India’s first mobile pico projector launched in Udupi

The launch of the Pico Projector || Photo Courtesy: Garima Goel

Udupi: India’s first mobile projector was launched in Udupi on Jan 9th. Microvision’s laser based ‘Pico Projector’ manufactured in the USA was launched by Udupi Sri Krishna Technologies at Madhwa Mantapa in the Sri Krishna Mutt. Udupi Sri Krishna Technologies is a private organisation based in Manipal and Bangalore.  

 

The event showcased the functions of this new product and spoke about its advantages over existing ones. “The device, which looks similar to a mobile phone, is easily portable. Its advantages over existing projectors are the absence of a lens and bulb. The rays come directly from the chips used in these new projectors. Its infinite focus technology can give bright and vivid laser images even on curved surfaces,” said Rama Chandran, chief technical officer of Udupi Sri Krishna Technologies addressing the small gathering at the Mutt. 

 

A live demo of the product was also held. The device, small in size and portable has a battery operating system which can be charged like mobile devices. Any electronic product with a video output like mobile phones, iPod or iPhone can avail the functions of this device. Claims of the company such as input quality being equal to output image quality and no limit to image size had been clearly demonstrated during the demo to the audience.

 

“We are channel partnering the product in India that is marketing and providing technical service to Microvision. After the product’s release it will be available for about Rs. 25,000 each,” revealed Ramachandran. “The manufacturing rate of the product is around the same in dollars,” he added.  

 

The product was launched by Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swami and Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swami of  the Sri Shiroor Mutt and Sri Palimar Mutt of the Udupi Krishna temple respectively. The event was presided over by H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of Manipal University.

Report: Ramya Achanta [TMJ]

Sub-edited by: Anusha Ravishankar [TMJ]

Alva’s Virasat 2011 from Jan 11 to 16th

Mangalore, Jan 5: Alva’s Virasat, which has emerged as a major cultural extravaganza in Dakshina Kannada, promises a treat for music and dance lovers this year as well. The six-day event will commence at Shobhavana, Mijar, Moodbidri on Tuesday January 11, informed Alva’s Education Foundation president Dr M Mohan Alva at a press conference here on Wednesday January 5.

 
The six day event will feature a variety of cultural programmes. Alvas Virasat – 2011 national award will be conferred on classical singer Padmashree Dr K J Yesudas on the occasion.

Eminent film director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar will inaugurate the Virasat Utsav on January 11 at 6 pm.
 
Dr N Vinaya Hegde of Nitte Group of Educational Institutions will preside over the programme. Mangalore University vice-chancellor professor T C Shivashakara Moorthy, Dr P Dayananda Pai, Moodubidri MLA K Abhayachandra Jain, former minister K Amarnath Shetty will be the chief guests. Except the inaugural day, all other days will feature a variety of cultural programmmes.
 
On the inaugural day, ‘Rama Katha Vismaya’ ballet will be presented by Nirupama Rajendra and group of Abhinava dance company Bangalore. On January 12 from 6pm to 8pm a Thigal Bandi with Padmabhoshan Ustad Amzad Ali Khan, Amaz Ali Khan, Ayan Ali Khan and Pandith Vijay Ghate on sarod. From 8.10 pm to 9.45 pm ‘Varnali’ Odissi group dance will be presented by Rudraksha Foundation of Bhubaneshwar.
 
On January 13 a special jugalbandi will be presented from 6pm to 8pm. Hindustani singer Pandit Jayatheertha Mevundi, Karnataka singer Vidwan Abhishek Raghuram, professor Narendra L Kamath, Mysore V Shreekanth, Ramdas Pulsule, Ananth R Krishnan will present the show.
 
Mission of Forever dance variety programme will be performed by Malaysian Ramli Ibrahim and group from 8.10 to 10.30 on the same day.
 
Pandith Tharun Bhattacharya Santhoor, Pandith Praveen Godkindi Bansuri and Pandith Vikram Gosh will present jugalbandi on January 14 from 6 pm to 8.20 pm.

