Once, it was my dream to earn medals and show who I was. Now, I have a small community of runners with whom I believe that my dream becomes theirs too. That they believe that they can run! And they are doing it!”
In my 8th grade, I looked insane running around the school when everyone else had gone home or were studying in classrooms.
Born to a family who insisted I take up academics and forget sports, I had decided that I will be a sportsperson. I probed deeper into the aspect of “why”my dad as an Indian Hockey player himself did not support me to pursue sports.
Then I realized it wasn’t easy. My dad was given no choice. His only road to Olympics being cut very easily by the Board member who decided to give the chance to another person to become an Olympian all because they were family members!
I remember hiding all my 200+ medals in a trunk in my room upstairs and lying to my relatives that I did not take up sports at all!
The back story of this this being: There was to be a cross country race for districts that I decided I would participate in. I practiced in the early mornings despite the fact that animals lurked in the forest where my house was located at the time in Coorg, Karnataka. Unbelievably, my practice paid off, I won the race.
I got selected for coaching camp for the state meet and I won individuals for Karnataka, being the first for my school. For the first time, Team Karnataka won a bronze in womens 4*100m relay nationals’ that I was a part of. It was a moment of pride indeed!
Due to an ardent stress to pursue my education and forget sport, I was put in a college with no athletic tracks. I remember being told, “sports is not for the girls, only the boys”. I took the opportunity to start a college athletics team & called ourselves “No playground athletes” and ran about in football court, sometimes working out on the basketball bleachers and sometimes even in the throw ball court! Some of us got selected for All India Athletics meet and running besides legends like Tintu Luka etc was a fortunate one.
Besides this, seeing a few good players in Handball, Hockey and despite having no proper grounds, courts to play, a team was formed for both sports and we went on to become university winners.
When my dad showed his Men’s Hockey cup for zonal level under his captaincy in a university, I took a vow to get a women’s cup as well to sit right next to his in the college library.
And it all paid off! Now our university officially has a hockey, handball and athletics team. I suffered from the drawbacks of a ligament tear for a year but that did not stop me from realising my dreams to pursue my sport passionately!
Very soon recovering from a ligament tear, being 3rd in TCS 10k for Decathlon, this is a start and Decathlon Sports India has given me an opportunity to make a strong running community in Koramangala, Bangalore!
Once, it was a dream to earn the medals and show who I was. Now, I have a small community of runners with whom I believe that my dream becomes theirs too. That they believe that they can run! And they are doing it!”
source: http://www.blog.decathlon.in / Decathlon Blog / Home> Browse Topics / by Shrividya Somanna / March 02nd, 2021
Kaverappa made his debut for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 last year.
Vidwath Kaverappa | via Twitter
He might be a novice on the Indian domestic cricket circuit, but Vidwath Kaverappa is already making heads turn. The 24-year-old right-arm pacer was adjudged player of the match – he took seven wickets in the first innings – in South Zone’s win against West Zone in the final of the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy. His wickets in the final included India internationals Cheteshwar Pujara and Suryakumar Yadav. He was also named player of the series, for his 15 wickets.
Kaverappa made his debut for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 last year, and got his first wicket in the match against Puducherry. He followed it up with three wickets against Uttar Pradesh. In the Maharaja Trophy T20 (formerly called Karnataka Premier League), his team Gulbarga Mystics emerged as champions, with Kaverappa taking 17 wickets.
The defining moment, though, came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2022, where he came second on the bowling charts, with 18 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.36. He continued his good form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (17 wickets) and the Ranji Trophy 2022-23, where he took 30 wickets in eight matches.
He was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 20 lakh in the IPL auction.
Early years
Kaverappa hails from a humble family in Coorg, Karnataka. He loved basketball and football as a child. But, it was in handball he represented Karnataka. Cricket came into his life at 10, and he decided to pursue it professionally after high school. Bangalore presented him with the necessary exposure and opportunities. He started out as an all-rounder and played for clubs like BEL Sports Club and South End Sports Club, under the guidance of Samuel J. Muthu. However, it was his bowling that caught the eye of the selectors, thus earning him a spot in the Under-19 and Under-23 Karnataka teams.
