Coffee Board of India

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

The Coffee Board was founded in 1942 to provide support to local coffee growers. In 1995, the institution withdrew from marketing operations, once the industry became self-sufficient.

Now it focuses on research, development, quality control and market promotion. It advises the government on matters relating to the industry.

The board also provides diploma courses in coffee quality management and holds the Indian Barista Championship to encourage baristas from across the country.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Features> Neighbourhood / June 28th, 2012

Sajan Bopanna advances

Sports

Sajan Bopanna won both his group matches to advance to the round-of-32 in the men’s State-ranking 8-ball pool tournament here on Wednesday.

In the women’s event, defending champion R. Umadevi Nagaraj retained her crown while Judy Walia won second place in the event contested by four cueists.

The results:

Men: Group M: Sajan Bopanna bt S. Dhawat 5-0; Sufian Ahmed bt S. Dhawat 5-1; Sajan Bopanna bt Sufian Ahmed 5-3.

Group N: R. Santosh bt Vybhav Goel 5-1.

Michael Rebello bt Vybhav Goel 5-0; R. Santosh bt Michael Rebello 5-0.

Group O: Joginder Singh bt L. Nagaraj 5-3; L. Nagaraj bt Manav Saraf 5-0; Joginder Singh bt Manav Saraf 5-0.

Group P: H.E. Anand bt Madhu Nambiar 5-3.

Karl Alphonso bt Madhu Nambiar 5-2; H.E. Anand bt Karl Alphonso 5-2.

Women: R. Umadevi Nagaraj bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-0; Judy Walia bt Indira Gowda 4-3; R.

Umadevi Nagaraj bt Judy Walia 4-0; Indira Gowda bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-2.

Judy Walia bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-1; R. Umadevi Nagaraj bt Indira Gowda 4-3.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sports> National / Bangalore, June 28th, 2012

Ashwini Ponnappa

Leaders, Records, All, Sports

KEY FACTS
Full Name: Ashwini Ponnappa
Height: 5’5″
Born: 18 September, 1989 (22 years)
Country: India
Sports: Badminton
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About Ashwini Ponnappa

Ashwini Ponnappa is one of India’s leading badminton players in the women’s doubles category. She is known to represent India in the doubles’ category with Jwala Gutta. In 2010, she earned accolades and fame when she won the gold medal in the women’s doubles category partnering Gutta, in the Commonwealth Games.

Ashwini Ponnappa Medal Record

2006: Gold – South Asian Games
2009: Won – National Badminton Championships (Women’s Doubles)
2010: Gold – South Asian Games (Mixed Doubles)
2010: Gold – Commonwealth Games (Women’s Doubles)
2010: Silver – Commonwealth Games (Mixed Team Event)

Ponnappa won the National Badminton Championships title twice in doubles event in 2006 and 2007. She also won gold medal partnering India’s V Diju at the 2010 South Asian Games in the mixed doubles event.

Ponnappa again teamed up with Gutta to win the bronze medal at the World Badminton Championships in 2011. It was a significant event in Ponnappa’s life as it was her first semifinal of a key tournament.
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source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / TOI Home> Olympics 2012> Team India> Ashwini Ponnappa / June 29th, 2012

Rs. 5-crore for development of Bhagamandala, Talacauvery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Imposition of dress code for those visiting the two temples sought

Cauvery Neeravari Nigama has released Rs. 5 crore for the development of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery pilgrim centres in Kodagu, according to information received here on Friday.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly K.G. Bopaiah, who presided over a meeting to chalk-out programmes for the development of these pilgrim centres at Bhagamandala on Thursday, told the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee headed by Manu Muthappa to have a long-term plan and utilise funds effectively.

Work should not affect the originality or sanctity of the temples in both places, he said.

Mr. Bopaiah elicited views of members of the Bhagamandala gram panchayat, prominent citizens of the district, including president of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Ravi Kushalappa.

He asked chief architect of the Public Works Department Udaya to prepare a blueprint for the development of the two pilgrim centres in tune with the religious sentiments of the people.

