Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Now, General Thimayya Museum to showcase models of ships, submarine sent by Indian Navy

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While artillery and models from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force were present in large numbers, the museum had just a ship anchor to represent the Indian Navy.

The life-size model of a Navy ship being installed at the museum (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The General Thimayya Museum, which has become the pride of Kodagu, will soon have more exhibits installed – this time with support from the Indian Navy. Steps are being taken to install these models at the museum and they are likely to be unfurled to the world on December 13 by high-ranking officials from the Indian Navy.

The General Thimayya Museum in Madikeri was inaugurated by the President of India in February this year. The museum not only narrates the life story of General Thimayya, but is home to models of many types of artillery and military hardware from the Indian armed forces. While artillery and models from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force were present in large numbers, the museum had just a ship anchor to represent the Indian Navy. The General Thimayya and FMKM Cariappa Forum, who are the main hands behind raising the museum, were keen on availing artillery from the Indian Navy.

Incidentally, Rear Admiral Ichettira Uthaiah recently visited the General Thimayya Museum. He is the nephew of Col. (retired) KC Subbaiah who is the president of the General Thimayya and FMKM Cariappa Forum. “During the Rear Admiral’s visit, Col. Subbaiah asked Uthaiah to stand between an Army tank and MiG aircraft models installed outside the museum and wondered why a Navy ship was missing,” narrated Major (retired) Nanda Nanjappa, convener of the forum.

After Rear Admiral Uthaiah’s return to Delhi, he readied a life-size model of a new ship (whose name will be revealed during the inauguration) and has now delivered it to the museum. Along with the 24-feet-long and six-feet-wide life-size model of the ship, a model of a submarine, a model of INS Khukri (that took part in the 1971 operations) and a naval cannon have been sent by the Indian Navy to the museum. “Representatives from the Navy will be arriving and the artillery will be erected at the museum the way the Navy wants,” he explained.

Further, these are likely to be unfurled to the world on December 13 and Vice Admiral Biswajit Das Gupta who is the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command will take part in the inaugural ceremony alongside Rear Admiral Uthaiah and the forum members. “We are in talks with the Kodagu DC to give us the dates and final plans will be made after talks with Lt Gen (retired) PC Thimmayya,” confirmed Major (retired) Nanjappa.  

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Pragna G R, Express News Service / November 30th, 2021

General K.S. Thimayya’s Grandson Visits Sunny Side

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More memorabilia of the General to find place in the Museum

Madikeri:

‘Sunny Side’, General K.S. Thimayya’s house in Madikeri that has been converted into a Museum and a War Memorial, was dedicated to the nation in February this year by President Ram Nath Kovind. The place attracts a steady stream of visitors including tourists, Defence personnel and the local residents.

On Friday, the celebrated General’s grandson Kongetira Belliappa visited the Museum that is located on G.T. Road in Madikeri. Belliappa is the son of Thimayya’s daughter Mireille, who married Maj. Gen. Kongetira M. Chengappa.

General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 in the crucial years leading up to the conflict with China in 1962. Impressed with the way the Museum has been designed and maintained, Belliappa said that the place can be further improved with more memorabilia of the General.

Going around the Museum, he saw his grandfather’s photos and other artefacts. He recollected the service of General Thimayya who was known as the ‘Soldier’s General.’ “The family will strive to include more photos and items of relevance of the General and make it available to the public so that many more can get inspired to join the Armed Forces,” he told reporters after the visit.

Some of the photographs portrayed the legendary General’s brilliant strategies and daring that have set the standard for professional soldiering and leadership. Belliappa appreciated the collection of photographs, artefacts and other items related to the Indian Army at the Museum.

Before visiting the Museum, Belliappa met Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Dr. B.C. Satish and held a detailed discussion with him on how to improve the Museum. The DC assured that the District Administration would extend all help to make the Museum more accessible and to include more and more artefacts.

Deputy Director of Kannada and Culture Department K.T. Darshan, Manajooru Majunath, a relative of General Thimayya Kambiranda Nithin Ganapathy and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 28th, 2021

‘Accord tribal status to Kodavas’

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CNC president N U Nachappa speaks during the 31st Kodava National Day programme in Madikeri

The demands of Kodavas will get recognition only if the Kodava language is saved, said Hampi University professor Methi. 

