Category Archives: Nri’s / Pio’s

Don’t make a killing

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Nri's / Pio's

Elephant01KF05feb2018

A documentary film about the elephant-man conflict in Karnataka posits that solutions to loss of life due to elephant attacks can only come through co-existence. Not everybody agrees, though. We look for some answers.

There is a moment in Elephants in the Coffee when Naveen Cariappa (his family has farmed an area in Coorg for more than three generations) talks about how media, officials and conservationists rush to the site of an elephant death, but remain silent when a coffee plantation worker is killed as a result of conflict with the very same elephants. The lament encapsulates the kernel of the 58-minute documentary – that the solution to such man-elephant conflict lies not in taking sides, but in pursuing solutions that encourage a peaceful co-existence between both parties.

Created by author, documentary filmmaker and cultural explorer Bhaskar Krishnamurthy and journalist-turned-educator Tom Grant, Elephants in the Coffee looks at the fragile relationship between elephants and humans, and has been shot mainly around Nagarahole National Park and the coffee estates skirting it.

Krishnamurthy, who was in the city for the screening (he is based in the US) says this, his first film on the subject, was born out of a desire to understand what happens as human population grows and elephant habitat shrinks. “Are we at the threshold of cutting our relationship with animals? The more plantation workers die as a result of this conflict, the more tolerance for wildlife is going to reduce. And that doesn’t bode well,” he says. Grant adds: “Cariappa represented an important duality, or internal conflict, among farmers. He loved elephants and nature. He worked with people in the national park to help improve the situation for elephants. But when they began destroying his crops and threatening his workers, he had to seek solutions. He found no reasonable measures by which he, as a small farmer, could protect his farm from crop raiding elephants. In our minds, he is a symbol of the Indian farmer who is being forced to change his attitude toward an animal he once saw as a benevolent god. Now he, as many others, see the elephant as a menace that must be addressed.”

There are others. PC Bopanna, a farmer describes how he survived after an elephant pelted him to the ground, but today, hobbles along on a crutch, his leg badly damaged in the incident, even multiple surgeries later.

Then there is the other side – of elephants losing their habitat, of majestic creatures being robbed of their homes and reduced to residents of tiny spaces once they’re marked as violent and aggressive and eventually, captured. Krishnamurthy speaks with feeling of the 60 elephants housed in captivity in Karnataka, and how they may be alive, but living regimented lives like that for the rest of their days “is no life at all”.

Fences have not worked, as illustrated by viral videos of an elephant slipping under a railway crossing barrier at Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary earlier this year.

Elephants in the Coffee also shows how elephants outsmart all kinds of barriers, trampling them with ease. As the film makes clear, ‘If you make a 20-foot-long moat, the elephant will walk till the 21st foot and cross over there’. Successful models have been few, such as the SMS-based warning system developed by Dr Anand in Valparai to warn workers when an elephant is in the area, or the SMS messaging system at Tata Coffee, demonstrated in the film by biologist Karthic Krishnan.

Conservationist Padma Ashok is also of the opinion that co-existence is the only way forward. She opines that solutions need to be thought of by people local to the area, by taking into consideration the topography, landscape and geographical features of the area. “From the elevation to the length of the river in that area, everything matters. And you need a combination of two-three solutions to tackle the problem, because elephants are able to outsmart most,” she says.

Not everyone agrees, though. Praveen Bhargav, former member of the National Board for Wildlife, believes harmonious co-existence is “one of the greatest myths in conservation”, a utopian idea that “rarely works in the long term with most conflict-prone large mammals”. He advocates “site-specific solutions driven by scientific knowledge and a deep understanding of the social context”. He adds: “Loss of a family member is tragic but it must be seen in perspective. In Karnataka alone, more than 10,000 people have lost their lives in road accidents in 2015 while around 15 people have died due to elephant conflict. Large swathes of elephant habitat have been fragmented/lost due to agriculture, human settlements, encroachments, dams, highways, resorts etc which is a major driver of conflict.

There is no magical solution but conflict can be minimised by spatially separating humans and large wildlife to the extent possible by deflecting developmental projects, preventing ad-hoc grants of public lands by the revenue department, incentive-driven voluntary resettlements and innovative ideas for creating viable buffers around reserves involving local communities. In some specific cases, marooned, isolated population of elephants may have to be moved out to minimise conflict.”

Krishnamurthy believes the biggest problem is a lack of education. People have no idea what impact a cup of their coffee is having in the wild. He suggests the promotion of sustainable wildlife products, say by giving “a premium to the coffee you drink”. “At least that way a part of it will go back to wildlife conservation.” He would also like more stringent requirements for ownership of coffee estates and homestays that have mushroomed indiscriminately in these areas over the past few years. “So many of them are owned by people living, say, in Bengaluru. Maybe one way to minimise the number of such estates is to lay down laws that owners have to have strong roots in Coorg,” he explains. And to ensure better welfare of the captured elephants, mahouts need to be treated better and paid more. “Otherwise they’re losing interest and daily wage labourers who are paid a pittance and have no interest in forming a relationship with the animal, are taking their place.” The best answer, though, he believes, is technology. “Even the SMS warning service is eventually a human intervention. Instead, I’m sure that in Bengaluru we can develop technology to identify elephant movement and tracking, where there is no need at all for a person to physically go out there and do it.”

