Planters and father-son duo Vinod Sivappa and Vishal Sivappa donated bicycles to the needy workers and students. DH Photo
Extending a helping hand to the needy students and agricultural labourers, a father-son duo from Suntikoppa have donated new bicycles to labourers and students to help them commute easily.
Planters and father-son duo Vinod Sivappa and Vishal Sivappa donated bicycles to the needy workers and students. DH Photo Extending a helping hand to the needy students and agricultural labourers to reach from one place to another. The livelihood of the labourers, who are dependent on plantation work, was affected due to the lack transportation facility.
Realising this Vishal Sivappa and his father Vinod Sivappa, planters from Suntikoppa, distributed bicycles to the needy workers and students.
Vishal said that his parents and grandparents were involved in social service. During the current situation, people are in need of assistance as their livelihood is affected.
“I see many students walking 5 km to 10 km to their schools and workers in various estates walk several kilometers on a daily basis. Donating bicycles would definitely help them reach their destination much faster. This is very small contribution and I am really happy to help them,” he added.
Vishal’s father Vinod is also engaged in farmer welfare programmes over the past few years. Vinod said that he felt proud to extend his support to his son’s initiatives directed towards the welfare of the needy labourers.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by DHNS / August 12th, 2020
The Tamara Coorg has once again been ranked #1 on Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards List of Top 10 Romantic Hotels in India for the year 2020.
Tripadvisor is the world’s largest travel platform and the Travelers’ Choice Awards is considered one amongst the most prestigious in the travel industry as it is rated by the travelers themselves. This coveted award program celebrates travelers’ favorite hotels, restaurants and airlines around the world, honoring unique businesses every year. The Tamara Coorg has also been ranked #16 on the list of Top 25 luxury hotels in India while The Tamara Kodai launched in 2018 has also made it to the list and has been ranked #20 amongst the Top 25 luxury hotels in India.
The Tamara Coorg is a luxury experience nestled in the heart of the hills, where you can rediscover the joy of being in nature; where your quest for serenity ends. The Tamara Coorg spans 180 acres where you will experience nature and luxury at its best as you wake up to the breathtaking view and the calming silence of the hills, disturbed only by the chirping birds and the rustle of leaves. The unique nature based experiences at The Tamara Coorg includes Forest Therapy, Trekking, Plantation Tours, Blossom to Brew, Bird Watching amongst others.
The exquisite cottages at The Tamara Coorg are designed to provide guests with a rustic, luxurious space to unwind, and enjoy an unmatched view of the hills in the distance, while suspended in nature. Relaxation gets even better at the award-winning spa and wellness centre, The Elevation Spa. It offers signature spa treatments, while the fitness centre includes a steam & sauna, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a Yoga Temple
Ms. Shruti Shibulal, CEO and Director, Tamara Leisure Experiences Pvt. Ltd, said “We are very proud that The Tamara Coorg has been voted #1 in the Best Romantic Hotels in India category for the year 2020. To have the public recognize us for our commitment to providing unforgettable experiences is very meaningful. This recognition is dedicated to our team who are our biggest asset and who have worked passionately to ensure our guests receive warm, personalized and memorable service”.
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best and Travelers’ Choice winners are calculated based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in 2019 from travelers and diners around the world on Tripadvisor. The awards take into account the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings specific to each award category. The hallmark of winners continues to be remarkable service and quality experiences for travelers and diners.
Winners are calculated based on the quality and quantity of the millions of reviews, opinions and ratings collected on Tripadvisor in 2019, prior to the pandemic. With over 8.7 million businesses listed on Tripadvisor, these awards are a testament to the service and quality that winners consistently provide to their guests.
source: http://www.voyagersworld.in / Voyager’s World / Home> Hospitality / by Voyager’s World Bureau / August 07th, 2020
Cooperation Minister S T Somashekhar distributes the cheques to Asha workers during a programme held at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium in Kodagu on Thursday. DH Photo
A scheme will be launched by the government to provide financial stability to Asha workers in the state, Cooperation Minister S T Somashekhar said.
