Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Kodava Community Felicitates Minister G.T. Devegowda

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

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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

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

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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

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

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

RainForest Challenge India 2018: Jagat Nanjappa and Chetan Chengappa of V5 Offroaders Coorg crowned Winners

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

The 2018 Rainforest Challenge concluded today with veteran rallyist Jagat Nanjappa and co-driver Chetan Changappa of Coorg’s Team V5 Offroaders emerging as winners.

The team overcame constraints like funding and not the most advanced of setups through experience, hard work and great co-ordination between them.

Jagat Nanjappa and Chetan Chengappa, winners of the 2018 RFC India with the organizers of the event
Jagat Nanjappa and Chetan Chengappa, winners of the 2018 RFC India with the organizers of the event

Following them in overall ranking at second place were the Malaysian driver Mervyn Lim (co-driver Alex Tan) of Team G.O.A. Fairmont. He was followed by the winners of the last two editions, Gurmeet Virdi (co-driver Kirpal Singh Tung) of Gerrari Offroaders Chandigarh. The final points tally stood at 2006 points out of 2600 for Nanjappa, followed by 1849 and 1800 for the other two winners.

The winners will represent the country at RFC 2018 Global Series Grand Finale. The total benefits they have received amount to USD 10,000, including the entry fee, airfares as well as support towards car rental in Malaysia. Jagat Nanjappa adds this to a long list of achievements over a motorsport career spanning four decades. He is a nine-time Indian National Rally Riders Champion winning 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.

The last two days saw participants tackle dense forests and tricky terrain in Maina for SS22 to SS25 before moving to a more sedate but still difficult to navigate final stage in Dona Paula.

Speaking at a prize distribution ceremony held on the final day, Ashish Gupta, the organizer of ISUZU RFC India 2018, and the head of Cougar Motorsport, said that they witnessed an unprecedented intense level of competition this year. They continuously upgrade the toughness quotient of the Special Stages every year, They added a night stage this time around, expecting the competition to be highly challenging. He was extremely happy that contenders have managed to sail through such tough challenges as well.

He said this proves that Indian off-roading is now attaining maturity and off-roaders here are no less than their international counterparts. He went on to congratulate and applaud all the competitors of ISUZU RFC India 2018 for their exemplary display of offroading skills, valor, hard work and determination throughout the course of the competition.

source: http://www.overdrive.in / OverDrive / Home> News / by Tuhin Guha / July 28th, 2018

Book On Sri Ramakrishna In Kodava Language Released

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

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Ponnampet:

Guru Poornima was celebrated in a grand manner at Sri Ramakrishna Sharada Ashrama Ponnampet in South Kodagu. A series of programmes have been organised since yesterday at the Ashrama premises at Ponnampet and several other places including Kushalnagar and Madikeri.

At the event held at Ponnampet this morning, Swami Mukthidanandaji Maharaj, President of Advaitha Ashrama Mayavati, Uttarakhand and Kolkata, released a book “Karunasindhu Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’ written in Kodava language by Hottengada Sundari Medappa of Vivekananda Jnanavahini Kendra Aruvathokkalu.

The book has been written by the author to cater to the population of Kodavas. According to the author, while many books have been written on Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and his teachings in various languages, there was no book on the Saint in Kodava language. She said that she was tremendously influenced by the Sri Ramakrishna Mission and its noble works to the society.

According to Swamy Bodhaswaroopananda Maharaj, President of Sri Ramakrishna Sharada Ashrama Ponnampet, Hottengada Sundari Medappa, through Vivekananda Jnanavahini Kendra, has done the work of a preacher. The book in Kodava language is special as the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna will reach more homes in Kodagu.President of Federation of Kodava Samajas K. Vishnu Cariappa, President of Kodagu Education Fund K.C. Uthappa, Swami Jagadatmanandaji Maharaj and Dharmathmanandaji Maharaj were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 27th, 2018

A stylish ode to anti-air pollution

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Bengaluru-based designer has collaborated with fashion guru Prasad Bidapa and a top-knotch IT company and has created a fashion collection.

City models sporting a piece from Tahera’s latest collection.
City models sporting a piece from Tahera’s latest collection.

