Karnataka First

In alignment with CII’s National theme, CII Southern Region this year will focus on key enablers of growth that would propel economic growth of the southern States, says chairman Kamal Bali.

Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Southern Region will focus on nine tracks to transform South India by 2047, said CII Southern Region chairman Kamal Bali, here on Saturday, November 4.

Mr. Bali, who is the president and Managing Director of Volvo Group India, told reporters, “In alignment with CII’s National theme, CII Southern Region this year will focus on key enablers of growth that would propel economic growth of the southern States and also set the tone for transitioning South India @ 75 to South India @ 100 with the theme ‘transformation through competitiveness, growth, sustainability, trust and globalisation’ for 2023-24.”

The nine tracks are: ‘People and culture rejuvenation’, ‘Holistic sustainability and ESG’, ‘Tech adoption and digital transformation’, ‘Embracing energy transition’, ‘Innovation and startup ecosystems’, ‘Manufacturing excellence’, ‘Partnerships and collaborations’, ‘MSMEs’, and ‘Brand building and sectoral promotion’.

Mr. Bali said CII will work closely with the State governments in bringing State-level policies on manufacturing and Industry 4.0, as these are very important in realising the economic goals and vision of southern States. CII would set up State-level task forces on digital transformation to support industries in their digitalisation initiatives to make member companies be ready for Industry 4.0.

CII will hand-hold 2,000 MSMEs which will be serviced and sensitised on various elements of competitiveness in collaboration with CII centres of excellence.

New Office

Inaugurating a new office of CII in Mangaluru earlier, Mr. Bali said CII’s office network in South India has now increased to 17. CII could extend its services to members and other stakeholders with specific interventions for development of MSMEs in Mangaluru region.

CII Karnataka Chairman Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan said CII could service its members at the grass root level with the network expansion in Karnataka. CII-Mangaluru District Chairman Praveen Kumar Kalbavi said the new office would strengthen CII’s presence in tier-2 cities and officer specific services to members in exports, food processing, manufacturing besides active engagement with academia and MSMEs in the region.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

To run the project, Vizzhy has imported the NVIDIA DGX H100, which claims to be the AI powerhouse and the foundation of NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD.

Texas-based Vizzhy Inc., a firm focussing on healthcare innovation leveraging multi-omics, is in the process of building what is claimed to be the world’s first and largest multi-omics-based Generative AI platform on holistic health to help the common man, medical professionals and researchers.

Vizzhy’s a team of 40 data scientists, medical professionals and researchers and deep tech experts based in Bengaluru will be working on this project. To run the project, the company has imported the NVIDIA DGX H100, which claims to be the AI powerhouse and the foundation of NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD, that helps enterprises solve the biggest challenges with AI through its high performance.

Multi-omics (multiple omics) offer possibilities of holistic discovery across multiple levels of biology. By combining multi-omics data, researchers will be able to get a deeper, holistic understanding of molecular changes happening in the human body, and therefore physicians would be able to treat all kinds of ailments more effectively with significantly less, but precise medication. Multi-omics involve a comprehensive analysis of biological data, integrating genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics to unravel intricate disease mechanisms and advance personalised medicine.

Dr. Vishnu Vardhan Pogunulu Srinivasalu, founder of Vizzhy Inc., is an orthopaedics doctor hailing from Ballari district in Karnataka. He has an MS, and an MBA in Business Administration and Science & Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He told The Hindu, “What patients, especially the ones with multiple ailments, require is a holistic approach to understand their body and treat their complaints more effectively rather than treating patients with diverse medications prescribed by different specialists or super-specialists for different diseases triggered by metabolic issues.’‘

Quoting a 2019 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the U.S., Dr. Srinivasalu said that some 88% of adults were metabolically unfit and the average adult gained 15 kg since the 1970s. A surge in metabolic diseases has propelled America’s annual healthcare spending to over $4 trillion, surpassing India’s GDP. Metabolic trends in India too were similar, or not satisfactory.

