"I will be God"

"When do I make my mark in this world?" asked her mind.
"Why do you need to make a mark in this world?" questioned a tiny voice from deep within her, trembling slightly as it's yet a child in the midst of towering consciousnesses.
"Because I wish to be remembered for posterity," replied the mind, slightly irritated that a young one had bothered to question her, who is known for her age old wisdom and scientific temperament.
"And then what?" the tiny voice sought to know, emboldened by now.
"And then people will follow the path shown by me, my ideals, my thoughts..." the mind said proudly. "My thoughts will become their thoughts; my command their wish."
"Later?" persisted the child within.
"Later? What's there for later? People will idolise me and worship me for my knowledge and for bringing them onto the true path. I will be God," boomed the mind.
"Then?" the child who did not wish to be defeated by mere words, queried the mind.
The all-knowing mind was puzzled. What was the best way to answer the child? It remained silent, thinking of a retort that would silence the inquisitive young one.
"Then," the child itself answered, "the path of truth laid by you will be forgotten by those who follow leading it to be overgrown with weeds of lies and dishonesty; your ideals and great thoughts will be trampled upon in the great rush towards your temple. You will be a God alright, but dwarfed and inaudible in the din of ballads of greatness sung in your honour. You will be reduced to a mere beautifully carved stone. Your teachings will be alive only in the pages of a book which everyone worships but no one reads and comprehends. You will be a God not wanted for real in the world of humans. You will remain a mere nagging fear in the back of people's minds who can neither be ignored nor embraced. Do you wish to be so?
For the first time in ages, the great mind bowed to the young one, reason.

City girl with lilting voice wins Filmfare, connoisseurs’ hearts: Music is in her veins. When she speaks, she speaks music...

Queen of a lilting voice which can sail smoothly over classical or fall-rise unexpectedly in western, young singer Indu Nagaraj has been adding colourful feathers to her vocal talent with many awards including the coveted Filmfare (Best Female Playback Singer-South) and more recently, the Radio Mirchi award (Best Upcoming Singer-South) for the path-breaking hit song ‘Pyaarge Aagbitthaite... from the film ‘Govindaya Namaha.’
Born in a musically-inclined family to Vidwan C.A. Nagaraj (English Lecturer, Maharani Govt. PU College, Mysore and renowned vocalist & flautist) and H.S. Radha, Indu began her musical journey at a tender age of two years. Her initial training began with her grandmother late Vidu. C.S. Satyalakshmi and later under her father. She gave her first performance at five and first recorded music programme in DD and AIR at the age of 7.
She has given hundreds of concerts with her sister and well-known singer Lakshmi Nataraj and bagged State Award as Chilkunda Sisters. The sisters came into limelight with the winning of popular TV shows like ETV’s ‘Ede Thumbi Haaduvenu,’ Zee TV’s ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ etc. Her talent has been suitable recognised with numerous awards including Aryabhata award, 92.7 Big FM Promising Singer State Award, Udaya Film Award (Best Female Playback Singer) etc.
Always busy hopping from recording studios to music concerts, Indu Nagaraj took out time to chat with ‘SOM’ on her tryst with microphone:
Star of Mysore: ‘Pyaarge Aagbitthaite...’ is a retro-rock and you come from a classical background.
Indu Nagaraj: All film songs have a classical base. Thus if you have a strong foundation in classical music, it will be easier to sing any type of song, whether it’s retro-rock or sugama sangeetha. Hence, I did not find it difficult to sing the song.
Shwetha: You recently received the prestigious Filmfare award and the Radio Mirchi award for the song. Did you expect the song to bring you so many laurels?
Indu: No. But I am very happy for receiving the awards and the recognition.
Shwetha: How did your journey in playback singing begin?
Indu: Since childhood, I have been singing classical and sugama sangeetha songs. I first got a chance to act in ‘Minchu’ serial of T.N. Seetharam. Music Director Hamsalekha gave me a chance to sing a song (Ninna nenape nanna haadu) for Seetharam’s film ‘Meera Madhava Raghava.’ From then on, I have sung for about 20 films in Kannada including ‘Olave Vismaya,’ ‘Paraari,’ ‘Yuva,’ ‘Nee Tata Naa Birla,’ ‘Bachchan’ etc., and the recent Telugu film ‘Potugadu.’
Shwetha: Your future plans?
Indu: There are lots of opportunities in the music field, especially in playback singing. Apart from that, I am also singing for albums, both folk and devotional songs.
Shwetha: What, according to you, is your voice best suited for?
Indu: I believe it’s classical. But I would love to sing in any style of music, be it retro, classical, rock or any other form.
Shwetha: What do you feel about borrowing playback singers from other languages to Kannada film industry?
Indu: I believe there are many local talents who, given the opportunity, have the ability to do justice to their singing. Kannada film industry should first give chance to the singers here; they too can sing well like those from other languages.
Shwetha: Finally, who is the music director in Kannada you can comfortably work with?
Indu: I have worked with almost all music directors in Kannada filmdom and I have enjoyed it. Each have their own styles.