With a smooth run-up and a quick release, Kaverappa has been able to extract swing and bounce in equal measure. It has stood him in good stead in the ongoing Deodhar Trophy, too, having taken nine wickets so far – the top wicket-taker – for South Zone.
The lanky pacer understands that it’s still early days. “I am learning from every game. Since it’s the beginning of my career, I should learn as much as possible to take my state or any other team to a higher level.”
source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> News> Sport / by Uma S. / August 01st, 2023
The uniqueness of the Kodava community has garnered appreciation globally, even as the films aim at preserving its culture.
Director Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa
Madikeri :
Kodagu is beautiful and bountiful. The district is blessed with nature and culture, preserved and honoured by its people for generations. In recent times, cinema has taken the centre stage to bring the life and times of Kodavas on screen. Despite a dearth of cinema halls or multiplexes in Kodagu, Kodava cinema is evolving with 29 films made in the regional language till now. Parallel to the big screen and censor-certified films, youngsters are also venturing into short filmmaking in the Kodava language, highlighting the culture, attire and traditions of the community.
It was in 1972 that the first Kodava film – Nada Mann Nada Kool (My Land, My Food) – was released, marking the inception of a new era in regional cinema. “Mandara Poo, Naa Bynda Poo, Ponn Ra Manas… several such films came later and Kodava cinema grew in tandem with the Tulu film industry. But it was always non-Kodavas who directed Kodava films during the initial years,” explains V Nanaiah, former president of the Virajpet Kodava Samaj, who has acted in over 10 Kodava films.
While Kodava cinema goes back five decades, it was only a decade ago that its films began to be directed by those from the community. “Filmmakers of Kodava movies in the early 70s were not locals. This was evident in a majority of early cinema as the Kodava language was not used in its original form,” recalls Nanaiah. While most actors were Kodavas, the direction still lacked the real touch.
Nevertheless, Kodava cinema evolved post-2015. The ninth Kodava film – Talang Neer (also directed by a non-Kodava director, Gopi Peenya) became a revolutionary flick. It highlighted the existential crisis of the community and the language was used in its true form. “Our cinema evolved with technology. Until 2015, Kodava movies never recorded much commercial success. Talang Neer was the first film shown to the public. It was a super hit as the director trusted the actors and gave them the freedom to write dialogues in the Kodava dialect. The movie also won a state award,” he adds. From here on, Kodava cinema gained prominence, and Kodava Samajas became hubs that promoted regional cinema by screening these movies. Cinema also began to archive the culture, tradition, practices, attire and food of the community.
“In all, 29 Kodava films have been made so far, among which three have not applied for censor certificates. There was a lot of internal politics behind the making of regional movies earlier. However, all that has changed and new movies in the Kodava language are made every year, despite challenges,” opines Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa, who has directed over five Kodava films. An ex-armyman with a passion for cinema and acting, he takes pride in promoting Kodava cinema at international film festivals.
Baake Mane, directed by Prakash, is among the first Kodava films to be screened at the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), even as Naada Peda Asha, a film based on writer Nagesh Kalur’s novel, won 72 awards in various festivals.
“Our films are receiving an overwhelming response in festivals. However, the industry lacks support and encouragement in Kodagu,” he opines. While a few films have recorded good public shows across Kodagu, fewer locals watch them. “During the screening of Naada Peda Asha at BIFFes, a Japanese viewer met the filmmaker and congratulated him for the cinematography and storyline. However, locals who speak the language hesitate to watch these films. Apart from making a Kodava film, creators also have to put in their efforts to exhibit their works,” says Nanaiah.
But that has not stopped artists from creating Kodava films. The uniqueness of the Kodava community has garnered appreciation globally, even as the films aim at preserving its culture. The subsidies extended to the Kodava regional cinema have made it possible for filmmakers and actors to keep doing better, as Prakash says, “Kodava films portray the culture of the Kodava community and help preserve its language. The community’s tryst with the Army, its unique attire, rituals, etc… I want to present them to the world. We receive subsidies and even funds through film festivals, which are invested into making new films. While we feel encouraged if people watch our films, I look forward to creating new films every year.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR , Express News Service / September 24th, 2023
CB Poovanna has excelled as a midfielder in the junior setup
CB Poovanna, a debutant in the victorious outfit that created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, is now eager to help his team defend the title in Malaysia.
