Kodagu’s Aida Thimmaiah, a resident of Bengaluru, finished third in Girls 11 category at US Kids Golf World Championship – 2025 organised by US Kids Golf Foundation, which concluded at Pinehurst Village, North Carolina, on Aug. 2.
Competing in the Girls Age 11 category, Aida’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary.
After a challenging start on Day 1 with a score of +3, she stood in 27th position. Undeterred by the pressure, Aida staged a remarkable comeback on Day 2, shooting -4 and climbing an incredible 21 places to finish the day in 6th place.
On the final day, with grit and determination, Aida delivered her best round yet — a flawless -6, the lowest score of the day, propelling her into 3rd place overall among the world’s best young golfers.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Aida Thimmaiah, said, “It is an amazing and proud moment to represent India on a world stage. I feel very happy to have finished third in the world championship. I am very thankful to my coach Rahul Ganapathy at Golf Academy in Karnataka Golf Association (KGA), Bengaluru, my parents for their constant support and also my sponsors.”
The US Kids World Championship is one of the most competitive platforms for junior golfers, bringing together the most talented young athletes from around the world.
Aida Thimmaiah is the daughter of Ballachanda Den Thimmaiah and Sanjana Thimmaiah couple. Den is a native of Virajpet in Kodagu, now settled in Bengaluru. While Den Thimmaiah is into land development, his wife is a wedding planner.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / August 04th, 2025
Team Ibbani from Heggadihalli, Bengaluru Rural, defeated Team Appu Boys from Marasanahalli panchayat, Chikkaballapur Rural, to emerge as regional champions.
Team Black Panthers from Maragodu, Kodagu, aced the women’s throwball competition at Isha Gramotsavam. Credit: Special arrangement
Bengaluru:
Team Ibbani won the men’s volleyball and Team Black Panthers the women’s throwball events at the Karnataka regional finals of rural sports festival Isha Gramotsavam on Sunday.
Team Ibbani from Heggadihalli, Bengaluru Rural, defeated Team Appu Boys from Marasanahalli panchayat, Chikkaballapur Rural, to emerge as regional champions.
In women’s throwball, Team Black Panthers from Maragodu, Kodagu, overcame Team Shasthara Padumale (Kudla Strikers), from Badagannuru, Dakshina Kannada, to clinch the regional title.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa and South Indian actress Srinidhi Shetty attended the event held at Sadhguru Sannidhi in Chikkaballapur.
The event featured men’s volleyball and women’s throwball competitions.
Eighteen men’s volleyball teams from nine districts and 16 women’s throwball teams from eight districts competed for their place in the grand finale to be held at Adiyogi, Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore.
Launched by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsavam was envisioned to rekindle the spirit of rural India. The festival helps rural communities break free from addictions, rise above caste, creed and religious divisions, and actively supports women’s participation in community life.
Unlike professional tournaments, Gramotsavam provides rural citizens with a platform to play, compete, and celebrate the unifying power of sports and culture, according to a press release.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by DHNS / September 09th, 2025
The annual get-together and silver jubilee celebration of Ramakrishnanagar ‘I’ Block Kodava Welfare Association, Mysuru, was held recently at Kodagu Sahakara Sangha in Jayalakshmipuram.
Association President Kodandera Puspha Machaiah presided. The event commenced with a formal inauguration by lighting the lamp followed by invocation by Mundiyolanda Nanda. Secretary Kenjangada Kariappa welcomed.
Condolences were offered to the departed members during the last one year and community extended their heartfelt condolence to the Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore K.B. Ganapathy, in recognition of his exemplary service to journalism and the Kodava community as well as valuable contributions to the society at large. Top scorers in X standard CBSE and II PUC students of 2025 examinations were felicitated with cash prizes.
The Founder Executive Committee Members were felicitated on the occasion for their service rendered for the community.
Annual Report was presented by Treasurer Kotrangada Appanna while Kattera A. Nanaiah, Advisor, highlighted the Association’s milestones over the last 25 years.
Maletira Ganapathy, Vice-President, proposed the vote of thanks. Codanda Swagath, Joint Secretary and all other Committee Members were present. Kotrangada Shruthy Ashwath compered.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 28th, 2025
The Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Mysuru had organised ‘Aati Gouji’ (Food Mela) at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar Second Stage here on Sunday.
