Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Karnataka appoints Robin Uthappa as brand ambassador for Brain Health Initiative

Robin Uthappa

Project to improve treatment of neurological disorders was launched January

Soon diagnosis and timely treatment of common neurological problems, such as epilepsy, headache, stroke, dementia and brain infections, can be done from the grassroots level of primary health centres, secondary-level district hospitals and NIMHANS at the tertiary level in the State.

Recognising the need to improve treatment and prevent neurological disorders in the community, the State Government in association with NIMHANS and Niti Ayog launched the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (Ka-BHI) in January.

While training of doctors and preparations to start Brain Health Clinics in the three pilot hospitals – Jayanagar General hospital in  Bengaluru Urban, SNR Hospital in Kolar and District Hospital in Chickballapur – has begun, the Government has appointed cricketer Robin Uthappa as the brand ambassador for brain and mental health programmes. The pilot project has also been announced in this year’s State Budget.

State Health Commissioner Randeep told The Hindu that brain health promoting activities such as physical exercises, yoga, sports, traditional art and crafts, stress reduction and nutritional support will be initiated in three pilot districts. “This is a first of a kind initiative in the country that will facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment, for common neurological diseases,” he said.

NIMHANS Director Pratima Murthy said the burden of neurological disorders is rapidly increasing in India and is posing a challenge to the health of the society. “Neurological diseases, including stroke, epilepsy, headache, dementia and brain infections, contribute to immense disability in the community.  Since brain health, mental health, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health and elderly care overlap, coordination between the different national programmes under the National Health Mission is being strengthened through this pilot project,” she said.

“Ka-BHI will develop a model for prevention and management of neurological diseases and promote brain health, from grassroots level of primary care to tertiary care. This pilot study in three districts can become a model and be implemented in the whole State and at the national level in the coming months,” Dr. Murthy said.

Suvarna Alladi, professor and head of the Department of Neurology at NIMHANS, said the training programme for PHC medical officers was initiated on March 11.  “Three in-person training workshops have been conducted for all the PHC doctors in the pilot hospitals. Overall 180 doctors, including 26 neurologists from NIMHANS, are involved in this. The protocols for diagnosis and management of neurological disorders have been drafted and weekly online neurology interactive teaching sessions are going on,” she said.

“The training of PHC doctors will be completed in June and they will be certified in treatment of common neurological diseases. Training programme for ASHA workers and community health officers has been developed. They will be provided with a 15-point questionnaire that can be used to screen patients with neurological disorders from the community level and Health and Wellness centres for early identification and timely treatment in referral centres,” Dr. Alladi explained.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / b y Afshan Yasmeen / Bengaluru – April 15th, 2022

Bhavani G S’ Artworks That Connect Memories With The Present Opens At Hyderabad’s State Art Gallery On April 15

The artist’s debut solo show opens at Hyderabad’s State Art Gallery on April 15.

The excitement is palpable in artist Bhavani G S’ voice. “This is my first solo show in Hyderabad and I have not been able to sleep for the past few days due to the thrill of coming to the city. I am glad I could come early,” she says ahead of her multi-disciplinary exhibition, Fragmented Memories, that opens at the State Art Gallery on April 15. The show consisting of paintings and video art brings memories to the fore connecting the past to the present and vice versa.

Besides a few short videos, around 35 works done in acrylics and watercolours promise to give artlovers an uncanny sense of being in the woods. The works done two years ago were to be displayed at Jehangir Art Gallery in March 2020 but got postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (she displayed at Jehangir Art Gallery two months ago). “Our lives changed in two years of the pandemic; My works also changed,” she shares.

Talakaveri by Bhavani G S

Bond with Cauvery

Hailing from the mountain ranges of Kodagu in Karnataka surrounded by coffee plantations, Bhavani’s works represent the deep connection she shares with her native land and the river Cauvery. In fact, the artist has been working on a decade-long sustained project on Cauvery and has shot a few videos on water issues. This is part of a research-based work on her journeys that started in 2012 when she travelled (around 65 kilometres) along the river from TalaCauvery (in Coorg district where Cauvery originates) reaching the Bay of Bengal in Poompuhar and observing the changing shores of the confluence of the river.

