Category Archives: Leaders

In peace the warriors rest

About Kodagu / Coorg, Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

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In the northern part of the Mahadevpet quarter of Madikeri town lies a royal graveyard, unbeknownst to many. Gaddige is a set of three regal mausoleums built in the Indo-Saracenic style and enclosed within a compound. Upon each of these rectangular structures is a large dome and four turrets. Two kings of Kodagu (Dodda Vira Rajendra and Linga Rajendra) and their queens lay buried in the two larger identical structures and a third smaller one has the remains of the chief preceptor (Rudrappa) of the kings.

Beside these three tombs, at a little distance away but within the same enclosure, are the tombs of a father-son duo Biddanda Bopanna (Bopu) (1769-1807) and Biddanda Somayya (1800-1879). They had served Kodagu and its kings as sarva-karyakaras, or army generals. While Bopu was the general under Dodda Vira Rajendra (1789-1809), Somayya was the general under Chikka Vira Rajendra (1820-1834). Both tombs have the statue of a Nandi upon it.

Under the Kodagu kings, jamma ryots (farmers by inheritance) held their farmlands by military tenure. The word jamma came from the Sanskrit word for birth, janma. Every able-bodied male jamma ryot had to compulsorily serve in the king’s army. Known as chaudigaras, they worked for 15 days at a time. Around 10 to 100 soldiers served under an army chieftain called the jamedar and a number of jamedars served under an army officer called karyakara. The karyakaras worked under a sarva-karyakaras, or the general. The karyakaras and the sarva-karyakara wore a kombu toppi, a gold zari-bordered red turban with a kombu (horned emblem) in front.

A Kannada inscription states that Biddanda Bopu of Bavali village entered the Raja’s service through palace duties on the fifth day of the new moon of Magha month in the Keelaka year (1788). He worked for 19 years until the year Prabhava, bravely risking his life while fighting wars against Tipu Sultan of Mysore and hunting elephants, tigers and other wild animals, to ultimately become a sarva-karyakara. The Biddanda family originated in Kokeri village in Kodagu nearly three centuries ago. In this Kokeri house lived brothers Medappa and Poonacha. Medappa was a member of the local village panchayat and he married Chaniyapanda Subbavva in 1768. They had a son Bopu, who was born in 1769 on what was deemed to be an inauspicious day by the panchayat members. It was decreed that the son’s face was not to be seen by the father and that the mother was not to be allowed into the house. Hence, the mother and the son lived with the maternal family in Podavada village.

Chronicles of the pastUnfortunately, after some time, both Medappa and Subbavva passed away. The orphaned boy was then brought to the Kokeri Biddanda house by his uncle Poonacha. In 1788, at the age of 19, Bopu joined the king’s army. He worked hard and rose through the ranks to become a karyakara. Poonacha and his wife passed away and their two daughters were married into other families. In 1795, the king transferred Poonacha’s property, which was called ‘Mookanda Bane’ (pasture), to Bopu and his paternal relatives for the military services they had rendered.

Bopu moved from Kokeri to Bavali where he built a ‘Nalkett Mundmane’ — a traditional country house (mane) with four blocks (nalkett) built around an open central courtyard (mund). This became the ‘Biddanda Ainmane’, or ancestral home, in Bavali. One can find description of many events pertaining to Karyakara Biddanda Bopu in Reverend Hermann Moegling’s Coorg Memoirs.

In 1799, the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War broke out between Tipu Sultan and the British. When the British laid siege upon Srirangapatna, the erstwhile capital of Mysore kingdom, Dodda Vira Rajendra sent his treasurer Karnika Subbayya and his officer Karyakara Bopu to invade the Tulu region, which was then a part of the Mysore State. Bopu led the Kodagu army and defeated Sadri Behari and Mir Mohammed who held the Kodial (Mangalore) district. Soon, Kodagu occupied Mangalore, Barkur, Bantwal, Bellare, Viragamba, Udiavara and other regions. Karnika Subbayya came to hold and govern Kodial at that time.

