The ‘first’ Diwali high

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

The first celebration is always the best and most memorable. As newly-wedded couples from the city gear up to celebrate the festival of lights with great gusto, we speak to them on their sparkling plans this Diwali.

Zulfi and Sheena celebrate their first Diwali together
For celeb couple Sheena Verma and model Zulfi Syed who tied the knot this year, it’s going to be a chilled out and peaceful Diwali at the Anjuna beach in Goa. Zulfi says, “After Diwali tomorrow, we both get back to work as I’m in the final stages of launching Café Lambretta at the Anjuna beach in Goa. I’m shuttling between Bengaluru, Mumbai and Goa these days. During the week, I will be in Bengaluru and Sheena will go to Mumbai to celebrate Diwali with her parents.”

Actress Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani, who got married this year, are going all out with their family celebrations. Esha says, “On our first Diwali, there will be a puja followed by a feast with the whole family. We are not going to burst crackers.”

Newlyweds Akshar and Nishita Peerbhoy, who tied the knot last year, are looking forward to their most cherished gift this Diwali. “We are expecting a baby soon. This being the first Diwali after being married, celebrations will consist of dinners with family, drinking sessions with friends, sweets, watching people lose money over teen patti, staying away from crackers and most importantly lighting up my house with diyas in preparation for the puja. Also, now being married means more work for a brighter future,” says Akshar of Maa Communications.

Swati Gupta of Bodycraft who recently tied the knot with Sidharta Viswanath says, “Diwali is definitely a big deal for us and the whole family. It is, in fact, one of our biggest festivals and it’s about parties, get-togethers and taash. This festival brings together family and friends.

“Tomorrow evening, we will be performing the puja at all our centres, followed by a puja at home. This year, since it’s my first Diwali after my wedding, I will be doing puja in both my houses, with my parents and my husband where we will pray for love, happiness and positive vibes in our homes. We have already bought new clothes, jewellery and have planned a special festive feast.”

Daughter of Uday Garudachar, owner of Garuda Malls, Prerana who also works with her dad is excited forms and sizes of diyas. She says, “My husband Abhijit Harnahalli is a busy advocate and both of us have had a really hectic working week, so we are looking forward to catch up on a Diwali holiday. It’s my first Diwali with his family after our wedding, so we are hosting a grand feast. We’re going eco friendly and aren’t bursting crackers, but will be doing our Laxmi puja and have invited friends and family over for dinner.”

Wedding celebrations will shift to Diwali celebrations for the just-married couple Dr Chytra and Ajay . “Our celebrations with our friends have already start ed with cards parties; black jack and teen patti. Ajay is a fab cook and has paneer flown in from Delhi, so he is going to cook and we will have a few close friends over for a meal. I have a lot of clothes from the trousseau that I am able to use, than God for Diwali. Our main festival is on 14th, which we shall celebrate in Mysore with our family. In the morning, we have an oil bath, followed by lowed by lighting of lamps, puja and bursting fire works.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Namita Gupta, DC, Bangalore / November 12th, 2012

Jamma Baane comes under forest : Governor

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Nature

‘It is not a revenue land’

Governor H R Bharadwaj has opined that Jamma Baane land comes under forest limits in Kodagu district.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, during his private visit in Madikeri on Monday, he said that Jamma Baane land comes under forest. “People were given the right to use the land. However, it is not a revenue land,” he said.

The Assembly had passed Karnataka Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, with regard to Jamma Baane. However, the Governor had not given assent to the Act.

“As Jamma Baane comes under forest limits, I had sent the Act to the Central government for approval.”

Kodagu district is surrounded by Western Ghats, which is known for its flora and fauna. It is one of the hotspots of the world. There is a need conserve the bio diversity, he said.

Kodagu is a tourists paradise. Several tourists visit the district to enjoy the beauty of nature. There is a need to promote eco-friendly tourism, without harming the nature.

‘Provide facilities’

The Governor said that the government can solve the problems related to Maoists by responding to the needs of the people.

