DECATHLON’09 UNFOLDS COLOURFULLY IN HUBLI

Friday, May 15, 2009

K.S.S.Panikar, Associate Vice President and CEO Kirloskar Electric Company Limited, Hubli, said, “There is no recession or job loss. It is only a temporary slow down of the economy.”

He was speaking after inaugurating a National Level Inter Collegiate Management Festival Decathlon-09, organized by Vidyabharati Foundation, Institute of Business Management and Research (IBMR) at Revankar Kalyan Mantap in Hubli on Tuesday.

According to the recent findings of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) by September 2009 the Indian economy will bounce back irrespective of the world economic situation opined K. S. S. Panikar.

Quoting the present situation he advised the Decathlon participants to make best use of the present situation and utilize the time to acquire more professional skills and undertake qualitative research in new avenues. He called on the young and budding entrepreneurs to take up the responsibilities entrusted to them and strive to execute the same with zeal, if done well he added, they would form stepping stones for their future success.

Speaking on the occasion Vinaychandra Mahendrakar, Managing Director of Vidyabharati Foundation IBMR group of Institutions said, management fests present excellent opportunities to showcase ones talents and open new vistas for professional career. To be successful managers of tomorrow, class room education alone is not enough, the judicious blend of strong academics and industry oriented skill honing Curriculum that opens up to larger areas of learning is the need of the hour he added. `Decathlon 09’ is designed specifically to ignite ones intelligence, realize managerial skills and harness social values and ethics. He congratulated the IBMR faculty and student body for taking initiation and organizing the management fest Decathlon 2009 in a marvelous way.

Dean of IBMR, Ahmedabad Dr. Ram Kumar Balyan said, the Indian market is growing more and more challenging everyday. Success comes to those who are willing to adapt themselves to the changing trends and sincerely work towards sharpening their skills and participating in such fests which give a glimpse of what is in store for them in the future.

Shri Shantilal Jain, trustee and Director of Vidyabharati Foundation IBMR group of institutions in his presidential remarks said, focus on meaningful and spirited participating in the event. As budding professionals winning and losing is not everything rather performing better should be the mantra. He called on the students to break free of the conditioning and to open up their minds to the new opportunities that are constantly mushrooming all around them.

Prof Saleha Ali principal of IBMR BBA BCA and Chief coordinator of the event presented an overview of Decathlon 2009. Prof P.N. Khatavkar Dean IBMR Hubli introduced the chief guest and the guests of honour. Student General Secretary Jeff Shepherd proposed the vote of thanks.

Little drops for a clean green world

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Nobel laureate Dr. Rajendrakumar Pachouri has already cautioned us about the rising fever of our mother earth. The emission of green house gases (GHG) has resulted in global warming. But here the story is all about optimistic steps taken by engineering students in managing the e-waste in their campus. It silver lines the hope for gen-next. Francis Xavier reports from the BVB College, Hubli campus.

Over 220 million tones of computers and technological hardware are trashed every year in the United States. While the total e-waste in India has been estimated to be 1, 46,180 tons per year 8,000 tone of e-waste is generated in Bangalore alone by the 1,322 software and 36 hardware companies. The question that arises is where does all this take us to?

Most of us are aware of the urgent need to save the planet earth and while some of us claim to be a bitten by the green peace bug, unfortunately over a period of time, we have all grown immune to this problem. Abyuth, a group of young computer science graduates from BVBCET Hubli have become an example of youngsters who live in the present and are concerned about the future.

Under the direction of Prof G H Joshi Abyuth (Abhineeta Vaidya, Madhumita Nadkarni, Badarinarayan Burli, Badarinath Deshpande, Samina Khan, Shwetashree and Sushum Mutalik Patil) have taken this cause forward in their own little way to help create an environment that is green, clean and conducive for healthy living by starting the e-waste management project on BVBCET campus.

Inspired by a similar waste management progamme on campus, Abyuth began working on the e-waste management starting from their computer department. Their research led them to learn the use, maintenance and the disposal policies of the institute with regard to e-waste. Armed with this knowledge, they are now working on an e-waste disposal programme which they hope will eventually be extended to the rest of the campus and the twin cities of Hubli and Dharwad.

Coming face to face with the dangers of e-waste and the hazards of chemicals like chromium and lead that are slowly but definitely entering our daily lives, the group though still in the process of evolving a policy has already arrived at a certain understanding with line of action that can be easily followed by us all. They are:

- Reusing computers of a lower configuration to carry out meager clerical applications.
- Donating old PC’s in working condition to lesser privileged schools.

- Re-selling gadgets that is striking a deal with the vendor to accept their product at end-of-life.
- Setting up a junk yard for segregation of the waste that are later dispatched as valuable recyclable (composite metal equipments).

- Refilling the cartridges of printers at least twice before disposing them as waste.
- Using proper instruments in handling equipments to avoid mishandling and damage there by reducing wastage.

