In a significant development for the Indian coffee sector, the Coffee Board of India organised a buyer-seller meeting at Dubai, marking a new chapter in the industry’s global expansion.
The event, held on the sidelines of Gulfood 2024, was jointly organised by the Indian Embassy in UAE and the Coffee Board of India. Speaking on the Occasion, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, highlighted Dubai’s strategic role as a global trade hub, and the upcoming Bharat Mart at Jebel Ali free zone as enablers for India’s global coffee ambitions. He also emphasized Dubai’s unique position as a logistical powerhouse, boasting a busy port and efficient airport, offering an ideal platform for Indian coffee producers to showcase their diverse blends directly to international buyers and establish lasting brands.
The meeting featured a presentation by KG Jagadeesha, CEO of the Coffee Board of India, who provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s coffee industry. He highlighted the vast coffee plantations spanning over half a million hectares, supporting millions of farming families, and the impressive production and export rates that surpass domestic consumption. Jagadeesh emphasized India’s significant contribution to the international coffee market, particularly as a leading exporter of instant coffee.
India’s coffee industry, with its balanced production of Arabica and Robusta beans, has witnessed remarkable growth since the establishment of the Coffee Board in 1950. Notably, 35% of the country’s coffee exports now comprise value-added and specialty coffees, showcasing a shift towards premium offerings. India’s coffee is unique in the sense that it is shade-grown and the Robusta variety is treated at par with Arabica in the Western market. This event not only celebrated the distinct flavors and rich heritage of Indian coffee but also marked a strategic move to leverage Dubai’s logistical strengths.
source: http://www.newsonair.gov.in / News Services Division, All India Radio / February 22nd, 2024
Bopanna was accompanied by his family during the meeting with the CM on February 13.
Parents of tennis player Rohan Bopanna watch him being felicitated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on February 13, 2024. Bopanna became only the third Indian to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam title, taking the Australian Open crown with partner Matthew Ebden after a win over Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the final. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah felicitated tennis player Rohan Bopanna for winnig the men’s doubles Australian Open title and announced a prize of ₹50 lakh.
Bopanna was accompanied by his family during the meeting on February 13 with the CM who was accompanied by Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj S. Thangadagi, and his political secretary Govindaraju.
On social media platform X, Mr Siddaramaiah posted: “Met and congratulated Rohan Bopanna, who won the men’s doubles title of Australian Open tennis tournament and announced a prize of ₹50 lakh.”
Bopanna became only the third Indian to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam title, taking the Australian Open crown with partner Matthew Ebden after a win over Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the final.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / The Hindu Bureau / February 13th, 2024
The Kodava community came together in the heart of California’s Bay Area for the annual convention, ‘Namme by the Bay’ from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3.
The festivities commenced with an informal ‘meet the hosts’ gathering on the evening of Sept. 1 at the elegant Hotel Cabana Suites in Palo Alto, CA, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend filled with camaraderie and cultural immersion.
On Sept. 2, a pre-convention event unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of the Elliston Winery in Sunol, featuring a surprise flash mob performance. The night culminated in joyous dancing to the tunes of traditional ‘Kodava Valaga.’
While some guests embarked on an invigorating morning hike organised by local Kodava families on Sept. 2, others enjoyed a post-hike BBQ. For those eager to explore the beauty of San Francisco, an organised tour was on offer.
The main event, held on Sept. 3 at the Los Altos Community Centre, saw men donning the traditional Kodava attire ‘Kupya-chale,’ while women added a touch of Kodava elegance with colourful sarees.
The venue was transformed to capture the essence of Kodava culture, with enchanting decorations centered around the unique ‘Namme’ theme. The stage backdrop artfully depicted the essence of three prominent Kodava festivals — Kailpodh, Puthari and Cauvery Sankramana.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the ‘Baalo Paat.’ Dimpu Pasura, the event’s host, collaborated with local children to present a captivating cultural programme. Local Kodava children began with a devotional rendition of the ‘Kaveramme’ song, followed by an opening act by Chethan Bachamada and Pallavi Joyappa.
