Kodagu’s megalithic link unearthed

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

3000-yr-old site discovered during temple renovation.

The megalithic site was discovered by chance during the renovation of the Sri Manjunatha Temple at Siddalingapura-Arasinakuppe.
The megalithic site was discovered by chance during the renovation of the Sri Manjunatha Temple at Siddalingapura-Arasinakuppe.

Mangaluru:

A megalithic burial site comprising a Menhir, and a complex of dolmens with unique pottery, possibly dating back to around 3,000 years, has been discovered near the Cauvery river at Siddalingapura- Arasinakuppe in Kodagu.

While a dolmen is a square stone structure with primary or secondary bone remains and pottery covered by a mega capstone, a Menhir is a large upright undressed stone standing on or near the burial site.

The megalithic site was discovered by chance during the renovation of the Sri Manjunatha Temple at Siddalingapura-Arasinakuppe, while land was being levelled behind it. A more detailed inspection was carried out by a team from the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, MSRS College, headed by department head, T Murugeshi.

“We found a complex of dolmens buried in the soil with each having its own stone circle. There could be hundreds of dolmens. One has been damaged and is being used as a dumpyard,” Prof Murugeshi told Deccan Chronicle. The Menhir, which is 3.15 meters tall and one meter wide, is reportedly the tallest found in the region.

“This is clearly a megalithic site. But more excavation is needed to clearly understand the things found here. The pyriform black jar found here is a rare one. Such jars were used to bury the remains of the head of a community, a priest or some important person at the time,” the professor explained.

The department of Ancient History and Archaeology at the college intends to excavate the site.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation- In other news / by Gururaj A Paniyadi / August 17th, 2016

Citizens celebrate Kakkada Namme with fervour

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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Kakkada Namme programme was held at Kodava Samaja in Kutta in Virajpet on Sunday, where people from across the district took part in large numbers.

Mallengada Dada Bellyappa, Federation of Kodava Samaja former president, inaugurated the programme and said that the Kodava culture has its own uniqueness and Kodava people are known for their cultural identity.

The special dishes, ‘Madd Putt’ and ‘Madd Payasa’, prepared during the month of Kakkada, have a significant place in Kodava culture, reminded the former president.

He, meanwhile, lamented that the traditional Kodava cuisine is being forgotten these days, adding that, in the earlier days, the relatives themselves prepared the special dishes during marriage and other occasions.

Kodava Samaja, Kutta, President Kallichanda Vishnu Cariappa presided over the formal function and said that people of Kodava community should come together to celebrate various occasions such as Kakkada Namme.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, August 15th, 2016

Long weekend fills up all tourist destinations

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

It was the weekend many were awaiting for. Several popular tourist destinations in Karnataka had started putting up ‘houseful’ boards weeks before the long weekend that culminates on Independence Day. Travel agents and tour operators say though an Independence Day holiday is typically a busy time for them, this year has seen a marked interest among visitors.

Those looking for a quick getaway are taking advantage of the freedom from work beginning with a holiday for the Varamahalakshmi festival on Friday, followed by the weekend and Independence Day on Monday. Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hampi are said to be the preferred destinations. Sanjar Imam, president of Karnataka Tourism Forum, said accommodation was sold out by the beginning of July. “Otherwise, we do see bookings even in August. Some people are driving out to places as far as Goa, which is 10 hours by road from Bengaluru,” he added.

Navin Poonacha from the Coorg Homestay Association said people were coming from Bengaluru, Mysuru and Chennai, though Kodagu district was seeing ‘heavy traffic’ from Kerala as well.

With brand new options for accommodation coming up in Hampi and Sakleshpur, traffic to these two places is picking up, travel agents say.

Some regular travellers are setting out on longer expeditions than they usually do. One of them is Mustaq Ahmed, who will be biking to Kodaikanal with three friends instead of the shorter rides to places like Kolar.

Kerala losing out?

