Category Archives: Leaders

Unbound: Visionary Women Collecting Textiles

January 26, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World OpinionNima Poovaya- Smithadmin

Two Temple Place, London

Phulkari (detail; early 20th century), unknown maker. Photo: Paul Tucker; © Bradford Museums and Galleries

Seven women who collected textiles during the 20th century are the focus of this exhibition, which considers how the collections they formed – ranging from Balkan costumes to South Asian saris – helped to assert the status of these materials as works of art. Find out more from Two Temple Place’s website.

Preview the exhibition below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

Giubba (19th century), Albania. Photo: Calderdale Museums Collection, Halifax

The artist and writer Edith Durham (1863–1944) travelled widely across the Balkans in early 20th century, becoming renowned for her anthropological reports on life in Serbia, Albania and Kosovo. In 1935, her collection of Balkan costume and jewellery – including this giubba, a traditional robe worn by Albanian women – was donated in 1935 to the Bankfield Museum in Halifax, where it remains to this day.

Brocade shoe without clog (1735–45), unknown maker. Photo: John Chase Photography/The Olive Matthews Collection, Chertsey Museum

Drawn to historic fashion from a young age, Olive Matthews built up a significant collection of more than 4,000 objects over the course of her lifetime – being careful always to stick to a budget of no more than £5 per item. She focused particularly on delicate needlework and embroidery – as seen on this shoe of brocaded silk from the 18th century.

Curtain with jungle repeat pattern (n.d.), Enid Marx. Photo: Harminder Judge/Compton Verney

Along with her friend Margaret Lambert, Enid Marx amassed a major collection of English folk art after 1932, although by this time she was already a renowned textile artist in her own right, having studied alongside Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden at the Royal College of Art in the 1920s. In the exhibition, examples of her own work – such as this repeating pattern, reminiscent of animal hide – are on show alongside objects from her collection.

Phulkari (early 20th century), unknown maker. Photo: Paul Tucker; © Bradford Museums and Galleries

From 1985–98, Nima Poovaya-Smith was senior keeper of international arts at Bradford Art Galleries and Museums, during which time she established the transcultural gallery at Cartwright Hall. She built up a collection at the gallery that reflected Bradford’s history of textile manufacture and explored the influence on it of fabrics from across the world – in particular southern Asia. This colourful cloth is an example of phulkari (‘floral work’ in Punjabi), so-called because of the embroidered patterns that extend over every inch of the fabric.

Event website

source: http://www.apollo-magazine.com / Apollo / Home> Whats On / January 25th – April 19th, 2020

Who was Field Marshal KM Cariappa?

January 22, 2020Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

KM Cariappa is a man known for many firsts, but most importantly, he is known as the man who took charge of the Indian Army from its last British Commander in Chief, General Sir Roy Bucher. Born on January 28, 1899, in Coorg, Cariappa completed his education at Central High School at Madikeri and went on to study at the Presidency College in Madras.

However, Cariappa began his Army stint under the British and was among the few selected for the first batch of KCIOs (King’s Commissioned Indian Officers) at the Daly Cadet College in Indore and was commissioned in the Carnatic Infantry. He was in active service with the 37 (Prince of Wales) Dogra in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and then posted to the 2nd Rajput Light Infantry (Queen Victoria’s Own). Cariappa went on to become the first Indian officer to undergo the course at Staff College, Quetta in 1933. In 1946, he got promoted as the Brigadier of the Frontier Brigade Group.

By Indian independence, Cariappa saw action in Iraq, Syria, Iran and Burma and became the first Indian Officer to be given command of a unit in 1942. He went on to receive many awards and accolades in his career spanning three decades. He received the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in Burma against the Japanese during the Second World War.

In 1947, Cariappa became the first Indian to be selected to undergo a training course at Imperial Defence College, Camberly, UK. His role during the Partition is rarely mentioned, during which he oversaw the division of the Army. Cariappa also led the Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pak War of 1947 and successfully recaptured Zojila, Drass and Kargil and established a linkup with Leh.

