Kodava kings

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

Nikkin Thimmaiah, Ponanna, Kariappa and Nachappa

They are known for their valour and their hockey skills. Taking a step ahead in their commitment to the national sport of the country, seven Kodavas from the city have got together to form the Coorg’s Orange Club. This month the club is hosting its first 5-A-Side, Rink Hockey Tournament. Known for sending hockey champs to the national team, the Kodava community is on par with the Punjabis in training skilled players.

With this short format game, similar to the 20-20 cricket format, the organisers are hoping to get more youngsters involved. For the first tournament, 40 Kodava families and 40 sanghas have registered their teams. In an attempt to recreate the nostalgia of earlier times, the club wants to take hockey to every school, college and IT-company of the state. “We want every school child to carry a hockey stick like it was earlier in our childhood days. Hockey needs to get back its due credit,” says Kambeyanda Mohan, one of the organisers.

To kick-start a movement of sorts, the Orange Club thought it was ideal to begin with a new-format tournament. “We have come up with the 5-A-Side format, where only five players from each team can compete on field. The duration of each match will be 10 minutes and can stretch maximum up to 12.5 minutes and will be played on a smaller turf,” says Machetira Jenith Aiyappa, one of the organisers. While the preparations are in full-swing, national champions have been roped in to act as mentors for the juniors.

“We have set an example to many youngsters. But now it is our turn to motivate them and train them,” says Kariappa AD, junior nationals’ player. Though their enthusiasm and will power knows no bounds, a few think this format is also a challenge to show their skills. “The turf is smaller for this format and is totally different from other championships. We need a lot of stamina and endurance to show our skills,” says Nikkin Thimmaiah, another junior nationals player.

Men, women, kids and senior citizens have been encouraged to participate. Particularly girls are being encouraged to take up the sport. “Hockey has been a community sport for the Kodavas. But our idea is to make it a sport of all communities across the state. So for the first time, we have brought together six hockey legends to help us with the mentoring of participants and players who will join the club,” adds Jenith. Dr Mollera P Ganesh, BP Govinda, Paikera E Kalaiah, Maneyepanda M Sommaiah, Lt Col Baleyada K Subramani, Anjaparvanda B Subbaiah are the six senior-most players who will be mentoring the players.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Ayesha Tabassum / DC / July 04th, 2012

Kodagu gets world heritage tag

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

The nomination process which started in 2002 during the NDA government and then followed since 2004, successfully ended India’s campaign of getting natural sites included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.

As far as Kodagu is concerned, a total area of 652 square kilometres, covering Pushpagiri, Bramhagiri and Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries and its clusters, namely Kerti Reserve Forest and Padinalknaad Reserve Forest, have been included in the coveted World Heritage Site list. This was announced in the high-level meeting of the World Heritage Committee held in St Petersburg, Russia, on Sunday, sources told Express.

10 sites from Karnataka and 39 in total from India have been included in the list. Kodagu falls in one of the bio-diversity hot spots of the world, known for its rich flora and fauna and dense forest cover. Sources revealed that the meeting was represented by 17 countries, which strongly supported India. The Indian delegation responded to a range of questions and clarifications asked by the high-level committee before announcing the status. Conveners of Wildlife First A A Thammo Poovaiah and Praveen Bharghav told Express that it is a rare recognition and honour for the people of Kodagu and Karnataka for their efforts to conserve their heritage and tradition.

Reacting to this development, MLA M P Appachu Ranjan said that it is unfortunate that in spite of opposition from the people and state, the Government of India has forwarded the proposal to UNESCO. He added: “We will discuss with the CM and look forpossibilities of questioning this decision in the court of law.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh / Express News Service / July 03rd, 2012

India beat France 4-0 to Win Test Series 2-0 as Pradhan Sommanna and Nithin Thimmiah Debut

Sports

Debutants Pradhan Sommanna and Nithin Thimmaiah

Olympic bound Indian team started their last outing before the Games on high note, when they outclassed the French team to win 2 match test series with 2-0. India won the first match on green surface 8-2, while defeated France in 2nd Match 4-0 on blue surface (similar to Riverbank Arena, London Olympics Venue for Hockey) in Lille, France.

Indian outfit continued their Hero FIH Road to London (Men), Delhi 2012′s form where India defeated France 6-2 and 8-1 in League Stage and Finals respectively.

