An Atlantic Odyssey…. Ananya Prasad will be rowing solo 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean for a noble cause

Imagine travelling 3,000 miles rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for over 60 days to raise funds for a noble cause. Not many would come forward. But, Ananya Prasad, an Economics graduate from Sheffield University, is just about to embark on a voyage next month to raise funds for the London-based Mental Health Foundation and Deenabhandu Trust in Chamarajanagar. She has named her campaign as ‘Atlantic Odyssey.’

The Atlantic Row, considered to be the World’s Toughest Row, is held every year in the month of December, where rowers from across the globe participate in teams or alone to row across the Atlantic Ocean from San Sebastian village in La Gomera located in Canary Islands (Spain) till Nelson Dockyard in Antigua (Caribbean Islands). Ananya will be rowing solo in her journey.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Ananya said, “I have been associated with adventure sports since my childhood but rowing is something that I have picked for the past three years. I enjoy challenging myself which is why I chose rowing. It is important to understand the navigation system, using radio, fixing the boats while on water and most importantly to be mentally tough to overcome fear.”

Ananya will be using ‘Odysseus’, her 25ft ocean rowing boat built to withstand tough marine environments. The boat is completely neutral and self-sufficient, fixed with solar panels for all electronic needs.

It also has a water desalinator which helps convert ocean water into drinking water.

Ananya will have to face 30ft waves, sleep deprivation, isolation and the forces of the ocean for approximately 60 days.

This endeavour of Ananya  to row across the Atlantic is being supported by Mysuru’s Cycle Pure Agarbathi.

Ananya’s Mysuru Connection

Ananya, daughter of Dr. Poornima Prasad and Dr. G.S. Shiva Prasad couple, is a graduate of Economics from Sheffield University in the United Kingdom. While her mother Dr. Poornima Prasad is a retired General Physician, her father Dr. Shiva Prasad is a retired Paediatrician.

Ananya’s maternal grandfather is Guggari Shanthaveerappa Shivarudrappa (G.S. Shivarudrappa), who was awarded the prestigious ‘Rashtrakavi’ title by the Government of Karnataka in 2006 and her paternal grandfather Prof. Parashivamurthy was a Professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Mysore.

Ananya’s paternal uncle is the Founder of the popular Deenabhandu Trust in Chamarajanagar.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Vishwa Konkani Samaroh at World Konkani Centre on November 5

Vishwa Konkani Awards 2024 to be presented on November 6 at World Konkani Centre in Shakthinagar.

Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation, World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru, will organise Vishwa Konkani Samaroh – 2024 on Tuesday, November 5, and present Vishwa Konkani Awards – 2024 on Wednesday, November 6.

Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, will inaugurate the programmes at World Konkani Centre in Shakthinagar at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday. A portrait of well-known cine actor Pandari Bai will be unveiled on the occasion.

The literary sessions scheduled on Tuesday include ‘education in post Independence India with special reference to Konkani’, ‘humour in Konkani literature’ and ‘culture of reading Konkani’. The finals of All India Konkani Poetry Reciting Competition will also be held on Tuesday.

There will be folk performances, Kudubi and traditional Holi dances, in the evening.

This year’s late Vimala V. Pai Sahitya Puraskar will be presented to Fr. Mousinho De Ataide (for lifetime achievement) and Prakash D. Naik (for poetry work) on November 6. Late Basti Vaman Shenoy Seva Puraskar will be presented to Seva Bharati of Mangaluru in the field of education, healthcare, and social service and to Veena Adige of Mumbai in the field Socio-Cultural Community Service, a release said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Unsung Heroes: From software to saplings, Kapil Sharma on re-greening mission to restore Bengaluru’s charm

Kapil Sharma, a techie with Goldman Sachs, has founded SayTrees, an organisation dedicated to re-forestation of urban landscapes and supporting rural communities.

In the early 2000s, Bengaluru was a city on the cusp of rapid urbanisation. For Kapil Sharma, a young engineering student at Ambedkar Institute of Technology, this transformation was exciting but increasingly distressing. He moved to Bengaluru in 2001, to pursue engineering. But by the time he graduated and found a new job as a software engineer in 2006, he had witnessed a worrisome change in the city’s landscape. The lush green cover, which once defined Bengaluru, was quickly disappearing, making way for roads, buildings, and urban sprawl.