Priya Pattada extended a warm welcome, followed by a message about preserving the Kodava community from Col. (Retd.) Cheppudira P. Muthanna, who travelled from Kodagu to attend the convention.
The evening unfolded with a dance performance by local Kodava children, followed by a spirited ‘Bolakaat’ performance by the men. The highlight was a mesmerising dance by the ladies. A video message from prominent Kodavas representing the military, sports and show business played during the opening, offering their best wishes for the event’s success.
Overall, the event fostered hope and unity among the Kodava community worldwide. Looking ahead, the next convention in 2024 is eagerly anticipated in Chicago.
First-ever entrepreneur event
As part of the convention, the first ever entrepreneur event, led by Gana Pemmanda, Vikram Puttichanda and Sahana Bheemaiah Bachamada (Thamane Nambudumada), was held.
Entrepreneurs Nischay, Prithvi Biddappa Kandanda, Nischal Ammatanda, Sahana Bheemaiah and Gana Pemmanda shared glimpses of their entrepreneurial journeys, successes and learnings.
Guests had the opportunity to showcase their businesses and network within the Kodava community, with plans to maintain the momentum through a newly created North American Kodava entrepreneurs’ group, fostering collaboration.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2023
The 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna is the fourth Indian to win a Grand Slam title.
Rohan Bopanna (extreme left) with his family (Via Rohan Bopanna Instagram)
Rohan Bopanna is a professional tennis player from India. Born on 4th March 1980, Bopanna went on to become the oldest World No.1. The 43-year-old specializes mainly in doubles.
Throughout his career, Rohan Bopanna had tasted major success in the doubles division. He has won 24 ATP doubles titles. However, he is still to win a men’s doubles title in the Major Grand Slam. His best performance in the men’s double in Grand Slam came at the US Open in 2010 and 2023 when he reached the finals of the competition.
Bopanna has also reached the semis of the Grand Slams thrice at the Wimbledon and once at the French Open. However, he has won a mixed doubles title at the French Open in 2017 with partner Gabriela Dabrowski. He is the fourth Indian to win a major title.
Who are Rohan Bopanna’s parents?
Rohan Bopanna was born on 4th March 1980 to M.G. Bopanna and Mallika Bopanna. By profession, his father is a coffee planter, and he was the one who inspired his son to choose an individual sport. Bopanna, in turn tried various sports and at the age of 19 chose to play tennis. His father also built a tennis court in his hometown Coorg for Bopanna.
Rohan Bopanna with his parents (Image via Zee India)
His mother, Mallika Bopanna, is a homemaker. More details about his mother are not available in the public.
Where do Rohan Bopanna’s parents live?
Bopanna’s father and mother live in their coffee estate in Coorg, Karnataka. Bopanna himself had his primary education from there. Later on, he shifted to Bangalore to complete his higher education at the Jain University in Bangalore.
Rohan Bopanna (image via Hindustan Times)
What did Rohan Bopanna’s parents do for a living?
Bopanna’s father is a coffee planter by profession and owns a coffee estate in their hometown of Coorg, which is the primary source of income for them. His mother is a homemaker.
Rohan Bopanna (image via tennis majors
What is the estimated net worth of Rohan Bopanna’s parents?
The 43-year-old himself earns a handsome sum of $3.2 million per year through various tournaments and sponsorship deals. However, no such info is available for his parents.
Rohan Bopanna (image via India Today)
FAQs
Q. Who is the wife of Rohan Bopanna?
Supriya Annaiah is the wife of Rohan Bopanna
Q. How many Grand Slam titles has Bopanna won?
Bopanna has won one French Open title in the Mixed doubles division.Q. Where was Bopanna born?
Bopanna was born in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Q. What is Bopanna’s daughter’s name?
