Sonu Nigam concert to raise funds for school

4:21 PM Posted by ukmad

The charismatic singer from Bollywood Sonu Nigam is all set to give a live performance for the first time in Belgaum in the first week of March.
The concert will be organised by the Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Education and Cultural Trust, which runs the Jain Group of Institutions (JGI) in the country, to raise funds for setting up Jain Vidyaniketan in Belgaum.
The concert will be held at the district stadium from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. on March 4. The entry passes, priced between Rs. 200 and Rs. 2,500, will be available at the Jain College in Peeranwadi, Swamy Bakery, Ajanta Café and Jain MATS in the city. R.G. Dharwadkar, Principal of the Jain College of Science and Arts, and Radhe Shyam Heda, Managing Trustee of JGI, said here on Wednesday that the JGI planned to establish 100 vidyaniketans in the country in the next five to 10 years.
The JGI expected to make about Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh from the event featuring Sonu Niigaam.
Three standards — LKG, UKG and first standard in Kannada medium — were being planned to be started from the academic year 2009-10.
All children living within a radius of 20 km of the school would be provided free transportation.
Source: The Hindu

Stop this treatment for us

9:41 PM Posted by ukmad

Story taken from my associate blog: http://belgaumnri.blogspot.com/
We are totally upset over the recent attitude and act of state government especially education department and vice chancellors of VTUThe VTU Bosh and Rexorth R & D centre is opened in Mysore and even the German tool room was established at Bangalore, the e-learning studio of VTU is in Mysore,Why not the proper expansion of VTU takes place in Belgaum.
Why the government have this sham and show off in showing its attitude towards North Karnataka in general and Belgaum in particular, North Karnataka cities mainly Belgaum and twin cities hubli dharwad are the best potent cities with diverse culture and skilled manpower resource ,I highly feel off for such attitude of state government, I want Belgaumites to come forward and fight for such discrimination , Why not Belgaum have such development centre and studios.
The wake up call some weakness and strength
Strength :Belgaum contributes second largest revenue to state and first in horticulture export
Weakness: Cargo handling facility at Belgaum Airport for agriculture and horticulture export was planned and never executed.

Strength: Equidistant to Bangalore Mumbai and Hyderabad
Weakness : No initiative form state government for Belgaum-Dharwad and Belgaum-Bagalkot-Raichur Rail line

Strength: American and foreign universities, GEMS education interested to establish educational township in Belgaum
Weakness : lack of political will and slow response form state government to make investor friendly approach towards Belgaum

Still at LargeIT park ( only foundation stone , no facilities)
Textile Park ( Private partnership , in progress)
Power generation projects ( 1 Shelved and 2 are on hold for indefinite time)
Food and Agriculture park (bureaucratic delays and lack of support to contractor)
International cricket stadium ( only land allotted and no further move on it)
Airport expansion funds available with state government from AAI but not ready to utilize for settlement of farm land acquired by farmers , fight over the cost of landRing road , just ringing around in papers
Suvarna Vidhan Suadha , only foundation stone
Vaccine institute to be developed in Belgaum as research centre, no further news on it
Auto complex an utter flop due to lack of proper planning .
Lot of entrepreneurs investing in border district of Maharashtra. Well there are many still but will never work till are made aware and brought to public noticeLet Belgaum flourish and we the Belgaumites reap benefits of it.

Schoolmates collaborate for a good cause

1:34 PM Posted by ukmad

Sonu Nigam in Belgaum on March 4

9:51 PM Posted by ukmad


It would be a treat for both your eyes and ears as Sonu Nigam will perform live in Belgaum on March 4 at the Nehru Stadium. Jain Group of Institutions is organising the event.
In the past such kind of events have not taken place lately, so the young crowd going for concerts to Bangalore or Pune or Mumbai this time you can enjoy music in Belgaum it slef.
Looking forward to it....

Is Belgaum Real estate in Real Boom?

