Pune Miraj Londa rail track to be doubled

The Railway budget presented by Suresh Prabhu has some good news, in which Rs.4670 crores have been allocated for doubling of Pune-Miraj-Londa rail route.

This was a long pending demand and this time money has been allocated for the same which is encouraging. But this is not something which will happen overnight atleast 3-5 years would be required for the completion of the work or may even take more time as this would involve land acquisition and environmental clearances.

All About Belgaum

Madan Dongre Cantonment board VP

Dr.Madan Dongre was elected Vice President of the Cantonment Board Belagavi unopposed.

Dr.Madan is the senior most member of the board and represents ward no .7 for the 4th consecutive time.
Dr.Dongre said his focus would be on keeping the area clean and also try and get funds for development.

All About Belgaum

Rutu Murgod Wins Silver at National School Games 2014

Representing Karnataka in National School Games 2014 (Swimming) held at Rajkot, Gujarat during 17th to 22nd February 2015 champion swimmer Rutu Murgod has performed outstandingly. About 1500 swimmers aged from under 14 to 19 years participated in this competition. With tough competition from the states of Maharashtra, Tamilnadu she bagged Silver Medal in 4*100 mtrs. Medley Relay under 14yrs. Girls group.

She is studying in 8th Standard of SKE Society’s M.R. Bhandari High School and being encouraged by Principal Shri Patil and sports teacher A. V. Torgal.

All About Belgaum

WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAIN BETWEEN YESVANTPUR- PANDHARAPUR-YESVANTPUR

In order to clear extra rush of Passengers due to ensuing Holi and Ugadi festivals, Central Railway(CR) has decided to run Weekly Express Special Trains between YESVANTPUR-PANDHARAPUR-YESVANTPUR (Tr. Nos. 06541/06542) for 09 trips in each direction, to clear extra rush of traffic in view of HOLI & UGADI FESTIVALS, as per the following details:-

Accordingly, Train No. 06541 YESVANTPUR-PANDHARAPUR WEEKLY EXPRESS SPECIAL will depart at YESVANTPUR station at 18-00 hrs. from 02nd to 30th March, 2015 (09 Specials only) and arrive at PANDHARAPUR station at 11-35 hrs., the next day.

En route, Weekly Express Special will arrive/depart at Tumkur at 18-58/19-00 hrs; Arsikere at 20-55/21-00 hrs; Davangere at 23-40/23-43 hrs; depart at South Hubli at 03-00 hrs; arrive/depart at HUBLI at 03-10/03-25 hrs; Dharwad at 03-45/03-47 hrs; Belgaum at 05-50/05-52 hrs; Ghataprabha at 06-50/06-51 hrs; Kudachi at 07-43/07-44 hrs; Miraj at 08-40/08-50 hrs; Kavathe Mahankal at 09-49/09-50 hrs; Dhalgoan at 10-04/10-05 hrs; and arrive/depart at Sangola at 10-40/10-42 hrs.

In the return direction, Train No.06542 PANDHARAPUR-YESVANTPUR WEEKLY EXPRESS SPECIAL will depart at PANDHARAPUR station at 13-35 hrs. from o3rd to 31st March, 2015 (09 Specials only) and arrive at YESVANTPUR station at 06-20 hrs., the next day.

En route, the the Weekly Express Special will arrive/depart at Sangola at 14-01/14-03 hrs; Dhalgoan at 14-40/14-41 hrs; Kavathe Mahankal at 15-00/15-01 hrs; Miraj at 16-15/16-45 hrs; Kudachi at 17-09/17-10 hrs; Ghataprabha at 17-52/17-53 hrs; Belgaum at 18-47/18-50 hrs; Dharwad at 21-25/21-27 hrs; HUBLI at 22-10/22-20 hrs; depart at South Hubli at 22-30 hrs; Davangere at 00-28/00-30 hrs; Arsikere at 03-10/03-15 hrs; and arrive/depart at Tumkur at 04-53/04-55 hrs.

The Weekly Express Special will have total 21 Coaches, comprising of One First Class-cum-2-tier AC coach, One 2-tier AC Coaches, Four 3-tier AC Coaches, Ten Second Class Sleeper coaches, Two General Second Class coaches, Two Secund luggage-cum-brake vans-cum disabled coaches and a Pantry Car.

All About Belgaum

Auto ka meter down from March 2 in Belagavi

Illustration by Bharat Jagtap

In a meeting chaired by DC N Jayram he announced that from Monday March 2, All Autos in the city will have to collect the fare as per the meter.

