Category Archives: Records, All

Stranded by monsoon, forgotten by authorities: Kodagu village’s 25-year-long struggle continues

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Atyadi village in Kodagu, known for its scenic beauty, faces isolation for six months annually due to a swollen stream. Residents risk their lives crossing it, especially during heavy rainfall. Despite decades of pleas for a bridge, authorities have not acted. Villagers, like Nityananda and Ramakrishna, hope for a solution to end their prolonged suffering.

Despite being known as the “Scotland of India” and the “Kashmir of Karnataka,” a village that faces a stark reality far removed from its scenic facade lies in Kodagu. Atyadi village, nestled under Chembu Gram Panchayat in Madikeri Taluk, Sampaje Hobli, struggles with a critical issue that isolates it from the outside world for half of the year.

During the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to November, a stream flowing through the Hebba area of this village swells to alarming levels, reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet until December. This formidable obstacle effectively severs the village from the rest of civilization for six long months.

The plight of the villagers during this period is nothing short of harrowing. Crossing the swollen stream becomes a treacherous endeavour, with the elderly, disabled, and young children risking their lives to traverse its precarious waters. Nityananda, a resident disabled since birth, is forced to crawl across the hazardous stream to navigate the outside world.

The situation worsens when heavy rainfall causes the stream to overflow, rendering it impassable even by foot. The village becomes entirely cut off, leaving its inhabitants stranded and vulnerable. In emergencies, such as illness or medical emergencies, villagers resort to desperate measures, often transporting the sick on chairs to reach the nearest hospital.

Tragically, the isolation extends even to moments of grief and loss. Last year, when Nityananda’s wife passed away, the village mourned in solitude as outsiders were unable to attend her cremation. Ramakrishna, another villager, expressed frustration at the recurring ordeal, lamenting the lack of response from authorities despite decades of pleas for help.

For the past 25 years, villagers have tirelessly petitioned local representatives, urging them to construct a bridge to alleviate their suffering. However, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, with promises unfulfilled and solutions elusive. Despite a glimmer of hope when raw materials were procured for bridge construction for 10 lakhs, bureaucratic hurdles derailed the project, leaving the village stranded once again.

As the rainy season sets in, Ayadi village braces itself for yet another spell of isolation and hardship. Residents like Lilavati can only hope that their elected officials will finally heed their cries for help and provide a long-awaited solution to their predicament. The beauty of Kodagu’s exterior belies the urgent need for action to address the hidden struggles of its rural communities.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asia Net Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykunar Patil / May 20th, 2024

Pilgrim names Rashmika Mandanna as hair care brand ambassador

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Beauty and personal care brand Pilgrim has named actress Rashmika Mandanna as its new brand ambassador for its hair care product range. Harnessing Mandanna’s pan-India popularity, the brand has launched a new campaign titled ‘The Secret is in the Mix’


Rashmika Mandanna for Pilgrim – Pilgrim

“I’ve always believed that haircare goes beyond just using the right ingredients- it’s about how they’re brought together,” said Rashmika Mandanna in a press release. “This campaign is truly special because it highlights that while trends come and go, the real magic lies in how ingredients are expertly combined to deliver results. Pilgrim’s haircare products masterfully blend natural and active ingredients, making them truly transformative. I look forward to a great association with Pilgrim and can’t wait to share these remarkable hair care secrets with everyone.”

Chosen for her popularity amongst young Indian audiences, Mandanna will help Pilgrim to further build upon its Gen Z customer base. The new campaign shows a herd of consumers following the latest viral trends and juxtaposes this with Pilgrim’s products, which Mandanna presents as having a superior mix of ingredients.
 
“As Pilgrim continues to grow and take its next big leap, Rashmika is the perfect person to represent the spirit of our brand and lead us into this new era,” said Pilgrim’s co-founder Gagandeep Makker. “This partnership is a significant milestone as we continue to innovate and provide exceptional solutions to our dynamic consumers, and we look forward to scaling new heights together. Our hair care range has received tremendous love, with products like the Hair Growth Serum and Patuá & Keratin Smoothening Shampoo becoming game-changers in the market. Today’s young audience is always searching for innovative solutions for healthy and silky hair, and Rashmika embodies this quest perfectly. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Pilgrim family.”

source: http://www.in.fashionnetwork.in / Fashion Network / Home> India> News> People / August 13th, 2024

CM visits and inspects landslide area of Srimangala Kutta in Ponnampet taluk

Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All

Discussion with locals:

CM hears plight of 20 families and suggests solutions.

