ಲಾರಿ ಕ್ಲೀನರ್‌ ಮಿಲೇನಿಯರ್‌

ನಿದ್ದೆಯಿಂದ ಎದ್ದು ಇನ್ನೂ ಕಣ್ಣು ಬಿಟ್ಟಿಲ್ಲ. ಆಗಲೇ ಸಾಲಗಾರರ ಸದ್ದು. ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ಸಾಲದ ಚಿಂತೆ. ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಮನೆ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಬರುತ್ತಾರೋ.. 3 ಎಕರೆ ಜಮೀನು ಇದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಅದನ್ನು ಮಾರಿ ಸಾಲ ತೀರಿಸಿ ಬಿಡೋಣ ಅಂದರೆ ಮುಂದಿನ ಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ಏನು ಮಾಡುವುದು?

ಅವಡುಗಚ್ಚಿಕೊಂಡು ಬದುಕುವ ಕರ್ಮ. ಸಾಲ ಸುಮ್ಮನೆ ಅಲ್ಲ. ಬಡ್ಡಿಗೆ ಬಡ್ಡಿ ಏರಿ 4 ಲಕ್ಷ ದಾಟಿತ್ತು. ಅಪ್ಪ ಆಗಾಗ ತೀರಿಸಿದರೂ ಬಕಾಸುರನ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆಗೆ ಅರೆಕಾಸಿನ ಮಜ್ಜಿಗೆ ಸುರಿದಂಗೆ. ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ 10 ಜನ ಸದಸ್ಯರು. ಹಾಗಂತ ಈ ಸಾಲ ಅಪ್ಪ, ಅಮ್ಮ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಲ್ಲ. ತಾತ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದು. ತಾತನೂ ಎಲ್ಲರ ತಲೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಹೊರೆ ಇರಲಿ ಎಂದು ಮಾಡಿದ ಸಾಲವಲ್ಲ. ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಮದುವೆಗೆ ವಿಧಿಯಿಲ್ಲದೇ ಮಾಡಿದ ಸಾಲ ಇಡೀ ಮನೆಯನ್ನೇ ಆಪೋಷನ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿತ್ತು.

ನಾಲ್ಕು ಜನ ಅಕ್ಕಂದಿರು. ಒಬ್ಬ ತಮ್ಮ. ನಡುವಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಂತ ಹುಸೇನ್‌ ಬಾಷಾ ತಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ಸಾಲದ ಚಿಂತೆ. ಒಂದನೇ ಕ್ಲಾಸು, ಎರಡನೇ ಕ್ಲಾಸು ಗಂಗಾವತಿಯ ಚಳ್ಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಗಿಸಿದ್ದಾಯಿತು. ಶಾಲೆಗೆ ಹೋದರೂ ಮನೆಯ ಮುಂದೆ ಬಂದು ನಿಲ್ಲುವ ಸಾಲಗಾರರು ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಲ ಸಿಲೆಬಸ್‌ ಆಗಿ ಕಾಡಲು ಶುರು ಮಾಡಿದರು.

ಫೀಸ್‌ ಕಟ್ಟಲು ಹಾಳಾದ್ದು ಬಡತನ ಬಿಡುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಬದುಕನ್ನು ಸಾವರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುವುದು ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯ. ಓದನ್ನು ನಂಬಿ ಹಣ ಮಾಡಲು ಕನಿಷ್ಠ 10-15 ವರ್ಷ ಬೇಕು. ಹಾಗೂ ಹೀಗೂ 8ನೇ ತರಗತಿ ಬಂದು ನಿಂತಾಗ ಮತ್ತೆ ಫೀಸಿನ ಮುಗ್ಗಟ್ಟು. ಆಗ ನೇರ ಹಾರಿದ್ದು ಸಿದ್ಧಗಂಗಾ ಮಠಕ್ಕೆ. ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಊಟ, ತಲೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಜ್ಞಾನ ತುಂಬಿಕೊಂಡದ್ದು ಇಲ್ಲೇ. ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷ ದಾಟಿದಾಗ ಕೈಯಲ್ಲಿ ಎಸ್‌ಎಸ್‌ಎಲ್‌ಸಿ ಮಾರ್ಕ್ಸ್ ಕಾರ್ಡ್‌. ಬಡತನ ಕಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೂ, ಶೇ.80ರಷ್ಟು ಶ್ರೀಮಂತ ಮಾರ್ಕ್ಸ್.

ಮಠದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದರೂ ಮನೆಯ ಸಾಲದ ನೆನಪು ಸುಳಿಯುತ್ತಲೇ ಇತ್ತು. ಆಗ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಸಾಂತ್ವನ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದದ್ದು ರಾಮಾಯಣ ದರ್ಶನಂ. ಹಾಗೆ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಓದುವ ಗೀಳು ಬೆಳೆಯಿತು. ಅದರಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಿತು ಮನಸನ್ನು ನೇವರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳತೊಡಗುವುದು ರೂಢಿಯಾಯಿತು. ಗೊತ್ತಾಗದಂತೆ ಜ್ಞಾನದ ಪರಿಧಿ ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಸಾಗಿತು. ಮೊದಲು ಮನೆಯವರ ಕಷ್ಟ. ಆಮೇಲೆ ಓದು, ಕೆಲಸ. ಈಗ ಅವರಿಗೆ ನೆರವಾಗದೇ ಎಲ್ಲ ಸರಿಯಾದಾಗ ಹೆಗಲು ಕೊಟ್ಟರೆ ಪ್ರಯೋಜನೆ ಏನು?

ಲೆಕ್ಕಾಚಾರ ಮಾಡಿಯೇ 10ನೇ ತರಗತಿ ನಂತರ ಶಾಲೆಗೆ ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ ಹೇಳಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಹುಡುಕಲು ಪ್ರಾರಂಭ. ಈ ವಿಷಯ ಹೇಗೋ ಮೆಹಬೂಬ್‌ ಮಾವನ ಕಿವಿಗೆ ಬಿತ್ತು. ಅವರು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಲಾರಿ ಡ್ರೈವರ್‌ ಆಗಿದ್ದವರು. 'ಬಾರೋ ಅನ್ನದ ಮಾರ್ಗ ತೋರಿಸ್ತೀನಿ' ಅಂತ ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಕರೆತಂದು ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು ಕಂಠೀರವ ಸ್ಟುಡಿಯೋ ಬಳಿ ಇದ್ದ ಲಕ್ಷಿ$¾à ಬ್ಯಾಟರೀಸ್‌ಗೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂಗಡಿ ಕೆಲಸ. ತಿಂಗಳಿಗೆ ಒಂದು ಸಾವಿರ ಸಂಬಳ. ಎರಡು ತಿಂಗಳ ಸಂಬಳ ಪಡೆಯುವ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ಮಾವ ಮರಣ ಹೊಂದಿದರು. ತಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಲದ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಚಿಂತೆ. ಬೆಂಗಳೂರನ್ನು ಸಂಭಾಳಿಸುವುದು ಹೇಗೆ?

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರೆಂಬ ಮಾಯಾಂಗನೆ ಶ್ರೀಮಂತರಿಗೆ ಎಷ್ಟು ಸ್ಪೇಸು ಕೊಟ್ಟಿರುತ್ತದೋ, ಬಡವರಿಗೂ ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಸ್ಪೇಸು ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಸಲಹುತ್ತದೆ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ನಿಜವಾಯಿತು. ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕೆಲಸ. ರಾತ್ರಿ ಅದೇ ಅಂಗಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಲಗುವುದು. ಹೀಗೆ ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷ ತಳ್ಳಿದ್ದಾಯಿತು. ಆದರೂ ಸಾಲ ತೀರಿಸಲು ಆಗಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಅಕ್ಕನ ಮದುವೆಗೆ ಪುಡಿಗಾಸು ಹೊಂದಿಸಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟದ್ದಷ್ಟೇ ನೆಮ್ಮದಿ, ಹೆಮ್ಮೆ.

ಹೀಗೇ ಇದ್ದರೆ ಆಗದು ಎಂದು ಅಂಗಡಿಯ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ದೇವರಾಜ ಅರಸ್‌ ಟ್ರಕ್‌ ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್‌ ಇತ್ತು. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾರ್ಟ್‌ ಟೈಂ ಲಾರಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂಟೆ ಹೊರುವ ಕೆಲಸಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡದ್ದಾಯಿತು. ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಅದೇ ಫ‌ುಲ್‌ಟೈಂ ಆಯಿತು. ಆದಾಯದಲ್ಲಿ 500 ರೂ. ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಯಿತು. ಲಾರಿ ಕ್ಲೀನರ್‌ ಆದರೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಗೆ ದುಡ್ಡು ಸಿಗಬಹುದು ಎಂಬುದು ಅರಿವಾಯಿತು. ಗುಲ್ಬರ್ಗ, ರಾಯಚೂರು ಹೀಗೆ ಲಾರಿ ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೋ ಅಲ್ಲೆಲ್ಲಾ ರೈಟ್‌ ರೈಟ್‌ ಅಂತ ಓಡಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹುಸೇನ್‌. ಲಾರಿಯೇ ಮನೆ. ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಬೇಜಾರು ಕಳೆಯಲು ಒಂದಷ್ಟು ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳು.