Restriction on liquor coupled with a hike in entry taxes for commercial vehicles from Karnataka are said to be causing a ‘negative trend’ in travel to Kerala. M. Ravi of Arjun Tours and Travels Private Ltd. spoke of a 10 to 15 per cent drop in bookings of commercial vehicles to Kerala in the context of a long weekend.

_______________________________________________________

Popular spots

Chikkamagaluru

Hampi

Kodagu

Sakleshpur

Nagarahole, Bandipur national parks
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source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – August 13th, 2016

Back from Antarctica, IAS officer has climate change lessons for Kodagu

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

Maiden feat

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Charulata Somal is the first IAS officer to have gone on an expedition to the Antarctica. The 2012-batch officer from Karnataka cadre has just returned from the icy continent.

After getting a first-hand account of the impact of climate change during her 15-day expedition, the Chief Executive Officer of Kodagu Zilla Panchayat wants to use her experience to combat climate change in the district. Speaking to Deccan Herald, the 28-year-old officer said her aim was to improve Kodagu.

Somal was among 140 people from 30 countries who went on the expedition. There were 17 Indians in the team, including Somal. This was the largest contingent from the country, she said.

The team included engineers, educationists, scholars, members of non-government organisations, film makers, photographers and artists.
“We were chosen from among 7,000 applicants across the globe. I am proud to be the first IAS officer to have taken an expedition to the Antarctica,” she said, her face beaming with joy. The expedition was held from March 13 to 26, 2016.

The participants were selected at an expedition organised by the 2041 Foundation of Robert Swan, the first man to have walked the North and South Poles.

He made a 900-mile journey to South Pole, the longest unassisted march in history, from 1984 to 1987. The foundation has been organising expeditions since 2003-04.

A BA graduate in Economics (Honours), Somal said the subject helped her understand how energy resources were being exploited and how they could be conserved.

“We started the expedition by a ship named Endeavour from Ushuaia in Argentina and touched the Antarctic West Peninsula. Every day we landed at a different place. We had ice classroom sessions, where participants are made to sit on the ice. Apart from travelling by ship, we trekked for three to four hours, walked for 30 km with 80-100 kg luggage in -10 degrees Celsius. At times, the temperature was as low as -35 degrees Celsius. We experienced chilly winds blowing at a speed of 45 miles per hour, snow, sunshine and even rain at freezing temperatures,” she recollected.

After returning from the expedition, Somal made a presentation at the Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association to her colleagues and senior officials. She is also preparing to submit a report to the state government about the way of life in the Antarctica and the knowledge she acquired there.

“As an official, we have certain limitations. But in my personal capacity, I am conducting awareness camps for schoolchildren on how to save the last wilderness on earth, the impact of climate change on natural resources and how Cauvery basin, which is the prime source of water for Bengaluru and other areas, can be saved,” she said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / by Bosky Khanna, Bengaluru / DHNS – August 13th, 2016

Kodagu Stars at Rio Olympics

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

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Out of 10 sportspersons from Karnataka, seven are from Kodagu… Yet…!

Mysuru, Aug. 6- The 31st Summer Olympics Games, which began at Rio de Janerio this morning (IST), will have Kodava pride at stake with seven sportspersons from Kodagu out of the total 10 sportspersons from State participating in the Rio Games.

Having known as the smallest district in Karantaka, Kodagu has contributed immensely to the field of sports, be it field hockey, badminton or cricket.

A home for hockey, Kodagu will see its ace hockey players V.R. Raghunath, S.V. Sunil, Nikkin Thimmaiah and S.K. Uthappa representing the country in the Field Hockey. This Olympics will be special for Kodagu as S.V. Sunil also named as the vice-captain of the team. Till date, including Rio Olympics, a total of 10 hockey players from Kodagu have represented the country in Olympics. This is also the first that four hockey players from Kodagu will a part of the hockey team competing in Olympics. Meanwhile, ace shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa will compete in women’s doubles badminton along with her partner Jwala Gutta. M.R. Poovamma, who rose to fame in athletics, will compete in 4×400 mts relay along with her follow athletes. But, all eyes will be on Lawn Tennis player Rohan Bopanna, who will be partnering legendary Leander Paes in the men’s doubles event.

