caste, 1.5 per cent of seats for Scheduled Tribe, and the remaining 16 per cent of seats for orphans, street children and wanderers belonging to backward class, physically disabled (40 per cent) and HIV infected children.

Accordingly, a total of 191 seats would be reserved for SCs, 36 for STs and the remaining 403 seats for other categories mentioned above. The fees for the said students would be paid by the government in two instalments. Applications for such seats under quota may be availed from schools concerned or the office of the block education officers.

Rama Murthy said the decision on category of children — whether orphan, wanderer or street children — will be decided based on the certificate issued by the women and child welfare department, education department and labour departments respectively. Similarly, admission to HIV infected children will be decided based on the certificate issued by health and family welfare department.

Unfilled seats of Schedule Caste can be given to Schedule Tribe students and the decision on other seats will be taken by the school heads concerned. Taluk education officer and headmasters will be responsible for allotting seats. However, the quota will not be applicable for minority schools.

For more details, people can contact the department of public instruction or call on toll free number 1800-425-11016.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri, May 16th, 2012

Yellow balls better for ’keepers, says Chetri

Sports

Chief Minister felicitates players, coaches

The blue coloured hockey turf for the London Olympics might have received flak from players and coaches but India’s goalkeeper-captain Bharat Chetri said though the turf was slippery the yellow balls improved visibility for the goalkeepers.

“Not much of a difference. But, the pitch is a little fast and we just have to get used to it. The turf was slippery and needs time to settle down. The blue colour of the turf and yellow balls helped me to pick the ball easily. We are going to play more matches on the blue pitch before the Olympics which will help us to get used to the conditions,” Chetri said at a function on Monday, organised by the State government to honour the Karnataka hockey players in the Indian team for their outstanding performances in the Asian Champions Trophy and Olympic Qualifiers.

Chetri, who left for Pune in the evening to join the preparatory camp for the London Olympics under coach Michael Nobbs, said the Olympic test event has helped the team to identify the grey areas needed for improvement before the July 27-August 12 mega event. “The team’s fitness wasn’t a problem but we have to work on our defence and finishing. Despite the losses, overall it was a good experience. We now know where we lack when it comes against big teams. There are some technical issues that we need to work on,” pointed out Chetri, who was hit by viral fever during the London test event and missed most of the action.

“Ignace (Tirkey) will be rested for the Azlan Shah Cup and the team will more or less be the same as the one that went to London,” he added.

India won the Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos (China) last September by beating arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2 in the tie-breaker while the hosts trounced France 8-1 in New Delhi in February to seal their place in the London Games.

Six hockey players and three coaching staff from Karnataka were given away cheques to the tune of Rs 49 lakh by Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda. “They have all made the state and the country proud and happy. We hope that the Indian team will get the gold medal at the London Oly-mpics,” said Gowda.

Apart from Chetri, Ignace Tirkey, SV Sunil and drag-flicker VR Raghunath, the foursome who played in both the tournaments were richer by Rs 10 lakh each. Promising youngster SK Uthappa, who donned India colours in the Olympic Qualifiers, received Rs five lakh while VS Vinay, who was the standby in the same meet, got Rs one lakh.

Three members of the coaching staff, goalkeeping coach AB Subbaiah, and assistant coaches BJ Cariappa and Gangadhartapa Shetty took home Rs one lakh each.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to honour 112 national level and international sportspersons for their good performances in the year 2009-10. The amount to be presented will be Rs 1.3 crore.

The Department of Youth Service and Sports will organise an event to honour the sportspersons soon, said a release.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Sports / DHNS / Bangalore, May 14th, 2012

Who, what, when, where, why

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Who are the two models that have been spotted at all IPL shows in India? Mitali Rannorey and Dayana Erappa are the two local faces who usually sashay down the ramp at Prasad Bidapa’s IPL fashion shows.

What is actor Santosh Kumar doing in New York? He is there for a holiday and has been regularly posting updates too. The NYC bug seems to have bitten Santosh, who has forgotten that he is just a tourist and is happily calling himself a New Yorker.

When were fans spotted going berserk outside the Puma store in Indiranagar? When the Deccan Chargers’ cricketers were there for a promotional event. Fans went crazy clicking pictures of their favourite stars.

Where is our Sandalwood brigade heading to this September? Raghavendra Rajkumar, Diganth, Yogi, Yash, Radhika Pandit, Aindrita Roy, Nidhi Subbaiah, Priyamani, musicians Gurukiran, Harikrishna and a choreographer have accepted invitation from AKKA to entertain NRIs in Atlanta.

Why was choreographer Rahul Dev Shetty attracting attention at the recent RCB versus DC match in the city? He made a fashionably late entry but did not seem to enjoy the match. He was more excited about chatting with other guests, devouring delicacies and glugging alcohol.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Talk of the Town / May 11th, 2012

MPs not eager to spend fund on local area

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Bangalore:
Community halls, then roads – that’s what tops every MP’s priority list. A study, done by Public Affairs Centre (PAC), tracks what MPs have done for their constituencies after being elected, and how they have used their Member of Parliament Local Area Development fund (MPLAD).

The study says that construction of community halls is a favourite project, with a majority of MPs giving funds freely for it. Next on priority is the development of roads. “The study shows that only 30% of funds given for Rajya Sabha MPs and 57% of MPLAD funds from Lok Sabha members have been used. Underutilization of funds must be questioned, says Samuel Paul, urban expert, PAC. One example is Bangalore South MP, who has utilized only 25% of his MPLAD fund.

