Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Fresh trouble brews for Kodagu coffee growers

After rains, coffee planters in Kodagu are gripped by the fear of black rot disease and berry droppings. Spices like black pepper and cardamom produced in the coffee estates have also perished, beside paddy fields being washed away.

The district, which is known for its coffee production worldwide, may have abysmally low coffee and agriculture output this year. The coffee growers, especially small planters, will be hit by the black rot disease, increase in berry droppings and fungal disease to the crop.

Naj Chengappa, a coffee planter, said, “The disease will affect both Arabica and Robusta coffee due to excess rainfall. The most striking symptoms are blackening and rotting of the leaves and tender berries.”

The growers are already worried about falling coffee prices in the past two years. The diseases following the flood will add to their sufferings. Black pepper crop, grown extensively in coffee plantations in the district, also suffers from droppings and fungal diseases. Cardamom is grown in parts of North Kodagu. The crop has suffered heavy damages due to landslides and flood. “Since there is no proper sunlight in Kodagu for almost a month now, this will cause fungal disease to coffee, black pepper and cardamom grown particularly in the North Kodagu areas like Madikeri, Napoklu, and Somwarpet,” said Naj.

According to Kaibulira Harish Appaiah, president of Kodagu Growers’ Association, the rain this year has caused 60% loss for coffee and pepper crops in the district. “Due to rain-related disease to coffee, 98.5% small growers will be affected. The crop requires at least two years to recover from rain-related diseases.” “The government has to waive the loans of farmers and come out with relief packages to compensate for the crop damages,” he said. According to sources in the Horticulture department, an estimated 47,000 hectares of arecanut plantations have been affected due to heavy rain. Arecanut is majorly grown in DK, Uttara Kannada, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga. “The rain has caused fungal diseases in arecanut crop, which will affect the output this year,” said Y S Patil, horticulture department commissioner.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by Darshan Devaiah B P, DH News Service / Bengaluru – August 22nd, 2018

Bopanna dedicates gold to Kodagu flood victims

Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan of India celebrate after winning the Asian Games doubles gold against Aleksandr Bublik and Denis Yevseyev of Kazakhstan. l
Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan of India celebrate after winning the Asian Games doubles gold against Aleksandr Bublik and Denis Yevseyev of Kazakhstan.
l

Rohan Bopanna fought a wave of emotions as the Indian flag went up to the tune of the National anthem in the background. Even as he and Divij Sharan soaked in the maiden Asian Games gold triumph, his thoughts flew to home district Kodagu, which has been ravaged by floods. The 38-year-old dedicated his medal to the flood victims.

“I am really happy we could deliver a gold for India. I think more than me winning the gold medal it is sending a big, positive message from Palembang to Coorg. Everyday I have been talking to my parents, friends, seen so many people going through such hard times.

“I dedicate this medal to them, to all those who are constantly giving support. That’s why I was flooded with emotions when the national anthem was playing,” Bopanna told DH.

Bopanna was happy the way he and Divij stuck through the tough quarterfinal and semifinal matches before prevailing over Kazakhstan’s Aleksandr Bublik and Denis Yevseyev in the final.

“The way Divij has been playing this entire year, we were confident. He is a very positive person on the court. But having said that with the format of no ad scoring and super-tie breaks you never know. We played a couple of teams which you play regularly on Challengers and a few on ATP circuit. It can always get tricky. But I am really glad that we just focused on one match, and one particular opponent,” he said.

Divij, who won his second Asian Games medal, was equally thrilled. “It was very special to win, I have never experienced something like this. I have been putting in a lot of hard work and this year has been really good for me.”

Speaking on their chemistry, the 32-year-old Delhi boy said: “Rohan and I have known each other for a long time, we have both been employed at Indian Oil and have practised quite a lot together. We came through tough matches to the final which gave us the confidence and we settled into each other’s style. In the final we played the deuce points well.”

New doubles pair?

While none would comment on the last-minute pull out of Leander Paes, the two were eager to be paired up together for Davis Cup. “If we are asked to play together then nothing like it. We will surely play whenever we get the opportunity, we have combined well and done well together. So why not? I don’t see a reason why we would not play,” Bopanna admitted.