BOOK TALK: MAHARSHI KABBA: A POETIC GUIDE TO HARMONIOUS LIFE

Title: Maharshi Kabba
Author: B.S. Nataraju (Besina Maharshi)
Pages: 134
Publisher: Maharshi Innovatives & Publishers
Price: Rs. 99
A look at the serene environs outside his friend’s house one day where the eternal blue sky touched the vast land at the horizon gave birth to a profound philosophy in the heart of a poet. Thus was born the poem ‘Anantha’ (Eternal) with the lines “Ananthavihudu ninna manasige, Diganthavihudu ninna kannige...” which, as the poet says in his ‘Author’s Note’ was influenced by the scenery.
He sent it to his friend as an SMS. The appreciation he received resulted in a series of poems not just on time-tested and profound subjects like life, feelings, time, truth, soul, God... but also on day-to-day wisdom regarding marriage, hunger, money, lust, corruption, political India and even diabetes.
‘Maharshi Kabba,’ authored by Besina Maharshi, is a collection of four-line poems which seem to be a watered-down version of DVG’s ‘Mankuthimmana Kagga,’ yet easily comprehensible by the commoners. Each poem whispers to the reader the secret of leading a balanced and harmonious life, stressing on gentleness, humbleness, compassion and strength.
“Be blind in glaring light/ Be deaf among critics/ Be a leader if in fear/ Be a fool among others’ happiness,” says a stanza of a poem on ‘Life of Acting.’ 
The verses, which end with the characteristic ‘Maharshi’ just like ‘Mankuthimma’ in Kagga, have a calming effect on a distraught mind with its rhythmicity and soothing quality. Some of the verses are astoundingly beautiful in the sense that they hit the nail right on the head by speaking out the truth of the matter without wincing.
However, in a few poems, it seems the poet, in an effort to put words which rhyme, has come short of achieving poetic beauty. This creates a blandness in the stanza and makes it too frivolous to read and enjoy.
In the poem on ‘Madi (Untouchability),’ Maharshi rightly asks, “Do you know how many have climbed your throne before you/ How many have ruled your State/ How many have drunk your water/ You are the last one; there is no first one.” His take on praise, sloth, power of money and poverty, science and the world hold mirror to the present lifestyle and conditions of the world.
The 134-page book ends with a poem on diabetes where the poet advices and urges the readers to rise early and be healthy.
The book can be read in one go as it is simple and touching in its thoughts. B.S. Nataraju, who writes with the pen name ‘Besina Maharshi,’ is an Instrumentation Technology Engineer by profession and an alumnus of SJCE in city. He dedicates the book to sages, scientists, poets, scholars, hard-workers who have inculcated philosophy in their life and to his parents. 
Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama President Swami Muktidanandaji has written the foreword while his friends and gurus have penned encouragement. The book, published by Maharshi Innovatives & Publishers, Ramakrishnanagar, Mysore and priced at Rs. 99, is worth a read for both youngsters and those with greying hairs. 

