The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament is returning for the first time since 2017. The event will feature 12 nations, competing in six-a-side matches.
FILE PHOTO: Robin Uthappa. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Robin Uthappa will lead a seven-member Indian team at Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, set to be held from November 1 to 3.
The rest of the squad includes Bharat Chipli, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami and Stuart Binny.
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament is returning for the first time since 2017 and will be played at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground. The event will feature 12 nations, competing in six-a-side matches.
The 12 teams will be divided into four pools of three each, who will compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals. While the winners of the quarterfinals will enter the Cup semifinals, the losers of the quarterfinals will compete in the Plate semifinals.
The bottom-placed team in each pool will play the Bowl Competition.
A total of 29 matches will be played in the three-day tournament.
A Women’s Exhibition Match will also be held on the final day of the tournament to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.con / Sportstar / Home> Cricket / by Team Sportstar / October 12th, 2024
Yesterday I travelled to Kushalnagar in Kodagu to see a friend in an eye hospital, “Lopamudra Eye Care,” who was undergoing a procedure for cataract. While in the waiting area, I noticed a number of framed certificates, citations, testimonials and photographs about the doctor. Being a private, personal hospital, such displays are expected and understandable.
However, what interested me was a couple of framed displays that seemed unique and modestly appropriate for a doctor who is a native Kodava and the hospital is in Kodagu.
I took the photographs of some of these displays to study them later. There was a photograph of a native Kodava of the early 20th century in his ethnic ceremonial attire (see picture). He is the grandfather of Dr. M.M. Ponnappa of Lopamudra Eye Care. He was honoured by the British Masters of the Colonial days with the title Rao Bahadur. So, he is Rao Bahadur Mukkatira Aiyappa. Could be, his grandson, this doctor Dr. M.M. Ponnappa, is so proud of his grandfather, he chose to honour his memory by hanging his photograph in the front office area.
And, again most appropriately, the legend of this legendary coffee planter and a philanthropist of those days (who had, no doubt, cultivated the company of the British Officers in Kodagu) as written in a newspaper was also displayed. The text details about the great gifts of this Kodava man. Curiously the news must have originated from Karachi (now in Pakistan) and taken from the newspaper ‘The Madras Mail’ (which was published by the British from Madras, now Chennai).
Reading its contents I was thrilled. Let me reproduce it:
The Madras Mail
Pluck Office, Karachi
M. Mukkatira Iyappah
Devanageri Virarajendrapet
Virarajendrapet is now embellished with a clock tower, erected in front of the post office.
The foundation stone of the building was laid by Sir Hugh Daly, the Chief Commissioner of Coorg on 5th February, 1914, when he visited the town, during his tour in Coorg. It is the gift of Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah, a successful coffee planter in commemoration of the coronation of the King-Emperor at Delhi. lt has already proven to be a boon to the public.
Mr. R.K Ellis, I.C.S., the District Magistrate of Coorg, performed the opening ceremony on the 16th of January and handed over the building to Virarajendrapet municipality.
Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah has also gifted the outpatient block of the civil hospital of Gonikoppal and an inspection bungalow of Fraserpet (now Kushalnagara) which has immensely benefited the people and district administration of Coorg.
Those who visit Virajpet in South Kodagu could not miss to see the famous Clock Tower at the junction of three roads in the busy down-town area built in red-brick. By the way, history records the location of the Clock Tower was selected (in 1914) for the reason that it was the place where General Abercromby, the General who marched with his troops from Malabar via Kodagu (to reinforce the British and allied forces fighting Tipu Sultan in May 1799 at Srirangapatna), met the Maharaja of Kodagu Virarajendra Wadeyar and signed a peace treaty. The Kodagu Raja founded the city Virarajendrapet to commemorate the occasion.
Be that as it may, the Clock Tower was a gift of Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah (Aiyappa) in commemoration of the coronation of the King-Emperor at Delhi. The opening ceremony of the Clock Tower was held on 16th January (1915), just one year after its foundation was laid.
