Category Archives: Leaders

Tributes To Dr. A. A. Kuttappa: A People’s Dentist

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

Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa, who passed away early this morning at his residence, was  one of the most jovial and exemplary Dentists of our city for the past over 40 years.

Past President of Mysore Kodava Samaja, Dr. Kuttappa  was a man genuinely concerned about Kodavas and very helpful too.  He led the Kodava Samaja during his tenure smoothly without controversies.

He  was a good listener to ideas and suggestions from others. 

I was blessed to work closely with him during his tenure as the President of Mysore Kodava Samaja, when I organised a mega Fund Raising event by Fashion Guru Prasad Bidappa during 2000 at Kaynes Resorts.

This was the largest ever fund raiser organised by Mysore Kodava Samaja to date which finally culminated in Mysore Kodava Samaja making a clear profit of approximately Rs. 20 lakh those days.  Dr. Kuttappa had total faith in me and had given the full responsibility of organising this event and completing it successfully.  He was a leader who had the ability to identify those with talent, nurture and encourage them for the common  good of the  community.   Dr. Kuttappa ensured that he was present in almost all functions of Kodavas both during celebrations or mourning. 

Dr. Kuttappa made his mark in Rotary Mysore too and was very popular in Rotary circles.

Dr. Kuttappa was a good speaker who added colour and poise  to any event he addressed.  His pun and humour was of a very trademark style.  He could carry the gathering very well by his impish sense of humour which Mysore and especially the Kodavas are going to miss immensely.

As for his professional side, he was a Doyen among the Dentists in Mysore who was probably among the first to establish his Dental Clinic at K.R. Circle  during late 60s. Of course, he was a highly sought after dentist and during his heydays, was a dentist of such fame and repute that it was not easy to get an appointment with him.

Dr. Kuttappa was very jovial and bore a pleasing personality and demeanour. The minute a patient sat on his dental chair he would make him or her forget the impending treatment in store by the power of his sheer humour and jokes that he would crack during the treatment.

He knew the art and style of ensuring his patients forgot the pain during the course of treatment. That was unique only to Dr. Kuttappa’s Dental Clinic. Now it is more than a decade since Dr. Kuttappa retired from being a practicing dentist but many of us, his regular clients, remember him and his dental chair. Above all, the great humour and conversation thrown in as a fringe benefit of visiting his clinic.

May his soul attain moksha is my prayers for him. The front chair which he used to occupy in almost all functions at Mysore Kodava Samaja shall forever remain empty will be a reminder to us about his eternal absence. RIP dear friend Shyam. Personally, it is a great loss to me that my dear friend Shyam is no longer with us.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 03rd, 2021

Rohan Bopanna honoured with Rajyaotsava award by Karnataka government

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports

The Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna was honoured with the Rajyaotsava award by the Karnataka state government on Tuesday.

Rohan Bopanna being conferred with the Rajyaotsava award (Source: rohanbopanna/Twitter)

The Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna was honoured with the Rajyaotsava award by the Karnataka state government on Tuesday. The 41-year-old took to his Twitter account to express his gratitude for the same.

“It’s an honour to receive the Rajyaotsava award, one of the highest civilian awards and for the state to recognise my achievements and contributions to Indian tennis,” Bopanna tweeted.

The Rajyotsava award is the second-highest civilian honour conferred by the Karnataka state government annually. It is awarded across 24 categories and includes a gold medal and cash prize worth INR. 1 lakh.

source: http://www.thebridge.in / The Bridge / Home> Tennis / by The Bridge Desk / December 01st, 2021

MLC polls: Direct fight between Congress-BJP in Kodagu

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Congress candidate Dr Mantar Gowda

The Legislative Council election from the local bodies constituency in Kodagu district has taken a curious turn. With the JD(S) withdrawing its nominee at the last moment, there is a direct fight between Congress and BJP candidates.

There is a stiff fight between Congress and BJP in the BJP’s strong fortress—Kodagu. Congress candidate Dr Mantar Gowda and BJP candidate Suja Kushalappa have been engaged in campaigning and are chalking out strategies for winning the election.  

MLA M P Appachu Ranjan is striving hard for the victory of his brother Suja Kushalappa.

Both candidates are crorepatis and have a political background. Dr Mantar is the son of former minister and BJP leader A Manju. The BJP has termed him as an ‘imported candidate’.

However, Dr Mantar has been claiming that his mother hails from Kodagu and owns ancestral property in the district and is trying to attract voters.

While levelling allegations on family affiliation against the BJP candidate, the Congress leaders are chalking out tactics for the victory.

