Symbols of our Origins

by Sameer Majli

The culture and tradition of a place are reflected in the lifestyles and occupations of the people. Professional indulgences reflect on the resource available and there always are individuals indulgent in making the best use of what natural resource is around.

The city of Belgaum was once called “Venugram”; the name having its origins in the fact that it was a region thickly populated by “Bamboo”. Hence it is but natural to have a population of those working with Bamboo to make articles of daily use.

The “Burud” or “Medar” are a community which having been working on bamboo for ages. As it was age old tradition to name a street on the basis of the profession or skills of the people residing there, we even have a street called “Burud Galli”. This traditional occupation of these skilled craftsmen is an integral part of the history of Belgaum.

The raw material for the same is obtained from the remaining forests around town. The bamboo has to be cut into strips of equal breadth and thickness, a skill that takes years to master. Nimble fingers work to transform the strips into baskets and other containers of various shapes and sizes.

The forest cover around the region is fast dwindling and there are stricter laws against the cutting of vegetation. There is also the shift from the habit of using traditional containers to ones made of plastic on account of changing lifestyles, developing technologies and the prevalence of the desire for convenience. Thus it is but natural that the hustle, bustle around the region is not what it should be.

Sadly it would be just a matter of time before a complete replacement of bamboo by plastic, becomes a harsh reality. As of now, fortunately the usage of their wares in nearby rural areas, continues to provide them the much needed means for subsistence. But as is apparent, the time is not far, when, maybe, they would have to look for other means of occupation. Sadly, another art which once used to be a thriving trade faces evident extinction.

To accommodate for the changing needs of time, is it right to replace tradition with convenience and trend?

Will it just be another tale of losing out on our tradition and origins in the incessant quest for development?
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It was a lucky escape – Tourists to Nepal

A group of 6 people who had been to Nepal returned safely to the city by a bus from Hyderabad.

Mallesh Madiwal, Kaveri Suresh Balagannavar, Irranna Jangannavar and Deepa Jangannavar said they heaved a sigh of relief on leaving Nepal as mild tremors were continuing after the major earthquake on Saturday.

All of them were lucky as the big boulders just rolled down next to them and they were not injured. They said they have seen helpless people caught in house collapse, but no one could do anything.

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Auto Driver says Meter Chalu Nahi hai – Video

Hear it from the Auto Driver at Ramdev..
He says Meter Calu nahi hai Belgaum mine.

Asks for Rs.250 from Ramdev to Majgaon. Also says the Pre paid auto booth is closed.

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Belagavi does not make it to 100 Smart cities list

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most favoured projects — 100 smart cities spread across the country — and a new urban renewal mission named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, replacing the existing one named after Jawaharlal Nehru, with a total outlay of nearly Rs. 1,00,000 crore.

Belagavi has not been included in the 100 smart cities list. However 7 cities from the state have made it to the list namely Bengaluru, Badami, Bidar, Vijapura, Kalaburgi, Bagalkot and Pattadakal.

The smart cities mission is aimed at recasting the urban landscape of the country by making cities more liveable and inclusive, besides driving economic growth.

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The history of Belgaum Club

On 20th March 1818, Gen Munro surrounded the Belgaum Fort with the British Army troops who marched from Madras. On 12th April Gen Munro captured the Belgaum fort and placed it under the Military Command of Madras.

In 1832 the 1776 acres of land was declared as a ‘Cantonment’. In 1836 the first Collectorate of Belgaum was formed and placed under the ‘Southern Division’ of the Presidency of Bombay. In 1879 the Bombay Land Revenue Code promulgated, thus empowering the Collector as the senior most Revenue officer of a District to attend to all matters of leasing out land for revenue in the District.

In 1882, the Easements Act was passed which led to the formation of the club. The club was initially formed by European officers posted in Belgaum and was located in the present Cantonment Board Office. The Officers contributed Rs.15,000/- from their own funds for the establishment of the club.

The All India Cantonment Act of 1889 gave vast powers to the local government. In 1897 the Government Resolution 905 of the Revenue Department of the Bombay Province clarifies Government policy for leasing imperial or provincial government land. This resolution established the preeminent position of the Local Government to advise on the revenue aspects of any crown land that is to be leased out, although it could be done only if the Central Department relinquishes the land.

