Category Archives: Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Kodagu girl wins Nat’l Abacus Title

Madikeri:

A Kodagu girl has won a national level abacus championship in Delhi.

Kodandera Nushkka, 6, the daughter of Kavya and Vikram Kuttaiah is the winner.

She won the championship in a contest in which 3,200 children from across India had participated. She is being trained at Brainobrain Madikeri centre, which is headed by Mapangada Kavitha Karumbaiah.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / August 26th, 2024

Preparing for third Olympics at 34, Ashwini Ponnappa in no mood to slow down

The badminton star says that she is grateful to have an opportunity to aim for an Olympic gold at this point in her career.

Team game: Ashwini said that the partnership with Tanisha has been exciting. | Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR

Ashwini Ponnappa has been around for a long while now but the 34-year-old has no plans of slowing down. Preparing for her third Olympics in a sport as demanding as badminton can be gruelling. To do so in doubles, with a partner almost 15 years younger, is unheard of. Ashwini isn’t bothered.

Ashwini missed the Tokyo Olympics but with Tanisha Crasto, is currently the highest-ranked Indian women’s doubles pair in the world and on top of the race to the World Tour Finals.

Having burst into the limelight after winning a historic gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in front of home crowds (with Jwala Gutta) for her maiden senior international title, it’s been an eventful career for Ashwini.

“I think having the CWG in India was the biggest game-changer because there was media and public attention on all sports, not just one or two. And winning in front of the home crowd put doubles in the spotlight because till then, it used to only be about singles. People started viewing doubles as a specialised event after that,” she acknowledged.

“It’s been quite a journey, having started alongside Jwala who was already an established player then and well-known on the national and international scene as a specialised doubles player. I think I got lucky because partnering with her meant that I got to play in the big league at a very young age. I have had different partners along the way and now am with someone who is 14 years younger – I never would have thought back then that something like this would happen. But it’s been an exciting journey since we got together,” she added.

Challenges

The longevity has not been without challenges but a bout of dengue in 2016 triggered a complete turnaround in her training ethos and methods.

“Even though I have had physical ups and downs, I have always been motivated. Being physically fit is most essential to be playing at this level but being mentally motivated is equally important. You cannot have one without the other. That’s something I am very stubborn about – I will not listen to just anyone, I am very fussy about my training.

“I have been training with Deckline Leitao since 2016 and that’s been a game-changer. As you get older, your approach to physical fitness is very critical. It also means that if my coach says back off or slow down, I will listen. When you are younger, you can have the hardest workouts throughout the year. But as you get older, it is important to know when to back off and not keep pushing” she explained.

And while they are equal partners on the court, Ashwini admits it took time to build an understanding with Tanisha. “It’s definitely evolved because initially there was a barrier because of the fact that I am super senior and she is up and coming, the comfort level did take time to get to and, to be honest, there is still a lot of space for improvement but it’s work in progress. I don’t think there is any other pair with this level of age gap on the circuit.

“It’s nice to play with someone who has got a really long way ahead of her. I love her enthusiasm and the curiosity of going for big tournaments,” she admitted.

The senior pro in her does come rear up occasionally, she laughed but insisted she tries to avoid being a nag.

“I don’t think there is pressure of being a senior but I just end up being kind of a mentor. It’s not like I go out and try to be a senior or didi as Tanisha calls me – I don’t want to be – but I end up being one because of what I have seen over the years and can’t help but guide here and there when you see certain things. Fortunately, she has been open enough to listen to me giving her advice now and then,” she said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sprots / by Uthara Ganesan / April 19th, 2024

All India Sainik Schools Intra Group Football Competition Held At Sainik School Kodagu

Kushalnagar:

The All India Sainik Schools Intra Group (Group H) Football Competition for the year 2024-25, which commenced at Sainik School Kodagu on Apr. 9, culminated on Apr. 13.

 This marked the third edition of the National-level Sports Meet hosted by the School.

The closing ceremony was attended by Wg. Cdr. P. Prakash Rao, Officiating Principal of Sainik School Kodagu, as chief guest.

In all, four Sainik Schools from the South Zone of India participated in the event: Sainik School Kazhakootam (Kerala), Sainik School Amaravathinagar (Tamil Nadu), Sainik School Kalikeri (Andhra Pradesh) and the host Sainik School Kodagu.

