Experience bliss, serenity

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature

HonnamannaLakeKF11nov2015

Pure divine bliss is what you feel when you sit on the banks of Honnammana Kere, a holy lake, located in Doddamalthe, six km away from Somwarpet town in Kodagu district. The 16-acre lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains, cliffs and coffee plantations, is perhaps the largest lake in Kodagu district. Two hills, Gavi Betta and Mori Betta, lie near the lake.

There is a temple — dedicated to Goddess Honnamma — adjacent to the lake. The Honnamma Devi Temple has a multicoloured shikhara-style gopura with a flag fluttering high on it. The idol in the sanctum is made of black stone and is well adorned with ornaments. The shilashilpa (temple history) stone is set on the ground in front of Honnamma Devi sanctum. The ancient Temple was renovated some years ago, with the financial help of villagers.

On the occasion of Gowri festival, every year, thousands of devotees, especially newly-weds, visit the Temple and offer prayers to Goddess Honnamma. They also offer bagina (puja items along with flowers and bangles placed in a bamboo sieve) to the lake and pray for good rains. There is another temple on the banks of this lake, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Amrutheshwara. There are two more shrines, dedicated to Basaveshwara and Ganapathi, in this complex.

Adjoining the lake is the 300-feet-high Gavi Betta. A short walk and a climb of about 260 cemented steps brings one to this cave. From the top of the hill, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the lake and its scenic surroundings. Some devotees also undertake a short trek up the close by rocky hill, visit another cave and offer prayers to the holy spring that trickles inside the cave.

Another hill, Mori Betta, is a stiff rocky facade on the other side of the lake. It is said that the Pandavas lived in a cave here during their vanavasa (exile). Cool breeze, fresh air, emerald-coloured lake, green canopy and the rocky edifices attract tourists to Honnammana Kere. The local Gram Panchayat has installed benches along the lakeside.

Picnic by the lake
A trip to the lake can be a fun and enjoyable activity for the entire family, but safety comes first. Locals say that the water level in the lake is very deep and one should be very careful. Tourists are advised to stay within the safety limits around the bathing ghat steps. Though there is good road connectivity as the lake is located close to the Somwarpet-Shanivarsanthe Road, there are no food stalls around the lake. One can carry a picnic basket, spread a sheet on the lakeside and enjoy a good sumptuous picnic lunch here. Ensure that you carry back the litter and drop it in the waste-bin placed at a corner.

Ceremonies like wedding, christening, annadana and pujas are regularly held in the Temple premises. Sitting beside the lake, one can enjoy the sight of water being rippled by the light breeze, and listen to nature’s melody and the occasional reverberation of temple bells. Nothing but pure divine bliss.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements / by Viswas Menon / DHNS – November 10th, 2015

‘102-acre land to be converted into 2,000 sites near Madikeri’

Business & Economy

Karnataka Housing Board Chairman Nanjayanamata has said that 2,000 sites will be developed on 102 acre land at K Nidugane on the outskirts of Madikeri.

The sites will be developed on PPP mode, he added. Briefing mediapersons on Thursday, he said that the Board had laid a layout on survey number 87/1 on 4.6 acre land at K Badaga.

“The Housing Board will construct Zilla Panchayat Bhavan at a cost of Rs 18.25 crore and mini Vidhana Soudha at a cost of Rs 5 crore.

Tenders will be invited shortly. The Housing Board has constructed 1,17,693 houses and has developed 59,814 sites so far,” he explained.

He said that of the 100 housing projects of the Chief Minister, 97 have been completed. “The work on three projects is in progress and is likely to be completed by February. It has been decided to distribute 3,000 sites in different parts of Karnataka.

The decision on the same will be taken in a meeting scheduled to be held in the third week of November,” Nanjayanamata explained.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, November 07th, 2015

Srimangala Bhagavathi Temple to be renovated

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

SrimangalaTempleKF10nov2015

The Srimangala Bhagavathi Temple committee president Mullanda Thimmaiah said that the temple would be renovated.

“The Temple has a history of 300 years. As per the directions of the temple chief priest, the old sanctum sanctorum is being renovated and the idol of the presiding deity Sri Bhagavathi as well as those of Lord Ganapathi and Kethurappa are being worshipped in a small enclosure in front of the temple,” said Thimmaiah.

Explaining further, the president said that a blueprint of the Theertha Mantapa had also been prepared and the ground-breaking ceremony had been conducted for the work.

