Category Archives: Inspiration / Positive News and Features

Mangalore University to honour six persons

Amazing Feats, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Septuagenarian B.K. Deva Rao, who has preserved over 150 variants of paddy by cultivating them every year at Mittabagilu village in Belthangady taluk, and national award winning film director Abhaya Simha from Mangaluru are among the six persons who will be honoured by Mangalore University on its 40th foundation day on Mangalagantori campus on Thursday.

Addressing presspersons here on Wednesday, P.S. Yadapadithaya, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said N.R. Shetty, Chancellor, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, will deliver the foundation day address.

The others who will be honoured are Gopal Mugeraya, Director, National Institute of Technology, Goa; Shashikala Gurupur, Director, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune; G. Chidvilas, Editor, Shakthi daily, Madikeri; and Ganesh Ameen Sankamar, an expert in Tulu folklore.

He said that Mr. Mugeraya would be honoured for his contribution to the fields of Chemical Engineering and Biochemical Engineering. Mr. Simha is one of the country’s newest and most notable voices in the field of cinema. An alumnus of Mangalore University, he has made a name for himself as director of feature films, short films, documentaries, music videos, and as scriptwriter, sound engineer, actor and film activist, he said. Ms. Gurupur would be felicitated in recognition to her contribution to the fields of legal education and social justice.

Mr. Chidvilas has been recognised for his social service and Mr. Sankamar for his research in the field of Tulu folklore.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by Special Correspondent / Mangaluru – September 11th, 2019

Maiden Regional Samvaad held at Coorg

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Ponnampet (Coorg):

The first regional edition of Samvaad, a signature platform of Tata Steel’s engagement with tribal identity, was held at the College of Forestry, on September 9-10, 2019.

It was attended by 78 participants representing 19 tribes across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Karnataka.

The one-and-half day conclave was co-created with the Karnataka State Forest Tribes Student Youths Association, led by former Tribal Leadership Programme leaders.

The organisation networks and mobilises forest-tribe students and connects them to higher-education opportunities.

source: http://www.avenuemail.in / The Avenue Mail / Home> Jamshedpur / by News Desk / September 12th, 2019

‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign kickstarted at Talacauvery

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All, Sports
Isha Foundation Chief Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev at the launch of ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign, at Talacauvery in Kodagu, on Tuesday. Actors Rakshith Shetty and Diganth took part in the rally.
Isha Foundation Chief Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev at the launch of ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign, at Talacauvery in Kodagu, on Tuesday. Actors Rakshith Shetty and Diganth took part in the rally.

Cauvery Calling, a campaign conceptualised by Isha Foundation was launched in Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery, on Tuesday.

Isha Foundation Chief Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev rode a motorbike himself to arrive in Madikeri on Sunday. Film actors Rakshith Shetty, Diganth and Shashi followed him.

A puja was offered at the ‘Theerthakundike’ in Talacauvery, earlier to the launch event.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev said that through the campaign, there is an aim to plant 242 crore saplings on the banks of River Cauvery.

Trees help to increase the capacity of soil to retain water. Isha Foundation will work towards getting the necessary assistance from the government, he said.

He pointed out that the River Cauvery has become thinner by 39% in the last 70 years.

“The groundwater level in the river catchment area has been depleting drastically. Due to excessive deforestation in the catchment areas of the river, water is not flowing further and the river is getting dry even before reaching the sea. As a result, a drought-like situation has been arising during the months of April-May itself. This has created repercussions in terms of droughts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Around 47,000 farmers living on the banks of River Cauvery have ended their lives in the last 10 years. It is noteworthy that the places of massive landslides have been due to excessive human interference. It is the need of the hour to wake up to the warning sign,” said Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Shobha Karandlaje said that the Central and the state governments will support the ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign.

This month, the state government will sign a memorandum of understanding with Isha Foundation in this regard, she said.

MLA K G Bopaiah strongly felt the need to conduct a scientific study so as to know the reason behind massive landslides in Kodagu. He also demanded action against those who have encroached the government lands.

