Coffee growers believe that while the region’s coffee is known for its flavour and aroma, without proper branding, it loses value in larger market.
Despite contributing nearly 70 per cent of India’s total coffee production, Karnataka’s coffee continues to be sold without a unified label which can represent varieties produced in the state.(Representative image)
Bengaluru :
Taking a cue from the success of Nandini in the dairy sector, coffee growers in Karnataka are pushing for a similar branding model for the state’s coffee. The Karnataka Growers’ Federation (KGF) is working on a proposal to create a unified brand called ‘Karnataka Coffee’ to give the state’s produce an identity in both national and international markets.
Federation officials confirmed that preliminary meeting have already been held with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and they are hopeful that the proposal will be taken forward in the coming days.
Despite contributing nearly 70 per cent of India’s total coffee production, Karnataka’s coffee continues to be sold without a unified label which can represent varieties produced in the state. Coffee growers believe that while the region’s coffee is known for its flavour and aroma, without proper branding, it loses value in larger market.
“Karnataka is the largest coffee-producing state in the country, but we still don’t have a common brand that represents our coffee,” KGF President H Shivanna said, adding that if the state creates one, it will improve market visibility and directly benefit growers, specifically in districts like Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan.
He stressed that the idea is to follow a cooperative model similar to Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which helped make Nandini a wider brand. “The Nandini model also ensured fair pricing for farmers and made distribution marketing more efficient. We want to apply the same structure to coffee,” Shivanna said.
Federation officials pointed out that creating a state-backed brand could help bring attention to long-pending issues faced by planters, including frequent human-elephant conflict, pressure from forest officials, confusion around deemed forest classifications, and the need to extend land lease periods for growers.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Rishita Khanna / June 16th, 2025
“The matter to name a Metro Station in Bengaluru city will be placed before the cabinet meeting to arrive at a decision,” said the Chief Minister and exuded confidence that “None will have objection to name a Metro Station after Field Marshal Cariappa.”
Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa —DC Image
Bengaluru :
Responding to a plea to name a Station of Bangalore Metro Train Corporation Limited (BMRCL) in Bengaluru city, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday assured to fulfill the wish of the Kodavas to name a Metro Station after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Field Marshal of independent India. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa was from Kodagu district.
“The matter to name a Metro Station in Bengaluru city will be placed before the cabinet meeting to arrive at a decision,” said the Chief Minister and exuded confidence that “None will have objection to name a Metro Station after Field Marshal Cariappa.” Though a request has been made to name a Metro Station but have not stated a particular Station.
“I will make an honest effort to name the Metro Station after Field Marshal Cariappa,” Siddaramaiah said at a felicitation programme organized by members of Kodava Samaj in Bengaluru. The felicitation to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was organized in honour of the State Government allocation of 7 acres for Kodava Samaj in Bengaluru city.
At the function, D.K. Shivakumar assured the Kodava Samaj members that the demand of Kodava Samaj to name a Metro Station after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa has been received with an open mind and stated “The State Government will make all efforts for the coming generations to remember Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa.”
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Southern States> Karnataka / by M B Girish / June 16th, 2025
MLA Mantar Gowda, Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja and other officials during a meeting of the River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee, held at Harangi reservoir in Kodagu on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
In a move to tighten safety regulations in adventure tourism, river rafting operators in Dubare and Barapole have been directed to renew their licences and obtain fitness certificates before resuming any water sports activities.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee, held at the Harangi reservoir, near Kushalnagar, on Friday.
Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda emphasised the importance of enforcing strict safety protocols, especially during the monsoon season, when tourist footfall goes up.
River rafting operators have to secure fitness certification for their rafts from the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA), and police verification is mandatory, he said.
Mr. Gowda said no rafting operation would be permitted without valid certificates, and that life jackets were mandatory. All guides should undergo skill assessments and wear uniforms while on duty, he said. To promote tourism, Mr. Gowda proposed installing signboards at important junctions such as Bilikere, Hunsur-Gonikoppal junction, and near Siddapura on Periyapatna Road.
“Tourist safety is non-negotiable. One mishap could severely damage Kodagu’s tourism image,” said Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja. He said that all operators should undergo training and get certification through GETHNAA to ensure quality and safety in water-based adventure activities.
In view of the growing number of tourists visiting Kodagu for river rafting, the committee approved major infrastructure upgrades such as shelters at ticket counters, stair railings for river access, changing rooms and restrooms, benches, drinking water facilities, informative signage and CCTV surveillance.
