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Mysore Silk's Resurgence: Empowering the Next Generation of Weavers"

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For the past few years, the socio-economic conditions of our weavers have been discussed, debated and too often forgotten, largely for lack of opportunities to change their fortunes. Here is an example of how a state public-sector enterprise has revived Mysore Silk and brought back smiles for weavers. We hope this model is adopted more broadly, enabling weaving communities to align with the broader economic and financial improvements. Mysore Silk has moved from a period of stagnation and losses to renewed demand and stronger finances, with KSIC now facing the problem of excess demand rather than surplus stock. During the 2000s and early 2010s, rising raw-silk costs, intense competition from cheaper Kanchipuram and Banaras silks, and changing fashion preferences eroded profitability and left inventories high. Parliamentary discussions and state reports from that era even flagged the risk of closure of the Mysore Silk Weaving Factory, with real concerns about the thou...

My Father Before Me: A Memoir /Inheriting My Father’s World

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Introduction It is both a privilege and a responsibility to present the life story of my father, late Prof. N. C. Parappa, a man who, to the outside world, was a physical educationist, coach, and administrator, but to me, was first and foremost a father, guide, and role model. Growing up, I witnessed how he lived by the very principles he taught. His discipline was unwavering, his humility constant, and his faith in the power of education and sport unshakable. What stood out to me most was not just his achievements in wrestling, basketball, or administration, but the way he touched people’s lives with fairness, encouragement, and a deep respect for every student who came under his care. As his son, I saw how his passion for physical education was never about personal glory but about building others, be it athletes, teachers, or institutions. His home was filled with students and colleagues seeking guidance, and he gave freely of his time and wisdom. To him, teaching was not...

"Why Cooking at Home Supports Lifelong Wellness by Limiting Processed Foods"

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In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often takes precedence over health, supermarkets and restaurants are filled with packaged and processed foods that are quick to prepare but come with hidden costs to long-term well-being.  Amidst this, home-cooked meals stand as a powerful ally in protecting health by reducing reliance on heavily processed foods. Processed and ultra-processed foods are typically high in refined sugars, excess salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. Frequent consumption has been strongly linked to: 1.Obesity and metabolic disorders due to high calorie density and low nutrient content. 2.Heart disease and hypertension from excess sodium and trans fats. 3.Type 2 diabetes from refined carbohydrates and sugary beverages. 4.Gut health issues as a result of additives and lack of fiber. 5.Over time, these foods disrupt the body’s natural balance, leading to chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy. When meals are prepared at home, individuals...

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳನ್ನು ಸಬಲೀಕರಣಗೊಳಿಸಲು ಸರಿಯಾದ ಜಾತಿ ಗಣತಿಯ ಅಗತ್ಯ