Minimum Fare: Rs.20 (2Kms)

Rs.10 per km after the firs 2 kms

One and Half time charge from 10 pm to 6 am

First case against auto drivers for not charging as per meter would be Rs.100 for 2nd offense would be Rs.200 and for the 3rd offense it would be Rs.1000, any more subsequent offense recorded, the permit will get canceled.

Also pre paid auto booths would be commenced soon at CBT, Station and Nehru nagar.
The press release does not make any mention of how one can make a complaint so we are very apprehensive on this deadline as it has happened in the past. 

Also look at the Indicative fares from various locations

Auto Fare Chart

All About Belgaum

Buntings banners removed of Hindu Samavesha in Belagavi

The buntings, banners put up at various places in the city for the Virat Hindu Samavesh being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad Suvarna Mahotsav Samiti were removed the corporation officials.This irked the organisers and there was some spat with the officials as well.

Corporation said it was removed as prior permission was taken.

The samavesh is scheduled to be held at KLE Society’s Lingaraj College Ground on March 1. Goraksha Peetha’s Mahant Yogi Adityanath of Gorakhpur, Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami of Kaneri Mutt, Kolhapur, and seers of Veerashaiva/Lingayat mutts and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders will participate.

All About Belgaum

Belagavi indicative auto fares from various places

This is an indicative chart of the distance and the fare to be paid from a few important places. New places/landmarks would be added from time to time.

All About Belgaum

Yuvraj Kadam is appointed BUDA chairman

Yuvraj Kadam of the Congress from Uchgaon has been appointed as the Chairman of the Belagavi Urban Development Authority. 

He would take charge of the office on Monday.

All About Belgaum

8 persons confirmed for H1N1 since January

Since January Eight of the 42 people in the district have tested positive for H1N1 influenza. A 62-year-old person from Nipani of Chikkodi taluk suffering from suspected A (H1N1) influenza is battling for life at the intensive care unit of a private hospital.

All About Belgaum

Flights schedule Belagavi – Belgaum

NO FLIGHTS from March 1, 2015

All About Belgaum

No more take offs from Sambra – airport has a deserted look

After the last flight which took off to Bengaluru on Feb 28, which had about 50+ passengers, the Sambra airport is now deserted as Spicejet has shifted all its operations to Hubballi and as per its press release this is because of shortage of planes.

Belgaum Airport Terminal

With this the airport connectivity to one of the oldest airport’s in the country has again come to a halt.

The Sambra airport dates back to 1942, when it was under the Patwardhan Sarkar of Sangli. The Patwardhan Sarkar gave permission for establishing the air base at Sambra to the Royal Air Force (RAF) in late 1942.

In 1947 Belgaum was sole city with an airport. In 1986 the airports was privatized and then later given over to the Airports authority of India. Indian Airlines had regular service from here but in late 1980’s it got dis continued and in 1989 private players like Vayudoot started operations with the Belgaum – Mumbai and Belgaum- Bangalore services.

1993-95 East west airlines flew from here and in 1994 NEPC also started operations. In 1997-98 Span Airways had its operations from here. IN 1998 Gujrat airways commenced its operations on Bangalore Belgaum Pune route but due to lack of traffic and technical reasons its stopped its operations. In 1999 air services from Sambra stopped completely.

After 1999 till 2003 the airport was being utlised by politicians and the Air force for training with no commercial flights.

In 2003 Air Deccan the low cost airline started its operations and Belgaum was back on the radar. Service was commenced on 29 September 2003 with the Mumbai – Bangalore service via Belgaum. Later due to lack of traffic only Belgaum – Bangalore service was in operation.

This airport also acted as a base during the Goa liberation movement in 1961.

Time line:

1942- The Royal Air Force (RAF) established its base at Sambra

1947- Indian Airlines commenced its operations from here

1989- Private airline operators given permission

1989-93- Vayudoot Private carrier flew from here

1993-95- East West Airways Also took off from here

1994-96- NEPC Commenced its operations

1997-98- Span Airways

1998-99- Gujrat Airways

2003-09- Air Deccan (Kingfisher Red)

17 June 2009 – Kingfisher stops flights

Nov 22, 2012 – Spicejet starts operations

28 February 2015 – Spicejet Stops its operations

All About Belgaum

Sabse Acche Din!

By Swatee Jog
A few days ago, my students (at our B-School) asked me if we’d be celebrating special ‘Days’. Normally I’d have thought that the charm of these ‘Days’ ebbs away after graduation, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were ready to go about routine classes and celebrate the ‘Days’ after hours.

