• 4 pm to 6.30 pm: Seizures at Mysuru Central Jail
• 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm: Cash, freebie movement on roads
• 11.30 pm to 1 am: Checking people carrying weapons
• 5 am to 6.30 am: Houses of 50 known rowdy-sheeters

Mysore/Mysuru: Over 2,500 Policemen from City Civil, CCB and Traffic wings were roped in for a 14.5-hour search or raids to check for rowdy elements, contraband and narcotics in jail, transportation of cash, liquor and election-freebies on the roads and search for weapons in the houses of 50 noted rowdy-sheeters.

Probably this is for the first time such a continuous and prolonged raid has been conducted by the Police even before the election dates have been announced and before the election Model Code of Conduct has been enforced.

The raids were conducted based on the directive of City Police Commissioner Ramesh Banoth and carried out under the leadership of DCP (Law and Order) M. Muthuraj and DCP (Crime and Traffic) S. Jahnavi. The raids assume significance as the 2023 Assembly election is fast approaching where there will be a flurry of activities to woo voters and marked by several VVIP movements.

The 14.5-hour raid began at 4 pm yesterday with a massive raid on the Mysuru Central Prison. The overall team was led by DCP Muthuraj and six teams were formed including one team to raid the barracks of women jail inmates.

These teams were headed by six ACPs, six Inspectors, 16 Sub-Inspectors and over 150 Policemen. Dog squads, metal detectors and narcotics teams were also part of the raiding teams. Thoroughly checking all the barracks and cells, the raiding teams recovered Rs. 60,000 in cash, 100-gram ganja, one dagger and tobacco products.

Full force involved

After the raids on the jail, the Policemen were asked to get onto the streets to check vehicles from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm where barricades were laid on all the roads to check the movements of cash, weapons, election freebies and other poll-related materials.

This massive checking was conducted by over 2,500 Policemen drawn from various service wings of the City Police. All the entry and exit points of the city like the Manipal Hospital Junction on the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway, Bannur Road, Mahadevapura Road, T. Narasipur Road, Nanjangud Road, H.D. Kote Road, Bogadi Road, Hunsur Road, Hootagalli and Koorgalli Roads, KRS Road and Sunanda Factory Road were secured and all vehicles were checked. The occupants of the vehicles were questioned about their whereabouts, the destination within the city and the purpose of their visit.

Echo of murder

From 11.30 pm to 1 am, Police teams were stationed in front of bars and wine stores to check people carrying weapons on them. This is the fallout of the incident where one youth was stabbed to death on Chamaraja Double Road on the night of Mar. 19. The youths fought with each other over a petty issue after consuming liquor at a local bar.

City Police Commissioner Ramesh Banoth and DCP Muthuraj were personally involved in this raid along with the Commando Police team. Secluded areas like Lalithadripura, the foot of Chamundi Hill and the Ring Road were surveyed and cleansed.

In another raid on a bar in Nazarbad, a team led by ACP Shanthamallappa seized five cases of liquor. The bar and restaurant was serving liquor beyond permissible hours. The bar cashier has been summoned for questioning, Police sources said.

Early morning raids

The Police teams were given a short break and again the raids started at 5 am today, where the houses of 50 known rowdy-sheeters were searched. Teams spread out at various parts of the city where these rowdy-sheeters reside and also commonly frequent.

This raid is the extension of the raids that took place on Feb. 14 and according to the Police, one ‘long’ (machete) was recovered from a house this morning.

Raids will continue

“Our intention is to drive home the point that the Police are watching. We want to ensure free and fair election and at the same time, want to tie the hands of rowdy elements. The raids will continue and there will be zero tolerance to crime, violence, voter threatening and enticing. The Police presence on the streets itself is a big deterrent.” — Ramesh Banoth, Police Commissioner, Mysuru city

The post For free and fair elections in Mysuru: 2,500 Policemen conduct 14.5-hr back-to-back raids appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: Security has been tightened at the Cheluvamba Hospital following the recent kidnapping incident of a baby girl by a woman. One of the two gates of the Hospital has been closed and only those with passes are allowed.

Cheluvamba Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Rajendra Kumar told Star of Mysore this morning that the Hospital has two entrances leading to the Women’s Department and the Paediatric Department. “One gate has been closed and only patient attendants having the Hospital pass would be allowed inside,” he added.

