Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Joshna Chinappa appointed as officer in Tangedco

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Chennai :

International squash player Joshna Chinnappa was on Tuesday appointed senior sports officer of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco).

Chinnappa met chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy at the secretariat and received the order in the presence of power minister P Thangamani, energy secretary Vikram Kapur and Tangedco chairman M Saikumar.

The decision to make a direct appointment under the sports quota was made after the squash player made a request. Chinnappa won the women’s title in the Asian Individual Squash Championship in April this year.

Earlier this year, she reached the quarterfinals of the World Championship in Egypt. She also won the gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in the women’s doubles with Dipika Pallikal-Karthik. She has won seven titles so far.

Though many national and international sport persons are employed in public sector undertaking like railways, oil companies, banks etc, this is probably the first time an international sports person has approached the Tamil Nadu government for a job.

“Squash is not very famous in the country and therefore I did not approach PSUs. I approached the Tamil Nadu government for employment as the government has allocated money for several sports persons,” Chinnappa told TOI.

“In the next 5 or 6 years if I decide to retire from the sport I want job security and so I approached the state government. I will be joining the job in a few days and only after that I will come to know of the type of work I need to perform,” said Chinnappa.

Tangedco has in the past appointed sports persons, but this is the first time a sports person of international repute has been appointed in the discom. “It is the first time an international sport person has applied for an employment with us. She stands number 1 in squash in India and 14th in the world,” Saikumar told TOI.

Chinappa’s appointment in Tangedco comes a day after the chief minister announced cash rewards for Tamil Nadu athletes who won medals in the Asian Athletic Championship which concluded in Bhubaneshwar on Sunday.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> Sports> More Sports> Others / by Sivakumar B / TNN / July 11th, 2017

Pachmarhi Hills come alive to sound of AEC’s music

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

CariappaMusicWingKF11jul2017

by Nandu Andhare,

The Cariappa Music Wing at Army Education Corp (AEC) Pachmarhi provides sheer delight, especially to one who loves and savours music, be it Western or Indian. Instrumental music emanating from the shining Brass saxophones, trumpets, clarinets, followed by the heart-beating drumming by the trainee drummers is something revering.

The scribes visiting the Cariappa Music Wing took a melody out of the hills in their hearts. The visit was arranged by Defence PRO Wg Cdr Samir Gangakhedkar.

Amid scenic beauty of Pachmarhi hills, the musicians were busy preparing for the farewell programme of the Station Commander.

The sight was totally mesmerising. Seated in a semicircle under a 240-year-old huge Banyan tree, about 35 musicians, comprising of buglers, trumpeters, saxophonists, vocalists, drummers, repianists, flutiests and guitarists were waiting in anticipation. After the guests took their seats, the veil of suspense was lifted and out flew lilting tunes in perfect synchrony and harmony, enveloping the entire densely-wooded region with heavenly music.

It was Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s idea to introduce music in military to instill patriotic feeling among personnel and help in bringing in uniformity, imbibing one-nation feeling. It was also his idea to shift the erstwhile location of the Military Music Wing at Belgaum to Pachmarhi.

The Music wing offers three-year course in Martial Music to potential bandmasters. The school has experienced faculty from civil and military to train the new entrants in various instruments and even vocal. Hindustani classical music is also taught to the soldiers, who learn to play tabla, dholak, harmonium, jaltarang and various ragas based on which are some of the very popular Martial tunes and regimental songs, which when played with harmony can bring goose-bumps. Chests of soldiers and officers swell with pride when the band plays the signature song of the regiment. They may not have professional voices, but the voice of the vocalist exhibits raw patriotism, zeal and the strong will power to complete the task on hand fearlessly.

The Music wing has a Shantiniketan Band Stand, enveloped under a 240-year-old Banyan tree, where the band practises in complete harmony with nature. Besides there are the Beethoven, Mozart, Tansen and Swami Haridas Training sheds. The Cariappa Music Wing of the AEC is on the lines of theworld famous Kimberly Hall of the UK, where trainees ranging from a Sepoy to Subhedar can pursue a course. Musicians from all the three wings of defence services are trained at the Cariappa Music Wing.