Rohan Bopanna’s daughter’s name is Tridha Bopanna.
source: http://www.firstsportz.com / First Sportz / Home> Tennis / by Soumik Bhatacharya / edited by Nikhil Sonmali / January 27th, 2024
Bopanna is set to become the oldest tennis player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open along with his partner Matthew Ebden of Australia.
Rohan Bopanna / File
Rohan Bopanna feels that his ascent to world No. 1 in doubles rankings at the twilight of his career is perfect boost that Indian tennis needed just when it was falling off the radar.
Bopanna is set to become the oldest tennis player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open along with his partner Matthew Ebden of Australia here on Wednesday.
The 43-year-old, who had entered the tournament with a career-high ranking of world No. 3, and Ebden recorded a comfortable 6-4 7-6(5) win over sixth seeded Argentinian duo of Máximo González and Andrés Molteni in the quarterfinals that lasted an hour and 46 minutes here.
Bopanna will be crowned the new numero uno spot on Monday after the end of the tournament.
“It (the feat) means a lot not to just me but for Indian tennis also. You need something to inspire the next generation. Sumit (Nagal) also had a great Australian Open. He won a round,” Bopanna told PTI in an exclusive interview from Melbourne.
And the star player said the feat came with a lot of sacrifices.
“Extremely proud of this (world no.1 ranking in men’s doubles). It’s a special moment. Lot of sacrifices have gone into this. My coaches, family everyone. My family is travelling with me, so different feeling,” he said.
In fact, he is more happy that for the past week, Indian tennis has been in the news.
“Nothing at all was happening in Indian tennis. You (journalists) also did not have much to write about, so this has happened at the right time.” Earlier, Rajeev Ram of the USA was the oldest player to be ranked world no. 1 when he had achieve the top ranking in October 2022 at the age of 38 for the first time in his career.
Ebden, on the other hand, is set to reach the world no 2 spot.
Bopanna twice reached the US Open final but never won a men’s doubles major.
He, however, has a mixed doubles trophy at the French Open when he and his partner Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada won the crown at the 2017 French Open, defeating Anna-Lena Grönefeld and Robert Farah in the final 2–6 6–2 12–10.
But Bopanna’s desire to win a men’s doubles title at the Slam still remains unfulfilled, something which we wants to achieve before hanging up his racquet.
“That’s a personal goal (winning men’s doubles title at a Grand Slam). It’s no one else’s goal,” he said.
For the veteran, it is always one step at a time.
“When you reach second round, next you want is third round then fourth, quarters, semi-final. So, yes I have been in two Slam final and now want to win but it’s a natural. You always try to go one better,” Bopanna said about his future goal.
Bopanna, who had achieved the highest of world No. 3 for the first time in 2013, is the fourth Indian after Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza to take the world number one rank in doubles.
He also didn’t forget to acknowledge the contribution of his long-time coach Scott David of the USA in his breathtaking journey in the game.
“I am probably fifty world number one of coach Scott David. It’s a proud moment for him also. I switched to doubles in 2010 and since then I have been with him only,” Bopanna said.
Bopanna and Ebden have been one of the most consistent pairs on the tour over the last 12 months. The duo reached the final of US Open 2023, their best result so far in Grand Slams.
En route the semifinals here, the second seeded Bopanna and Ebden, had to over come two close contests in the first and third rounds to book their place in the semifinals.
Their first hurdle came in the opening round against wildcards James Duckworth and Marc Polmans of Australia, whom Bopanna and Ebden defeated 6-7(5) 6-4 6-7(2).
Their next steep challenge came in the third round where they overcame 14th seeds Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands and Croatian Nikola Mektić 7-6(8) 7-6(4).
And Bopanna attributed the ability to finish close matches to his experience on the circuit.
“Experience is a great factor in getting those wins. Ever since, I started focussing only on doubles in 2010, it has taken me 13-14 years to reach this. I have been a journeyman,” said Bopanna, who will take over the top position from USA’s Austin Krajicek, who and his Croatian partner Ivan Dodig lost in the second round.