Poompuhar by Bhavani G S

Her journey started as a probe into water issues like pollution, ended up forging a bond with the river. “I fell in love with Cauvery and wanted to travel with it. Hence a bit of the river will always be there in my works.” Memories evolved as COVID-19 triggered uncertainties and took her back to her home town that was witness to unscientific man-made changes leading to disasters.

“Television and the internet kept us connected but our relationships had changed and we were disconnected from each other. The pandemic taught us the value of many things, especially freedom,” she points out. She connected images emanating from her childhood memories to her current stay in Bengaluru. The migration issue made her ponder her life when she migrated to Bengaluru. The elephant corridor has disappeared as people have moved in. I am responsible in a way for that disappearance.”

Milestone 3A Talakaveri by Bhavani GS

The anxieties also took her back to her childhood when she recollected the solace she got as a child by hearing the howling of Western Ghats fox and the jackal. “The Western Ghats fox is on the verge of extinction,” she says. The various images that touched her mind and soul have found a place on her canvas.


Fragmented Memories by Bhavani G S will be at the State Art Gallery till April 24

source: http://www.newsazi.com / News Azi / Home> Entertainment / by Anindita Das / April 15th, 2022

Cariappa Park At Baramulla In Kashmir Renovated With New Library

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s son, family visit Park, War Memorials; recall warm ties

Madikeri :

The Cariappa Park at Baramulla in Kashmir, named after India’s first Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa has been renovated at a cost of Rs. 3 crore.

Baramulla is located on the banks of River Jhelum, downstream of Srinagar.

It is a matter of pride for Kodagu and Karnataka that India’s legendary Armyman is being commemorated at Baramulla, a place that was once a hotbed of militants.

The winds of change began blowing through the Kashmir Valley after the Narendra Modi Government revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by revoking Article 370 in August 2019 and took steps to change how the region will be governed.

Though records are not available on when the Cariappa Park was created, its renovation began in 2020 and now it stands as a beautiful park. On Apr. 10, 2022 the family of Field Marshal Cariappa including his son Air Marshal (Retd.) K.C. Nanda Cariappa visited the park and paid respects.

The family was warmly received by officers and they also visited a Sikh War Memorial, Dagger War Memorial and the Cariappa Park in Baramulla.

Nanda Cariappa and the family appreciated the work of the Indian Defence Forces, especially the Indian Army for maintaining peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir which has won many hearts.

The Cariappa Park has been set up by the Baramulla City Municipal Council along with a hi-tech digital library and the funding of Rs. 3 crore has been obtained from the Jammu and Kashmir Government and Rajaram Mohan Roy Library, Kolkata.

Nanda Cariappa recalled his father’s association with the people of Baramulla and said that the people had a special place in the Field Marshal’s heart.

The family visited Baramulla following an invitation from the heads of Baramulla Park Trust.

Nanda Cariappa signed the Visitor’s Book at the War Memorial and spoke to the media about Field Marshal Cariappa, Kodagu and Karnataka.

 The family also visited the digital library that has state-of-the-art services and equipped with all the facilities considering the needs of users in the modern digital era. The library is linked with the National Digital Library of India to facilitate user access to around 3.5 crore academic resources including e-books, audio-books, lecture materials, thesis, reports, articles, journals, and question papers.

 The Field Marshal’s family members K. Rohit, Sanjitha Cariappa, sons-in-law A.K. Devaiah and Saurabh Gupta, granddaughter Arushi Anand and daughter Gayatri Gupta were present.