For Grant, the solution also lies in people considering the cost of their cup of coffee. As he puts it: “Americans drink an average of three cups of coffee each, but they have little idea how coffee is grown. India is one of the top exporters of coffee. And now Tata has a joint operating agreement with American coffee giant Starbucks. Yet no one in America who drinks coffee knows that India’s elephants are locked in a struggle for survival with the people who grow coffee.”
The answer isn’t that people stop drinking coffee, he emphasises.

Rather, “if every coffee drinker gave a penny for elephants with every cup, we could solve this problem in an instant”.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Opinion> Sunday Read / by Sowmya Rajaram, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / April 30th, 2017

Team Coorg shine at Republic Day of India Hockey Festival

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, Sports, World Opinion

Muscat:

Team Coorg overcame Oman Veterans XI to win the top honours in the Republic Day of India Hockey Festival at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday.

The annual Festival was organised by Friends of Naqvi Group and Team Coorg under the patronage of Indian Embassy.

In a closely-contested final of the Republic Day of India Trophy, Team Coorg outlasted Oman Veterans XI for a 5-4 victory and to lift the title for the second successive time. Belu Kutappa winning the best player award came as an icing on the cake for the triumphant Team Coorg.

Meanwhile, there was a double delight for Indian School Al Seeb with their boys team winning the Ambassador’s Cup for men after defeating Indian School Maabella and the girls squad lifting the Ambassador’s Cup for women by beating Indian School Maabella.

Chief guest Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey presided over the Festival, which was also graced by Oman Hockey Association chairman Talib Al Wahaibi and former Oman Olympic Committee vice-chairman and chairman of football and athletic associations Sheikh Soud Al Rawahi as guests of honour and Syed Anwar Ahsan, an Oman Cricket official and General Manager of Raha Poly Products, as the special guest.

During the presentation ceremony, the organisers also honoured distinguished personalities from the Indian community, including Dr. Benny Panakkal, eminent cardiologist and Medical Director of Badr Al Saama Hospital, Dr. Satish Nambiar, Chairman of Indian Social Club (ISC), Leena Francis, Principal of Indian School Al Seeb. Indian School Muscat’s musical talent Santrupth Vedanthi and MK Iqbal, famous cricket coach and Ranji Trophy player from Tamil Nadu, and Inayat Naqvi, former national hockey level player from India, were also feted during the ceremony.

Mohammed Noordeen, General Manager of the Future Group of Companies was awarded the trophy and memento for being the main sponsors. The event is co-sponsored Bank Muscat, Raha Poly Products, ROCA (Khimji Ramdas Group), Monalisa Grand Mall, Mohammed Rafiq & Partners, UTSC, Team Coorg Muscat, Pocari Sweat (Muscat Pharmacy), Oasis Water Company, Al Omaniya Financial Services, Oman Hockey Association, Al Ansari Group of Companies and Oman United Insurance.

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Times News Service / January 14th, 2018

Oman hockey: Dhyan Chand Day six-a-side hockey tournament a grand success

Nri's / Pio's, Sports, World Opinion

Muscat:

An overwhelming response from hockey aficionados and equally existing action produced by the participating teams made the 12th Dhyan Chand Day six-a-side hockey tournament a grand success.

The annual event, organised by Team Coorg and Friends of Naqvi Group under the patronage of Indian Embassy, took place at the OFA Ground in Al Qurm on Friday.

Four teams, each named after former India captains and Olympians – Dhyan Chand XI, Kishen Lal XI, K.D. Singh Babu XI and Balbir Singh Senior XI – entertained the hockey lovers while competing for the top honours in the tournament.

In the end it was Dhyan Chand XI who emerged the winners with Kishen Lal XI taking the second place. K.D. Singh Babu XI settled for the third place.

With Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey missing the event due to other commitments, Rakesh Adlakha, the First Secretary and Head of Chancery, was the special guest and handed over the prizes.

In his speech Rakesh Adlakha paid rich tributes to Dhyan Chand who is known as the hockey wizard and spoke about the legends contribution to the world hockey.

The Indian Embassy official also spoke highly about Team Coorg, Belu Kuttappa, SAS Naqvi and other members of the organising committee and lauded their efforts in organising such hockey events.

During the occasion, the organisers also honoured the young talents and women from the expatriate community for their achievements and contribution to sports.

Among those honoured during the event were Sanskar Dubey, an Indian School Muscat student who has been excelling both in tennis and table tennis on the local circuit, and Madhulika Gupta, a well-known social worker as well as a women’s cricket and sports volunteer.