Speaking after inaugurating the event, former Corporator K.V. Sridhar said that it was nice to hear the Kannada language spoken by Kodagu Gowdas and called upon the community to spread the fragrance of the Kodagu Gowda special food.
Samaja President Kombarana Basappa, who presided, said that people of Kodagu maintain their health by having natural foods. This Food Mela is organised to provide healthy food to the Samaja members, he pointed out.
Mahila Okkoota’s Nadubetti Geetha Lakshman too spoke.
The Food Mela had 18 stalls, selling a variety of Kodagu Gowda food preparations such as Payasa, Patrode, Koogale Hittu, Sosale Hittu, Yellu Mente etc.
The community leaders Kuyyumudi Ramappa, Nadumane Rukmini, Samaja Secretary Ponneti Nanda, Director Pattada Shivakumar, Kodagu Gowda Mahila Okkoota Secretary Kuntupani Sheela, Karnayana Sunitha and Hosur Mamatha were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 05th, 2025
The 3rd Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) and get-together of Pombolak Kodava Koota located at Vjayanagar 4th Stage, was held recently at Kodava Samaja, Mysuru.
Mundotira Jaya Changappa presided.
Ajjinikanda C. Mahesh, Editor of Poomale Newspaper and President of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, was the chief guest.
On the occasion, Ajjinikanda Mahesh and Pemmanda Suraj, DySP, Madikeri, were felicitated for their contributions.
The newly elected office-bearers and Committee Members of Pombolak Kodava Koota for the term 2025-2028 are as follows:
“This Too Shall Pass,” a debut poetry collection by Muskan Sufi, a young Kodagu student studying in Mysuru, has earned international recognition after being nominated for the prestigious Indie Authors Award 2025, held in memory of American poet Emily Dickinson. The book is now available for purchase online on Amazon.
Muskan Sufi, a student of English Literature and Psychology at St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru, hails from Virajpet in Kodagu and belongs to the Kodava Muslim community. Her literary achievement has drawn attention not only for its quality but also for the quiet determination that brought her recognition at a young age.
Published by the internationally acclaimed Bookleaf Publication, This Too Shall Pass was born out of Muskan’s participation in the publisher’s “21 Poems in 21 Days” challenge. She surpassed expectations by writing more than 28 poems, which resulted in a 50-page collection of emotionally rich, thought-provoking verse.
Her poems explore themes of pain, healing, nature, death, and the complexities of human emotion. With modern and socially conscious subjects, Muskan’s writing brings to life the inner turbulence of individuals and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. She uses simple yet powerful language, aiming to connect souls and provide hope to those facing life’s darkest times.
Thousands of poets participate in Bookleaf’s global poetry initiatives, and the top entries are selected for book publication and nomination to the Indie Authors Award. Muskan’s nomination has created a ripple in the English literary community, marking a proud moment for the Kodava Muslim community.
Expressing her joy, Muskan said, “I joined the challenge after coming across the campaign on social media. I’ve always loved writing English poetry, but I never imagined my poems would be published or nominated for such a prestigious award. It’s given me great motivation to pursue more literary work.”
Muskan is the daughter of Duddiyanda H. Sufi and Masuda Sufi, who head the DHS Group of Companies in Virajpet. Her father also serves as the president of the Kodava Muslim Association (KMA).
Muskan’s poetry book, This Too Shall Pass, is now available for purchase on Amazon.
source: http://www.hindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / pix:kannada.hindustangazette.com / July 21st, 2025
Bringing the rich and rustic Kodava food to our palates, Chef Smitha Kuttayya impressed our hearts and tummies at Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur.
Lush green landscapes, ethereal waterfalls, and aromatic coffee plantations… wouldn’t you like to be in Coorg every single day? Well, a delicious fragment of Kodava culture presented itself on our plates at the Kodava Food Festival in Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur. Chef Smitha Kuttayya, who looked stunning in her Kodagu-style saree, treated us to what was no less than a delightful feast right from the hills of her beloved homeland. She told CE, “The unique distribution of flavours and the use of local ingredients such as kachampuli, a local vinegar, is what makes Kodava cuisine stand out.”