Cariappa was close to people’s hearts

The Cariappa Park is one of the oldest parks in Baramulla and it was lying in a state of neglect. Senior citizens and political leaders in Baramulla narrate the stories of the ‘Kipper’ (as Cariappa was fondly called) and how he is still close to the people there.

(Left) Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. Picture right: Cariappa’s son Air Marshal (Retd.) K.C. Nanda Cariappa recalling his father’s association with the people of Baramulla.

Once, after chasing the raiders from across the border beyond Uri, Cariappa, who was travelling in a military jeep, was stopped by a group of people including women and children at Baramulla and was told that they had suffered a lot due to the absence of food supplies, including salt.

It was a puzzling task for Cariappa, a General then, as no stocks were available with the Army so that they could be distributed among hungry residents. But he fulfilled his assurance the next day when he visited the old town and distributed flour, rice and salt to the needy families.

Cariappa followed this gesture in many ways in various parts of Kashmir. His noble act was appreciated by the Government those days. K.S. Thimayya (who rose to be General later), whom Cariappa had put in command of the 19th Infantry Division at Baramulla, followed Cariappa’s gesture and continued the support to the local population. Grateful Baramullians named the park after Cariappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / April 12th, 2022

INTERVIEW| ‘For a sportsman, striking the right balance between mind and body is of utmost priority’

Joshna Chinappa on what it takes to gear up for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Joshna Chinappa. (File Photo)
Joshna Chinappa. (File Photo)

Joshna Chinappa (35) might be looking at the most important year of her career. After returning to the top 10 world rankings earlier this year, the squash champion won a gold medal for India with Dipika Pallikal at the World Doubles Championship in Glasgow on Saturday.

Later in the year, she will head to the Commonwealth in Birmingham and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. We caught up with Chinappa to chat about everything from her intensive training regimen to pre-match rituals. Excerpts…

When someone asked you about competing against 20-year-olds in an interview recently, you said that your best physical years came after you turned 30. Tell us more.
The tour is really strong right now with the girls being really fit and strong physically, so, it’s been important for me to train correctly, and look after my body, especially as I get older. I work with an amazing team in the UK on my strength and conditioning and that has helped me get a lot fitter in recent years. 

2022 is a big year for you with the Commonwealth and Asian Games lined up. How do you fight nerves and keep a clear and focused headspace?
I always look forward to playing in the Commonwealth and the Asian Games. It is the biggest platform for any athlete and the goal is always to win accolades for the country. The preparation for these games starts at least a year in advance. Closer to the event, I will take a couple of months off from playing tournaments just to train with my team for the 2022 games. For a sportsman, striking the right balance between mind and body is of utmost priority. 

What is your training regimen?
Usually, my mornings begin with a squash game on the court, followed by a fitness/gym session. In total, I dedicate around three to four hours to my training. Sundays are mostly off and spent doing things that I love. 
 
What does your diet look like?
I keep my eating habits simple. When I’m training, my diet consists of more protein, moderate amounts of carbs, fruits, veggies, and plenty of hydration. When I am playing a tournament, it is the same as training, except I eat more carbs. If I occasionally want to indulge in a cheat meal, I do like to treat myself with dark chocolate sometimes.   

Is there anything you have had to give up food-wise that’s taken some will power? 
The hardest part is giving up junk food!  I love eating rice and rasam but owing to my professional goals, I try to avoid consuming them in large quantities. 

Quick three

Do you have a ritual at the beginning or end of a match?
At the beginning of the match, I have to hit my first shot on the backhand side!

Best way to keep distractions at bay?
For me, what works at keeping distractions at bay is that I get off social media very often. When I am in the middle of a tournament, only my coach and mom can reach me.

For young athletes with a dream to compete at the Commonwealth Games someday: what would be your best advice?
Be passionate about what you do, work really hard and never give up!

