Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Exclusive interview with Brijesh Kalappa , Kodava Congress Leader: ‘Only Constitutional Remedy can save Kodagu and Kodavas ’

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Abolition of Jamma land tenure by BJP Government is a blow to Kodavas’ ethnic identity and survival in Kodagu

K.B. Ganapathy and Brijesh Kalappa getting ready for the interview at the former’s office in Bannimantap.
K.B. Ganapathy and Brijesh Kalappa getting ready for the interview at the former’s office in Bannimantap.

Brijesh Kalappa (Palachanda), a Kodava from Kodagu, is an Advocate in the Supreme Court, Legal Advisor to the Government of Karnataka (with the rank of Minister of State) and former Additional Advocate General, Haryana. Presently, he is also the Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress and is regularly seen on national TV channels representing Congress in panel discussions.

While in Mysuru a few days back, he visited ‘Star of Mysore’ Office and the Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy availed the opportunity to interview him on issues related to Kodagu and Kodavas, himself being a Kodava. —Ed

By K.B. Ganapathy

Star of Mysore: Welcome Mr. Brijesh Kalappa to Mysuru and to our office. Thank you for agreeing to take some questions relating to your mother district Kodagu and its future. My first question is about Congress losing Kodagu and BJP getting deep-rooted with two MLAs, one MLC and an MP. Kodagu, once a Congress bastion, in fact in the first general election of 1952 it was Congress that came to power with C.M. Poonacha, a Kodava, as the Chief Minister. How did it happen?

Brijesh Kalappa: The Jan Sangh had a marginal presence in Kodagu till Bank Nationalisation in the year 1969. The Bank staff, who were clerks and petty officers, came from mostly Dakshina Kannada and carried out their RSS activities after banking hours. Old-timers will tell you that the RSS members were not permitted into people’s houses in those days. However, with the entry of people like Dr. M.M. Chengappa and A.K. Subbaiah into the Jan Sangh and later BJP and with their constant anti-Congressism, some people came to buy the idea.

Star of Mysore: But in spite of what you say, Congress has been winning both Parliamentary and Assembly elections in Kodagu almost till 1994, the drift started thereafter…

Brijesh Kalappa: Yes, it is because BJP has been misleading Kodavas about Congress not supporting Kodavas in the Army and in the Party itself. But Congress has been supporting Kodavas. You know, the BJP constantly speaks about General K.M. Cariappa not being the first choice. But Cariappa was the first choice of the Congress Government and appointed him as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian forces. In fact, even after his retirement, General Cariappa was appointed by Pandit Nehru as the High Commissioner to Australia. Again it was Congress government which gave the rank of Field Marshal to Gen. K.M. Cariappa.

Congress has given nominations to Kodavas from Jaji Mandanna to Polly Aiyappa to Prema Cariappa to Veena Achaiah. All these Kodava ladies enjoyed power because of Congress.

It was again Congress that appointed Gen. K.S. Thimayya as General of Indian Army and then sent him as the UN Peace Keeping Force Chief at Cyprus. But BJP spread the canard saying Nehru was responsible for Gen. Thimayya submitting his resignation, which he withdrew, as General.

Has BJP come anywhere even close to this record?! Instead, the BJP keeps harping on some imagined difference between Nehru-Cariappa or Nehru-Thimayya. Both Cariappa and Thimayya got post-retirement jobs from Congress Governments.

Now, has BJP Government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee appointed a Kodava as Chief of Army Staff? Has the BJP Government appointed any Kodava as the Union Home Secretary? Congress appointed C.G. Somiah and later he was made the CAG. Now let me ask, at least has the BJP helped the Kodavas with their struggle for entry into the 6th Schedule of the Constitution?! Nothing has been done by the BJP for Kodavas. Even Roads were in terrible shape till the Congress was elected in Karnataka. I am surprised why then Kodavas, at least majority, support BJP.

Star of Mysore: The Karnataka Land Revenue (Third Amendment) Act 2011 abolishing the Jamma Bane tenure of Kodavas and others in Kodagu was gazetted on February 1, 2013 during BJP Government. Is it good for Kodavas and Kodagu?