Tourism Department Deputy Director Anita Bhaskar said 75 rafts were currently operating in Dubare and 24 in Barapole. Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, 11 applications for kayaking licences had been received for operation along the Hemavathi and Cauvery riverbanks, as well as Harangi backwaters.
The committee said feasibility reports for these locations would be studied before granting approvals.
Meanwhile, rafting has been permitted at Kumaralli (Bidalli) in Somwarpet taluk, though commercial activity has not yet begun. A final site inspection is awaited.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 13th, 2025
In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar…
Madikeri:
In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar this week highlighting its 35-year-long peaceful movement for the political, cultural, and territorial rights of the Codava people.
Speaking to Hand India President of the CNC NU Nachappa, the seminar will address CNC’s core demands, including the creation of a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution — akin to the autonomous councils in the Northeast and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The organisation is also seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Codavas, whom it identifies as a distinct animistic, mono-ethnic indigenous community.
The keynote speaker for the event is Vikram Hegde, a constitutional lawyer practising in the Supreme Court, who has previously represented the CNC in the landmark Codava Gun Rights case. His lecture will delve into constitutional provisions for regional autonomy, linguistic rights, and the protection of customary practices — subjects he also teaches as a visiting faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
Among the other issues to be discussed at the seminar are:
Restoration of hereditary land rights lost during the rule of the Keladhi dynasty and British colonial administration.
Inclusion of Codava Thakk in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution to preserve the community’s language.
Continuation of exemptions under the Indian Arms Act, which currently allow Codavas to carry traditional firearms as part of their religious and cultural identity — similar to the Kirpan exemption for Sikhs.
Protection of Codava cultural and historical sites, customary laws, and their ecological lifelines, particularly the Cauvery river basin.
Political representation, including demands for reserved seats in legislative bodies, modelled after the unique ‘Sangha’ constituency for Buddhist monks in Sikkim.
“The CNC’s movement has always been peaceful, rooted in constitutional advocacy,” said CNC founder and president N.U. Nachappa Codava. “Our goal is to secure the rightful identity, autonomy, and dignity of the Codava people — not only within India’s democratic framework but also under international conventions on indigenous rights.”
The CNC is currently pursuing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks legal recognition of Codavaland’s claim for geo-political autonomy, arguing that their demands are both constitutionally viable and historically justified.
Joining Hegde at the seminar will be his wife, Hima Lawrance also a Supreme Court lawyer, qualified to practice in both India and New York.
The event is expected to draw academics, legal experts, regional leaders, and community stakeholders from across Karnataka, as discussions around regional autonomy and tribal classification continue to gain traction in India’s federal structure.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> States> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by The Hans India / June 13th, 2024
Actors Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya reunite the family of 1965 war hero Squadron Leader AB Devayya with his stolen Mahavir Chakra.
In a heartwarming moment echoing the patriotism of their film Sky Force, actors Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya were instrumental in reclaiming the stolen Mahavir Chakra medal, which was given posthumously to Squadron Leader AB Devayya, the only Indian Air Force officer to receive the honour after making the ultimate sacrifice in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. This touching moment echoes the patriotism of their film Sky Force.
For the Devayya family, the Mahavir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry honour, was more than simply a medal; it was a priceless memento of courage, love, and heritage. Years ago, the medal was stolen from the family’s home, leaving Devayya’s widow, Sundari Devayya, and daughter, Preetha, devastated. “For Mum, the medal was a symbol of my Dad’s courage and had held a place of pride on her dresser,” Preetha shared in a moving statement.
During the production of Sky Force, a film based on Squadron Leader Devayya’s valorous mission, Veer Pahariya — who makes his acting debut portraying Devayya — met the late officer’s family. Upon hearing about the theft, he and co-star Akshay Kumar took it upon themselves to track down and retrieve the medal.
In a deeply emotional ceremony held by the Indian Air Force at the Training Command in Bengaluru, the Mahavir Chakra was finally returned to Sundari Devayya. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh AVSM VM presented the honour, marking a moment of healing for the family. “She keeps saying she finally feels complete. After all these years, there’s peace in her heart,” said Preetha.
Veer Pahariya, visibly moved by the experience, later reflected, “This is why I chose to be an actor — to spread love, make a difference, and leave a little bit of myself behind in every story.”
Akshay Kumar, who was last seen in Housefull 5, chose to let his actions speak louder than words, with the family extending heartfelt gratitude to him. “Because of both of them, my mother is holding the Mahavir Chakra once again,” Preetha added.
