Category Archives: Nri’s / Pio’s

New Discovery By Kodagu-Born Dr. Jagadeesh Moodera And Team At MIT

Amazing Feats, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

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Quantum Physics deals with the behaviour of subatomic particles and is arguably the most complex branch of Theoretical Physics. I do not profess to understand this highly abstract subject but know that classical laws of Physics fail at quantum levels.

It boggles the mind when told that a subatomic particle exists simultaneously at two different spots. One location could be on your table and the other on the surface of Jupiter!

English Physicist Paul Dirac theoretically proved way back in 1930s that fundamental particles known as fermions should have a counterpart somewhere in the universe with an opposite charge – known as anti-particle.

Complicated. Difficult to fathom. I fail to comprehend. Based on this theory it is theoretically possible to have ‘teleportation’ that are portrayed in science fiction movies and books.

Coorg-born Physicist Dr. Jagadeesh S. Moodera has been a scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 1981. He has several path-breaking research papers to his credit. My wife and I had the good fortune of a guided tour of his laboratory at MIT during our visit to Boston to attend the Kodava Convention-2019, in September last year.
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Dr. Jagadeesh explained the intricacies of the experiments that he and his team were involved in. It was fascinating to see a huge setup with myriad tubes, probes, cables and instruments in order to create a 100% vacuum in a space of about 2 cubic centimetres.

Part of the experiment was conducted in this small space which was absolutely contamination free. There was another setup equally complicated where a space was created for the experiment which was free of any kind of vibration – not even that created by the traffic in the streets distance away, or footsteps of students in the nearby corridors. In addition, this space is cooled to -273 degree centigrade (that’s as close as one could get to -273.15 degree centigrade which is absolute zero). The experiments were conducted under these ideal conditions and usually between 10 pm and 6 am when chances of vibration were the least.

The experiment Dr. Jagadeesh and his colleagues have been working on since 2012 was to discover what Italian Theoretical Physicist Eltore Majorana, extending on Paul Dirac’s theory, had postulated in 1937 that there should be some subatomic particles that are indistinguishable from their anti-particle.

Scientists have been looking for these particles named Majorana fermions. Many theories have emerged over the years. Theoretical Physicists at MIT and elsewhere predicted that Majorana fermions may exist on solids such as gold under certain conditions. Dr. Jagadeesh and his team were on a mission to discover the existence of the elusive Majorana fermion.

The experiment, extremely complicated, needed many long hours in the laboratory. Dr. Jagadeesh explained how the delicate research was carried out at nano-particle level and observed through Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM). STM is capable of ‘feeling’ the presence of atoms and molecules. 3mm x 3mm was the size of the surface on which the experiment was carried out, consisting of nano-wires of gold, grown on superconducting material: Vanadium.

MIT News dated 10th April 2020 has announced the successful sighting of the mysterious Majorana fermion by Dr. Jagadeesh Moodera and team. This is a major breakthrough. In Dr. Jagadeesh’s words ‘We have shown they are there, and stable, and easily scalable.’ Please visit webpage: http://news.mit.edu/2020/first-majorana-fermion-metal-quantum-computing-0410

The finding that Majorana fermions are scalable and could be made into qubits (individual computational units) is spectacular. These qubits could be used to build the most powerful and error free quantum computers. This will be a step closer to the phenomenon known as Singularity, which predicts that by the year 2042 AD there will be computers that will have computing power of all the human brains put together!

Once Singularity is achieved, humans need not invent anything further. Solutions to the most complex problems will be arrived at within seconds. If we had these computers today, a remedy for the current Covid-19 would have been found in a jiffy!

Dr. Jagadeesh’s wife Dr. Geetha Berera is a senior lecturer in MIT and we had an opportunity to visit her laboratory as well. The couple are totally dedicated to academics and research. Every year they visit Coorg and conduct a Quiz programme for school students. They are in the process of starting a school in Coorg under their organisation – CREATE Gurukula Trust – focusing on encouraging young minds in research activities. Meritorious students at Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT) are recipients of annual scholarships and awards instituted by Dr. Jagadeesh and Dr. Geetha. Dr. Jagadeesh and Dr. Geetha are eminent role models for young Kodavas to emulate.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / May 04th, 2020

Rudresh Mahanthappa releases ‘Ring of Fire’ with his Hero Trio – Single Premiere

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

Hugely acclaimed US saxophonist signs to Whirlwind Recordings for his new album, Hero Trio, released on 19 June.

