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
While the couple had booked their return tickets from Bengaluru to Bojnurd via Sharjah for March 16, the flights were cancelled due to the West Asia crisis.
Naveen and Nadher / Special Arrangement
Madikeri:
A couple from Iran has been stranded in Kodagu and is unable to book flights back following the Iran-US/Israel War.
The woman, who is a native of Kodagu and her Iranian husband, who were on an annual visit to Kodagu, hope that they can fly back before their Visas expire.
Naveen, a native of Murnad in Kodagu, met Iranian National Nadher over four decades ago when the former was working for a private company in Bengaluru. The couple was married and settled in Bojnurd city in Iran.
They have two children; one of them is a civil engineer and the other is an architect.
Naveen and Nadher own an orchard in Iran and sell exotic fruits, including almonds, apricots, pistachios and other berries.
As confirmed by the two, they annually visit Naveen’s house in Murnad during December every year, and they arrived in Murnad at the end of December last year.
While the couple had booked their return tickets from Bengaluru to Bojnurd via Sharjah for March 16, the flights were cancelled due to the war crisis.
The two later booked a flight that was scheduled to take off on April 15, but they confirmed that this flight too had been cancelled. Following these developments, the couple is stranded in Kodagu.
The couple shared that they are unable to contact their children due to the internet shutdown in Iran, and they fear legal issues as their visas will expire in May, and hope to find a return flight to Iran before it.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / April 05th, 2026
Capt. Maletira Nithin Cariappa, Indian Navy, is the Commanding Officer of INS Kolkata, a state-of-the-art destroyer and a symbol of India’s naval prowess.
A resident of Bogadi in Mysuru, Capt. Nithin Cariappa is an alumnus of St. Joseph’s School and later joined the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, followed by the National Defence Academy. Over his 24-year career, he has commanded INS Ajay, an anti-submarine warfare corvette and INS Kadmatt. He also served as the Naval Advisor at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, becoming the first Kodava officer to hold this post in Pakistan and to command a Kolkata-class destroyer.
The 163-metre-long, 7,500-tonne warship, with a cruise speed of 30 knots, is equipped with cutting-edge telecommunications and armed with anti-air missiles, anti-submarine weapons, the lethal BrahMos missile, and long-range surface-to-air missiles. Built by Mazagon Docks Ltd., Mumbai, the Kolkata-class destroyers are a testament to India’s naval strength.
His journey stands as an inspiration for Mysuru’s youth, encouraging them to explore the promising career opportunities in the armed forces. Married to Rohini, he is also an avid sportsman, recently completing the Tata Mumbai Full Marathon.
Capt. Nithin Cariappa’s parents are Maletira Ganesh Bopanna and late Cauvery Bopanna (Gummattira). Ganesh is settled in Bogadi and his second son Nayan Chengappa is a Chief Marine Engineer, assisting New Zealand Navy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 07th, 2025
Maletira “Mac” Machayya died January 17, 2026, at Eventide in Fargo, ND. There will be a celebration of life Friday, January 30, from 1 pm to 3 pm at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.
A private inurnment ceremony will take place at Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, Fargo.
Maletira Ganapathy Machayya, the son of Dr. Maletira and Bollamma Ganapathy Machayya, was born February 10, 1937, in Madikeri, India.
He earned his medical degree from Madras Medical College, India, in 1960. He completed a General Surgery Residency at Furness General Hospital, Barrow-in-Furness, England, in 1969, and Urology Residency at Preston Royal Infirmary, Preston, England, in 1971.
While in England, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He completed a rotating internship at Illinois General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972.
Mac married Margaret “Maggie” Burns in 1971 in Barrow-in-Furness, England.
In 1972, Mac, Maggie, and newborn son Mark moved to Valley City, North Dakota, where Mac began a distinguished career as a general surgeon. There, they raised their family and made lifelong friends. Mac served the community for many years at Mercy Hospital and Meritcare Clinic, which later became Sanford Clinic. His dedication to patient care earned him the respect and gratitude of countless individuals and families throughout the region.
In his free time, you would find Mac working on a new project around the house, woodworking and creating stained glass art. Mac was also a member of The Lions Club in Valley City. Many memorable summers were spent with family and friends at the cabin on Lake Eunice in Minnesota. Maggie passed away in 2005. In 2013, Mac moved to Fargo to be closer to his family.
He is survived by his three sons, Mark (Katie) with grandchildren Makayla, Dakota, and Memphis, Bemidji, MN; Kevin (Jamie) with grandchildren Josie and Gaby, West Fargo; and Jon (Jill) with grandchildren Ellie, Lincoln, and Vera, West Fargo; sister-in-law June Burns, Barrow-in-Furness, England; and extended family in England and India.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; Maggie’s parents, Edward and Frances Burns; brother Devaiah Ganapathy; sister Maletira Sushiela; and brother-in-law Antony Burns.