All of the seven sportspersons from Kodagu have the ability to win gold medals for our country.

With India sending its highest contingent to Olympics this year, we hope the sportspersons from Kodagu bring laurels to the country and Kodava land.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / August 06th, 2016

Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons defends Heathcote Road upgrade election promise

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Upgrade: NSW Premier Mike Baird and Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons standing in front of Harris Bridge in Holsworthy. Picture: Simon Bennett.
Upgrade: NSW Premier Mike Baird and Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons standing in front of Harris Bridge in Holsworthy. Picture: Simon Bennett.

Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons has hit back against allegations which doubt her party’s commitment to the upgrading of Heathcote Road.

Last week Charishma Kaliyanda, a Labor candidate for the south ward of Liverpool Council, claimed that the Liberal Party’s promise to allocate $4 million to upgrade Harris Creek Bridge “had been found to be woefully inadequate”.

According to Ms Kaliyanda, information about the project accessed under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 showed that half of the allocated budget had already been spent.

“The Liberal Party should immediately account for the amount spent on the Harris Creek Upgrade Project so far, be honest with the people of our area about their woefully inadequate promise and give the project the importance it deserves by fully funding it,” Ms Kaliyanda said.

Charishma Kaliyanda, a Labor candidate for the south ward of Liverpool Council, at Harris Bridge.
Charishma Kaliyanda, a Labor candidate for the south ward of Liverpool Council, at Harris Bridge.

Ms Gibbons said the project had always been much more than the upgrading of one bridge.

“Charishma should realise that the $4 million wasn’t to build one bridge, but to plan for a much larger project that will make a significant difference to the local community,” she said.

“Both Williams Creek and Harris Creek bridges flood during significant rainfall. There is no point upgrading one without the other – and that is what we are working to do.

“I have upheld my election promises and will continue to do so. The road work signs were removed with the official completion of Deadmans Creek bridge just this week, and Holsworthy train station car-park finished with 463 new spaces, 63 above what was promised.”

Ms Gibbons said at the State Election in 2014, she promised $4 million for the planning of a 2.2 kilometre upgrade of Heathcote Road – expanding it from two lanes to four between Infantry Parade and The Avenue, Voyager Point.

“By late this year, we expect to have the concept design progressed, as well as the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and an environmental impact assessment for the project,” she said.

source: http://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au / Liverpool City Champion / by Ashley Milton / Thursday – August 01st, 2016

Slush field sports meet on August 13

Sports

The 25th state-level slush field sports meet will be held at C D Bopaiah’s farm at Kaggodlu on August 13, said Zilla Yuva Okkoota president M B Joyappa.

Joyappa said, the event which is organised jointly by taluk units of Okkoota, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Zilla Panchayat, Youth Hostels Association of India, will be inaugurated by District In-charge Minister M R Seetharam at 9.30 am on the aforementioned date.

The inaugural session will be followed by the sports competitions for men at 10.30 am. The events include volleyball, football and tug-of-war, followed by 50 metres race for boys and girls in junior and primary level categories, 100 metres race for boys and girls in higher primary school, 200 metres for high school boys and girls and 300 metres for college boys and girls.

Relay event

Relay event has been organised for boys and girls in the categories of primary, high school and college, followed by open race for public and traditional running race for the villagers of Kaggodlu.

President of Yuva Okkoota, Madikeri taluk, Naveen Derala said, “The winners in football, tug-of-war and volleyball will pocket Rs 10,000 cash prize and trophy while the runner-up will take home a cash prize of Rs 6,000 and a trophy.”

The participating teams should enrol themselves with the organisers by paying an entry fee of Rs 500 on or before August 11.

The high school students participating in the tug-of-war contest should bring a letter from their schools.

The first, second and third prizes will be distributed in running events. The prizes include a trophy and certificate of appreciation.