ನಾಲ್ಕು, ಐದು ತಿಂಗಳಿಗೆ ಒಂದು ಬಾರಿ ಊರಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಅಪ್ಪ, ಅಮ್ಮನನ್ನು ಮಾತನಾಡಿಸಿ, ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಬಟ್ಟೆ ಕಟ್ಟಿ ಉಳಿಸಿದ ಹಣ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಬಂದಾಗ ಒಂದು ರೀತಿ ಸಮಾಧಾನ. ಆದರೂ ಸಾಲ ನೆನಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಾಗ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮುಂದೆ ನಿಂತ ಅನುಭವ.

ನಾಲ್ಕು ವರ್ಷ ಕಳೆಯಿತು. ಇದ್ಯಾಕೋ ಆಗದ ಕೆಲಸ ಎಂದು ಊರಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಮತ್ತೆ ಪಿಯುಸಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿದ್ದಾಯಿತು. ಆದರೆ ಫೀಸ್‌ಗೆ ಏನು ಮಾಡುವುದು? ಯಾವ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕೂ ಮನೆಯವರನ್ನು ಕೇಳಬಾರದು ಎಂದು ಸ್ವಯಂ ನಿರ್ಬಂಧ ಹೇರಿಕೊಂಡ. ಹಣ ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆ? ಮತ್ತದೇ ಕಂಠೀರವ ಸ್ಟುಡಿಯೋ ಹತ್ತಿರದ ಲಾರಿಯ ಕ್ಲೀನರ್‌ ಕೆಲಸ. ಆದರೆ ಈ ಸಲ ಕೇವಲ ಎರಡು ತಿಂಗಳು ಮಾತ್ರ. ಮೈಮುರಿತ ಕೆಲಸದಿಂದ ಫೀಸ್‌ಗೆ ಆಗಿ ಮಿಗುವಷ್ಟು ದುಡ್ಡು ಬಂತು. ಊರಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಓದಲು ಶುರು ಮಾಡಿದ. ಎರಡನೇ ಪಿಯುಸಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶೇ.86ರಷ್ಟು ಅಂಕ ಬಂದಾಗ ಮೂಟೆ ಹೊತ್ತ ಬೆನ್ನು ನೋವೆಲ್ಲಾ ಮಾಯ. ಶ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ತಕ್ಕ ಪ್ರತಿಫ‌ಲ ಅಂದರೆ ಇದಲ್ವಾ?ಆದರೆ ಸಾಲ? ಇದನ್ನು ತೀರಿಸಲಿಕ್ಕೆ ಯಾವ ಓದೂ ನೆರವಿಗೆ ಬರಲಿಲ್ಲ.

ಹೀಗೆ ವರ್ಷದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಲ್ಕು ತಿಂಗಳು ಮೂಟೆ ಹೊರುವುದು, ಹಣ ಸಂಪಾದಿಸುವುದು. ಅದನ್ನು ತಂದು ಫೀಸ್‌ ತುಂಬಿ ಓದುವುದು. ಹೀಗೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಡಿಗ್ರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೊದಲ ವರ್ಷಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲಿಟ್ಟದ್ದಾಯಿತು. ಕಳೆದ ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತೆ ಫೀಸಿಗಾಗಿ ದುಡಿಯಲು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಬಂದಾಗ ಅದೃಷ್ಟದ ಬಾಗಿಲು ತೆರೆದಿತ್ತು. ಅಚಾನಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಪೇಪರ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ 'ಈ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಉತ್ತರಿಸಿದರೆ ಕೋಟ್ಯಾಧಿಪತಿಗಳಾಗಬಹುದು' ಎಂಬ ಜಾಹೀರಾತು ಕಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಬೀಳುತ್ತದೆ.

ಕೇವಲ 10 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಉತ್ತರಿಸಿದರೆ ಸಾಕು ನಾಲ್ಕು ಲಕ್ಷ ಚಿಲ್ಲರೆ ದುಡ್ಡು. ನನಗೆ ಬೇಕಾಗಿರುವುದು ಇಷ್ಟೇ. ಇದೊಂದೇ ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ ತಕ್ಷಣ ಹಣ ಸಿಗುವುದು. ಮನಸ್ಸು ಲೆಕ್ಕಾಚಾರ ಹಾಕಿ ಕಣ್ಣ ಮುಂದೆ ಕನಸು ನೆಟ್ಟಿತು. ಇದೇ ಗುರಿ ಎಂದಿತು.

ನೋಡಿದರೆ 5 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಉತ್ತರ ಸರಾಗವಾಗಿ ನಾಲಿಗೆ ತುದಿಯಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಒಂದು ಕೈ ನೋಡೋಣ ಅಂತ ಹೆಗಲ ಮೇಲಿದ್ದ ಮೂಟೆಯ ಧೂಳನ್ನು ಒದರಿ, ಲಾರಿಯ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಂತು ಮೆಲ್ಲಗೆ ಎಸ್ಸೆಮ್ಮೆಸ್ಸು ಮಾಡಿ ಮರೆತುಹೋದ ಹುಸೇನ್‌.

ಒಂದು ತಿಂಗಳ ನಂತರ 'ನಿಮ್ಮ ಉತ್ತರ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿಗೆ ಸಂದರ್ಶನಕ್ಕೆ ಬನ್ನಿ' ಎಂಬ ಕರೆ ಬಂತು. ಹಾಗೂ ಹೀಗೂ ದುಡ್ಡು ಹೊಂದಿಸಿ ಸಂದರ್ಶನಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋದರೆ ಅಜಮಾಸು 400 ಜನ ಬಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅವರನ್ನು ನೋಡಿ ಇನ್ನು ಚಾನ್ಸು ಸಿಕ್ಕಂತೆಯೇ, ಸಾಲ ತೀರಿದಂತೆಯೇ ಎಂದು ಕಣ್ಣ ಮುಂದೆ ಗುರಿ ಮೊಗಚಿಕೊಂಡಂತಾಯಿತು. ಆದರೂ ಒಂದು ಕೈ ನೋಡೋಣ ಅಂತ ಸಂದರ್ಶನ ಲೀಲಾಜಾಲವಾಗಿ ಎದುರಿಸಿ ಊರಿಗೆ ವಾಪಸ್ಸಾದ. ಎರಡು ತಿಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನೀವು ಕೋಟ್ಯಾಧಿಪತಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ಆಯ್ಕೆಯಾಗಿದ್ದೀರಾ, ಚೆನ್ನೈಗೆ ಬನ್ನಿ ಎಂಬ ಕರೆ ಬಂತು.

ಆಗಲೂ ಕಣ್ಣ ಮುಂದೆ ಇದ್ದ ಗುರಿ ಒಂದೇ. ಹೇಗಾದರೂ ಮಾಡಿ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಲಕ್ಷ ಸಾಲ ತೀರಿಸಿ ಮನೆಯವರಿಗೆ ನೆರವಾಗಬೇಕು ಅನ್ನೋದಷ್ಟೇ. 'ಪುನೀತ್‌ ರಾಜ್‌ಕುಮಾರ್‌ ಎದುರಿಗೆ ಕುಳಿತಾಗ ಇದು ಕನಸು ಎಂದೆನಿಸಿತು. ಒಂದು ರೀತಿ ಒತ್ತಡ. 10 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಉತ್ತರಿಸಿ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಲಕ್ಷ ಗೆಲ್ಲಬೇಕು. 10 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ತನಕ ಒತ್ತಡದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದೆ. ಆಮೇಲೆ ಫ‌ುಲ್‌ ರಿಲೀಫ್ ಆದೆ' ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಾರೆ ಹುಸೇನ್‌ ಬಾಷಾ. 10 ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ನಂತರ ಜೋಳಿಗೆಗೆ 4 ಲಕ್ಷ ಬಿದ್ದಿತ್ತು. ಇನ್ನೇನು? ಒಂಥರಾ ರಿಲೀಫ್. ಮುಂದಿನ ಒಂದೊಂದೇ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗೆ ಉತ್ತರ ಲೀಲಾಜಾಲವಾಗಿ ಕೊಡುತ್ತಾ ಹೋದರು. ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಕೈಗೆ ಬಂದದ್ದು 1 ಕೋಟಿ.

'ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಲಿಕ್ಕೆ ಆಗೋಲ್ಲ. ನನ್ನ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲಿತ ಪಾಠ ಒಂದು ಕೋಟಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು' ಎಂದು ವಿನೀತನಾಗಿ ಬಾಷಾ ಪುನೀತ್‌ ಎದುರು ಹೇಳಿದಾಗ ಸಭಿಕರು ಎದ್ದು ನಿಂತು ಅಭಿನಂದಿಸಿದರು. ಭಾಷಾ ಕಣ್ಣಂಚು ಒದ್ದೆಯಾಯಿತು. ಒಂದು ನಿಮಿಷ ಕಣ್ಣು ಮುಚ್ಚಿ ಕೂತರು. ಮೂಟೆ ಹೊತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಪೈಸೆ ಪೈಸೆ ಕೂಡಿ ಹಾಕಿದ್ದು, ಸಾಲಗಾರರ ಮನೆ ಮುಂದೆ ನಿಂತದ್ದು ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಟ್ರೇಲರ್‌ನಂತೆ ಸರಿದು ಹೋಯಿತು.