In 1898 the Government Resolution 2206 authorizes the Collector of the District to lease out the land in Cantonment provided it is relinquished by the Military Department. In 1899 the Collector of Belgaum, acting on Government Resolution 2206, the All India Cantonment Act 1889 and the Bombay Revenue Land Revenue Code and having ascertained from the Madras Deputy Adjunct General, licensed out about 11.62416 acres of land which was not likely of any use to the army to the Belgaum club for a rent of Rs.5/- a year for no fixed term. The invitation to put up permanent structures was explicitly stated in the license. The members sell ‘Old Club’ and invest Rs.15,000/- in ‘New Club’.

In 1899, the Government Resolution 5402 retrieves for the Military Department some powers to lease or license land, in view of the formalization of leasing procedures in the Cantonment Code of 1899.

In 1900, the Belgaum Club’s members, on the DEO’s admission raise another Rs.20,000/- through debentures, to improve Club building. An amount of Rs.35,000/- for the cost of construction of the Club was provided from the member’s private funds.

In 1908, Mr. C. N. Mehta, Special Investigating Officer of the Government title to lands in Cantonment submitted the Commission’s report in which he expressed the Government’s satisfaction at the Belgaum Club’s legitimate occupation of its site in the Cantonment.

The Cantonment Act is passed in 1924. The Cantonment Land Administration rules passed under the act, according to which the office of the Army Military Estate’s Officer takes over the estate management duties from the Adjunct General.

In 1932, Col H. F. W Paterson, Director, Military Land, and Cantonments, urges the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, to lease 11.36 acres of land to the Belgaum Club for a rent of Rs.5 but for a fixed term of 10 years. In 1941, the lease was reduced to 5 years for Rs.5/- p.a. The lease was extended for the same period and amount in the years 1946 and 1951.

On 10-01-1967, the Station Commandant of Belgaum walked out of the Club, withdrawing all Military officers who hitherto enjoyed block membership of the Club. On 29-01-1969 the Belgaum Club received a letter of summary eviction and Army troops were prepared to capture the Belgaum Club by force which was stopped by a court order. The Army was restrained from evicting Belgaum Club except through ‘due process of law’. The due process continues to date.

Adapted from the Belgaum Club Website

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Transporters strike affects normal commuting

Public transport services was affected in Belagavi District today in the wake of the nation-wide strike against the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014.

North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) had very buses on the road as most of the drivers and conductors were on strike.

Many commuters who were aware of the strike preferred to take the Rail journey even when it was lengthy. Autos and Maxi cabs are working normally with no effect of strike.

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Alma Motors to manufacture luxury coach ‘MAMMOTH’ at Desur Plant

Alma Motors Pvt. Ltd., an MG Group Company unveiled the company’s first luxury coach ‘MAMMOTH’ on the first day of Busworld in Mumbai. The coach was displayed at the show by Mr. Mohan V. Kamat, Founder & Chairman, MG Group. Built on the state-of-the-art MAN chassis, it would be built at the Desur plant of Alma Motors. 

The MAMMOTH has been developed and conceptualized by MG Group, in a strategic partnership between Alma Motors and MAN Trucks India. The partnership will ensure an optimum delivery on sales and services that the two companies will closely work on. The customers are assured of one of the finest coaches suitable for Indian roads. To enhance the riding experience, the chassis is made of rugged high strength steel, which caters to the Indian operating conditions with increased driving safety, while significantly reducing body movements for best ride comforts.

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Ronit More makes his IPL debut for CSK

Local boy Ronit More made his IPL Debut for Chennai Super Kings on Thursday’s match against KKR.

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Movies as on 01-05-2015

Inox Chandan

Avengers: Age of Ultron (3D) (U/A) – English
09:15 AM 03:15 PM 09:01 PM

Timepass 2 (U) – Marathi
09:55 AM 12:15 PM 03:35 PM 06:10 PM 09:10 PM

Gabbar is Back (U/A) – Hindi
10:00 AM 12:40 PM 03:25 PM 06:15 PM 06:46 PM 09:10 PM

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2D) (U/A) – English
12:45 PM

Big Cinemas

Avengers: Age of Ultron (3D) (U/A) – English
09:30 AM 12:15 PM 03:00 PM 09:00 PM

Gabbar is Back (U/A) – Hindi
10:00 AM 12:45 PM 03:45 PM 06:30 PM 09:15 PM

Timepass 2 (U) – Marathi
06:00 PM
Swaroop-Nartaki

Gabbar is Back (U/A) – Hindi

12 PM 3PM ,6 PM, 9 PM

Globe Cinema

Timepass 2 (U) – Marathi
12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM

Nirmal
Yendendigu(Kannada)
12.00. PM, 3.00.PM,6 PM,  9.00.PM.