- Ban on disposal of electronic equipments directly into the dustbins.
Though the task at hand is magnanimous, Abyuth have shown us that the little we can do no matter may just be a drop in the ocean, nevertheless it is these drops that will eventually form the mighty ocean.

Francis Xavier

MAJM IVth SemIMCR, HUBLI

Can cinema and television awaken our generation?

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Media is becoming obsession. It’s good if our younger generation uses it judiciously. Otherwise it will be a nuisance. Sometimes it may become mightier than sword opines SAVITA PAVATE.

It is depressing to note that the younger generation is adopting only the negative aspect from the cinema and television content; Instead of following the inspirational parts.

Mass media has a great influence on people’s behaviour. It is an undeniable fact that most of the people in the world have access to either television or cinema.

The teenagers form the main group in the mass, who, are often exposed to the television and movies. And this group is most prone to the change. They often try to emulate what they see on silver screen. It is common to see these youths trying to mimic the stunts and heroic actions by their role models. Many children around the country tried to follow the heroic stunts of the bollywood famous actor Hritik Roshan in the movie called Krishh and how can they forget their all time favorite shaktimaan? Most of them lost their life too by imitating the same actions.

Sometimes this will have a harmful effect as these youths try to display some violent behaviour, which they visualize from the media.

Each country and region has its own culture and it is necessary to preserve them in order to exhibit cultural diversity to the future generation. There are a lot of programs and scenes that are being telecast on television and films viz., Bidaai and Yeh rishta kya kehelata hai of star plus, convey the message of affection of parents towards their children and children’s respect towards their parents. These sorts of serials strengthen the bondage of friends and family members. The younger generation gets influenced by the negative slots of the movie. They get a false impression that they too should lead their life the way stars of Hollywood movies. The illusionary image creates an undue influence and alters them to more than their size. This might destroy the native practices and customs.

Some of the scenes in films include a lot of adult content which is not suitable for tender age group. This might pose threat in relation quotients and result in indifferent behavior. They might get attracted to such inappropriate contents and thereby indulge in antisocial activities.

Several Hindi films after independence played a sterling role in moulding modern India such as Awaara, Jagte Raho, Mother India and Do Bheega Zameen. Recent Rang De Basanti’s skilful interplay of nationalist history has a commendable success. The vital factor is the contemporary chord that is stuck among young Indians, disgusted with corruption in politics. After the release of the movie, people have raised their voice against the Jessica Lal murder case by lighting candles in front of Gateway of India.

Media has an effect on thoughts and emotions of the people that increase the likeliness of aggressive and fearful behaviour. Some of the bollywood movies inspired killers also. Some times ago, in New Delhi, the alleged killers of Sabarjit Singh and his wife at their residence were apparently inspired by a bollywood film. During interrogation, Deen Dayal who was brought to the capital from Uttar Pradesh disclosed that just hours before they stuck at the house, his friend and he had watched a movie on television. In that film the burglar enters the bedroom of the house and hits the owner on his head while he is asleep. He then ties the victim’s limbs and gags him with a tape.

Thus people’s behaviour can be affected by mass media in such a way that the youths and children begin to adopt the dramatized and imaginary actions in their life. The need has emerged at an alarming state, and media experts to look into this serious matter and to obtain suitable solutions to such problems.

Savita. Pawate.
2nd sem PGDJM

IMCR, HUBLI.

Live; but not let live?

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

This is one of the most inhuman and shocking stories which we have come across. However, it is beyond our imagination that one could be so harmful and intentional. It has reached the height of tolerance; now it’s right time, the civilized society must give a wake up call.

This mail was forwarded in public interest and as a precaution against the possible danger in the public cinema halls, malls, auditoriums, community halls, drama theaters and so on, it is published on our blog. Not with a view to spread panic but to raise an alarm against such antisocial elements.

This article is an excerpt from the mail forwarded to our honorary editor Shri. Vinayachandra Mahendrakar.

A few weeks ago, in a movie theatre, a person feltsomething poking from her seat.When she got up to see what it was, she found aneedle sticking out of the seat with a note attached saying"You have just been infected byHIV"..The Disease Control Center (in Paris) reports many similarevents in many other cities recently.

All tested needles were HI V Positive..The Center also reports that needles have been found in cash dispensers at public banking machines. We ask everyone to useextreme caution when faced withthis kind of situation. All public chairs/seats should be inspectedwith vigilance and caution before use. A careful visual inspection should be enough. In addition, they ask that each of you pass thismessage along to all members of your family and your friends of thepotential danger.Recently, one doctor has narrated a somewhat similar instance that happened to one of his patients at the Priya Cinema inDelhi .

A young girl, engaged and about to be married in a couple ofmonths, was pricked while the moviewas going on. The tag with the needle had the message"Welcome to the World of HIV family".Though the doctors told her family that it takes about 6months before the virus grows strong enough to startdamaging the system and a healthy victim could survive about 5-6 years,the girl died in 4 months, perhaps more because of the "Shockthought".We all have to be careful at public places, rest God help! Just thinkabout saving a life by forwarding this message. Please, take a few seconds of your time to pass along.

