Foreign students trained to assist foreign tourists

Highlighting the uniqueness of Dasara 2013 from October 5 to October 14, which will be inaugurated by noted writer Chandrashekar Kambar, Deputy Commissioner C Shikha said that foreign students of various countries are being trained to act as guides of foreign tourists visiting Mysore during Dasara.

She delivered a power point presentation during the release of publicity materials here, on Monday and provided information about the various programmes.

She said that 45 kiosks will be set up in different parts of city jointly by Tourism sub-committee and police, to assist the tourists. Foreign students will be deputed in some of them to help tourists from different countries visiting the city to participate in festivities.

She said that publicity material about the festivities would be put up at all international airports in the country. Vinyl wrappings about Dasara will adorn Bangalore-Delhi train.

Cultural activities will be held at Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIA) from October 4 to 6. A total of 30 Volvo and low floor buses will be dedicated for ‘Hop On and Hop Off’ services to decrease the traffic congestion in city. Drive-in film screening would be organised at J K Grounds.

Shikha said that as part of Yoga Dasara, National conference on yoga had been organised on October 11 and 12 at Maharaja Centenary Auditorium. Ahara Mela will be conducted from October 5 to 12 at Scouts and Guides Grounds.

About 280 additional workers and NSS members had been roped in for maintenance of cleanliness. A helpline for cleanliness and 50 temporary toilets will be set up. Teams from Ahmedabad and Mangalore will participate in the kite flying competition organised on October 21 at helipad near Lalith Mahal Palace.

As many as 129 colleges will participate in Yuva Sambrama to be conducted between September 28 and October 3. Writer Chandrashekar Patil will inaugurate Dasara Kavigoshti on October 10. “Arrangement for first aid treatment will be done at all venues of cultural programmes,” she added.

She mentioned that 1,000 gold cards were released this year, and they can be purchased online. A 300-page Dasara Souvenir will be released containing articles related to Mysore Dasara with articles in Kannada and English.