*CM holds discussions with officials on the spot and proposes solutions.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited and inspected the landslide area of Srimangala Kutta in Ponnampet taluk and held discussions with officials and locals.

More than 20 families have lost their homes due to the collapse of the hill.The CM directed the immediate completion of the suspension bridge construction, repair work,and road construction.

Chief Secretary to the Government,Shalini Rajneesh, briefed the Chief Minister about the effects of the landslide and the safety measures and works that are being undertaken.

District In-Charge Minister,NS.Bosaraju,MLAs Ponnanna,and Manthar Gowda,and senior officials from the revenue department were present.

source: http://www.countryandpolitics.in / Country and Politics / Home> City News / by Vipin Gaur in City News / August 03rd, 2024

Centenarian Passes Away

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Obituary

Ammathi (Kodagu):

Machimanda Mittoo Appaiah (Munjandira), wife of late Appaiah and a resident of Cauvery Cottage, Ammathi-Polibetta Road, passed away on Aug. 3 in the town. She was 100. She leaves behind sons Cariappa and Devaiah and a host of relatives and friends.

Her another son Ganapathy had predeceased her.

Last rites were held at Kavadi on Aug. 4, according to family sources.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 12th, 2024

Kodagu’s monsoon tradition: Ancestral dishes, rituals amidst the rain

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Records, All

During the monsoon season, Kodagu’s unique culinary traditions involve dishes prepared with local ingredients like bamboo shoots and Justicia Wynaadensis leaves, reflecting a rich heritage aimed at maintaining health and body temperature.

The chilly weather and hard work in the farmlands demand that one stay healthy, leading to unique dishes being prepared during this period in ancestral times.Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Known to be an agricultural district, farming activities engulf Kodagu during the monsoon months. The chilly weather and hard work in the farmlands demand that one stay healthy, leading to unique dishes being prepared during this period in ancestral times. The indigenous cuisine acts as a natural nutrient supplement, helping the natives maintain body temperature during the chilly and moist weather. While agricultural activities have seen a gradual decline across the district in the recent past, the ancestral fare still make up a large part of the monsoon diet in Kodagu.

The district has a special vibe during the monsoon, and a stroll down any town road introduces one to unique items being sold on the streets. Natives from interior parts of the village turn street vendors and source natural resources available in plenty across the estates and forest fringes of the district, which they sell locally.

The wares vary from the traditionally made bamboo skep (to help clothes dry using charcoal heater) by the roadside in Madikeri, to natural products — a line of women wearing raincoats selling bamboo shoots, colocasia leaves, crabs, bracken fieldheads and leaves known as Justicia Wynaadensis or ‘maddu thoppu’ during the monsoon months from June to August. These locally sourced items make up for unique dishes that are prepared in all Kodava houses, and are now also being followed by all communities in the district.

“July 15 to August 15 is ‘Kakkada’ month in the Kodava calendar,” explained Ulliyada Dati Poovaiah, ex-president of Kodava Sahitya Academy. This month is synonymous with ‘Ashada’ month for Kannadigas, which is considered inauspicious. As the ancestors were busy with field work during this month, no auspicious events were hosted. Extreme weather conditions with heavy rainfall and gusty winds also stopped people from moving out of the safety of their houses, leading to ‘Kakkada’ month being considered inauspicious for any public or private gatherings.

“Kodagu used to receive the highest rainfall during ‘Kakkada’, yet people had to be involved in paddy cultivation for a living. Nevertheless, to ensure that one stayed healthy during the extreme weather conditions, special dishes found their way to the plate. All the dishes prepared during this month maintain body temperature, even as they keep other diseases, including pneumonia, at bay,” explained Dati.

