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War Hero, Son Of Kodagu Lt. General B.C. Nanda Passes Away

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LtGenNandaKF08jan2019

Madikeri:

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Biddanda Chengappa Nanda passed away last evening in Madikeri. He was 87. Family sources said that he was suffering from age-related ailments and died en-route to a private hospital in Mysuru. He is survived by his wife and four daughters and one of his daughters Shalini Nanda Nagappa is a well-known Canada-based food blogger.

The last rites were scheduled to be performed after 3 pm today at his residence on Abbey Falls Road, with full military honours. Senior officers of the Army are expected to pay their last respects to the decorated soldier.

One of the most loved military officers from Kodagu district who served in the Indian Defence, Nanda rose to eminence in the Army. He served as the Army Commander, Northern Command and settled down in Kodagu after his retirement and was involved in many social service activities.

He was born to Biddanda S. Chengappa and Bollavva couple on May 12, 1931. Bollavva was the sister of Field Marshal (first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army) Kodandera M. Cariappa. Nanda had served in the Army between 1951 and 1989.

Nanda’s father Chengappa was the Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Chengappa also served as a forest officer in Commonwealth Nations and had given priority to forest conservation.

A college in Coimbatore is named after Chengappa. Also, the biggest bridge in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Austin Bridge) connecting Middle and North Andaman Islands is named as Chengappa Bridge as Chengappa, in the capacity of a forest officer, prepared a working plan for these islands.

After completing his primary schooling in Madikeri, Nanda moved to Madras and later to Dehradun for his higher education. He also did his higher education in Royal College of Defence in London.

Close associates of Nanda said that the Indian Military Academy was situated in front of his house while he was pursuing his post-graduation at Dehradun. He was inspired by military officials at the Academy. Though his family wanted him to be a doctor, Nanda was attracted to the military and subsequently joined the Indian Army.

When Nanda was the Army Commander, Siachen was occupied by Pakistan in June 1987. He ordered his troops to evict them from Siachen and for the first time Siachen, the world’s highest Army post, was occupied by the Indian Army. Subedar Bana Singh captured “Quaid Post” after defeating Pakistan and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Today, “Quaid Post” is named as “Bana Singh Post”.

For his contribution to India’s military might, Lt. Gen. Nanda was honoured with Param Visishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and Athi Visishist Seva Medal (AVSM). He was an ardent lover of sports and attended hockey, football and cricket tournaments in various parts of Kodagu, post his retirement. Nanda was a voice of ex-servicemen and pressed for various demands for the benefit of ex-servicemen.

General Nanda headed the Kodagu Natural Sciences Society which was set up to trace the origin of Kodavas by ascertaining the ancestry, customs, culture, language and a study of genealogy by the Kodagu Natural Sciences Research Society. He spent his autumn years in his residence at Abbey Falls Road.

General Nanda had participated in the function held last year to unveil the statues of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and Gen K.S. Thimayya at Cauvery College, Gonikoppal. He was seen wearing traditional Kodava dress, greeting Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 13th, 2018

Joshna Chinappa pledges her eyes

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports
Chennai, 03/01/2019 : Joshna Chinappa, International Squash player pledging her eyes during an eye donation awareness campaign held in Chennai on Thursday. Looking on are (From Left) Mohan Rajan, Chairman, Rajan Eye Care Hospital and Dr. Sujatha Mohan, Medical Director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital. Photo : S. R. Raghunathan | Photo Credit: S_R_Raghunathan
Chennai, 03/01/2019 : Joshna Chinappa, International Squash player pledging her eyes during an eye donation awareness campaign held in Chennai on Thursday. Looking on are (From Left) Mohan Rajan, Chairman, Rajan Eye Care Hospital and Dr. Sujatha Mohan, Medical Director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital. Photo : S. R. Raghunathan | Photo Credit: S_R_Raghunathan

Joins the list of prominent sports personalities who are part of the eye bank

Squash champion Joshna Chinappa became the latest celebrity to pledge her eyes in a long list of Ambassadors for the Rotary Rajan Eye Bank.

Ms. Chinappa, who has won several trophies as a squash player, became the ‘Eye Bank Sight Ambassador’ by pledging her eyes at a function held at the Rajan Eye Care Hospital recently.