12:56 PM Posted by ukmad

Many changes have taken place in Belgaum in the past one-year or so in the real estate market. Infact the only market with double-digit growth has been real estate. Major retailers and developers have now pounced upon Belgaum to grab a share in the pie. Many new developments are coming up in Belgaum. I have already covered a few of them in my blog in brief.
From today I will try and elaborate on this in detail with details of the plans of the buildings etc. This is just a start. And to make a start, I thought of Geetanjali constructions of Belgaum itself.
They propose to build Geetanjali Plaza, a commercial approved layout just opposite Big bazaar on Khanapur Road, Belgaum. The construction has already begun.
It will be Ground +3 stories. Ground floor will be approx.3065 Sq.ft. 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor would be 3355 Sq.Ft. each. All the floors have independent access.
This is could be an ideal place for any retail chain or multi national company to establish and to take their business to newer heights. The said space is available on outright sale or on lease. The lifts will be of reputed companies so you don’t need to worry about how to reach on the 3rd floor. Emailing can get you all other specs: sachinheda@gmail.com.

Mr.B.K.Joshi is the design Architect. For more details you could email on the above address.
Disclaimer: My blog by no means supports or promotes the plaza. I have no interest in the same. I am just trying to get to you things in your city, which needs a look.

Lashkar, JKLF, SIMI used Yellamma Gudda as terror camp'

10:02 AM Posted by ukmad

Source: New Indian Express
The obscure Yellama Gudda (hill) in Savadatti taluk in the district has been a training base for dreaded terrorists of Lashkar-e-Toibha, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front and SIMI for the last five to six years.

This was revealed by Asadulla Abubakar, one of the terror suspects arrested in the State, according to sources in the Corps of Detectives.

According to sources, Abubakar, during interrogation, revealed that camps lasting four to five months each, and held every two months, covered bomb making, target practice at forests in Kalghatagi taluk and planning activities.

The hill, spread around 40 sq km and straddling the districts of Belgaum and Dharwad, was frequented by terrorists based in the State.

The shrine, which is the spiritual centre of lakhs of Hindu devotees from Karnataka and Maharashtra, nestles on a hilly terrain and not easily accessible.

The terrorists used to frequent a mosque which had no approach, about five km from the Yellamma Temple.

Hindus and Muslims in Savadatti mingled freely and celebrated festivals together.
Most of the shops located on the premises of the Yellamma Temple belonged to Muslims, who sold pooja articles.
Since the two communities lived with mutual trust, the terrorists went about their nefarious activities without being suspected.
As a result, some unsuspecting residents also provided shelter to the terrorists who identified themselves as Mullas, Fakirs or students. They explained away the guns saying they used them to shoot birds.

Abubakar disclosed that Mohammad Ghouse, Adnan, students of KIMS and a few hoteliers of Belgaum used to visit the centre.

Terror Activities increase

9:55 PM Posted by ukmad

Source: Deccan Herald
A team of Corps of Detectives (CoD) brought Asadulla Abubakar, an ayurveda college student of Hubli suspected to have been involved in terror activities, to Belgaum and took him to several places in the city and Nipani as part of the investigation.

According to sources,  police recovered some explosive materials near Nipani and also visited a madrasa there. Asadulla is believed to have visited this madrasa on many occasions in the past  and also stayed in a hotel located adjacent to it. Asadulla is said to have denied having seen the owner of lodge or his son anytime before.

A treat for Belgaum art lovers

6:40 PM Posted by ukmad

Source: The Hindu
Exquisite: Exhibits that will be displayed during the three-day exhibition of paintings to be held at the Millennium Art Gallery in Belgaum from Friday.

Belgaum: A three-day art exhibition will be held at the Millennium Gallery in Tilakwadi here from Friday.