Iyappah had also gifted an Outpatient Block of Government Hospital at Gonikoppal and an Inspection Bungalow of then Fraserpet, now Kushalnagar.
It is said, what one gives often goes round and round and comes back multi-fold to the giver — or to his progeny. The same seems to have happened to Dr. M.M. Ponnappa and his brother Dr. M.M. Amrit Nanaiah, who is running the Lopamudra Medical Centre in Gonikoppal.
It is inscrutable that both these brothers are today successfully running their hospitals, one in Gonikoppal and another in Kushalnagar, the towns where their grandfather Aiyappa had generously built two valuable facilities for the good of the public. Vedic values and Sanatana Dharma are seen working in a mysteriously subtle way as reward for Mukkatira Aiyappa’s selfless service to his fellow men. Let it be.
But as I scanned the wall, I noticed two boards with closely written text which read like pedagogy and a lesson in morals. Let me produce them here for the benefit of those who are on the path of virtuous and even spiritual life:
Keep it simple
Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes. (Well, I guess I have followed this advice by visiting this hospital !)
Forgive quickly. Life is short.
Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 am (I agree, I do follow this even to this night!).
Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
Count your blessings.
Wave at the children on a school bus.
Remember that 80 percent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
Don’t expect life to be fair…
Have a firm handshake.
Look people in the eye.
Keep Secrets.
Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
Avoid sarcastic remarks.
Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 percent of all your happiness or misery.
When playing games with children, let them win.
Be romantic. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
Be a good loser for your loved ones. Be a good winner of Hearts.
When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
And finally, a board with some information from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with penal sections. I’m sure Dr. Javeed Nayeem, our weekly columnist, Over a Cup of Evening Tea, who was the President of MAHAN, an Association of Doctors and Hospitals, to protect themselves from the vandals, will love this.
Yes, protection to doctors and hospitals from people who attack them for different reasons, are there in the law books. But, in our too liberal a Democracy these laws are more often subverted, sabotaged and violated with impunity rather than enforced. Hence, this reminder of IPC to the patients. Examples are many, but the recent one is in the rape and murder of a duty doctor at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.
e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> abracadabra / by G.B. Ganapathy / October 10th, 2024
Anitha Nanda, a coffee farmer from Coorg, blends 22 years of farming expertise with sustainable practices on her 150-acre estate. With strong community involvement, she has empowered around 400 women and helped preserve Coorg’s rich biodiversity.
Anitha Nanda Appanervanda is her coffee farm
Coffee farming is more than just growing beans—it’s the source of livelihood for around 2,50,000 coffee growers across India. As of 2024, India ranks sixth in the world for coffee production, with Karnataka being the top coffee-producing state. One of the most beautiful areas in Karnataka is Coorg (Kodagu), where Anitha Nanda Appanervanda lives, a woman who has turned her love for coffee into a lifelong journey. With a passion for farming and a dedication to sustainability, she has become a successful coffee farmer, making a big impact on her community.
A Childhood Love for Farming
Born and raised in Bangalore, Anitha’s interest in farming started during her childhood. She spent every vacation at her grandfather’s coffee estate in Coorg, where she fell in love with the land. “I knew from those early days that I wanted to return to the hills and be part of coffee farming,” she shares.
After marrying Nanda Belliappa, a coffee farmer from Coorg, her dream became a reality. Together, they managed Surya Kiran Estate, a family-owned coffee plantation.
Challenges and Success in Coffee Farming
Coffee farming presented significant challenges for Anitha and her husband in the beginning. Initially, they struggled to achieve a good harvest, but their dedication to sustainable practices led them to adopt intercropping techniques, blending coffee cultivation with black pepper to boost productivity. Anitha recalls, “It took almost 10 years before we saw good yields from our robusta coffee plants.” Their patience and hard work paid off, as they now cultivate 110 acres of robusta and 40 acres of arabica coffee.