On January 15, senior artiste Dr Mysore Manjunath and Mysore Nagaraj will present classical musical programme. On January 16 from 6pm to 10.30pm Mal Kamb from Jodhpura artiste, Bangra dance from Panjab artiste, Cosmic dance of Shiva by Samudra arts Thiruvananthpura, Talwar dance by Rajendra Rawal of Gujarath, Bhavayoga dance by Bhargavi Udupi and dance variety programme by Alvas students will be presented.

Photo Courtesy: Daijiworld

MEDIA RELEASE

Chicken feet exported from Mangalore to East Asia

Mangalore Dec 30, 2010: The New Mangalore Port, situated conveniently on the western coast of India, has made this city a prominent hub for export of goods and produce from Karnataka, especially for iron ore industry, oil, floriculture, or fertilizers. But one may be surprised to hear that this city also exports an average of over 12 tonnes of chicken feet every month to east Asian countries like China and Vietnam! Chicken feet which are considered a waste in Mangalorean households, have found a great demand in these fast East Asian countries.

Souza Chicken, one of the few prominent hatcheries in Mangalore, which also has its branches in Puttur, Hassan and Bantwal, is exporting almost 12 tonnes of chicken feet to China and the Far East every month, says its Managing Partner Lester DSouza.

Ever since its inception in 1988, the ‘Souza Chicken’ brand has become synonymous with nutrition, quality and high standards in hygiene. Ahead of the sustained investments that they have made in support of the brand, it has also made major investments in breeding technologies, hatching techniques, broiler management and processing, thereby enabling them to have complete control at every stage of broiler production. “We  pride ourselves in the fact that ‘From the egg, to the chick, to the chicken’ nobody takes care like we do,” says D’Souza. Souza Chicken is still expanding and its business is built on customer service and quality. They are the largest suppliers of day-old chicks and broiler chicken in Mangalore, Udupi and Hassan.

He says the major target of its parent breeding operations is to make available to its customers and integrated broiler farmers with the greatest possible start to a healthy poultry flock. This process includes close monitoring of the parent flocks, screening of hatching eggs, maintaining optimum hatching conditions and working closely with the customers to give them nothing but the best-dressed chicken in town, he says. “Our pledge to superiority extends throughout the processing facility where quality control systems are quite simply outstanding. In the year 2002 we started our own broiler integration programme in 120 broiler farmers and our integrated contract farmers share our passion for excellence, that translates into progressive and value-based organizational dynamics,” he says.

Chicken feet, he says, are ideal for making stock because they are loaded with cartilage. When simmered, this cartilage dissolves and forms gelatin, which adds tremendous body to the stock. D’Souza proudly says that Souza Chicken has added one more feather in its cap by exporting frozen chicken feet to Hong Kong and Vietnam over the past one year. All this began when potential customers from Hong Kong approached them through their website www.souzahatch.com and expressed their interest in importing chicken feet. The dialogue continued between both parties and the buyers who came down to Mangalore showed the processing of rearing, selection, cleaning, packing and supplying the feet. “During the initial stage it took about 3 to 4 months to make one container ready,” he says. Each container contains 20 to 22 tons of chicken feet.

D’Souza says that they are exporting the containers of chicken feet in two types of packaging i.e Sacks and Cartons. Training to pack is a major task in this process.  Every one or 2 months one container goes to China.  The quantity depends on the breed of the chicken and size of its feet, he says. Broiler chicken feet are smaller in size and weigh less than tyson chicken feet which are heavier in weight. Sometimes the weight of one container can be as much as 23 tonnes, he adds.

Before exporting, chicken feet are neatly cut and cleaned without using any inorganic chemicals and are shipped out in freezer units while exporting to Hong Kong and Vietnam. In China Chicken feet are used as a delicacy, where they are often an option at dimsum restaurants, served as ‘phoenix talons’.

Chicken feet are an integral part in Trinidadian, South African, Peruvian Philippines and Jamaican cuisine. Chicken feet are used as popular salad and appetizer too and mostly sold as street food by deep frying and seasoning with vinegar, fresh green pepper, mustard and crushed garlic.  But consumption of chicken feet in Mangalore is very less. Most of the people here dispose of it as waste, says D’Souza.