The exhibition, being organised by the city-based Movable Art Circle (MAC) and sponsored by Chairman of KLE Society and Chancellor of KLE University Prabhakar Kore, will be inaugurated by Mr. Kore's wife Asha P. Kore. Sixty exhibits will be on display. The entry is free. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Eight artists from Belgaum, Kolhapur and Kolkata will participate in the exhibition. While Sadalge, Sunil Mathad and Meenakshi Sadalge are from Belgaum, Sanjivv Sankpal and Atul Dake are from Kolhapur in Maharashtra, and Debashish Gosh, Ranjan Paul, Dipnarayan Paul from Kolkata.
Artist Balu Sadalge told The Hindu on Thursday that a similar event was held in Kolkata last month. The next show would be at Chitrakala Parishat on Kumara Krupa Road in Bangalore from February 21 to 27.
MAC will organise an art camp in which 12 artists, including Somanand Gadakari, P.B. Gavani, Dilipkumar Kale, Chandrakant Kusnoor, D.S. Chougale, V.Guggeri, Anil Prakash, Prakash Sidnal and Udaykumar, will participate.

Petrol Costs: Rs.52.73

1:27 PM Posted by ukmad




In Belgaum Petrol Costs: Rs.52.73 now
earlier its was costing Rs.50.44

Stamp duty on Buildings now 900 per Sq/ft

8:10 AM Posted by ukmad

From now on if u buy a Flat or land you will have to shell Rs.900 per Sq/feet as Stamp duty to the government. This come s to 11% almost.
Earlier the rate was Rs.440 per Sq/feet. A 100% increase is done only with a view to increase the goverenmenrtts revenue. What a way to do it?????

Dark & Rainy Valentines Day

9:23 PM Posted by ukmad

Belgaumites are having a Dark and Rainy Valentines day. The weather was cloudy the whole day. There were some drops of rain in the afternoon in osme areas. But at 7.30pm it started to pour and the showers really turned heavy till 9pm. Now there is no electricity as usual in the whole city. The electricity went off at round 7.40pm.

Anyways to all my readers Wish you all a Happy Valentines Day

Forests or roads? Chorla Ghat

10:11 AM Posted by ukmad

Source: Deccan Herald

Wider roads will lead to increase in traffic, cutting of innumerable trees on the 65 km path, confrontation with wild animals and, above all, increased pollution.

As the world struggles with global warming, pollution, depleting forest and many such similar problems, it is strange how we think of our temporary gains at the cost of Mother Earth. Despite two existing and well maintained routes connecting Goa and Belgaum, there is an attempt to upgrade another one between Panaji and Belgaum via Chorla. This route runs through pristine forests of the Western Ghats and has been in existence for long. Last year the Government came up with a plan to double the width of this road. The present road is quite competent, if repaired well, to carry the present load of traffic.


These are the last tracts of forest remaining with a good amount of trees and wildlife. The elephants use this stretch of land as a corridor to go from one part of the jungle to another in search of water. Because of encroachment in their habitat, there have been several confrontations between elephants and the villagers and as water becomes scarce in summer, these animals are forced to come to areas with thin forest cover in search of water.

At a time when depleting forests and human interference are driving to extinction our co-citizens (wild animals), where is the need for another road? What is the harm in travelling an hour extra, if needed at all, through some beautiful forests rather than speeding in the desert?

Wider roads will lead to increase in traffic, cutting of innumerable trees on the 65 km path, confrontation with wild animals and, above all, increased pollution (noise, air, water). Studies show that there is a direct correlation between the felling of trees and the rainfall pattern in that area.
Rather than bigger roads, why not smaller vehicles? We cannot replace a forest by plantation; we cannot recreate a waterfall or nature. Therefore, we have no right to destroy it. Global warming is high on every country's agenda. We should not cut down our forests in the name of development in emulation of the West at a time when the US and Europe are reeling under the effects of global warming for want of forest cover.
Let this one track maintain the same width. If required, heavy vehicles can be restricted on this road. Let us make the intelligent decision of protecting our forests for our own well being.

Nersa, A Wonderful place

10:13 AM Posted by ukmad

Love the outdoors and don't mind a holiday with an adventurous twist? Then head to the Hermitage Guest House.

Just getting to the farmhouse, located in the Western Ghats in Belgaum district of Karnataka, is an adventure by itself! The village is in the forest range of Londa at the border of Goa and Karnataka.

