Namma item queens

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


Sandalwood is now going the Bollywood way. This time, it’s actresses performing in just single songs without being part of the film. Leading actresses are agreeing to do a single song for a film even if they are not acting in it. Bhumika recently did a number in the flick Godfather. Nikita Thukral was in Snehitharu in a similar manner.

Actress Harshika Poonacha who did such a role in Murli meets Meera says, “In one way, it’s like you work for fewer days. Doing such a role, gives the actress more exposure. The song becomes a sensational hit. More often than not, the song is a bigger hit than the movie. Having such songs in a movie is a good thing but should be portrayed well.”

Actresses in the South are not yet comfortable with the idea of being labelled as item girls. Director Kavitha Lankesh says, “An item number kind of song in a film is a very good marketing strategy and adds value to a film and boosts it. The actresses are apprehensive about being called item girls. The actress has to be that much more renowned to rake in the moolah for the producer.” To this, actress Sharmila Mandre adds, “Earlier, when a popular girl was in an item song, she was stereotyped. The heroine would only do films. Such songs prove to be successful overnight and many watch the film simply because of that song.”

But such special performances definitely pay the actresses more than doing a full film. Harshika says, “After shooting for a fewer days, the pay is as good, if not better than signing a full-time film.” But the actresses particularly count on the mileage and the exposure this special performance gives. Harshika, who is open to doing such songs provided she is not tagged an item girl, says, “When an actress does a number like this, she even helps with the promotion of the film. As a heroine, you get better mileage and the song is beautiful. The song eventually gets promoted more than the film.”

These actresses know what they want and insist on not signing a role unless it is a promising song. She says, “Unless the song will be ‘the sensation’ of that time, I don’t want to take up the offer. I was approached in Kannada but I wasn’t convinced.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Showbiz> Sandalwood / by Khushali P. Madhwani, DC / August 07th, 2012

KODAGU CELEBRATES KAKKADA 18

Arts, Culture & Entertainment


A day to relish medicinal Maddu Puttu
Captions: 1) Chunks of Maddu Puttu. 2) Leaves of Maddu Thoppu [Pics. courtesy: Mohan Ballimada]

By K.M. Chengappa

Mysore, Aug. 2

Kodagu district today celebrates Kakkada Padinettu, the 18th day of the Kakkada month of Kodagu calendar, which usually falls on Aug. 2.

On this day, Maddu Puttu — a special sweet dish of rice cooked in the juice extracted from Maddu thoppu (Justicia wynaadensis), a plant having medicinal values and found in the Western Ghats from Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu to Wynaad, East Nilgiris and South Malabar Hills — is consumed as a tradition.

Eating maddu puttu on Kakkada Padinettu is an ancient tradition among the people of Kodagu and is still being practiced all over the district. It is believed that 18 different kinds of medicines gather in the plant whose stems are succulent on this day, the 18th day of Kakkada.

A team of chemistry researchers on the medicinal values of Maddu Thoppu have identified the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in the plant extract.

In fact, there is a research paper presented on the medicinal value of this plant titled ‘Phytochemical and antioxidant screening of J. wynaadensis.’ It was submitted by Sudha Medapa, Geetha R.J. Singh and R. Vaishnavi. It was published in the African Journal of Plant Science (Sept. 2011).

Sudha Medapa says that the only other publication till date is the patent on the cholesterol lowering properties of the Maddu Thoppu by a US-based scientist Subbiah (2002) which reports that the plant extract lowers cellular cholesterol and cholesteryl ester concentration.