Mac’s family is appreciative of the care received from Eventide and HIA Hospice.
In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Sanford Health Foundation or CHI Mercy Health Foundation Valley City.
Arrangements by West Funeral Home, West Fargo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
India’s coffee industry is experiencing rapid expansion, with an expected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5-7% over the next few years, reflecting its growing significance both domestically and internationally.
India, the 7th largest producer of coffee in the world, contributes approximately 4% of the global coffee supply, with the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu leading the charge. With increasing demand for high-quality coffee, the Indian coffee industry is poised for exponential growth, driven by rising domestic consumption and expanding export markets.
In this vibrant and expanding sector, West Mount Coffee stands as a proud representative of Indian coffee’s journey from local farms to international markets.
The Western Ghats – Nature’s Coffee Garden
Every bean of West Mount Coffee begins its journey in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in Wayanad, Kerala, this land offers the perfect combination of high-altitude terrain, cool climate and fertile soil-conditions that create exceptional, carbon-neutral coffee.
Beyond cultivation, Wayanad is also fast emerging as a hub for coffee tourism, attracting travelers eager to explore plantations and traditions, with the Coffee Village in Chundale standing out as a destination that brings the story of coffee alive from bean to brew. Here, visitors connect with the culture and heritage of the land, making Wayanad not just a producer but also a custodian of India’s coffee legacy.
A Story Rooted in Passion
When you sip West Mount Coffee, you are tasting more than a beverage-you are experiencing a legacy of heritage and sustainability rooted in India’s timeless connection to the Western Ghats. Founded in 2017 by Ajai Ravi, an engineer and MBA graduate who chose to dedicate his life to building a world-class Indian coffee brand, West Mount has grown from a small grading centre in Kerala into a multinational company with a presence across continents. What began with a vision has now evolved into a movement dedicated to showcasing India’s coffee culture to the world while empowering local farmers and communities.
A Cup That Cares
At the heart of West Mount Coffee lies a deep commitment to sustainability and ethics. The beans are grown in eco-friendly, carbon-neutral farms where biodiversity is carefully protected and farmers are supported through fair practices, modern training and livelihood development.
West Mount sources and celebrates both Robusta and Arabica varieties, grown across the rich coffee belts of Wayanad and Coorg, known for their distinctive aroma and taste.
From harvesting to roasting, the brand follows a zero-waste policy and uses eco-friendly packaging, while every bean is micro-roasted for quality and traceability, ensuring that each cup delivers an authentic and flavourful experience.
From Kerala to the World
Today, West Mount Coffee operates its global headquarters in Dubai under the name West Mount Arabia, serving coffee lovers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Dubai acts as a strategic hub for exports, giving Indian coffee a strong international platform. Yet despite its global expansion, West Mount remains proudly Indian at its core, echoing the ethos of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Recognised for Excellence
West Mount Coffee’s journey is also a shining example of the strength of India’s MSME sector. From humble beginnings, the brand has achieved recognition at multiple levels for its quality and sustainability. It holds ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certifications, the prestigious Zero Defect Zero Effect certificate and a Bronze Certificate under the MSME Sustainable (ZED)
Certification Scheme
It is also officially recognised by the Coffee Board of India, FSSAI, DPIIT Start-Up India, and other government bodies. These accolades underline the credibility and resilience of the brand, showcasing it as not just a coffee company but an MSME success story that reflects India’s entrepreneurial spirit on the global stage.
West Mount is not only about great coffee but also about reimagining how people connect with it. The brand has ventured into roasting and grading, brewing gadgets and even coffee tourism, offering consumers new ways to engage with their favourite beverage. With a fully digital platform catering to retail and corporate clients, premium Indian coffee has become more accessible than ever, reaching homes, cafés and offices across the world.
Empowering Communities
What truly sets West Mount Coffee apart is its people-first model. The company takes pride in being the only coffee factory in India with such inclusive representation where 100% of its blue-collar workforce comes from tribal communities and 95% of its administrative staff belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Women Empowerment
Women form a vital part of West Mount Coffee’s journey, taking leadership both on the factory floor and in administration. This approach makes every cup of West Mount Coffee not only special but also socially transformative, truly reflecting women empowerment through coffee.
A Vision for Tomorrow
Looking ahead, the journey promises even greater milestones. With support from the Coffee Board of India’s Integrated Coffee Development Programme and the Government of Kerala’s Mission 1000, West Mount is investing in advanced roasting and curing facilities to strengthen its export competitiveness. Its long-term vision is to position Indian coffee as a gourmet global product, celebrated by coffee lovers everywhere, while continuing to empower farmers, preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.