He was speaking during the 31st Kodava National Day programme organised by Codava National Council (CNC) on Saturday. 

“As per the previous population census, Kodavas have been considered as a traditional tribal community. There is a need to work towards the Kodava language. Further work on the Kodava language will help in including the language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution. The Kodava language should be nurtured,’ he said. 

The influence of other languages including Kannada is seen in the Kodava language. The Kodava should come forward politically. There is a need to give priority to the study of Kodava art and literature, he added.

The genealogy study of Kodavas should be conducted effectively, he demanded.

Senior advocate Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa lauded the fight of the CNC in conserving Kodava culture and the community.

“The Kodavas should be accorded tribal status. The elected representatives should bring the demands of the Kodavas to the notice of the government,” he added. 

Budakattu Sangharsha Samiti president Lakkavalli Manjunath alleged that the genealogy study of Kodavas is not carried out effectively. The mistakes in the study should be brought to the notice of the concerned. 

CNC president N U Nachappa said, “The CNC has been protecting the land and culture of Kodavas. Ours is a justifiable demand. The culture and tradition of the land should be passed on to the future generations.” 

The CNC has urged the government to consider Kodavas as tribals and accord ST tag for the Kodavas under Schedule 340 and 342 of the Constitution, he said.

‘Autonomous Codava land’ should be announced. The Kodava language should be included in the eighth schedule of the Constitution and Kodava culture should be included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO, he added. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 27th, 2021

From Skanda Ashok to Swetha Changappa; Kannada celebs who have their roots in Coorg

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​Kannada celebs who have their roots in Coorg

Coorg, which is also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ or the ‘Coffee Land’. A lot of Kannada TV stars indeed have their roots back in the Coffee land. They might have settled in the urban city, but their love for their hometown is certainly immense. Here is a list of a few popular Kannada celebs who have their roots in Coorg.

02/13 – Swetha Changappa

Swetha is a highly popular actress who hails from Coorg. Swetha is undoubtedly the pride of her motherland when it comes to the achiever’s list.

03/13 – Skanda Ashok

Skanda indeed is one of the proud coffee planters from Kodagu. Skanda enjoys working in his estate whenever he is on a vacation. He is also a frequent visitor to his native.

04/13 – ​ Ashita Chandrappa

She might be a popular face of Kannada television but not many know that Ashita is also a proud Kodavati. Although she has been residing in Bengaluru for a long time now, Ashita’s connection with her native can never be ignored.

05/13 – ​Bharath Bopanna

This handsome hunk has his roots back in Coorg. Bharath might be a modern city lad, but he never fails to respect his culture and tradition.

06/13​ – Harshika Poonaccha

She is indeed a proud Kodavati. Besides being a popular actress, Harshika’s contribution to the people of Coorg during the time of natural calamities is worth a mention. The actress would indeed visit the affected areas to know their needs.

07/13​ – Bhuvan Ponnanna

Bhuvan is a proud Kodava and never hesitates to flaunt it. Bhuvan’s contribution to his hometown is immense. The actor, along with his bestie Harishika, helped the needy Kodavas when they were kept as refugees due to landslides and floods.

08/13​ – Gagan Chinappa

This Kodava has become a household name as Inspector Rajeev of Mangala Gowri Maduve. Having completed his education in his native, Gagan shifted to bengaluru only for the sake of his occupation.

09/13- Krishi Thapanda

Krishi is yet another popular actress from the coffee land. She is often seen sporting the Kodava drape saree. Krishi’s love for her culture is immense.

10/13 – Tarak Ponnappa

This highly talented actor also hails from the ‘Scotland of India’. Tarak even had a typical Kodava-style marriage recently.

11/13​ – Dev Devaiah

Dev has been born and brought up in Coorg. He also owns a coffee estate in Coorg and loves spending time there. That’s not all, Dev also loves involves himself in estate work.

12/13​ – Mr and Mrs Aiyappa

Actress Anu and former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Aiyappa are also from the land of coffee. The couple has their family residing in Coorg and often spends time with their cousins and other family members.

13/13​ – Rashmitha Changappa

As her name suggests, Rashmitha also hails from the Kodagu district. The actress often visits her native whenever there is no shoot scheduled. Rashmitha loves to spend time there.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India – E Times / Home> News> TV> News> Karnataka / timesofindia.com / November 25th, 2021

MLC candidates in Kodagu declare assets

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

Suja Kushalappa is the richest among the candidates who have filed nominations for Legislative Council elections in Kodagu.

