Free dental check-up camp

The department of Dentistry at the Dr T M A Pai Hospital is organising a free dental check-up camp at its premises from January 28 to February 2 to provide guidance regarding oral hygiene and care.

The Chief Administrative Medical Officer of the Hospital, Dr Parvati V Bhat informed that the hospital, apart from a full-fledged department of Dentistry with well-equipped dental chairs, instruments, X-ray facility to diagnose and provide complete care for dental problems, had added specialties like Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Pedodontics and Orthodontics (on Fridays) on a regular basis.

A team of doctors led by Dr Shashidar Acharya will be checking the patients. For registration call: 2526501.

Ravindra Kelekar gets Padma Bhushan

The octogenarian Konkani litterateur, Ravindra Kelekar has dedicated his Padma Bhushan award to the Konkani language.

However, this award should have gone to the celebrated Konkani poet, Dr Manoharrai Sardesai, long before me, he observed, lamenting that the Centre has taken cognisance of Konkani language and Konkani writers/ poets too late.

The well-known poets, R V Pandit and B B Borkar are two Konkani litterateurs who have earlier been awarded with Padma Shri.

The award is a recognition of Kelekar’s pioneering service in the resurgence of the Konkani language, and his eminence as a writer.

A multifaceted personality -- scholar, activist, linguist, and creative thinker -- Ravindra Kelekar was a active participant in the freedom movement of India, and later, Goa’s liberation movement.

A disciple of Kakasaheb Kalelkar, he dedicated his life for the preservation, propagation, promotion and strengthening of Konkani language by writing nearly 100 books in Konkani language and also edited ‘Jaag’ magazine for more than two decades.

He has already won many prestigious awards including Sahitya Akademi Award, the Gomant Sharada Award of Kala Academy and recently, the Fellowship of Sahitya Akademi.

The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat congratulating Ravindra Kelekar has said that a towering personality in the field of Konkani literature and Konkani language itself, has been rightly awarded. “Ravindrabab fully deserves the award and I congratulate the Centre for announcing Padma Bhushan to him,” Mr Kamat remarked.

The Speaker, Mr Pratapsingh Rane said that he was immensely happy to hear the news of Mr Kelekar winning the award, while the leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar said that the award should make each Goan proud as it has gone to a right person.

The noted writer, Maria Aurora Couto, reacting to the news said that Ravindrabab should have been awarded Padma Bhushan long ago. “His thoughts will prove to be a guiding light to the future generations,” she said.

Abu Dhabi: Puttur Panduranga Nayak present a musical evening

Abu Dhabi Jan 22: Karnataka Sangha, Abu Dhabi organized a musical evening performed by Sri. Puttur Panduranga Nayak on Sunday January 20, 2008.

Sri. Nayak was accompanied by Sri. M. Vishwanath Shenoy (Uppinangady) on Harmonium and Sri. Faisal on Tabla. Sri. Nayak rendered a good number of Daasakeertane like "Govindaa Namo", "Bhaagyada Lakshmi" etc., Basava Vachana and Bhavageete like "Ede Tumbi" and "Sri Gandha Naanaagi".

First Photo : Sri.Sarvothama Shetty, President of Karnataka Sangha, Abu Dhabi, felicitating Sri.Puttur Panduranga Nayak. Seen from L to R : Ramesh Pai, Yogish Prabhu, Faisal, Puttur Panduranga Nayak, M. Vishwanath Shenoy and Sarvothama Shetty.

Sharp set for bigger share in office automation systems

Sharp set for bigger share in office automation systems with merger of distributors, Al Ahlia and NGI

Al Ahlia Office Automation Division and New Generation Imaging (NGI), distributors of Sharp office automation products in Abu Dhabi and Dubai & Northern Emirates respectively, have merged to form a new entity under the name of New Smart Office Automation LLC.

The merger was announced at a joint press conference addressed by Gopal K. Pai, Managing Director of NGI, Naresh Jain, Group Business Development Manager, Al Ahlia Group and Tomio Isogai, SHARP MIDDLE EAST FZE Managing Director.

As a result of the merger, both companies will share their synergies and market experience to consolidate Sharp's office solutions all over the UAE.

"New Generation Imaging was established in 2005 to distribute Sharp MFP and Digital copiers and Printers in Dubai and Northern Emirates, and we have gained good market expertise in this industry in Middle East, Africa and Indian subcontinent," said Gopal K. Pai, Managing Director, NGI. "The establishment of this new company, New Smart, through a partnership between NGI and the Al Ahlia Group, represents a new bold step towards consolidating NGI's gains and expanding our reach beyond Dubai and Northern Emirates.

