BUDGET 2015-16 - Department of Information, Govt. of Karnataka

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Karnataka
March of
APRIL 2015
BUDGET
2015-16
Kalabeda, kola beda, husiya nudiyalu beda
Muniya beda, anyarige asahya padabeda
Thanna bannisabeda, idira haliyalu beda
Ide antaranga shuddhi, ide bahiranga shuddhi
Ide namma koodala sangamanolisuva pari.
Basavanna
C
Karnataka
O N T E N T S
Volume-52 Issue-4 Page-28 Apr 2015
Editor- in -Chief
N R Vishukumar
Department of Information and
Public Relations
Editorial Advisory Panel
N Bhrungeesh
Joint Director
K Gopala Gowda
Deputy Director
Editor
T C Jagadamba
Sr. Asst. Director
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MARCH OF KARNATAKA
March of
Cover Story
Page
No.
4
The Highlights of
the Karnataka
Budget 201516 presented by
Hon’ble
Chief Minister
B G Verghese- Editor Par
Excellence
A never again
phenomenon
12
V C Bhaskaran
16
Santhebennur
Pushkarani an
Architectural Marvel
C V Raghavendra Rao
18
Sati Sulochana,
when Kannada films
first began to talk
S Vishwanath
21
One of the wonders
in the world
Thousand Piller Basadi
In Jain Kashi-Moodabidri
A Girish Rai
26
Pick A Pearl
Lord BahubaliKarkala
Views expressed in the articles are not necessarily those of the Government
The Highlights of the Karnataka Budget 2015-16-presented by Hon’ble Chief Minister in the
State Legislature on 13-03-2015
I am happy to announce that the
Annual Plan for 2015-16 has
been fixed at Rs.72,597 Crore.
It comprises of State Budgetary
Resources of Rs.67,882 crore
and Rs.8,645 crore from the
resources of Public Sector
Enterprises. This Plan Size is an
increase of 10.67 percent over
the Plan Size of Rs.65,600 crore
for 2014-15.
Hon’ble Speaker
I present the budget for the year
2015-16. Even in the midst of changed
political events in the country there
is no change in actions, words and
priorities of our Government which is
committed to the principles of social
justice, secularism and communal
harmony. I would like to assure this
Hon.ble House once again that our
Government will take forward the State
on the path of progress by giving more
stress on harmony and co-ordination
keeping in view the safety and progress
of the people of the State. This is the
third budget being presented by our
Government. We had announced
various new schemes in the first
budget. All these schemes are bearing
fruits now. Based on their success, in
the second budget we implemented
the schemes more effectively. In the
present budget, by strengthening and
expanding these successful schemes
further, we have taken action to make
the schemes more sustainable.
Agriculture
With Karnataka’s geographical area spanning
across ten agro-climatic zones, the state offers
great potential as well as complex challenges in the
agricultural sector. A Vision Group for the agriculture,
horticulture and food processing sectors, chaired by
an eminent expert, will be setup to develop an overall
vision for the agriculture sector in Karnataka.
Each drop of water is valuable. For efficient use
of water and for preserving micro nutrients in the
soil, a Micro Irrigation Policy 2015-16 is going to
be formulated. This year, as part of Krishi Bhagya
programme, a special package is proposed for 23
taluks in 7 districts that have been successively
affected by drought for four years. Bhoo Samruddhi.
currently operational in four districts, will be extended
to four more districts.
Two organic jaggery parks will be developed at
Mandya and Mudhol on Public Private Partnership.
In 2015-16, a total provision of Rs.3,883 crore is
made for the Department of Agriculture.
Horticulture
It is proposed to continue the process of
organizing and strengthening farmers by affiliating
them to FPOs in the current year. To support them,
90% subsidy will be given for procurement centres,
cold storages, farm mechanization implements and
processing units. High priority will be given for
the development and strengthening of HOPCOMS.
Uniform bylaws will be framed and all transactions
will be fully computerised.
Action plan will be implemented for
accountability, transparency and identification
in organic farming by involving Farmer Produce
Organizations, Independent Professional Agencies
and State Government participation by giving more
priority to Organic farming.
Horticulture college will be established in Devi
Hosur village of Haveri taluk. Glasshouses will be
built in Kuppanna Garden, Mysuru, Shamanuru village
of Davanagere district and in Ballari. A park will be
developed in the premises of heritage Government Guest
House of Mysuru. Total provision of Rs.760 crore has
been made for Horticulture sector during 2015-16.
Animal Husbandry
Centralized Free Helpline facility will be set-up to
provide veterinary services at the farmers. Doorstep by
levying service charges. Mobile facility will be extended
stage-by-stage through the levy of suitable users. fee.
By implementing a new scheme called. Pashu Bhagya.
Backended subsidy of 33% to farmers belonging to
Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribes and 25% to other
small and marginal farmers will be provided to establish
cattle, sheep, goat, pig, poultry units in availing maximum
loan of Rs.1.20 lakh from commercial banks. Short term
loans upto Rs.50,000 at 0% interest will be provided
through Co-operative Banks, on the lines of crop loan,
for providing cattle feed/other maintenance expenditure.
Subsidy will be provided to the members of Milk
Producers. Co-operative Societies for payment of
insurance premiums upto 5 cattle. Ear-ring containing
UID will be fitted to the cattle and tracking database of
services provided to these cattle will be created with the
assistance from Centre. Rs.10 crore will be provided for
this. Production of fodder in .Gomala. and .Kaval lands.
will be encouraged. Action plan for Rs.10 crore will be
formulated for conservation, legislation and development
of Amruth Mahal Kaval Lands. 750 new Milk Producers.
Co-operative Societies in North Karnataka will be
established in the next three years through a grant of
Rs.16 crore. Cattle fairs will be encouraged and farmers
will be given prizes for best rearing of cattle under
Central assistance program Total provision of Rs.1,882
crore is allocated to Animal Husbandry Department
during 2015-16.
