Category: Events, Exhibitions, Conferences

KARNATAKA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / INNOVATION: Mysuru’s Excel Public School students’ ‘Anytime Education’ Learning Device gets recognition from Ministry of Education (MOE) at ‘School InnovationContest 2023-24

The innovation will also be showcased at the NEP national-level exhibition in Delhi to be held in July, 2024.

Mysuru’s Excel Public School students’ ‘Anytime Education’ device has been recognised by the Ministry of Education as one of the top 20 innovations at ‘School Innovation Contest’ 2023-24.

‘School Innovation Contest’ was launched by the MoE inviting over 6,000 project submissions from across the country. The contest was developed by the Govt of India for systematically fostering the culture of innovation in all higher education institutions and schools across the country.

Students of Excel Public School — Eshanvi Nandeesh Preetham, C B Swarna, and Divya Satish — over the last eight months underwent boot camp training leading up to an elevator pitch to the ministry. Their elevator pitch for ‘Anytime Education’ was selected among the 20 in India who qualified for funding.

The students received the first tranche in March and are expected to receive the second tranche in June. The funding from the ministry will help the students to further develop the product and market its use-case across relevant forums and exhibitions. The innovation will also be showcased at the NEP national-level exhibition in Delhi to be held in July, 2024.

The device is powered by a solar panel with a power backup and comes with preloaded digital content. Students can access a vast library of educational content with no internet, ensuring uninterrupted learning.

Students also have access to a timetable/class schedule to receive real-time personalised learning from subject experts. Inspired by the Philippine’s model of using HAM radio, the A.T.E device connects students with teachers through HAM radio system for one on one discussions. The education content is currently available in English and Kannada.

Excel Public School principal Mathew K G said: “We are elated by this prestigious recognition by the Govt of India. The accomplishment of our students at the Ministry of Education’s ‘School Innovation Contest’ is a source of immense pride for the school.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HEALTH & MEDICAL SERVICES : Nimhans hosts special exhibition in Bengaluru

A series of informative content and interactive sessions kept the attendees engaged.

To raise awareness about bipolar disorder and combat the social stigma surrounding mental health, the Department of Psychiatry at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), in collaboration with other departments organized a special exhibition on World Bipolar Day on Saturday.

A series of informative content and interactive sessions kept the attendees engaged. They could explore more on bipolar disorder, its symptoms, treatment options, and ways to offer support to those affected by the condition.

Alongside the exhibition, the Department of Mental Health Education and the Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neurotoxicology released an infographic video on Bipolar Affective Disorder in both English and Kannada. The initiative aimed to educate the public and provide them with valuable knowledge and resources.

NIMHANS Director Dr Pratima Murthy inaugurated the event and highlighted the significance of World Bipolar Day in combating the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. Dr Murthy said, “It is upon us to inspire and stand by those impacted by this disorder, affirming that they too can lead lives as fulfilling as anyone else.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: 02nd edition of 2-day ‘Mahindra Percussion Festival 2024’ kicks off with thunderous performances

The second edition of the two-day Mahindra Percussion Festival stormed into Bengaluru this weekend, igniting the Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts with a thunderous opening day of performances.

The first day’s events began with a slightly subdued crowd, the emcee’s energetic greeting met with hesitant applause. However, the atmosphere quickly transformed as the Charu Hariharan Quartet took the stage, featuring the traditional percussion ensemble Kozhikode Nanthalakootam and artists from the Jenu Kuruba tribe of Nagarahole. 

Charu and her quartet opened with three original compositions, showcasing a compelling blend of classical Indian percussion with contemporary influences.

The energy shifted as the Kozhikode Nanthalakootam joined the quartet, their powerful chenda drumming adding a distinctly Keralan flavour to the performance. The Jenukurubas’ arrival further electrified the stage, their unique instruments crafted from bamboo, antenna dishes, and plastic containers infusing a raw, folk energy into the proceedings. 

Two Summ, featuring Viveick Rajagopalan and Anantha R. Krishnan, introduced a fascinating digital-analog hybrid  — the MIDI mridangam (or the MIDIdangam).  Their performance built from a gentle drizzle into a rhythmic downpour, Anantha’s humour lightening the mood as intricate melodies flowed. Their finale, blending African-sounding rhythms with Hindi lyrics, invited audience participation, ending in a standing ovation.

However, the night reached its zenith with Swarathma, Thavil Raja, and the Beat Gurus.  Their performance made the audience rise from their cushioned seats and applaud and dance, thanks to a thrilling mix of global percussion. ‘Duur Kinara’  fused African drums and horns, while Sanjeev Nayak’s violin pierced through the powerful rhythms.  Vasu Dixit’s invitation for the audience to howl during ‘Koorane’ added to the electric energy, further enhanced by ‘Thavil’ Raja’s masterful solo.  The spotlight shone on each percussionist, showcasing their brilliance. ‘Pyaar Ke Rang’, saw Vasu descend from the stage, joining the audience in a joyous frenzy of song and dance.