Meanwhile, the organisers thanked Dr. Hammad Hamed Al Ghafri, the former President of Oman Olympic Committee and presently the Advisor of Ministry of Civil Services, and the Future Group of Companies for their support to the event.

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Times News Service / September 25th, 2017

Oman hockey: Team Coorg, Indian School Al Seeb triumph at Independence Day of India Hockey Festival

Nri's / Pio's, Sports, World Opinion
Members of Team Coorg pose for a group photo after winning the Independence Day Cup. Photo - Supplied
Members of Team Coorg pose for a group photo after winning the Independence Day Cup. Photo – Supplied

Muscat:

As expected the annual Independence Day of India Hockey Festival proved a grand success with Team Coorg and Indian School Al Seeb taking top honours at the iconic Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Friday evening.

The 2017 edition of the annual hockey fiesta, organised by the Friends of Naqvi Group and Team Coorg under the patronage of Embassy of India and with the support of Oman Hockey Association, turned out to be a memorable affair with FIH chief Narinder Batra and AHF CEO ‘Dato’ Tayyab Ikram sending a special congratulatory message and the organisers themselves inviting some special guests associated with Omani and Indian sports.

While the day’s proceedings included a number of cultural evens, the highlights obviously were two hockey tournaments – the Independence Day Cup and Ambassador’s Cup.

The Independence Day Cup witnessed some fierce competition among the participating teams. The tournament culminated in a thrilling final where Team Coorg Muscat overcame Oman Veterans in a 1-0 victory to lift the coveted trophy.

Team Coorg UAE, who have been regularly participating in the Festival, earlier settled for the third place.

The Indian School Al Seeb team, meanwhile, produced some exciting hockey before lifting the Ambassador’s Cup.

The Indian School Al Seeb and Indian School Mabella teams played a women’s hockey exhibition game.

Chief guest Sushma Pandey, wife of Indian Ambassador Indramani Pandey, presided over the proceedings and handed over the prizes.

The organisers also honoured the special invitees from India – Hockey India associate vice-president and Madhaya Bharat Hockey Association chief Devender Pratap Singh Tomar and Madhya Bharat Hockey Association secretary Niranjan Singh Gurjar.

Oman Cancer Association chief Dr. Wahid Al Kharusi, who previously served as the president of Asian Federation of Sports Medicine, Oman Hockey Association chairman Talib Khamis Al Wahaibi, Indian Social Club chief Dr. Satish Nambiar, Ahli-Sidab Club vice-chairman Yasser Abdullah Al Halwani and Oman Hockey Veterans team member Mustafa Al Lawati were guests of honour on the occasion.

The organisers honoured the visiting hockey officials fro India.
The organisers honoured the visiting hockey officials fro India.

Mustafa Al Lawati, on behalf of Oman Hockey Veterans Committee, presented Monalisa coupons worth OMR. 100 to the schools teams and he also presented traditional Omani ‘khanjars’ to organisers Belu Kuttappa, Javis Ahmed, Osama Rawat and SAS Naqvi.

As in the past, the organisers also presented the youth awards to the talented youngsters of the Indian community and this year the awards went to talented tennis and table tennis player Sanskar Dubey and athlete Antonio Thomas Biju.

The organisers honoured the visiting hockey officials fro India.
The organisers honoured the visiting hockey officials fro India.

The Festival was mainly sponsored by the Future Group which consists of Future Plastics, Future Management, Muscat Services, Quality Printers, Femco and Future Overseas

The event was co-sponsored by Khimji Ramdas, Bank Muscat, Roca, Raha Poly Products, Oman United Insurance, Al Omaniya Financial Services, Mohammed Rafeeq & Partner, Al Ansari Group, Monalisa, Team Coorg Muscat, Pocari Sweat and Oasis Water.

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Times of News Service / August 15th, 2017

Dubai: Koddagu Dakshina Kannada Gowda Samaja concludes blood donation campaign

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

Dubai :

Kodagu Dakshina Kannada Gowda Samaja successfully concluded their annual ‘Blood Donation Campaign’ on Friday June 30 from 10 am to 3 pm at Sheikha Latifa Hospital, Dubai participated by very many members of the Sangha and friends.

As the requirement of blood is very much essential during Ramadan, the active members of the Sangha from Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai& Abu Dhabi voluntarily came forward in large numbers and donated blood for a good cause.

KodaguGowdaKF11jul2017

Founder President Ashok Uluvarna, Past President Ganesh Achhandira, Harish Kodi, Vice President Sunil Mottemane, General Secretary Kanneriyan Sunil Kumar, and TreasurerDilipUluvaru, were present during the campaign supporting the donors. Also present were Navin Gowda of Vokkalikgara Sangha, Dr. Nanda Kishore & Dr. Rashmi Nandakishore of Riva Laser Beauty and Spa & Dr. TrilokChandrashekar of Medi Clinic Hospital, Abu Dhabi who all participated in the blood donation campaign.

