Bhavani From Kodagu, First Indian Woman To Get Trained At Mt. Ruapehu In New Zealand

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

BhavaniKF12nov2019

Madikeri:

After pegging the National Flag atop Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Russia, T.N. Bhavani of Kodagu has one more feather in her cap in being the first Indian woman to have undergone training at the Mount Ruapehu, an acclaimed Stratovolcano in New Zealand.

Bhavani is the daughter of Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu) and Parvathi (Divya) of Perur village near Napoklu in Kodagu. While studying at Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bhavani joined NCC which paved way to groom her interest in adventure activities.

Having got trained in swimming, horse-riding and mountaineering, Bhavani recently completed a three-month training in skiing at Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand and has been qualified as an International Skiing Instructor and is eligible to undergo advanced training in South Korea.

Mount Ruapehu is a Stratovolcano or a composite Volcano formed by alternate layers of hardened lava and ash.

They are characterised by a very steep profile and periodic explosive emissions. Getting trained in skiing at such mountains is not easy and Bhavani has come out successful in the training in September.

Road to success

Bhavani, having completed her primary education at J.C. School in Srimangala in South Kodagu, finished her secondary education at Jawahar Navodaya School in Galibeedu, Madikeri taluk. She graduated from St. Agnes College, Mangaluru and had worked as an Instructor at Himalaya Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.

Having attended many NCC camps at school and college, Bhavani had participated in the Republic Day Parade in Delhi in 2016.

She participated in the All India Vayu Sainik Camp held recently in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and won accolades from NCC Director General Lt. Gen. Anirudh Chakravarthy, Karnataka-Goa NCC Deputy Director General Air Commander C. Rajiv and former Chief Minister Siddharamaiah.

She got trained in mountaineering at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali and Himalaya Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. She underwent skiing training in Gulmarg, Kashmir and further in New Zealand.

Bhavani is acclaimed as the first woman to successfully complete the tough First Grade Training at Himalaya Mountaineering Institute climbing tough peaks like Friendship in Manali and others in Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Leh.

She reached the top of Mount Elbrus in 2018 after climbing for 8 hours continuously and was adjudged the first to reach the peak among four mountaineers from various countries.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 11th, 2019

Journalism award for Sanjay Saini

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

Mandi :

Sanjay Saini, assistant public relations officer, has won this year’s National Award for Excellence in Journalism.

Saini, former correspondent of Dainik Bhaksar in Mandi, will get 2019 National Award under the rural journalism category jointly with Raj Chengappa, former Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune and currently Group Editorial Director of India Today.

Saini said the award would be given at a function being held on National Press Day on November 16 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The other recipients includes Gulab Kothari, Chairman of Rajasthan Patrika, a leading newspaper of Rajasthan. — TNS

source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Himachal / November 09th, 2019

Lt Gen P C Thimayya visits ‘Sunny Side’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
Army Training Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen P C Thimayya visited the under-construction General K S Thimayya Museum in Madikeri on Saturday.
Army Training Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen P C Thimayya visited the under-construction General K S Thimayya Museum in Madikeri on Saturday.

Army Training Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen P C Thimaya visited General K S Thimayya Museum, which is under construction, in Madikeri on Saturday.

Sunny Side, the residence of late General K S Thimayya is being converted into a museum.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Thimaya said, “Converting a house to a museum is a challenging job.”

Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum convener Major B A Nanjappa explained about the work.

He appealed to Lt Gen Thimmayya to make efforts to hand over the uniform, war equipment of General Thimmayya to the museum.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS Madikeri / November 09th, 2019

For the love of Coorg

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Smitha Kuttayya has donned many hats with ease. What fascinates her the most is the taste bud tantalisers from the Scotland of India – we mean Coorg.
SmithaKF10nov2019

“Most dishes are steamed and not fried. The use of oil is really less and only the tempting has oil which is used for garnishing,” Smitha points out, drawing attention to what is intrinsic to the cuisine which makes it all the more alluring – pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon.

Captivated, she started sending out calls for memorable evenings 8 years back. You have a dinner to host? – look no further, you just turn up in her house with your guests. You’ll be happily listening to her stories about growing up in the lush valleys as you assist her in rustling up some versatile Kodava cuisine.

“I’ve been hosting home dinners since 2011. People can cook a meal with me and eat in my place and if they are not coming over, I will send it across,” smiles Smitha who has lived in Chennai for the last 20 years and is now training in counselling.

The food curator, a trained Bharatnatyam dancer who has also appeared in Doordarshan shows, has never gone to any formal classes, rather she would revel in the culinary knowledge passed on by her grandmother.