The next stop for them is the US Open as the two rushed to the airport shortly after the victory ceremony. Until then they can bask under the gleam of a hard-earned gold.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Asian Games 2018 / by Pragya Tiwari, DH News Service, New Delhi / August 24th, 2018

A Cry for Kodagu

Sandalwood has come together to help the state of Coorg and its people.

Harshika Poonacha.
Harshika Poonacha.

“It’s a very painful scenario at relief camps across the flood hit areas of Coorg with conditions at its worst ever,” explains actress Harshika Poonacha, who hails from the beautiful land of Kodagu, which is now facing the wrath of incessant rain after Kerala. The affected people of Kodagu have taken care of so many people in their lives, and fed so many people but today they are so dependent on others, she adds, of the land which has given its best to the nation, be it with the Army or other unique and versatile professions in various fields including sports, culture and tradition, and of course tourism, with a fine blend of their trademark coffee. Coorg is crying for help. And Sandalwood has taken it upon itself to help in the relief work. The film industry has been up and about, lending a helping hand, individually, and inspiring fans to aid in these difficult times. While several artistes, technicians, filmmakers and producers are donating towards flood relief activities, they are now propagating to rebuild Kodagu, and efforts are on to reconstruct an entire village which is badly affected by the floods. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.

“I am here (Kodagu) for the past four days now. The condition is bad. It is very painful to relate to the ground reality. I was serving food the other day, and people were in tears while they got food served,” Harshika shares her experience with a heavy heart, adding that these are people who would not have stayed in their relative’s place even for a day, but they are now staying in relief camps as they are helpless against the fury of nature.

One of the favourite locations for not just the Kannada film industry, but numerous other film industries as well, the Scotland of the south is definitely a favourite amongst filmmakers. While several leading men from Sandalwood have been donating money for relief work, most of them are helping in their personal capacities and facilitating the supply of basic needs like food and water to different areas.

Actress Sanjjanaa Galrani, who left for Coorg on Tuesday to volunteer and help the needy, says, “More and more youngsters should step out of their homes and head to Coorg, to physically help them, rather than just sit at home and pray,” she implores.

No doubt movies and movie stars are among the most effective when it comes to inspiring the public, especially younger minds to follow their footsteps, and they are being urged towards this good cause by many in the industry.

Abhinaya Chakravarthy Kiccha Sudeep, urges his fans, “I request all my fan associations to please look into what best could be done for the rain-affected areas in Karnataka. This is the best gift you all will be giving me. Please, please do your best. These are our people.” he said.

Meanwhile, Crazy Star V Ravichandran has proposed a long-term plan which the entire film industry has backed. He is pressing to turn this initiative into reality. During the mahurat of his new movie, Ravichandra, the Crazy Star declared that the whole industry should come forward and help rebuild Kodagu. “It is best to rebuild an entire village which is badly affected by the floods,” he said, and prominent personalities including Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeep, Yash, renowned producers have backed this plea.

Even several actress including those hailing from Coorg such as Rashmika Mandanna, Disha Poovaiah, and almost other leading ladies are doing their best. Let us all help and rebuild Kodagu, is Sandalwood’s call for help to pour in to support this wonderful land which is in dire need of relief.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Sandalwood / by ShashPrasad SM / August 22nd, 2018

New Office-Bearers Of Sri Kavery Kodava Association

SreeKauveryKF22aug2018

Mysuru:

The 17th Annual General Body Meeting of Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysuru East, was held at the Association premises in Vidyashankar Layout in Sathagalli recently.

The following were elected as office-bearers of the Association for the year 2018-20:

Boovadira M. Devaiah (President); Puliyanda S. Devaiah (Vice-President); Kademada M. Belliappa (Hon. Secretary); Pandiyanda B. Padma (Jt. Secretary) and Coluvanda M. Chengappa (Treasurer).