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Delhi / by Express News Service / April 13th, 2022


 

Remembering Dr. Somayanda A. Subbaiah, IPS On His Untimely Demise 25 Years Ago

It was in 1961 that I joined Loyola College in Chennai for my PUC.  A couple of days after I joined and settled in my hostel room, there was a knock on the door.  I gingerly opened the door and there stood a senior.  I braced myself for a round of ragging. 

“Hi, I am Somayanda Freddy Subbaiah. I am from Coorg.  Welcome to Loyola,” he extended his hand.  I was relieved. He then took me across to meet the other Kodavas in Loyola including his elder brother Vittal. Freddy and I became good friends and remained good friends. 

Freddy Subbaiah was born in Chettali to Somayanda Appachu and Kongettira Gange in 1944.  His father owned a tea estate in the Nilgiris. Subbaiah had his entire education in Tamil Nadu.  He had made up his mind quite early in life to be an IAS Officer.  He single-mindedly started preparations to crack the tough UPSC exam. He diligently took part in all the activities in the campus and was particularly active in the debating society.

After completing BA in Economics, he continued in Loyola for his MA.  As a post-graduate student, he stood for the Presidentship of the Students’ Union of Loyola College, which was a very keenly contested one. Freddy won the prestigious election and did commendable work during his tenure.  This stint would help him later in the UPSC interview.

After completing his post-graduation, Subbaiah immersed himself in preparing for the UPSC exam; and still found time to attend Madras Law College to earn a degree in Law.  He was very earnest in whatever he did and was extremely hard-working.

Dr. S.A. Subbaiah receiving the Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra from the then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

Freddy wrote the UPSC examination in 1968 and qualified for the final round which was the interview in New Delhi by a panel of retired senior bureaucrats and officers from the defence services.  My father, C.M. Poonacha, was the Minister for Railways at the time.  I happened to be in New Delhi.  Subbaiah stayed with us a couple of days ahead of the interview. He was quite satisfied with his performance at the interview. 

However, when the results were announced Subbaiah narrowly missed the IAS and qualified for the IPS. The reason why he missed the IAS was the reservation policy.  Though disappointed, he accepted the IPS and opted for Karnataka cadre.  He was the first Kodava IPS Officer post-independence.

After intensive training in National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, and at the National Police Academy, Mount Abu, Subbaiah got his maiden posting as probationary Assistant                        Superintendent of Police at Belgaum, in January 1970. That was the beginning of an illustrious career.

Freddy Subbaiah proved his mettle at every posting he held.  After serving as ASP at Yadgir, he was soon promoted and posted as Superintendent of Police at Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).  At KGF, he endeared himself to the people with his prompt addressing of any issue that cropped up.  When he was transferred to Tumkur as the SP in 1973, there was widespread disappointment at KGF for losing one of the best Police Officers the district had seen. 

After two years in Tumkur, Subbaiah was transferred to Mysore as the SP, which is one of the prestigious postings for young IPS Officers.  His sincere, prompt, dedicated and diplomatic handling of Law and Order issues were highly appreciated, not only by the people, but also by his seniors and political bosses. It was during his tenure at Mysore that Subbaiah tied the knot with Sumathi, daughter of Muckatira Aiyappa from Byrambada village, in 1976.

Subbaiah was highly knowledgeable and very well read.  After joining the IPS, he was keen on contributing to the intelligence and security issues of the nation.  His seniors recognised his treasure trove of knowledge and his abilities and recommended him for a deputation to the Central Government. In 1979, Subbaiah joined as an Officer in the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) under the Cabinet Secretariat.  He served the organisation with great distinction for 17 long years. 

Subbaiah surprised his family and colleagues when he earned a doctorate degree in Economics from University of Mysore in 1983. While he was totally involved in his job, he still found the time to pursue his Ph.D. Despite his busy schedule, he made time for his family.  Sumathi ably supported him and together they raised their two sons Bopanna and Mandanna with all parental care.