Traditional Folklore of Goa-MANDO

Goa is a cosmopolitan city. Festivals and fairs is glorified in this part of region.Goa carnival is one of the peculiar festival that binds people of all religion and they actively participate in it.
Goa is a land of highly talented and artistic people with a rich cultural combination blending East and West. Music and dance and traditional attire depict tradition of rural Goa. The urbanites have adapted to modern and popular music styles.

Amongst various traditional songs MANDO attracts people of all communities. 'Mando', is a love song, sung by Goan Catholics with a group on the beats of Ghumat and romantic strings of violin.

The Mando is classical in nature, and has attained a distinctive, sophistication and classiness over the ages. The most impressive part of the song is that it moves majestically in a slow, melodious rhythm, with dignity and grace. The dance steps make an inescapable showground of magnetism, that binds every tourist till the show ends.

The lyric goes around interesting tales of yore, of kings and their men and of course romantic tales that once made their ancient heart bloom in springs.

Although the mando cannot strictly be classified as traditional folk song form; it has been established in Goa for many a year. The mando is very popular among the Christian community in Goa. In the grandest of traditions, the mando-singer was invited specially on occasion of a wedding or some grand celebration. There he would often compose special mandos in honour of the bridal couple, whose qualities were described in detail in the mando.

This form of music is also been played in restaurants and music concerts organized at parties. The Mando song sets the mood and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the globe.

Deepa .J.Dinakar

MAJM IVth Sem
IMCR, HUBLI

All lit up!

Monday, March 02, 2009

The tiny hamlet of Kudalgaon is a happier place today with solar lamps to light up their homes
The tiny hamlet of Kudalgaon in North Canara district is a beautiful village surrounded by lush greenery. Peopled by members of the Gouli community, the village has only about 30-40 huts along paddy fields.Though Kudalgaon has no road, electricity and drinking water facilities, it has a government primary school! Unfortunately, a big lock awaits you in the school.

The credit of discovering this tiny hamlet goes to Kriyasheela Geleyaru chairman and environmentalist Mukund Maigur of Dharwad. As a principal investigator appointed by the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Maigur went around collecting data about traditional healers. Meanwhile, he spotted nati vaidya Govind Nagappa Hundre, a resident of Kudalgaon.During his stay in the village, Mr Maigur noticed that the womenfolk of the village used kerosene excessively. He organised the villagers in two groups - Sri Kalammadevi Self Help Group for women and Sri Handibadaganath Siddath Self Help Group for men. It was quite a challenge as the people of Kudalgaon were sceptical about his motives.

But, Mr Maigur managed to win their confidence.Soon he met Mr M Dhananjaya, chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) and Mr Ullas Gunaga, public relations officer of the bank, and explained the plight of the residents of Kudalgaon. Mr Gunaga wanted to visit Kudalgaon to check on the veracity of Maigur’s words but was not able to reach it.The bank immediately sanctioned about 25 Aishwarya solar mini lamps worth Rs 2,000 each. These solar mini lamps were designed by Dharmappa Bharki, who won the Green Oscar Award constituted by the London Royals.

On the specified day, under the leadership of Mukund Maigur, these solar lamps were distributed among the villagers free of cost.Community leader Govindappa Hundre's eyes swelled with tears of joy. He said in Marathi mixed Kannada, "Barter exchange is the only currency which is in circulation here among the 25 families. Whenever we require money we sell paddy to the rice polishing houses in Dandeli, Ramnagar and Ambikanagar. Occasionally we enjoy non-veg, but our staple food is rice and bamboo shoot.

Earlier we used to sleep at 7 in the evening, but now, because of solar lamps, we will be able to stay up till 9 or 10 in the night"As a token of their love and appreciation, the residents of Kudalgaon filled the bags of visitors with flowers, vegetables, wild fruits and bamboo shoot.Mr Maigur aptly said, "If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich."

Kerosene, the killer fuel
Over two billion people burn kerosene - the killer fuel - just to meet their basic lighting needs. The ill-effects of kerosene are numerous: it is unhealthy, dangerous and expensive. The burning of kerosene causes air pollution that often results in prolonged illness and death. Nearly two million children are killed every year in developing countries due to acute respiratory infections. In India alone, 2.5 million people (3,50,000 of them are children) suffer severe burns each year, primarily due to hazardous lighting in their homes with kerosene lamps.It is ironical that kerosene, with such killer characteristics, is the only fuel for the poor. Kerosene is far more expensive than electric lighting. One lamp consumes about 72 litres of kerosene annually. Even with government subsidies, kerosene requires 10% to 25% of a villager's annual income.

This is not all: kerosene-based lighting in developing world is the source of 244 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere every year.
(Courtesy : Deccan Herald, Spectrum)

Harshavardhan Sheelavant
Asst. Professor
IMCR, Hubli