"New Smart has now over 25 technicians across UAE operating from three full fledged locations to ensure consistent and reliable service support to all Sharp customers. We are confident the combined experience of NGI and Al Ahlia will power NEW SMART to become a leading force in the Digital printing and reprographic industry within a short time," Pai added.

Naresh Jain, Group Business Development Manager, Al Ahlia Group, said: "Our business relationship with Sharp Corporation dates back to 1992. The foundation of Al Ahlia Office Automation Division was based on high standard of service and total solution for customer's Office Automation requirements. We are looking forward to a spectacular success of this joint venture by substantially improving the market share of SHARP Office Automation Products. The Joint Venture will result in better service to customers, focused marketing efforts and optimum utilization of resources."

Tomio Isogai said: "Sharp's vision is to be a total office solution provider. Sharp copiers, printers, MFPs and IDPs have acquired a significant loyal clientele over the past few years. With the merger of Al Ahlia and NGI, we have no doubt that Sharp sales will rise dramatically, as both have proved their credentials as aggressive distributors over the past few years. I welcome New Smart Office Automation as a new distributor combining the best qualities of two great dealers."
Al Ahlia Group has a business history dating back 28 years. It brought Coca Cola to the Middle East for the first time in 1986 after a gap of 30 years. The Group has also pioneered the concept of modern cafes way back in early eighties by starting ‘LA BRIOCHE'. It has entered into several joint ventures/technical assistance/business relationships with prestigious Multi-National Corporations like Halliburton, Sharp Corporation, Rolls Wood Group, Procor Sulphur Services Inc., and others.

NGI, the sole Sharp distributor in Dubai and Northern Emirates, has recorded dramatic growth over the past two years, as seen in Sharp's market share rising to double digits. Helped by a dedicated team of sales personnel and staff, NGI has bagged major corporate accounts its pioneering achievements include Arabised panels and ROHS certification.

Sharp Middle East has been aggressively marketing innovative office solutions and consumer electronics. Sharp business products are designed to boost productivity and reduce costs. Sharp products are designed to help individuals, families, and corporate teams connect effortlessly, communicate clearly, and unleash creativity like never before. Sharp is dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design.

India to see $700-bn investment in 4 yrs:

Anticipating a 700-billion-dollar investment pipeline for the country, ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO K V Kamath has said that corporates alone would infuse up to 500 billion dollars in the next three to four years.

"India has a strong investment pipeline. Currently, we are putting the pipeline at around 700 billion dollars. Till recently, we talked about 500 billion dollars," Kamath said in an interview here.

More importantly, corporate cashflow itself would account for up to 500 billion dollars and the investment needs would not depend heavily on debts, as was the case about ten years ago, Kamath said. The time period for these investments to materialise is 3-4 years, he added.

While noting that the timeframe would depend on sectors where the money is going, he said: "If it is an hydroelectric project, (it would be) three and a half years; if it is some other investment, the time frame could be different... this (3-4 years) is an average level."

The managing director of India's largest private lender said he does not see India's growth story slackening for another 15 years as there is a dramatic level of investment happening in the country.

"Just to put in context, about ten years back near 1995-96, if the national investment reached 15-20 billion dollars a year, we thought that was a tremendous improvement... We have raised the bar higher for ourselves.

"It is across all sectors, all areas where we see bottlenecks. There is nothing left out. If we see bottlenecks, this would mean that it needs to be funded," he said.

Palkar’s ‘Maye Mate’ selected for poets’symposium 2008

Konkani poet Sunil Palkar has been selected for this year’s All India Akashwani Multi-lingual Poets’ meet by Akashwani, Panaji.

His poetry ‘Maye mate’ has been selected for the National Poets’ Symposium 2008. A publicity-shy Mr Palkar has been writing Konkani poetry for over a quarter century, the pressnote here says and adds that he has also handled other literary works such as children’s literature and one-act plays.

His ‘Nagin’ (collection of poems) and ‘Rangmanch’ (one-act plays) have been published. He has compiled songs of national spirit of various Konkani poets all over India, and this collection is in the process of being published. His collection of songs on nationalism of only Goan poets called ‘Rashtrajyot’ has been published. Most of his poems usually take the form of songs, the press release says. He has to his credit a collection of more than 200 abhang (hymns). His songs and abhangs are regularly broadcast over Akashwani.