She joins the list of sports personalities, including Vijay Amritraj, Ashwin Ravichandran and Syed Kirmani, to be part of the eye bank.

Mohan Rajan, chairman and medical director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital, said in a country like India where more than 25 lakh people suffer from corneal blindness, donation of cornea could help in making these people see the world through the donor’s eyes.

Celebrities like Joshna could help in creating more awareness among people to come forward to donate their eyes after their death, he said.

Ms. Chinappa said it was an honour to pledge her eyes for a noble cause.

Sujatha Mohan also participated in the function held at the hospital.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – January 06th, 2019

CNC welcomes Kodava genealogy study

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

The Codava National Council (CNC) has welcomed the state government’s move to restart the study on Kodava genealogy.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, CNC President N U Nachappa said, “The study on genealogy is essential to preserve Kodava community. The study was halted in the past and has now been revived.”

The CNC had been demanding Kodava genealogy study for the last several years.

“The study should be completed at the earliest. In the past, the state government had entrusted the responsibility of the study to Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute, Mysuru, and the government had released Rs 11 lakh for the purpose.

However, owing to the conspiracy of a few, the study was stopped abruptly. Now, the study on genealogy has been revived once again,” added Nachappa.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mysuru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / January 06th, 2019

Snehakoota donates money to flood victims

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
The flood victims who received financial aid from Snehakoota Kshemabhivridhi Sangha in Kodagu.
The flood victims who received financial aid from Snehakoota Kshemabhivridhi Sangha in Kodagu.

Snehakoota Kshemabhivridhi Sangha, an association of Chikkamagaluru police and retired police personnel, has donated a total of Rs 3.55 lakh to the flood victims in Kodagu.

Snehakoota President M K Madhu said the members of the association had donated the money.

Snehakoota President M K Madhu, Vice Presidents Mahadevaswamy, K M Yogish, Treasurer A D Suresh and Directors Jayanna and Shashidhar visited various villages in Kodagu to identify genuine victims and to hand over the amount.

They visited Udayagiri, 2nd Monnangeri, Jodupala, Hemmathala, Madenadu and Kalooru villages in the district and collected information about the background of the affected families. After estimating the losses and income sources of the victims, the amount has been distributed among 15 families. Each family was given a sum of Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> District / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / January 02nd, 2019

3-day Pravasi Utsav in Kodagu from Jan 11

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K Lakshmipriya speaks at a preparatory meeting in Madikeri on Wednesday.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K Lakshmipriya speaks at a preparatory meeting in Madikeri on Wednesday.

A three-day Pravasi Utsav will be held in Kodagu district from January 11 to 13.

The officials should make all the preparations for the success of the Utsav. Wide publicity should be given to ensure that a large number of tourists take part in the fest, said Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K Lakshmipriya.

Speaking at a preparatory meeting on Wednesday, she said public participation in the Utsav was a must.

Deputy Director of Tourism Department H P Janardhan said a variety of cultural programmes would be held from 6 pm to 10 pm on all the days. In addition, food stalls will be set up and exhibition on handicrafts and others will also be held.

The Department of Animal Husbandry will organise a dog show on January 12. The Horticulture Department will organise fruits and flowers show on all the three days at Raja Seat in Madikeri from January 11, he added.

An open street festival will be held from 8 am onwards on January 13. Yoga demonstration will also be held at 8 am on January 13, Janardhan said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinivasan directed the officials to make arrangements for the opening of stalls for the exhibitions.

“Sanitation and cleanliness should be given priority. Further, e-toilets should be set up,” he added.

AC T Javare Gowda, DySP Sundarraj and others were present.

source: http://www.decccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Districts / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri – January 02nd, 2019

‘Kodagu’ tourists flood the hills

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Recalling that the district administration had banned tourists from Kodagu from August 16 to September 9 until the roads were restored.

Sa Ra Mahesh said, ''After all this effort we are seeing good inflow of tourists now''.
Sa Ra Mahesh said, ”After all this effort we are seeing good inflow of tourists now”.

Devastated by floods and landslides in August, Kodagu has returned to normalcy with its hotels, resorts, lodges and homestays filling up once again this holiday season thanks to the efforts of the district administration and tourism department.