Sky Force is an action drama set against the backdrop of India’s first airstrike on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase in 1965. Directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani, the film also stars Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur.
source: http://www.filmfare.com / Filmfare / Home> News> Bollywood / by Filmfare / June 13th, 2025
Auction creates buzz; franchise owners draft 175 players from a talent pool of 270 registered players
Mysuru:
The Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) — Player Auction 2025 was held with much fanfare on June 1. KHPL 2025 is scheduled for June 27, 28 and 29 at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysuru, promising three days of fierce competition and Kodava pride.
Organised by the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru, in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and under the aegis of Hockey Mysore, the event witnessed a remarkable blend of tradition, sport and strategy.
Ten franchises — Coorg United, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Coorg Titans, MTB Royals, Kodava Tribe, Kodavu Warriors and Kakot Strikers — each began by selecting three icon players, and then went on to build 18-member squads with calculated precision from a talent pool of 270 registered players. A total of 175 players were drafted into the KHPL 2025 league.
The auction’s digital footprint was equally impressive, with over 10,000 views on the Kodava Swara YouTube channel, the event’s official broadcast partner. Powered by M9 Sports, the live stream delivered a seamless, front-row experience for online viewers who followed the action from across the globe.
The event was held at Hotel Ibis Styles, Mysuru. The auction was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Ponjanda Ganapathy (President, Kodava Samaja Mysuru), Pandanda Bopanna (President, Kodava Hockey Academy), Konganda Dilip Biddappa (President, Hockey Mysore), Kotera Muddaiah (Vice-President, Hockey Mysore), Muckattira Somaiah (Director, Kodava Hockey Academy), Appanervanda Dr. Sonia Mandappa (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist), Bollepanda Kariappa (Coach, Indian Junior Hockey), Ganesh Iyer (GM, Ibis Styles Mysuru) and Machanda Prakash (Vice-President, Kodava Samaja Cultural & Sports Club, Mysuru).
Ajjetira Vikram Uthappa anchored the high-octane evening as Master of Ceremonies, while the Kottangada Ayudh Appanna fired up the crowd as the official auctioneer, adding energy and excitement to every bid.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /June 04th, 2025
Nidhi Subbaiah, who was last seen in UI, is reuniting with Pancharangi co-star Diganth in the dark comedy suspense thriller Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana, which releases on June 13, 2025
Nidhi Subbaiah reunites with Diganth Manchale 14 years after Pancharangi
Like everyone else in the Kannada film industry, Nidhi Subbaiah too has been keenly observing the trend in the Kannada film industry, with audiences dwindling day-by-day.
“But honestly, I think this phase would be scarier for newcomers because they are just making baby steps and trying to make a name for themselves.
I debuted 14-15 years ago with Pancharangi and back then, it was easier and most of us were working 2-3 films at a time. I’ve found a place in people’s heart and think it is easier to hold on to the name I’ve made. In that sense, I am in a better place,” says the actress, who will next be seen in Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana, which releases on June 13.
Pancharangi fame Nidhi Subbaiah
Nidhi adds that the fact that she is detached from the outcome of her movies is perhaps why she isn’t unduly worried about what’s going on in Sandalwood. “From the start of my career, I have been very detached from the outcome of my films. The day before the premiere of Pancharangi, there was so much nervous energy in the team and I was chilled out, because the result is not in my hands – good or bad. I am not affected by what becomes of a movie even if I have poured my heart and soul into it,” she reasons.
Nidhi Subbaiah: Acting is a job I do; it’s not who I am
The actress adds that it is necessary for people in the industry to not put all their eggs in one basket – Sandalwood – and to diversify, either into other neighbouring film industries or totally unrelated stuff based on one’s skillsets. “See, web series’ are an option, but am sure most of us have more skills than just being actors. For instance, I am writing something currently, which may turn into a book or a script and am in talks with a publishing house. I also pursue sailing actively. There are things I can do; acting is a job I do, it’s not who I am. I won’t die if the industry dies,” says Nidhi.
The Krishnan Marriage Story actress adds that she’s been able to stay alive and kicking in the industry despite being choosy and not mechanically picking up everything that comes her way. “I am still trying to keep myself exclusive. Even though I have been around for 15 years, I have not done as many films as my contemporaries have,” she says.
