FDI POLICY- OBAMA KHUSH HUA!

The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail has sparked a debate whether it's going to be a bane or boon to the growth of our country. FDI  in retail is definitely a back-footing by this government when India had the capability to surge ahead  indigenously.

Indian retail sector has been a major contributor to the nation's GDP and is also the second largest employer, next only to the agriculture sector. The business community has always been the soft target for  government policies, no matter which party is in power. (FDI policy was first initiated by NDA govt). Instead of providing stronger infrastructure and conducive business environment for small business and farmers the government's decision on FDI is a let down.  30% of the crops produced by the farmers are going waste due to lack of infrastructure. Few blame the traders and middlemen for the current situation. What is the guarantee that the farmers would get a fair deal from the big foreign retailer with far-fetched interests?

The US which is pushing(Link- 'OBAMA KHUSH HUA!)' the FDI in retail and our accommodating government is fiddling the system instead of making it stronger. The US is facing opposition to the  large retailers in its own backyard.(Link- Newyork neighbourhood opposes big retailer). These are the days of Foreign Indirect Governance. Question to all the policy makers/politicians who are pushing for this alien scheme- "Will you allow the FDG- Foreign Direct Governance?". You will not, because you will be jobless. God, Forbidden! 
We all know that the farmers in many developed countries get better crops per hectare than our farmers in India. Next, will the government initiate to lease out, or even sell agricultural lands to foreign agriculturists to get better yields??? And they'll call it reforms!! . 

Chintamani is mainly a business hub and a major feeder market for many villages and towns. It has more than 1200 retailers, over 100 wholesalers and many petty shops.  The FDI in retail will dismantle the present structure of the business and will put thousands of families in a hardship. But the business community in Chintamani can outsmart and make the big retailers run for their money. Chintamaniacs can handle any eventuality with firmness. Big can be bogged. (Link-Competing with big retailers)

Dr M.C.Sudhakar's comment on CC. Reassuring!

Dear readers, it is indeed a pleasure to get the comments from Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, MLA, the leader whose unending efforts to improve Chintamani town is there for everyone to see. The sight of the people carrying plastic pots to fetch water are the days of the past. Double Roads(remember, there were encroachers on either side of the road), Stadium, Bus-stand and the market have all seen a drastic change, especially the market next to the bus-stand which had become a den for the anti-social elements for years. And, ofcourse, there are plenty of other projects which has to see the light of the day which will mark a remarkable change in this small town. Wishing him all the success in all his endeavour to make our Chintamani a great place to live-in. And sincere thanks for writing and putting across the further plans  to CC readers. We are really glad we have a responsive leader.

   

Dr M.C.Sudhakar's comment on Chintamani Calling's -Our Responsibility To Up-keep Chintamani

"Lots is happening now in chintamani,like park,stadium,court building ,ksrtc bus stand ,college buildings,bus shelters,new road from hoskote to chintamani,dust bins placed in various locations,kanampalli small tank rejuvenation ,housing in the slums,compound walls of kishore school and ksrtc depo being shifted for better footpath space ,Under ground drainage (UGD)works in ashraya layout ,thimmasandra ward 31,kanampalli,missing lines in the town ,water supply not a issue in cmy since 5 years compared to other towns in both the districts ,taluk panchayat building and many more in rural areas like UGD first time in two villages gopasandra and kariapalli adjoining cmy town ,concrete roads in various villages,connecting roads, etc and many more,MG road ,Chelur road,IG double road then and now and wait for next" .

Dr M.C.Sudhakar's comment on CC-Spot The Road

"People are spoting the roads now .sorry we are living in a democratic India .Difficult to take up progressive works ,people should understand the system ,one person cannot make things happen ,requires patience to do good in our country,hope things will improve and people appreciate the sincere efforts".

As he has implicated, a transition can only happen if there is an effort by both administrators and citizens in tandem. CC endorses his views.

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.

