Category Archives: Inspiration / Positive News and Features

At 79, Padma Shri Ummathat Ki Rani is busy pushing for a Kodava ‘lipi’

Rani’s entire career has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the folk dance form, Ummathat, of the Kodava tradition.

Rani Machaiah (seated) was felicitated at a function in Madikeri on Thursday, 26 January. (Supplied)

The news came as mellifluous as the song that accompanies Ummathat, the traditional dance form of Kodagu.

Rani Machaiah — better known as Ummathat Ki Rani  — was at her home in Madikeri when she received the news of the nation honouring her with Padma Shri.

Congratulatory calls have been flooding her from relatives, friends, well-wishers, and most importantly, from her large number of students since Wednesday, 25 January.

“A train of thoughts crossed my mind,” the 79-year-old shared her experience with South First. “I have worked for around 50 years, promoting this traditional dance form.”

She has been leading Ummathat since 1984 and she had trained over 10,000 students.

Rani recalled taking her students to different states to showcase the dance form. “Ummathat is performed by a troupe of 20 — two will be singing and the other eighteen will dance to narrate a story,” she explained.

“This dance form is similar to the traditional ones of every other state,” she added.

Creating masters

Rani doesn’t dance anymore. But she still teaches students to master the art form. She had trained several batches of students.

Padma Shri Rani Machaiah. (Supplied)

“Once they get married, they leave and a new batch joins. Girls of any age can join the troupe,” Rani said.

Her students had performed in Lakshadweep, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and several places across Karnataka.

“We get invitations from various places and institutions from all over the country and we perform our traditional Ummathat there,” Rani, who has dedicated herself to preserving and promoting the traditional dance form, said.

Rani was born in 1943 in Siddapura in the Kodagu district. Her husband, the late Machaiah, was an advocate, who passed away when she was 65.

Her son, Sathish Machaiah, 55, is a software engineer in Bengaluru. Rani’s daughter, Saritha Devaiah, is a homemaker in Kodagu. Her husband Devaiah owns a plantation.

When asked about her inspiration to take up Ummathat, Rani said it was personal interest.

Now, a lipi

Rani is the chairperson of Kaveri Kalavrunda Sangha, an organisation she founded. She is the recipient of the Rajyotsava Award and many other honours.

She was a former president of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and at present, she is encouraging groups of Kodavas working on designing a lipi — alphabet or script — for the Kodava language to preserve its literature since the language doesn’t have a lipi now (traditionally, Kodavas use the Thirke script, which is an abugida).

“It will look somewhat similar to Kannada and it will have phonetics and extra words that are used in the Kodava language in Kannada lipi,” Rani said.

source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / South First / Home> States / by Bellie Thomas / January 27th, 2023

New species of spider discovered in Kodagu district

This is only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists.

Ligdus garvale spider discovered in Kodagu district. | Photo Credit: special arrangement

A group of naturalists from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka recently discovered a new species of spider in Kodagu. They named it Ligdus garvale after the village where it was found. Garvale, a village in the Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, is where the spider was discovered.

This jumping spider is significant as it represents only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists.

The research team includes John T.D. Caleb from the Department of Anatomy at Saveetha Medical College & Hospital in Chennai, A. Divyashree from Kuvempu University in Shankarghatta, A.P.C. Abhijith from Indraprastha Organic Farm in Mysuru, and Lohith Kumar from Montrose Golf Resort and Spa in Kodagu.

According to Ms. Divyashree, Ligdus garvale was found in Garvale village, which is surrounded by agroforestry. “Coffee plantations are prominent in the area, along with pepper and paddy fields where the Ligdus Garvale, a jumping spider, was found,” she added.

After the team of naturalists observed the spider and recorded their findings, they sent the specimen to Mr. Caleb for anatomical examination. “Ligdus garvale represents just the second recorded occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years. The first, Ligdus chelifer, was documented in Myanmar in 1895,” Mr. Abhijith said.

Mr. Abhijith explained that the eight-legged creature was discovered beneath the leaf of a torch ginger plant in Garvale village in north Kodagu. “The Garvale jumping spider measures approximately 0.2 inches in length. It has eight legs, eight eyes, and a body covered with fine pale hairs. Only one male Garvale jumping spider was found, and the new species was named after the Garvale area where it was discovered. So far, this is the only area where it has been found,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau, Bengaluru / May 24th, 2024

Home Minister Calls On Family Of Beheaded Girl In Kodagu

Compensation will be paid to deceased Meena’s parents after poll code ends

Madikeri:

Days after U.S. Meena, a 16-year-old minor girl, who was brutally beheaded by a man at Mutlu village in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar visited the residence of the victim yesterday and consoled her parents.