Over the years, has her outlook towards the kind of roles she wants to do changed? “Do I want to play the bubbly girl-next-door? Hell no! That’s the girl I was when I started off, but I am not that anymore. I am hungry and greedy as an actor and want to do all kinds of roles and am not worried that I will be objectified; people in Karnataka know that I can act,” she says.
source: http://www.ottplay.com / OTT Play / Home> News / by Pratibha Joy / June 10th, 2025
The murder caught national attention for its brutality as the accused had chopped off the victim’s head and fled from the crime scene.
MLA Gowda spent his own money Rs 8.5 lakh to build the house for the family.Photo | Express
Madikeri :
Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda has donated a house to the family of the 15-year-old victim who was murdered by her fiancé in May 2024.
Meena, a 15-year-old girl in Mutlu village of Suralabbi limits in Kodagu, was brutally murdered by her 35-year-old fiancé, Onkarappa, right after her SSLC results.
The murder caught national attention for its brutality as the accused had chopped off the victim’s head and fled from the crime scene. The accused was nabbed later and is presently undergoing a court trial.
Meena belonged to a poor family, and they lived in a pitiable condition in a makeshift hut. Following media reports on the condition of the victim’s family, MLA Dr Mantar Gowda had assured the family a house. MLA Gowda spent his own money Rs 8.5 lakh to build the house for the family.
“During my visit to the victim’s house, the family narrated their ordeal. I had assured them of a house and I have fulfilled the same. This work has given me immense satisfaction,” said Dr Mantar.
“The MLA has kept up his words and we are grateful to him. The memories of Meena, who now had to be in college, haunt us constantly. The fact that our daughter will not be with us in the new house brings us sorrow,” shared U Janaki, Meena’s mother.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / June 09th, 2025
Journalist K.M. Ismail Kandakere has been conferred the Coovercolly Pushpalatha Chandrashekar Media Award by the Kodagu Press Club for his compelling human-interest report titled “The roof of Meena’s house is leaking.”
Madikeri:
Journalist K.M. Ismail Kandakere has been conferred the Coovercolly Pushpalatha Chandrashekar Media Award by the Kodagu Press Club for his compelling human-interest report titled “The roof of Meena’s house is leaking.”
The report narrates the harrowing story of Meena (16), an SSLC student from Mutlu village in Somwarpet taluk, who was brutally murdered by her fiancé Monnanda Prakash on May 10, 2024. Although the couple was engaged in April, Meena had opposed an early marriage to continue her education. Enraged by her resistance, Prakash allegedly attacked and killed her with a sickle at her home.
Ismail’s story went beyond the crime to highlight Meena’s dire living conditions. Her house, dilapidated and leaking during the rains, symbolized the poverty the family endured. The report resonated across Karnataka, prompting public outrage and swift political response.
Moved by the family’s plight, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda visited the bereaved parents in May 2024 and pledged to build a new home for them at an estimated cost of ₹8.5 lakh. True to his word, the house was completed and handed over to Meena’s parents on May 9, a day before her first death anniversary.
The award was instituted by senior journalist Coovercolly Indresh, along with his siblings Savitha, Sundresh, and Chandresh, in memory of their parents B.V. Chandrashekar and Pushpalatha. A corpus fund of ₹1 lakh was deposited with the Kodagu Press Club to support the annual award. The recognition includes a cash prize of ₹5,000 and a memento.
Ravishankar Nanaiah, Special Officer of Kodagu University, presented the award during a ceremony held at Patrika Bhavan in Madikeri on Sunday.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / June 09th, 2025
Delhi resident in search of pure air makes Madikeri his home, beautifies neighbourhoods
Armed with his ‘litter picker’, Piyush Agarwal picks up trash in his neighbourhood in Madikeri. He aims to beautify every lamppost in the city with a flower pot and a dustbin.(Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
A stroll on a quaint street near Government Junior College in Madikeri introduces one to a beautification project where flower pots hang on retaining walls of public spaces. In between the flower pots, dustbins are also placed for public use. This beautification project was not taken up by the City Municipal Council or any other government body; it is the effort of an individual from Delhi who moved into the city two years ago in search of clean air.
Piyush Agarwal has grand plans to make Madikeri one of the quaintest cities to live in. Piyush, who started on a road trip across India in search of a place with clean and pure air to lead a retired life, says, “Madikeri fit the bill the best for my retired life.” So, what made him undertake the journey from Delhi to Madikeri? “I was in search of a place with a low Air Quality Index (AQI), which I wanted to make my home,” he says.
The businessman and entrepreneur developed bouts of cough due to high air pollution in Delhi. “I had difficulty breathing and developed cough bouts. COVID happened, and my business suffered a bit. That is when I decided that Delhi was not the place I wanted to live in, and it was time for me to get out,” he shares.
