‘Sapientia-26,’ the Annual Inter-College Fest was held on Apr. 13 at Sapient College on KRS Road in Metagalli here.
The valedictory and prize distribution ceremony was held at North Avenue.
The chief guests for the event were the well-known film celebrity couple Bhuvann Ponnannaa and Harshika Poonacha, who herself is a gold medallist in Engineering.
They, along with Sapient College Chairman P. Daljeet Ram, presented trophies and cash prizes worth over Rs. 1.50 lakh to the winning teams.
The couple motivated the gathered students with their own life experiences and appreciated the growth and reputation of Sapient College in such a short period of time.
As part of the programme, students of the college presented various cultural activities and entertained the gathering.
SBRR Mahajana First Grade College team which won the overall winners’ trophy at ‘Sapientia-26’ with the guests.
The two State toppers of Sapient PU College were honoured on stage by the dignitaries, along with other UG toppers in the presence of their families and gathering of students, for their outstanding academic achievements.
SBRR Mahajana First Grade College Team emerged as the overall winners of Inter-College Fest securing the trophy along with a cash prize of Rs. 25,000.
The event was attended by Sapient College Director Yeshmik Daljeet Ram, Dean Dr. Sujatha Bopanna, Principal Dr. K. Ganesh, Administrative Officer Sujit Padival, teaching and non-teaching staff.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 29th, 2026
C.P. Belliappa’s A Slice of History: `Victoria Gowramma : The Lost Princess of Coorg’, brings to life the tragic tale of the princess from Coorg
A Slice of History: C.P.Belliappa’s `Victoria Gowramma : The Lost Princess of Coorg’. Photo: M. Vedhan
In a quiet corner of the Brompton Cemetery in London lies a 19th Century grave partially covered by undergrowth. The graceful stone cross above it is slightly broken, but the epitaph composed by Queen Victoria can still be read: “Sacred to the memory of the Princess Victoria Gouramma (sic), daughter of the ex-Raja of Coorg…”
That’s where the strange and tragic tale of Victoria Gowramma, the princess from Coorg who was raised Christian and became Queen Victoria’s goddaughter, ended in 1864. But, her story has come to light again in all its fascinating detail, thanks to C.P. Belliappa’s rigorously researched book “Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg”, which was recently launched in the city.
“Historical writings on Coorg — mostly gazetteers by the British who lived there during the 19th Century — mention the story of Gowramma and her father, the exiled Raja Veerarajendra, in a paragraph or two,” says Belliappa, author of “Tale of a Tiger’s Tail & Other Yarns from Coorg” and “Nuggets from Coorg History”. “But the details were never there, and I got more and more inquisitive.”
Accidental discovery
His big break came when he accidentally stumbled upon three books written in the 19th Century by people who knew both the Raja and his daughter.
“I was able to download them — for free! — from www.archive.org, where old books are digitised and uploaded,” he says. “They were authentic, first-hand accounts, and comprised 75 per cent of the information I needed.”
The rest he found from the digital archives of The Times, London — reports of court functions and events that contained all sorts of interesting titbits of information. .
“Victoria Gowramma…” traces the intriguing series of events surrounding the princess’ journey to England with her father in 1852, and her difficult and often lonely life there subsequently. The various threads include the exiled Raja’s attempts to reclaim the wealth the British took from him (his reason for taking Gowramma to England in the first place), and the grand plans by Queen Victoria to match-make between Gowramma and another young royal convert to Christianity, Maharaja Duleep Singh of Punjab.
“Queen Victoria believed that if two royals converted to Christianity were married, and their children were born Christian, it would encourage more of their subjects to convert,” says Belliappa. “What’s interesting is that although the plan didn’t work, the Queen continued to be fond of Gowramma to the very end.”
Power dynamics
The book, then, is more than just a portrait of a princess; it gives you a glimpse into the political and religious power dynamics of the time. With its wealth of primary sources, it’s a solid historical work, though Belliappa admits that he was very tempted to go the historical fiction route. “I gave it a lot of thought, and decided finally that the facts themselves were so sensational that they didn’t need fictionalising,” he says.