Suja Kushalappa’s total assets add up to Rs 26.22 crore. His wife Parvathi has assets worth Rs 11.27 crore (including ancestral property). He has liabilities to the tune of Rs 4.77 crore and his wife has availed loans upto Rs 17.59 lakh.

Suja, his wife and children own a total of twenty vehicles, out of which a pick-up vehicle is registered in Suja’s name. He has 350 gm gold worth Rs 16.38 lakh. His wife has diamond jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh, 1,400 gm gold and 10 kg silver.

Suja possesses a revolver, a gun and two 0.22 rifles. Suja has failed in SSLC, as declared in the affidavit submitted by him during the filing of nominations for MLC elections.

Dr Mantar Gowda’s declaration in the affidavit states that his assets are worth Rs 94 lakh and his wife’s assets are worth Rs 2.95 crore. He has an Innova Ford car, 600 gm gold and 2 kg silver. Mantar’s wife Divya has 1,500 gm gold and 3 kg silver. He has a license to grow tobacco. His education qualification is MBBS, MD (Radiology).

Isac Khan has Rs 1 lakh and his wife Fauziya has Rs 3.57 lakh. They have no liabilities. He has studied upto PUC.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 23rd, 2021

AGM Of Sri Kavery Kodava Association

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The 20th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Sri Kavery Kodava Association – Mysore East will be held at the Association Office, CA No. 4, Vidyashankar Layout, Sathagalli, on Nov. 28 at 10 am.

Association President P.S. Devaiah will preside over the meeting.

For details, contact Ph: 0821-2952010, according to a press release from Association Honorary Secretary Kademada M. Belliappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / November 23rd, 2021

Keshava Kamath is president of Kodagu district KSP

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Supporters of Keshava Kamath rejoice outside the counting centre and greet the newly elected president.

M P Keshava Kamath will be the new president of Kodagu district Kannada Sahitya Parishat, after his victory in the elections held on Sunday.

He edged past his close electoral rival Lokesh Sagar, with a margin of 134 votes. Of the total votes, Kamath got 924 votes and Lokesh Sagar got 790 votes, while 12 votes got rejected.

Keshav Kamath received maximum votes in Madikeri, Virajpet and Ponnampet taluks, while Lokesh was leading in Somwarpet and Kushalnagar taluks.

Votes cast

A total of 1,726 votes were cast during the elections. In Somwarpet, 490 among 647 voters exercised their franchise, while 337 out of the total 424 votes were cast in Kushalnagar, 216 out of 303 people voted in Virajpet, 468 out of 766 votes were cast in Madikeri and 215 out of 280 voters exercised their franchise in Ponnampet.

Supporters of Keshava Kamath gathered outside the counting centre and rejoiced after results were declared and raised pro-Kannada slogans.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president T P Ramesh, Kodagu Patrika Bhavana managing trustee Manu Shenoy, writer Shamsuddin, literature enthusiasts Navin Kushalappa, Munir Ahmed, Baby Mathew and DSS leader Diwakar were present, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, the newly elected president of district Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Keshava Kamath, said that it is not his victory alone, but, the victory of all literature enthusiasts and members of Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

He also said that he will utilise the opportunity provided to him, to serve the Kannada language.

My first priority will be building Kannada Bhavana in the district, he said.

He added that he will carry out his duties by taking into confidence, all his voters, non-voters and former presidents of Zilla Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

Former president T P Ramesh said that there is a need to work unitedly towards the development of Kannada Sahitya Parishat.

As a senior member, he will give rightful suggestions to the Parishat, he added.

The election was held in Madikeri, Somwarpet, Virajpet, Kushalnagar and Ponnampet from 8 am to 4 pm.

The election process was headed by tahsildar Mahesh.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 21st, 2021

Huthari festival observed with traditional fervour

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)
The paddy sheaves were cut by the CNC members during Huthari celebrations at the paddy field belonging to Nandineravanda Uthappa, in Chikkabettageri.

The Codava National Council (CNC), led by its president N U Nachappa, celebrated Huthari or Puthari — the harvest festival of Kodagu, at a paddy field of Nandineravanda Uthappa, in Chikkabettageri village, near Kushalnagar, on Friday.