Chitra

Ran Vikram (Kannada)
1130 Pm 2.30 Pm, 6 PM 9 pm

Hira

Uttam Villian (Telugu)
12 pm 3 PM 6 PM,8.30 PM

Prakash

Muni 3 – Telugu

12.30 PM 3.30 PM  6 PM  , 9 pm

Santosh

Mr and Mrs Ramachari- Kannada

12.00.AM, 3.00.PM, 6 PM, 9.00.PM.

Disclaimer: Though every effort is made to ensure the appropriateness of the movies information, we suggest that you check with the theatre for the exact timings. As the screening of movies and their timings are subject to change.

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Marathi Vidyaniketan celebrates Silver jubilee

School is often called as a second home as more than 6 hours of the day are spent there. It’s a place where we draw knowledge, and for the next two days Dalshin Maharashtra Education Society’s Marathi Vidyaniketan School in Camp would be celebrating its Silver Jubilee.
The school is Marathi medium school but even then maintained linguistic harmony in school and many score higher marks in Kannada.
The management of the school has always run the school and has taken up experiments to improve the quality of education and also the mental and social values of the children. Every school teaches the syllabus but this school gives impetus to social interaction and knowing how things are done in actual.

There is a two days residential camp for 7th class students at one of the remote villages, where they learn to plow, sow and when in regular school time grow their own vegetables at the land near the school. Veteran social worker Shivaji Kagnikar is attached to this institute and guides the students at various levels in their life.

President of the South Maharashtra Education Society, noted businessman Subhash Oulkar told press persons that, we want to imbibe human values in these children. The world can only survive if Humasn values are maintained.
He recalled an incident, where a poor 10 Std girl was admitted in hospital with a spinal cord ailment, the staff, students and the strong alumni gathered over Rs.1 lakh in a day and donated it for her surgery.

Poor students get a 50% concession at LKG level in the fees.

Many Marathi literary legends have visited the school and even now visit and share their experiences with the students. School adopts 15 students annually who learned in government schools and give them three year high school education free of cost.

A Two day program has been organized on this occasion at Gogte Rang Mandir on May 2 & 3.

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Robotics summer camp

RoboGenius™ program is an initiative of Techtronics Education – a pioneer in Robotics and hands-on learning solutions that are inspired by the Learning By Doing pedagogy to help students bridge the gap between key theoretical concepts and their real world applications. Our program is powered by LEGO® EDUCATION platform.go 

Research at leading global universities such as Carnegie Mellon, New York and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge shows that Robotics is an excellent multidisciplinary platform to impart practical, hands-on learning to children. Students develop scientific enquiry skills which allows them to investigate, plan, test and implement their ideas, enabling them to reach their full potential. Students develop knowledge and skills vital for success in the 21st Century.
To know what the LEGO Education is, RoboGenius™ Belgaum is going to host the awesome Robotics summer camp  programmes. A robotics camp is one of a good deal of engineering summer programs that focus on designing, building, programming and testing of robots. Technologies like construction, programming, use of sensor and its operations are learned, which will help the students wanting to build the careers in the field of STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering and Mathematics). After the robots are built, they are made to do specific tasks and participate in competitions like Robo-race, Sumo fight or Pathfinder Challenge, and it is the camper’s job to make sure that their robots are designed to be well-adapted to the particular task or game. Child also learn valuable life skills, like teamwork, creative problem solving, logical thinking, imagination, leadership, communication, presentation skills, decision-making and social skills.
Duration-2 hours/day, 7days.
Batches starting from 4th May 2015. For registration contact -8762008020,7204241201.
Venue: Dr. B. D. Jatti college, civil hospital road, ayodhya nagar, Belagavi.

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Railway Over bridge at Kapileshwar could be delayed

The work of the Railway overbridge at Kapileshwar road is stopped as the High court has issued notices to the administration after hearing the petition of the residents and shop owners.

The residents and Shop owners have raised the question as to how the location of the RoB has been changed from the earlier CDP plan.

According top the earlier CDP plan the RoB was to start at Hemu Kalani Chowk and end at the cross road of Nartaki theater. Also no notices have been issued to the residents and shop owners, citing all this the High court has granted a stay on the building of the RoB till it hears all the sides.

A total of 48 persons have gone to the court in this regard. The petitioners say that the road will have to be widened to 80 feet from the current 45 feet and this will cause great financial loss to all the owners.