It has a huge, impressive and up-to-date music library along with a section that displays an assortment of musical instruments, percussion items, with photographs of ceremonial presentations. The library has a good collection of Desh Ke Gaane, Tunes of Valsar, History of Music, Biography, Music Dictionary, Martial Music of Indian Army, Martial Bands and Music of the Indian Army. The Music school teaches Jazz, Pipe and Brass Band. Military music taught at the school is at par with international standards.

For the visiting scribes, the musicians played the famous ‘Donau Wallen Waves of Danube Waltz’ which was simply haunting. This was followed by ‘Silver Sobre’, ‘Mack and Mack’, ‘Raga Bhupali’ on Jaltarang, and Vibraphon and Xylophone ‘In a Persian Market’. Devotional songs like ‘Deh Shiva’, an entity of Guru Gobind Singh, was also played much to the delight of the visitors.

Another impressive part of the visit was the Protools Software or recording available at the state-of-the-art recording studio of the music school, where vocal recordings are made separately and then mixed with the rhythm of instrumentalists.

The AEC Military Music Wing has also got its name in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records for having performed at Vijay Chowk Delhi in which 4,459 musicians played under One Band Master during the Asiad games.

As one left the arena of the lilting music, one could see, bandmasters practicing with their mace, wand, drummers letting loose a volley of beats while practicing ‘Beating of the Retreat’.

Bagpipers were practicing patriotic songs, trumpeters letting off the haunting bugle call of the Last Post. At various points, the sound echoed down the Satpura hills of Pachmarhi.

source: http://www.thehitavada.com / The Hitavada / Home / by Nandu Andhare / July 06th, 2017

Kirik Party couple Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna engaged. See photos

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

The wedding engagement of Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna took place in Madikeri. The couple first on the sets of Kirik Party, which became a super hit at the box office last year. Rashmika is more than 10 years younger to Rakshit, who is in his 30s.

Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna got engaged
Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna got engaged

Days after officially announcing their relationship, the new Sandalwood couple, Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna got engaged in a grand ceremony on Monday at Virajpet in Madikeri, Karnataka. The couple took their relationship to next level by exchanging rings in front of more than 1,500 guests, including celebrities. The ceremony took place at Serenity Marriage Hall, which is owned by Rashmika’s father M Madan Mandanna.

The wedding engagement of Rakshit and Rashmika happened in both Coastal and Kodava traditions and the guests were treated to Kodava and North Indian delicacies at the function. Even North Indian and Chinese items were on the menu, said reports.

Rakshit and Rashmika met on the sets of Kirik Party, which became a super hit at the box office last year. While Rakshit had already made a mark in Kannada cinema at the time, the film marked Rashmika’s acting debut.

Well, Rashmika revealed that it was not loved at first sight for her. She fell for Rakshit after becoming friends with him first. Rashmika is more than 10 years younger to Rakshit, who last month celebrated his 34th birthday.

“Let’s do this. So blessed to have Rakshit Shetty in my life and thanks to Madhu,” Rashmika wrote on her Facebook page on her engagement day. “So sweet of you Rashmika Mandanna. In fact, I am the lucky one to have you in my life,” Rakshit tweeted.

Last month, the couple announced that they have been dating each other and will soon get married. “After my relationship with Rashmika started making headlines in the media, I decided to talk to her parents. So the media paved the way to take our relationship to the next level,” Rakshit told in a lighter vein while talking to a local news channel.

Days after officially announcing their relationship, the new Sandalwood couple, Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna got engaged in a grand ceremony on Monday at Virajpet in Madikeri, Karnataka. The couple took their relationship to next level by exchanging rings in front of more than 1,500 guests, including celebrities. The ceremony took place at Serenity Marriage Hall, which is owned by Rashmika’s father M Madan Mandanna.

The wedding engagement of Rakshit and Rashmika happened in both Coastal and Kodava traditions and the guests were treated to Kodava and North Indian delicacies at the function. Even North Indian and Chinese items were on the menu, said reports.

Rakshit and Rashmika met on the sets of Kirik Party, which became a super hit at the box office last year. While Rakshit had already made a mark in Kannada cinema at the time, the film marked Rashmika’s acting debut.