Brijesh Kalappa: The amendments to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act 1964 which were brought in by the BJP Government are ill-thought-out and present a clear danger to common areas such as the balya mane etc. This opens the door for all and sundry to acquire land in Kodagu, which does not augur well for the local Kodavas and other inhabitants of Kodagu. There is a danger of Kodavas losing their identity as a unique ethnic people.

Star of Mysore: Can’t the State Govt. pass laws restricting purchase of land in Kodagu by outsiders, non-Kodagu residents?

Brijesh Kalappa: It is difficult for the Karnataka Government to enact laws restricting others from buying property in Kodagu like in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. This is because this kind of restriction can’t be provided only to a district. However, if the Government of India bestows entry into the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, giving Kodavas an Ethnic Tribal status, such a restriction becomes possible.

Star of Mysore: Now that BJP is in power at the Centre, can’t it bestow entry into the 6th Schedule of the Constitution to make such a restriction possible?

Brijesh Kalappa: Absolutely, it is possible. But BJP merely wants to take the Kodava vote by such emotive issues as Tipu Jayanti and Ram Mandir and does not want to do anything at all for the good of Kodavas or Kodagu.

Star of Mysore: State Congress Government for the first time last year started celebrating Tipu Jayanti and for historical reasons it was opposed specially in Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada. What is your opinion as a Congressman?

Brijesh Kalappa: Why, I have already said in a TV interview that sentiments of people of these two districts should be respected.

Star of Mysore: For Kodavas, considered upper class, entry into government jobs, reservation in the field of education are almost completely blocked so also other privileges. Some politicians compare us to Parsi community and say Kodavas don’t need any help from the government or a Scheduled Tribe status under the Constitution. Apparently, these politicians and rich Kodavas think all Kodavas are rich forgetting a majority of 1.20 lakh Kodavas in Kodagu are just above poverty line. What do you have to say?

Brijesh Kalappa: The comparison to the Parsis by BJP leaders is odious and merely meant to misguide our people. The Parsis moved out of Gujarat into Mumbai in the 16th Century. They were associated with British business. They are 100 times more wealthier than us Kodavas. BJP leaders are cheating Kodavas by placing them on par with the Parsis and urging us not to claim Scheduled Tribe status. Our customs, traditions and language which is a dialict are such, Kodavas are well-qualified for inclusion as Tribes.

Star of Mysore: Since Kodavas are divided among themselves on issues like Jamma and Scheduled Tribe tag by getting entry into 6th Schedule of the Constitution, don’t you think the first step for achieving this goal is unity? At present there are about 8-9 different Kodava organisations fighting for their own perceived causes.

Brijesh Kalappa: There will always be dissenters. But if the cause is pursued with determination, like for example as being done by N.U. Nachappa of CNC, it is possible to get entry into the 6th Schedule.

I have already met, under UPA Government, Kishore Chandra Dev and Kanthilal Bhuria, both Union Tribal Affairs Ministers and they have written to Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya, Karnataka State Government, to make a study and send a report. If the State Government sends a NO Objection Report, the Centre can move the matter Constitutionally, you wait and see. Only BJP Government at the Centre should make up its mind.

Let me say to you that since RSS is against Reservation per se, BJP will say if Parsis could refuse Reservation why not Kodavas?

Star of Mysore: Do you mean that if the BJP at the Centre does not invoke the Constitutional provisions and help Kodavas and Kodagu, it will be a great let down?

Brijesh Kalappa: Of course, but BJP will not help. It wants to falsely boost the ego of rich Kodavas by saying they are like Parsis, they are not a Tribe. Has BJP recommended an ardent leader like Dr. M.M. Chengappa and made him an MLC even?! Did the BJP treat A.K. Subbaiah, who got them a foothold in Karnataka, with respect?!

The BJP has a long track record of using communities without ever meaning to give them any benefit whatsoever. The Dalits are also being misused by the BJP. Apart from the Traders and the Priestly class, every other community is being taken for a long ride by the BJP, just as the Kodavas have been taken for a ride all these years.

Brijesh Kalappa regrets bleak future of Kodagu and Kodavas

Kodagu today has sadly slipped from its pre-eminence and is a pale shadow of its glorious former self. The average Kodava in Coorg, though having assimilated into the local stock, feels alienated from the hustle and bustle of Indian democracy and considers himself as rather different from other citizens of his District and State.

