Mysore University Women’s Cricket Team bagged third place in the Inter-University Women’s Cricket Tournament organised by Halagappa University, Tamil Nadu. The team is qualified to participate in All India Inter-University Tournament. Seen in the picture are the students of SBRR Mahajana First Grade College, Jayalakshmipuram, who were part of the Mysore University team — (standing from left) Niriksha, Thasi and Dakshitha — with (sitting from left) P.S. Madhusudhana, PE Director, Dr. T. Vijayalakshmi Muralidhar, Secretary, Mahajana Education Society, Dr. B.R. Jayakumari, Principal and Dr. H.N. Bhaskar, PE Director.

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Bharati, a student of Yoga Science Programme, University of Mysore (UoM), has won second place in the Under-18 category of ASMITA Khelo India Women’s Yogasana League (South Zone) held at Dindigul in Tamil Nadu recently and has been selected for the National level event. Another student, S. Vinuta, was part of the University team which won first prize in the South Zone Inter-University Women’s Kho Kho and has been selected for the National level. They are seen with Co-ordinator Prof. S. Madialagan, lecturers Ravanikar, Darshan and Krishna.

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Now, who should be held accountable for three deaths?

Mysore/Mysuru: The heated public discourse surrounding the perceived negligence of the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) authorities in installing unscientific speed-breakers near the Main Gate of Manasagangothri, the PG campus of University of Mysore (UoM) on Bogadi Main Road, resulting in the tragic deaths of 3 individuals recently, continues unabated.

Despite the passage of time, no punitive action has been taken against the responsible officials who flouted established regulations in laying these speed humps.

While a Police complaint has been filed against the MCC Engineer and the contractor responsible for installing the speed-breakers violating standard procedures, the affected public and the bereaved families are demanding further accountability and adequate compensation for their irreplaceable losses. It is worth noting that the speed humps in question have since been removed.

It has now come to light that MCC Commissioner Ashaad-Ur-Rahman Shariff ordered the installation of the road humps based on the request from the University of Mysore VC Prof. N.K. Lokanath. The VC’s letter, a copy of which is accessed by Star of Mysore, was written on Dec. 6, urging the MCC Commissioner to install the speed-breakers for safety reasons.

The letter emphasised the necessity of installing road humps along Bogadi Road, particularly near the entrance gate and other access points of the University, due to the significant volume of traffic and the alarming frequency of accidents in that area. Specifically, the letter highlighted the hazardous nature of the curve in front of the University gate, near the Kuvempu statue, which has been the site of numerous accidents.

The letter underscored the importance of installing road humps to ensure the safety of both students and the general public, preventing motorists from speeding as they approach the curve. Upon receiving a request from Prof. Lokanath, the MCC Commissioner forwarded the letter to the MCC Zonal Office-4 for their consideration and necessary action.

The officials’ eagerness to comply with the Commissioner’s directives led them to hastily install the unscientific speed-breakers overnight, neglecting standard procedures in the process. While the installation of speed humps itself wasn’t the issue, the manner in which they were installed and the tragic loss of lives that ensued, have prompted serious concerns regarding official accountability and integrity.

Regrettably, the excessive zeal of the officials, engineers and the contractor resulted in the loss of three innocent lives.

Members of the public assert that had the speed humps been installed according to established standards, these tragic fatalities could have been prevented.

The post Revisiting the unscientific humps on Bogadi Road: VC sought, Commissioner ordered, staff implemented appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) authorities have removed the four newly-laid road humps (speed-breakers) that were found unscientific near the main gate of Manasagangothri, the PG campus of University of Mysore on Bogadi Main Road. The move came after three youths lost their lives due to accidents caused by the unscientific placement of these speed-breakers.

However, commuters are now dreading to drive on the road as the removal process on three humps have been carried out haphazardly.

“Of the four road humps, only one has been removed and levelled properly. It is a back-breaking experience as the remaining three speed-breakers have not been removed properly, leaving the excavated portions uneven and rough without levelling and smoothing. When I drove over the dugout portion today, I could feel the impact on my back,” Akaash, a student, told Star of Mysore this morning.

Another student pointed out that the removal of the speed humps was carried out carelessly using earthmovers, resulting in an uneven road surface. “This condition is more hazardous than having speed-breakers. Negotiating this uneven surface is nearly impossible, especially at night, making it a serious safety concern. Two-wheelers and cars crossing the uneven surface land with a ‘thud’ noise,” he noted

Pushpa, who runs a hotel nearby on the road, said that many students are falling off their two-wheelers.

