Category Archives: Inspiration / Positive News and Features

The legend of the hills

November 12, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, Alladmin

Panagalammai temple. / Photo: Lakshmi Sharath / The Hindu

Who is Iguthuppa, the lord who can’t bear to see anyone hungry?

Our journey into Coorg’s heritage takes us on a spiritual quest — atop mountains, inside forests and coffee estates and by the riverside. These are temples etched in the cultural landscape of the Kodavas, although some of them never find mention in any religious texts.

It is misty as we climb a small hilltop to the Padi Iguthuppa temple in Kakkabe. The bells toll the moment we enter the temple, as a gentle breeze blows from the rolling hills around.

The priest Kush Bhat welcomes us and insists we stay back for lunch. “No one comes to the Iguthuppa temple and goes away without lunch,” he says. For, Iguthappa means giver of food, and the deity is a form of Subramanya or Muruga, son of Shiva.

Legend has it that centuries ago, Shiva and Subramanya came here, and loved the hills so much that they decided to settle down here. The temple is known to feed every visitor, and all pilgrims offer food, not money, to the deity. “Iguthappa told the people of Coorg that they would never go hungry as long as he was there and if they accepted him as God,” explains Kush Bhat.

The bell tolls at Iguthuppa temple. / Photo: Lakshmi Sharath / The Hindu

Now, every festival of the Kodavas starts with an invocation to Iguthappa; the most important festival of the temple is Tulabharam.

We go to the another Iguthappa temple in Naljee, inside a forest through a lush coffee plantation. There is not a soul around, and it is peaceful to just listen to the sounds of the forest.

These monuments are probably lost to the average tourist, but one finds sanctity in the silence around them.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review> History & Culture / by Lakshmi Sharath / August 08th, 2010

Teenager leaves behind bitter past, clears SSLC

May 16, 2014Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Featuresadmin

MYSORE: An orphan girl, who was once forced to work as a domestic help at HD Kote, has cleared the SSLC exam, the results of which were announced on Monday.

Pavithra D, 17, a native of Hardenahalli in Davanagere, was taken to HD Kote and made to toil till city-based Juvenile Home for Girls rescued her in 2009. She continued her studies from Class 5 at People’s Park School. Now, she has scored 302 marks in SSLC. Pavithra told TOI: “After PU, I will pursue higher studies in a fine arts college. I also want to be a singer.”

Siblings Chubbakki, 17, and Mallige, 16, who hail from Kushalnagar in Madikeri, have been the inmates at Juvenile Home for the past two years. They have scored 318 and 297, respectively. Kavya, 15, from Hassan, has scored 297, while Hema, 16, from Madikeri, has scored 283 marks.

Juvenile Home has another reason to cheer. One of its inmates passed SSLC exam in first class. Chaudamma, 16, of Malligehalli in Shimoga, said: “I have scored 399. I had chicken pox during exams. I would have scored well had I been well then.” Speaking about her future plans, she said she aspires to become a “good teacher” to teach poor students. Sahana, 18, of Mandya, has scored 365, just 10 marks short of being first
class.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysore / TNN / May 13th, 2014

Nagamma J H, probationary officer of Juvenile Home, said that this is the first time that they have achieved 100% results with seven inmates clearing the exam.

CRY holds Vote for Child Rights Cycle Rally

April 8, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Sportsadmin

Cubbon Park was charged with enthusiasm as more than 150 cyclists participated in the Child Rights and You’s (CRY) Vote for Child Rights Cycle Rally. Flagging off the rally alongside Regional Director of CRY recently, (South) Suma Ravi, were eminent personalities, including ace Badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa, Paralympic high jumper silver medalist Girisha Hosanagara Rajegowda, Kannada actor Srimurali and Guinness Record holder, young actor-director Kishan Srikanth. The 6-km rally which started off at Cubbon Park, and traversed around M G Road, culminated at Cubbon Park.

Suma Ravi said, “The Bangalore Cycle rally concludes our events for CRY’s Vote for Child Rights campaign, and yet again we are thrilled to witness the enthusiasm of all our participants in helping us spread the word.”