Since history has it that Coorg has been an independent entity till 1956, at the very least, they ought to have their own Parliamentarian who can address their specific issues to the Union Government. In the absence of this, the Coorgs are reduced to being mute spectators in this participative democracy. Special consideration has always been given to people belonging to the hills under our Constitution in an attempt to preserve their special land holdings, customs and traditions and in addition to the fact that they are shy by nature and non-participative, unlike the people of the plains.

In this rather dim scenario, there had been a rather rash uprising to claim statehood for itself, this uprising has now channelled itself into a demand for an Autonomous Council under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India on the lines of the Gorkhaland Hill Council.

It is the solemn duty of the government to offer adequate representation to its people to ensure a participative democracy. It is therefore the thrust of the Kodavas that the Centre considers an ethno linguistic minority tribal national status for Kodavas under Article 340, 342 of our Constitution and to extend reservation facilities in the field of education, employment and financial benefits on the lines set by the Constitution of India.

This, accompanied by recognition of an autonomous region such as the one in Gorkhaland, by an entry under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, a constitutional special guarantee for land tenure and customary personnel laws on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern States of India under article 370 and 371 of the Constitution of India, besides due representation in the House of the People and the Council of States, will go a long way in enabling Kodavas of Kodagu an ethno linguistic minority to be part of India’s partipatory democracy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / June 03rd, 2016

Freedom fighter of Gandhian mould from Kodagu at 103 — A Profile

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
Supreme Court Advocate Brijesh Kalappa (second from right), who called on veteran freedom fighter M.G. Chengappa at his Yadavagiri residence in city, is seen with Prof. K. C. Belliappa (extreme left), Chairman, Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions in Kuvempunagar, Chengappa's wife Sharada and daughter Prema.
Supreme Court Advocate Brijesh Kalappa (second from right), who called on veteran freedom fighter M.G. Chengappa at his Yadavagiri residence in city, is seen with Prof. K. C. Belliappa (extreme left), Chairman, Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions in Kuvempunagar, Chengappa’s wife Sharada and daughter Prema.

Mysuru :

Kodagu district, having a rich forest cover and River Cauvery, the lifeline of crores of people, is a blend of natural beauty and serenity.

Kodagu, apart from its many uniqueness and natural beauty, is widely known for its hundreds of warriors who fought for the country against the British and other social evils.

One such great warrior is Malavanda G. Chengappa, 103, residing in the State’s cultural capital Mysuru, which is a matter of pride for we citizens. Chengappa, who fought for the nation’s independence, was jailed by the Britishers. He also waged a battle for liquor ban and created widespread awareness campaigns on the necessity for banning liquors.

Born to Malavanda Ganapathy and Seethamma, a farmer couple from Balyamandur village near Ponnampet in South Kodagu, M.G. Chengappa developed the spirit of fighting for just causes at a young age.

Inspired by his maternal uncle K.C. Karumbaiah (a former MP), he jumped into freedom struggle at the age of 18 years. His sister Akkamma too was a freedom fighter, who joined hands with the then Kodagu District Congress President M.G. Kuttappa in fighting for various causes post-independence.

Chengappa was among the prominent leaders, who fought against the British in Kodagu. Chengappa and other freedom fighters were arrested by the British in 1932 and sent to Kannur Central Jail, from where he was shifted to Tiruchirapalli jail.

During his stay in the jail, Chengappa came across several associates of revolutionary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and expressed his willingness to join them. But due to various reasons, he had to stay back in Kodagu.

In the pre-independence days, the farming community was in deep distress and Chengappa’s family too was not an exception. His family members became helpless when they needed money to get him released from jail. Ultimately, they had to sell a plough (negilu) and a copper vessel to raise enough funds for his release.

Chengappa’s Mysuru connection: M.G. Chengappa has a long connection with Mysuru as he used to take part in Seva Dal camps that were being held at Subbarayanakere grounds, along with other freedom fighters namely Chekkera Monnaiah and Ajjikuttira Chinnappa. The city’s then renowned advocate M.S. Ramaiah had let out his house for camp participants.

Gandhiji’s pat: Mahatma Gandhi, during his freedom struggle campaign in Karnataka, had visited Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama in Ponnampet when Chengappa was one among the volunteers who were picked for taking care of the Mahatma.