“I have witnessed at least four to five incidents just since yesterday where students have lost control of their bikes on the uneven surface and sustained injuries,” she said.

According to established norms, the MCC is obligated to level the road surface after the removal or alteration of speed humps. Proper scientific procedures should be followed for both installation and removal. Unfortunately, in this instance, the MCC has failed to do the necessary patchwork.

Medical professionals have also highlighted the adverse impact of speed humps on health. Orthopaedicians assert that speed humps and uneven road surfaces pose risks to the back. Motorists are susceptible to issues such as cervical or lumbar disc problems and individuals prone to osteoporosis face increased risks when encountering such road conditions.

BOOK MURDER CASE

Meanwhile, addressing media persons in city this morning, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Spokesman M. Lakshmana has demanded for filing a murder case against those responsible for three deaths due to unscientific road humps on Bogadi road in city.

“Three persons have died in accidents and who should be held accountable? Those held accountable should be dealt under murder case and stringent action should be taken against them. Mysuru Deputy Commissioner should look into the issue and take precautionary measures to check recurrence of such incidents in the future,” added Lakshmana.

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• Autonomous status of Colleges to continue for 2023-24
• BCA course at nine Government First Grade Colleges
• Proposal to start exclusive website to issue marks card, Convocation certificate to students

Mysore/Mysuru: Academic Council of University of Mysore (UoM) resolved to continue with the autonomous status of colleges for the academic year 2023-24 and existing courses at its meeting held at Crawford Hall here yesterday.

The meeting was chaired by Vice-Chancellor of UoM Prof. N.K. Lokanath, with Registrar (Administration) V.R. Shylaja, Registrar (Evaluation) Prof. K.M. Mahadevan and other Officials attending the meeting.

Autonomous institutions like Maharani’s Science College, JSS Women’s College, Saraswathipuram, JSS Arts, Science and Commerce College, Ooty Road, SBRR Mahajana First Grade College, Jayalakshmipuram and St. Philomena’s College had submitted proposals to continue with various Under-Graduate (UG), Post-Graduate (PG), Diploma and Certificate Courses offered by them, which were considered on the basis of report submitted by Local Inspection Committee.

The proposals to start new courses at St. Philomena’s College, namely B.Sc in Criminology and Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Data Science, Statistics and Education, BA in Visual Media, Education and Optional Kannada, MA in Kannada and Hindi, M.Sc in Food Science, MBA and MCA courses.

Nine Government First Grade Colleges of University of Mysore had submitted proposals to start BCA Courses, which were also considered, with the Local Inspection Committee submitting a report expressing its satisfaction about the basic infrastructural facilities available in those colleges. 

A B.Ed College Principal complained about the delay in providing marks card on time after the conclusion of degree exams that has turned into a hurdle for the graduates to apply for Yuva Nidhi scheme of the Government, while a Member of Academic Council brought to the notice the inability to provide marks cards to foreign students within the expiry of VISA period, as they have to return to their countries within stipulated time.

Registrar Shylaja came out with a plan to develop an exclusive website to issue marks card and Convocation certificate on the lines of Bhoomi website developed by Revenue Department to issue land-related records.

Likewise, if a separate website is developed, the students can obtain marks card and Convocation certificate by submitting relevant information and records. With this, Varsity would become more student-friendly, she added.

Academic Council Members also took exception to the recent move of Higher Education Department to conduct common entrance test for Ph.D that poses threat to the autonomy of Varsities. Acknowledging the apprehensions of the Members, VC Prof. Lokanath assured to submit the opinions before the meeting of Higher Education Department scheduled on Feb. 8.

In a mocking tone, an Academic Council Member spoke about University College of Engineering, for which VC Prof. Lokanath assured to make it more visible.

The proposals to establish following endowment awards were also approved; Late Amaravati and late Krishnachari Cash Prize, Prof. Mallinath Kambar Cash Prize, Prof. B.S. Kiranagi Gold Medal among several others to name a few.

Finance Officer of UoM K.S. Rekha was also present.