Since the book’s release in England last year, the author has uncovered even more interesting nuggets of information — for instance, after a bit of detective work, he’s discovered that direct descendants of Gowramma live on to this day in Australia. “I have enough material to add at least an epilogue in future editions of the book,” he says. “It’s been a very exciting time.”
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books / by Divya Kumari / March 04th, 2011
Padma Shri awardee Rani Machaiah, an exponent of the Ummathat folk dance of Kodagu, was chosen as the Coorg Person of the Year 2023 by a news and tourism portal.
According to the author and editor of the portal www.coorgtourisminfo.com P.T. Bopanna, Ms. Rani Machaiah’s selection was made on the basis of a poll conducted through the portal.
It may be mentioned here that the portal had chosen actor Rashmika Mandanna as the Coorg Person of the Year 2022.
In a statement here on Ms. Rani Machaiah’s selection for the year 2023, Mr. Bopanna said the Ummathat folk dance exponent was leading her troupe since 1984 and had trained thousands of students in the folk dance tradition in Kodagu.
Rani Machaiah had been presented with Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu in 2023. “Rani is known for teaching and popularising Ummathat, a traditional form of Kodagu danced by women dressed in red brocade saris draped in Kodava style and wearing traditional Kodava jewellery. They dance gracefully in circles around a lit pedestal lamp to the rhythm of hand-held brass cymbals, which they beat as they dance to the accompaniment of folk songs sung by two or more women. The dance is devoted to Goddess Kaveri (the river which takes its birth in Kodagu and is considered as their mother goddess by Kodavas). It is performed mostly during the harvest festival Puthari,” said a statement issued by Mr. Bopanna.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 04th, 2024
The book is rich with vivid details and engaging snippets from history and mythology.
The War Elephants of Trigarta By: Sarita Mandanna Publisher: Aleph Pages: 192 Price: Rs499
The War Elephants of Trigarta by Sarita Mandanna is part of the Bold Chronicles series, which aims to awaken a love of history and storytelling among the next generation. Inspired by fascinating moments from India’s rich and layered past, as well as world history, the series uses engaging storytelling to capture the attention of youngsters who are often absorbed in gadgets and reluctant to engage with anything beyond reels or apps. It is an uphill task, but Mandanna manages it with dexterity and humour, delivering a rich and enjoyable narrative that plants seeds of curiosity about history while also offering insight into the present.
At the heart of the story is the delightful Mili, the daughter of Raja Puru’s general, who is in charge of training and caring for the war elephants that are the pride of Trigarta. She forms a bond with a rare white elephant, whom she names Nathu. Over time, Mili becomes an unlikely but important player in the looming war led by the formidable Alexander the Great, culminating in the legendary Battle of the Hydaspes. As her father often says, and Mili repeats, “Never too old, and never too young!”
The book is rich with vivid details and engaging snippets from history and mythology. Readers encounter the fate of beautiful Parsa, or modern-day Persepolis, and the well-known story of how Alexander tamed the wild horse Bucephalus, who became his trusted companion. There are also references to Supratika and Sangram, the elephant heroes of mythology and history. In contrast, Nathu proves difficult to train and is a constant source of frustration. Even the general calls him a “donkey of a stubborn elephant,” much to Mili’s annoyance.
There is also a hilarious episode involving Nathu, a basket of stolen turnips, and an unfortunate bout of flatulence at the worst possible moment. At the end of it, Mili asks her father a question that is both innocent and amusing: “The royal family. Do they fart—I mean, do they pass wind too?”
However, the story is not all light-hearted. Given the subject, and Alexander’s well-known ruthlessness, the narrative does not shy away from darker realities. Mandanna presents these events in a way that is accessible to younger readers without losing their seriousness. As news arrives of Alexander sacking yet another rebel city, Mili repeatedly asks her father, “What happened to the children in the mercenary camp, Baba?”