Passionate, eloquent, and analytical with a mature head on young shoulders, the 21-year-old from Kodagu feels blessed to have practised alongside Coorg-based veterans like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa during his formative years.
Over the course of an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, the young midfielder traces his hockey journey back to the time when he dreamt of making it to the family team in Coorg while also looking back at the Johor Bahru win last year.
“In our Kodava community, hockey is a sport that runs in our blood. Everybody in our community plays hockey. My dad and brother used to play hockey. Having observed them on the pitch, I too wanted to play the game,” Chandura Boby Poovanna stated.
I started holding a hockey stick when I was in third grade. My first dream was to play for the family team. Within the family, there were a lot of hockey players. As a small kid, it isn’t possible for make it to the family team as there a lot of elder players,” he explained.
Being granted admission to track and field athlete Ashwini Nachappa’s KALS (Karaumbiah’s Academy for Learning and Sports) was a game changer for the young hockey aspirant who got to rub shoulders with the best in the business.
“When I was in the fifth grade, I was first allowed to wear the family jersey. I kept playing hockey for the sheer love of the game until there was a selection that happened at KALS,” CB Poovanna stated.
“My mum took me there for the selection. It was a three-day selection process and I was taken into the school on the basis of my performance there. There was a bond according to which I had to play for the school for three years after which I would be sent to SAI (Sports Authority of India),” he revealed.
The rise was evident as CB Poovanna earned a spot in the Hockey Bangalore team after having been selected by SAI but decided to train harder after failing to make the next grade.
An eventual place in the Hockey Karnataka squad led to Poovanna realising his dream after being selected in the team headed to Johor Bahru.
@Uthappask
“I started training harder and hit the gym on rest days after failing to progress from a core group of 60 players which was trimmed down to 30. COVID interrupted my progress for a bit before which I played for Hockey Karnataka,” he said while pausing to recall the precise details.
“Four players were finally selected from a group of 30 ahead of the Sultan of Johor Cup last year. I had realised a part of my dream,” CB Poovanna declared.
“At SAI, we played against an ex-India XI which boasted names like SV Sunil” – CB Poovanna describes the Coorg pedigree
Some of India’s best hockey talent has been nurtured in Coorg which boasts of having produced a host of legendary names. Unsurprisingly, Poovanna describes with an unmistakable sense of pride what it meant for him to have rubbed shoulders with the former India internationals.
“At the SAI campus, we used to play matches against an ex-India XI which boasted of players like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa. You also had other greats from Coorg like SK Uthappa, VR Raghunath, Nikkin Thimmaiah, and Nithin Thimmaiah,” he stated reeling off the names effortlessly.
“I consider myself lucky to have played over three years of hockey with them. Aside from playing matches alongside them, we also used to ask them a lot of game-based questions about tactics,” Poovanna said.
The Karnataka player also recalled fellow midfielder and “exceptional” Bangalore boy Mohammed Raheel coming over to Coorg while still in school to play a tournament there. Raheel donned India colours under the tutelage of Graham Reid last year.
“I first met Raheel when I was in the sixth or seventh grade. My family had once called Raheel and a few other players to come over to play our family tournament in Coorg,” said CB Poovanna shedding light on the memories.
“Raheel was exceptional back then as well. He had great speed even on a gravel ground. He was an idol for me also because he plays as a midfielder,” the youngster added.
“CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach” – CB Poovanna
CB Poovanna was all praise for coach CR Kumar
Several Indian players in the men’s and women’s camp have been tutored by veteran hockey coach CR Kumar who is now in charge of the junior boys. CB Poovanna was all praise for the committed coach who helped shape his career.
“CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach. He is committed and totally into the sport,” said Raheel with an air of reverence. “He has shaped me from being who I was to who I am right now.”
Headed to Johor Bahru to defend India’s title at the 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup, CB Poovanna cannot help reminiscing about the glory of his debut international tournament victory.
“The 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup was my first international tournament. It was a really new experience, wearing the India jersey for the first time,” he stated.