In his address, Wg. Cdr. Prakash Rao congratulated all the participating teams for their exemplary display of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

He encouraged the participants to carry forward the values of sportsmanship, integrity and camaraderie, which defines the very essence of any sports.

The closing ceremony featured an elegant march-past by cadets from the participating schools. Cadet Sharanabasu, the proposed School Appointment of Sainik School Kodagu, administered the oath to the team captains and their respective teammates and also led the parade.

The closing parade was followed by prize distribution. Sainik School Kalikiri, Kazhakootam and Amaravathinagar won the Champion’s Trophy in the respective Group.

Cdt. M.G. Deekshitha of Sainik School Kalikiri, Cdt. Krishnakant of Sainik School Kazhakootam and Cdt. M.P. Deepak of Sainik School Amaravathinagar were adjudged as the best players in their respective category.

On the occasion N. Vibin Kumar, Senior Master, Team Managers of participant schools, staff members, NCC, PI staff and the cadets of Sainik School Kodagu were present.

Inaugural ceremony: Col. Amar Jeet Singh, Principal of Sainik School Kodagu, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony on Apr. 9.

In his address, Col. Singh highlighted the significance of rigorous training and persistent efforts in fostering true sportsmanship, particularly for those aspiring to pursue careers in sports.

He commended Sainik Schools for being bastions of discipline, excellence and holistic development, emphasising their role in instilling values of leadership, teamwork and perseverance among cadets.

The chief guest applauded the cadets for demonstrating exceptional team spirit, a fundamental requirement for success in any sporting event, especially football. He encouraged the participating cadets to play with passion, integrity and respect for their opponents, embodying the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play.

 Cultural performances included a welcome song by Cadet Raman Kumar and his team, a Khartal performance by Cadet Lohith Kumar and his team and a rendition on the ‘Daf’ by Cadet Amit and his team.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / April 16th, 2024

Kodagu Records 92.13%

Madikeri:

Though Kodagu bettered its performance by recording a pass percentage of 92.13, it slipped to fifth position in the District wise rankings of II PUC results. Last year, Kodagu had bagged third spot in district wise rankings, while recording a pass percentage of 90.55 which is nearly 2 percent less as compared to the previous year.

A total of 4,576 students had appeared, out of which 4,216 students have passed.

In Science, A. Diana Naveen (592 marks out of 600) of St. Michael’s PU College, Madikeri, came the topper in Kodagu. She was followed by D.P. Jeevan (588 marks) of the same college who came second and H.R. Sinchana (588) of Coorg Institute PU College, Ponnampet and M.M. Kaveramma of Vidyaniketan PU College, Gonikoppa, shared third spot.

In Commerce, Charishma Johnson (591)  of Vidyniketan PU College, Gonikoppal, was the  topper in the district, while K.K. Rashmitha (589) of Sarva Daivatha College, Gonikoppa, came second. I. Bindu (588 marks) of St. Anthony College, Ponnampet  and Jhuveria P. Zudd of Marques PU College, Madikeri, shared third place.

In Arts stream, S.Hemavathi (574 marks) of St. Joseph’s PU College, Madikeri, was the topper, while S. Srinanda of the same college came second securing 573 marks and P.I. Sapna of Ikra PU College, Siddapaura came third with 572 marks.

Mother and daughter pass out together

Meanwhile, a mother and her daughter of Kodagu district created a record of sorts by passing out second PUC in the same exam this year.

Rinisha, daughter of electrical contractor T.K. Surendra and M.U. Babyrani couple of Kudlur Chettalli in Kushalnagar taluk, had appeared for the second PU exam in Science along with her mother Babyrani.

While Rinisha was a student of Vidyaniketan PU College in Gonikoppal, her mother had appeared for the exam as a private student at Nellihudikeri Junior College in Arts stream.

While Rinisha passed out in flying colours by securing 570 marks out of 600 in Science stream, Babyrani passed out in first class in Arts stream by scoring 388 out of 600 marks.

Babyrani had last appeared for SSLC exam 25 years ago and this year, she appeared for the second PU exam, due to persistence of her daughter Rinisha and passed out in first class.