After this crowd-pleasing performance, the legendary Vikku Vinayakram graced the stage for a phenomenal final act, accompanying his Ghatam symphony, which included V Selvaganesh, who won a Grammy this year. It was a fitting climax to a dazzling night of world-class percussion.

The festival, which resumes on Sunday at the same venue, will feature three performances: Rhythms of India, Ashtanayika – Kal Aur Aaj, and Taufiq Qureshi’s Surya. 

The Mahindra Percussion Festival, in association with The Hindu, is co-sponsored by Mahindra Finance, Paul John Visitor Centre, and Carlsberg Smooth Soda and promoted and produced by Hyperlink Brand Solutions.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE: Glass House Poetry Festival 2024 in Bengaluru: Dialogues on Gaza, freedom of speech, and more

The first in-person edition of the festival in Bengaluru on March 23 and 24 will be held at the Bangalore International Centre.

Remember the solace of poetry amidst the global lockdown? The feeling that shared words could transcend the loneliness and fear? The ArtMantram Trust attempted to evoke this feeling with the Glass House Festival, wherein poets from many parts of the world shared and celebrated poetry. It is ready to rekindle that spirit with the first in-person edition of the festival in Bengaluru on March 23 and 24 at the Bangalore International Centre.

This year, the Glass House, put together by a strong curatorial team, expands its scope with a focus on ‘Planet, Prosperity, People, and Peace’, the festival’s theme. Amidst a world fractured by conflict and turmoil, the festival creates a space where the power of words cannot only illuminate shared experiences but also spark vital conversations, inviting the public to be part of a larger dialogue and fostering a sense of global community.

“We found in that (lockdown) environment, we were turning to things like poetry to help us get through the moment, either writing or reading poetry,” says Yumna Hari Singh, founding trustee of ArtMantram, about the inaugural festival. This year’s iteration builds on that legacy.

Over 100 poets of diverse backgrounds will take the stage alongside workshops and performances.

Expect recitative and slam poetry, translations, regional language showcases, close readings, and more. Distinguished names like Annie Zaidi (who will be participating online), Ashwani Kumar, and Gayatri Majumdar bring star power. The festival’s heart, however, lies in its open invitation for poets and lovers of poetry from all walks of life to engage and become part of the artistic process, fostering a sense of belonging and global community.

“As a poet, I see poetry as a potent, condensed form. It can convey immense meaning in a short space like a telegram or the universe’s Morse code. Layers of thought, rhythm, and stanzas allow poets to communicate quickly and deeply,” says co-curator Rochelle Potkar, highlighting poetry’s power to cut straight to core themes affecting us all.

This commitment to meaningful dialogue shines through in the festival’s programming. Panels will address Gaza, incarceration, freedom of speech, and environmental activism. Art also plays a pivotal role, with artists and poets sharing stages and even dance performances alongside poetry readings.

The first Glasshouse Festival was born from a moment of isolation. This 2024 edition carries a similar weight. “The zeitgeist we see that affects us is the violence… There’s so much,” explains Yumna. But in its expanded form, the festival offers something more – a testament to poetry’s ability to connect us across borders, whether physical or emotional.

As a hybrid event, including online sessions, poets worldwide contribute their voices – echoing the festival’s first pandemic-era incarnation. “Poetry is a small form… What you can tell in poetry is like a telegram. You can tell so many things,” Rochelle reflects. These telegrams of verse promise to explore the complex challenges of our time.

Beyond the festival weekend, ArtMantram Trust envisions a lasting legacy. They see the gathered material, the recordings, and the sparked conversations as seeds. “We want to make sure the thoughts and ideas sparked by the Glass House Festival keep echoing in people’s minds long after the two days are over,” says Rochelle.

The two-day festival at Bangalore International Centre is free to attend. For more information, visit artmantram.org or bangaloreinternationalcentre.org.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: Mangaluru’s Dr Oshin Hegde Wins ‘Mrs Karnataka Global World India 2024’ Beauty Pageant

Dr Oshin Hegde won the ‘Mrs Karnataka Global World India 2024’ in the month of February which was conducted by Global India Entertainment Production (GIEP) held at Westend inn hotel, Delhi.

It was a pan-India beauty pageant, for which contestants from all over the country were auditioned and then selected. She represented herself from the city of Mangaluru for the grand finale. There were different rounds throughout the event after which she received her title.

She is an oral radiologist and forensic dentist by profession practicing in Ivory Shine dental clinic, Kavoor, Mangaluru along with her husband Dr Deviprasad Rai a practicing paedodontist as well. She is a mother to 2 boys.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: HORTICULTURE & AGRICULTURE: Innovation on display at National Horticulture Fair (NHF) 2024 in IIHR

From seeds of different varieties of fruit, flower and vegetable plants to advanced technological advancements, are available at the 250 stalls put up at the fair.

For any horticulture enthusiasts in Bengaluru, from home gardeners to orchard owners, National Horticulture Fair (NHF) organised at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) between March 5 and March 7 is the place to be.

