This 2025 year of our Lord, a Kannadiga writer Banu Mushtaq of Hassan, Karnataka, has won the coveted International Booker Prize for her book ‘Heart Lamp.’ The whole world loves the winner. Congratulating her many times over. She has become the literary celebrity of the English-speaking world. And the pride of Karnataka.

‘Heart Lamp’ is a Kannada book of 12 short stories. It is translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, a daughter of Kodagu, Karnataka. She too has become a celebrity and  is much acclaimed as a translator.

This Prize is awarded by the Booker Prize Foundation, UK, annually to honour the best translated work of fiction into English language from any language. For this reason, the award amount (50,000 British Pounds) is shared equally between the author and the translator. So here is my congratulations to Deepa Bhasthi too.

Banu Mushtaq, 77, (born 3rd April 1948) is a prolific writer, social activist, a lawyer and perceived to be a person who is ideologically left of centre. She herself is an acknowledged translator, her major translated work, along with B. Jayacharya, from Persian to Kannada, is a 18-Volume book, ‘Tarikh-e-Farishta,’ about the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur (now Vijayapura district).

When I first heard of the news about this translated work winning the award, I thought of James Boswell, famous for his biography of  Samuel Johnson — ‘Life of Samuel Johnson.’

Samuel Johnson was the author of Johnson’s English Dictionary, the first one of its kind — “A Dictionary for the English Language.” However, he became known all over the English-speaking world only after James Boswell wrote his biography, considered a literary classic. It is said, but for James Boswell writing the biography with great literary flourish and scholarship, Samuel Johnson would not have become famous at all.

Reading the news of Booker Prize I said to myself: Ah! Here in Deepa Bhasthi, Banu Mushtaq has found her Boswell. Such serendipitous events happen in people’s life that make them unexpectedly, suddenly famous and known to the world. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa came to be known world over only after the famous French author Romain Rolland wrote his biography. Let it be.

Comparing the biography by James Boswell to this translated book might be odious here as it is not compatible. However, the reality here is the fact that but for Deepa Bhasthi translating Banu Mushtaq’s stories into English in a competent manner, to the level of winning a prize, this book would not have won the award at all.

Remember, Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa, a towering name in Kannada literature, one of the most productive writers in Kannada, whose books are translated into many Indian languages, also got translated into English. So also Dr. U.R. Ananthamurthy’s. They could not get the award — either this or any other. Therefore, one extra hurrah to Deepa Bhasthi who made possible what seemed impossible for Kannada.

e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home > Abracadabra by K B Ganapathy> Columns / May 25th, 2025

Madikeri:  

With the early onset of monsoon, a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) landed in Kodagu district on Sunday night to take precautionary and relief measures during the monsoon.

Since its arrival from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, the team, comprising the 10th Battalion of NDRF, has been camping at ‘Maitri’ Police Samudaya Bhavan at the district headquarters in Madikeri. The team members will work with  co-ordination in rescue and relief operations when natural disasters like mud slips, landslides, flooding, house collapse, caving of roads etc., are expected to happen due to  heavy rainfall during the season.

The Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Home Guards, Revenue, Gram Panchayats and other concerned State Government bodies will join hands with the NDRF team for quick response during natural disasters and in rescue and relief operations.

No entry to water bodies

Meanwhile, in view of heavy rains, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja has issued orders banning public from entering water bodies. The order comes into immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

The Deputy Commissioner, in the order issued on Monday, has prohibited public and tourist entry to all water falls, rivers, streams, rivulets, public ponds, dams and reservoir areas across Kodagu district. Also, swimming, diving or undertaking any adventure activities in these water bodies is strictly forbidden. Any violations will attract penal action under Section 51(B) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, along with other relevant provisions of the Law, the order said.

Movement of heavy vehicles restricted

Additionally, the DC, who also heads the Regional Transport Authority, has restricted movement of certain categories of heavy vehicles in the district from June 6 to July 5. The restriction applies to timber and sand lorries, goods carriers with a registered weight exceeding 18,500 kgs, bullet tankers, ship cargo containers and long chassis (multi-axle) vehicles.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 27th, 2025

Happy Birthday Gulshan Devaiah: With dreams in his eyes, Devaiah came to Mumbai in 2008 and marked his Bollywood debut with Anurag Kashyap’s That Girl in Yellow Boots in 2010.