Normally, all days are equal, but some days are more equal than others. Especially if you are newly in college and are wide-eyed surprised at the open environment it offers, now is the time of experiencing these ‘Days’. Literally. College life is inherently beautiful and ‘days’ celebrated makes it more so. A few days ago, the UG students of our college celebrated ‘mismatch day’ and I wondered how they’d pull this off. But when I saw gorgeous young girls wearing blazers on sarees with sneakers to match  and handsome boys donning  ties with dhoti, I knew it is the sheer pleasure of it all that counts. Since the nineties when we were in college, these special days were like a whiff of fresh air. Now I think of it, we all wear pink and black-and-white so frequently, but when worn on that specific day, it becomes special. To see the whole college turn out in similar themed attire is pure joy. Pink day, Tie-and-saree day, Mismatch day, Traditional Day, School Uniform day ( yes, they do celebrate this day! ) , Rose Day, Western Day, are some of the days celebrated in colleges in Belgaum. What do they do on these days? Well, check out how everyone looks, laugh and giggle while moving around in groups, take loads of selfies and groufies and end the day at some eatery. Girls have to plan it hard with color coordinated outfits, make up, accessories, footwear and lots of other things to arrange. Boys just buy stuff or borrow from family and friends and still manage to enjoy! Some colleges organize competitions like Rangoli, Cooking or flower décor which the students participate with full fervor.

These days work like special occasions, they create memories and bring a much needed change in routine. Other than that, perhaps, it breaks ice between students and boosts the self confidence of some. I’ve seen some really shy girls look really pretty in different outfits and getting complements. It’s not that outfits matter in developing a personality, but then there ought to be some occasion that can serves the purpose. And ‘Days’ do just that!

All About Belgaum

Virat Hindu Samavesh at Belagavi

Virat Hindu Samavesh was organised as part of the Swarna Jayanti Mahotsav of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) at KLE Society’s Lingraj College Ground on Sunday.

Yogi Adityanath, MP, and Mahant of Goraksha Peeth, said that “home-coming of one individual will decrease the population of the Indian enemy by one digit, and every single conversion from Hinduism to other religions meant an increase in the enemy’s population by one digit.”

VHP organising secretary Gopal Bhat said families who underwent forced religious conversion in the past wanted to return because life was much better in “Hinduism”. Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami of Kaneri Mutt, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, called upon the participants to strive for strengthening Hindu religious and cultural identity. Yogi Adityanath, MP, and Mahant of Goraksha Peeth, mispronounced the name of Kittur Rani Channamma.

All About Belgaum

Angadi bats for IIT at Belagavi

After the announcement that an IIT would be established in Karnataka, speculation is at its peak and each one is trying to say it should be in their area.

Belagavi MP Suresh Angadi has urged the state government to put pressure on the Centre to establish an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Belagavi.

Angadi is a press statement said that former BJP MLA Abhay Patil had submitted a memorandum signed by 120 legislators to the then CM Sadananda Gowda on establishing the IIT.

“Belagavi, though considered the second capital of the state, has not developed as expected. Except for Suvarna Vidhan Soudha no other major development has taken place. The IIT must be established here for educational development of this backward region,” he said.

The availability of a large parcel of land could be one of the prime factors determining the location of the IIT in Karnataka; the requirement could be in the order of 500 acres.

All About Belgaum

THE AMBITION EXPRESS in Belagavi on March 3

THE AMBITION EXPRESS

Event Details

Date: March 3rd, 2015

Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Venue: Belgaum Chamber of Commerce (BCC), Khanapur Road, Udyambag, Belagavi.

Sonata Software, a global IT services company, today announced its active participation in the multi-city travelling showcase initiative of SAP. Themed around “Not Just For Big Business, For Big Ambitions Too”- The Ambition Express is being rolled out in association with Belgaum Chamber of Commerce on the 3^rd of March, 2015” in the city of Belgaum. This unique bus roadshow “Ambition Express”  will help Small & Medium enterprises gain more insights into the power of SAP solutions and services to achieve business excellence & empower growth potential.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohan Muthuraj, Associate VP, Technology Infrastructure Group- Sonata Software, said, “We aim to connect with a wide range of SME’s at the Ambition Express. During the course of the journey, our teams would be able to demonstrate and showcase the most innovative SAP technologies including cloud, mobility, analytics and big data.”