The railway dept has filed an affidavit in the court that they will not destroy or demolish any private property.

The petitioners also said it is easier to build a RoB at old Dharwad road as there is no need to acquire land and the road is also wider.

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Ahad Tarade tops with 13 medals

Ahad Tarade of Karnataka Law Society’s Gogte Institute of Technology (GIT), Belagavi, is the topper among gold medalists with 13 medals.

He has secured first rank and created a record by bagging 13 gold medals and scoring highest marks across all engineering branches under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in the state. He also got highest aggregate marks in all the eight semesters in Civil Engineering. 

Ahad Tarade had scored 93.28 per cent marks and among the 13 gold medals, he will be getting Nijagunappa Gurulingappa Hakkapakki Gold Medal, S.G. Balekundri Gold Medal, Murthy’s Medal of Excellence, R.N. Shetty Gold Medal and VTU Gold Medal.

He would honoured during VTU’s 14th annual convocation to be held at its auditorium at Jnana Sangama campus here on May 9 at 11 a.m.

Speaking to AAB Ahad said, “Never do anything just because others are doing it… Do things that u truly like… I choose civil engineering over all other fields because I love it..”
He further said “And I should thank to full Belgaum… I never moved out of it. . St Paul’s then GSS for PUC and then GIT.”
Ahad is presently doing post graduation in Real estate and urban infrastructure management from national institute of construction management, Pune and he did his schooling from St.Paul’s High School.

Governor and Chancellor of VTU Vajubhai Vala would preside over the convocation. Minister for Higher Education and Pro-Chancellor of VTU R.V. Deshpande would also attend the event. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu would deliver the convocation address to the gathering.

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Fuel shortage worsens in Belagavi

There was fuel shortage in Belagavi for the past 4 months after the IOC Desur plant fire incident but now the fuel shortage has worsened.

Even now the fuel is being supplied from Hubballi, Vijapura, Goa as the Desur depot is still not functioning.

Earlier the shortage was at IOC petrol pumps only and they used to get stocks delayed twice a week, but now that frequency has dipped and with over load at other pumps all pumps are facing the shortage and even some pumps are rationing the supply to Rs.100.

The fuel shortage has almost in entire North Karnataka with fuel shortage being reported from Hubballi, Bagalkot as well.

The administration must look into this immediately and see that adequate supply of fuel is ensured in the city otherwise there will situation of chaos.

Also the social media is doing rounds with messages stating that there will be no fuel for the next month, so stock up, which is causing a lot of panic buying.

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Angadi writes to HRD minister open IIT at Belagavi

Member of Parliament Suresh Angadi has written a letter to the minister if Human resources Development, pleading her to establish the IIT at Belagavi.

In an earlier letter written by Smiriti Irani, HRD minister in April, she had said the final decision on the location of the IIT is taken on the basis of the report of the State selection committee.

With reference to the same letter Suresh Angadi in his letter dated May 2, 2015 has asked that IIT should be established at Belagavi and has a good rail,air connectivity.
Belagavi is referred as the second capital and is also and education hub.

Now the only question is this attempt made by our MP too late and attempt.

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An Internship in Politics as LAMP

Arun Iyer, a Belgaumite at 23 is working as a LAMP (legislative assistant to an MP, or member of Parliament) intern. A postgraduate in international and diplomatic studies from the University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic, Iyer has been with Rajendra Agrawal, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Meerut, since June. He spends his workday at the MP’s office off North Avenue, New Delhi. It doesn’t seem to be the corporate jobs others would have opted for, but Arun is happy that he chose LAMP.

Speaking to AAB he said, “When I completed my post- graduation, I was confused as to whether I should pursue my doctorate programme in the same subject or go in for hands-on experience. After getting to know about the fellowship programme I abandoned the idea of higher studies and instead found an exciting opening in the LAMP fellowship programme. Now, into the thick of the programme I find, working with my MP a wonderful experience.”

LAMP interns receive a stipend of Rs.18,000 a month from PRS. Political parties often don’t pay, but they promise experience, learning and sometimes, a certificate at the end of the internship.

For Iyer, working with Rajendra Agrawal has meant sitting down to breakfast every day with his MP and discussing policy matters.

The internship programme that Iyer is part of is organized by New Delhi-based PRS Legislative Research, an institute set up to make the legislative process better informed and more participatory.