He was speaking after distributing financial assistance of Rs 3,000 each to Asha workers, provided by the Department of Cooperation, in the district during a programme held at Zilla Panchayat Bhavan on Thursday.
“Meetings have been held at the government level for providing loans to the Asha workers on the lines of self help groups and Stree Shakti groups. The decision will be taken soon. Around 42,000 Asha workers are working in the district and 21,000 of them have been given financial assistance,” he said.
Lauding the efforts of the Asha workers in collecting the details from people with international travel history, Somashekhar said that the workers had played a big role in containing novel coronavirus.
Rs 20,000 crore loans
The minister said there was a target to provide Rs 20,000 crore loans to the farmers in the state next year. A whopping Rs 13,500 crore loans were provided to the farmers during last year. Loans to the tune of Rs 14,500 crore will be provided to the farmers this year, he said.
Somashekhar said, “A letter has been written to the Department of Finance to extend the date of repayment of farmer’s loans till December this year. A discussion in this regard was held with the chief minister as well.”
Minister S T Somashekhar called on veteran politician M C Nanaiah, at the residence of the latter in Kodagu on Thursday. DH Photos
Services lauded
MLA K G Bopaiah, MLA Appachu Ranjan and MLC Sunil Subramani too appreciated the valuable service of the Asha workers.
Relief fund
Two ventilators will be purchased with an amount of Rs 8 lakh. Various cooperative societies have raised an amount of Rs 33 lakh and have handed it over to the relief fund, he added.
Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Vice President Lokeshwari Gopal, DCC Bank Vice President Ketolira Harish Poovaiah and Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Top Karnataka Stories / DHNS / July 04th, 2020
Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa pays rich tributes to martyred soldiers
Madikeri:
“Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of India’s pride and valour. I bow to the soldiers who, with their indomitable courage, drove the enemy from the inaccessible hills of Kargil and waved the Tricolour there again. The country is proud of the heroes of India, who are dedicated to protecting the motherland. We remember the courage and determination of our Armed Forces, who protected our nation in 1999 and continued protecting us and their sacrifices will continue to inspire generations,” said Air Marshal Kodandera Nanda Cariappa.
He was speaking at Sunny Side War Memorial — the house of General K.S. Thimmayya — at Madikeri yesterday on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The event was organised amidst COVID pandemic by Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General Thimmayya Forum. “It is a special and a sacred milestone in the history of Indian Armed Forces,” he said after laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Memorial at Sunny Side.
Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General Thimmayya Forum President Col. (retd.) Kandrathanda Subbaiah, Lieutenant Colonel (retd.) Chengappa, Major (retd.) Biddanda Nanda Nanjappa and others paid rich tributes. Ajjinanda Thamoo Poovaiah of Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga, Kokkalera Cariappa, entrepreneur Arun, Sukumar of Hindu Vedike and others were present.
Kodagu Sainik School Principal Col. G. Kannan paying homage to war heroes at the War Memorial.
Sainik School pays tribute
The supreme sacrifice by the brave Indian soldiers was remembered by the Kodagu Sainik School fraternity by paying homage to war heroes at the War Memorial. Principal Col. G Kannan laid the wreath. Lt. Col Seema Tripathi, Vice-Principal and Sqn. Ldr. R.K. Dey, Administrative Officer also remembered the sacrifices.
Associate NCC Officers of the School also paid floral tributes at the Memorial. The Principal addressed the cadets and shared a video to the cadets about the event and told them that the School, under Ministry of Defence and with the support from Government of Karnataka, is committed to prepare them to be future leaders not only in defence forces but in all walks of life.
