Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Me and Ashwini Ponnappa are the best: Jwala Gutta

December 26, 2013Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sportsadmin

- Ramesh Nair/DNA Research N Archives — – Ramesh Nair/DNA Research N Archives

Top Indian shuttler Jwala Gutta, who on Monday won the women’s doubles title at the 78th Senior National Badminton Championships, said that she and her partner Ashwini Ponnappa “are the best”.

The 2011 World Championship bronze medallist has had a tough year fighting a court case against the Badminton Association of India (BAI) for recommending a life ban on her for leading her side — Krrish Delhi Smashers — to almost forfeit a match during the Indian Badminton League (IBL).

“I am extremely delighted. We are the best and there is no doubt about it now and we remain the best for quite some time now. I still need to get fitter and hope we continue to fight like this in every match. I enjoyed my match today (Monday),” said Jwala, who won her 10th national women’s doubles crown.

Jwala’s entry was withdrawn by the BAI from a couple of tournaments due to the above mentioned case. Now with the title, she hopes to be back in the Indian team.

“I don’t have to prove anything. I have my credentials behind me. The day me and Ashwini play in India at the national level, it is really difficult for others to compete against us. We are internationally more exposed and experienced and I am happy we played here,” added the Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

“This is the last tournament of the year and to end it with a high note feels great. All eyes were on me and I am glad I lived up to it,” added the 30-year-old.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Sport> Report / Place:New Delhi, Agency:DNA / Monday – December 23rd, 2013

Tennis – Rohan Bopanna gets a close shave at the hands of Bollywood actress

December 25, 2013Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sportsadmin

Tennis – Bopanna talks about reuniting with Aisam-Ul-Huq Qureshi as well

Tennis – Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna got a close shave at the hands of Bollywood actress Chitrangada Singh. The event was part of the “Unshaven is Unbathed” movement launched by Gillette.

Meanwhile, speaking at the promo event, Bopanna talked about getting reunited with former partner and close friend Asiam-Ul-Huq Qureshi for the 2014 season on the ATP Tour.

“It is great for me to get reunited with Qureshi and I am really looking forward to continue (the partnership). It is (also) a very positive sign and we can do extremely well (in next season, beginning January).”

source: http://www.tennisworldusa.org / Tennis World / Home> Tennis Stories / by Prakash / December 18th, 2013

Kodagu’s first IPS lady officer joins IRS

December 23, 2013Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leadersadmin

Preeth Ganapathy is seen breaking the pot with a Karate chop.

by P.T. Bopanna

Kodagu, Dec. 23- Preeth Ganapathy, the first woman IPS officer from Kodagu, who successfully completed her training at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad, has resigned from the IPS and opted to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

According to family sources, Preeth decided to opt for the IRS as this would enable her to work in Karnataka and stay close to her family. Preeth had to work in northern India, if she had continued in the IPS because she was allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre.

Following her decision to join the IRS, Preeth will have to undergo one more year of training at Nagpur. Preeth had secured the first rank in Computer Science and engineering examination conducted by the Vishveshvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka.

Preeth completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science at R.V College of Engineering in the year 2008.

Preeth is the daughter of Mookonda K Ganapathy and Gowri Ganapathy who hail from Bilugunda Village of Ammathi in Kodagu.

M.K. Ganapathy had retired as a Superintendent of Police in Bangalore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / December 23rd, 2013

Tributes paid to war hero Devayya

December 23, 2013Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, Alladmin

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and others offering floral tributes to the portrait of Ajjamada Devayya at the Circle named after him in Madikeri on Saturday.

Rich tributes were paid to late Squadron Leader Ajjamada B. Devayya, a Kodava hero who showed exemplary courage to shoot down a Pakistani Supersonic F104 aircraft in the 1965 war under adverse conditions, at the Circle named after him at the private bus stand in Madikeri on Saturday. Sq. Ldr. Devayya carried out the attack on this day in 1965 to lay down his life for the nation.