The danger and horror of war feel immediate and real for Mili and those around her, as the Macedonian army advances. Yet, her courage stands strong. Like the great figures of history, she uses her intelligence and resilience to make a real difference in a world torn apart by conflict and ambition.
This is an irresistible story that will appeal not only to young readers but to anyone who enjoys a gripping and well-told tale.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Books / by Anuja Chandramouli / April 19th,2026
Palecanda Bojamma (91), wife of late Palecanda P. Muthanna (former Advocate General of Karnataka and former President of Kodava Samaja, Bengaluru), passed away in Arizona, USA, on Apr. 22.
Originally from Madikeri town in Kodagu, Bojamma (Paruvangada) leaves behind her daughters Dechu Muthanna, Dr. Neeli Muthanna, son Poonacha Muthanna, grandsons and a host of relatives and friends.
Cremation took place at Paradise Memorial Gardens, East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA today (Apr. 24).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / April 24th, 2026
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s intimate Kodagu reception goes viral, with unseen moments, a heartfelt speech, and her traditional Coorgi look stealing the spotlight.
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding reception in Kodagu. (Photo: X/Rashmikadelhifc)
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding celebrations are far from over. After tying the knot in Udaipur on February 26 and hosting a reception in Hyderabad on March 4, the couple held an intimate gathering in Kodagu on April 6.
The reception was held at the Serenity Convention Hall in Virajpet, Kodagu, a day after Rashmika celebrated her 30th birthday with close friends and family. It also marked the couple’s first visit to Coorg after their wedding.
Pictures from the ceremony show the couple walking hand-in-hand, smiling warmly as they greeted guests in an intimate setting attended only by their inner circle. In one moment, Rashmika was seen affectionately styling Vijay’s hair on stage, framed against elegant white floral décor.
Rashmika Mandanna’s father reportedly gifted her the family’s Coorg bungalow, Serenity, located in Kukloor village near Virajpet, a home tied closely to her roots.
Rashmika Mandanna embraces her heritage, Vijay Deverakonda channels retro charm
For the reception, Rashmika Mandanna embraced her heritage in a pink and olive-green silk saree draped in the traditional Kodava style. The pleats were tucked at the back, with the pallu brought over the right shoulder and secured in place, an authentic Coorgi touch.
She paired the look with layered gold jewellery, including stacked bangles, classic jhumkas, and statement necklaces. Her hair was styled in a sleek bun adorned with gajra.
Vijay Deverakonda, meanwhile, channelled retro charm in black flared trousers, a white open-collar shirt, and a blazer with silver detailing, finishing the look with white shoes.
Vijay Deverakonda’s heartfelt speech in Coorg
During the reception, Vijay Deverakonda delivered an emotional speech, talking about his growing connection with Kodagu and his personal memories tied to the region.
“Next time I come I’d like to go around and see her childhood and life here. This is the third time I am here. The first time was before I even knew her, with my school friends – Coorg was our first holiday destination. I found out later that I had stayed in one of her friend’s house (who was not there at the event),” he was quoted as saying by India Today.
Speaking fondly about the place and its people, he added, “I’ve become so fond of this place, such a beautiful place. I always thought that women from here (Kodagu) are super beautiful, even before I met her. I think coorgi women are very beautiful, and I’m married to one, and I’m very happy. Lovely meeting and seeing you all here.”
Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda wedding
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda tied the knot on February 26 at ITC Momentos in Udaipur in a grand three-day celebration that included haldi, sangeet, and ceremonies honouring both Telugu and Kodava traditions.
They later hosted a star-studded reception in Hyderabad on March 4, followed by an intimate lunch for fans. In a unique gesture, the couple also arranged for sweets to be distributed across multiple cities, sharing their joy with people across the country.
On the work front
On the work front, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have resumed shooting for their third on-screen collaboration, Ranabaali, directed by Rahul Sankrityan, which is slated for release on September 11.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> SCREEN> News> Entertainment> Telugu / by Entertainment Desk / April 07th, 2026
St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, won the Sachi Ponnamma Memorial Hockey Cup organised by MYCAS College in city recently.