Celebrating Coffee, Celebrating India
This International Coffee Day, West Mount Coffee invites you to celebrate more than just a drink. It is an invitation to celebrate the heritage of the Western Ghats, the dedication of farmers who pour their heart into every bean and the resilience of the MSME spirit that powers India’s entrepreneurial journey.
Poonacha Machaiah has over 20 years of global experience as a successful serial entrepreneur and business leader in Fortune 100 companies.
Poonacha is among the new breed of emerging social entrepreneurs who are using approaches from the commercial world and employing technology to tackle social and environmental problems. Today he is levering his vast global experience and technology domain expertise to bring to communities transformative educational solutions and ubiquitous access to the masses via mobility.
Poonacha has co-founded “Jiyo” a wellbeing platform along with internationally renowned physician and author Deepak Chopra M.D. He is founder the founder and CEO of ‘ABOVE – A Bunch of Versatile Entrepreneurs’, a company he had founded in 2008. ABOVE is a company that has delivered industry-leading solutions in the Education, Mobility, Media and Entertainment segments. ABOVE has launched one of the pioneering Social TV/collaboration platforms TangoFX and recently launched ABOVE Learning Platform.
Poonacha is also the co-founder of the social enterprise ‘WeightLess Project’, a global movement to address the challenges that plague our communities i.e. lifestyle disorders related to obesity/overweight and hunger/malnutrition.
He was instrumental in the founding of India’s leading social media startup along with internationally acclaimed film director Shekhar Kapur and Oscar award winning music composer AR Rahman.
During his tenure as CEO, Qyuki was been voted as one of India’s coolest startups (Business Today) and also featured in Fortune (India) and Fast Company.
Through the majority of his career, he has held senior leadership positions in Global Sales & Business Development with leading MNC’s like Sasken, Motorola, Visionael, Iridium, and Dimension Enterprises – a leading Internet Data Center services startup in the Washington DC area, which was then acquired by Nortel Networks in 2000.
He is on the advisory board of Chopra Foundation and International mentor at XMedia Lab, an internationally acclaimed digital media think tank.
Prior to his return to India in 2007, he has been an active member of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and Joy of Sports in the Washington DC area.
Poonacha holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the B.M.S. College of Engineering in Bangalore, India.
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
Babu was working as a staff nurse at a hospital in Guyana for the past two years. He was availing treatment at the same hospital since July 3. However, he passed away due to heavy internal bleeding and a heart attack on July 14.
Representative image showing a dead body.Credit: iStock Photo
Madikeri:
The state government has provided Rs 3.60 lakh to bring back the body of P B Girish Babu Pale, a native of Madenadu village in the taluk, who passed away in Guyana of South America recently.
Babu was working as a staff nurse at a hospital in Guyana for the past two years. He was availing treatment at the same hospital since July 3. However, he passed away due to heavy internal bleeding and a heart attack on July 14.
His wife Janaki, living in Bengaluru along with their two-year-old son, had requested the government for assistance to bring back his body to India. The expenses will be to the tune of Rs 12 lakh, she had said.
Accordingly, a request was placed before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by the NRI Forum. The chief minister has sanctioned Rs 3.60 lakh from the government. The hospital has agreed to bear the rest of the amount, it is said.
Karnataka NRI forum vice president’s special duty officer H S Satish has stated that the body of Girish Babu will be flown from Guyana to India, with the help of the Indian Embassy and the office of the High Commission in New Delhi, India.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by DHNS / July 24th, 2025
Kodagu, often hailed as the ‘Land of Spices’ and the ‘Scotland of India’, is not only known for its lush coffee estates and spice plantations but also for producing some of the country’s finest athletes and brave soldiers. Adding to this legacy is 22-year-old Monnanda Tasmai Cariappa, an emerging talent in the world of motorcycle racing.
Tasmai recently made a stunning international debut by clinching second place in the SP400 (400cc) category at the BRIC Superbike Championship-2025 held in Thailand, a performance that has turned heads in the racing circuit.
Now, with his eyes set firmly on representing India at the highest level of motorsport, Tasmai is revving up for Indian Superbikes League (ISBL) selections scheduled to take place in Bengaluru next week. His passion runs so deep that he made the bold decision to put academics on hold — despite excelling in his II PUC — to pursue a professional career in motorsport.
A resident of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru, Tasmai is the son of Dr. Monnanda Nalini Somaiah, Professor, Department of Studies in Botany, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore.
Star of Mysore caught up with the promising racer as he gears up for the ISBL trials. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): Being such a high-risk sport, how did you get into motorcycle racing?
Tasmai Cariappa: I’ve been passionate about racing from a young age. I grew up watching MotoGP and other races on television, which sparked my interest. After I turned 18, I got my first bike — a KTM Duke 390 — and started riding on the curvy roads of Chamundi Hill, which I loved.