On January 15, 1949, Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He held the five-star rank of field marshal, the highest honour in the Indian Army, which Sam Manekshaw is the only other officer to have held.

source: http://www.defenceaviationpost.com / Defence Aviation Post / Home> Defence> Indian Army / source: Indian Express / January 20th, 2020

RS MP Kupendra Reddy Calls Kodava Community To Stay United On Tribal Status

January 20, 2020About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leadersadmin

Madikeri:

Maintaining that Kodava community has been deprived of tribal status due to lack of organised efforts and killer instinct, Rajya Sabha (RS) member Kupendra Reddy called upon Kodava community members to launch a movement for getting Constitutionally mandated tribal status.

He was speaking at a seminar on Kodava Tribal Status, organised by Codava National Council (CNC) at Capitol village on the outskirts of Madikeri town yesterday.

Stating that the richness of Kodava culture and practices are key factors in getting tribal status, Reddy said that even the British had considered Kodavas as a tribal community in a census conducted by them. But Kodavas have chosen to stay away from the status as they considered it inferior, he regretted.

Pointing out that Kodavas need tribal status to get Government posts, he lauded the fighting spirit of CNC President N.U. Nachappa, who has been waging a battle for the cause for over a decade

Reiterating that lack of unity among Kodava community had deprived the community of its rights, he appealed the community to support Nachappa in his struggles.

Another RS MP B.K. Hariprasad said that Kodava community which emanated from the banks of the holy river Cauvery is now staring at a crisis. Arguing that the Constitutionally mandated status alone can help Kodava culture and tradition to sustain, Hariprasad called upon the community members to shun a feeling of inferiority, if they have any.

Claiming that the Sanskrit speaking population, which is hardly 50,000 in number has got reservation, he wondered why the Kodava population which is multiple times higher has not got reservation. Although Kodavas were socially and academically forward, they have been deprived of opportunities, he regretted. Hariprasad further said that he had raised his voice for an appropriate status for Kodava language in Parliament.

CNC President N.U. Nachappa in his address, said that a tribal status alone can save Kodava culture, tradition and practices from becoming extinct.

Pointing out Kodava Gun Rights has never been misused for any anti-national activities, he said that the Gun Rights has remained in place even after seven decades of independence because of this fact. Nachappa warned that Kodavas will have no future if they fail to learn about tribal rights listed in the schedule of the Constitution.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 19th, 2020

Codava National Council says CAA will harm interests of tribe, demands ST tag

January 17, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

The memorandum submitted by the Codava National Council to the Centre through Kodagu DC Annies K Joy expresses reservations over the implementation of the CAA.

Madikeri :

The Codava National Council has urged the government to implement the CAA only after granting the ST tag for the Kodava community. CNC president NU Nachappa, in a press release, said the implementation of the Act will “harm the interest of the indigenous Codava tribe”.

The memorandum submitted by the CNC to the Centre through Kodagu DC Annies K Joy expresses reservations over the implementation of the CAA. Nachappa says, “Those refugees who avail citizenship status by CAA 2019 will be distributed in various states including Karnataka. According to reliable sources, Karnataka will receive 20 lakh refugees. They will be distributed in all the districts and Codava region of Coorg may be accommodating 1 lakh refugees. If that happens, it will subvert the demographic mosaic of our territory.”

Nachappa went on to add, “As per CAA, these refugees become legitimate citizens of our country. They will avail all the benefits and privileges in Kodagu that includes land, water and other amenities that will be an additional burden on earth and Mother Cauvery. Codava tribe is already a dwindling micro minority tribe. Naturally, the accommodation of refugees under CAA will exterminate the entire Codava tribe from their soil.”

Demanding that the Codava tribe ‘not be cheated’, he said, “The government has ensured that those areas of North-East and Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladak & Leh will not be affected by CAA and CAA will be exempted in those areas. The refugees will not be accommodated in those areas because they have special protection under Article 371 R/W 5th & 6th Schedule areas. When such is the case, before the implementation of CAA, Codava tribe should be brought under ST tag and their geopolitical boundary should be earmarked as Autonomous Region under Article 371 R/w 6th& 8th Schedule.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 17th, 2020

Gen. Thimayya Museum In Madikeri Gets MiG-21 Fighter

January 15, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Madikeri:

A decommissioned MiG-21 fighter jet has been added to General K.S. Thimayya Museum in Madikeri thus adding to the existing collection of war relics at the war memorial. The fighter jet had been in use by the Indian Air Force.