Meena, an SSLC student of Surlabbi Government High School, was brutally beheaded by 33-year-old Prakash, the  man who was said to be engaged with the girl in the morning of May 9. The SSLC results were declared the same day and she had passed  the exam but unfortunately was killed the same evening. Her mother Janaki too sustained injuries in the assault and was treated at a Hospital in Mysuru.

Speaking to presspersons, Dr. Parameshwar said that preliminary investigation suggests that the girl was killed as the accused got furious over postponement of marriage on the grounds that the girl was a minor.

Maintaining that the Government would not tolerate such brutal acts and has taken the case seriously, he said that a Special Court will be established for speedy trial and the accused will be punished as per Law.

Pointing out that a Special Public Prosecutor too would be appointed for ensuring that the culprit gets the harshest punishment, Dr. Parameshwar said that the girl’s family would be paid compensation by the Government once the Model Code of Conduct for the LS polls comes to an end.

Replying to BJP leader and former CM Jagadish Shettar’s assertion that Law and Order has collapsed in the State with murders and other heinous acts occurring across Karnataka, the Home Minister said the Congress Government does not need a certificate from Shettar.

Noting that crimes were on the rise during the previous BJP Government too, he said the people would themselves give certificate to the Government.

Replying to a question on investigation into Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna’s sleaze videos and pen drives, Dr. Parameshwar, who seemed upset at the question, said that it is not correct to speak about the case here.

Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Kodagu SP K. Ramarajan, ASP Sundarraj and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories /May 17th, 2024

Unnathi sprinting to master bigger hurdles

The 18-year-old from Karnataka is making giant strides on the big circuit.

Karnataka’s Unnathi Aiyappa is headed to the World Athletics U20 Championships to be held in Lima, Peru in August after qualifying in both the women’s 100m hurdles and 200m events. Credit: PTI Photo

Bengaluru:

Unnathi Aiyappa is in the midst of a transitional period. It is a phase where every decision the teen athlete makes in the present is to help her leapfrog towards cementing future goals. Her recent results are a testimony to this. 

After having already qualified for the women’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships 100m hurdles to be held in Lima (Peru) from August 27-31, the 18-year-old from Karnataka breached the qualification mark for the 200m race as well by winning the gold at the National Senior Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar on Monday with a personal best timing of 23.85 seconds.

Less than a month ago, the youngster had finished with a bronze medal in the 100m hurdles at the Asian U-20 Athletics Championships in Dubai.

“Our main goal is to get Unnathi to become a 400m hurdler,” says father and coach BP Aiyappa. “Whatever we are doing now with the 100m hurdles and 200m is a preparation towards that goal,” he adds. 

Speaking about the races over the last few days, Unnathi, who ran a mistake-laden semifinal where she was slow off the blocks and in the curve, focussed on overcoming the flaws in the final where she was chasing time more than the gold. The ‘unexpected win was extra special, says the girl from Kodagu as she beat seasoned sprinter Srabani Nanda in a photo finish for her first medal at a senior meet. 

“We will get her to compete in four more events before the World Juniors and based on the progress in both the events (200m and 100m hurdles), my idea is to enter in only one event in Lima. I don’t want to put too much load on her body as a junior and she will focus on these two disciplines for another year-and-a-half. We will completely switch to 400m hurdles only after that,” explained Aiyappa. 

“The 400m hurdles has a rhythm to it which is addictive. But 400m is just going all out. It’s boring,” says the daughter of Olympian Pramila Aiyappa. 

If fine-tuning her running skills or blazing the tracks is her primary vocation, the teen is part of a growing brigade of Indian women athletes who enjoy upping the fashion quotient while competing or off it.