Well, Rashmika revealed that it was not loved at first sight for her. She fell for Rakshit after becoming friends with him first. Rashmika is more than 10 years younger to Rakshit, who last month celebrated his 34th birthday.

“Let’s do this. So blessed to have Rakshit Shetty in my life and thanks to Madhu,” Rashmika wrote on her Facebook page on her engagement day. “So sweet of you Rashmika Mandanna. In fact, I am the lucky one to have you in my life,” Rakshit tweeted.

Last month, the couple announced that they have been dating each other and will soon get married. “After my relationship with Rashmika started making headlines in the media, I decided to talk to her parents. So the media paved the way to take our relationship to the next level,” Rakshit told in a lighter vein while talking to a local news channel.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Regional / by Express Web Desk/ Bengaluru / July 04th, 2017

Environmentalists join hands to save Kodagu

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

Bengaluru :

A group of environmentalists and activists has come together to try and change the present narrative of development so that Kodagu doesn’t fall prey to unchecked expansion and urbanization.

During their meeting, the activists agreed to come up with an action plan to safeguard Cauvery’s catchment area in Kodagu and prevent upcoming railway and highway projects from harming the environment.

Citing the felling of 54,000 trees for the MysoreKozhikode power line via Kodagu, Devika Devaiah, from Save River Cauvery, said such situations shouldn’t be allowed to happen again. Colonel C P Muthanna, president of Coorg Wildlife Society, pointed out that the main stakeholders are not only the inhabitants of Kodagu, but also those living downstream including the residents of Bengaluru, who will be severely affected by water shortage and deforestation. Naresh Narasimhan of Citizens for Bengaluru (CfB) said sustainable models of tourism should be introduced in the region. “Development has started to mean destruction. Every project is seen as a way to make money. The reason we were successful in bringing a halt to the steel flyover pro ject was because we pointed out how procedures were bypassed,” he said.

Prakash Belawadi, also from CfB, said categorization of the Cauvery Basin and Talacauvery as world heritage sites would help in their preservation. “We should not let the region get exploited and allow more treecutting. International attention is required to safeguard it. Petitioning the National Green Tribunal would be a good move to get legal backing,” he said.

The group also discussed protection of endangered animal species, prevention of unruly urbanization due to transportation projects and acting against commercial lobbies with vested interests.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Bangalore News / by Arpita Raj / TNN / July 02nd, 2017

Here’s all you need to know about Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna’s engagement

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

Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna’s engagement will be an Indo-Western affair.

Photobook: These photos of Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna are highest degree of cuteness
Photobook: These photos of Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna are highest degree of cuteness

Rashmika Mandanna and Rakshit Shetty, the resident It couple of Kannada cinema, will be getting engaged in a few days from now.

And, needless to say, this has created quite a buzz amongst their die-hard fans. During a recent interaction with a leading daily, the lovebirds opened up about their plans for the D-day.

Rakshit said that his entire family will be heading to Coorg a day before their engagement. In Coorg, they will relax and catch up with each other.

“We don’t get to go to Coorg often, so this will be the perfect time to relax and chill with the family. Resorts and hotels have already been booked for everyone, so the revelry will begin on July 2 itself,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, his mother added that the Shetty family plans to give Rashmika countless gifts on the day of the engagement.

Similarly, Rashmika’s family too is quite excited about the engagement. In fact, the actress’ parents have already asked a gourmet expert to ensure that the best Coorg and costal specialities are served at the engagement. Moreover, a designer cake has been ordered for the ceremony. Interestingly, a team of six photographers from Coorg will be attending this Indo-Western themed function and capturing the couple’s special moments.

“It is indeed a red letter day of our life and we are determined to leave no stone unturned to preserve those memories,” Rashmika added.

Well, it goes without saying that this a happy time for this couple. We wish them the best for the future.

source: http://www.regional.pinkvilla.com / Pinkvilla.com / Home> Kannada> News / by Roktim Rajpal / June 28th, 2017

Feisty Achievers : Joshna Chinappa

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

For putting India on the squash map and winning multiple tournaments to secure the world number 10 rank in 2016.