Owing to the COVID pandemic, the programme and competitions were held online. Cdt. Amogh and his team of other cadets performed a role play titled “Yeh Dil Mange More!” a tribute to Capt. Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra awardee, through video conference. Online quiz, poster-making contests were held and e-certificates were also awarded to the winning cadets.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 27th, 2020
Even though coffee and pepper are the prominent commercial crops in Kodagu, several farmers have been growing both agricultural and horticultural crops in integrated farming method, thereby, contributing to food security.
Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah from Nallur village of Ponnampet in Virajpet is one such agriculturist who has scripted success through his innovative methods in farming.
Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah was felicitated by Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah. DH Photos
He is the winner of the National-level Babu Jagjivan Ram Krishi Samman award this year. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, conferred the prestigious award on Thimmaiah during a function held recently on the occasion of its 92nd Foundation Day.
Thimmaiah has been following the integrated method in agriculture where he grows areca, coffee and paddy as main crops and a variety of vegetables and fruits and sub-crops.
Along with agriculture, he is also into apiculture, poultry and pisciculture, which gives him additional income. Thimmaiah has also been growing the ‘Beth’ plants required for honey bees.
He has successfully experimented with more than 60 paddy varieties and has implemented a mechanised system in agriculture and his paddy field is tech-savvy.
The annual produce of paddy on his farm is 350 to 400 quintal while that of coffee is about 200 bags. He said that pepper also is one of his main sources of income. He has also been cultivating butter fruit, sapota, mango, jackfruit, orange, egg fruit and rambutan as well.
A lot of youth have been visiting Thimmaiah’s farm and seeking his guidance in farming to which he says youth showing interest in agriculture and horticulture is a good sign.
Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah visited Thimmaiah’s farm and felicitated him for winning the much-coveted award.
Forestry College, Ponnampet, too, honoured Thimmaiah. College Dean Dr Cheppudira G Kushalappa, Extension Unit Head Dr R N Kenchareddy, Agricultural Officer Teetamada Meera were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by Aditya K A, DHNS, Madikeri / July 22nd, 2020
If a person takes good care of oneself and stays cheerful, there is no need to be scared of novel coronavirus, said 11-year-old Mehera Banu, who recovered from Covid-19 and returned home.
Mehera is a resident of Apparanda Layout in Suntikoppa.
She recalled that after being affected by high fever, her parents took her to the government hospital, where her throat swab sample was collected for testing. Eventually, the family was home quarantined.
“During the quarantine, personnel from the health and police departments and the gram panchayat authorities came to my house and instilled confidence among my family members,” she said.
Mehera was tested positive for Covid-19 on July 12, following which she was admitted to the designated Covid-19 hospital in Madikeri.
“The doctors and nurses in the hospital made me feel at home. They took care of me like their own daughter. I was given hot water to drink and food to eat, on time. I was not afraid or worried, even though my family members were away from me”.
Mehera meanwhile said she has been taking medicines and rest as per the advice of the doctors. “I am healthy now. Nobody should be afraid of Coronavirus. However, one has to be aware and take care of their health”, she said.
Warm welcome
Residents of Apparanda Layout in Suntikoppa welcomed Mehera Banu, when she returned home after getting recovered from the Covid-19.
After a successful treatment, she was discharged from the hospital. Her neighbors offered her a hearty welcome by clapping and showering flowers on her as she arrived. She was presented with a flower bouquet.
Mehera said she was touched by the welcome she received from her neighbors. They also treated my family members well, she added.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by DHNS, Suntikoppa / July 21st, 2020
In Nov 1948, Thimayya moved Stuart tanks in utmost secrecy by dismantling their turrets and used them in direct firing role that led to the capture of Zoji-la which had evaded capture on previous instances. It was because Zoji-la was in our hands that liberation of Kargil was possible in 1999.
