Beautiful picnic trekking spot near Belgaum Nersa and Godholi

BSY in town today for Vikasa Sankalpa

BSY in town today for Vikasa Sankalpa

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa will inaugurate the “Vikasa Sankalpa” here to mark completion of one-year of the BJP Government in the State. The event has been organized at the District stadium. Preparations have been done on an elaborate manner.

 

Before he inaugurates the Vikasa Sankalpa, he will visit Halga Bastwad and give cheques to the farmers whose land has been acquired for the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha. 

Google Internet Bus Belgaum photos

Have a look at the Google Internet Bus at Belgaum.

Courtesy: http://picasaweb.google.com/internetbusindia/Belgaum#

The Traffic Cops took out time to understand the Internet, May be now they even have a facebook profile

People were very curious to know what the bus was about

People stood in line to get into the bus

The inside view full of people

Google guys explainingStudents in large numbers thronged the bus

Google Bus getting ready

People from all age groups waiting to get inside

The COP is paying complete attention, did anyone find him on orkut or Facebook

Prelude to Firepod postponed

The prelude to Firepod, which was supposed to be held on June 20, 2009, has been postponed, the organizers told this blog.

 Amar of NH4, Band has issued a statement that, they may actually do to free for all shows at local coffee shops instead of the ticketed event.

 More details are awaited and this blog will be following the same. So, stay glued here. The Contest also stands withdrawn.

Name this placeCongress Well also known as Pampa Sarovar

Name this place in the photograph?

This photo is of year 2000, now there have been drastic changes at the spot.

Clue: Very important historically 

Congress Well

The Congress well commonly called as but its actual name was Pampa Sarovar built during the 1924 Congress session to fulfill the water requirement of the whole session for a cost of Rs.4370 & 3 anas.

 

The said Congress well was rebuilt as you see in the above picture and later it was developed as Veer Soudha now.

 Photos: Sujay Nimbalkar

Congress Well is now covered

The veer Soudha now has a lush green Lawn

Coming back to Belgaum a dream of many

Author- R K Patil of Vayavya Labs Belgaum

I read a couple of comments on this blog where people are looking to come back to Belgaum and work in companies located here. I would like to share some of my thoughts to the readers and prospects about ground realities.

While it may be nostalgic to get back to Belgaum, one has to understand and be prepared to work with smaller companies with not really so much name & fame and cash reserves to pay metro-like salaries. One should look at coming to Belgaum to make a career and if possible be a partner/core team member of the companies located here. Aim to grow with the company you are associated with and hitch your commercial returns with the success of company!

There is myth in IT domain as to what really start-up means. I am sure not many people will really experience a real start up life, especially in India.

All those overseas start-ups which come to India with fat salaries, bounty ESOPs, state of the art work place etc are not really "start-ups" In fact they are "started-up" in US or other place and are coming to other geographies for pure business reasons!

Things are however changing, there are home grown companies entirely based in India and then looking at Global market/presence. May be you will get to experience a real 'start-up' life in such firms at a very early stage of formation.

The situation is not any different either in other fields. If you wish to come here and settle be prepared for lesser reward. Cost of living in Belgaum and the metros are unquestionably lower and hence the lower remuneration package might also end up you saving the same amount as you did earlier. But there are limitations to this which one should understand. Belgaum is place which moves on its own pace, there is no hurry as in Mumbai or Pune.

So for all those looking at Belgaum or perhaps North Karnataka as a destination to move please make up your mind and will. While the transition will be challenging it will be rewarding in the long run. The journey itself is an experience!

No more, take offs from Belgaum Sambra airport

Yes this has happened again to Belgaum, the only Kingfisher flight from Belgaum to Bangalore will stop flying from 17^th June 2009. I am saying this as the website is not accepting any bookings after that date. In addition, the booking agents have been told that there would be no flights after 16 June.

  Mumbai – Belgaum route was canceled due to lack of traffic and this time Belgaum Bangalore route is being cancelled due to the same reasons of less traffic it is said. Earlier the Bangalore flight was on all days then it was rescheduled to 4 days in a week and now no more flights.

The worst part of the story then why is that land acquisition was done from farmers for expansion of the airport when there will be no take offs from there. The said Sambra airport is supposed to be completed by 2010, what will fly from there, needs to be seen.

 Fertile farmland from farmers was acquired for the expansion process, why was this done when no airline wants to fly from here. Hasn’t the Airports authority looked into the feasibility? Poor farmers and commuters of Belgaum are loosing on both fronts, farmers lost their land and commuters their way to air travel. 

I asked a frequent traveler earlier on this route and he said, he now prefers the train rather than the air because getting down at the new BIAL airport and then commuting to Bangalore city takes a lot of time and almost half the air fare. This could be one reason for low traffic he added.

 May what the reason is; no more take offs from Belgaum airport. May be it will converted into a museum or even a record of sorts a full fledged airport with no take offs.

 Poor Belgaumites!