Rahul Bidappa, Ashish Kodi, AyushKodi, Meena Harish Kodi&JagadishKushalappa ably volunteered the campaign helping the donors in registering and completing the formalities. All those participated in the campaign were served with light refreshments, tea, coffee, fruits & juices by KusumadaraKodi, Ashok Ullvarana, ChandrakantKudwaje, Suresh Kumpala, SubramanyaKadikadka, Yathish Gowda, DilipUluvaru, SamarthaBantwal& Vinod Ramachandra who also sponsored the event.

Roshan Kampala& Praveen Kalagadge were responsible for the campaign while BalaSalian took charge of the programme.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Middle East / by Shodhan Prasad / Wednesday – July 05th, 2017

CFO of audiology practice named business woman of the year

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Albuquerque, NM :

The Professional Business Women-Albuquerque chapter has selected an executive of a hearing care practice as “Albuquerque Business Woman of the Year.” Honored was Naina Ballachanda, chief financial officer of Premier Hearing Center, which serves thousands of patients with hearing loss from five locations New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.

In the award citation, Ballachanda was described as a “strong female leader [who] leaves an outstanding impression on people.”

The honoree is married to Bopanna Ballachanda, PhD, CEO and director of audiology at Premier Hearing Center, who was formerly on the faculty at Purdue University and the University of New Mexico.

source: http://www.hearinghealthmatters.org / Hearing Health & Technology Matters / by David Kirkwood / November 12th, 2011

Oman Hockey: Team Coorg lift Starcare Cup UTSC Gulf hockey title

Nri's / Pio's, Sports, World Opinion
Team Coorg celebrate with their trophy after defeating UTSC in the final of the Starcare Cup Gulf Hockey Fiesta on Saturday. Photo - Supplied
Team Coorg celebrate with their trophy after defeating UTSC in the final of the Starcare Cup Gulf Hockey Fiesta on Saturday. Photo – Supplied

Muscat:

Team Coorg defeated United Thalassery Sports Club (UTSC) to retain the title at the Starcare Cup Gulf Hockey Fiesta at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Saturday.

In an exciting final, Team Coorg defeated UTSC by a 2-0 margin.

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) sanctioned event was organised with the support from Oman Hockey Association (OHA).

Earlier in the semifinals, Team Coorg defeated KSA Dammam 3-2 while UTSC defeated One Thousand Hockey Legs (OTHL) team from India 3-0.

The young boys of OTHL, run by noted hockey journalist K.Arumugam, were the star attraction of the tournament.

Talib Al Wahaibi, Chairman of Oman Hockey Association, and Dr. Mohammed Naseem, CEO of Starcare Hospitals, presented the prizes.

Speaking on the occasion, OHA chief Talib Al Wahaibi said: “I congratulate UTSC for this wonderful event and all teams had performed really well. On behalf of OHA, I extend my greetings and support to all of you.”

Veteran hockey personality S.A.S. Naqvi also graced the occasion.

The teams which took part in the event are Oman Veterans, Saham Sports Club junior team, Ahli-Sidab junior team, KSA Dammam, Al Naqi Strikers, Muscat Foxes, Pak Falcons, Team Coorg, OTHL, Young Stars Bahrain and UTSC.

“We are so pleased to support the Gulf Hockey Cup conducted by UTSC. It was a great event and it looked like a festival here rather than a hockey tournament,” Dr. Mohammed Naseem of Starcare Hospitals, said.

Pradhan Somanna of Team Coorg was adjudged the player of the tournament. The other individual awards went to OTHL’s Deepasau (best goalkeeper), Team Coorg’s Nani (top scorer), KSA Dammam’s Ismak (best defender) and Saham Club’s Ilyas (most prmosing youngster). Saham Club Juniors won the fairplay award.

While Starcare Hospitals were the main sponsor for the event, the other sponsors were Malabar Gold, Home Mart International, Modern Exchange, United Projects, Al Rahwan, Badar Shipping, Air India, Al Sarooj, Al Omaniya

Finance, FRiENDi Mobile, Al Nahla Solutions, FAP, Air Arabia, Lynz, Pocari Sweat, Oasis Water, Al Ain Water, Haffa House Hotel and Fairtrade.

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Times News Service / February 19th, 2017

Creative spirit

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion


A month-long festival of words, performance and visual art, all inspired by the ghost story is taking over the Leeds Library. Yvette Huddleston reports.

There’s a bit of a chill in the air at Leeds Library this month when it hosts a programme of events and interventions entitled The Haunting: Ghosts of Every Shade.

The Haunting is presented by Alchemy – a Leeds-based arts organisation which aims to connect people through the arts and open doors to new ideas through shared cultural experience – working in collaboration with the Library, Leeds International Film Festival and Ilkley Literature Festival.

The Library itself, on Commercial Street in the heart of Leeds, was founded in 1768 and is the oldest surviving example of the ‘proprietary subscription library’ in Britain. It is also rumoured to be haunted by a former librarian from the 19th century, so it is the perfect 
venue for the month-long programme.