ಇದು ಕನಸೇ ಎಂದು ಕೈಯನ್ನು ಚಿವುಟಿಕೊಂಡರು. ಎದುರಿಗಿದ್ದ ಪುನೀತ್‌ 'ಇದು ವಾಸ್ತವವೇ ಮಾರಾಯ, ಕನಸಲ್ಲ' ಅಂತ ಚಿವುಟಿ ತೋರಿಸಿದರು. ಬಾಷಾ ಅಮ್ಮನ ಕಡೆ ನೋಡಿದರು. ಅವರು ಮಾತಾಡಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಕಣ್ಣೀರು ಮಾತನಾಡಿತು. 

Basti Vaman Shenoy

The title of “Vishwa Konkani Sardar” sits comfortably on his shoulders, an apt one considering his humungous contribution to make Konkani a movement, thus giving an impetus to its growth and revitalization.  Basti Vaman shenoy, 75, is an epitome of what an unflinching devotion can achieve for any cause.  He is a man obsessed with the devotion of promoting Konkani language, literature, art, music and folklore. For the last 15 years since he retired from his banking career, ‘Vaman maam’ as he is popularly known to his close friends, has worked tirelessly devoting his valuable time, energy and experience in making Konkani movement a grand success.  Credit goes to him for being that vital link between the Konkani speaking Christians and Konkani speaking Gowd Saraswat Brahmins (GSBs) in attaining that common goal of enriching Konkani and preserving its identity.

As if a testimony to his devotion for the cause of Konkani, the World Konkani Centre, an abode of Konkani heritage stands in all its majesty and splendor in a 3 acre plot in Shaktinagar, Mangalore.  The centre is his brainchild. This Konkani centre is the outcome of the resolution which he mooted and succeeded in passing it unanimously during the First World Konkani Convention held in Mangalore in 1995.  “Just like Christians have Rome, Muslims have Mecca and Hindus have Kashi etc., I felt Konkani speaking people irrespective of race, creed and caste should have our own institution that could be identified with Konkani”, he says.  His long cherished dream became a reality when the foundation stone was laid for this dream project in 2001 and World Konkani Centre was inaugurated in January 2009.

MAN OF TEAM SPIRIT

A modest person that he is Basti maam doesn’t take credit for what he has achieved. “It was a collective effort” is his typical response giving credit where it is due. “I would not have been able to achieve anything unless I was supported by Konkani well-wishers and fellow activists in my endeavor.  By god’s grace I have been successful at whatever I have put my heart and soul in”, he states.

Born in Bantwal Taluk Basti Vaman Shenoy has been very vocal on the impact the rustic charm of Bantwal had in his life and career. Talk to him for a few minutes and the name of Bantwal crops up in the conversation at least a few times, which shows his affinity to his native place. It was his father Basti Madhav Shenoy and mother Gowri who had profound influence on him, thus shaping his personality.  Madhav Shenoy was a messenger of peace and was the link that ensured peace between the two major communities whenever there was a conflict.  “It was his secular and impartial credentials that brought people of all communities to him.  He was the first man to take harijans into the temple in Bantwal”, he reveals.  Another personality which he immensely drew inspiration from is T.A.Pai.  One  can see Mr. Pai’s photo in his drawing room at Basti Gardens at Thumbe village, with “I saw god in him” written below it.

Needless to say Vaman Shenoy was greatly influenced by the benign personality of his father that became the guiding spirit for him in his endeavor to contribute his might for the cause of Konkani.  Reading was a hobby he cherished since his childhood.  He was a great fan of Jawaharlal Nehru and read his books during his youth.  During his career as a banker he also cultivated the habit of writing in Konkani to the Panchkadai and other periodicals of GSB community.  By this time he was a familiar name in Konkani speaking community and was a known name for his organizing capabilities.

THE KONKANI STRUGGLE

In the early 1990s the need of setting up a Konkani Academy in Mangalore had slowly come to gain momentum.   One can call it destiny or pure co-incidence.  Just a day before Vaman Shenoy was due to retire in April 30, 1992, the then President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Paul Moras and others came to him seeking his support for the Konkani movement to fight for a Konkani Academy.  He willingly extended his whole-hearted support and became the organizing secretary of the jatha that went to Bangalore with a delegation to impress upon the government to sanction an academy.  Soon after, Paul Moras resigned and Vaman Shenoy became the President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal, through which the Konkani movement was spearheaded.

“Efforts were going on in a piecemeal basis for the cause of Konkani but it became a movement from 1992 onwards which culminated in the then Veerappa Moily government sanctioning the Konkani Sahitya Academy in Mangalore in 1994.  A staunch Congressman, Vaman Shenoy used his rapport with Moily and the Konkani Sahitya Academy was formally announced.  Late VJP Saldanha became the first president of Konkani Sahitya Academy.

Having started the movement there was no stopping Vaman Shenoy.  Prof B M Hegde, known for his hold over many languages including Konkani, was the chief guest for one of the Konkani functions when he put the idea of organizing World Konkani Convention.   Konkani Diaspora is spread  all over the globe and Hegde suggested that the time was ripe for uniting the Konkani speaking people  scattered all over the world.  Vaman Shenoy took the hint and began to work earnestly to make the convention a reality. He put his organizational skills to full use, brought together people for the cause, set up committees and core committee and the Vishwa Konkani Sammelan was held in Mangalore in 1995 with great fanfare. He traveled a great deal meeting and organizing people from all walks of life.  “Wherever I went people came together on the basis of Konkani. For the first time Konkani speaking people were longing to come together under one platform.  This spurred me to work with more vigor and promptitude”, he reveals.

About 5000 delegates from 75 centers of India and abroad participated in the 7-day extravaganza held at the Mangala Stadium with the slogan “Integration through language”. The convention was a success as for the first time it created a feeling of bonhomie between the various Konkani speaking people.  The success of this convention fetched the title of “Vishwa Konkani Sardar” to Basti Vaman Shenoy who was instrumental in making it a success beyond expectations.  Never to rest on his laurels he has been working steadfastly to give a final shape to that resolution adopted at the convention resulting in the setting up of World Konkani Centre.

GUIDED BY THE VISION

At his age he has the grit and determination to fulfill the uphill task of realizing his vision, the vision to revitalize Konkani Language in its fullest glory. He feels setting up a brick and mortar building will inspire people to come near the cause. Many philanthropists have extended their support having realized the determination of this man.  Intellectuals from different fields have come forward to contribute to the revitalization of the language and culture with detailed scientific road maps. The Kendra has initiated studies in various departments and a broad frame work has been put to work based on these studies which may result in Revitalization of Konkani language and culture.

The World Konkani Centre gives priority for research and documentation with regards to Konkani art, language, music, folklore etc. It houses a Vishwa Konkani Library, Konkani heritage museum, heritage home, conference hall, open air theatre, studio and hostels to promote research activity.  With the work on the main block being completed other works will be completed in phases.

Basti Vaman Shenoy has embarked on a mass movement called “Vishwa Konkani Abhiyan” from October 2008. 35 places have been identified between Cochin and New Delhi to visit and organize Konkani people for awakening and providing impetus for the future growth of Konkani language.  Age has not come in the way of his travel schedules.  “I can’t live in isolation.  I love being surrounded by people, meeting them and interacting with him”, he confides.

As President of Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation set up at World Konkani Centre, Vaman Shenoy is instrumental in preserving the rich cultural variety of Konkani and as a first step he has been publishing books to help promote Konkani.  He travels all the way from Bantwal to the Konkani centre everyday to oversee the work associated with his responsibilities.

Commenting on the rumored differences of opinion he had with other Konkani activists, regarding usage of a common script to Konkani, Vaman Shenoy minces no words to say that efforts were made by some elements to give religious colour to the whole issue.  “Its only because of non-usage of common script, the Konkani Literature has been unexposed to its own masses spread across four language areas. Konkani needs to be taught to revitalize itself.  It needs to be taught in one common script which has the cross platform compatibility and a robust familial match.  As Konkani is of Indo-Aryan Language family, Devnagari is its natural script.”, he contends. He welcomes the usage of Kannada script too. As President of Konkani language and Cultural Foundation he has published many Konkani Books in Kannada Script.  But he says when we are taking the Konkani Language to schools we should not miss this opportunity to align with a standard platform which will create a large readership base in the future.

NO RESTING ON LAURELS

With age Vaman Shenoy’s enthusiasm has increased.  He travels a lot, eats meagerly and suffers no major ailments.  During his younger days he used to go to the gym in Bantwal where they used to teach traditional Indian form of exercises.  He owes is good health and fitness to what he learnt in his younger days.  He recently lost his wife and lives with his elder son in Bantwal.  His three children are settled well.  He does not have to worry much about home affairs due to his frugal needs and devotes his full time for the cause of Konkani.

His devotion and unbridled enthusiasm is an eye opener for all those who are willing to serve the cause dear to him.  He is a workaholic, sure about his destination and does not give up till he succeeds in achieving his cherished goals.  We need more people like him to continue the Konkani movement for the future growth of Konkani.