This Beautician Is a Maven in Make-up: City's Uma Jadhav wins Natl. award

Beauty is in the nature of some persons, others strive hard to look beautiful, there are a few others who love prettifying other people. The 39-year-old Uma Jadhav is among the third kind of persons. Uma Jadhav's Cosmos The Brides Pride Beauty Care and Spa, on 13th main, fourth stage in T.K. Layout, has been a part of Mysore since Nov. 1999.
She was 27-year-old when she decided to become a beautician. She had a diploma in beauticians’ course from Government CPC Polytechnic in Mysore and trained at Waves Academy in Bangalore, Hima Bedi at Andheri in Mumbai and also at Cosmetic Studio in Austria. Uma has won many laurels for her skills.
She had won first prize in make-up, bridal make-up and creative make-up, third in fashion make-up and creative hairstyle, in the competitions conducted by State Beauty Parlours Association. In the year 2009 and 2008, she had won first prize in make-up and best performance-hair, and make-up and hairstyle respectively in the same contest, thus earning ‘Hattrick’ to her name.
In the year 2005, she had won first prize in make-up in a similar competition conducted by Mysore District Beauty Parlours’ Association. She had also participated in a competition conducted in Mumbai last year and was among the final 10 out of 400 contestants.
The latest feather in Uma's cap is the 'Bharat And Dorris Hair and Make-up Award' which she received at the National Bridal and Fashion Hair and Make-up Contest oragnised at Taj Lands End, Bandra, Mumbai on April 29. She has emerged as the first woman beautician to have represented Karnataka in a competition held outside the State.
Here is a tete-a-tete with the beautifying artiste:
 Shwetha Halambi: Why did you decide to become a beautician?
Uma Jadhav: I have studied only upto 10th standard. Though I wanted to study further, I could not do so because of some health matters. And then I was married. After marriage, whenever I went to beauty parlours, I felt a strong urge to learn how to beautify others. Thus I took up the course and am working as a beautician in Mysore since 13 years.
Shwetha: What is your area of expertise?
Uma: Though I do all the basic beauty work at the parlour like eyebrow shaping, facial, waxing etc., I specialise in make-up and hair-styling. There are more than 500 types of hair-styling and about 40 types of make-up like fashion, beads, halo, carrots, ramp, mythology, wedding make-up etc. People who compete in fancy dress contests and act in films opt for halo (ghostly look) and mythology make-up. Carrot make-up is chosen to remove facial marks.
Shwetha: Have you dressed up film artistes?
Uma: Yes. I have also done make-up for film artistes but only if the shooting is done in Mysore, because travelling outside the city for months together along with the film crew is difficult.
Shwetha: You have won many awards for your skills in beautifying others. Does your family support you in your endeavours?
Uma: Absolutely. My husband Gopal Rao, who works in building construction, son Naveesh, who is a II PUC student at Vidhyaashrama, my brother, sister... all help me. Without their help, I would never be able to successfully participate in so many contests and win awards.
Shwetha: Many people believe that application of cosmetics for a longer duration is harmful to the skin — facial or other parts of the body. This can be seen when one looks at the faces of yesteryear actors. As a beautician, do you agree?
Uma: May be it was so in earlier days when there were no good quality creams or cosmetics available. People had less knowledge too about cosmetics. Nowadays, a lot of scientific research is going on in cosmetic industry and many quality products are available in a wide variety of brands.
Most people buy good cosmetics, keep them aside if no occasion arises to use them, and one day remember about them. They then take it out and use it even after its expiry date just so that it doesn't go waste. This harms the skin.
Mostly make-up artistes of actors other than stars don't get good remuneration. So they refrain from buying very good quality cosmetics for the actors and this results in the skin of actors losing their vitality after some time.
Shwetha: Do you teach others who are interested to become beauticians?
Uma: Yes. I have been teaching interested persons since many years. At present, four students are training under me. I conduct regular classes from 11 am to 1 pm. For economically backward students, I teach free of cost.
Shwetha: Keeping aside your profession for a moment, tell us what do you personally believe in — inner or outer beauty?
Uma: Of course, I believe in inner beauty. One's words, behaviour and attitude makes one look beautiful even though that person is without make-up. I remember that I had gone to attend a function recently where Dr. Dharanidevi Malagathi (Dy.SP and Karnataka Police Academy Director) had come as a guest. She was quite simple in her dress and with minimum of make-up. Yet, she was so beautiful. The words she spoke and the way she behaved made her attractive.