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Across his 25-year career Rudresh Mahanthappa has become known for his garrulous mix of fiery post bop and complex Carnatic music, which has seen him explore everything from re-cast classic bop to post M-BASE fusion.

On Hero Trio, his 16th release as a leader/co-leader, he pays tribute to his greatest influences with an album of interpretations. All of the material is presented in Mahanthappa’s wry, spontaneous and imaginative way, alongside long-time heavyweight associates François Moutin on bass and Rudy Royston on drums.

The first single: June Carter Cash wrote ‘Ring of Fire’ for her husband Johnny, and the tune connects Mahanthappa with his Colorado childhood – which you can hear on the video below.

Commenting on the song, the saxophonist says; ‘Like Dolly Parton, when you take a closer look at what they did compositionally you realise that it has a conversational flow, with odd length phrases and extra bars here and there, and I wanted to capture that freedom.”

For more info visit rudreshmahanthappa1.bandcamp.com/album/hero-trio

source: http://www.jazzwise.com / Jazzwise / Home> News / May 01st, 2020

Doctor of Kodagu origin feted in USA

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Dr Keekanamada Preethi at her house with husband Subramani. DH Photo
Dr Keekanamada Preethi at her house with husband Subramani. DH Photo

The citizens of USA have offered a hearty felicitation to Dr Keekanamada Preethi, a Kannadiga doctor of Kodagu origin, who is treating Covid-19 patients, as a gesture of thanksgiving for her dedicated service.

Recently, Dr Uma Madhusudan, a native of Mysuru who is also serving in the US, was felicitated grandly by the American citizens. Incidentally, Dr Preethi lives in the same residential layout where Dr Uma resides in South Windsor, Connecticut. Dr Preethi lives with her husband Keekanamada Subramani.

Dr Preethi graduated in medicine from M S Ramaiah College in Bengaluru and migrated to the US in 1999. She is currently working at St Francis Hospital in South Windsor. As a heartfelt gesture, the patients who have recovered from the deadly disease, police and fire and emergency service personnel recognised the service of Dr Preethi by announcing her contributions on publicity vehicles.

Dr Preethi, replying to this unique felicitation, said that she accepts the honour with all humility. The video clip of Dr Preethi’s felicitation is being widely circulated on social media.

Dr Preethi is the daughter of Mundanda Rajappa, a native of Nelaji village. Rajappa was the first player to represent Kodagu district in the state Ranaji cricket team. He is currently based in Bangaluru. He said he is proud of her daughter’s work.

Her spouse Subramani hails from Birunani village of Kodagu.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Top Karnataka Stories / DHNS, Madikeri / April 24th, 2020

Mysuru-Based Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith Appointed As Deputy Lieutenant Of West Yorkshire County In UK

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

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Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith, who hails from Mysuru, was conferred the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for her contribution in the field of Arts and Museums.

Recently, Nima was bestowed with another unique honour. She has been appointed as one of the Deputy Lieutenants (DL) of West Yorkshire County in the United Kingdom (UK).

Deputy Lieutenants assist the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out his role as the Queen’s representative. Historically, the duty of the Lord-Lieutenant used to be in organising the county’s militia! In 1871, the Lieutenant’s responsibility over the local militia was removed.

Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith with the insignia of Office of Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.
Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith with the insignia of Office of Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

The current Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire is Sir Ed Anderson. The responsibilities of the Lieutenancy includes making arrangements for Royal visits to the county and for hosting those visits; representing the Monarch at a wide range of events across West Yorkshire; presenting British Empire Medals and other awards; advising on submissions for honours nominations; submitting nominations for Royal Garden Parties; and maintaining close links with regional armed forces. He is assisted by the Vice-Lord-Lieutenant, the Clerk to the Lieutenancy and a team of Deputy Lieutenants.

Nima’s father Ammanichanda Poovaya and mother Biddanda Muthie Poovaya (my mother’s sister) were in Belgaum for many years and that’s where she and her siblings had their early education. The family settled in Mysuru and Nima earned her Ph.D in English literature from the University of Mysore under the mentorship of well-known academician Prof. C.D. Narasimhaiah (late). She was also a student of Prof U.R. Ananthamurthy (late).

