The world of GSB Konkani .: October 2005

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Sane Guruji shooting complete

Sane Guruji, a social Marathi film made under the banner of Shree Creations & Amey Infotainment and co-produced by Govt of Maharashtra completed its last shooting stint at Essel Studio. Produced by Utkarsha Malya and Ratnakar Pai, the film has concept by Kapil Patil, Sagun Sawant and Ashish Pednekar, screenplay-dialogue by Ashok Kambli and Dilip Kshirsagr, lyrics by Dilip Kshirsagar, music by Rahul Ranade and Narendra Bhide, cinematography by Mangesh Sawant and art-direction by Ashok Satam. Sandip Kulkrani is in the title role along with Chittaaranjan Kolhatkar, Suhas Bhalekar, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Vikram Gokhale, Pramod Pawar, Prasad Pandit, Anil Gawas, Samaatha, James, Rajavi, Manoj Kolhatkar, Makrand Padhye, Rajan Bane, Mangesh Satpute, Ganesh Manjarekar and Manasi Sontakke.The 40-day shooting schedule was completed in eight stints at Amalner, Dhule, Saswad, Pune, Alandi, Pulgaon, Nasik.

District Rajyotsava Awards for 32 including Sandesha Foundation

This year, as many as 32 persons from the district will be presented Rajyotsava award for 2005.

Disclosing this to the press, district president Kannada Sahitya Parishad Pradeep Kumar Kalkura said apart from the 32 prizes, two special prizes will also be given away recognizing their contribution to Kannada and society.

Senior litterateur Vidwan Ramachandra Uchil (literature), Palthady Ramkrishna Achar, Puttur (Tulu literature and research), Subba Bangera, Gandhakaadu (Janapada Bootaradane), Shahanaz M (literature), K Anand Shetty (journalism), Sandesha Foundation (service to culture and education), Annu Sherigar, Bappanadu (music), Shivaprasad K Acharya, Puttur (art), G M Hassan Kunhi, Montepadau (rural social service), Kadri Navneeth Shetty (arts, culture, and television), B Sunil Baliga (sports-volleyball), Sanjay Kumar Shetty, Gonebeedu (yakshagana), Chandrashekhar Damle, Sullia (rural education service), Sindhu Bhairavi (young talent), Kasturi (visually impaired singer), B N Rao (theatre), D Annu Devadiga, Dharmasthala (music), K Annayya Sherigar (co-operative leader), Sharath Shetty Kinnigoli (theatre), K Saroja Mohan Das (Karnatic classical music), Prof B M Inchlamgodu, Moodbidri (Byari literature), Dr Anand Rudraiah Sali (medicine), B Giridhar Shetty, Beltangady (folk puppetry), K Mohandas Kasargod (cartoonist), Nritya Vidhushi Kamala Bhat (classical bharathanatyam) Vasanthi R Nayak (Konkani literature) U P Chandan (child cine artiste), Dr P Gauri Pai, Puttur (medicine), A C Bhandary, Nandavara (religious service), Shivaram Jogi, B C Road (Yakshagana), K Nagesh Salian (culture) and D M Ramgopal Shetty (medicince) will be given the award.

The special contribution award will be conferred on Archana R Priyadarshini (Karnatic classical music) and Chennakeshava M (yakshagana).

On the occasion, six government employees will be honoured with Nagarika Seva Award by the district administration, he informed. J R Lobo (KUDCEMP) and N R Umesh (ZP) have been selected for the award under the grade 1 gazetted officiers, while Vasudev Uchil (women and child welfare department) and Shantaram Chiplunkar (district training centre) have been selected in the grade II gazetted officers. In the non-gazetted division B Ramchandra (revenue dept) and U Harishchandra (ZP) are selected.

The selection committee was chaired by deputy commissioner H V Parshwanath, Kalkura informed.

Rajotsava which will be celebrated on November 1 will begin with a colourful procession from Jyoti Circle to Nehru Maidan at 8 am. School children and tableaux will add colour to the procession, he added.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Going Goa

KONKANI film director Rajendra Talak’s movie Aleesha was another surprise item for nature lovers. The film tries to achieve a delicate balance between the exigencies of economy and environmental protection. Protagonist Aleesha depicts the co-existence of an eco-friendly industry with nature. “The threat posed due to the mining industry on the pristine environment of Goa is distressing. The idea struck me four years back when I was in an airplane and I could clearly see the mining area. That’s the time I questioned myself,” explains Talak.

Other than his love for nature, he also wants to bring the Konkani film industry on the global map. “No one invests in films in Goa due to lack of returns. But, after the revival of government policy in 1995, we hope that Konkani films will soon be shown at international film festivals too!”

'Centenary Udyama Shreshthata' Award for Robosoft's Rohit Bhat

Rohit Bhat, founder, Robosoft Technologies, Udupi will be conferred with 'Centenary Udyama Shreshthata' (Business Excellence) award. This award is another feather in Rohit Bhat's cap which already boasts of many more awards and recognitions.

The present award is given by International Rotary Club as part of its centenary celebrations. Rohit Bhat has been chosen for his outstanding achievement in the Rotary district 3180. The Ambalpady Rotary Club near Udupi had suggested Rohit's name for this prestigious award, which was approved by centenary year governor A S N Hebbar. The award will be presented at a glittering function to be held at Hotel Kidiyoor, Udupi on Saturday October 29.

Rohit Bhat had recently been awarded the prestigious 'Udyog Ratna' award from the government of India. He had also been conferred with 'Best Exporter' award for the year 2004-05 by government of Karnataka. The New Delhi based financial research organization had also presented him with 'Excellency' award. He was also awarded with the 'Niryat Shiromani' award by Chamber of Small and Medium Exporters.

Rohit Bhat started Robosoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in 1996 in his native place Udupi. Ever since its inception, Robosoft has been scaling great heights. It has reached heights hitherto unknown to industries from the area in software business. He has already signed business deals with Apple Computer and other major software tycoons.