For Anitha, farming is beyond merely producing coffee; it’s a commitment to protect the environment for future generations. Her farm is situated in Coorg, a region rich in biodiversity, where coffee is grown under the protective canopy of rainforest trees. “Our shade-grown coffee farms provide shelter for birds, insects, and wildlife, helping to maintain the natural balance of our ecosystem. We must protect this land from climate change and global warming,” she emphasizes. This dedication to sustainability has earned Anitha’s estate Rainforest Alliance Certification.
Anitha Nanda addressing audience about black pepper cultivation
Anitha encourages fellow farmers to embrace sustainable practices that safeguard the environment while also ensuring stable incomes. “We need to secure fair prices, but we should never harm the land that sustains us,” she asserts. Although her farming methods are primarily organic, she does use some fertilizers. “I avoid harmful chemicals and focus on natural methods. I maintain native trees and utilize weeding machines to enhance soil health and preserve the environment,” she explains.
Blending Tradition with Modern Technology
While they rely on traditional farming methods, Anitha and her husband have also introduced some modern techniques to make their work easier. “We use machines for irrigation and weeding where we can. But for the most part, we stick to the old ways that work well for us,” she explains.
In addition to coffee, they have also planted pepper and areca in some parts of their land, which helps them diversify and make the farm more sustainable.
Coffee Farming: A Source of Income and Community Support
The money they earn from coffee farming can vary depending on market prices, but Anitha says that robusta coffee has been very profitable in recent years. “Our costs are about Rs. 70,000 per acre for robusta and Rs. 1 lakh for arabica, but with high coffee prices, it’s worth it.” She produces 19-20 bags per acre of Robusta, with the current price for Robusta cherry being Rs.10,000 per bag, bringing in strong financial returns through her sustainable farming practices. Additionally, her Arabica parchment yields 6-7 bags per acre, fetching a price of Rs.16,000, further boosting her income.
Beyond farming, Anitha is an active member of Biota Coffee FPC, an Indian producer organization, and she serves as the secretary of the Codagu Women’s Coffee Awareness Body (CWCAB). This group, started in 2002, helps women coffee farmers promote eco-friendly farming practices and spread awareness about the benefits of drinking coffee. “We started this group when coffee prices were very low. Now we have 400 members who support each other and promote coffee.”
Anitha Nanda with her co-farmers in her coffee farm
Recognition for Sustainable Farming Practices
In 2020, Anitha was recognized for her efforts to promote sustainable farming. She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) for her work in intercropping black pepper with coffee. “It was a proud moment for me, showing that all our hard work towards sustainable farming was being appreciated,” she says.
Important Role of Women in Farming
Anitha believes that women bring a unique strength to farming. “Women are detail-oriented and care deeply for the land, plants, and the workers who help us. Our connection with the farm and the community makes a big difference,” she explains.
Since 2016, Anitha’s group, CWCAB, has celebrated International Coffee Day every year on October 1 by giving away free coffee to locals and tourists in Coorg. “It’s our way of sharing the love for coffee and celebrating the hard work that goes into every cup,” she says proudly.
Learning and Evolving: The Role of Beekeeping
Even after 22 years as a coffee farmer, Anitha continues to learn and innovate. Recently, she took up beekeeping, understanding its vital role in pollination and the overall health of her farm.
Anitha Nanda pursuing her bee keeping passion
Journey of Passion and Purpose
Anitha Nanda’s journey from city life to becoming a successful coffee farmer is a story of passion, hard work, and dedication. Her love for coffee farming, combined with her commitment to sustainable practices, has not only benefited her own farm but also her community.
For Anitha, coffee is more than just a crop—it’s a connection to her roots, and a legacy she hopes to pass on to future generations. Her story is a reminder that with determination, care for the land, and a strong community, anything is possible.
source: http://www.krishijagran.com / Krishi Jagran / Home> Success Story / by Shreetu Singh / October 01st, 2024
Pen Drive will be directed by the seasoned filmmaker Sebastian David, who has previously helmed over fifteen films.