“This startling revelation prompted us to realise that the entire healthcare landscape required to be redefined. Transforming from specialists’ medication model to a holistic medication approach, a more natural way of treating diseases effectively,” he added.

Vizzhy’s Generative AI platform would be able to generate a humongous amount of innovative medical data, meant for the public and patients, medical fraternity and researchers, further expanding the possibilities of research and treatment for metabolic diseases.

“These technologies thrive on global collaboration, aggregating original research, expertise, datasets, and computational capabilities. Our attempt is set to explore novel avenues in the management of lifestyle ailments, and it is about taming the AI to tackle the root cause of metabolic diseases,’‘ Dr. Srinivasalu said.

Vizzhy’s approach focused on a systems biology paradigm, emphasising on preventative, predictive, precise, participatory (the patient has 70% of responsibility in managing his health, he argues), and personalised healthcare. The synergy of multi-omics and Generative AI is key to addressing the fundamental causes of metabolic diseases.

“Vizzhy Inc. is propelling a healthcare revolution by channelling the potent combination of multi-omics and Generative AI. The platform would respond to all health related queries from anyone, and generate authentic, well-researched medical data accordingly,: he elaborated.

Invests ₹100 crore on research in metabolic diseases 

To further its commitment to combat metabolic diseases through holistic approach, Vizzhy Inc has decided to invest over ₹100 crore ( $12.5 million) in Sreenivasulu AI for Wellness Centre, at the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

This center, led by Prof. Narendra Ahuja, global scientist in Computer Vision, known for establishing India’s first IIIT in Hyderabad, would assemble a team of scientists, engineers, and health system experts committed to addressing one of humanity’s most pressing challenges — metabolic diseases. 

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Krisben Music honoured 37 remarkable Covid warriors from the Konkani community of Bahrain at the Indian Club here on November 3.

A momentous tribute unfolded during this show, honoring 37 remarkable COVID warriors from the Konkani community of Bahrain in the benevolent presence of two Covid-survivors Lancy Fernandes and Julius Lobo. The awards were handed over by Lancy and Julius in the presence of Christopher Roshan Lobo, owner of Krisben Music. Their journey through the trials and tribulations of the pandemic resonated deeply with every soul in attendance. Recognizing their unwavering commitment and selfless service during the pandemic, the event not only paid deserving respects to these warriors but also underscored the importance of solidarity within the community. Their resilience in the face of adversity served as an enduring reminder of the strength one finds in unity.

Walter Nandalike, the founder and managing director of Daijiworld media, graced the occasion with his presence, and his words resounded with heartfelt appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Covid warriors. He opined that the work of frontliners need to be acknowledged by the public. Nandalike in his vociferous address to the audience opined that it was for the first time a Konkani organization had come forward and that too in Bahrain to go out of the way to acknowledge and honour the Covid warriors and congratulated Krisben Music for initiating this noble act. He went on to narrate his own compelling story of surviving Covid, highlighting the incredible dedication and sacrifices made by the nurses and medical staff involved in the battle against the deadly virus at that time.

It was a poignant and inspiring evening, celebrating these unsung heroes who selflessly served on the frontlines of the pandemic and saw all through it.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, have developed machine learning models for designing next generation nuclear reactor materials.

According to IISc, advanced nuclear reactors offer enhanced efficiency and safety compared to the long-standing conventional reactors in use, which is achieved by changing either the type or the rate of nuclear reactions within the reactor core.

However, it said that these changes could lead to increased radiation exposure for core materials, like austenitic stainless steels, which were not originally designed to endure such conditions, and an alternative is a special type of steel called Ferritic-Martensitic (FM) steel, which is more resistant to damage caused by nuclear radiation.

“But a variety of FM steels can be made by changing the composition and processing conditions, and they behave differently under different levels of radiation exposures at different temperatures. Only a small subset of these steels has been experimentally studied so far, mostly because conducting experiments in extreme environments brings its own challenges – scarcity of nuclear testing facilities, large expenses, and safety issues,” IISc said.

It added that it is, therefore, important to thoroughly investigate the effects of neutron irradiation on FM steels to identify the most suitable option for a specific irradiation level in a given reactor.