Now into their fourth year, LAMP internships are open to all Indian graduates under the age of 25. Around 50 LAMP interns are selected every year through an essay and a two-layered interview process; the 11-month internship starts in June. Each intern is placed with an MP they can help with research work. The MP mentors the intern, committing one-to-one time.

Arun did his schooling from St.Paul’s high school Belagavi (2006), Bachelor’s Degree, English and Russian Language and Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad.

Arun further said, “In conclusion, the fellowship gives you a once in a lifetime experience to work from the corridors of power and being mentored by a person of high repute, which is, I would say a dream for any person who has a keen interest in the field of public policy.”

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IPL Fan park at Union gymkhana Belagavi – IPL

The IPL Fan park would be held at Union Gymkhana grounds on 9 and 10 May. 

The BCCI plans to set up fan parks to mimic the stadium atmosphere for fans in the cities where IPL matches aren’t held.

The facilities will screen matches on giant screens, include food and beverage stalls, music and also a dedicated area for women and children. The fan parks will open two to four hours before the start of a match and entry will be free of cost and on a first-come-first-serve basis. Pepsi IPL Fan Park venue will be opened 2-4 hours before the start of the match in order to give the fans the chance to experience the pre-screening activations.

Anurag Thakur, the BCCI secretary said, “We are working closely with all the state associations of BCCI as well as our broadcast partners and sponsors in delivering this. We are creating a scalable model ​with plans to add more centers in the years to come.”

Date: 09/05/15
KKR v/s KXIP

DD v/s SH

Date: 10/05/15

MI v/s RCB

CSK v/s RR

Venue: Not Disclosed

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Two doctors from Belagavi part of delegation to Zimbabwe to perform surgeries

Two eminent doctors from Belgaum, Dr. Manoj Sutar and Dr. Shridhar Shetty are a part of team of 19 doctors from India, who would be performing more than 800 surgeries in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe.

Both of them are from Rotary Club Of Belgaum South. The team would be performing the surgeries in a span of 9 days from May 5, 2015 to May 13,2015.

The visit comes with the main intention of providing modern technologies and techniques to doctors in Zimbabwe. They obliged to visit Zimbabwe after we received official invitation from Rotarians of Zimbawe. Manicaland province Medical Director Dr. Patron Mafaume has welcomed the gesture. They also featured on the front page of a leading daily in Zimbabwe.

In a age, where we hardly find time for family and friends, this team of 19 doctors spared their valuable time for a humanitarian cause is highly appreciable.

Dr. Manoj is a dentist and is successfully practicing in Subhash market Hindwadi from the past 10 years.

Dr. Shridhar Shetty is a General Surgeon and has his practice in Ramalingh Khind Galli Belgaum.

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Road Safety and Art of Defensive Driving

KLS IMER, Belagavi had organized session on “Road Safety and Art of Defensive Driving” by Mr. Amol Tope, Chairman, SUCCEEDSAFE, Mumbai on 5^th May 2015 at 10.30 am to 12 Noon in KLS IMER Auditorium for students and staff under IMER Industry Interaction (III) Series. Mr. Amol Tope spoke on significance of making road safety a habit by every single rider and drivers. He gave few heart crunching incidents of road crashes that are happening on Indian roads. He said on an average 370 people lose their lives every day because of road accidents.

Mr. Amol Tope propagated defensive driving tips. It’s a primary responsibility of the person riding/driving vehicle to follow traffic rules, good attitude and certain driving discipline such as good maintenance of vehicle, wearing helmet, seatbelts, avoiding overtaking, respect pedestrians etc.

The session was an eye-opener for the audience gathered who may probably take riding/driving granted on roads. Mr. Amol Tope concluded the session by making audience take oath on safe driving. Getting back to family every single day without an injury is one’s gift and service to loved ones.

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Ola Cabs fined in Belagavi

The RTO and Traffic police have fined Ola Cabs saying they dont have a valid permit to operate as taxis in the city.

About 27 taxis are on the roads as Ola Cabs in the city.

They were sort of boon to the travellers who were bugged up with the AUTOcracy. But the vigilant RTO and Police have seized and fined these cabs.

Recently the Auto drivers had a fight at the railway station when a group of passengers declined the pre paid booth auto and took a cab from there.

The Police on paper might say that Autos are plying as per meter but in reality it is not. The pre paid booth at station and CBT are working but the one at Ramdev isn’t.

Traffic police has also stopped the private bus operators from picking up passengers from various locations which is a major cause of concern for the travellers.

Hope the Traffic police too look into the auto meter with same zeal as they fined the Cabs.

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