“I recently learnt how to braid my hair. I wore some eye-liner and lipstick and did some nail art for the first-time while racing in Dubai and here. It is important to look pretty when you win. No?!,” reasons Unnathi, who takes inspiration from USA’s sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Hita Prakash / May 15th, 2024

Club Mahindra’s Madikeri Resort recognised as the First Triple Net Zero by the Indian Green Building Council

Bengaluru :

Club Mahindra, the leading brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, proudly announces the prestigious recognition of its Madikeri resort as India’s first triple net-zero-rated resort by the esteemed Indian Green Building Council. The Triple Net Zero acknowledges Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water, and Zero waste to landfill. The rating sets a benchmark on par with international standards thus making Club Mahindra Madikeri achieve a significant milestone in sustainable hospitality. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 Club Mahindra is committed to innovating and inspiring change.

More about Net Zero Certifications:

•           Net Zero Energy: This indicates the resort generates as much energy as it consumes. Through optimum utilization of Solar Energy and energy-efficient infrastructure, the resort focuses on reducing its carbon footprint.

•           Net Zero Water: This is a remarkable achievement in water management. It promotes water conservation and security. Club Mahindra’s water conservation initiatives demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices. Measures include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving fixtures.

•           Zero Waste to Landfill: TÜV SÜD certified the resort for Net Zero Waste in FY23. Comprehensive waste management practices, including segregation at source, composting, recycling, and other measures, help Club Mahindra achieve zero waste

The resort nestled in the picturesque region of Coorg, Karnataka is a beacon of luxury, comfort, and responsible tourism, thus contributing to preserving the planet. The resort blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings, supporting local plants and animals, covering a vast area of 126464.26 square meters, with buildings occupying just 22257.7 square meters. Further, incorporating dense vegetation, insulated roofs, and using local materials, the resort has reduced the surrounding temperature by approximately 3°C. Additionally several other energy-saving initiatives such as Motion sensor-controlled washrooms, Regulated Geysers, Timer controlled external lights, Heat Pumps, and BLDC fans have resulted in an impressive energy performance index of 74.4 kW per m² per year, surpassing the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s benchmark of 313 kW per m² per year. Moreover, over 70% of the water is recycled and reused for operational purposes at the resort  further emphasizing the resort’s commitment to sustainability.

Additionally, the Mahindra Hariyali project has led to the planting of thousands of trees, enriching the region’s natural habitat and attracting diverse bird species. This initiative fosters a thriving ecosystem, enhancing the visitor experience with its biodiversity.

Julian Ayers, Chief Resort Officer, Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited, said, “At Mahindra, we recognize the crucial importance of advocacy and partnerships in driving the swift shift towards a sustainable future. Our journey towards a greener future began in 2008. Since then, we’ve embraced a ‘Planet Positive’ approach to sustainability. We’re committed to making our operations eco-friendly, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint, and revitalizing nature. Our unwavering commitment to habitat protection and biodiversity at Madikeri has earned us recognition and honour from the IGBC, reflecting our steadfast dedication. We embrace a global responsibility for safeguarding diverse ecosystems and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, we’re committed to innovating and inspiring change within our operations and beyond, as part of Mahindra Holidays’ sustainability journey.”

Mahindra Holidays is India’s first hospitality company to join the global campaign RE100 and EP100. To achieve its zero-energy goal, Club Mahindra implemented an 804 kW solar rooftop photovoltaic plant and solar carports in parking areas. In water conservation efforts, over 70% of water is recycled and reused, with natural streams diverted to a 380 kL capacity pond and 14 Rainwater Harvesting Pits constructed. For zero waste, the resort utilizes a bio-digester to convert food waste into biogas, reducing waste and LPG costs

With these remarkable achievements, Club Mahindra continues its steadfast journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation. By doing so, it provides its members with unparalleled access to some of the most breath-taking and exotic destinations both in India and across the globe.

source: http://www.apnnews.com / APN News / Home> Tourism> Hospitality / May 15th, 2024

Europe To Receive First EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)-Ready Coffee Verified By Rainforest Alliance

India’s High Range Coffee Curing is poised to become the first farm verified by the Rainforest Alliance to ship EUDR–ready coffee beans to Europe later this month.

The coffee farm partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to meet the necessary compliance requirements of the regulation.

Established in 1995, High Range Coffee Curing is located in the Periyapatna and Kushalnagar Coorg districts among 142 hectares of tropical forests and is known for its quality beans.

The farm supplies coffee to leading global coffee brands, roasters and traders in India, including Nestle, Unileverr, E-Com Commodities, Olam, Continental Coffee, Louis Dreyfus Company, Vidya Coffee and Allanasons.