Ashwini Ponnappa said, “I’m glad that I am associated with a campaign that calls for everyone to become active advocates for Child Rights. I would like to see all girls getting equal opportunities everywhere in life.”

Mirroring the same sentiments, Girish Hosanagara said, “The Vote for Child Rights campaign stands for the rights for our children and is aimed at the people who will finally be in power. Every child, irrespective of any disability, must have the right to a happy, healthy childhood.”

Srimurali said, “CRY has always worked towards ensuring lasting change for children, and as an actor if I can do anything to help, I will.”

Supported by Unibic Foods India Pvt Ltd (Refreshment partner), Kerberon Automations, Bangalore Cyclists Club, Eden Suites and Target Imprints, the rally is part of CRY’s nationwide Vote for Child Rights campaign that started on November 13, 2013. It included activities ranging from signing pledges from the general public to getting prominent personalities from across India to support the campaign, to the organising events like wall paintings and flash mobs to showcase the current state of Child Rights in India.

The campaign believes that India’s children, who account for one third of the population, deserve the collective demonstration of commitment towards child rights. It also calls for action to express zero tolerance towards violation of child rights so that every child can be assured of a happy, healthy and creative childhood. That can happen only if children are recognised as rights holders and people in power remain committed towards providing care, protection, essential services and opportunities to each and every child.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service – Bangalore / March 24th, 2014

‘Rajara Gadduge’ gets ` 20 lakh for renovation

April 4, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Funds will be utilised for renovation and electrification

The State government has released Rs 20 lakh for the renovation of Rajara Gadduge, one of the historical tourist spot near Banni Mantapa in Madikeri.

The State government has earmarked the funds for the renovation work in the last budget and has handed it over to archeological department.

The responsibility of the conservation of the Gadduge has been handed over to the archeological department. The department is getting ready to renovate three mausoleums. The funds have been deposited to the account of the department last month.

Tender was invited for the renovation work. However, no bidder had come forward to take up the work. Now, the department is thinking of taking up the work on its own or call for a re-tender. The decision on the same will be taken up after the Lok Sabha polls, said Archeological department Assistant Officer Sathish.

In the released amount, the work on electrification, painting and renovation of mausoleum of Raja Purohith Rudrappa situated on the left hand side of mausoleums of Chikkarajendra and his wife will be taken up, he said.

The Madikeri Urban Development Authority had laid a park at the Gadduge two years ago. However, owing to lack of maintenance, the park is crying for attention.

Visitors said “the park should be maintained well. Information boards should be installed at strategic locations in and around Madikeri city to furnish details on the Gadduge.”

On Gadduge

Rajara Gadduge is the mausoleum of the former kings of Kodagu namely Doddaveerarajendra, Lingarajendra and Rajaguru Rudrappa. Gadduge has two identical square structures, which are the tombs of the king Doddaveerarajendra and his queen.

They are close to each other, built in Indo-Sarcanic style, flaunting domes and pillars. There is tomb of Lingarajendra which was built by his son Chikkaveerarajendra in 1820. There is a tomb of Purohith Rudrappa which was built in 1834.

There are tombs of commander-in-chief Biddanda Bopu and his son Biddanda Somaiah, who were killed in their fight against Mysore Emeperor Tippu Sulthan.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri – March 23rd, 2014

‘Improve plight of women in rural areas’

March 31, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Featuresadmin

There are several laws to protect the interest of women. Women should make use of the available laws to lead a dignified life, said First Additional District and Sessions Judge M V Jadara.

Speaking at women’s day programme organised by the State Women’s Commission, Kodagu district administration, zilla panchayat, Legal Services Authority and woman and child welfare department here Saturday, he said that women are successful in each and every field. Zilla Panchayat CEO P I Srividya said that women should be empowered economically. DySP Prasanna V Raju, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare officer K V Suresh, Women and Child welfare Deputy Director Mumthaz among others were present.