With this, Chengappa got an opportunity to know more about Gandhiji. Chengappa, who served Gandhiji tirelessly, was patted by the Mahatma on his back for his meritorious work.

The large number of liquor-loving people in Kodagu was a cause of worry for Chengappa. So he launched a social campaign calling for a liquor ban. Chengappa’s contention was that liquor consumption habits among the people would lead to devastation of their families, besides becoming a bane to the society.

Fearing that alcoholism would push families to the streets besides destroying the future of youth community, Chengappa launched a relentless campaign seeking a ban on liquor.

A vegetarian to the core, Chengappa’s family members say that pure vegetarian diet is the secret of Chengappa’s long life and health.

Chengappa’s patriotism can also be seen in his outfit as he only wears khadi. This centenarian has kept himself away from non-vegetarian diet and liquor.

At present, Chengappa is staying with his wife Sharada and daughter Prema at Chaitra Apartment in Yadavagiri.

It is a matter of pride for Mysureans that a centenarian freedom fighter, who led an ideal life throughout, is residing amidst us.

His niece Dr. Latha Muthanna has penned about the life of this Kodava warrior in her book “Lopamudra’s Daughter.”

Brijesh Kalappa calls on Chengappa: AICC Spokesperson and Supreme Court Advocate Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa, who was in city recently, called on Chengappa at Yadavagiri and enquired about his health. He was accompanied by his father-in-law Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa, Chairman, Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions in Kuvempunagar and former VC of Rajiv Gandhi Central University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. Chengappa, when asked about his health, is said to have replied, “I am quite good” which speaks volumes of his spirit.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / June 02nd, 2016

Celebrations at Kodagu’s ancestral home

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

Madikeri:

The 450 years old Mund Mane and Ain Mane (traditional ancestral house) belonging to the Mukkatira family in Arapattu village is now being used as the venue for conducting cultural events.

Kannada Sahitya Academy on Saturday organised a cultural event in this magnificent edifice of Kodava culture, heritage and history.

It was the first programme organised at the house other than family members. The house was safeguarded by the family members.

Ummathat by women, Bolkat, Kolat and Pareyakali by men attracted the villagers who attended the function.

Academy president Biddatanda Thammaiah said, he was happy to conduct cultural programmes in ancestral houses of Kodavas which are unique in their design and structures. ”It gives a new feeling and new ambience for both organisers and the audience.

If any other Kodava family has such traditional house, please inform the academy so that we can have cultural programmes there too,” he appealed.

Mukkatira family consists of 200 members settled across the district and outside. They will all gather at this house to celebrate Keilpold, Cauvery Sankramana and Huthari festivals. The offerings to “Guru karona” is also performed by all members of the family.

Former minister MC Nanaiah who attended the programme said the Mund and Ain Mane homes are symbols of prestige for Kodavas.

Mangaluru University professor and Kodava Study Institute head Kodira lokesh said, as many as 1050 Kodava families , 530 Ain Mane and 80 Mund Mane exist in Kodagu. It is a matter of pride for the Mukkatiraa family that it has 2 Mund Mane homes, he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Mysore / TNN / May 29th, 2016

‘Vietnam King’ title awarded to city’s Yoga Guru Dr. Raghavendra Pai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Yoga Guru Dr. Raghavendra R. Pai, Founder, Sri Vedavyasa Yoga Pratishthana, Mysuru, seen receiving the award at the 2nd Om Yoga & Wellness Hub Festival, held at Vietnam recently.
Yoga Guru Dr. Raghavendra R. Pai, Founder, Sri Vedavyasa Yoga Pratishthana, Mysuru, seen receiving the award at the 2nd Om Yoga & Wellness Hub Festival, held at Vietnam recently.

Mysuru :

In the culture barter expedition of global leaders around the world, Yoga from India has found itself a revered place across borders in an overwhelming acceptance.

Standing up for the physical, mental and spiritual balance practice, Yoga traces its origin back to the diversely fit cultural land of India.

Last year in his UN address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested to have June 21 of every year dedicated to celebrate this practice as International Yoga Day.

“Let’s pledge to make Yoga an integral part of our daily lives,” he mentioned. June 21 (Summer Solstice), is also the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.