Indeed, collective effort is what brings about a herculean change. But, there’s also no denying how it is those little acts of thoughtfulness and kindness that go on to make a world of difference. For, Bengaluru designer Tahera Peeran, landing a lofty yet creatively fulfilling collaboration with two tech companies and Prasad Bidapa is what has kept her busy and beaming in the recent past. Her latest collection oozes sparks of sustainability and the bespoke aura of all things handmade while focusing on an ingenious ink innovation by Dell. In a candid chat, she shares the inside track…

“I believe corporate social responsibility and giving back to the community improves the quality of our lives, creates sustainability and promotes a better and brighter future,” begins Tahera, who describes her collection best as, ‘Handmade, environment friendly.’ It’s done specifically to promote anti-air pollution, and to promote handmade, hand-looms and hand-weaves. Speaking of which, she elucidates, “I have worked with pure handlooms and Khadi to create a Japanese minimalist look with classic, relaxed and layered silhouettes.”

But team effort is what takes the cake.” This has been a collaboration of many people from varied strata. It was amazing to see how it came together and everybody contributed and the end results were remarkable,” shares the 37 year old.

The NIFT graduate, who’s label mixes quirky and contemporary designs with comfort and functionality, didn’t always knew this was her calling. “I dont think I always wanted to become a designer. It took me a while and the support of my family to help me zero in on design as a professional pursuit. I wanted to become a writer, so I grew up reading a lot of books. I was always interested in art. And, from there, I got interested in design — graphics, architecture. I remember sketching a lot of girls in my notebooks, with dresses and different clothes.”

She loves to juggle too many things at a time, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to see her indulge in a tonne of activities whenever time permits. On how her typical day looks like, she says, “I love to go out for a way. I need that time in the morning, I like to spend time around greenery. It leaves me feeling energized. I have a little daughter, and we get into the DIY projects. I also love watching old English movies and world cinema as well. Right now, I’m reading Rupi Kaur.”

The current collaboration is yet to become commercial. But, Tahera has all her hopes pinned on its success. “It’s a great step towards being sustainable, it needs to be developed further. I see a lot of potential in it. I’m hoping it will be commercial and accessible soon. It’s a way to move forward. People need to get together more and do collaborations like this. It takes a group of people to come together and work an idea like.That aside, I’ll be flaunting my free fall collection next. It’s a black and white line. I’m excited for the time ahead.”

source: http://www.asianage.com / The Asian Age / Home> Life> Fashion / The Asian Age / Pooja Prabban / July 23rd, 2018

Mother Mirra’s Coffee’s 100-year legacy

Agriculture, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion
Chasing the perfect brew Sundar Subramaniam, Executive Director of Mirra's Coffee | Photo Credit: S_SIVA SARAVANAN
Chasing the perfect brew Sundar Subramaniam, Executive Director of Mirra’s Coffee | Photo Credit: S_SIVA SARAVANAN

As Mirra’s Idhu Namma Veetu Kaapi now steps into the new age with its latest filter coffee variants, we look back at the company’s 100-year-old legacy.

“I promise, you will keep coming back for more,” declares Sundar Subramaniam with a confident smile. The executive director of Mother Mirra Group of Companies offers me a fragrant brew, made with coffee powder from Mirra’s Idhu Namma Veetu Kaapi brand. The group recently launched three variants of filter coffee. It’s limited to retail in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for now, but Sundar is bursting with plans.

“We are marketing Mirra’s Coffee with the line ‘I want you to buy my coffee once’… we plan to give away free brass coffee davara sets with every packet soon. And, there will soon be wet sampling at malls and stores.”

Mother Mirra’s Coffee has a 100-year-old legacy. It comes from the house of the first Asian planter, PPR Subramaniam (Sundar’s great-grandfather) and his Virakesari Plantations. PPR was an entrepreneur and journalist from Avanipatti village, in the Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu. He also started Virakesari, the first Tamil newspaper in Sri Lanka in the 1930s, to give a voice to the rights of plantation workers.

“Back home, our community was often associated with the money-lending business. My great-grandfather set a new path. He moved to Sri Lanka at a time when plantations were still owned only by the British and the Scottish,” Sundar says with pride.

Later, PPR moved to Malaysia, where he bought more plantations. “My grandfather Sundarakesari continued the tradition and owned plantations in Coorg. My father S Subramanian followed suit,” says Sundar, now settled in Coimbatore.

