HURRAY!! IT"S THE TRAIN!!

The resumption of the train service passing through Chintamani brought joy to many people. The train that was flagged-off  on Friday the 8th November at Chickaballapur was welcomed at Chintamani with all the fanfare. Although it's only a single train that runs to-and-fro, Bangalore City to Kolar, this brings a hope that more trains will be added in the near future. People flocked to the Railway Station to see the train touching Chintamani. Their joy seem to be inexhaustable, and their speculations, limitless. The word is that this train route is not very convenient to the people who travel daily to Bangalore, because this train  enroute to Bangalore departs Chintamani Station at 2:48 pm and reaches Bangalore City by 5:00 pm. Most people who work in Bangalore or the Businessmen prefer early mornings to travel. They prefer to reach the city before noon. And also how this train could help the people of Kolar has to be seen.

CC had covered a story "The New Railway Station Waits for the Train to Arrive"  three years ago. The pictures of the station were also posted. But, it's now time to rejoice because the wait is over and it's just a matter of time when we'll see more trains passing through  our town Chintamani. And hope those trains are scheduled in the larger interest of the passengers. Or else, the whole rail route will become obsolete like the way it was couple of decades ago. 

Kudos to the Ministry of Railways for recognizing the route and revamping it!!  

Should we call it a municipal anarchy?

It's been six months(March 7th,2013) since the municipal elections were held, and the results were out on March 11th, and now it all seem has dipped to hollowness. The formation process of the municipal cabinet is tangled in a court case. The victory the citizens handed over to the candidates is not a laurel for them to take home. It's a responsibility!!

 The candidates from various political parties had filed their nominations with much fanfare and hoopla. The residents of Chintamani turned out to the polling booths with all faith of giving good mandate. The winning candidates also celebrated with a bash and displayed lots of enthusiasm for  delivering good governance. But..., six months have gone by and there has not been even a single meeting of municipal councilors. This clearly is a mockery of our system and disregard for all the voters of Chintamani.

The formation of the municipal cabinet is a primary exercise of the municipality for the progress of the town. The councilors bring in their ideas for development in the council meeting and also can attend to the problems of the citizens with better knowledge. The municipal cabinet helps putting a firm footing in the relationship between the state government and the local administration. The decision of sharing revenues/funds on various projects can't be taken properly and hence the development will take a back seat.  Hope the concerned authorities will immediately fill in the void in the local body.

ADHAR- Imparting Virtuousness Serving the Deserved in Chintamani.

Tucked in the new extension off the Tank Bund Road, near Sai Baba Temple in Chintamani, is a special school which has been diligently involved in nurturing  the differently-abled children. ADHAR. the school for the challenged, is doing a thankless job of grooming the differently-abled people for the past two decades. The students here are taught the etiquette's of life with lots of care and love. The curriculum is scientifically designed because this is just not like the conventional schools that has commercial motto. The strengths and skills of each student is identified and are encouraged to develop their skills. Few of the students have gone out to get suitable jobs. The children are also served nutritionally rich food that helps them to get the necessary nutrients. The socially inclined people visit the school to celebrate Birthdays, Wedding Anniversaries, and other moments of happiness to inherit the unadulterated joy from these children in ADHAR. The school administration has started to build a new bigger and felicitous infrastructure which is facing some problems due to the dearth of support from the local governing body.

The service motive people who are taking care of this modest institute are all so adorable. Ms. Amruthavalli, who holds a MSc in Botany, the patron of this school, is the embodiment of humility. She has a clear insight of the science required to teach her children. Her passion for serving them is just pure. Shiva Kumar, who manages the institute brings in the radiance with his youthfulness. He has quit his well paid job of web designing in Bangalore in order to serve the less privileged. His guitar playing skills have come in handy to recreate the students and infuse liveliness. Ms Kavita patiently teaches the students and she helps them take a good stride in all the activities.

Here is a song/lyric with the mix of Kannada, English and Telugu, set to a tune. The song is filled with pride, irrefutable truth and sarcasm.