“One approach is to use physics-based models, but they require extensive defect characterisation data as input, which is missing in most experiments reported in the literature. As an alternative, a collaborative team from IISc and the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed ML models. These models forecast the impact of neutron irradiation on the strength of FM steels, employing input parameters such as composition, processing conditions, and testing variables such as radiation dose and temperature,” IISc added.

The team used an algorithm called SHAP to pinpoint the most important input parameters/variables influencing the strength of FM steels upon irradiation. Using these variables, they deployed four ML algorithms to predict the strength of different FM steels subjected to varied radiation levels and temperatures.

IISc further said that this research demonstrates that these predictive models can significantly reduce the time and cost needed for conducting experiments in challenging conditions and accelerate the development of materials for advanced nuclear reactors.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

He has created work as a writer, musician, actor, and director, thereby displaying an exceptional ability to be dexterous and ambitious in his craft.

This year’s Shankar Nag Award was given to theatre person Lakshman K.P. on Wednesday at the Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival 2023 – Narratives & Narratives.

Lakshman is known to have created a rich and important oeuvre of theatre work over the last decade. Since graduating from Ninasam, Heggodu, he has gone on to train at the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore and lived up to the high standards of both institutions.

He has created work as a writer, musician, actor, and director, thereby displaying an exceptional ability to be dexterous and ambitious in his craft. His theatre is deeply rooted in the cultural and social world of his practice and at the same time speaks clearly and powerfully to the world at large.

The award comes as another feather in his cap, as Lakshman’s recent play Dakla Katha Devi Kavya also earned laurels at the META Awards 2023.

‘Happy and humbled’

“I am very happy, humbled and thankful to Ranga Shankara for honouring me with this award. Just as special as it makes me feel, it is equally scary because feeling special is not a privilege in India. As much as this award means to me, I do not want the award to let me forget about the whole ecosystem around me. There have been theatre teams, institutions, audience, my schooling and my family that have all contributed to the award that I have received today, and they will continue to be my backbone,” he said.

When asked how the young director has seen success in the theatre world, Lakshman says, “I do not know how success is measured, but I agree that my work has been recognised. I am an actor, and I train actors. However, due to certain circumstances, I forced myself to get into direction, and I stand here today. I enjoy working with actors, and the fact that I consider acting an important form of craft is one of the many reasons actors in my plays are also being recognised. The curiosity I have on learning more about the craft of acting and how the process of my work with actors has evolved over the years could be the reason behind my work being recognised.“

Instituted on November 9, 2014, to commemorate late Kannada theatre and filmmaker Shankar Nag’s 60th birthday, The Shankar Nag Award is presented to a young theatremaker for service to theatre. The award is given away on the last day of the annual Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival to an exceptional theatremaker below the age of 40. Over the years, the award has been given to prominent young theatre makers of the country like Abhishek Majumdar, Mohit Takalkar, Quasar Thakore Padamsee, Anurupa Roy, Toral Shah, Sankar Venkateswaran, Neel Chaudhuri, Vivek Madan, Nimmy Raphel and Sharanya Ramprakash.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The contribution of Mysore Lancers, the personal army of Mysore Maharaja, in helping the British to capture Israel’s Haifa by winning a battle against Ottomans is unknown to many, except a few history aficionados. The reasons are unending but in an interesting turn of events, the great grandson of Rajkumar Desraj Urs has recently made a significant connection with the current conflict-ridden country, by making a hard-hitting documentary, after a century from the victory of Mysore lancers against Ottomans.

Rajkumar Desraj Urs was a command-in-chief of Mysore Lancers during the battle with Ottomans, and was also the son-in-law to Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar. Pranav Pingle, the great grandson of Desraj Urs, directed a documentary film called ‘Occupied’ and captured the stories of love, hope and creativity amid the uncertainty of life in war-hit Israel and Palestine.

“The Israel-Palestine conflict has always kept me on toes, with surreal goals of making a documentary film around it. We managed to travel to the conflict-ridden zone and there were so many stories which might go unknown in the lap of forever-burning geo-politics. We wanted to capture those stories, which are majorly about love and hope amid uncertainty and destruction”, Pingle told Hindustan Times.