As the entire world gears up for the 2nd International Yoga Day celebrations in June 2016, countries across the globe are leaving no stone unturned to make it a grand success. Vietnam, much ahead in its vision to promote Yoga, had organised an event to recognise the efforts of Yoga practitioners from India, who have worked hard to promote Yoga across the world.

Vietnam’s Om Yoga & Wellness Hub, a centre for Yoga, Ayurveda and Wellness, along with Sri Vedavyasa Yoga Pratishthana, Mysuru, had jointly organised the 2nd Om Yoga & Wellness Hub Festival, in line with International Yoga Day celebrations, on May 14 and 15, 2016 at Om Yoga & Well- ness Hub by Master Santhosh Cheriyamane, Binh Duong, Vietnam.

The event created two National Records — 81 yoga students and instructors performing 1008 Suryanamaskaras and a 24-hour Yoga marathon under the guidance of Yoga Guru Dr. Raghavendra R. Pai, Founder, Sri Vedavyasa Yoga Pratishthana, Mysuru and Master Santhoshkumar Cheriyamane Anand, Founder, Om Yoga and Wellness Hub, Vietnam.

For their excellence in Yoga, Dr. Raghavendra Pai and Master Santoshkumar Cheriyamane were awarded the prestigious ‘Vietnam King’ title by the Vietnam Book of Records on May 24. The certificates were officially handed over to them by the President of ‘Vietnam Book of Records’ Dr. Nguyen Van Vien and Chief Spokesperson Le Tran Truong An.

The other recipients of these title included Konanavar Somashekhara, Hebbasuru Siddappa Shivappa, Dombara Ganesh, Keri Suresh Kallappa, Annigeri Shivakumar, Yoga instructors from Karnataka and Perumal Selvakumar and Palanisamy Premkumar from Tamil Nadu.

Santosh Kumar Cheriyamane Anand, a Yoga practitioner, originally, hailing from Kushalnagar in Kodagu and Nguyen Thi Thanh Van from Vietnam, co-founders of Om Yoga & Wellness Hub, have popularised Yoga in Vietnam and also successfully established centres across three more cities in Vietnam. At these Centres, 12 dedicated instructors from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are imparting knowledge on not just practising Yoga, but also on Ayurveda and its natural healing methods and processes to those interested in and around the region.

The efforts of these Yoga practitioners in promoting Yoga across the globe is only the beginning of a much bigger dream envisioned by Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Siddha and Homeopathy) and the UN.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 30th, 2016

Prajwal Poovaiah speaks of Asthitva

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

PrajwalPoovaiahKF30may2016

There may be more than one actor of the same name in the film industry, but when you share your name with an actor of the opposite gender, you might opt for what Prajwal Poovaiah hopes to do. “I prefer to be called Prajju,” says the actress, who shares her first name with actor Prajwal Devaraj.

The countdown for the release of her next film, Asthitva , has begun and Prajju reveals yet another aspect about herself with this: “I have always been passionate about acting and wanted to be here.”

While she started taking up offers for print modelling right from the age of 14, Prajju says that facing the camera for a film was different from what she was used to as a model. “I have been a part of over 150 ads, but none of them can be compared to what it was like to act. As a model, you don’t have to mouth dialogues. I have never even performed onstage before.

So, I decided to equip myself better with an acting course in Mumbai, at filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s institute. Movie offers started pouring in right after,” she says.

Prajju adds, “I did one Tamil film and my Tulu film Oriyan Thoonda Oriyagapuji made a mark for being one of these few films that played in theatres for over 100 days,” she says.

In Asthitva, Prajju plays a confident young girl who holds friendship and love in high regard.

“Working became all the more fun because it was a young team. Our director, Nutan Umesh sir, however, is a perfectionist. I got to learn so much about dedication and commitment to the art form from him. He is also rather strict and demanding,” she says.

For a girl who loves dancing, Prajju is happy to have gotten the opportunity to show off her dance skills in this film.

“I have learnt Bharatanatyam before, but I enjoy learning and performing all forms of dance. For Asthitva, it was for a fun, peppy, party number. I hope people like it,” she says.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / Kavya Christopher / TNN / May 29th, 2016

Happy Birthday Gulshan Devaiah: Six things you didn’t know about the actor

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

Here are six things you probably didn’t know about Gulshan Devaiah.

