Amdavadis sway to the beats of Nikhil Chinapa

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

The December party scene is on in full swing and more and more musical events are keeping Ahmedabad on its toes.

Nikhil Chinapa
Nikhil Chinapa

On December 13, Amdavadis got a healthy dose of EDM as one of the most popular artists Nikhil Chinapa came down to the city as part of Moon Mantra, an EDM evening. Alongwith Dual Drama’s scintillating performance, Nikhil Chinapa had Amdavadis on their feet this Saturday.

A number of young enthusiastics came to the event dressed in their designer best. People were seen recording videos and clicking a number of selfies with their friends.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Gujarati> Music / Ano Patel, TNN / December 15th, 2014

Amardip Malik breaks victory barrier with playoff triumph at PGTI Noida Masters

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

Noida:

Amardip Sinh Malik of Greater Noida clinched his maiden title at the Rs. 40 lakh PGTI Noida Masters after a playoff win against Md Zamal Hossain Mollah of Bangladesh at the Noida Golf Course. Chikkarangappa S of Bangalore won the Super Series title to earn a bonus prize of Rs. 30 lakh after ending top of the table at the seventh and final Super Series event of 2014.

AmardipKF21dec2014

Amardip Sinh Malik (70-67-70-78) and Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (72-69-73-71) ended the regulation 72 holes with matching totals of three-under-285 and thus proceeded for the playoff on the 18th hole. Malik sealed it with a par on the first playoff hole even as Zamal dropped a bogey. While Malik was two on the green and two-putted for par, Zamal found the green in four shots after landing it in the bunker.

The 29-year-old Amardip Sinh Malik, the overnight leader by four shots, seemed to be losing grip of the match as he made four bogeys and a double-bogey on the first 14 holes to be six-over for the day. He then made two birdies and two bogeys on the last four holes to end the day with a six-over-78. Malik was a picture of grit and determination in the playoff as he wrapped it up with a five-feet par putt.

Amardip, who climbed from 49th place to 23rd place in the Rolex Rankings after his win on Friday, said, “I’m delighted to post my first win. I’ve come close to winning on quite a few occasions in the past. But it was great to finally cross the line. I had a forgettable fourth round as I missed a lot of short putts and found myself in tough situations. However, I hung in there with two birdies towards the end. My perseverance paid off in the playoff. This win has boosted my confidence for the last two events of the season.”

Md Zamal Hossain Mollah mixed three birdies with two bogeys in his final round of one-under-71 before losing out in the playoff.

Noida’s Vikrant Chopra shot a final round of even-par-72 to finish third at two-under-286.

Chikkarangappa became the Super Series champion after finishing tied fourth at one-under-287. He fired a 71 in the final round on Friday. Chikka, a winner of two Super Series events in 2014, ended on top of the Super Series Points Table with a total of 3837.61 to earn the bonus prize of Rs. 30 lakh. The 21-year-old also continues to lead the Rolex Rankings with earnings of Rs. 36,89,711.

Kapil Kumar of Delhi and Mukesh Kumar of Mhow shared fourth place with Chikkarangappa.

Delhi’s Rashid Khan, who finished tied 12th at Noida at three-over-291, claimed second place with 3394 points.

Amardip Sinh Malik finished third in the Super Series with 2252.19 points.

source: http://www.indiansportsnews.com / Indian Sports News / Home> Golf / Monday – December 15th, 2014

KSCA plans indoor academy in Madikeri

Sports

Madikeri:

The Karnataka State Cricket Association will build an indoor cricket academy in Madikeri, Kodagu district. This was revealed to TOI by KSCA secretary Brijesh Patel during his visit to the district on Saturday.

“The KSCA is interested in encouraging talent in rural areas. The estimated budget for the project is likely to be between Rs 15-20 crore. We are also on the lookout for 15 to 20 acres of land for the academy. We have discussed the idea with the deputy commissioner and he has promised to help us. The KSCA will take the land on lease or even to purchase if it is available at a nominal price,” Patel added.