Sericulture
There is a need to popularize high yielding mulberry
breeds such as Vishala, G2, Suvarna etc. It is proposed
to give an incentive of 75% of Rs.14,000/- unit cost
per acre. It is proposed to set up reeling parks along
with providing general reeling facilities in traditional
areas, i.e., Ramanagara, Shidlaghatta and Kollegala
with an outlay of Rs.10 crore. It is proposed to promote
installation of 3 automatic reeling machines in north
Karnataka by providing 90% subsidy. During 201516, an amount of Rs.186 crore has been provided for
Sericulture Department.
Fisheries
To bring in blue revolution in inland fisheries,
short term loan upto one lakh rupees at zero
percent interest will be provided to inland fish
farmers in the State through co-operative banks.
Fish farming development will be taken up in a
comprehensive and structured manner like cluster
model in four selected Taluks under Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana. In lieu of exemption of Sales
Tax payable on 1,50,000 Kilo Liters of diesel
provided to owners of mechanized boats, a refund
of Sales Tax will be given by directly ransferring
the amount to owners account. A separate grant of
Rs.105 crore is earmarked for this purpose. It is
proposed to construct 3000 houses for fishermen
families under Mathsyashraya scheme. During
2015-16, total provision of Rs.297 crore has been
made for Fisheries Department.
Co-operation
The scheme of disbursing short term
agricultural loans upto Rs.3 lakh at 0% rate
of interest and medium term and long term
agricultural loans up to Rs.10 lakh at 3% rate
of interest will be continued. The target for
disbursement of agricultural loans is fixed at
Rs.10,000 crore to 23 lakh farmers during the
year 2015-16. A budget provision of Rs.110
crore is provided for the implementation of the
most successful. Yeshaswini health protection
scheme. In order to enable Primary Agricultural
Co-operative Societies (PACS) to construct their
own godowns, an amount of Rs.5 crore will be
provided under the Private Partnership, with the
Government contribution of 10% and contribution
of 20% by the PACS.
Water Resources
Major and Medium Irrigation
Our Government has given utmost importance for
the implementation of Upper Krishna Project StageIII. Works related to 9 sub projects under this scheme,
8 sub projects namely, Mulwad, Chimmalagi, Indi,
Mallabad, Rampur, Koppal, Herkal Lift irrigation
and extension of Narayanapura right bank canal will
be expedited. Lift irrigation project will be taken
up with an amount of Rs.267 crore in two stages in
Chennagiri Taluk, Santhebennur and Kasaba hobli.
A scheme has been formulated to fill 77 tanks with
water from Tungabhadra in Assembly Constituencies
of Chennagiri, Mayakonda, Honnali and Shivamogga
rural. Rs.50 crore will be reserved for these works
during 2015-16.
Minor Irrigation
In the year 2015-16, construction work of series of
pickups across natural rivers and streams in the districts
of Raichur, Bagalakote, Chithradurga, Tumakuru and
Ramanagara Districts will be taken up additionally at
an estimated cost of Rs.100 crore.
Integrated development of 191 lakes has
been taken up under .Kere Abhivruddhi- Nadina
Shreyobhivruddhi. programme at an estimated cost of
Rs.192.30 crore. This programme will be continued.
The repair works of feeder canals/canals (Raja Kaluve)
and lake encroachment removal drive through Lake
Development Authority will be taken up at an estimated
7 Karnataka
March of
APRIL
JUNE 2014
2015
cost of Rs.100 crore. Total provision of Rs.12,956 crore
is made for Water Resource Department during 2015-16.
Forest, Environment and Ecology
A new scheme called .Talukige Ondu Hasiru Grama.
at a cost of Rs.3.00 Crores will be commenced. Under
this scheme, the programme of development for forest
area, cultivation of medicinal plants, providing lightings
running on renewable energy sources, composting and
imparting training in production of wormi-compost
will be conducted in a selected village of each taluk. A
total allocation of Rs.1,757 crore will be made for the
Department of Forest, Environment and Ecology in
2015-16.
Primary and Secondary Education
Rs.110 Crore will be allocated for providing
library, laboratory, new buildings, additional buildings,
toilets, drinking water facility and other basic
facilities to Government schools and colleges. As pilot
implementation of the project in 1000 schools of rural
areas has received good response, Tele Education
programme will be extended further to 1000 additional
schools with the association of IIM-B and its associated
institutes. Shalegagi Naavu Neevu. programme will be
implemented constructively through Private Partnership,
by constituting a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Committee to develop infrastructure facilities and
education development programmes in Primary, Higher
Secondary schools and Colleges in the state. Grants of
Rs.120 crores has been allocated for providing one pair
of shoes and two pairs of socks to 54.54 lakhs children
studying from 1standard to10th standard in Government
schools for bringing uniformity amongst Government
school children and for their physical protection and
good health.
By providing .Solar Educational Kits. to 100 Govt.
Higher Primary Schools, 100 Govt. High Schools and
100 Govt. Pre-university Colleges and installing solar
electric equipments to save electricity in these schools,
they will be declared as . Green Power Schools. A
total allocation of Rs.16,204 crore will be made for the
Department of Primary and Secondary Education in
2015-16.
Higher Education
Sahabhagitva, a community participation scheme will
be launched in Government polytechnics, Government
colleges and Universities. An amount of Rs.10 crore will
be earmarked in order to provide grants proportionate
to the donations collected under this scheme. Rs.3
crores will be provided to establish Nehru Chinthana
Kendra in Bangalore University to commemorate
Jawahar Lal Nehru.s 125birth anniversary and 50th
death anniversary. A Study Chair will be established
in University of Mysore to take up studies about
renowned literature, Late Dr. U R Ananthamurthy.
An amount of Rs 1 crore will be reserved for this.
An assistance of Rs.5.00 crores will be provided
for establishing Nalanda Buddhism Study Centre in
the Himmavu village in Nanjangud taluk of Mysore
District. A total provision of Rs.3,896 crore will be
made for the Department of Higher Education in
2015-16.
Health and Family Welfare
e-hospital software will be implemented in all
the hospitals of the state with a view to document
and utilize the health information of every patient
visiting Government hospitals in the state. This will
help improving the administration of health care to
the patients.
Women and Child Development and
Empowerment of Differently abled and senior
citizens.