'Centenary Udyama Shreshthata' Award for Robosoft's Rohit Bhat

SES Develops SMS Solution to Update Partners

SES Technologies has developed an in-house SMS solution - SES OneSource (EX) SMS - to leverage channel communications.

Developed by the MIS team of SES, the software consists of various masters like Event master, SMS master and can SMS and email the information to the target audience. SES Mobile Sandesh (SMS) in its first campaign using this facility will send marketing information to partners on their mobile handsets.

Ramdas Shenoy, head-marketing, SES Technologies, said, "Our objective is to use new-age techniques of communications, harnessing technology for the benefit of the channel. We are in a position to offer the same to even system integrators and channel partners to use this platform."

With about 8,000 channel partners spread across the country, this is expected to catalyze the information flow of the various programs and schemes to the channel members.

SES announced its initiative to start webtorials (website-based tutorials) on the company website www.sesindia.com thus providing a platform for interaction between the channel partners, system integrators and the vendors.

The company has an effective presence in about 28 locations spread across the country and is looking to further enhance its distribution network by leveraging on reach and penetration with a special emphasis on B & C class cities in India.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Stage set for finale of JK Tyre Karting

The final round of the JK Tyre Rotax Mojo Max Indian Karting Challenge 2005 will be held at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, 29 and 30 October is expected to an exciting one as the championship is still open in all the three categories.

According to a press note here, with none of the leaders able to build up a winning lead, the championship is still wide open in the three categories - Seniors, Juniors and Rotax Mini Max. A total of 22 participants from across the country will be seen in action. The championship winners in the senior and junior categories would represent India in the World Rotax Karting Finals to be held in Lankawai, Malaysia in January next year. In the senior category Aditya Akkineni from Hyderabad is presently leading in the race for the championship title having piled up a total of 179 points after winning the previous events. However, not very far behind and giving a hot chase with a tally of 167.5 points is last year's champion Rayomand Banajee from Pune who after a lackluster performance in a couple of earlier rounds has clawed his way back into the reckoning.

The competition is equally fierce in the junior category where it is yet another Hyderabad boy Akhil Khushlani in the top slot with a tally of 177.5 points followed by Ajay Kini from Chennai with 164.5 points. Also in the hunt for a place in the top three positions are Dishali Patel with a tally of 164 points, and Karan Goenka from Kolkata with 160 points.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Konkani Bharati Prathamika released

It is important for everyone to protect their language and culture from the onslaught of external influences, rather than debate about the ways and means to project and promote one's own mother tongue, Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Pradeep Kumar Kalkuram, has said.

Participating in the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Karnataka State Konkani Linguistic Minority Educational Institutions' Association here on Tuesday, Mr. Kalkura said the country has always been known for upholding unity in diversity. N. Yogish Bhat, MLA, said that there has been a long drawn debate on the script to be used for Konkani textbooks. "Devanagari has bonded our culture for ages. It is only pertinent that it be used to prepare textbooks," he said. He lauded the association for bringing out Konkani Bharati Prathamika textbook in both Kannada and Devanagari scripts on the occasion.

Mr. Bhat also promised the association that he will convey their list of demands to Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Ramalinga Reddy, and try to find a solution.

T.M.A. Pai Foundation Chairman K.K. Pai released the textbook brought out by the association. K. Mohan Pai, secretary, presented a copy of the memorandum to Mr. Bhat. The organisers honoured founder members of the editorial committee of the textbook, the association, achievers, and writers. President of the foundation, U.S. Mohandas Nayak welcomed the gathering.

CET, AIEE Rank Holders Felicitated

The annual career guidance programme of Expert Coaching Classes was inaugurated recently by Dr Shantharam Shetty. Speaking on the occasion, he said the secret of success is to have proper plans and working hard to implement those plans.

During the programme, K L Gopalkrishna, executive director, Corporation Bank, presided and felicitated the students who had secured ranks in the CET and AIEE exams conducted in 2005. He urged the science students to consider taking up careers in management and research, other than engineering and medicine.

Dr Premkumar, principal, Canara Engineering College, spoke on job opportunities for aspiring engineers and the career guidance programme which followed the felicitation.

Narendra L Nayak, chairman, Expert Educational and Charitable Trust, informed that this was the 13th consecutive year when the career guidance programme was being held, and that Expert Coaching had taken upon itself, coaching for the esteemed IIT-JEE exams.

Ushaprabha Nayak, coordinator, Expert Coaching and B R Bhat, chairman PRSI, were present on the occasion.

Professor S S Bosco, professor of mathematics, St Aloysius College, Dr K Mohan Pai, professor of medicine, Dr G G Laxman, professor of urology and Vijay G S, assistant professor, mechanical engineering, NMAMIT, Nitte, as also eminent people from engineering and medical fields, spoke to the students.

Monday, October 24, 2005

NSS students repair school road in Kumta

Dr A V Baliga Commerce college, Kumta, conducted NSS camp in the premises of Muroor Higher Primary School of the taluk recently.

After inaugurating the camp, retired professor Dr L G Bhat said NSS camp helps the students to become selfless in attitude and also makes them service-oriented.

Local Grama Panchayat President Madhukar Bhat, teachers N N Patgar and H N Mukri were the chief guests. More than sixty students participated in the camp. They worked on the school road, drainage and the playground.

School DMC president Sadananda Madival was a chief guest for the valedictory function.

Commerce college principal R M Shet presided over the function. NSS cadets Nagaraj Giri and Chetan Atalkar were the leaders of the camp. NSS officer D V Kini directed the camp.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

National film awards presented

Veteran director, Adoor Gopalakrishnan was tonight presented the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema while Bollywood star, Saif Ali Khan and Kannada actress, Thaara received the national film awards for best actor and actress.

The awards for 2004 were presented by the President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam at a glittering function here.

