MEGA EYE CAMP CONCLUDES; 281 UNDERGO OPERATION;

Over 1200 patients were treated and 281 were operated free of cost at Ashwini hospital Madikeri during a weeklong Eye camp.

Addressing the gathering yesterday, the convener Gokhale stated that the hospital has conducted more than 3358 free operations since 18 years. He said that around 4.5 lakh rupees is required for the eye camp and donors have contributed more than rupees two lakh. Patients were brought after screening from all over Kodagu and from Mysore district. Almost fifty percent of the crowd was from Bettadapura side, he said.

Dr.Kulkarni said that the team of doctors included those from Mysore, Mangalore, Bangalore and local. He disclosed that the hospital has introduced telemedicine facility and will shortly open Intensive Care Unit.

Hospital vice president M.U.Kalappa presided over the function. Chief guest Dr.Appu Rao Pai explained the importance of eye and causes of cataract. Another guest, president of the Rotary Misty Hills, B.G.Anantha Shayana said that while a patient sees the outer world after the operation, the donor sees the beauty of the inner world which produces satisfaction. DHO Dr.jagannath inaugurated the fclosing function and said that the government has fixed a target of 900 operations to be conducted in the district and Ashwini hospital has completed 25% of their task.

‘KODAVA THAKK NAMME’ AT HUDIKERI;

A colourful Kodava Thakk Namme ( Kodava language Festival) took off yesterday at Hudikeri.

People attired in traditional dresses and music took out a procession in the main street. Kodava Parishath, Horata Samithi and Kodava Samaj, Hudikeri jointly organized the function.

Cine actor and Director A.T.Raghu, Singer Chekkera Tyagaraj and state award winner Badumanda Kamavva Muddavva were felicitated on the occasion by Dr.Kuttappa from Mysore, B.G.Anantha Shayana from Madikeri and Chowanda Manu Mandanna of Kodava Samaj.

A book “Kodimova” authored by Kolera Rehka was released on the occasion.

Dr.Kuttappa in his speech said that people need not switch over to Kodava script now. He said that Kodavas have thrived in all the fields and in all the places of the world and need not worry about their status.

B.G.Anantha shayana said that Kodavas should find a solution to conflicts like misunderstandings in the family leading to divorce or even worse. Family bonds should develop first and cultural bond next, he said.

President of the parishath, Ajjanikanda Mahesh Nachaiah presided over the function and explained the importance of celebrating functions of this kind.

A Kodava orchestra followed the function.