BJP leader A Manju is not seen openly campaigning for his son who is contesting from a Congress ticket. However, it is said that he is working behind the scenes for the political future of his son. 

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have been claiming that they have the highest number of supporters in the Gram Panchayat.

As Gram Panchayat members are not elected on party lines, the members will support the Congress, said Congress leaders. 

On the other hand, M P Sunil Subramani, the present MLC representing the constituency is the brother of Suja Kushalappa. After he was denied a ticket, he is not seen actively participating in the campaign.

BJP candidate Suja Kushalappa said, “In the interest of development, I am confident of voters supporting the BJP.”

Congress candidate Dr Mantar Gowda said, “Voters are craving for change. I have not come to Kodagu to become a leader. I will work as a party worker.” 

Total voters

Total – 1,343

Male – 654

Female – 689

Local bodies

Total Gram Panchayats – 130

Number of Town Panchayats – 3

City Municipal Council – 1

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Adithya K A, Madikeri / November 30th, 2021

NCC Fetes Two Next Of Kins Of 1971 War Martyrs

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‘Vijay Shrankla Aur Sankritiyon Ka Maha Sangram’ celebrated

Mysuru/Mysore: 

Marking 75 years of Independence as also 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war leading to the creation of Bangladesh, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) is celebrating the occasion as ‘Vijay Shrankla Aur Sankritiyon Ka Maha Sangram’ across the country from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19 this year.

As part of the celebrations, the Mysuru NCC Group felicitated the Next of Kins (NoKs) of the two martyrs — Flying Officer K.P. Muralidharan of 20 Air Squadron and Risaldar B.M. Kaveriappa of the 66 Armoured Regiment — at a programme held at Cauvery auditorium in Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) premises on Hunsur Road here this morning.

The NoKs who were felicitated are Lalita Krishna Kumar, sister of Flying Officer K.P. Muralidharan and B.M. Machaiah, son of Risaldar B.M. Kaveriappa.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) C.K. Karumbaya, SM, was the chief guest. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere, VSM was the guest of honour.

As part of the celebrations, 75 NoKs of martyrs of 1971 war will be felicitated at 75 locations across the country.

Defence Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks posted locally at Mysuru including NCC Group Commander Col. R.R. Menon, NCC cadets and Associate NCC Officers, Air Veteran Mandetira N. Subramani, President, VeKare Ex-servicemen Trust, Mysuru were present on the occasion.

About Flying Officer K.P. Muralidharan: Flying Officer Kotteiezath Puthiyavettil Muralidharan hailed from Nilambur Kovilakom in Mallapuram district of Kerala. Born on Oct. 6, 1945, he was commissioned into the India Air Force on Oct. 29, 1966 at the age of 21. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Muralidharan was serving with 20 Sqn. known as ‘Lightnings’ and was based at Air Force Station in Pathankot. He took off in his Hunter (A-462) for a mission from Pathankot and was involved in a dog fight with enemy aircraft. He was last seen flying north of Peshawar in combat with a PAF Sabre and was shot down by the enemy Sabre. His aircraft crashed inside the enemy territory.

Risaldar B.M. Kaveriappa:

Born on Feb. 4, 1931 at Kadangamarur in Virajpet of Kodagu district, Kaveriappa joined the 66 Armoured Regiment in September 1969 and was appointed as a Troop Leader which he served till the last day of his life.

Kaveriappa was in command of 1 Troop Bravo Squadron. While moving to reinforce 3 Troop, his tank was hit by an enemy RCL Gun and he along with his crew were killed.  

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 30th, 2021

Now, General Thimayya Museum to showcase models of ships, submarine sent by Indian Navy

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While artillery and models from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force were present in large numbers, the museum had just a ship anchor to represent the Indian Navy.

The life-size model of a Navy ship being installed at the museum (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The General Thimayya Museum, which has become the pride of Kodagu, will soon have more exhibits installed – this time with support from the Indian Navy. Steps are being taken to install these models at the museum and they are likely to be unfurled to the world on December 13 by high-ranking officials from the Indian Navy.

The General Thimayya Museum in Madikeri was inaugurated by the President of India in February this year. The museum not only narrates the life story of General Thimayya, but is home to models of many types of artillery and military hardware from the Indian armed forces. While artillery and models from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force were present in large numbers, the museum had just a ship anchor to represent the Indian Navy. The General Thimayya and FMKM Cariappa Forum, who are the main hands behind raising the museum, were keen on availing artillery from the Indian Navy.