His dedicated work impressed everyone.  In 1984, Subbaiah was appointed as the First Secretary at the Indian High Commission, Singapore. His next posting in 1988 was a coveted one at Geneva with dual assignment as Consular General of the Indian Mission as well as the Indian Representative to the UN at Geneva.  He served in this position till 1991 and had the opportunity to visit several countries.

On his return to headquarters in New Delhi, he was involved in sensitive assignments such as the Shah Commission, Jain Commission, ISRO spy case and the Bofors probe. While on overseas assignments, he closely followed the activities of the LTTE and gave valuable intelligence inputs to the Government.

Freddy’s achievements and his immense contribution to the nation as an Officer in RAW reached the highest echelons of the administration. In recognition of his yeomen service, he was awarded the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service followed by the Medal for Distinguished Service.  He was the first recipient of the Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra, the highest award for outstanding contribution within RAW. He received the award from Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

In 1996, Subbaiah decided to return to Karnataka, though RAW was reluctant to let go of an outstanding officer in the department.  With his seniority and experience, he was appointed as IGP – Intelligence.  A year later, in February 1997, he was promoted as Additional Director General of Police. Subbaiah was on course to occupy the DGP’s post in the State.

I kept in touch with Subbaiah and met him in Tumkur, Mysore, Bangalore and at Geneva. My wife and I had dropped in at his residence in Indiranagar a few months before tragedy struck on that fateful day, 10th April 1997. Subbaiah went out for his morning walk and suddenly collapsed.  Before any medical aid could be given, he passed away. It was shocking beyond words for his family, colleagues, friends, and the political leadership. He was aged just 52 and had many more milestones to cross in the years ahead.

Several articles appeared in national and local newspapers by those who knew Subbaiah well. Everyone uniformly expressed high accolades for Dr. S.A. Subbaiah as he was officially known.  One of the most succinct and insightful comments was from the Cabinet Secretary while forwarding a note to the Prime Minister on the outstanding work by  Subbaiah to the nation. This was quoted by RAW Officer B. Raman, who retired as Additional Secretary:

“What a pity the nation cannot be told of this Officer’s outstanding achievements.”

Subbaiah was involved in highly sensitive intelligence operations.  He never discussed details of his work even with close family and friends. Undoubtedly, Subbaiah would have taken part in assignments as daring as those carried out by NSA Ajit Doval. 

Subbaiah would have certainly been the DGP of Karnataka and would have eventually headed one of the premier Investigating or Intelligence agencies of the nation. Despite holding high-ranking positions, he remained  simple and unassuming.

Subbaiah’s untimely demise this day 25 years ago was an irreparable loss to his family, the Kodava community and the nation at large.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / April 10th, 2022

Madikeri: Behold, this imported looking bike is by our Desi Frankenstein

Madikeri :

It is quite natural for small children to develop an affinity towards their toys or toy vehicles. Unlike other children of his age, this boy never thought of buying toy vehicles from shops. He created his own toy vehicles and had fun. At that young age itself, he would wish if he could manufacture his own vehicles. 

By the time he finished school and entered college, his desire to manufacture vehicles grew by leaps and bounds.His ITI education supported his aspirations. He has made several vehicles and sold them. His vehicles have a uniqueness or fingerprint of his own.

The prodigious boy is Akash, a resident of Biligeri village near Madikeri. After completing MMV in the ITI, he started to work for some vehicle manufacturers. As the urge to manufacture his own vehicles catapulted into a passion, he left his job and returned home. 

Initially he began with bikes and also cars which could be pedaled. He then fixed engines to them and succeeded in making indigenuous vehicles. In the past few years, he has forayed into manufacture of bikes, agricultural machinery, various equipment and also other vehicles.

Another unique skill he has is custom making the vehicles as per the client’s desire by procuring spare parts of different makes and assembling them at home. He has also sold bikes without gears and scooters with gear. So he could rightfully be called the Frankenstien of automobiles. 