Madhuri M. Shanbhag a multifaceted personality Stars of Belgaum

A professor of Physics by profession, now Principal of a leading science college, but she is more known to the world as a writer in Marathi, she is Mrs. Madhuri M. Shanbhag from Belgaum another star of Belgaum. A multi faceted personality who has been a winner on all fronts from home to work and the literary field as well.

 

Over 25Marathi books written by her have been published by noted Marathi publishers, on the subjects like science, fiction, short stories, novels and biographies.  She also translated 4 English books into Marathi, the most notable amongst it being “Agni Pankh” the translation of the book “Wings of fire” written by Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.

 

She has won many awards a list of which is too big to fit hence I have appended it at the bottom. Just to name a few notable awards will include the Lalit Vidnyaan Maharashtra Raajya Puraskaar on two occasions, KATHA Best Marathi short story, 2004.

 

She is very good short story writer with also a passion to translate best works into in Marathi, and the best example are “Agni Pankh” (14^th Edition) the translation of the book “Wings of fire” written by Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam and one written by Kiran Bedi. (As I See, part1 ‘women empowerment, part2 ‘indian police’ part3 ‘leadership and governance; translated as ‘Streeyanche Saxameekaran, Sharateey Polisasevaa, Netrutv aani Prashasan)She is currently working on translating Keep of the grass, smart leadership, ‘Doctors from hell’.

 

Her writing skills are far varied, she also written biographies of Kalpana Chavala (‘Swanankadun Satyakade’ 6^th edition), Chandreshekar Subrnamayam(2nd edition), JRD Tata 3^rd edition.

 

She has also written science Fiction like Punarjanm, Indradhanushya, SAP mungi udalee akashee etc. She has also written novels like Brain Waves and Tamaachya Talaashi. Not just this she has also written a set of poems for the kids.

 

Knowledge grows only when it is shared and with the same perception she has been giving lectures on literary and social topics, translations in and around Belgaum, in different towns of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, M.P., Delhi and many other places.

 

She also spends time for the social uplifment of the society and she is working as a secretary of T.F.E. Society which runs 'Balika Adarsh Vidyalaya' a school for Girls from lowers section of society. She also is an active member of a social organization G.S.B.Samaj’.  She actively participates in the literary organizations like Manthan, Vasant Vykhanmala etc

 

 

Mrs. Madhuri M. Shanbhag is working as a Professor of Physics at Govindram Sekseria Science College (Senior) from 1977. She is currently the Principal of the college.

 

 

 Some excerpts of the interview with Madhuri M. Shanbhag :

 

 

1. When did you start writing and what was your motivation behind the same?

Ans: Well I started late, when my son Manish started going to school, in 1989, I wrote one article and everybody praised it. Then I came to know that I have many more things to tell and the rest is history for me.

 

2. What is that you first wrote?

Ans: The first article I wrote was a ‘lalitlekh’ on my favorite teacher Prof. V.G. Tilagul.

 

3. In all your writings you seem to be influenced by science? Is that because you are a Physics professor?

Ans: Yes, science is something I am in love with, but actually its people which interest me more when it comes to writing. Most of my works are the result of my interest in people. For science, I love to pen influence of science on people.

 

4. Agnipankh was a great success story for you, what inspired you to translate that biography into Marathi?

Ans: Well, I knew Dr. Kalam as a scientist in composites (smart materials), also the chief of five Indian missiles. When I read a small news item  about his autobiography, the son of an illiterate poor boatman of Rameshvar reaching  the highest civil honor, ‘Bharat-ratna’ completely on his merit and intelligence, I thought that it must be very interesting journey. And yes it is.Rests are the details like finding a publisher, who purchased rights and made a contract.

 

5. How has been the support of your family towards all your work? You must have to make balance between home and work and also your writing? 

Ans: I always feel that if you like to do something, you will find time. You even don’t mind forgoing your favorite pleasures. My husband Dr. Mohan Shanbhag is proud of me as a writer. Even my kids are very supportive about my writing. I was also taking care of the house. For a long time children, sansar and my teaching was my first priority.

 

6. What do you like to do most teaching or writing?

Ans: Both are my favorite. Well, nowadays writing is in number one position.

 

7. You have given lectures on so many varied topics and in various places can you narrate some good and bad incidents?

Ans: That will be a long answer. But at this point I will say that good incidences outnumber bad ones.

 

8. What do you like to do when you are not working and also not writing?

Ans: I love to cook, particularly fish dishes. Then chat with my friends on phone, or netchat with my son and daughter. Surf on the net on my favorite sites. Read a book, well there are umpteen things I can think of.

 

9. Are you working on something new these days, what is it another translation or fiction?

Ans: I am translating a book on Second World War, ‘Doctors from Hell’ by Vivien Spitz. I write one article ‘Kshitij’ every first Sunday of month in ‘Saptarang’ (Sunday special of Sakal daily.)