“I used to travel for work from Vijayanagar to Outer Ring Road and I would see trees being cut down overnight. It was heartbreaking,” Kapil recalls. “I felt that if I didn’t do something about it, I’d regret it for the rest of my life.” This sense of urgency and responsibility marked the beginning of his journey into environmental activism, a path that would ultimately lead to the founding of SayTrees, an organisation dedicated to re-greening urban landscapes and supporting rural communities. SayTrees, a name that evokes positivity—“like saying cheese to a camera, a smile for nature,” says Sharma who is also a techie and currently based in the US working for Goldman Sachs.

Planting the First Seeds

Sharma’s initial steps were modest but impactful. Driven by the need to make a difference, he visited government officials to try to understand how the deforestation issue could be addressed. He learnt that the best and the only way is to plant saplings and nurture them with care.

As always, charity begins at home. In his neighborhood in Vijayanagar, he nurtured a single tamarind sapling, which he planted and cared for over a year. Determined to expand his efforts, he mobilised colleagues and friends, planting around 100 saplings near the Outer Ring Road with the support from his office. Every monsoon, he encouraged people to join him over the weekends to plant and nurture saplings, often collaborating with forest officials to gather insights on the planting process.

This small but steady movement grew in scale as Sharma focused on his mission to increase Bengaluru’s green cover. “We planted 1,100 saplings in one year, but I realised that even this wasn’t enough. However, my goal was simply to restore the lush green cover that my city was once known for.” he says.

The need to make a larger impact pushed him to leverage social media by 2010, using the platform to spread awareness and attract volunteers. His focus shifted to planting native saplings—such as honge, neem, and banyan trees—that were not only resilient but also ecologically beneficial. “I met forest officers who taught me what was best for the soil and ecosystem,” he adds.

Scaling new heights: SayTrees takes root

As his reforestation efforts gained momentum, Sharma continued to balance his work and environmental initiatives. By 2015, however, SayTrees had grown so much that his works were recognised by prominent environmental forums. This turning point coincided with an invitation to the World Forestry Congress in South Africa, a significant milestone that further solidified his commitment to environmental conservation.

Inspired by this experience, Sharma quickly diversified his initiatives, from reforestation to agroforestry.

Recognising the struggles faced by farmers in dry regions of rural India, Sharma introduced the Agroforestry for Farmers initiative, which supports farmers by providing them with saplings that can yield alternative sources of income.

In Andhra Pradesh, for instance, SayTrees supplied mango saplings to 11 farmers, helping them grow a sustainable income source. “Last year, one farmer sold six tonnes of mangoes,” Sharma notes proudly. Today, the initiative has scaled up, with the organization distributing 25 lakh saplings annually, aiming to double that number to 60 lakh next year.

Bringing the forest back: Miyawaki Plantations

One of SayTrees’ most innovative initiatives has been the adoption of the Miyawaki method, a Japanese technique of creating dense, native forests on small plots of land. Sharma introduced this method in Bengaluru in 2016, recognising its potential to bring back green cover in urban spaces lacking vegetation. The technique involves planting native trees close together, resulting in accelerated growth and richer biodiversity. SayTrees has since created over 100 such Miyawaki forests, each ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 saplings. “These forests are ten times more beneficial than regular plantations,” Kapil explains, citing increased carbon absorption and ecological diversity.

To date, SayTrees has planted approximately 2.5 lakh saplings in Bengaluru alone using this technique. “We focused on areas that were severely lacking in green cover,” he says. Some of the locations where Miyawaki based plantations are undertaken included Bannerghatta National Park, Sarjapur Road, Bidadi, Arigevarigutta, Bangarpet Railway station, Dobbaspet, and in other states like Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Beyond Trees: Water conservation and lake rejuvenation

In 2017, Kapil expanded SayTrees’ focus to include water conservation, addressing another pressing issue in Bengaluru—water scarcity. Recognising that tree planting alone wouldn’t solve the city’s water crisis, he initiated efforts to rejuvenate lakes and create sustainable water sources. With corporate funding, SayTrees began its first lake rejuvenation project at Vabasandra Lake. Treated water was used to irrigate saplings, while monsoon rain filled the lake, creating a reliable water source for the nearby communities.

Since then, SayTrees has rejuvenated over 10 lakes in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi, and Anantapur. With plans to restore at least seven more lakes before the next monsoon, the techie’s vision extends even further: by 2030, SayTrees aims to rejuvenate 300 lakes, including 100 within Bengaluru alone. “We’re talking to the government and also the corporates to achieve this ambitious goal, Sharma says, emphasising the need for collaboration between public and private stakeholders. SayTrees has rejuvenated lakes such Nanjapura, Vabasandra, Konasandra, and Choodasandra among others.