Akash has now made a unique bike that also grabs eyeballs. .So far he was making fuel driven vehicles. Now he has manufactured vehicles which run on a battery. The bikes and small cars made by him ideally suit the requirements of resorts and homestays in Kodagu district. Therefore, owners of some resorts have purchased their custom made vehicles from him.

He has immense interest in making agricultural machinery. Machines which dry cardamoms and pepper, those which separate chilli from their stalks etc. He has also made four trolleys that can carry different weights, and sold them. Some organizations which have noticed his achievements, have come forward to help him. They are thinking of providing him with a showroom so that this rural talent gets recognition in the outside world.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (SP) / February 23rd, 2022

Organ Donation: 48-Year-Old Man Saves 5 Lives

Mysore/Mysuru:

Manu, a 48-year-old man, was brought to Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru on Mar. 30, 2022 at 12.32 pm from CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, in a critical condition. Initial CT scan showed brain stem infarct. He was shifted to ICU immediately for life support and intensive care.

On Mar. 27, Manu suffered a stroke and was rushed to the nearby hospital by his relatives as his wife and son were at Bengaluru. Manu’s family immediately rushed to Somwarpet and took him to Madikeri followed by Hassan for further treatment on Mar. 28.  The next day when his condition worsened, he was referred to Mysuru at a tertiary care centre for treatment.

Manu hailed from Somwarpet in Kodagu and had recently moved to Bengaluru with family.

Manu was kept on life support for two days while he was in a very critical state. On the third day, Apr. 1 at 9.30 pm he was declared brain dead due to brain stem failure as per the hospital protocol stipulated by the Transplant of Human Organs Act 1994 by panellist doctors at Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, which is now a Licensed Centre for Multi-organ Transplant (OTC).

Manu was healthy before this incident and further tests confirmed his eligibility for organ donation. After his family was counselled for organ donation, the deceased patient’s wife and son came forward to donate his organs. As per organ donation protocols, officials from Jeeva Sarthakathe initiated the process of organ recipients waiting list. At around 2 am on Apr. 2, Manu’s organs (2 Kidneys, Liver, Heart Valves and Corneas) were harvested with cross clamp done at 5.03 am at Apollo BGS Hospitals.

“India is struggling with acute shortage of organs for transplantation. It is estimated that more than a million people suffer with end stage organ failure, but only a handful of 3,500 transplants are performed annually. At least 15 patients die every day waiting for organs and every 10 minutes a new name is added to this waiting list,” said N.G. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice-President & Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru.

Stating that donors like Manu have turned to be a beacon of hope giving a new lease of life for the wait-listed patients, he also lauded the efforts of Jeeva Sarthakathe team for being in the forefront in achieving and carrying out sustained deceased donor transplantation activities and educating the public on organ donation.

The organs donated are as follows:

Sl. noOrgans DonatedRecipient Hospital
1.LiverApollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru
2.One single kidneyApollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru
3.One single kidneyApollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru
4.Heart valvesNH Hospital, Bengaluru
5.CorneasLions Eye Bank, Mysuru

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 07th, 2022

Best Student Advocate Award

Mysuru:

City girl Kallichanda Poorna Poovamma, a first year Law student at National Law School, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, was adjudged the Best Student Advocate in the Surana & Surana National Corporate Law Moot Court competition held recently at jss law College in Mysuru.

Students from about 26 top Law Colleges including nine National Law Schools from all over India participated in the contest.

An alumnus of  St. Joseph’s Central School and Sankalpa pu college, Poorna is the daughter of Kallichanda Mudduraj, an Executive at jk tyre  and Anu (Kuttanda), residents of Vijayanagar 4th Stage here.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 15th, 2019

Digi-forward: Gram Panchayat member takes computer classes for tribal kids in Madikeri

Child computer

Since the area has many kids from the backward classes and tribal community, classes on computers have become a boon to these kids.

A Gram Panchayat member in Kodagu district has taken the unique initiative of educating tribal kids with computer knowledge.