The system of Electronic Information
Management (EMIS) would be developed to manage
the details of beneficiaries of Anganwadi centres,
information about the children suffering from severe
malnutrition, food distribution, Bhagyalakshmi
scheme, child tracking, etc. For this, grant of Rs.2 crore
would be provided. Honorarium for Anganawadi
workers and assistants would be enhanced by Rs.500
and Rs. 250 per month respectively.
A total of Rs.4,232 crore will be allocated to
the Department of Women and Child Development
and Empowerment of Differently abled and Senior
Citizens.
Social Welfare
It is our endeavor
to facilitate all SC/ST
people to have equal share in
the society, In this direction, a total
Rs.16,356 crore is provided for their
welfare under the Scheduled Caste Sub-plan
and Scheduled Tribes Sub-plan. Construction
of 1 lakh houses in rural areas at a unit cost of
Rs.1.50 lakhs and construction of 50,000 houses in
urban areas at a unit cost of Rs.1.80 lakhs for the
poor scheduled caste and scheduled tribe houseless
families having sites will be undertaken through
Housing Department. Entire cost of the construction
of houses will be incurred by the government. 50,000
(35,000 in rural areas and 15,000 in urban areas)
sites will be distributed to poor families of scheduled
caste and scheduled tribe who do not possess sites. A
total allocation of Rs.4,584 crores will be made for
the Social Welfare department in 2015-16.
Backward Classes Development
The year 2015 will be celebrated as Devaraja
Urs Centenary Year. to mark the completion of
100 years of the birth of former Chief Minister
and champion of backward classes Sri D. Devaraj
Urs. In this connection, several programmes will be
organized. To commemorate the birth centenary of
D. Devaraja Urs, 100 post-metric girls. hostels with
sanctioned strength of 100 will be established. 2500
students who have scored more than 90 per cent
marks in SSLC, PUC, Degree and Post Graduation
courses will be honoured with Devaraja Urs Pratibha
Puraskar. For this, Rs. 4 Crore will be provided.
Total provision of Rs. 1,963 crore will be made for
Backward Classes Development Department during
2015-16.
9
Karnataka
March of
APRIL 2015
Minorities Welfare and Haj
Vidyasiri scheme operational in Backward
Classes Development Department is proposed
to be adopted in Minorities Welfare Department.
Financial assistance of Rs.10,000/- will be
provided through D.B.T to the students studying
Engineering and Medical courses to buy books
and study materials. Chief Minister.s Minorities
Programme is proposed to be implemented on the
model of Multisector Development Programme of
Central Government. Rs.2 crore will be provided
for the overall development of Hajarath Tippu
Sultan Memorial in Ganjam at Srirangapattana.
One time grant of Rs.60 crores will be provided
to Shadimahal and Community Bhavans which
have remained incompleted since 2001 in the
State. A grant of Rs.2 crore will be provided for the
restoration of Jain Temples (Basadi) in the State.
During 2015-16, a total expenditure of Rs.1,000
crores will be incurred for the Department of
Minorities Welfare and Haj.
Housing
In the last two years, 15,877 sites have been
distributed to site-less poor beneficiaries. The
Government intends to distribute 20,000 sites
in the year 2015-16. In the year 2015-16, out of
the total houses under progress, construction of 3
lakh houses will be completed and 4.80 lakh new
Karnataka 10
March of
APRIL
JUNE 2014
2015
houses will be sanctioned under various housing
schemes. Out of this target, 2.98 lakh houses will be
earmarked for schedule caste and schedule tribes.
For SC/ST beneficiaries, the Government will bear
the beneficiary contribution of Rs.30,000. In this
year, the Government has earmarked Rs.3405 crores
for construction of houses and distribution of sites.
Kannada and Culture
A grant of Rs.1 Crore will be provided to
establish a Study Chair in the name of Adi Kavi
Pampa of Kannada who advocated Manushya Jati
Tanonde Valam, which means the entire mankind
is one. A grant of Rs.2.50 Crore will be provided
to establish a Museum at Haveri to commemorate
freedom fighters. A grant of Rs.2 Crore will be
provided for the constitution and administrative
expenditure of Committee for the development of
Kannada.s First Internet Encyclopedia KANAJA.
Sports and Youth Services
An incentive of Rs.25,000 will be given annually
by identifying one Youth Sports Association in each
hobli to organize sports activities and to identify
sporting talents and send them to sports schools/
hostels under Yuva Kreeda Mitra a new scheme. A
grant of Rs.2.5 Crore will be provided to 50 Garadi
Mane, Rs.5 lakhs each, for promoting Kusti a
popular rural sport.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj
Even though the Government of India has considerably reduced
grants for rural sanitation programmes, State Government has
given significant importance to rural sanitation programmes and
grant of Rs.500 crore is provided. During 2015-16, total provision
of Rs.9,728 crore is made for Department of Rural Development
and Panchayath Raj.
Bruhath Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike
State Government is determined to comprehensively develop
Bangalore city which has brought international recognition to
the State. An amount of Rs.2,878.72 crore has been provided to
BBMP by the Government to take-up various development works
during the last 2 years. During this year, Rs.1,000 crore under
Chief Minister.s Nagarothana scheme and Rs.391.06 crore out of
the grants of State and Central Financial Commissions will be
provided. Apart from this, at an estimated cost of Rs.1,500 crore,
various other works will be taken up.
Infrastructure Development
Airports: Alternative roads to Kempegowda International
Airport will be developed. The proposal to handover development
of Kalaburagi Airport to Airport Authority of India is under
consideration. Airport Authority of India has taken up the
development of Huballi and Belagavi Airports. Total provision
of Rs.764 crore has been made for Infrastructure Development
Department during 2015-16.
Commerce and Industries
It is proposed to form a Vision Group to formulate necessary
programmes to encourage industrialization in the State. It is
proposed to develop Bangalore-Mumbai Economic Corridor
(BMEC) with 3 identified industrial nodes to continue the
industrial development along the NH4, over an area of 10,000
acres in the next 5 years.