He said that announcements are being made regularly through the public address system asking the patients and their attendants to be aware and stay away from strangers. Pointing out that people coming to Indira Canteen in K.R. Hospital premises enter Cheluvamba Hospital to take rest, Dr. Rajendra Kumar said that Police personnel have been asked to conduct regular beats.

He said that attendants of patients will be provided a place to take rest at a building proposed to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 62 lakh.

It may be recalled that on Mar. 17, a woman had kidnapped a baby girl belonging to a couple from Odisha and the Devaraja Police, led by Inspector B. Shivakumar, traced the baby at the woman’s house in Kumbarakoppal within six hours of the incident. The Police rescued the baby girl and reunited her with her parents.

The post Echo of child kidnapping incident at Cheluvamba Hospital: One gate closed; security tightened appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Nanjangud: With the Srikanteshwaraswamy Gautama Pancha Maharathostsava scheduled to take place on Apr. 2, Nanjangud MLA B. Harshavardhan has asked officials to ensure the success of the grand Car Festival of Lord Srikanteshwara.

He was speaking at the Maharathotsava preparatory meeting at Srikanteshwara Temple Dasoha Bhavan in Nanjangud on Monday.

He said that officials must take steps to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure that the Car Festival, which is expected to be attended by lakhs of devotees, pass off peacefully.

Pointing out that the Rathotsava will take place at 6 am on Apr. 2, the MLA said that the Teppotsava will be held on Apr. 4 and the Puja rituals associated with the Car Festival will commence from Mar. 26 itself, with people from seven villages taking part. 

Stating that the tasks for Car Festival have been assigned to Departments, he said that PWD Officials must submit a report on whether the Pancha Rathas are ready  to travel on Car Streets of the Town and to level the spaces in the vicinity of the Temple for smooth movement of Rathas.

Harshavardhan asked Health Officials to take preventive measures to avoid break-out of any epidemics during the Festival as lakhs of people from across the State are going to attend.

‘The Officials must ensure availability of drinking water. Also, temporary toilets should be built and the outflow of Kapila river must be increased as thousands of devotees are going to take a holy dip in the river. CC TV cameras must be installed at vantage points all along the Ratha route as a security measure. Besides, devotees and organisations who wish to distribute Prasada must be given prior permission and a check must be conducted on the quality. The Nanjangud CMC and the Health authorities must create awareness on the need for securing the Local body’s permission for Prasada distribution,’ he said.

The MLA further instructed the CESC Officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply and directed to illuminate Ambedkar statue, Valmiki Bhavan and other important Government buildings in the town. He ordered KSRTC Officials to run extra buses and the Police Department to regulate traffic and set up vehicle parking slots at suitable places. Harshavardhan further directed the Officials to hike the honorarium paid to the seven villages taking part from the current Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra said that people who lead the Pancha Rathas including the 90 ft. tall Gautama Ratha and Parvathidevi Ratha and Committee members must be covered under Group Insurance Scheme. Pointing out that T-Shirt and badges must be distributed to those involved in leading the Rathas, he said that those involved, no other should be allowed close to the Rathas. Asking the CESC authorities to cut off power supply when the Rathas move on Car Streets as a precautionary measure, he warned that the contractor would be blacklisted if he does not properly execute the civil works. He also directed for deployment of expert swimmers along the banks of Kapila river, setting up of 200 mobile toilets and maintenance of cleanliness all around the Temple and river bank. He also stressed on the need for minimum use of plastics and usage of eco-friendly bags.

Referring to demands of locals on bringing elephant  Gowri from Malur elephant camp, the DC said that Gowri is suffering from skin problems, for which treatment should be given for atleast six months. As such, Gowri cannot be brought to the Festival this time, the DC noted.

Assistant Commissioner Kamalabai, the temple CEO Jagadish, staff Jagadish Kumar, Tahsildar Shivakumar, TP EO Srinivas and other officials were present.

The post MLA asks officials to ensure success of Nanjangud Car Festival appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Report large cash withdrawals, transfers; create groups for communication: DC tells bank officers

Mysore/Mysuru: Ahead of the Assembly election 2023, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has imposed restrictions on printing and publishing election pamphlets and posters, and directed all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to issue guidelines to printing houses, political party representatives, candidates and polling agents regarding the new restrictions.

At a meeting convened with the representatives from the printing press and cable operators, DC Dr. K.V. Rajendra said that there will be restrictions on the printing of posters and pamphlets related to the elections. Certain norms and regulations are in place to monitor them.