In the first test match of the series, it was France who drew first blood through Fabien Magner, but India did not take much time to equalize through young SK Uthappa. Sandeep Singh earned the lead for India and Gurvinder Singh Chandi doubled it to 3-1. Arnaud Becuwe reduced the margin for margin on penalty corner in the dying minutes of first half.

After the lemon break, Shivendra Singh scored two goals in quick succession and Raghunath converted PC in 5th minute of 2nd half to make it 6-2. Sarvanjit Singh and Sandeep Singh’s field goals completed the tally (8-2) of match which saw the international debuts of Nithin Thimmaiah and Pradhan Sommanna.

In the Second match of the series, Indian team kept their sheet clean, but could score only 4 goals through Sardara Singh, Sandeep Singh, VR Raghunath and Danish Mujtaba. India scored 3 off 4 goals on Penalty Corners while one field goal.In this test series 8 Indians registered their names on scoreboard.

On July 2, Indian team will leave for Spain to play two test matches each against Spain and South Africa from 5-11 July at Santander, before taking part in a 3 Nations Invitational Hockey Tournament at the same venue, where India will face off Great Britain and hosts Spain (Detailed Schedule of the europe tour can be found here).

Result Game 2 Saturday, June 30 in Le Touquet
India – France: 4-0 (HT: 2-0)
Indian Scorers: Danish Mujtaba, Sardara Singh, Sandeep Singh, VR Raghunath

Result Game 1 Thursday, June 28 in Lille
India – France: 8-2 (HT: 3-2)
French Scorers: Fabien Magner, Arnaud Becuwe
Indian Scorers: SK Uthappa, Sandeep Singh (2), Gurvinder Singh Chandi, Shivendra Singh (2), VR Raghunath, Sarvanjit Singh

Photo Credits: Rohan Jawale

source: http://www.thefansofhockey.com / News / July 01st, 2012

Hockey: India beat France, 8-2

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports


Lille (France):
Indian hockey team’s preparations for next month’s Olympic Games began on a confident note with a 8-2 route of France in the first of the two friendly matches here.
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After France scored first, SK Uthappa equalised for India while Sandeep Singh’s penalty corner strike gave India 2-1 lead. Gurvinder Singh Chandi made it 3-1 but France reduced the margin through a penalty corner variation just before the interval.
India added five more goals without reply in the second half. Two minutes after resumption, Shivendra Singh scored a field goal — a deflection off a VR Raghunath attempt — and backed it up with a second strike off a Gurbaj Singh pass within a minute.

Raghunath scored a penalty corner goal in the 40th minute to put India 6-2 ahead.Later, Sarvanjit Singh scored a field goal before Sandeep Singh, playing as centre forward, added a field goal to complete the rout.

source: http://www.daily.bhaskar.com / Home> Sports> Other Sports> News / PTI / Sunday, June 01st, 2012

Special Moonsoon offers at Tata Coffee – Plantation Trails

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Come monsoons and it’s time to soak in the magic of the undulating estates of Tata Coffee in Coorg and Chikmagalur. The rains enhance the beauty and grandeur of plantation life at the Tata Coffee Plantation Trails. Nestled amidst the lush plantations and cradled by the verdant hills of South India, Tata Coffee’s bungalows create a romantic getaway in the rains.
Tata Coffee – Plantation trails in Chikmagalur


Mesmerizing monsoons at Coorg

Coorg, Karnataka

Come monsoons and it’s time to soak in the magic of the undulating estates of Tata Coffee in Coorg and Chikmagalur. The rains enhance the beauty and grandeur of plantation life at the Tata Coffee Plantation Trails. Nestled amidst the lush plantations and cradled by the verdant hills of South India, Tata Coffee’s bungalows create a romantic getaway in the rains.

Plantation Trails provides a peaceful refuge for those seeking solace from urban jungles. Watch the world pass by while the hours waft into wonderfully long rain-soaked days, relishing cups of steaming hot coffee and enjoying the air, heavy with the fragrance of coffee & fresh wet earth.

Contrary to perception, the monsoons add magic to Coorg & Chikmagalur; it is only during the rains that the splendor of nature is at its best. The areas surrounding Plantation Trails are rich with flora and fauna and the gushing waterfalls add extra sparkle to the exciting activities chalked out for you & your loved one.