“Stone foundations have been laid for the new sanctum sanctorum and also the theertha mantapa. Stone pillars have been chiselled for the temple,” he added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS, Madikeri – November 07th, 2015

S Chikkarangappa wins Indian Masters

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports
S Chikkarangappa (TOI Photo)
S Chikkarangappa (TOI Photo)

Bangalore :

Indian golfer S Chikkarangappa successfully defended his title after defeating compatriot Shubhankar Sharma on the first extra hole at the TAKE Solutions India Masters here on Saturday.

Chikka and Sharma, who shared the overnight three-shot lead, ended regulation play tied on 25-under 263 after posting identical final rounds of six-under 66s at the Eagle-The Golf Village.

The duo returned to the par-four 18th hole for the play-off battle where Chikka outplayed Sharma with a birdie against a par to claim his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) title at the USD 120,000 event.

Abhijit Chadha, also of India, returned with a stunning 62 to take third place on 269 while countryman Rashid Khan and American Greg Moss settled one shot back in fourth following matching rounds of 67s.

Chikka, who fired seven birdies against a lone bogey, played consistently to stay in control for most of the round and kept his cool even when Sharma surmounted a late charge to force a play-off.
“I haven’t really performed well this season. This win came at the right time and I am confident this will be a sign of better things to come. There were a lot of expectations from me this week, especially from family and friends. I’m glad I didn’t disappoint them,” said the 22-year-old Chikka.

“I wasn’t really nervous out there. I just played my own game. I have been in this kind of situation before so I knew how to handle it. I guess my past experience helped. This win definitely boosted my confidence and I’m looking forward to better results at the Panasonic Open India on the Asian Tour next week,” he added.

Chikka will take home a winner’s prize cheque of USD 21,000 and receive six Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points courtesy of his win.

Despite missing out on a grandstand finish, Sharma took pride in what was his best result on the ADT and a record personal best 72-hole score.

“I kept calm out there. I played really well on the back nine and finished with four straight birdies to force extra time with Chikka. I knew I had a chance coming to the last two holes. It was a pity to miss out on the birdie putt in the play-off. I hit two good shots but I guess I just didn’t trust the putt,” said Sharma.

“Overall, it was still a great experience. I am happy with the way I played all week. This is my best result on the ADT. I didn’t expect myself to finish with a 25-under total so it was great,” added the 19-year-old.

source: http://www.timeofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Sports> Golf / PTI / October 31st, 2015

I will do south films only if I need a change: Gulshan Devaiah

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

New Delhi:

Actor Gulshan Devaiah is content with the way his career has shaped up in Bollywood and wants to focus on working in the Hindi film world despite being offered several projects across southern languages.

“Although I watch films in Tamil, Kannada and Telugu and even understand few of these languages, I never had the inclination to become an actor in the south,” Gulshan told IANS at the ongoing 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

In Bollywood, he currently has two projects - 'Cabaret' and 'Love Affair'.
In Bollywood, he currently has two projects – ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Love Affair’.

“I’ve been getting offers in the south, especially from Telugu industry. Since 2011, I’ve been getting about four southern projects each year, but it has always been my dream to work in Hindi films,” said the ‘Shaitan’ star, who hails from Bengaluru.

Asked if he’d ever work in the south, he said: “If I ever really look for a change, then I’d probably think of doing some interesting projects.”

At the fest, Gulshan’s 2012 critically acclaimed film ‘Peddlers’ will have its India premiere. It also featured in the Film Market, an initiative to facilitate a much-needed opportunity for filmmakers in India to get their movie made or distributed.

In Bollywood, he currently has two projects – ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Love Affair’.

source: http://www.ibnlive.com / IBNLive – CNN IBN / Home> IBNLive> India / IANS / October 31st, 2015

GOLF – Chikkarangappa, it is

Records, All, Sports

It took a play-off to determine the winner of the Take Solutions India Masters, and even then there was only a couple of inches in it. S. Chikkarangappa’s 9-iron from 145 yards on the 18th sailed past the flag, bounced once on the green, and rolled sharply back.

It left him needing a birdie putt of some four feet to win the tie-breaker, and he nailed it. Moments earlier, Shubhankar Sharma had watched his birdie putt, from 10 feet, settle inches wide of the cup.

It was thus by the finest of margins that Chikkarangappa defended his title at the Eagleton Golf Resort on Saturday. Shubhankar — dogged to the end — and he returned an identical tally of 25-under-263 to force the first play-off hole, when the local favourite triumphed. That it went down to the wire was due to Shubhankar’s run of four birdies on the final four regulation holes, a passage of play that included one putt from 20 feet on the 16th.