“There is a need to provide basic facilities in the villages. The villagers should be provided with better health care and education. To check the eviction of the forest dwellers, Forest Rights Act has been implemented. MGNREGS and others schemes of the government should be implemented effectively.

Intervention

The Governor said that he has been watching closely into the political development in the State. “I will intervene, if there was any constitutional crisis in the State.

The development is internal issue of the BJP. I can not intervene now,” he said and added “the government should function as per the constitution.”

Deputy Commissioner Dr N V Prasad, SP Manjunath Annigeri, Additional DC N Shivashankar, CMC Commissioner N M Shashikumar and others were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / November 13th, 2012

Supriya keeps me grounded: Rohan Bopanna

Sports

Tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Mahesh Bhupathi recently announced their decision to part ways and partner with other players. This announcement came close on the heels of their defeat at the ATP World Tour. The duo had a good run this year, the pre-Olympic tennis row notwithstanding.

In fact, Rohan, who played with Mahesh with a special focus on preparing for the London Olympics, says, “Playing with Mahesh was a great learning experience for me and we had a good year on the tour. We won two events — at Dubai and Paris, were finalists at the ATP World Tour Finals, and were consistently ranked within the top 10 teams of the world.” Plus, he reached his career-highest doubles ranking, so it’s been a great year for him.

And, to add to all the cheer, Rohan will be tying the knot with fiancee Supriya Annaiah very soon. While he keeps mum on the exact wedding date (we hear it will be in the coming week), he admits that preparations for D-Day are on in full swing. Says he, “All the preparations are coming along well. It will be a traditional Kodava wedding in Coorg and my close family and friends from the tour will be part of all the celebrations.”

Rohan and Supriya got engaged earlier this year. His excitement at taking this big step is palpable. “I met Supriya through some common friends, and I have known her for a while now,” he says. Is she game to deal with all the pressures of his sport? “Supriya is very supportive of my choices, and very understanding of my demanding schedule. She keeps me grounded, and she knows exactly when I need my own space. She respects my priorities and lets me handle them the way I am used to,” he shares.

Post his wedding, Rohan will be back on court with his new partner American Rajeev Ram. “I am looking at building a strong and sustainable partnership on the tour and Rajeev is a great player,” he says.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Sports> Tennis> Interviews / by Nupur Chaudhuri, TNN / November 18th, 2012

‘Create awareness on secularism’

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

Virajpet (Kodagu dist):

There is a need to create awareness on secularism to conserve democracy. A community can progress, only when its members respect and love their community, said Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah.

Speaking at the golden jubilee of Baithoorappa Sangha of Puggera family at Devanageri near here, he said the government has released Rs 60 lakh for the Kodava Sahitya Academy. Kodava Study Centre has been set up in Mangalore University, to encourage Kodava culture, tradition and literature.

Academy president A C Cariappa said Puggera family was responsible for conserving Bolakat and Ummathat dance forms. District in-charge minister Appachu Ranjan, Kodava Centre coordinator Kodeera Lokesh, Puggera family seniors K Subbaiah and Appayya were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / by DHNS / November 17th, 2012

Coluvanda C. Cariappa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

OBITUARY

Coluvanda C. Cariappa

Mysore, Nov. 12

Coluvanda C. Cariappa (Appu), a resident of Madikeri, passed away in city here this morning after a brief illness. He was 85.

He leaves behind wife, one son and three daughters.

Dr. P.A. Kushalappa, Director (Academic), JSS University, Mysore, is one of his sons-in-law.

Last rites will take place at his Estate in Kadagadal in Madikeri this evening.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / November 12th, 2012

India in maiden quarterfinal of Women’s World Team Squash

Records, All, Sports


New Delhi:
India created history by booking their maiden quarterfinal berth in the WSF Women’s World Team Squash Championship after an upset 2-1 victory over eighth seeds, The Netherlands at Nimes, France on Wednesday.