HOSPITALS OF KUNDAPURA & DETAILS

Name	Address	Phone
Adarsha Hospital	N. H. -17, Contact Person: Dr. Adarsha Hebbar Email: adarshakundapura@rediffmail.com	-230580
Adarsha Hospital	N H 17 Kundapura Udupi Dist	8254-08254 - 230580.
Adarsha Hospital	NH 17 Near KSRTC Bus Stand	8254-230580 , 231910
CHINMAYI HOSPITAL	Church Road, Kundapura, Udupi Dist. Contact Person: DR. UMESH PUTHRAN Email: umeshputhran@indiatimes.com	-232243
Chinmayi Hospital	Church Road, Udapi Dist	8254-08254 - 232263.
Chinmayi Hospital	Church Road	8254-232243 , 232263 , 233701
Dr.N.R.Acharya Memorial Hospital	NH-17, Koteswara,	8254-261550 , 261270 , 262880
Sri Devi Nursing Home	A. K. G. Road, Voderhobi Contact Person: Dr. K. Bhavani Email: sridevinh@yahoo.com	-230066
Sri Devi Nursing Home	A G K Road Voder Hobli, Udapi Dist	8254-08254 - 230066 / 231022.
Sri Devi Nursing Home	Voderhobli	8254-230066 , 231022
Sri Manjunatha Hospital	Main Road Contact Person: Dr. M. V. KUlal Email: srimohjanathahospital@yahoo.com	-234764
Sri Manjunatha Hospital	Main Road, Udupi Dist	8254-08254 - 230515 / 234764.
Sri Manjunatha Hospital	Main road	8254-230515 , 234764
Vinaya Hospital	Main Rd, Parijatha Bus Stand	8254-230368 , 232202

HOSPITALS OF UDUPI & DETAILS

Name	Address	Phone
Adarsha Hospital	Near Service Bus - Stand	820-2535289 , 2535290 , 2535291 , 2535292
Adarsha Multispeciality Hospital	Near Service bus Stand	820-0820 - 2535289 / 2535290 / 2535291 / 2535292.
C. S. I. Lombard Memorial Hospital	POST BOX NO Contact Person: Dr. Rathish Johnson Email: csi.lmh@gmail.com	-2520334
C.S.I. Lombard Memorial Hospital	P.B.No:5,	820-2520334 , 2520384 , 2526358
C.S.I.Lombard Memorial Hospital	Udupi	820-0820 - 2527455 / 2520334 / 2520384.
City Hospital & Diagnostic Centre	Behind Alankar Theatre , Vidyaranya marg Contact Person: Dr.M.Vishwanath Shanbhag Email: cityhospital_udupi@rediffmail.com	-2536701
City hospital Udupi	Behind Alankar Theatre	820-2524185 , 2530203 , 2524714
City Hospital-Udupi	Behind Alankar Theatre	820-0820 - 2536701 / 706.
Dr. T.M.A. Pai Hospital	Opp: Taluk Office	820-0820 - 2526501 / 2526502 .
Hitech Medicare Hospital	NH.17 Ambalpadi	820-2533331 , 32 , 33 , 34
Hitech Medicare Hospital Research Centre	N H 17 Ambalpady	820-0820 - 2533331 / 2533332 / 3 / 4.
Lalith Hospital	K.M. Marg	820-0820 - 2529847 / 817 / 857.
Mahalaxmi Eye Clinic & Laser Centre	Andrade Arcade, K. M. Marg, Opp. Syndicate Bank Contact Person: Dr. Sandeep Shenai Email: sandeepshenai@yahoo.com	-2523909
Mahesh Hospital	N.H.17, Brahmavar	820-2563956 , 2562656 , 2560756
MAHESH HOSPITAL, Udupi	Nh-17, Brahmavar Contact Person: Dr. Rakesh Adiga Email: maheshhospital@gmail.com	-2562656
Mitra Hospital	Mitra Priya, Udupi Contact Person: Dr. Shreedhar Holla N Email: mitra@mitrahospital.com	-2520828
Mitra Hospital	�Mitra Priya� Udupi	820-0820 - 2520828 / 25212828 / 2521928
Mitra Hospital	Mitra Priya"" old Post office road,	820-2521828 , 2521928
New City Hospital	Opp. Shanieshwara Temple Vidyaranya Marg	820-2593131 to 2593136
New City Multispecialtiy Hospital	Opp. Shanieswar Temple, Kadabettu, Vidyaranaya Marg	820-0820 - 2563131 / 32 / 33 / 34 / 35 / 36.
Prasad Netralaya	12-4 -2A1, A. J.Alse Road, Behind Alankar Theatre.	820-0820 - 2527956 / 2593323 / 24
Prasad Netralaya	#12-4-2AI , A.J. Alse Road, Behind Alankar Theatre,	820-2527956 , 4294176
Sarojini Nursing Home	# 57-1, Hanglur	8254-08254 - 231200 / 230365.
Satya Sai Multispeciality Eye Hospital	Vasuki Towers, Court Road, Near Taluk Office	820-0820 - 2536448.
Spandana Meternity & General Hospital	Manglore Road, Karkala	8258-08258 - 232227.
Surgeon's Hospital	NH.17, Ankadakatte	8254-261087 , 262429 , 261097