Thus, Wednesday marked as an important day in the life of Rinisha as well as her mother Babyrani, as they achieved academic success, passing out second PU with good results.

Rinisha, who was delighted with her mother’s performance, said she was more happy at her mother’s success than her own high marks in second PUC.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 11th, 2024

‘Koothanda Parvati Poovaiah Was A Leading Woman Writer Of Her Time’

Avva,’ authored by Dr. Nayana Kashyap, released at BVB Kodagu Kendra

Madikeri:

At a time when adhering to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles was challenging, littérateur Koothanda Parvati Poovaiah effortlessly embodied Gandhiji’s ideals and lived a simple yet idealistic life, said Dr. Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, who is also the Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mysuru Kendra.

He was speaking after releasing the book ‘Avva’ on Koothanda Parvati Poovaiah at an event organised by BVB Kodagu Kendra in Madikeri on Saturday.

Pandyanda Belliappa was recognised as ‘Kodagina Gandhi’ (Gandhi of Kodagu) during the freedom movement and even after, always wearing only khaddar and Gandhi cap. Likewise, Koothanda Parvati, who had met Gandhiji twice and was influenced by his ideals, was wearing only khaddar sarees and clothes. Therefore, Parvati too could be called ‘Kodagina Sarojini Naidu,’ because Sarojini Naidu was an English poet and a Gandhian, said Dr. Ganapathy.

Although only a select few had the opportunity to meet Parvati Poovaiah in person, her ideals resonated widely through her writings, earning her admiration from many. Dr. Ganapathy commended her for getting recognition to the small Kodava community in Kodava and Kannada literary field and hailed her as a leading woman writer of her time.

Pioneering woman writer

Parvati Poovaiah, the pioneering woman writer, writing in Kodava language using Kannada script, from Kodagu, made a significant mark on the literary landscape with her command over Kodava, Kannada and English languages, Dr. Ganapathy said, lauding her immense contributions and acknowledging her as a pre-eminent woman writer of her era in Kodagu.

He said that Parvati not only pursued her literary endeavours with dedication but also rendered social service. Additionally, he commended her for effectively discharging her family responsibilities thus being a role model as a mother.

Wrote during challenging times

Dr. M.G. Patkar, a senior doctor of Madikeri, shed light on the profound significance of the term ‘Avva,’ “Mother” in Kodava language. He noted that while ‘Avva’ might appear simple, it carried great significance, particularly during Parvati Poovaiah’s era, which was marked by many challenges in India’s history, such as foreign rule and widespread poverty. Despite these hardships, Parvati enriched the literary landscape with her writings, underscoring the importance of literature even in difficult times.

In today’s poetry scene, there appears to be a decline in quality, with many poems lacking depth and substance, leading to an increase in meaningless poetry. Nevertheless, amidst this trend, Parvati’s poems carry lasting ethical values and life-lessons, he said.

Depiction of struggles

Dr. Nayana Kashyap, Associate Professor at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College in Madikeri and the author of the book in English ‘Avva,’  sourced from the Kannada biography of Parvati written by Prof. Theethira Rekha Vasanth and Parvati’s books in Kodava language and Kannada, highlighted the simplicity evident in both the life and writings of Parvati Poovaiah.

She said that literature need not be profound and serious; even in its simplest form it can provoke deep reflection and regale the reader which is the true essence of literature.

Chairman of BVB Kodagu Kendra Konganda S. Devaiah and former Chairman of BVB Kodagu Kendra Koothanda P. Uthappa, who is the son of Parvati Poovaiah, also addressed the gathering.  Deepika Appaiah compered the programme. Balaji Kashyap, Secretary of BVB Kodagu Kendra, proposed a vote of thanks.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 08th, 2024

AFFOREST Launches India’s First Jackfruit Skincare Range

Bangalore Based AFFOREST Green Beauty Brand announces all new culture of skin care.

“AFFOREST Green Beauty” a luxurious forest to skin, skincare brand that harnesses the power of exotic forest ingredients to revitalize and rejuvenate your skin. Inspired by the serene beauty and healing properties of forests around the world, AFFOREST was born out of their love for Coorg popular as mini Scotland of India.