Sub-Committee

A Sub-Committee involving experts will be constituted to frame new chapter for Commerce and MBA internship students and invite industry experts to deliver lectures. All students cannot be provided internship at industries. The shops offering photocopy services are benefiting the most with project reports. With some confusions prevailing in National Education Policy (NEP), we can arrive at a conclusion after seeking a report from the Sub-Committee —Prof. N.K. Lokanath, VC, University of Mysore

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Mysore/Mysuru: The death toll in accidents caused by unscientific road humps laid near the main gate of Manasagangothri, the PG campus of Mysore University on Bogadi Main Road here has gone up to three.

Balladichanda B. Shivan (25), son of B.M. Biddappa from Kandangala village in Virajpet, who was battling for life after sustaining grievous injuries in the self-accident succumbed at a hospital here yesterday night. Shivan was an employee of a private company and was staying at  a rented room in Saraswathipuram here.

Shivan who was riding his two-wheeler on this stretch of Bogadi Road on Sunday at about 6.30 am, was not aware of the road humps laid overnight.

There were neither any sign boards to caution the riders about road humps nor white stripes painted on the hump.

Shivan who sped over the road hump, lost control and fell from the bike resulting in him sustaining serious injuries, which eventually led to his death.

According to family members, the last rites of Shivam was performed at Kandangala, near Virajpet in Kodagu.

It may be mentioned that, in two separate accidents, Yashwanth of Maratikyathanahalli in Mysuru taluk and Kumar of H.D. Kote were killed on Sunday.

The post Unscientific road humps: One more death appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Two fatal accidents caused by unscientific road humps laid on Bogadi Main Road; White stripes painted too late; Visibility still an issue

Mysore/Mysuru: In a clear case of official apathy, two innocent youths died after riding over unscientific road humps that surfaced overnight on Bogadi Main Road in the city.

Yashwanth (27), son of Rajendra Prasad, a resident of Maratikyathanahalli in Mysuru Taluk and Kumar of Krishnayyanahundi, H.D. Kote Taluk, are the deceased youths. While two other youths Duggesh and Shivam, who had suffered grievous injuries in separate accidents caused due to the same road humps, are undergoing treatment at a hospital. They are recuperating and stated to be out of danger.

Authorities of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Zone-4 Office laid the road humps between Kukkarahalli Lake Junction and All India Institute of Speech and Hearing  (AIISH) Junction on Bogadi Road. However, in the separate accidents involving a two-wheeler and three-wheeler, two youths had to pay with their lives for the callousness of officials, while two others sustained injuries.

Yashwanth was riding his two-wheeler towards AIISH Junction from Kukkarahalli Lake side on Sunday at about 2 am, when he lost control of his vehicle after riding over the hump in front of Kuvempu Statue Gate, the main entrance of Manasagangothri campus of University of Mysore.

He had sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to K.R. Hospital before being shifted to JSS Hospital on M.G. Road, where he died on Monday (yesterday), according to Krishnaraja Traffic Police.

In another case, Kumar and Duggesh from H.D. Kote were critically injured, when a goods autorickshaw they were travelling in drove over the hump winding down near AIISH Junction on Sunday night at about 11.30 and rammed a car coming in the opposite direction, before turning turtle on the road. Both had been admitted to K.R. Hospital, where Kumar succumbed in the early hours of Monday.

Kumar was a vegetable vendor who was supplying vegetables to hotels in the city. He was seated alongside Duggesh, the goods auto driver in the cabin when the accident occurred.

In yet another incident, Shivam from Virajpet, residing at Saraswathipuram sustained injuries after he fell from his two-wheeler, while negotiating the road hump near AIISH on Sunday at about 6.30 am. He was rushed to Kamakshi Hospital in Saraswathipuram, before shifting him to JSS Hospital for further treatment. K.R. Traffic Police Inspector M. Irshad is investigating the cases.

Punishment & compensation

Under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code, “Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be punished with imprisonment of two years, or with fine, or with both.”

On May 21, 2015, Mumbai High Court, in an interim order, held that “right to have properly maintained roads is part of the fundamental right guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India and in the event, any loss caused due to its violation, citizens have a right to seek compensation.” But alas, who cares?

The post Two killed by… Official apathy appeared first on Star of Mysore.

By Prof. C. Naganna

The year 2016 was the centenary year of the University of Mysore. The University was established in 1916. As the twenty-fourth Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University Prof. K.S. Rangappa galvanised everyone connected with the University and the centenary celebrations took place in a grand and befitting manner, spreading over one whole year (2015-16).