Speaking on the association at the Ambition Express, Rohan R. Juvali, Chairman – Industrial Committee, Belgaum Chamber Of Commerce & Industries said ” The chamber has always supported new avenues of Industrial growth & a move like Ambition Express will surely bridge opportunities of progressive businesses. We appreciate and understand transformation and technology have become the key to successful small and midsize companies.”

Adding said, Dilip Tilve, President – Belgaum Chamber of Commerce, “Belgaum is a commercial hub, ranking next to Bangalore. We are happy, as we observe an entrepreneurial spirit, amongst the young and the upcoming business leaders. Technology leads the way to grow businesses today. We would like to thank SAP for bringing ‘The Ambition Express’ to our city.”                 

Sonata along with their Extended Business Partners and MVAR’s (Master Value Added Resellers) will assist SME’s, Medium & large-sized organizations to adopt world class solutions and inspire them to compete on global standards at the Ambition Express.

Sonata Software will be actively present in Belgaum with Bigtech Software Private Limited – an Extended Business Partner of Sonata Software. Said Arvind Sagar Achary, Head of Sales – Bigtech Software Pvt. Ltd., “We are extremely delighted to have partnered with Sonata Software to strengthen and establish our focus in Belagavi.

Sonata aims to support and guide Indian enterprises, on the best technology practices and shall provide hands on experience of SAP Solutions in cloud, mobility, analytics and big data. Various engagements have been planned with SMEs through specific break-out sessions containing live demonstrations of simple, industry-relevant and affordable SAP solutions, customer implementations and testimonials and partner discussions. Customers who board the Innovation Express can witness real time demos of SAP offerings and consult the SAP & the Partners leadership team to learn more about it on the spot.

Sonata is a SAP Gold certified Partner and has been associated with SAP since 2008. Apart from being a Value Added Reseller in India, Sonata offers a range of services around SAP to its customers globally including SAP certified Application Management Services (including Output based models), SAP ERP implementation, Business Analytics (using Business Objects and Business Objects Data Services), SAP Testing services, SAP integration services as well as SAP e-commerce (hybris). hybris is one of the key cornerstones of Sonata‘s strategy with SAP. With a  focus on verticals like Travel, Retail & CPG, Sonata’s specific offerings on hybris (Multi-channel B2C e-commerce for Travel & Retail and B2B e-commerce for CPG) are designed to help customers in these verticals in their digital transformation initiatives. Sonata has also been awarded as the Most Innovative Partner by hybris in 2012 and more recently received the 2014 SAP Pinnacle Award for SME Value Added Reseller of the Year.

About Sonata Software

Sonata Software is a global IT services firm focused on catalyzing transformational IT initiatives of its clients through deep domain knowledge, technology expertise and customer commitment. The company delivers innovative new solutions for Travel, Retail and Consumer Goods industries by integrating technologies such as Omni-channel commerce, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud and ERP, to drive enhanced customer engagement, operations efficiency and return on IT investments. A trusted long-term service provider to Fortune 100 companies across both the software product development and enterprise business segments, Sonata seeks to add differentiated value to leadership who want to make an impact on their businesses, with IT.

Official Website – http://www.ambitionexpress.com/

All About Belgaum

Residents attack KMF factory – break glasses

The residents of Anjaney Nagar and also surrounding areas of the KMF milk factory today attacked the factory and broke glasses and ransacked the crates etc placed as they were unhappy with the Black ash that comes out of the factory.

The black ash from the factory enters their homes and also accumulates on the food and due to this many citizens have had health issues. Earlier complaints in this regard have yielded no response from KMF the agitators said.

The KMF officials were also warned that if the same continues they would stage an indefinite dharna.

All About Belgaum

Panel Discussion on Union Budget held at Bharatesh Global Business School

A unique panel discussion was held at Bharatesh Education Trust’s Global Business School (BETGBS) on Monday 2nd March 2015 on the Union Budget 2015-16. The discussion was aimed at understanding the significance and implications of the Union Budget as also to ignite a keen interest in the students’ minds about the machinations of the country’s fiscal policies. The panel comprised of Dr. A. B. Kalkundrikar, noted economist, Mr. Ajit Date, Senior Editor, Tarun Bharat Daily, Mr. Satish Mehta, CA, Mr. Sanjay Shirguppi, CA, and Mr. Mahesh Bhirangi -MD-Pragati Engineering, Belgaum.