General KS Thimayya
There were three elements to India’s largely unknown role in the Korean War 1950-1953. This is the second in a continuing series on that conflict. For the earlier story on the 60th Para, click here (https://bit.ly/2DW0PHS)
India became a member of the United Nations when the organization was founded on October 24th, 1945. Established to ensure world peace—among other goals— after a ruinous World War, the UN has had a mixed track record. One of its successes, however, was the bringing of the Korean War to a close. India played a unique role in bringing the conflict to a speedy conclusion by advocating against a policy being debated at the UN which could have led to the war’s prolongation or escalation. That war was also the first commitment to a UN assignment by an independent India and the Indian Army. This contribution and the men who made it a success are still celebrated as heroes for their commitment and courage.
The Korean War began on 25th June 1950 and would rage for three long years between the Western alliance—led by the USA under a UN resolution called the UN Command—and a Socialist alliance of North Korea and China (known as the Korean People’s Army (KPA) and the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV)) supported by the Soviet Union. The two sides reached a military stalemate by the middle of 1953 and had agreed on the terms of a ceasefire. In truth, the war would have come to an end in 1952 if the peace talks held at Panmunjom on October 25, 1951 could have reached a decision on the question of prisoner swaps. This was a contentious topic, and one where India finally found the solution—a solution accepted nearly unanimously by the UN, allowing for the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953. India’s efforts to find a compromise failed more often than not, increasing tensions between India and the United States, and even South Korea. The US had reasons to suspect Indian neutrality as we were among the first countries to recognize China diplomatically, even advocating for their seat at the UN in 1950.
A major issue that defied agreement was how to deal with a large number of Korean and Chinese prisoners—about two hundred thousand of them—held by the UN Command. Many prisoners refused to return to their original countries. There were also a few similar UN prisoners, mostly Americans, held by the Korean People’s Army (KPA) and the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV))
The Armistice agreement stipulated that a Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (the NNRC) would be established with two countries from each bloc, and headed by India—underscoring our nation’s reputation as a neutral country. Thus the NNRC had Czechoslovakia and Poland from the Eastern Bloc, and Sweden and Switzerland from the West. India was also tasked with providing a brigade of soldiers to provide security for the prisoner exchange.
The NNRC decided the fate of the remaining 20,000 POWs —and their repatriation—also called the Big Switch. It followed Operation Little Switch in April-May of 1952, which saw the exchange of wounded and sick soldiers held by both sides. The solution included handing over these prisoners to the NNRC headed by India. A full Indian contingent of nearly 6000 called Custodian Force of India (CFI) were to take over physical custody of these prisoners; this was our nation’s initiation into peacemaking and conflict resolution.
Led by General Thimayya as Chairman, and Ambassador B.N. Chakravarty, IFS, as the Alternate Chairman, the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) was a task that many did not think Indians would be able to handle or deliver, because of its layered complexities and intrigue.
The Indian government had made sure to send their best medical unit 6oth Para Field Ambulance earlier ( https://bit.ly/2CrHWfn) and now, in sending General KS Thimayya—later to be the COAS— they displayed the same intent.
The force behind the NNRC
Kodandera Subayya Thimayya was one of three brothers born to a rich coffee planter of Cheppudira clan in Madikeri in the district of Kodagu. He joined Bishop Cotton School in Bangalore before enrolling at the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun; he was one of six Indian cadets later chosen to attend the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst along with Gen PN Thapar who would later succeed him as the Chief in 1961 and be made a scapegoat for failures in 1962. Gen Thimayya’s brothers too joined the Army and his elder brother Ponnappa later joined the INA inspired by Subhas Chandra Bose and his younger brother died in the first war in Kashmir.
Thimayya graduated from Sandhurst in 1926 and received a commission into the British Indian Army, going on to become the first Indian to command an Infantry brigade: the 268th Indian Infantry Brigade—part of the post-World War II British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. He received the British Distinguished Service Order for his service for the British military during World War II.