During those rides, I met a few fellow enthusiasts who were already participating in races organised by KTM. That motivated me to take things more seriously. I enrolled in track training academies in 2019 and again in 2022, held in Coimbatore and Chennai. After completing the training, I began competing in Indian National Racing events in the 165cc category.
From the album – Tasmai Cariappa with his racing icon Marc Marquez of Spain.
SOM: Who has been your biggest inspiration among professional racers?
Tasmai Cariappa: Spanish racer Marc Márquez has been a huge inspiration for me. It’s not just his aggressive racing style, but also his mental strength and unshakeable determination that I admire. Despite suffering multiple injuries, he’s always managed to make a strong comeback and dominate on the track.
SOM: How did your family react when you told them you wanted to pursue racing?
Tasmai Cariappa: In the beginning, I didn’t inform my parents. I first shared my interest with my grandmother, Monnanda Jooby Somaiah, who supported me financially so I could join a racing academy. Only after completing my training did I inform my mother and my aunt, Rajini Somaiah, who works as a scientist in St. Louis, USA. Since then, they’ve all been very supportive of my racing journey.
SOM: Mysuru doesn’t have dedicated racing tracks. Where do you usually practice?
Tasmai Cariappa: I regularly train in Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Chennai. Bengaluru is my primary practice location because it has three Go-Kart tracks. I frequently ride at the Velocity International Circuit in Kolathur and the Aruani Grid in Dommasandra. Additionally, I visit the Madras International Circuit in Chennai and the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore every month for advanced training.
SOM: Motorcycle racing involves a high risk of accidents. How do you manage that risk?
Tasmai Cariappa: Yes, the risks are there. But as you gain experience and improve your riding skills, the risk starts to reduce. A major part of staying safe also depends on the quality of your racing gear — your race suit, helmet, gloves and boots.
High-quality gear plays a crucial role in protecting you during crashes. Apart from that, maintaining physical fitness is essential — it strengthens your body and helps you recover quickly in case of a fall.
SOM: Injuries take time to heal and can be expensive to treat. Since motorsport doesn’t get much support in India, how do you manage your finances?
Tasmai Cariappa: In professional racing, we have what’s called Circuit Insurance, which covers medical expenses during events. However, beyond that, it’s essential to consult reputable doctors and physiotherapists. They help design recovery plans, recommend the right nutrition, and guide you to bounce back faster and stronger.
SOM: Is the fitness routine for motorsport different from other sports?
Tasmai Cariappa: Absolutely. Racing demands both physical and mental strength. It’s not just about building muscle or endurance — it’s about total body fitness. My routine includes CrossFit, Yoga, mobility drills, reflex training for quicker reactions, and stamina-building exercises. Mental sharpness is just as important as physical readiness when you’re on the track.
SOM: What kind of diet do you follow?
Tasmai Cariappa: Diet varies from person to person based on their age, weight, and the bike category — whether it’s 400cc, 600cc or 1000cc. As the G-force increases with higher-capacity bikes, your body needs to be strong enough to handle it. So, nutrition plays a critical role. Most of us follow a high-protein, low-carb, and fibre-rich diet. You can’t just eat anything — every element in the diet must be planned to support your performance.
SOM: You’ve chosen the Kawasaki Ninja 400 as your race bike. Why that model?
Tasmai Cariappa: In my category, riders can opt for the Yamaha R3 or KTM RC 390 as well. But I’ve chosen the Kawasaki Ninja 400 because it performs better at the top end and has a more reliable engine.
It also has a slight edge in displacement — about 50cc more than the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390, which makes a difference in race conditions. For long runs of 8-10 laps, engine reliability becomes crucial, and the Ninja 400 holds up very well.
Proud moment – Tasmai with his mother Dr Nalini Somaiah
OM: Do you see yourself racing in higher categories in the future?
Tasmai Cariappa: Yes. I want to race in higher categories — especially in the 1000cc segment. But I believe in taking it step by step. It’s a physically demanding sport, and it’s important to gradually build your knowledge of the bike and your own skill level before moving up. My dream is to represent India on the global stage at world championship-level events.
SOM: What are your thoughts on the newly launched Indian Superbike League (ISBL)?
Tasmai Cariappa: Indian motorsport is growing and the ISBL is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring racers. It’s especially valuable for those who are passionate about racing but don’t own a superbike. Ducati stepping in to provide the bike and gear for selected riders is a big move for the sport in India. The selection process will be tough, but getting through it would be a game-changing opportunity for any racer.
SOM: Thank you, and all the best !
Tasmai Cariappa: Thank you !
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S N Venkatnag Sobers / July 12th, 2025
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