Walk-in-M&B footwear opens at Nucleus Mall

10:16 AM Posted by ukmad


Leading footwear retailer M&B Footwear has opened its exclusive outlet Walk-in-M&B at Nucleus Mall, Belgaum. The store retails a wide range of shoes such as formal, smart casual, semi and dress casual, outdoor and fashion wear.

Walk-in-M&B is a distinctively unique international footwear retail chain and is contemporary in terms of new age look and approach. They aim to fulfill the needs and aspirations of its already burgeoning target customer through a bundle of well segmented offerings. Walk-in-M&B retails brands including Lee Cooper, ID, Provogue, GEOX, Merrell, Firangi and M&B Sports. Currently, the company operates 45 exclusive concept stores, 38 shop-in-shop stores and 70 factory outlets across the country.

Belgaum Loksabha 2009 Media Coverage

10:00 AM Posted by ukmad

I will be posting the complete coverage done for Belgaum constituency by different media. 

First, one is from the Business Standard: Belgaum constituency set for a keen contest

 Former MP Amarsinh Patil has finally managed to get Congress ticket for the Belgaum Lok Sabha constituency despite opposition from members in his own party. He will take on BJP’s sitting MP Suresh Angadi. 

Former minister and Lingayat leader A B Patil was a strong contender for the Congress ticket and there are indications that he could switch over to JD(S) and contest as its candidate. If that happens, Belgaum will see a keen contest. In Belgaum Amarsinh faces opposition from within his own party. Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi has minced no words while opposing Amarsinh’s candidature.

Congress has three MLAs while BJP has five in the constituency. Suresh Angadi is in a fix now with the Maharastra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) pressing him to hoist the Bhagwa flag atop the Belgaum Municipal Corporation building and making it a pre-condition to support him in the election.

Angadi has incurred the wrath of Pro-Kannada organisations too. The Congress wants to take advantage of the situation and wrest the seat from the BJP. 

Read full story here

Congress Road: Accident zone drive carefully

4:33 PM Posted by ukmad



In an accident, today at 2.30pm on Congress road (opp. Arun theatre) the two wheeler was caught up at the back of a city bus.

In the photo it is clear that the city bus was about to stop at the bus shelter when the two wheeler from behind ramped in.
There were no serious injuries to the driver of the two wheeler, but this raises the question of safe driving on Congress Road.

Many don’t know that Congress road is a accident prone zone, everyday or alternate days there is some minor accident that occurs around the Arun theatre area. Most of these cases go un registered as the cause of accident is skidding on most occasions or just minor bruises to both humans and vehicles. The speed limit is 40 kph on Congress road but no one adheres to it and this is main cause of accidents. There are a lot of side roads from where traffic joins the main congress road which is again a cause of worry.

If any of you have suffered on the road or have seen similar scenes, do leave a comment.

Year ending time: targets to be achieved

4:30 PM Posted by ukmad



This is the financial year ending time and almost all are busy with their yearly targets. This should be the case with these traffic cops also. They were stopping each and every two wheeler, 3 wheeler rickshaw, tractors etc at the Gogte Circle today afternoon.

Yallappa Kurbar Belgaum Mayor: Jyoti Bhavikatti Dy.Mayor: Kannada group

3:57 PM Posted by ukmad


Kurbar Yallappa Sidarai of Ward No.57 (Kanbargi, Ahsraya Colony) has been elected the Mayor of Belgaum

Jyoti Rajshekhar Bhavikatti (Ward 53) has been elected the Deputy mayor.

This is for the 3rd time that Belgaum is seeing a Kannada Mayor. Earlier in 1994 & 2008 Belgaum had seen Kannada mayors and all the rest years there were Marathi Mayors.

The Marathi group which was supposed to be a surprise winner this time could not make up the magic figure of 32, there are 27 Marathi corporators. To the common man what difference does it make anyways? Every year one mayor is elected but what does that Mayor do for Belgaum or has done for Belgaum is the question.

Yallappa Kurbar most likely Mayor

1:41 PM Posted by ukmad


Kurbar Yallappa Sidarai of Ward No.57 (Kanbargi, Ahsraya Colony) is most likely to be elected the Mayor of Belgaum.
The Kannada group seems to have won it this time also. Still wait for the final result tough.

VHP supports Varun’s statements

11:28 AM Posted by ukmad


VHP international general secretary Praveen Togadia said that every Hindu in the country must speak like Varun to safeguard the interests of Hindutva. However, Togadia did not defend Varun Gandhi who denied his own remarks later due to criticism.

VHP will not support any political party in the upcoming elections; they will support those who will support Hindutva.

On the saffron flag issue, Togadia said that it’s a symbol of Hindutva and that a Saffron flag must be hoisted atop all buildings.

Praveen Togadia was here to address a meeting at the Sambhaji Udyan.

AMARSINH VASANTRAO PATIL is Congress candidate for Belgaum

10:06 AM Posted by ukmad


AMARSINH VASANTRAO PATIL will be contesting from the Belgaum Loksabha constituency from the ticket from the Congress.
He was the runner up in 2004 with 36.48% votes and was the MP for Belgaum in 1999 general elections.