Actor Gulshan Devaiah, known for his role in Ram-Leela, Shaitan and Hunterrr, turns 38 on May 28.
Actor Gulshan Devaiah, known for his role in Ram-Leela, Shaitan and Hunterrr, turns 38 on May 28.

Actor Gulshan Devaiah, known for his role in Ram-Leela, Shaitan and Hunterrr, turns 38 on May 28. The birthday boy is all set to appear in Pooja Bhatt’s ‘Cabaret’ opposite Richa Chadha which is to be released this June. Here are six things you probably didn’t know about the actor.

1. While Gulshan rocks the screen with his brilliant performances, he can also floor you with his culinary skills. When free, he loves to experiment with flavours and textures of food and try new combinations in the kitchen like a Non-veg upma for a change.

2. In addition to acting, Gulshan is also an artist. As a kid he was always inclined towards drawing. He came second in his state in the higher grade drawing exam conducted by the state secondary education board.

3. Gulshan is a big fan of body building contests. Every year he keenly follows some international contests from around the world like Mr Olympia and Arnold Classic.

4. Gulshan has come a long way being a performer. His first performance was at the age of 5.

5. Gulshan can get mildly agoraphobic (an anxiety disorder where the person perceives the surroundings to be dangerous, uncomfortable, or unsafe). He tries to avoid situations with large crowds or unfamiliar places because of which he is an anxious traveller.

6. Along with being an actor and an artist, this multi-talented lad is also a fashion design graduate from NIFD.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / by Express Web Desk, New Delhi / May 28th, 2016

HKFC International: Joshna Chinappa reaches her biggest career PSA final

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, World Opinion

Chinappa will meet the top seed Joelle King in the final on Saturday.

Joshna Chinappa (in front) in action at the HKFC International in Hong Kong on Friday (image courtesy: Hong Kong Squash Twitter)
Joshna Chinappa (in front) in action at the HKFC International in Hong Kong on Friday (image courtesy: Hong Kong Squash Twitter)

World No. 13 Joshna Chinappa, who is the last Indian standing at the $25,000 MEML HKFC International 2016, delighted Indian fans at this Hong Kong tournament by reaching her career’s biggest ever PSA final on Friday. And it did not come easy! The third seed showed a lot of resilience to carve out an 8-11, 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9 victory over the World No. 10 and defending champion Annie Au of Hong Kong.

The 29-year-old Indian national champion had defeated Au at the Asian Squash Team Championships just a few days back and the experience surely came in handy. She was narrowly edged by the second seed and home favourite in the first game of the match but came up with a big response to take the next two games narrowly.

However, the 27-year-old southpaw was not one to go down so easily. Buoyed by the crowd support, she stormed back to grab the fourth game 11-7. With the momentum on Au’s side, the pressure was then all on Joshna’s shoulders to try and stop Au from running away with the decider.

And she managed to do just that! She was close on the heels of the local player even though Au had a slim lead of 8-6 deep in the fifth game. But Joshna made one last push and with an incredible show of determination, she was able to grab the win in exactly 1 hour.

The Indian was understandably elated after such a big achievement.

“Every point was fought to the max, just happy to get through to my biggest ever PSA final,” said the Chennai girl.

Joshna to meet top seed in final

She will next meet the top seed Joelle King who beat the eighth seed Donna Urquhart 11-8, 10-12, 11-6, 11-6 in the other semi-final. The two last met in the second round of the Hong Kong Open in December where Chinappa went down in a gruelling five-game match.

Earlier, sixth seed Dipika Pallikal had bowed out to King in the quarter-finals.

source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / SportsKeeda.com / Home Page> Squash> HKFC International / by Sudeshna Banerjee@Sudsports / May 27th, 2016

Kannada Film Actor Harshika Poonacha In New York

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg
Harshika Poonacha in conversation with The Indian Panorama editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja at Bobby Kumar's Senior Care Center in Hicksville, May 23
Harshika Poonacha in conversation with The Indian Panorama editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja at Bobby Kumar’s Senior Care Center in Hicksville, May 23

The young and beautiful Harshika Poonacha was in New York and her host Bharat Goradia chose to organize for the leading lady of many popular Kannada films a press conference on May 23 at Senior Care Center of Bobby Kumar in Hicksville.