Eventually, news came from Srirangapatna that Tipu Sultan was killed and that Mysore was taken over by the British. Later, Kodagu was made to evacuate the Tulu region and return it to Mysore. Karyakara Bopu was later made the sarva-karyakara of Kodagu. Biddanda Somayya was born in the year Roudri (1800) to Bopu and his wife Mayavva. Bopu died in 1807 at the young age of 38 years. In commemoration of his remarkable army tenure, the king of Kodagu ordered that Bopu be entombed near the royal tombs of Gaddige.

Somayya joined the Raja’s army in 1821. Like his father, he rose through the ranks to become a sarva-karyakara. In 1834, Kodagu got into a conflict with the British. Under him, the Kodagu army was able to inflict damage upon the British army initially. But Chikka Vira Rajendra, the last king of Kodagu, chose to surrender to the British. He was then exiled and the British took over Kodagu.

In those days, the British decreed that all the native officers would be retained in service. But Sarva-karyakara Somayya refused to be in the service of the new government and thus, retired early instead. After his retirement, Somayya lived in the Bavali Biddanda Ainmane and got involved in farming. But he did have one last wish. After his death, he wanted to be buried beside his father and before the rajas of Kodagu. The British allowed this and refused to have anybody else, including any surviving relatives of the rajas, to be buried in the Gaddige area. Somayya died on August 16, 1879. His tomb was erected in Gaddige with the permission of the Chief Commissioner of Coorg. There is a separate graveyard for other members of the Biddanda family in Bavali as well. While the tombs lie neglected today, their history and significance continue to throw light on the history of our people.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / By Mookanda Kushalappa / November 08th, 2016

Madikeri : Rs 125 crores for development of Catholic community – MLA Lobo

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders

Madikeri :

“An amount of Rs 125 crores is set aside for the development of Catholic communities, and they must make the best use of it, ” said Vidhana Mandala Backward Class and Minorities’ Committee president, MLA J R Lobo.

He was speaking during a discussion held with the Catholic community leaders, at St Michael School in the city, on Thursday, October 27.

“The government has announced several programmes for the development of society and a special grant in the budget. The amount of Rs 125 crores can be used for several pro community programmes,” he said.

“The government has created Catholic Development Committee for community development. It has appointed Bengaluru urban development minister K J George as the president and me as the vice president of the committee. It has also formed a subcommittee and appointed me as its president. Petitions for renovation or repairs of churches, cemetery, boundary wall, skills training and other development work in the community can be submitted,” he said.

“Christians comprise 3.6% of the population in the state. The government has given special importance to their development, but the community lags behind in making use of government released funds,” MLA Lobo said.

“Special camps should be held in various districts to make information on government programmes reach the people. Fund up to Rs one crore in the city and Rs 50 lac in towns is being provided for community halls. An amount is also paid for maintenance of old age homes,” he said.

Community representative, K T Baby Mathew, requested for additional funds for repairs of churches, and donations to poor people and for the district level committee, like in the state. Requests for reservation for Catholics could also be heard in the meeting.

K E Mathew said, extensive details of the government facilities such as scholarships, caste certificates, etc are required.

Committee assistant secretary Amba, additional deputy commissioner M Sathish Kumar, zilla panchayat assistant secretary Vishwanatha Poojary, assistant director of the department of public instruction G R Basavaraju, backward class and minority welfare department district officer K V Suresh, minority development corporation manager Nagendra Prasad, district employment exchange officer C Jagannath Virajpete, St Anns school’s Fr Muthuswamy, and others were present.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Madikeri (EP) / Madikeri – October 28th, 2016

The better halves !

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders
Tabu and Dinesh Gundu Rao
Tabu and Dinesh Gundu Rao

Celebrity couples are going all out to give partners the support they require during special moments

It’s all about the balancing act and these prominent couples are doing to nurture their relationships. With so many modern day marriages falling apart, there are quite a few prominent married couples that are standing together through thick and thin. There are also that many strong relationships that have survived the test of time, despite alluring temptations. Bollywood star Kajol has accompanied her actor/director husband Ajay Devgn for all national promotions of Shivaay. Kiran Rao, who was spearheading the 18th MAMI Festival in Mumbai received tremendous support from her star hubby Aamir Khan. Actor Akshay Kumar regularly tweets about Twinkle Khanna’s columns and is clearly proud of her accomplishments. What does it take to prioritise family over career and complementing each other’s personality?