In a separate programme organised by the district legal services authority, Mahilodaya Mahila Okkuta and Bar Association, Additional Civil Judge S Siddaraju said that education helps in the progress of a country. Women should focus on education.

Ashok of ODP said that a society can progress only when they are empowered. There is a need to improve condition of women in rural areas. Child marriage, evils of dowry system should be eradicated from the society. Widows should be honoured and respected.

CMC Commissioner B B Pushpavathi read out an oath.

Mudigere

Women should engage themselves in productive works during their free time, said Ujire Church Priest Vincent.

Speaking at women’s day programme organised by Kapuchin Krishi Seva Kendra and Banakal Vimukthi SHG Federation, he said that mother mould the personality of her children.

Banakal Vimukthi SHG Federation President Prema said that the Federation has been emphasising on cleanliness. About 460 members of the Federation were given loan of Rs 5,000 each without interest to construct toilets in their houses. Women are encouraged to take up pisciculture, vermi compost and dairy farming to empower themselves financially. Women should develop leadership qualities in them and come to the mainstream of the society, said Banakal church priest Vinod.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District> Madikeri – DHNS , March 09th, 2014

Get-together of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa college alumni association held

March 25, 2014Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Resolve to seek Bharat Ratna for Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa

Madikeri :

It was a heart-warming occasion for the alumnae of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College (FMKMCC) here, who got together yesterday and shared their memorable experiences of more than half-a-century ago.

About 100 former students of the college participated in the get-together held under the Presidentship of N.A. Appaya, President of FMKMCC Alumni Association, for the second time. It was a joyous moment mixed with emotion for the alumnae who remembered their college days, chatted about their lives, profession, family and recalled the trivia of their experiences while in the college.

Established in 1949 as Government First Grade College affiliated to Madras University, it was renamed as FMKMC college in 1994 after Mangalore University took over the college as its constituent in 1993. The campus in an area of 33.36 acres is surrounded by mountains. The college has completed 60 years of fruitful existence.

As part of the get-together function, retired Forest Officer Dr. K.A. Kushalappa, former IAS officer K.A. Belliappa and Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy were felicitated for their outstanding achievements.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kushalappa stated with pride that the education imparted to him at the college had changed the course of his life.

SOM Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, addressing the gathering, said that he studied in the college from 1956 to 1959. He remembered the days when students walked to the college, rain or shine, as there was no public transport. He remembered some of the teachers who were his mentors.

K.A. Belliappa said that the education he obtained in the college for a year was memorable.

The meeting unanimously approved a resolution to urge the Centre to confer Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour, on Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa posthumously.

Earlier, a cultural programme was staged by children, including a dance performance by six-year-old Jeevitha, a skit by the students of FMKMCC about environment protection and conservation and a patriotic song by Liyakath Ali and team.

Managing Trustee of Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences Dr. Sunil Muddaiah, FMKMCC Principal Dr. Parvathy Appaiah, Get-Together Committee President N.A. Appaya, Alumni Association Vice-President Liyakath Ali, Secretary K. Boji Thammaiah and others were present.

A minute’s silence was observed to pay homage to departed members of the Association. Those who were felicitated were introduced to the members by N.D. Charmanna, B.B. Subbaiah and A.A. Poonacha. M.K. Kuttappa and Thulasi introduced the guests.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 24th, 2014

FARMER’S NOTEBOOK : A package of practices for profitable coffee, black pepper cultivation

March 1, 2014Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Natureadmin

EMPOWERED: Attending one of the seminars organised by IISR’s Cardamom Research Centre (CRC) at Appangala in Kodagu on spices cultivation was a turning point in Mrs. Prema Ganesh’s life./ Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Agriculture is no more a male dominated sector, as many women have shown that they are second to none in this field. “Women can be successful agriculturists, if they are supported with timely technological interventions by scientists and encouragement from family”, says Dr. M. Anandaraj, Director of the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode.
Mrs. Prema Ganesh from Maragodu village, Kodagu District, Karnataka is a role model for other women in this field.