Report and Pics : Violet Periera, Team Mangalorean

LIVE Broadcast of a Konkani Programme in Community Radio SARANG 107.8MHz

Mangalore, Dec 23: Community Radio SARANG 107.8FM, (run by St. Aloysius College, Mangalore) has been serving the communities of Mangalore by broadcasting various programmes from the past one year. The station started broadcasting on 24th June 2009 and presently broadcasts 14 hours of programmes everyday from 6.30am – 8.30pm. The broadcast covers Moodbidri, Udupi, Siddakatte, Bantwal, B.C. Road, Puttur, Sullia, Belthangady, Ujire, Manjeshwar, Ullal, Kotekar and near-by towns. 

 

     Various community people like fisher-folk, daily-wage workers, auto-drivers, farmers, and others, besides students contribute programmes on various themes, making it real infotainment. People produce programmes in local languages like Tulu, Konkani, Byari, Kannada, English, Malayalam, and Hindi. 

      Community Radio Sarang 107.8FM will broadcast a LIVE programme from Kudru, Bondel, on 1st January 2011 from 6.00pm-10.00pm. Programme will be organized by St. Antony Ward’s community members to mark their Ward Fest – 2011. 

      People who are interested to produce programmes on various topics on radio are welcome. They can produce programmes on various topics, issues, talks, interviews, etc. Radio SARANG 107.8FM will render all the help necessary to towards producing programs. 

Radio Sarang 107.8MHz

St. Aloysius College,

Bavutagudde, P.O. Kodialbail

Mangalore – 575003

Ph:   0824-24499744 (Off)

      +91-9480157664 (Mob)

      +91-9448546425 (Mob)

PRESS RELEASE

Navidad 2010 celebrated at St. Agnes College

Mangalore, Dec 22: Navidad 2010 celebrated at St Agnes College here on Wednesday December 22 was a splash of colour, music and dance. The students brought the Christmas show to life with melodious carols and vibrant entertainment programmes.

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The play ‘Christmas at the Toy Shop’ directed by Dr M Jeswina A C enlightened the audience with the true meaning of Christmas.

Reema D’Souza, president of Agnesian Alumni, Kuwait was the chief guest of the evening. Addressing the gathering she said that sacrifice and joy is the message that is conveyed by the celebration of Christmas.

Recalling the earlier ways of celebrating Christmas, she said that in recent times the habit of buying readymade crib is more prevalent. But there is no fun in buying readymade crib, rather they have to be prepared by people at home while relishing the spirit of Christmas, she stressed.

The main objective of the ‘Navidad’ has been to provide a home for a needy family. The fund raising show recieved generous support from the staff, students, parents, alumni and benefactors of St Agnes College.

Navidad at St Agnes College has a long tradition. It was first introduced in the year 1996 under the planning and guidance of Merlyn Britto who was a member of staff in the department of English. Over the years this thoughtful mission of St Agnes College has made a positive difference to a number of homeless families.

The members of the staff entertained the gathering with carols in German and French. Jennifer D’Souza, vice-president, department of arts, conducted an informative quiz on the theme of Christmas. As the shining stars of Bethlehem, Yulia D’Souza, vice-president, commerce department and Munita Veigas, vice-president, BBM, compered the programme.

Dr Sr Olivia presided over the function. The amount raised from the show was given to one of the college students by the principal Dr Sr Prem D’Souza. The stage programme was organized by Sr M Jeswina with the help and coordination of the staff and the students.

Photos: Sudeep Shenoy / NMNS

MEDIA RELEASE / NM News Service

Click on the photos below to enlarge them.

Udupi: National level Kabaddi meet off to a sparkling start

Udyavara, Dec 11: The national level kabbaddi meet organised by SK sports club udyavara pulled a sparkling start here in Udyavara. The programme began with a welcome by Errol Gonsalves. Speaking on the occassion Mr. Sudarshan, the president of Kabaddi Association of Udupi taluk mentioned that it was a matter of pride for India and our district since Mamatha Poojari played a major role in helping India win a gold medal and also won the gold medal in the finals of Asian Games. Kabbaddi is losing importance and is becoming less popular, he added.

The Chief Guest Ms. Manvi Agarwal, who is very famous among the kannada audience due to her reality show ” Pyate Hudigiru Halli Life” and “Halli Hyda Pyatege Banda” was also present .She said she has been a huge fan of Kabbaddi from the very beginning. She added that she was the captain of her college team. She also wished all the contestants the best.