A highlight of the function was presentation awards to Page 3 directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, which stole the limelight by winning three honours in the feature film section — the Swarna Kamal for best film, best screenplay and best editing.

Dinabandhoo was presented the award for the best film in Assamese, Krantikaal in Bengali, Beru in Kannada, Aleesha in Konkani, Akale in Malayalam, Uttarayan in Marathi and Des Hoya Pardes in Punjabi.

Girni in Marathi won the award for best non-feature film while Ek Sagar Kinare... (Marathi/English) was given the award the best first non-feature film of a director.

National film awards presented

The awards for 2004 were presented by the President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam at a glittering function here.

Dinabandhoo was presented the award for the best film in Assamese, Krantikaal in Bengali, Beru in Kannada, Aleesha in Konkani, Akale in Malayalam, Uttarayan in Marathi and Des Hoya Pardes in Punjabi.

Girni in Marathi won the award for best non-feature film while Ek Sagar Kinare... (Marathi/English) was given the award the best first non-feature film of a director.

The moods of Lord Shiva on canvas

New Delhi: The images are striking -- of a serene and peaceful Lord Shiva, distinct from the usual perception of a powerful, fiery deity, the Destroyer in the Holy Trinity of Hinduism.

Vandana Kini, whose solo exhibition of oil paintings here has attempted to bring out the different moods and facets of the Lord, feels art has not really explained his versatality.

''I want to bring out the omnipresence and various roles of Shiva in front of the world,'' she said.

An IAS Officer Ms Kini is one of those working women who have balanced there profession and creative passion with equal elan.

This was the first time this self-taught artist had brought her skills with the painting brush in the open through this exhibition.

An ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Ms Kini said she had chosen to focus mostly on his peaceful side this time and plans to depict his other moods in her future paintings.

She said she plans to continue with this theme for some time. The current series is the result of a three-year long endeavour.

Besides painting, Ms Kini also has to her credit published literary works including ''Ek Madhubani Ki Kalakar'', a book of poem and ghazals; ''Saat suron ki nari'', a collection of plays; and ''Silvatein'', a collection of humorous musical satires.

Some of her lyrics, composed in songs have also been released in an album ''Ishq''.

The exhibition, titled ''Shiv-Tantra Manifestation'', will continue till October 24.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Konkani Parishad's silver jubilee meet at Panaji in February

As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend the inaugural function of the meet

The All India Konkani Parishad will hold its 25th annual meet at Panaji, Goa, for three days from February 10, 2006, according to Basti Vamana Shenoy, President of the parishad.

Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, he said that the parishad has provided a common platform for the Konkani community in Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra, to discuss matters related to the language. As many as 5,000 people are expected to attend the inaugural function of the meet.

There will be seminars, interactions, and cultural programmes. Besides, an exhibition on Konkani art and culture will also be arranged, Mr. Shenoy said.

Tanaji Harlankar, former President of the parishad, said that the meet will mainly deliberate upon forming a "cultural Konkani State."

He said that this does not mean forming a separate State for Konkani speaking people.

The idea is to bring Konkani speaking people together on the basis of culture and language. He said that the meet is expected to improve the relations between Konkani speaking people.

The meet will also focus on the future prospects of Konkani language.

Department of Posts Launches Direct Post Facility - a Boon for Business

The 'Direct Post' facility was introduced for the first time here on Wednesday October 19 when the newly appointed superintendent of Udupi Postal division K M Balakrishna received the special marketing publicity envelopes of Gajanan Clothe Store, Tenkapet here.

The marketing manager of postal department K H Vijay Kumar, assistant superintendent of post Nagbhushan, Gajanan Clothe Store owner Nityanand Shenoy, general manager Surendra Mallaya and others were present on the occasion.

As per the direct post facility the cards, letters, brochures, questionnaires, handbills, samples, CDs, floppies, cassettes, coupons etc which are without address will be delivered to the place as requested by the sender. Any item within 20 grams will be charged at Rs 1.50 each within the circle and Rs 2 outside the circle. Any item that weighs more than 20 grams will be charged additional Rs 1 for 20 gram each.

However item should be at least 1,000 and more in quantity for direct post facility. Fifty thousand and more envelopes will have a discount of 5%. Any publicity, advertising items of government, non-government, semi-government, private, political organizations will be accepted for delivery.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

K K Pai releases a Konkani text book

Dr T M A Pai Foundation President K K Pai releasing a Konkani text book during the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Association of State Konkani Linguistic Minority Educational Institutions in Mangalore on Tuesday. MLA N Yogish Bhat, Association president Dr U S Mohandas Nayak and Konkani writer Uday Bhembre are seen.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Konkani Parishad's silver jubilee meet at Panaji in February

The All India Konkani Parishad will hold its 25th annual meet at Panaji, Goa, for three days from February 10, 2005, according to Basti Vamana Shenoy, President of the parishad.

There will be seminars, interactions, and cultural programmes. Besides, an exhibition on Konkani art and culture will also be arranged, Mr. Shenoy said.

Tanaji Harlankar, former President of the parishad, said that the meet will mainly deliberate upon forming a "cultural Konkani State."

He said that this does not mean forming a separate State for Konkani speaking people.

The idea is to bring Konkani speaking people together on the basis of culture and language. He said that the meet is expected to improve the relations between Konkani speaking people.

The meet will also focus on the future prospects of Konkani language.

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Sullia: Sridhar Rao Presented with Balipa Award by Keremane Shambhu Hegde

Senior Yakshagana artiste Adoor Shridhar Rao was presented with the prestigious Balipa award by Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Academy president Keremane Shambhu Hegade on Thursday October 13 during a colourful ceremony held at Shri Sharadamba Kala Vedike here. Tenkutittu Yakshagana Hitarakshana Vedike gives the award.