Palkar has acted in the Konkani film ‘Akant’ as well as in tiatrs. The national symposium of poetry will take place at Akashwani, Nagpur on January 17 and the same will be broadcast on January 25 on the eve of the Republic Day.

Konkani needs independent script

Konkani needs an independent script. That was the unanimous opinion of the two-day seminar on “the contribution of periodicals in the development of literature”, which concluded at Bishop’s House in Kodialbail here on Sunday. The seminar was held under the combined organisation of Sahitya Academy and ‘Raknno’ weekly.

Majority of the participants who took part in the symposium expressed their urge to have a separate script for Konkani, which would ultimately help for the development of the language and literature.

Konkani includes the features of various languages like Devanagari, Marathi, Roman, Kannada and Malayalam, but the absence of its own script has affected a lot, both writers and admirer

Hence, there should be a common medium to combine all these languages in a uniform chord - that was the clear message derived out of the seminar, according to the conveners.

During the valedictory held in the noon, Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese Fr Denis Moras observed that the richness of Konkani language should be attributed to the amount of literature and the writers. Such litterateurs must be encouraged in order to carry out their mission to the highest level, he advised.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of various literary competitions conducted by Raknno. ‘Zaith’ Editor Devidas Kadam, programme co-ordinator Damodar Mauzo, ‘Raknno’ Editor Fr Francis Rodrigues, Sahitya Academy representative Kurshid Alam were present.

The two-day seminar featured papers like, ‘The problems and challenges’, ‘Periodicals: the only patroniser to poetry’, ‘Serialisation of novels in the periodicals’ and ‘Periodicals nourish short stories’.

‘Develop unicode’

Speaking at the inaugural programme on Saturday, Journalist Sandesha Prabhudesai said that there is a need to utilise the modern media to give a shape to the Konkani literary movements. He said there is a need to develop unicode for the Konkani language. It is sad that spell-checker and dictionary is not being developed.

Speaking on ‘The contributions of periodicals in the development of literature,’ Journalist Santhosh Kumkar Gulvadi said literature is subjected to time. “As the time changes, the mode of literature also changes,” he said.

Lamenting over the domination of English language over Konkani, Mr Gulvadi said: “We need English. At the same time we should love Konkani language as well.”

Konkani Yuva Mahotsav

MANGALORE: The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy in association with the Maandd Sobhann and Konkani Yuva Awaz will organise a two-day Konkani Yuva Mahotsav from February 2.

The programme planned at Kalangan in Shakthi Nagar will be organised in three categories including an open category for the public.

Each team within a fixed duration of 25 minutes should stage solo singing, group singing, group dance and skit programmes.

The first three teams in each category will get a cash prize of Rs 5,000, 3,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively. The team which collects maximum points will receive a cash award of Rs 5,555 and the title Ahthi Shreshta Konkani team.

The applications can be collected from Academy office in Mangalore City Corporation building near Lalbagh and submitted before January 31.

For more information on competition guidelines, contact: 0824-2453167.

City to host world�s longest singing marathon

MANGALORE: The Kalaangann near Shaktinagar in Mangalore all set to host Konkani Nirantari, world�s longest singing marathon by multiple singers to create history on January 26 and 27.

The Konkani Nirantari will be organised by the Mandd Sobhann, a Konkani cultural organisation, in order to break the existing Guinness world record of 36 hours marathon singing, standing in the name Communidade Evangelica Luterana Sao Paulo of Brazil.

A total of 44 groups with around 1,500 singers from various parts of the nation will sing 600 Konkani songs one after another for a non-stop 40 hours as per Guinness World Records norms. The marathon singing will start at 6 am on January 26 and will continue till 10 pm on January 27.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Mandd Sobhann director Eric Ozario said that the judge from Guinness World Records, London, Keith Pullin would present to witness and certify the attempt.

There would be only 30 seconds gap between two songs and each group would sing continuously for one hour without break, he said adding that a singer performed in one group would not be allowed to perform again in another group.

Ozario said that teams from Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Udupi and singers from Gulf would participate in the mega event. �Taking Konkani to international heights is the objective behind organising the Konkani Nirantari,�� he added.

Mangalore Biship Dr Aloysius Paul D�Souza would inaugurate the event and bless the occasion while Ryan�s International Educational Institutions, Mumbai chief Grace Pinto would be the chief guest at the closing ceremony, Ozario informed.

NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco, Krishna Dairy managing director Pradeep G Pai and Guinness World Records tm, London Adjudicator Keith Pullin would be present.

Diamond world inaugurated by Sandhya S Pai

Managing Editor of “Taranga” weekly, Sandhya S Pai said that in this business world there is an increasing demand for diamonds and platinum along with gold and other ornaments.

She was speaking after inaugurating “Diamond World”, a complex started by Puttur’s famous Gold ornaments organization Muliya Keshav Bhat and sons.

She said that India has the largest stock of gold in the world it is because people of this country show special interest towards gold ornaments.

Udupi gold industry’s director, Gujjadi Ramdas Nayak was the chief guest on this occasion. He said that in the business of gold ornaments, diamonds have an important place. This business depends on trust and belief through which customers affection can be earned.

Former MLA of Puttur, Shakunthala Shetty was the president on this occasion, she said that there is a tradition of purchasing ornaments according to the horoscope and the pros and cons depends upon the belief of different people.

Chiefs of the organization Shyam Bhat and Sulochana Bhat were present on this occasion. Managing Director of this new organization, Keshav Prasad said that there is rise of 20% in the business of diamond ornaments, the organization will provide necessary guidance and information to its customers regarding diamonds.

Partner in this organization, Krishnanarayan Muliya welcomed everyone. Murali Shyam was the host and Ramesh Bhat proposed the vote of thanks.

Shenoy lead gold haul

Padmashree Taranath Shenoy was the star performer as Maharashtra had a field day with as many as 11 record-breaking efforts - seven in men and four in women- on the second and final day of the Senate Royale National Masters Swimming Championships, held at Andheri Sports Complex here on Sunday.

Taranath Shenoy, who is visually impaired swimmer was awarded Padmashree in 1990 and has also earned a spate of honours in his long swimming career. The manner in which he won the men’s 400m freestyle event in the 45-49 age groups in a record-breaking time of 6:03.36 seconds, showed his fitness and class in abundance. On Saturday, too, he had broken the 200m freestyle record of Services’ Balram Singh’s 2006 (2:50.76) with a timing of 2:46.15 secs.

Sharing the day’s glory with Taranath, was another Maharashtra swimmer, Sukjit Kaur. Apart from winning the freestyle 100m, 200m, 50m in record-breaking timing, she ended in all with six golds, which included two in medley and freestyle relays. What’s more interesting is that like Taranath, she too has been a long distance swimmer. And to top it all, she played for Bombay University in water-polo and volleyball and represented Maharashtra in triathlon.

Winners: WOMEN: (30-34) 50m backstroke: Sukhjit Kaur (Maha) - 00:42.00 (00:56.38). 100m (35-39) Breast stroke: Sayali Thosar (Maha) -01:47.83 (01:48.85). 50m Butterfly: Nandita Kapoor (Karnataka) - 00:49.00 (00:54.91). 400m Freestyle: Nandita Kapoor - 08:34.00 (09:14.08). (40-44): 50m Backstroke: Rani Anisa Appukutan (TN) -00:45.62 (00:51.01). 100m Breast stroke: Shiney Varghese (YN) -01:58.88 (02:07.63). 50m.

5 from high school earn spot on TV game show

What started out as just a chat between friends evolved into a quest by a quintet of Colts Neck High School students to earn a spot on television game show.

And it worked.

Five of the school's brightest — township residents Jessica Atlas, Rachel and Zara Feingold, Nikita Shenoy and Tyler Berman — represented Colts Neck on an episode of the cable quiz show "The Challenge," which airs on News 12 Saturday and Sunday nights.

"The Challenge" is an academic quiz show featuring teams of high school students from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

The program was taped at the Cablevision studios in New York City in November.

The origination of the idea to attempt to gain a spot on the program started in the summer, when twin sisters Rachel and Zara Feingold talked with a mutual friend, Cathy Liu, a student at Howell High School. Liu organized a team of contestants at Howell and filed the appropriate paperwork to executives involved with the game show.

The Feingolds did likewise. The only difference is the Colts Neck team was selected to compete, while Howell wasn't.

"It's disappointing that Howell wasn't picked because that's how we got the idea," Rachel Feingold said.

Participants for the quiz show are picked randomly, according to Trent Anderson, Cablevision's vice president of education.

"Literally, all 32 teams are picked out of a hat," he said.

Anderson said there were 90 schools from New Jersey that applied to appear in this year's programs.