South Indian actress Sumalatha, who is married to actor-politician, Ambareesh says, “My priorities were always clear — family first. Had my husband objected then, there was no question of me going against it, but he respected me enough to never stand in my way. This was a big step, and I wouldn’t have been able return to the profession, I have always loved and which has given me everything, without his consent and cooperation, it wouldn’t have been possible. Today, I look around and realise that my whole identity would have been submerged and lost, but for his understanding and support. Truly, he’s the reason that I can peacefully work and handle my domestic responsibilities too.”

Tabu Rao, wife of Dinesh Gundu Rao, president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee adds that there has to be respect and faith in every marriage, “I get involved in every family matter and never crib as I love doing it all. I’m also involved in the matters of the constituency and totally clued into social media and politics. I even handle my husband’s Facebook account and those who find it tough to get in touch with him go through me and I always help them out. He’s given me all the freedom without any restrictions and we always stand by each other.”

source: http://www.asianage.com / The Asian Age / Home> Life and Style / by Namita Gupta / October 26th, 2016

Watch Star Suvarna Mahotsava on Sunday at 6pm

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Sports

Star Suvarna channel will air Suvarna Mahotsava on Sunday at 6pm.

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On the occasion, the channel has honoured women achievers like Ashwini Ponnappa, B Sarojadevi, Saalu Marada Thimakka, Umashree, Manjula Gururaj, Padmini Prakash, Mayuri Upadhya, Amulya and Hema Chaudhary.

The event is hosted by Niranjan Deshpande, who is currently in the Bigg Boss house .

Small screen actors who have acted in the serials aired by Star Suvarna have performed in the glittering evening.

Sandalwood director S Narayan, actor and director Prakash Raj and singer Raghu Dixit have graced the occasion.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> TV> News / Kannada / TNN / October 13th, 2016

Sharjah: Multitalented Ganesh Rai to be honoured with ‘Global Man Award’

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

Dubai :

Multitalented former president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, B K Ganesh Rai is being bestowed with the ‘Global Man Award 2015’ for his contributions to Kannada language, literature, art, folk and social service both globally and in India and is the only one chosen from the UAE for this award. The award will be presented to him during the 12th Vishwa Kannada Samskruthi Sammelana and 13th anniversary of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah celebrations to be held on November 19 and 20 at Al Boom Tourist Village, Sharjah, UAE.

Ganesh Rai is the name that flashes in the minds of every Kannadiga specially in the UAE when it comes to matters of creativity. Multitalented, one can call him “Sakala Kala Vallaban”, be it different forms of painting, from miniatures to wall size, various forms of sculptures, from paper pulp to plaster or parry’s, large stage settings, tableaux, palatial sets, photography, videography, brochures, digital banners, souvenirs, models… you name it and you will find the skills in this great man, Ganesh Rai. He will simply smile and says yes without any hesitation, as for him work is worship and so he does it with ease. He is a good speaker too, a recepient of “Karnataka State Best Teacher Award” in the year 1993.

Hailing from Madikeri, Coorg, Ganesh Rai was born to Thulasiamma and Krishnappa Rai who themselves sound ‘Krishna Tulasi’, close to the Lords. Madikeri has gifted to the world this unique personality called Ganesh Rai who always keep saying “Elladaru iru, yenthadaru iru, yendendhigu nee Kannada vaagiru. (Live wherever you want to, be whatever you want to be, but remain a Kannadiga forever).”

Professor of art, B K Ganesh Rai needs no introduction in this part of the world. He is a person who rises above boundaries of colour, caste, creed, religion and language. Be it a request for art, stage setting, designing, printing, executing brochures, logos, invitations, souvenirs, sculpture, decorating stage from any corner of people, any corner of UAE, at any point of time, you will find only one person who creates with a smile and executes in spite of his busy schedule. ‘Sirigannadam Gelge, Sirigannadam Baalge’ – he never forgets to say that when completing his speech in any of the respected podiums he addresses.