In 1981 Nima went to the University of Leeds, UK, on a scholarship for post-doctoral studies. Nima is married to Paul Smith, who besides being a Sociologist specialising in the Sociology of Knowledge, is an authority on the Theosophical Society founded by Colonel Olcott and Madame Blavatsky.

Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith with her nephew Dr. Kodimanianda Ajit Belliappa in front of Yinka Shonibare’s acclaimed piece The Wanderer that she was instrumental in purchasing for Bradford Museums and Galleries in 2007.
Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith with her nephew Dr. Kodimanianda Ajit Belliappa in front of Yinka Shonibare’s acclaimed piece The Wanderer that she was instrumental in purchasing for Bradford Museums and Galleries in 2007.

Nima has been actively involved in collecting art and in curating museums. One of her assignments was collecting rare textiles for Cartwright Hall Museum, Bradford. Various noteworthy collections are currently being celebrated at the ‘2 Temple Place’ Gallery in London (till 19th April 2020). Seven top women collectors of textiles for public collections are being showcased and Nima’s contemporary South Asian collection is one of them.

For more details visit website: https://twotempleplace.org/exhibitions/unbound/

Nima is the Founder-Director of Alchemy Anew, an organisation involved in confluence of cultures. Currently, she is the Senior Visiting Research Fellow, School of Fine Arts, History of Arts and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / April 04th, 2020

Lake Bridge Capital, and Fengate Asset Management announce the sale of NRStor C&I, a leading distributed energy platform

Business & Economy, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

Toronto, Canada :

Lake Bridge Capital, Inc. (“Lake Bridge”) and Fengate Asset Management (“Fengate”) announced the sale today of NRStor C&I L.P. (“NRStor C&I”) to funds managed by Blackstone Energy Partners.

NRStor C&I is a leading Toronto-based developer of battery storage solutions, targeting scale storage deployment opportunities within the commercial and industrial sector in North America. A pioneer in the rapidly growing energy storage market, NRStor C&I provides solutions to customers across North America. A former subsidiary of NRStor Inc., it has over 200MWh of operational, in construction and contracted projects. Lake Bridge Capital was the seed investor in NRStor Inc. and the majority investor in NRStor C&I.

“It is gratifying to see the momentum that NRStor C&I has achieved,” said Sarita Mandanna, Managing Partner, Lake Bridge Capital. “The company’s growth underlines the need for innovative energy solutions. The scale and resources of its new partner will only escalate its progress, and I wish the team every success.” Joe Cashion, Managing Partner at Lake Bridge Capital, added “We’re thrilled that the NRStor C&I team has partnered with Blackstone for the next stage of delivering sustainable energy solutions across North America.”

Marathon Capital, LLC served as advisor to NRStor C&I, Fengate and Lake Bridge. McCarthy Tetrault LLP and Torys LLP served as legal counsel to NRStor C&I, Fengate and Lake Bridge.

About Lake Bridge Capital
Lake Bridge Capital is an investment management company focused on growth capital investments. Headquartered in Toronto, the company has a global portfolio, investing in entrepreneurs and technologies across a range of industries, and in both primary and secondary transactions

About NRstor C&I
Established in late 2016, NRStor C&I L.P.is a turn-key energy-as-a-service provider to commercial, industrial and institutional customers as well as utilities across North America. With energy storage being a focal point of its offering, NRStor C&I provides its services under a turn-key build, own, and operate business model where no-capital outlay or operational expertise is required from the customer. NRStor C&I offers stand-alone, renewable coupled energy storage systems, as well as microgrids which are centrally managed through its state-of-the-art operational platform.

source: http://www.finance.yahoo.com / Yahoo Finance / Home / Toronto / by PR Newswire / March 06th, 2020

CAP UCLA Will Present CHARLIE PARKER AT 100

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance (CAP UCLA) presents Fly Higher: Charlie Parker At 100 on Thursday, March 26 at 8 p.m. at Royce Hall. Tickets starting at $28 are available now at cap.ucla.edu, 310-825-2101 and the Royce Hall box office.