The continuous effort of Retired Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa, son of late Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, has paved way for the inclusion of the MiG-21 C- 1624 fighter jet to the museum.

The fighter plane left Uttar Pradesh airbase on Jan.5 and was brought to Madikeri on a multi-wheeled carrier by road. The aircraft has arrived in parts and will be assembled by experts.

Nirmiti Kendra has readied three concrete platforms to support the aircraft which will be available for public view soon. The war memorial already has an Army Battle Tank.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 12th, 2020

Robin Devaiah appointed Kodagu BJP president

January 13, 2020Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Paleyanda Robin Devaiah being felicitated by BJP leaders, after he was appointed the president of Kodagu district BJP, at Dakshina Kannada district BJP office in Mangaluru, on Sunday. DH Photo

In a sudden development, Paleyanda Robin Devaiah has been elected the president of Kodagu BJP district unit.

During a visit by the delegation led by MLA K G Bopaiah and MLC Sunil Subramani to Mangaluru, Kodagu BJP district in-charge Uday Kumar Shetty handed over the order copy to Robin Devaiah.

A native of Virajpet, Robin Devaiah belongs to Kodava community. Since his student days, he has been associated with RSS and had served as the general secretary of Kodagu BJP unit.

Two years ago, Manu Muttappa, close aide of K G Bopaiah had to step down as district president and B B Bharateesh, a leader of Vokkaliga community was elected to his place. Manu Muttappa was later appointed as state BJP secretary. Robin Devaiah was the working president of Madikeri Dasara Committee in 2019.

The responsibilities of the BJP district president has increased manifold as the party is in power both at Taluk and Zilla panchayats. Furthermore, there is the challenge of tackling dissidence also.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS – Madikeri / January 12th, 2020

‘Coorg Person of the Year 2019’

January 10, 2020Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Uncategorizedadmin

Justice A.S. Bopanna, first judge from Kodagu to be elevated to the Supreme Court, was adjudged ‘Coorg Person of the Year, 2019’ by a Kodagu information portal.

A release stated Mr. Bopanna was the overwhelming choice for the title in a poll conducted for www.coorgtourisminfo.com, Kodagu’s first news portal, promoted by journalist P.T. Bopanna. The release said other nominations received included Fulbright scholar Sowmya Dechamma and Devika Carriapa, winner of Bal Sahitya award for 2019.

In the past, the winners of the Coorg Person title included Kaveri Nambisan, novelist (2005), Air Marshal K.C. Cariappa, environmentalist (2008), cricketer Robin Uthappa (2009), tennis player Rohan Bopanna (2010), squash champion Joshna Chinappa (2014), athlete M.R. Poovamma (2015), cartoonist Nala Ponnappa (2016), and badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa (2017).

Mr. P.T. Bopanna said: “The concept took shape in 2005 to develop role models for the people of Kodagu. The selection was made on the basis of a poll conducted through www.coorgtourisminfo.com.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – January 08th, 2020

Addanda C. Cariappa Takes Charge As Rangayana Director

January 1, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Mysuru:

Senior theatre personality Addanda C. Cariappa took charge as the 18th Director of Rangayana, Mysuru, after offering floral tributes to the portrait of theatre repertory’s Founder-Director B.V. Karanth in the Director’s Office at Rangayana here this morning.

Speaking to presspersons, Cariappa said that it was the blessings of his parents and his over 30 years of dedicated service to the theatre that had brought him to the post. Noting that he was delighted to become the Director, he said he would give his best to take the theatre repertory to much greater heights.

Maintaining that he had only aspired for the post, but had not expected it, he said that he was satisfied with his work of promoting theatre in Kodagu, which was not an easy task.