Challenges and the road ahead

Despite these successes, Sharma acknowledges that his journey hasn’t been without obstacles. “The hardest part is convincing people that climate change is real and affecting our lives right now. Public awareness about environmental issues, especially on the rapid climate change remains limited. However, I strongly believe that persuading people to take action requires consistent effort and optimism,” asserts the ecopreneur.

At 41, Sharma’s goal is clear: to create a sustainable, greener future for Bengaluru and beyond. “By 2030, we want to make a significant impact both in terms of green cover and water conservation. More lakes need to be rejuvenated with the right inter connectedness to mitigate urban floodings. Seeing the lakes filled and trees growing is a reward,” he says.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Wellness retreat that King Charles and Queen Camilla visited in Bengaluru to soon expand to Portugal 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who left the retreat after a three-day rejuvenation session, are happy with the expansion plans as this would be closer to the UK, says holistic health practitioner Issac Mathai, who runs the facility.

Bengaluru-based luxury wellness retreat — Soukya international Holistic Health Centre — is working on expanding its base to Portugal. 

Holistic health practitioner Issac Mathai, who runs the centre told The Hindu that King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who left the centre on Wednesday (October 30, 2024) after a three-day rejuvenation session , were happy with the expansion as it is close to the United Kingdom. This was their first trip to India since King Charles ascended the throne.

“The royal couple expressed their happiness over our expansion plans and said it would be easier for them to rejuvenate themselves more often owing to Portugal’s proximity to London,” said the holistic practitioner, who has been a consultant to the royal family for several years now.

“Besides, the King is also keen on emulating Soukya Foundation’s charitable trust model (running in Hoskote) in the U.K. in the coming days. This can be done in collaboration with the British Asian Trust,” he said.

Rejuvenation sessions

The royal couple quietly arrived at the centre on October 27 and left on the morning of October 30. The King, who was recently diagnosed with, planned this rejuvenation on the advice of his medical team after all his chemotherapy sessions. While the rejuvenation sessions were similar to those provided to other high-profile guests, therapies were decided based on his health. “This time, because of chemotherapy for his cancer, the sessions he underwent were for rejuvenation, detoxification and strengthening the immune system,” sources said. 

The King, who had celebrated his 71st birthday at Soukhya in 2019, is visiting the centre for the second time while his wife has stayed at the centre nine times so far. 

The King, who believes in integrative medicine, has a personal interest in a holistic approach to health, organic farming and eco-friendly practices. His main interest is in integrative medicine and he is also patron of the Faculty of Homeopathy in the UK. He was also a patron of the British Association for Holistic Medicine. In 2018, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he inaugurated an AYUSH centre in London. 

South Indian diet for royal couple

The royal couple stayed at the royal presidential suite at the centre. They were put on a south Indian diet comprising vegetarian organic food, including salads and soups. The couple is said to be fond of idlis, dosa and organic soups apart from organic tender coconut water, pomegranate juice and mango pulp juice. 

As they are also fans of organic Mallika mangoes that are grown on the premises of Soukya, the mangoes are delivered to the Palace every year during season.

Sources said the couple’s daily routine began with a yoga session in the morning, followed by breakfast and then rejuvenation therapies before lunch. After a short break, another round of therapies followed, which would end with a meditation session before dinner and bedtime at 9 p.m. The couple enjoyed walking in the organic and medicinal gardens on the centre’s premises, sources said.

To mark his visit, the King planted a Jacaranda tree sapling at the centre’s premises. During his previous visit, in 2019, he had planted a Champaca tree sapling.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

K P Rinchan Wins gold medal at ‘All India Yachting Regatta-2024’

 K.P. Rinchan from Mysuru has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Gold Medal at the National-level NCC camp, the All India Yachting Regatta-2024.

The All India NCC Yachting Regatta-2024 was held at INS Chilka in Odisha from Oct. 14 to 21, 2024. There were over 100 Cadets from 16 NCC Directorates and the challenges included varying wind conditions that tested the Cadets’ skills, strength and endurance levels. The INS Chilka is a premier basic training establishment for the Indian Navy.

Rinchan’s journey began with a selection to the Pre-Yachting Camp at the Royal Mysore Sailing Club (RMSC), at the backwaters of the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, where she clinched the gold in a unit-wise sailing competition.