Air Marshal (retd) K C Nanda Cariappa and sportsperson Ashwini Nachappa were present during the programme held at Crystal Hall in Madikeri.

PM tweets

Replying to a tweet by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted at 4.13 pm on Tuesday, conveying his wishes to ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign.

“Happy to know about your effort. It will surely add to the endeavour of harnessing Jal Shakti and preventing unnecessary wastage of water,” said the prime minister.

He also wished Sadhguru on his birthday saying, “Also wishing you a Happy Birthday! Praying for your long life and best health!”

15-day bike rally

The motorbike rally organised as a part of ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign will pass through Hunsur, Mysuru, Mandya and Bengaluru. Public functions will be held in these places. The rally will reach Bengaluru on September 8.

The bike rally will traverse a distance of 1,500-km in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and will culminate in Chennai on September 17.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Madikeri / September 03rd, 2019

‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign to be flagged off on Sep 3

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa releases the handbill on ‘Cauvery Koogu’ campaign.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa releases the handbill on ‘Cauvery Koogu’ campaign.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had a discussion with Isha Foundation’s Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev on ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign which will commence on September 3 from Talacauvery in Kodagu district.

The latter met the chief minister in Bengaluru on Thursday, in connection with the campaign, and sought coordination from the state government.

Responding positively to the request made by Sadhguru, the chief minister said that the state government will extend necessary cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Udupi-Chikmagalur M P Shobha Karandlaje lauded the ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign led by Isha Foundation under the guidance of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and called upon the people to join hands with the movement for a better tomorrow.

The ‘Cauvery Calling’ drive will be flagged off from Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery, on September 3, proceed through Thiruvaroor and will culminate in Chennai.

‘Cauvery Calling’ is a part of ‘Rally for Rivers’ campaign conceptualised and implemented by Isha Foundation.

The journey covers a distance of 1,500 km. Public awareness programmes will be held along the course of the campaign, stressing on the need to undertake steps to conserve River Cauvery.

Many celebrities, sportspersons, political figures and entrepreneurs have already associated themselves with the campaign, which has gathered an immense response from the general public, especially from the farmers.

The drive also focuses on planting saplings along river banks and improving the economy of farmers. ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign will support farmers to plant 242 crore trees to rejuvenate River Cauvery.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / August 29th, 2019

Madikeri trader donates bags to flood victims

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features
Madikeri Hitharakshana Vedike members with Bag Palace owner E J Peter (third from right).
Madikeri Hitharakshana Vedike members with Bag Palace owner E J Peter (third from right).

A trader in Madikeri has handed over more than 350 valuable bags to rain-affected people.

His act comes close on the heels of a Kerala merchant donating dress materials to the flood victims.

The humble act by E J Peter of Bag Palace on College Road in Madikeri is well-appreciated by many.

Madikeri Hitharakshana Vedike members had posted on collecting relief materials on Facebook and WhatsApp. More than 20 members of the Vedike had been visiting shops and business establishments. They have been collecting essential commodities like clothes, umbrella, rain coat and medicines and supplying it to the relief centres.

Responding it, Peter handed over all the bags in his shop. “It has given me the satisfaction of helping those in distress. The financially well-off should support the education of children who are in distress,” said Peter.

“When we visited Peter’s shop, he lauded our efforts and handed over school bags and hand bags,” said Vedike member Acchandira Pavan Pemmaiah.

Vedike president Ravi Gowda said, “Many have come forward to help those who are in distress. Many are unaware of how to reach materials to the relief centres. The Vedike is bridging the gap and is helping reach relief materials to the needy at the relief camps.”

Shop-keepers have helped by donating textbooks, notebooks, pens, bed, clothes, vessels, rice, jaggery, sarees, sweater, oil and other essential commodities, he said.

Pavan Pemmaiah said, “The collected commodities have been distributed among rain victims at Nelyahudikeri, Valnooru, Tyagathooru, Moornadu, Dubare, Theppadakandi, Balamuri, Siddapura, Kattimadu and other areas.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Madikeri / August 19th, 2019

Let’s pledge to rebuild lives of flood-affected: DC

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders
Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy receives a guard of honour at the Independence Day programme at Old Fort premises in Madikeri on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy receives a guard of honour at the Independence Day programme at Old Fort premises in Madikeri on Thursday.