Objection

There had been an objection by the auditors to the renovation of the temples using nigama funds earlier, he said. Funds should not be diverted for temple renovations any longer.

Instead, funds must be utilised for work such as construction of a yatri nivas, food distribution choultry, construction of retaining wall, and removing silt from Triveni Sangama at Bhagamandala, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Dress code for pilgrims could be introduced at the twin pilgrim centres henceforth to maintain the sanctity of the temples, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Demand

This followed a demand by some prominent citizens from Bhagamandala and other places of Kodagu.

According a source, people, including women, could not visit the temples scantily dressed.

Mr. Bopaiah said the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee would take a decision in this regard.

Mr. Kushalappa said that Bhagamandala and Talacauvery should remain as pilgrim centres and not as picnic spots.

New road

Mr. Bopaiah said NABARD had provided Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery. Besides, the road from Karada to Bhagamandala would be developed for which tenders had been invited.

The height of the bridge across Napoklu-Bhagamandala road would be raised.

Mr. Muthappa said Rs. 80 lakh would be provided for the “anna santarpane kendra” (free food distribution centre) in Bhagamandala. The committee would identify a site for its construction soon.

Steps would be taken to video record the jewellery of Bhagamanadala and Talacauvery temples through the Department of Endowments (Muzrai).

Development plans at Bhagamandala, included protecting the sanctity of Triveni Sangama, quarters for priests and staff of the committee, development of the spot where devotees offered “pinda”, and entrance arch, among others.

Plan

There was a plan to relocate the meat stalls and non-vegetarian hotels to the periphery of Bhagamandala town for which the committee would seek people’s cooperation, Mr. Muthappa said.

In-charge Deputy Commissioner K.M. Chandre Gowda, Superintendent of Police Manjunath Annigeri, and Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat Anjanappa attended the meeting.

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PWD chief architect told to prepare a blueprint
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Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery
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source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Mysore, June 30th, 2012

‘Reclaim lands reserved for schools’

Education

Zilla panchayat president Ravi Kushalappa directed the education department officials to reclaim encroached lands of government school in the taluk.

Speaking at a meeting of the taluk panchayat here recently, he said there were allegations about encroachment of the school lands.

The SDMC and teachers should discuss the issue and take measures to reclaim the lands.
The engineers should look into the poor quality of work taken up with the funds available under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. The honorarium paid to Asha workers should be increased, he said.

Taluk panchayat president Hosamane Kavitha Prabhakar directed the officials to prepare an action plan for repairing and constructing anganwadi buildings.

“A sum of Rs 21 lakh released by the government should be utilised effectively,” she said.

Members said that several anganwadi centres did not have any infrastructure. The work on a few anganwadi buildings have remained incomplete.

CDPO Madappa said an action plan will be prepared to provide infrastructure to anganwadi centres. As many as six anganwadi centres are yet to be repaired.

Taluk veterinary officer Dr Chidananda said the sanctioned posts of veterinary doctors in the taluk was eight.

But, only two doctors are functioning. “Without doctors, we had to close a few hospitals,” he said.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / June 28th, 2012

Dress code for Men and Women visiting Temples in Kodagu

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri, June 29
A dress code insisting on decent and traditional attire will soon be in force at five places of worship in Kodagu district, coming under the Muzrai Department.

A decision to this effect was taken up at a meeting of the Talacauvery-Bhagandeshwara Temples Management Committee, held at Bhagamandala yesterday. Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah presided over the meeting.

The dress code will be implemented at Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Iruppu (near Srimangala), Omkareshwara temple (in Madikeri town) and Paadi Sri Igguthappa temple (in Kakkabe village), said Addanda C. Kariappa, President of Karnataka Kodava Sahithya Academy, speaking to Star of Mysore this morning.

As per the dress code, visitors to the holy places, including men, will be requested not to wear revealing garments like shorts or knickers, but to be well clad, preferably in the traditional attires, said Kariappa.

Local residents who participated in the meeting drew attention of the Committee towards the large number of tourists who visited the holy places, with most of them having no concern or regard towards the religious sentiments or sanctity of the place. They also alleged that several tourists consumed alcohol at Talacauvery and Bhagamandala and littered the holy places with piles of garbage.