Mr. Mahesh Bhirangi, Mr. Sanjay Shirguppi, Mr. Satish Mehta, Dr. A.B. Kalkundrikar, Dr. Govind Welling, Mr. Ajit Date

Dr. Kalkundrikar said that so far, states were dependent on the centre for 2/3rd of the finances. Creating a federal approach has helped states to participate actively. He also said that land is a limited resource and must be used judiciously. He commented that countries normally progress from agrarian to industrial and then to service oriented economies, whereas India has directly progressed from agrarian to service economy. The budget aims to strengthen the industrial sector also, he added.

Mr. Date stressed that the current Government need not resort to any populist measures. It depends on the Prime Minister and the Fnance Minister to implement the provisions, adding that the success of this and further budgets would depend on how the issue of the land acquisition bill is resolved. He said that the government is trying to save money in petrol and diesel by increasing prices now while they are low in the international market thereby making provision for future when they would rise.

Mr. Satish Mehta lauded the government for the gold monetizing schemes as also for the thoughtful Make in India schemes. It would reduce gold imports thereby reducing investments of black money in gold. He explained the various provisions for direct and indirect taxes that would affect people.

Mr. Shirguppi felt that the budget is more corporate friendly adding that postponing GAAR would help the country in the long run.

Mr. Mahesh Bhirangi spoke about the government’s measures to facilitate ease of doing business in India while commenting that the budget has done little for the rural sector.

Dr. Govind Welling was the moderator for the discussion. Students from various colleges from Belgaum attended the event. The panel took numerous questions from the audience. Three best questions from the students were awarded cash prizes. Students of Bharatesh Education Trust colleges, management members, faculty members and staff were present at the event. Prof. Omkar Tilve welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Swatee Jog anchored the event. Dr. Uma M.H. proposed the vote of thanks.

All About Belgaum

Auto ka meter Down – Thodi khusi Thoda Gam

On the day one of the implementation of meters mandatory to all the auto rickshaws, it was a scene of Thodi Khushi and Thoda Gam.

Police checking the Auto Meters at Belagavi

Police checking the Auto Meters at Belagavi

The police with all its force started to check the meters and permits at Chennamma circle. There was a verbal clash of the drivers and the police but the police was on its feet today to get the ball rolling with respect to the implementation of the fare by meter.

We did not the see the complete implementation, we did a check where the digital meters weren’t working at all.

All About Belgaum

Former principal of St Paul’s High School Fr Agnelo Pinto SJ passes away

Eminent Jesuit priest and former principal of St Paul’s High School, Belgaum Rev Fr Agnelo Pinto SJ (75) died in Goa on Tuesday. Rev Fr Pinto was suffering from cancer. Known for his spirituality Rev Fr Agnelo Pinto was the principal of St Paul’s High School from 1979 to 1991 for a period of about 12 years. He also served as the manager of the school from 2005 to 2006.

Popular among the students he was also known for his exemplary oratory skills, simplicity, modesty and disciplined nature. He was also famous for his spiritual talks and writings. The funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at Our Lady of Snows Church, Raia, Margao, Goa.

All About Belgaum

Any art is not just a hobby but a profession – Keerthy Narayan

The Inaugural function of “SAMAGAM 2015”, an innovative Management Fest for undergraduates was held on 2nd March 2015 at Auditorium of KLS IMER, Belagavi.

It is a unique opportunity for the undergraduates to unleash and develop their creativity, team work, and communication skills. It is based on the principles of leadership and self-development. The theme is “Swach Bharat Swasth Bharat”. The fest is planned, organized and designed by our first semester MBA students.

Shri. Keerti Narayanan, Musician and part of the Grammy Award-Winning team was the Chief Guest, Shri. Sanjeev Adhyapak, Member, Governing Council of KLS IMER was the Guest of Honour and Shri. Rajendra K. Belgaumkar, Chairman, KLS IMER, Belagavi presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Keerthy Narayanan stressed the importance of Art in today’s world. Today art of any kind (Music/ Painting/Drama, etc. is no longer just a hobby, but can be a very lucrative profession. He advised to students to embrace art as it also stimulates creativity. Today the word belongs to those who are creative. He illustrated how one can achieve global recognition by sitting in city like Belagavi.

In his presidential remarks Shri. Belgaumkar stressed the need for youngsters to develop interest in various extra-curricular activities and have examples of entrepreneurs who have excelled. He also said learning cannot happen only in the class room and the campus alone. Participation in such events will expose them to a new world of learning and help students to develop life skills.

Dr. Kirti Shivkumar proposed vote of thanks. Total 21 Teams participated in this event including degree colleges (B.Com/BBA/BCA/ Students) all over the Karnataka.

All About Belgaum