The final match was played between Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT Team: Agni), Ponnampet and St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru. Displaying remarkable teamwork and determination, St. Joseph’s University emerged as champions followed by CIT (second) and Cauvery College (Team: Commando), Virajpet (third position).
Winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 15,000 while 1st runners-up received Rs.10,000 and 2nd runners-up Rs. 5,000 along with medals and certificates.
Best Player of the Tournament was awarded to Nanamanda Sathvik from CIT and Best Goalkeeper to Koothanda Gyan from St. Joseph University.
Mukkatira Karthik Nachappa, Director of Hockey Mysore, witnessed the tournament held under the guidance of Harshith Gowda and MYCAS Sports Wing. Dr. G. Ramacharan, Director (Operations), UG College Principal Dr. J. Thekkade Ramya, PU College Principal C. Archana, teaching and non-teaching staff were present at the valedictory event.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 24th, 2026
In the early days, says Muddaya, several dignitaries visited Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium and were hosted by Chimy—from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Sri Lankan premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and even a young Queen Elizabeth.
Chimy Nanjappa’s passion for Karnataka’s textiles and crafts lives on at the Vimor Museum of Living Textiles in Bengaluru.
When one speaks of textiles and fine crafts in Karnataka, the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium on MG Road in Bengaluru is one of the first places that comes to mind. The shelves of the state-owned emporium are packed with a vast array of the traditional crafts of Karnataka—from intricate silver-based Bidriware items to charming Channapatna toys. However, this wasn’t always so. And one of the people who painstakingly worked to transform the emporium into a showcase of the state’s finest creations was the late Chimy Nanjappa.
Chimy was selected to head the emporium in the late 1950s—then known as Mysore Arts and Crafts Emporium—by its governing board, which included many women, including Sudha Reddy, a proponent of Indian handicrafts.
“It was not a cakewalk for her. In those days, women did not work and close up a place as huge as Cauvery and then walk home at 8 pm,” Chimy’s daughter, Pavithra Muddaya, recalls.
Born in 1928 in Madikeri, Chimy did not have an easy childhood as she lost both parents by the age of nine. She went on to pursue higher education in Chennai, securing a BCom degree, and later settled in Bengaluru after marrying advocate A C Nanjappa. With the family facing financial difficulties in the early days, she began working as an assistant manager at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, before being promoted to manager.
“She had nothing by way of a background in the field and had previously done accounts work…but life forces you to take up opportunities,” says Muddaya, adding that her mother always said that women need to work and be financially independent. She also credits her father’s role in encouraging and supporting Chimy, recalling him as a person who held views that would be considered progressive even today.
In the early days, says Muddaya, several dignitaries visited Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium and were hosted by Chimy—from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Sri Lankan premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and even a young Queen Elizabeth.
In 1963, cultural activist and author Pupul Jayakar, a major mover in the revival of traditional crafts and culture, recruited Chimy to represent Indian textiles at the New York World Fair the next year. It turned out to be a success, says Muddaya, recounting what an IAS officer familiar with the event told her. “Good lord, nobody could go past her without buying something!”
Later, Chimy was offered an opportunity to head an outlet anywhere in the world under the Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation, but declined, refusing to be a “second-class citizen” in a foreign country.
After A C Nanjappa passed away in 1974, Chimy went on to start the Vimor Handlooms, a home store specialising in handloom sarees and textiles. Muddaya remembers, “No one who came to her for help was sent away…she would give weavers’ addresses to people. Freedom fighter and social reformer Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay would say that anyone coming to the Regional Design Centre (on Church Street) without a recommendation could ask my mother for one.” Vimor would go on to revive many traditional sari styles, such as one dubbed the ‘Cubbonpete’ sari.
Those interested in Chimy Nanjappa’s legacy in textiles may visit Vimor Museum of Living Textiles after making an appointment. The exhibits on display include saris up to a century old, in styles that are not often seen today.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service / March 13th, 2026
I was recently invited to Kaveri Ponnapa’s book launch that I had been looking forward to.