Coorg’s beauty is a vision to behold. Undulating hills covered in lush green forests and a landscape dotted with coffee plantations, tea gardens and orange groves.

AFFOREST Team scouts through their vast estates and explore to unearth high performing vegan discoveries to be developed into the best of Skincare products that forests have to offer. They go through extensive rounds of Research & Development and Sampling before making the final jar of goodness that is clean, green, and filled with the AFFOREST Promise.

AFFOREST range of skincare products includes cleansers, serums, moisturizers, masks, and more, all designed to address various skin concerns and enhance your natural radiance. Whether you’re looking to hydrate dry skin, combat signs of aging, or achieve a radiant complexion, AFFOREST offers a solution to your needs. “Each product is carefully formulated with extracts from plants, herbs, and high performing plant based alternative extracts. We do not use any byproduct of animals in our products,” reveals, Yukta, CEO & Co-founder.

Key to the brand philosophy is sustainability and environmental consciousness. AFFOREST is committed to preserving the natural habitats that inspire their products, which is why they prioritize eco-friendly practices throughout their production process.

From responsibly sourcing ingredients to using recyclable packaging, AFFOREST strives to minimize its environmental footprint and contribute to the preservation of our planet’s precious forests. In this journey, they also carry their customers along with them. They contribute 1 tree towards each product bought and they become part of their community of, “AFFOREST RANGERS”.

AFFOREST RANGERS are responsible for:

•  Giving back to the forests

•  Building a greener tomorrow

•  Protecting our wildlife

•  Becoming a part of our green community

•  Promoting beauty that goes more than skin deep.

In addition to their dedication to nature and sustainability, AFFOREST is committed to inclusivity and transparency. “We believe that skincare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of skin type, tone, or background,” says, Yukta.

Their products are formulated to be suitable for all skin types, and they are committed to providing clear and honest information about the ingredients they use and their benefits.

Through the Journey

The brand founders have boot strapped the business and run lean operations. AFFOREST launched its 1st in India Green Coffee range of skincare products. The initial 4 product launch with cleanser, hydrating expert, mineral sunscreen & serum was the talk of the town. “These product’s well received feedback and positive support moved us to launch 6 more products in this range,” says Yukta. The 10 products became so popular as an India’s first ever launch that the founders started exploring more exotic forest ingredients to curate into their portfolio.

Challenges were plenty. “The biggest challenge for us was to maintain small batches of stocks to control the quality and efficacy of the exotic products before manufacturing at scale, convincing our manufacturers of the same was always the foundational challenge as we use exotic forest ingredients. With lot of efforts and dedication towards our products and brand aspirations we were able to convince our manufacturers to work on small capacities first to maintain our product quality which can be controlled by AFFOREST Green Beauty,“ reveals Yukta.

Everything revolves around the customers, “I personally interact with customers to understand in which direction the products and brand needs to evolve since we are new culture to skincare,” says Yukta.

India’s first Jackfruit Skin Care Range, nowhere else

AFFOREST, has launched yet another exotic forest hi performing science backed superpower ingredient, “Jackfruit Beauty Range”. India’s 1st ever launch which is backed as the hi performer for pigmentation and hyper pigmentation skin concerns. High amounts of vitamin C are present in jackfruit extracts which boosts collagen and firm’s skin. Powerful ingredient for Vitamin A and derivative retinoid delays ageing.

“The Jackfruit range will mark the luxurious era for AFFOREST,” says Yukta. The range consists of a foaming cleanser, gel crème moisturizer, under eye crème & bedtime serum blended with other science backed performing botanical extracts to target early signs of pigmentation & hyper pigmentation. 100% Vegan, Cruelty free, Paraben & Toxin Free, Exotic forests aromas will leave you wanting for more. AFFOREST products are not just to treat your condition scientifically, the experience is exotic, the aromas refresh your mind, body & soul helps you rejuvenate after a long day. “We will keep bringing the science backed, plant based exotic forest ingredient formulations to our customers which will not only treat and improve their skin needs but also make them feel good about themselves and relax their mental load by using AFFOREST products,” says Yukta.