Committee Members: Kanjithanda Manu Aiyappa, Kallumadanda C. Vasu Somanna, Neravanda N. Sunil Muthappa, Pokachanda P. Narendra, Pattada A. Sachin Devaiah, Chokira M. Somaiah, Pattamada T. Charmana, Pudiyokkada M. Changappa, Nellamakkada M. Nanjappa, Mollera A. Kavitha, Ammunichanda Shobha Belliappa and Karthamada D. Sweety. Koppira D. Ponnappa – Internal Auditor.

Education Committee Chairperson: Chowrira K. Seethamma; Building Committee Chairperson: Puttichanda Jayakumar.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 21st, 2018

Rohini From Kodagu Appointed Judge For Japan Hockey Tournament

RohiniKF17aug2018

Ponnampet:

Pullangada Rohini Bopanna (Sowmya) from Kodagu has been appointed as a judge by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) for the 9th Women’s Asia Cup 2017 to be held at Kakamigahara, Japan from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5.

Earlier, Rohini had been appointed as the judge for the South Asian Games held at Guwahati in Assam in February 2016 and for the 4th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy held in Singapore from Oct. 29, 2016 till Nov. 5.

She is the wife of former international goal keeper Pullangada U. Bopanna and daughter of Nellamakkada Sabu Monnaiah and Devamaji.

Rohini has been actively participating in nationals as well as events held in local region. She was appointed as a technical judge for 7th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship held at Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu this year for B-Division and as an Assistant Tournament Director for A Division.

She was also appointed as a technical officer for the 7th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship held at Bhopal this year and she was a judge for the Bengaluru Hockey Association All India ‘A’ Division Super league 2017 (Men).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / October 18th, 2017

Brahmagiri Kodava Assn. Moots Blood Bank

Brahamagiri01KF15aug2018

Urges members to join greening drive

Mysuru:

Brahmagiri Kodava Association, Vijayanagar (3rd & 4th Stages) held its Annual General Body Meeting and annual get-together function recently at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Community Hall in Kodava Samaja, Mysuru.

President of the Association, Ponnachanda Bheemaiah, addressing the members, said the objective of Brahmagiri Kodava Association should not limit itself only to the welfare of members and their family members but also aim at serving the society. He suggested them to plant a few fruit bearing saplings wherever feasible close to their houses and maintain them for a few years.

Stating that a few members of the Association urged him to create a ‘data base’ with the details of voluntary blood donors among the members in the age group of 18 to 55 years, he suggested the name as ‘Brahmagiri Blood Bank.’ He said that the aim of maintaining blood donors’ details is to locate voluntary blood donors who could immediately donate the required blood to any needy member of the Association in emergency cases.

Brahamagiri02KF15aug2018

The President of Brahmagiri Association also lauded the efforts of recently launched “Tree Lovers Club” in Vijayanagar, headed by Association member Mandetira N. Subramani (President) and Secretary of the Association Appachattolanda Bojappa (Secretary of Tree Lovers Club) for impressing upon the Forest Department in availing over 2,000 flower and fruit bearing tree saplings that were planted in Vijayanagar 3rd Stage and 4th Stage in the past one and a half month.

Those interested in joining the Club as Honorary members or to give their suggestions may send email to: tree.lovers@yahoo.com

During the get-together, various indoor games were organised for members and their family. Meritorious children of members were felicitated with cash awards to motivate them.

Kullachanda Vinutha rendered the invocation and welcomed. Treasurer of the Association Mundotira Changappa proposed a vote of thanks.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 14th, 2018

Jagat Nanjappa and Chetan Changappa win ISUZU RFC India 2018

Veteran rallyist Jagat Nanjappa and co-driver Chetan Changappa of Coorg’s team V5 Offroaders emerged as champions of ISUZU RFC India 2018. They have won the fifth season of international off-road motorsport competition with a total score of 2006 points out of 2600. With this win, Jagat and Chetan have become the second Indian, and the first offroader team from South India, to win the competition since its launch in the country in 2014. Jagat and Chetan will now represent the country at RFC 2018 Global Series Grand Finale.