Happy Birthday Gulshan Devaiah: The actor will turn 47 on May 28, 2025. (Image: Instagram/gulshandevaiah78)

Happy Birthday Gulshan Devaiah: Bollywood actor Gulshan Devaiah will be celebrating his 47th birthday on May 28. Known for his unwavering dedication, willingness to experiment, and ability to breathe life into diverse characters, the actor has carved a niche for himself by continuously pushing the bar with his film choices. From his roles ranging from a four-cut Atmaram in Guns and Gulaabs to a serious cop in Dahaad, he has always kept the audience hooked with his impeccable acting skills across different genres.

The actor graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and worked for ten years in the fashion industry. His passion for acting began with minor roles at an English theatre in Bengaluru. He honed his skills by performing in various dramas before taking the plunge into the vast world of Bollywood. With dreams in his eyes, Devaiah came to Mumbai in 2008 and marked his Bollywood debut with Anurag Kashyap’s neo-noir thriller named That Girl in Yellow Boots in 2010.

Now, as he turns a year older, let’s go down memory lane and check some of his top web series that prove his versatility and learn more about his upcoming projects:

Gulshan Devaiah Birthday: Top Web Series

1. Guns and Gulaabs (2023): This has to be in Gulshan Devaiah’s top web series repertoire. The comedy crime thriller was one of the biggest hits of the actor’s career, and we can’t agree more. Created and directed by Raj and DK, the series is based on the 90s world of crime and violence. The show follows three characters — an honest police officer, a reluctant kingpin and a lovelorn mechanic — who get tangled up in a major drug racket. Guns & Gulaabs also stars talented actors like Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, Satish Kaushik, Rajkummar Rao, Goutam Sharma, TJ Bhanu, Gourav Sharma and Sanchay Goswami in lead roles.

1. Duranga (2022): The series is an official adaptation of the South Korean suspense melodrama TV show, Flower of Evil. Co-starring Drashti Dhami, the 9-part series is a suspense thriller with many twists and turns. The ZEE5 Original Series, directed by Pradeep Sarkar and Aijaz Khan and produced by Goldie Behl, also stars Abhijit Khandkekar, Barkha Sengupta, Rajesh Khattar, Divya Seth and Zakir Hussain.

1. Dahaad (2023): While this gritty web series was billed as a Sonakshi Sinha show, Gulshan Devaiah was the uncrowned king in Dahaad. The film, directed by Ruchika Oberoi and Reema Kagti, is inspired by serial killer Mohan Kumar, also known as Cyanide Mohan, who preyed on women in the hopes of marrying them. In the gripping crime thriller, he aced his role as Inspector Devilal Singh, a cop who is chasing a serial killer. Dahaad also featured Vijay Varma and Sohum Shah in key roles.

1. Bad Cop (2024): Anurag Kashyap and Gulshan Devaiah teamed up for Disney+ Hotstar’s series Bad Cop. This web series is an adaptation of RTL’s 2017 German show Bad Cop: Kriminell Gut. Penned by Rensil D’Silva and directed by Aditya Datt, the Indian version shows Anurag portray the role of a villain, Kazbe, while Gulshan Devaiah takes on the challenging role of Karan, an intense cop determined to arrest Kazbe. The cast also features Saurabh Sachdeva, Harleen Sethi, and Aishwarya Sushmita in pivotal roles.

1. Afsos (2020): Another must-watch web series of the actor is Afsos. This dark comedy, written by Anirban Dasgupta, Dibya Chatterjee and Sourav Ghosh, chronicles the journey of Nakul (Gulshan Devaiah), a struggling writer. After all his attempts to die by suicide are somehow thwarted, he decides to hire an assassin to end his life. But when he realises he is nearing his death, he has a change of mind. However, the assassin has a rule: he never leaves his job undone.

Gulshan Devaiah Birthday: Upcoming Projects

• Guns & Gulaabs Season 2: Buckle up, as the Netflix series Guns and Gulaabs is going to make a much-anticipated return soon. The makers have earlier announced the exciting news of the upcoming second season through social media platforms. Netflix shared a distinctive teaser in the platform’s signature style. The clip introduced the actors reprising their roles – Rajkummar Rao as Paana Tipu, Dulquer Salmaan as Arjun Varma, Adarsh Gourav as Jugnu and Gulshan Devaiah as Cut Atmaram, along with other actors from Season 1.

• The Nexus: Shadows of Destiny: Next, the actor has this thriller drama in his pipeline. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vicky Kaushal and Sharvari, the film shows how interconnected strangers’ lives get intertwined through their choices and secrets, unknowingly impacting one another. It leads to unexpected revelations and narrative twists that reshape their destinies in surprising ways. The film also features Sharad Kelkar and Vijay Raaz in significant roles.

