Asian award winning film 'Yarwng' (Roots) memorializes the trauma suffered by thousands of people that once inhabited the Raima Valley of Tripura but had to move out when the valley was submerged due to the construction of an electricity-generating dam on the Gumti river, about three decades ago, transforming thereby what was once called the 'granary of Tripura' into vast 'catchments of resentment'.

B S Yeddyurappa had a week-long China jaunt recently. A large contingent of ministers, MLAs and officials had joined him. He was thoughtful of all others left behind and brought a special gift for them from the East (presents from the Orient have religious and historical import). The CM announced the surprise gift in the Assembly on September 9 - a two-child norm to help the development and progress of the state. However, China had been practicing the one-child pattern for several years now.

The ruling BJP in Karnataka suffered a humiliation in the state by-elections held on August 18 along with four other states. The biggest blow for the BJP came, when the results were declared on August 21, with the Muzrai and Housing Minister V Somanna's defeat in the Govindarajnagar Assembly constituency against a young, fresh and new comer Congress candidate Priya Krishna. However, the Congress had nothing more to rejoice as it lost three of the four seats it had held. It has been pushed to the third place just like it did in the last by-elections held for eight seats in Dec 2008.

A nonagenarian appears young at heart. Komban A Antony seems to be in the springtime of life. Active and agile both physically and mentally, he attributes it to his systematic life. He follows more of a vegetarian diet and takes particular care to be timely. His long association with the United Nations made him a great man of discipline in every sense. Komban's commendable qualities to relate to people of all creed and age groups including children are considered admirable and estimable.

Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore called for unity among all people. He was speaking on the occasion of the 63rd Independence Day and a unique programme expressing gratitude to God on August 15. The National Anthem was played to show the unity & solidarity of the gathering towards the country. A prayer was offered for the unity of the country and blessings upon its entire people. Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore lit the Menorah along with seven little children to mark the inauguration of the programme "God Is In Control'. Archbishop Bernard Moras who was the chief guest recalled a young couple approaching him with their finalizing for divorce. After listening to both of them for quite a long duration, he advised them to steer clear of their relatives and to tell them not to interfere in their family life.

If you are looking for a book that will take you to a land with snow peaked mountains, picturesque locations and serenity right in the comfort of your home, Shamim Akhtar's coffee table book 'Rode to Heaven - Ladakh' is a must pick. With beautiful pictures and adequate information, the book is an ideal read for anyone willing to learn about one of India's less discovered wonders, Ladakh. The book is a compilation of pictures and memories of Akhtar's 16 day journey to India's 'Little Tibet'. Shamim Akhtar, a civil servant by profession and an avid traveller by passion has tried to put together a pictorial account of the life in Ladakh.

A great combined quality, indeed, to be suave, sophisticated and soft-spoken. It is an asset particularly for a business person. Ms Stella Joyce has carved a niche for herself not only in her studio work but in personal life as well. No wonder she received awards and accolades from various quarters. The latest one being the special honour she received from Bengaluru District Photo Studio Owners' Association for completing 50 years in the field of photography.

To most of us Goa is the most happening holiday spot in the country. A must see for all those who love travelling not only in India but around the world. But the tragedy of such tourist places is that no one gets to know its real story. We might not realise but every place has a story to tell. 'My Goa - an autobiography' by Luizinho Faleiro, the Ex- Chief Minister of the state, besides being his story is the tale of Goa ,where he was born and which grew with him . Drawing parallels between his life and Goa, Faleiro who is now a member of the Congress Working Committee presents an unseen side of his state.