The Indo-Australian pair will play unseeded Tomas Machac of Czech Republic and Chinese Zhizhen Zhang in the semi-finals.
His former Davis Cup teammates Mahesh Bhupathi and Somdev Devvarman termed it as one of the greatest stories in Indian sport.
“Rohan Bopanna getting to World Number 1 today after 20 years on tour in my opinion is one of the greatest stories in Indian Sport!!!,” Bhupathi wrote on ‘X’.
“Bops first told me he was contemplating retirement 5 years ago, then 4 years ago, then 3 years ago…Moral of the story is…. Who cares… He’s number 1! Couldn’t be happier for the Bopanna family! rohanbopanna is the best story in indian sport,” Devvarman wrote.
Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Sports / by PTI, New Delhi / January 24th, 2024
Whenever a soldier of my country died in war or peace, I always felt a tad diminished as a citizen of this country. That was how I felt this morning on hearing the news of passing away of Maj. Gen. C.K. Karumbaya SM, (retd.) in city. He belonged to Kodava community of Codanda family and was known by his pet name Keshu. I knew him from my College days in Madikeri, Kodagu, where he was three years senior to me and was in NCC. He was aged 87 when he faded away from amongst us. It is truly said, ‘A soldier never dies, he simply fades away.’
As for me, his memory will linger in my mind for the reason that I was in close and constant touch with him when he came to Mysuru to settle down after retirement in early 90s. In his personality, manner of conduct and character, he was a man cut out by destiny to serve the country where the utmost sacrifice is required — ready to give life, like a true patriot.
As with his men in uniform wherever he was posted, so also after his retirement, he remained a people’s guide and leader with so much of human feelings and concern in his thought and heart. As for courage and selflessness, he was like Julius Caesar of the dim past known for his bravery. Caesar’s military prowess was known when he conquered Gaul (now France) and his selflessness at the time he fought and won the Civil War in Rome against his rival Pompey.
It may sound pompous and improper to compare Gen. C.K. Karumbaya aka Keshu to the legendary Julius Caesar. But I was just drawing a parallel in respect of certain higher qualities by which a man must live by and lead a life not only for oneself but also for others. Let me illustrate these qualities of a braveheart that Gen. Karumbaya was by giving examples.
While he was in the Army, during the Bangladesh War of 1971, then Maj. Karumbaya took over the command of 5th Maratha LI (5th Royals Battalion) when the Commanding Officer of the 5th Royals was wounded in the Battle of Elangi. Maj. Karumbaya acquitted himself so well under challenging circumstances that his Divisional Commander promised to present him with a bottle of Scotch if Maj. Karumbaya succeeded in capturing Magura in the South of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Writing in Star of Mysore, dated 16th December, 2014, about the Victory Day of Bangladesh War, Karumbaya mentions about this episode and how he also won the bottle of Scotch his Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. K.S. Brar had promised. Apparently, the bottle was never emptied and Karumbaya wrote: ‘This bottle of premium Scotch continues to be displayed with much pride in the Officers’ Mess till today.’
Let us hope the bottle remains there when Gen. Karumbaya will not be there to see it anymore. This incident is indeed a testimony to his courage and the confidence his superiors had in his military competence. Except for impairment of hearing due to a blast injury he suffered during Bangladesh War, he lived a healthy life till some months before his end came today.
Gen. Karumbaya was in Kargil, J&K, where he introduced sporting activities for local youths, himself participating. He told me the youths were good and very friendly. About politicians of his days there, he had a different take. Politicians were Janus-faced, he said. One senior politician who ruled J&K during a visit to his camp had whispered to his ears to mix Vodka to the soft drink Fanta at lunch!
