The Investiture Ceremony of Kodagu Model School, promoted by Sri Kavery Kodava Association – Mysuru East, was held in the presence of the Management Council recently.
The meet was declared open by showering of flowers followed by release of pigeons, symbolising peace, hope and new beginning. Students performed march-past. The stage programme started with traditional lighting of the lamp proceeded by an invocation & welcome address.
The chief guest for the day, Dr. Neravanda B. Suresh, former International Volleyball Coach & Director, Sports Authority of India, Special Area Games (SAG) Centre, Thalassery, Kerala.
Dr. M.M. Dechamma, retd. Associate Professor, Cauvery Degree College, Virajpet, Kodagu, was the guest of honour.
Dr. Suresh, in his motivating speech, emphasised that students should be physically, mentally, emotionally and socially healthy to become a responsible individual. In his interaction with the students, he mentioned that everyone should have a guru in their life to be successful.
Dr. Dechamma urged the student leaders to lead by example and inspire others. She highlighted the values of discipline, commitment and integrity in leadership.
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferring of badges and sashes to the newly elected members of the Student Council with oath administration.
K.M. Belliappa, President of the School, congratulated the Council Members and reminded them that leadership was not about authority but about service & setting the right example.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks followed by the National Anthem.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 07th, 2025
Deadly fencing, forced evictions and surveillance deepen tensions as Adivasis fight to reclaim ancestral land in Karnataka
The tourism routes within Nagarahole encroach on Indigenous lands and are part of community forests, alleged Adivasi rights groups.iStock
Summary
Dozens of Jenu Kuruba families have returned to ancestral forest lands in Nagarahole, sparking clashes with Karnataka’s forest department.
The group, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), will lead a two-day protest on August 9 with support from Adivasi collectives and civil society.
Protesters accuse forest authorities of eviction, intimidation, and wildlife tourism in areas from which they are being forcibly removed.
They demand recognition of forest rights under the Forest Rights Act and an end to surveillance, displacement, and ecological destruction for commercial gain.
Adivasi and Indigenous communities in Karnataka are set to launch a major protest against the forest department’s ongoing attempts to evict tribal families from the Nagarahole reserve. The move follows the return of 52 Jenu Kuruba families to their ancestral homes in Karadikallu Hattur Kollehaadi village, land they say is rightfully theirs under Indian law.
Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, the Jenu Kuruba have deep-rooted spiritual and ecological ties to the forest, its wildlife and sylvan deities. They gather medicine, honey, fruits, vegetables, tubers and the thatch and bamboo needed to build their houses. The name of the tribe means “honey collector”.
The communities’ return was met with resistance from forest officials, leading to fresh conflict.
On August 9, indigenous groups under the banner of the Nagarahole Adivasi Jammapale Hakku Sthapana Samiti (NAJHSS), supported by civil society organisations and forest rights defenders, will march to the Nanachi Forest Gate to protest against what they describe as “systemic violations” of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006. August 9 commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples every year.
In a joint statement issued by Survival International, an organisation campaigning for tribal rights globally, the group said the protest would focus on “the systemic violations of forest and habitat rights guaranteed under the FRA and the continuing violence on our lives, livelihoods and our bio- cultural lifeworld.”
Despite directives from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, they say the state government and local administrations in Mysuru and Kodagu have failed to implement the FRA and recognise their habitat rights. “This refusal to act reflects a deliberate and systemic denial of our constitutional and legal rights under national and international laws and covenants,” the statement said.
Forest authorities, they alleged, continue to evict families and criminalise indigenous leaders who assert their legal claims. At the same time, wildlife tourism continues unabated in the same “inviolate” areas the Jenu Kuruba are being removed from.
“The tourism routes within Nagarahole are encroaching on our lands and are part of our community forests. This blatant contradiction exposes the commodification of the forest under the guise of conservation, while denying rightful claims over forests that our people have protected for generations,” the group said.
The militarisation of the forest has escalated tensions and distressed the local communities, as artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance cameras and paramilitary units are stationed across the reserve. Community leaders argue this amounts to intimidation.