I want to serve my country's poor: Dr. Muruga

The tales of rags to riches are always inspiring. Most of us can take a leaf from the lives of such persons who stand up from the midst of adversity and shake off their 'predetermined' future to write a new one for themselves. Such achievers are all around us and the one who stands out among them is Dr. Muruga, Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, JSS Medical College premises in city.
Dr. Muruga is the son of Chengappa, a labourer and Anniyamma, an agarbatti maker. One among five children -- a brother and three sisters -- he lived in Madiwala, Bangalore. Muruga himself drew the path of his life at the age of five years.
SOS Children's Village International, an NGO which gives a loving home to poor, orphaned children, opened its branch in Bangalore in 1989. They went from place to place to look for children who were orphaned, who could not be looked after by their parents due to poverty etc. One day, the van of the NGO came to Muruga's doorstep. When the volunteers asked Muruga's parents if they would like to send one of their five children with them so that their burden could be lessened, Muruga's parents decided to send his elder brother with the Children's Village.
Muruga, then all of five years, decided that he too would go and live at SOS Children's Village. And before anyone could dissuade him, he ran and sat in the van. None of his parents' persuasions worked. The wide-eyed boy found a new family with the batch of 10 children at the Children's Village.
Thus began Muruga's journey from a hut to the seat of a medical officer. Having lost his father, an alcoholic, early in life, Muruga is today a 28-year-old doctor with qualifications from India and abroad.
Dr. Muruga, who spoke to SOM, says during his younger days, his tuition teacher Kamalamma whose son was an engineer and worked in the US, often gave him foreign chocolates. This led to a young Muruga to dream of becoming an engineer. However, a study trip to Victoria Hospital in Bangalore at the age of 14 changed his destiny. Seeing the sufferings of patients in the hospital, he decided to study medicine.
From then onwards, Muruga did not look back. He took up his studies with determination and always one among the class toppers, he got a scholarship to study in the United World COlleges (UWC), Canada. After finishing the Class 11 and 12 studies in Canada, Muruga returned to India as Canada did not provide full scholarships to students from other countries. After coming back to India, however, he realised that his Canadian certificate was of no use in India for entry to the MBBS course. He then took the CET exam and secured a place at the JSS Medical College, Mysore. In 2012, he completed his MBBS degree.
He says many of the well-to-do students take up coaching for about one year before applying for PG CET, but he had no such luxury. Hence he applied for the Community Medical Officer's post in JSS University, so that he can take up PG course in medicine.
His mother stays with him and his siblings live in Bangalore, well settled in their life. His brother studied till 10th std., but left the Children's Village to go back to their family. Speaking about his friends from SOS, he says, “Everyone is happy with a profession of his/her choice. We have all kept in touch.”
Speaking about SOS Children's Village, its alumnus said the Village has about 16 houses each housing about 10-11 children. They are looked after by a 'mother' who takes care of the children's tuition, food and all other needs.
To the parting question if he would go and serve in a foreign country as a doctor if he gets the chance, Dr. Muruga says with a smile, "I will never India as I want to serve my country to my utmost capacity as a doctor."

SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-governmental international development organisation which has been working to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children since 1949. Founded by Dr. Hermann Gmeiner in Austria, it has over 450 Children's Villages across the world. The organisation focuses on abandoned, destitute and orphaned children who may have been victims of domestic violence, neglect, natural calamities, parental separation etc.
In Bangalore, SOS Children's Village was set up in 1989. It has its own SOS Kindergarten, where up to 100 children can be taught in two group rooms. In 1993, an SOS Youth Facility was opened. In 2003, SOS Children's Villages India launched its family strengthening programmes in Bangalore. These programmes are intended to support families at risk of abandoning their children and to encourage families to stay together.