‘Occupied’ is a five-episode documentary series that mainly focuses on youngsters, who use art form — music, calligraphy, street art, poetry, dance, etc as an expression of resistance and live life to the fullest within the restrictions that are imposed on them.

It took 35 days for the documentary crew led by Pranav to shoot the whole series in Israel-Palestine and the director called it a ‘lifetime experience.’ “Not very often, the risk of our lives feels worthy enough and undoubtedly, shooting occupied the war-hit West Bank was one such event. It is sad to see such unfortunate things happening to such calm and composed people. Hope normalcy restores in the area,” Pranav added.

This five-part docu-series was also the only Indian film selected for the Athens International Film and Video Festival which took place in Ohio of the United States.

As Israel is once again hit by a conflict and making headlines across the globe after its war with the Hamas, the docu-series is being planned to screen across India.

Last week, a screening happened in Hyderabad and Pranav said that the team is also planning to arrange screenings at Bengaluru and Mysore as well.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

From traditional south Indian fare to contemporary global cuisine, these establishments have captured the hearts and palates of discerning diners.

Eleven restaurants from Bengaluru have secured spots in Condé Nast Traveller India’s list of the country’s top 50 restaurants. From traditional south Indian fare to contemporary global cuisine, these establishments have captured the hearts and palates of discerning diners. Here’s a glimpse into the gastronomic wonders that earned a coveted place on this illustrious list.

Bengaluru Oota Company (Rank 11)

Cuisine: Specialising in Gowda and Mangalorean cuisines.

Experience: Offers an intimate tasting room in Cambridge Layout, where diners can choose between 4 or 5-course menus tailored to their preferences.

Must-try dishes: Mutton cutlets, ragi mudde with mamsa saaru, kori gassi, and marwai ajadina.

Le Cirque Signature, The Leela Palace (Rank 16)

Cuisine: Franco-Italian cuisine at its finest.

Highlights: From portobello and confit duck to Le Cirque salad, each dish is a culinary delight. Don’t miss the pan-seared Atlantic scallop with Puy lentil cassoulet and the classic Sirio’s spaghetti primavera.

Lupa (Rank 23)

Concept: Classic European tastes infused with modern creativity.

Inspiration: Inspired by the mythological La Lupa, embodying an untamed spirit.

Experience: A unique culinary journey offering an exclusive experience for each guest.

Farmlore (Rank 24)

Philosophy: Menu shaped entirely by what thrives on their farm, upholding ethical farming practices.

Experience: An ever-evolving 10-course farm-to-table experience crafted by a team with backgrounds in Michelin-starred establishments.

Karavalli Vivanta Bengaluru Residency Road (Rank 28)

Specialty: Carefully-sourced seafood prepared in the traditional coastal Karnataka way.

Highlights: Tiger prawn roast, meen eleittad, and the tangy rasam.

Falak, The Leela Bhartiya City (Rank 30)

Cuisine: Authentic Indian cuisine, from Awadhi to Northwest Frontier specialties.

Must-try Dishes: Tandoori chicken, Dadi jaan ka qorma.

Burma Burma Restaurant and Tea room in Indiranagar (Rank 34)

Specialty: An all-vegetarian menu with exotic Burmese recipes.

Favourites: Samosa soup, honey caviar, khao suey, tea leaf salad, Durian ice cream.

Oota Bangalore (Rank 41)

Experience: Showcases Karnataka’s diverse cuisine from various regions.

Must-try dishes: Chicken ghee roast, Pandi curry of Coorg, akki roti, neer dosa.

Naru Noodle Bar (Rank 42)

Specialty: An intimate haven dedicated to perfecting ramen.

Highlights: An array of enticing ramen options, including vegetarian choices and delectable sides.

Boteco Restaurante Brasileiro (Rank 43)

Offering: Authentic Brazilian dishes with a casual vibe and enticing cocktails.