Following this victory, she advanced to the second and third phases at INS Kadamba, Karwar, ultimately earning a spot at the national competition held at INS Chilka, Odisha, where she secured the top honour.

A student of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE), Mysuru, pursuing her third-year engineering course, Rinchan is the daughter of Kandanda Harish Poovaiah and Thanachira Reena, residents of Vijayanagar Second Stage, Mysuru.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

PM launches Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders at IISc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday digitally launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Ayurveda for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.

The launch of the CoE under the Union Ministry of Ayush coincides with the 9th National Ayurveda Day observed on Tuesday (October 29).

This year’s theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health” emphasises the importance of integrating Ayurveda with modern science to address critical health issues like diabetes.

Led by principal investigator Navakanta Bhat (professor at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at IISc) and co-principal investigator Sona Rajakumari (assistant professor, Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc), the CoE is one of the six new ones in Ayurveda launched across India on National Ayurveda Day.

Apart from IISc, these centres –  established under the “Ayurswasthya Yojna” programme, will be led by premier institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, and Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai. Backed by a grant of ₹52.47 crore, the centres will spearhead cutting-edge research, education, and healthcare innovation in the field of Ayurveda, according to an official statement.

Additional investigators of this CoE from collaborating institutes in Bengaluru include Sulochana Bhat, who heads the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI); S. Srikanta, director of Samatvam: Science and Research for Human Welfare Trust and K.S. Nagabhushana, Prayoga Institute of Education Research.

Longitudinal study

As a part of this CoE, a randomised active comparator controlled clinical trial will be conducted, with a longitudinal study over two years, to assess the efficacy of two new Ayurvedic formulations (Mustadi Ghana Vati and Varadi Ghana Vati) in prediabetes and type II diabetes. A total of 444 patients, including 120 from CARI, will be enrolled for the clinical trials, stated an official release.

In conjunction with the clinical trials, systematic in vitro (cell lines and animal models) and in vivo (blood samples of participants) studies will be pursued to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of protein glycation and oxidation (through mass spectroscopy), the role of different adipose tissues (brown, white, beige), and response to therapy.

“This study builds on our prior work on albumin glycation and oxidation,” said Dr Bhat. “By generating scientific evidence for the efficacy of Ayurvedic approaches, the Centre will pave the way for its integration into mainstream healthcare,” she said.

Dr Rajakumari said this would perhaps be the first such comprehensive study on the interplay between Ayurvedic therapy and reprograming of adipose tissue function.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

CeNS researchers develop innovative and affordable self-powered smart windows

Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in two studies have developed novel smart-window technologies which do not require external electrical energy for their operational needs.

“Existing electrochromic smart-window technology requires external power for its operational needs. It is limited to changing colour from transparent to blue and vice-versa (switching optical transparency functionality) upon application of an electrical stimulus and blocks both visible and near-infrared radiation, leading to a decrease in the room temperature,“ the Department of Science and Technology stated.

How it is done

Researchers, led by Ashutosh K. Singh at CeNS, have addressed this through two studies. In one, they have removed the dependency of electrochromic devices on external electrical power for their operational needs. In the second one, they have made the fabrication process more affordable.

“The resulting self-powered electrochromic smart window operates through the power stored in its switching operation from transparent to coloured states. This enhances the operational energy efficiency, affordability and energy storage functionality of the new smart-windows technology,” the department said.

In the first work, the CeNS team has developed a device that can store electrical energy by changing colour upon the application of a small electrical stimulus generated through electrochemical reactions taking place within the device itself resulting from the device configuration.

In the second research work, Dr. Singh’s team developed the fabrication process of electrochromic smart windows and made it more affordable by using an industrially adaptable solution-based spray coating approach. Under this process, the affordable electrochromic smart-window technology retained its functionalities, such as the seamless switching between coloured and transparent states while possessing energy storage capabilities that can power the portable device.

Sustainable approach

“The development of these electrochromic devices represents a major step towards sustainable energy utilisation in buildings. By optimising the process parameters and adopting cost-effective materials, we have created devices that not only enhance energy efficiency but also offer scalable and affordable solutions for modern infrastructures,” Dr. Singh said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Inspirational Success Story: Meet Dr Vishal Rao’s Journey of Excellence, Bengaluru Dr On ‘Mission Against Tobacco’

Dr. Rao’s medical training took him through some of the most renowned institutions in the world, including a prestigious stint as a visiting scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This extensive training laid the foundation for his later innovations in cancer care.