Kudos to the team

•  AFFOREST Green Beauty has forayed into a marketplace with already existing strong players and has managed to create a niche for themselves from the exotic India’s 1st forest to skin products along with building an AFFOREST Rangers community and bringing New Culture into Skincare which is not just about treating skin scientifically but mindfully as well.

•  The brand received so much of appreciation from their Green Coffee range of skincare that they researched and developed another exotic forest ingredient the Jackfruit skincare range. They are going to keep bringing the customers exciting new forest goodness to bring freshness to their skin and lives.

•  The brand’s Hero Ingredient is always Certified organic, well researched backed with science and blended into the ultimate high performing potent formula. The most active part of the formulation is the hero ingredient which contains 10% of the actives.

“Our brand, AFFOREST ‘s journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and passion. As we navigate the road ahead, we will continue to uphold our values of authenticity, transparency, and integrity, ensuring that every product we create reflects our unwavering commitment towards excellence & the environment,” Yukta Raghu, 1st Ranger, CEO & Co-founder, AFFOREST Green Beauty.

www.myafforest.com

www.instagram.com/myafforestgreenbeauty/?hl=en

www.linkedin.com/in/yukta-raghu-6047b9245/

www.linkedin.com/company/82633843/admin/feed/posts/

Image: AFFOREST Green Beauty Brand – All new culture of skin care

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

source: http://www.ptinews.com / PTI / Home> General / by Press Release / April 02nd, 2024

Actress Daisy Bopanna Buys Ducati Monster: Names Superbike ‘Anandi’ (Video)

Actors buying expensive bikes is a common thing in India; however, we have a few actresses from the industry who have shown their love for two-wheelers in the past. Indian actress Daisy Bopanna is one such example. The actress, who is popular in the Tamil and Kannada film industry, recently took delivery of her brand-new Ducati Monster superbike. Not only did she buy a new bike, but she also gave it a nickname. She calls it “Anandi.”

The video has been shared by Daisy Bopanna on her Instagram page. The actress posted the video with a caption, “Officially my baby now. Named her “Anandi” – my gateway to heaven. Seriously such a pleasurable bike. Crazy speed, absolutely comfortable, just sheer bliss. Can’t question a @ducatiinfinity. Thank you, my fef @i.am.amyth.”

The Monster brand of Ducati is almost 25 years old, and under this brand, Ducati offers naked sports bikes. The model bought by Daisy here is the current generation model which was launched in the market back in 2021. The motorcycle features an updated exterior design, looking a lot leaner than the previous version.

The headlight design and the ring-type LED DRLs are new additions. Ducati replaced the trellis frame with an aluminum frame and an aluminum swingarm inspired by the Panigale V4. The sub-frame of the Monster is made of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), making it stronger and lighter than before.

The motorcycle comes with 43 mm USD forks at the front and an adjustable monoshock at the rear. The 17-inch wheels on this motorcycle are also said to be lighter than before. At the front, the Monster gets twin 320 mm discs, and rear braking duties are handled by a 245 mm disc. Ducati is offering features like ABS, cornering ABS, power launch, traction control, and wheelie control, along with ride-by-wire and three riding modes – Sport, Touring, and Urban.

Coming to the heart, the Ducati Monster is powered by a 937-cc, L-twin, liquid-cooled engine. This is the same engine that does duty on the HyperMotard and Ducati SuperSport. This engine generates 110 Bhp and 93 Nm of peak torque in the Monster. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and also comes with a bi-directional quick shifter as standard.

The price for a brand-new Ducati Monster 937 starts at Rs 12.94 lakh, ex-showroom, and goes up to Rs 15.95 lakh, ex-showroom. We are not sure which one the actress actually bought in this case.

Biker Women

Manju Warrier with her BMW R 1250 GS

While we have seen many actors on the road with their expensive motorcycles, we have rarely seen actresses with an interest in two-wheelers. In Bollywood, we have Gul Panag, who owns a couple of motorcycles like Royal Enfield Electra, BMW F650 Funduro, Triumph Bonneville, and a Jawa 42. Other actresses like Sonakshi Sinha, Kalki Koechlin, and Divyanka Tripathi have also been spotted riding bikes.