Information
Ganayana programme will be organized in all districts all over
the state to acquaint the people with the history of Kannada Film
Industry and the melody of Kannada Film music. On the occasion
of 125th birth anniversary celebration of the first Prime Minister
of India, the Architect of Modern India, Sri. Pandit Jawaharalal
Nehru, State wide Photography Exhibition reflecting his life and
achievements will be arranged. Pragati Mahiti, an information
movement will be organized all over the State to propagate the
important development schemes of the Government to rural areas
using laser and LED technology as well as folk troupes.
100 acres of Government land has been identified near
Himmavau village in Mysuru district for construction of Film
City under public private participation. Total amount of Rs.93
crore is provided to Information Department during 2015-16.
MoK
B G Verghese - Editor Par Excellence
A never again phenomenon
V C Bhaskaran
F
ebruary 1970. 45
years ago I had just
joined the Hindustan
times as an apprentice sub
editor on trial basis for
one month. The paper had
two giants of the print
medium; Editor late. BG
verghese and news editor
late A Hariharan, both
no nonsense throughbred
professionals.
Being a tender green
horn in the profession I
was on the morning shift
which begins at 8:30.
It was a brisk pleasant walk from my golmarket
shared accommodation in the government colony
to the HT office in Connought Circus. The only
intermittent noise in the sprawling news room
was the clatter of teleprinters of both the PTI and
the UNI which got submerged in the chat among
colleagues and instructions to the peons. The door
to the editor’s chamber will at times open and out
will come Mr. Verghese on his way to washroom
at the far end of the hall. His pace was very brisk
and he will cast an occasional glance at the desk.
He was normally in the office much before and
would himself distribute instruction sheets etc. at
the reporters hall or at the desk, because often our
peons, very docile and sweet natured, would arrive
late from their far flung colonies. And Verghese
would not expect the peon to wait for him to pick
up his bag from the car which he himself drove
from his residence a few kilometers away. The low
profile boss would climb the stairs with his bag
and enter his chamber on the first floor. No fuss,
no hush hush on the arrival of the boss. The whole
atmosphere was one of dignity, discipline and
professionalism.
Come Sundays. BGV will be on an outreach
program, Our Village Chathera. It was a regular
Karnataka 12
10
March of
APRIL
JUNE 2014
2015
feature which appeared on mondays. Verghese had
chosen a village on the outskirts of the national capital
to focus attention on rural development for the urban
readers and also to motivate the villagers. It was green
revolution of a unique kind and BGV pioneered what
might be called development journalism. One reporter
and a photographer would accompany the leader. He
encouraged young colleagues to contribute to regular
columns on the editorial pages. One was Jantar
Mantar which appeared on the edit page and the other,
Diversities which appeared on Sundays. Often, i used
to send a request slip indicating a particular topic or a
person of eminence who passed through the capital, be
it a painter, poet or an event. On getting the approval I
would write the piece and to my great excitement and
joy my piece would find place on the edit page. As a
sub editor on probation, after a year of apprenticeship,
my confidence and enthusiasm grew many fold, and
the first opportunity to showcase the same came when
the editor asked for someone from the desk to cover a
challenging assignment; report on the desilting of the
upper Ganga Canal which was the life line of farmers in
western UP. When I expressed willingness he sent for
me. That was my first meeting with my editor whom I
have been observing from a distance and imbibed the
characteristics of a true professional which I always
upheld. Both my editor and me got badly singed in the
process but that is a price one pays for one’s values
which have become irrelevant in the changing scenario
in an acquisitive and morally moribund or decrepit
environs.
The Cambridge educated son of a former Indian
Army officer that was Verghese, asked me to be seated
and brief me for a few minutes and gave the usual
signal to leave. The signal was a friendly but a bit fierce
glance. The next morning, the office car with veteran
photographer, Babu Lal halted near my house on Rama
Krishna Ashram Marg in Gold market, the time was
about 7:30. I was on my first reporting assignment, that
too in a totally new arena. Babu Lal was of great help
since I had only a smattering of hindi which was the
only language the villagers could understand, naturally
so. Even during the press conference late in the
evening in a village by the UP Agricultural Minister,
Babu Lal came to my rescue as the minister would
answer questions in English only in Hindi. When
the story appeared on the front page, a great honor
to a green horn my joy and pride knew no bounds.
The editor made a noting on the headline, ‘‘could
have been tightly written and subbed”. I had written
an elaborate account of the desilting work and its
implications on farming in the area visited. Every
morning, the editor would himself place his copy of
the HT on the desk after close perusal and recording
his observations. This was a regular routine which
served as a guideline. Then Prime Minister, Indira
Gandhi had brought BGV as her Press Secretary.
Before that he was an assistant editor with the Times
of India, Bombay. Perhaps with hope of better and
favourable media coverage Indira Gandhi got him
to be appointed as Editor of HT, then the largest
English daily in North and Central India. The true
professional that he was BGV proved himself as a
thorough professional rather than a PR man. With the
passage of time, The Hindustan Times, with BGV as
Editor became an eye sore to the high and mighty.
Verghese inspired many among the young generation
to follow in his footsteps. Editorial freedom was
the guiding spirit. He stood by his colleagues who
went by the rule book. Public anger was mounting
in the national capital against rising corruption and
its concomitant influence on public life. The young
generation of the news team rose to the occasion.
A story I handled is a reminder of this trend, long
buried, during the emergency and thereafter. A
dashing reporter late. Chand Joshi, filed a rather
devastating story on corruption in Delhi Police. As
usual, the chief-sub on the afternoon shift when the
story landed at the desk, handed it to me. By then, I
had earned notoriety for being ruthless in handling
copy, chopping off any shade of vested interest. The
page one headline, ‘Case of the affluent Delhi cop’
rattled many in the police hierarchy and the congress
administration under Indira Gandhi. Public anger
against the administration was gathering momentum
which found some collective expression in the ‘Nav
Nirman movement’ launched by late. Jaya Prakash
Narayan. The Indira Gandhi government was
desperately trying to establish what was generally
called committed judiciary and bureaucracy. Many
judicial appointments especially in the supreme
court, smacked of favouritism. Suppression of a few
judges was perceived as “committed”. The resultant
appointment of then Chief Justice led to tumultuous
scenes in parliament. Then law minister Mohan
Kumaramangalam stated in parliament that judicial
integrity was not key to the appointment of judges
created a furor. I was on the afternoon shift and part
of the parliament desk. My senior who handled the
copy missed out on this vital point. When the dak
edition landed on my table I changed the headline
which was the lead, to highlight the crux of the
minister’s statement. The morning edition came out
with a screaming headline with some silly mistakes
and everyone was shocked. Only the HT carried
the most alarming lead whereas the others ignored
the criminal import of the minister’s statement in
parliament, by accident or design. BGV sent for the
records and found out that the change of the headline
was incorporated without removing a word at the
printing stage. On another occasion the night duty
reporter came to me rather excited to say that the
wife of the eye specialist to the President of India
was murdered when both husband and wife were
about to open the gate of the house on returning
from a dinner. He was sent to the spot and came back
with a story that sounded rather cock and bull to me.