Ganesh Rai’s Work – Service without Boundaries

* Turnkey project management for almost all social organisations without linguistic barriers
* Conceptualization, designing, printing and distribution of invitations
* Creation of giant size banners, stage backdrops, stage settings, cut-outs, posters etc.
* Creative journalism writing to various web media flashing timely news around the world
* Publication of high profile visit reports of specially invited artistes and guests from India
* Master of ceremony (MC) par excellence with easy flow of language and literature
* Conceptualization of ‘Certificate of Honour’ for dignitaries, high profile guests, artistes etc.
* Concept, design and execution of various souvenirs to almost all the existing Associations in UAE
* Creating sculptures especially Ganesha idol every year, Narayan Guru idol and many more
* Paintings of deities, brush arts, pencil art, charcoal art and various naturalistic creations
* Assumed and discharged active role as president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2004
* Conducted first blood donation camp for Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in association with MOH
* Attends all blood donation camps organised by various associations and spreads awareness
by creating banners, role-ups and notices for blood donation camps and providing media news
* Compiled, created and released brochure of all Karnataka-based organisations’ blood donations. Brochure released by M K Lokesh, Ambassador of India
* Record of Indian blood donors presented to governments of India, UAE and Karnataka
* Helping the unfortunate deceased Indians in formalities of sending the mortal remains to India
* Enlightening and spreading the essence of Kannada as a soldier of Karnataka to Kannadigas
* Attained appreciations and accolades from almost all Karnataka based associations, and from Tamil, Malayalam and other Indian associations
* Won accolades from NMC Group where he is serving as creative art director
* Supported people of Bangladesh during the flood and natural disasters and helped those affected by the calamities.

Rai, a BCom graduate of Government College, Madikeri, a fine arts diploma holder of Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Art6s, an art master certificate holder from Kalanikethan School of Arts, Mysore and Mahalasa School of Arts, Mangaluru, is very well supported by his charming wife Manjula Rai, beautiful daughter Aishwarya Rai and handsome son Monish Rai.

Below are some of the creations for which he has been applauded:

Rai’s creations in India

Sculpture / Statues: Created Pushpanjali, Elephants, Lion and Carving Designs in the year 1974 at Govt Junior College Madikeri – Courtesy P P Ayyanna, principal, and unveiled by Field Marshal K M Cariappa

Ganapathy Statues: From 1979 onwards he has created more than 350 statues (2ft – 12 ft) for Karnataka Electricity Board Madikeri 1979-1995, Archana Ganapathy Festival, Virajpet, Angala Parameshwari Temple, Virajpet, Sri Rama Mandir Dechoor Madikeri, Hindu Yuva Shakti New Extn, G T Circle, Madikeri.

Paper Pulp Statues: Created paper moulding statues 8ft-12ft of different styles at Madikeri Dasara Festival, Gonikoppal Dasara Festival, viz, Ganapathy, Natya Ganapathy, Durga Parameshwari, Lakshmi, Saraswaty, Cauvery, Subramanya, Veera Hanumaan, Soorya Bhagavan with Seven Horses, Shanmuka Tarakasura vadhe, Vishnu Bhagavan, Narada, Thumbura, Shiva Linga, Lions, Tigers, Swamy Ayyappa, Maha Kali and many more. Also at Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Gouli street Madikeri, Kote Mariyamma Temple new Extn. Madikeri, Dechoor Sri Rama Mandir Madikeri, Kote Ganapathy Temple Madikeri, Kundurumotte Chamundeshwari Temple Madikeri Uma Maheshwari Temple Gonikoppal, Sree Hanuman Garadi, Beltangadi, South Canara, Bhuvaneshwari Statue – Kannada Rajyotsava celebration – Virajpet etc.

Concrete Moulding Statues: Created 9 ft Cauvery Statue both front and back faced double dimension in front of Cauvery Kalakshetra Madikeri, St Michael Statue (9 ft) at St Michael’s Church Madikeri, St Mary Statue at Kedamalloor Church – Virajpet, Nandi Basava – Arameri Kalancheri Mata statues, Raghavendra Swamy Statue at Raghavendra Temple – Mantralaya, AP, Karu Mariyamma / Nandi / Shiva Linga statues at Karu Mariyamma Temple Madikeri, Swamy Vivekananda 12 ft statue at Cauvery Krupa Madikeri and Prabhavali at Ganapathy Temple Virajpet

Wax Statues: Created Ganapathy, Lakshmi, Sarswathy, Cauvery statues at Madikeri.