The computer classes are held once a week at the digital library in the village and witnesses enthusiastic participation from the kids. “Every panchayat makes plans for the development of the roads and other infrastructure work. However, I looked forward to doing something for the rural kids,” shared Mukkatira Ritesh Biddappa, Grama Panchayat member of K Badaga village. 

With the support from the Panchayat PDO and other members, he drew a plan to start computer classes for the kids from economically backward classes in the area. “The panchayat is equipped with a digital library and the classes began here two weeks ago. I take classes on computer basics every Saturday,” he explained. 

Since the area has many kids from the backward classes and tribal community, classes on computers have become a boon to these kids. Currently, Ritesh is taking classes for sixth and seventh grade government school students in the village. “After six months of basic training, I will involve another batch of students and this will continue,” he confirmed. 

While Ritesh was working in a finance company in a city, he moved back to his hometown to do some social service. “Grama Panchayats must not be constrained to just infrastructure work. There are several other initiatives that can be thought through, keeping in mind the needs of the people,” concluded Ritesh.

source: http://www.edexlive.com / The New Indian Express, Edex Live / Home> News / by N Dhamotharan, Edex Live / April 04th, 2022

NPSI Student’s Space Hotel Concept Bags First Place In NASA Contest

Mysuru:

Mukkatira Neerav Aiyappa, a Class 7 student of National Public School International (NPSI), Mysuru, who participated in the Annual Space Settlement Contest, has bagged the first place in Grade 7 Category for his proposal of a Space Hotel ‘DIADEM.’

He presented a design of the Space Hotel in the orbital space settlement LEO (Lower Earth Orbit) at the contest jointly organised by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Centre, San Jose State University and the National Space Society (NSS).

This international competition invited all students around the world up to 12th Grade to participate in its 2018 edition.

Neerav will receive a NASA certificate and has been invited to attend the NSS 37th Annual International Space Development Conference to be held at Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Los Angeles, California, USA, from May 24 to May 27, 2018 for a poster and oral presentation of his winning proposal. His project and ideas will be used by NASA for its future space programmes.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Neerav, who has been working on the project since 11 months, said that among various forms of tourism like eco-tourism, nautical tourism, wellness tourism and medical tourism, a new concept has emerged in the form of space tourism, kindling interest to explore various destinations. Rather than seeing comets, planets, and constellations on a telescope, space tourism provides a privilege of experiencing first-hand the beauty of comets, asteroids, stars and planets, he added.

Space tourism will not only provide new vacation experience but create a new view to the earth, transforming the thoughts and perception among humans socially, culturally and emotionally, inspire new careers for the generation of engineers and will open newer fields for research in space medicine, nanotechnology, physical sciences and others, he said.

Through his project, Neerav has created a ‘Space Hotel’ providing space tourists a unique experience of a lifetime and enrich space and its potentials. “My project aims to create a ‘wow’ factor in the field of travel, provides job opportunities, ability to renew space exploration and research, explores possibility of hypersonic travel and have a newer perspective of earth,” he said.

A file photo of the then Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani felicitating Mysuru boy Neerav Aiyappa for winning Google India Code to Learn 2015 Contest.

In his project, Neerav has detailed out the concept of the space hotel, life support system, logistics of the space hotel, economy and time-line, space laws and code of ethics.

Neerav had won the Google India Code to Learn 2015 Contest where he created a game software project using “Scratch” programming called “Wings Over Waves.” The then Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani felicitated him under Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyaan.

He was a finalist at RYSI Award (Raman Award) held on Mar. 5, 2018 at Panchavati (Sir C.V. Raman’s residence) in Bengaluru where he demonstrated the principle fluid and thermodynamics in intermediate category  with a working model.

Neerav is the son of Mukkatira Muthanna and Kavery, residents of Yadavagiri and grandson of Mukkatira Gappu – Janaki of Ponnampet and Guddanda Nanda – Kanthy of Virajpet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 27th, 2018