According to Patel, the academy will have an indoor facility to ensure that training goes on during monsoon. “Aspirants up to the age of 23 are eligible for coaching and can use the dormitory facilities,” Patel said.

KSCA have grounds at Hubballi, Belagavi, Raichur, Shivamogga, Mysuru and Mangaluru.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports / by Sunil Subbaiah / December 14th, 2014

Mysuru: Sacerdotal golden jubilee of Fr Louis Noronha celebrated

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

Mysuru :

Fr Louis Noronha celebrated his sacerdotal golden jubilee on December 2 in Mysuru.

Thanks giving mass was held at St. Peter’s Church, Bogadi, Mysuru. Dr Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, Bishope of Mysuru and around 80 priests including the native priests, namely Fr Joseph Aloysius D’Mello, Fr John Francis Texeira, Fr Leslie Vernon Moras, Fr Michael Gonsalves, Fr Edaward William Saldanha, Fr Michael Menezes SMM, Fr Richard Britto, Fr Ronald Dhanthi, Fr Melwin Lobo SJ were present for the Eucharistic celebrations. There were hundreds of nuns and around 1000 people who took part in the thanks giving mass.

After the Holy Eucharist, there was short felicitation program for Fr Louis Noronha and to Bishop Vazhapilly who was also ordained on the same day. All the priests, nuns and faithful took part in the programme and wished Fr. Louis Noronha long life, good health, peace and happiness.

RevFrNoronhaKF18dec2014

All the Parish council members and the 21 Religious houses belonging to St. Peter’s Church, Bogadi, Antony Fernandes and John William D’Souza and their families worked hard for the success of golden jubilee celebrations.

Fr Noronha born on December 17,1938 is the son Joseph Noronha and Benedicta D’Souza in Kedamullur in Virajpet, which is called the cradle of religious vocations. He did his schooling at Kedamullur, then in St. Anne’s school, Virajpet and finished his 10th from the government high school Virajpet. In 1956 he joined St. Mary’s minor seminary, Mysuru and in 1958 he went to St. Peter’s Seminary, Begaluru, to do his philosophy and Theology studies. In the august presence of Pope Paul IV on December 2nd, 1964 Fr. Louis Noronha was ordained as priest during 38th International Eucharistic Congress at Oval Maidan, Bombay.

For the last 50 years Fr Noronha has worked in the diocese of Mysuru, being parish priest of different parishes in Coorg deanery, in Hunusur deanery, Kollegal deanery and in Mysuru deanery. He was also the Rector of St. Mary’s minor seminary for seven years.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / Media Release / Mysuru – December 04th, 2014

I like Indore-based designer Asif Shah’s work, says model Zulfi Syed

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

Model Zulfi Syed, who was in Indore recently to participate in a private event, spoke to HT about Bigg Boss, his plans to start a modelling academy and more. Here are excerpts from an interview.

Model and actor Zulfi Syed visited Indore recently to participate in a private event. (Shankar Mourya/HT photo)
Model and actor Zulfi Syed visited Indore recently to participate in a private event. (Shankar Mourya/HT photo)

You have been a part of reality show Bigg Boss. What do you have to say about the ongoing season of the show?
I find the format a bit different now. Our season was more or less based on an international format. Now there is more contact with the outside world and even the number of wildcard entries have gone up. The audiences have better access to housemates as they can talk to them over phone. This wasn’t possible when Bigg Boss started initially.

We heard you are planning to start a modelling academy. Is that true?
I am starting an academy for people who want to get into modelling. There are hardly any schools to mentor aspiring models in India. I am planning to open such a school. We would be visiting cities like Indore and Bhopal and hold workshops for aspiring models. I have a team of experts which includes models like Rahul Dev, Alisia Raut, Praveen Sirohi, Amrita Patki, Shahwar Ali and Aanchal Kumar to guide them. There will be a makeup artist and a fitness trainer. Shakir Sheikh would be imparting training in choreography. We will train them on how to walk the ramp among other things. We will be doing portfolio shoots and if they have potential, we will handle their work in Mumbai. The institute would be called Smoke and we plan to start the project by February, 2015.