• Golmaal Gharana: Helmed by Amardeep Gulati, this quirky and hilarious film is about an eccentric joint family living in an ancestral haveli in Lucknow. The story, featuring Nana Patekar, Vijay Raaz and Barkha Bisht in lead roles, revolves around their madcap schemes to save their home from being taken over by a greedy builder while dealing with their hilarious misunderstandings and personal quirks.

• Therapy Sherapy: Gulshan also has this OTT series, Therapy Sherapy, which explores mental health and human relationships based on a nuclear family. The Palak Bhambri show features an ensemble cast including Neha Dhupia, Gulshan Devaiah, Manoj Pahwa and others.

source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> Showsha> English Edition / by Bhaswati Sengupta / May 28th, 2025

The district administration in Kodagu has set up helpline 08272-221077 to enable the public and officials to share information pertaining to heavy rains following the onset of monsoon.

In a review meeting conducted in Madikeri on Tuesday, the district in-charge secretary, N.V. Prasad, said that, in addition to the helpline, a WhatsApp number 8550001077 has also been enabled to facilitate the public and officials to share information related to disasters caused by heavy rains.

In addition to the above, disaster management helpline centers have been opened at various taluks — the numbers are Madikeri – 08272-228396; Virajpet – 08274-257328; Somwarpet– 08276-282045; Kushalnagar– 08276-200198; Ponnampet – 08274-249700.

To ensure greater coordination and efficiency among officials, instructions were issued to form WhatsApp groups for officials at the taluk level involving tahsildars, taluk panchayat executive officers, PDOs, gram panchayat secretaries, public works department, panchayat raj engineers, police, fire department, village assistants, and home guards. The nodal officers, already appointed at the district level, will coordinate with taluk-level officials to ensure effective disaster management, Mr. Prasad said.

Instructions were issued to ensure the immediate clearing of the roads and removal of the fallen trees, electricity poles, restoration of power supply, etc. If required, the local authorities should also open temporary relief centres and people living in vulnerable areas should be asked to relocate in case of intensification of rains, according to Mr. Prasad.

Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja said that there was no dearth of funds to take up relief measures, and the district administration had Rs 40 crore for managing natural disasters.

He pointed out that due to strong winds, trees have fallen on houses resulting in the death of two persons while 23 houses have suffered damaged. Relief was being paid as per government guidelines, said Mr. Venkataraja.

The DC said that areas prone to landslides and floods, have been identified by the Geological Survey of India and the fire department, police rescue teams, and home guards were on a standby to deal with any exigency. In all, 43 flood-prone and 44 landslide-prone areas have been identified, said the Deputy Commissioner.

Attention of the officials was also drawn to the condition of school and college buildings and they were instructed to bring any issues related to structural instability etc, to the higher authorities. The district in charge secretary called for proper implementation of the midday meal schools and ksheera bhagya and called for re-enrolment of children who have dropped out.

The health department officials were instructed to open care centres in every GP limits and ensure availability of essential medicines in areas prone to disaster. In addition, emphasis should also be on tackling infectious diseases common during the monsoon season, the officials were told.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the district administration from various departments.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / May 27th, 2025

Couple in traditional Kodava attire. Credits: Manshi Devaiah

India is home to many distinct groups, often living close together but with unique cultures and histories. One such group is the people of Coorg in Karnataka, also called Kodavas or Coorgs. They are an indigenous populace nestled in the Western Ghats in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Their culture, which includes a history of agriculture and martial traditions, and their social practices, like marrying outside their immediate family but within the larger Coorg community, set them apart from their neighbours. Their origins, however, have long been a puzzle. Are they ancient inhabitants of the region, or did they arrive from somewhere else, perhaps even linked to armies or groups from far-off lands like Greece or Central Asia, as some stories suggest?  

Researchers from the University of Delhi and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, are studying the genetic code of the Kodava people to uncover their past. They collected DNA samples from 144 individuals of Kodava descent. Next, they looked at different types of genetic markers, which are fingerprints in our DNA that identify our ancestry.

Did You Know? Kodavas have distinctive dresses. The men wear wraparound robes called the Kupya (now only seen at ceremonial occasions), and the women with a distinctive style of wearing the sari. The men also have many distinctive practices such as carrying ceremonial knives, and martial war dances.

The team looked at autosomal DNA, the genetic code inherited from both parents. They also used uniparental markers, like mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) passed down from mothers and Y-chromosome DNA passed down only from fathers. By analysing these markers and comparing them to DNA from many other populations across India and the world, they could start piecing together the Coorg story.