Garland

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, Ajjamada family members, officials, and guests garlanded the portrait of Devayya in the morning to remember the heroics of the war veteran with Mr. Bopaiah promising to find a suitable location to set up a statue in the city in honour of Devayya for upholding military traditions of Kodagu.

Sq. Ldr. Devayya was born on 24 Dec 1932. He was the only one among the members of the strike force who sacrificed his life for the nation after carrying out the task of attacking the Sargodha airfield in Pakistan on September 7, 1965.

This was revealed in a book written by English journalist John Fricker, after he was party to the description of an episode by the then Flight Lieutenant, Amjad Hussain, of Pakistan.

The private bus-stand circle in Madikeri was named after the war hero on September 7, 2009.

Sq. Ldr. Devayya was conferred with the Maha Vir Chakra for his illustrious service to the nation posthumously which was received by his wife Sundari from the President of India.

Delay

Though the State government sanctioned Rs. 5 lakh for setting up a statue of Devayya, the project was being delayed over a court order, he said. Efforts were on to talk to Bal Bhavan authorities to secure land to set up the statue of Devayya, he said. Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari, Ajjamada family members Karumbaiah, Katti Mandaiah, ex-servicemen, officials of Department of Sainik and Resettlement Board, Madikeri, were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Madikeri – September 08th, 2013

Campaigning intensifies in Madikeri

December 22, 2013Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leadersadmin

Ninety three candidates who are in fray for 23 wards of the CMC are busy campaigning. All are seen wooing the voters in every ward.

As soon as the list of candidates were announced, Congress, BJP and JD(S) have started their campaign. Those aspirants who failed to get the tickets are contesting as rebel candidates.

Majority of the candidates had visited houses to campaign on Saturday and Sunday. With 50 per cent reservation for women, out of 23 wards, 12 wards are reserved for women. As many as 46 women candidates are in fray.

The total population of Madikeri CMC limits is 33,281, of which 24,325 are voters. This includes 11,934 male and 12,391 female voters. The polling will be held on December 22.

With the model poll conduct in force, a control room has been opened in the election officer’s office, to deal with violation of model code of conduct. Anyone found violating the model code of conduct can dial 08272-229228 for filing complaints. The control room will function round the clock.