“The space is very evocative – it lends itself to all kinds of interventions,” says Nima Poovaya-Smith, curator and director of Alchemy. “It is an inspirational source of stories through its diverse collections and in putting the programme together we have worked with the rhythm and ambience of the library.”

Pulling together a variety of different art-forms which complement and repsond to each other, visitors are in for a treat. Internationally acclaimed writers Simon Armitage, Imtiaz Dharker, Rommi Smith and John Siddique explore not only the thrills and chills but also the more reflective and provocative aspects of ghosts and hauntings through poetry, performance, short stories.

There are enigmatic installations from artist Zareena Bano and others, plus soundscape, dance, vocals and film with around sixteen new commissions as well as performances, masterclasses, workshops and ghostly trails.

And it’s a wide brief that’s open to all sorts of interesting interpretations. “The project grew out of my own love and passion for ghost stories, particularly the stories of M R James and Edith Wharton, but we are not just looking at haunting in the supernatural sense,” says Poovaya-Smith. “People are haunted in all kinds of ways; haunting can be metaphorical not just literal so we have a great depth with what the artists have done.”

Our fascination with ghost stories is long-standing and complex – on the most profound level they are a reminder of our own mortality – and it is a tradition that crosses cultures and continents.

“I think there are many reasons for our interest in them,” says Poovaya-Smith. “But I think one element is the concept of being ‘safely scared’ – it’s a thrill. And there is such a rich tradition of demonology and dark forces. Then there is our curiosity about the possibility of an afterlife, especially if we have lost somebody.”

A highlight of the programme is artist Steve Manthorp’s exquisitely detailed and mildly discomfiting The Haunted Doll’s House, based on MR James’ classic ghost story of the same name.

“Steve shares my passion for MR James’ work and he told me that he has been wanting to make a Haunted Doll’s House for about thirty years,” says Poovaya-Smith. “It was an idea that haunted him.”

Other highlights include ceramicist Adele Howitt’s installation which responds to Edith Wharton’s psychologically unsettling story Pomegranate Seed and a late night walk through Ilkley with Literature Festival apprentice poet in residence Mark Pajak sharing scary stories and poetry that reveal the macabre folklore and history associated with some of the town’s landmarks.

Across the month there will be numerous workshops and masterclasses including poetry masterclasses by Simon Armitage and Rommi Smith and a spooky Halloween workshop.

“None of the artists have done anything obvious, everyone has produced exquisite work, they have outdone themselves,” says Poovaya-Smith. “In the library itself we have several interventions. We have put objects in bookshelves for people to discover, so around every corner you encounter something interesting.” She adds, smiling: “All these things came together, one might say, in an almost supernatural way.”

The Haunting: Ghosts of Every Shade runs until November 7. For the full programme details visit www.alchemyanew.co.uk

source: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk / The Yourshire Post / Home> LifeStyle> Books / by Yvette Huddleston / Friday – October 14th, 2016

Fiction: Good Hope Road by Sarita Mandanna

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Good Hope Road by Sarita Mandanna
Good Hope Road by Sarita Mandanna

There’s a road called Good Hope Road in Washington, D.C. and many of the events in Sarita Mandanna’s second novel occur around Good Hope Road in 1932, as America’s WWI veterans march for the passing of the Bonus Bill, legislation entitling war veterans to a decent income and health care. Vietnam and Afghanistan veterans still have these same issues today.

But this is not a political novel, rather it is a tale of how WW1 affected a rich New England heir and his unlikely best friend, a dirt-poor young black man from Louisiana.

James and Obadaiah are in Paris when war breaks out, and both decide to join the French Foreign Legion. Had they known the horrors that lay ahead, they might have just gone home.

Years later, they have lost contact and James is practically estranged from his adult son Jim. When Jim meets an actress from Boston, Madeleine, things change. Madeleine is determined to mend the rift between father and son.

With much persuasion, James Senior eventually decides to do something about his post-war embitterment and so lobbies the press about furthering the veterans’ Bonus Bill. What starts out as a letter of complaint leads to a national movement, and a new lease of life for James Senior.

The story sweeps from one World War to the next, as Mandanna explores themes of family, friendship, race, civil rights and the utter futility of war.

Epic in its scope, yet beautifully intimate and poetic in its style, it’s a keeper.

Sunday Indo Living

source: http://www.independent.ie / Independent.ie / Home> Entertainment Newsletter / by Anne Cunningham / October 10th, 2016

Sharjah: Multitalented Ganesh Rai to be honoured with ‘Global Man Award’

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Dubai :

Multitalented former president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, B K Ganesh Rai is being bestowed with the ‘Global Man Award 2015’ for his contributions to Kannada language, literature, art, folk and social service both globally and in India and is the only one chosen from the UAE for this award. The award will be presented to him during the 12th Vishwa Kannada Samskruthi Sammelana and 13th anniversary of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah celebrations to be held on November 19 and 20 at Al Boom Tourist Village, Sharjah, UAE.