A scintillating 5-5 draw against Great Britain witnessed Poovanna scoring a 7th-minute equalizer after the opposition had taken the lead in the opening minute of play.
@TheHockeyIndia
“It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us” – CB Poovanna turns the clock back in the big final against Australia
Six goals were scored in a frantic final quarter with the Indian boys finding the back of the net four times before taking on Australia in the big final.
“The match against Great Britain was pretty intense with one side taking the lead and the other cancelling it out,” recalled Poovanna. “Scoring the equalising goal helped motivate the rest of the team and that is when we all started pepping each other up.”
CB Poovanna opined that Australia’s equalising goal against India wasn’t legitimate but goes on to describe the pulsating shootout during which the Indians achieved victory.
“The pressure and intensity of the final is different. We scored the opening goal and Australia equalised but the goal wasn’t legitimate. There was actually a foul which happened in their circle which led to a goal in our circle. At the junior level, we do not have video referrals and hence were unable to challenge the goal,” he said.
“Both teams pressured each other for the ball and finally it led to the shootout which was going one way and then the next. Finally Mohit Shashikumar (the goalkeeper) made a great save after which we scored and won the tournament. It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us,” CB Poovanna affirmed.
The 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup begins on October 27 with the Indians facing Pakistan in their Pool B opener. Malaysia and New Zealand are also in Pool B while Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and South Africa find themselves in Pool A.
Will defending the title add to the pressure for captain Uttam Singh and co.?
“Not in the least,” shoots back CB Poovanna unhesitatingly. “The pressure will be on the opposition, for us being defending champions is a big motivation.
The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on November 4 at Johor Bahru.
source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / Sports Keeda / Home> Field Hockey / by Subhashish Majumdar / October 23rd, 2023
Mathanda Monnappa, the former President of Akhila Kodava Samaja, breathed his last at the age of 76 yesterday afternoon at his son’s residence in Bengaluru.
He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters and a multitude of relatives and friends. His mortal remains were placed for public viewing at his residence in Kedamullur Tora in Virajpet taluk until 12 noon today. Subsequently, the last rites were scheduled to be conducted at the family’s burial grounds in Bollumadu later in the afternoon, as per family sources.
Monnappa, a native of Bollumadu village, was born in 1948 to Mathanda C. Chengappa and Lilli Chengappa of Kedamullur Tora village. He was a stalwart and a visionary who founded the Akhila Kodava Samaja in 1973, and diligently served as its President for nearly half a century until he voluntarily relinquished the post in 2022.
His dedication to the Kodava community was further evident through the establishment of the Akhila Kodava Samaja Pommakkada Parishat and Akhila Kodava Samaja Youth Wing. He actively championed the cause of Kodagu and the Kodava community.
Moreover, his illustrious contributions extended to serving as the President of the Talacauvery Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti and Talacauvery Jeernoddhara Samiti. His philanthropic spirit shone through his brainchild, the annasantarpana (mass feeding) held on Tula Sankramana Day annually.
His multifaceted involvement also extended to various other organisations, including his role as the President of Beppanad Kodava Samaja. He held the position of a member of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, was the Honorary President of Kodava Samaja Okkoota and served as the Founder Director of CIT (Coorg Institute of Technology), Ponnampet.
Monnappa was an active participant in the movements concerning Jamma Baane and Kodava gun licence issues. Due to declining health, Monnappa had been residing at his son’s residence in Bengaluru for the past few years, where he breathed his last on Saturday.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 22nd, 2023
Former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa will be among the players to be part of the draft for the highly anticipated Legends League Cricket (LLC), which is scheduled to be played across five cities in India from November 18 to December 9.
The LLC Players Draft will feature over 200 players from across 12 countries and will take place at the Qutub Minar, with franchisee representatives along with marquee players and coaches attending the event virtually.
The Legends League Cricket Players Draft promises to be a grand affair which will be a unique fusion of culture and sports held at an iconic location, featuring a multitude of cricketing stars.
Players in the LLC 2023 Players Draft
Apart from Raina and Uthappa, some of the recently retired players such as New Zealand batter Martin Guptill, Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh from Australia, will be a part of Legends League Cricket for the first time.