Bamboo shoots are the highlight of the monsoon season and are sourced from within estates.Photo | Express

Bamboo delight

Bamboo shoots are the highlight of the monsoon season and are sourced from within estates. Bamboo shoot curry makes up a large part of the monsoon diet, even as indigenous mushrooms with high protein content take over banquet tables in Kodava houses. “The special dishes prepared during the monsoon ensured one’s good health. This ancestral ritual is now being followed every year with Kodava organizations hosting ‘Kakkada’ food fests to continue the ritual,” shared Kannanda Kavitha Bolappa, president of Madikeri Kodava Samaja Women’s Wing. She explained that all naturally available produce, including black nightshade leaves, Senna Alata aka ringworm leaves, raw mangoes and other veggies grown in the backyard along with country chicken, formed the ingredients of a rich diet during monsoon.

The highlight of the month’s special cuisine is the dishes prepared from Justicia Wynaadensis leaves that are popularly known as the ‘maddu thoppu’ (medicinal leaves). Kodavas, and today residents from other communities, believe that the Justicia Wynaadensis plants that grow in abundance across the district, attain their highest medicinal value on the 18th day of the Kakkada month. ‘Kakkada Padinet’ (padinet translating to 18th day) is celebrated and sweet dishes are prepared using the juice extracted from the Justicia Wynaadensis leaves. Besides this, mushroom, country chicken, bamboo shoots, freshwater fish, raw mango curry and other indigenous veggies are prepared for this special day.

“Earlier, farm work including cultivation and harvesting was done by owners of the land. Each family helped the others in cultivating the land. Entire stretches of farmland used to be cultivated by land owners, with help from other land owners, and after the farm work was done, a banquet would to be arranged. It largely included items that ensured balance of body temperature and good health during the chilly months,” explained Dati.

What started as a requirement has continued as a tradition, with residents from all other communities indulging in a rich diet with unique dishes prepared during monsoons in Kodagu.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR / August 11th, 2024

Waking up early: Kodagu identifies 104 landslide-prone areas

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

The sensitive and highly sensitive areas were identified and the families to be relocated were finalised.

Landslide at Sitharam Patti near Kalur village in Kodagu File photo | Pushkar V

Madikeri :

Exercising caution after massive landslides in Wayanad in Kerala, the Kodagu district administration has identified 104 landslide-prone areas, based on the reports submitted by the Geological Survey of India. Anticipating heavy rainfall this month, the administration has issued notices to 2,995 families located in these vulnerable regions to move to safer areas.

These regions have been identified based on previous disaster reports and surveys. The sensitive and highly sensitive areas were identified and the families to be relocated were finalised. The relocation could happen soon, sources said.

The administration has set up 14 relief centres, where over 200 residents are sheltered. It has also marked the locations to open 95 relief centres in these possible disaster areas.

“Steps will be taken to relocate residents from vulnerable regions depending on the rainfall forecast,” said DC Venkat Raja.

The district has received 24% excess rainfall this year and more rain is expected this month.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 05th, 2024

Karnataka High Court upholds amendment to Land Revenue Act on Kodavas’ land rights

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, , , , ,

Bengaluru:

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

The Karnataka High Court upheld the amendment brought to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, regarding the entry of names of all family members of Kodava families in land records as occupants of the land, including Jamma Bane land.

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

Noting that there is no violation of law in bringing the amendment, Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by Brigadier Maletira A Devaiah (retired) and others, questioning the legality of the amendment in terms of Section 20(2) of the Karnataka Land Revenue (III) Amendment Act 2011.

By way of amendment, the names of all members of the family would be entered into Column 9 of the RTC to recognise the rights of the entire family with respect of property owned, including Jamma Bane land.

The High Court directed the Kodagu district administration to issue a circular giving clarity and stating in detail the due process for entering names of joint family landowners into revenue records in terms of the amendment.

The petitioners have contended that the customary law of Kodavas restricts them from alienating the joint family property and there is no individual right for any member of the family in the joint family property.