Only 32 schools from each of five regions — New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, Bronx/Brooklyn and Westchester/Hudson Valley — are picked to appear each year. The winners of each section plus the highest scoring regional finalist qualify for the finals, which will take place in May and June.

"We were notified in October that we had been accepted," said Zara Feingold. "So we had over a month to prepare and study."

Atlas, Shenoy and both Feingolds, all seniors, competed. Berman, the only junior of the group, was the team's alternate. Shenoy was picked as the captain.

The program will feature Colts Neck competing against a team from Vernon Township High School in a first-round matchup.

"One of the best parts was the school chartered a bus and we were able to bring members of the Cougar Den to cheer on the team," said Jamie Krieger-Lundquist, the team's academic adviser.

The Cougar Den featured about 35 fellow students who showed up at the studio equipped with signs, wigs, painted faces and tons of enthusiasm.

"It was a great feeling to have all that support," Atlas said. "It made us believe in ourselves."

Berman has already been designated as next year's captain, should the school be selected again to appear on the show.

"I learned a lot by watching and taking notes for next year," said Berman. "There is a lot of skill and some strategy involved."

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

WHAT: "The Challenge" academic quiz show

WHO: Colts Neck High School vs. Vernon Township High School

WHERE: News 12 New Jersey, U.S.A

WHEN: 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

M. Janardhana Rao of Ganesh Beedis passes away

Former Managing Director of Mangalore Ganesh Beedis, M. Janardhana Rao (76) passed away at 11.30 am yesterday. He was ailing for sometime. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

He was a role model for devotion to duty, discipline, social service and work ethics. He had made name by being the highest income tax payer in the country.

Udayavani-Videocon Deepavali Dhamaka prize distribution

President of District milk producers union of undivided Dakshina Kannada district, Kapu Diwakar Shetty congratulated Udayavani by saying that it responds well to the wishes of its readers and safeguards the traditions of journalism in a better way by which it has become successful.

He was speaking as the chief guest of the prize distribution ceremony of Udayavani-Videocon Deepavali Dhamaka-2007.

He said that including Udayavani, Taranga he reads all the other magazines published by Udayavani and it helps to improve ones knowledge. He congratulated Satish U Pai and Sandhya S Pai by saying that let this tradition rise.

DGM, Syndicate Bank, Sujir Prabhakar who was the chief guest said that Udayavani has got a distinguishing tradition. He also said that Udayavani and Syndicate Bank has got a good relationship. This relationship is social and has given a lot benefits to the society.

Assistant regional manager, Videocon, Gurudutt who was promoted the prizes said that Udayavani and Videocon has developed a special relationship. This has encouraged to develop reading habit.

Managing editor of Taranga, Sandhya S Pai said that she is happy with the kind of affection shown by the readers towards Udayavani, Taranga and other magazines published by Udayavani. She said that the sole intention of Udayavani is to give the right information, publish good articles and developing the reading habit amongst readers. She thanked the readers to their response and the affection shown by them.

Administrative Director of Manipal Media Network Ltd, Satish U Pai felicitated the guests by presenting mementos. Manager of Videocon Lakshmanraj was present on the dais.

Manipal Media Network, Director of Marketing department K Nagesh Kamat welcomed everyone. Vice-President Ramchandra Mijar hosted the event. Bumper prize winner, Ramesh Bassappa, third prize winner Nandini Narendra Pai expressed their feelings.

Manipal Media Branch Co-ordinator, Pramenand Rao gave details about the winners. Editor Balakrishna Holla, Udayavani online department chief Vanitha G Pai, Taranga weekly magazine’s executive editor U B Rajalakshmi, Executive manager Satish Shenoy, Asst Marketing Manager Satish Manjeshwar, Incharge of the special edition Prathviraj Kavathoor were present.

Values, ethics should be imparted through education: K K Pai

K K Pai speaking on the occasion.

Registrar of Manipal Academy, K K Pai said that there is a need of good citizens for the development of the country. All these good citizens should be a product of good education. If all the values are upheld such citizens can be produced.

He was speaking as the president on the occasion of the valedictory function of the UGC sponsored 5 day National conference for college lecturers on “Ethics and human values in Education” on January 1st.

Administrative head of Manipal Academy, Dr H Shantaram said in his valedictory speech that Education has become a puppet in the hands of the politicians. A lot of important things, morals, religious preaching are not being taught. There is a lack of discipline among the students. Teachers should think about this and should reason with themselves about how honest they are.