Mahalaxmi Shenoy

. Keep posting your great comments and applaud the immense contribution of our Konkani Music artistes to the Konkani world. Your gentle pat on their back will certainly boost their spirit that will encourage them to give their best for Konkani Music. Childhood of Mahalaxmi Mahalaxmi Shenoy who hails from Karkala comes from a family of classical music aficionados. Her father Dr Prakash Shenoy is a cardiologist and mother Bharati Shenoy is a homemaker. Both her parents loved listening to classical music, as a result of which Mahalaxmi was exposed to classical music at a young age. First it was her mother’s lullabies which fine-tuned her young mind to music. Dr Prakash Shenoy who was the officer bearer of Shastriya Sangeetha Sabha at Karkala used to organize music concerts and the venue happened to be just opposite their residence. Mahalaxmi was therefore fortunate to listen to the ‘sound of music’ from her own backyard. It is said that the mother is the first teacher for a child and it proved true in case of Mahalaxmi who began to learn singing Bhajans from her mother at a young age of three to sing them at Kashi Mutt. When children of her age were busy playing with toys and frolicking around Mahalaxmi took to music on her own volition. Of course there was a little bit of enticement from her mother says Mahalaxmi. She recalls that when she first sang her Bhajan at Kashi Mutt her mother had promised to buy her a box full of colourful bangles that were in vogue at the time and the mother was forced to fulfill her promise. It was her prodigious talent that brought her instant recognition and opportunity came knocking at her door when she was given an opportunity to sing in the presence of the mutt’s spiritual guru Sri Sri Sudheendra Theertha Swamiji. “The Swamiji blessed me on that occasion and I have never looked back since then”, explains Mahalaxmi. Entry in to Music Mahalaxmi began to learn Carnatic music from Vidvan late Vyasa Krishna Upadyaya of Karkala at a tender age of 5 and was groomed in the nuances of carnatic music for the next 5 years. Mahalaxmi gave her first classical concert at the age of 10 when girls of her age were still smarting under their childhood pranks. She remembers an incident when she was distracted by the giant wheel which was playing just opposite the venue where she was singing Bhajans in Udupi as a 10 year old. However, it did not affect her performance and she had not allowed herself to be distracted by such incidents after that. Somehow, such distractions were ephemeral for Mahalaxmi and she was back into the familiar terrain practicing music to reach her goal of excelling in it. Her music journey took a turn for the better when Veena Maestro Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhat came to Karkala to present a Veena Mohana concert in 1997. 11- year old Mahalaxmi who attended the concerted was simply in awe of the maestro and his music and on coming home insisted that she wanted to shift to Hindustani genre and her parents had to yield to her whims. It proved to be a wise decision and Mahalaxmi was able to grasp the rudiments of Hindustani music from her guru Vidwan B Yogish Baliga who trained her in this genre initially, giving a sturdy foundation for her in Hindustani music. Making Rapid Strides in Music career Her music career witnessed a major shift when impressed by her rich voice tone and melody Pt Vishwamohan Bhatt took her under his wings as his disciple in 2000. This proved to be a big break for Mahalaxmi who used to attend her school/college and even go to Jaipur during vacations to get her master’s guidance. This association with Pt Vishwamohan Bhatt was instrumental in catapulting her to the top of her dream world in music. Mahalaxmi is also receiving guidance from Hindustani classical musician Pt Ramrao Nayak of Goa to fine-tune her vocal rendering. Mahalaxmi has completed “Sangeet Visharad” from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharv Mahavidyalaya Mandal under his guidance. Even while pursuing her interests in music Mahalaxmi did not compromise on her academics. She completed her High School and Pre-university education from Karkala and joined Alva’s Education Foundation in Moodbidri for her BA. She went on to do MSW from Manasa Institute of Mental Sciences and did her MS in Counseling and Psychotherapy from Kuvempu University. She says she had no difficulty in balancing her academics and music practice saying “where there is a will there is a way”. While initially Mahalaxmi had to follow a rigorous schedule of practice she began to listen to more and more music apart from practicing. Apart from her Gurus Mahalaxmi takes inspiration from music legends like Begum Parveen Sultana, Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Rasheed Khan and others. Though she follows Kirana Gharana her gurus have advised her to pick up the positive aspects of every gharana of music. For Mahalaxmi Begum Parveen Sultana of Patiala Gharana, known as the queen of classical vocal, is her mentor and guide and she just loves listening to her singing. Achievements Mahalaxmi gave her first concert of Hindustani music by performing at the Rotary Club in Moodbidri in 1999. In a music career spanning 13 years she has given more than 650 concerts performing in different parts of India and abroad. While in college her talent came to the fore when she was victorious in the inter-university South Zone Youth Festival in 2006. She shot into national arena when she emerged victorious at the national level youth festival held in Chennai in 2007 in the Hindustani classical music category. From then onwards there have a deluge of achievements to her credit brining her name and fame both at national and international arena. Since then Mahalaxmi has performed at various venues such as at Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh and Guru Shishya Utsav at Varanasi, Karnataka Sangha Mumbai, Salt Lake Festival and Sutanati Parishat in Kolkotta, Prachina Kala Kendra, Chandighar, Maharana Kumbha Parishat, Ustad Amir Khan Memorial Festival at Amritsar, at Mysore Dasara and has given extensive concerts in different parts of Karnataka. These concerts have been like a testing ground for her proving her versatility as a young and emerging singer par excellence. The fragrance of her exceptional music talent has transcended the boundaries of India and Mahalaxmi was invited to perform abroad. In 2007 she performed for Sur Hindol and UAE Amchigele Association in Dubai and followed it with a concert at Dosseinheim in Hidelberg Germany in 2009. The crowning glory of her music career was in June/July this year as she was invited to perform at the World Konkani Sammelan 2012 held at New Jersey. Her 3 months of USA tour has earned her international fame and endeared her to her admirers and fans whose number is on the rise each passing day. In USA she gave 20 concerts and in one of the performances Sitar Maestro late Pandit Ravishankar (who was wheel bound) was present throughout the concert saying he wanted to listen to the performance of his disciple’s disciple. Mahalaxmi has many albums to her credit, one in classical music, two each in Konkani and Kannada Devotional and one album in Hindi Devotional songs. Her classical album “Anagha” was released in 2004. She has composed music for devotional Konkani albums like “Guru Guna Gana” and “Yore Badarayana” and “Eddu Baro Ranga” and “Krishnarpana” albums comprising Kannada dasara padagalu. Recently the latest edition of her Hindi album of Meera Bhajans was released by N A Classical, Mumbai. Mahalaxmi is the youngest artiste to be featured in their list of artistes. She has also sung a few songs for 3 other albums with other singers. Awards Mahalaxmi has made a name for herself in Hindustani classical music at a young age and there have been awards galore for this young music artiste. They include: “Surmani” title from Sur Singar Samsad of Mumbai (2007) “Samskrithi Darshana “ National Youth artist award “Gowda Saraswat Kogile” from managing committee of Sri Kashi Mutt of Bangalore (2008) Abinav Kala Samman from Bhopal (2009) “Young Achiever Award – 2010” from Rotary Club Karkala “Bhaktidhara” from Bhajanamrutha Chennai (2011) Recently Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy has honoured her as a ‘young achiever’ for her exploits in Hindustani classical music. Interview At a young age Mahalaxmi has shown maturity beyond her age and has handled her celebrity status with aplomb. It is not that she has done lot of sacrifices to excel in music, as many of us may tend to believe, she says. She only had to sublimate her talent in a creative way and music was her alley. For some years she did rigorous riyaz getting up early morning doing the balancing act of managing her music and academics. Mahalaxmi says “music was my only temptation” from childhood and I was passionate about music. I had a normal childhood but a select few friends so there was nothing extraordinary about dedicating my time for music. “I believe in the philosophy of working hard for a few years and that hard work would continue to yield good results in later years”, she justifies. When asked what is that differentiates Hindustani from Carnatic music she says “Hidustani music is based on the concept of development and ornamentation of ragas. It is imitation and creativity at its best. I pick up some ragas and mull over them and then practice it. It is for the same reason she listens to music by other artistes and embellishes it in her own style. She has also composed nearly 100 songs in Konkani, Kannada, Hindi and Marathi language and says she enjoys composing in different languages. She recalls gratefully the support she has received from her parents and her older brother Dr Mahesh Shenoy, who is a self-made mimicry artiste, musician and instrumentalist - all rolled into one. “Without my family support I would not have been able to achieve anything. I am grateful to them for their incessant support and encouragement which has made me what I am. It is my parents who saw music in me when young”, she declares. Mahalaxmi doesn’t have any definite future plans but says she would like to dedicate her life to music all her life and serve goddess Saraswati. Conclusion Mahalaxmi Shenoy considers her music talent as god’s gift and she has only nurtured it. She is an inspiration and role model to today’s youngsters who are often accused of (and rightly so) lacking determination and dedication when it comes to classical music. She passionately loves what she does and has been able to continue in the same rhythm from that of a child prodigy into a charismatic young artiste. She has miles to go and in view of her ardor for music she is sure to be among the pantheons in the music field in the years to come.

DR VEERENDRA HEGGADE

Mr.D.Veerendra Heggade was born on 25th November 1948 as the eldest son of Shri Ratnavarma Heggade. The mantle of Heggadeship fell on the young shoulders of Mr.Veerendra Heggade at the tender age of 20, on 24th October 1968. In less than three decades he has not only preserved the essence of the kshetra, but has also achieved remarkable progress in his service to mankind. Shri Veerendra Heggade’s first major act since he became Dharmadhikari was to realise his father’s dream by accomplishing the carving and installation of Bahubali, a feat that carried his heritage to greater heights. Dharmasthala represents religious tolerance wherein the caste, creed and faith of pilgrims are no bars. For here, the Jain Theerthankara is worshipped on the same consecrated grounds as the native Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Shiva). The priests are Vaishnavite Brahmins and the guardian of the temple a Heggade, a Jain by faith. Altogether forming a confluence of faiths that harmonise in belief of the Omnipotent. For those who come in need Dharmasthala is an oasis. Annapoorna Choultry, the beautiful dining hall has been constructed to feed 3000 guests comfortably at one time. Six modern Guest Houses provide generous hospitality to the pilgrims. Mr.Veerendra Heggade unceasingly reaches out to the needy. During the severe drought that almost crippled life in North Karnataka, Mr.Heggade toured these districts, identified the needy and distributed a phenomenal 50,000 sarees. The floods in the South Kanara District in 1974 too saw him extend a helping hand to the flood affected. Yet again in 1992 when surprise floods wreaked havoc in Gadag, the Dharmadhikari was in the forefront, helping resettle victims through donations in cash and building material. The recent floods in Mangalore saw him rush to the aid of the people with a donation of over 2 lakh tiles for reconstruction activity. These are but a few examples of how Shree Heggade continues to be an angel of mercy to those in need. Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project ® (SKDRP), the poverty eradication programme conceived by Shri Veerendra Heggade was commissioned in 1982 and has encompassed all the 81 villages of Belthangady District, covering 18,000 families. The Beneficiaries are the poorest among the poor. The SKDRP has spent more than Rs.10 Crore in developmental projects. This has generated more than Rs.90 Crore besides creating rural employment improving the living standards of the people. In 1995 the SKDRP bagged the FICCI award for its outstanding achievements. In 1972 Shri Heggade introduced the beautiful concept of ‘mass marriage’ at Dharmasthala. Following the tradition of the Kshetra where all religions and castes are welcome, hundreds of couples were married in accordance with their personal religious rites. The expenses for the wedding dress, mangalsutra and wedding feast for a limited number of couple’s guests were all borne by the Kshetra. Today this event has become an annual feature at Dharmasthala with around 500 couples being joined in wedlock on each occasion. This has helped the eradication of social evils like dowry, casteism, untouchability and financial debt. In the field of health care, Mr.Hegde’s contribution is unlimited. The Mobile Hospital established by him is fully equipped to deal with emergencies and provide medical treatment to the rural folk at the inaccessible interiors of Malnad area. A modern T.B.Sanitorium is built by Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Medical Trust to give relief to the patients of tuberculosis.The Ayurvedic Hospitals at Udupi and Hassan provide Ayurvedic medicines as per the ancient text. The Nature Cure Hospital built on the banks of the Netravathi River, has created renewed faith in the system based on the five elements of Air, Earth, Ether, Water and Light. SDM Eye Hospital at Mangalore, is one of the most modern allopathic eye treatment centres.The SDM Dental Hospital caters to regular dental needs and specialised treatments such as oral implants, surgery for cleft lip and other orthodontic surgeries. Shri Heggade has been actively involved in propagating the practice of Yoga, the ancient system of fitness. Surya Namaskara Camps are regularly organised where Yoga is taught to the masses. Further 250 high school teachers are trained in Yoga every year, who in turn teach at least 100 students each. Shri Manjunatheshwara Cultural and Research Foundation established by Shri Veerendra Heggade conducts research on religion, literature, arts and crafts. The ancient scripts are being deciphered by scholars and experts and translated into modern language so that the gems of ancient literature may once again find their true place in Indian literature. Manjusha, the museum established by Shri Heggade displays the cultural artifacts of the past. His collection of horse driven carriages and vintage cars have been restored to pristine condition and everyone of them is totally roadworthy. Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust has been s established for the preservation of temples. Shri Heggade has been instrumental in bringing about the revival of Yakshagana, the ethnic dance-drama unique to the district of Dakshina Kannada. He has started a school for Yakshagana were budding artists are trained in the intricacies of this highly demanding art form. The ancient ethnic crafts, Navalgund Carpets and Kasuti Embroidery have been revived on a non-profit basis. Shri Veerendra Heggade has established many new experimental and contemporary educational institutions. The Rathna Manasa free hostel provides free boarding and lodging for students of the 8th, 9th and 10th standards. He has to his credit set up 4 Higher Primary Schools, 4 High Schools, 12 Colleges and 12 Other Institutions. Considering the magnanimous service rendered by Dr.D.Veerendra Heggade to mankind, several organizations, Universities, Government Bodies have honoured him with awards. In April 1993 he was honoured with the title ‘Rajarshi’ by Dr.Shankar Dayal Sharma, President of India. For his social work in 1985, the Government of Karnataka honoured him with ‘Rajyotsava Award’. Several Religious Mutts have conferred honourific titles such as ‘Dharmarathna’, ‘Dharmabhushana’, ‘Paropakara Dhurandara’ and ‘Abhinava Chavundaraya’. Public Relation Society of India, Bangalore honoured Shree Heggade ‘Man of the Year’. In 1994 he was conferred with ‘Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award’. Mangalore University honoured him with a Doctorate causa honoris.