The state, by way of the impugned amendment, has done away with the culture of Kodavas, thereby violating Article 51-A(f) of the Constitution, they claimed.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 03rd, 2024

Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa announces retirement after playing her ‘last Olympics‘

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , ,

Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa announces retirement after playing her ‘last Olympics‘.

Ashwini Ponnappa of India in action during the Group C match with Tanisha Crasto of India against Angela Yu of Australia and Setyana Mapasa of Australia. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Indian badminton stalwart Ashwini Ponnappa on July 30 broke down in tears, announcing she played her last Olympics after she and her partner Tanisha Crasto suffered their third straight loss in the women’s doubles competition of the Paris Games.

Ashwini and Tanisha lost to Australia’s Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu 15-21 10-21 in their final Group C game on Tuesday. They ended their campaign after losing all their three group matches.

“This will be my last, but Tanisha has a long way to go,” said 34-year-old Ashwini, who was playing in her third Olympics, when asked whether she hopes to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“It takes a toll emotionally and mentally, I can’t go through this again. It is not easy, you can take all these if you are a little younger. Having played for so long, I can’t take it anymore,” she said while trying to hold back tears.

Ashwini, who had won her first national title in 2001, had formed a formidable and history scripting women’s pair with Jwala Gutta, who played till 2017.

They had won many international medals, including a gold medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and bronze at the Uber Cup (2014 and 2016) and the Asian Championships (2014).

In 2011, they scripted history by becoming the first Indian pair to win a medal — a bronze — at the World Championships. That was their biggest prize in their careers. The Jwala-Ashwini pair was consistently ranked among the top 20 in the world and reached 10th spot at one time.

Ashwini and Jwala played in two Olympics together (in 2012 and 2016) but could not go beyond the initial stage.

“We wanted to get a win today. As much as we would have liked the outcome to be different and better, the biggest takeaway I and Tanisha had is we had quite a journey, getting to in the Olympics. It has not been easy,” said Ashwini.

Tanisha also could not control her emotions and she sobbed inconsolably.

“She (Ashwini) has been my biggest support here. We had wanted a better result and held out heads high. She motivated me every time.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport / by PTI / July 31st, 2024

Passion drives her to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, alone

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru:

Scaling heights is what enthrals her most. Jammada Preeth Appaiah, a resident of Bannimantap in Mysuru, has recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa. She reached the summit of the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet).

Also called a stratovolcano (a term for a very large volcano made of ash, lava, and rock), Kilimanjaro is made up of three cones — Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant. The highest point on Kibo’s crater rim is called Uhuru.

Medical condition did not deter her

Preeth Appaiah is a housewife who had a sciatic nerve problem and doctors had advised her not to do any physical activity which could aggravate her pain. But her medical condition did not deter her from achieving the feat and her main source of inspiration is her younger son Aryan Kuttappa who went on an expedition to the Himalayas in 2018.

She went on her first expedition to Mount Bhrigu, Himachal Pradesh, in 2018. Since then, she never looked back and she has climbed many mountains like Mount Sar Pass, Valley of Flowers and the Great Lakes of Kashmir. Her instinct to climb Kilimanjaro was kindled in 2022 when a group of people from Mysuru successfully climbed Kilimanjaro.

Though she had made up her mind to go ahead and her instinct said she could do it, the advice given by her doctors against any misadventure was playing at the back of her mind. But her elder son Pratham Poonacha was a constant motivator who goaded her to pursue her passion.

Preeth Appaiah then spoke to various persons in Mysuru and booked an agency for the trekking and the training started under the mentorship of Yoga Guru Mahadeva. She left Mysuru on Mar. 2 and began the actual trek to Kilimanjaro on Mar. 3. She returned to Mysuru on Mar. 11 after scaling the mountain on Mar. 8.

Not an easy task

“I tried coaxing people to come along but none from Mysuru came along. But I was determined to go and took the yellow fever shot and set the rucksack in order and went to the airport to board for Kilimanjaro. It was not an easy task for a woman to travel alone and in the journey, you do not know if there will be anyone coming along on the trek from the Marangu Gate in Tanzania,” she told Star of Mysore.