Rain enthusiasts may soak in the moments with exclusive Plantation Tours that enhance their knowledge about India’s favourite beverage while sipping on fresh brewed coffee. Or tea, if so desired. .

For those needing an adrenaline rush, the White Water Rafting is the best bet to beat the drudgery of the city. A scoop of the monsoon with rapids such as the ‘Wicked Witch’, the ‘Big Bang’, the ‘Grasshopper’, makes white water rafting its roaring best and is undeniably an experience beyond description.

Back at the bungalow, guests are in for another treat. The butler and cook of each bungalow whip up authentic local delicacies that create harmony between hunger and heart.

A holiday at Plantation Trails during the monsoons promises an experience that will leave you enchanted. The tranquility of the luxurious bungalows characterized by plush furnishing, serene plantation views and a host of activities will surely make you come back for more.

To obtain details on the exciting offers and packages available please contact: Phone: +91 (080) 2356 0761/ 2356 0695-97 (Extension 118) Fax: +91 (080) 2356 1974/ 2334 6098 E-mail: reach.plantationtrails@tatacoffee.com Website: www.plantationtrails.net

source: http://www.indiaprwire.com / Home> Press Release> Leisure/ Travel/ Hotels offerings / India PR Wire / Karnataka, June 27th, 2012

‘Dwani’ rain effect cinema

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The first complete rain filled cinema in all the scenes of outdoor is ‘Dwani’ is all set to capture the natural rain in July and August month in Madikeri, Sakleshpur region.

Wesley Brown achieving a good name working for eight departments in ‘Modhala Minchu’ even before release has got another opportunity.

‘Dwani’ starring debutant Adarsh Kaginale a Chartered Accountant in profession and a model Ranjitha as counterpart is produced by Gurudut Kulkarni an ad company owner. Veer Samarth is scoring the music for the film.

It is a real life love story. The couple is living today. They will be introduced on the day of release of the film says producer Gurudut.

‘Dwani’ has a caption Kelistha Ilva Ninge….is the debut for Adarsh Kaginale a student of Govindas College of Surathkal who is a chartered accountant today with a qualification in acting from Adarsha Film Institute. A good looking Adarsh Kaginale learnt swimming, horse riding, stunts and dance. He has been working as chartered accountant since six years in multinational companies. He was impressed with the one line story narrated to him. He was in to various cultural activities in his college days.

Ranjitha Gowda took part in reality shows of Suvarana channel, worked as model and now working for an NGO is debut actress in ‘Dwani’.

source: http://www.supergoodmovies.com / Home> News> Kannada Movie News / June 26th, 2012

Nucleus of cultural conservation

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment


Growing reach: The Kodava Samaja in Vasantnagar is at the centre of efforts to keep the community’s traditions alive. Photo: Bhagya Prakash K. / The Hindu
Almost coinciding with the centenary celebrations of the Bangalore Kodava Samaja last year, the Bureau of Economics and Statistics revealed population figures of Kodavas (Coorgs/Coorgis if you will), immediately giving rise to widespread doomsday theories.

If the statistics are to be believed, in 2011, there were around only 1.25 lakh Kodavas all over the world. Thereafter, stories published in newspapers went as far as to say that by 2030, the entire community would be wiped out.

MISLEADING METHODS?

P.S. Appaiah, retired professor of sociology, who is also penning a book on the history of Kodavas, disputed these claims, questioning the method of collection of figures. “It seems as if members of Kodava Samajas have been counted for the purpose of statistics; but, that excludes children below 18 years of age,” he reasoned. “Similarly, Kodava women, if not men, who have married outside the community, may not have been considered.”

However, he admitted that the numbers were declining. “Post-1950, especially 1975 onwards, the one to two children per family policy became popular. At the same time, many Kodavas started migrating to cities, several of them landing lucrative jobs in public sector units. They also followed the family planning policy more strictly.”

PRIDE IN PRESERVATION

Whether it’s because of these alarming figures being propagated in popular media or simply reverence and pride for their culture — the community is after all celebrated, perhaps stereotypically, for their strong presence in sports, particularly hockey, and the armed forces — many Kodavas, particularly those living away from Kodagu, are particular about keeping their tradition alive.

