Madikeri’s Raja Seat blooms vibrantly, gears up for Flower Show

The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department.

Raja Seat gearing up for the annual Flower Show event to take place from February 3 to February 6
Raja Seat gearing up for the annual Flower Show event to take place from February 3 to February 6. (Photo | EPS)

The historic mortar at the Raja Seat in Madikeri is blossoming in vibrant colours and happily stepping into the spring season. While greenery covered most parts of the park, it is now filled with brightly coloured, blossomed plants. The iconic tourist destination is now decking up for the annual Flower Show event, which will be held from February 3 to February 6.   

The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department. The flower show will be inaugurated at 4 pm on February 3 with an entry fee of Rs 20.

“Raja Seat is getting ready to host the flower show, with almost 10,000 to 12,000 flowering plants already being set out at the venue,” confirmed Dr BC Sateesha, the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate. Around 15 to 20 varieties of flowering plants including petunia, canna, salbia, chrysanthemum, marigold, zinnia, calendula, phlox and daliya have been seeded in the park’s garden and are already blossoming in vibrant colours.

Furthermore, the venue will have historical structures of Kodagu decorated in flowers, including the iconic Nalknad Palace. The event will also create awareness of voting where the ballot unit, VV Pat, control unit, etc. will be recreated using flowers. From cardboard cutouts of superheroes to well-known leaders, everything will be decorated with flowers along with bonsai and anthurium that will deck up the entire venue. 

The event will also provide a platform for the farmers to exhibit their unique products, which will be judged for the competition. A total of 60 shops will be established at the Gandhi Maidan (a few meters away from Raja Seat)consisting of various outlets from various government departments and private partners.

Alongside the flower show, a Wine Utsav will also be hosted which will exhibit both homemade as well as wines from the Wine Board that will be available for tasting activity. The event is seen as a boost to the tourism sector as Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh has been funded. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 27th, 2023

Viral: Fan calls Rohan Bopanna’s wife ‘Most Beautiful Woman’, tennis star reply wins hearts

Following the game, a fan called Bopanna’s wife as the “most beautiful woman” on Twitter. Bopanna replied, “I agree,” to the viral tweet.

Viral: Fan calls Rohan Bopanna's wife 'Most Beautiful Woman', tennis star reply wins hearts

Tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza, both from India, lost in the Friday mixed-doubles final of the Australian Open. Rafael Matos and Luisa Stefani of Brazil defeated Bopanna and Sania in straight sets (6-7, 2-6) at Rod Laver Arena. Sania’s Grand Slam career came to an end with the game as well. For Sania’s final match, her family, including her son Izhaan, was present at Melbourne Park. Bopanna’s wife and children were also seen supporting the Indian duo.

Following the game, a fan called Bopanna’s wife as the “most beautiful woman” on Twitter. Bopanna replied, “I agree,” to the viral tweet. 

Isn’t it the cutest reply ever? Well, netizens agreed as they flooded the comment section with heartfelt reactions. Take a look here:

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Viral / by DNA Web Team / January 29th, 2023

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Remembered

Mysore/Mysuru:

Today, Jan. 28 in Indian and World History is celebrated, observed and remembered for various reasons and one of them is the birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. 

The Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club celebrated the 124th birth anniversary at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle (Metropole Circle) in the city this morning. The statue of the celebrated supreme commander was decked up for the occasion.

MLAs L. Nagendra and G.T. Devegowda, MLC C.N. Manjegowda, Mayor Shivakumar, MUDA Chairman Yashaswi S. Somashekar and ex-Mayor M.J. Ravikumar were the chief guests.

Field Marshal Cariappa was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on Jan. 15, 1949. Army Day is celebrated on that day every year. He had adopted the slogan ‘Jai Hind’, which means ‘Victory to India’”.

MLA Nagendra recalled the dedicated and committed service of the Field Marshal and described him as the true patriot. “His time sense, patriotism, dedication, punctuality and discipline are worth emulating. Field Marshal Cariappa was instrumental in preventing many foreign invasions,” he said. G.T. Devegowda and Manjegowda also spoke.

Mayor Shivakumar too recalled the services of the disciplined Commander-in-Chief and hailed Kodagu that has produced and is still producing stalwarts who made India proud. “His distinguished military career spanned almost three decades. The Mysuru City Corporation will take steps to further beautify the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle so that it becomes a landmark and a visual attraction,” he assured.

Yashaswi Somashekar noted that the MUDA has received an application for a site from the Kodava Ex-Servicemen Association. “We will discuss the issue at the MUDA meeting on Feb. 4 and decide on the allotment,” he said.

Corporators M.U. Subbaiah, Rangaswamy, Ravindra and Pramila Bharat, Vidya Vikas Educational Trust Secretary Kaveesh Gowda, Kodava Samaja President Mechanda Shashi Ponnappa, Vice-President Malachira Ponnappa, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa,  Fans Club President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 23rd, 2023

They are all my sons: What Field Marshal K M Cariappa told Ayub Khan

Field Marshal K M Cariappa the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army was responsible for eradicating caste and creed from the Indian Army. He remains one of India’s bravest sons.

