National Badminton Coach Gopichand and former national athlete Aswini Nachappa being felicitated by ANU Vice-Chancellor A. Rajendra Prasad on Sunday. Registrar P. Rajasekhar and Rector K.R.S. Sambasiva Rao are seen.— Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar
Tech strides making GenX lazy, says ace shuttler Pullela Gopichand
A week-long seminar involving internationally acclaimed sports experts and coaches in formulating a physical and sports literacy programme and ways and means to inculcate sports into everyone’s life will be held at Acharya Nagarjuna University from Monday.
Speaking to the media persons, Chief National Badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, the chief patron of ‘Sports for Life – India’ initiative here on Sunday, said that technological advancement was creating imbalance in the lives of the youngster generation making them languid and inert.
“Spending a big chunk of time talking over mobiles, watching television, surfing laptops and eating unhealthy food is taking a heavy toll on the youngsters. Rural games like Thokkudubilla, Karra Billa, Donga Police and hide and seek gave an opportunity for the erstwhile generation some physical movement in the evenings making them strong and fit. The experts will be discussing several aspects before coming up with suggestions as per the Indian conditions,” said the ace shuttler.
He said experts like Canadians Mr. Richard Way, a long term athlete development expert, Dr. Stephen Norris, a sports physiologist, Mr. Ram Nayyar; head coach of Canadian national badminton team and Ms. Ashwini Nachappa, former international athlete, would participate in the seminar.
Curriculum for schools, colleges
Senior coaches like Mohammad Arif (badminton), Ramesh Nagapuri (Athletics), Ms. Aradhana Sharma, sports nutritionist, Ms. Mala Honnatti, a marathoner, Mr. Aashish Contractor, sports medicine expert and others will help the core team formulate a curriculum for the schools and colleges.
Right age for initiation
At the seminar, several stakeholders such as physical education teachers, district sports administrators, sports association members, students of Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan and Kastruba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya will take part.
The experts will discuss the right age for the initiation into sports, creating opportunities to excel and sprucing up right kind of infrastructure and right quantity and quality of food intake and several other basic components.
Draft to be prepared
“The findings from the seminar will be culled in to a draft and would be presented to the powers-that-be for the future course of action in the 13 districts of the Andhra Pradesh,” said Gopichand.
Acharya Nagarjuna University Vice-Chancellor P. Rajendra Prasad felicitated Arjuna awardee Ashwini Nachappa.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – March 14th, 2016
Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairman (extreme left) Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, Legal Advisor to Karnataka CM Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa (extreme right) and artiste Chekkera Pancham Thyagaraj seen with AICC President Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence in Delhi.
New Delhi :
The Kodava Sahitya Academy has demanded an exclusive Rajya Sabha (RS) seat for Kodavas on the lines of Anglo-Indian community and conferment of Bharat Ratna posthumously on the country’s first Field Marshal, Gen.K.M. Cariappa.
A delegation of Kodava Sahitya Academy, comprising its Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, Legal Advisor to Karnataka Chief Minister Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa and artiste Chekkera Pancham Thyagaraj, which met AICC President Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence here recently, apprised her of the current status of Kodavas.
Responding to the delegation’s plea, Sonia Gandhi said that she was aware of Kodagu district’s unique geographical features, Kodava culture and traditions.
Recalling that Gen. K.S. Thimmaya’s sister Ammi was a Personal Secretary of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi reminded that it was Rajiv Gandhi’s Government which bestowed the ‘Field Marshal’ title on Gen. K.M. Cariappa on Jan. 14, 1986.
Sonia also assured that she would look into the demands of Kodavas and respond appropriately, said Brijesh Kalappa.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 10th, 2016
Kodavas seek Bharat Ratna award for Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa
Mysuru :
“It is not just a spur of the moment to seek benefits, but the culture and tradition practiced by Kodavas are akin to tribals in the State, hence Kodavas need to be accorded the status of tribals”, urged Chief Minister Siddharamaiah’s Legal Advisor Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa, who is also the spokesman of All India Congress Committee (AICC), here yesterday.
Addressing a huge gathering at the two-day Kodava Literary and Cultural Festival at the Scouts and Guides Grounds organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Akademy, he said “Earlier, especially post-independence, Kodava IPS officers were in large numbers. Now, the number of such officers in civil services has dwindled, as Kodavas are not eligible to get their due share in top service-oriented jobs owing to lack of reservations”.
Claiming that Kodava language has a rich history of over 1,000 years and is older than Malayalam, he added that there is a need to preserve the language for posterity, besides carving a niche in defence services, the community members should also achieve in other fields, thus spreading the innate Kodava culture among all.
