Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Football: A Man’s Game? No

CV-Niharika with Coach Harish

City girl, team-mates of Kodagu Football Club shine in prestigious ‘A Division’ League

Kodagu, the land of coffee has a girl’s football club now and it has already made a mark in the on-going prestigious ‘A Division’ League matches being held in Bengaluru at Bangalore Football Stadium. In all, 17 teams are participating in the matches and prominent among them is United Kodagu Football Club, exclusively for girls.

This is the first girls’ Club registered with a Kodagu name in it and has been floated by H.H. Harish, a football player himself from Pollibetta in Kodagu. Harish is an All India Football Federation licence holder to coach future players.

Among the players in the Club is 19-year-old C.V. Niharika from Saraswathipuram in Mysuru, presently studying in National Institute of Engineering (NIE) pursuing Mechanical Engineering second year. As of now, there are only two players from Kodagu — Nikhita from Somwarpet and Parimala from Pollibetta.

Nikhita from Somwarpet.

“There are at least 30 to 40 girl players from Kodagu who are interested and capable of playing in league matches. In the pandemic situation and due to examinations and other family commitments, they are not able to come to be a part of the Club in these league matches. I have registered with the United Kodagu Football Club so as to not miss out on the league matches. If the Club fares well, we will conduct a trial in Kodagu for the subsequent matches,” Harish told Star of Mysore.

Parimala from Pollibetta.

Interested but no opportunities

Lending a helping hand to Harish is Kodagu District Football Association. “The United Kodagu Football Club is taking care of the food and accommodation of the players and the team is poised to enter the semi-finals,” Harish said.

He is the Head Coach of the Bengaluru-based Nakshatra Football Academy and the other players have been handpicked from there, he said.

“Hockey takes priority in Kodagu but there are girls who are interested in football and so far they have not had any opportunities. We provide a platform for them and the ‘A Division’ was a good opportunity for them to learn and hone their skills from other State-level players,” Harish added, regretting the lukewarm response he got when he called for player participation. He hopes that more players will emerge from the coffee district.

Coach Harish in discussion with players.

Sharing her experience with SOM on playing for Kodagu FC, Niharika said that she was glad for the opportunity and grabbed it as soon as the opportunity landed on her lap. “I am the only Mysuru girl to be playing football at this level and I practice for at least three to four hours per day,” she said.

Niharika started playing football at a very young age and her class boys were her team-mates. “Football is the only game that attracted me and I felt I belonged to it and it was quite natural. Despite facing obstacles and discrimination initially as there is a wrong notion that only men play this game, my parents were very supportive. And here I am,” she said.

Notably, Niharika’s coach in the University of Mysore is Ramani, a woman who coaches all the senior boys. “She picked me up and took me under wings and it was a magical moment,” she added.

Niharika is the daughter of Dr. C.S. Vasanthakumar, a medical practitioner and C.P. Manjula, who was an Assistant Professor Economics, now a home-maker. 

Team United Kodagu Football Club with Coach Harish.

Team makes it to Main League

In the ‘A Division’ League, The Kodagu FC could not make it to the finals in the qualifiers. The team played its last match on Sept. 20 and qualified for the Main League that will take place later.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / September 23rd, 2021

Secular values make lives meaningful, says writer

‘Mouna Kaniveya Santa’, a work by Dr J Somanna, was released in Madikeri on Wednesday. DH Photo

Building a healthy society is the responsibility of every citizen, said writer Dr Kalegowda Nagawara.

He was speaking after releasing the works ‘Mouna Kaniveya Santa’, ‘Ashwathara Katha Sahitya’, ‘Giriseemeya Hadu-Padu’ and ‘Kannada Sahityakke Kodagine Koduge’, by Dr J Somanna, principal of Vijayalakshmi PU College, Balele, during a programme organised by Zilla Lekhakara Mattu Kalavidara Balaga at Press Club on Wednesday.

Dr Kalegowda said, “Society would have both positive and negative aspects. It is not good to highlight only the negative aspects. One should lead secular lives in the real sense to be peaceful.”

Kodagu has contributed immensely to literature. In Kodagu, men and women are respected equally, he said and recalled the incident where writer Kodagina Gowramma gave away her gold jewellery to Gandhiji when the latter visited the district, towards the freedom fight.