Incidentally, Rear Admiral Ichettira Uthaiah recently visited the General Thimayya Museum. He is the nephew of Col. (retired) KC Subbaiah who is the president of the General Thimayya and FMKM Cariappa Forum. “During the Rear Admiral’s visit, Col. Subbaiah asked Uthaiah to stand between an Army tank and MiG aircraft models installed outside the museum and wondered why a Navy ship was missing,” narrated Major (retired) Nanda Nanjappa, convener of the forum.

After Rear Admiral Uthaiah’s return to Delhi, he readied a life-size model of a new ship (whose name will be revealed during the inauguration) and has now delivered it to the museum. Along with the 24-feet-long and six-feet-wide life-size model of the ship, a model of a submarine, a model of INS Khukri (that took part in the 1971 operations) and a naval cannon have been sent by the Indian Navy to the museum. “Representatives from the Navy will be arriving and the artillery will be erected at the museum the way the Navy wants,” he explained.

Further, these are likely to be unfurled to the world on December 13 and Vice Admiral Biswajit Das Gupta who is the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command will take part in the inaugural ceremony alongside Rear Admiral Uthaiah and the forum members. “We are in talks with the Kodagu DC to give us the dates and final plans will be made after talks with Lt Gen (retired) PC Thimmayya,” confirmed Major (retired) Nanjappa.  

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Pragna G R, Express News Service / November 30th, 2021

General K.S. Thimayya’s Grandson Visits Sunny Side

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More memorabilia of the General to find place in the Museum

Madikeri:

‘Sunny Side’, General K.S. Thimayya’s house in Madikeri that has been converted into a Museum and a War Memorial, was dedicated to the nation in February this year by President Ram Nath Kovind. The place attracts a steady stream of visitors including tourists, Defence personnel and the local residents.

On Friday, the celebrated General’s grandson Kongetira Belliappa visited the Museum that is located on G.T. Road in Madikeri. Belliappa is the son of Thimayya’s daughter Mireille, who married Maj. Gen. Kongetira M. Chengappa.

General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 in the crucial years leading up to the conflict with China in 1962. Impressed with the way the Museum has been designed and maintained, Belliappa said that the place can be further improved with more memorabilia of the General.

Going around the Museum, he saw his grandfather’s photos and other artefacts. He recollected the service of General Thimayya who was known as the ‘Soldier’s General.’ “The family will strive to include more photos and items of relevance of the General and make it available to the public so that many more can get inspired to join the Armed Forces,” he told reporters after the visit.

Some of the photographs portrayed the legendary General’s brilliant strategies and daring that have set the standard for professional soldiering and leadership. Belliappa appreciated the collection of photographs, artefacts and other items related to the Indian Army at the Museum.

Before visiting the Museum, Belliappa met Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Dr. B.C. Satish and held a detailed discussion with him on how to improve the Museum. The DC assured that the District Administration would extend all help to make the Museum more accessible and to include more and more artefacts.

Deputy Director of Kannada and Culture Department K.T. Darshan, Manajooru Majunath, a relative of General Thimayya Kambiranda Nithin Ganapathy and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 28th, 2021

‘Accord tribal status to Kodavas’

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CNC president N U Nachappa speaks during the 31st Kodava National Day programme in Madikeri

The demands of Kodavas will get recognition only if the Kodava language is saved, said Hampi University professor Methi. 

He was speaking during the 31st Kodava National Day programme organised by Codava National Council (CNC) on Saturday. 

“As per the previous population census, Kodavas have been considered as a traditional tribal community. There is a need to work towards the Kodava language. Further work on the Kodava language will help in including the language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution. The Kodava language should be nurtured,’ he said. 

The influence of other languages including Kannada is seen in the Kodava language. The Kodava should come forward politically. There is a need to give priority to the study of Kodava art and literature, he added.

The genealogy study of Kodavas should be conducted effectively, he demanded.

Senior advocate Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa lauded the fight of the CNC in conserving Kodava culture and the community.

“The Kodavas should be accorded tribal status. The elected representatives should bring the demands of the Kodavas to the notice of the government,” he added. 

Budakattu Sangharsha Samiti president Lakkavalli Manjunath alleged that the genealogy study of Kodavas is not carried out effectively. The mistakes in the study should be brought to the notice of the concerned. 

CNC president N U Nachappa said, “The CNC has been protecting the land and culture of Kodavas. Ours is a justifiable demand. The culture and tradition of the land should be passed on to the future generations.” 

The CNC has urged the government to consider Kodavas as tribals and accord ST tag for the Kodavas under Schedule 340 and 342 of the Constitution, he said.

‘Autonomous Codava land’ should be announced. The Kodava language should be included in the eighth schedule of the Constitution and Kodava culture should be included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO, he added. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 27th, 2021

Expedite crop survey, Kodagu DC directs officials

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Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal at a review meeting in Madikeri on Wednesday.