Several problems

When she ventured to take over her coffee and black pepper plantation in 10 hectares a decade ago, several problems started surfacing, especially the low productivity of crops, making agriculture a non profitable enterprise.Keen to overcome them, she happened to attend one of the seminars organised by IISR’s Cardamom Research Centre (CRC) at Appangala in Kodagu on spices cultivation.“It was a turning point in my life,” recollects Ms Ganesh.

The scientists at CRC assured full technological support to her ventures. A team from CRC visited her plantation and identified some major production constraints such as high plant density per unit area, prevalence of diseases and pests, problems like spike shedding in black pepper etc.They provided a complete package of practices to be followed including thinning of excess plant growth to maintain optimum spacing among them, adoption of basin management techniques like application of organic manures, micronutrient application, earthing up and mulching for various crops.“In the case of black pepper, special recommendations like basin irrigation at the rate of 40-50 litres of water at 4-5 times per vine at an interval of 5-7 days during May-June in case of delayed monsoon, regulation of shade by pruning the support trees to provide minimum 50-60 per cent exposure to sunlight were suggested,” says Dr. S J Ankegowda, Head, CRC, AppangalaFor diseases and pests, spraying of two rounds of Bordeaux during June and August/September and one round of drenching with 0.2 per cent Copper Oxy Chloride (COC), and need based application of insecticides were also recommended.Trees like balangi, palawan and silver oak were planted at a spacing of 15×15 feet (random) to provide adequate shade to the crops.In addition she readied several rainwater harvesting pits of 10 feet length, 1.5 feet width and 1.5 feet depth between the coffee plants.These pits also serve as compost pits where all the farm wastes are dumped for two years to decompose after which they are removed and applied as organic manure to coffee and pepper, substantially reducing the cost on purchase of farm yard manure.

Composed husks

Ms. Ganesh makes use of composed coffee cherry husk, a by-product of coffee pulping, after mixing with cow dung as an additional source of organic manure.Annually she spends Rs. 35,000 per acre as operational cost and gets about Rs. 25 lakhs a year as net income from both black pepper and coffee. Reducing manual labour was an important initiative by her.“First thing they did was to lay motorable roads inside the plantation. This has reduced the strain in carrying the harvested produce in bags by labourers.Before the roads were laid, a labourer would take about 30 minutes to carry the bag to the main road for loading it on the lorries.“The physical strain was quite heavy. But now this has considerably reduced since the vehicles can come into the plantation,” says Dr. Ankegowda.

Underground irrigation

Another initiative was the underground pipe-lining for irrigation. Today the entire plantation has well connected irrigation line ready for irrigation all through the year.For more details readers can contact Mrs. Prema Ganesh, Prema Estate, Maragodu Village, Madikeri, Kodagu district- 571 201, Ph: 08272-241555, or Dr. S. J. Ankegowda, Head, IISR Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala, Madikeri-571201, Karnataka, mobile: 09663069241 and phone: 08272-245451.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> S & T> Science / Farmers Notebook> Karnataka / by M.J.Prabu / February 26th, 2014

Call to preserve Kodava culture

January 30, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Kodava culture is on the verge of extinction as it is not receiving the right kind of encouragement and patronage, said president of the women’s wing of Somwarpet Kodava Samaja Bachinadanda Rita Kushalappa, here, recently.

She was speaking during the inauguration of a get-together, organised by the Samaja. “The rich Kodava culture should be introduced to children in the primary school level itself. Parents should take the first step in this direction,” she said.

She called upon Kodava women, in the taluk, to enrol with the Samaja.

Former district Scouts and Guides commissioner Manavattira Sharadha Mandanna said, Kodavas are being reduced to a minority population in the district due to migration of the people to other districts, States and nations, in search of better opportunities.

Non-residents

“At least, those who are residing in the district should strive to take steps to safeguard the interest of the Kodava people. Those who are residing should encourage their counterparts in Kodagu district. They should contribute whenever possible,” she said.