Pee red

While the Maddu Puttu prepared using Maddu Thoppu (medicinal leaf Justicia wynaadensis) is enjoyed for its medicinal value and taste, it is also a source of entertainment for children as when one consumes Maddu Puttu, their urine turns red. The more you eat, the more red the urine will be and so, kids usually consume a lot to get the brightest red possible. At least this way, children consume something healthy while also being entertained. In fact, many Kodavas play a prank on the non-Kodava friends who are unaware of this phenomenon. They give these naïve non-Kodava friends Maddu Puttu without warning them about the red pee and the next day, these friends say they want to go to see do-ctor as they might be peeing blood. The truth is revealed after a hearty laughter

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / August 02nd, 2012

‘Tiger Ashok Kumar’ retires

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All


Caption: A file photo of Governor H.R. Bhardwaj presenting President’s Medal to ACP B.B. Ashok Kumar.
Mysore, Aug. 2

ACP B.B. Ashok Kumar, nicknamed Tiger Ashok Kumar for his valorous feats, retired on Tuesday.

He earned the epithet of Tiger when he was PSI at Ulsoor Police Station, B’lore for chasing and catching chain-snatchers.

He won the President’s Medal thrice and CM’s medal once. Other Police officers who won the President’s Medal thrice are Shankar Bidari, Gopal Halsur and G.A. Bawa.

Biddanda Ashok Kumar, hails from Parane village in Kodagu.

He was a terror for criminals and is credited with 18 encounters. While being a part of STF to nab Veerappan, Ashok Kumar had slain 13 accomplices of the brigand and shot down three notorious anti-social elements.

His promotion to DCP was challenged by some at KAT. It is said that even though KAT favoured Ashok Kumar, he was deprived owing to petty politics.

Finally, when the order for promotion came last month, some petitioned against it at High Court. The court’s verdict was expected on the very day he was to retire. Ironically, the court deferred the verdict to a further date.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / August 02nd, 2012

Kodagu prays as well

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

On the direction of the Muzrai department, special pooja and rituals were performed at Talacauvery-Bhagandeshwara temple, Omkareshwara Temple, Padi Igguthappa, Paloor Mahalingeshwara, Paloor Harishchandra, Irpu Rameshwara and other temples in Kodagu, to invoke Rain god to shower, on Friday.

Kodagu district received an average of 39.85 mm rain in the last 24 hours.

From January till date, the district has received 888.50 mm. Madikeri taluk has received 42.55 mm, Virajpet taluk—19 mm and Somwarpet taluk—57.68 mm.

The water-level in Harangi reservoir has increased to 2845.29 feet. The inflow of water was 5,789 cusecs.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / July 27th, 2012

Appachu Ranjan promises house for poor

Business & Economy

Kushalnagar :

The newly appointed Minister for Youth Service and Sports Minister M P Appachu Ranjan was accorded a warm welcome at a function organised by Kushalnagar hobli BJP unit at Raitha Samudaya Bhavana at Koodige on Sunday.

Speaking after receiving the felicitation, Ranjan said that he could get the cabinet berth with the blessings of the people and support from the BJP. “My priority will be to provide justice to the poor and labour class by responding to their problems. I will do my best to meet the expectations of the people by implementing all the necessary developmental work,” he said.

Priority will be given for the construction of houses for the poor homeless. A total of 80 acre of land including 18 acre in Koodumangalore limits has been reserved to construct houses for the poor families. The officers who perform well will be supported, while those who fail to carry out good work will be taught a lesson, said the Minister.

Zilla Panchayat President Shanteyanda Ravi Kushalappa said that with Appachu Ranjan receiving the ministerial berth it would be helpful to address the burning problems of the district.

Former MLC S G Medappa, ZP member S N Raja Rao, Rameshwara Primary Krishi Pathu Sahakara Sangha President K K Bhogappa and others were present. Appachu Ranjan received grievances from the people on the occasion.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS, July 22nd, 2012

Coorg oranges in demand

Agriculture, Nature

Kodagu is known for its oranges, which are popular for their unique taste. The oranges have already entered the market. With deficit rainfall, the oranges have entered the markets of neighbouring states as well.

There is a huge demand for oranges from Kodagu in Kerala. The oranges have been harvested just before the monsoon. This year, the yield was good. The deficit rainfall has also helped the merchants in transporting the yield.