KARAVALI RECIPES

KARAVALIENS make the most of nature’s bounty – most of which is free, organic and readily available in our own backyards. Since Karavaliens coastline is dotted with beautiful houses with tiled roofs most homes have front or backyards that give them the luxury of growing their own vegetables like Ivy Gourd (tendli), Field Marrow/Madras Cucumber (mogem/southe kai) or Malabar Spinach (valche baji/basale). Every garden has at least one or more of these seasonal fruit bearing trees such as Pineapple, Jackfruit, Cashew, Mango, Love Apple etc or those that provide goodies all year round – Coconut, Banana, Papaya & Guava. The advantage of being on the coastline is being blessed with the abundance of the ocean. The Arabian Sea provides seafood and thus livelihood to our people. The Mogaveera community is the one that manages the local fishing and marine business. The day’s catch is best bought off the docks where at dawn the fish is auctioned. Sadly, many local people complain that the best of the ocean’s bounty is exported making it a very expensive and unaffordable source of food for people belonging to the lower strata of the society in Mangalore. The Coconut tree – Kalpvriksh: The coconut tree that is revered across India as the ‘Kalpvriksh’ (divine tree that fulfils wishes) and is found in abundance along India’s coast also finds a place of significance in Mangalore. So much so that every part of this tree is made use of. The fruit of this tree – the coconut in its tender or ripe form provides nourishment to the body and hence a major chunk of Mangalorean recipes are coconut based – whether sweet or savoury. The coconut finds its way into a dish – ground or grated, with its milk extracted or even in the form of oil – the coconut is ubiquitous to Mangalorean cuisine. KOTTE Rice is a Religion: The love of rice walks in tandem with the love of coconut in Mangalore. When we think of breads, sweets & savouries we think of ‘rice’. Yes, besides eating rice in its virgin form (piping hot steamed rice), we transform it into several breads made of rice batter that is most often steamed in a steamer or thondor as we call it in Konkani or fried on cast iron griddles. We use different varieties of rice for meals and in the preparation of rice breads. Mangalorean recipes like Rice cakes (Idlis & Sanna), Pancakes (Neer Dosa, Dosa, Appams, Rotti/Bhakri), Stringhoppers (Sevai/Sheviyo/Shavige) are all popular breads that are part of all sub-cuisines and are eaten for breakfast, along with curries (vegetarian or non vegetarian) during mealtimes and are often sweetened with jagggery & coconut and served as an evening tea time snack. Neer Dosa with a sweet filling (called as Portha Polay in Konkani) is one of my all time favourites. Kidiyo Typical snacks & munchies: Tea time snacks also bring to mind a host of typical Mangalorean sweets & savouries that are made in homes as well as road side eateries & hotels (restaurants). While the Masala Dosa (Crepe served with a semi-mashed potato filling) & Goli Baje (Deep Fried Savoury Maida Fritters) have gone global thanks to the chain of ‘Udupi restaurants’ mushrooming in every city, the Neerulli Bajje (Onion Pakodas/Fritters), Mangalore Buns (Deep fried Banana Pooris), Chattambade (Gram fritters), Uddina Vade (Medhu Vada/Savoury Donuts), Sheera (Sweet Semolina Pudding), Sajjige-Bajil (Savoury Semolina & Beaten Rice Combo), Podi (Breadfruit or Banana fritters) still remain to be favourites of every Mangalorean living in or outside of Mangalore. If you visit any of these small restaurants in Mangalore it is a delight to listen to the waiter rattle off the menu in one breath – making it impossible to make a decision! While most of Mangalorean snacks are deep fried, there are a lot of healthier ones too. Today, I’m sharing a recipe of one of the less sinful delights which remains to be my childhood favourite. Typically made by the Brahmin community on weddings and festive occasions, it is prepared by hired cooks ‘Adige Bhatta’ on the previous evening of the function. Mithai Laddoo/Boondi Laddoo is a famous preparation along with the Holige and both are a popularly available at almost all bakeries in Mangalore. Holige keeps well for 2-3 days and hence an ideal snack for kids or need to carry travel snacks that don’t go bad soon. So if you are keen to try out some typical Mangalorean recipes with a touch of each of its sub-cuisines then why don’t you start your day with a hefty breakfast of Neer Dosa & Curry Leaves Chutney. A hearty lunch consisting of Kori Ghassi & Kottige will leave you licking your fingers. A delicious, nutritious Vorn will end the meal on a sweet note. A light tea time snack of Holige and a simple dinner of steamed rice, Dali Tove and Clam Sukka and will complete your day. Hope you have enjoyed reading the articles on Mangalorean cuisine. I will be back in a few days with the final part of the series focusing on Catholic food traditions.

Mangalore: Konkani Shikpa Sambhram 2013

8 April Mangalore: Milagres College Principal Fr. Francis Xavier Gomes said that the Konkani’s future is in hands of Konkani teachers. Not only teaching Konkani but implementing Konkani in other activities is also very important. He was the chief guest of ‘Konkani Shikpa Sambhram-2013’ which was organized in Kalaangan by Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Mandd Sobhan. The programme was for Konkani teachers. The president of Konkani prachaar committee Roy Castelino said that in past six years, there is much revolution in Konkani field. The teachers should continue this level while teaching Konkani. Rony Crasta arranged quiz for teachers. Konkani Langauge scholar Rev. Prathap Naik gave some information on Konkani teachings. Late Jessy castelino memory prize for the best Konkani teacher was given to Ivan Mascarenhas, teacher of Bejai Lourd’s Central school. The prize consists of Rs. 5000 and a momento. Academy registrar Dr. Devdas pai, Mandd Sobhann President Stany Alvaris, Eric Ozario, Sanchalan secretary Anil D’cunha were on the stage. Lewis J. Pinto, Melka Miyar, Academy members Mahesh nayak, Rony Arun, Soniaq Monteiro, Sandeep Monteiro were present on the occasion. Vithori karkal hosted the programme. There were total 90 teachers all over from D.K. and Udupi district have participated in the programme.

ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಧಾರವಾಡ ಪೇಡಾ !!!!

ಧಾರವಾಡ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಪ್ರವಾಸ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳುವವರನ್ನು ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸುವ ಹತ್ತು ಹಲವು ಸಂಗತಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಧಾರವಾಡ ಪೇಡ ಕೂಡ ಬಹುಮುಖ್ಯವಾದುದು ಎಂದರೆ ಅತಿಶಯದ ಮಾತಾಗಲಾರದು. ಸುಮಾರು 150 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಸುದೀರ್ಘ‌ ಇತಿಹಾಸವಿರುವ ಈ "ಪೇಡಾ' ಇತರ ಪೇಡಾಗಳಿಗಿಂತ ಭಿನ್ನವಾಗಿದ್ದು ತನ್ನದೇ ಆದ ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ರುಚಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟದಿಂದ ಹೆಸರುವಾಸಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. "ಧಾರವಾಡ ಪೇಡಾ'ದ ಮೂಲ ಹೆಸರು "ಠಾಕೂರ ಪೇಡಾ' ಎಂದು. ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದೂವರೆ ಶತಮಾನದಷ್ಟು ಹಿಂದೆಯೇ ಉತ್ತರ ಭಾರತದ ಲಕ್ನೋದಿಂದ ಧಾರವಾಡಕ್ಕೆ ವಲಸೆಬಂದ ಠಾಕೂರ ಕುಟುಂಬದವರು ತಯಾರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಈ "ಪೇಡಾ' ಕಾಲಕ್ರಮೇಣ "ಧಾರವಾಡ ಪೇಡಾ' ಎಂಬ ಹೆಸರಿನಿಂದ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯಗೊಂಡಿತು. ಜನರಿಂದ ಜನರಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಚಾರಗೊಂಡ ಇದು, ತನ್ನ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟದಿಂದಾಗಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ, ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರ ಹಾಗೂ ಅಂತಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಮಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲೂ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಪಡೆಯಿತು. ಸುಮಾರು ನಾಲ್ಕೈದು ತಲೆಮಾರಿನಷ್ಟು ಹಿಂದಿನಿಂದ ಠಾಕೂರ ಕುಟುಂಬ ಅತಿ ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಂಯಮದಿಂದ ಈ ಸಿಹಿತಿಂಡಿಯನ್ನು ತಯಾರಿಸುತ್ತ ಬಂದಿದೆ. ಯಾವುದೇ ರೀತಿಯ ಕೃತಕ ಬಣ್ಣ ಇಲ್ಲದೇ ರಾಸಾಯನಿಕ ಬಳಸದೇ ಕೇವಲ ಶುದ್ಧ ಹಾಲು ಮತ್ತು ಸಕ್ಕರೆಯ ಹದವಾದ ಮಿಶ್ರಣದಿಂದ ಸ್ವತಃ ಕೈಯಿಂದ ತಯಾರಿಸಲ್ಪಡುವ ಈ ಪೇಡಾ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯವಾಗಿ ತನ್ನದೇ ಆದ ಸ್ವಾಭಾವಿಕ ಬಣ್ಣದಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿರುತ್ತದೆ. ಠಾಕೂರ ಕುಟುಂಬದವರು ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಪೇಡಾದ ಮೂಲ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟವನ್ನು ಕಾಯ್ದುಕೊಂಡು, ಸೀಮಿತ ಪ್ರಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ತಯಾರಿಸುವ ಈ ಪೇಡಾವನ್ನು ಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಗ್ರಾಹಕರು ಸರತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಯುತ್ತಾರೆ. ತಲತಲಾಂತರದಿಂದ ಹರಿದುಬಂದ ಈ ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಕಲೆ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯತೆಯ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಅನೇಕ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪುರಸ್ಕಾರಗಳನ್ನು ತಂದುಕೊಟ್ಟಿದೆ. ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ಈ ಕುಟುಂಬಕ್ಕೆ 1999ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರಕಾರದ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ, 2001ರಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದಿರಾ ಪ್ರಿಯದರ್ಶಿನಿ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ, 1913ರಲ್ಲಿ ಲಾರ್ಡ್‌ ವಿಲ್ಲಿಂಗ್ಟನ್‌ ಮೆಡಲ್‌, 2002ರಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜೀವಗಾಂಧಿ ಎಕ್ಸಲೆನ್ಸಿ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಮುಂತಾದವು ಲಭ್ಯವಾಗಿವೆ.