Cricketing legends from across the world – Ravi Bopara, Kevin Pietersen, Nuwan Kulasekara, Morne Morkel, Xavier Doherty, and Dirk Nannes will also be participating in the draft.
Finch, Raina, Uthappa, Hashim Amla, Praveen Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, Upul Tharanga, Abdur Razzak, and Lendl Simmons who have played LLC Masters Season 2 in Doha are all aligned to participate in the draft.
Legends such as Brett Lee, Ross Taylor, S. Sreesanth, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Daniel Vettori, Farveez Maharoof, William Porterfield, and Liam Plunkett, who were a part of the previous season will also be a part of the pool for the upcoming season.
Retained players list before LLC 2023 Players Draft
The defending champions, India Capitals, have retained their captain Gautam Gambhir and the highest wicket taker of last season Pravin Tambe along with Ashley Nurse to solidify their squad.
The Runners-up of the previous season, Bhilwara Kings, have retained their captain, Irfan Pathan along with their star players Yusuf Pathan and Shane Watson, while the Manipal Tigers have retained Harbhajan Singh, their captain along with Mohammad Kaif and Corey Anderson.
Gujarat Giants have announced their retentions – Universe Boss Chris Gayle, Parthiv Patel and Kevin O’Brien. With the league expanding and two new franchisees joining, they will announce their pre-signings prior to the draft.
Which are the venues for the upcoming LLC season?
A robust lineup of 19 thrilling matches will be played across Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat. It will be a cricketing journey that promises to be unforgettable.
source: http://www.mykhel.com / My Khel / Home> Cricket / by Press Release / by MyKhel Staff / October 17th, 2023
Mukkatira Kavery Muthanna, a resident of Mysuru, is currently serving as a member of the officiating team in the game of golf at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, which are taking place in Hangzhou, China.
She holds a role in the Technical Rules Official team, which consists of 24 referees from various countries. The official rounds are scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the West Lake Golf Course in Hangzhou, featuring 121 players.
Kavery Muthanna is well-qualified, having completed the Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) under the R&A. (R&A is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.)
She has actively officiated various amateur and women’s professional golf tournaments in India, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her experience also extends to her role as a Rules Official at the 36th National Games in 2022, held in Ahmedabad.
In addition to her involvement in golf and sports officiating, Kavery Muthanna is part of the Kavery Education Trust in Virajpet and serves as its Chairperson. She is married to Mukkatira Manju Muthanna and is the daughter of Guddanda Kanthy and Nanda Ganapathy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / September 28th, 2023
The Indian tennis players defeated Chinese Taipei’s Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo 2-6, 6-3, 10-4 in the final in Hangzhou.
(Hangzhou2022.cn)
Indian tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale won the gold medal in mixed doubles event at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China on Saturday.
The second-seeded Indian duo defeated ninth seeds Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo of Chinese Taipei 2-6, 6-3, 10-4 in the final at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre. The match lasted one hour and 14 minutes.
Rohan Bopanna began the match with a terrific service game. However, Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo won two breaks in a row and held their serve to go 5-1 up, and eventually seal the first set 6-2.
“It’s been a learning experience for both of us,” Bopanna said about his partnership with Rutuja. “We had to understand each other, what our strengths are and what our weaknesses are.
“Today after we lost the first set I said, ‘Let’s change sides to return. We need something to change the match.'” the veteran Indian explained.
The change worked. Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale fought back well in the second set and there was nothing separating both teams in the opening seven games. The Indian pair, however, levelled up with a decisive break in the eighth game and took the set 6-3 to induce a match tie break.
In the decider, Bopanna-Bhosale took early advantage and raced to a 6-1 lead in no time. There was some late resurgence from Tsung-hao Huang and Liang En-shuo, but it wasn’t enough. The Indian tennis players maintained the momentum and managed to take the tie break 10-4.
“I clearly had some nerves throughout the match, but not on the last point,” Bhosale said. “I was just thinking, ‘Give me my best serve right here,’ and I think I took my time to serve.”