Normally, heavy rains in June affects harvesting. Moreover, rains also damage the fruits. However, this year’s weather has brought a smile on the face of the orange growers. The oranges are sold for Rs 30 to 40 per kg.

“The orange harvest had declined over the recent years. The size of the fruit has also come down. Inspite of it, there is a demand for oranges,” said merchant Hamsa.

The oranges have been affected with disease in the recent years, said growers.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> News> District / Napoklu, DHNS, July 21st, 2012

Chak de! Kodagu holds 3 hockey aces at London

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Madikeri:
The picturesque plantation district of Kodagu has three stick-wielding aces – V R Raghunath, S V Sunil and S K Uthappa – representing India in the men’s field hockey competition at the London Olympics.

The coffee-growing outback with an area of 4,102 sqkm nestled in the Western Ghats is often celebrated as the cradle of Indian hockey. Among the more recognised of players from this region to have got Olympian status are MP Ganesh and BP Govinda, who played in the terrorist-hit 1972 Games in Munich. Govinda appeared on the Olympic stage for a second time four years later in Montreal. MM Somaya played for India in 1980 and 1984 before leading the team in Seoul in 1988 when B K Subramani was also in the mix.

here are two other Kodavas in the fray at the London Games this time – big-serving Rohan Bopanna and badminton’s glamour girl Ashwini Ponnappa. However, it is the hockey players who have long held a special place in the hearts of Indian sporting fans, even if the public wakes up to the magic of the sport once every four years.

S V Suresh has been the guiding force behind younger brother Sunil ever since their parents passed away. The older sibling is overjoyed that the Madikeri boy will be donning the India colours in UK.

The 27-year-old drag-flicker Raghunath is the son of Vokkaligara Ramachandra, a native of Hathur near Gonikoppal. Raghunath, religious in routine, has been playing the game since he was nine . Sannuvanda Neeraja and Vasanth Kushalappa the parents of Uthappa are natives of Hebbale Bevarapura in the southern part of the district.

In all there are five players from the state in the Indian side with Ignace Tirkey and captain and custodian Bharath Chetri completing the line-up.

Olympian A B Subbaiah applauded Hockey India (HI) in recognizing the merit of the players. “Hockey Karnataka came forward to encourage and support the competent players. HI selected 32 players for honorary remuneration. Seven of those players are from Kodagu. That’s good for us,” he said.

Pandanda Kuttappa is the founder president of the Kodava Cup, a hockey festival for families which sees a couple of hundred teams from the area compete each summer for a three-week period. The event was started in 1997, for the 850 families of the community. There’s no age or sex bar for the competition, which has a large number of mixed-gender teams in the fray. Kuttappa said the tournament was a grooming ground for young talent.

In London, the eight-time Olympic gold medalists will start their campaign against the Netherlands on July 30. India are in Pool B along with Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Belgium and Netherlands. The matches will be played at the attractive setting of the Riverbank Arena. India will watch, and Kodagu will cheer.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hubli / by G. Rajendra, TNN / July 28th, 2012

Coffee perks up on smaller crop, higher demand

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Kochi:
A crop shortfall and higher international demand are raising robusta coffee prices while arabica prices, which had fallen in the past few months, are going up again.

Many roasters increased the share of robusta in blends six months ago when arabica prices zoomed due to a global crop shortage. Robusta prices, which have been more or less steady, are now looking up following an uptick in demand. Arabica prices which had declined in the past few months are becoming dearer as well. In London, the September contract for robusta climbed up 1.7% to $2,246 per tonne. The New York prices of arabica, which had plunged from 300 cents per pound to 148 cents, have edged up to 173 cents per pound.

“Local coffee prices reflect international trends. Robusta parchment prices are ruling in the range of Rs 190 to Rs 200 per kg. Arabica plantation prices have also touched Rs 215 per kg, though not as high as the level attained last year,” said BS Suryaprakash, chief executive of Coorg Coffee Supplies.