The Bangalore Kodava Samaja at Vasantnagar, perhaps the most active of the samajas across the country, is at the nucleus of this effort at conservation. In fact, flanked by Thimmaiah Road and Cariappa Road (named after General Thimmaiah and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa), the area seems to be the centre of Kodava pride.

Early migrants from Kodagu in Bangalore established the Coorg Association in 1911. Beginning with 15 members, the association was renamed as Kodava Samaja as more members were added.

Initially, the samaja is said to have functioned from private houses or public places. In 1959, the maharaja of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar donated an acre of land to Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, who in turn handed it over to the samaja. The Kodava Samaja was registered in 1961.

ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION

Sudha Muthanna, from the samaja’s cultural committee, explained the methods engaged in making youngsters part of it. “The training imparted to children in various traditional dance and art forms is done at the level of the sanghas. There are about 35 area-wise sanghas that are actively teaching youngsters traditional art forms such as ummathat and bolkat,” she said.

MORE THAN A CHOULTRY

This is not where the role of the Kodava Samaja ends. From starting out as a wedding choultry, which strictly adheres to the community rules of marriage and its rituals, the samaja has branched out to several other areas.

K.B. Jaya Chinnappa, secretary of the Bangalore samaja listed out the other functions of the organisation, which includes running two educational institutions — Cauvery school and college — under the Kodava Samaja Education Society, a death fund for members, medical and education fund (under which scholarships are given to meritorious children), a proactive sports and recreation club, and a youth wing, among others. For the future, it wants to bring more Kodavas residing in the city under its ambit.

“Of the 40,000-odd Kodavas living in Bangalore, only around 14,000 are members,” Chinnappa said. “We want to ensure that at least 25,000 of them are members of the samaja.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / By K.C. Deepika / June 27th, 2012

Courting a sporty summer

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports


All eyes this Olympics will be on Bengaluru hudugi and badminton ace Ashwini Ponnappa. Humility and girl-next-door qualities are what best describe her. Currently training in Hyderabad, Ashwini spends seven hours a day getting her act together. The 22-year-old’s affair with the racquet started when she was eight-years-old. She says, “The pressure I put on myself is more than what people put on me. Here is something I really enjoy and I just go on court and have fun.”

This passionate tennis pro’s parents and brother will be travelling with her to London. About her trip to London she says, “I am looking forward to going to the mega event and doing well. I would also like to catch other matches, particularly tennis and the athletics 100 metre dash. If we get some free time, we can go out and explore London.”

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa are currently number 14 in the world ranking in the women’s doubles category, after their victory at the 2010 Common Wealth Games and the World Championship last year. “I like listening and learning from Jwala. When we travel together, after the game we go shopping and discover places,” says Ashwini.

Ashwini admits she misses Bengaluru, but loves Hyderabad just as much. She says, “It’s a really nice place and the lifestyle is very different. The roads are really good in Hyderabad. Bengaluru is where my friends and cousins are and I really miss them.” She admits to being a spoilt child at home. She says, “After a game, it is nice to come home and talk to my family and get their opinion. I’ve never had to diet but with mom ensuring I eat healthy, I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Ashwini owes her success to her parents and coaches. She says, “I owe it to the coaches who have put in hard work to get me where I am. My folks sacrificed a lot and often took time off work for me.” Every sports person inspires this ambitious girl. “I tend to learn from everyone, for instance, I love how Roger Federer keeps his emotions within,” she says.

Her simplicity is so overwhelming that 10 minutes into the conversation, you get a feeling of chatting with a close friend. After the Olympics, she is looking forward to going on a long overdue holiday with friends. She says, “I love going out with my friends. I also like lazing around at home, watching TV and reading books. I watch movies when I am touring.” A romantic at heart, Ashwini adds, “I love romantic films and books. Once I have a really good book in hand, nothing can move me.”

About her frequent visits to Bengaluru, this girl with a sweet tooth says, “When I come I don’t even get time to breathe. I meet everyone and don’t miss out on the hot chocolate fudge at Corner House, Frescos, the Mississippi Mud pie at Shezan and all of Bengaluru’s other amazing dessert places.” After four years of staying in Hyderabad, Ashwini’s family is moving back to Bengaluru this August. She says, “I’m not sure where I’ll train.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Khushali P. Madhwani , DC / June 27th, 2012

Bhupathi & Bopanna cruise to victory

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports


India’s Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles event at the Wimbledon here today. File photo. / The Hindu
Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles, defeating Uruguay’s Marcel Felder and Tunisia’sMalek Jaziri 6-0, 7-6(1), 6-2 in an hour and 36 minutes.