Rutuja Bhosale won her maiden Asian Games medal while Rohan Bopanna added to his gold medal from Jakarta 2018. This was India’s second medal in tennis at the Asian Games 2023, following a silver in the men’s doubles event.
India have now won seven medals in the mixed doubles category – including three gold – at the Asian Games. Leander Paes-Sania Mirza at Doha 2006 and Saketh Myneni-Sania Mirza at Incheon 2014 are the other mixed doubles champions.
Overall, India have now won 10 gold medals at the continental meet in tennis .
source: http://www.olympics.com / Olympics.com / Home / by Anuraag Peesara / September 30th, 2023
Mandetira Nanayya Subramani (M.N. Subramani) passed away in Mysuru on Sept. 21, 2023, a day when day and night were equal. This coincidence seems significant, given Subramani’s unwavering dedication to the principles of equality and justice, a commitment few could match.
I first had the privilege of meeting Subramani shortly after my retirement in 1996. Our initial encounter was related to the newsletter he published, which provided updates to ex-servicemen on Ministry of Defence policies affecting their welfare and entitlements. It was during this time that I learned about his remarkable personal background and his service in the Armed Forces, which compelled me to write about his life and accomplishments in greater detail.
Born in Madikeri on Feb. 13, 1956, Subramani was the son of Gangavva and Lance Naik Mandetira Nanayya, a Second World War Veteran. He joined the Indian Air Force in 1974 as an Airman and eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant.
While serving, Subramani pursued his education through night college, earning degrees in B.Com, M.Com. and LLB from Delhi, Rajasthan and University of Mysore, respectively.
During his military service, Sgt. Subramani observed that many retired Armed Forces personnel struggled with post-retirement issues, including pension matters, medical treatment and other entitlements. Motivated by his own education, he resolved to assist ex-servicemen with these challenges
In 1989, after retiring from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Subramani settled in Mysuru. To supplement his modest pension as a Sergeant and support his young children, Sitara and Sooraj, he took on a job as a commerce lecturer in State Government PU Colleges. His wife, Shakunthala, also took up teaching in schools. After college hours, Subramani dedicated himself to addressing the problems faced by ex-servicemen and widows, often working late into the night. These issues primarily revolved around securing employment in civilian life and rectifying errors in their military records, which could later affect entitlements or inheritance rights.
Many ex-servicemen, especially those retiring as ‘Ex-Jawans,’ face these difficulties at a young age, typically between 32 and 38, when family responsibilities are at their peak. They often lack the knowledge and means to navigate bureaucratic processes, access official authorities, or even stay informed about policy changes that might affect their benefits. This lack of support can lead to severe hardships, especially for their widows. To provide more efficient assistance to ex-servicemen, Sgt. Subramani established the “VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust” on Aug. 15, 1990, dedicated to his father’s memory. The Trust operated on his pension and personal savings, occasionally supplemented by his devoted wife, Shakunthala.
Collaboration across India
Subramani collaborated closely with Armed Forces Record Offices across the country, tirelessly pursuing officers through various means, including registered letters, phone calls, emails, and, more recently, WhatsApp, to resolve veterans’ and widows’ cases. He even escalated matters to the Armed Forces Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Karnataka when necessary.
These are the real-life challenges that ex-servicemen and their widows face due to limited access to official channels, lack of awareness, and financial constraints. Sgt. Subramani bridged this vital gap.
Over three decades, he brought relief and support to hundreds of veterans and widows, including veteran officers and their widows and next-of-kin. Sgt. Subramani earned a reputation as the “go-to man” within the ex-servicemen community, and people turned to him whenever they encountered difficulties.
On a single call, he would rush to assist injured ex-servicemen, arranging immediate medical treatment and notifying military authorities, essential for financial coverage. In the event of an ex-serviceman’s passing, he facilitated last rites and provided guidance on the documentation required for family pensions.
Moreover, Sgt. M.N. Subramani took on policies affecting the welfare and benefits of ex-servicemen at both the Central and State Government levels, as well as with Armed Forces Headquarters. His efforts resulted in the rectification or amendment of several policies, bringing justice and benefits to ex-servicemen and widows.