ನಮ್ಮ ಊರು ಚಿಂತಾಮಣಿ 

ನಮ್ಮೂರಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ರೂ ಧಣಿ 

ಹೇಳೋರ್ ಕೇಳೋರ್ ಯಾರು ಇಲ್ಲ 

ನಾವ್ ನಡಸಿದಂತೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲ

 ಆದ್ರೇ ...

ಸೀದಾ ಸಾದಾ ಜನ ನಾವು ಸಿಕ್ಕಾಪಟ್ಟೆ ಒಳ್ಳೇವ್ರು ನಾವು 

                        ನಮ್ಮ ಊರು ಚಿಂತಾಮಣಿ ...... 

ಎದ್ವ-ತದ್ವ ನಾವು ಗಾಡಿಯನ್ನು ಓಡಿಸಿ 

ಅಡ್ಡ-ದಿಡ್ಡಿ ಗಾಡಿ ಎಲ್ಲಂದ್ರಲ್ಲೇ ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿ 

ಇಲ್ವೆ ಇಲ್ಲ ಇಲ್ಲಿ oneway ಎಂಬ policy 

ಮುಂಚಿನಿಂದ ಅಲವಾಟ್ ಇಲ್ಲ traffic rules ಪಾಲಿಸಿ 

wrong-side ಅಲ್ಲಿ ದೂರು 

ನಮಗೆ ಅಡ್ಡ ಬರೌರ್ ಯಾರು?

ಸುಮ್ -ಸುಮ್ನೆ horn ಹೊಡೆದು ಹಾಕ್ತೀವ್ ನಾವು top gearಉ 

                         

                        ನಮ್ಮ ಊರು ಚಿಂತಾಮಣಿ ...... 

ಸಿನಿಮಾಗಿಲ್ಲಿ ಆದರ್ಶ,SLN , ಅಂಜನಿ 

ತೆಲುಗು ಫಿಲಂ ಚೂಸ್ತಾಮು ಎನಬೈ ರುಪಾಯ್ಲು ಬಾಲ್ಕನಿ 

ಚಕ್ಕಲಿ-ನಿಪ್ಪಟ್ ಆನಿಯನ್ ಟೊಮೇಟೊ ಕಾರ ಪುರಿ 

ತಿಂದದ್ದು ಹೆಚ್ಚಾದ್ರೆ lime soda ನನ್ನಾರಿ 

ಪೆಗ್ಗು ಯಾರಿಗ್ ಬೇಕು!!

ಪೆರಗ್-ಬೂಂಧಿ ಇದ್ರೆ ಸಾಕು 

Pub Mall ಬೇಕಾಗಿಲ್ಲ simple ಮಂದಿ ನಾವುಗ್ಳೆಲ್ಲ 

                        ನಮ್ಮ ಊರು ಚಿಂತಾಮಣಿ ...... 

ಕರೆಂಟ್ ನವರು ಆಡಿಸ್ತಾರೆ ಕಣ್ಣಾ ಮುಚ್ಚಾಲೆ ಆಟ 

ಗ್ಯಾಸು ನೀರಿಗಂತು ತಪ್ಪಲ್ಲ ಪರದಾಟ 

ಆ ಕಾರ್ಡು, ಈ ಕಾರ್ಡು, ಏನ್ ಹೇಳ್ಲಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಪಾಡು 

ಬದುಕಿದ್ದಾಗಲೇ ನಮಗೆ ತೋರಿಸ್ತಾರೆ grave yardಉ 

ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಕೊಡುವ ನೋವು 

ಅದ್ರಲ್  ಶ್ಯಾನೆ ಬಿಜಿ ನಾವು 

systemಗೊಂದು salute ಹೊಡೆದು ಮುಂದೆ ಸಾಗೊ ಜನ ನಾವು 

                         ನಮ್ಮ ಊರು ಚಿಂತಾಮಣಿ ...... 

ಘಂಟಸಾಲ ಪಾಟಲಿಕಿ ಸೂರ್ಯಡು ಕೂಡ wakingಉ 

ರಾತ್ರಿಯಲಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟದಡಿ starsಗಳ partyingಉ 

ಸಕ್ಕತ್ತು ಸೂಪರ್ರು ಬೆಟ್ಟ ಗುಡ್ಡಗಳ ಸಾಲು 

ಇನ್ನೆಷ್ಟು ಹೇಳ್ಬೇಕು ಇನ್ನು ಬೇಕ ನಾಕು ಸಾಲು 

                                 -ಅಯ್ಯೋ ಇಂತೈತೆ ನಾಕು ಸಾಲು!!

ಕಣ್ಣು ಬಿಟ್ರೆ ಕೊಂಚ 

ಇದು lovely ಪ್ರಪಂಚ 

ಎಷ್ಟಾದ್ರೂನು ಬಿಟ್ಕೊಡಲ್ಲ Chintamaniacಸು ನಾವು 

                           ನಮ್ಮ ಊರು ಚಿಂತಾಮಣಿ ...... 

New Bus-Stops: What Stops Them From Stopping Here?

As we move on the Double Road towards Bangalore, the slick looking Bus Stops/Shelters on either side of the road will grab your attention. The contemporary looking all steel and beautifully designed shelter for the bus passengers looks all empty. And you'll see people waiting to alight the bus in hot sun and rain not very far away from these shelters. Quite bizarre, isn't it?


The two shelters for the buses moving towards Bangalore are built in a suitable place . The present Bus -Stop (in front of Raghavendra Temple) is actually blocking the traffic, and it also blocks(if there's a bus) the view of the vehicles coming from the road adjacent to the temple for the people driving on Double Road. The new stop is in front of the BDO office where there is an ample space for the buses to stop without blocking the flow of vehicles. And the Bus-Stop beside the KSRTC Depot gate is in disarray because that is the spot where the buses move-in and move-out of the depot causing confusion to the bus drivers and passengers alike. When there's a new slick looking Bus-Stops, what's stopping the buses from stopping there!!
The four other shelters on the road-side leading towards the town seem obsolete, because people usually get down from the buses and disperse immediately to their homes. However, it makes sense to stop the buses at the designated places so that there is a proper order and also the money spent on these bus shelters doesn't go waste. Hope the concerned KSRTC officials will issue an ordinance to make good use of these  infrastructure built for a certain purpose.
CC will definitely bring this to the notice of the concerned authorities, and your feedback will be a shot in the arm.

Chintamani Chaats- "Addirindi!!!"

The very mention of Chintamani Chaats will brighten many faces. The tongue moves over the lips signalling the craving of the taste-buds. The spontaneous word that comes with Chintamani to many outsiders is Chaats- such is it's popularity. It's almost customary to have the stalls that serve Chintamani Chaats at the wedding parties and other occasions. There are many Chaat shops sprinkled around Chintamani, each outlet has it's distinctive tastes.  

The word Chaat is derived from North India, usually referred to an evening snack and savory available on the roadside carts. But the Chaat Masala(mixture of ingredients, mainly Amchur, Ginger and Black Salt) used in the north Indian snack is not used in the process of making Chintamani Chaats. In Chintamani Chaats there are mainly two kinds of Chutneys that impart tastes to all the savouries. A green chutney made out of green chillies, coriander leaves etc and has one variant with garlic (they call it RR masala) and a dark brown sauce(gojju) made out of Tamarind and Jaggery ( Dates could be added too) are the main elements. Red Chilly powder is also used for few items. The other ingredients required to prepare Chintamani Chaats are Puffed rice (burugalu), Nippattu, Chuckli, Groundnuts, Corn Flakes, etc, and Onions, Tomatoes, Carrot & Coriander leaves.

The main items sold in every Chaat outlet in Chintamani are
* Kharam Burugalu(Puffed Rice masala) in 3-5 flavors
* Nippattu Masala
* Onion Chuckli Masala
* Tomato Slice Masala
* Pesarubyallu (Dal Masala)
* Oumpudi Masala (Sev Masala)
* Cornflakes Masala
* Cucumber Masala
* Boti Masala
* Peragu Boondhi (Yogurt with Savory)
* Sweet Corn Masala
And there are many other preparations/savories which the shop owners innovate to induce costumer interest.

Unlike the North Indian Chaats which could be heavy on stomach, the Chintamani Chaats are light on tummy and can be consumed anytime of the day. And not to forget, it's light on the pocket too- with 100 rupees 3 or 4 people can have a blasting time enjoying all the mouth-watering delicacies. If you live in Chintamani you are never far from a Chaat shop. So what are you waiting for, head towards the nearest outlet. Those who live outside Chintamani plan your visit to Chintamani. With Chintamani Chaats .... it is the true Chintamani Calling!!:)

CHINTAMANI NEEDS YOU!!! TAKE THE POLL POSITION!!

The moment the election date was announced there was a frantic activity to obtain party tickets by prospective candidates.There was also talks that the big national parties issued tickets in return of crores of rupees. Now, in the run up to the assembly elections the candidates have been hand tied during campaigning. Thanks to the strict monitoring by The Election Commission of India, an autonomous body. There's no too much of sound polluting loud-speakers, and there's no nuisance of posters and huge banners. Kudos to the Karnataka State Election Commission!!

Despite their efforts few political parties try to lure the voters offering them money and gifts. The prospective candidates donate huge sums to the communities and associations to obtain their 'blessings'. Liquor also plays an important role in the run up to the elections.

The declining voter turnout is a cause of concern. For example, during the municipal elections in Chintamani only 55% of the eligible voters came to the polling booths, after all the wooing by various political parties. There's a threat of non-voters becoming a majority, a slap on the face of a democracy. 

The worry is, the educated refraining from casting their votes.  The Election Commission is spending huge sums on a campaign to educate the so called educated about the importance of voting or the problems of them not voting. What an apathy!! All the government departments and banks have been instructed to initiate activities that could increase voter turnout. The sales tax department have requested all the business establishments to put a seal on all the bills generated reminding the citizens their primary duty. The Chintamani FMCG Distributors association and the Merchants Association of Chintamani have jointly put placards at all the shops to help the cause. Hope all the efforts by the government and various organisations fetches results, and if we see atleast 75% of the voting population taking part in the poll process that could be a victory of sorts.

A considerable number of people from Chintamani work and reside in Bangalore. It's time for the educated to unite and do the due! Here's an appeal to all those ambassadors of Chintamani, cast your vote this weekend. Kindly dedicate the Sunday 5-5-2013 for Chintamani. 

Kindly vote!! Chintamani needs you!!
Chintamani Calling!!

 

Chinta- Money Matters!!

"A woman commits suicide due to her husband's huge debts."" A business family flees unable to repay debts." "A man deserts his family and has gone missing due to money crisis." "A businessman is absconding to avoid the demanding money lenders."
These and many such disturbing stories are commonly heard in Chintamani these days. Thanks to the number of money lenders, and of-course to the shady borrowers. "Chintamani is a bank of  bankers"  admits a bank manager.

Money-lenders have always been accused of exploiting the poor by charging too much for loans, but what can - or should - be done about this? No doubt that the money lender's funding gives immediate relief and  provides the necessary fuel to run the ailing businesses of the borrowers, but the same fuel will ignite a much bigger problem. The money lending businesses have their own rules or 'no-rules' for trading. The people who take loans pledge assets like gold jewelery or a piece of land they own. But often it's just an oral agreement between the lender & the borrower. The transaction runs to a few thousands to crores of rupees. While the Nationalised Bank's interest rates on business loans are between 12% to 14%  per year and 8% to 10% per year on home loans, the bankers demand a whopping 10% to 12% per month and with the compounding interest. The trapped borrower will be able to pay, with great difficulty, only the interest amount for a few months and later he'll find it very hard to pay even the interest amount. The lender will pound him with a compound interest and the dues will become hefty to repay. A person who has borrowed Rs 1 lac will have to pay Rs 10000 every month. In 5 months the lender will pocket half (Rs 50000) the money.   The pressure the borrower has to undergo will terribly impact his whole family. Unless the borrowers get money wise there will be no dearth for those tragic stories in Chintamani. These are self inflicted problems. But, can the Government and the RBI find a solution to this knotty problem? Can they regulate the price of the loans?  Until than it will be a banker's glory and the borrower's misery. Hope the good principles in the money trading business will prevail, because to Chintamaniacs, the health of Chintamani matters!!   