Admitting that the National Theatre Festival Bahuroopi is a challenge, Cariappa said that Bahuroopi should have been organised during Sankranti, but this year it has been deferred due to the delay in the appointment of the Director. Although the festival may be delayed, it will be ensured that the event will be organised as a prime theatre festival of the country, he remarked and added that he will be holding a meeting with senior Rangayana artistes later this afternoon to discuss the ways to take Bahuroopi to every nook and corner of the country.

Replying to a question on the removal of Rangayana Directors even before completion of their term, he said that the heads of all cultural Institutions like Rangayana should be allowed to complete their terms, as they will have chalked out programmes for 3 years. The removal of heads of cultural Institutions with change in Government will hurt the plans envisaged by them, he said while asserting that the Directors of any Cultural Authority, including Rangayana should not be disturbed till the completion of their term. Even Baragur Ramachandrappa Committee too had recommended the same to the Government, he said .

Replying to another question on whether his political affiliations with the BJP had helped him in occupying the top post, Cariappa said that as an individual he has been in politics, engaging himself in social work. “I have contributed a lot for promoting theatre in Kodagu along with my wife Anitha, also a theatre artiste and the Government recognising my work for theatre has appointed me to the post out of trust,” he said.

Replying to another question on whether there will be more Kodava plays in Rangayana, he said that ‘Rangabhoomi’ is in itself a language and as such there is no particular language for theatre. Asserting that many Kodava plays have been staged at Rangayana in the past, he stressed that languages such as Kodava, Tulu and Konkani are brotherly languages of Kannada and as such any harm to these languages will certainly hurt Kannada.

Rangayana Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunswamy, Kannada and Culture Assistant Director H. Channappa and others were present on the occasion.

Thereafter, Cariappa addressed Kodava Samaja members and Rangayana artistes at Bhoomigeetha, where a one-minute silence was observed as a mark of tribute to the departed Pejawar Mutt Seer.

Recalling the history of Rangayana since its inception in 1989, he said in a lighter vein how he married Anitha, who was a Rangayana artiste then.

Pointing out that Kodagu’s most acclaimed poet Appacha Kavi was inspired by Mohammad Peer, a professional theatre artiste from Mysuru in those times, Cariappa recounted his association with the theatre for over three decades.

Declaring that he will not be carried away by the top post, he assured that he would work honestly for bringing more name and fame for the city’s theatre repertory. Likening the work in Rangayana as that of a farmer, he said that a perfect co-ordination between all those involved was needed for bringing out the best of Rangayana.

Mysuru Kodava Samaja President K.K. Belliappa, Secretary M.M. Ponnappa, former Presidents Dr. A.A. Kuttappa and K.A. Cariappa, Corporator M.U. Subbaiah, actor Jadhav, noted theatre personality Nanda Halemane, senior Rangayana artiste Hulugappa Kattimani and others were present on the occasion.

Former Rangayana Directors

B.V. Karanth (1989), Y.K. Muddukrishna (1995-Incharge), C. Basavalingaiah (1996), Prasanna (2001), K.T. Chikkanna (2003-Incharge), Chidambara Rao Jambe (2004), K.T. Chikkanna (2008-Incharge), Dr. B. Jayashree (2009), K.T. Chikkanna (2009-Incharge), Lingadevaru Halemane (2010), B.T. Munirajaiah (2011-Incharge), Dr. B.V. Rajaram (2011), K.R. Ramakrishna (2013-Incharge), H. Janardhan (2013), K.A. Dayanand (2016-Incharge), M.S. Archana (2017-Incharge), Bhagirathi Bai Kadam (2017).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 31st, 2019

Decathlon Champion, Sports Achiever: Dr. C.M. Muthaiah No More

December 25, 2019Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinionadmin

One of India’s leading Sports Administrators, five-time National Decathlon Champion, senior sports achiever in National and International arena and the first person in Kodava community to secure a Doctoral degree in Sports, Dr. C.M. Muthaiah passed away in Bengaluru on Dec. 5. He was 87.

Dr. Codanda Madappa Muthaiah was born in Madikeri on April 30, 1932 and had secured gold medal (first rank) in M.Sc. Biomechanics from Germany. Despite his education in Science, he had deep interest in sports and Muthaiah was involved in Decathlon, Long Jump and High Jump and had achieved National and International-level recognitions.