Though he could have lived in city in greater comfort, he chose to live in a village farm on Bogadi Road in the midst of a coconut grove. However, his concern for the common man and the common cause of the community did not diminish unlike many inactive social activists who issue press statements using photo-ops, like arm-chair NGOs. He always led a protest movement or public demonstration for a public cause from the front which was why in the 90s and even later we could see Maj. Gen. Karumbaya standing tall among the groups of protestors. He was a member of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), Mysore Lok Swaraj Andolan (MLSA), Elder Citizens Council, a member of Mysore Sports Club, JW Golf Club and Mysore Kodava Samaja.
Understandably, the presence of the General in these organisations and clubs made a difference. He was not the one who would countenance any wrong doing in the administration of these organisations and clubs nor would he compromise on principles. Such people often become thorns in the soles of those who have a different agenda. No wonder he dragged an office-bearer of Mysore Lok Swaraj Andolan (also a senior Defence Officer) as a Convenor of MLSA to Court and won the case.
He was taking active part in MGP, headed by Bhamy V. Shenoy. It was around 1993-94 and the MGP had taken up the cause of protecting the People’s Park where the Government and the MCC had decided to construct a public library (which has now become a fait accompli) in a sinister barter deal with a builder who offered to construct the library pro bono in exchange for land facing the main road for him to construct shopping complexes.
This proposal had the blessings of Corporation Council and the matter had gone to the Court as PIL by MGP. Much heat was generated as a result between the contending parties. One day Bhamy Shenoy, the Convenor of MGP, received a letter from the then Mayor’s Office of the City Corporation stating if the matter was pursued he would be murdered. When Shenoy mentioned this to Maj. Gen. Karumbaya, he was naturally upset and even angry. According to Shenoy, who shared this information with me this morning, the General put on his army gear and appeared before the Mayor in full army uniform taking him to task. Since the Mayor did not deny the charge, it was assumed the intimidating letter was indeed sent.
Bhamy Shenoy said that he had no prior information about the General’s decision to confront the Mayor in this manner. All that I can say is that Maj. Gen. C.K. Karumbaya, SM (retd.) was indeed a braveheart as much as a kind human being that one should always be in one’s life. After all, one cannot be a hero always in life but one can always be a good human being. And he was one.
RIP Keshu
e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Abracadabra…Abracadabra> Columns> Top Stories / by K B Ganapathy / January 04th, 2024
The new member in the family has been named Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta) based on fused spots and bands on the underside of wings, and shiny silver lines in the centre of those bands.
Cigaritis conjuncta, found in Honey Valley, Kodagu.Photo credit: NCBS
New Delhi:
Biologists in Bengaluru on Wednesday reported discovery of a new butterfly species in the Western Ghats, underlining the potential of one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots to spring a surprise even after decades of exploration.
The butterflies were first seen in the Iruppu Falls area of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary way back in 2008 but was studied extensively when a large number of them were spotted in the Honey Valley two years ago. Both of the locations are in Kodagu.
Researchers at the National Centre for Biological Sciences and Indian Foundation for Butterflies spotted 30 of them within a 100 mt stretch and extensively studied five males and four females to conclude that such butterflies are distinct from other similar species.
“The stunning part of the discovery was that this species was never seen. It was neither in the museums nor in the literature. Our naturalist friends found them in a coffee plantation. This is the first new butterfly species reported from the Western Ghats in the last four decades,” Krushnamegh Kunte, associate professor at the NCBS and corresponding author of the study, told DH.
Kunte saw the species for the first time in 2008 but could not study it as he did not have a collection permit to capture the sample. For the next 13 years, the species eluded the scientists.
The new member in the family has been named Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta) based on fused spots and bands on the underside of wings, and shiny silver lines in the centre of those bands.
“We expect it to be more widely distributed, occurring in other forests of Kodagu and the central Western Ghats of Karnataka, possibly extending as far south in the Western Ghats as the hill ranges of Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris) and southern Kerala (up to Peppara wildlife sanctuary),” the scientists reported.
Despite barely having the size of a one-rupee coin, the species is extremely valuable to conservationists as it is endemic to mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats mountains. The two sites where they have been located are at an elevation of 900 meters (Iruppu Falls) and 1,300 meters (Honey Valley).India houses more than 1,400 species of butterflies, but very few new ones have been discovered in the last few decades.