Highlight: Features a special ‘Churrasqueira’ section and a charcoal grill for perfect meat preparation.

Toast & Tonic (Rank 46)

Concept: Celebrates the best of local ingredients infused with global flavours.

Ambiance: Inspired by the bohemian East Village spirit with a minimalistic decor that lets the ingredients shine.

source/content: thenewsminute.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA:

Karnataka government has awarded the Rajyotsava award to 68 people including ISRO Chairman S Somanath and golfer Aditi Ashok.

Here’s the complete list:

The Karnataka government’s Rajyotsava Award will be given to 68 people this year, including ISRO Chairman S Somanath and golfer Aditi Ashok, for their excellent service in their fields.

The Rajyotsava Award is the state’s second-highest civilian award given by the Karnataka government annually. The 68th Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards will be conferred on the occasion of the state’s formation day on November 1. This year is the golden jubilee of renaming Mysore state as Karnataka.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is the head of the Award committee, who has selected the winners.

The government also decided to give 10 awards to organisations along with 68 Rajyotsava awards on the occasion of ‘Karnataka Sambhrama’. 

Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi said that it is ensured that every district has been given representation while selecting the awardees. The awardees also include 54 men, 13 women and one transgender. The list also has two centenarians.

The Rajyotsava Awardee will get cash rewards of Rs 5 lakh, a 25-gram gold medal and a plaque.

Here’s the complete list of Rajyotsava Awardees:

Music/Dance

• Nayana S. More (Bengaluru) 
• Neela M. Kodli (Dharwad)
• Shabbir Ahmed (Bengaluru) 
• Balesh Bhajantri (Belagavi)

Sculptures/Art/Handicraft 

• T. Shivashankar (Davangere)
• Kalappa Vishwakarma (Raichur)
• Martha Jakimovich (Bengaluru)
• P. Gowraiah (Mysuru)

Yakshagana

• Agrodu Mohandas Pai (Udupi)
• K. Leelavathi Baipadithaya (Dakshina Kannada)
• Keshappa Shillikyathara (Koppal)
• Dalawai Siddappa (Vijayanagara)

Folk Art

• Husenabi Buden Sab Siddi (Uttara Kannada)
• Shivangi Shanmari (Davangere)
• Mahadev (Mysuru)
• Narasappa (Bidar)
• Shankuntala Devala Naik (Kalaburagi)
• H.K. Karamanchappa (Ballari)
• Shambu Baligara (Gadag)
• Vibhuti Gundappa (Koppal)
• Chowdamma (Chikkamagaluru)

Social Service 

• Huchchamma Chowdri (Koppal)
• Charmadi Hasanabba (Dakshina Kannada)
• Roopa Naik (Davangere)
• Nijagunanda Mahaswami (Belagavi)
• Nagaraju G. (Bengaluru)

Administration

• G.V. Balaram (Tumakuru)

Film/Cinema

• ‘Dingri’ Nagaraj and B. Janardhana (both Bengaluru)

Theatre

• A.G. Chidambara Rao Jambe (Shivamogga) 
• P. Gangadhara Swami (Mysuru)
• H.B. Sarojamma (Dharwad)
• Thaiyabkhan M. Inamdar (Bagalkot)
• Vishwanath Vamshakrutha Mata (Bagalkot),
• P. Thippeswamy (Chitradurga)

Medical

• C. Ramachandra (Bengaluru)
• Prashanta Shetty (Dakshina Kannada)

Literature

• C. Naganna (Chamarajanagar)
• Subbu Holeyar (Hassan)
• Satish Kulkarni (Haveri)
• Lakshmipathi Kolara (Kolar)
• Parappa Gurupadappa Siddapura (Vijayapura)
• K. Sharifa (Bengaluru)

Education

• Ramanna Havele (Raichur)
• K. Chandrashekar (Kolar)
• K.T. Chandru (Mandya)

Sports

• Divya T.S. (Kolar)
• Aditi Ashok (Bengaluru)
• Ashok Gagigeppa Yenagi (Dharwad)