Women took part in several cultural programmes and games. Samaja secretary Apadanda Asha Viraraj, vice-president Paruvanda Saru Ramappa, Biddatanda Seetha and others were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Somwarpet (Kodagu Dist.) / DHNS – January 15th, 2014

Tributes paid to war hero Devayya

December 23, 2013Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, Alladmin

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and others offering floral tributes to the portrait of Ajjamada Devayya at the Circle named after him in Madikeri on Saturday.

Rich tributes were paid to late Squadron Leader Ajjamada B. Devayya, a Kodava hero who showed exemplary courage to shoot down a Pakistani Supersonic F104 aircraft in the 1965 war under adverse conditions, at the Circle named after him at the private bus stand in Madikeri on Saturday. Sq. Ldr. Devayya carried out the attack on this day in 1965 to lay down his life for the nation.

Garland

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, Ajjamada family members, officials, and guests garlanded the portrait of Devayya in the morning to remember the heroics of the war veteran with Mr. Bopaiah promising to find a suitable location to set up a statue in the city in honour of Devayya for upholding military traditions of Kodagu.

Sq. Ldr. Devayya was born on 24 Dec 1932. He was the only one among the members of the strike force who sacrificed his life for the nation after carrying out the task of attacking the Sargodha airfield in Pakistan on September 7, 1965.

This was revealed in a book written by English journalist John Fricker, after he was party to the description of an episode by the then Flight Lieutenant, Amjad Hussain, of Pakistan.

The private bus-stand circle in Madikeri was named after the war hero on September 7, 2009.

Sq. Ldr. Devayya was conferred with the Maha Vir Chakra for his illustrious service to the nation posthumously which was received by his wife Sundari from the President of India.

Delay

Though the State government sanctioned Rs. 5 lakh for setting up a statue of Devayya, the project was being delayed over a court order, he said. Efforts were on to talk to Bal Bhavan authorities to secure land to set up the statue of Devayya, he said. Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari, Ajjamada family members Karumbaiah, Katti Mandaiah, ex-servicemen, officials of Department of Sainik and Resettlement Board, Madikeri, were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Madikeri – September 08th, 2013

‘Create awareness on Aids’

December 10, 2013Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Science & Technologyadmin

There is need to create an awareness on HIV/Aids among people, said Zilla Panchayat Vice President Biddanda Usha Devamma.

She was speaking at a World Aids Day programme organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, department of health and family welfare, District Aids Control unit, district Legal Services Authority, here on Monday. Zilla Panchayat standing committee (education and health) Mani Nanjappa, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Srividya, District Health Officer Dr O R Srirangappa and others were present.

Protest

The contract workers of Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society staged a protest demanding the fulfillment of their demands, by wearing black badge.

The staff members of ICTC, ART, DSRC, Link ART and blood bank took part in the protest.
Addressing the protesters, Contract Workers district unit leader Sadananda said that Karnataka tops in controlling the spread of Aids. However, the workers who have been striving for the purpose are not given facilities.

The protesters urged to regularise the services of contract labourers and double the wages of the contract workers. The wages which were pending for the last few months should be released at the earliest.

Mudigere

Students who become victims of wrong selections, tend to miss a lot of opportunities in life, said JMFC Principal Civil Judge Padmaprasad.

He was speaking after inaugurating legal literacy programme jointly organised by the law department, NSS unit and health department, to observe World Aids Day at Government Boy’s PU College on Monday.

“Adolescence is a period which takes youth in wrong direction. Only those who aim high and are spirited throughout, achieve in their lives.”

“Life gives several opportunities, therefore students should come out of negative and unwanted thoughts that come to their mind. Even the parents should shower love on children so that they will not succumb to bad habits,” he said.

Taluk Health Officer Dr Yogesh called ‘awareness’ as the only medicine for Aids.
Students should educate themselves about Aids and also spread awareness in the society, he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by DHNS – Madikeri / December 02nd, 2013

Kodagu First

a Celebration. Positive News, Facts & Achievements about Kodagu, Coorgs and the People of Kodagu – here at Home and Overseas