The new ones are active on sunny days from early in the morning to afternoon. Both sexes rest on shrubbery while some males take up vantage points nearly 3 metres off the ground.
The males bask with wings opened up halfway, and females also apparently do so, similar to other Cigaritis species. Males appear to be more active in sunny patches, and therefore more readily detected, compared with females.
“The discovery is a testament to the state’s unparalleled biodiversity, its unfolding scientific potential and the strong protection that butterflies and other wildlife enjoy in the state,” the Karnataka Forest Department, which supported the research, said in a statement.
The study appeared in Zootaxa.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Science / by Kalyan Ray, DHNS / January 11th, 2024
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Kodava Summit organized by the Connecting Kodavas Trust organization in Madikeri on Friday.
Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. (Photo | Twitter, @ASPonnanna)
Madikeri :
“The Kodava community must unite to fight for the rights. Our ancestors fought to protect our land and culture. Let this fight continue. But fight for your rights and do not mock other communities or religions. Love every community,” called out Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Kodava Summit organized by the Connecting Kodavas Trust organization in Madikeri on Friday.
Ponnanna appreciated the efforts of the trust in bringing the community together. He urged the trust to lay a foundation for the rightful voicing of the communities’ needs and said, “Let there be resolutions formed in this summit on what our rights are and what needs to be done to preserve the community. I will extend my full support to attain these resolutions,” he assured.
He opined that political maturity is needed amongst the community to attain support for the fight towards rights. He highlighted that the land problems concerning Jamma land, preservation of gun rights and ethnographic studies are the issues that must be fought unitedly under a strong leadership. He urged for the preservation of the land, nature, culture and relationships.
MLC Shantharam Budna Siddi, who was present as the chief guest, urged the youth to come forward to work for the society. He assured to extend his support in the legislature for the ST tag fight of the Kodavas.
Chethan Singhai, Chief Consultant of the National Curriculum-Ministry of Education, urged the community to focus on education and appreciate the values of culture. He called out to the community to focus on locality that he said is largely rooted in values.
Human activist Rashmi Samath called out to the youngsters to come back to their roots.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 30th, 2023
I wish to thank Santhosh Thammaiah for his touching and respectful tribute (“The Soldier who Saved Siachen”) to my late father, Lt. Gen. B.C. Nanda in SOM dated Dec. 26, 2018. I am immensely proud of what my father achieved in his professional career and, most of all, of what he meant to me as a beloved father.
I would, however, like to correct a portion of the account here: My father’s role model was his father, B.S. Chengappa (Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman Islands) whose extraordinary work and contributions are held in high regard. It is from him that my father’s lifelong association with, and love of, nature and environmental issues came. It was during the early years of his childhood in Andaman Islands that my father’s keen observations of natural life began. This was the bedrock of my father’s interest in nature and environment.
As a young boy of 7, my father was able to assist a visiting English Naturalist in compiling an extensive list of local names for the fish of the Andaman waters — knowledge that he had imbibed through his passion for fishing, combined with a sharp eye and ear for all things in the natural world. Anyone who knew my father would know what an amazingly keen and astute observer of animal and bird life he was.
After my father retired from an illustrious career in the Indian Army in 1989, he devoted tireless hours to various causes, be it the issues and concerns of ex-servicemen, adventure sports foundations, or giving fresh direction and impetus to the Coorg Wildlife Society, to name but a few.
Over the years, my father, on his regular visits to Kodagu, visited Field Marshal Cariappa’s residence, to pay his respects as a nephew.
Also, my parents had always planned to retire in Kodagu.
Thank You once again for this tribute to my father.
Note: I had not met Lt. Gen. Nanda personally, but had seen him from afar and heard about his interaction with people living in remote villages beyond Gaalibeedu. I was told he was visiting Sri Bhadrakali Temple at Monnangeri, staying overnight in the humble house of a local. I heard of Gen. Nanda’s humility and love of nature when I visited his host’s house about five years ago.