Actor Tanisha Kuppanda, who gained widespread recognition from her stint on Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10, is set to take on a commanding role as a police officer in the upcoming film Pen Drive. The film’s title and cast were announced recently. Pen Drive will be directed by the seasoned filmmaker Sebastian David, who has previously helmed over fifteen films. Lion R Venkatesh and Lion S Venkatesh are the producers of the film.
During a media interaction, the makers clarified that while the film is named Pen Drive, it does not draw from real-life incidents relating to the gadget. Instead, the titular technology drives the narrative. This element adds a layer of intrigue, as the pen drive will play a pivotal role in the film’s plot.
Alongside Tanisha Kuppanda, the film’s cast includes Radhika Ram, Sanjana Naidu, Archana, Renuka, Geeta, Bhagya, and Geeta Priya, among others. The film, which is currently in production, will have Nagendra Prasad scoring the music and penning the lyrics.
source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / by CE Features / July 09th, 2024
Kademada Divya Leelesh was felicitated by the Honourable Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot with a civilian award for her service to society.
Manipanda Ramu Nanjappa and Prema (Thamane Manira) Hebbale, Thithimathi, are proud parents of Divya. She is married to #Kademada Leelesh, the Son of late Aiyappa and late Gangamma (Thamane #Kallichanda). They are residents of Sanjaynagar, Bangalore.
Divya is the sister of Manipanda Naveen Nanjappa, who has served the Indian Navy for 20 years retiring as Master Chief Petty Officer – ll. Her son Harsha Aiyappa is pursuing his third year BE in mechanical engineering from BMSIT, Bangalore.
Divya completed her schooling at Bharath Matha English Medium School, Koppa. She completed her pre-university and degree from Maharani’s Science College, Mysore. She did her Post Graduation from the University of Mysore and an M.Phil in Library and Information Science from Allagappa University, Karaikudi. She has served in NCC as Company Sergeant Major and has completed her C certificate. She was a good sports person and represented school and college in many meets. Presently she is working for TATA Consulting Engineers Limited, St. Marks Road, Bangalore.
Divya has been doing social service for more than 10 years for differently-abled kids, orphanage kids and underprivileged kids in the thrust area of Education. Her service in physical, mental and monetary form has made her get recognized for the prestigious award.
On the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 75th Independence Day, Army headquarters, Karnataka and Kerala sub-area, Bangalore organized Gallantry Awardees felicitation ceremony on 08-08-2022.
Honorable Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot felicitated 35 Gallantry Awardees and 9 civilians during a solemn ceremony organized at Raj Bhavan, Bengaluru. Divya Leelesh was fortunate to receive this civilian award for her service to society.
We pray the Guru Karonas, Swamy Igguthappa and Thayi Kaveramme, bless Divya with more strength and good health to be of more service to society.
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— feeling proud at Field Marshall K M Cariappa Hockey Arena, Shantinagar, Bengaluru
source: http://www.facebook.com/Kodavaame1 / Kodavaame / August 19th, 2022
The viral video shows Reeshma in a light brown top, blue jeans and white sneakers.
Reeshma will be next seen in Upendra’s UI.
Reeshma Nanaiah is an Indian model and film actress who has primarily worked in the Kannada film industry. Reeshma made her Kannada debut with Prems’ Ek Love Ya. Recently, Vicky Kaushal has taken the internet by storm with his dance on the song Tauba Tauba from the film Bad Newz. Many actresses and influencers have been trying to replicate the hook steps ever since the video of the song was released. One such video of Kannada actress Reeshma Nanaiah replicating Vicky Kaushal’s Tauba Tauba dance steps with a twist has gone viral on the internet.
