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Sculpting magic in wood

Honnavar: He knows the art of breathing life into stones and wood. The elegance of his sculpture often leaves the viewers dumfounded.

So strong is his mark on the lifeless objects that it's hard to take eyes off Annappa K Acharya's works.

Annappa was drawn into sculpting early in his childhood, thanks to abject poverty at home and his uncontainable fascination for the art.

He dropped out of school and followed his father Krishna Acharya's footsteps.

He trained for 18 months at the KPJ Prabhu in Jogaradoddi (Bangalore) and honed his skills under Ganesh L Bhat, a recipient of state awards.

A participant of camps by Shilpakala Academy, Kannada and culture department and Craft Council of India, Annappa's sculptures adorn temples, principle doors at the sanctum sanctorum, palanquins and cars drawn for festivals.

His wood carvings narrate biblical accounts in churches across the region. Brahma Ratha at Idagunji and the car at Mumbai's Odala Rama temple are some of the best pieces of temple carvings by Annappa.

Possessing an eclectic taste, Annappa has produced works in Hoysala, Gupta, Chola, Chalukya and Roman styles.

Some of his works have been taken to Britain, Germany and have also been displayed in Mumbai.

Just in his 20's, he has already received one of the prestigious awards by the State government - Prashamsa Patra Puraskar (2002) and the state award for sculpting (2003).

Originally from Gunavante in Honnavar Taluk, Annappa is currently working for Shankar Foundation in Doddakallasandra on the Kanakapura Main Road.

M G Hegde

Pin pricks for healing ailments!

Bangalore: Dr Raghavendra Char is a yoga teacher and an expert at the SUJOK acupuncture, commonly practiced in Korea. The Bangalorian was trained by Prof Park Jae Woo, who propounded SUJOK Acupuncture. Prof Park Jae Woo is a famous Korean scholar and scientist who is said to be the initiator and ardent practitioner of Sujok acupuncture healing system.

This healing system is based on stimulating a particular nerve-point, linking it up with the rest of the body's energy system, Acupuncture creates steady energy flow throughout the body. Dr Char says the system has a principle similar to Ayurveda and Yoga and treats the ailments caused by the energy imbalances in the body.

While the traditional system advocates pricking needles in the affected part of the body (head in the case of headache), Sujok method proposes pricking of the palms or feet for all ailments.

The Korean word SUJOK actually means hands and feet, considered the mirror of the body and mind and therefore suitable for energy stimulation.

However, Sujok does not always require pricking with a needle.

As a natural healing system, it adopts exercises like squeezing seeds in the hand for minor ailments. Identifying the exact acupuncture point though, needs training.

Raghavendra Char frequently uses a single needle in his therapy, focusing only on the hands.

Though the treatment course differs between patients, Sujok recommends 10 sittings of 20 minutes each. "I use only disposable, medically tested, stainless steel micro needles for therapy. I maintain a case history and can tell you with some confidence that all ailments, except cancer and cardiac problems are cured by this system," he reiterates.

Dr Char has his makeshift clinics at Chamarajpet, Malleshwaram, Basavanagudi, Banashankari, Chikkapet and NR colony localities in Bangalore. For more details call 26674873 and 9448084873.

S V Upendra Charya

Award for literary excellence

Moodabidri: Renowned Kannada writer and a professor at Hampi Kannada University, Prof A V Navad has been chosen for the Silver Jubilee Vardhaman literary award for the essay collection 'Ondu Sullu Nooru Sala,' by Moodabidri-based Vardhaman Prashashti Peetha.

Hailing from Kotekar near Mangalore, Prof Navad has numerous books to his name in the fields of folklore, Kannada language and Dasa Sahitya.

An honourary member of Finland Folklore Society, Prof Navad received the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Janapad and Yakshagana; Ku Shi Janapada; and Gundmi Janapada awards.

Some of his popular books include: Tuluva darshana, Janapada Samalochana, Tulu Paddadanagalu, Danamarga, and Haridasara Panduranga - Vithala.

Sadananda Hegdekatte