The prices of robusta cherry, which account for the bulk of coffee production, have moved up by Rs 20 to Rs 140 per kg now. “The roasters who did not buy earlier are lifting the stock shelling out more,” said a buying agent for a coffee exporting firm.

The local roasters who had raised the prices by 10%-15% when arabica prices shot up cut the prices marginally when the beans became cheaper. Others managed to do without a price increase by adding more robusta and chicory to the blends. Roasters are now monitoring the situation closely and may go for an upward revision if the trend persists, Suryaprakash said.

Demand for robusta has gone up in the last year when arabica prices zoomed. This has led to more buying of the variety. But given the good harvest in Vietnam and Brazil, prices may not go up sharply. Planters in India have predicted the robusta crop for the next season to be around 10,000 tonne smaller than the Coffee Board estimate of 2.21 lakh tonne.

But coffee exports, unlike last year, were around 5% lower at 2,24,529 tonne during the January 1-July 25 period, which may make available more coffee for domestic roasters, said Marvin Rodrigues, chairman of Karnataka Planters’ Association.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / Home> News> Economy> Agriculture / by P K Krishnakumari, ET Bureau / July 31st, 2012

Bikram Singh attends IESL meeting

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

New Delhi, July 27 (IBNS)
Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Bikram Singh attended the General Council Meeting of Indian Ex-Services League (IESL) held on Thursday for close interaction with the veterans.

IESL is the apex organisation of Ex-Servicemen of the country recognized by the Govt. of India.

On arrival, Singh was received by Brig RKS Gulia (Retd) the President of IESL and introduced to the National level office bearers.

Thereafter he laid a wreath statue of Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa in the IESL compound.

In his address to the veterans, Singh said that the issues affecting the Veterans and Veer Naries were very close to his heart and was one of his Key Result Areas during his tenure.

He informed the delegates that although 2012 has been declared ‘The Year of Veterans’, he however, felt that it should not be restricted to this year alone, but should be an ongoing process.

Singh also said that he was in the process of revitalising the mechanism to address the grievances of veterans.

He emphasised the importance of veterans and said that they were the foundation of the Armed forces and ‘we cannot let the foundation be weak’.

He stressed the fact that the issues of veterans can only be solved by the joint efforts of both the veterans and the service HQs.

He also said that the government was very positive towards improving the life of the veterans.

The Committee under the Cabinet Secy is looking into the issues.

The three service chiefs have put across their points and are going to have another interaction soon. He was hopeful of a positive outcome.

source: http://www.indiablooms.com / Home> News> India Blooms News Service / New Delhi, July 27th, 2012

Tata Coffee’s new roastery to serve beans to Starbucks

Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)


Chennai, JULY 25:
Tata Coffee Ltd, which inked a deal last year with Starbucks to source and roast premium coffee beans for the global coffee chain, will soon kick off a modern roastery in Kushal Nagar, Coorg in Karnataka.

The Rs 3-crore, 375-tonne-a-year roastery is fully-automated, said Mr Hameed Huq, Managing Director, Tata Coffee. Mr Huq told Business Line that the roastery, which conforms to the best food safety standards, will source and roast the best Arabica coffee beans from Tata Coffee estates for Starbucks as well as other coffee retailers.

While the new roastery will supply in India to Starbucks, which will roll out its cafes later this year, Starbucks can send the beans to its outlets abroad as well, pointed out Mr Huq.

Tata Coffee had entered into an agreement with Starbucks Coffee International Inc and Tata Starbucks Ltd, an equal joint venture between Tata Global Beverages Ltd and Starbucks, for roasting coffee produced in the company’s estates using the global coffee major’s knowhow and technology. The coffee is to be distributed to Starbucks cafes, to be set up by Tata Starbucks in India, as well as to Starbuck operations overseas.

Vinay.kamath@thehindu.co.in

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> Industry & Economy> Marketing / by Vinay Kamath / Chennai, July 25th, 2012