Charlie “Bird” Parker was a legendary Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist who, with Dizzy Gillespie, invented bebop. This year marks the 100th year since the legend’s birth and therefore is cause for celebration. Acclaimed co-musical directors Rudresh Mahanthappa and Terri Lyne Carrington honor Charlie Parker’s centennial year by showcasing his uncompromising musical joy, humor and beauty, mining his deep repertoire and showcasing new, modern compositions.

Hailed by Pitchfork as “jaw-dropping” and saxophonist of the year for seven years running in Downbeat, Rudresh Mahanthappa is a 21st-century voice of jazz. Since his emergence in the late ’90s, Mahanthappa harnesses the power of the horn to create a rhythmic urgency and showcases an astonishing facility. In addition to creating Fly Higher with Carrington, Mahanthappa is the Director of Jazz at Princeton University.

Carrington returns to the Royce Hall stage for the second CAP UCLA season in a row. A three-time Grammy Award-winning drummer, Carrington has performed on over 100 recordings and just released Waiting Game this past November with her band Social Science. Last year, Carrington was acknowledged for her contributions to jazz with the Doris Duke Artist Award. Fly Higher is no exception as a significant contribution.

This performance concludes CAP UCLA’s Jazz series for the 2019-20 season. For more shows, please visit cap.ucla.edu/calendar.

CAP UCLA presents

Fly Higher: Charlie Parker at 100

Thursday, March 26 at 8 p.m.

Royce Hall, UCLA

10745 Dickson Court, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Program:
Fly Higher: Charlie Parker at 100 celebrates one of the most innovative and influential artists in modern musical history and examines his impact on pop, hip hop, rap, rock and jazz. Rather than imitating the original, Fly Higher strives to forward the art form by developing new perspectives on tradition.

Credits:
Fly Higher: Charlie Parker At 100 features:

Rudresh Mahanthappa – Alto Saxophone

Terri Lyne Carrington – Drums

Charenee Wade – Vocals

Adam O’Farrill – Trumpet

Kris Davis – Piano

Larry Grenadier – Bass

Kassa Overall – DJ

Co-Musical Directors Rudresh Mahanthappa & Terri Lyne Carrington

We are grateful for the endorsement of the Parker Estate in this centennial celebration.

Tickets:
Tickets starting at $28

Online: cap.ucla.edu

Phone: 310-825-2101

UCLA Central Ticket Office: 310-825-2101, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Royce Hall box office: open 90 minutes prior to the event start time.

source: http://www.broadwayworld.com / Broadway World / Home> Classical Musical> Classical Regions / by BWW News Desk / February 04th, 2020

Unbound: Visionary Women Collecting Textiles

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Two Temple Place, London

Phulkari (detail; early 20th century), unknown maker. Photo: Paul Tucker; © Bradford Museums and Galleries
Phulkari (detail; early 20th century), unknown maker. Photo: Paul Tucker; © Bradford Museums and Galleries

Seven women who collected textiles during the 20th century are the focus of this exhibition, which considers how the collections they formed – ranging from Balkan costumes to South Asian saris – helped to assert the status of these materials as works of art. Find out more from Two Temple Place’s website.

Preview the exhibition below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

Giubba (19th century), Albania. Photo: Calderdale Museums Collection, Halifax
Giubba (19th century), Albania. Photo: Calderdale Museums Collection, Halifax

The artist and writer Edith Durham (1863–1944) travelled widely across the Balkans in early 20th century, becoming renowned for her anthropological reports on life in Serbia, Albania and Kosovo. In 1935, her collection of Balkan costume and jewellery – including this giubba, a traditional robe worn by Albanian women – was donated in 1935 to the Bankfield Museum in Halifax, where it remains to this day.

Brocade shoe without clog (1735–45), unknown maker. Photo: John Chase Photography/The Olive Matthews Collection, Chertsey Museum
Brocade shoe without clog (1735–45), unknown maker. Photo: John Chase Photography/The Olive Matthews Collection, Chertsey Museum

Drawn to historic fashion from a young age, Olive Matthews built up a significant collection of more than 4,000 objects over the course of her lifetime – being careful always to stick to a budget of no more than £5 per item. She focused particularly on delicate needlework and embroidery – as seen on this shoe of brocaded silk from the 18th century.