Principal of the college, Dr Jayaprakash Mavinkulli welcomed the gathering. Lecturer, Pushpalatha Santyaru hosted the event. Principal of PU college, S R Arunkumar was present on this occasion.

Educating consumers is need of the hour

Educating consumers is the need of the hour, New Delhi-based National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission member P D Shenoy has stressed.

He was addressing executives of the Corporation Bank on Consumer Protection campaign in India, here recently. Since the enactment of Consumer Act in 1986, consumer redressal machinery had disposed off nearly 25 lakh cases across the country, he added.

�There are 35 state commissions, 604 district forums and a national commission in the country,�� he informed. Elaborating various measures initiated by the Commission, Shenoy said consumer online resource and empowerment centre [CORE] had been set up at the initiative of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

�The centre provides online consumer grievance redressal system, providing information relating to consumer rights, assisting in understanding legal procedure, taking up complaint to default parties and also providing a network among voluntary organisations,�� he said adding; �For all consumer-related information and guidance, a toll free National Consumer Helpline is available. Speed, brevity and equity is hallmark of Consumer Protection.��

Earlier, Corporation Bank Chairman and Managing Director B Sambamurthy said; �The Corporation Bank is one of the top three public sector banks in the country in terms of investment in technology. The focus of the Bank is on client acquisition.��

Within a year, the Bank had added one million customers. The Bank had also made significant progress under financial inclusion, having surveyed over 1,200 villages across the country and nearly a lakh savings accounts opened in those villages, he claimed.

�The Bank is now poised to cross the milestone of Rs 1 lakh crore in business by 2008,�� he added. Bank General Manager B R Bhat was also present.

Sonia Shenoy, the new-actress-on-the-Bollywood-block

Sonia Shenoy, the new-actress-on-the-Bollywood-block

Dr. Sudha Kamath elected State President of AIMSS

Mysore:- Dr. Sudha Kamath was elected as the new President of the Karnataka State Committee of All India Mahila Samskruthika Sanghatane (AIMSS) at the concluding Delegate Session of AIMSS held at Maharaja's College Centenary Hall here on Sunday.

The other State Committee members are Dr. Mary John, Sheela S. Rao, Nagammal, Pratibha Kumari and M.N. Manjula M.N (Vice-Presidents); B.R. Aparna (Secretary). A four-member Secretariat, 16 members of the executive committee and a 20-member State Council have been elected to lead the women's movement in Karnataka.

B.R. Aparna, the newly elected Secretary announced that this year on March 8 Women's Day will be observed by oraganising programmes at all levels centering round the charter of demands adopted in the Conference.

Dr. H.G. Jayalakshmi, All India General Secretary, AIMSS, who addressed the gathering, called upom the delegates to release their individual initiative and take up more responsibilities to be able to build up grass-roots level organisations and bring about a qualitative change in the history of women's struggles in Karnataka.

On the second day of the 4th State-level women's conference, there were discussions on the resolutions regarding crimes against women and the various Court verdicts found to be contrary to the interests of women.

Krishna Chakraborti, Member, Central Committee, SUCI, who addressed the delegates during the concluding session, congratulated the organisers of AIMSS for the impressive gathering of thousands of women in the Open Session on Jan. 4. He dealt at length on the problems faced by women and said that the problems cannot be fundamentally resolved through individual movements which can at best provide temporary solutions under Capitalism which is the root cause of all these problems. They can be eradicated only through a fundamental change in society, he said.

Narrating the history of domination of women in society, he pointed out that it started with the birth of private property and class division. He showed how the emancipation of women is linked with the total emancipation of all the oppressed and that this would be possible only in a classless society.

He empha-sised the need to build up movements to fight against all problems of women. These movements will have to be conducive to the struggle for emancipation of all sections of toiling masses � the struggle for an anti-capitalist Socialist Revolution which alone can bring true freedom for women.

He explained how the ruling class fears this revolution and is making various attempts to thwart it by denying education to women. Further the rulers are making an all-out attack on the cultural backbone of the people. They are also whipping up divisive tendencies of casteism, communalism etc., to break the unity of the people.

He called upon the women to organise themselves and prepare for the ultimate struggle for the overthrow of the system along the model of their Vietnamese and Chinese sisters who had played a glorious role in the revolutions in their countries. He also hailed the spirit of struggle of the brave women of Nandigram who are a glorious living example of such a spirit.