“Gandhiji’s eyes filled with tears when he narrated the incident at Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri. The Father of the Nation had also narrated the same incident of Gowramma’s generosity and patriotism in his speeches in Puttur and Sullia,” said Dr Kalegowda Nagawara.

He further said that a discussion will be held with the district administration towards utilising grants for the preservation of folklore literature.

The writer also felt there is a need to preserve the environment of Kodagu.

Railway connectivity will have a negative impact on nature, he added.

Social activist V P Shashidhar said that writer Dr J Somanna has captured the essence of the primitives of the district, in his works.

Zilla Lekhakara Mattu Kalavidara Balaga president Keshava Kamath said that the association has been organising a literary event each month.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the programmes were held online, he added.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president T P Ramesh, SNDP Kodagu Union president V K Lokesh and others were present.

A programme of light songs was held on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / September 22nd, 2021

FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2021 : Kodagu Girl In Indian Team

Madikeri:

Power Forward from Kodagu Navaneetha Pattemane Udayakumar will be a part of the Indian team in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Basketball Tournament, scheduled to commence in Amman, Jordan, on Sept. 27.

The Indian team is placed in ‘Group A’ alongside Japan, Korea and New Zealand and the Indian squad will be led by Shireen Limaye. The squad comprises Shireen Limaye (captain), Madhu Kumari, Sruthi Arvind, S. Pushpa, P.U. Navaneetha, S. Sathiya, M. Nishanthi, Vaishnavi Yadav, Sreekala Rani, Anumaria, Stephy Nixon and S.M. Sahana. 

Standing 5-foot-10 inches tall, Navaneetha has been an outstanding performer in women’s basketball in the country. She has represented India in the FIBA Asia Women’s Basketball Championships and is employed with South Western Railways (SWR), Mysuru.

Before joining SWR, Navaneetha was  trained at the DYES Sports Hostel, Mysuru. She is the recipient of the prestigious ‘Ekalavya Award’ and Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) Award for her feats in the sport. 

Navaneetha is the daughter of P.P. Udayakumar and P.U. Girija, who are residents at Suntikoppa, Kodagu. She married K.M. Adarsh from Mysuru this year, who is serving in the Indian Army.

Initially encouraged by her parents, Navaneetha joined Sports School, Vidyanagar, and later on joined Sports Hostel, Mysuru, in 2006. Initially, she was coached by B.S. Girish, SAK Basketball coach and DYES & SAK Basketball coach M.B. Patil at DYES, Mysuru.

A forward, Navaneetha is an attacking player and impresses with her skilful play. She began her career by representing Karnataka in the School Nationals held at Punjab in 2008 and from then on, has never looked back. She has represented the State in the Women’s Nationals, Youth Nationals from 2009 till 2010 and in 2011, she represented the State in the Senior and Junior Nationals in Delhi.

She represented the Mysore University in the Inter-University Championships in 2011-12 at Kannur and has been a regular in the team from then on. In 2009-10, her excellent play in the Nationals earned her the Indian cap when she donned Indian colours in the 1st FIBA Asia U-16 Championships held in Pune. She also took part in the NBA All India Tournament held at Delhi in 2001-12. She took part in the Junior Indian and Youth Indian camp held at Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports/ September 20th, 2021

AGM Of Gokulam Kodava Sangha On Sept. 26

The 15th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Gokulam Kodava Sangha will be held on Sept. 26 (Sunday) at 3.30 pm at Kodava Samaja (Ground Floor), Gen. K.S. Thimayya Road, Vijayanagar 1st Stage, Mysuru. Nayakanda U. Appaya, Sangha President, will preside over the meeting.

Felicitation:

On the occasion, Sangha members’ children who have excelled in the field of education (7th Std., SSLC, II PUC, Graduation, Post-Graduation and Technical Courses) in the academic year 2020-21 and those who have excelled in other fields also will be felicitated.

Those eligible may submit copies of their marks card or certificate before 5 pm on Sept. 20 to Sangha Secretary Myndapanda A. Thimmanna (Mob: 90361-47871). Applications received late will not be considered, according to a press release.

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

Kodava Organisation Demands Establishment Of Kodava Development Corporation

Madikeri:

The United Kodava Organisation has appealed Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to set up a Kodava Development Corporation exclusively for the welfare of Kodava community.