The inauguration was done by breaking of a coconut by Yashpal Suvarna, Manvi Agarwal and Manjunath Udyavara. The inauguration match was played in the presence of the dignitaries. This tournament will consist of 12 teams among males and 6 teams among female category. The first place among the male category will carry a cash prize of 30,000 Rs. and the female category will carry 15,000 Rs. The second place will be a cash prize of 9,000 Rs .and Individual prizes will also be given.

Display of fireworks was also held. This programme will be telecasted live by V4U. KPCC member Manjunath Udyavar, Industrialist Vilas Nayak and Yashpal Suvarna, Corporation President Kiran Kumar, Sudhakar Shetty, Sudarshan and Prem Margaret were present.

News and Pics: VIVEK CORNELIO

Mega Meet on Nanoscience at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore

St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) is organizing an international workshop on Applications on Nanotechnology to Energy, Environment and Biotechnology (NANO EEB) from 14th to 16th December 2010.

The workshop will be inaugurated on 14th December at 9:30 am by Dr. V.S. Acharya, Honorable Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka at the Eric Mathias Hall, St. Aloysius College Campus.

Rector of the St Aloysius College Institutions will preside over the inaugural function.

More than 100 delegates consisting of researchers, teachers, representatives from industry, PG students of physical and biological sciences from  many Universities and colleges from all over the country have registered.

International and national speakers and the topics in the workshop include:

International

* Prof Dr K V Rao, Prof Dr Lars Berglund & Dr Lyubov Belova, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
* Prof Dr Juan Munoz, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
* Dr José Gonzalo, Institute of Optics, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
* Prof Dr Kannan Krishnan & Prof Dr Marise Nerad, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
* Prof Dr Joseph Delhalle, Prof Dr Zineb Mekhalif & Mr Praveen Martis, University of Namur, Belgium
* Dr M Krishna Kumar, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Singapore

National

* Dr Raju Raghurama, Honeywell Research Labs, Bangalore
* Prof Dr Prafulla K. Jha, Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar
* Dr M. Sivakumar & Dr Saravana Kumar, Amrita University Coimbatore
* Dr S F D’Souza, BARC, Mumbai
* Dr Shashi Kiran Nivas, St Aloysius College, Mangalore
* Dr Anand Narayan, Selco, Ujire

Topics

* Metamagnets
* Chemical sensors for environmental monitoring
* Nanoscience for biotechnology
* Nano and environmental chemistry
* Nanostructured cellular technology (wood, natural materials)
* Chemical processing for functional nanomaterialsTailoring and patterning novel materials at a nanoscale
* Nanoscience and environmental issues
* Mechanically alloyed nanomaterials
* Nano films on metal oxide surfaces.
* Surface modification of carbon nanotubes with metal nanocrystals
* Synthesis, characterisation and applications of semiconductor nanoparticles
* Applications of atomic layer deposition (ALD) in nanofabrication’
* Synthesis of nanomaterials using femtosecond lasers.

In addition young researchers will be presenting papers on their research work.

PRESS RELEASE

NM PHOTOS : President of India welcomed to Mangalore

Mangalore, Dec 9: The President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil was here on a three day visit to Mangalore. Our Ace Photographer Manju Neereshwallya had the esteemed opportunity to be the official photographer for the visit. Here are a few photos.

Photos: Manju Neereshwallya / NMNS

NM PHOTOS : Samuhika Sathyanarayana Pooja & Rastra Devo Bhava Musical Dance Programme

Mangalore, Dec 7: Samuhika Sathyanarayana Pooja & Rastra Devo Bhava Musical Dance Programme was held today at Car Street. Check out these photos brought to you by our ace photographer Manju Neereshwallya.