General Thimayya was also chosen to lead the counter offensive in Kashmir and headed the Jammu Kashmir force from April 1948 . The J&K force was split as Srinagar and Jammu Division, Gen Thimayya headed the Srinagar Div in May 1948 . Immediately he set about recapturing territories lost to the marauders with his daring and dynamic brigade commanders – Brig LP Sen of 161 brigade in Uri Sector, Brig Atal of Para Brigade tasked to recapture Zojila and Harbaksh Singh in command of 163 in Handwara – Kupwara . They were on a recapturing spree when Nehru decided to unilaterally declare suspension of operations as the case was referred to the UN much to the protestations of the army brass. Fortunately Pakistan didn’t comply with the UN resolution allowing the re – commencement of operations. This window of opportunity saw the consolidation of Ladakh with the capture of Zojila Dras and Kargil. Leh a weakly held garrison was saved by the sheer audacity and courage of Thimayya and Air Cmde Mehar Singh who landed in a Dakota together for the first time in Leh paving the way for beefing up troops that saved Leh from enemy hands . In another audacious move for capture of Zojila tanks of 7 Cavalry was used in a direct firing role which completely destroyed the enemy morale leading to its capture . Thus Ladakh was saved in the nick of time by November 1948 before winter set in . Seeing the change in pace and tempo of operations Pakistan quickly agreed to the terms of the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire before it lost all other territories held by them. The rest is history but what stood out is the sheer character and audacity which made him a national hero for saving Kashmir .
Another anecdote that revolves around him is the detention of a senior politician’s son after he and some goons passed lewd remarks and even tried to molest the wife of an Army officer of 5 JAT in Amritsar in 1959 . With the personal involvement of none less than that of the CM Of Punjab the ripples of this action went up to Parliament. General Thimayya was summoned for an explanation and his response that silenced the opposition was “If we cannot defend the honour of our women, how can you expect us to defend the honour of our country?”
His ability to project India’s honor was on full display during his handling of the NNRC in Korea.
The NNRC through CFI was responsible for gathering non-repatriated prisoners into camps; that included nearly 170,000 prisoners held by UN forces who didn’t want to return to either China or North Korea.
In the face of Chinese demands for the forceful repatriation of their soldiers, the UN and the CFI worked hard to explain to each prisoner their rights and privileges; they could then choose to go home or remain with the side that captured them.
This called for compassion, fairness, and neutrality on the part of the Indian Custodian Force, who rendered yeoman service during the entire span of their mission from September 1953 to March 1954. On several occasions, intricate situations were resolved only because of the patience and tact of General KS Thimayya and Major General SPP Thorat. They proved their mettle, earning well-deserved praise for their command and for India.
It was an unenviable task; in the end only less than 100 who wished not be repatriated to either country came back to India once the NNRC and CFO concluded their operations. A few Koreans chose to resettle in India, while others were repatriated to Brazil.
General Thimayya is not only an Indian military hero he is also a hero of the Korean War . It has been 66 years since the end of the Korean war but even till day he is remembered by Koreans with gratitude and affection. He was awarded a Padma Bhushan in 1954 for his service in Korea.
General Thimayya went on to become the COAS from 1957-1961. After his retirement the UN again requested for his service in 1964 to command UN troops operating on Cyprus in keeping with his reputation of impartiality displayed in Korea . He would however die of a massive heart attack on December 18, 1965 at the age of 59.
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Col ( Dr) Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay, Shaurya Chakra, PhD is a Research Fellow, with the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. His twitter id is @dpkpillay12.
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source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> National> Business News> News> Defence / by ET Contributor – Col.(Dr)Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay / July 21st, 2020
Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy visits the rehabilitation site in Arekadu village, on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy has issued orders to allocate sites in Arekadu village, to the people dwelling on the river banks who lost their houses owing to floods.
The district administration had cleared the encroachment of land in Arekadu village which was earmarked for the houses meant for flood victims in Nelyahudikeri limits. But, there were confusions regarding the road which passes through private land.
Speaking on the occasion, she said there was a minor issue regarding the road that connects to the rehabilitation site.