No person shall print or publish any election-related pamphlet or poster without the names and addresses of the printer and the publisher. The norms also stipulate that photocopying original pamphlets would be deemed as printing and photocopies should contain the name of the printer.

He asked them to follow the rules as per section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Moreover, any election pamphlet or poster should have a declaration as to the identity of the publisher signed by himself and attested by two persons to whom he is personally known which is to be delivered by him to the printer in duplicate, the DC said.

On the other hand, after the printing of the document, the printer should send one copy of the declaration together with the copy of the document to District Magistrate or District Electoral Officer. Permission to display election materials in properties must be taken from the respective private property owners and candidates and supporters displaying boards in public places compulsorily should take permission from Election Officers. The DC warned that any person who contravenes any of the norms can be punished with imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months, slapped with a fine, or with both.

Bank officers must be vigilant

At a different meeting with bank officers, the DC appealed to them to provide necessary information regarding excess financial transactions. Asking the banking officials to report about transactions in the bank branches, the DC said that their cooperation is crucial to enforce the Model Code of Conduct.

The DC told the heads of various banks that they must report to the Nodal Officers if they come across anybody withdrawing more than Rs. 1 lakh cash, transferring large amounts from one account to another, and transferring money from candidates’ accounts or candidates’ spouses’ accounts.

The DC told the Lead Bank Manager to create a WhatsApp group of the bank officials for communication. “Information must be brought to the notice of Nodal Bank Officers. If there are transactions from the accounts of spouses of candidates beyond permissible limits, it should be informed too,” he said.

Income Tax officials must be informed about people transacting beyond Rs.10 lakh. All ATMs must be refilled with currencies between 10 am and 5 pm, he added. “The agencies or whoever was loading the cash must possess proper documents for having loaded the cash into the ATM kiosks. The banks are not supposed to transport cash after 5 pm to the ATM kiosks even though they possess valid documents, he explained.

Educating the people on their voting rights

A candle light march was held last evening to spread awareness on the importance of voting. It was an initiative of the Mysuru District Administration, Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) and the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC). The march, which began at Town Hall and ended at K.R. Circle, was led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. K.V. Rajendra, City Police Commissioner Ramesh Banoth, MCC Commissioner G. Lakshmikantha Reddy, Zilla Panchayat (ZP) CEO K.M. Gayathri, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. K.H. Prasad and other senior officials.

A large number of public and officers drawn from various Departments too participated in the march, holding burning candles. “The event was held to spread the message of the importance of vote and voting. Voting is everybody’s right and every vote counts as voting helps nation building,”                  the DC said.

The post Assembly polls: Printers under Election Commission scanner appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Community welcomes Government’s long-pending decision

Madikeri: The State Government yesterday notified the constitution of the Karnataka State Kodava Development Corporation. This comes just days after Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai made an announcement in Kodagu during the inauguration of the Appachattolanda Hockey Festival that the Corporation will soon be constituted. 

The notification stated that the newly constituted Corporation will strive for the comprehensive development of the Kodava community.

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah has thanked the Chief Minister for constituting the Corporation. “I had personally led a large delegation and met the Chief Minister underlining the importance of constituting a Board or a Corporation for the development of the community. Though this was a long-pending demand, the Chief Minister has notified it now,” he said.

People of Kodagu are thankful to the Government as the Corporation will exclusively strive for the development of the unique culture and distinct customs of Kodavas, he added.

The Kodava Development Corporation was one of the main and long-pending demands of the Kodava community. Expressing his happiness over the constitution of the Corporation, Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa of the United Kodava Organisation, who was the force behind the demand, told Star of Mysore this morning that it is a huge victory for the community.

“Kodavas have played a crucial role in taking the State forward and reaching newer heights. We have unique tradition, customs, heritage and culture that needs to be protected and the Corporation is a huge step in this regard. The community has played a vital role in the country’s defence sector and sports field, earning national and international accolades, he added.

Though there are notable achievements from the community, Kodavas have remained politically weak when compared to many other communities in Karnataka.

“The State Government has finally honoured the genuine demand of a political and cultural minority. It is a well-deserved gift for the distinct community and the complete credit goes to CM Basavaraj Bommai, former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, MLA K.G. Bopaiah, former MLC Veena Achaiah, Congress leader and former Advocate General A.S. Ponnanna, other MLAs, MLCs and largely the community,” Manju Chinnappa added.

