Last month, the Yoga world was shaken by the untimely passing of Sharath Jois, the esteemed Mysuru-based Yoga Guru, who died of heart failure while hiking with his students in the United States. When I received the news, I too was embarking on a long and tough trek. Amid the profound sense of loss, a…
S.M. Krishna’s gone. We need another… soon
December 14, 2024On Dec. 10, Karnataka lost a visionary leader, S.M. Krishna (Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna). Some politicians leave behind more than policies; they leave an enduring legacy. Krishna was one of them — a leader who transcended caste and community, striving to make Karnataka a model State. Dubbed the ‘CEO Chief Minister,’ Krishna governed like a corporate…
Perils of Hero Worship
December 7, 2024Three days ago, 39-year-old Revathi lost her life, and her nine-year-old son was critically injured in a stampede at a movie theatre. The chaos erupted as frenzied fans scrambled to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, the star of ‘Pushpa 2.’ This tragedy isn’t an isolated incident but a glaring symptom of India’s dangerous obsession…
Only Siddaramaiah can save Lalitha Mahal
November 30, 2024The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to invite private players for the repair, restoration and management of Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. A long-awaited decision, it raises hopes that this grand heritage structure may finally receive the care it deserves. Many Mysureans feared that by the time our Government finally decides to completely lease or restore Lalitha…
Be ‘Baby-worthy’ Nation First !
October 26, 2024Last week the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu urged youngsters in their respective States to have more children. One said, have more than two, the other said have 16! But why? Vote bank. The remarks came after reports that the BJP-led Central government was planning to redraw Lok Sabha Constituencies based on…
Club Cultured?
October 19, 2024Once again, the Chairman of the so-called prestigious Mysore Race Club (MRC) has been forced to resign in the face of a coup by the Committee. This reminds us all that club culture has eroded and clubs are now like mini-Assembly Constituencies. One usually joins a club to pursue a passion or interest — be…
Heritage Circles or Hoardings ?
October 5, 2024This year’s Dasara illumination is mediocre but the Circles are worse. Mysuru has turned into ‘flexuru’, thanks to the Government’s decision to hand over key Circles to private players. What used to be iconic landmarks are now little more than giant hoardings. Interestingly, according to sources, most of these companies were not interested to take…
CM, listen to your WIFE, not your advisers
October 3, 2024Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife B.M. Parvathi has returned the 14 disputed sites to MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority). A kind gesture indeed, but also… kinda pointless. We are sure the family lawyers knew that returning the sites was a ‘moot point’, unless it was meant to evoke public sympathy for the CM. As many have…
Dasara: From Royal Extravaganza to Village Fair ?
September 21, 2024Ah, it’s Nada Habba season again — time for Dasara! This should be the moment when Mysuru shines, showcasing its royal heritage. Yet, here we are scrambling with last-minute preparations. In recent years, Dasara seems to have shifted from its grand Jumboo Savari procession to… well, a glorified light show illuminating city streets. Sure, the…
Stop the farce & Spare the Children
September 14, 2024The Karnataka Government wants to celebrate ‘International Day of Democracy’ tomorrow by forming the ‘Longest Human Chain.’ They want 25 lakh people from Bidar to Chamarajanagar to hold hands and form a 2,500-kilometre-long human chain. But why? According to the Government, ‘to promote democratic values.’ Last year too, they celebrated the event with a small…
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