The second position was held by Malaysian driver Mervyn Lim of Team GOA Fairmont. Defending RFC India Champion Gurmeet Virdi of Gerrari Offroaders Chandigarh clinched the third spot. After missing the title by just one rank last year, Jagat was elated upon completing the ‘unfinished task’ this year. He said, “We enjoyed every moment of this competition, especially the challenging ones. We were prepared for a tougher and more competitive event this time and we knew that we had to maintain the lead from the very start. The conditions of the competition were highly unpredictable and kept varying from contender to contender. In the end, I think these conditions worked in our favour and piloted us to the victory.”

A nine-time Indian National Rally Riders champion from 1986 to 1996 in the motorbike section, a Great Desert Rally champion in 1988, Coimbatore Rally champion of 1992, MASA Rally Mumbai champion of 1993 and 1994, Jagat has had an illustrious motorsport career spanning four decades.

Jagat, alongside other podium finishers, category winners and special award winners, were felicitated at the prize distribution ceremony in the presence of Luis J A Wee (founder and creator, The RFC, International), Ken Takashima (Dy MD, ISUZU Motors India), J Shankar Srinivas (VP – Service, Customer Relations, EA and PR, ISUZU Motors India) and Ashish Gupta (Founder and Director, Cougar Motorsport).

On this occasion, Luis J A Wee was felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparallel contribution to the off-roading community. Wee launched the Rainforest Challenge in Malaysia in 1997 and is counted among the top ten toughest motor races in the World and has 51 editions being held across 21 countries.

source: http://www.navhindtimes.in / The NavHind Times / Home> In Buzz / August 07th, 2018

Kodava Community Felicitates Minister G.T. Devegowda

DevegowdaKF06aug2018

Mysuru:

Kodava Samaja, Brahmagiri Kodava Sangha, Bhagavati Kodava Sangha, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club and Talacauvery Kshemabhivruddi Sangha together had organised a function at Kodava Samaja premises here yesterday to felicitate District in-Charge Minister G.T. Devegowda (GTD).

Speaking on the occasion, Devegowda said that though he had studied only upto 8th standard, he expressed confidence in managing the portfolio of Higher Education as a Minister. He opined that many changes were needed in higher education which will be looked into. He expressed confidence in KSOU getting recognition from UGC.

Claiming that he has a good bonding with Kodagu, Devegowda recalled his long association with former Minister M.C. Nanaiah. He thanked the voters for electing him to power.

Kodava Samaja President B.M. Nanaiah, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President M.P. Nanaiah, Vice-President K. Muthappa, Joint Secretary Prakash Belliappa, Talacauvery Kshemabhivruddi Sangha President Sudha Poonacha, Brahmagiri Kodava Sangha President P.S. Bheemaiah, Bhagavati Kodava Sangha President B. Subbaiah, Pommale Kodava Okkuta President M. Mohan Kumar, Kodava Samaja former President Dr. A. Kuttapa, Social activist K.D.Cariappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 05th, 2018

New district in-charge minister faces challenges

Sa.Ra.MaheshKF03aug2018

As Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh has been appointed as the Kodagu district in-charge, expectations are rife within party cadres as well as the general public, on the new district-in-charge handling the peculiar issues in Kodagu.

The district is also a strong fortress of BJP, which poses challenges before the minister as there is a need to address the political issues tactfully.

Congress party has failed to establish its position in the district even though the party is an ally in the coalition government. The only elected member from Congress party from the district is MLC Veena Achaiah.

On the other hand, JD(S) is hit by rebel politics. Recently, there has been a demonstration before the chief minister, against the district JD(S) President Sanket Poovaiah.

Though Poovaiah tendered his resignation following the incident, the same has not been accepted.

One faction of JD(S) has been demanding for the appointment of a new district president.

Rumour has it that former minister B A Jeevijaya has requested party veterans to appoint his son for the party’s district president’s post, while another faction has been persuading Sanket to withdraw his resignation.

The name of minister K J George had surfaced for the position of the district-in-charge. However, the chief minister finalised the name of Sa Ra Mahesh, after George’s name was ruled out by some.