The 200 hotels lodges and resorts and 4000 homestays of Kodagu have reported 85 to 90 per cent occupancy since December 22 and there is expected to be no let-up till January 1, according to stakeholders in the tourism industry.

But the revival of the tourism industry has not been without effort as the hotels, lodges and resorts which usually charged double their actual room rent end of the year in the past, have this year offered huge discounts of 25 to 50 per cent, reveals honorary advisor of the Kodagu District Resorts, Hotels and Restaurants’ Association, Chidvilas.

Recalling that the district administration had banned tourists from Kodagu from August 16 to September 9 until the roads were restored after the floods and landslides, he says hardly any tourists visited the district in the next few months. But later, tourism minister, Sa Ra Mahesh took special interest and along with the Kodagu district administration began the “Kodagu is Back” campaign in 30 languages on social media to woo them back. ” We also came up with four short films to promote Kodagu as a destination for families, couples, and adventure and nature and yoga enthusiasts on social media,” he explains.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and the scion of the Mysuru royal famil, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who is the tourism ambassador for the Mysuru- Kodagu also gave voice-overs for the short films and the tourism department promoted the district at the Delhi airport and held a “Destination Kodagu” road show in Chennai.

“After all this effort we are seeing good inflow of tourists now. But after January 1 the bookings are still not good enough,” he regrets, adding that an open street festival will be held early next year to draw more tourists to the district.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / by Shilpa P, Deccan Chronicle / January 01st, 2019

Arjun Devaiah urges students to keep away from mobile culture

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

Addressing students of various colleges, he narrated his journey into athletics, which laid the foundation for a long-lasting career.

At BU, athlete Arjun Devaiah emphasised the importance of physical activity in daily life
At BU, athlete Arjun Devaiah emphasised the importance of physical activity in daily life

Bengaluru :

Bangalore University, in collaboration with the Centre for Educational and Social Studies (CESS), organised a talk by Arjuna-awardee and international athlete Arjun Devaiah on Saturday at Venkatagiri Gowda Auditorium, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore University.

Addressing students of various colleges, he narrated his journey into athletics, which laid the foundation for a long-lasting career.An acclaimed athlete, Devaiah is a national record holder in 4*100 metres and 4*100 metres relay race. He is the only person in Indian sports history to hold these records simultaneously. Now, he is focusing on youth empowerment and has become a motivational speaker.

Devaiah insisted that students should keep away from the mobile phone culture, and instead, spend time engaging in activities. “Everyone should spend at least one hour on physical activities every day,” he said.
The event was presided over by HN Ramesh, principal, University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering; R Srinivas, head of Phys-Ed Department, National Service Scheme; Manasa Nagabhushanam, director, CESS.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 31st, 2018

Tourists flock Madikeri to spend holidays

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy
Tourists at Raja Seat in Madikeri on Tuesday.
Tourists at Raja Seat in Madikeri on Tuesday.

Tourists have been visiting Madikeri in large numbers to spend their Christmas holidays and to celebrate the new year.

A large number of tourists visited Raja Seat, Omkareshwara temple, Abbey falls, Madikeri Fort, Dubare, Harangi dam, Talacauvery, Bhagamandala and Irpu.

Following landslides in Kodagu, the turnout of tourists had decreased drastically, which had worried the resort and homestay owners.

The long holidays for government offices, banks, schools and colleges, has made the tourists happy.

Commercial establishments at General Thimayya Road, Kohinoor Road, bus stand and hotels made brisk business.

In some hotels, meals were not available after 2 pm. The hotel owners said that there was a problem in preparing meals as the number of tourists had increased suddenly.

Tourists from different places enjoyed the traditional Kodava cuisine.

There was an increase in the traffic density on the roads. Police had a hard time controlling traffic movement, especially on Monday night.

The shopkeepers and hoteliers are expecting more people in the coming days till the end of the year.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Districts / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri – December 25th, 2018

Censor Board Rejects Kodava Movie Due To Colour Grading!

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

KodavaFilmKF31dec2018

None of the five members, who watched the film ‘Paarane’ to certify, knew Kodava language

Mysuru:

Kodava film ‘Paarane’ that has been screened in several National and International Film Festivals cannot be screened in the upcoming Bengaluru International Film Festival. Reason: Regional Office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has rejected certification for the movie because the members who watched it did not like the colour grading and the long-duration shots in it.