Judiciary

• V. Gopala Gowda

Agriculture/Environment

• Somanatha Reddy Poorva (Kalaburagi)
• Dhyavanagouda T. Patil (Dharwad)
• Shivareddy Hanuma Reddy Vasana (Bagalkot)

Miscellaneous

• A.M. Madari (Vijayapura)
• Haji Abdulla, Parkala (Udupi) 
• ‘Mimikri’ Dayananda (Mysuru) 
• Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj (Mysuru)
• Lieutenant General Codanda Poovaiah Cariappa (Kodagu)

Media

• Dinesh Amin Mattu (Dakshina Kannada)
• Javarappa (newspaper distributor from Mysuru)
• Maya Sharma (Bengaluru), and Rafi Bhandari (Vijayapura)

Science/Technology

• S. Somanath (Bengaluru)
• Gopalan Jagadish (Chamarajangar)

NRI Kannadigas

• Seetharam Iyengar
• Deepak Shetty
• Shashikiran Shetty

Freedom fighter

• Puttaswamy Gowda (Ramangara)

Organisations receiving the Rajyotsav Award

Here’s the list of organisations which received the award. 

• Karnataka Sangha (Shivamogga)
• B.N. Shivarama Pustaka Prakashana (Mysuru)
• Mythic Society (Bengaluru)
• Karnataka Sahitya Sangha (Yadgiri)
• Moulana Azad Shikshana and Samaja Kalyana Sanskrithika Sangha (Davangere)
• Muslim Education Institutions Federation (Dakshina Kannada)
• Sneharanga Havyasi Kala Samsthe (Bagalkot)
• Chinnara Bimba (Mumbai)
• Maruthi Janaseva Sangha (Dakshina Kannada)
• Vidyadana Samithi (Gadag)

source/content: business-standard.com (headline edited)

“All India Konkani Parishad will host the 25th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan at World Konkani Centre, Shaktinagar, on November 4-5. There will be sessions, literary presentations, panel discussions, folk and cultural programmes on both the days. Renowned Hindi poet and critic Udayan Vajpeyi will inaugurate the Sammelan and deliver the keynote address on the subject ‘Literature and Life’ at 10 am. On Novembber 4,” said H M Pernal, working president, reception committee in a press meet on Thursday November 2.

“Senior Novelist and Konkani activist Hema Naik will preside over the Sammelan and deliver the presidential address. Renowned poet Prof Mamta G Sagar will grace as the chief guest to the valedictory ceremony and speak on the subject ‘Social Responsibility of writers.’

“The inaugural and valedictory speeches will be in Hindi and English respectively and on November 4 at 5.30 p.m, there will be a panel discussion in English on the subject ‘Challenges for Contemporary Writers’ chaired by Prof Puroshottam Bilimale. Udayan Vajpeyi and Mamta G Sagar will be the panelists in the session. Non-Konkani writers and literary enthusiasts of the region can attend this session.

“As many as 600 delegates, writers, students and Konkani speakers from all over India will be participating in the Sammelan, particularly from Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra and it will be a golden opportunity for literary enthusiasts of Coastal Karnataka to interact with writers and scholars face to face. Food is arranged on both the days for the participants and registered delegates will be provided with accommodation,” he said.

Micahael D’Souza, president, reception committee; Nandagopal Shenoy, vice president, reception committee; Titus Noronha, general secretary, reception committee; Melvyn Rodrigues, vice president, All India Konkani Parishad, and Chetan Acharya, working president, All India Konkani Parishad were present.

About Hema Naik

Hema Naik started writing at a young age and quit the banking job for the sake of the Konkani movement. She writes in Konkani, Marathi, English and Hindi. So far, she has published 8 original works and more than 10 translated works. Apart from short stories, essays and novels, she has written many radio plays and one act plays. Being an editor and publisher, she has edited and published Konkani periodicals and produced a Konkani cinema for Doordarshan. She has been awarded with Sahitya Akademi Award, government of Goa Kala Academy award, Katha Puraskar, Dr T M A award from Manipal and many more. She has led many feminists movements in Goa. She will serve as the president of the 25th All India Konkani Sammelan for 2 years.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

In candid conversations with The Hindu, a few veteran political leaders went down the memory lane and narrated their memories of November 1, 1973 with a hint of nostalgia.