Speaking on the occasion Keremane Shambhu Hegade wished that Yakshagana should become a national level form of art and folklore. "Yakshagana has a long established history which has been widely studied and proven. Now it is high time that this ancient art form of our ancestors goes up the ladder and shines at the international level in par with the other forms of art and folklores," he opined.

He dwelt long on the preserving and presenting the folklore to the next generation. "An artiste and art lover play important role in preserving any form of culture and art of a particular place. Academies can do little in this regard, since they work within a limited ambit. So the onus is one the spectators and artistes. But commercializing any form of art would not do any justice to it as money and emotions hardly go together," said he.

Shridhar Rao thanked all for having recognized him and awarded him with the Balipa award. He further said that the present generation has failed to present Yakshagana in its traditional beauty and form. "But if the artistes wish they can still bring back the ancient glory and pomp," he added.

Dr Kurunji Venkatramana Gowda, founder president of Academy of Liberal Education, presided over the award presentation ceremony. Gokuldas of Shri Sharadamba Seva Samiti was the chief guest of the programme. Hitarakshana Vedike convenor Dr Chandrashekhar Damle presided delivered the introductory note and secretary Dr Prabhakar Shishila delivered the felicitatory speech.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Aluva Chapter appoints office-bearers

T S Prasad has been elected President of the Aluva chapter of Stallions International here on Wednesday.

Lesly Joseph and Raju Dominic (Vice-Presidents), Joseph Thomas (Secretary), Ravindra Shenoy (Joint Secretary) and T S Thomas (Treasurer) are the other office-bearers.

Abdul Khader, Managing Director of Royal PVC Pipes, was the Chief Guest. Outgoing president K G V Pathy presided over the function.

M P Abdul Nazer, State Cabinet President of Stallions International, initiated the installation ceremony.

State patron S Gopakumar offered felicitation.

Goa State Film Festival to begin on Oct 17

The 3rd Goa State Film Festival will be inaugurated at the hands of Governor, Mr S C Jamir at 5 p.m. on October 17, 2005 at Kala Academy, Panaji.

The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane will preside over the inaugural ceremony.

The inaugural ceremony will also include traditional Konkani folk songs and other cultural items. The history of Konkani cinema over the years will be presented to audience in nutshell. A well-known Konkani cinema will be screened at the venue after the inaugural ceremony. The inaugural show is open to all. The Department of Information and Publicity has received ten entries for the festival. These are Kanteantlem Ful, Daulat, Sood, Aleesha, It’s My Life, Chakra, Ordem Chaddor, Kallzache Gave, Ek Dis and Eka Sagar Kinari.

The films will be screened for public at Inox, the programme for which is being chalked out. The award distribution ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on November 4, 2005 and will be attended by film personalities from Mumbai and Pune.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Mattar Ganesh Kini Re-elected President of Dist Small Industries Association

Mattar Ganesh Kini has been unanimously elected as president of District Small Industries Association for the year 2005-06.

The election was held during the annual general body meeting of the association on Monday October 10 at Govindray Kamat Auditorium, Manipal.

The following were the other office bearers: Vice president: Sridhar Shenava Kaup, K Ramraya Kamat Kundapur, Ramesh Bangera and John D'Silva Karkala, secretary; Krishnanand Kamat, joint secretaries: I R Fernandes and Ranjan Bhat, treasurer: U Narayan.

M Ramesh Kini, Ranjan Kalkura, Nagendra, Bhojraj Shetty, K Shashidhar Baliga, Subhashit Kumar, Manjunath Upadhyaya, wing commander Bhojraj, Madhukar Hegde, Sudhakar Gojar, Narasimha Kamat and Ajit Shenoy were elected for the executive committee.

Ramchandra Nayak, Radhkrishna Nayak, S Kumar, Sudhir Bhat, Subhash Kamat, Prakash Soans, Haridas Prabhu, Mohandas Nayak, Bharat Prabhu, Sarvottam Shetty, M K Balraj, Venkatesh Kamat, Gopinath Kamat and Srinivas Shettigar were appointed as directors of the association.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Encouragement for Vishwa Konkani Kendra

The growth of culture, language, art and music are signs of a growing civilisation.

The Konkani community has launched the largest-ever project towards the growth of their culture, said Cooperative Minister R.V. Deshpande at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Vishwa Konkani Kendra at Shaktinagar near here on Monday.

Mr. Deshpande, who promised "substantial help" from himself and the Government, said the centre should become a landmark institution in research, scholastic endeavours and other culture and language-based studies. Konkani is spoken by Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Siddis (tribal people) and 14 other communities in three different States, and this makes it the most secular language, he said.

A language like that should have its own world centre in Mangalore, which is known to be the homeland of a large number of Konkani speaking people, he added.

Language, culture and art should transcend the borders of religion and community, and this is the only way to ensure that a culture survives, said leaders of the Konkani community. Philanthropist

Dayananda Pai of Bangalore, who volunteered to donate a sum of Rs. 25 lakhs towards the Vishwa Konkani Kendra, said people should encourage such projects not merely through financial help, but by various other resources too.

Vishwa Konkani Kendra project convener Basti Vaman Shenoy said the Konkani community outside the country had given its mandate to have such a Kendra in Mangalore and suggestions and funds are now pouring in from all parts of the world.

Blasius D'Souza, MLC; N. Yogish Bhat, MLA of Mangalore and N.S. Rao, former chairman of the Pest Control Corporation of India spoke.

Union Minister for Programme Implementation and Statistics Oscar Fernandes made a brief visit.

Rane to release Konkani version of Jnaneshwari

Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane will release the Konkani translation of Jnaneshwari, a 9,000-verse 13th Century Prakrit Marathi commentary on the Bhagwad Gita, by educationist Suresh G. Amonkar on November 7.

Ashok Kamat, head of the Sant Namdev Chair in Pune University, will be the chief guest. Kiran Budkule, reader, Goa University, will review the work.