Ganesh Rai is the name that flashes in the minds of every Kannadiga specially in the UAE when it comes to matters of creativity. Multitalented, one can call him “Sakala Kala Vallaban”, be it different forms of painting, from miniatures to wall size, various forms of sculptures, from paper pulp to plaster or parry’s, large stage settings, tableaux, palatial sets, photography, videography, brochures, digital banners, souvenirs, models… you name it and you will find the skills in this great man, Ganesh Rai. He will simply smile and says yes without any hesitation, as for him work is worship and so he does it with ease. He is a good speaker too, a recepient of “Karnataka State Best Teacher Award” in the year 1993.

Hailing from Madikeri, Coorg, Ganesh Rai was born to Thulasiamma and Krishnappa Rai who themselves sound ‘Krishna Tulasi’, close to the Lords. Madikeri has gifted to the world this unique personality called Ganesh Rai who always keep saying “Elladaru iru, yenthadaru iru, yendendhigu nee Kannada vaagiru. (Live wherever you want to, be whatever you want to be, but remain a Kannadiga forever).”

Professor of art, B K Ganesh Rai needs no introduction in this part of the world. He is a person who rises above boundaries of colour, caste, creed, religion and language. Be it a request for art, stage setting, designing, printing, executing brochures, logos, invitations, souvenirs, sculpture, decorating stage from any corner of people, any corner of UAE, at any point of time, you will find only one person who creates with a smile and executes in spite of his busy schedule. ‘Sirigannadam Gelge, Sirigannadam Baalge’ – he never forgets to say that when completing his speech in any of the respected podiums he addresses.

Ganesh Rai’s Work – Service without Boundaries

* Turnkey project management for almost all social organisations without linguistic barriers
* Conceptualization, designing, printing and distribution of invitations
* Creation of giant size banners, stage backdrops, stage settings, cut-outs, posters etc.
* Creative journalism writing to various web media flashing timely news around the world
* Publication of high profile visit reports of specially invited artistes and guests from India
* Master of ceremony (MC) par excellence with easy flow of language and literature
* Conceptualization of ‘Certificate of Honour’ for dignitaries, high profile guests, artistes etc.
* Concept, design and execution of various souvenirs to almost all the existing Associations in UAE
* Creating sculptures especially Ganesha idol every year, Narayan Guru idol and many more
* Paintings of deities, brush arts, pencil art, charcoal art and various naturalistic creations
* Assumed and discharged active role as president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2004
* Conducted first blood donation camp for Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in association with MOH
* Attends all blood donation camps organised by various associations and spreads awareness
by creating banners, role-ups and notices for blood donation camps and providing media news
* Compiled, created and released brochure of all Karnataka-based organisations’ blood donations. Brochure released by M K Lokesh, Ambassador of India
* Record of Indian blood donors presented to governments of India, UAE and Karnataka
* Helping the unfortunate deceased Indians in formalities of sending the mortal remains to India
* Enlightening and spreading the essence of Kannada as a soldier of Karnataka to Kannadigas
* Attained appreciations and accolades from almost all Karnataka based associations, and from Tamil, Malayalam and other Indian associations
* Won accolades from NMC Group where he is serving as creative art director
* Supported people of Bangladesh during the flood and natural disasters and helped those affected by the calamities.

Rai, a BCom graduate of Government College, Madikeri, a fine arts diploma holder of Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Art6s, an art master certificate holder from Kalanikethan School of Arts, Mysore and Mahalasa School of Arts, Mangaluru, is very well supported by his charming wife Manjula Rai, beautiful daughter Aishwarya Rai and handsome son Monish Rai.

Below are some of the creations for which he has been applauded:

Rai’s creations in India

Sculpture / Statues: Created Pushpanjali, Elephants, Lion and Carving Designs in the year 1974 at Govt Junior College Madikeri – Courtesy P P Ayyanna, principal, and unveiled by Field Marshal K M Cariappa

Ganapathy Statues: From 1979 onwards he has created more than 350 statues (2ft – 12 ft) for Karnataka Electricity Board Madikeri 1979-1995, Archana Ganapathy Festival, Virajpet, Angala Parameshwari Temple, Virajpet, Sri Rama Mandir Dechoor Madikeri, Hindu Yuva Shakti New Extn, G T Circle, Madikeri.

Paper Pulp Statues: Created paper moulding statues 8ft-12ft of different styles at Madikeri Dasara Festival, Gonikoppal Dasara Festival, viz, Ganapathy, Natya Ganapathy, Durga Parameshwari, Lakshmi, Saraswaty, Cauvery, Subramanya, Veera Hanumaan, Soorya Bhagavan with Seven Horses, Shanmuka Tarakasura vadhe, Vishnu Bhagavan, Narada, Thumbura, Shiva Linga, Lions, Tigers, Swamy Ayyappa, Maha Kali and many more. Also at Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Gouli street Madikeri, Kote Mariyamma Temple new Extn. Madikeri, Dechoor Sri Rama Mandir Madikeri, Kote Ganapathy Temple Madikeri, Kundurumotte Chamundeshwari Temple Madikeri Uma Maheshwari Temple Gonikoppal, Sree Hanuman Garadi, Beltangadi, South Canara, Bhuvaneshwari Statue – Kannada Rajyotsava celebration – Virajpet etc.