On November 1, 1973, Vishala Mysuru Rajya was renamed Karnataka, 17 years after the unification of States in 1956. For the State to get its name, many activists and politicians had to fight for 17 long years before the Devaraj Urs-led government christened the State Karnataka. Many old timers, some of whom were directly involved in pushing the demand, remember that day vividly.

Excerpts of their conversation with The Hindu:

Vatal Nagaraj, Kannada activist and former MLA

I was an MLA when the decision was taken to rename Mysuru Rajya as Karnataka. Before that, for years, Andanappa Doddameti who had played a significant role in the unification of the State had been leading the movement to rename the State. Along with Shantaveri Gopala gowda, Kagodu Thimmappa, Konanduru Lingappa, Bangarappa, K.H. Patil and others, I was also a part of the group which was demanding for renaming the State as Karnataka. The government had to give in to the demand of the people. 

In his speech on November 1, 1973, Devaraj Urs admitted that while as an individual he had at times argued for the name Mysuru, as a Chief Minister, he had kept his individual interest aside and named the State Karnataka as a majority of people wanted it.

As soon as his declaration speech was over, I showered on him him and then Speaker K.S. Nagarathnamma jasmine and sampige flowers. This was followed by speeches from all of us. Urs understood people’s sentiments.

Konandur Lingappa, socialist leader and former legislator 

The motion to name Mysore State as Karnataka was passed with a majority vote. A few tall leaders were opposed to naming the State Karnataka. However, it was later welcomed by all. 

Interestingly, at that time, Devaraj Urs, who was the Chief Minister, represented Hunsur constituency, and K.S. Nagarathnamma, who was the Speaker, represented Gundlupet, both in Mysuru district. Yet, they were instrumental in naming the State Karnataka, in place of Mysore.

All the legislators were presented with a memento to mark the occasion. I still have mine. My political guru and noted socialist Shantaveri Gopala Gowda had strongly advocated for the name Karnataka. He delivered a long speech on the floor of the House when he was a member. I had the opportunity to collect his speeches for a book later.

Khaji Arshed Ali, journalist and former MLC 

Unification of Karnataka was the fruition of the aspirations of millions who were culturally and socially similar to each other, but were living across different borders. While “Mysore” is reminiscent of the rule of kings, the term “Karnataka” makes us proud of being citizens of a republic. 

I clearly remember what happened around that time in the Congress legislature party and the Mysore Assembly. Many legislators from Old Mysore area were afraid of losing the identity of the princely State if the State was renamed.

However, the people of northern Karnataka were elated at the name change. We organised a celebration in Bidar. We gathered at the Ambedkar Circle, burst crackers and distributed sweets. Similar celebrations were organised in cities like Gulbarga, Dharwad, Bijapur and even small towns.  

That was a very significant day in my life as a citizen and as a young journalist. I would like to believe that we gained a new identity with the name change. I also believe that the struggle for unification had culminated in the renaming of the state.

B.T. Lalitha Naik, politician, social activist and writer 

I was in Raichur at that time. I was not active in politics, but I was writing. There was much demand from North Karnataka regions to rename the State. When the State was finally named Karnataka, there were celebrations everywhere. Every building was decorated to commemorate the occasion.  

Those in rural areas did not even know what exactly had happened. They used to say “Nam oorige hosa hesru banthu” (our town got a new name). This just goes to show how proud all the citizens were as we finally had a name. 

At the time, every poet and writer wrote songs about Karnataka and Kannada. Even Lavanikaras (balladeers) started singing songs about Karnataka, making them reach even the villages. I was also called to various places to deliver speeches. 

“Udayavagali Namma Cheluva Kannada Nadu” had almost become an anthem across the State as we could hear it everywhere. In fact, until Kuvempu’s “Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujaathe” came around, “Udayavagali” was like the Naada Geethe (State song).

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)