The viral video shows Reeshma in a light brown top, blue jeans and white sneakers. She accessorised with a brown leather belt and rings. As the song Tauba Tauba is playing, the actress effortlessly grooves to the peppy beats of the song, adding her graceful touch to the performance. She also tries to do the same steps as Vicky Kaushal in the song. The video was shared on an Instagram account with the caption, “42 degrees in Abu Dhabi got me saying ‘Tauba Tauba’”.
Her debut film, Ek Love Ya, released in 2022, was a major milestone in her career. This film, where she played the role of Anitha, opened the doors for her in the Kannada film industry.
After her debut, Reeshma showcased her acting skills in the Kannada films Raana (2022) and Banadariyalli (2023). In 2023, she made a special appearance in the film Spooky College in which she contributed a song.
Moreover, Reeshma is involved in a few other projects in 2024 including UI The Movie, KD – The Devil and Vaamana. Each of these films helped develop her talent as an actress in the Kannada film industry.
Reeshma Nanaiah played the lead role in the Troll Song from Upendra’s film UI. The song, which became a sensation when it was released in five different languages, deals with the issue of trolling in the digital age and contains elements from popular roles and memes.
source: http://www.news18.com / News 18 / Home> News> Movies / by Entertainment Bureau ,Local News / July 16th, 2024
This marks her second appearance at the event, highlighting her growing influence in the global fashion scene
In Frame: Rashmika Mandanna
Actress Rashmika Mandanna on Friday jetted off to Milan, Italy, where she is poised to make her mark once again on the global fashion stage at Milan Fashion Week 2024. This marks her second appearance at the prestigious event, underscoring her rising influence and prominence in the international fashion arena.
She was spotted at the airport radiating charm in a cute and chic outfit, a white sweatshirt and black joggers. With a heartwarming gesture, she made the sweetest heart signs to the photographers, showing off her signature blend of grace and playfulness.
An insider shared, “Rashmika will once again represent India on a global stage alongside numerous other Asian celebrities at Milan Fashion Week 2024.”
The fashion event, showcasing the 2025 spring/summer collections, will run from September 17 to September 23.
Rashmika also took to Instagram Stories to share a selfie from her flight, captioned, “Are you someone who, regardless of the season, always ends up in a sweatshirt or pullover?”
Previously, Rashmika left a lasting impression at Milan Fashion Week with a stunning black gown that won acclaim from fans and critics alike.
In addition to her fashion endeavours, Rashmika is a formidable presence in cinema, with an impressive slate of over eight upcoming films. Her diverse roles range from playing Srivalli in Pushpa 2: The Rule to collaborating with stars like Salman Khan in Sikandar, Dhanush and Nagarjuna in Kubera, Vicky Kaushal in Chhava, Dev Mohan in Rainbow, Ayushmann Khurrana in Vampires of Vijay Nagar, and Ranbir Kapoor in Animal Park.
Rashmika made her acting debut in 2016 with the Kannada film Kirik Party and has since appeared in notable Kannada films like Anjani Putra and Chamak, as well as Telugu hits such as Geetha Govindam, Devadas, Dear Comrade, Bheeshma, and Pushpa: The Rise.
She also stars in the Hindi action drama Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, featuring a stellar cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Triptii Dimri. Additionally, Rashmika appeared in the action thriller Mission Majnu, directed by Shantanu Bagchi and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Amar Butala, and Garima Mehta, alongside Sidharth Malhotra.
source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / Indulge Express / Home> Celebs / by IANS / September 13th, 2024
Athlete Bollanda Unnathi Aiyappa, who had won a gold medal setting a new meet record in the South Asian Junior Athletic Meet at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Thursday, won her second gold medal setting another new meet record in women’s 200 mts on last day of the Meet.
Unnathi completed the race in the record timing of 23.91sec beating the old record of 24.32 mts set by A. Suseedran at Ranchi in 2013. India’s Nancy (23.11 sec) and Neeru Pathak (29.91 sec) finished in second and third place respectively.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Unnathi Aiyappa said, she was delighted for having won two gold medals and added that she was in the best of the form because of continuous travelling.