Concrete Moulding Statues: Created 9 ft Cauvery Statue both front and back faced double dimension in front of Cauvery Kalakshetra Madikeri, St Michael Statue (9 ft) at St Michael’s Church Madikeri, St Mary Statue at Kedamalloor Church – Virajpet, Nandi Basava – Arameri Kalancheri Mata statues, Raghavendra Swamy Statue at Raghavendra Temple – Mantralaya, AP, Karu Mariyamma / Nandi / Shiva Linga statues at Karu Mariyamma Temple Madikeri, Swamy Vivekananda 12 ft statue at Cauvery Krupa Madikeri and Prabhavali at Ganapathy Temple Virajpet

Wax Statues: Created Ganapathy, Lakshmi, Sarswathy, Cauvery statues at Madikeri.

Oil Colour/Water Colour Paintings: Created Birth Place of Cauvery oil color canvas painting for Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Board, Chennai. Also created Field Marshal K M Cariappa lifesize oil colour painting, Gopala Krishna Gokale lifesize oil colour painting for Govt Junior College Auditorium Madikeri, Coorg landscape paintings in oil colour for Public Library Virajpet, Jayaprakash Narayan oil colour portrait for A B Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, Omkareshwara Temple by night oil colour painting for Lalitha Kala Academy Bengaluru and many painting collections in Delhi, USA, Australia, France, Dubai etc.

Besides, he has participated in a number of art exhibitions in several places right from 1977.

Souvenir Cover Page Design and Logos

Created souvenir pages for 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Madikeri, Madikeri Kodava Samaj Amruta Mahotsava (80 Years), Karnataka Police Centenary Celebration, St Anne’s Church 200 years Celebration, Kodagu Dist Honey & Wax Co-op Society Virajpet.

Created logos for Kodagu District Co-op Central Bank, Kodava Sahitya Academy, Kodagu Zilla Parishat, 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Taranga Virajpet, St Anne’s High School Virajpet, Many more commercial company

He was responsible for multi-coloured picture, offset printing at Shivakasi which was the first time a multi-coloured picture was published in Kodagu (1980)

Birth Place of River Cauvery – Released by Field Marshal K M Cariappa.
Tala Cauvery – Poster released by A Ramaswamy, former deputy commissioner, Kodagu
Tala Cauvery – Triveni Sangama, Theerta Kundike – Picture cards released by M K Poovaiah
Tala Cauvery – Raja Seat Madikeri, Abbi Falls Madikeri – Greetings cards released by R Gundu Rao, the then chief minister of Karnataka
Cauvery – Amar Chitra Katha (pictorial book) Kannada, English, Kodava language released by M C Nanaiah, the then law minister of Karnataka government.
Aishwaraiswara Kubera Lakshmi, Framing picture – Released by Shekar Shetty of Arab Udupi Group of Hotels UAE

Organisations Served

President –Kodagu Kala Parishat / Kodagu Art Masters Association
Secretary –Bharat Scouts and Guides Taluk Association
Secretary –Kodagu District Bunts Association
Founder Member – ‘Taranga’ Cultural Association Virajpet
Technical Advisor – Field Marshal K M Cariappa Statue Committee, Madikeri

Rai’s activities in United Arab Emirates from 1996 onwards

Served as creative art director at Mirrage Advertising, Winning Communivations, Modern Graphics and now currently serving as creative director in Gulf Public Relations Advertising – Signage Division, NMC Group

Public Service

President – Karnataka Sangaha Sharjah 2004 – 2006
Entertainment Secretary – Karnataka Sangha Dubai 2000-2002
Art Director – UAE Tulu Koota Dubai, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE
Organising Committee Member – UAE Bunts -2000-2001
Blood Donation Camp, 2006 – Karnataka Sangha Sharjah and Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman and Ministry of Health, Sharjah

Art works created in UAE: Digital banners created with the concept of Karnataka art and culture and Indian traditional art for Karnataka Sangha Dubai, UAE Tulu Koota, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, UAE Bunts, Mogaveers UAE, Billawas Dubai & Northers Emirates, Billawas Dubai, Gulf Billawa Sangha, Daiji Rang Mandir, Symphony Music Institute – Ajman/Sharjah, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE, Nama Tuluveru UAE, Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE, Devaadiga Sangha UAE.