Curtain with jungle repeat pattern (n.d.), Enid Marx. Photo: Harminder Judge/Compton Verney
Curtain with jungle repeat pattern (n.d.), Enid Marx. Photo: Harminder Judge/Compton Verney

Along with her friend Margaret Lambert, Enid Marx amassed a major collection of English folk art after 1932, although by this time she was already a renowned textile artist in her own right, having studied alongside Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden at the Royal College of Art in the 1920s. In the exhibition, examples of her own work – such as this repeating pattern, reminiscent of animal hide – are on show alongside objects from her collection.

Phulkari (early 20th century), unknown maker. Photo: Paul Tucker; © Bradford Museums and Galleries
Phulkari (early 20th century), unknown maker. Photo: Paul Tucker; © Bradford Museums and Galleries

From 1985–98, Nima Poovaya-Smith was senior keeper of international arts at Bradford Art Galleries and Museums, during which time she established the transcultural gallery at Cartwright Hall. She built up a collection at the gallery that reflected Bradford’s history of textile manufacture and explored the influence on it of fabrics from across the world – in particular southern Asia. This colourful cloth is an example of phulkari (‘floral work’ in Punjabi), so-called because of the embroidered patterns that extend over every inch of the fabric.

Event website

source: http://www.apollo-magazine.com / Apollo / Home> Whats On / January 25th – April 19th, 2020

Merging border with dance

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

New Delhi, (IANS) :

Rasaja Foundation, in collaboration with Business & Community Foundation (BCF) will organise a discussion ”Merging Border” with artists Lata Pada (Sampradaya Dance Creations, Canada), Dr I Wayan Dibia (scholar, author and dance choreographer, Indonesia), Shila Mehta (Nupur Zankar Academy of Performing Arts, New Jersey, Belgium and Mumbai) and Hema Rajagopalan (Natya Dance Theatre, Chicago) followed by ”Nimitta” a solo kathak performance by Shila Mehta, portraying “Shikhandi” from Mahabharat on December 12 at Sri Aurobindo Society in New Delhi.

”PRALAYA”, a collaboration in Bharatanatyam and Baliness dance by Sampradaya Dance Creations, Canada, a modern retelling of the Mahabharata with special focus on the game of dice between the Pandavas and the Kauravas will be staged on December 13 at Kamani Auditorium in the capital.

The presentation, conceptulised and directed by Lata Pada, includes choreography by Lata Pada & I Wayan Dibia, music by Praveen D. Rao, costume Design by Sandhya Raman, visual Design by Jacques Collin and lighting design by Deepa Dharmadhikari.

Their Indo–Balinese collaboration that premiered in Toronto in November 2016 and went on to do an eight-city tour in Canada, has now begun its international tour across seven cities in India and a stint in South East Asia-Indonesia.

–IANS / Sukant/prs
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> The News Scroll / December 10th, 2019

Dubai Dasara sports meet held in grandeur

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Dubai:

Indian expats of ‘Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru Dubai Family’ organized a cultural, heritage and sporting event in the heart of Dubai with Dasara doll competition, rangoli, Dasara cup cricket tournament, along with the final showdown event of athletics, badminton, throwball, volleyball, kabaddi, and football at the prestigious Etisalat Sports Academy on October 11.

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Over 3,000 participants including children, women and men joyfully took part in the various age categories starting from 4 up to 35 plus years. The competitors were cheered by their family, friends and the loved ones. A mammoth crowd motivated the participants to give their best to secure gold, silver, bronze medals and team trophies.

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Indian Olympic athlete Ashwini Nachappa inaugurated the event and honoured the medal winners. Mohammed Mustafa, MD of M Square, Sheik Bu Abdulla Bib Abdellah, M S Khan CEO of Caprice, Mohan Uppin, Zafarullah Khan, former minister Karnataka and Praveen Shetty, MD, Fortune Group, Mohan Uppin, CEO, Evolve Interior, Dr Guru Madhava Rao, president, RAK Medicals, Chethan, MD, Virgin Tours, Shekar Reddy, Dr Rashmi, CEO, Riva Laser Hospital, and other honourable UAE dignitaries graced the occasion and appreciated the spirit of the events.