Oil Colour/Water Colour Paintings: Created Birth Place of Cauvery oil color canvas painting for Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Board, Chennai. Also created Field Marshal K M Cariappa lifesize oil colour painting, Gopala Krishna Gokale lifesize oil colour painting for Govt Junior College Auditorium Madikeri, Coorg landscape paintings in oil colour for Public Library Virajpet, Jayaprakash Narayan oil colour portrait for A B Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, Omkareshwara Temple by night oil colour painting for Lalitha Kala Academy Bengaluru and many painting collections in Delhi, USA, Australia, France, Dubai etc.

Besides, he has participated in a number of art exhibitions in several places right from 1977.

Souvenir Cover Page Design and Logos

Created souvenir pages for 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Madikeri, Madikeri Kodava Samaj Amruta Mahotsava (80 Years), Karnataka Police Centenary Celebration, St Anne’s Church 200 years Celebration, Kodagu Dist Honey & Wax Co-op Society Virajpet.

Created logos for Kodagu District Co-op Central Bank, Kodava Sahitya Academy, Kodagu Zilla Parishat, 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Taranga Virajpet, St Anne’s High School Virajpet, Many more commercial company

He was responsible for multi-coloured picture, offset printing at Shivakasi which was the first time a multi-coloured picture was published in Kodagu (1980)

Birth Place of River Cauvery – Released by Field Marshal K M Cariappa.
Tala Cauvery – Poster released by A Ramaswamy, former deputy commissioner, Kodagu
Tala Cauvery – Triveni Sangama, Theerta Kundike – Picture cards released by M K Poovaiah
Tala Cauvery – Raja Seat Madikeri, Abbi Falls Madikeri – Greetings cards released by R Gundu Rao, the then chief minister of Karnataka
Cauvery – Amar Chitra Katha (pictorial book) Kannada, English, Kodava language released by M C Nanaiah, the then law minister of Karnataka government.
Aishwaraiswara Kubera Lakshmi, Framing picture – Released by Shekar Shetty of Arab Udupi Group of Hotels UAE

Organisations Served

President –Kodagu Kala Parishat / Kodagu Art Masters Association
Secretary –Bharat Scouts and Guides Taluk Association
Secretary –Kodagu District Bunts Association
Founder Member – ‘Taranga’ Cultural Association Virajpet
Technical Advisor – Field Marshal K M Cariappa Statue Committee, Madikeri

Rai’s activities in United Arab Emirates from 1996 onwards

Served as creative art director at Mirrage Advertising, Winning Communivations, Modern Graphics and now currently serving as creative director in Gulf Public Relations Advertising – Signage Division, NMC Group

Public Service

President – Karnataka Sangaha Sharjah 2004 – 2006
Entertainment Secretary – Karnataka Sangha Dubai 2000-2002
Art Director – UAE Tulu Koota Dubai, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE
Organising Committee Member – UAE Bunts -2000-2001
Blood Donation Camp, 2006 – Karnataka Sangha Sharjah and Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman and Ministry of Health, Sharjah

Art works created in UAE: Digital banners created with the concept of Karnataka art and culture and Indian traditional art for Karnataka Sangha Dubai, UAE Tulu Koota, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, UAE Bunts, Mogaveers UAE, Billawas Dubai & Northers Emirates, Billawas Dubai, Gulf Billawa Sangha, Daiji Rang Mandir, Symphony Music Institute – Ajman/Sharjah, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE, Nama Tuluveru UAE, Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE, Devaadiga Sangha UAE.