In a press statement, the Organisation’s Convenor Manju Chinnappa said that the previous Government headed by B.S. Yediyurappa, responding to  pleas and representations, had formed Veerashaiva-Lingayat, Vokkaliga and Maratha Development Corporations.

Pointing out that the Organisation’s representation to the Chief Minister has stressed on the need for forming Kodava Development Corporation on the lines of other communities, he said that Kodavas have played a crucial role in taking the State forward and reaching newer heights. 

Noting that Kodavas, who are from Kodagu district of South Karnataka, have a unique tradition, customs, heritage and culture, he reiterated that Kodavas have made enormous contribution for the growth of the State and the country after Kodagu was merged with the then Mysore State in 1956.

Highlighting the sacrifices made by Kodavas in defending the country’s borders, Manju Chinnappa said that the community has played a very vital role in the country’s defence sector and sports field, earning national and international accolades. 

Recalling the achievements  of Kodavas in different fields such as administration, medical, police, politics, judiciary, agriculture, commerce, education etc., he argued that the State Government must table a Bill under the 162nd schedule of the Constitution for the formation of Kodava Development Corporation, for a comprehensive growth of Kodava community, with a starting fund of Rs. 1,000 crore, for chalking out various developmental programmes.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 16th, 2021

Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha Founder-President No More

Mysore/Mysuru:

Ittira Parvathi Cariappa (Dotty), Founder-President and Advisor of Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha, Mysuru and a resident of HUDCO Layout in Bannimantap, passed away last evening at her son’s residence in Cochin, Kerala, following a heart attack. She was 91.

She had served as the Vice-President of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru and Kodagu Sahakara Sangha in Jayalakshmipuram here. 

Parvathi, fondly called as Dotty aunty (Kodandera), had retired as Administrative Officer at Agriculture Department and had served as the President of Karnataka State Ministerial Staff Association and Vice-President of Karnataka State Government Employees Association.

Wife of retired KSRP SP late Cariappa, she leaves behind her son Dharmesh Cariappa, General Manager of Taj Group of Hotels, Cochin, daughter-in-law Neetha, grand-daughter Tripti and a host of relatives and friends. Her body was brought to Mysuru this morning and was kept at her residence for people to pay their last respects. 

Cremation took place at Chirashanthidhama in Gokulam this afternoon, according to family sources.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 14th, 2021

Rotary Misty Hills to felicitate teachers

Rotary Misty Hills, Madikeri, will organise the Rotary Nation Building award function in Rotary Hall, Madikeri, at 7 pm on September 14.

Teachers will be felicitated during the programme.

Prafulla Devaraj, Sarojini and Rosy from Madikeri, Anitha Chokira from Kadagadalu and Doddanna Baramelu from Peraje will be honoured.

Kunti Bopaiah will confer the award.

Rotary deputy governor Anil H T, zonal secretary H S Vasanth Kumar, office bearer Jagadish Senani and Misty Hills secretary P R Rajesh will take part, said Misty Hills president Anitha Poovaiah.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / September 13th, 2021

Mangaluru: TUEA to hold five-day model training programme under fashion guru Prasad Bidapa

Mangaluru :

The Urban Edge Academy (TUEA) will hold an elite model training programme which will be headed by the fashion guru himself, Prasad Bidapa.

It is a 5-day certified workshop, starting from October 11 to 15 at Ocean Pearl inn, Bejai.

This a big opportunity creating space for those who aspire to build their career in modelling to explore their inner self to the fullest. The programme is open for all.

Join now to experience a whole new world of modelling industry just in five days. The programme covers many concrete subjects concerning to modelling and fashion.

Limited slots only available.

For registrations and more details log onto www.theurbanedgeacademy.com or call / WhatsApp 9739379081 or 6360212408

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Media Relations / September 11th, 2021

Squadron Leader Ajjamada Devaiah remembered

Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan pays floral tributes to a portrait of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Devaiah on the occasion of his 56th death anniversary, in Madikeri.

The 56th death anniversary of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Devaiah was observed by Kodava Makkada Koota, on Tuesday.

MLA Appachu Ranjan M P, MLC Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah and others paid floral tributes to a portrait of Ajjamada Devaiah at the old private bus stand.

Appachu Ranjan said that the youth from the district should join the army in large numbers and serve the nation.

MLC Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah said that it is the duty of every Indian citizen to remember the brave soldiers.