Regional Commissioner A.M. Kunjappa, speaking on the occasion said that there are many possibilities of Kodava culture and tradition facing threat as the people of the land are migrating to other places and added that instead, Kodavas should spread the essence of their land among their off-springs.
Earlier, inaugurating the grand cultural procession at the North Gate of Mysore Palace, Kunjappa said ‘One or two-day cultural programmes is not enough to spread the Kodava culture. It should be taught to the younger generations on a daily basis’.
Kodavas seek Bharat Ratna to K.M. Cariappa: Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Akademy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah yesterday urged the Central Government to confer the Country’s highest Civilian Award “Bharat Ratna” posthumously on Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa during the on-going two-day State-level Kodava Sahitya Samskruthika Mela in city.
Stating that Kodava Culture, tradition and practices have been widely appreciated, he rued ”Unfortunately successive governments have failed to make serious attempts to bring Kodavas into the mainstream.”
He added that there are no able leaders to raise the problems and issues of Kodavas in the Parliament or in the Legislative Assembly.
Book Release: Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Dr. Kaveri Prakash, whose book titled ‘Kodavara Samskaragalu’ in Kannada highlighting traditions of Kodava Culture was released on the occasion, pointed out that all cultures and traditions are fast vanishing due to modernisation and stressed the need to protect them
Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Akademy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, State Handicrafts Development Corporation Chairperson Shantheyanda Veena Achhaiah, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera Kuttappa, Balyamanda M. Nanaiah and others were among those present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 13th, 2016
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha is seen lighting the traditional lamp to inaugurate the two-day State-level Kodava Literary and Cultural Fest at Scouts and Guides Ground in city this morning. Others seen are (from left) former President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja Dr. A.A. Kuttappa, Samaja President M.K. Kuttappa, Regional Commissioner A.M. Kunjappa, Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., Chairperson Veena Achaiah, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairman B.S. Thammaiah, Legal Advisor to Karnataka Chief Minister Brijesh Kalappa, former VC of Hampi University Prof. H.J. Lakkappa Gowda, Folklore University VC Prof. Ambalike Hiriyanna, Joint Director of Kannada and Culture Balwant Rao Patil, In-charge Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department (Kodagu) S.I. Bhavikatti and Academy Registrar Umarabba.
Mysuru:
Observing that Kodava culture and traditions can be likened to that of Parsi community, which is known for its unity, entrepreneurship and large heartedness, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha said that patriotism runs in the blood of every Kodava.
He was speaking after inaugurating the two-day State-level Kodava Sahitya-Samskruthika Mela at Haradasa Appaneravanda Appachha Kavi Vedike at the Scouts and Guides ground near the Deputy Commissioner’s office here this morning.
Stating that he had great affection for Kodavas, Simha said that however, he has a little grouse against Kodavas for migrating to other places in search of work and other profession, after leaving their homeland Kodagu.
Pointing out that Kodavas celebrate three major festivals in a year — Huthri, Kail Poldh and Cauvery Sankramana — the MP wondered how many Kodavas were really interested in farming and cultivating paddy and other crops.
Noting that Kodava community had given great warriors like Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya to the nation, Simha lamented the declining number of Kodavas joining the armed forces of late.
Expressing concern over the sharply declining Kodava influence in the armed forces, Simha warned that one day a gallery of Kodava Army Officers has to be set up for the future generation as reminiscence of the past, if the trend continued.
Expressing disappointment over declining cultural values, traditions and unity among Kodavas, Simha said this can be seen in the lack of development of Kodava Samaja buildings across Kodagu district.
Suggesting creating of an exclusive space at the newly-constructed Kodagu DC Office building at Madikeri for displaying the rich Kodava culture, heritage and traditions to future generation, the MP stressed on the need for inculcating Kodava culture among younger generations of the community.
Highlighting the need for maintaining unity and affection among Kodavas, Simha called for appropriate measures for further strengthening of Kodava culture and traditions.
Earlier, the Reception Committee Chairman Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa hoisted the flag. Kodava Sahitya Academy Registrar Umarabba welcomed. Academy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah presided.
Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa, Regional Commissioner Appachettolanda M. Kunjappa, Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Chairman Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah, Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa, former Hampi Kannada University VC Prof. H.J. Lakkappa Gowda, Karnataka Folklore University VC Prof. Ambalike Hiriyanna, Joint Director of Kannada and Culture Balwant Rao Patil, Department of Kannada and Culture Assistant Director (Kodagu) S.I. Bhavikatti and others were present.
The two-day event features a book exhibition, an informative expo on Kodava land, literature, culture and geographical features, Kodava Folk art contests followed by a host of cultural programmes. Tomorrow, the second and concluding day of the Mela, will feature kavighosti at 11 am followed by a seminar at 12 noon.