Logos created in UAE for Karnataka Sangah Sharjah, UAE Tulu Koota (decennial), UAE Bunts, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Al Ain Kannada Sangha, Dhvani Pratistana UAE (silver jubilee), Mogaveers UAE, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE, Gulf Kannadiga Forum, Devadiga Sangha UAE, UAE Tamil Sangam, Mangalore Konkans (20 years), Daiijiword website, Kannadadhvani website

Stage settings and gateway creations in UAE with the concept of Karnataka art and culture and Indian traditional art for Karnataka Sangah Dubai – Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore setting in 2001, Mysore Palace setting in 2002 (Karnatakotsava – Vishnuvardhan Kannada cine star), UAE Tulu Koota – Tulunadu setting.

Tableaux, gateways and souvenirs designed

* UAE Bunts Souvenir Cover page design – 1999
* Karnataka Sangha Dubai Souvenir – “Gaana Vaibhava”2001 , “Chandana” 2010
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah – “Saadhane” – 2006
* Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha “Rajata Rashmi” – 2006
* Mangalore Konkans Dubai 2003 – 2010
* Billawas Dubai & Northern Emirates “Suvarna Kedage”- 2007
* UAE Tulukoota – “Sangama” 2000
* St Mary’s Church Dubai – 2005
* St Francis Assisi Jebal Ali – 2007
* St Michael’s Church Sharjah
* SMC Malayalee Catholics
* Tamil Sangam Ras Al Khaimah
* SMC Fr Daniel’s Hon Souvenir
* Dhvani Pratistaana UAE – “Kannada Naadu Nudi Rakshane” Cover
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah -” Suvarna Karnataka Picture Card”

Besides, he has written and conceptualised a book titled ‘Footprints – A fascinating journey’ to Padmashri Dr B R Shetty.

Awards

Honoured at Govt Junior College Madikeri 1974 at Field Marshal K M Cariappa unveiling ceremony of sculptured art work, Main Gate GJC Madikeri
Karnataka State Best Teacher Award – 1993 by Karnataka Teachers Benefit Fund Bangalore
Karnataka Rajyotsava District Award -1987 by R Gundu Rao, the then chief minister of Karnataka
Gold Medal -1987 at Lakshadeepotsava Dharmasthala by Dr Veerendra Heggade
State Level Honouring – 1993 – at Gokrananatheshwara Temple Mangaluru, by Sri Pejawar Swamiji
Dr Shivaram Karanth Shilpa Kala Rathna Award – 1983 at Karnataka Electricity Board – Madikeri, by K A Somanna, state commissioner, Bharat Scouts – Karnataka
Kala Praveena Award – 1984 Ganapathy Utsava Samiti Gandhi Nagara Virajpet by Sri Shanthamalla Swamiji, Arameri Mata
Kala Kirana Award – 1990 at Angala Parameshwari Temple Virajpet, by M K Poovaiah, president, town muncipal council, Virajpet
Honoured at 100 years Karnataka Police Celebration – 1984 by P S Ramanujam, DIG Mysore
Honoured at Lalitha Kala Academy, Bangalore -1991 by P R Thippeswamy, president, Lalitha Kala Academy Bangalore
Honoured at Madikeri Dasara – Navaratri festival by M C Nanaiah, the then law minister Karnataka
Honourred at Sarva Dharma Sammelana – Arameri Math, by Shiva Kumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Math,Tumakuru and Shantha Malla Swamiji Kalncheri Arameri Math
Honoured at Madikeri Dasara Utasav Temples by Kanchi Kaamkshi Temple, Kote Mariyamma Temple
Honoured by Kodagu Bunts Association 1993 at Rotary Hall Madikeri
Honoured at Vishwa Bunts Convention -1993 at Art Exhibition – Chitra Kala Parishat Bangalore by Dr Shivarama Karanth and Jeevaraj Alva, the then minister of Kannada and culture, Karnataka

Awards in UAE

Was honoured with ‘Mayura Award’ by Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2009
Received ‘Prathiba Puraskar Award’ at Vishwa Kannada Cultural Convention in 2009
Honoured at Nama Tuluveru ‘Tuluvere Parba 2012’
Honoured at Kuvempu Utsava 2012 at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Honoured at UAE Bunts Satyanarayana Pooja by Dr. B.R. Shetty in 2015
Honoured at UAE Tulukoota Silver Jubilee Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Devadigas Dubai Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Ramakshatriya Sangha in 2015
Honoured by Shri. Veerendra Hegde at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sanga Rajyotsava Celebration 2015

Other than the above there are innumerable events Ganesh Rai has contributed selflessly to in one or the other way which was noticed and appreciated by the concerned on various occasions.

In my view, Ganesh Rai should be considered as a great asset to the Kannadigas in the UAE and India as well, for his contribution so far. With his sheer enthusiasm and commitment towards Kannada and Tulu language, he is promoting community spirit from so many years in this part of the world. He deserves all accolades and appreciation from the government of Karnataka which should recognize his service towards Kannada/Tulu language, art, folk and literature packed with a unique blend of artistry, social awareness, commitment of service to humanity and honour him soon.

Wishing him more success in his future endeavor.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Shodhan Prasad / Dubai – November 19th, 2015