JoshnaKF30jun2017

At eight, when most girls are busy playing hopscotch on school playgrounds, Joshna Chinappa was busy making frequent trips to the Madras Cricket Club and debating which sport — badminton or tennis — she would like to pursue professionally. While good at both, her family background (her father Anjan Chinappa and great-granduncle Field Marshall KM Cariappa were both squash players) saw her gravitate towards the lesser-known sport of squash. Her standout moment came in the 2014 Commonwealth Games doubles event, when she along with partner Dipika Pallikal Karthik became the first Indian players to win a gold medal; and her stellar performances saw her seize her career-highest World No. 10 rank in 2016.

The initial challenges
Squash wasn’t well known when I started playing, and getting financial assistance and sponsorships were tough. My parents could only afford to send me for a couple of tournaments a year and I had no choice but to travel alone from the age of 10, as it was expensive to have someone accompany me on each trip.

Training routine
I play about 15 tournaments a year. I love training, so preparing for an event really charges me up. Training each day lasts for about five hours. I work with my fitness trainer on my strength and conditioning and with my squash coach on court. I also do a lot of weight training, and agility and sprint sessions.

On injuries
They are always hard for athletes to deal with because sport is our livelihood and passion and to not be able to do something you love is heart-breaking. On the bright side, an injury can help put things into perspective…it can make you much stronger, both mentally and physically.

On women in sports
I feel it’s the women today who are really putting sports on the radar. We have so many achievers — strong, powerful women who have come from such diverse fields and backgrounds showing us how, with a little support, wonders can be achieved. It’s so great to see them work hard and win despite the tough circumstances they face. I’m sure that if they receive the support they truly deserve, the sky is the limit!

source: http://www.vervemagazine.in / Verve / Home> Verve People / Text by Tina Dastur , Photography by Prateek Patel / June 08th, 2017

Congress celebrates farmer’s loan waiver in Madikeri

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

Madikeri :

Jubilant Congress supporters celebrated the loan waiver scheme announced by CM Siddaramaiah to distressed farmers in the city.

Napoklu block congress President B S Ramanath led the procession with former President Naramonda Umesh, state forest development board vice President Padmini Ponappa also attended.

Chanting pro-government slogans, the procession passed through private bus stand and through main roads of the city. Sweets also distributed to public.

By waiving farmer’s loans the Congress government shows that its policies are pro farmer and urged Central Government to step in to waive loans from nationalised bank, as the UPA government done during former PM Manmohan tenure.

Speaking to reporters, district congress labour union president V P Shashidar said, by announcing farmer loan waiver up to 50,000 rupees, the state government came to the rescue of poor farmers who are debt ridden.

Former district president KK Manjunath while speaking on the occasion said, the Congress government policies are always pro poor and farmer loan waiver is an another bold step, opined the leader.

-(KCI,NAV)

source: http://www.citytoday.news / CityToday / Home> Headlines> Prime News – Karnataka / by CT Bureau / Madikeri – June 28th, 2017

Indian hockey star SV Sunil plays through pain against Pakistan

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Sunil lined up against Pakistan despite being informed of the loss of a family member minutes before the encounter.

SV Sunil has had to endure another personal loss
SV Sunil has had to endure another personal loss

What’s the story?

India created history by recording their biggest-ever win against Pakistan (7-1) at the ongoing Hockey World League semifinals. However, just hours before the match, SV Sunil, the star forward who was named the Asian Hockey Player of the Year earlier in 2017, was told that his brother-in-law Ganesh Acharya had passed away.

This was the second time Sunil was given such news. In April, during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, his father had passed away and the 28-year-old had to battle his emotions to represent his country.

Speaking after the win over Pakistan on Sunday to Times of India, Sunil said, “God is testing me many ways. Last time my father, this time my brother-in-law. I don’t know what to say. After the tournament, I will be back to my hometown.”

In case you didn’t know…

India’s biggest margin of victory against Pakistan had earlier been 7-4 – a scoreline they managed in the 2003 Champions Trophy as well as the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Since 2010, India have won 13 out of 28 encounters against their bitter rivals on the hockey field, with seven matches ending in draws.

The heart of the matter

The man from Kodagu was born in a poor family and lost his mother at the age of four. As a kid, he used to play hockey with the help of bamboo sticks. Sunil made his debut for India in 2007 during their successful run at the Asia Cup in Chennai and was a key member of the Indian team that won silver at the 2016 FIH Champions Trophy in London. He was also a part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games and bronze at the 2015 World League Final.