I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him. ~Abraham Lincoln

CHINTAMANI HOT PEANUTS - A LEGACY

CHINTAMANI HOT PEANUTS OR GROUNDNUTS

The moment it is served, it screams  'Eat Me!'. Instantaneously you'll grab it and chew it. You'll experience the electrifying taste of " CHINTAMANI KADLEBEEJA or CHINTAMANI HOT PEANUTS. The perfect coating of spices on the skin of the nut and the nut shattering in your mouth leaves the taste buds asking for more and more. It becomes hard to resist. This irresistable taste of CHINTAMANI HOT PEANUTS or GROUNDNUTS has drawn hundreds of thousands of people towards Chintamani. The two outlets which sells this famous savoury has become a mandatory in every Chintamani tour itinerary.

 "Chintamani Kadalebeeja" was started in a small way by Smt Munilakshmamma, who prepared hot peanuts along with other snacks at her home. Her husband Sri Ayodhya Ramiah used to carry them to the market places and sandy areas to sell it. Their son Komarla Sriramiah set up a shop and emphasised on selling quality products. Soon "Sriramiah Hot Peanuts" became a house-hold name. The business is now carried on by Komarla Sriramiah's sons, K.Krishnamurthy,( outlet on M.G.Road, near Bus stand) & K. Ashwathnarayana  (outlet at Azad Chowka, entrance to Doddapete). K. Kaushik,  the fourth generation of the family has ventured into the business. Even to this day delivering quality products to the customers is their motto. The groundnuts are properly graded and the wholesome nuts are hand-picked and are roasted to perfection. The roasting increases the antioxidants in the nuts and hence the savoury stays fresh for many days. Other than hot and salted peanuts they also sell eight other spicy and roasted grains including soyabean. The above mentioned addresses are the only outlets that  sells the original Chintamani Hot Peanuts.



Outlet at Azadchowka




Outlet on M.G.Road, Near Bus Stand



Chintamani Peanuts has helped people  as a catalyst during matrimonial alliances- making new relationships, and also in building business synergies. People have cleverly used Chintamani Peanuts to get their jobs done in government offices (Beg your pardon, Anna Hazareji!). The recipient of a pack of Chintamani Peanuts will grin, and your job gets the top priority. And you can grin and say "I got my job done for peanuts". The old saying "If you pay peanuts, you'll get monkeys" does not hold good for our Chintamani Hot Peanuts. Chintamaniacs who live in other places or who live abroad ,apart from the taste they also get the touch of nativity while relishing this wonderful hot peanuts. Thanks to the Komarla Sriramiah family for carrying on this Legacy Called Chintamani Hot Peanuts.  

Arresting Anna Hazare, Absolutely Bizarre

Anna Hazare's arrest is a deplorable act of the Delhi Police and initiated by the central government. This is certainly a situation of anarchy in India. The holding up of a person , a Gandhian, who was peacefully crusading against corruption rises many questions on the integrity of the representatives of the government. Why are the ruling party representatives handling the situation so hastily? Do they think they will be at the helm of this government for ever? Will they not have to answer the people when they have to face the elections the next time? Have they forgotten it's the people who have elected them to represent their concerns?

The support for Anna Hazare and the Jan Lokpal Bill is overwhelming. The survey conducted by many agencies and the media clearly shows the public sentiment is with Anna Hazare.

The youth of Chintamani took out a peaceful rally in support of Anna Hazare and voiced their protest against the arrest of Anna Hazare and other members of the civil society. Few enthusiasts mobilised college students and briefed them about the nature of the grim situation that has been created by the government representatives. The college students and fellow citizens of Chintamani were able to bring awareness among the general public by their peace march.

Just a week back the English youth turned violent and looted many business establishments in England for the reasons best known to them.

Hats-off to the people of India who have organised strong protests in large numbers, especially the youth, and not even one violent act reported until now. Proud Indians, aren't we? 

Chintamani Incident:Scary and Disturbing.