The Indians couldn’t have begun better: the first set featured 17 minutes of solid serves, angled returns, from Bopanna in the deuce court and Bhupathi in the ad court, and sharp volley exchanges. Especially impressive was the co-ordination in movement.

Felder and Jaziri, who didn’t know what hit them, were able to push the seventh seeds to a breaker in the second set, even endangering Bopanna’s serve in the fifth game.

But Bhupathi and Bopanna recovered to get the job done. “We really worked hard these past six months to get where we are, very pleased, and we’re hoping to continue our good form here and doing well this week,” said Bopanna.

Understandably there were questions about the incidents surroundingthe selection of India’s representatives to the Olympics.

Not true

“You know things couldn’t have got uglier for us in Indian tennis the last week,” said Bhupathi. “Everyone seems to think that I’m the one manipulating and pulling the strings for all these extremely individual and successful tennis players like Rohan and Sania. It’s not true.”

Bhupathi said he understood Sania Mirza’s criticism of the system,including him. “I obviously sympathise with Sania,” he said, before addressing Mirza’s comment about Bhupathi sacrificing his commitment to her. “As far as I am concerned, I am committed to her. We’re playing here, and if we get a chance to, we’ll play the Olympics.”

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sport> Tennis / by Special Correspondent / London, June 27th, 2012

Luxury Hotels in Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri offers tourists with varied accommodation options that range from budget to luxury resorts to homely homestays. Among the numerous budget accommodations in Madikeri are Hotel Mayura Valley View, Roxel Inn Hallery Estate, Solitaire Exotica Resort and Spa, Kechitti House, Prasanthi Resort, Sri Vinayaka Lodge, Hotel Chitra, Popular Residency, The Mercara Inn, Hotel Hilltown and Hotel Fort View. These budget Madikeri Hotels provide basic amenities along with food to all its guests.

The Kaveri river flows through this region and is a very sacred river to the Kodagas who call themselves children of Kaveri. Madikeri is popular for its many sightseeing options that include the Rajah seat, Abbey Falls, Omkareshwara temple, Madikeri Fort and many more. The Madikeri Fort is the most prominent one among Madikeri’s chief attractions. This fort houses a museum, a district prison and the popular Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple.

Madikeri is hemmed by misty hills through which many a waterfall tumble down flowing through the dense forests as merry streams.

Madikeri is the capital town of Coorg district, one of the most visited tourist destination in the state of Karnataka. Enveloped in lush green vegetation, this town is also known by the name Mercara.

Abbey Falls a beautiful waterfall here is another popular attraction of Madikeri. For families with young children, a visit to the Dubare Elephant camp is a must. The camp provides wildlife safari on elephants, which is enjoyed by all. A unique opportunity to spend some time with elephants is also offered here wherein visitors can join in bathing elephants, feeding them and even petting the young elephants.

Raja’s Seat is another popular tourist spot here that provides a panoramic view of the valleys down below and the mountains high up above. Tourists flock to this place during sunset time to witness the scene of the sun setting amidst the beautiful mountains.

Madikeri has two resorts, too, Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley and Heritage Resort both of which provide tourists with luxury accommodations in the midst of this green haven. These Madikeri hotels provide guests with luxury amenities such as here bar/lounge business centre, fitness centre, free parking, kitchenette, restaurant, room service, swimming pool and wheelchair access.

Madikeri Hotels also include a number of homestays such as Dhanush Homestay, Ajantha Homestay, La Emilia Homestay, Serenity Homestay, Aarti Homestay, Jungle Trails Homestay, Malma Homestay, Misty Heights Homestay, Chirpy Haven Homestay, Coorg Trekkers Paradise Homestay, Dhyan’s Den Homestay, Alpen Glow Homestay, Ganga Homestay, SilverLine Homestay and Ananda Nilaya Homestay. These homestays provide a perfect stay for families with small children or elderly since the atmosphere is homely and the food is prepared fresh without excessive oil or other artificial flavours.

source: http://www.xiaomax.com / Home> Travel & Leisure / by Mike Jimmy / June 24th, 2012