Officials have blamed the evictions on rising human-animal conflict in Kodagu, but tribal leaders disagree.
The real threat comes from deforestation and commercial coffee plantations. The evictions are meant to distract from the real crisis, as Adivasi communities have long been protectors of nature and have lived in harmony with wildlife for generations
Barbed wire and electrified fencing around plantations have led to injuries and deaths among wild animals, further fragmenting habitats and intensifying ecological stress.
These plantations have severely fragmented wildlife habitats, and in several instances, the deadly solar and barbed-wire fences have injured or killed animals. Such incidents, they noted, have worsened human-wildlife conflict and added to the ecological stress in Nagarahole.
The NAJHSS has demanded recognition of their forest and habitat rights under the Forest Rights Act, along with an immediate halt to evictions, intimidation, and the criminalisation of indigenous communities.
They have also called for an end to the surveillance of communities, a halt to tourism, and a stop to the ecological destruction of forests for commercial coffee plantations.
source: http://www.downtoearth.org / Down To Earth / Home> Forests / by Himanshu Nitnaware / August 07th, 2025
A government school in a tribal settlement of South Kodagu has reversed falling student attendance through an innovative daily programme.
Chennangi Government Primary School, which caters to tribal children, has introduced Dinnakondu Karyakram — a daily programme designed to make learning enjoyable. Since its launch, the school has achieved 100% attendance, a rare feat amid widespread concerns over declining enrolment in government schools across Karnataka, as reported by The New Indian Express.
The school, now accommodating 52 students, has witnessed a notable increase in admissions over the past two years. Children who once resisted attending classes are now showing up eagerly each day.
“Several tribal students stayed away from the institution. When their parents left for daily wage work, these students sat at home. However, we conducted a survey before the start of this academic year and have ensured that all the children from the tribal colony attend classes at the institution,” TNIE quoted Susha K., the headmistress of the institution, as saying.
Previously, the school had introduced Thingaligondu Karyakrama, a monthly talent programme, but some students continued to remain absent. In response, the school shifted to a more consistent approach with daily activities.
Each morning begins with engaging sessions of yoga, singing, dancing, literature, crafts, and unique games. This shift has not only ensured full attendance but also encouraged more than five students who had previously dropped out to return to school, added the report.
To further motivate students, the school has launched a YouTube channel where talent performances are uploaded regularly. “This has resulted in all the students attending classes without fail. It is like an incentive to these students, as the entire village watches and celebrates them after watching the YouTube channel,” the headmistress added.
Admissions have risen from 39 to 52 students over two academic years. In some cases, children who had taken transfer certificates were reportedly persuaded by the headmistress to rejoin the school.
Additionally, the school management has held awareness meetings with parents, urging them to prioritise their children’s education to secure a better future.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home / by Vartha Bharati / August 08th, 2025
The Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Mysuru had organised ‘Aati Gouji’ (Food Mela) at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar Second Stage here on Sunday.
Speaking after inaugurating the event, former Corporator K.V. Sridhar said that it was nice to hear the Kannada language spoken by Kodagu Gowdas and called upon the community to spread the fragrance of the Kodagu Gowda special food.
Samaja President Kombarana Basappa, who presided, said that people of Kodagu maintain their health by having natural foods. This Food Mela is organised to provide healthy food to the Samaja members, he pointed out.
Mahila Okkoota’s Nadubetti Geetha Lakshman too spoke.
The Food Mela had 18 stalls, selling a variety of Kodagu Gowda food preparations such as Payasa, Patrode, Koogale Hittu, Sosale Hittu, Yellu Mente etc.
The community leaders Kuyyumudi Ramappa, Nadumane Rukmini, Samaja Secretary Ponneti Nanda, Director Pattada Shivakumar, Kodagu Gowda Mahila Okkoota Secretary Kuntupani Sheela, Karnayana Sunitha and Hosur Mamatha were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 05th, 2025
Manjunath T. V., a second-year B.Sc. student of St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, has been selected to serve in the Indian Air Force as a Medical Assistant. He is set to report at the Military Training Centre in Bengaluru on July 1, 2025, thus realizing a long-cherished dream of joining the armed forces.