The killing of the thieves ( TOI report )is the lash back of the villagers who are going through a bout of insecurity from the past few months. The whole incident  is a mockery of the constitution and the judiciary. But clearly this incident is the display of the frustration against the inaction by the concerned authorities and fear of the people from the threat from the anti-socials. The swift reaction of the villagers when a women was attacked and the way they organised themselves to comb for the culprits in the nearby villages is astonishing. Thanks to the cellphone marketers.  However, what followed is an unwarranted incident. The villagers who disregarded the law of the land obviously did not have faith in the judiciary. The rampant incidents of dacoities and robberies are mostly a handy work of repeated offenders. The victims are from Andhra Pradesh and the preliminary investigations reveal that they all have the track record of infusing crime in Ananthapur District. The men in the surrounding villages have fled from homes fearing police arrests. From the past few months the women in the villages around Chintamani were scared to work in the fields because the culprits targeted women and snatched their ornaments causing injury. The strangers are watched suspiciously.

The situation is not different in Chintamani town either. The chain snatching, robberies, and conning has become the order of the day. There is no respite for the common people from the thieves. This is not at all an exaggeration. It is rumored that there are a few more of such gangs who are creating havoc and disturbing the society. The thieves are having a field day despite people becoming more vigilant. If the government doesn't put a brake to the increasing crime rate, there will be more 'Chintamanisation' acts everywhere. And such incidents are causing a big dent to the image of our beloved town.

Watch MLA Sudhakar on a reality show.

CC has been receiving many requests for MLA Dr M.C.Sudhakar's interview and his public speech. Here's an opportunity for all those to see him up-close.

Dr Sudhakar is on a reality show "WOW" that is to be telecasted on E-TV Kannada at 9:30 PM on Saturday the 23rd July. The show hosted by an actor turned politician Mr Sai Kumar is a game show which has MLA's as contestants. The promos telecasted on the channel shows our MLA crooning and dancing.

Chintamaniacs, watch his moves, he's got talent!! 

CC Supports Campaign Against Corruption.



CORRUPTION NIGRAHAN MUQABLA

  Never had the issue of corruption was in the fore-front of focus as it is today. India stands below (87th in this given link) in the rankings of the least corrupt countries. The public sentiments was always ignored by all the past governments. Thanks to the anti corruption campaign by Sri Anna Hazare. India has a hope now. After 64 years of Independence, India is hoping to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The proposed Lokpal Bill might not completely eliminate or uproot corruption, but it will surely keep-in-check the scale of the corruption. The implementation of Lokpal Bill will  help non-corrupt politicians too,but .... that is still a hope. We shall over come enjoy this wonderful rendition hoping that India will overcome this menace called corruption.
In tribute to the iconic painter of our times, M.F.Hussain, who died in England, CC has uploaded a cartoon depicting the present scenario "Corruption Nigrahan Muqabla" done by a Chintamaniac. 

ADVANTAGE SHIKARIPURA

 

A HOARDING AT SHIKARIPURA

 The fortunes of the Karnataka government might be similar to the power situation in the state- always in the brink of darkness. Honorable Chief Minister has managed to come out victorious against every obstacle.
Shikaripura, the assembly constituency of CM B.S Yeddyurappa rose to fame along with it's leaders political growth. This  town bordering the Sahyadri ranges, part of western ghats, did not even have a proper bus stand. Now Shikaripura has gained a lot from it's leader gaining a political foot-hold. There are lot of projects that are under progress,like mini-Vidhanasoudha, Public Library, reservoir for town's water requirement, etc. 


PRIVATE BUS STAND OF SHIKARIPURA

  The roads that leads to the town has changed for good. Shikaripura now has a newly constructed B.S Yeddyurappa private bus stand. Couple of 'Iyravatha' buses also arrive at Shikaripura from Bangalore. ( only few government buses ply through Shikaripura).
However, the talk of the town is the newly developed garden beside the Shikaripura Lake. Hundreds of people throng to have a glimpse of the musical fountain installed in this park. The play area is crowded with children having a great time.The lights and the fountains make this park more pleasant in the evenings.


ILLUMINATED  PARK ADJOINING THE   LAKE

 Adjoining to the lake and the garden is a Heli-pad. The best view one could get of this beautifull landscapes is from the CM's helicopter. Want to be his travel companion, anyone?  