More soldiers should come from Kodagu, she added.

Retired Major Nanjappa said that the younger generation should remember the history. 

Devaiah Memorial Trust president Ajjamada Katti Mandaiah said that Devaiah sacrificed his life in the Indo-Pak war. He was awarded the Mahavira Chakra. 

Kodava Makkada Koota president Bollajira B Ayyappa, CMC commissioner Ramdas, honourary secretary Puttarira Karun Kalaiah, Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum president Colonel Kandratanda Subbaiah, convener Major Nanjappa and and Ajjamada family president Ajjamada Lava Kushalappa were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / September 08th, 2021

Kodava Academy Awards Announced

Sculptor Appaneravanda Kiran Subbaiah, Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa among 12 achievers

Madikeri:

The annual awards and book awards conferred by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy have been announced and 12 achievers will receive the honours this year. 

Academy Chairperson Dr. Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah said that the awards function will be held at Kodava Samaja in Makkandur on Sept. 12. The annual awards event could not be held last year due to the pandemic and the awards for both years will be presented on Sept. 12.

Madikeri MLA M.P. Appachu Ranjan will inaugurate the programme. Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, MLC M.P. Sunil Subramani, MLC Veena Achaiah and others will take part in the event. 

The honorary awardees for the present year are: Monnanda Shobha Subbaiah and Badakadammanda Kasturi Govinda Mayya (literature), late Kameyanda C. Ayyanna and Bottolanda Kali Achaiah (art), Kambiranda Cauvery Ponnappa (research) and Appaneravanda Kiran Subbaiah (sculpture).

The annual book awards will be presented for ‘Pojang,’ a collection of poems by Bacharaniyanda P. Appanna and Ranu Appanna, ‘Mahavira Achunayaka’, a novel by Kadyamada Reeta Bopaiah, ‘Badk Pinja Dechavva,’ a play by Addanda C. Cariappa, ‘Nadapeda Asha,’ a novel by Nagesh Kaluru, ‘Nanga Daar Kodava’ by Maletira Seethamma Vivek and ‘Nataka Ranga’ by Uluvangada Cauvery Uday.

The honorary awards will comprise a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each while the book awards comprise Rs. 25,000 each. Kodava thesaurus ‘Pala Pajel Kodava Takk’ will also be released on the occasion. There are 5,000 words and descriptions that have been given in Kannada, Hindi and English. 

Multi-dimensional sculpting

Appaneravanda Kiran Subbaiah, known for his multi-dimensional sculpting — a specialised genre which seems to be a single statue but actually has several more angles to it — said that finally the Kodava Sahitya Academy has given him an award. “I thought I would not receive the Academy Award in my lifetime. I am glad that they have recognised my work at last,” he told Star of Mysore. 

The sculptor regretted that many genuine achievers in the Kodava community have not got their due recognition though there are awards for other communities despite their achievements being minor. 

Kiran’s sculpture is unique where each side is carved in such a way that the subject on one side does not interfere with the subjects on the other, yet the correlation is aesthetically brought out. 

His house on New Sayyaji Rao Road near Bamboo Bazaar in Mysuru is a one-of-its-kind Sculpture Museum aptly named ‘Shilpaniketana.’ 

[Note: Star of Mysore had featured Kiran Subbaiah in its Weekend Star Supplement titled ‘Sculptures’ on Dec. 20, 2008]

Prescribed as textbook

Speaking to Star of Mysore on being chosen for the book award, Addanda C. Cariappa, who is the present Rangayana Mysuru Director, said he was happy that his literary work has been recognised by the Academy. “The play ‘Badk’ has seen more than 70 shows. Also the book ‘Badk Pinja Dechavva’ has been prescribed as a text book by the Kodava Sahitya Academy. The actual play and the book are different in the performance and literary aspects. While the play is purely performance-oriented, the book is a hardcore literary work,” he said and added that  ‘Dechavva’ is another play in the book. 

 Six plays

Uluvangada Cauvery Uday said that her book ‘Nataka Ranga’ is a collection of six plays that is a combination of historic and social themes that give a message to the society. There are humorous plays too. “I used to perform in many plays at Sambhrama Ladies Club in T. Shettigeri, South Kodagu. These plays were written for many cultural events and now I have compiled the same into a book that has got the award,” she said.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 09th, 2021