Dr. Vishal Rao, a distinguished Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon at HCG Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru, has made remarkable strides in the medical field, earning numerous accolades and esteemed appointments. His journey from a dedicated medical student to a pioneering surgeon and public health advocate is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing cancer treatment and tobacco control.

Dr. Rao’s medical training took him through some of the most renowned institutions in the world, including a prestigious stint as a visiting scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This extensive training laid the foundation for his later innovations in cancer care.

In 2017, Dr. Rao received the Judy Wilkenfeld Award for Global Excellence in Tobacco Control, highlighting his tireless efforts to combat tobacco use and its link to cancer. His campaigns have emphasized prevention and early detection, saving countless lives through awareness.

Locally, the government of Karnataka recognized Dr. Rao’s contributions with the Kempegowda Award, the highest civilian honor from the Bengaluru municipal corporation. His impact on the community was further acknowledged when he was named Kannadiga of the Year in 2018, receiving the Varshada Kannadiga Award for his contributions to science and technology.

One of Dr. Rao’s most notable achievements is the invention of a voice prosthesis for throat cancer patients, which earned him the Rotary Vocational Training Award in 2016. This innovative device has significantly improved the quality of life for those who have lost their voice due to cancer. His exceptional contributions to medical science were further recognized with an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Rao serves in several advisory roles, reflecting his expertise and thought leadership. He is a member of the consultative group to the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and a visiting faculty member for leadership programs at Johns Hopkins University. These positions underscore his influence in shaping cancer care policies and public health initiatives.

At the state level, Dr. Rao’s insights are invaluable to the High-Powered Committee on Tobacco Control and Cancer Control for the Government of Karnataka and the NCD Task Force for Bengaluru city. His contributions help shape policies that aim to reduce the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Rao also plays a pivotal role in various committees, including the Ethics Committee on Biotechnology for the Karnataka Department of IT and Biotechnology and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ethics committee. His involvement ensures ethical practices in medical research and biotechnology.

His commitment to community service is evident through his roles as a board trustee for the Namma Bengaluru Foundation and the Sathya Sai Trust (Karnataka). These positions allow him to contribute to the recognition of unsung heroes and the betterment of his community.

Dr. Vishal Rao’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public health. His numerous awards and appointments reflect not only his contributions to cancer treatment and tobacco control but also his influence in policy-making, ethical medical research, and community service. Dr. Rao continues to inspire and lead, making a lasting impact on the medical field and beyond.

source/content: zeenews.india.com (headline edited)

Bengaluru emerges as top market for GCCs, holds highest share in IT/ITeS

2024 marked a rebound in demand, attributed to global companies aiming to reduce costs while accessing India’s wide talent pool.

Bengaluru has emerged as the top market for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) occupying flexible office spaces, accounting for 41 per cent of GCC-focused flex seats across India’s major markets, according to Knight Frank India’s latest report.

Titled ‘GCC — Driving India’s Real Estate Growth Story’, the report shows that GCC flex space occupancy across eight cities rose from 17,380 seats in 2023 to 22,881 seats by September 2024, with Bengaluru’s large share underscoring its position as a tech and corporate hub.

Bengaluru has emerged as the top market for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) occupying flexible office spaces, accounting for 41 per cent of GCC-focused flex seats across India’s major markets, according to Knight Frank India’s latest report.

Titled ‘GCC — Driving India’s Real Estate Growth Story’, the report shows that GCC flex space occupancy across eight cities rose from 17,380 seats in 2023 to 22,881 seats by September 2024, with Bengaluru’s large share underscoring its position as a tech and corporate hub.

The report also highlights a significant regional contrast in GCC flex space distribution — while Bengaluru holds 41 per cent of GCC occupancy in flex spaces, Kolkata claims just 1 per cent. This distribution suggests distinct regional preferences, with Bengaluru leading the way as the preferred market for flex space among GCCs.

Across India’s top six cities, GCCs occupy nearly 202.6 million sqft of Grade A office space, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad collectively accounting for three-fourths of this space. From 2018 through the second quarter of 2024, the IT/ITeS sector has consistently dominated the GCC landscape, followed by Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) and consulting sectors. Specifically, Mumbai leads with the highest share of GCCs within the BFSI sector, while Bengaluru holds top position in the IT/ITeS sector.

The report points at several recommendations, including innovative financing strategies, exploring new micro markets, supportive government policies and flexible office space for enhancing GCC operations and growth in India.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)