EUDR-Ready Coffee

Zaidan M Saly, director of High Range Coffee Curing stated, “Implementing EUDR [EU Deforestation Regulation] posed significant challenges for our team, but with the invaluable guidance from Rainforest Alliance representatives in our region, we overcame them and gained confidence in the process.

“Their expertise made the seemingly daunting task entirely feasible, facilitating a smooth and successful implementation, which now not only guarantees adherence to EUDR regulations but also sparked a revolution in our approach to traceability.”

Rainforest Alliance certification enables coffee and cocoa farmers to opt in for EUDR-aligned criteria.

This allows companies to source from these farms, track ingredients along their supply chains, and leverage farm data to demonstrate compliance with the regulation’s deforestation risk assessment and mitigation requirements by the deadline, at no additional cost.

‘Sustainable Practices’

Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead at the Rainforest Alliance stated, “The EUDR represents an important step forward to shift the global coffee sector towards more sustainable practices.

“Yet, many smallholder coffee farmers need support to align with the requirements, including traceability, deforestation risk mapping, local laws, and practical and technical guidance on key environmental practices.”

The Rainforest Alliance has urged the EU Commission not to dilute or delay the legislation or postpone its deadline in response to calls from some companies and governments.

It has also called on companies not to scale back purchases from smallholder coffee farmers, but rather support them in meeting the deadline of this legislation.

Gamboa added, “We are also piloting a deforestation risk assessment offering for companies buying non-certified coffee and cocoa, which we plan to roll out more widely later this year.

“With this offering, we aim to support more companies in their journey to compliance, but more importantly, to also reach non-certified farmers so their products can still be sold on the EU  market.”

source: http://www.esmmagazine.com / ESM- European Supermarket Magazine / Home> Supply Chain / by Dayeeta Das (headline edited) / May 06th, 2024

Tennis Star Rohan Bopanna To Mentor 25 Underprivileged Children From Assam

In a heartwarming move aimed at empowering underprivileged children, India’s leading tennis player, Rohan Bopanna, has selected 25 promising youngsters from remote regions of Majuli Island and Bongaigaon in Assam to receive comprehensive tennis training.

This collaborative effort between the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA) and Kamal India Foundation UK seeks to provide extensive support to children aged between 9 and 11.

Following a rigorous assessment process, which saw around 300 children showcasing their skills and fitness, Bopanna personally handpicked the final 25 players for inclusion in the program.

The selected candidates will be relocated to Bengaluru, where they will benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure, a world-class tennis curriculum, and guidance from experienced coaching staff.

Additionally, boarding and lodging facilities within the school campus, along with educational support, will be provided.

Notably, Bopanna himself will offer mentorship and guidance at RBTA.

When asked about the specific selection of players from Assam, Bopanna cited a request from a sponsor.

“One of the reasons was that a donor wanted kids to be selected from the North East. We thought why not? It does not matter which part of the country kids come from; it is an incredible opportunity,” he stated.

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership with Kamal India Foundation UK, Bopanna emphasized the aim to nurture athletic talents while empowering children with education and life skills essential for their future.

At 44 years old, Bopanna, who recently attained the top ranking on the ATP Tour, remains committed to the program’s expansion.

“Out of 300, we got 25. Now these will remain. The plan is to support them till the 10th or 12th standard. We keep adding more kids to the program. Every year we will have players from different regions,” he affirmed.

As, Padma Shri, Rohan Bopanna prepares to compete at the Paris Games, his initiative stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring young athletes, promising a brighter future for underprivileged children through the transformative power of sport and education.

source: http://www.northeasttoday.in / Northeast Today / Home> Assam> Featured> Northeast> Sports / by NET Web Desk / May 03rd, 2024

Kundyolanda Family Cup Creates History

Earns Guinness World Record for largest field hockey tournament

The annual Kodava family hockey tournament, hosted this year by the Kundyolanda family, has made history by earning itself a Guinness World Record for being the largest field  hockey tournament.

Originating in 1996 with just 60 teams, the festival has grown exponentially, boasting 360 teams participating this year with over 4,200 players, including men, women and children of all ages.

The achievement of this Guinness World Record is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Kodava Hockey Academy, which has elevated the Kodava hockey tournament to a global level.

The certificate from the Guinness Records Society was presented by Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator and spokesperson for Guinness World Records based in London to Pandanda K. Bopanna, President of the Kodava Hockey Academy.

