Articles by Uma Swamy

Ever wondered about the moda makers (traditional cane stools with woven jute rope seats) that you may have seen every now and then on empty plots or under the shade of a large tree? Modas sold on pavements. Pic: Uma Swamy Most of them have come from Rajasthan bringing the material for making moodas with them. They return to their village after they sell off the modas and chairs made by them. The modas and the high backed chairs are made out of the hay (phus), sticks (moojh) and rope of the Seta tree. A small moda, sold for about…

If you want to know the rates of the day’s vegetables and fruits at HOPCOMS outlets, just send a sms to 9243355223 and in all probability, the next message beep on your cell phone will bring you the required information. Or check out HOPCOMS website (www.hopcoms.kar.nic.in) where the rates are given in both Kannada and English under ‘Reports’. SMS "hopcoms veg" or "hopcoms fruits" to get the details.Yes, this is HOPCOMS’ latest technology-based value-add to its customers. The daily fluctuating prices of vegetables and fruits leave consumers bemused. Knowing the rates of the vegetables and fruits helps us plan our…

Growing up in a town of traditional sandalwood and ivory carvers can influence the aesthetic sensibility of its residents. It was no different for Ganesh Laxminarayan Bhat. G L Bhat with the sculpture of St Dunstun. Pic: Uma Swamy. In fact, even as he helped his priest father in the flower decoration of the temple idols in the Idagunji Ganesha Temple in Honnavar, District Uttara Kannada, young Ganesh was a keen observer of the shape and perspective of the idols. After completing his 10th Class in Idagunji, Ganesh learnt about carving under the tutelage of eminent sculptors. These were State…

Yes, we are talking about the jamuns, the ooty apples and the lychees who made a colourful entry on fruit carts recently. Pause on your way back home to pick them up else you may miss out this season! ⊕

Its chic and very Ooh La La.  For croissants and conversations. Pic: Uma SwamyWe are talking about The French Loaf that inaugurated its latest outlet at Aurobindo Marg, J P Nagar, 1st Phase, near Indira Gandhi Circle.  People can choose among a variety of The French Loaf's specialty items such as croissants, pastries, pies and doughnuts. Those wanting a quiet tete-a-tete can enjoy the air-conditioned indoor or the outdoor seating arrangements.Located near  Sarakki Gate, on the Kanakapura Main Road, Sri Raghavendra Davanagere Benne Dose Hotel is a favorite of the dosa connoisseurs of the area.  Mouth water benne dosa beckons.…

Premachandra Kalyana Mantap is bustling with Silks of India, a textile exhibition. 60 stalls stock a vibrant collection of cottons, silk cottons, and silks. With an extensive collection of sarees, running fabric and ready made as well as ready to stitch garments, the exhibition has artisans from different states such Tamil Nadu, Chattisgarh, Kashmir, Gujarat, Assam and Rajasthan. At Premachandra Kalyana Mantap 10th Main Road, 3rd Block Jayanagar till June 5th. ⊕

"I play with children with the confidence that even an hour of play will change their lives for the better", says Sheetal Suryavanshi, Founder President, and Managing Trustee, Aata Odanaata (AO). Sheetal founded AO along with her sports buddies to encourage socio-economically challenged children to learn and play different sports. Sheetal Suryavanshi is a BCCI-certified cricket coach. Pic: Aravind H N An awardee of CNN IBN-Reliance's Real Heroes in sports category, Sheetal Suryavanshi was a sports enthusiast during her growing years. She represented her college in cricket, handball and baseball at the national level. When the vortex of life caught Sheetal…