Today, their plantation AA — or Premium Arabica — variety of beans is exported to countries within Asia and beyond. They also have a line-up of Arabica and Robusta with varying ratios of chicory content in them.

“Our wholesale market is thriving. We also sell online on Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm, and Big Basket, something I introduced after I took over in the last six months. My focus is on digital marketing. We are getting a good response from our active social media pages too.” The group has also branched into budget homes and service apartments.

“I did my masters in business marketing at Cornell University in New Zealand. I wanted to work abroad, but my father had other plans. He met me at Singapore and handed me my return ticket to Coimbatore,” laughs Sundar.

What followed was the launch of the retail brand. They added more German machineries to the factory at Coorg and introduced three new products — pure coffee (100% premium Arabica), premium filter coffee (with 15% chicory) and Gold (with 47% chicory). A network of 350 dealers ensures that the filter coffee reaches stores in Coimbatore, Madurai, Chennai and Puducherry. “In a couple of months, we want to start exporting to Singapore and New Zealand.” They also plan to enter the Sri Lankan market, from where it all began. A particular street in Colombo, from where Virakesari was born, still goes by the name Chettiar Street, to honour his great-grandfather.

Among new products, a green coffee is in the offing. Sundar also plans coffee counters at airports: where one can sow coffee, roast, grind and brew a perfect davara.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style> Food / by K Jeshi / July 20th, 2018

H.S. Chandramouli Appointed As State Public Prosecutor

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All

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Bengaluru:

The State Government on Monday appointed senior advocate H.S. Chandramouli as State Public Prosecutor (SPP). This is Chandramouli’s fourth stint as the SPP.

Chandramouli, who hails from Kodlipet in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, was allotted the Congress ticket from Madikeri constituency in the May Assembly polls.

But a couple of days after the allotment of the Congress ticket, the party withdrew it following reports that Chandramouli had represented Nirav Modi’s relative in the Supreme Court in the PNB Bank scam.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 24th, 2018

Muhammad Anas betters own 400m national record

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Muhammad Anas’ earlier national mark is 45.31 which he clocked while finishing fourth at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Muhammad Anas on Saturday bettered his own 400m national record while winning gold with a time of 45.24 seconds in an event at Czech Republic.

His earlier national mark is 45.31 which he clocked while finishing fourth at the Gold Coast CWG.

Anas, who is training near Prague along with other quartermilers as part of preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, set the new mark at an event at Velka Cena Nove Mesto nad Metuji.

In the women’s event, MR Poovamma won gold with a timing of 53.01 seconds.

However there were only five women, who competed in the event.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Sport> Other Sports / by Press Trust of India, New Delhi / July 21st, 2018

Marshy field sports held in Madikeri amidst rain

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Sports
Youth take part in a marshy field race in Madikeri. DH PHOTO
Youth take part in a marshy field race in Madikeri. DH PHOTO

From tiny tots to the elderly, a large number of people became a part of fun and frolic amid rain, at a marshy field in Madikeri on Sunday.

Various competitions were held at a marshy field belonging to Kukkera Palangappa in Devasturu village in Madikeri taluk, as a part of ‘Aatinaati Koodukoota’ organised by Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruthi mattu Sahitya Academy.

Men and women took part in volleyball, tug of war, throw-ball and running race. Rural games were conducted for children.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan felt the need to preserve paddy transplantation for the next generation.

“People should not think about profit alone and should get into the marshy field, as an effort to rediscover traditional agriculture which is vanishing,” said Ranjan.

Pattedar of Devastur, Kukkera Thammaiah flagged-off the paddy seedling transplantation and marshy field race.

He said that agriculture was a social activity in the past and people in the village help each other in paddy seedling transplantation work. But, today, fields have been left fallow.

In a good development, a few youth associations have come forward to carry out paddy transplantation work, he added.

Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruthi mattu Sahitya Academy Chairman P C Jayaram said that the traditional methods of agriculture reflected social harmony.

MLA K G Bopaiah, Kolar Excise Department Deputy Commissioner Sumitha Lingaraju, academy members Ramesh Joyappa, Kakkera Pradeep and A K Himakara were present among others.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Districts / by DH News Service, Madikeri / July 22nd, 2018