The Hermitage Guest House is located 45 km away from Belgaum.

The farmhouse is run by David and Morvarid Fernandez who are excellent hosts. While David takes you for exciting walks around the place, Morvarid serves the most delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Make sure you get loads of exercise on those walks and treks so you can do justice to the meals!
David knows the area like the back of his hand and will happily educate you on the plants, trees, birds and other inhabitants of the forest. Don't be surprised if he recounts an adventure about coming face to face with a bear!

For accommodation, do ask for the Machan if it is available. It can be a little shaky, but once you get used to it, you will find it hard to swap it for the comforts of a concrete structure!
It has a little sit-out where you can blissfully gaze into the forest and the mountains beyond.
There is a lot to see if you're adventurous and curious. Deep inside the Londa range there are 200 bats inside a laterite cave. If you want to skip the batty experience, ask David to take you trekking or on a jeep excursion.
There are several scenic spots where you can sit and relax.


The Machan: A home on stilts eleven feet above the ground with great views. Built with bamboo and wood. There is a private western style bathroom at ground level, open to the sky. Look up and delight in the green forest canopy, you will find it far more interesting than a book! Cold running water supplied on tap, hot water available from a 'Bhum', located near by. The Machan is not electrified.

The Kadaba: Built in the traditional style of the area, the Kadaba is a typical village home. Based on a raised foundation of rammed earth, the Kadaba is built of bamboo, wood and mud plaster. Modern western style bathroom, open to the sky, built with bamboo and thatch. Cold running water supplied on tap, hot water available from a 'Bhum' located close by in the recreation area. Not electrified (Two young children can also be accommodated in this cottage.)

The Gota: Is a rural cottage, with cool soothing interiors. The floors are locally made red clay tiles, and the roof is distinctive, because of the old recycled, hand made village tiles. There is a modern western style bathroom attached, with running hot and cold water. The Gota is electrified. (Two young children can also be accommodated in this cottage.)

http://www.thehermitageguesthouse.com/ visit this site for more details.
I havent visited this site but just thought its should be a nice place for a weekend.
With inputs from the website and Rediff.com

Belgaum to get Mayor on March 4

10:07 AM Posted by ukmad

The Belgaum city corporation will at last get a Mayor and a Dy.Mayor on March 4 2008. The Satte govt released a notification in this regard.

Belgaum - A ‘sleeping cell’ for terrorists

10:26 PM Posted by ukmad

Source : http://www.newindpress.com/

According to highly-placed police sources, Belgaum city is a 'sleeping cell' for Islamic terrorists in Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states.A top officer who spoke with The New Indian Express from New Delhi said that Islamic terrorists feel that Belgaum is the safest haven to chalk out their activities to destabilise the government machinery in several other states.

"These terrorists come to Belgaum to hide, and after a few days, they move on," he said.The Union Home Ministry is aware of these developments, and it cannot be ruled out that a few leaders are also 'helping' these fundamentalists, he said. Help may be in the form of money or organising their discourses in the district, he added.

The locals often do not know that they belong to banned organisations like SIMI or Deenadar."In the coming days, the city may become a safe hide-out for terrorists," the officer said.The Union Home Ministry also knows that some people in certain areas of city have 'connections' with the terrorists. Because of lack of evidence, the police are unable to book them, he said.The Home Ministry agrees that SIMI activists are more active in districts like Bijapur, Gulburga and Bangalore. Though their numbers are small in Belgaum, they are slowly inducting the youths, the report warns.
Meanwhile the Express contacted IGP (North), Raghavendra Auradkar, who said that the police are keeping a strict vigil on all foreign students in Belgaum on student visas.The police will visit colleges and check the attendance of foreign students, he said. Auradkar said that the police are also keeping a watch on the deep jungles located around Belgaum as there were possibilities of holding terrorist educative camps there.As Belgaum is surrounded by three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, terrorists believe that it is the safest place to hide. terrorists.