THE SAVIOUR OF MANY A LIVES FROM DERAILMENT

It was 4.50 am. The night was dark as it always is just before the dawn. The train was moving at 25km/hour speed. Suddenly, the engines jerked to a halt so smoothly that none of the 1,200 passengers were neither stirred in their sleep nor disturbed either by the screeching of the wheels or the absence of movement beneath them. The driver of the train, who stopped the rail, peeped from his cabin to see if he could find out why the wheels of the train seemed to descend from their normal track. He saw a crack in the track, which could have caused a major tragedy, derailing the entire train and injuring/killing the passengers on board, if it had not been stopped on time. He then informed his superiors about the incident through walkie-talkie, as cell phones get no signal in the thick of the forest. He did not awaken the sleeping passengers and inform them about the narrow escape they had as that could have created a panic and led to mayhem. When they woke up, however, the passengers were in for a shock to find that they were in the midst of Western Ghats, somewhere between Yedakumeri and Kadagarahalli of Sakleshpur taluk, narrowly escaping from jaws of death. The passengers were later taken to their destinations by the Railway officials who arranged special KSRTC buses to ferry them. The presence of mind and alertness displayed by the loco pilot prevented the disaster and saved the lives of many passengers.
It was G. Shivaram, the loco pilot, who turned hero on that fateful night of Jan. 5, 2013 by becoming the saviour of hundreds of people who slept confidently in the Yeshwantpur-Mangalore-Kannur Express. Speaking to Star of Mysore at his residence in Ittigegud in city, Shivaram recalled that eerie moment when he just felt a sudden shift and slight descending of the wheels and fearing the worst, applied the emergency brakes to bring the train to a screeching halt. “I had no time to check what had caused it; if I had taken even a peep outside the window down at the track, it would have been akin to sounding a death knell for passengers and myself,” he recalled and added with humility: “I just did my duty.”
The 53-year-old Shivaram has been sincerely doing his duty not just at his work place but also at his home. A father of three children and one among the seven children of his parents, he lives in a joint family of 15 members and is the bread-winner for the family. Having passed SSLC, Shivaram joined Railways as a ‘D’ Group employee as Kalasi about 33 years ago and worked his way up the ladder to become a loco driver six years ago. However, his perseverance can be seen by the way he attends to his wife, who is bed-ridden since five years. His wife Nirmala suffers from a rare medical condition wherein her lungs take in just 65% of oxygen required for the body and the remaining has to be supplied through an oxygen cylinder. Among his three children, two boys have completed SSLC and PUC and are supporting the family by taking up jobs. His daughter is studying SSLC and aspires to become a doctor after seeing the condition of her mother. Shivaram’s family, who were in Arsikere earlier, had to shift to Mysore after his wife developed this rare illness as his family could not access proper medical facility in Arsikere. He spends about Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 8,000 on her treatment every month.
His alert act of saving 1,200 passengers wasn’t just a singular case in Shivaram’s career in Railways. He has helped other colleagues too beyond his line of duty. One such instance happened way back in 2007. It is said, when Shivaram, who was off duty, was travelling as a passenger, the train was stopped between Yedakumeri and Siribagilu as a huge tree branch had fallen on the track. The train was caught inside the tunnel. Shivaram immediately climbed down and began cutting and clearing the branches with the gang staff. His initiative to help others was appreciated and awarded by the Railways.
Recognising his presence of mind and alertness in preventing the recent tragedy, various organisations felicitated Shivaram. Rotary Mysore Midtown bestowed on him the ‘Real Life Hero’ award while Mangalore’s SCDCC Bank honoured him in the presence of Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes.
The Railways started an enquiry into the incident under the guidance of the Commissioner of Railway Safety who has sent a report citing his bravery to the Railway Board in Delhi. The final report of the enquiry is awaited. Shivaram is among the rare breed of people who perform their duty efficiently and also something extra so that others can lead a life of happiness. His work ethics and alertness in performing his duty deserves to be emulated by one and all.