Chairman of Legislative Council D H Shankaramurthy, Chief Whip of BJP in the Council Ganesh Karnik, MP Prathap Simha, MLA Appachu Ranjan and MLC Veena Achaiah will be the chief guests during the inaugural function.

MLA K G Bopaiah, SP P Rajendra Prasad, taluk panchayat president Shobha Mohan to name a few will be among the chief guests for valedictory ceremony, same evening.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS, Madikeri – August 09th, 2016

Kodavas will celebrate Kakkada Padinet with fervour today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri :

‘Kakkada Padinet’ (18th day of Aashada) will be celebrated religiously in Kodagu district on Wednesday.

Kodava women performing a traditional dance. (TOI file photo for representation)
Kodava women performing a traditional dance. (TOI file photo for representation)

Aashada is an auspicious month for Kodavas and other communities in the district. People, especially Kodava families, prepare a sweet dish made of ‘Ati thoppu’ or ‘Maddu thoppu’ as part of the festivities.

The thoppu (leaves) has medicinal value, and it is said consuming thoppu helps one healthy. The leaves grown in the wild are plucked and boiled in water to get an aromatic juice – a thick dark violet coloured fluid having a unique flavour.

The preparations made using the juice are sweet porridge and rice. ‘Kakkadakoli’ (chicken) is also a special delicacy relished on the day. People from Gowda community also prepare payasa or ghee rice using the leaves on new moon day during Aashada. According to elders, the leaves, if taken along with pepper and honey, reduce excess water in the body.

‘Kakkada’ is a month in the Kodava calendar beginning in mid-July and ending in mid-August. Marriages and other celebrations are not arranged in ‘Kakkada’.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Mysore / TNN / August 03rd, 2016

On time spent with Cariappa

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Reminiscing about his time spent with Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, Army chief General Dalbir Singh said he had many occasions to have lunch with the famous officer during his stay in Bengaluru when he was a Captain in the 1980s.

“One day, while visiting the Vidhana Soudha, I moved to help him climb the steps and he refused, saying ‘Don’t help me even if I fall!’. Such was his energy,” General Singh said.

Praising Kodagu for having sent so many recruits to the Army as well as several senior officers, he accepted the request for a recruitment rally and said it would be held in the district next year.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Staff Reporter / Madikeri – August 07th, 2016

Army plans to build regional hospitals for veterans

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Uncategorized
Army chief Gen. Dalbir Singh addresses a veterans rally in Madikeri on Saturday.
Army chief Gen. Dalbir Singh addresses a veterans rally in Madikeri on Saturday.

Close to 2,000 veterans attend rally in Kodagu

It was a day of celebration for Army veterans from Kodagu and neighbouring areas who showed up in large numbers braving rain to listen to Chief of the Army Staff General Dalbir Singh at rally, on his first visit here after assuming charge, on Saturday.

At a gathering of close to 2,000 veterans, General Singh said the Army had plans to build regional hospitals for veterans as it was found that falsified bills were being submitted by empanelled hospitals.

“We have proposed to build 10 regional hospitals, of which four or five have been cleared and the rest will follow,” he said.

He said there was no shortage of funds for veterans, but it was the delivery and procurement mechanisms that had to be fine tuned.

General Singh also spoke about a tie-up with the National Skills Ministry where teams from the Ministry would visit Army units and provide certification for eligible Army staff. “We have identified many skill sets which can be certified and this will help those who retire get jobs,” he said.

On the issue of One Rank One Pension, he said a judicial commission which is set to visit 20 locations to interact with ex-service men will begin with its first visit to Chandigarh next week.

Earlier, the Army chief paid a visit to the memorial park for Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and ‘Sunny Side’, the residence of late General K.S. Thimayya. General Singh promised to provide tanks and other possible war trophies for the memorial park.

He announced several initiatives for Kodagu region, which has historically sent several youngsters to the armed forces. General Singh said a recruitment rally would be held here in 2017.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Avinash Bhat / Madikeri – August 06th, 2016