Candidates in fray

Ward 1—Igguda Shivakumari (BJP), M Divya Nanjappa (Congress), P M Shailaja (JD(S), A Keerthi (independent), P U Gangappa (independent). Ward 2—N Anotha Poovaiah (BJP), K B Kavitha Kaveramma (Congress), K Yogitha Niranjan (JD(S), Flora Crasta (SPDI). Ward 3—D R Geethanjali (JD(S), B R Savitha (BJP), Sunitha Sampath Kannanda (Congress), Haseena Nooruddin (SDPI), T S Sridevi (independent). Ward4— N P Ameena (JD(S), B S Shubha (BJP), Suraba Abrar (Congress), Neema Adarsh (SDPI), Prameela (independent). Ward 5—Mahesh Jaini (BJP), Mathew K Epan (Cong), B Rajesh Yalla (JD(S), M Krishnaraju (SP), K G Peter (SDPI). Ward 6—P Kalavathi (BJP), Tujusam (Con), Salma M B (JD(S), Nafeesa (SDPI). Ward 7—H R Parvathi (JD(S), H N Sharada (BJP), Sheshamma (JD(S). Ward 8—K M Ganesh (Cong), H Manjunath (JD(S), Monthi Ganesh (BJP), M A Fajalulla (SDPI), K T Baby Mathew (independent), B Harish ( independent). Ward 9— M K Lakshmi (BJP), K A Swarnalatha (Cong). Ward 10—A S Prakash (Cong), Muneer Ahammed (JD(S), Subramani Umesh (BJP), A Khaleel (independent). Ward 11—Prathibha Arun Shetty (BJP), Yaladalu Bhavani Kenchappa (JD(S), Shrimathi Bangera (Cong), Bharathi Ramesh (independent). Ward 12—Chandravathi (BJP), B S Jaya (JD(S), Julekabi (Cong). Ward 13—C G hangappa (Con), P D Ponnappa (BJP), O N Babu (independent), G M Sathish Pai (independent). Ward 14—L Gopalakrishna (Cong), T S Prasad (BJP), K K Yashwanth Kumar (JD(S). Ward 15—H M Nandakumar (Cong), H R Ravi (JD (S), H B Vijayakumar (BJP), H A Ravikumar (independent), S R Shashikiran (independent), S C Sathish (independent).Ward 16—Kaveramma Somanna (Cong), Pattada Saritha Vinod Machaiah (JD(S), Minaj Praveen (BJP), K D Vimala (independent). Ward 17— B D Pushpaveni (BJP), V R Radhika (JD(S), Veenakshi K (Cong). Ward 18— P T Unnikrishnan (BJP), Umesh (JD(S), Naveen Kushalappa M (Cong), R Ramu, Imanuel( independent). Ward 19—K U Ashraf (JD(S), K S Ramesh (BJP), M V Likhesh (Cong), P G Manjunath (independent). Ward 20—Anitha Raj (Cong), N Kannika (BJP), Sangeetha Prasanna (JD(S). Ward 21— N S Dinesh Kumar (JD(S), A C Devaiah (Cong), Dharmapala (BJP). Ward 22—T M Ayyappa (Cong), Sayyed Yusuf (BJP), P M Salaiman (JD(S), Ameen Mohinis (SDPI), M A Muneer Machar (independent), K M Chethan (independent). Ward 23— Abdul Razak (Cong), B S Prashanth Kumar (BJP), M H Basheer Ahammed (JD(S), K Jameer (SDPI), H P Harish (independent).

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, December 15th, 2013

Wadiyar never wanted to be a fashion designer: Prasad Bidapa

December 22, 2013Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independenceadmin

I first met His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar just before his 50th birthday (10 years ago) when he involved me in a special project that he was passionate about. He was keen on reviving the silk industry of Karnataka. His intention, however, was never to become a fashion designer. He was a heritage textile revivalist and that was the only thing what he was trying to do. At that point, he was disturbed with the fact that Karnataka, which has been known for its silk yarn for generations, was losing its lustre in terms of quality as well as interest. He wanted to ensure the continuity of the grandeur of the yarn, and that is when he came up with his first collection of designer saris that we helped showcase at the Mysore Palace on his 50th birthday. His deep knowledge of culture and heritage brought in an interesting mix of tradition and modern design.

I still remember that beautiful collection in which he included the motif of the iconic Gandaberunda as part of his design. It was the first element of his weaves. Over the years of my association with His Highness, I believe it was his wife Pramoda Devi who was his muse in many ways. He held her opinions on all matters extremely high, and he was almost excited about seeking her opinion — especially about his designs.

His Highness had this kindness about him that one would assume was not even expected of a Maharaja. He had this emotional connect with the people he met — including the staff of the Palace, which is truly inspiring. He was such a learned man and his knowledge on music and textile was impeccable. Our meetings would usually take place at his study, where he would be seated on the ground as opposed to his plush cushioned chairs. His doctors had advised him to do so. He was always surrounded by music CDs, books and art. He kept himself updated on all current affairs and would, in fact, read 10 different newspapers from cover to cover every day. He was well informed on just about everything — from politics and sports to the art forms.

I would say he was also extremely health-conscious right through the years I knew him. There was this time when we had travelled to Ooty for the shoot of his catalogue. We had around 20 models with us, and we had to walk up a hill. The first person to reach the top was the Maharaja, and he had jokingly commented, ‘Your models can’t keep up with me’. He had a fabulous sense of humour and would often have us all in splits. I can still hear his rumbling laugh as he saw and helped us see the funny side of just about everything. Even at his palace, he was often seen walking briskly in his gardens. He was always conscious about what he ate, his kitchen staff would prepare his meals in portions with great care, taking into account his health requirements.