What inspired you to start such an institute?
I have been a part of the modelling industry for several years. I felt the need for such an institute. There are a lot of people who come from small towns to Mumbai and they don’t know where to start if they want to become a model.

Many male models have gone missing from the industry.
There is obviously more work for girls. Designers for women have increased in the recent past. Even a lot of male designers have ventured into creating outfits for women. The industry was always ruled by women and I think it will be this way.

What are your upcoming projects?
I am working on a Bulgarian venture which contains a mix of Indian as well as Bulgarian actors. Portions of the film will be shot in Bulgaria. It’s an action-thriller movie. I can’t talk much about it right now.

Which designer’s outfits do you prefer wearing?
I follow a lot of designers. Of late, a lot of interesting names have crept in the market. I like Asif Shah from Indore for his style of suits. Rohit Bal is really good. I also admire Ravi Bajaj, Suneet Verma and Manish Malhotra.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> India-News> Indore / by Husain Malvi, Hindustan Times / Indore – November 29th, 2014

Kodagu may see 35 lakh tourists this year

Business & Economy

Mysuru :

With its postcard-perfect settings, pleasant climes and green environs, Kodagu is a dream destination for holiday goers. No wonder then that the ‘Scotland of India’ is seeing an influx of visitors. While the average number of tourists hovers around 25 lakh a year, this year may spring a surprise. “The number may cross 35 lakh,” says V Paneesh, assistant director of the tourism department.

The department itself is taken aback at this unprecedented footfall and interest in the hilly district. For, the infrastructural facilities in Kodagu provided by the government are no match for the flood of tourists. But the growing number of home stays set up by locals has somewhat offset the government’s apathy. While 249 home stays are registered, a recent drive by the administration to persuade more home stay owners to legalize their business has upped the number to 477. In addition, there are more than unregistered 1,500 home stays doing brisk business. Vinitha Karumbaiah, secretary of the Kodagu Home Stay Association, said this year saw heavy tourist rush during October.

While tourists rave about the scenic splendours of Kodagu, they wish more attention is paid to infrastructure too. Home stays should be regulated to avoid exploitation of visitors, says Pallavi Abhishek Majumdar, a tourist from north India staying in a Madikeri home stay. Regular buses should be arranged for tourists with guides to visit the spots, she adds.

KSTDC MD P S Harsha says the department has commenced trial bus trips from Madikeri to Abby Falls and Talacauvery and assured to introduce more buses to other tourist spots depending on the demand.

Why kodagu beckons?

What makes Kodagu attractive for tourists is that it has something for everyone, be it adventure tourism, temples, historical places or wildlife parks. Some of the popular spots include Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Abbey Falls, Madikeri fort, Raja’s Seat, Omkareshwara temple, Nalaknad fort and Chelavara Falls near Napoklu, Dubare elephant camp and river rafting centre, Nisargadhama, golden temple at the nearby Tibetan settlement, Irpu Falls and Nagarhole National Park in South Kodagu, Mallalli Falls and Pushpagiri hills in Somwarpet taluk.

Tourists set to multiply

Tourist inflow to Kodagu is bound to multiply in the coming years for various reasons. As it shares the border with Kerala and is landlocked by coastal Dakshina Kannada district and Hassan and Mysuru cities, it’s a hop-over destination for many. That other historic and tourist-driven cities like Mysuru and Hassan are within reach makes it even attractive.

The commissioning of international airport in Kerala’s Kannur, 95 km from Madikeri, is also expected to boost tourism here. “Once this airport gets commissioned in mid 2016, tourist numbers will rise drastically,” says Paneesh, adding that tourists who fly in now have to come via Bengaluru or Mangaluru, which are far from Kodagu.