The post State constitutes Kodava Development Corporation appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: “With the temperature in city soaring day by day, a small effort must be made by the general public and make sure that no animal or bird is left thirsty during the summer season. Place a bowl of water in front of the houses or on the terrace,” appealed Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (also known as MyLAC) Chairman R. Raghu Kautilya.

He was speaking after inaugurating an initiative of hanging water bowls to trees, organised as part of World Sparrow Day by KMPK Charitable Trust, on JLB Road here on Sunday.

“It is evident that the life of sparrow and small birds has become difficult and are on the verge of extinction due various reasons including the soaring summer, air pollution, water pollution and lack of suitable habitat. Environmental conservation is everyone’s duty. When there are any natural calamities, it is the animals and birds which have the ability to detect them with their own means, thus sending indications to human beings about it. Hence, proving that they maintain a great relationship with human beings,” he said and called on people to conserve the environment.

Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) Chairman Shivakumar too spoke on the occasion.

Corporator M.V. Ramprasad, Congress leader N.M. Naveen Kumar, Jeevadhara Blood Bank Director Girish, KMPK Charitable Trust President Vikram Iyengar and others were present on the occasion.

The post Help animals and birds quench their thirst: Raghu Kautilya appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: The three-day ‘Ugadi Sangeethotsava,’ organised by the Mysore Palace Board, Mysuru, will begin at the Palace premises tomorrow (Mar. 22). The Palace will be illuminated between 7 pm and 9.30 pm on all three days.

Schedule

Mar. 22 – 5.30 pm: Mangala Vadya and Saxophone Recital by Yadhu Kumar and troupe; 6 pm: Panchanga Shravana by Veda Brahma Sridhar Sharma and Palace Priests; 6.30 pm: Formal inauguration and distribution of ‘Bevu-Bella’ (Neem and Jaggery). District Minister S.T. Somashekar will formally inaugurate the event. MLA S.A. Ramdas will preside. Mayor Shivakumar, MPs Pratap Simha, V. Sreenivasa Prasad and Sumalatha Ambarish will be the chief guests. Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations will be present; 7.15 pm to 9.30 pm: Musical evening by singer and music director Raghu Dixit and troupe.

Mar. 23 – 6 pm: Karnataka Police Band; 7 pm to 9.30 pm: ‘Gurukiran Nights’ by singer and music director Gurukiran and troupe.

Mar. 24 – 6 pm: English Police Band; 7 pm to 9.30 pm: Musical Evening by playback singer Vasuki Vaibhav and troupe.

The post Three-day Ugadi Sangeethotsava at Mysore Palace from tomorrow appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Siddapur: Seeking the speedy implementation of the Forest Rights Act (Jamma-Paale Rights) and demanding to stop the forced eviction of Adivasis from forest areas in the name of conservation, tribals under the banner of Nagarahole Adivasi Jamma-Paale Hakku Sthapana Samiti, launched an indefinite day-and-night stir in front of the Forest Department Office at Nagarahole yesterday.

The tribals, who congregated at a Nagarahole tribal hamlet, marched to the Forest Department Office. Maintaining that aborigine forest-dwelling communities such as Jenu Kuruba, Betta Kuruba, Panjari Yerava, Pani Yerava, Soliga, Kudia etc., have been staying in forest areas for centuries, the Adivasis asserted that they have been conserving the forest and wildlife with their vast knowledge.

But some pseudo-environmentalists who joined hands with the Forest Department planned to evict the Adivasis from their homeland in order to serve their own interests and purpose, they said.

Alleging that several representations to the Government and Kodagu District Administration regarding the implementation of their rights have been ignored, they claimed that they have been abused and assaulted for raising their voice against injustice and eviction.

The protesters further said that an awareness campaign regarding the indefinite stir aimed at getting rights under the Forest Rights Act of 2006, was carried out from Mar. 15 to 19 at different tribal hamlets.

Recalling that a similar stir was launched two years ago when the then Virajpet Tahsildar had given a written assurance on addressing their grievances, they said that nothing has been done so far regarding the fulfilment of their just demands.

Their main demands include the implementation of provisions under Scheduled Tribes and other traditional Forest Dwellers Rights Act, 2006 and the amended Act of 2012; implementation of Community Rights, rights over the use of community resources, dwelling rights etc., handing over of conservation of forests and wildlife to Adivasi Gram Sabhas.

They have demanded stopping the forced eviction of Adivasis from tribal hamlets and other tribal colonies without making any alternative arrangements; dropping false cases booked against Adivasis.