Next Intel Classmate PC Based on Silverthorne - Shenoy

Intel is working on an updated version of its Classmate PC designed for schoolchildren in developing countries, part of a wider effort to spur demand for low-cost laptops.

Based on the company's upcoming Silverthorne processor, the new Classmate PC will likely be sleeker and have longer battery life than the current version, according to Navin Shenoy, general manager of Intel's Asia-Pacific operations.

"It's fair to say that there is a Silverthorne-based Classmate design in the works that would likely come out coincidentally with the microprocessor," Shenoy said, adding that Intel has not determined pricing for the new laptop design.

Silverthorne, which is billed as being easy on both power and the pocketbook, is part of Intel's Menlow platform that also includes the upcoming Poulsbo chipset. The dual-core chip is scheduled for release during the middle of this year and is central to Intel's plans for small, handheld computers that Intel calls MIDs, or Mobile Internet Devices, and low-cost laptops, like the Classmate and Asustek's Eee PC.

The current Classmate PC is a big-boned, 1.4 kilogram machine with a 900MHz Celeron M processor and a 7-inch screen. The laptop runs Windows XP and comes with Wi-Fi, 256M bytes of RAM and 2G bytes of flash memory in lieu of a hard disk. These specifications won't send a gamer's heart racing, but they are enough to get the intended job done.

Priced at around US$285, the Classmate PC is roughly $100 more expensive than the One Laptop Per Child Project's XO laptop, the Classmate's main competitor. Intel has said volume production would bring down the Classmate's cost to about $200, but the low-cost laptops have so far grabbed more headlines than sales.

Even so, Intel's Classmate PC development efforts have had a wide impact, largely thanks to the Eee PC, which uses many of the same components but has a thinner, more stylish design.

Consumer enthusiasm for the Eee PC largely caught Intel off guard. When the low-cost laptop, which also uses a 900MHz Celeron M processor, was announced at the Computex trade show last year, Intel expected Asustek to announce a $199 laptop for education customers. But the Taiwanese computer maker had other ideas and declared -- to the surprise of Intel executives -- that the Eee PC would instead be marketed to consumers in markets around the world.

While the Eee PC's price tag climbed substantially from the original announced price, at $400 or so the small laptops remain a relative bargain and users have been snapping them up as fast as Asustek can make them.

As other computer makers show interest in following Asustek's lead, Intel has embraced the low-cost laptop as an important product segment for the consumer market, as well as the education market.

"We think that there's going to be a wide variety of multinationals and local OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) who decide to go after this segment," Shenoy said.

New Luxury Business Hotel "VITS" Launched in Belgaum

A 60-room VITS property, part of a new chain of luxury business hotels from Kamat Hotels India Limited (KHIL), opened today in Belgaum. Located at Club Road, the new hotel offers contemporary luxury business accommodation for discerning business class travellers from across India.

Belgaum is well known for its prominent medical and education facilities and tourist attractions. With a VITS hotel in Belgaum, travelers visiting the city for leisure or for medical treatment from Karnataka, Maharastra or Goa will now have an alternate �home away from home�.

With this launch, KHIL has taken another step in its ambitious plan to grow the VITS chain for business travellers. The first VITS hotel was launched in Mumbai in November 2007. KHIL plans to extend the VITS hospitality experience to Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Baroda, Chinchwar, Gujarat, Hubli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Surat, Thane and twenty more locations in the next five years.

The launch of VITS Belgaum was a grand affair, with the cr�me-de-la-cr�me of Belgaum society attending the function. Corporate heads, golfers, defence personnel, doctors and renowned personalities from diverse fields were there to mark the occasion. A musical extravaganza by renowned DJ from Mumbai set the evening afire with sizzling numbers that drew the audience to the pulsating dance floor. The evening also witnessed the unveiling of the VITS logo amidst fire show and an impressive theme dance performances.

Facilities at VITS Belgaum are among the best in the category across the state. Its ideal location provides guests proximity to the domestic airport. It will offer varied dining options like an open terrace restaurant with a contemporary ambience and a 24x7 coffee shop with a midnight buffet option. VITS offers a range of spacious and luxurious accommodation to suit the needs of guests: twin and double rooms, a Presidential Suite, service apartments and studio rooms equipped with all modern & technical facilities.

The rooms in VITS are one of a kind, they provide customers with varied options to select depending on the requirement and duration of stay. Guests visiting Belgaum for a long period e.g. business tour/medical treatment, can experience the �home away from home� in the service apartments; while the Presidential Suite and studio rooms option can be explored by those who want to have a unique hospitality experience.