However, tour organizers and home stay owners feel the department should work out a comprehensive plan to manage the crowd of visitors as they foresee problems in waste disposal, transport and infrastructure apart from civic and administrative hassles. They also want the government to encourage resorts and home stays and ease laws to cope with the increasing tourist inflow.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysuru / TNN / November 29th, 2014

Mercara Downs Centenary Club Golf from Dec.12

Sports

MercaraKF16dec2014

Madikeri :

The centenary celebrations of Mercara Downs Golf Club (MDGC) will be held on Dec. 12 & 13. The club is also organising ‘MDGC Centenary Cup’ Golf Tournament sponsored by Cycle Pure Agarbathies.

Addressing the press persons, MDGC Captain I.K. Anil said that around 200 golfers from South India would be participating in the tournament. Along with the Centenary Cup Golf Tournament, Stroke Play Championship for Sakamuri Open Cup and NR Group Rolling Trophy will be held and the winners will take away a total cash prize of Rs. Four lakh.

Along with Cycle Pure Agarbathies, Murugappa Groups, Muliya Jewellery, SLN Group, URS Cars, Tata Motors, Vivanta by Taj, Fort Mercara, Epson, Indian Overseas Bank and Travancore Coffee Company have sponsored the tournament. A part of the money generated through sponsorship will be donated to Opportunity School of Kodagu Vidyalaya.

Logo Unveiled: Cycle Pure Agarabathies Managing Partner Arjun Ranga unveiled the logo of the Centenary Cup Golf Tournament. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the company had been supporting golf since many years.

MDGC Secretary Harish Appanna, M.A. Ponnacha and Kumar Appacchu also were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / Wednesday – December 10th, 2014

Gulshan Devaiah Excited To Shoot With Richa Chadda

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

RichaKF15dec2014

Actor Gulshan Devaiah is all excited to be sharing screen space with his dear friend Richa Chadda in Pooja Bhatt’s upcoming project ‘Cabaret’. Gulshan, whose role is kept under wraps, is currently busy preparing for his role.

Talking on the same, Gulshan said, “I was very excited when Pooja called me and told me about finally zeroing in on Richa. I greatly admire Richa’s work and I cannot wait to start shooting with her “. It’s noted that the two briefly shared screen space in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela’. Gulshan further added, “Richa and I always talked about wanting to do a film as a pair but nothing ever worked out before ‘Cabaret’.”

A source close to the film said, “It would be interesting to see this unconventional pairing as both Gulshan and Richa are not conventional romantic leads but they have this sizzling untapped chemistry together and that would be great for the film.”

Directed by veteran ad film maker Kaustav Narayan Niyogi, the film also stars Deepak Tijori, Mukul Dev and cricketer Sr

source: http://www.freepressjournal.in/ The Free Press Journal / Home> Glam / by FPJ Bureau / November 29th, 2014

Kodava dance enthralls visitors at Expo

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
The artistes of Kunjalageri Folk Art Troupe from Kodagu seen performing the traditional Kodava dance at Dasara Expo premises last evening. Picture right shows Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) Chairman R. Murthy, Congress leader Sharada Sampath and others with the artistes.
The artistes of Kunjalageri Folk Art Troupe from Kodagu seen performing the traditional Kodava dance at Dasara Expo premises last evening. Picture right shows Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) Chairman R. Murthy, Congress leader Sharada Sampath and others with the artistes.

Mysuru :

The audience at P. Kalingarao Gana Mantapa in Exhibition Grounds in city yesterday were treated with the traditional Kodava dance by Kodagu’s Kunjalageri Art Troupe who performed Bolakat, Ummathat and other dance forms. The programme was organised by the Dasara Exhibition Cultural Sub-Committee.

Dressed in the traditional attire, the Kodava artistes, both men and women, with their Bolakat, Ummathat, Talipat and Nade Kako performances, introduced the Kodava dances to Mysureans.

The programme that started with ‘Dudi Kott Bolakat’ folk song, featured Kolaat and Kattiyaat also.

These dances, usually seen during the Huthri Festival, enthralled the gathering in the Exhibition Grounds.

Later, Dasara Exhibition Cultural Sub-Committee distributed certificates to all the artistes who performed on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / December 09th, 2014