Elevating status of veterans
Additionally, Sgt. Subramani initiated efforts to elevate the image and status of Armed Forces Veterans. He played a pivotal role in naming the Mysuru Department of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Office building as “Squadron Leader A.B. Devaya Bhawan” in memory of Indian Air Force martyr Sqn. Ldr. A.B. Devaya, MVC (Posthumous).
In October 2000, he took the initiative to propose an Armed Forces War Memorial in Mysuru by writing to the District Administration, ultimately securing a designated plot for it.
Today, 23 years later, his vision is becoming a reality, with substantial progress made. When completed, this memorial will honour the sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel who gave their lives in service to our nation, although Subramani will not be present to witness its consecration.
Sgt. Subramani also addressed the exclusion of Mysuru’s Armed Forces Veterans from Republic Day Parade organised by the civil administration. Thanks to his efforts, senior Armed Forces veterans are now officially invited to these events.
Deep concern for nature
In addition to his dedication to ex-servicemen, Sgt. Subramani demonstrated a deep concern for nature and the environment. In 2018, he funded the planting of approximately 2,000 tree saplings in Vijayanagar 3rd Stage. Even earlier, while teaching at Government PU College for Girls, Mysuru, he founded an Eco-Club that encouraged students to plant saplings in the college premises.
He also cultivated a half-acre of coffee plantation in the adjacent vacant land. His commitment to environmental causes was evident to those who knew him.
In recognition of his tireless social service spanning over three decades, Sgt. Subramani’s name was nominated for the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2022.
Throughout his work, his wife Shakunthala provided unwavering and compassionate support. Sgt. Subramani dedicated his time, attention, knowledge, abilities, and personal finances to help veterans and widows with issues related to succession, pension, entitlements and personal matters. He was an extraordinary problem-solver who demonstrated remarkable drive, focus, and tenacity, particularly when advocating for veterans.
It has been an honour to know Mandetira Nanayya Subramani, a proud son of Mysuru and a true benefactor of the ex-servicemen fraternity.
Aum Shanthi!
source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Maj.Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere / September 24th, 2023
Sandalwood actress Nidhi Subbaiah added glitz and glamour to ‘Manasayana- 2023’, a cultural festival organised by University of Mysore Vidyarthi Okkoota in Manasagangothri campus here recently.
The students of various Departments showcased their talents in cultural programmes, as the fellow students among the audience, went gaga, shaking their legs to the foot tapping music, soaking in joy in the evening filled with music.
Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Nidhi Subbaiah said “I am reminded of my college days, as I studied in Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) near the same campus. I was very lucky to pursue education in Mysuru.”
“Mysuru is the best city. Like you, I was also enjoying the cultural programmes during my student days. I am filled with energy upon seeing your love and affection. Watch my movies and support me,” said Nidhi Subbaiah.
Asking the audience whether they want to be regaled with a film dialogue, Nidhi recalled the famous lines “Nimmannella Uddara Maduvudu Bittu Nangen Bere Kelsa Ilva. Gand Maklu Sahavasa Hagalella Upavasa” from her runaway hit movie Pancharangi, to the applause of the gathering.
Managing Director of Neurozone – Brain and Spine Care Dr. H.V. Shushrutha Gowda said “University of Mysore is one of the prestigious Universities and the alumni have been serving as doctors and scientists, besides decorating many top positions. Even my father Dr. H. C. Vishnumurthy studied in the same Varsity and founded the Gopala Gowda Shanthaveri Memorial Hospital 45 years ago. Our hospital has been catering to patients from rural areas to provide health service on priority.”
Dr. Shushrutha said, “I was in USA for a few years, where I had my higher education and returned to the country. The Super Speciality services were not easily available for rural people then, which pained me. To address the gap, I conducted 40 free health check-up camps to provide health services at the doorsteps of the people and also gave free super speciality services to about 10,000 people.”
Gundlupet MLA H.M. Ganesh Prasad said “One should put efforts at the student level to gain knowledge and education.”
A music album titled ‘Vishwa-guru Anna Basavanna’ of Girish Bendaravadi was also released on the occasion.
Former Syndicate Member of UoM Kumar, leader Harish Moganna, programme organiser Abhishek Palegar and Kaviraj were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 29th, 2023
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