Belgaum will witness many firsts with VITS, such as a pick-up and drop facility, terrace swimming pool and a wellness club. For guests who like to combine business with pleasure, VITS has a tie up with premium golf courses and spare golf kits that golf lovers can use. These and other special facilities will give guests an exclusive VITS experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Executive Chairman & Managing Director, Kamat Hotels India Limited (KHIL), said, �The new VITS hotel is in sync with the development envisaged for Belgaum, which is now being referred to as the second capital of Karnataka. With a Vidhan Sabha planned in the city and companies from emerging sectors such as medical tourism, EXIM houses and other public infrastructure projects setting up base here, Belgaum is a growing business destination. There is a need for top quality hospitality services in the city and VITS bridges the gap by providing best in class facilities and services.�

As an inherited principle from its flagship Orchid group, VITS will uphold the Kamat�s philosophy of giving the maximum value to customers without compromising on service, quality or food. The same values are epitomized in VITS' concise motto � �Guest. Rest. Best.�

In the VITS chain of hotels, standardized amenities will include world-class service -- from airport pickup by luxury car to one-time registration while checking in. The 24-hour, in-room dining, contemporary ambience, banquets for specific requirements, high-tech conference centers and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity on the premises will cater to all the needs of modern, business travellers. VITS also plans to include select facilities required by guests in specific locations.

The new VITS hotel chain will bridge the gap existing in the market by being present in all major Tier II and Tier III cities and towns in India. It will offer a complete package of top quality hospitality services for upwardly mobile business class travelers. VITS will have a trendy look which will be reflected in its logo, facilities and services and will be the best in class.

The VITS marketing plan revolves around acquisition, retaining and regaining customers. Exclusively designed customer loyalty programmes for travel agencies, guests and for corporate houses will be announced soon.

About KHIL:

Kamat Hotels (India) Limited (KHIL) is one of the fastest growing hospitality groups in the country. KHIL was initiated on March 21st, 1986 by the late Venkatesh Krishna Kamat, a visionary in the business. His guidance and support helped Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, current Executive Chairman and Managing Director, steer the company into a successful public limited company in 1994.

Kamats is today a large hospitality business group with interests in Luxury Hotels, Budget Hotels & Restaurants, Travel Business, Catering & Educational Institutions, Departmental Stores and of course, Restaurants. With a turnover of over Rs. 80 crores (2006) and approximately ten thousand shareholders, KHIL is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

“Inter Dojo karate competition” begins

Sandhya S Pai the Managing Editor of 'Taranga' the Weekly magazine inaugurated Karate competition.

Sandhya S Pai the Managing Editor of 'Taranga' the Weekly magazine said that Karate is the art of self defence and expressed her happiness seeing the number of participants in the competition participating with enthusiasm.

In her inaugural speech in Vigneshwar Sababhavan in Parkala, she said that physical development and concentration can be gained by Karate only. And that only by a disciplined life success can be achieved in the Dojo competition organized by Institute of karate and allied arts which is a Karnataka and Kerala inter Dojo competition.

Support to Sports:The Pro Chancellor of Manipal University H S Ballal said that apart from studies participation in other activities is also essential in his Presidential address.

The Executive Director of Udayavani daily news paper Gautham Pai said that in today’s world Learning karate is very essential. And it is necessary to create interest among youth about it.

Entrepreneur Pramod Madvaraj advised that to give same importance to Karate competition as well as studies also.

In this occasion, Head Master Praveen Kumar falicitated H S Ballal on behalf of organisers. Certificate were distributed to those who were won in the Blackbelt exam.Honourable president of organisable committee,P Srinivas Upadhya, Organiser K Anand Devadiga were present. President of Organisation M Manjunath Upadhya welcomed. Secretary T S Sudheer Kumar proposed vote of thanks.Dr Radhakrishna Aital was host of this function.

450 Karate participants of more than 100 branches are participating in this tournament sponsored by Udayavani. Former MLA K Raghupathy Bhat will distribute the awards

Vaikunta Ekadasi - II

Presiding deity being taken out to mark 'Vaikunta Ekadasi' at Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane.

Vaikunta Ekadasi - I

Presiding deity being taken out to mark 'Vaikunta Ekadasi' at Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane on December 20, 2007.

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!

FROM THE GSB Konkani Family!!