The district administration organised the 73rd Independence Day programme on the Old Fort premises, amid rain and misty weather on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy, after hoisting the national flag, said, “Eight people have lost their lives in the district due to flood. Many people also have lost their homes.”

Assuring the gathering that the government and the district administration will take up the rehabilitation of flood victims, she praised the works of rescue teams in managing the calamity. “Let us pledge to rebuild the lives of those affected by the floods,” she said.

In her Independence Day message, Annies Kanmani Joy said that the martyrs, who laid down their lives for India’s freedom, should be remembered.

“We should protect the integrity, sovereignty and peace of our country and that will be the real homage paid to these martyrs,” she said.

She placed on record the contributions of Guddemane Appaiah Gowda, Pandyanda Bellyappa, C M Poonaccha, Kodandera Poovaiah, Kodanda Appaiah, C M Venkappaiah, Gundukutti Manjunathaiah, M M Siddik, H R Krishnaiah, Kollimada Karumbaiah, Mandepanda Cariappa, Mukkatira Bhojappa, Mallangada Changappa and Maraiah of Kodagu.

“Kodagu has played a vital role in the Indian freedom struggle. Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General Thimmayya, who were born in Kodagu, served their motherland and they are the crest jewels of the Nation,” she said.

The DC later told mediapersons that the district has incurred a loss of Rs 700 crore due to heavy rain. Around 4,000 people have been rescued by the teams, she added.

The students of government schools, who topped the SSLC examinations, were felicitated with laptops.

MLC Sunil Subramani, MLC Veena Acchaiah, Kodagu District Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Suman D Pennekar, Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) K Lakshmipriya, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Sneha and Assistant Commissioner T Javaregowda were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Madikeri / August 16th, 2019

How a group of eight locals rescued people stuck in flooded homes in Kodagu

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature

Around 50 residents of Kodagu’s Goodugadde village were stranded in their flooded homes on Friday morning.

FloodKF14aug2019

Around 50 residents of Kodagu’s Goodugadde village were stranded in their flooded homes on Friday morning, hoping that help would come before the river Cauvery would take away their lives.

Luckily for Goodugadde’s residents, help came in the form of eight Good Samaritans, who ferried them to safe places through small iron-made coracles.

Mustafa, a 32-year-old activist from Kodagu, suspected that people were stranded in Goodugadde and other villages along the banks of the Cauvery river. Mustafa had heard from the local grapevine that many people had not left their homes despite a flood warning.

At around 6 am on Friday, Mustafa and his friends Ranjith Kumar, Afzal, Iliyas, Shafiq and four others from Siddapura, were anxious as the Dubbare Rafting Team was busy with rescue elsewhere.

Mustafa and his friends rushed to the Siddapura Police Station and requested the police to lend them the iron-made coracle lookalikes that the police had kept in the evidence room, which they had seized when they busted an illegal sand mining ring.

“We call it thappe in Kannada. They are circular, iron made vessels sand miners use to transport sand. It’s smaller than a coracle but bigger than the round vessels used to carry sand in construction sites. We wanted those so we could row it and look for stranded people,” Mustafa explains.

When the group reached Goodugadde, they found several senior citizens, children and middle aged people stranded in their flooded homes. Many were sitting on their rooftops, while some of them clung to trees, waiting for help.

“There were about 50 people. We began rescue at 7am and it went on till 11 am. We lost count of the number of trips we made to bring all of them to safety. They were sent to relief camps in Siddapura. By 12 pm, the Dubbare Rafting Team came to help us and we continued rescue operations in Baradi and Kakkattagadu villages,” Ranjith Kumar says.

Mustafa, Ranjith and the team of local rescuers claim that they are experienced swimmers and that they had volunteered during rescue operations in the floods that hit Kodagu in 2018.