A native of Kodagu district, Manjunath is the proud son of educators Mr Venkatesh T. J. and Mrs Radhamani G. R., from the Virajpet taluk.
Since 2013, he has actively participated in several selection processes across various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. His relentless perseverance has finally borne fruit with his selection into the prestigious Indian Air Force. In honour of this remarkable achievement, the college organised a formal felicitation ceremony.
Presiding over the event, the Principal of St Philomena College, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, hailed the commitment of soldiers as comparable to that of monks who renounce worldly ties. “A soldier is one who is willing to sacrifice even his life for the nation, forsaking personal comfort and family for the greater cause of national service. Such dedication requires not only divine grace but also the blessings of parents,” he said, presenting a floral bouquet to the proud parents of Cadet Manjunath and extending his heartfelt congratulations.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Principal Dr Vijay Kumar Moleyar emphasized the significance of Manjunath’s accomplishment in the current scenario, where fewer young men and women are opting to join the armed forces due to perceived hardships, modest remuneration, and lack of parental encouragement. “Despite facing multiple setbacks in previous recruitment processes, Cadet Manjunath remained undeterred and committed. His success today brings pride to the college, his hometown, and especially to his parents,” Dr Vijay Kumar noted.
Dr Vinaychandra, Controller of Examinations, Dr Edwin D’Souza, Finance Officer, Mr Vipin Naik, Academic Assistant Registrar, Mr Abhishek Suvarna, Assistant Controller of Examinations and Dr Malini K, IQAC Coordinator, Faculty members, administrative staff, and students were also present in large numbers to witness the occasion.
Captain Johnson David Sequeira, the college NCC Officer, compered the felicitation ceremony and lauded Cadet Manjunath’s journey as an inspiring example for youth aspiring to serve the nation through the defence services.
The entire St Philomena College community joins in wishing Cadet Manjunath T. V. great success in his military career and salutes his dedication to the nation.
source: http://www.catholictime.com / Catholic Time / Home> Association – Institutions News / by Media Release / June 30th, 2025
Kodagu’s public healthcare infrastructure got a boost with the launch of several advanced healthcare units at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) Teaching Hospital in Madikeri.
The newly launched units include an Anti-Rabies Unit, and a Dialysis Unit. The facilities are equipped with hi-tech technologies for delivering quality healthcare services to the people of Kodagu.
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda inaugurated the facilities. He reiterated his commitment to transforming KoIMS into a full-fledged multi-specialty hospital, a long-standing demand of the people of Kodagu. He assured that he would put in efforts to get grants from the government to further expand healthcare services at the institute.
Dr. Gowda urged the public to make full and best use of the new services and urged the hospital staff to deliver best medical care to patients.
KoIMS Dean Lokesh Kumar, District Surgeon Nanjundayya, Medical Superintendent Somashekar, and other senior health officials were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 04th, 2025
The 3rd Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) and get-together of Pombolak Kodava Koota located at Vjayanagar 4th Stage, was held recently at Kodava Samaja, Mysuru.
Mundotira Jaya Changappa presided.
Ajjinikanda C. Mahesh, Editor of Poomale Newspaper and President of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, was the chief guest.
On the occasion, Ajjinikanda Mahesh and Pemmanda Suraj, DySP, Madikeri, were felicitated for their contributions.
The newly elected office-bearers and Committee Members of Pombolak Kodava Koota for the term 2025-2028 are as follows:
In a heartfelt tribute to Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy (KBG), Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East and Kodagu Model School held a condolence meeting at the school’s Cheethamma Hall recently.
Association members, leaders and school representatives highlighted KBG’s towering personality as a journalist, mentor and champion of public service.
Association President Kademada M. Belliappa remembered KBG as a visionary from Kodagu, whose media platforms empowered civic awareness across Mysuru.
Former President Kanjithanda K. Aiyappa reflected on the values KBG embodied, stating, “Birth is an option, but death is predetermined.” He credited KBG with sparking the idea of Kodagu Model School.