Meanwhile, I had spoken to some contacts that the
doctor’s version was just a concoction, in front of
the reporter. I scored off the story and wrote out what
struck me as plain murder. An attempt was made to
change my mind by the press superintendent on the
night shift. Again, HT was the only paper to carry
the murder story in its stark details which pointed
to the husbands collusion with his paramour who
had engaged a hired killer. I had recorded the whole
issue on the log book. The doctor was sentenced to
life imprisonment by a Delhi court along with his
paramour and the contract killer. It is another matter
that after a few years in jail, he was released by the
President under general amnesty.
December 3rd, 1971 we had just closed what
was called the third dark edition. Only two of us my
senior (Late. R Vasudevan) and I were waiting for
the night shift to take over. Just then, The TPs started
a terrible rattle, I rushed to the printer. Seven airfields
attacked and a few more lines about the just begun
air attacks on airfields on the border. Suddenly we
found what looked like shooting stars in the far away
sky. Delhi had not become a concrete jungle, Vasu
was flustered. I rushed for the intercom and told the
press man to stop press. He could not immediately
comprehend the instruction from a new comer. He
came rushing. Meanwhile, I had prepared a copy
with screaming headlines on the war, that had just
broken out between India and Pakistan. I was part
of the war desk. BGV the workaholic, would attend
the war briefings arranged by the Press Information
Bureau(PIB) at Shastri Bhavan every night. It might
sound odd that the editor would himself attend the
briefing usually covered by the news bureau. Most
13
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George Verghese and Jamila at their wedding in Dalhousie, in the Himalayan foothills
saga will be incomplete without a brief reference to what came to be
know was Verghese agitation in the mid 70’s. The driving force behind the
move was the resistance to increase in pressure on editorial freedom, to
fall in line. After a brief crescendo, it crashed down and editorial freedom,
remains a cherished dream with a fading tribe of old time journalists.
June 26, 1975 India came under the emergency. I was shocked to read
the headline on an evening at Fleet Street at London, where I was on a
short holiday. I had a choice to stay back in Germany. I choose to see
my country under emergency. BGV did not last after imposition of the
emergency. On that fateful day, he happened to return to office, after night
fall. Perhaps on some intuition. As he was about to approach the lift, a
peon who was apparently told to wait for him accosted BGV saying he
had a letter. BGV took the envelope, opened it and quietly went back to
the car. He was shown the door. BGV didn’t make any fuss. One could try
to fathom the agony, he must have felt but that is the price one pays when
one is above aboard in everyway.
of the time I used to handle my
editor’s copy. One headline I
gave harks back even now (all
Pak eggs in chhamb basket).
This was the bottom spread
the next morning. The chhamb
theatre became a turning point
in the war. Chhamb became
a virtual graveyard for the
pakistani tanks.
It so happened that soon after
the war I had an opportunity
to visit the area as part of
a press party that Northern
Railway took from New Delhi
to Pathankot from where work
on a railway line was launched
to connect Jammu to the rest
of India. I saluted the memory
of our brave Jawans who laid
down their lives to protect the
motherland and last year I took
the New Delhi-Jammu Tawi
express with my sister and
brother-in–law. We were on a
pilgrimage to Vishnava Devi.
We stayed for a few days in
Jammu where my sister’s sonin-law, a Lt.Col, is posted with
a key division. Back in 1972, I
never imagined I’ll be travelling
to Jammu by train. Strange are
the ways of destiny. The BGV
Karnataka 14
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I met him much later when he was with the Gandhi Peace Foundation.
He was the usual simple, straight forward person with no sign of the
travails and resultant trauma which he went through while discharging his
professional duties, as the responsible editor of what was India’s top most
daily from the national capital.
After Janata Party came to power following the 1977 elections Verghese
was appointed as Chairman of the Commission, for restructuring the
Central government’s media arms, AIR and Doordarshan. Verghese the
champion of editorial freedom, in his comprehensive report, recommended
formation of Prasar Bharati. That Prasar Bharati continues to be a
government’s controlled entity, is a far cry from what BGV envisaged.
The editorial content and delivery has deteriorated to bottom levels.
My last meeting with BGV was in September last year, when I called
him from my sister’s home in Noida. He wanted to know if there is any
particular reason as he was planning to go out in the afternoon. When I
said I just wanted to see him, he said I must come by 12 noon. By the time
I reached his apartment on Ferosha Shaw road, it was 12:30. My sister
deputed our driver to take me. As I reached the apartment, he came in his
dhoti as he was preparing for a shower. I sent the driver to fetch a bouquet
and some sweets. In no time BGV brought tea and biscuits with his wife
Jameela Verghese by his side. She was all smiles. A very picture of grace
and warmth. Meanwhile the driver brought the bouquet and kaju burfi
from the near by Bengali market famous for fruits , flowers and sweets.
Jameela madam took the bouquet and as I presented him the box of sweets,
verghese was reluctant. When I took leave of him after touching his feet,
he said “you embarrass me”. I told him, it was my duty to touch the feet
of my mentor and take his blessings. After a pause, he said “Don’t repeat
this when you come next time. No gifts.” I remembered an earlier instance,
when I had brought a shirt as a gift from Berlin way back in 1975. He gave
out a patronizing smile saying I must give this to my brother. I said I have
already kept one for him as well. He said let this one also be presented to
my brother as a gift from BGV.