MUSICAL FOUNTAIN AT THE PARK



Our Responsibilty To Up-keep Chintamani

The Municipal Corporation of Chintamani has always been the first to take measures to give Chintamani a face-lift. Chintamani is one of the first towns around which banned the use of plastic bags/covers. With the cooperation of the people it has successfully weeded out the plastic bag/cover menace from the streets of Chintamani. Now it has taken a stride towards sensible and responsible way of disposing the wastes. This is one of the initiatives under the project called " ನನ್ನ  ಚಿಂತಾಮಣಿ  ನಗರ , ಸ್ವಚ್ಛ ಸುಂದರ  ನಗರ  ". The citizens are requested to give away the wastes to the 'Sthree Shakti Workers'(doing a thankless job) in two seperate containers, one with the wet wastes which are biodegradable and the other one with all the recyclable trash. To bring about the awareness regarding this, the municipality is conducting roadshows in all the wards of Chintamani. Dr. M. Rame Gowda, the municipal commissioner of Chintamani says, " if we do not take drastic measures to dispose the waste appropriately then the situation will get out-of-control. Chintamani itself generates 30 tonnes of waste everyday, imagine the heap it could form if it's not disposed properly". Alarming isn't it? 

The municipal authorities are putting up shelter and chairs and are also showing a documentary on the issue. All these things comes for a cost. But the people are not embracing this new initiative. The response to these camps has been lukewarm. But, the initiative will eventually see good results.

If it has to reach more people then they(the authorities) have to beam the same documentary in the theatres, or even better, seek the divine help. Since people flock to the worship places there cant be a better place than that to bring about awareness on sanity. After-all, the next thing to Godliness is cleanliness.

MLA's Hunger Strike Demanding Solution for Water Woes.

 The indefinite hunger strike demanding the state government to provide sufficient potable water to Chintamani taluk continued for the 4th day. Leading this campaign is our MLA Dr M.C. Sudhakar, and his vast followers, who are also on hunger strike are supporting him in this genuine cause.MLA Dr Sudhakar said, " It's high time we draw the governments focus on our taluk's water scarcity. It's not just the drinking water of the people, Chintamani taluk being one of the highest producers of milk, it has become hard for the farmers to give their cattle it's bare necessity which is water." Speaking elaborately on the existing water problem, he said " The ground water level has reached below 800ft in most of the 40 villages in the taluk, rising the cost of digging the new bore wells and installation of powerfull pumpsets, which is required, will further jack-up the costs of its execution. The existing borewells do not have pumpsets. Its like having a bus without a driver. And, the short supplies of electricity add-up to the hardships of the farmers. The state government has turned a blind eye on Chintamani's water woes".



According to 2011 senses, Chintamani Taluk has 2.98 lac population and the town's population is 85ooo. He said, " A person needs a minimum of 55 lpcd ( litre per capita day)of water and a cow needs atleast 30-40 ltrs of water per day, and Chintamani taluk has a 65000 cattle. The problem is twofold for the farmers who are depending on the cattle for their daily bread, and ofcourse butter ".


Dr. Sudhakar is clear in his demands. He has drawn the focus of the government on the water scarcity of Chintamani. He and his supporters who are fasting have put-up a brave front continuing their strike for the 4th day, and now, they want nothing less than an immediate release of sufficient funds for taking-up the projects to improve the water supplies.
Most of the head waters and upper streams have been destroyed and, therefore, hydrological systems in rivers and lakes around  have gradually collapsed. Evaporation is higher than precipitation. These pressing issues are generally marginalised by policymakers, especially at the state levels.

This also has brought some awareness about   water conservation   among the residents of Chintamani.

CC wishes this campaign for Chintamani a great success.

Water Conservation Slogans: Read-On, it's good.

1. 4 minute shower, not a quarter hour!
2. Be Water Wise
3. C'mon guys, get water-wise
4. conserve water and conserve life!!!!
5. Conserve water, our life's on the brink!
6. Don't Waste it just Taste it!!!!
7. Fresh water is 0.002% on earth
8. No water running while you brush your teeth
9. Only wash a full load!
10. Prohibit the Drip.
11. Put a Stop - to the Drop.
12. Rainwater tank, won't break the bank.
13. Save it before you need it.
14. Save water ... It doesn't grow on trees.
15. Save water ... It's not just a drop in the bucket.
16. Save water and save the earth
17. Save water drink beer
18. Save water it will save you later!
19. Save water! save life!
20. Save water, secure the future!
21. Save water, shower with a friend.
22. save water, shower with a friend.
23. Save yourself! Save water!
24. Stop the drop
25. Sweep the drive with a broom, not a hose
26. Switch to Water Wise Gardening
27. Tap the Tap.
28. Think outside the sink
29. Today's rain water is tomorrow's life saver!
30. Wash the car with a bucket, not a hose
31. Waste water today - Live in a desert tomorrow
32. Water is life! save water, save life!!
33. Water is our friend
34. Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink!
35. Save water! Collect the whole set!
36. If its brown flush it down, if its yellow let it mellow