The former Chairman of the Goa Secondary and Higher Secondary Board, Amonkar, is a well-known writer and translator. He has translated the Bhagwad Gita, Tirrukural and Dhammapada. The last book received the Central Sahitya Academy Award for translation in 2000.

Jnaneshwari, which has a rare blend of literary excellence and metaphysics, has so far been translated into 12 Indian languages, including Konkani. Divided into six schedules, the translated works in Konkani and Marathi versions side by side run into 600 pages.

"This Konkani translation is a fitting tribute to a saint who regarded the whole world as his home. I am confident that it will enable readers in Konkani to appreciate the exquisite poetry and profound metaphysics of Jnaneshwari," says Mr. Amonkar who attributes credit to "divine blessings" for the monumental task he has accomplished in translating Jnaneshwari after the Bhagwad Gita, Tirrukural and Dhammapada.

Realising the enormity of the task undertaken by Mr. Amonkar, a group of friends of the writer has formed a Jnaneshwari Publication Committee under the banner of "Jnaneshwari: Konkani-Marathi Bridge Project" headed by Alban Couto, retired IAS officer, to raise resources to assist the project.

The committee has plans to bring out a special issue of "Shri Jnaneshwar-Shri Jnaneshwari."

The committee has appealed to the people to help the cause through advertisements in the special issue.

Konkan Prabha released

Kannada script should be adopted for Konakni language in Karnataka and the Konkani academy supports this view, said Erik Ozario, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.

Speaking after releasing the Konkani monthly, ‘Konkan Prabha’ here recently he stressed the need for developing Konkani language and culture by bringing all the Konkani speaking communities under one umbrella of Konkani language.

MLA Mohan Shetty appreciated the move to bring out newspapers and journals in Konkani language.

Journalists Ramesh Kumar Nayak and TB Harikant wished the Konkani Prabha would mirror the life and culture of the Konakani community.

Principal Moulana Shakeel Ahmed Sukri, Lecturer H N Pai spoke on the occasion.

President of Akhila Karnataka Konkan Kharvi Mahajan Sangha, Purushottam Arkate presided.

Anandu Naik delivered the welcome speec, Editor of Konkan Prabha, Venkatesh Mesta spoke on the monthly. Keshav Tandel compered. Sudhindra Nayak proposed a vote of thanks.

Konkani Film 'Padri' Released in the City, Generates Keen Public Response

The much-awaited Konkani movie ‘Padri’ was released in the 'Prabhat' theatre in the city on Friday October 7.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore released the film and wished all the best to the entire team at a function held in the premises of Prabhat Theatre on Friday at 10.30 am.

Producer Raymond Quadros, director Rajesh Fernandes, scriptwriter Prince Jacob, heroine Arona, music director Wilfy Rebimbus and others were present on the occasion.

Since a Konkani film had been released after many years, and since 'Padri' has been long awaited with pre-release reviews in the media, the public response is keenly building up.

Konkani Academy begins work on textbooks for schools

Having side-stepped the row on ideal script for teaching the Konkani language, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy (KKSA) has begun preparing the ground for introducing Konkani textbooks in schools.

Weeks ago the Academy had submitted a memorandum urging the government to introduce Konkani as an optional language for students from 6th to 10th standards in schools from the next academic year. Konkani Academy president Eric Ozario says Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Urdu and Malayalam languages have already been included in the syllabus as optional languages.

“Thus it should not take long to recognise Konkani as a third language,” Ozario stresses. To show that it is serious in introducing Konkani textbooks in schools, the Academy submitted its draft Konkani textbooks for students from the 6th to 10th standards to the textbook directorate on September 30.

The draft Konkani textbooks are in Kannada script, which is in harmony with the state language being Kannada, explains Ozario.

Even as the textbooks are under consideration, the Academy has drawn plans on organising an orientation workshop for Konkani teachers and bringing out an English- Konkani dictionary.

The objective behind the lexicon (in Kannada) is to help both teachers and students when Konkani is introduced in schools next year.

The Academy has also sought assistance of experienced persons to compile an English- Konkani dictionary.

Interested experts have to fill in details of their names, educational qualifications, prior experience in preparing dictionaries and send it to the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy office in Lalbagh on or before October 25.

The dictionary, according to experts, will be compiled and ready in the next academic year.

“A survey commissioned by the Academy reveals that there are more than 318 educational institutions run by Konkani managements,” Ozario said adding that their attempts would definitely help in retaining its distinct identity and cultural richness.

Waging a constant battle for acceptance

Will mainstream education for the disabled remain a utopian dream or is it possible to convert it into reality?

No alternative to mainstream education: Vinayak Kamat at work.

PERHAPS we can liken it to multiple fractures. Very slow healing, quite painful and limiting freedom and development.

This is a metaphor for the Disability Act 1995, and the Comprehensive Plan of Action for Inclusive Education of Children and Youth with Disability, tabled this year. Ten years after the Act came into being, less than one per cent children with disability get education of any kind.

Collective effort

Different disability groups from all over India have come together to make sure this Comprehensive Plan is implemented. Ten years ago, the Act was a small but significant milestone, but the movement slid back into inertia. Perhaps, for the first time, a collected effort is being made for inclusive education.

Javed Abidi, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment of Disabled People (NCPEDP), says, "The biggest mistake we made was we never thought of each other. We were weak and marginalised and, worse, we were disorganised. With in-house unity, sensibility and understanding, we will be a stronger voice."

Once this Plan is worked out and put in place, mainstream education for disabled children may become far more accessible. But hasn't that been said before?

Vinayak Kamat, a disabled person for whom life has been a constant battle, believes there is no alternative to mainstream education.

Soon after birth in 1966, he was diagnosed with "severe to profound" deafness. He was sent to the Central School for Deaf and Mute in Mumbai as a toddler. After acquiring language skills he studied in a mainstream Marathi medium school from Standard I to X.