This apart, the Adivasis are demanding the declaration of Nagarahole as the 5th deemed (scheduled) tribal area and the establishment of an exclusive Tribal Panchayat and allotment of land for agricultural and residential purposes for Adivasis staying in residential quarters in forest and Government lands.

The post Seeking implementation of Forest Rights Act: Adivasis protest forcible eviction from forests appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: As many as 70 nature lovers and volunteers accompanied the Forest Department Personnel in a cleaning drive taken-up atop Chamundi Hill on Sunday.

The cleaning drive was held between 7.30 am and 9.30 am, where the volunteers collected the plastic waste lying on both sides of the roads.

Range Forest Officer (RFO) Dhanyashree, Deputy RFO Sathish Kumar, Forest personnel Appanna, Gagan and Sathish, Chamundi Betta Ulisi Horata Samithi’s Parashurama Gowda, Leela Shivakumar, Anupama and others were part of the cleaning drive.

Chamundi Hill is a prominent religious and tourist spot where the plastic waste is found more which is harmful not just for animals or birds, but also for the sand deposits in the Hill. Chamundi Hill is already declared as ‘Plastic-Free Zone’ but there has been an unabated use of plastic. Hence, the collection of plastic waste disposed by tourists and devotees on the hill route is being cleared during the special cleaning drive, which was launched by the Forest Department on Mar. 3 and concludes on Mar. 21.

The post Cleanliness drive held atop Chamundi Hill appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: MLA G.T. Devegowda (GTD)inaugurated 15 lakh litre capacity Water Storage Tank at Dattagalli 3rd Stage coming under MCC Ward No. 46, yesterday.

 Speaking after inaugurating the Tank which is built at a cost of Rs. 2.6 crore, GTD said that with the functioning of this Water Tank, about 2,600 houses of Dattagalli G, H and J Blocks will get Kabini Drinking water for  24 hours.

“It was the demand of the area residents that Kabini Drinking water should be supplied which has been fulfilled. There is drinking water problem in Ramakrishnagar ‘I’ Block and I have instructed Officials to provide Kabini water to the area within the next three days,” the MLA said.

Mayor Shivakumar, Corporator  Lakshmi Madegowda, MCC Commissioner G. Lakshmik-anthareddy, Superintendant Engineer Mahesh, leaders Ramesh, Bhoomi Narayan, Shivaprakash, Shashikumar, Jagadish and residents of Dattagalli were present.

The post MLA G.T. Devegowda inaugurates Water Storage Tank at Dattagalli appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: Several tribals from Hunsur, Periyapatna and H.D. Kote staged a protest near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office yesterday pressing for early resolution of their pending demands including internal reservation and immediate implementation of the Forest Rights Act of 2006 as-is.

The tribal leaders, together with Dalit activists came under the banner of Karnataka Dalit Chaluvali Navanirmana Vedike as they had common grievances. They demanded the extension of internal reservations for both SCs and STs as dominant groups were taking away a major chunk of Government benefits, depriving the microscopic and marginal communities of their genuine rights.

The protesters demanded the total implementation of the Forest Rights Act to grant access to minor forest products, places of religious worship and burial grounds in their traditional forest lands.

The post Tribals demand internal reservation, implementation of Forest Rights Act appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Bengaluru: Supreme Court Advocate Brijesh Kalappa and former KAS Officer K. Mathai’s names have been included in the first list of 80 candidates released by Aam Admi Party (AAP) yesterday for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly election. While Brijesh Kalappa, who was with Congress earlier, will contest from the BJP-held Chikpet, Mathai will contest from Congress-ruled Shanthinagar.

In the list of 80 candidates, there are seven women, including Gagana Sukanya, Pulikeshinagar Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivasmurthy’s sister who will contest from KGF. AAP Co-convener Shantala Damle will contest from Mahalakshmi Layout.

AAP State President Prithvi Reddy, whose name is not mentioned in the first list, said “We are happy to have seven farmers and seven women on our first list. Our next list will have more women” and added that a majority of the candidates were aged below 45.

The post AAP’s Brijesh Kalappa from Chikpet, Mathai Shanthinagar appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Conferring of ‘Sangeetha Kalaradhaka’ title on mridanga exponent Vid. A.V. Anand on Apr. 1

Sri Ramaseva Mandali Charitable Trust, Mysore North, is conducting 29th Sri Ramanavami festivities from Mar. 23 to Apr. 1 at Sri Prasanna Parvati Kalyana Mantapa in V.V. Mohalla, Mysuru.