After his father passed away, he went on to play for India in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and helped the team finish 3rd in the tournament.

In the 7-1 win over Pakistan, Sunil had a great outing, facilitating the attack to set up Talwinder Singh’s goal in the first quarter. His solid performance came after heartbreaking news of his brother’s death following a long battle with illness

He previously had scored the opening goal and had delivered another amazing performance in India’s 3-0 win over Canada on Saturday.

What’s next?

Sunil who recently won his 200th international cap will be one of the favourites to be named in the Indian side that will take part in the Hockey World League Final in Bhubhaneshwar, scheduled to begin in December. He has faced adversity throughout his life and will hope to continue delivering fine performances for the country and make his family proud.

Authors take

Playing through such adversity shows the character and the heart of an individual and SV Sunil proved that by delivering an outstanding performance against arch-rivals Pakistan in an important match. On a day that saw the ICC Champions Trophy Final overshadow the hockey match, Sunil and the India Men’s Hockey team provided Indians with an achievement to be proud of.

source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / SportsKeeda.com / Home> News> Hockey / by Tushar Varma / June 20th, 2017

Ashwini for KAA top post

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Current head Parameshwara not to contest

Ashwini Nachappa
Ashwini Nachappa

Former India international Ashwini Nachappa will contest for the post of president and secretary of the Karnataka Athletics Association (KAA) in the elections to be held here on July 1.

Dr G Parameshwara, the current president, who had put his name for the top post again, withdrew on Thursday, the last day to file the nominations. Parameshwara, president of KAA since 2004, was not eligible to contest as he had already completed 12 years in the post.

The KAA in 2015 had amended its constitution, in line with the Sports Code, and according to the changed rule, a president could hold office for a maximum period of 12 years with or without a break.

Also contesting for the president’s post against Ashwini, who currently heads the Bangalore Urban District Athletics Association (BUDAA), will be HT Mahadev, secretary, Hassan District Athletics Association.

For the secretary’s post, Rajavelu, from the Shimoga District Athletics Association, will be Ashwini’s opponent. Sources said that the incumbent KAA secretary, Chandrashekar Rai, eligible for another term, had not filed his nomination for the post.

The KAA used to have a three-year term for its office-bearers but as per the amended constitution of the body, they will have a four-year term from now on.

The secretary and treasurer may serve a maximum of two successive terms of four years each. After which, they need to serve a cooling off period of four years before they can seek fresh election to either post.

As per the Sports Code, the office-bearers will cease to hold the post on attaining 70 years of age.

The elections will be at the Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) on July 1.
The KAA had come under fire from the district units for not holding the AGM and elections on time last month. After the notification for election was issued on June 8, the list of eligible candidates was published on June 19. The scrutiny of the candidates will be done on Saturday and the last date for withdrawal of names is next Monday.

Unhappy members

It was learnt that some of the members who had thrown in their names for the elections were not happy with some of the contestents.

As per the tradition, the clubs across the states will not be allowed to vote and only the 28 district associations will participate in the elections. Udupi, due to the in-fighting in its faction, has been disqualified from voting.

Apart from president and secretary, the elections will be held for the posts of senior vice-president, four vice-presidents, senior joint secretary, joint secretary (3 posts) and treasurer.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports / DH News Service / Bengaluru – June 23rd, 2017

CFO of audiology practice named business woman of the year

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Albuquerque, NM :

The Professional Business Women-Albuquerque chapter has selected an executive of a hearing care practice as “Albuquerque Business Woman of the Year.” Honored was Naina Ballachanda, chief financial officer of Premier Hearing Center, which serves thousands of patients with hearing loss from five locations New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.

In the award citation, Ballachanda was described as a “strong female leader [who] leaves an outstanding impression on people.”

The honoree is married to Bopanna Ballachanda, PhD, CEO and director of audiology at Premier Hearing Center, who was formerly on the faculty at Purdue University and the University of New Mexico.

source: http://www.hearinghealthmatters.org / Hearing Health & Technology Matters / by David Kirkwood / November 12th, 2011