He completed a technical course after clearing SSC. With his parents' co-operation and his teachers' untiring efforts, he managed to sail but not without sacrifices.

Focus on education

"I gave my entire life for education. I would study the whole day and practise my speech. I did not have fun like other children who could play, go out. Sometimes it was difficult in school but I kept trying. I knew that education was my only hope. Today I work as an investigation inspector with BEST's electrical department. People sometimes don't realise that I cannot hear or cannot talk properly. It is only because of my hard work and the efforts of my teachers. It is very important to study in a good mainstream school. It prepares you for life after school," he insists.

Sandhya Apte, principal of the Central School for the Deaf and Mute, has been training and preparing children for a school life. "We teach children for at least two years — how to behave, how to carry themselves apart from lip reading and other language skills. The child has to cope with 80 other normal children. Deaf and mute children do not have language skills. To develop that is the biggest challenge. Just getting a hearing aid will not solve anything. So inclusion is not possible until special education is given in early stages of a child's life."

Mainstream schools will not only have to identify different disabilities and ways to address the children, but the syllabus and school infrastructure will also have to undergo fundamental changes to absorb and accommodate disabled students.

Sudha Balachandra of the National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped says inclusive education is possible but with a "lot of homework". "We have to answer a few questions before we even start thinking of inclusive education. What strategies are to be adopted? How will the personnel cope with disabled students? Will the school understand emotional problems of the disabled? Moreover, it is very important for their peers to be sensitised."

She says a healthy debate is necessary and not a thrust policy. One way to do it is to take a block, say, one each in an urban and a rural area, and run a pilot project. If that works well, it can be replicated elsewhere. Experts say that once there is acceptance and change in attitude towards disabled, implementation will be easier. Children with multiple disabilities need more attention and their education has to be planned carefully.

Making education disabled-friendly will be an expensive affair, considering that most schools do not have lifts, ramps, or even adequate toilets.

Special school buses, special teachers, study material for the visually impaired are necessary. Activists say the initial stages will need a lot of money but it can be managed if corporates can take up a few blocks or a few schools.

In this regard, the National Centre for Promotion of Employment of Disabled People (NCPEDP) organised meetings in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and finally a concluding seminar in New Delhi. With disability rights groups, educationists and elected representatives sharing a platform, everybody is hopeful. They also presented a preliminary roadmap on Inclusive Education for facilitating the Comprehensive Plan.

If it were only about infrastructure and funds, then disabled-friendly mainstream education would not have been just a utopian dream. It has got to do with social mindset. Mrs. Apte says that though the children are more than willing to rough it out in mainstream schools, managements are not interested.

It may be a while before things look up. Despite being the Principal of a significant special school in Mumbai, Mrs. Apte was not aware of the zonal meetings or the roadmap or the Comprehensive Plan. So one may wonder if these initiatives will percolate or will they remain at a policy, an intellectual seminar and workshop level?

As different groups fight together for policy changes and executing those changes, a much bigger and complex battle of winning acceptance and inclusion from the society is staring back at the inclusive education movement.

* * *

The Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 provides for a charter of rights. To provide education to persons with disabilities, the government must:

Ensure free education for disabled person, in an appropriate environment, till 18 years.

Promote integration of disabled students in mainstream schools.

All government educational institutes, and those receiving aid from the government, must provide three per cent reservation for persons with disabilities.

Promote setting up of special schools in the government and private sectors, equip these schools with vocational training facilities and ensure that disabled students living every part of the country have access to such schools.

For infrastructure and other support measures announce schemes for transport facilities; removal of architectural barriers; suitable modification in examination system for the benefit of visually impaired students restructuring of curriculum for the benefit of all the disabled children

Saturday, October 08, 2005

HELP NEEDED : Transalation

Please transalate the following , send by Madhusudan.
Email me at konkaniworld@hotmail.com & I will forward
it to him.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Sir,

This is Madhusudhan. While browsing I found your site. Then, I felt that
you can help me out on this.

The following script is in Konkani.. can, you plz., traslate into English..

"tu magal barellella vingad bhaashentu barel miti aani tugal wot
kaam koruka masta gamat jatta, haava tugal masta aabhari asa"

Advanced Thanks,
Madhusudhan.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

HELP NEEDED : Sahitya Akademi member list

Does anyone has the list of the GSB members from the Sahitya
Akademi (1981). Is yes, can you please send it to
konkaniworld@hotmail.com & I will pass it on to Godfrey. Here is
the email from Godfrey.

------------------------------------------------------
Could any of your members provide me the list of
members of the Sahitya Akademi in 1981, connected with
the General Council for Konkani language

I had met a person in New Delhi from this Akademy.  I
cannot recollect his name but he was from Mangalore.
Once I get the list I will be able to trace him.

He was a very resourceful person on the Konkani
language and definitely a Goud Saraswat Brahmin.

Please treat this as urgent.

godfrey j i gonsalves
---------------------------------------------------------

Two-day seminar on children’s literature begins today

Two-day seminar on Konkani children’s literature, organised jointly by the Sahitya Academy, New Delhi and Goa Konkani Academy will be inaugurated tomorrow at the Art Gallery of the Institute Menezes Braganza hall, Panaji at 10.30 a.m.

The seminar will be inaugurated by Mr Anant Pai, while

GKA president, Mr Pundalika Naik will also be present at the function. The introduction and aim behind the two-day seminar on Konkani children’s literature will be explained by Sahitya Academy award wining writer, Mr Damodar Mauzo.

Seminar attained significant importance to Konkani language as more and more children’s literature are now being published in Konkani. The first session will begin after the inauguration at 2 p.m. on ‘Children’s literature: As it stands today.’ The session will be chaired by Mr Gurunath Kelekar while Ms Sunitabai, Jochim Pinto and Madhavi Sardessai will presents their papers.