Logos created in UAE for Karnataka Sangah Sharjah, UAE Tulu Koota (decennial), UAE Bunts, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Al Ain Kannada Sangha, Dhvani Pratistana UAE (silver jubilee), Mogaveers UAE, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE, Gulf Kannadiga Forum, Devadiga Sangha UAE, UAE Tamil Sangam, Mangalore Konkans (20 years), Daiijiword website, Kannadadhvani website

Stage settings and gateway creations in UAE with the concept of Karnataka art and culture and Indian traditional art for Karnataka Sangah Dubai – Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore setting in 2001, Mysore Palace setting in 2002 (Karnatakotsava – Vishnuvardhan Kannada cine star), UAE Tulu Koota – Tulunadu setting.

Tableaux, gateways and souvenirs designed

* UAE Bunts Souvenir Cover page design – 1999
* Karnataka Sangha Dubai Souvenir – “Gaana Vaibhava”2001 , “Chandana” 2010
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah – “Saadhane” – 2006
* Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha “Rajata Rashmi” – 2006
* Mangalore Konkans Dubai 2003 – 2010
* Billawas Dubai & Northern Emirates “Suvarna Kedage”- 2007
* UAE Tulukoota – “Sangama” 2000
* St Mary’s Church Dubai – 2005
* St Francis Assisi Jebal Ali – 2007
* St Michael’s Church Sharjah
* SMC Malayalee Catholics
* Tamil Sangam Ras Al Khaimah
* SMC Fr Daniel’s Hon Souvenir
* Dhvani Pratistaana UAE – “Kannada Naadu Nudi Rakshane” Cover
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah -” Suvarna Karnataka Picture Card”

Besides, he has written and conceptualised a book titled ‘Footprints – A fascinating journey’ to Padmashri Dr B R Shetty.

Awards

Honoured at Govt Junior College Madikeri 1974 at Field Marshal K M Cariappa unveiling ceremony of sculptured art work, Main Gate GJC Madikeri
Karnataka State Best Teacher Award – 1993 by Karnataka Teachers Benefit Fund Bangalore
Karnataka Rajyotsava District Award -1987 by R Gundu Rao, the then chief minister of Karnataka
Gold Medal -1987 at Lakshadeepotsava Dharmasthala by Dr Veerendra Heggade
State Level Honouring – 1993 – at Gokrananatheshwara Temple Mangaluru, by Sri Pejawar Swamiji
Dr Shivaram Karanth Shilpa Kala Rathna Award – 1983 at Karnataka Electricity Board – Madikeri, by K A Somanna, state commissioner, Bharat Scouts – Karnataka
Kala Praveena Award – 1984 Ganapathy Utsava Samiti Gandhi Nagara Virajpet by Sri Shanthamalla Swamiji, Arameri Mata
Kala Kirana Award – 1990 at Angala Parameshwari Temple Virajpet, by M K Poovaiah, president, town muncipal council, Virajpet
Honoured at 100 years Karnataka Police Celebration – 1984 by P S Ramanujam, DIG Mysore
Honoured at Lalitha Kala Academy, Bangalore -1991 by P R Thippeswamy, president, Lalitha Kala Academy Bangalore
Honoured at Madikeri Dasara – Navaratri festival by M C Nanaiah, the then law minister Karnataka
Honourred at Sarva Dharma Sammelana – Arameri Math, by Shiva Kumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Math,Tumakuru and Shantha Malla Swamiji Kalncheri Arameri Math
Honoured at Madikeri Dasara Utasav Temples by Kanchi Kaamkshi Temple, Kote Mariyamma Temple
Honoured by Kodagu Bunts Association 1993 at Rotary Hall Madikeri
Honoured at Vishwa Bunts Convention -1993 at Art Exhibition – Chitra Kala Parishat Bangalore by Dr Shivarama Karanth and Jeevaraj Alva, the then minister of Kannada and culture, Karnataka

Awards in UAE

Was honoured with ‘Mayura Award’ by Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2009
Received ‘Prathiba Puraskar Award’ at Vishwa Kannada Cultural Convention in 2009
Honoured at Nama Tuluveru ‘Tuluvere Parba 2012’
Honoured at Kuvempu Utsava 2012 at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Honoured at UAE Bunts Satyanarayana Pooja by Dr. B.R. Shetty in 2015
Honoured at UAE Tulukoota Silver Jubilee Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Devadigas Dubai Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Ramakshatriya Sangha in 2015
Honoured by Shri. Veerendra Hegde at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sanga Rajyotsava Celebration 2015

Other than the above there are innumerable events Ganesh Rai has contributed selflessly to in one or the other way which was noticed and appreciated by the concerned on various occasions.