Belgaum Election observers contact numbers

10:02 AM Posted by ukmad

The observers, described as the “eyes and ears of the Commission,” will be given instructions on enforcement of model code of conduct, rules to be followed during scrutiny of nominations, campaigning, polling and counting of votes and for ensuring free and fair elections with a level playing field for all contestants.

Observing and reporting on the fairness of elections and monitoring the expenditure of candidates, political parties and their leaders will be the job of the observers.
The Commission has asked the Chief Electoral Officers of the States to appoint micro observers, who will monitor election activities, particularly illegal use of money power by candidates and parties and election expenditure of the candidates at the booth level, and report to the respective central election observers. They would not to be under the control of Collectors (district election officers) or the returning officers of the respective constituencies.
Normally two general observers and one election expenditure observer are appointed in each constituency.
Anyone can complain to the below, even and sms would be followed up. So if you guess there is an violation of the code of conduct you know where to contact.

Observers for Belgaum:
Rahul Bhandari, IAS will be in charge of Belgaum Uttar, Belgaum Dakshin & Belgaum Rural

Nodal Officer of GOI
Govt. of Karnataka Shri. K.R. Srinivasa
Secretary to the Govt. of Karnataka DP&AR, Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore, Karnataka
080-22251425, 22033335 (O)
080-22256371 (Fax)
Mobile No.09945357990 &
09448290819
E-mail prs-dpar@karnataka.gov.in

List of Nodal Officer appointed by the CEOs:
Shri. B V Kulkarni Jt. Chief Electoral Officer,
Karnataka, Bangalore.
080-22868768 (O), 080-22865339 (F)
09880409588 (M)

Belgaum’s Kunda sweet sensation fairy-tale

4:25 PM Posted by ukmad

Traditionally known as the ‘sugar bowl’ of Karnataka, Belgaum has been one of biggest producers of sugarcane. Perhaps, this ‘sweet production’ must have prompted many businessmen in the region to prepare various kinds of sweet products over the years. The number of sweet shops in Belgaum is in the house of over 200. So you can imagine the turnover in sweets.
These sweets are mainly prepared by Rajasthani families who migrated to Belgaum over six decades ago and normally called Purohits.
Kunda is produced in large quantities everyday in Belgaum. Belgaum kunda, a sweet prepared from milk and khowa, is a clear favorite and is produced by several local sweet merchants besides the Purohits.
Belgaum kunda also has an interesting history that can be traced back to the times of Gajanan Mithaiwala in Vitthal Dev Galli, Shahpur who set up his sweet shop six decades ago in Belgaum. Referred to as Jakku Marwadi Mithaiwala, he came from Rajasthan and set up a sweet shop at Shahpur area. (The shop is still there and running and serving great Kunda)
Kunda is prepared purely from milk and khowa. A correct quantity of khowa and sugar has to be mixed in milk before boiling it. Once the mixture starts boiling, it has to be continuously stirred until it takes a solid form.
The discovery of this sweet was quite incidental. Once, Jakku Marwadi was boiling milk in his kitchen. In a hurry, he forgot to switch the stove off and the milk continued boiling for a long time. Gradually, the milk had taken a solid form by the time Jakku Marwadi came back to switch the stove off.
When he tasted the solid form of milk, it tasted sweet. Then, he mixed some khowa into the milk and started boiling it for long hours. This time the taste was even better. A happy Marwadi gave the sweet a name — calling it Kunda.
After Jakku Marwadi discovered it was followed up by the Purohits and the one camp became famous for its cleanliness and good quality. With time the packing of the Kunda has changed over time. From the old box packing to the latest canned Kunda with a shelf life of up to 6 months to the tetra pack. Now Sugar free Kunda is also available at Camp Purohit and Kalyani Sweets.
All those visitors who come to Belgaum must have to take back this KUNDA with them. During the recent assembly session held in Belgaum more than 6000 kgs of Kunda was sold in 10 days time.
The prices of Kunda normally range in between Rs.150 to 200. The sugar free costs a bit more.
My bet for the best Kunda in Town: Gajanan Mithaiwala in Vitthal Dev galli, Shahpur, Camp Purohit on High Street and Kalyani Sweets in Camp & Atul Purohit, College Road.(not in any particular order)
Never freeze or store the Kunda in a refrigerator as it tends to become hard and it loses its tastes.
Kunda Recipe Ingredients:
Milk 2 liters, sugar according to taste, cardamom powder 2 teaspoon, curd 1 cup (which is not too sour), dry fruits chopped 1 cup.
Method:
First of all boil the milk and bring it to the 1/8th quantity till it is cooked to make a nice paste of the milk. Now add the sugar and stir it well. It turns to a nice golden brown color and now add the curd and stir well. When it is cooked enough finally add the cardamom powder and also the chopped dry fruits and pour it in the serving dish and serve it chilled.

Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama to build an auditorium

12:50 PM Posted by ukmad



Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama to build an auditorium
In order to facilitate the smooth execution of the multifarious- activities of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Belgaum they have started the construction of an auditorium in the Ashrama premises (fort). They also plan the construction of gopurams for the existing Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna.

The estimated cost for the constructions of the Sabhangana & the gopurams are Rs. 2 crores & Rs. 15 lakhs respectively. The Mission has made an appeal to all to contribute towards these 2 projects according to your means & mite.


Cloth shop in Khade Bazar gutted

10:09 AM Posted by ukmad

A cloth shop ‘Mens Avenue’ in Khade Bazar(Khade Bazar-Ganpat Galli corner) was gutted by a sudden fire at night. The fire started around 10.30pm and gutted the complete shop.

No human loss is reported but financial loss could be huge as the complete shop was burnt down. The fire fighters brought the fire under control later.

Happy Gudi Padwa & Ugadi

11:13 AM Posted by ukmad

Happy Gudi Padwa & Ugadi to all readers. A very happy new year to all. May all your wishes be fulfilled!

Gudi Padwa (गुड़ीपाडवा) is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month, and is celebrated as New Year's Day. It is the same day on which great king Shalivahana defeated Sakas in battle.
This is also first day of Marathi Calendar. This festival is supposed to mark the beginning of Vasant (spring).

According to the Brahma Purana, this is the day on which Brahma created the world after the deluge and time began to tick from this day forth. This is one of the 3 and a half days in the Indian Lunar calendar called "Sade-Teen Muhurt", who’s every moment is considered auspicious in general to start a new activity.



Gudhi Padwa is especially dedicated to the worship of Lord Brahma. Legend states that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the corronation of Rama after his return to Ayodhya from 14 years of exile. The gudi is a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces lead by the great hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Gudi is also displayed as they are expected to ward off evil and invite prosperity and good luck into the house.
A bright green or yellow cloth adorned with brocade (zari) is tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which gathi(a type of sweet), neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. This is then hoisted by placing a silver or copper pot placed in the inverted position over it. Beautiful designs with special powder of soft, white stone (rangolis) are drawn on the floor in front of it.

Ugadi (Kannada: ಯುಗಾದಿ, from yuga+aadi, yuga is era, aadi means
Start. (The start of an era) While the people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh use the term Ugadi for this festival. Ugadi is celebrated on a different day every year because the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar. The Saka calendar begins with the month of Chaitra (March/April) and Ugadi marks the first day of the New Year.

The word Ugadi derives from the word Yugadi. 'Yuga' is the word for 'epoch' or 'era', and 'aadi' stands for 'the beginning'. Yugadi specifically refers to the start of the age we are living in now, Kali Yuga. Kali Yuga started the moment when Lord Krishna passed away. Maharshi Vedavyasa describes this event with the words 'Yesmin Krishno divamvyataha, Tasmat eeva pratipannam Kaliyugam'. Some Indian historians date the beginning of Kali Yuga to 3102 BC.

The day, however, begins with ritual showers (oil bath) followed by prayers, and then the eating of a specific mixture of -
Neem Buds/Flowers for bitterness
Raw Mango for tang
Tamarind Juice for sourness
Green Chilli/Pepper for heat
Jaggery and ripe banana pieces for sweetness
Pinch of Salt for saltiness
This mixture with all six tastes (called "Bevu-Bella"( ಬೇವು-ಬೆಲ್ಲ ) in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise) , which should be accepted together and with equanimity.
Later, people traditionally gather to listen to the recitation of the religious almanac (Panchangam) of the coming year, and to the general forecast of the year to come.

Source: Wikipedia

Movies as on 27-03-2009

10:34 AM Posted by ukmad

TheatreMovieTimings
Big Cinemas  
   
   
   
Ritz SrikrishnaMade inChina (Marathi)12.30,3.30,6.30,9.30
   
NirmalKiran Bedi12.15pm,3.15,6.15,9.15
   
HunsPallaki12,3,6,9
   
Arun 12.30,2,4,7
RoopaliNammanna12.15,3.15.6.15,9.15
BalkrishnaUnderworld 3 (hindi)12.30,3.30,6.30,9.30
ChitraRajkumari (K)12,3,6,9
Swaroop 12,3,6,9
HiraZaherele Insaan12.15,3.15,6.15,9.15
   
PrakashDrona12.15pm,3.15pm,6.15pm,9.15pm
NartakiAa Dekhen Zara12,3,6,9
SantoshMourya12.15pm,3.15pm,6.15pm,9.15pm
Globe 12.15,1.45,3.45,6.45
Kindly check the excat  timings with the theatres

Car ablaze all commuters safe

8:04 PM Posted by ukmad


A Maruti van of Goa registration coming from Mapusa, Goa suddenly caught fire near Union Gymkhana today it was LPG driven.

All the commuters were safe as they had come out when they smelled the leaking of the gas. The fire fighters came in time and extinguished the fire. The car was turned in to ashes within minutes. No one was injured in the incident.
But this again raises questions on how safe it is to use LPG in cars?