India, who had upset seventh seeds Ireland in their tournament opener before clinching pole position in Pool G, are taking part in the biennial tournament for the third time only.

They had finished 18th in their debut in 2002 and 11th last year.

Anaka Alankamony, the number three in the squad, gave 10th seeds India the lead with a resounding 3-0 (11-8, 11-6, 11-5) win over Milou van der Heij but it was even-steven with Indian number one Dipika Pallikal losing 8-11, 4-11, 3-11 to Natalie Grinham in the second game of the Round of 16 tie.

World number 13 Pallikal was outplayed by her stronger rival Natalie, who is currently ranked 11 in the world.

It was left to Joshna Chinappa to show that the top-spot finish in the pool was no fluke and she beat Orla Noom in a tense deciding game 5-11, 11-9, 8-1, 11-2, 11-3.

Earlier, India had thrashed Argentina 3-0 to clinch pole position in Pool G.

The event boasts of a record entry of 26 nations and is being staged simultaneously at both the eight-court Club des Costieres and La Parnasse Arena where, for the first time ever, action is taking place on three all-glass show courts.

Result: Round of 16: (10) India bt (8) The Netherlands 2-1 Anaka Alankamony bt Milou van der Heij 11-8, 11-6, 11-5; Natalie Grinham bt Dipika Pallikal 11-8, 11-4, 11-3; Joshna Chinappa bt Orla Noom 5-11, 11-9, 8-1, 11-2, 11-3.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Sports> More Sports / by PTI / November 14th, 2012

Great Ford Endeavour Drive Coorg Edition to help understand SUV capabilities better

Sports


FORD has been synonymous with adventure and excitement. Through its Great Ford Endeavour Drive: Coorg Edition, the company will allow adrenaline fueled enthusiasts to experience ultimate off- roading scenarios when driving a Ford Endeavour. This drive will be coomenced on the 8th of November to 9th, where drivers will embark on a journey from Bangalore to Coorg which is India’s coffee capital.

Throughout the journey participants will be given opportunity to familiarize themselves with capabilities of the SUV. Excitement and exploration are two main features of the Great Ford Endeavour Drive. Earlier editions of the Great Ford Endeavour Drive have been held in Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad.

During the Coorg edition, enthusiasts will be taken on a journey through lush and scenic, Sandalkad Estate which house the Honey Pot Homestays. These surroundings are a perfect place for enthusiasts to experience passion of driving the Endeavour. Sahil Jatana a coffee expert will be travelling with the group and will share insights about roasting and brewing of coffee during this adventure.

source: http://www.RushLane.com / Home> Ford> General> SUV / November 09th, 2012

A green route off the grid

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature


NO TELLY, NO NETWORK Just peace and quiet! Photo: K.C. Vijayakumar / The Hindu
The road from Mysore twists up the hills that define Coorg. A palette of colours flit across, be it the red robes of Tibetan monks at Bylakuppe, the rusty brown Mangalore tiles that lend a roof to homes or the greenery split by streams that gurgle down the mountains.

And then there is this extreme shade of green that greets you once you drive past Madikeri town and Club Mahindra. Take a right turn, climb higher into the Western Ghats and after trundling into the Rainforest Retreat, all you can do is marvel at nature’s bounty and listen to the symphony of a million cicadas. Rainforest Retreat is part of the Mojo Plantation that was launched in 1994 thanks to the efforts of the scientist couple, the Goels – Anurag and Sujata. Their objectives were twin-fold – escape the rat-race and practice what they preach: be it organic farming or supervising a tourism initiative that remains friendly to the environment.

The eco-lodge spread over undulating terrain, has two deluxe guesthouses, a plantation cottage with independent rooms and tents. Solar power runs the basic appliances here and gobar gas is the preferred ally for cooking. For those who sigh on seeing clips of the Amazon on National Geographic, this place can be a soothing balm provided you can accept that living inside a plantation that has an overwhelming air of being a forest would mean that there is no television and nor will mobile signals work.