“After World Junior event, I was not able to give my best. I took part in the South Asian Junior Championship with no expectations. But, having won two gold medals has delighted me,” she said.
Though, this was event of the season, Unnathi will be seen in action at the All India Inter University Athletic Championship to be held in December. She is the daughter of Intl. Athletic Coach B.P. Aiyappa and Olympian G.G. Pramila Aiyappa (Guddanda), residents of Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, city’s Thelapanda K. Bopanna won bronze in the men’s 800 mts run. He won bronze with a timing of 1:50.45 sec behind Sri Lanka’s H.D.S. Awishka (1:49.83sec) and India’s Vinod Kumar (1:50.07sec) who won gold and silver respectively.
Bopanna is the son of Dentist T.M. Kalappa and Rachana Kalappa, residents of V.V. Mohalla in Mysuru.
India with a total of 48 medals (21 gold, 22 silver and 5 bronze) finished in the top position of the medals tally followed by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in second and third positions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 14th, 2024
When I wrote a tribute to Mysuru’s iconic restaurateur and a socialite Chonira Ponoo Muthanna (Ponnu) when he passed away on June 21, 2024, I did not think it would ring a bell and revive old memories from his old buddies. The title of my Abracadabra column on Ponnu was “Ritz Ponnu’s Last Supper” and was published on Sunday, the 23rd of June, 2024.
I was wrong. We received many letters and I received calls from Ponnu’s friends and admirers. However, there was one e-mail I received, rather late by two months. It was from an unlikely person, hold your breath, Mr. Bangalore Neela Megha Shyaman Deepak Muralidharan Iyengar. No prize for those who will tell this name in full, please. For short, he signs off either as Deepak or N. Shyaman. I am afraid in case, in the frontierless future, should I meet him, I may have to exclaim in the clichéd refrain “Dr. Livingstone, I presume” because I would not be knowing which of these names would come to my lips! Let it be.
In that e-mail, Deepak vividly remembered his association with Ponnu while he was an engineering student in Mysuru after accidentally reading my Abracadabra on Ponnu. He wrote that he stumbled upon it “by chance” while looking for info on what has become of Ganesh and Gayathri Talkies. It was then he ran into the sad news about Ritz Ponnu. It was a gut-wrench feeling indeed, he wrote in his e-mail. He even thanked me for giving Ponnu “a wonderful send-off to a real nice fellow.”
All this sentiment is okay for me but what made me “stick” Deepak’s letter in this Abracadabra was his presumption about my connection to Kodagu and Virajpet and using it as a trigger to draw my attention to his letter. He wrote: “My wife Ranie is from Virajpet, you may have known her parents K.V. Thomas and Dr. Molly Thomas (both sadly deceased).” Certainly, I had heard of them and sent him an e-mail in response and sought his biodata to know what manner of a man he is. Now retired, he seemed to be a jolly good fellow (like me!).
His biodata left me spellbound. A man of many parts, many interests — a life’s journey any man will envy. Man with brawn and brain Swami Vivekananda would have loved him as fitting his idea of man who is the architect of his own destiny. In modesty and humility Deepak asks me to “Please keep that (‘thumbnail’) from general publication.” Sorry, let me let you down because you are an inspiration to our students in youth and to professionals in adulthood.
N. Shyaman studied engineering at Mysore University in the 1970s. After a two-year research stint at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, he matriculated at Stanford University in California, graduating from there in the early 1980s. He worked on laser applications in aerodynamics for Boeing, NASA, US Army and on Formula 1 race car aerodynamics for Lamborghini and Ferrari, before becoming a businessman.
He had a career in international business covering continental Europe, Japan, ROK and the US. He started two trading companies in Japan with Japanese partners. He had decent exits from them and retired in the 2000s.