 

10. Who are your idols?
    Ans: Dr. Richard Feynman, (I am writing his biography), Dr.Kalam, JRD Tata, Chandra S. and many more in the field of science. Vijay Tendulkar, Dalavi, Arati Prabhu, G.A. Kulkarni,Shashi Deshapande,

 

11. Reading of books has plummeted in the modern world your thoughts on this?

Ans: Yes, television and e-revolution has done that. But at least in India the literacy rate is increasing and very few have access to e-reading. Besides reading percolates in your mind and TV pictures just fly. You don’t remember the scenes you have seen yesterday till you see today’s episode. I do believe that books have lasting effect on you.

 

12. What are your thoughts on this Site?

Ans: I have not gone through each and every detail,  I will do that very soon but the glimpse is very interesting. Keep it up

 

 

Literary Awards she has got.

 

Lalit Vidnyaan Maharashtra Raajya Puraskaar, 2005

KATHA Best Marathi short story, 2004

Shri. Pu. Na. Pandit Best Short Story collection award , 2004

Kavi Anand award for best short story collection, 2004

Lalit Vidnyaan Raajya Puraskaar, 2003

Shantaadevi Shirole writer award by Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, 2003

Swatantryaveer Saavarkar award for Lalit Vidnyaan, 2000

Mahipati Puraskaar by Sangaati Sahitya Academy for best translation

Shri. Ka. Di. Sontakke award by Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, 2000

Ideal Reader award, Malatibai Dandekar contest – First Prize, 2000

 

 

Published Books

 

Short Story Collection

 Palasaachi Paane

Kaachkamal

Chakawaa

Chehare

Aanakhi Ek Rastaa
Phule ani Patri

Punarvasan

Neersi mohamaya

samudra

 

Science Fiction

 Punrjanma

Indradhanushya

Sap

Mungi udalee akashee

Brainwaves

Tamaachya Talaashi

 

 

Biography

 Swapnakadun Satyakade

Chandrashekhar
JRD

 

 

Translation

 Agneepankha –

Dr. A. P. J. Kalaam Ek Vyaktivedh

Joy of Cancer –

 As I see (three parts)

 

Prayogatun vidnyan (Translation)

(Learning science from experts for children of 6 to 16)

Pay your BSNL landline bills online

Prelude to Firepod on June 20 at Millennium Gardens

Prelude to Firepod a rock show which will mark the beginning of an Annual rock event planned to be held later in the year called Firepod where local talent will come up and perform. The main aim here is to encourage local talent and a Guitar and Drum Workshop, will be held 2 hours before the show begins. Anyone with the ticket will be allowed to enter the stage area and attend this brief workshop. Ideally aimed towards adding more exposure to bands and artistes performing on stage can use this platform as a sense of direction to begin with.

 

 

The Prelude to FirePOD, will be held on 20th June, at 6:00 at Millennium Gardens.

The bands performing are IDIOTEQUE & NH4.

 

IDIOTEQUE:

Vivek Sagar - Guitars, Vocals, Switching bass.

Indranil Roy - Guitars, Vocals, Switching bass.

Amit Nilgar - Drums.

 

Key Influences: Radiohead, ACDC, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath and many more others mostly classic rock, alternative and metal.
Although their influences vary in many forms, you can expect Idioteque to put up a nice set list of Classic Rock hits. The local doctor boys are up with this emergency operation to infuse life into Belgaum's rock and roll scene.

 

NH4:

Rahul Deshpande - Vocals, Guitars

Ajay Deshpande - Guitars

Nikhil Shevade - Bass

Amar Kulkarni - Drums

 

Key Influences - Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden etc.
Although the list is from a band perspective, and each member carries a very distinct preference in music, their love for native town Belgaum and their deep conviction in getting some Rock Music action back into Belgaum gets you to watch NH4 showcase their taste of the classic era. Otherwise influences are as varied as Ajay into heavy progressive rock, Nikhil into Jazz and Blues, Rahul into Progressive and classic rock and Amar into Heavy Metal and Indian carnatic music at the same time!!

Expect to find the boys of the old school rock to have a good time on stage entertaining you with the best of classic all timers!

Sound Engineering: The key idea of the event being awareness of live Rock music for bands in Belgaum a special attention is placed on the Sound.

The sound engineering is highly professional, managed and engineered by Nikhil Mulay, a Sound Specialist graduating from Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune and having with him experience of having worked with many international bands like jazz band Saskia Laroo of Amsterdam, Aurora Jane from Australia and almost all big Indian Bands like Agnee, Strange Brew, Silver, Manasi Scott.
Nikhil Mulay also engineers live stage sound at the prestigious HARD ROCK CAFE, Pune and Soulmate, Pune, both being Pune's hotspots for live shows promoting Rock Music.

 

Workshop:
NH4 and Nikhil Mulay will share experiences of live stage performances and sound in a Sound, Guitar and Drum Workshop, 2 hours before the show begins. Anyone with the ticket will be allowed to enter the stage area and attend this brief workshop. Ideally aimed towards adding more exposure to bands and artistes performing on stage can use this platform as a sense of direction to begin with.

So all those rock lovers, be ready to ROCK !

You can mail Amar for more details of the event: amar.kulkarni@gmail.com