BENIFITS OF SPICY FOOD

They may give you heartburn, but they also have great health benefits when consumed in moderation -- here are a few positives associated with spicy foods. Spicy food is enjoyed all over the world because spices add an incredible amount of flavour to what you eat. Cultures all over the world have dishes that excite and stimulate your palate with spices and add heat and taste to everyday ingredients. But if you like spicy food like chillies, curries and hot sauces, there is so much more to look forward to. Recent research shows that adding some spice to your meal can provide more health benefits than previously thought. Yes, you heard it right -- in addition to making your taste buds sizzle, spicy foods comes with some perks. These include: Weight-loss: Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which can speed up metabolism and help the body burn calories faster. This is because capsaicin increases your body temperature and contributes to an increase in your heart rate. Furthermore, studies have shown that people who eat spicy foods eat smaller portions, which can reduce their calorie intake. Heart health: Pungent food is good for heart: Hot peppers help to improve heart health by improving the body's ability to dissolve blood clots. Research has shown that low-density cholesterol (LDL or bad cholestrol, which can clog your arteries) resisted oxidation for a longer period of time when chillies were added to the diet, thus reducing the heart stroke risk. The capsaicin in peppers also fights inflammation, which has been identified as a risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, statistics show that cultures that eat spicy foods frequently have a much lower rate of heart attacks and stroke. Improved circulation: Spicy foods also promote good circulation, and they appear to lower blood pressure. When you eat spicy food, your body's temperature is raised; therefore, it increases your blood flow and gets your heart pumping. Peppers help strengthen the blood vessel walls as they are high in vitamins A and C. Anti-cancerous properties: Many studies have shown that regular consumption of chillies and curry decrease the risk of cancer. Capsaicin slows the growth of cancer cells and in some cases, even causes the cancer cells to die off without harming the surrounding cells. In countries where diets are traditionally high in capsaicin like India and Mexico, people tend to have lower rates of some cancers. Improved digestion: Spices also improve your digestion because they increase the hydrochloric secretion of your stomach. This in turn will increase blood flow to the stomach and even increase the mucous lining. Capsaicin also helps to kill bacteria like H. pylori and helps to prevent or cure stomach ulcers. However, if you get heartburn from spicy foods, try taking an antacid relief tablet which will neutralise acids in the stomach. Arthritis: Turmeric (haldi) reduces joint inflammation and bone destruction. Circumin present in turmeric helps to alleviate the pain associated with arthritis. Cold and flu: Capasicin promotes sweating and eases the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms. It also helps to open up the nasal passages. It may also reduce sinusitis, and other flu symptoms. Improved sleep patterns: Australian researchers have found that people who regularly consumed spicy meals fell asleep more easily. They also woke up easier and had more energy throughout the day. Mood lifters: Chillie peppers boost the level of endorphins and serotonin, both of which dull pain and give us a feeling of wellbeing. They can act as depression fighters and powerful stress relievers. Improved breathing: Hot peppers act as an expectorant, and can help people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, sinusitis and other respiratory conditions breathe easier. Hot peppers can help you to breathe better by opening up clogged nasal passages. It is important to take spicy foods moderately, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or simply a low tolerance for them. Learn to have your food medium-spicy and hot to enjoy the amazing heath benefits that go along with it.

GREENATHON GO GREEN CAMPAIGN BY PEOPLE THE VISION

PEOPLE THE VISION is the social organization of youths of Kundapura. Our aim is help people. We work with people who have been socially excluded or who are experiencing crisis. Our role is to provide support to enable service users to help ourselves. We maintain professional relationships with service users, acting as guides, advocates or critical friends. OUR first to make whole nation green.... We are starting GREENATHON GO GREEN CAMPAIGN Go Green Concepts: 1.Garders and Vegetation plots at each Residential Area: Every Home should maintain a garden which cultivates crops using good quality fertilizers & pesticides. Contributing a certain area of the garden for vegetation leads to betterment of Environment or Nature. 2. Comfrots of a city with facilities of village: As we are busy in our daily lives with our routine activities, start growing vegetable plants nearby home as hobby. Extra work / pressure you think? Well watering the plant in the morning and evening doesn’t look like a work. This gives the place a look of city at the same time the mild climate and greenery of the village. By adding two simple concepts in our daily lives we can keep our Nature Clean – Healthy - Green What is Greenathon-Go Green Campaign? Greenathon campaign is a simple project conducted by People The Vision in which participants grow vegetables at their home. They sow the seeds, water it, nourish it and when the vegetables grow they utilize it for themselves. Who can participate? Any one who is interested, who is having interest to grow vegetables can participate. How to participate? The Greenathon project will be conducted from March 25th to May 25th 2013.During this, Participants will grow vegetables, at each stages of growth, i.e germination, flowering and harvest they click snaps and send to our mail box, peoplethevision@gmail.com. Participants can post the snaps in our FB event page. People The Vision team will post the snaps in website as well as in our FB fan page. It is as simple as this. MOST IMPORTANTLY THEY CONSUME THE SELF GROWN VEGETABLE!!! Why Greenathon? The main objectives of conducting this campaign are 1. Growing plants helps creating healthy atmosphere and increase oxygen level. 2. There is need of taking serious attention towards agriculture. As technology is growing with pace, People already have lost interest in growing crops, which in future can lead to a big crisis in food and consumables. The available agricultural land are acquired and are converted into commercial places. The day is not so far where we start begging for food products. Hence creating awareness through this project. 3. The vegetables will be consumed by participants itself which keeps them fit with health, and for above all they will be investing only a bit of time to water and nourish the plants. PS: People The Vision has already distributed seeds to 150+ students. Some have already started growing it. Best of luck to all of them. Happy harvesting!! FOR MORE DETAIL : PEOPLETHEVISION.COM Create Food!!! Feed More!!! Kill Hunger!!!