He split time between homes in Silicon Valley and at a ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.
He writes occasional papers on military affairs and geopolitics of Europe and Asia and enjoys alpine ski racing, golf, target shooting, world film, opera, ballet and music.
Osho was right when he said LIFE happens only to those who dare and strive. Now about his memories of Ponnu:
Dear Sir,
My wife and I were deeply saddened — indeed, devastated — to learn from you of our beloved Ponnu’s passing.
It happened just by chance, when I stumbled across your article whilst looking for any info on what has become of Ganesh and Gayathri Talkies. All steeped in nostalgia, au fond dans les couloirs du temps, as it were. To then run into that sad news about Ritz Ponnu, even as we were in such a ‘way back’ state of mind, was a gut-wrench indeed. Thank you for that wonderful send-off to a real nice fellow.
Before we were married, my wife and I went on literally hundreds of dates that invariably began with late lunch or early dinner at The Ritz. Ponnu would always show up for a chat, and the first thing he checked was the temperature of the plates as the staff laid our table — he insisted they be warmed exactly to his specifications.
Ponnu and we were quite close — we would all go up Chamundi to the Palace up there, which Srikant (Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar) had converted into a restaurant — with velvet walls and all sorts of exotica. And in the dark on the way back down, we would park by one of the many vista points by the road and look on at Mysore lights, while I sipped a rum double (neat, no ice back in those halcyon days of youthful alcohol assimilativeness), a gimlet for my wife and water for Ponnu, all while keeping an eye out for sundry leopards on the prowl. Needless to say, I let him drive…
We went to several weekend parties at Ponnu’s before we left Mysore for faraway domains, overdoing by half a world newspaper editor Horace Greeley’s ‘Go west, young man’, etc. Ponnu had just built his retreat over by Hinkal Road and there was always an eclectic bunch hanging around. For instance, a German professor and his wife, who tried to teach us German at Gangothri. My wife and I met during the week of the first German classes and that’s all she wrote — we never learned any German because we were always hanging around together, playing hooky every chance we got.
As for those Germans at Ponnu’s, the guy would be all normal and everything, till he had had a few, then he would start with a very soft ‘If only WE had THE Bomb first, Germany would surely have won.’ As my Russian friends say, scratch a German and you get a Nazi.
Oops. I have gone on long enough — could easily do this till the day after the day after tomorrow. In closing, we have nothing but fond memories of Ritz Ponnu. RIP, dear friend…”
I guess as we grow old and keep losing friends, we realise friends make memories, not places or wealth.
e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Abracadabra> Columns / by K B Ganapathy / September 11th, 2024
The United Kodava Organisation (UKO) has formally appealed to Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar to address the long-standing demands of the Kodava ethnic community.
This appeal follows a meeting of the UKO delegation led by President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa with the MP in Mysuru on Friday.
Yaduveer assured the delegation of his unwavering support. He committed to advancing the community’s concerns with dedication, promising to navigate the necessary processes to achieve a positive and effective resolution.
The delegation, which included notable dignitaries such as former Education Minister of Karnataka and current MLC Adagur H. Vishwanath, played a crucial role in highlighting the community’s needs. Vishwanathprovided valuable insights into the issues and stressed the urgency of addressing them.
Three primary demands
• Inclusion of Kodava community in the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBC) to ensure equitable opportunities in education, employment and governance.
• Inclusion of Kodava Language in Central Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) and Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing (ASMITA) Projects to preserve and promote Kodava thakk, which is on the brink of extinction.
• Inclusion of Kodava Language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution to recognise and protect the linguistic and cultural identity of the Kodava community.
The delegation emphasised the historical struggles of the Kodava community since Kodagu’s integration with Karnataka in 1956.
They argued that these demands are crucial for the preservation of Kodava language and culture and for gaining access to enhanced educational and employment opportunities through OBC status. Constitutional recognition of the Kodava language would further solidify its protection and promotion.