My contact with him was mostly per letters on issues concerning Kodagu and Kodavas. On reading his daughter Shalini’s letter, I tried to look for Gen. Nanda’s letters in my file and was able to find just one written by hand. It is an eloquent testimony to what his daughter has written and his abiding love for Kodagu. Hence, I reproduce it here below. – K.B. Ganapathy, Editor-in-Chief
Dear Sir,
Thank you for sending me a copy of your letter dated 10.8.2003 addressed to Mr. Ulliyada M. Poovaiah. I fully endorse your view that the Kodavas must be united. We are at the moment making efforts towards that end. I am sure you are aware of what is happening.
When I retired from service after 40 years in uniform, the Govt. of India sent me messages after messages asking me if I wanted a job. I declined as I needed to attend to my personal affairs that had been totally neglected. Any query to Mr. K.C. Pant, Mr. Jagmohan or Mr. Naresh Chandra will confirm what I say. Also Mr. Arun Singh. Later it was Mr. Moily. Now that I think back— may be that if I had accepted those offers — Kodavas would have benefited in some ways. It was just that those living in comfort in Kodagu were swallowing up my heritage and my land — I needed to put this in order.
I continue to dedicate myself to Kodagu and the Kodavas. With best wishes and regards
Yours sincerely,
B.C. Nanda
(15th Sept., 2003)
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Voice of the Reader / January 04th, 2019
Kodagu, often referred to as the cradle of Indian hockey, boasts a rich legacy with more than 50 Kodavas representing India in various international hockey tournaments.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah unveiling the logo of the Kodagu Hockey festival.
Madikeri:
In a momentous event on Thursday, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah unveiled the logo of the Kodagu Hockey Festival, reinforcing the deep-rooted connection between Kodavas and the sport of hockey
Kodagu, often referred to as the cradle of Indian hockey, boasts a rich legacy with more than 50 Kodavas representing India in various international hockey tournaments.
March, April, and May are the months when the spirit of hockey comes alive in Kodagu a tiny district of the state with unique culture. The Kodava Hockey Festival, colloquially known as the ‘Kodava Cup Hockey’ tournament, stands as a testament to the unique relationship between the Kodava community and the sport of hockey. The festival, a friendly tournament held among Kodava families, is an unparalleled celebration of unity and sportsmanship.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during the logo unveiling ceremony at the Home Office Krishna, expressed his support for the Kodava Hockey Festival. The event was attended by Virajpet MLA A S Ponnanna and representatives of the Kodava society, marking the significance of the festival in the region.
The Kodava Hockey Cup, initiated in 1997, was the brainchild of Pandanda Kuttappa and the Kashi brothers, retired employees of the State Bank of India and first-class hockey referees. The objective was to foster unity among Kodava families through a shared passion for hockey. The inaugural ‘Pandanda Cup’ tournament witnessed the participation of 60 families at the Karada village ground near Virajpet, with Kuttappa shouldering the financial expenses for the opening ceremony.
Over the years, the Kodava Hockey Festival has grown into the world’s largest hockey festival, making its mark in the Limca Book of Records, the Indian equivalent of the Guinness Book of Records. The tournament is a unique blend of competition, camaraderie, and cultural festivities, making it a cherished annual event for Kodava families.
The festival rotates among Kodava families each year, receiving widespread support and participation.
Families eagerly anticipate this sporting extravaganza, with many in the army making special arrangements to attend the tournament. The Kodava Hockey Festival, with its rich history and traditions, is poised to create yet another unforgettable chapter as it strives to secure a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
As the logo of the Kodagu Hockey Festival is unveiled, anticipation builds for the upcoming tournament, promising to showcase the enduring bond between Kodava and hockey in a spectacular display of hockey prowess and community spirit.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Diganth Kengeri / December 21st, 2023
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