S. Chikkarangappa with the trophy after winning the Take Solutions India Masters / Photo: Shreedutta Chidananda
S. Chikkarangappa with the trophy after winning the Take Solutions India Masters / Photo: Shreedutta Chidananda

Chikkarangappa, level with his opponent overnight, had eased into a two-shot lead by the seventh hole, after a hat-trick of birdies had followed a bogey on the fourth.

It appeared that advantage would be enough, but Shubhankar simply would not give up.

“Even I didn’t expect that he would make four out of four at the end,” Chikkarangappa said later. “But I was confident. I have been involved in three play-offs as a professional and I’ve now won all three.”

It was an emotional victory for the 22-year-old, who was in tears as he embraced his mother afterwards. “I’ve been through a bad patch these last three months. I had a back injury that made me fear for my career. Also, losing on my home course would have been very hurtful,” he said.

Chikkarangappa took home a cheque for Rs.13,65,000, which lifted him to first place on the PGTI Order of Merit.

The win was his second on the Asian Development Tour and seventh overall. Abhijit Chadha, who shot the day’s best of 10-under-62, finished the tournament in third place at 19-under-269.

The scores (top eight after 72 holes): 263: S. Chikkarangappa (65, 66, 66, 66), Shubhankar Sharma (65, 64, 68, 66); 269: Abhijit Chadha (70, 69, 68, 62); 270: Greg Moss (62, 70, 71, 67), Rashid Khan (65, 70, 68, 67); 271: Himmat Rai (64, 67, 69, 71); 272: Anura Rohana (66, 73, 66, 67), Oskar Arvidsson (69, 69, 67, 67).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / by Shreedutta Chidananada / Bengaluru – October 31st, 2015

OGQ to support Jwala, Ashwini

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa.
Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa.


Prakash Padukone hoped that OGQ’s sports science would make a difference to Jwala and Ashwini’s fitness levels.

Olympic Gold Quest, the not for profit organisation founded by sports legends Geet Sethi and Prakash Padukone, announced on Wednesday that it will support the badminton doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa in the run up to next year’s Rio Olympics.

Badminton legend Prakash Padukone hoped that OGQ’s sports science would make a difference to Jwala and Ashwini’s fitness levels.

“Jwala and Ashwini are undoubtedly the number one women’s doubles pair in India and they are consistently among the top 20 in the world. I feel that OGQ’s efficient and timely support will help them immensely.

“I also believe that OGQ’s sports science team will make a difference to their fitness levels. The emotional support that OGQ provides the athletes will help Jwala and Ashwini completely focus on their training,” said Padukone.

Jwala said that OGQ’s support has come just at the right time with Olympics only nine months away.

“With less than nine months left for the Rio 2016 Olympics, I think OGQ support for Ashwini and myself has come at the right time. Our dream is to win a medal for India at the Olympics and OGQ support is a massive boost to us. I can already see an environment of excellence and positivity within OGQ. I wish to only focus on our Olympic preparations from now on,” said Jwala.

Ashwini added: “I am so happy that Jwala and me are a part of the OGQ family now. We have seen the way OGQ has been supporting other top badminton players over the years.

“We have already started working with OGQ a month back and the professional approach of the team, the warmth and the personal rapport is clearly evident. It is a huge relief to get this kind of support.”

Founded with a mission to help Indian athletes win Olympic gold medals, OGQ supports the training of 75 athletes in eight individual sports.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / PTI / New Delhi – November 04th, 2015

Worked in ‘Peddlers’ purely out of love: Gulshan Devaiah

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Gulshan Devaiah, who worked in Vasan Bala’s critically acclaimed film “Peddlers”, still considers it a labour of love.

“This project is very close to my heart. I don’t think I’ve worked on a film so far in my career purely out of love. If I ask me to choose my best performance from my films so far, I’d pick ‘Peddlers’ without a doubt,” Gulshan Devaiah said.
“This project is very close to my heart. I don’t think I’ve worked on a film so far in my career purely out of love. If I ask me to choose my best performance from my films so far, I’d pick ‘Peddlers’ without a doubt,” Gulshan Devaiah said.

It’s been three years since actor Gulshan Devaiah worked in Vasan Bala’s critically acclaimed film “Peddlers” and he still considers it a labour of love.

“This project is very close to my heart. I don’t think I’ve worked on a film so far in my career purely out of love. If I ask me to choose my best performance from my films so far, I’d pick ‘Peddlers’ without a doubt,” Gulshan told IANS.

Also starring Nimrat Kaur, Nishikant Kamat, Kriti Malhotra and Siddharth Menon, the film is jointly produced by Guneet Monga and Anurag Kashyap.