The members then resolved to impose a dress code akin to the ones prevailing in other Hindu pilgrim centres across the country. “Devotees, especially women wearing jeans, T-shirts, sleeveless tops, shorts, knickers and other revealing dresses would be stopped at the entrance of the temples. Only the women wearing saree, chudidar and salwar kameez will be permitted to step into the holy place,” said Kariappa, adding that notice boards will be installed in front of the temples giving details about the dress code.

“The Police alone cannot enforce such discipline, especially in a religious place. The temple committee will employ the services of volunteers for this,” added Kariappa.

Temple Committee President Manu Muthappa, ZP President Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, DC (in-charge) K.M. Chandregowda, Police Superintendent Manjunath Annigeri, Assistant Commissioner (in-charge) Bhaskar, ZP CEO K.B. Anjanappa and others were present.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / June 29th, 2012

Coorgi food festival in Chennai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Coorg may be the smallest district in Karnataka but it’s undoubtedly BIG on food…

It’s a well-known fact that the Coorgs’ live to eat and take pride in their distinctive cuisine, which is influenced by the geography of the land as well as the history and culture of the inhabitants. The South Indian restaurant at Hotel Park Sheraton, Dakshin is offering an authentic taste of Coorg over a 12-day long Coorg Food Festival at Dakshin.

The Kodavas (inhabitants of Coorg) trace their descent from Alexander the Great and consequently are strictly non-vegetarian. Coorgi fare is high on spices which are grown in the region, with liberal use of pepper, cardamom and cinnamon. Liberal doses of kachampuli, a dark and tart vinegar which adds the authentic touch to the cuisine.

The accompaniments include sannas, puttu, pulao, yellow flavoured rice and egg biryani. Fish / chicken / beef pickle and chutneys add a dash of spice to the meal There’s a variety of rice dishes to choose from but we would highly recommend the nei kool (rice garnished with nuts and raisins, drenched in hot ghee!). Try the Akki Otti which goes best with a variety of curries including crab, meat and pork.

The delicious non-vegetarian options include meat pulao, Kadabu, prawn curry, chicken / fish curry, koli curry (chicken), fried quail, fried chicken coated with sesame seeds, venison, liver masala, menu saaru (fish), pork chops, pandi curry (pork) and parande (gizzard) fry. Cubes of pork in a dark sauce are served with buttery kadambuttus and a squeeze of lime.

The vegetarians can feast on beimbale (bamboo shoot) curry, nehale kumme (wild mushrooms) chekke kuru curry (jackfruit) aale kumme (umbrella mushrooms) bolleri fry (cucumber) bale kaamb (banana stem) curry, maange bajji (mango with coconut) and Mudure Kanni (simmered horse gram).

Go ahead and dine like a true Kodava!

Coorgi Food Festival at Dakshin
Hotel Park Sheraton
TTK Road, Chennai -18
Tel: + 91-44-24994101
Dates: June 19-30, 2012

source: http://www.buzzintown.com / Home> Bangalore – Articles & Reviews / Buzz Bureau / by Radhika Mohan / Chennai, June 26th, 2012

Zooming into travellers’ tales

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Ahmedabad:
For those bitten by the travel bug, poet Robert Frost’s famous exhortation on taking the path less travelled by, is a gospel. ‘Zoomed World’, the latest exhibition at Herwitts Gallery near Amdavad ni Gufa, instead of being limited to a display of photographs, is also a storytelling by four travellers.

The common thread that ties these Amdavadis – who met through CouchSurfing, a social media network meant for travellers – is the passion for travel photography. Be it Ramky’s shots of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Amit Shah’s picture of the Trojan Horse or Nishith Shah’s rare captures of the landscape of Turkey, the pictures tickle the wanderlust in you! The little notes written below each photograph add another dimension for the viewer. One is briefly transported to that little moment when Rahul Sanghvi reminisced about his grandmother’s stories when he saw the bamboo tree house tucked away in the high branches of Coorg – capturing the very essence of travelling.