New Delhi :

January 28 2023 marks the 124th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

When it comes to Field Marshal K M Cariappa, there are many stories. Prior to becoming the Army Chief, FM Carrriappa led the Indian forces on the western front during the India-Pakistan War of 1947. He played a major role in recapturing Drass, Kargil and Zojila.

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa

Another fine achievement of FM Cariappa was that he kept politics away from the Indian Army. He also introduced inclusivity by doing away with caste and creed. In this regard, he raised the Brigade of The Guards in 1949.

The soldiers were his sons: This story will go on to show how important the nation and soldiers were for Field Marshal K M Cariappa. It was 1965, the last day of the war between India and Pakistan. FM Cariappa’s son, then Squadron Leader K C Cariappa of the Indian Air Force was flying near the border, when his plane was shot down. He was taken prisoner by the Pakistan Army.

At that time, Cariappa was a retired General of the Indian Army. He was conferred the title of Field Marshal in the year 1986.

When K C Cariappa was being interrogated, he only revealed his name, rank and unit number. That is when the jail guards rushed to his cell to ask if he was the son of K M Cariappa.

K C Cariappa recalled (https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/when-i-was-a-prisoner-of-war-in-pakistan/295045), he gave his name, rank and number. I was asked if I was related to General Cariappa. I feigned a faint because of the pain, or maybe I did pass out. The next thing I knew was that I was lying on the back of a jeep and was being questioned by a Brigadier.

After he confirmed that he is the son of General Cariappa, the news reached up to Ayub Khan who at that time was the military leader of Pakistan. Khan announced on radio that K C Cariappa had been captured by his forces and that he was in safe custody.

Khan offered to release K C Cariappa because he is the son of General Cariappa. He even ordered the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to personally meet with General Cariappa and brief him about his health.

General Cariappa declined the offer by saying all soldiers were his sons, and all of them should be looked after well by Pakistan.

K C Cariappa revealed years after his release that his dad was a man of high principles. For him his son and all other soldiers were the same. I was released with all others even though Ayub Khan was his junior and was close to him. Despite that he refused to get me released Air Marshal (retd) K C Cariappa.

source: http://www.oneindia.com / One India / Home> News> India / by One India Correspondent / January 28th, 2023

124th Birth Anniversary Of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa

Mysore/Mysuru: 

Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club, will celebrate the 124th birth anniversary of  Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle (Metropole Circle) in city tomorrow (Jan.28) at 8.30 am.

MP Pratap Simha, MLAs L. Nagendra and G.T. Devegowda, Mayor Shivakumar, former MLA Vasu, MCDCC Bank President G.D. Harish Gowda, Ex-Mayors M.J. Ravikumar and H.N. Srikantaiah will be the chief guests.

Corporators M. U. Subbaiah and Pramila Bharat, Samaja President Mechanda Shashi Ponnappa, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa and Fans Club President Nayakanda Thimmaiah will be present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 27th, 2023

Australian Open 2023 | Sania-Bopanna pair reaches mixed doubles final

Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna reached the mixed doubles final of the 2023 Australian Open in Sania’s final Grand Slam appearance.

Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna of India converse during the mixed doubles semifinals against Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk at the 2023 Australian Open on January 25, 2023 | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Playing the last Grand Slam tournament of her career, Sania Mirza earned the chance to win her seventh major title by reaching the Australian Open mixed doubles final with compatriot Rohan Bopanna here on Wednesday.

The unseeded Indian pair knocked out third seeds Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski 7-6(5) 6-7(5) 10-6 in the semifinal that lasted one hour and 52 minutes.

Sania has won three women’s doubles and as many mixed doubles titles in her career while Bopanna has won one mixed doubles title.

Sania has announced that the WTA event in Dubai in February will be her swansong.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by PTI / January 25th, 2023

Spices Board to hold buyer-seller meet in Madikeri on Jan. 24

It will provide a common platform for buyers and sellers of the spice industry to interact directly and establish effective business linkages.

The Spices Board of India will be holding a buyer-seller meet for spices at Hilldale resorts in Madikeri on January 24.

A press statement from the Assistant Director of Spices Board of India’s Divisional Office in Madikeri said the buyer-seller meet, which will be held between 10.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., will provide a common platform for buyers and sellers of the spice industry to interact directly and establish effective business linkages.

The Spices Board India, which functions under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, in its statement, pointed out that Karnataka holds a significant position in spice production in India by being a major producer of ginger and black pepper.

Karnataka also produces other spices such as cardamom, chillies, turmeric, garlic, coriander, nutmeg, clove, tamarind etc. During the year 2021-22, the State produced 7,09,546 metric tonnes of spices from an area of 3,75,082 hectares, the statement added.