In her exclusive conversation with The Indian Panorama editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja she expressed her admiration for America and Americans. She said it was her second visit to America and she had visited quite a few locations. She said given an option she would like to stay and work in the US.

Ms Poonacha recalled that she was 15 and studying for her High Schoolin Bengaluruand was with her friends at a coffee shop when a gentleman (she learnt later he was Ramesh, a film maker) approached her with an offer to give her a lead role in a Kannada film he was planning. She thought it was just a ploy of the man to entice her. He said he wanted to make a film on changes young school children undergo.However, soon she learnt that the man was genuine and that his offer was a professional one. That was the beginning of her film career. The incident took place in 2008. And the film -PUC- was released in 2010.

Harshika is flanked by her host Bharat Goradia (left) and Bobby Kumar (right)
Harshika is flanked by her host Bharat Goradia (left) and Bobby Kumar (right)

For her performance in the movie Tamastu, based on the subject of terrorism, Harshika received the Karnataka State Films Award. Her next big film which has not yet been titled is directed by the famous director Sunit Kumar Desai and is to be released in the next few months.

source: http://www.theindianpanorama.news / The Indian Panorama / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood> Indian Diaspora / The Indian Panorama, May 27th, 2016

Upendra, Prema combination back after 17 years

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

Following Kalpana 2 and Mukunda Murari, Upendra has signed up his next, which has an interesting title, Upendra Matte Hutti Baa, Inti Prema. The screenplay, inspired by the Telugu film Soggade Chinni Nayana, we hear that the storyline for Kannada is written by Upendra himself. The film will be directed by Arun Loknath who also helmed H20, which starred Upendra and Priyanka and Prabhu.

UpendraKF26may2016

Upendra Matte Hutti Baa will see Uppi in a dual role.
Prema’s first film with Upendra was his directorial Om that starred Shivarajkumar in the lead.

She later starred opposite him in Upendra, which turned out to be a blockbuster.

The actress took a hiatus from films after Shishira (2009).

“After 17 years, she will share screen space with Upendra in her comeback film,“ says our source.

Sriram, who has been managing Upendra’s work will be producing this film. He has currently taken the responsibility of finalising the rest of the cast. If all goes well, the crew plans to go on floors in the second week of June.

Meanwhile, Upendra is completing portions of his film Mukunda Murari directed by Nanda Kishore and will follow it up with a song for Ananth Raju’s Kalpana 2.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by A Shradhaa / May 23rd, 2016

Madikeri CMC readies itself to face tough rains

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature

Task force formed for help during loss of houses, lives.

The City Municipal Council is all set to face eventualities from the heavy rain during monsoon in the next three months.

The Municipality has formed a task force to address the grievances of the people in case of house collapse and loss of life following heavy rain.

City Municipality Commissioner B B Pushvathi has directed the teams to visit the spots immediately in case of any mishap during monsoon. The task force members should not leave the headquarters from June to August, she added.

Problem places
Areas like Tyagaraja Nagara, Rajarajeshwari Nagara, Ukkuda, Gaddige, Azad Nagara, Indira Nagara, Chamundeshwari Nagara, Jyothi Nagara, Ventakaramanna Layout, Rifle Range Nagara, Webs layout, Dairy Farm, Mangaladevi Nagara, Moornadu Road, Mangaluru state highway, Jayanagara, Sudarshan Layout, Ashokapura, Mallikarjuna Nagara, Thippegundi, Ranipete, Bhagavathi Nagara, FMC College, Putani Nagara, Dechur are likely to have rain-related mishaps in town. The artificial flood entering the houses and uprooting of trees on the road are common in these areas. The Municipality has deployed officials to such flood-prone areas to mitigate the damages.

Desilting drains
She said that officials have been directed to remove the silt in the open drains for the easy flow of rainwater. Senior Programmer M N Sandhya and Second Division Assistant B R Harini have been given the responsibility of collecting information on the rain damage and submit it to the district administration daily. The revenue and health inspectors have been directed to shift the people in low lying areas to the safer places in case of necessity.

The City Municipality has appealed to the contractors to give utmost importance to the safety of the labourers working during the monsoon.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Aditya K A / Madikeri – DHNS, May 21st, 2016