Only Nishith is a professional photographer, Amit and Rahul are bizmen, while Ramky is a pharma professional. Collectively having travelled to more than 30 countries, the four have used CouchSurfing to traverse the globe. “Being hosted by local members, we got to see off-beat circuits and new perspectives,” says Ramky. “Today, CouchSurfing has become a crucible where cultures melt.”

With around 5.6 millions users in 246 countries, this social network is transforming and innovating travelling. In India the community is most active in Ahmedabad. “In January we organized Uttarayan festival and hosted more than 70 international travellers in the city,” says Rahul, who is also the ambassador of the body in Ahmedabad.

This the first time that members from CouchSurfing have got together to exhibit images from their various travels. “The hope is to inspire more to people to travel, connect with the fraternity and share their stories,” adds Rahul. The exhibition will be on display from June 19 to 24.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Ahmedabad / by Nisha Nair, TNN / June 20th, 2012

Taking ‘Coorg’nisance

Arts, Culture & Entertainment


It’s not the intensity and brilliance of a solo performance that makes it special, it’s how the performer single-handedly holds your attention through the entire drama, encouraging you to be an active part. It’s time to experience the same in Kaveri of Kittale Villa. Lakshmi Chandrashekar, (also the playwright of the play) narrates and enacts the story of Kaveri…

“It’s always hard to find a solo play for women; it’s usually adapted from other mediums, like this play. It is an adaptation of a Singaporean author’s famous book, Emily of Emerald Hill. The novel has been adapted in different languages and has been performed by artistes across the world. My director, Soumya Varma, who stays in Singapore, decided to bring this act to the city, and that’s how it came about,” explains Lakshmi.

The original script deals with the Chinese community (Straits) that exists in Singapore. “To give it more native relevance, we’ve adapted the script and concentrated on the Kodava community in our state. It’s how, despite being modern, Coorgs are highly traditional, and won’t give up their customs. It can be a true tale of any modern family,” she adds.

This powerful script deals with many important issues. “The play sheds light on a recent issue that needs special attention — students committing suicide due to parental pressure. In the play, the mother forces her sports-loving son to be a lawyer. Unable to handle the mounting pressure, the child commits suicide. Such enactments reflect on present times in a distinct cultural background,” explains Lakshmi further.

Kaveri (the protagonist) reveals this journey, sometimes through narration, often as she enacts the drama, which has been an intricate presence in her life. “As a solo performer, Kaveri, I act out bits of the different phases of her life, as the realisation slowly seeps into the play, and things begin to become clearer,” she adds.

Talking about a few challenges Lakshmi faced, she says, “I’ve performed this play in Kannada and Coorgi earlier, where I had to learn the language perfectly, and adopt the same accent. But for this English play, reflecting the Coorg accent subtly through English has been quite challenging. Filling the stage and being comfortable ‘as a Coorg’ is another act that I had to master.” Besides hinting on a woman’s situation in a patriarchal society, the play lays bare hard-hitting facts that haunt our society. Kaveri of Kittale Villa, a part of the Kriyative Theatre, will be staged at Ranga Shankara on June 23.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Potpouri / by Khushali P. Madhwani, DC / June 21st, 2012

Rajshri Ponnappa is excited for playing a nun

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

Bangalore-based actress Rajshri Ponnappa is excited about her Mollywood outing, even though she will be seen in one of her most deglamourised avatar.

“I play a nun in Pithavinum Putranum Parishudhathmavinum, and quite naturally, it is a performance driven role,” she says.While this is Rajshri’s first time in the Malayalam film industry, she tells us, “From the Kannada film industry, actress Prema was the only Coorgi to have been part of Mollywood. So my debut will mark the second person from my clan here.”

The actress also informs us that she will be dubbing for her role in this film which also stars director VK Prakash and art director Sabu Cyril who plays the role of Jesus Christ. “I have always been good with picking up languages. In fact, my father was born in Kerala, so there is some sort of a connection. My mother helped me get the right pronunciations during shoot. I hope to be able to do a good job on the dubbing shortly,” she says.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Malayalam> Film Industry / by Kavya Christopher, TNN / June 20th, 2012