They found that instead of one single, uniform group, the genetic data revealed that the present-day Coorg population comprises contributions from three distinct ancient groups, which the researchers labelled Coorg1, Coorg2, and Coorg3. Using computational and statistical methods, the researchers could see how these three genetic groups relate to each other and other populations. When they looked at the overall genetic picture using a technique called PCA (Principal Component Analysis), the Coorg individuals didn’t just form one blob; they separated into three distinct clusters.

Coorg1 individuals tended to cluster closer to some tribal groups from Southern India, like the Palliyar, who are thought to have a lot of ancestry from the earliest people in South Asia called Ancient Ancestral South Indians(ASI). Coorg2 individuals were positioned somewhere in between, showing connections to groups with more ancestry from people who migrated from the north, called Ancestral North Indians (ANI), including some Indo-European caste groups. However, Coorg3 was unique; it didn’t neatly cluster with any modern Eurasian or South Asian population that the scientists compared it to.

Further analysis using ADMIXTURE, which estimates the proportion of different ancestral components in a population, confirmed this. Coorg3 showed a distinct genetic component that wasn’t found in other groups in the same way. Coorg2 looked like a mix, sharing ancestry with Indo-European-like groups and a bit of that unique Coorg3 component. Coorg1 was rich in the South Asian ancestry component, similar to tribal groups, and had very little of the unique Coorg3 component. Interestingly, all three Coorg groups shared some level of the Coorg3 component, suggesting it played a role in their overall history.

The scientists then used different methods to determine when these groups formed and mixed. They found evidence that Coorg1 is an older population that experienced a founder event around 40 generations ago, roughly 1000-1200 years ago, assuming about 25-30 years per generation. A founder event happens when a new population is started by a small number of individuals, leading to reduced genetic diversity and increased relatedness within the group. This explains why Coorg1 showed signs of long-term isolation and higher levels of relatedness compared to many other groups. Their analysis suggested Coorg1’s ancestry could be traced back to a mix involving groups like the Palliyar and Mala, consistent with a link to ancient South Asian populations.

Coorg3 has a different, perhaps even earlier, history in the region. While it shows ancestry from the Indian cline (ANI-ASI mix), the data suggests a more recent pulse of admixture, around 23 generations ago (roughly 600-700 years ago), with a group related to present-day Sikh Jatt people from Northwest India, who represent an ANI-like population. Moreover, some analyses hinted at the possibility of an additional, as-yet-unknown ancient lineage contributing to Coorg3’s genetic makeup. This group also showed signs of significant genetic drift, a phenomenon where random changes in gene frequencies become more pronounced in small or isolated populations. Still, unlike Coorg1, this drift seemed more related to long-term isolation than a single strong founder event.

The genetic story of Coorg2 appears to be the most recent chapter. The research indicates that Coorg2 was formed by the mixing of the older Coorg1 and Coorg3 groups around 11 generations ago (roughly 300-350 years ago). This mixing event likely contributed to the cultural and social similarities observed among Coorgs today, even though their genetic roots are distinct. The Y-chromosome DNA analysis added another layer, suggesting male-mediated migrations from Eurasian and Middle Eastern groups into the region over time, with these men eventually mixing with local South Asian women, whose maternal lineages (seen in mtDNA) are predominantly South Asian.

The research significantly improves our understanding of the history of the Kodavas by providing the first detailed genetic evidence of their population structure and history. Previous ideas about their origins were mainly based on stories or limited historical accounts, lacking scientific backing. This study uses genomic techniques to reveal a complex, multi-layered history that wasn’t previously known. However, the study also highlights a limitation: the genetic findings, particularly the specific ancient origins and mixing events identified, don’t directly match the oral histories or traditional beliefs about Coorg ancestry, such as links to Alexander’s army. Additionally, the suggestion of an unknown ancient lineage in Coorg3 means there are still pieces of the puzzle missing, requiring further research.

Understanding the genetic history of groups like the Coorgs adds crucial detail to the broader picture of human migration and population dynamics in India and globally. It shows how isolation, migration, and mixing events shape the genetic diversity we see today. For the Coorg community itself, this research provides a scientific perspective on their unique identity, showing that their distinctiveness is rooted in a fascinating and complex genetic past. While it doesn’t validate specific historical legends, it offers a new, evidence-based narrative about their deep ancestry, celebrating the diverse threads that weave together to form their unique genetic tapestry. It also underscores the importance of studying isolated populations, as they can hold unique clues about ancient human movements and the processes of genetic change

This article has been edited to correct a typo in the Did You Know section. The error is regretted.

This research article was written with the help of generative AI and edited by an editor at Research Matters.