From seeds of different varieties of fruit, flower and vegetable plants to advanced technological advancements, are available at the 250 stalls put up at the fair.

Innovative products like purple coloured ladies finger, dragon fruit juice, ready-to-eat jackfruit curry, millet health bars and jackfruit it seed and mushroom powder cookies are also available at the fair.

More than 30 agricultural institutes from 18 States are taking part in the fair. “Our Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) brought us to this fair. I had never been to an agricultural fair on such a large scale. I have spent more than half day just going through the stall here,” said Pradeep, a farmer from Sira taluk in Tumakuru who was at NHF on the inaugural day.

Arka Mealy Melt, which works against mealy bugs, which are soft oval insects which affect crops in even kitchen gardens, home gardens, landscapes and indoor gardens, is also among the new products developed by IIHR using technology. The product will help dissolve the mealy bug wax due to which hinders the penetration of insecticides to work against the bugs.

On the first day of NHF, around 20,000 people were in attendance while on the second day, around 25,000 people thronged the IIHR premises.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BEAUTY : Ishika Shetty Wins Miss Teen Global World India Oceana 2024 Crown

Mangaluru girl Ishika Shetty was crowned as Miss Teen Global World India Oceana – 2024 at Mr and Miss and Miss Teen Global World beauty pageant in New Delhi on February 27, organized by Global India Entertainment Production and Ali Sharma.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and model Jathin Kirbath were the jury members for the final round and 65 contestants from all over the country took part in the beauty pageant.

Ishika Shetty hails from Kavoor. She is the daughter of Sharath Kumar Shetty and Shwetha Sharath Kumar Shetty. Presently, she is pursuing her degree at St Aloysius College.

In the year 2022, Ishika bagged Miss Teen Mangaluru and Miss Teen Karnataka in 2023 in Bengaluru. Since childhood, she has been inclined towards acting, dancing and modeling.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPORTS – FIRST: Karnataka govt launches ‘India’s First ever International Stand up-Paddling (SUP) event’, Mar 08-10 Mangaluru

The Government of Karnataka officially launched India’s first-ever International Stand-Up Paddling event here. 

The announcement was made in the presence of UT Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health and District In-Charge Minister of Dakshina Kannada, Govt of Karnataka, and Dhananjaya Shetty, Chairman, Surfing Swami Foundation.

Additionally, the occasion featured the unveiling of the India Paddle Festival logo.

The three-day SUP championship is scheduled to take place at Sasihithlu Beach from March 8-10, 2024, preceding the launch of the 2024 APP World Tour.

Speaking on the occasion, UT Khader said, “We need more of these events in Dakshina Kannada to highlight the beauty of our coastline, culture and cuisine. We are excited to host the inaugural India Paddle Festival in Mangaluru.”

Meanwhile, Dhananjaya Shetty said, “On behalf of the surfing community, I would like to express my gratitude towards the Government of Karnataka for stepping up and supporting us to host the country’s first-ever International Stand-Up Paddling event. We take pride and immense pleasure in hosting the event on such a grand scale, and we will leave no stone unturned to make this event a grand success.”

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Udupi’s Sini Shetty to represent India in 71st Miss World beauty pageant

Sini Shetty, a 21-year-old native of Udupi, Karnataka, has been selected to represent India in the upcoming 71st edition of the Miss World beauty pageant contest.

This announcement comes after Shetty was crowned ‘Miss India’ at the ‘Femina Miss India World-2022’ event held in Mumbai. Shetty, who holds a Masters in Accounting and Finance, is also proficient in Bharatanatyam.

The Miss World beauty pageant contest, which is returning to India after a hiatus of three decades, is set to take place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on March 9 marking a significant milestone as Bengaluru had hosted the event 28 years ago for the first time.

The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will host the ‘opening ceremony and India welcome the world Gala’ in New Delhi. Renowned fashion designer Archana Kochhar has been appointed as the official fashion designer for the 71st Miss World competition.

In her remarks, Sini Shetty expressed her joy at being part of this prestigious event, highlighting India’s rich history in the Miss World beauty pageant. She mentioned that India has produced six Miss World winners in the past, including Aishwarya Rai (1994), Rita Faria (1966), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mukhi (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000), and Manushi Chillar (2017).

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL : KARNATAKA: Bengaluru Kendriya Vidyala Student R. Bhavana presents Science Project at PM’s Pariksha pe Charcha

R. Bhavana represented the KVS Bengaluru region at the programme in Delhi.

R. Bhavana, a class 9 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, DRDO, Bengaluru, presented her science project at the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme held on January 29 in Bharath Mandapam, Pragathi Maidan, New Delhi. As part of the programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students appearing for board exams this year.

R. Bhavana represented the KVS Bengaluru region at the programme in Delhi. Her project on a health monitoring system has earned recognition for its innovative approach, according to Kendriya Vidyalaya, DRDO, Bengaluru.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited0