Latest news with #Gayathri
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ragi Kana: A rustic celebration of Karnataka in the heart of Bengaluru
Amidst the rush of city life lies a market that transports you to the heart of organic farms and closer to nature. Ragi Kana, a weekly cultural hub, comes alive every Sunday at a school on Bannerghatta Road with its vibrant rural market. From organic khadi clothing and groceries to local delicacies, performances, and conversations — it's a lively celebration of culture, community, and conscious living. How this rural market began You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Gayathri Krishna, a core member of the team that organises the weekly market, shares, 'We started Ragi Kana about eight years ago with the idea of connecting people who value conscious living with the finest organic products — directly from farmers and artisans. It was also a way to help people experience the richness of traditional Karnataka culture.' What's in a name? 'The spot where the Ragi Kana market is now held was once used for threshing ragi crops. In Kannada, 'Kana' means threshing — and since we also offer a variety of ragi-based products, the name Ragi Kana felt like the perfect fit,' shares Gayathri. A platform for women entrepreneurs Ragi Kana is more than just a neighbourhood flea market — it's a space that uplifts and empowers small-scale women entrepreneurs, artisans, and farmers. Take Radhamma, a 75-year-old farmer, for instance. Despite her son working in a large multinational company, she says, 'I can't live without Ragi Kana. I love being here and don't want to depend on anyone.' Then there's Asma, who started out as a volunteer at the market. Inspired by the environment, she eventually began selling naturally grown produce from her hometown, turning her passion into a livelihood. More than 50 vendors from across Karnataka set up their stalls here, and the entire earnings go directly to them – Gayathri Krishna, core committee member of Ragi Kana Reconnect at Ragi Kana with a digital detox In today's fast-paced, digital world where children are often disconnected from real-life experiences, Ragi Kana offers a refreshing escape. Many young parents bring their kids here to help them discover and appreciate the cultural roots of Karnataka. 'We make it a point to visit Ragi Kana at least once a month,' shares a regular visitor. 'It's a chance to reconnect with our roots — there's so much for children to see, explore, and learn. ' What makes Ragi Kana special? Weekly workshops on topics like sustainability, natural farming, weaving, natural dyeing, healthy eating, poster-making, and more A strong focus on empowering women entrepreneurs, artisans, and farmers A chance to experience the rich folk music and dance traditions of Karnataka A zero-waste, plastic-free environment promoting eco-conscious living What you will discover at Ragi Kana? Authentic khadi saris, kurtas, and shirts Handloom saris from Ilkal and Narayanpet Freshly harvested organic vegetables and seasonal fruits A range of organic millets, groceries, and cold-pressed oils Nutritious snacks like ragi laddoos, nippat, and millet huri hittu Traditional food stalls serving ragi mudde, bisi bele bath, and saaru
India Today
16-07-2025
- India Today
Case against Kannada and Culture department head for assaulting Dalit artist
Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture KM Gayathri has been booked under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint by a Dalit artist who alleged that he was abused when he sought payment for long-pending complaint was filed by 55-year-old Jogila Siddaraju at the SJ Park police station in Bengaluru. Siddaraju alleged that he had visited the office of the director seeking the release of remuneration owed to a group of artists for the past three years. According to his statement, the situation escalated when Gayathri learnt of his caste Siddaraju warned Gayathri that he would complain to the higher-ups, she allegedly threw a computer mouse pad at him and snatched the mobile phone of his associate who attempted to record the incident, Siddaraju said in his complaint. He alleged that the official verbally abused him with casteist remarks, causing him humiliation and distress. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and under BNS provisions related to voluntarily causing hurt and intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of said further investigation is underway. Gayathri has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- The Hindu
Director of Dept. of Kannada and culture booked under SC/ST Act
The SJ Park police on Monday registered an FIR against the Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture for allegedly abusing a Dalit artist at her office, when the latter approached her to claim the remuneration due to him. Based on the complaint filed by 55-year-old Jogila Siddaraju, the police registered the case against K.M. Gayathri, charging her under various sections of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and for voluntarily causing hurt and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace under the BNS. According to the complaint, on July 11, Siddaraju visited the director's office for pending remuneration to artists for three years. However, he was allegedly abused after the director found out that he was a Dalit. When Siddaraju warned Gayathri that he would complain to the higher-ups, she allegedly threw a computer mouse pad at him and snatched the mobile phone of his associate who attempted to record the incident, Siddaraju said in his complaint. Taking serious objection to her behaviour, Siddaraju also said that a plea was submitted to the Chief Minister seeking action.
India Today
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Naa Ninna Bidalare: Anant Nag's classic is a battle between obsession and devotion
In this week's Retro Review, we pick a 1979 Kannada horror film that set trends, made waves and gave an iconic on-screen pair. 'Naa Ninna Bidalare' is a milestone film in the esteemed careers of Lakshmi and Anant Nag, who were considered an iconic on-screen pair during their prime. The film established Anant Nag's acting prowess as well as his potential to pull audiences to the Naa Ninna Bidalare (1979)Cast: Anant Nag, Lakshmi, K Vijaya, KS Ashwath, Leelavathi, Balakrishna, Musuri Krishnamurthy among Vijay ReddiBox-Office Status: Blockbuster (Ran in theatres for over 100 days)Where to Watch: YouTubeWhy to Watch: Anant Nag-Lakshmi on-screen chemistry, screenplay, peak horror, beautiful songsadvertisementToxicity in relationships and romance is one of the most talked-about topics currently, in cinema or otherwise. Red flags, obsession, stalking, coercion, manipulation, etc., on one side - green flags, loyalty, trust, devotion, etc., on the other - and we often find characters in films and people around us in real life oscillating and stuck between these poles; all in the name of imagine a film that is almost four decades old addressing the same issues, but with a magnified perspective. That's 'Naa Ninna Badalare' for you - a 1979 Kannada film that talks about the same problems but on a deeper, darker and scarier level. On one end, we have Kamini, played by K Vijaya, who represents all the negative connotations of love listed above; and on the other, we have Gayathri, played by Lakshmi, who represents the positive. Struggling in between is Krishna, played by Anant Nag, who is married to his childhood love Gayathri but becomes blue-eyed due to Kamini's obsession - a love that haunts him literally. A poster of 'Naa Ninna Bidalare' advertisementThe Plot in a nutshellThe film begins with Krishna attempting to study for his exams, but his focus quickly falters, thanks to a photo of Gayathri tucked inside his textbook. The picture acts like a bookmark - or maybe a checkpoint in the syllabus - as if he's promised himself he can see her only after completing a set number of the exams are done, Krishna heads back to his village. But instead of going home, he rushes straight to see Gayathri. Having grown up together - their parents being siblings - Krishna and Gayathri have shared a bond since childhood. Their love story feels destined, even unofficially betrothed over the follows is a string of cinematic highs: Krishna jumps off a moving train just to get to Gayathri immediately; a retro classic, 'Naanu Neenu Ondada Mele' by SP Balasubrahmanyam and S Janaki, sets the tone; there's drama, comedy, and a wedding fixed before you know it. Then comes another SPB–S Janaki gem, 'Hosa Balige Nee Joteyaade', played on their first night as a married couple. Just when things seem to be heading toward a near-consummation of marriage - boom - the pre-interval twist drops: in a graveyard, Krishna is blue (eye)balled, and the camera pans ominously to the name... Kamini. (PC: Youtube/SGV Digital) This is where the film really gets into its element and picks up pace. Who is Kamini? What happened to Krishna? Was Krishna loyal to Gayathri while he was away for his studies? Will Gayathri be able to save her husband from the clutches of Kamini? The answers to these questions - delivered in the most conventional and classic manner - form the plot of the rest of the film. Not just that, but these very answers are what made the film a classic in the rich filmographies of cinema icons like Anant Nag and of romance: Red flags and green flags'Naa Ninna Bidalare', which translates to 'I won't leave you' in Kannada, is applicable in two ways: the innocent, dedicated love of Gayathri and the toxic obsession of Kamini - both directed at Krishna. While 'red flags' and 'green flags' are terms popularised by Gen-Z, the theme itself has existed for as long as love has been relevant, and cinema has long explored these Anant Nag as a possessed Krishna looks terrifying, the conversations between Kamini in Krishna's possessed body and Gayathri are just as catty as ever - conversations between two women over a man. The dialogue, 'Baa re baa!', is so iconic that it's the first thing that comes to mind for anyone who has watched the film. And the pre-climax clash between the metaphorical green and red flag? It's the kind of spicy (masaledaar) showdown that reality shows today could only dream of staging. (PC: Youtube/SGV Digital) advertisementThe film takes a moral standpoint, holding up a mirror to reflect the contrast between these polar-opposite forces. Sitting in 2025, it might come off as a tad preachy in its portrayal of a modern city girl versus a traditional village girl. But if you look past the obvious classic template, you can see how these women represent all the traits we now label individually - what was once simply considered good or classic template: Old now but gold thenThe story, screenplay, and technical aspects of the film follow what we now recognise as 'the template'. In the realm of love-centric dramas, it has all the familiar ingredients: a noble and charming hero, a heroine who's the epitome of virtue, families who heighten the drama without offering real solutions, a couple of comic side characters, and a female villain who's the complete opposite of the ideal heroine. And since the villain is a ghost, it's ultimately God who steps in to save the paper, it might sound like a film you've seen a hundred times before, but what makes this old gem feel like gold is the way it has been presented. A classic template done right is still entertaining today, so just imagine the kind of craze this film must have had - which, for a 1979 release, can still be considered ahead of its time. While the elements follow the template, the treatment does not. Most importantly, the comic scenes are an extension of the main plot, and not just a random ape-man showing up in the city and harassing women under the guise of comedy. This shows that building a story was given the most importance and not a mindless integration of music and