Amateur Stargazers of Chintamani

Picture clicked through telescope

Enthusiasts watching an Astronomical event.

Star gazing on Saturday night

Saturday Night March 19 2011: Looking up at the perfectly clear night sky we saw the Full Moon

blazing brightly down upon us. "THE SUPER MOON" which as a general English term is

accepted by all of us gathered on the rooftop,just for the spectacular event.

We, the Amateur Stargazers of Chintamani, were mesmerized by the BIG Bright Full Moon.

We had no basis to ascertain it with measurements for the size or the intensity.

The notion of 14% bigger and 30% brighter is on the books between the Farthest(APOGEE) to

the Nearest(PERIGEE) Moons only and not necessarily in comparison with Yesterday's or

for that matter the previous full moon a month ago.

Nevertheless We all were captivated by the Celestial beauty as we struggled to

capture the Images and videos on our Digicams and with the 6" Telescope set up

exclusively for the Event By our friend's father,Who is an Amazing Enthusiast of Astronomy.

Later we trained our eyes,Binocs,cams and the telescope to the much fainter sparkle

just below the super moon and lo! we had focused on the Beautiful Saturn with a clear

view of the rings the satellites Titan and Rhea or Dione,Considering such a bright moon in the sky!!

Though we were unable to get the images or videos of Saturn and had to be satisfied

to view them through the telescope, we Vowed to return in a fortnight to Focus Again

and Click some photos on a moonless night!!!!

Deepak Rao
Chintamani

CHINTAMANI CHEERS FOR INDIA.

CHINTAMANI   'CHEER' IDAAGA!




Down-to earth Sangakkara



FRIENDLY -DESTRUCTIVE JAYASURIYA

With Gus Logie former  WI cricketer excellent fielder

Their faces briefs-up the whole story



CRICKET GOD- SA'CHINTAMANI'



The Hilton Trinidad is a Upside-Down hotel-entrance through mid-floor

India's debacle in the last Cricket World Cup is still haunting Chintamaniacs. We, myself and brother Radheshyam , from Chintamani had been to Trinidad, West Indies to root for India. All thanks to Uncle Dr Guru Prakash Ganjur from USA who also joined in. Folks in India were happy to see on TV a Chintamani banner in the stadium in all the matches that India played and we were the proud Chintamaniacs holding it. India's shocking defeat in the first match against the minnows Bangladesh was a huge set back. The Indian players morale hit the ground and they never showed any signs of recovery throughout their short stint in the tournament. We were lucky to watch all the teams in the group (India, Srilanka, Bangladesh & Bermuda) very closely since they were all put-up in the same hotel , The Hilton Trinidad, that we stayed in. Indian players most of the times stayed indoors. They never looked like a team and we could spot few players coming out alone for the gym and the pool. They used to alight the bus that took them to the stadium discretely. The Lankans moved in groups like the Lions and were having great fun mingling with the fans. The Bangladesh team looked like a college cricket team, full of energy. The Bermuda team comprised mid aged players and veterans who had nothing to loose from the loss. India also lost to Srilanka and the only consolation was a victory against lowly ranked Bermuda, Veerendra Sehwag hitting a century, and by then it was too late. Frankly, India lost the matches mostly due to the non-cricketing reasons, like politics and individual egos, and the team's dis-aligning with the coach Greg Chappel not helping India's cause.

India, this time has the ability to erase the not-so-memorable (absolutely memorable for us though) outing in the last World Cup. Victory heals and we want nothing less from this team. India are one match away from the quarter finals.
Hope India will bring the World Cup home- for the billions of fans, and for Sachin -The Greatest.