If you come down to the South Indian film industry, especially Malayalam, we have Manju Warrier , who recently got her two-wheeler license. She fell in love with motorcycles during a trip with Tamil actor Ajith to the Himalayas. Soon after returning, she bought herself a brand-new BMW R1250 GS adventure tourer motorcycle.

source: http://www.cartoq.com / CarToq / Home> Bike News / by Ajeesh Kuttan / April 02nd, 2024

Dr. Boverianda Nanjamma Chinappa

Obituary

Statistician and author Dr. Boverianda Nanjamma Chinappa, aged 89 years and a resident of Covai@ Tapovan Solace in Sharadadevinagar, Mysuru, passed away at a private hospital here this morning. She leaves behind two daughters. 

Cremation took place this afternoon at Harishchandra Ghat at the foot of Chamundi Hill. Her husband Boverianda M. Chinnappa (89), an Engineer and Consultant in India and Canada, passed away on Mar. 10, 2023

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obiturary / March 31st, 2024

Delhi R-Day IAF Display: Mysurean Punya Nanjappa To Fly MiG-29

Mysore/Mysuru:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to showcase a breathtaking spectacle with a flypast featuring 51 aircraft during the Republic Day (R-Day) celebrations on Jan. 26 in New Delhi. This impressive lineup includes 29 fighter aircraft, 8 transport planes, 13 helicopters and one heritage aircraft.

Adding to the significance of the event, 15 women pilots of IAF will take command of various aircrafts during the flypast, contributing to the display of prowess and skill. Notably, among these accomplished women pilots is the extraordinary talent from Mysuru, Coluvanda Punya Nanjappa, hailing from Kodagu.

She will pilot the MiG-29 fighter jet, contributing to a captivating formation that will undoubtedly fill the hearts of the people in Mysuru and Kodagu with immense pride. Punya Nanjappa’s achievement represents a remarkable moment, highlighting the strides made by women in IAF and adding to the grandeur of R-Day celebrations.

Punya Nanjappa stands out as a fighter pilot, a remarkable distinction for a woman with roots in Kodagu, a region known for its deep association with defence forces.

Punya is the daughter of Coluvanda Anuradha Nanjappa, who served as a teacher at St. Joseph’s Central School, Vijayanagar and late Coluvanda P. Bala Nanjappa, who held the position of Manager at Prabha Theatre. The family hails from Chambebellur in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district.

Punya’s educational journey took her through St. Joseph’s Central School in Vijayanagar for her schooling, Vijaya Vittala PU College in Saraswathipuram for her PUC and NIE, Mysuru, where she pursued her engineering degree.

Desire to join NDA

Despite her strong desire to enter the National Defence Academy (NDA), she faced an obstacle as, at that time, the NDA was not open for women. Unfortunately, her dream of joining the NDA remained unfulfilled. However, the circumstances have changed now and women can enrol in NDA.

Nursing the ambition of becoming a pilot in the IAF, Punya Nanjappa’s unwavering ambition to join the elite force was ignited during an Air Show at the renowned Mysuru Dasara festival where she witnessed the captivating displays of prowess in the skies. In pursuit of this dream, Punya enrolled in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), laying the foundation for her journey towards becoming a pilot.

Tough test cleared

Following her academic pursuits, she took on the challenge of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), a gateway for officer recruitment in the Flying Branch (Short Service Commission only). It is a nationwide examination with 3.5 lakh participants. Out of the 1,000 shortlisted candidates, Punya Nanjappa secured her place among the 135 selected individuals, marking a triumphant step towards her dream.

Subsequently, she took part in the IAF Service Selection Board Exam in Mysuru where 160 candidates from various States participated. Amidst stiff competition, Punya Nanjappa emerged as the sole candidate selected for piloting responsibilities. Passing the AFCAT in 2018, she later cleared the interview and medical test and was selected as a trainee pilot.

Undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Telangana, Punya Nanjappa has now become a proud fighter pilot in the IAF, entrusted with the responsibility of flying the MiG-29 fighter jet during the Republic Day (R-Day)celebrations.

On Jan. 26, Punya Nanjappa will be the sole fighter pilot from Karnataka, soaring through the skies with her skilled piloting of the jet. This accomplishment not only brings pride to the State of Karnataka but also specifically to Mysuru and Kodagu.