Wearing traditional Kodava attire, the members participated in the celebrations by cutting paddy sheaves. Later, they offered prayers for the prevalence of peace and to eradicate Covid-19 from the world. 

The members offered prayers to the gods and initiated the process of Huthari celebrations by ‘Nere Kattuva’ ritual using the leaves of Arali, mango, jackfruit, Kumbali and cashew nut trees. 

After the rituals, the members took out a procession to the paddy field, accompanied by the ‘Dudikottpat’. After firing thrice in the air, Nachappa offered puja rituals and cut paddy sheaves.

Later, the paddy sheaves were brought back to the house and puja rituals were conducted.

CNC members presented ‘Kolata’, ‘Pareyakali’ and other cultural programmes.

Later, they also danced to the traditional beats and relished rice payasa, ‘Thambittu,’ ‘Kadubu,’ ‘pandi curry,’ ‘chicken curry’ and others. 

Speaking on the occasion, Nachappa urged the government to declare a national holiday for the Puthari festival. 

The Kodavas should be considered as a separate race to save the Kodava tribal culture for the future generation. Kodava language should be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, he said. 

“Kodava culture has all the qualifications to be included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Unesco. By showcasing our rituals, we can assert our rights,” he added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Kushalnagar / November 19th, 2021

Farmer From Kodagu Has Won An Award For Preserving Local Pepper Crop

Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Pepper, Records, All
Left, N Poonacha receiving the award at the ceremony in New Delhi. Right, Snapshot of the indigenous ‘Adi Pepper’ spikes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Napanda Poonacha of Kodagu district, a progressive farmer, who hopes to be recognized as a pro-nature farmer
  • He was recently granted the Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward (2019-20) for his efforts to save indigenous ‘Adi Pepper’ crop

Napanda Poonacha of Kodagu district, a progressive farmer, who hopes to be recognized as a pro-nature farmer and has set examples for the other farmers to come forward to encourage them. He is working hard to establish commercial crops that have minimal or no negative impact on biodiversity, and he was recently granted the Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward (2019-20) for his efforts to save indigenous ‘Adi Pepper’ crops.

The Union Agriculture Ministry’s Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority bestowed the honour on Poonacha, who received it from union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar at an event in New Delhi on November 11.

He is the owner of Adi Pepper Demo Farm and Research Center in Garvale, where he is actively engaged in discovering natural crops in the district that have the capacity to become commercial crops while inflicting minimal environmental impact.

Napanda Poonacha expressed his happines for recieving the award. He said that farmers who recognise, conserve, and cultivate crops that are beneficial to biodiversity have been given this honour. Furthermore, He received the prize for his research, conservation, and promotion of the ‘Adi Pepper,’ an indigenous kind of pepper mainly grown across the natural habitat of Garvale village borders in Kodagu, India.

He further explained that Adi Pepper crops can be discovered all around the Garvale region in their natural habitat. They undertook the responsibility at the research centre to obtain this species of pepper registered under PPFRI, and in 2015, this high-quality pepper was recognised as a farmer’s variety pepper. This is the only pepper species that has passed biochemical testing, and it is regarded the best of the seven pepper species growing in Kodagu.

Since that particular form of pepper was once known as forest pepper and was mainly used for domestic reasons by the people, it has recently reached a brand value of Rs 3500 per kilo, generating more than six times the earnings of the other black pepper species sold in the district.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Susmita Modak / by Hans News Service / November 19th, 2021

Puthari Festival Venue Changed: Celebrations To Be Held At Kodava Samaja In Vijayanagar

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The Management of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, has decided to celebrate Puthari Namme (harvest festival) on Nov.20 in the premises of Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar I Stage. Earlier it had been decided to celebrate the festival in the premises of Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions in Kuvempunagar.

Now due to incessant rains since a week and also keeping in mind the forecast of rains for 4 more days, the Samaja has decided to change the venue.  The celebrations will commence at 5 pm at the Samaja premises. All traditional Kodava dances will be performed on the occasion by both the men’s and women’s teams.

Arrangements have been made to distribute Kadh (new paddy crop) on that day.   All the members are requested to note the change of venue and cooperate in the celebrations, according to a press release from Malachira M. Ponnappa, Honorary Secretary, Kodava Samaja.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs /November 19th, 2021