This year’s tournament also featured various activities such as a food fair, financial literacy camp, health care camp and marathon, organised by the Kodava families, which garnered widespread attention.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 29th, 2024

Kodava Family Hockey: Chendanda Champions

Madikeri:

The 24th Edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival 2024, organised by the Kundyolanda Family under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy, concluded its month-long (Mar. 30 to Apr. 28) Hockey Carnival at the General Thimayya Ground at Napoklu Karnataka Public School in Kodagu district last evening.

The registration of 360 teams marked a historic milestone in the tournament’s history, setting a new record for participation.

This year’s tournament witnessed the Chendanda family emerging as champions. In a thrilling match between Nellamakkada and Chendanda, Chendanda clinched victory in a nail-biting tiebreaker, with a  final score of 8-7.

The Chendanda team has now earned the prestigious title of Kodava Family Hockey Champions for the third time.

Team Nellamakkada, which settled for runners-up position, seen displaying the trophy and  the cheque for Rs. 3,00,000.

Somaiah from Nellamakkada was bestowed with the Man of the Match award. The goal scorers for Chendanda were Nikkin Thimmaiah in the 30th and 38th minutes, while Rohan scored for Nellamakkada in the 44th minute and Mac in the 54th minute.

The Kulletira family secured third place in the tournament by defeating the Kuppanda (Kaikeri) team with a score of 3-2. This match was also decided through a tiebreaker.

The victorious Chendanda team was awarded the rolling trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 4 lakh, while the runners-up, the Nellamakkada team, received a trophy along with Rs. 3 lakh in cash. The third-place holder, the Kulletira team, was awarded Rs. 2 lakh in cash, and the fourth-place team, Kuppanda, received a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

Last evening, a crowd of over 30,000 witnessed the thrilling finale, packing the gallery to its brim. Hockey enthusiasts from across Kodagu as well as from places like Mysuru and Bengaluru stood under the hot sun to witness the matches.

Despite the searing heat, their enthusiasm remained undeterred. Originating in 1997 from the visionary insight of the late Pandanda Kuttappa, affectionately known as Kuttani, a former State league referee, the Kodava Hockey Festival has evolved from its humble beginnings with 60 teams to become a grand event managed under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy.

Following the grand finale and prize distribution ceremony, traditional Kodava music filled the air and the crowd, including men, women and children adorned in traditional attire, danced to the beats, bringing the tournament to an exciting close.

The Kodava Hockey Family Cup has transformed the tradition of families coming together to play hockey into a vibrant celebration akin to a festival.

For the past 24 years, not only the Kodava community but the entire district’s diverse populace, hockey enthusiasts and sports aficionados have eagerly awaited the unfolding of the Kodava Hockey Family Cup.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 29th, 2024

Madikeri Director’s Film ‘Kandeelu’ Earns Prestigious Selection at 29th Kolkata Film Festival

HIGHLIGHTS

Madikeri:

Yashoda Prakash, a distinguished filmmaker hailing from Madikeri, has achieved a remarkable feat as her Kannada film ‘Kandeelu’ secures a coveted spot at the 29th Kolkata Film Festival, scheduled to take place from December 5 to 12. Yashoda, the sole woman director from the district, has not only etched her name in the local film industry but has also brought recognition to Madikeri on a national platform.

‘Kandeelu’ stands out as the only Kannada film chosen to compete among films in various Indian languages during this year’s festival. Yashoda Prakash, a resident of Madikeri, has previously directed and produced numerous films, including three in Kodava and five in Kannada. Her active involvement in the industry has yielded several quality productions.

The storyline of ‘Kandeelu’ unfolds in a village, weaving a narrative around the life of a farmer and his family. Inspired by real-life stories, the film delves into the significance of life amidst myriad challenges across different phases. Yashoda expresses confidence that the movie will be well-received at the film festival, anticipating appreciation for its portrayal of life’s complexities and nuances.

As the only female director representing Madikeri, Yashoda Prakash has not only elevated the cinematic landscape of the region but has also become a trailblazer, showcasing the richness of storytelling and filmmaking from this part of Karnataka. The selection of ‘Kandeelu’ for the Kolkata Film Festival adds another feather to Yashoda’s cap, and she hopes to clinch victory in this prestigious competition.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> Entertainment / by Coovercolly Indresh / November 18th, 2023