Photos : Manju Neereshwallya / NMNS

Day 2 of Model United Nations Summit

Manipal, Oct 23: Manipal has now successfully seen the second day of the MUN summit .The MUN summit which works on the exact model of the United Nations, have students from different countries discussing different issues and problems of their respective countries and forming coalitions to resolve them.The second day of the MUN Summit 2010 witnessed interesting deliberations throughout. The highlights of which are summarized as follows:

Crisis Committee:

The Crisis Council has been introduced at the Manipal MUN Summit for the first time, with Shoikat Roy for Chair, and Vrinda Movva as the Vice Chair. The committee is set up when a sudden situation arises that needs not only special attention but also special composition in terms of the people handling it. Delegates are given a range of topics to read up on, but the actual crisis and related documents are released only a day before convening. On day 2 of the summit, the sessions witnessed debates and discussions centered around updates regarding the installation of missile deployments in Poland and Czech Republic, and a collision of US and Russian submarines close to Russian territorial waters.

General Assembly:

Debris in space remained the major issue as most of the countries joined hands with USA and a few with most others forming group with Barbados. Most of the pre-lunch session remained chaotic with the delegates discussing the agenda at hand. Post lunch session a crisis was introduced in the council. The crisis mainly included China shooting down USA’s reconnaissance satellite on grounds of spying. Where countries like Afghanistan, UK and few others supported USA asking China to apologies and owe an explanation, countries like DPRK supported China as it believed that the alleged spy who was in detained in China was being rescued by the USA men under fake WHO volunteers in China. The session continued with heated debate between the member nations.

 

Security Council:

The Security Council, most important element of the MUN, saw its rise with yesterday’s session with the ritual roll call by the Chair. The issue being taken up for the first session was the situation in the middle-east. Getting off to a slow start, the council witnessed some interesting debates by some of the delegates while others being mere listeners. The intense debate that ensued found Israel being targeted and condemned for its stand on non-provision of supplies or aid to the concerned area of major conflict. Throughout the entire session, the various delegates were indulged in discussing their country’s viewpoint and framing out solutions to the issue.

The first session of day 2 involved greater participation by the delegates with the joining of the delegate of China giving a new direction to the debate. Crisis situation was introduced in the council leading to conflicts, coalitions being formed and finally after an argument for around an hour or more resolution was passed.

Human Rights Council:

The second day of the HRC commenced with a continuation of the previous day’s agenda, namely the return and reintegration of refugees and displaced persons. An un-moderated caucus was put in order where several coalitions were formed in order to come to a consensus to the agenda. However, the caucus was interrupted due to the occurrence of a crisis situation. China was alleged with harboring double agents under the pretext of a vocational training camp for juveniles from other nationalities. These trained individuals were allegedly tortured and later placed at strategic positions in the IT companies related to the defense of several other countries in order to leak top secret information. The session is still in order with discussions on the crisis pending.

IAEA:

Day 2, of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at MUN Summit Manipal, discussed the NPT Review and the creation of a joint nuclear program in the Middle East specifically to Iran. The issue was discussed and the general opinion was that, the proposition was unfeasible. The discourse was interrupted by a crisis. The crisis involved an Italian ship was blown off course, and intercepted by the Spanish coast guard and it was found that the ship was heading toward Israel and contained 2 consignments of missiles without warhead. Israel called upon Spain to release the ship and its contents. Blueprints for a facility capable of producing uranium designed by the UK contractor, BAE systems, which were claimed to be for a “research purpose”. The IAEA was to investigate a major case of proliferation on the part of Israel, Italy and UK.

The council entered a moderated caucus and the delegates conferred that the crisis indicated a major breach of the NPT on UK’s part. Amidst, a heated debate, the session adjourned for a short break.

 

Legal Council:

Day two at the legal committee saw quite some advancement, though through a few hiccups, South Africa’s point of a joint tribunal gave the debate a great thrust and the delegates ended up preparing an impressive work paper on this suggestion. The debate pretty much revolved around this point. The partiality of ICC was brought under question to which USA suggested that Amnesty International could help keeping a check on ICC. Moreover, delegates of a few countries strongly felt that national governments should be given charge. When the Iraq trials were brought to notice, USA defended itself with the argument of the change in policies during the Obama government.

 

All in all, the joint tribunal consisting of the country where the victim is caught, the country where he is caught and the country which is his nationality, along with the ICC should handle cases and the countries should be given a choice whether they want ICC to preside over the cases.

Today is the closing ceremony of the three day event. which is expected to be attended by dignitaries and chief guests from different parts of the world .this event has helped the students in understanding about different countries and helping find a solution to them.

Photos and Report By:

SABARI SARAN / MWN