The second session will be held at 4 p.m on “Fantasy and scientific temperaments in children’s literature” which will be chaired by Mr Shrikant Nagvenkar while Ms Snehalata Bhatikar, Ms Rajashri Bandodkar Karapurkar and Mr Satish Dalvi will present their papers.

On Saturday September 6, the third session will be held at 10 a.m. on “Children’s’ plays’, which will be chaired by well known theatre personality, Mr Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar, while Mr Umesh Mahambre, Mr Vincy Quadros and Mr Purnanand Chari will present their papers.

The fourth session will be held at 12 noon on “Readings by children writer’, which will be chaired by editor of Sunaparant, Mr Sandesh Prabhudessai. The fifth session will be held at 2 p.m. on ‘folk literature’ which will be chaired by well known poet, Mr Ramesh Veluskar, in which Ms Jayanti Naik, Mr Kamlakar Mhalshi and Ms Jyotsna Kamat will present their papers. The valedictory function will be held at 4 p.m. in which editor of Bimb, Mr Deelip Borkar will preside over.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Suresh Gopi to star in Interpol

Suresh Gopi, who has made a big comeback with Bharath Chandran IPS, is reported to be doing the lead role in Interpol, to be directed by K Madhu, the maker of many hit action films. To be produced under the banner of Krishnakripa, the film will have Suresh gopi playing an interpol officer named Siddharth Shenoy, who is out to probe a very sensational case on an international level. To be scripted by AK Sajan, the film will feature cinematography by Saloo George and will be shot mostly in Dubai.

PCA upbeat over tickets' sale for Challenger Series

INDERJIT Singh Bindra was the man who first brought money into the Indian cricket during his days as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president in mid-1990s. The astute cricket administrator is back again - this time with a challenge to market the NKP Salve Challenger Series starting from October 10 at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali.

Bindra has already achieved success to a great extent by roping in Vijay Mallaya's Kingfisher Airlines as the title sponsors. Also the Challenger Series will also be telecast outside India for the first time. Even other PCA officials are upbeat at making good profit by staging the prestigious tournament, which would serve as selection test for the one-day international series against Sri Lanka.

PCA officials have taken the bold step of levying tickets for the matches to be played under floodlights. They claim to have sold major part of the tickets so far.

The tickets for various stands are valid for all four matches. The rates vary for different blocks (see box).

"We have received nearly 75 per cent of the amount to be collected through sale of tickets, even though the tickets are much cheaper," said the PCA treasurer G.S. Walia.

Even all the corporate boxes have been sold out - another first in domestic cricket. Each box in PCA Stands with a capacity of 24 persons has been sold at Rs one lakh.

The tickets for the Challenger Series have been sold from October 1 at select ICICI Bank outlets in S.A.S. Nagar and Chandigarh besides the counters at PCA Complex in Phase IX. By their own admission PCA officials stated the response for tickets at ICICI outlets has not been that good. "Most of the tickets till date have been sold from PCA counters," said Walia.

Model Konkani syllabus ready

The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy has submitted a model syllabus to the Directorate of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) for teaching Konkani from sixth to tenth standards from the next academic year. Addressing presspersons here on Friday, academy Chairman Eric Ozario said Konkani can be an optional third language in Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to start with. There are over 320 schools managed by Konkani-speaking people and there is no shortage of Konkani teachers, he said.

Mr. Ozario said the academy will organise a programme to train teachers to teach Konkani using the Kannada script.

Roman is the right script for Konkani

Delivering a lecture on "Social Damage done by Goa's Language Controversy and the Conspiracy Behind it", in the History Hour series held today at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Ramnath G Naik, focused on the ill-effects of the language controversy in the sphere of education, culture, race, social interaction and its worst visible manifestation in politics. Naik, a Marathi writer, blamed the Saraswat community for imposing the Devanagri script on the Konkani language. He conceded that his language is Marathi, but felt that the majority of Konkani readers in Goa being in the Roman script, it could be the proper script for Konkani. His hard-hitting remarks, which belittled the role of Xennoi Goembab in the development of Konkani, triggered strong reaction among several members of the handsomely large audience. However, moderator Alito Sequeira managed to control the more vociferous of the opponents to Naik's school of thought. (DGNC)

Thursday, October 06, 2005

On the road to total branding

Mudra is celebrating its silver jubilee this year and Madhukar Kamath, Managing Director & CEO, Mudra Communications, is proud of heading the largest Indian-owned and managed agency. Joint venture partner DDB has also been increasing its involvement with the agency over the past couple of years. Early this year, Keith Reinhard, Chairman DDB Worldwide, also visited India.

What is interesting about the agency is the fact that it will soon pitch, with other agencies, for the creative business of Anil Dhirubahi Ambani Enterprises (ADAE), its promoters who own a 90 per cent stake. Kamath himself is unruffled about the pitch and believes his is a professionally run agency where only 10 per cent of the business comes from Reliance.

Kamath, who recently attended DDB's global conference in Shanghai, talks about the way forward for his agency.

Mudra has turned 25 this year. What are the challenges ahead and what will be the strategy going forward?

There are numerous opportunities open to keen and able players in this business. The last 25 years have been a wonderful journey for Mudra. Growing out of a small office in Ahmedabad into what we are now, one of the largest marketing communications groups in the country.

We are concerned with the fundamental issue of the value we can bring to our clients' businesses. Our strategy is geared to the realities of the business environment that we operate in - from building competencies that are relevant to marketing challenges to raising the bar on the definition of creativity and its application to businesses, we have a lot of opportunities going forward.

Our immediate focus is on providing our clients with Total Branding Solutions (TBS) so that they have the benefit of top-quality thinking that is media-rich, and goes beyond the conventional offering of an advertising agency. We have established and are continuing to build a suite of marketing services competencies that are best-in-class in this market. The TBS offering is a very exciting one. And we're all aligned towards that in the Mudra Group.