In my view, Ganesh Rai should be considered as a great asset to the Kannadigas in the UAE and India as well, for his contribution so far. With his sheer enthusiasm and commitment towards Kannada and Tulu language, he is promoting community spirit from so many years in this part of the world. He deserves all accolades and appreciation from the government of Karnataka which should recognize his service towards Kannada/Tulu language, art, folk and literature packed with a unique blend of artistry, social awareness, commitment of service to humanity and honour him soon.

Wishing him more success in his future endeavor.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Shodhan Prasad / Dubai – November 19th, 2015

Back from Antarctica, IAS officer has climate change lessons for Kodagu

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

Maiden feat

CharulataKF13aug2016

Charulata Somal is the first IAS officer to have gone on an expedition to the Antarctica. The 2012-batch officer from Karnataka cadre has just returned from the icy continent.

After getting a first-hand account of the impact of climate change during her 15-day expedition, the Chief Executive Officer of Kodagu Zilla Panchayat wants to use her experience to combat climate change in the district. Speaking to Deccan Herald, the 28-year-old officer said her aim was to improve Kodagu.

Somal was among 140 people from 30 countries who went on the expedition. There were 17 Indians in the team, including Somal. This was the largest contingent from the country, she said.

The team included engineers, educationists, scholars, members of non-government organisations, film makers, photographers and artists.
“We were chosen from among 7,000 applicants across the globe. I am proud to be the first IAS officer to have taken an expedition to the Antarctica,” she said, her face beaming with joy. The expedition was held from March 13 to 26, 2016.

The participants were selected at an expedition organised by the 2041 Foundation of Robert Swan, the first man to have walked the North and South Poles.

He made a 900-mile journey to South Pole, the longest unassisted march in history, from 1984 to 1987. The foundation has been organising expeditions since 2003-04.

A BA graduate in Economics (Honours), Somal said the subject helped her understand how energy resources were being exploited and how they could be conserved.

“We started the expedition by a ship named Endeavour from Ushuaia in Argentina and touched the Antarctic West Peninsula. Every day we landed at a different place. We had ice classroom sessions, where participants are made to sit on the ice. Apart from travelling by ship, we trekked for three to four hours, walked for 30 km with 80-100 kg luggage in -10 degrees Celsius. At times, the temperature was as low as -35 degrees Celsius. We experienced chilly winds blowing at a speed of 45 miles per hour, snow, sunshine and even rain at freezing temperatures,” she recollected.

After returning from the expedition, Somal made a presentation at the Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association to her colleagues and senior officials. She is also preparing to submit a report to the state government about the way of life in the Antarctica and the knowledge she acquired there.

“As an official, we have certain limitations. But in my personal capacity, I am conducting awareness camps for schoolchildren on how to save the last wilderness on earth, the impact of climate change on natural resources and how Cauvery basin, which is the prime source of water for Bengaluru and other areas, can be saved,” she said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / by Bosky Khanna, Bengaluru / DHNS – August 13th, 2016

Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons defends Heathcote Road upgrade election promise

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Upgrade: NSW Premier Mike Baird and Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons standing in front of Harris Bridge in Holsworthy. Picture: Simon Bennett.
Upgrade: NSW Premier Mike Baird and Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons standing in front of Harris Bridge in Holsworthy. Picture: Simon Bennett.

Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons has hit back against allegations which doubt her party’s commitment to the upgrading of Heathcote Road.

Last week Charishma Kaliyanda, a Labor candidate for the south ward of Liverpool Council, claimed that the Liberal Party’s promise to allocate $4 million to upgrade Harris Creek Bridge “had been found to be woefully inadequate”.

According to Ms Kaliyanda, information about the project accessed under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 showed that half of the allocated budget had already been spent.

“The Liberal Party should immediately account for the amount spent on the Harris Creek Upgrade Project so far, be honest with the people of our area about their woefully inadequate promise and give the project the importance it deserves by fully funding it,” Ms Kaliyanda said.