The newly-built School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) contributed its share in augmenting the grandeur of the centenary by unveiling a statue in its campus and the statue was called “Creation of Creations.” The sculptor was none other than Arun Yogiraj, who is winning accolades from all sides as the creator of Ram Lalla of Ayodhya.

Prof. Krishne Gowda, the Founder-Director of SPA, had been contemplating on a statue that should be a source of both creativity and inspiration for the students on a daily basis. Therefore he had been carrying in his pocket the picture of a statue sculpted by Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943), a Norwegian genius who was born in Norway.

Gustav Vigeland occupies a special position among Norwegian sculptures, both in the power of creative imagination and his productivity. He was also the designer of the Nobel Peace Prize Medal. Gustav Vigeland was born to a family of craftsmen. The Vigeland Installation in Frogner Park of City of Oslo in Norway has made this sculpture immortal.

Prof. Krishne Gowda thought of Gustav Vigeland’s creation when the SPA building started to come up on the campus. Arun Yogiraj, who had done some noteworthy work which included Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar statue at Hardinge Circle, swam into Prof. Gowda’s ken. Arun at once accepted the assignment although he knew the enormous challenge the task posed.

Arun obtained a ciatite block of stone weighing around 26 tonnes and went on reducing it to 11 tonnes to obtain the final image. The first challenge, as he admitted, was to enter into the skin of an alien culture as he had not sculpted any nude statues until then. Moreover, the statue was of a larger-than-life-size.

Catching the expression of three persons, the father, the mother and the child, and also to grasp the perfect angle of their leaning against each other even as the child is stationing at the centre was another challenge (see statue picture). Since Arun was not used to sculpting nude images, he went through a lot of anatomy books and references. He even took the assistance of a male model. He fell back on his experience of so many years and started the work according to his scale. He worked at the rate of 12 hours per day and took 3-4 months, being assisted by 4-5 artisans as well.

The cyst or ciatite material he has used as the medium is water-proof, acid-proof, rust-proof and it is also fire-proof. Iron melts at 1200°C; but this stone remains unaffected at that temperature, says Arun. He further says that the statue could survive for nearly a thousand years. In a lighter vein, even if the statue survives for 300 to 400 years, none of us will be there to argue with him.

The original work by Gustav Vigeland was part of a 20-year project and long years of patient work, chisel and file has all the rigour and immaculateness of the ideal vision with nothing left to add or subtract.

Base is also an integral part of the work. As the block expresses weight and stability, bodily substance has enhanced the sculptural significance. The reciprocal relationship between inner and outer, mass and void, remains even. Concave and convex surfaces, curved contours and cut out forms, set off sharply against the surrounding space. Formal concentration, characteristic of kernel sculpture, is quite palpable.

The figures are static and still and there is no diminution of solid volume. Symmetry of simple proportions is quite discernible. The man and woman are carefully balanced against each other, while the massive forms occupy static volume in space. Their relationship to one another in space has been carefully calculated. Equilibrium is at work. Stone acquires a breathing that is quite warm and vital. There is no commotion of any kind — but only calmness.

The couple has forged a baby from the smithy of their soul, which is the quintessence of all creation. The solid block not only constitutes formal postulate; it is also intended as an expression of the primeval. The motionless human figures are both naturalistic and abstract. The compact hard volume is a “means of rejuvenation,” the way back to human origins. The union of the man and the woman in the rectangular block is a union without any tension.

The heaviness of the stone and the tenderness of the subject, symbolise the ‘primitive’ form and the graceful composition. This ‘Magna Couple’ is an embodiment of fullness of life and the mystery of generation. The well-rounded warm shapes of the bodies are maternal and paternal fertility itself. They are not specific couple but the archaic idea of conjugality engaged in the act of procreation. The weight and thickness of the material, which is firm and immovable, attests quite clearly to the permanence of the spiritual act. The interlocking human bodies are designed to convey human vitality. As with great works of art no one interpretation exhausts the variety of  possible meanings.

The School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) is an architectural complex rather than a single building. Therefore, the statue under consideration belongs to the realm of public art, as a monument. There is nothing wrong in incorporating sculpture into an architectural setting. It is commonly done in western countries. The architect and the sculpture begin to ripe for one another.