immortal voicesSP Balasubrahmanyam, S Janaki, and P Susheela are pillars of playback singing in Indian cinema. Just these names, along with the music cassettes sold, were enough to make this film a profitable venture. Those were the days when such musical icons were no less than superstars on screen. The immortal voices of these stalwarts struck the right chord, elevating the cinematic experience and instantly establishing the chemistry between the characters. P Susheela, SP Balasubramaniyam and S Janaki (from the left), some of the most accomplished singers in Indian cinema advertisementThe four songs in the film - the devotional 'Bidenu Ninna Paada', the saucy anti-romantic 'Endendigoo Naa Ninna', the song of unification 'Hosa Balige Nee Joteyaade', and the ever-romantic 'Naanu Neenu Ondada' - form a playlist, and a set of voices, that are truly Nag and Lakshmi: One of the finest on-screen couplesLakshmi, or 'Julie Lakshmi', became a nationwide sensation with her debut film for her beauty and on-screen charm. Anant Nag, on the other hand, was a consistent presence in parallel cinema, frequently seen in Shyam Benegal's award-winning films like 'Ankur', 'Nishant', and 'Kalyug'. While these roles marked their entry into the Hindi film industry, both actors carved out their own success stories in South Indian cinema before coming together on who debuted in 1968, was soon cast opposite some of the biggest names in South Indian cinema - from Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan to MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, NT Rama Rao, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. She steadily built a strong portfolio, eventually establishing herself as a female superstar of that Nag, meanwhile, made his debut in 1973 after gaining prominence in theatre. He gradually rose in popularity for his chocolate-hero image in commercial films, while also making a mark in several award-winning parallel cinema projects. When the two were paired together in 'Naa Ninna Bidalare' (1979), their chemistry was so widely appreciated that they went on to star in several more Kannada films together, becoming a formula for guaranteed commercial success. A lasting legacyA film becomes a classic when it refuses to fade with time and continues to live on in the minds of its audience. This is one such film - not just because its themes still resonate today, but because its storytelling sets it apart from the rest. What truly cements its legacy, however, are two unforgettable forces: the iconic pairing of Padma Bhushan Anant Nag and Lakshmi, and Kannada cinema's eternal blue-eyed boy - Krishna. - Ends
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From rural Telangana to cutting-edge pharma labs: Skilling push lands 78 students jobs, internships in life sciences sector
A Telangana government initiative has transformed the lives of 140 chemistry students, primarily women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through industry-curated skilling, they secured jobs and internships in pharma companies, with salaries up to ₹3.5 lakh annually. HYDERABAD: For 25-year-old Peddagolla Madhavi from Bilalpur village near Zaheerabad, landing a ₹3.5 lakh per annum job at a Hyderabadbased pharma company was a life-changing moment. Coming from a family dependent on welfare after her father's abandonment and her mother's disability, this chance to work in a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) was a dream come true. Similarly, 22-year-old Vanjari Gayathri from Sangareddy district secured a position as a research and development trainee at the same company, Sai Life Sciences. Having lost her father a decade ago, Gayathri dreamed of becoming a scientist working on drug development. Birru Ramya, 25, from Kesamudram in Mahabubabad district, secured a paid internship at Aragen Lifesciences, which offers a monthly stipend of ₹15,000 and potential permanent placement at ₹2.5 LPA after four months. These women are among 140 chemistry students that made the cut from over 1,500 applicants of 40 colleges in Telangana for an industrycurated skilling pilot programme rolled out by Telangana govt late last year through the Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), a thematic healthcare and life sciences centre set up by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in collaboration with Telangana govt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo 'The best part was doing lab experiments at University of Hyderabad (UoH) and getting to visit labs of companies. Now I'm looking for accommodation as I have to join by the end of this month," said a thrilled Gayathri in fluent English, describing the practical training that helped her bridge theoretical knowledge garnered in college with hands-on industry experience and soft skills gained from the programme. The students were put through 64 hours of technical training, 40 hours of soft skills training, and eight days of intensive lab training at UoH. Industry experts from various companies and academic institutions too participated in the curriculum designing and training. Immense potential: Min 'Telangana's youth have immense potential. With a curriculum shaped in close collaboration with industry to reflect real-world needs and a targeted, market-aligned training programme, we were able to transform them into globally competitive professionals by prioritising high-demand skill areas and soft skills training,' said IT and industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, who mooted the idea in November 2024. This pilot is just the beginning of the govt's vision to skill 50,000 youth for the life sciences sector over the next five years and position the state as India's most future-ready workforce hub, he added. Though 108 candidates eventually completed the programme, 78 participated in placements and all bagged placements or paid internships, with some even getting multiple offers, said Shakthi Nagappan, director — life sciences and pharma, Telangana. Nagappan said the pilot's success has now encouraged them to focus more aggressively on smaller towns towns to create more opportunities for rural students in Telangana's pharma sector.