Chef Smitha Kuttayya
We started off with the Balekai Barthad, plantains marinated in kachampuli, shallow-fried and coated with rice flour. This dish was simply superb, with the right amount of sourness, crisp and texture. Its non-vegetarian counterpart, Meen Barthad, where the fish was marinated in kachampuli, chillies, and salt, was just as irresistible, with everyone going back for more. The Bollary Barthad, shallow-fried cucumber with spices and green chillies, was moderately spicy yet soothing. The Nallamalu Erchi and Koli Barthad — lamb and chicken fry respectively — stood out. The lamb, with subtle hints of cinnamon and cardamom, took you on a flavour ride. “Traditional Kodava cooking uses minimal oil for meat, relying on the lard instead. We also don’t favour overly spicy food, and because of our proximity to Kerala, we love using coconut; almost every dish has it,” Chef Smitha explained with a chuckle.
All the dishes were plated so professionally, but Chef Smitha revealed that this is the effect of modernity; traditional Kodava cuisine draws from its warrior culture, which prioritises bulk cooking for sustenance and togetherness. But then there are commonalities too — a staple loved across the southern states, the dosa appeared in its Kodava avatar: Neer Dosa. We had two versions: one filled with veg poriyal, the other with prawns marinated in kachampuli. Though quite full, we were treated to more of that famed Kodava hospitality.
Chef Smitha brought out Otti (Kodava-style akki roti) and Kadambuttu (steamed rice balls) served with six curries. The Kootu, a mixed vegetable stew, matched the rainy Hyderabad mood perfectly, while the Kaad Mange, a tangy seasonal mango gravy, became an instant favourite. The spicy Meen Curry melted in the mouth, but the Koli Kanni, a chicken curry rich with coconut, cardamom, cloves, and pepper, stole the show. But no Kodava meal is complete without Pandi Curry or pork curry. While the other curries paired well with the Otti, the Pandi Curry was perfect with the Kadambuttu; the grainy rice balls with soft, flavourful pork created a textural celebration in the mouth. Among the vegetarian curries, the Baimbale Curry, made with tender fermented bamboo, burnt onions, and roasted rice, was the winner.
Now, both Hyderabadis and Kodavas love their rice, and so we had Erchi Pulav, a coconut-based lamb pulav which brought back the flavours of the hills, especially when paired with Mango Pachadi. The Vegetable Pulav was just as good. The spiciest dish was the Onkkerchi, or dry-shredded pork, due to the generous use of bird’s eye chilli.
It left us craving something sweet and so we had Thambuttu, mashed ripe bananas blended with roasted rice flour. With a generous drizzle of ghee, this dish was traditional perfection. “A woman is central in the Kodava household. During Puthari, our harvest festival, we make Thambuttu and offer it first to the married daughters, praying for their well-being,” shared Chef Smitha. The meal concluded with Kaskase Payasa, a delicious poppy seed kheer that was so good, it was hard to stop at one helping.
We were 800 km away from Coorg that day, but after tucking into that delightful spread, we felt miles closer to the hills.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Hyderabad / by Nitika Krishna (headline edited) / July 19th, 2025
“There were only four girls in the film. In Whistle, there was a whole football team,” she laughed.
Walking into a forest full of snakes and scorpions isn’t most people’s idea of a film shoot, but for Thammudu, Varsha Bollamma did just that. The actress, known for her fun and quirky screen presence, took on a more serious role this time.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the film’s release, she shared what went on behind the scenes, some of it tough, some unforgettable.
“There were only four girls in the film. In Whistle, there was a whole football team,” she laughed. “But I still remember playing Gayatri in that one.” In Thammudu, she plays a young woman named Chitra. The team had warned her early on, this wasn’t going to be a typical shoot. Forest locations, action scenes, and a physically demanding role. Still, she didn’t think twice. She liked the story and was ready to give it her all, no matter how hard the shoot got.
The toughest part? Filming in the forest at night. “There were snakes, scorpions, and no proper lighting. We had to act with firecrackers going off near us,” she said. “There were kids and older people on set too, so we had to be extra careful.” Despite the tough conditions, she trained for the role, learning kickboxing just to look the part. “The role doesn’t involve fighting, but I had to look fit. That’s all.”
With no phone signals in the Maredu Milli forest, Varsha and Nithiin passed time the old-school way, talking and joking around. “He’s the same off-screen as he is on it. Polite, respectful never acting like a star.” As for her own career, Varsha isn’t chasing lead roles or screen time. “I don’t care if it’s a heroine role or not. If the part is good and I can do it well, that’s enough.”
source: http://www.english.tupaki.com / Tupaki.com / Home> Entertainment / by Tupaki Desk / July 04th, 2025
Auction creates buzz; franchise owners draft 175 players from a talent pool of 270 registered players
Mysuru:
The Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) — Player Auction 2025 was held with much fanfare on June 1. KHPL 2025 is scheduled for June 27, 28 and 29 at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysuru, promising three days of fierce competition and Kodava pride.