I met him less than a month ago for the last time at David Hill. I was urging him to drop by at one of our shows as he had become so busy with all his other commitments, including the recently concluded Dasara festivities in Mysore. He had said, ‘Just give me a call on the day of the show, if I am up to it, I will definitely drop by’. It is hard to imagine that we have lost one of the warmest icons of Karnataka’s history. It is a huge loss for the people of Mysore, Bangalore as well as the rest of the State. I will always remember him with lots and lots of affection.

The Maharaja’s Rajkumar connect

The late scion of the Mysore dynasty, Srikantadatta Wadiyar, had a filmi connection and that too, with the first family of Kannada cinema — the Rajkumars. The Maharaja has graced the muhurats of three of Shivarajkumar’s films — Santa, Mylari and Shiva — and even sounded the clap board on each of these occasions.

According to a source, Wadiyar shared a good bond with the Rajkumar family and spoke often about the late actor and his films. He also liked Shivarajkumar and so, when he was invited to do the honours of sounding the clap board for Shivanna’s films, he readily agreed. Apparently, it was producer KP Srikanth who got the Maharaja to join the muhurats each time.

Shivarajkumar, who was deeply saddened by the Maharaja’s demise on Tuesday, told us that he held great respect for the royal family. “The Maharaja used to talk a lot about cinema and cricket during our casual discussions. We would even watch cricket matches together at the Chinnaswamy stadium,” says the actor.
— Contributed by Mahesh H

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada> Mysore Palace / by Kavya Christopher, TNN / December 12th, 2013

Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa duo keen to make the most of it

December 21, 2013Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sportsadmin

When it comes to doubles in Indian badminton, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa are expected to rule the roost. The pair reunited after the Indian Badminton League (IBL) and will grace the Cricket Club of India courts for the Tata Open India International Challenge on Thursday.

The only worry for Ponnappa is that they did not get enough tournaments together. “Though I am very excited to play with Jwala, we have not had enough matches to practice. We only played a couple of games (Bitburger Open, Germany),” she said. “Tata Open will provide us that opportunity. We will know where we stand and what needs to be worked on.”

The 24-year-old Ponnappa praised Gutta for the way she handled herself during the recent tough times. “Out of the two games we played after getting back, one was before what Jwala went through. But she’s a strong girl,” she said. One positive aspect was their co-ordination during the Bitburg Open. “We were actually surprised. Even without practice, we could judge our movements.We realised that the fire was still there. It felt good,” said Ponnappa.

Coach John doubts Gutta’s commitment
Coach Tom John believed that both Gutta and his ward Ponnappa need to realise that they have to get back to the top 15-20 in the world. He also questioned Gutta’s commitment. “Jwala’s commitment is an issue. She has many other talents she might want to pursue – music and films. She has to decide as you cannot do all other things and also play badminton. If Jwala is serious and gets professional training, nobody can stop her. You have to be fit and move around the court,” he said.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Sport> Report / by Wriddhaayan Bhattacharya / Place:Mumbai, Agency:DNA / Thursday – December 12th, 2013

Tennis player Rohan Bopanna and wife Supriya celebrate their Platinum Day

December 21, 2013Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sportsadmin

Bangalore:

India’s ace Tennis player Rohan Bopanna and wife Supriya Bopanna today celebrated their Platinum Day of Love and unveiled the season’s Platinum Love Bands – Endless Love range by C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons.
Rohan Bopanna said, “I think for me it was love at first sight, from the day we met every moment spent with Supriya, is for me, a moment I cherish.”