Windows that open to damp air and dense foliage might goad the city-stressed tourist to curl up with a book but for those with the itch to explore, there are varied treks. Be it the plantation trail with Archana Shetty, who manages the resort with a smile and a kind word, or the walks through the adjoining jungle, there is enough to see and savour.

The place teems with various species of birds, animals and insects, including the world’s largest moth – the Atlas moth. Also be prepared for the occasional leech that draws blood. There is nothing to panic though and with helper Ravi’s family staying inside the leafy zone, assurance comes in a variety of languages – Kannada, Tulu, Kodava, Tamil, Hindi and English. Ravi, with ancestral roots leading all the way to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, along with Jeff, who is doing an internship as part of his eco-tourism management studies in the United States, and Antonin, a French farmer, do yeomen service at the resort.

Meanwhile the affable Goels voice their concerns about a globe that is increasingly losing its green cover and their efforts to conserve nature, is truly inspiring. The Indian food can be bland at times, tailored as it is for the largely foreign clientele but the hospitality and the lessons of nature that you get to imbibe, is something that will stay with you forever.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Life & Style> Metro Plus / by K C Viyaya Kumar / November 09th, 2012

Retd DGP donates ` 1 lakh for cops’ kin

Uncategorized

“It was the police official from Kodagu who gave me a rebirth during operation against Veerappan,” said DGP (Retd) Shankar Bidari.

Speaking at the annual meeting of Kodagu district retired police officers welfare association, in Madikeri on Tuesday, he said “during operation against Veerappan, when the opponents opened fired at me, it was my guard Manavatteera Ponnappa who came in front of me and saved my life and lost his life.”

“In the name of Ponnappa, I will give Rs one lakh to the Association. The money should be used for providing scholarships for the children of police who have scored highest marks in SSLC/PUC.”

“I have appealed to the State government to rename the Police Training Academy in Dharwad after police officer N A Muthanna. The government has responded positively,” he said.

Association President M A Appayya, SP Manjunath Annigeri and others were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DH News Service / November 07th, 2012

The chemistry is perfect

Sports

Former India batsman Pravin Amre is here in a specialist capacity. No, he is not the coach of the Karnataka team. That job is being looked after by J. Arun Kumar.

On a unique assignment, Amre has travelled to the city as the ‘personal batting coach’ of Robin Uthappa. Amre was seen exchanging ideas with the dashing batsman during practice ahead of the Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu here on Thursday. The chemistry between the two was just right.

“Yes, he (Amre) is here to help me out. But I do not want to talk much about it at this stage,” said Uthappa to The Hindu. Amre flashed a charming smile but said little.

His six-month contract with Uthappa as professional batting coach which began in July this year would continue well into the current Ranji season. Amre is the assistant coach of IPL franchise Pune Warriors and it is here that he came into close contact with Uthappa.

Yet, a situation where a cricketer’s personal coach is seen giving inputs to a cricketer when the official team coach appointed by the association is in charge, can cause friction within the team. There can be a conflict of interest.

However, Arun was gracious. “He (Amre) is here as Robin’s personal coach. The two have been together for some time. I have been working with Robin too. It has not been interfering with my coaching.”

PERSONAL THING

Former India batsman and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad said, “This is a personal thing between the personal coach and the team coach. The team coach should ensure that the line is not crossed. Any player is free to have his own coach. But, I think the personal coach should not come to the ground during practice. It would then give the impression that the team coach is being undermined.”

The 26-year-old Uthappa has 786 runs from 38 ODIs at 27.10, but his last game for India was in 2008. He has 5384 runs from 82 first class matches at 40.17, but these numbers can be far better. Uthappa’s attacking methods have seen him become a valuable player in the IPL and he did make a comeback into the Indian Twenty20 team. The Karnataka cricketer, though, is keen to excel in the game’s longer format.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sport> Cricket / by S. Dinakar / Chennai, November 09th, 2012