Ashwini Nachappa was honoured by prestigious Dubai Kreeda Rathna Award. The organizing committee honoured former Indian Volleyball player Dr Kavitha Paiyadi Rao who currently works in Dubai. Former Indian Kabaddi captain Pooja Hassana who also works in dubai banking sector, was also honoured.

Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru organizers RafiqAli Kodagu, Sudeep Davanagere, Senthil Bengaluru, Madhu Dvg, Vishnu Mysore, Mamatha.Ragavendra, Pallavi Davanagere, Mamatha.Sharja, Dr Savitha Mysore, Anitha Bnegaluru, Hadiya Mandya, Shashidhar and game organizers heartily thanked the father of UAE nation, respected rulers of UAE for the opportunity the great nation has created to celebrate culture, sports spreading tolerance and humanity.

They thanked the participants for their overwhelming response making the event successful.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Middle East / by Media Release / October 23rd, 2019

Kodava Convention In US

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Over 400 attend grand ceremony in Boston

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Boston:

The North American Kodava Convention was hosted by Kodavas of Greater Boston area from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

Kodavas from across Continental US, Hawaii, Canada, India and UAE joined the convention that was one of the largest gathering of Kodavas in North America. Over 400 people attended the event.

The community came together as ‘Okka’ at the convention which was aimed at bringing the community closer, renew old relations and forge new ones, facilitate connections for youngsters who are growing up in a foreign land to their Kodagu roots and to help preserve and nurture the rich Kodava heritage, culture and language.

The event was organised at Marriott Copley Hotel in the heart of Boston. The weekend festivities kicked off with an informal meet of the gathering on the evening of Aug. 30 at the hotel lounge, followed by ‘Oorkuduva’ evening on Aug. 31 at the world-renowned MIT Media Lab, to showcase the intellectual side of Boston.

The ‘Oorkuduva’ evening had presentations regarding the origin of culture and biodiversity in Kodagu related to genealogy, including preliminary data from the ‘Kodava Genome Initiative’, which was presented by Prof. Maanasa Raghavan and her Ph.D. student Arjun Biddanda.

The evening also included a talent show of Kodava children in the art of public speaking, piano recitals, jazz-saxophone performance and singing. It was an idyllic setting for an ‘Oorkuduva’ gathering at the MIT Media, overlooking the Charles River and spectacular views of Boston skyline.

There was Kodava Vaalaga after dinner which got most of the guests onto the dance floor. The party then shifted to the Marriott Copley Hotel where Deep Chinappa entertained guests with his rock band, the ‘Deep C Divers’.

There were several daytime activities including tours of various historical and cultural Boston landmarks, walks along the popular Freedom Trail, kayaking on the Charles River and tours of MIT and Harvard campuses. The highlight of the Convention was the gala reception on Sept. 1 at the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel.

It was a Kodava wedding muhurtha-like atmosphere where guests sported their traditional attire. The programme included Kodava folk dances like ‘puthari kolaat’ by Kodava men, an up-tempo exhilarating ‘bode namme’ style carnival dance.

The programme also had panel discussions that covered topics like, “Our enchanting Kodagu: Change is inevitable! The resources are at their limits. How do we advance our beloved Kodagu on a global scale in a sustainable way, while preserving our unique culture, family values, and one-of-its-kind natural bounty? What role each person can play towards achieving these goals? How do we inspire youngsters and serve as role models to excel in whatever field they choose?”

The panellists included Belliappa Cheppudira, an educationist, coffee planter, an entrepreneur, an accomplished novelist and author of several books including ‘Tale of a Tiger’s Tail’, ‘Yarns from Coorg’, ‘Nuggets from Coorg History’, and ‘Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg’.

Others were Dr. Zarin Machanda, Assistant Professor at Tufts University and Director of Kibale Chimpanzee Project in Uganda and Dr. Naren Anjaparavanda, Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Cincinnati.

After the discussion, the guests were treated to delicious authentic Kodagu food including ‘kadambuttu,’ ‘nooputtu,’ ‘Onakyerchi’ ‘nucchi kum’ curry, ‘kadale payasa’ and of course the traditional ‘pandi’ curry.

The evening’s programme also included an annual update from Kodava Koota and presentation of high school achievement awards sponsored by Bachranianda Muthappa and Rani Education Fund.

The convention ended with a resolve to organise the next convention at San Francisco Bay Area in 2020.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 22nd, 2019