Sa Ra Mahesh had visited Madikeri in the second week of June and had said that he would visit the district often, hinting towards his appointment as the district-in-charge.

Tourism development

Tourism in Kodagu is in need of overall development. The district attracts around 18 lakh tourists annually. Incidentally, Kodagu district in-charge minister Sa Ra Mahesh holds the tourism department portfolio. This has exalted hope among people about the development of a number of tourist spots in Kodagu.

Many tourist destinations in Kodagu are facing lack of facilities such as road connectivity. Meanwhile, the problem of illegal homestays continues to haunt the district.

During his earlier meeting with officials, the minister had warned of initiating stern measures against the owners of illegal homestays. However, there is no progress in the registration of homestays.

Heavy rain has caused havoc in the district, causing loss of property. The roads are badly hit. Though the fund towards relief measures have been released after the visit of the chief minister, the work has not gathered momentum.

The private bus stand has not been shifted and there are allegations about the poor quality of construction.

As the news on the appointment of the district in-charge ministers broke in, JD(S) leaders visited the official residence of Sa Ra Mahesh in Bengaluru and discussed the problems in the party and in the district.

The delegation which met the minister in Bengaluru comprised of JD(S) District President Sanket Poovaiah, JD(S) Propaganda committee President K M B Ganesh, JD(S) State Vice President M M Sharif, District spokesperson Adil Pasha, Madikeri constituency backward castes committee President N C Sunil, district Youth JD(S) General Secretary K G Nasir, Senior Vice President D P Bhojappa, Virajpet City President P A Manjunath and Madikeri city minority cell President N A Ibrahim.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by DH News Service, Madikeri / August 01st, 2018

Tennis star Rohan Bopanna forays into fitness business, here is what he launched

Bopanna said India is a potential market for CT and that he would like to open such initiatives in other cities as well.

Bopanna said India is a potential market for CT and that he would like to open such initiatives in other cities as well. (File photo: PTI)
Bopanna said India is a potential market for CT and that he would like to open such initiatives in other cities as well. (File photo: PTI)

India’s doubles tennis star Rohan Bopanna today announced his foray into sports-inspired fitness business with the launch of ‘Cardio Tennis.’

Cardio Tennis is a group cardio-workout, combining the best features of tennis and cardiovascular exercises to create an invigorating, full-body, high-intensity workout, with music and fitness drills along with innovative tennis games.

Bopanna said India is a potential market for CT and that he would like to open such initiatives in other cities as well.

He, however, did not reveal the size of investment he made into this venture.

“In fact, I have put almost all the money into it,” he told reporters here.

The tennis star had earlier launched a range of speciality coffees – Rohan Bopanna’s Master Blend – in association with city-based micro roastery and cafe – The Flying Squirrel – in January.

Bopanna, who was World Number Three in ATP ranking in 2013, said he hopes to take both tennis and fitness to people with the help of CT.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this regimen is that it is heart-rate monitored and a detailed performance report is sent to each participant at the end of every session,” Meraki Sport & Entertainment MD Ajit Ravindran said.

CT is licensed in India Bopanna and Meraki Sports and Entertainment.

Apart from regular sessions at key locations, Meraki’s role would be to reach out to corporates and the IT sector across India, Ravindran said.

CT (India) Director Harsha Thimmaiah said it is open to participants of all ages, and varying levels of tennis proficiency.

A CT session runs for about 50 minutes, where participants can expect to burn about 500-600 calories on an average, with four different segments, he said.

“We can accommodate up to 12-14 participants per session and can conduct back-to-back or parallel sessions, based on the infrastructure available,” Thimmaiah said.

A CT session can also be conducted in areas other than a tennis court, ranging from a large hall to a playground and football turfs, he added.

CT is very popular in the US, UK and Australia.

The programme is held over weekends at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association and will soon be available at key locations across the city in the next two to three months.

source: http://www.financialexpress.com / Financial Express / Home> Industry / by PTI, Bengaluru / July 29th, 2018