Observing that the crop survey is being hit by an inordinate delay in the district, Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal instructed the officials concerned to speed up the process.

Reviewing the progress of the crops survey, during a meeting held at her office on Wednesday, she said that crops in 2.62 lakh survey numbers should have been completed in the district by now.

However, crops in only 1,762 survey numbers have been covered, she said and requested the cooperative banks, coffee board and other organisations related to agriculture and horticulture to cooperate with the department in carrying out the survey.

Cooperative Societies deputy registrar B K Salim said that there are 73 primary agricultural cooperative societies in the district and they will join hands in the crop survey.

Agriculture department technical officer Narayana Reddy said that the farmers can carry out the crop survey themselves, by downloading the crop survey application on their mobile phones.

Charulata Somal also asked the officials to ensure the supply of fertilisers in the district in adequate quantity.

Agriculture department deputy director Shabana M Sheikh said that 32,082 metric tonnes of fertiliser have been supplied to the district.

Coffee Board deputy director Shivakumaraswamy, District Lead Bank manager R K Balachandra, horticulture department deputy director H Shashidhar were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / August 26th, 2021

MLC candidates in Kodagu declare assets

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Suja Kushalappa is the richest among the candidates who have filed nominations for Legislative Council elections in Kodagu.

Suja Kushalappa’s total assets add up to Rs 26.22 crore. His wife Parvathi has assets worth Rs 11.27 crore (including ancestral property). He has liabilities to the tune of Rs 4.77 crore and his wife has availed loans upto Rs 17.59 lakh.

Suja, his wife and children own a total of twenty vehicles, out of which a pick-up vehicle is registered in Suja’s name. He has 350 gm gold worth Rs 16.38 lakh. His wife has diamond jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh, 1,400 gm gold and 10 kg silver.

Suja possesses a revolver, a gun and two 0.22 rifles. Suja has failed in SSLC, as declared in the affidavit submitted by him during the filing of nominations for MLC elections.

Dr Mantar Gowda’s declaration in the affidavit states that his assets are worth Rs 94 lakh and his wife’s assets are worth Rs 2.95 crore. He has an Innova Ford car, 600 gm gold and 2 kg silver. Mantar’s wife Divya has 1,500 gm gold and 3 kg silver. He has a license to grow tobacco. His education qualification is MBBS, MD (Radiology).

Isac Khan has Rs 1 lakh and his wife Fauziya has Rs 3.57 lakh. They have no liabilities. He has studied upto PUC.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 23rd, 2021

Keshava Kamath is president of Kodagu district KSP

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Supporters of Keshava Kamath rejoice outside the counting centre and greet the newly elected president.

M P Keshava Kamath will be the new president of Kodagu district Kannada Sahitya Parishat, after his victory in the elections held on Sunday.

He edged past his close electoral rival Lokesh Sagar, with a margin of 134 votes. Of the total votes, Kamath got 924 votes and Lokesh Sagar got 790 votes, while 12 votes got rejected.

Keshav Kamath received maximum votes in Madikeri, Virajpet and Ponnampet taluks, while Lokesh was leading in Somwarpet and Kushalnagar taluks.

Votes cast

A total of 1,726 votes were cast during the elections. In Somwarpet, 490 among 647 voters exercised their franchise, while 337 out of the total 424 votes were cast in Kushalnagar, 216 out of 303 people voted in Virajpet, 468 out of 766 votes were cast in Madikeri and 215 out of 280 voters exercised their franchise in Ponnampet.

Supporters of Keshava Kamath gathered outside the counting centre and rejoiced after results were declared and raised pro-Kannada slogans.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president T P Ramesh, Kodagu Patrika Bhavana managing trustee Manu Shenoy, writer Shamsuddin, literature enthusiasts Navin Kushalappa, Munir Ahmed, Baby Mathew and DSS leader Diwakar were present, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, the newly elected president of district Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Keshava Kamath, said that it is not his victory alone, but, the victory of all literature enthusiasts and members of Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

He also said that he will utilise the opportunity provided to him, to serve the Kannada language.

My first priority will be building Kannada Bhavana in the district, he said.

He added that he will carry out his duties by taking into confidence, all his voters, non-voters and former presidents of Zilla Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

Former president T P Ramesh said that there is a need to work unitedly towards the development of Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

As a senior member, he will give rightful suggestions to the Parishat, he added.

The election was held in Madikeri, Somwarpet, Virajpet, Kushalnagar and Ponnampet from 8 am to 4 pm.

The election process was headed by tahsildar Mahesh.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 21st, 2021