Both my mentor and his consort, came up to the door to bid me bye. It
was the final farewell.
RIP verghese sahib, you will ever remain a lode star and inspiration.
MoK
Tribute
Veteran Film Director Siddalingaiah
1936-2015
Santhebennur Pushkarani an
Architectural Marvel
For an onlooker on the banks of the pond, the
Mantap appears to be floating on the water. It also
has a working fountain at its base, exhibiting the
engineering skill of the builder and is popularly
known as the “fountain pond”.
C V Raghavendra Rao
Karnataka
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A
pond (pushkarani) with a mantap at the
centre a simple master piece in stone, brick
and mortar is intact even after exposure to
the vagaries of weather since 450 years. It stands
majestically as a unique piece of art built in the
Indo-Arabic style during the period of Vijayanagar
Empire at Santhebennur in Chnnagiri taluk of
Davangere district.
A Palegara of Vijayangar king Hanumappa
Nayaka, a lover of art and culture built the pond
with an eye catching “Vanatha Mantapa” at the
centre of the pond during 1558 to commemorate
his victory over the rulers of Vijayapura who had
invaded his area covering Basavapattana region.
Nayak built two temples, a fort and pond in the
village. There is no sign of the fort but the pond
still alive and attracts large number of visitors. The
pond covers 250 feet by 245 feet, with a depth of 30
feet. An equal numbers of granite stone slabs have
been arranged as steps to ascend and descend in to
the pond. It is also called as “Ramathirtha” pond.
In keeping with Indian mythology, the ruler built
eight small towers called “Dikpalka” watch towers
facing in all eight directions to evoke the blessings
of the goddess of directions. Due to impact of rain
and wind three of them have destroyed so far.
The Vasantha Mantap is symmetrical pillared
tower exhibiting the architectural skill. It is a
magnificent example of Indian architecture, with its
arches, vaults and domes in the Arabic style, and its
columns, pyramidical towers and carving in Indian
style.
The Mantap covers 34 square feet and stands
at a height of 60 feet. When the pond is full, the
Mantap is 10 feet deep in water. It has four floors
and the entrance floor has similar openings on all
four sides. The floors have an artistic piece of work
with geometrical figures and flowers depicting the
skill of the carver. The top floor has a hemispherical
dome embedded with carvings.
Nayak built a Ram temple in the village, the
Vasantha Mantap was used to perform Teppostasava
of the God, when thousand s of people from nearby
villages used to gather and witness the colorful
festival.
For an onlooker on the banks of the pond, the
Mantap appears to be floating on the water. It also
has a working fountain at its base, exhibiting the
engineering skill of the builder and is popularly
known as the “fountain pond”. The pond receives
water from a near by stream during monsoon and
provisions has been made to let in only filter water.
Excess water flows out through a valve.
When Hanumappa Nayak died, his son took
over. But his reins were short, he fled when
Vijayapur rulers invaded Santhebennur in 1636.
The chief of army of Vijayapur sultan who occupied
the village, was enchanted by the beauty of pond
and Mantap. With out destroying it, he constructed a
“MusafirKhana” (rest house cum office) on the bank
of the pond with carved arches and inlay work.
The Archeological Department has declared
the Santhebennur pond and building as protected
monuments and is looking after its maintenance. It
has erected a fence around the pond.
The famous and biggest tank in the state Shanthi
Sagara and hill top spiritual center Ranganatha
temple of Devarahlli are few attractive tourist spots
situated near by Santhebennur as places of historical
importance. MoK
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March 3,
1934 marked
a milestone
in the annals
of Kannada
Cinema, when the
eponymous film
Sati Sulochana,
triggered
Sandalwood
trailblazing tryst
with the talkies,
writes
S Viswanath
Laxmibai in Sati Sulochana
Cinema’s
Sati Sulochana,
when Kannada films first began to talk
K
Talkies, embracing colour and thereon, indulging
the diaspora with the magic of movies, with its very
many mesmerizing tales – mythological, romances,
thrillers, adventures, mysteries, what have you.
Beginning its glorious journey, over these
momentous years Kannada Cinema, too, mirrored the
trend of the times, as also episodic evolution of films.
What’s more interesting is that cinema came to
Karnataka when the professional theatre in the State
was at its pinnacle and passing through one of its
glorious period.
annada Cinema, or Cinema of Sandalwood,
has had a chequered history. Over 80 now,
Kannada Cinema has witnessed the best
of times and the worst of times in these eight long,
luminous decades.
As cinema, around the world, and within, gathered
strength, wooing people to witness its marvel, and
its adventurous pioneers, embraced technology and
innovations as they came by.
From Black & White Silent Era to that of the
Karnataka
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With several drama companies happily thriving
thanks to the avowed patronage of the warmly
welcoming public, naturally competition was wellnigh high, with each theatre troupe assiduously
trying to catch the fancy and imagination of the
loving public thirsting for ensemble entertainment.
of families not only from the
Capital City, but also from
small towns and villages near
Bangalore, came flocking in
bullock-carts to watch it, some
adventurous among them, even
bearing food and water with
them.
Subbaiah Naidu in Sati Sulochana
The first film to light
up celluloid screens in the
erstwhile
princely-ruled
Mysore
Kingdom,
Sati
Sulochana, strangely, was
produced by non-Kannadigas.
But theatre enthusiasts did least know that another marvel was
going to ignite their imagination, like never before, that would one
day also virtually ring in the doom of theatre. That was the magic of
moving images, otherwise, called Cinema.
While country’s first talkie Alam Ara unleashed a new era in 1931,
three years down the line saw Karnataka too take the first tentative
tread on the talkie trail with Bhakta Dhruva going on the floors.
However, despite being first on the floors, it was Sati Sulochana, in
1934, which etched its name in the annals of Kannada Cinema history
as the first Kannada talkie film to be released and thereby entering
the record books. Sati Sulochana made its appearance on the movie
marquee, after the Indian cinema had swept into Hindi, Tamil and
Telugu.