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ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳು ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯ ಗಮನಾರ್ಹ ಭಾಗವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿವೆ, ಆದರೆ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸಾರ್ಹ ದತ್ತಾಂಶದ ನಿರಂತರ ಅನುಪಸ್ಥಿತಿಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ, ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಮತ್ತು ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಪ್ರಾತಿನಿಧ್ಯವು ಅಸಮಾನವಾಗಿ ಕಡಿಮೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಸಮಗ್ರ ಜಾತಿ ಗಣತಿಯ ಕೊರತೆಯು ದೂರಗಾಮಿ ಪರಿಣಾಮಗಳನ್ನು ಬೀರುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದು ಪುರಾವೆ ಆಧಾರಿತ ನೀತಿ ನಿರೂಪಣೆಗೆ ಅಡೆತಡೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜಕೀಯ ನಟರು ತಪ್ಪು ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಮತ್ತು ವದಂತಿ-ಪ್ರಚಾರದ ಮೂಲಕ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ-ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ವಿಭಾಗಗಳನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಅನುವು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ದತ್ತಾಂಶ ಅಂತರವನ್ನು ಪರಿಹರಿಸುವುದು ಮುಖ್ಯ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ, ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳನ್ನು ಸಾಮೂಹಿಕ ಸಬಲೀಕರಣ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ನ್ಯಾಯದ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಸಜ್ಜುಗೊಳಿಸಲು ತುರ್ತು ಮತ್ತು ಅತ್ಯಗತ್ಯ. ನಿಖರವಾದ, ವಿಭಜಿತ ದತ್ತಾಂಶವಿಲ್ಲದೆ, ನೀತಿ ನಿರೂಪಕರು ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಯೋಜಕರು ಊಹೆ ಮತ್ತು ಹಳತಾದ ಊಹೆಗಳನ್ನು ಅವಲಂಬಿಸುವಂತೆ ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸಲ್ಪಡುತ್ತಾರೆ.  ಇದು ಮೂರು ನಿರ್ಣಾಯಕ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಾರಣವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ: ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಮೀಸಲಾತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ಹಳೆಯ ಜನಗಣತಿ ಅಂಕಿಅಂಶಗಳು ಅಥವಾ ವಿಶಾಲ ಅಂದಾಜುಗಳನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ, ಇದು ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳ ಜೀವಂತ ವಾಸ್ತವಗಳನ್ನು ನಿಖರವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರತಿಬಿಂಬಿಸಲು ವಿಫಲವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ವಾಸ್ತವಗಳ ಅನುಪಸ್ಥಿತಿಯಲ್ಲ...

"Karnataka’s Socio-Economic and Educational Survey 2025."

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The evolution of reservation policies in India has been shaped by historical, legal, and political developments; the upcoming caste census in Karnataka may alter our community's gain or lose representation, welfare benefits, and political leverage The caste census in Karnataka (scheduled 22 Sept–7 Oct 2025) will produce a new population and socio-economic data that will sharpen the debate. Karnataka’s Socio-Economic and Educational Survey 2025 aims to update caste, education, occupation and economic indicators across households.  That data matters because: 1.Policy choices (new quotas, internal reservation, sub-categorisation) often hinge on reliable population & deprivation numbers.  2.A caste census strengthens empirical legitimacy for claims (for or against) changing quota shares, but it does not by itself change the constitutional ceiling. Any policy to raise the cap or reallocate percentages will need political consensus and likely face judicial review. 1....

“Vision 2030: Empowering the Devanga Community Through Education, Employment & Enterprise”

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Our Report for Consideration and Discussion During The All India Devanga Conference 29th–30th November 2025, Badami Karnataka. The All India Devanga Conference brings together leaders, thinkers, youth, and elders of our community to deliberate on pressing issues and future opportunities. The aim of this report is to provide a framework for discussions and actions that can improve the socio-economic conditions of our Devanga people, ensuring inclusive growth and collective upliftment. Key Areas for Consideration 1. Education and Skill Development Scholarship Funds:  Establish a pan-India Devanga Education Trust to support meritorious and needy students. Skill Training Centers:  Promote skill development programs in textiles, modern weaving, IT, and entrepreneurship. Career Guidance:  Regular workshops for youth on competitive exams, higher studies, and job opportunities. 2. Economic Empowerment Textile Industry Revival:  Encourage cooperative models for De...

"Sacred Sustenance: The Enduring Influence of Religion on Indian Food and Eating Habits Through the Millennia".

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Religion and food have been two of the most important and deeply intertwined aspects shaping the eating habits of the average Indian over millennia. Indian food habits are profoundly influenced by religious beliefs, rituals, and cultural practices which shape dietary choices, restrictions, and food symbolism. 1.Religious Influence on Indian Eating Habits. India's diverse religions impose specific dietary laws and customs: Hindus largely follow vegetarianism, with beef being taboo due to the sacred status of cows. Many Hindus avoid eating food in places where religious dietary rules differ. Jains are the most stringent, avoiding meat, root vegetables, alcohol, and anything that harms microorganisms, reflecting the principle of ahimsa. Muslims adhere to halal dietary laws, forbidding pork and certain other foods. Christians in India have distinct practices including roasted meats, salads, and baked dishes. Buddhists mostly favor vegetarianism but may consume meat only if ...