Many in Mysuru may not recognise her name, but anyone who has even a passing interest in Coorg or the culture of small, distinct communities of this land would certainly know her remarkable work, ‘The Vanishing Kodavas.’
Just like her previous book, which was rich with history, culture and stunning imagery, her latest work, ‘Coorg: The Cookbook — Recipes and Stories from a Golden Land,’ is both beautiful to look at and deeply satisfying to read.
This book nourishes not just the appetite but jogs the memory, too.
‘Coorg: The Cookbook’ has been in the making since 2012 and the patience shows. It is thoughtfully structured into sections such as rice-based dishes, meats, seafood, vegetarian dishes, foraged foods, pickles, sweets and beverages.
Each section opens with a gentle historical introduction explaining how and why these foods became part of the Coorg dining table. It tells us why it is not just about how to cook, but also about understanding why Kodavas cook the way they do.
The book also includes sections on foundational pantry ingredients and the spices and herbs that define Coorg cuisine. For readers unfamiliar with some ingredients, the author thoughtfully offers alternatives.
There is even a section explaining how to use the book, making it as accessible to an outsider who may not be familiar with Coorg cuisine at all. That said, even a Kodava like me had some surprise discoveries.
The first surprise I encountered in the book was that while modern Coorg is synonymous with coffee plantations, it was earlier primarily a land of paddy farmers.
No wonder rice sits at the centre of not only Kodava cuisine but also culture. Appropriately, the first dish the book introduces is the humble yet iconic ‘Akki Otti’ or rice roti.
Another delightful revelation is the long-held myth that Coorg cuisine is dominated by pork. Yes, Coorg is famous for its pork dishes, but the book reminds us that Coorg food is far more diverse.
Of the 132 recipes in the book, just 36 are non-vegetarian dishes and only 6 of them are pork! The remaining dishes feature chicken, mutton, fish and crab.
Meanwhile, there are 45 vegetarian recipes! which include an array of ‘pallyas’ & ‘chutneys.’
So, the notion that Coorg cuisine is dominated by the hog is hogwash.
What also struck me personally were the dishes I had never heard of before. There are recipes such as ‘Miniature Jackfruit Pancakes’ (Coorg name: ‘Chatti Puttu’) and the intriguingly named ‘Steamed Rice Parcels with Hitchhiker Elephant Ear Leaves’! (Coorg name: ‘Mara Kembe Puttu’).
But what truly elevates this book beyond the realm of a cookbook are the stories quietly interwoven along with the recipes. Food, after all, is rarely just about taste; it is about people, places and memories.
Reading about the ‘Nende Kari’ or the ‘Crab Curry,’ transported me back to my childhood in Coorg. I remembered being sent to the paddy fields with my cousin to catch crabs for dinner. We would return with a small mug full, often with bleeding fingers. Crabs can put up quite a fight.
While our grandmother prepared the ‘Nende Kari’ (Crab Curry), we sat near the fireplace listening to her tell stories of elephants straying into plantations, of wild boar hunts and town gossip, all while the aroma of spices slowly filled the kitchen.
This is the kind of book that eventually becomes an heirloom, something to be preserved, treasured and passed down through generations. Kaveri Ponnapa herself writes, “Recipes are cultural inheritances.”
This is why ‘Coorg: The Cookbook’ feels more than just pages of recipes. It takes you on a journey down memory lane.
For many Kodavas living far from their homeland, the book may well feel like a bridge back to traditions that are slowly fading. That alone is reason enough to own a copy.
In many ways, to use a culinary euphemism, this book pairs beautifully with Kaveri’s earlier work, ‘The Vanishing Kodavas.’
One documents the culture, the other documents the cuisine. Culture and cuisine, the two pillars that define every community.
Kaveri Ponnapa observed that “Kodavas are vanishing,” but with her books, she has made sure they will not be forgotten.