Charishma Kaliyanda, a Labor candidate for the south ward of Liverpool Council, at Harris Bridge.
Charishma Kaliyanda, a Labor candidate for the south ward of Liverpool Council, at Harris Bridge.

Ms Gibbons said the project had always been much more than the upgrading of one bridge.

“Charishma should realise that the $4 million wasn’t to build one bridge, but to plan for a much larger project that will make a significant difference to the local community,” she said.

“Both Williams Creek and Harris Creek bridges flood during significant rainfall. There is no point upgrading one without the other – and that is what we are working to do.

“I have upheld my election promises and will continue to do so. The road work signs were removed with the official completion of Deadmans Creek bridge just this week, and Holsworthy train station car-park finished with 463 new spaces, 63 above what was promised.”

Ms Gibbons said at the State Election in 2014, she promised $4 million for the planning of a 2.2 kilometre upgrade of Heathcote Road – expanding it from two lanes to four between Infantry Parade and The Avenue, Voyager Point.

“By late this year, we expect to have the concept design progressed, as well as the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and an environmental impact assessment for the project,” she said.

source: http://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au / Liverpool City Champion / by Ashley Milton / Thursday – August 01st, 2016

On time spent with Cariappa

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Reminiscing about his time spent with Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, Army chief General Dalbir Singh said he had many occasions to have lunch with the famous officer during his stay in Bengaluru when he was a Captain in the 1980s.

“One day, while visiting the Vidhana Soudha, I moved to help him climb the steps and he refused, saying ‘Don’t help me even if I fall!’. Such was his energy,” General Singh said.

Praising Kodagu for having sent so many recruits to the Army as well as several senior officers, he accepted the request for a recruitment rally and said it would be held in the district next year.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Staff Reporter / Madikeri – August 07th, 2016

Army chief in Madikeri tomorrow

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag.
Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag.

Madikeri:

Indian Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh will arrive in Madikeri on Friday. On Saturday, he will inaugurate an ex-servicemen rally in the town, said Lt Col Aiyappa. The rally is organized seeking the government’s intervention for better facilities for ex-servicemen.

The rally is being organised by Madras Engineers Group. The rally is expected to benefit nearly 4,763 ex- servicemen in Kodagu district and will give them an opportunity to air their grievances to senior army officers. War widows will be honoured on the occasion.

The rally will pay homage to Field Marshal KM Cariappa at the Cariappa Memorial Park at Madikeri. The progress on developing Sunnyside, the residence of General KS Thimmaiah, into a museum, will also be undertaken. Registration for various camps like medical check up, pension adalat, Aadhaar registration will begin at 9 am on Saturday.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Mysore / TNN / August 04th, 2016

CEO tells officials to take up housing works under MNREGA

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Charulatha Somal on Friday directed officers to expedite works under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), housing and Swachh Bharat mission.

Presiding over the progress review meet held at the zilla panchayat office here, she said that construction of 487 individual toilets in Kodagu district should be completed by the end of August.

This includes 225 toilets in Chennaiahana Kote, Maldare, Nalkeri, Nittur and Siddapura of Virajpet taluk and 262 toilets in Alur Siddapur, Bessur, Byadagotta, Dundalli, Ganaguru, Gudde Hosur, Hebbale, Kodlipet, Nanjarayapattana and Nelya Hudikeri of Somwarpet taluk. Job cards had been issued to 65,052 families in the district under the job guarnatee scheme.

The CEO said that as many as 1,546 projects had been under the NREGA, and asked the officials to make use of NREGA scheme to take up housing works. She said that construction of cattle and sheep sheds, agriculture ponds, digging of open wells, road and drain works could also be taken under NREGA. “Saplings should be planted in all gram panchayats depending on the space available. Technical expertise of horticulture officers should be made use of to grow horticultural crops,” she added.

Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Vishwanath Poojary, Planning Director Siddalinga Murthy, Executive Officers Phadnekar (Virajpet Taluk Panchayat, Jeevan Kumar (Madikeri) and Suneel Kumar (Somwarpet), consultant to Swachh Bharat Mission Pemmaiah and other officers attended the meeting.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, July 24th, 2016