Talking about the versatile cuisine, Smitha, who has been part of two food shows, exclaims at how people mistake the valley only for pork curry. “There is so much more to it. There are a lot of alluring and appetising vegetarian dishes too. We boast of mushroom dishes, there are dishes flaunting yellow cucumber, tender yellow pumpkins, butter meals and raw plantains – down to earth food made with the produce of the land.”

Talking about her upcoming Coorg Food festival, where she will be treating Chennaites to quintessential Coorg-special dishes, she gives a sneak peek into the menu – Vegetarians will be surely pleased by Bollary barthade, Kumbala curry, Mudre kanni, Kumm curry, Avare curry and Thoppu fry. Non-vegetarian food lovers won’t be let down either. Pandi curry, Yerchi pulav, Matthi meen fry and Nallamalu yerchi barthad will rule your plates.

Smitha will be curating the foodies’ delight with chef Gopi at Food Exchange from Nov 11 to 18.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle, Food and Recipes / by Debanjoli Nandi / November 08th, 2019

‘Bhoomi Puja’ For Stadium At Balugodu In Kodagu

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

BalugoduPoojiKF10nov2019

Virajpet:

‘Bhoomi Puja’ was performed at Balugodu Hockey Grounds in Virajpet yesterday under the aegis of Federation of Kodava Samajas for the construction of the most-desired stadium at an estimated cost of Rs. 5 crore.

Launching the work, Federation President K. Vishnu Cariappa said that the previous Government had sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for the construction of the stadium which is likely to be completed by March end next. He sought full co-operation from members and office-bearers of the Federation and the people for coming out with a full-fledged stadium.

The monthly meeting of the Federation was also held at its premises in Balugodu. A decision was taken to increase membership for the Federation. Vice-President M.T. Nanaiah, Joint Secretary K.S. Uthappa, Secretary V.S. Poovaiah, former President M.D. Belliappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 09th, 2019

Golf Open Championship Held In Madikeri

Records, All, Sports

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City-based NR Group organised NR Golf Open Championship 2019 at Mercara Downs Golf Club, here recently. A total of 75 golf enthusiasts participated in the tournament conducted in eight different categories. The tournament was teed-off by I.K. Anil, Captain, Mercara Downs Golf Club. Dwarakanath, National Sales Manager, Cycle Pure Agarbathies presented the trophies to the winners. Harish Appanna, Hon. Secretary, Mercara Downs Golf Club, Tournament Convenor K.P. Ranjith were present.

The Golf Championship witnessed golfers from Mysuru, Bengaluru, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Ooty and Kodaikanal vying for the titles. Below is the list of winners.

K.P. Ranjith receiving the Runner-up Rolling Trophy
K.P. Ranjith receiving the Runner-up Rolling Trophy

Open Strokeplay: Rolling Trophy donated by NR Group: Winner – Amogh Devaiah 75, Runner Up – K.P. Ranjith 76.

Net Strokeplay (0-18): Rolling Trophy donated by NR Group: Winner – Faiz Moosa Kutty 63 Nett, Runner Up – Rahul Kuttappa 66 Nett.

Handicap Stableford 0-18: Winner- Dinesh Cariappa 35 Points (Back 9 -20), Runner Up – Anil Pandey 35 (Back 9 -19).

Handicap Stableford 19-24: Winner – K.P. Kuttappa 34 Points, Runner Up- M.P. Nagaraj 32 Points.

Seniors Stableford (Full handicap above 60 years): Winner – Anil I.K 35 Points, Runner up- Dr. Ramesh Bopaiah 31 Points.

Stableford Doubles (Team Event Handicap 0-24): Winners – Faiz Moosa Kutty & Aiyappa M.B 71 Points, Runners Up – Ranjith K.P & Sunil Devaiah N.C 65 Points.

Closest to the Pin: Adithya Somaiah 19.8.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / November 07th, 2019

She has ‘stars’ in her eyes!

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

This pretty model-turned actress, Sanah Thimmayyah will be making her Sandalwood debut opposite Darshan in Odeya.

From the beautiful land of Coorg, which has given numerous talents and versatile personalities, comes another pretty damsel who makes her acting debut alongside Challenging Star Darshan in his next titled Odeya directed by M D Sridhar. Model turned actress Sanah Thimmayyah, who plays the role of a painter on her debut speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle, sharing her journey so far and how she bagged her dream project and all the excitement behind it and much more.

Born in Virajpet, Sanah says she is brought up in Mysuru where she did her education until graduation in commerce from Vidyashram College. “This is when I took up modelling too.