Daily in the mornings there will be religious pujas, such as Abhisheka, Ashtottara, Navagraha Japa and Ramayana Parayana.  Evenings are marked for cultural extravaganza.

March 23 – 6 pm: Seetharam Munikoti from Bengaluru will perform the present day rare art of Harikatha; Subject he would be doing the Katha is ‘Maruthi Vijaya (Ahi Mahi Ravana Samhara).’

March 24 – 6.15 pm: Vid. Harish Pandava from Mysuru, with Vid. M. Keshava (violin), Vid. B.S. Prashanth (mridanga) and Vid. Sharath Kaushik (ghata), will render a Karnatak Classical Music through saxophone.

March 25 – 6.15 pm: Saralaya Sisters — Vidu. Kavita and Vidu. Triveni — from Bengaluru will present a Karnatak Vocal Duet. They will be accompanied by Vidu. Nalina Mohan (violin), Vid. C. Cheluvaraju (mridanga) and Vid. N. Gurumurthi (ghata).

March 26 – 10 am: Vidu. Harini Ramesh, along with Vid. M. Keshava (violin) and Vid. Malola Simha (mridanga), will give a Vocal Concert; 6.15 pm: Vidu. N.J. Nandini from Kerala will give a Karnatak Vocal Concert. She will be accompanied by Dr. Jyotsna Srikanth (violin), Vid. Tumkur B. Ravishankar (mridanga) and Vid. Sharath Kaushik (ghata).

March 27 – 6.15 pm: Vid. V. Vamshidhar from Mysuru will give a Karnatak Flute Concert along with Vidu. Charulatha Ramanujan (violin), Vid. Anirudh Bhat (mridanga) and Vid. S. Manjunath (ghata).

March 28 – 6.15 pm: Karnatak Vocal Concert by Vid. H.S. Prashanth from Bengaluru.  Vid. Mattur R. Srinidhi (violin), Vid. Anoor Ananta Krishna Sharma (mridanga) and Vid. Sunad Anoor (kanjira) will be the accompanists.

March 29 – 6.15 pm: Vid. H.N. Bhaskar from Chennai will enthral the audience with his Violin Solo performance. Vid. H.S. Sudheendra (mridanga) and Vid. G.S. Ramanujan (ghata) will be the accompanists.

March 30 – 6.15 pm: Sujata Gurav Kammar from Dharwad will engross the audience with a Hindustani Vocal rendering. Pt. Bhimshankar Bidanoor (tabla) and Pt. Veerabhadrayya Hiremath (harmonium) will give her the saath.

March 31 – 6.15 pm: Vid. K. Bharath Sundar from Chennai, along with Dr. Nishanth Chandran (violin), Vid. K.U. Jayachandra Rao (mridanga) and Vid. G.S. Ramanujan (ghata), will give Grand Vocal Concert.

April 1 – 10 am: Sita Kalyana, Sita Sahasranama and Sri Rama Pattabhisheka by Sri Chandramouliswara Devastanam; 6 pm: Conferring of ‘Sangeetha Kalaradhaka’ award on senior mridangist Vid. A.V. Anand. The students of Surabhi Ganakala Mandira will present a Musical Ballet ‘Panchakam.’ Conceived and directed by Dr. Sukanya Prabhakar.

Daily from March 24 to March 31, young and upcoming artistes will perform from 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm. Participating artists are Pruthvi Bhaskar, Tumkur Yashasvi, Mahati Raghuram, Haricharan Hosamane, M.S. Keerthana, R. Nityasri, students of SGP Sangita Vidyalaya and S. Chaitrika.

The post 29th Ramanavami Music Festival from March 23 to April 1 appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: Marking World Theatre Day celebrations, Mysuru District Amateur Theatre Artistes Forum, in association with Kannada and Culture Department, Mysuru, has organised a six-day ‘Mysuru Ranga Habba’ (Mysuru Theatre Festival) at Mini Theatre in Kalamandira premises on Hunsur Road here from Mar. 22 to 27.

Announcing this at a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here yesterday, Forum President H.S. Suresh Babu said that veteran theatre personality Prasanna will inaugurate the Festival at 6.30 pm on Mar. 22. Actor and Theatre Director Mandya Ramesh and Mysuru District Kannada & Culture Department Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy will be present.