Supriya Bopanna says, “Today, pledging our love on this platform takes me back to the day Rohan swept me off my feet and proposed to me. Exchanging these beautiful platinum emblems of eternal love, reinstates my faith that our relationship will grow from strength to strength and like these elegant and classic love bands will last forever.”

source: http://www.frontierindia.net/ Frontier India / Home> India> Entertainment> Fashion / by (FINN) Frontier India News Network / December 11th, 2013

Students can watch B3 for free

December 21, 2013Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorgadmin

The makers of the Kannada film B3 have announced a novel scheme for students. The first 50 students who come to watch the film at Nartaki theatre between Monday and Thursday will get free entry. Other students who produce their ID cards will get up to 50% off on their tickets.

Actress Harshika Poonacha, who stars in the film that also features Srikanth, is promoting this scheme in a big way by sending messages to all her contacts. In the message, she also claims that the film has crossed the collection of most top stars, which makes one wonder this is free offer is a celebration of sorts.

Harshika’s message also says, “Along with this, each one will get an assured surprise gift from the B3 team. Inform all your friends and just hit the theatres right now. We aren’t responsible if you get caught bunking classes.”

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Film / by Anjali Muthanna, TNN / December 11th, 2013

Chikka beats Rashid to win his maiden title

December 18, 2013Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sportsadmin

Mumbai:

Rookie Chikkarangappa S of Bangalore upstaged pre-tournament favourite Rashid Khan of Delhi in a playoff to bag his maiden professional title at the CG Open 2013 played at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club in Mumbai.

It turned out to be a day of twists and turns. Rashid Khan (64-64-66-70) maintained his overnight three-shot lead till the eighth hole as both he and Chikkarangappa (64-65-68-67) made two birdies and a bogey each on the first eight holes. The tide turned over the next five holes. Rashid dropped bogeys on the ninth, 10th and 13th as a result of a few missed putts and a poor tee shot while Chikka sank a 17-feet birdie putt on the 12th. Chikka thus went ahead by one shot on the 13th.

Chikka stayed ahead by one till the 17th after both he and Rashid made birdies on the 16th. Rashid however, came back in the contest with a birdie on the 18th thanks to a near-perfect third shot from the fairway that landed within a foot of the flag. Chikka on the other hand, missed an up and down for birdie from the bunker wall on the 18th. The two golfers, who have grown up playing against each other on the junior and amateur circuits, headed for a playoff after ending the regulation 72 holes with matching totals of 16-under-264.

The 20-year-old Chikka, who hails from the Eagleton Golf Resort near Bangalore, sealed the deal on the first playoff hole against 22-year-old Rashid, who lost a playoff at the CG Open for the second year in succession. Chikka found the rough and then the bunker during the playoff but recovered well with a 12-feet birdie putt conversion. Rashid on his part missed the birdie after a poor bunker shot.

Chikka’s winning cheque of Rs. 16,16,500 propelled him from fifth place to second position on the Rolex Rankings. Rashid Khan continues to lead the Rolex Rankings with an impressive margin of about Rs. 11 lakh.

Chikka said, “It feels great to win my first title in my first season as a professional. I’ve been in contention in at least six events this season but somehow could not deliver in the final stages. I drew a lot of experience from those tournaments and that helped me break the all-important victory barrier today.

“I performed really well with the 3-wood and the putter this week. I made a lot of fairways and dropped just five bogeys in the whole tournament. I stayed in touch with Rashid in the initial stages and capitalized with some long putts when he faltered midway through the round. The turning point was the crucial 13-feet downhill par putt that I converted on the 15th. That kept me ahead and gave me momentum. I was confident heading into the playoff despite missing an up and down from the bunker wall on the 18th.

“This win will give me a huge boost for the rest of the season. I dedicate my victory to the Late Mr. M Ashok Kumar, the former Chairman and Managing Director of Eagleton – The Golf Resort, who passed away earlier this year. He was like a father figure to me and encouraged and supported me for many years,” added Chikka.
Bangladeshi Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (67-68-66-69) secured third place at 10-under-270 after shooting a 69 in the final round.

Delhi’s Vinod Kumar was a further shot behind in fourth place while K Prabagaran of Sri Lanka claimed fifth place at seven-under-273.

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