Shockingly, none of the people at CBFC who watched the movie knew Kodava language, which is crucial to make a decision of issuing certification! Now, forget Bengaluru International Film Fest, the movie-makers cannot even apply for National Film Awards without a CBFC certificate.

‘Paarane’, directed by Shreelesh S. Nair, tells the story of struggle by people from a village named Paarane for their existence and entity. Encroachers attack and try to destroy their native natural resources in the name of business. Realising this, the protagonists revolt against the invaders. The high-point of the film is that it is made on a shoestring budget of merely Rs. 3 lakh, as claimed by the Director. None of the actors were professionally into films and it introduces many new actors. Its duration is 1 hour and 32 minutes.

Nair, who is from Kerala and currently a resident of Bengaluru, said that the movie cast people from Paarane village and filmed around Kodagu district with sync sound. ‘Paarane’ has won the Certificate of Achievement at the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival. The film also participated in the Kolkata International Film Festival and has been selected for the Golden Grand Film Festival, Redwood Film Festival and Eurasian Film Festival.

Shreelesh S. Nair
Shreelesh S. Nair

“A Kodava language film making it to film festivals, which is first time in India, has definitely excited the team. It has been nominated at Indonesia Film Festival and a small festival to be held in Berlin,” Nair said.

Tasting success at International level, Nair approached CBFC’s Regional Office in Bengaluru for certification. “None of the five members, including the Regional Officer, who watched ‘Paarane’ knew Kodava language. The film has only 11 shots in it and the CBFC objected to it. I was asked why there were no close-up shots of actors,” Nair said.

“Shockingly, a CBFC official who objected to the colour grading, said why was Coorg not looking beautiful and I told him that was the way I have made the film. The official insisted that he has rules to follow and cannot certify any film and I told him to please show me the rule book. Only if rules are made public filmmakers can know what kind of films CBFC object to,” Nair said.

Nair, who took objection to the way he was treated at Regional Office of CBFC, was told to go to court or appeal to CBFC head office in Mumbai. And for that he needs Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000. “I made the movie in a small budget of Rs. 3 lakh and I don’t have the resources for the appeal and to go to the court,” he said.

Advocates who are in the know of CBFC guidelines said that the CBFC can reject a scene when it is vulgar, if it provokes communal tensions or threatens to damage the sovereignty or integrity of India or extremely and unnecessarily violent.

The CBFC does not have powers to reject certification on a movie’s total length or dull colour as it amounts to denying freedom of expression of the film-maker, lawyers said.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 28th, 2018

WATCH: Kidambi Srikanth, Ashwini Ponnappa disguise themselves as old people to prank kids

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Kidambi Srikanth and Ashwini Ponnappa turned out to be amazing pranksters as they tricked a bunch of kids at a badminton academy in Secunderabad, disguised as old people.

Kidambi Srikanth and Ashwini Ponappa played a prank on young kids.
Kidambi Srikanth and Ashwini Ponappa played a prank on young kids.

Indian badminton stars Kidambi Srikanth and Ashwini Ponnappa turned out to be amazing pranksters as they tricked a bunch of kids at a badminton academy in Secunderabad, disguised as old people.

The two proved that they are not only ace badminton players but also brilliant actors when they disguised themselves as an old couple and went to the Garuda Badminton Academy, pleading for a few minutes of playtime with the kids training there.

Granted five minutes of playing time, rather half-heartedly, the two seemed to annoy the kids by showing some poor badminton skills, pretending they have back-ache, before unleashing their true self to a loud cheer from everyone watching at the academy. The kids later ran towards Srikanth and Ponnappa as they removed their mask to reveal who they were, asking for autographs.

Srikanth and Ponnappa, who are currently playing the fourth season of the Pro Badminton League, are not the only athletes to have carried out such a stint. Football star Cristiano Ronaldo had once disguised himself as a bearded homeless man and embarassed a kid on the street with his skills.

Ashwini Ponappa is playing for Hyderabad Warriors in the Pro Badminton League season four while Kidambi Srikanth represents Bengaluru Raptors.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Sports / by Sports Desk / December 29th, 2018