Released with much fun fare in the then Paramount Cinema Theatre
in Kalasipalya (where now, the twin theatres – Pradeep and Parimala
stand), on March 3, 1934, the nearly 173 minute long film, ran to a
house-full at in the Capital City of Bangalore for six weeks.
As the first talking picture in the native language, Sati Sulochana, as
was to be expected, whipped up public interest. So much so, hundreds
It was produced by
Marwari businessman from
Bangalore Shah Chamanlal
Doongaji who floated the film
production company South
India Movietone in Bangalore
in 1932.
A native of Ahore, Jalore
District of Rajasthan, Doongaji,
keen on making a mythological
movie, which offered ready
materials, zeroed in on Sati
Sulochana which involved the
epic characters from Ramayana
- Ravana, his wife Mandodari,
his son Indrajit and his wife
Sulochana.
The film, 15,000 feet long,
which was certified by British
Film Censor Board on February
28, 1934, had 15 songs, with
the actors themselves singing
them.
The film’s title, as it
indicates, is about how
Sulochana, the daughter-inlaw of the demon king, took to
committing Sati.
Portraying the epochal
battle between Rama and
Ravana through the perspective
of the devout Sulochana, the
film speaks of how she takes
to the extreme step of that
times which was an accepted
practice.
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R Nagendrarao in Sati Sulochana
Following the abduction of Rama’s wife pious Sita to
Lanka, Rama is forced to wage a war to free his wife from
the clutches of the deviant Ravana. In the course of pitched
battle Rama’s brother Lakshmana is knocked unconscious by
an arrow from Ravana’s son Indrajit.
Being revived by the medicinal herb Sanjeevani brought by
Hanuman Lakshmana goes on to kill Indrajit thereby rendering
Sulochana a widow. Meanwhile, following Ravana’s defeat
by Rama, Sulochana, unable to bear the pain of her husband’s
death, commits Sati, on the funeral pyre of Indrajit.
Based on Valmiki’s Ramayana and directed by Yaragudipati
Varada Rao with screenplay by Bellave Narahari Shastri who
also penned the lyrics and wrote the dialogues, the film, was
made on a shoestring budget of Rs 40,000 (then a princely
sum).
It had Subbaiah Naidu, Tripuramba, R Nagendra Rao, Y V
Rao himself donning the role of Lakshmana, had background
score by R Nagendra Rao and H R Padmanabha Sastry.
Nagendra Rao, with previous exposure to films, played
Ravana, M V Subbaiah Naidu that of Indrajit and Lakshmi
Bai and Thripuramaba donning the roles of Mandodari and
Sulochana respectively.
The Department of Posts,
released a special cover
to mark the 80th year of
Kannada Cinema, which bore
the image of Subbaiah Naidu
in Sati Sulochana.
The film, which was begun in December 1933, was shot
at Chatrapathi Cinetone in Kolhapur, and entirely in natural
sunlight. As the shooting with artificial lighting was difficult,
mirrors were carried by camera-assistants on their shoulders
to reflect sunlight onto the set to provide back-lighting. They
had to keep moving, shifting mirrors in alignment with the
moving sun! The sets having no ceiling and being covered by
a white cloth.
It is to the credit of the crew, that the film, which also
involved shooting the war scene, used two cameras, to film it.
The post-production work was done in Chennai.
So much so, Sati Sulochana, firmly laid the foundation for
the growth of Kannada cinema at a time when it was difficult
to find financial backing for new film projects in the region.
This was reflective in the fact that very few films in Kannada
were released during the early years of Indian sound cinema.
Incidentally, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, saluting
the singular contribution of the pioneers, declared March 3 as
Kannada Cinema Day in 2013.
Likewise, the Department of Posts, released a special
cover to mark the 80th year of Kannada Cinema, which bore
the image of Subbaiah Naidu in Sati Sulochana. Truly, what
better way to doff one’s hat and acknowledge the pioneers
of Kannada filmdom, who were the stepping stone, for
the singular status it finds itself in today. Bravo! Viva! Sati
Sulochana. MoK
Karnataka
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One of the wonders in the world
Thousand Piller Basadi
In Jain Kashi-Moodabidri
One Holy Town, a three story symmetric Building, Seven Mantapas
supported by any number of ornate Pillers, as many as One thousand to
be exact- Moodabidari the holy town, Thousand Piller Basadi the sacred
Structure, Bhagwan Chandranath Swami, who showers blessings on the
Devotees in the serene atmosphere.
A Girish Rai
T
he long association of Jainism with Karnataka is believed
to have begun as early as second century AD. Bhagwan
Mahaveera visited Karnataka, then Kunthala and initiated
king Jivendhara of Hemagada possibly accounts for the early
beginning of Jainism in Karnataka. Jainism enjoyed the patronage
of benevolent kingdoms like Gangas, Kadambas, Chalukayas,
Hoyasalas and Vijayanagar Kings. There are many significant
monuments pertaining to Jain religion in the State like, Jain Temples
also known as Basadis, Gommeteshwara Statue mainly the 57 feet
high single stone statue of Gommeteshwara at Shrawanbelgola
and the Thousand Piller Basadi Moodabidari near Mangalore. The
earliest Basadi was built at Halasi in Utter Kannada during the rule
of Kadamaba dynastic of Banawasi.
Moodabidari, a holy town also known as Jain
Kashi is famous all over the world for the “Savira
Kambada Basadi”. This Thousand Piller Basadi,
perhaps may be the only one structure which stands
on One thousand Pillers in the world. Devaraya
Wodeyar a chieftain started the construction of
this Basadi during 1430. The construction work
lingered on for over 30 years and the estimated cost
was Rs.9 Crores. Some additions were made during
the year 1962. This unique Basadi is also known as
“Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani” meaning the crest
jewel of three worlds. This temple was constructed
in three phases. In the first phase the sanctum which
houses the 8 feet Tall Chandranath Swami, eight
Teerthankara of Jains was completed. It is made
up of 5 metals known as Panchaloha. The Statue
in its divine beauty attracts both Devotees and
Tourists. The three story temple with roofs rising
over one another is contained within high wall
enclosed with entrance from the East. The entrance
opens immediately onto a massive 16 meters Tall
Piller called Manasthamba. The construction of the
magnificent Prayer Halls with the famed Pillers
Karnataka
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22
erected in the second phase. Construction and
planting of 60 feet monolithic center piece here
the MANASTHAMBA was completed in the
third phase.