Source

Unique demographic history and population substructure among the Coorgs of Sout…

source: http://www.researchmatters.in / Research Matters / Home / by Research Matters Staff (Writers), New Delhi / May 23rd, 2025

Demons, gods, public figures, mythological characters, disco dancers, and figures smeared in mud and ash, it resembled a chaotic yet enthralling fashion parade of tribal creativity.

The tribes dressed in eccentric costumes march towards Devarapura to offer exvoto. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

It was a vibrant and eccentric day out for the tribal communities of Kodagu as the unique ‘Bodu Namme’ celebrations concluded on a grand note. Tribes from across the district, and a few from neighbouring regions, gathered at the Devarapura Aiyappa Temple to offer prayers, unlike any other, in the form of abuses directed at the deity.

Dressed in eccentric costumes, hundreds of tribal devotees marched through the streets before reaching Devarapura.

Demons, gods, public figures, mythological characters, disco dancers, and figures smeared in mud and ash, it resembled a chaotic yet enthralling fashion parade of tribal creativity.

The rhythmic beats of their improvised instruments, crafted from plastic bottles and drums, echoed through the village as they hurled verbal tirades at the deity, seeking divine blessings for their community’s welfare.

“This is a unique festival of the tribal community in the district. Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Aiyappa are hurled abuses at by the tribal devotees and they believe that the deities bless the villagers. They dress up in various weird costumes, hurl abuses to the god, and this is a form of ex-voto offering to the deity,” shared Bopanna, a resident of Thithimathi.

While most of the tribal participants are daily wage labourers working in plantations and estates, they take two days off work to participate in the celebration. During this ‘Bedu Habba’, the tribes are accorded special and equal status in society.

“While majority of the times that tribes face exploitation, the two days of the festivity extend them complete freedom to hurl abuses and show their anguish. This ritual has been practised from ancestral times and it is respected by all the communities in the district,” he added.

Over these two days, tribal members momentarily put aside their struggles and challenges, uniting in their tradition of hurling abuses as an act of worship to their indigenous deities.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> ePaper> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 22nd, 2025

The festival unites top brewers and baristas of the country, including experts from global and regional café chains, all showcasing dynamic skills and innovation.

India International Coffee Festival

India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2025, a multi-city event supported by the Coffee Board of India and presented by the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), is back for semi-finals and finals in Bengaluru. The festival unites top brewers and baristas of the country, including experts from global and regional café chains, all showcasing dynamic skills and innovation.

“ From a brewer’s and barista’s perspective, we’re hosting five different competitions at IICF 2025. Starting with the National Barista Championship, it was held for the first time across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. What makes this year special is the kind of participants we’re seeing. The Indian Filter Coffee Championship has also evolved this year. We’ve hosted it outside Bengaluru for the first time, with a round conducted in Coorg. Now, our finalists come from both Coorg and Bengaluru, which brings a richer regional representation,” begins festival curator Sreeram G.

What’s new this edition?

In addition to all the competitions, the festival boasts a special panel discussion aimed at enhancing the knowledge of baristas and enriching the experience of those planning to participate next year. Our favourite one is the panel titled Coffee Brewing with or without Technology, focusing on how to brew coffee both with and without the use of advanced gadgets.

With coffee, workshops, brew bars and everything coffee-related at the core of this event, IICF 2025 also introduces lifestyle elements, food stalls and a wide range of entertainment. These additions make the festival set to become the ultimate destination for coffee lovers, engaging a larger audience and transforming the coffee experience. “From coffee producers to equipment suppliers, IICF 2025 will cover the entire coffee lifecycle. This year, we’re also thrilled to welcome international participants from Brazil and Finland, making their debut at the event,” he shares.

IICF entertainment zone

If you’re planning to attend IICF, come with a strong appetite for coffee because every stall will have something unique and exceptional to offer. One of the highlights is the Specialty Coffee Association of India Pavilion, which will be hosting continuous workshops. These sessions are deeply engaging and a must-visit for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of coffee.

If you are here purely for entertainment purposes, then we suggest dropping by on April 26, as the festival will be brimming with live performances including an exciting blend of music, dance and cultural events. “The highlight of the event will be Kannada rapper and singer All OK, popularly known for tracks like Maryade Prashne, RCB Party Anthem and Mallige Hoova. The festival will also feature a range of dynamic performances, such as the traditional Dollu Kunitha, a puppet dance and Western Troupe Dance. Other exciting performances include Rangageethe and Samanvanya Tarangam,” he concludes.

₹250 onwards. April 25-27, 10 am onwards. At Chamara Vajra, Bellary Road.

source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / Indulge Express, Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Srushti Kulkarni / April 20th, 2025