“We have lived along the banks of river Cauvery all our lives. We have a very close relationship with the river and swimming is the first thing we learnt as children. We are expert swimmers and if our skill could be put to use to help people in need, then it’s our duty to help them. What is the point of being an expert at something and not helping those who could benefit from it?” Mustafa says.

Mustafa and his motley crew continue their rescue operations even now. “We will help as much as we can. Our people have seen too much damage due to rains and floods. Currently, we are going back and forth Goodugadde and recovering their belongings,” Mustafa adds.

source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> Karnataka Floods / by Theja Ram / August 10th, 2019

Kodagu’s pride: These women officers led from the front

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders

District deputy commissioner, 33- year- old Annies Kanmani Joy, superintendent of police, 34 -year -old.

SP Suman D. Pennekar
SP Suman D. Pennekar

Mysuru:

As Kodagu hobbles back to normalcy with the flood receding and the rains abating, the people have three young women government officers to thank for helping to contain the loss of life and damage to property by their preparedness for the deluge in light of last year’s disaster.

District deputy commissioner, 33- year- old Annies Kanmani Joy, superintendent of police, 34 -year -old , Dr Suman D Pennekar and 29- year -old zilla panchayat CEO, K Lakshmi Priya, led the rescue and relief operation by the officers of the district administration and the various forces, keeping it coordinated and systematic.

Kodagu ,which received as much as 964.99 mm of rain in a week, saw its plantations and hilly terrain flooded and heavy landslides bring down houses and even entire hillsides, claiming lives and leaving many homeless. At the end of the eight days of mayhem 7,873 people have found shelter at 45 relief centres.

Annies Kanmani Joy
Annies Kanmani Joy

Reflecting on the last week, Ms Annies Kanmani Joy said, “Last year North Kodagu was affected and this year, it was South Kodagu. The last time the rain was intense but less widespread. But this time, the rain was not as heavy, but covered a bigger area and more people were affected.. We had started taking precautionary measures well in advance and so every official was alert. This helped us manage the situation systematically, and contain the damage. Now the challenge ahead is rehabilitation.”

Said Dr Suman Pennekar, “In light of last year’s disaster, we started preparing meticulously six months in advance. We had 60 dedicated police trained in evacuation and rescue and a team of 20 police led by an inspector in the control rooms, which received at least a 100 calls a day and traced the victims. They contacted the concerned teams at ground level, which were formed well in advance by the district administration, who rushed to the spot and rescued and shifted victims to relief centres. While landslides were our focus, as floods was rare situation in Kodagu, we saw more floods. We also faced landslides at two unexpected places, which killed eight people. Operations are on to trace seven others who are missing.” While the Geographical Survey of India (GIS) had already identified 105 sensitive/vulnerable places, the deputy commissioner formed special task forces of the police, fire and emergency services, CHESCOM, PWD, panchayatraj engineering department, NHAI, Pradhan Manthri Gram Sadak Yojana, minor and major irrigation, health, veterinary and forest departments, besides village committees Mock rescue operations too were held.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / by Shilpa P / Deccan Chronicle / August 14th, 2019

Dubai: Emotional farewell offered to creative art director B K Ganesh Rai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Dubai :

UAE Kannadigas and Tuluvas bid an emotional farewell to creative art director B K Ganesh Rai, who had come from the land of warriors and natural beauty Kodagu district of Karnataka, 25 years ago and is going back to his native after retirement.

The farewell function took place on Friday, August 2 at 11 am at the Fortune Plaza auditorium at Al Ghusais in Dubai.

The convener of UAE Kannadigaru and Tuluvara Sanghatane, which consists of 40 pro-Karnataka organizations, Sarvotham Shetty welcomed the gathering.

B K Ganesh Rai was serving as the creative art director and manager at the Gulf Public Relations and Advertising section, which is one of the B R Ventures group of companies that is owned by senior entrepreneur of UAE Dr B R Shetty.

Sarvotham Shetty lauded the social service done by Ganesh Rai by getting involved in various pro-Karnataka organizations that are active in UAE.

He also congratulated Majula Ganesh Rai, wife of Ganesh Rai and their children Monish Rai and Aishwarya Rai.