What are the new areas of communication Mudra is looking at? Will acquisitions lead it to enter these new areas considering it just acquired Kidstuff Promos & Events?

We have started on the journey from being a conventional advertising agency to a marketing communications group. The idea is to offer our clients the entire suite of competencies that are relevant to their marketing communications needs. With fragmenting media apertures, the incredible pace of technological growth, cultural and demographic changes, it's become imperative for us to build expertise that can cater to this reality.

Like I said before, TBS is our focus, and we have been and continue to be open to any acquisitions, partnerships and alignments that will help us strengthen the offering.

TBS is your agency's non mass-media, below-the-line communications services - how do you intend beefing up its services considering the current demand from clients to look at non-conventional ways of advertising?

TBS goes beyond a marketing services offering; it is the entire suite of competencies including conventional mass media advertising. The concept is client-/ brand-/ idea-focused rather than being just a marketing services offering.

It's important to see this in context. It's not merely a response to client's spending in a particular direction. It is an acknowledgement of the fact that some apertures need specialist skills - skills that are of value to a marketing communications effort. We constantly seek the best talent in each of these businesses, and bring the best of class thinking from world-class players. Rapp Collins and Tribal DDB India are examples of this intent. We will continue to offer the best to all our clients and create an environment where talent can flourish.

From where will the money come for all your future acquisitions? How involved is your partner DDB in the process of buying these companies?

Mudra is a well-managed, financially strong company. Our retained earnings will help us fund our future activities including acquisitions.

DDB is actively involved in the advertising business, and in Rapp Collins India and Tribal DDB India. We continue to look for opportunities with businesses in the Omnicom group in multiple areas including design and branding, health, promotions, public affairs and others.

With the Reliance Group being divided between the two Ambani brothers, are any repercussions on Mudra expected? How involved is Anil Ambani with the agency's functioning?

ADAE is the majority shareholder in the company. How Mudra is run is a great example of a professionally managed company where ownership and management are clearly, distinctly, defined.

Considering Reliance Infocomm is now supposedly with Anil Ambani, will Mudra regain the entire business of the telecom operations considering other agencies such as Ambience Publicis had got parts of the ad pie?

The media business of Reliance Infocomm is being managed by OMS, our media services agency. The creative part continues to be managed by Saatchi and Ambience Publicis. We are proud of the role we played in launching the brand and look forward to working on the brand in the future.

In the past, you had mentioned acquiring a second agency brand. Why do you want to acquire a new ad agency when you already have Interact Vision in your fold? Why has this second agency kept such a low profile all these years? What are your plans for Interact Vision?

Building a strong second national brand is an ongoing exercise. We are open to acquisitions and alignments in this regard. Meanwhile, we are embarking on creating strong regional agency brands. Interact Vision is our offering primarily for the North and East. We should be in a position to announce one for the West in the near future.

How will your new logo get incorporated in all your communication brands and what are the synergies it will provide for the agency?

The new identity is for the Mudra brand. A 25-year-old brand that stands for certain values which we are all very proud of. The new identity epitomises our intent going forward into the future. It is the graphic representation of the spirit that we will foster to take the brand to the next level and is already an integral part of the agency's identity.

Why does Mudra want to remain without any global affiliations for its media business considering DDB has a small stake in its mainline advertising agency?

We have a point of view, a belief, on how to build our media business. Brand integration is a major thrust area for our media business, going into the future. We have big growth plans for the media business. We are open to global partnerships as long as they are in alignment with our thinking.

Is having a DDB connection helping the agency today? What are its plans on offloading the stake in future, especially when DDB had made some claims about its impending plans to enter the Indian ad industry by itself?

We share a wonderful relationship with DDB. I am not aware of the plans you are referring to. DDB is easily the most well-rounded of the global agency networks, by virtue of its domination at not just Cannes, but also the IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) and other effectiveness awards. Truly a partner to grow with.

ICICI Bank Canada looking to increase share of remittance market to India

VANCOUVER (CP) - ICICI Bank chief executive Vaman Kamath has his eye on the money that is sent back to Indian by expats living in Canada every year and he wants to grab a bigger piece of the remittance market pie.

"Globally in remittances to India we have 17 to 18 per cent market share and by the end of this year we will strive to have that same market share in Canada," Kamath said in an interview Wednesday. "This is a business that we believe is growing very rapidly as people who have settled here have needs back wherever they came from and we want to cater to that market."

Kamath, who was in Vancouver to attend the opening of ICICI Bank Canada's first branch outside of Ontario, said the bank is focusing on bank-based and online remittances.

With four branches in the Toronto area already, Kamath said the bank was looking to follow up the new downtown Vancouver location with a branch next year in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver and home to many Indian immigrants.

He also said Calgary and Montreal would be likely cities for further expansion.

"These are the places you have an Indian population with an immediate need for some of the services we provide, particularly the remittance and home-country services," Kamath said.

While originally focused on the Indian market, ICICI has started to attract a broader customer base by offering higher than average interest rates on savings accounts.

"It did initially surprise us because we were not a known bank here. We thought there would be some brand affinity with the Indian customer, but by and large now we're finding the attractiveness of the deal is what is really swaying customers."

However the growth comes as the credit cycle in Canada is beginning to tighten. After years of easy money and low interest rates in Canada and the United States, central banks have moved to raise interest rates in recent months.

"Our strategy is very simple. Keep costs low because that's one thing that will hold you in good sted in whatever you do.

Part of the reason ICICI can offer the higher rates is a focus on costs and the use of technology in India to help keep them in check.

"What we are trying to do is find the right balance between doing things onshore here and from a cost point of view try to balance that with offshore activities," Kamath said.

"While the number of jobs offshore may not be significant, the technology is almost entirely backended into India."

ICICI Bank Canada has about 30,000 customers. Mumbai-based ICICI Bank Ltd. is India's largest private sector bank with $42 billion US in assets.