Senior member Kakamada Subbaiah noted that KBG’s life and values continue to shape how his passing is honoured, while former President Puliyanda S. Devaiah shared personal memories of their long-standing association as neighbours, calling KBG “a guide, mentor and enterprising figure” who contributed to the School’s bylaws and resource networks.
Former Secretary Appachangada Motaiah recalled KBG’s pivotal role in overcoming early challenges in building the school, acknowledging the commitment of teacher Chowrira Prapulla and Chairperson Chowrira Seethamma, alongside his own guidance.
Former Treasurer C.M. Chengappa praised KBG’s inclusive leadership and his rare Hon. Doctorate from University of Mysore.
Head Mistress Anitha Mary recalled KBG’s genuine interest in student activities and exhibitions, while Treasurer Pattamada Charmana described him as “a fighter whose contributions are irreplaceable.”
Administrator Cauvery and Chairperson Seethamma acknowledged his mentorship, intellect and community reach.
Kannada teacher Hamsamati read a commemorative poem in KBG’s honour.
President Belliappa concluded the ceremony by sharing a condolence message received from the Prime Minister’s Office.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 31st, 2025
While Karnataka is all geared up to welcome whitewater rafting enthusiasts in the monsoon, it is important that adventure activities are conducted in a way that minimises risks and yet provides the benefits of participation, say experts.
With the monsoon in full swing, Karnataka is all geared up to welcome tourists and adventure enthusiasts to experience the thrills of whitewater rafting. As you raft through gushing waters surrounded by dense jungles, you are transported into a world of roaring rapids with sprays of pristine white water and treated to glimpses of wildlife on some stretches of the river.
Adrenaline junkies can head to the stretch adjacent to the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu on the River Cauvery and some stretches of the Kali river at Dandeli. The highlight of the season is the 1.5-hour whitewater rafting adventure on the roaring Barapole river, which originates in the Brahmagiri hills and flows towards the Arabian Sea. Rafting enthusiasts can navigate a 4.5 km stretch of the river featuring four iconic rapids with thrilling sections reaching up to Class 4 difficulty level for a duration of four months.
Another rafting destination is Bheemeshwari set on the banks of the Cauvery in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Plans are on the anvil to resume rafting in Seethanadi, a swift Western Ghats river known for its challenging rapids and stunning scenery during the monsoon. The run on this powerful river passes through thick evergreen forests that form part of the Western Ghats in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park. Rafting on this brilliant 22 km stretch takes four hours to complete.
Streamlining rafting operations
The recently constituted River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee of Kodagu district has stressed the need for enforcing stringent safety protocols to prevent mishaps during this high-risk adventure activity. The committee has urged all rafting operators in Kodagu district to compulsorily obtain and renew the fitness certificates for their rafts before launching any water-based adventure activity.
The mandatory certification, which must be renewed annually, is issued by the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA), a government of Karnataka enterprise for the promotion of adventure sports in the state.
“It is important that adventure activities are conducted in a way that minimises risks and yet provides the benefits of participation. Karnataka Tourism has laid down some guidelines that include obtaining necessary licenses and certifications from relevant authorities and ensuring compliance with safety standards,” says Major General (retired) MN Devaya, advisor to GETHNAA.
Listing the items that are essential for rafting, he adds, “Firmly secured life jackets, crash helmets, rescue floats with unreeling nylon lines, first-aid emergency kit, detailed instructions to the rafters, and an attendant kayak or raft for emergency assistance are mandatory for rafting activity. GETHNAA also has a training centre at Barapole.”
Explaining the measures taken by the committee, Venkat Raja, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kodagu district, says, “The committee has taken up the responsibility of upgrading basic infrastructure at rafting sites to improve the tourist experience and enhance safety. Other measures included installation of shelters at the ticket counters, hand railing on the steps, changing rooms for guides, benches, provision of drinking water, toilets, CCTV surveillance, and directional signboards to rafting sites at strategic junctions.”
There are 47 raft operators functioning in the 7 km stretch in Dubare and four operators in the 4.5 km stretch in Barapole. “All the rafts are numbered for authenticity and easy identification. To prevent unhealthy competition, the pricing is flexible and monitored by the committee. Another encouraging factor is the involvement of the local populace, especially tribal residents, in the rafting operations,” adds the DC.