Elections but no chaos- Super Chintamani!

The elections to any general body creates lots of noise and becomes chaotic. The leaders love to put their huge cut-outs, flexes and posters  and mock at the state of the people. Every nook and corner of the state, including the state capital, is spattered with this ridiculous eyesore. Thankfully they have spared the walls of The Vidhana Soudha!!

But here is Chintamani which is going through the grind of electing members to the town municipality, ahead of assembly elections, but you don't see any posters, cut-outs or banners. The man leading by example is the present independent MLA Dr M.C.Sudhakar. It's hard to find his pictures or cut-outs anywhere in Chintamani. It's quite evident that he is against this ill practice. He has let his works do all the talking, and that is how it has to be. There's no annoying speakers that shout out all through the day. It's hard to tell that Chintamani is facing an important elections. 
Chintamani is one of the primary towns that took  steps to ban the use of plastic bags and set an example for other places to emulate. Now with curtailing the use of flex, banners and posters, Chintamani has taken a huge leap in a progressive path. It's the time for the people of Chintamani to acknowledge all the good things that has happened by voting sincerely. The elections is on March 7th and the results will be announced on March 11th.
All Chintamaniacs, wherever you are, come vote! Chintamani is special! Be a source for Chintamani's development by voting!

Roshan illuminates Chintamani!!

Roshan- The Guinness World Record holder

Roshan Ramachandra, the  Guinness World Record holder from Chintamani has not only made us proud but his words could inspire many from Chintamani to set bigger goals and achieve them. Roshan in his exclusive interview to CC says he wants to dedicate his next Guinness World Record for a social cause. It's heartening to see a young guy with an ambition  of contributing to the society in his own way. He says  "Do what you can do the best, and make it reach heights" Read on: 

1. Congratulations to you on winning a Guinness World Record!!

Thank You.

2.How are you feeling on achieving this rare feat?

It feels great when the work you do is recognized by the people who is present around you. Today I have that great feeling.

3.Your name appeared on the front page of a national newspaper, which one gave you more happiness or sense of achievement?:)

Its the achievement which gives me more happiness, If it was not there, my name would have not made that far.

4.How did you come across this online game?

I was very much interested about Guinness World Records since I was kid, that interest made me to find an Online game, to set the record.

I was surfing GWR website and found lot of challenges, and this online game named "QWOP" attracted me , so gave a try.

5.There are several online games, does Guinness recognize all of those?

Not all, there are only few games.

6.Who encouraged you or inspired you to achieve this record?

I wanted to make my parents and hometown proud. So I chose this platform. Once I set my target, I got encouragement from Parents, Relatives, Friends to go for it and reach my target.

7.In which school did you study and did you have this goal of setting a Guinness Record since childhood?

I studied in Kishora Vidya Bhavana, as I said before I was interested in GWR from kid, It started in school library, when I picked up Guinness Book Of Records and started to go through all the records. And lets not forget Govt., Polytechnic Chintamani, where I did my diploma.

8.Online games are played world over, how many participants/competitors were there in the fray?

In the event which I participated, there were 8 participants, including players from Netherlands, USA, UK. And after the news got published, now i got more competitors to defend the title.

9.Your parents & family should be very ecstatic about your achievement?

Yes they are, being their son, it feels good to see happiness in their faces.

10.Yours is the first Guinness Record for your town Chintamani, what was the response from the folks of your home town?