After winning a contest in modelling, I started working for the renowned Prasad Bidappa for couple of years while I was still pursuing my studies. Thereafter, my interest in jewellery designing brought me to Bengaluru. In fact, I was always crazy about movies like a typical movie buff, but with no proper guidance I was in two minds as to whether to take up acting as my career or not,” says Sanah Thimmayyah.

Eventually, Sanah explains that her love for acting drew her to theatres, which she started off with Avinash Daniel Film School from where she learnt the basics of acting and kept auditioning for several projects including commercials.

“Though I did a couple of commercials, I was striving hard for bigger and better opportunities. At this juncture, my mother, who happens to be a good friend of Darshan sir’s mother told her about my acting interest. It was she who asked me to attend the audition for the lead role in the film Odeya, for which the makers were in search of a new face and someone who could perform as well, and thus my dream turned into reality,” Sanah says.

Further, the debutant reveals that when she was told about her selection, she was over the moon and was literally ‘blank’ till she realised that it was actually happening in reality. “I could not realise what was happening for the first few days and I would just follow the instructions. The entire first schedule was more or less the same for me. And, it could not have been better with my debut under Sandesh Productions which has given several great films. I am ever grateful to the entire team of Odeya, for all their efforts and cooperation,” Sanah adds.

About Darshan, the actress shares that the challenging star is a great human being and a dedicated artiste, who is always down to earth despite being such a great star actor. “He has an amazing personality who is so special to work with. He is great both on and off screen, which is what makes him a great person. His dedication at work and humble nature is what inspired me when working alongside him,” the actress says.

While she has been listening to a few scripts for her next, she concludes sharing on how she had a wonderful time shooting for her debut venture where she along with the entire team would wait to have lunch with Darshan sir in his caravan.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Sandalwood / by ShashiPrasad SM, Deccan Chronicle / November 06th, 2019

River Rafting In Kodagu District 60 Rafts To Be Given Licence

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Sports

RiverRaftingKF05nov2019

Madikeri:

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Annies Kanmani Joy, who chaired the White Water River Rafting review meeting at her office on Nov.1, has decided to issue licences to 60 raft operators in the district next season.

The meeting also decided to continue those who were issued licences this year based on the recommendations of a Technical Committee.

Though river rafting is popular among tourists visiting Kodagu, the District Administration had temporarily banned it in early 2018 due to allegations of irregularities and the death of a tourist.

Razi Ahmed, a 21-year-old tourist from Hyderabad, died after he was assaulted with a wooden oar by some rafting crew at Dubare Rafting Camp coming under Nanjarayapatna Gram Panchayat near Kushalnagar.

The ban was imposed in the wake of several complaints from tourists and villagers that adventure activity organisers have no expertise in river rafting and some of them are organising such events just to make money. The ban was imposed as mandatory safety measures were not followed by organisers and lives were at stake. The ban, however, was subsequently revoked.

The DC directed the officials of Public Works Department (PWD), Fire and Emergency Services, Tourism and other Departments to conduct surprise spot inspections and assess the number of rafters operating at various rafting in the district.

A few members of the River Rafting Committee raised objections over the delay in issue of Fitness Certificates for boats following which the DC said that the certificates will be issued within a day from next year.

Tourism Department representatives were instructed to issue an advisory on the terms and conditions necessary to operate rafting including fixing of prices. The DC warned the guides of initiating legal action if they are found levying higher rates.

She instructed the Assistant Director of Tourism Department to issue press release and give publicity about the information pertaining to necessary guidelines. The DC also instructed the officials to put up a board containing the prescribed rates for rafting at Dubare and Barapole for the benefit of tourists.

Superintendent of Police Dr. Suman D. Pennekar instructed the officials to implement the rules that are in force at Barapole at Dubare too. Assistant Commissioner T. Javaregowda, PWD Executive Engineer Ibrahim, District Fire Officer P. Chandan, Tourism Department Assistant Director Raghavendra, River Rafting Committee Members Ritesh, Vishwa, Manjunath and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 04th, 2019

After rain damage, Kodagu’s historical Nalknad Palace is crying for attention

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion
A portion of Nalknad Palace in Kodagu district collapsed a few weeks ago following torrential rains. | Photo Credit: M.T. Shiva Kumar
A portion of Nalknad Palace in Kodagu district collapsed a few weeks ago following torrential rains. | Photo Credit: M.T. Shiva Kumar

There is no sign of restoration work being taken up by the ASI.

Nalknad Palace, at the foot of the dense Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Kodagu district, once stood as a symbol of elegance, architecture and style. Today, it is crying for protection.