Full credit must go to Prof. Krishne Gowda, the then Director of SPA for roping in sculptor Arun Yogiraj for this task, who completed the same within the deadline. The sculpture was inaugurated on Dec. 2, 2016.

I am sure those who visit the Mysore University campus and the School of Planning and Architecture would make it a point to have a look at this monumental sculpture, which is aptly called the “Creation of Creations.”

The post Arun Yogiraj & Mysore University appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Provides pictorial details of the region’s abundant military, royal, civic and religious buildings

Mysore/Mysuru: ‘Mysuru-Srirangapatna Guidebook’, that unveils the rich heritage of Mysuru and Srirangapatna was launched at the Wadiyar Centre for Architecture in city recently. The guidebook was released by Prof. N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore. 

Mysuru and Srirangapatna boast numerous tourist attractions, offering the potential for year-round footfall. This guidebook seeks to draw more visitors to both well-known and lesser-known sites, contributing to the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism.

Brought out by the Deccan Heritage Foundation, the guidebook is the first to provide a historical background on the wealth of military, royal, civic and religious buildings found in Mysuru and Srirangapatna. The text, authored by specialist scholars and architectural conservationists is generously illustrated with splendid, newly commissioned photographs, maps and plans.

The book is authored by George Michell, architectural historian, specialising in the Hindu, Mughal and Sultanate traditions of India, Malavika Murthy, conservation architect, Caleb Simmons, Executive Director of Online Education, Professor of Religious Studies and Faculty Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Programme at the University of Arizona in Tucson and Shivendra Urs, a journalist and digital content specialist.

Speaking after the guidebook release, George Michell, also the co-founder of the Deccan Heritage Foundation, highlighted Mysuru’s historical significance as the home to the Wadiyar line of rulers since the sixteenth century. The Wadiyar kings and queens, starting from the 18th century, have left an indelible mark on the city with palaces, colleges, hospitals, markets, court houses and temples.

With the abundance of architectural marvels in Mysuru and Srirangapatna attracting a large number of daily visitors, Michell emphasised that, until now, there was a lack of a professional guidebook to assist them in their tours. The newly launched guidebook aims to fill this void, offering both tourists and locals valuable insights into the historical and cultural richness of the region.

Nestled on the city’s outskirts, the hill shrine of Sri Chamundeshwari stands as a testament to the protective reverence bestowed upon it by the Wadiyars. Goddess Chamundi remains a revered figure, drawing worshippers to the sacred site.

A mere half-hour journey away lies Srirangapatna, positioned on an island in the Cauvery River. Here, the remnants of a historical fortress bear witness to the fortified headquarters of Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan. In the eighteenth century, these influential figures temporarily seized the throne of Mysore, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s history. All these aspects have been covered and illustrated in the guidebook. Michell further underscored the importance of disseminating information for tourists, suggesting that combining interesting facts about the sites with proper information dissemination can facilitate easier access to these destinations.

He said that the guidebook has tourist maps detailing sites, routes, distances and circuit plans, believing it would greatly benefit tourists in planning and enhancing their visits. Providing tourists with comprehensive information and guidance on routes, Michell concluded, holds the key to unlocking the full tourist potential of the region.

Dr. Helen Philon, archaeologist, scholar and academician, Stephane Bloch Saloz, co-founder of the Deccan Heritage Foundation, Elena Werner of the American Friends of the Deccan Heritage Foundation, Shivendra Urs and Malavika Murthy were present.

The post ‘Mysuru-Srirangapatna Guidebook’ released appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: The Department of Studies (DoS) in English, University of Mysore (UoM), has organised a programme at MA Senior Hall of the Department on Jan. 9 at 10.30 am for the release of book titled ‘Kumaravyasa – The Kannada Mahabharata’ (in English translation published by Harvard University, USA).

Prof. C.N. Ramachandran and Prof. Narayan Hegde have translated the book. Prof. S.N. Sridhar, Professor of Linguistics, State University of New York Stony Brook, New York,  is the editor.

Prof. N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor (VC), UoM, will release the book. Prof. H.S. Shivaprakash, retired Professor of English, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, will be the special guest.

Prof. K. Sadashiva, Chair-person, DoS in English, UoM C.N. Ramachandran and Krishnamurthy Hanuru, retired Professor of Kannada, UoM, will be present on the occasion.

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