Spices Board India, a flagship organisation for the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices, said India’s spices exports with “a volume of 15,31,154 metric tonnes, valued at ₹30,576 crore during 2021-22, scaled the landmark level of USD 4.102 million in value realisation, besides recording a growth rate of 26.76 per cent, 38 per cent in rupee terms and 32 per cent in dollar terms, compared to 2019-20, despite the global pandemic situation”.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 21st, 2023

KVIC through RE-HAB project of the Honey Mission Programme aims to reduce elephant attacks on humans and farmers’ crops

Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC distributed live Bee Colonies, Bee-keeping equipment and 200 Bee-Boxes to the trained beneficiaries at Sulia at Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka under the RE-HAB Project, an initiative under the Honey Mission Programme of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Under the Project RE-HAB, “Bee-fences” are created by setting up bee boxes in the passage ways of elephants to block their entrance to human habitats. The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from moving further.

This is a cost-effective way of reducing human-wild conflicts without causing any harm to the animal. It is scientifically recorded that elephants   fear the bee swarms that can bite their sensitive inner side of the trunk and eyes. The collective buzz of the bees annoys elephants which force them to return.

Speaking on this occasion Shri Manoj Kumar said “It was seen that Bees help the farmers in arresting the encroachment of elephants in their agricultural fields and destroy them.Not only this, some precious lives are also lost in that condition. Taking an initiative, KVIC initiated a pilot project with the Technical assistance of the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Kodagu District and the results were encouraging. Hence, 6 such projects were sanctioned in the most wanted states namely Assam, Maharastra, west Bengal, Orissa, Uttarkhand apart from Karnataka.”

  Under the RE-HAB farmers are trained in bee-keeping and each of them are supplied with 10 Bee boxes and installed in the elephant corridors so bee boxes and bee hives are placed in the Elephant corridor to restrict elephants from approaching the agricultural field.  This Pilot project has shown very good results in Ponnampet. This project has also helped in the increasing agricultural output due to enhanced pollination as well as Honey Extraction, he informed.

Chairman, KVIC also emphasised the farmers to take benefit of the scheme for it’s long-term advantages. Speaking on this occasion he also shared in details  about the PMEGP Scheme ok KVIC which  has enhanced Loan ceiling  from Rs 25.00 Lakhs to Rs 50.00 by the Prime Minister and encouraged the women and rural youth to take up the scheme.

(Release ID: 1892452)

source: http://www.pib.gov.in / Press Information Bureau, New Delhi / Home / byu Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises / January 20th, 2023

Ensure speedy disbursal of amenities and services, officials told

Upa Lokayukta K.N. Phaneendra is on a three-day tour of Kodagu district.

Upa Lokayukta K.N. Phaneendra (second from left) receiving grievances from the public in Madikeri on Saturday, January 21. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Upa Lokayukta K.N. Phaneendra said in Madikeri on Saturday, January 21, that officials should ensure prompt service to the public within a definite time frame.

He was speaking before receiving public grievances at the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat auditorium in Madikeri. Mr. Phaneendra said those in public life should be responsible to the society around them and should promptly deliver the services excepted of them by the beneficiaries without entailing delay.

The Upa Lokayukta – who is on a 3-day tour of the district, said the Constitution of India has bestowed rights to every citizen besides specifying duties and it was imperative on everyone to abide by it for the all round progress of the country. The citizens are entitled to receive benefits of various programmes of the government and officials should ensure that the benefits reach the last man and cover every beneficiary, said Mr. Phaneendra.

He said in case there were discrepancies in service delivery or there was dereliction of duty then the public can complain to the Lokayukta which will conduct an inquiry and submit a report to the government directing appropriate action to resolve the issue.

The Upa Lokayukta said the public could file complaints in case of violation of individual or community rights and said that those holding public office should not betray the trust reposed in them by the people.

With reference to the grievances, Mr. Phaneendra received 39 grievances and they were inquired in to on the spot. He also directed the KSRTC to operate a bus service to the Zilla Panchayat office every half an hour as it was located on the town outskirts.

Mr. Phaneendra later said he was touring the districts to create greater awareness among the public about the function of Lokayukta and its responsibilities. There are people in rural areas who are not aware of the existence of the Lokayukta, he added.

The Upa Lokayuta also held an interaction with officials later in the day as some of them could not attend the morning’s programme as they were part of the Deputy Commissioner’s rural visit.

He said that he has toured six districts so far and the number of complaints in Kodagu were less than expected. He has already covered Mandya, Kolar, Chickballapur, Ramanagara and Chamarajanagar and there was overwhelming response in those districts. Head of the Enquiry Wing Chennakeshava Reddy, Public Prosecutor of Karnataka Lokayukta D. Narayan, Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish, District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary K.B. Prasad, Superintendent of Police M.A. Ayyappa, ZP CEO S. Akash and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kolkata / by The Hindu Bureau / January 21st, 2023