Preeth Appaiah trekked through the rainforest to Mandara Hut and from here she went to Horombo Hut and reached Kibo Hut walking amidst the Alpine Desert. “The view of Mount Kibo is just mesmerising but here I was totally out of shape due to altitude sickness. But as advised by my mentors, I took lots of liquids to keep myself hydrated. From Horombo Hut, I trekked to Kibo Hut which is physically challenging and steep too,” she added.

From here, many return. “But in my case, I had overcome altitude sickness and was going well and finally had a good rest. Mar. 8, 2023, International Women’s Day coincided with my summit feat and I got on to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro,” she said. She started the final walk on Mar. 7 at 11 pm and reached the summit at 8 am on Mar. 8.

“It was an enthralling moment of my life as I set foot on Kilimanjaro via Gilman’s Point. It was not an arduous task. After walking more than 10 hours, I reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and Uhuru,” she recalled.

It was a proud moment, she said as she held the National Tricolour. This would not have been possible without the support of her husband Jammada M. Aiyanna, who is an advocate in Mysuru. Preeth is the daughter of Hon. Captain late Kunjiyanda Appaiah and Gowramma couple. Her brother Kunjiyanda Machaiah (Machu) is a wildlife photographer.

“Before trekking to Kilimanjaro, I used to keep the mountain photo as my mobile phone status and was dreaming of scaling it one day. Now that I have accomplished the feat, I feel fulfilled. I want to continue this passion and scale more peaks,” she said.

Preeth Appaiah was initially trained in mountaineering by Tiger Solanki of Tiger Adventure Foundation (TAF) and later on by Vinay Singh and Shankar Subramanya of Royal Riders and the International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 16th, 2023

Ramakrishna Vidyashala alumnus awarded Sword of Honour and President’s Gold Medal

Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru:

Cholanda Varun Ganapathy, an alumnus of Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, Mysuru, has been awarded the Sword of Honour and President’s Gold Medal after being adjudged the Best All Round Cadet and standing First in Overall Order of Merit respectively at the Passing Out Course (SS-110) held at Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai recently.

He secured AIR 14 (All India Ranking) in the merit list of candidates to secure admission to OTA, Chennai, for Course Serial SSC (NT) – 110. His training commenced in Oct.2019 and on successful completion of training is commissioned as a Lieutenant.  

Varun, an alumnus of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bengaluru (up to Cl VII/2008), Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, Mysuru (PUC/2014) and Sir M. Visveswaraya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (BE in Mechanical Engineering) had always been focused on joining the Armed Forces. To fulfil this ambition, he appeared for NDA, AFCAT and CDS examinations at various stages clearing these exams seven times. He also appeared in various SSBs, clearing it thrice. 

 After he secured admission to OTA for Course Serial SSC (NT) – 110, he was also selected for Air Force in Jan. 2020 having cleared AFCAT exam and SSB.

 Varun Ganapathy’s success must be attributed to his determination and perseverance which was bolstered by his parents and mentors. He relentlessly pursued his dream to join the Armed Forces and went about his preparation in a very methodical manner. He kept himself updated about various entrance exams and the different syllabus for each exam. His preparation included personality development and physical fitness. 

He also attended classes at Bangalore School for Civil Services under Dr. Arjun Bopanna for UPSC and KPSC exams. On being selected to join OTA, Chennai in SS-110 course, Varun was appointed as Academy Cadet Adjutant and was awarded Sword of Honour for being Best All Round Cadet and Gold Medal for being First in Order of Merit. He was commissioned into 2 Special Forces on Nov. 21, 2020. 

Varun joins the following elite rank of Kodava Officers who topped their courses: Col. Pattada N. Thimmaiah – IMA Sword; Lt. Gen. Pattachervanda C. Thimmaiah – IMA Sword; Sqn. Ldr. Mallengada B. Chittiappa – NDA Gold and Lt. Cdr. Mukkatira Suraj Aiyappa – Naval Academy Sword and Gold.

Varun is the proud son of Cholanda Poovaiah (Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta, Chikkaballapura District) and Dharini Poovaiah (Manavattira, Nelaji), originally from Kalmotte, Virapet, Kodagu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 23rd, 2020