The significance of this momentous occasion will be heightened as it will be witnessed by key dignitaries including President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of India’s Defence Forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s 2024 Republic Day guest, French President Emmanuel Macron.

The event is poised to be a remarkable showcase of India’s military prowess, featuring impressive displays by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

Flying MiG-29 an unparalleled experience: Punya Nanjappa

My dream of many years is finally coming true and I couldn’t be happier to fly a MiG-29 fighter jet this Republic Day on Jan. 26. Sitting in the cockpit of a MiG-29 is an unparalleled experience and it brings me immense pride to be part of this extraordinary moment of India’s defence showcase, Punya Nanjappa told Star of Mysore.

Fulfilling my long-standing aspiration to fly an IAF fighter jet on Republic Day is a dream realised and I am overjoyed. My mother, too, shares in the pride of this accomplishment. I have conducted the rehearsals for the flight thrice, ensuring a flawless and awe-inspiring display, she said.

This Republic Day, with a significant focus on women’s empowerment by the Centre, numerous opportunities have opened up for women, myself included. Being part of this historic event underscores the strides made in empowering women and breaking barriers. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to this momentous occasion and showcase the capabilities of women in the Indian Air Force, Punya added.

No greater joy for a mother than this

There is no greater joy for a mother than this. What brings more happiness to a mother? I am absolutely thrilled that my daughter has been presented with this incredible opportunity. India has extended more opportunities to women on this Republic Day, to exhibit their strength and capabilities.

My daughter has faced numerous challenges to reach this point and even in the face of her father’s passing away, she remained resilient and did not succumb to the pain.

The aspiration to join the Indian Air Force had been ingrained in her from the very beginning and she was upset to leave me alone. But her passion to serve the country prevailed. I am filled with immense pride to see her fly the MiG-29. —Anuradha Nanjappa, Punya Nanjappa’s mother

Her journey has been far from easy

Punya Nanjappa is the embodiment of hard work and dedication. Despite the profound sorrow of losing her father, she stayed resolute in pursuing her aspirations and achieving her goals. This accomplishment is not just a source of pride for Mysuru but for Karnataka and Kodagu. Her journey has been far from easy, marked by relentless effort and a strong resolve to attain her objectives. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is rewarded. —Rtn. A.N. Aiyanna, Past President, Rotary Midtown

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / by Bapu Lingaraj Urs / January 04th, 2024

Kodagu-origin woman Charishma Kaliyanda elected member of Australian parliament

Charishma Kaliyanda has been elected as parliament member for Liverpool.

Madikeri :

At a time when people of Indian origin are making a mark — right from the corporate head honchos to politicians — a young woman with roots in Kodagu has been elected to the Australian parliament. Charishma Kaliyanda has been elected as the Labor member of Parliament for Liverpool.

Charishma was dressed in traditional Kodava attire while taking oath of office, drawing praise. “So excited to officially be sworn in as part of the 58th Parliament with some amazing colleagues. I’m honoured to represent my amazing community of Liverpool, and can’t wait to raise our challenges and celebrate our wins in this Parliament! The colours I wear today represent the official colours of NSW and I wear a Mysore silk sari, made in Karnataka (where I was born). I wear my sari in the Kodava style to honour my family heritage. Can you spot the Waratah brooch?! ????”, she posted on Facebook.

ಆಸ್ಟ್ರೇಲಿಯಾ ಸಂಸದೆಯಾದ ಕೊಡಗಿನ ...

Charishma traces her roots to Napoklu in Madikeri taluk.

On her Linkedin profile, she has has described herself thus: “As a registered occupational therapist and elected representative, I am passionate about working with individuals and communities to fulfil their potential and engage in the activities they want. I have over 10 years of experience working with young people, particularly in the university sector. Currently, I work closely with students and staff to build capacity in mental health and wellbeing at UNSW, in order to help deliver their Mental Health Strategy 2025. I build relationships with various internal and external stakeholders to facilitate access to and awareness of help for students experiencing distress at UNSW”.

source: http://www.english.publictv.in / Public TV (English) / Home> Karnataka> Latest> Main Post> States / by admin / May 11th, 2023