The famed Pillers :- The building and
Mantapas are supported by innumerable Pillers,
each one of these Pillers stand as testimony and
legacy of the era-gownby. They display marvelous
skill of the Craftsmen. The painstaking patience
of the Craftsmen is visible in the intricacy of the
carvings. It seems that all of them had a common
dream, to make the Basadi One of the wonders
of the world. The dream was best shaped and
realized by their combined efforts and untiring,
painstaking Labour. These Pillers Carved from
Granite have stories etched on each one of them.
Each Piller is unique in itself. The intricate
figures and geometrically correct lines speak
of the Craftsmen’s clinical precision. Stories of
history, exchanges of culture and the continued
interaction of man and nature is carved on the
Pillers. Mythological stories, Animals mingle
with carvings of African Giraffes, Chinese
dragon and Arabian horses indicating
that the Rulers had maritime commercial
dealings with these Countries. The design
of the Pillers have close resemblance to
Chaluyakan Architecture. These Pillers
stand out as architectural marvels.
There are reference that Moodabidari
sheltering Jain Travelers who have been
persecuted for religious believes in the North.
The Chalukyas, Gangas, Rashtrakootas,
Hoyasalas, Alupas always offered safety
and protection for the Travelers. The sacred
and Ancient Jain literature was brought
to Moodabidari from Shrawanbelgola
fearing conquest by the Mugals. These
literature referred as Moodabidari Text, are
Prakrit texts which were in Halekannada
(Old Kannada) script on palm leaves.
The Ancient literature culture and vedic
tradition was endangered by the atrocities
committed by the Invaders of India for
its wealth committed cruelest inquisition
against Indians has been chronologically
described by Stephen Knapp in his book
“Crimes Against India”.
Cultural Center
Moodabidari was a center of Jain
religion Culture, Art and Architecture
between the 14th to 16th Century. The
famous 18 Basadis were constructed then.
The Parshawanatha Basadi also called as
Guru Basadi is a very sacred place as the
Holy texts of Jain Religion, Dhavala, Jaya
Dhavala and Maha Dhavala are preserved
here. Besides these Ammanavara Basadi
and Shettera Basadi are also popular. The
Vikram Shetty Basadi, Cholashetty Basadi,
Mahadeva Shetty Basadi, Kotishetty Basadi
along with Ammanavara Basadi form
what is reverentially known as the JAIN
KASHI in India, A Holy shrine for Jains.
Moodabidari also emerged as a center of
learning. Ratnakarvarni, one of the Doyens
of Kannada literature who wrote Bharatesha
Vaibhava was born in Moodabidari. Aadi
Kavi Pampa, Ranna, Janna and other
literary gaints enriched kannada Literature.
As a strange co-incidence Moodabidari has
18th Basadis, 18th Temples, 18th lakes
and 18th Roads connecting the town to
near by villages.
Jains have shown that tradition need not be hostile to
modernity. This predominately mercantile community
spawned most of the Industrial Houses of India like Birlas,
Goenkas, Dalmias and others. They account for a quarter
of Indian names in the Forbes list of Billionaires. Their
sangfroid attitude towards life make them pious, peace
loving and tolerant. It is said that their population is about
3.5% of national population which comes to nearly 3.5 crore.
It is feared that this figures coming down like the Bunts
another community of the coastal Karnataka. who have
many identical features with the Jains. Dr. Virendra Hegde,
Dharmadhikari, Srikshetra Dharmasthala recently expressed
concern over the fall in population of Jains.
The greatest apostal of Ahimsa and peace Bhagwan
Mahavira, 24th Teerthankara visited Karnataka and
popularized his philosophy. It is based on the sole purpose
of improving the quality of life. The basic idea is to attain
spiritual excellence by maintaining ethical behavior and
following the code of conduct. Bhagwan Mahavira had a
strong faith in the theory of Karma and he always said that
it is the Karma besides once just destiny. Mahavira Jayanthi
will be celebrated this year on 2nd April 2015. MoK
of
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nt t an h
e
a c , Ar 14t 8
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wa lture the ous n.
i
ar Cu een am the
d
i
ab ion betw he f cted
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oo lig e . T u
M n re ctur tury nstr
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Ja chit Cen re c
Ar 6th s we
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1
to sad
Ba
State Film Awards
presentation function
State film awards
presentation function
for the year 2012-13
was held at Maharaja
college ground, Mysuru
on 28 .02 2015. Chief
Minister Siddaramaiah
presented the awards
in a colorful funtion
organised by the
Department of
Information and
Public Relations.
Sanchari Vijay bags Best Actor Natonal
Award for his acting in the kannada film
“Nanu Avanalla Avalu’’ for the year 2014.
‘‘Harivu’’ bags Best Regional Kannada Film
Award for the year 2014. Director Mansore.
Pick A Pearl
Lord Bahubali -Karkala
M
ahamastakabhisheka for the 42-ft
high statue of Lord Bahubali atop the
Bahubali Betta in Karkala,was held
during Jan 2015. The Mahamastakabhisheka is
held once in 12 years.
Karkala was the
belonging to the
king Veera Pandya
Bahubali installed
1432.
capital of the Jain rulers
Bhairava dynasty. It was
who got the statue of Lord
on the Bahubali Betta in
Tender coconut water, sugarcane juice,
sandalwood paste, paste made out of
medicinal herbs and holy water are used to
anoint the statue of Lord Bahubali during the
Mahamastakabhisheka .
Adi Shankaracharya
March of Karnataka (pages 28) APRIL 2015.
``Registered’’ No. KA/BGGPO/2525/2015-2017 and RNI NO KARENG/2010/4081 and licensed to post without
prepayment license No. WPP-55, at Bengaluru PSO, Mysuru Road, Bengaluru- 560 026 on 29th & 30th of every month
Dr. B R Ambedkar