Ganesh Rai is sculptor by profession. In addition, he is an expert artist and computer graphic designing. He himself is a blood donor. He has played a stellar role in organizing the blood camps by pro-Karnataka associations. He has designed more or less all the emblems of Kannada associations. In addition, he has depicted the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka through various digital displays and canvas. He has also designed the invitation cards of meetings, functions, Sneha Milana, sports meets, leisure outings and literature conventions. Ganesh Rai, who is a writer also, has published articles about great personalities before and after the programmes of various organization in web media. He has also compered many Kannada events and participated as the chief guest.

Honorary accreditation certificate from Dubai government health authority

Ganesh Rai started blood donations camps from the time he was the president of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha and continued to organize blood donation camps through all pro-Karnataka associations from 2007 to 2019. Recognizing Ganesh Rai’s efforts in organizing blood donation camps, the Dubai government health authority conferred the honorary accreditation certificate on him. This letter was handed over to Ganesh Rai by Balakrishna Salian, organizer of blood camps and Sarvotham Shetty.

Felicitation to Ganesh Rai and family

Ganesh Rai and his family were felicitated in the presence of presidents and office bearers of pro-Karnataka organizations in UAE. Sarvotham Shetty, Premnath Shetty, Balakrishna Salian and Satish Poojary conducted the felicitation. Sampath Shetty read the letter of honour.

Ganesh Rai acknowledged the felicitation offered and thanked the office bearers and members of various associations. He also recalled the encouragement, support, honour and opportunity given to him during his journey of achievement in art.

Organizations served by Ganesh Rai

During his stay of 25 years in UAE, Ganesh Rai has served in Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Karnataka NRI committee UAE, Al Ain Kannada Sangha, India Social and Cultural Center Abu Dhabi, UAE Tulukoota, Namma Tuluver, Tulu Siri Dubai, Dhwani Pratistana UAE, Kannadigaru Dubai, UAE Bunts, Billava Family Dubai, Byaris Cultural Forum Dubai, Mangloor Konkans Dubai, Gammat Kalavider Dubai, Yaksha Mitraru Dubai and Padmashali Samudaya UAE. Mogaveers UAE, Amchigele (GSB) Samaja UAE, Basava Samiti UAE, Ganiga Samaja UAE, Kulala Vrinda UAE, Vokkaliga Samaja UAE, Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE, Kodagu-Dakshina Kannad Gowda Samaja, Kodava Samaja, Devadiga Sangha Dubai, Kundapur Devdiga Mitraru (KADAM), Ramakshatriya Sangha UAE, Magadeepa cultural committee, Rajaka Samaja UAE, Tulu Pateruga Tulu Oripaga UAE, Varamahalaxmi Pooja Samiti, Samoohika Sri Satyanarayana Samiti, Brahmana Samaja UAE, Theeya Samaja, Karnataka journalists’ association UAE and Karnataka association Blood Donors’ Group.

Satish Poojary, one of the organizers of UAE Kannadigaru and Tuluvaru compered the event in a grand manner.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Middle East / Media Release / August 05th, 2019

Free Health Camp On Aug.11

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha, Mysuru, has organised a free health camp at Rotary Midtown Academy in Hootagalli on Aug.11 from 10 am to 3 pm.

Neuro-Surgeon Dr. Kanjithanda Bopaiah will inaugurate the camp.

Sangha President Bollamma Kuttappa will preside.

Orthopaedician Dr. Devaiah, Physicians Dr. Latha Muthanna and Dr.Aiyappa, Gynaecologists Dr. Sonia Mandappa and Dr. Poovamma, Dermatologist Dr. P.A. Kushalappa, Urologists Dr. Madappa and Dr. Somanna, Paediatrician Dr. Rajeshwari Madappa, Neurologist Dr. K. Bopaiah, kidney surgeon Dr. Vipin Kaverappa, Ayurveda expert Dr. Aiyanna, Anaesthetist Dr. Padmini Kaverappa and Dentist Dr.Shruti Somaiah will be available for consultation.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / August 03rd, 2019