A symposium on the theme ‘Havyasi Rangabhoomi – Nenne, Indu, Nale’ (Amateur Theatre – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) will be held at 10.30 am on Mar. 26. Senior theatre personality Rajashekar Kadamba will preside. Senior theatre director H.S. Umesh & theatre personality Horeyala Doreswamy will speak. Dr. H.M. Kumaraswamy will be the moderator.

Valedictory will be held at 6.30 pm on Mar. 27. Veteran theatre Director C. Basavalingiah will deliver valedictory address. Senior theatre personalities Rameshwari Verma and Indira Nair and Mysuru District Kannada and Culture Department Assistant Director Dr. M.D. Sudarshan will be present. Rajesh Rangavalli will readout World Theatre Day Message on the occasion.

The following dramas will be staged at 7 pm during the six-day Theatre Fest:

Mar. 22: ‘Sethu Madhavana Sallapa’ by Sathviki Foundation, Mysuru; Playwright: T.N. Narasimhan; Director: Ankaraju N. Kollegala.

Mar. 23: ‘Aranya Kanda’ by Navodaya, Mysuru; Playwright: Prasanna; Director: Sripad Bhat.

Mar. 24: ‘Namma Nimmolagobba’ by Dechi Creations, Mysuru; Playwright: Rajendra Karanth; Director: P. Sreyas.

Mar. 25: ‘Sambanja Annodu Doddadu Kana’ by Jana Mana, Mysuru; Playwright: Devanur Mahadev; Stage Adaptation: Dr. Rajappa Dalwai; Director: H. Janardhan (Jenni).

Mar. 26: ‘Varasudara’ by Niranthara Foundation, Mysuru; Playwright: Jayaram Rayapura; Director: Prasad Kundur.

Mar. 27: ‘Bekagidddare’ by Mysore Mime Team, Mysuru; Playwright: Beluru Krishnamurthy; Director: Mime Gautham.

Tickets for the plays are priced at Rs. 100.

The post Six-day ‘Mysuru Ranga Habba’ at Mini Theatre from tomorrow appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: Ugadi, Allamaprabhu Jayanti and Panchanga Shravana programme will be held at Suttur Srikshetra in Nanjangud tomorrow (Mar. 22). Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji will grace the occasion.

4 am: Maharudrabhisheka will be performed at Katru Gaddige. Special pujas will be performed at Sri Someshwara, Sri Mahadeshwara, Sri Veerabha-dreshwara, Sri Nanjundeshwara and Sri Narayanaswamy Temples; 5 am: Shiva Deekshe and Linga Deekshe; 6 am: Sahasra Bilvarchane; 7 am: Mahamangalarathi; 7.15 am: Belli Ratha Prakarothsava; 7.30 am: Honneru begins; 9.30 am: Vachana Gayana by music teachers and students of JSS Residential School, Suttur; 10.30 am: Talk on ‘Allamaprabhu Devara Vachanagala Vaishishtya’ by University of Mysore – Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS) Director Dr. Vijayakumari S. Karikal; 11.30 am: ‘Suttur Sri Shivarathreeshwara Panchanga Shravana’ Panchanga Pathana by Dr. K.G. Puttahonnaiah.

For details, contact Ph: 08221-232222 or 0821-2548212, according to a press release.

The post Ugadi, Allamaprabhu Jayanti, Panchanga Shravana at Suttur appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: GRS Fantasy Park, one of India’s leading family water parks, has added two more feathers to its cap by winning two prestigious ‘National Amusement Awards 2023.’ The Mysuru-based water theme park has won awards in the ‘Most Innovative Ride’ and ‘Innovative Digital Marketing’ categories.

The award ceremony was held in Mumbai at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. The ‘National Amusement Awards 2023’ was conducted by IAAPI [Indian Association of Amusement Parks & Industries], an apex body representing the interests of Amusement Parks, Theme Parks, Water Parks and Indoor Amusement Centres in India.

The National Awards were presented to GRS Fantasy Park for their exceptional contribution to the amusement industry in India. Ashwin Dange, Director & Business Head of GRS Fantasy Park and Balakrishna Kini,  Operations Head at GRS Fantasy Park, were present to receive the awards.

The ‘Most Innovative Ride’ award was given to GRS Fantasy Park for GRS Updown Museum, a upside-down photography attraction, first time in India. The museum offers visitors an immersive and interactive experience of optical illusions of topsy-turvy rooms designed to make visitors feel as if they are walking on the ceiling. Here visitors can interact with the exhibits and take photos that look like they are part of the artwork.