All were proud to hear that "Chintamani" gamer made into Guinness World Records. Many people from my home town (Chintamani) congratulated me on this achievement.

This includes some big names like MLA "Sudhakar Reddy" sir.

11.Further, have you set your eyes on any other record? What is it?

Yes, now its been a kind of relief for me after this achievement. Which makes me easier to break more records. As of now I have planned to break a record named "Longest Individual Net Session (cricket)" which is Batting in the Nets for more than 24 hours, as a guy from USA has set the record of 24 hours.

12.What do you think are the glitches anybody could face while planning to break or set new Guinness record? Especially a small town person like you?

There are few, or a lot of issues that a common guy from a small town will face, though I didn't face any glitches in online line game record.

On the other side I started with an attempt break the cricket record in 2011, till now I am facing difficulties in organizing the event. I couldn't find the sponsors, and who can organize the event. I wish, I could raise funds for some good cause.

Now I am already a Guinness World Record holder, it should not be that difficult to aim for other records.

13 CC, on behalf of all it's readers wishes you best of luck in all your future endeavor. Any message you want to convey to your friends and the people of Chintamani?

One thing I would like to say to the people of Chintamani is "Do what you can do the best, and make it reach heights"

 Here's the link to Roshan's moment of glory http://challengers.guinnessworldrecords.com/challenges/160-fastest-100m-run-qwop-flash-game

Click here to know how the Guinness Records originated.

Roshan with his proud father Mr Ramachandra Mane

http://challengers.guinnessworldrecords.com/challenges/160-fastest-100m-run-qwop-flash-game

A Magnificent Flag - A Grand Republic Day!

 The Republic Day was celebrated with much fanfare and oozing patriotism in Chintamani. The colors of our national flag was boldly visible in Chintamani. The  1100 feet of Indian tricolor flag unfolded to it's full glory in the Double Road of Chintamani. This memorable event was jointly organised by The Lions Club, Vasavi Yuvajana Sangha and the Komarla Family. Around 4000 school children  participated in this event with lots of enthusiasm. The magnitude of the response and the sheer length of the flag was simply magnificent. 

The huge flag was brought here by Shri Laxminarayana Gupta from Penngonda in A.P.  The procession started from the KSRTC depot on Double Road and ended at the Jhansi Field. The celebration continued at the Jhansi field with the hoisting of the National Flag. Various schools and other organisations participated in the colorful march past. The Police presented their formal salutation  to the national flag. Thahasildar Mr Manjunath addressed the participants and applauded their patriotic flare. MLA Dr. M.C.Sudhakar also spoke on the ocassion and he reiterated his will to focus on the developmental works despite all odds. He said he would go to any length to bring all the necessary concepts to make our Chintamani a topnotch town.      

2013!! Happy New Year!!

CC wishes all it's viewers a very happy and prosperous new year. May this year bring more joy, health and success to all Chintamaniacs. Let our beloved town Chintamani continue to make us proud and we shall all in our own way make Chintamani proud. Happy New Year 2013!!

The sun was visible only at 9am this cloudy 2013 morning in Chintamani. Video shot at 6:30am.
  
The song 'Dinakara Subhakara' sung by the great Ghantasala is played daily on top of Varadanjaneya Hill. The song soothes  the listeners of Chintamani every morning during the sunrise. Thanks to the people who play this golden oldie every morning during the sunrise, which brings new hope with it. There are few other Ghantasala songs that disperses from the hill top which has become an integral part of daily lives in Chintamani. 

                                                                 dinakara subhakara;

                          patita pavana mangala data, 

                           papa santapa loka vidhata ; 

                      brahma vishnu parameswara rupa;

                          nikhila loka vigyana vidhata;

                       dinaka loka  paripalaya bhaskara; 

                                 dinakara subhakara"--.

 The meaning: 
Sun is  the one that makes our day and creates the good things; cleanses everyone 
 and everything; delivers wealth; releases from sin; manifestation of 
 trimurtis; gives knowledge  to all and so on. 
WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!