Less educated were the go-getters

As per the study, MPs whose educational qualification is only up to Class 12 have been able to get more funds than MPs who are highly qualified. “When MPs with just PU qualification have been able to make use of up to 65%, Tejaswini Gowda, an MP with a PhD, has used only 26.5% of the funds. They are only policy makers and not executive authorities, why should they be given funds? Instead, the government can use these funds for necessary development,” said Paul.

In the 15th Lok Sabha, between 2009-2011, so far, DB Chandregowda used 100% for Bangalore North constituency, whereas Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan has used 28%, followed by Bangalore South MP HN Ananth Kumar who used a mere 25%.

As per data available in public domain, liquor baron Vijay Mallya, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka during 2004-09, used just 8.5% funds for local area development, whereas Prema Cariappa made use of a whopping Rs 84.7 crore. Among the 13 Rajya Sabha members, M Rajashekara Reddy used a mere 0.9% of the total fund and scores the lowest.

“The problem with Rajya Sabha members is that they are hardly connected with the local area and thus, there is underutilization of funds,” says Paul.

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, MP from Hassan, and Mallikarjuna Gowdar, Davanagere MP, used 100% funds, as against Srikantappa DC from Chikmagalur, who used only 14.1%.

“Overall, experienced MPs showed marginally better utilization than first-timers. Also, first-timers from BJP did better than experienced MPs, while first-timers from Congress did marginally better than experienced MPs,” said Patibandla Srikant, a PAC member who was part of the study.

D V Sadananda used funds quick

In the 14th Lok Sabha (2004-09), D V Sadananda Gowda, then an MP, made use of just 40.9% of funds, but during his second term from 2009, he used 84% just before his resignation, when he became chief minister.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Bangalore / TNN / May 11th, 2012

Flowers, fruits to enthral onlookers in Madikeri

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Show to be held from May 11 to 13
The flower-fruit show at Rajaseat will be unveiled on May 11 at 4.30 pm.

The yearly programme organised by District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and Horticulture Department will be held from May 11 to 13.

This year, the Government has not released any special grant for the flower show owing to drought in many parts of the State. Despite this, the officials are all set to put up a good show.
Despite organising the show in a simple manner, the show is nothing lesser than the previous shows.

The highlight of the show this year will be the drawing of animals and birds using white stones. Monsoon show using test tubes will also enthral the audience this time.

As many as 6,000 flower pots of 125 varieties will be displayed. Some medicinal plants will also be displayed. Names of all the plants will be displayed so as to help the students and general public.

Vegetable carvings will be a part of the show. In the evening, musical fountain and light show will be held.

The programme will be inaugurated by Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah. Zilla Panchayat CEO M P Appachu Ranjan, MLC M C Nanaiah, M P H Vishwanath among others will take part.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri, May 10th, 2012

With every sense of rhythm

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Spinning music
Fatboy Slim was here! Originally christened Norman Cook and nicknamed the godfather of dance music, this artiste is a wizard at the turntable, churning out beats and rhythms which are hard to resist.

And in a City like Bangalore, where chances to dance are few and far between, his performance at EZone Club on Sunday was a welcome opportunity to shake a leg to a few catchy tunes.

The stage was set for a night of trance, electronica and everything to do with dancing – with neon strobe lights and a psychedelic video display.

The crowd came in slowly and was surprisingly sparse through the evening. As darkness began to fall, the hosts of the evening — Nikhil Chinappa and Rohit Barker — emerged on stage and began to keep the crowd entertained with witty one-liners and promises of a legendary night.

Popular turntable artistes DJ Ivan and ‘Brute Force’ took over the opening acts, keeping the crowd pumped up with upbeat music and a pulsing beat.

For the crowd, the event was nothing less than a party. They came with a dazzling array of accessories, and electric blue afros, large sunglasses and flashy bags. Beer and cigarettes were passed freely around and the open-air ground was converted into a makeshift dance floor, the strobe lights adding to the club-like ambience.

The crowd may not have been particularly impressive — to the extent that Nikhil Chinappa actually began to urge the people in the elevated VIP stands to come down and gather around the stage — but the youngsters who turned up knew how to party.

Right before the artiste was set to appear, Nikhil said, “I’m going to come there and have a good time with you guys — that’s how good he is!”, following which he and Rohit Barker slipped off stage. A countdown began to announce Fatboy Slim’s arrival on stage, although it turned out to be a rather flexible one, with the announcers pushing back his arrival time every few minutes.

When he did make an appearance, he crawled onto the stage and crouched under the turntable, urging the crowd to cheer even louder from that position. It was only when his name was finally announced — complete with the electronic version of a drumroll — that he leapt up and the audience went wild.

His energy on stage was incredible; not for a single minute did Fatboy Slim stay still. Instead, he pranced around the turntable, constantly gyrating, pumping his fists and in general, pushing the crowd to the absolute brink of an excitement overdose. He played some of his classic numbers such as ‘Weapon of Choice’, ‘Praise You’, ‘The Rockafeller Skank’, ‘Right Here Right Now’ and ‘Champion Sound’ and although not everyone in the crowd recognised the numbers, they didn’t hold back from having a good time.

Evidently, improvisation is Fatboy Slim’s forte, because he included a few Bangalore references — accompanied with a liberal dose of swearing — into a few of the songs

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Supplements> MetroLife / DHNS / May 07th, 2012