Organised by the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru, in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and under the aegis of Hockey Mysore, the event witnessed a remarkable blend of tradition, sport and strategy.
Ten franchises — Coorg United, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Coorg Titans, MTB Royals, Kodava Tribe, Kodavu Warriors and Kakot Strikers — each began by selecting three icon players, and then went on to build 18-member squads with calculated precision from a talent pool of 270 registered players. A total of 175 players were drafted into the KHPL 2025 league.
The auction’s digital footprint was equally impressive, with over 10,000 views on the Kodava Swara YouTube channel, the event’s official broadcast partner. Powered by M9 Sports, the live stream delivered a seamless, front-row experience for online viewers who followed the action from across the globe.
The event was held at Hotel Ibis Styles, Mysuru. The auction was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Ponjanda Ganapathy (President, Kodava Samaja Mysuru), Pandanda Bopanna (President, Kodava Hockey Academy), Konganda Dilip Biddappa (President, Hockey Mysore), Kotera Muddaiah (Vice-President, Hockey Mysore), Muckattira Somaiah (Director, Kodava Hockey Academy), Appanervanda Dr. Sonia Mandappa (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist), Bollepanda Kariappa (Coach, Indian Junior Hockey), Ganesh Iyer (GM, Ibis Styles Mysuru) and Machanda Prakash (Vice-President, Kodava Samaja Cultural & Sports Club, Mysuru).
Ajjetira Vikram Uthappa anchored the high-octane evening as Master of Ceremonies, while the Kottangada Ayudh Appanna fired up the crowd as the official auctioneer, adding energy and excitement to every bid.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /June 04th, 2025
Nidhi Subbaiah, who was last seen in UI, is reuniting with Pancharangi co-star Diganth in the dark comedy suspense thriller Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana, which releases on June 13, 2025
Nidhi Subbaiah reunites with Diganth Manchale 14 years after Pancharangi
Like everyone else in the Kannada film industry, Nidhi Subbaiah too has been keenly observing the trend in the Kannada film industry, with audiences dwindling day-by-day.
“But honestly, I think this phase would be scarier for newcomers because they are just making baby steps and trying to make a name for themselves.
I debuted 14-15 years ago with Pancharangi and back then, it was easier and most of us were working 2-3 films at a time. I’ve found a place in people’s heart and think it is easier to hold on to the name I’ve made. In that sense, I am in a better place,” says the actress, who will next be seen in Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana, which releases on June 13.
Pancharangi fame Nidhi Subbaiah
Nidhi adds that the fact that she is detached from the outcome of her movies is perhaps why she isn’t unduly worried about what’s going on in Sandalwood. “From the start of my career, I have been very detached from the outcome of my films. The day before the premiere of Pancharangi, there was so much nervous energy in the team and I was chilled out, because the result is not in my hands – good or bad. I am not affected by what becomes of a movie even if I have poured my heart and soul into it,” she reasons.
Nidhi Subbaiah: Acting is a job I do; it’s not who I am
The actress adds that it is necessary for people in the industry to not put all their eggs in one basket – Sandalwood – and to diversify, either into other neighbouring film industries or totally unrelated stuff based on one’s skillsets. “See, web series’ are an option, but am sure most of us have more skills than just being actors. For instance, I am writing something currently, which may turn into a book or a script and am in talks with a publishing house. I also pursue sailing actively. There are things I can do; acting is a job I do, it’s not who I am. I won’t die if the industry dies,” says Nidhi.
The Krishnan Marriage Story actress adds that she’s been able to stay alive and kicking in the industry despite being choosy and not mechanically picking up everything that comes her way. “I am still trying to keep myself exclusive. Even though I have been around for 15 years, I have not done as many films as my contemporaries have,” she says.
Over the years, has her outlook towards the kind of roles she wants to do changed? “Do I want to play the bubbly girl-next-door? Hell no! That’s the girl I was when I started off, but I am not that anymore. I am hungry and greedy as an actor and want to do all kinds of roles and am not worried that I will be objectified; people in Karnataka know that I can act,” she says.
source: http://www.ottplay.com / OTT Play / Home> News / by Pratibha Joy / June 10th, 2025
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