Road trip across 27 states
He set off on a road trip across India, travelling from East coast to West coast, the AQI meter as his travel buddy. He checked the air quality in every place he visited. Ooty, Chikkamagaluru, Goa, Kerala, Kanyakumari – Piyush travelled the length and breadth of India and covered 27 of 29 states; this was in 2022.
“I had a few parameters in mind. While air quality was the priority, the other parameters included the kind of people, a not-so-large city, greenery. And Madikeri fit the bill the best,” he explains.
His travel experience also revealed that the majority of the country is polluted, as air quality level across several regions is above 50. “Madikeri had an AQI level of 16, and became my ideal place to settle down for a retired life. Kodagu is among the best districts and nowhere in the country can you find such forests with abundant greenery. Even coffee cultivation is done using shade trees,” he opines.
(Photo | Express)
Piyush rented out a house and has been a resident for two years. He wants Madikeri to become one of the most beautiful cities in the country and his efforts can be seen in the beautification and cleanliness projects he has undertaken silently. During his first year, Piyush caught the attention of the City Municipality Council after he was spotted picking up litter and clearing garbage in his neighbourhood, equipped with a ‘litter picker’ stick and gunny bag.
Impressed, then CMC president Anita Poovaiah invited Piyush to her office and appreciated his efforts. “I am 65 years old and cannot bend down to pick up litter. I bought the ‘litter picker’ stick online and have a few collections of these sticks. Every Indian wants to keep their house clean, but when it comes to their surroundings, they are not bothered, this is a very Indian sentiment. The road and neighbourhood are an extension of my house and I often clean my surroundings. This introduced me to CMC councillors and now, I have started an initiative to install public dustbins across the city,” he says.
During his chats with CMC officials, Piyush got permission to instal dustbins (pinned to retaining walls of public spaces) across several wards in the city. Similarly, he put up dustbins in busy public spaces, including tourist spots and outside schools.
“I approached the youth empowerment department for permission to instal dustbins across the District Ground premises,” he says.
He got the nod, and installed over 15 dustbins in the grounds, but they were all stolen within 48 hours. “I don’t want to fix the dustbins permanently as it would be difficult for civic workers to clear them. Cleaning dustbins must be a simple process. However, of the hundreds of dustbins installed across wards, over 50 per cent were stolen. This is when I realised that people of Madikeri don’t want dustbins,” he points out. Piyush faced several hurdles in the cleanliness project, but this did not stop him from beautifying the city.
After the dustbin project, he undertook beautification work by installing flower pots across the city limits. Flower pots with self-watering technology (originally designed by him) are lined up across city limits.
(Photo | Express)
‘Proud to live in Madikeri’
Piyush has more such initiatives in mind. He aims to install a flower pot and a dustbin on all lampposts. However, getting permission, especially from the CESC department, remains a Herculean task.
“Imagine if every lamppost was lined with a flower pot and a dustbin. Madikeri will become one among the cleanest cities in the country, and I would be proud to live here. I don’t want any government support and I am ready to invest completely on my own. However, CESC denied permission for it and there is nothing I can do to change this,” he says, disappointed.
Nevertheless, Piyush continues to involve himself in environment-friendly beautification projects. He has planted over 350 varieties of trees across his neighbour’s private estate and invented eco-friendly measures to water these saplings.
“I sought permission from one of my neighbours to plant saplings in his estate. I told him I don’t want any support or returns, but only oxygen from these saplings. I collected 10,000 plastic water bottles from restaurants and hotels. During monsoons, I collected water in these bottles and these bottles continue to water the self-watering flower pots and saplings I have planted so far,” he explains. His routine includes cleaning the neighbourhood of trash, taking a stroll across the estate to take care of his saplings, cycling and golf. While he visits the estate during the morning hours, he ensures to put his food in a solar cooker and keep it under the sun. “By the time I am back, I know my food is cooked and this is my routine during summer days,” he shares.
While the initiative undertaken by Piyush is not known to the majority in the city, people who know him are inspired by his efforts. “When I was growing up, pollution was not among the biggest concerns. The environment then was pristine, and we could swim in any stream as the water was clean. I have seen nature deteriorate in my lifetime and river Jamuna in Delhi is proof of that deterioration. Now, I do my bit to keep nature clean,” he concludes.
He also hopes to garner support from people’s representatives as he is ready to fund the beautification project, provided he has all the permissions in hand.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Prajna GR / May 25th, 2025
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