Gurunath Ganjur
Chintamani

























B.R. Lakshman Rao - He deals with words, in this business town.

Romanticism is his forte. His microscopical view of romance and its nuances are well described with the beautiful lyricism and pun with the same earnest passion he has towards love through his poems. This has made him one of the prominent faces in the modern kannada literary world. His half-humored, cynical and sometimes paradoxical take on the earthly matters in his poems has brought him recognition and people have honored him with awards, and the most recent being  the Karnataka government's prestigious Rajyotsava Award. His exemplary contribution  to the kannada literature and the way he has delighted the hearts of the young and those young at heart alike has made B.R.Lakshman Rao a name synonymous to Chintamani.

B.R.Laksman Rao, also-known-as BRL, was deeply influenced by the works of great English poets Keats and Eliot during his masters in English literature. "Gopi mattu Gaandaleena,1971- Jolly Baarinalli "  link- a poem portraying an innocent boy's plight in a dance bar became widely popular. The collection of his poems "Chintamani" (dedicating to his native) and "Camera Kannu" has captured and has brought-forth the intricate and vivid pictures of life. Many reputed writers like H.S. Venkatesh Murthy, Jayanth Kaikini, etc, have written forewords to his books. He has also written a novel(Heegondhu Premakathe) and his compilations of poems "Columbus" has also been translated to English, in which there is a poem on Chintamani titled "My Native".

  Dr. Rajkumar, S.P. Balasubramaniam, Ratnamala Prakash, Sonu Nigam, Mysore Ananthaswamy, M.D.Pallavi  (Amma Ninna Yedeyaaladalli)and many other famous singers have lent their voice to his lyrics. Noted composer and singer C. Ashwath has brought out several music albums (Kengulaabi, Subbabhattara Magale, Anuraaga, etc) and were loved by the listeners and they still linger in their minds. But, listening to some of his compositions in his own inimitable voice, especially "Nimbegida thumba chanda" song is a treat. The students who went to the english classes in his Vinayaka Tutorials recollect those wonderful time when he used to sing for his students. A couple of BRL's compositions ("Baare Rajakumari" - "Baa Maleye Baa" youtube link) have been adopted to films. "Baa maleye baa" another youtube version will leave you mesmerised with its music, tune, Sonu Nigam's voice and amazing lyrics.

A poet who made his mark, and whose works originated from Chintamani, and is a proud posession of Chintamani, is now moving to Bangalore. CC wishes him and his wonderful family all the happiness and prosperity.

Here is the link to BRL's "Baare Rajakumari"  ( sorry, couldn't find this, but enjoy all the other above links)in which he candidly and yet wittily has described a couple's life in a city like Bangalore.
TV9 interview of BRL.(click here)

Bandh: Do we deserve this?

Where do we go from here?

The bandh enforced by the state government  managed to disrupt the day-to-day affairs of peace loving Chintamaniacs. The shops and the business establishments closed shutters to avoid triggering of any unruly incidents. The people who had travel plans had to negotiate some road blocks and torching of tyres. The government bus-stand wore a deserted look because the buses had stopped plying from early  morning. The children had a field day enjoying their surprise holiday.

Ronald Reagan had said,  "We must not look to government to solve our problems. Here government is the problem." True, and here - the government is in problem.



Bus-Stand Stands Still





The cricketers having a' field' day at Bus Stand



CHILL....CHILL...CHILLTAMANI.



ಚಿಲ್ ...ಚಿಲ್ ....ತಾಳೆನು







Nature's Hill Disappearing Act




Time to show-off winter wears



It's the weather that has been the subject of every conversation from the past couple of weeks in Chintamani. The mercury is playing around 14-19 degree C. On some  days it also dropped to 11 degree C and finally on 23rd  Dec early morning it dipped to 9 degree C. The fog completely engulfed Chintamani. The chill has given a super beauty enhancing effect to Chintamani. It's Chill..... Chill....... Chilltamani. To the people suffering from cold or nose block, unconducively it's Chitamani( 'ಚಿತಾ'ಮಣಿ ).
Happy New Year To All Chintamaniacs.