The two-storeyed building with historical significance, which is also known as Naalnaad Aramane, was built between 1792 and 1794 AD to commemorate the victory of Haleri king Dodda Veera Rajendra over Tipu Sultan. It has precious murals, pillars, various wooden carvings, dark rooms [or hiding rooms], secret passages, bathrooms and galleries of the 18th and 19th centuries.

A portion of the palace collapsed a few weeks ago following torrential rains. There is no sign of restoration works being undertaken, according to sources in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). An ASI source said repair work can be taken up only after the rains subside fully. As such, the chance of miscreants damaging the precious artefacts and structures at the palace is high, as the lone caretaker leaves after closing time (6 p.m.).

Hiding place
According to the ASI, Dodda Veera Rajendra decided to construct the palace at Yavakapadi at the foot of Tadiandamol as the place was thickly wooded. Although he won a battle against Tipu, he was still under the threat of enemy troupes. The legendary ruler saw the need for constructing an elegant structure with safety features in the dense forest area to use as a hiding place. Thus, Nalknad Palace was built, according to a history lecturer in Hunsur.

A sign put up outside the palace gives brief details of the building, including that Dodda Veera Rajendra built it to protect his family from enemies.

He married again in 1796 to Mahadevamma at the same palace and lived there until she died in 1807. An elegant wedding mantap, constructed for his marriage, still exists there and is the cynosure of all eyes arriving at the palace.

It was also the hiding place and last residence of Chikka Veera Rajendra before he surrendered to the British in 1834 AD.

The palace was a rendezvous point for miscreants till a few years ago, before the ASI took it under its wing. Later, the palace was restored. Unfortunately, irreparable damage has been caused to the murals and paintings on the walls, according to ASI sources.

The Haleri kings might have left precious artefacts at the palace when they deposed to the British. Sources say the artefacts might have been shifted elsewhere or stolen.

According to the visitor register, footfall at the palace is sometimes nil and at other times reasonable.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by M. T. Shiva Kumar / Mandya – November 04th, 2019

Centre Extends Gun Licence Exemption To Kodavas Till 2029

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

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New Delhi:

The Centre has decided to continue the British-era rule of exempting Kodavas and Jamma land holders in Kodagu district from obtaining licence for firearms such as pistols, revolvers and double-barrelled shotguns. The exemption has been given for 10 years, till 2029.

Kodavas worship weapons and guns are part and parcel of every festival and ceremony — be it birth or death — and the decision has been taken considering the cultural and religious sensitivities of the community. “Those who have been given the exemption are every person of Kodagu by race and every Jamma land tenure holder in Kodagu,” according to a Home Ministry notification.

Kodavas are the only community in India who are exempted from obtaining arms licences. “The arms or ammunition carried or possessed by any person being from Kodagu by race and every Jamma tenure holder in Kodagu and herein exempted while residing or travelling outside the district of Kodagu shall not exceed one rifle with 100 rounds of ammunition for the same and one smooth bore breech or muzzle-loading gun with 500 cartridges or the equivalent in leaden shot and gunpowder,” the notification said citing conditions of the exemption.

Case in High Court

Kodavas have been getting the exemption of obtaining arms licence since the British era and the Centre has provided exemption in the rules issued under the Arms Act, officials said. However, Captain (Retd.) Yaladalu K. Chethan, son of Yaladalu D. Keshavananda filed a Writ Petition in the Karnataka High Court on Jan. 8, 2018.

Chethan questioned the exemption granted by the Government of India to a certain class of people in the district in obtaining licence to possess firearms under Section 3 and 4 of the Indian Arms Act, 1959.

In his petition, (WP No. 1386/2018), Chethan, a resident of R.T. Nagar in Bengaluru, claimed that the continuation of the exemption, granted to some class of persons by the British Government in pre-Independent India in furtherance of their divide-and-rule policy, was unconstitutional, as it was based on irrational, fictitious and discriminatory grounds, such as race and ancestral land tenure.

Centre’s stand

Responding to the notice issued by the High Court, the advocate representing the Centre had informed the Court that a committee had been constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the Arms Act, including notification granting exemption to people of Kodagu. After receiving comments from all stakeholders, the Centre has now extended the exemption for 10 years.

Bengaluru Kodava Samaja, Akhila Kodava Samaja and Federation of Kodava Samajas backed the move to convince the Home Ministry on retaining and extending the exemption. Prominent persons from Kodagu in New Delhi and Bengaluru including Machimanda Thamoo Cariappa, Maneyappanda Pavan Ganapathy, Palecanda Nanju Nanjappa, Ithichanda M. Devaiah, Annalamada Sunil Achaiah, Mukkatira T. Nanaiah and Maletira Dhyan Chinnappa played a key role and also worked to retain this provision.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 02nd, 2019