From 1956 till 1960, Dr. Muthaiah had won National-level and Asian-level championships. He had won the National Championship crown five times and recognising his achievements, he was bestowed the title “Golden Shoe” in 1977. One of his biggest regret was his narrowly missing the Decathlon Medal in the Tokyo Asian Games in 1958. Dr. Muthaiah was instrumental in bringing the Sports Authority of India, South Centre, to Bengaluru.

After dedicating his youth to the cause of sports, Codanda Muthaiah served the field as a Coach and Sports Officer. He went on to become a Senior First Grade Coach at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports commonly known as National Institute of Sports (NIS), the Sports Training Centre at Patiala in 1962. He later served as the chief of NIS, an Academic Wing of Sports Authority of India and Asia’s largest Sports Institute in Patiala, Punjab.

Dr. Muthaiah had also served as the Director General of the Sports Department of the Union Government and in 1982, he was conferred the ‘Asiad Vishist Jyothi’ for his contribution to Asian Games and Rajyotsava Award in 2013.

He was appointed as the Technical Advisor when the Asian Games was organised in New Delhi in 1982 and had served as Technical Director to various other National and International Games.

He also served as the Secretary General of Asian Track and Field Research Centre. After retirement, he was residing at Jayamahal Extension in Bengaluru. He is survived by wife Parvathi and a daughter.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / December 13th, 2019

A Father Figure Of Forest’s Flora And Fauna

December 22, 2019Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, Alladmin

Title : An Autobiography of a Kodava Forester
Author : Dr. Kodira Achappa Kushalapa, IFS (Retd.)
Pages : 228
Price : Rs. 200
Year : 2019
Publisher : Dr. K.A. Kushalapa, Mysuru.

In the film of 90 minutes duration, titled “Beautiful people: Some call them animals,” a comic allegory produced in 1974, focussing on various animals that live in arid desert environment of Africa by Jamie Uys, humorously draws parallels between animal and human behaviour. Dr. K.A. Kushalapa can vouch for the message in the film that the denizens of the forest are indeed beautiful people in a wide sense of the term, having shouldered the arduous duties of conserving India’s forests, steadily shrinking as a percentage of the total geographical area of the country. His empathy for the denizens and concern for enduring the flora have not witnessed even an iota of diminishing to this day despite retiring from an illustrious service for long years as a professional forester. Circle for Mysuru’s intelligentsia and senior citizens who have known him can testify to the vast knowledge of the author about A to Z of forest and its importance of vital role in sustaining the balance between human beings and other species on earth.

The narrative divided into 16 chapters, each with a caption indicative of specific aspects of the author’s early life and landmark events relating to his professional career culminating in his elevation to the highest post in the Department of Forest in the State Government.

Writing about Dr. Kushal-apa, in his foreword, Man-depanda K. Appayya, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Karnataka, has expressed his admiration of the author’s noble qualities of head and heart, that earned him respect, recognition and rewards by his achievements both academic and professional.

The events of the author’s childhood and in later stages presented in all humility and graphic details trigger in the minds of readers what a person can achieve by being stoic and steadfast along with the support of family members, as revealed by the author himself in his preface. The trials and tribulations that he has encountered at different periods of life but overcome with courage and hope sound poignant. His life’s saga belies the myth of Kodavas as a community of only planters and warriors, by emerging as a star among them in the world of academics also. The 128 published papers listed in the book’s Chapter 14, 10 abstracts of technical papers and 10 titles of social articles listed in Chapter 15 give the readers an insight into Dr. Kushalapa’s deep interest in enlightening the lay people dispelling their utter lack of knowledge about forests.

Dr. Kushalapa has thought-fully included 69 photographs, many in colour, with images of his family members as well as people who were his colleagues, showing him as an impeccable handsome person. If his dream of generating in Kodava youth the desire to spread out into various areas of challenge by pursuing professions outside the ambit of restricted areas for which Kodavas are known, is fulfilled, the author’s autobiography gets full worth of the work of writing and publishing. The proceeds of the sale of the publication is meant to be utilised for philanthropic cause. —BRS

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 22nd, 2019

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