In Dandeli, Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) is the only reliable organisation to conduct white water rafting. “The rafting operations that are currently suspended will resume after the monsoon in September/October. We have outsourced our rafting operations in the Kali river in Dandeli to Manasa Adventures, a professionally experienced adventure company. Strict safety guidelines are adhered to with professional river guides. We have perfected our standing as a whitewater rafting destination with highly qualified river guides and proper equipment,” says Prashanth Shankhinamath, IFS, Managing Director, JLR.
Need for stringent monitoring
Noting that there are many unauthorised rafting operators in Dandeli, Vaibhav Kamat of Jungle County, Dandeli, says, “This has led to protocol breach, which raises concerns over safety. As there is a mad rush during weekends, some of the operators overload the rafts, flouting all safety norms. Crowd control is also woefully lacking and overcrowding can lead to accidents. Some operators send visitors into rafts without safety gear such as life-jackets as they do not have the professional knowledge to operate the services. So there is a dire need for the state administration to monitor these operations.”
Urging a crackdown on illegal operators, he adds, “The safety standards and procedures followed by rafting organisations, including the availability of qualified guides and proper equipment, should be monitored. Action should be initiated against operators for violations. The permission process for raft owners should also be made more stringent.”
It is high time that Karnataka Tourism conducted a safety audit of all the river rafting destinations in Karnataka. This will help identify potential hazards and deficiencies in safety protocols. A social audit should also be conducted to examine the impact of rafting activities on local communities and the environment. This includes assessing benefits like opportunities for locals as well as potential negative impact such as environmental damage, social disruption, and cultural insensitivity. The impact of rafting on local businesses should be assessed.
An environmental impact study of rafting activities is imperative too to assess the impact on river banks, the river ecosystem, vegetation, and wildlife habitats. The effectiveness of waste management practices at rafting sites and the impact on the surrounding areas should be evaluated. The carrying capacity of rafting destinations and whether tourism is being managed sustainably should be determined.
Susheela Nair is an independent food, travel and lifestyle writer and photographer contributing articles, content and images to several national publications besides organising seminars and photo exhibitions. Her writings span a wide spectrum which also includes travel portals and guide books, brochures and coffee table books.
source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> Karnataka / by Susheela Nair / edited by Vidya Sigamany / July 31st, 2025
This highway is lined with several retaining walls, including the Rs 7.5 crore retaining wall behind DC Office that also faced the threat of collapse and is currently being strengthened.
Residents living below the retaining wall are relocating to relief camps after large cracks appeared in the structure, raising fears of a possible collapse.Photo | Special Arrangement
Madikeri :
The first landslide-prone spot on the Mangaluru-Madikeri NH275 that caved in during the 2018 floods is once again under threat, with the multi-crore retaining wall at the site developing major cracks. Residents living right below the wall have been asked to shift to a relief center in Madikeri.
Permanent relief work across the Mangaluru-Madikeri National Highway, which has become vulnerable to landslides and road slips, has remained a distant dream from 2018. While crores of funds have been sanctioned for temporary relief works, the National Highway faces the threat of collapse and poses a risk to commuters every monsoon season.
This highway is lined with several retaining walls, including the Rs 7.5 crore retaining wall behind DC Office that also faced the threat of collapse and is currently being strengthened.
Another retaining wall on this road is located about 4 km from Madikeri city centre and was sanctioned after a major landslide on the road in 2018. Thousands of sandbags were then lined across this vulnerable spot and crores of funds were released for the establishment of the retaining wall.
After over five years of project sanction, the retaining wall recorded was completed in 2023. Nevertheless, just two years after its completion, massive cracks have developed on the retaining wall that faces the threat of collapse.
Following the development of cracks, Madikeri taluk tahashildar visited the spot and requested the families residing below the retaining wall to shift to a relief centre.
Meanwhile, the locals voiced against the authorities for poor quality work and urged them to take action against the concerned contractor. DC Venkat Raja visited the spot and inspected the retaining wall.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / July 31st, 2025
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