Despite receiving critical response when it was screened at International Critics’ Week, an independent film event which runs parallel to the Cannes International Film Festival, the movie still awaits theatrical release.

“Guneet has been working on strategy to release the film and it wasn’t possible then. She’s someone who doesn’t release her film just for the heck of it,” said Gulshan, and added the film hasn’t aged.
“This is not one of those glossy commercial films that have to be released within a time period. It’s very realistic and it’s not set in a particular time zone, so audiences will relate to it even if it’s released five years from now,” he said.

It’s a “very special” film for the “Shaitan” star because it gave him an opportunity to be a part of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival.

“I remember the festival director telling us that they’ve been waiting for such an Indian film for a very long time. It felt so nice and encouraging,” he added.

On working in the film, Gulshan said the experience was “enjoyable”.

“Vasan is a very organic director and having worked with Anurag Kashyap; he knows his craft well and he’s also sort of has taken it to another level with this film,” he said.

“He knows how to pick his actors and extract the best out of them. He didn’t have a screenplay and therefore, handpicked actors who’d help him in creating scenes without writing them. It was a very creative process for all of us,” he revealed.

At the ongoing 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, “Peddlers” had its India premiere and had won everybody over.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / November 03rd, 2015

Coffee Board of India releases job employment notification: Apply for 62 various posts

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce, Govt of India, Coffee Board of India has released an employment notification, inviting interested and eligible candidates to apply for the positions of Junior Liaison Officer and Extension Inspector through direct recruitment.

Vacancy details

Total posts: 62

Name of the posts:

Junior Liaison Officer: 20

Extension Inspector: 42

Eligibility criteria

Educational qualification:

Junior Liaison Officer: The candidates interested in applying for this post should have done graduation in Agriculture or Horticulture preferably with specialisation in Agricultural Extension preferably M.Sc. (Ag) in Agricultural Extension.

Extension Inspector: The candidates interested in applying for this post should have done graduation in Agricultural or Horticultural Sciences or Graduation in Science with Botany or Zoology as one of the subjects.

Age limit:

Junior Liaison Officer: The age of the candidates applying for this post must not exceed 30 years.

Extension Inspector: The age of the candidates applying for this post must not exceed 27 years and must be minimum 18 years.

Relaxation in age will be provided as per the government norms.

Selection procedure

An interview will be conducted for selecting the candidates.

Pay scale

Junior Liaison Officer: The selected candidates will be getting a consolidated monthly salary of Rs 6,500 to Rs 10,500.

Extension Inspector: The selected candidates will be getting a consolidated monthly salary of Rs 5,200 to Rs 20,200 with grade pay of Rs 2,800.

How to apply

The candidates interested in these posts are required to apply online at ‘indiacoffee.org’ for these posts. No other mode of application will be entertained.

Important dates

The last date for applying online is November 11

The last date for paying the application fee is November 23

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> Education> Government Jobs> Story / New Delhi – November 03rd, 2015

Free eye testing camp from today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Science & Technology

Ashwini Hospital will conduct a free eye testing camp till November 10, according to a press release. The camp will be held in various parts of the district on November 4 and 5.

An interaction with the participants will be held on November 6 at 1.30 pm and the inaugurating of the eye testing camp will be done on the occasion.

Schedule

On November 4, the testing will be done at Ponnappasante Primary School, Balele, Kanooru, Kutta, Srimangala, Hudikeri hospital, Ponnampet Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama Hospital, Chettalli, Siddapur, Ammatti, Palibetta, Gonikoppa, Virajpet hospital, Titimati Primary school, Virajpet R I, H P Hospital, Bailukoppa Primary school, Bettadapura hospital, Chikkanerale, Halahanahalli, Kanagal, Attigoodu, Ravandoor, Sangara Chettalli, Hadya, Kittoor, Kellur hospitals, Chapparahalli Primary School, Kelaganahalli, N Shettalli anganwadi centres, Makodu Ayurveda hospitals, Koppa PHC, Maradooru gate, Tammadahalli and Avarti Primary School.

On November 5, the camps will be held at Madapur, Somvarpet, Shantalli, Alooru Siddapura, Shanivarasanthe, Kodlipet hospital, Bettageri Primary School, Napoklu, Bhagamandala, Cherambane Sampaje hospital, Made Co-op society, Koinadu Sri Ganapathy Kalamandira, Shirangala, Hebbale, Koodige, Suntikoppa, Moornadu hospital, Kushalnagar hospital and Rotary Hall, Basavanahalli Lamp Society and Haakattoor Charaka Chikitsalaya.

On November 6, the eye testing and surgery will be done between 9 am and 2 pm.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, November 04th, 2015