The ‘Innovative Digital Marketing’ award was given to GRS Fantasy Park for their effective use of digital platforms in promoting their brand and engaging with customers. This award recognises their efforts in leveraging technology to connect with customers and enhance their experience even before they visit the Park.

This summer season, GRS Fantasy Park and GRS Snow Park are adding multiple international rides to serve happy holidays to families from across Karnataka. GRS Fantasy Park is adding an Italian make ride called Senior Dodgem, which is almost ready for customers. GRS Snow Park is upgrading the slide systems to offer more thrills. For details, contact Mob: +91-95900-80808.

The post GRS Fantasy Park in city wins two Natl. Amusement Awards appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: A carcass of a tiger cub, aged about one year, has been found at Kumbalagolli near Masthigudi of D.B. Kuppe Range in Nagarahole Reserve Forest and it is suspected that the tiger cub may have died of injuries during a fight. The Forest staff, who were conducting their regular beat near Kumbalagolli, found the carcass of the tiger cub and informed their higher officers. During the post-mortem conducted by Veterinarian Dr. Ramesh, it was found that the tiger cub had sustained injuries in a fight with another wild animal. The tiger cub’s ribs were found fractured and there were blood clots in the rib cage and the veterinarian opined that the tiger cub had died due to severe bleeding.

As per the guidelines of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the carcass was burnt in the presence of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Director Harshakumar Chikkanaragunda, Metikuppe Wildlife Sub-Division Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) K.N. Rangaswamy, D.B. Kuppe Range Forest Officer (RFO) K.L. Madhu, NTCA representative Divya Chowdhary, Masthigudi Deputy RFO R. Pramod and staff Umesh Nayak and others.

Was the tiger cub born to Backwater Female?

It is suspected that the dead tiger cub was born to Kabini Backwater Female. The Kabini Backwater Female, which had four cubs, was seriously injured and had killed a youth. It was seen limping and moving near Masthigudi and after the Forest officials confirmed that its health condition was worsening, they captured the tigress and shifted it to the rehabilitation centre at Koorgalli in Mysuru where it is currently being treated.

Separated from its mother, the cubs had not learnt to hunt and it is suspected that the male cub in a bid to hunt on its own may have sustained injuries and died.

The Forest officials have been urged to conduct a combing operation for the safety of the other three cubs.

The post Carcass of tiger cub found at Nagarahole appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Sir,

There is an increase in the density of vehicles passing through Vishwamanva Double Road junction. The riders/ drivers do not reduce the vehicles speed near this junction. They drive in a wrong way and criss-cross haphazardly.

People also text and speak on their mobile phone while riding their scooters. Neither they bother to check their vehicle’s mirror for other vehicles which are approaching behind them. They neither use indicator or hand signal to caution other riders, while turning left or right on the road, since riders are busy using their cell phones while on wheels.

Barricades placed on Outer Ring Road junction have been either damaged or removed. This junction is important because when we travel from Vishwamanva Double Road, straight it leads to Sa.Ra. Convention Hall and when we turn right it leads to PVK Acharya marriage hall. We have to turn left to go towards Kautilya School and Mangalya Sangama Choultry.

I request the authorities concerned to install road humps on all the roads, at this junction and intensify checking for other traffic violations also.

– S. Srinidhi, Kanakadasanagar, 15.2.2023

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to voice@starofmysore.com

The post Increase in traffic violations near Vishwamanava Double Road appeared first on Star of Mysore.

B.S. Rajashekar (57), Principal of JSS Boys Polytechnic at SJCE campus and a resident of Bogadi 2nd Stage, passed away on Sunday in city. 

He leaves behind his wife Manjula, daughter Shubha, brother Dr. Jayaraj and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at his native place Biligere on Sunday evening.

The post B.S. Rajashekar appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Chowhalli Puttaswamy (68), senior Congress leader and a resident of Hinkal, passed away yesterday in city. He had served as the Director of The Mysore Co-operative Bank, Governing Council Member of Zoo Authority, nominated Corporator, Vice-President of Karnataka Pradesh Kurubara Sangha and was involved in social work.

A native of Chowhalli village in T. Narasipur taluk, he leaves behind his wife, two sons, one daughter and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at Chirashantidhama in Gokulam this afternoon.

The post Chowhalli Puttaswamy appeared first on Star of Mysore.