P JAYARAM BHAT

Dakshina Kannada District known for its banking tradition is rightly called as the cradle of banking. Karnataka Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in the country also began its journey in this coastal district 85 years back, has today emerged as a leading financial service institution in the country. Karnataka Bank Limited (Kannada: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಲಿಮಿಟೆಡ್) is a private sector banking institution based in the town of Mangalore in Karnataka, India. The Reserve Bank of India has designated Karnataka Bank as an A1+-class scheduled commercial bank. The bank now has a national presence with a network of some 503 branches across 20 states and 2 Union territories. It has over 5844 employees and 4.84 million customers, including farmers and artisans in villages and small towns throughout the country. Its shares are entirely privately owned by some 86,868 shareholders For the fiscal year ending 31 March 2011, the total interest earned was 2370.84 crores. The total income for the bank was 2662.60 crores and the expenditure, 2307.31 crores, thereby yielding a profit of 204.61 crores. The Karnataka Bank has been striving to keep pace with advances in banking technology by adopting core banking and Internet banking, and establishing its "MoneyPlant" automated teller machine system. The bank has the Best Bank Award for "Managing IT Risk" under small bank category for the year 2010-11, instituted by Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT). Shri Anand Sinha, deputy governor, Reserve Bank of India and chairman, IDRBT presented the award to Shri P. Jayarama Bhat, managing director at a function held in Hyderabad on 4 August 2011 in the presence of Shri B. Sambamurthy, director, IDRBT. In August 2008, Karnataka Bank received the Sun and NDTV Green IT Award. Sun Microsystems and NDTV gave the award to in recognition of the bank's "green policies" and use of earth-friendly technology such as solar power. The Karnataka Bank was incorporated on February 18, 1924, as the Karnataka Bank Limited and commenced business on May 23, 1924. Its founders established it at Mangalore, a coastal town in the Dakshina Kannada district of Madras Presidency.[12] Among the founders, who created the bank to serve the South Kanara region was B. R. Vysaray Achar. Another important personality associated with the bank was K. S. N. Adiga, who served as Chairman from 1958 to 1979. 1960: Karnataka Bank acquired the Sringeri Sharada Bank, which was established in 1942 which had four branches. 1964: Karnataka Bank took over the assets and liabilities of the Chitradurga Bank (also known as Chitladurg Bank), which was established in 1868 in Mysore State and was the oldest bank in Mysore. 1966: Karnataka Bank took over the assets and liabilities of the Bank of Karnataka, in Hubli. Bank of Karnataka was established in 1946 and had opened one branch in Belgaum in 1947. At the time of the acquisition, Bank of Karnataka had 13 branches. In 2000, Karnataka Bank signed a memorandum of understanding with Infosys Technologies to develop a core-banking solution called FINACLE.[13] Over 221 branches were networked up to March 31, 2004.[14] The main motto of this programme is "Anytime/Anywhere banking". In 2002, the bank concluded a pact with Corporation Bank for sharing its ATMs.[13] A year later, the bank introduced the Moneyplant card that allows customers to withdraw money from any of their Karnataka bank accounts. In September 2003, the bank shifted its head office from Kodialbail to Kankanady. [edit]List of chairmen B. R. Vyasaraya Achar 1924-1958 K. Sooryanarayana Adiga (November 23, 1958-February 15, 1979) K. N. Basri (February 15, 1979-February 19, 1980) P. Raghuram (June 16, 1980-June 15, 1985) P. Sundar Rao (September 11, 1985-September 10,1989) H. M. Rama Rao (January 11, 1990-January 11, 1993) U. V. Bhat (June 28, 1993-June 27, 1995) M. S. Krishna Bhat (July 12, 1995-July 11, 2000) Ananthakrishna (July 13, 2000-July 11, 2009) P. Jayaram Bhat (for next three years from July 12, 2009) In August 2008, the Karnataka Bank introduced Quick Remit, a facility to make money transfer easy for Non-Resident Indians living in Canada, USA and the UK. The bank also runs a 24-hour Internet banking service called Moneyclick. Karnataka Bank offers multi-branch banking, deposit schemes as Abhyudaya cash certificate, fixed deposits, ready money deposit, Soulabhya deposit, cumulative deposit, Platinum lakhpathi, insurance linked savings bank deposit, K-Flexi deposit, resident foreign currency (domestic) account, NRI services, Senior Citizens Deposit Scheme and loan schemes as Vidyanidhi education loans, Apna ghar home loans, car finance scheme, Varthak loans, Easy ride, Scheme for salaried persons, Udyog mithra, Niveshan loans, Krishi card, K-Power, Lease ‘n’ Encash, Suvarna Nidhi, InstaCash and VahanaMitra. Aiming High No doubt Jayarama Bhat has a laborious task ahead to carry on the mantle of ‘providing the pleasure of banking’ to its esteemed customers and also establish its own presence all over the country, which it lacked till recently. This ever smiling CEO has taken up the responsibility with panache and is proving to be a hard task master when it comes to making Karnataka Bank the numero uno private sector bank in the country. “That is certainly the long term goal of the bank”, he assures. To carry on the 85 years legacy is not an easy task but he has warmed up to the task ahead. Behind the smiling face there is a calculative mind with a clear vision for the bank’s growth for the next five years to start with, and the 36 years of experience serving in this bank will certainly keep him in good stead in implementing this vision. “The foremost tasks on hand are to double the banks present turnover of 33,000 crores in the next 3 years. We are also expanding aggressively in the north where we had a very marginal presence till a few years back. From the present 453 branches we would like to go up to 475 branches by March 2010. So far we have presence in 20 states and 2 union territories and we would like to expand further. It is a continuous process”, he states explaining the major thrust of his vision. The confidence he exudes is in tune with his personality. A topper in academics all throughout except in BSc where he had to be content with a second rank, Jayarama Bhat was born on 14th November 1951, which is incidentally Children’s Day and he exudes a childlike sincerity in him. A native of Polali in Dakshina Kannada he had his early education in Polali and Gurpur and graduated from St Aloysius College, Mangalore. He completed his MSc in Chemistry from Mysore University with a first rank. He also completed CAIIB Examination in 1986. After his post graduation he served as a lecturer for a brief period in Chickmagalur and in Mulki before the banking job beckoned him. “My father was a Purohit but he ensured that all the 7 children were educated despite being poor. My three brothers and engineers and two sisters are retired teachers. My elder brother now carries on the tradition of my father”, says this soft spoken CEO. At a time of global meltdown and with cut throat competition in the banking sector Karnataka Bank is sitting pretty and is marching ahead by adopting a slightly aggressive policy of expansion. At this critical juncture the dynamic and suave P Jayarama Bhat has assumed the challenging responsibility as its Managing Director and CEO, a charge he assumed since July 2009. He took over the reigns from Ananthakrishna, who was at the rudder as its Chairman for nearly a decade. Jayarama Bhat’s appointment at the top has been approved by the RBI for the next three years which might be extended after the completion of the present term. Losing a Scientist One would have expected him to take up a career in Science considering his P G in Chemistry. “Those days there was no clear road map as regards the career. I wanted to do doctorate in Science but considering the situation those days a job was much more sought after and generally people relied on the suggestion of others. Getting a job was the top priority and when Karnataka Bank advertised for the post of probationers I applied and was selected”, he recalls. Does he regret not pursuing the doctorate he wanted to those days? “No. In fact it is the people say they have lost a good scientist after I chose banking as a career. But I have no regrets. In fact people with science background make better bankers because of their analytical mind”. He, however, accepts that if he had not taken the banking career he would have taken to teaching. He joined the Karnataka Bank as a Probationary Officer in 1973 in Bangalore and was promoted as manager within 3 years. For 14 years he served as Branch Manager in different capacities before he was posted to the Head Office in Mangalore. “Initially it was little difficult to cope with the job but we were provided training which made the beginning smooth. Working as manager called for long hours in the office and Jayarama Bhat candidly says “being a bachelor helped as I could devote more time in office without bothering about family responsibilities those days”. He was promoted as Chief Accountant in 1994 and since than he has held diverse positions of responsibility before he assumed the top most post as Managing Director and CEO of Karnataka Bank in July this year. “We are mainly competing with private sector banks which don’t have the legacy problem. They are not obliged to serve in the rural areas. We are called the old generation private sector banks whereas other private banks are called new generation banks. Our strength is rural and semi-urban and with this legacy we are marching ahead competing with new generation banks”, he says. Aggressive Expansion It goes to the credit of the bank that they have been expanding aggressively in the north making their presence in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan where the bank is getting good response. The fact that the bank has been eliciting good response from the northern states is a good sign to spread its network in these states. The bank has 8 regional offices at present which may be increased keeping in proportion in the increase in the number of branches. “The health of the bank is in good shape” says Jayarama Bhat. Last year the bank paid 60% dividend. The non performing assets (NPA) are less than 1 percent and the capital adequacy ratio is 14.38% against the minimum 9 percent. “This is a very good indicator showing our strength”, he declares. The bank is into infrastructure financing in a big way and is also in retail sector like providing housing loans, educational loans, gold loan and all types of corporate advances. The bank is now aiming at 15,000 crore advances and 24,000 crore deposits by the next financial year. Under his leadership the bank aims at reducing NPA to 0.80% which should not be a difficult task considering the NPA is at 0.90 percent at present. Whatever said and done the CEO of the bank feels that it is the customers who matter. “Our strength is on personalized customer service. We are into the business of human touch. Along with money transactions we believe in providing a human touch to all our services”, he admits. . The highest position has come to him without aspiring for it, as a gift for the hard and sincere work he has put in. He also attributes the Bank’s success to the excellent relationship the management has with the unions. Having put in nearly 4 decades of services Jayarama Bhat’s task is made easier as he knows 60% of the staff. “My personal strength is that I mix freely with my staff and I discuss with them before taking any decision. The Bank has 4,900 employees, 71,822 shareholders and over 3.7 million customers. Despite a hectic schedule that also involves traveling he finds time for his other activities that includes interest in Cricket and listening to Carnatic Classical music. Sachin Tendulkar is his favourite cricketer. “It is nothing but time management”, he says with a broad smile. His wife is a homemaker. His daughter is studying BCom and son has recently joined engineering. Though he spends as much time as possible with the family his wife has assumed the full responsibility of taking care of the family leaving him free to carry on the professional responsibilities he has assumed. Today Karnataka Bank has emerged as a leading financial service institution in the country. It was the first bank to opt for core banking system in 2000. The bank also provides all latest banking facilities to the customers. With Jayarama Bhat at the helm one cannot escape the feeling that the bank will come out stronger in the days to come under his able stewardship. “Come, experience the pleasure of banking with us….”, is the bank’s punch line and many more customers are going to get the real feel of banking with pleasure with Karnataka Bank in the days to come considering the enthusiasm the CEO has infused in its human resource.