“The marking of the site will be done in the next 15 days. The ACF has given permission to fell the trees on the site. After felling of trees is complete, the rest of the works will be carried out by Taluk Panchayat executive officer,” she added.
ZP member Sunitha Manjunath, Taluk Panchayat member Shuhad, local Gram Panchayat former vice president Safiya, district assistant commissioner Javaregowda, Somwarpet tahsildar Govindaraju, Horata Samiti leader P R Bharat, Tata company general manager M B Ganapathy, legal manager Vijay Karnad and deputy general manager K P Appaiah were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by DHNS, Siddapura / July 17th, 2020
Personal loss failed to shake this student. When all her classmates were busy preparing for the PU Board exams, Nidyamane Prakruthi lost her family in a road mishap. However overcoming grief, this gritty student has secured 92% in the exams.
Her father Nidyamane Ashoka, mother Hemavathi, brother and sister died on the spot in a car accident near Sullia in Dakshina Kannada during September 2019. They were all heading to Moodbidri to see Prakruthi, who was studying at Alva’s College.
Prakruthi fought the trauma and put all her efforts in studies, to excel in the examinations.
Kodagu toppers
Apoorva H G from St Micheal PU College, Madikeri, has scored 590 out of 600 (98.33%) in Second PU Board examination in the Commerce stream, thus bagging the topmost position in the district in the stream.
A U Ranjana, a student of Vidyanikethana PU College, Gonikoppa, is the topper in the Science stream for the district. She has secured 589 marks (98.17%).
K S Lakshmi from St Jospeh Composite PU College, Madikeri, is the district topper from the Arts stream. She has scored 564 marks (94%).
PU Education Department Deputy Director Shivalinga Shetty said the other toppers from the Commerce stream are B N Chaitra (97.50 %), A M Devika (97.33%) and B M Lipika (97.33 %) from St Annamma PU College, Virajpet.
Mrinalini Tamankar (97.83%) from Vidyaniketana PU College, Gonikoppa, has secured second place in the district in the Science stream with 587 marks, K Yukta Kaverappa and Fatima Taslima P R from the same college have scored 582 marks (97.17%).
H G Dhayashree with 562 marks (93.67%) is the second topper in Arts. She is a student of Made Mahadeshwara PU College, Madenadu.
H P Ankita from St Joseph Composite PU College and H C Geetha from Government PU College, Sampaje, have shared the third position in Arts with 558 marks (93%).
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / July 15th, 2020
A researcher from Myanmar has compiled an English dictionary on the words used by the people of Soliga tribe, living in and around Biligiri Ranga Hill in Chamarajangar district.
Aung Si has compiled the words used only by the six Soligas tribes, living in the tribal hamlets. The 445-page dictionary has more than 1,500 words, used by Soligas. The words have been written in Kannada script and the explanation and meaning is in English. The book has pictures of rare trees, plants and animals found in BR Hills.
Aung Si has printed around 150 copies, priced Rs 1,500 each. He has handed over the responsibility of the book sales to the Soliga leaders, asking them to utilise the money earned for the development of the tribals.
Aung Si has earned a PhD from the Australian National University, conducting a research on the lifestyle of Soligas in 2012. He has been working hard for around 12 years, from 2008. He has interacted with the tribe of Soligas, learning about their languages.
He has sought the help of Ashoka Trust for Ecology and Environment in BR Hills, to compile the dictionary. He has also taken the help of Soliga leaders and other research persons for his work.
Scientist C Madegowda of Ashoka Trust told DH that there are 148 Soliga tribal hamlets in the district. Only six particular tribes of Soligas in 55 hamlets of BR Hills, still use the words and language, which are on the verge of extinction. Others speak Kannada and have adapted to the new lifestyles. Youngsters are not well versed in Soliga language and culture. This dictionary may be useful for them in future. It will also help those involved in further research on the language, he said.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by Gayathri G R, Chamrajnagar / July 06th. 2020
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