Beautiful picnic trekking spot near Belgaum Nersa and Godholi

11:08 AM Posted by ukmad


In my constant endeavor to give readers information, which others do not, here is another effort on the same lines.

 Belgaum is situated very near to nature and many spots near about 40 kms from the city are unknown to many and undiscovered. 

Here is one great spot. 

This is the beautiful picnic / trekking spot.

 Nersa

 

A veiw at Nersa
A veiw at Nersa















Calm and refreshing
Calm and refreshing













Some adventure over a wooden bridge
Some adventure over a wooden bridge

nersa-1

Crystal clear water
Crystal clear water

nersa-5






















































It is just 40 kms. Away from Belgaum and 15 kms from Khanapur.

This is MANDAVI River, which flows to Goa. This Place is after Nersa, which is 15 kms away from Khanapur.

 How to reach there:

 40 kms from Belgaum 15 kms from Khanapur.

 After Khanapur, take a right turn. Lot of banana plantation is going on due to ample water availability. You can park your vehicle just after Nersa and either go walking or take a vehicle from Nersa because road condition is worst.

nersa-6












WOW looks like Kerala Back waters
WOW looks like Kerala Back waters
Local Tempos will ferry you across like this
Local Tempos will ferry you across like this

 There are locals there who can help you get vehicles, to be on the safer side it is suggested to do a pilot trip first and then one could go along with a huge group. You won’t get anything to eat so take along all your food and water, if you want go there cook you can do that also.

 The best time to go there would be after the rains, all the photos were taken on 14th June, 2009 so you can see crystal clear water there for all to indulge into. As there is no road it is best to go after the rains.

 

 Godholi:

 Hill station like atmosphere at Godholi. This place is 15 kms from Nersa.

a view at Godholi
a view at Godholi
godholi1

You reach to Godholi, which is just like a Matheran, a beautiful hill station. There is a table top before Godholi where one can halt for a night. There are no resorts as yet all is in nature’s best way. You can do a campfire, but I would suggest a day out trip to be on a safer side.

 

Thanks Vijay Bhagwat

Photos: Vijay Bhagwat


BSY in town today for Vikasa Sankalpa

10:11 AM Posted by ukmad

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

6:49 PM Posted by ukmad

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
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 were very curious to know what the bus was about
People stood in line to get into the bus
People stood in line to get into the bus
The inside view full of people
The inside view full of people
Google guys explaining
Google guys explainingStudents in large numbers thronged the bus
Google Bus getting ready
Google Bus getting ready
People from all age groups waiting to get inside
People from all age groups waiting to get inside
The COP is paying complete attention, did anyone find him on orkut or Facebook
The COP is paying complete attention, did anyone find him on orkut or Facebook

Prelude to Firepod postponed

12:13 PM Posted by ukmad

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

9:22 AM Posted by ukmad

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 

img_3589
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

VeerSoudha

Congress Well is now covered
Congress Well is now covered

congresswell-2

The veer Soudha now has a lush green Lawn
The veer Soudha now has a lush green Lawncongresswell-5

Coming back to Belgaum a dream of many

4:20 PM Posted by ukmad

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

7:46 AM Posted by ukmad

Yes this has happened again to Belgaum, the only Kingfisher flight from Belgaum to Bangalore will stop flying from 17th 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

10:44 AM Posted by ukmad


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” (14th 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’ 6th edition), Chandreshekar Subrnamayam(2nd edition), JRD Tata 3rd 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.

 

  1. What is that you first wrote?

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

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

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

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

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.)

 

  1. 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,

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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

10:01 AM Posted by ukmad


You can now pay your BSNL landline bills online on http://portal.bsnl.in/


 You have to do a onetime registration and then add your telephone numbers and then you can view your bills, pay them see payment details and also get SMS alerts of bill being generated on any operator mobile.

 Payment can be made by credit card or net banking of various banks; they are using the bill desk payment gateway.

 A note of caution, don’t wait till the last date for paying your bills online as sometimes you will not be able to log in due to some technical slag. Hence if you are intending to pay your BSNL landline bills online see that you give it a try at least 4-5 days in advance of your dude date.

 Happy talking and paying your bill as well