The valedictory will take place at 4 pm with former Agriculture University VC Prof. P.G. Chengappa delivering the valedictory address.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 12th, 2016
The organisers overseeing the preparations for the mela.
Mysuru :
Mysuru city has geared up to host the two-day State-level Kodava Sahitya-Samskruthika Mela organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Madikeri, (Kodagu), in association with Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, at the Scouts and Guides ground behind the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office here on Mar.12 and 13.
Cultural procession: Regional Commissioner Appachettolanda M. Kunjappa will flag off the Kodava cultural procession at Kote Anjaneyaswamy temple at the North Gate of the Palace at 10 am tomorrow. The procession will pass through the Clock Tower, Gandhi Square, Sayyaji Rao Road, Dufferin Clock Tower (Chikkagadiyara) and D. Devaraj Urs Road before reaching the Mela venue at Scouts and Guides ground. About 25 cultural troupes will participate in the procession.
Bus facility:
The organisers have arranged bus facility from the Scouts and Guides ground to Kote Anjaneyaswamy temple to ferry the Kodavas taking part in the procession. The participants will have to park their vehicles at the ground and avail of the bus facility.
Mela inauguration:
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha will inaugurate the Kodava Literary Fest at 11.30 am tomorrow after flag hoisting by former MLC Meriyanda C. Nanaiah. Chamarajanagar MP R. Dhruvanarayan, Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan, Chamaraja MLA Vasu, Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa, Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., Chairperson Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah, Incharge Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department, Kodagu District, S.I. Bhavikatti and Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa will be the chief guests. Academy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah will preside.
CD and Book release:
On the occasion ‘Kundul Kyamo’ Kodava Music CD (composed by Boppanda Jeffry Aiyappa and Ulliyada Dotty Poovaiah) and three books ‘Kodavara Samskaragalu’ (authored by Dr. Kaveri Prakash); ‘Yaksha Prashne’ (Kechamada Subbamma Thimmaiah) and ‘Mahabharata’ (Kanathanda S. Muthappa) will be released by dignitaries. Ballyamanda M. Nanaiah, Vice-President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja will inaugurate the book exhibition at the venue.
Contests:
The afternoon session will feature Kodava folk art contests for boys and girls which will be inaugurated by Industrialist Machanda Jaya Chinnappa and Maneyapanda Mary Cariappa respectively at 2 pm.
Cultural programme:
Kodava Thakk Jananga Okkoota President Korakuttira Sara Chengappa will inaugurate the cultural programmes at 5.30 pm. Kodagu Sahakara Sangha (Mysuru) President Chambanda Nanjamma, Virajpet Cauvery PU College Lecturer Aangira Kusum and Kodagu Jilla Kembatti Abhivruddhi Samaja President Doddakuttada Ramu Ayyappa will be the chief guests.
On Mar. 13 – Kavigoshti:
The second day of the mela will begin with Kavigoshti at 11 am under the Chairmanship of Poetess Badakadamanda Kasthuri Govindammayya. Kadyamada Rita Bopaiah, Kiriyamada Raj Kushalappa, Mukkatira Akkamma Nanjappa and Maluvanda Nalini Bindu will recite poems.
Seminar:
The kavigoshti will be followed by a seminar at 12 noon which will be presided by Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief Kaliyatanda B. Ganapathy. Senior Advocate Pandanda D. Medappa will present a paper titled ‘Varthamanathra Kodag’ while Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah will present a paper titled ‘Kodavada Samskruthi.’
Valedictory:
Former Vice-Chancellor of Agriculture University Dr. P. G. Chengappa will deliver the valedictory address at 4pm. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Virajpet MLA Kombarana G. Bopaiah, MLCs Dharmasena and Mandepanda Sunil Subramani, former MP H. Vishwanath, Karnataka High Court Advocate Chandramouli and former President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja Dr. Adenganda A. Kuttappa will be the chief guests. Academy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah will preside.
On the occasion, prizes will be distributed to the winners of various contests. The mela will conclude later in the evening with variety of cultural programmes and Kodava Orchestra.
Kodavas from different parts of the State are expected to attend the fest and demonstrate a melange of activities during the two-day jamboree. The mela, which is hosted once in three years, is being held in Mysuru for the second time. Earlier, it was held in Mysuru in 2003.
The organisers have made arrangements to provide boarding and lodging facilities to all artistes. Also free vegetarian food will be served to all those attending the event on both the days.
For details contact Ph: 08272-229074 or 0821- 2415644 or 2410173.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / March 11th, 2016
Robin Uthappa’s wedding to long-time girlfriend Sheethal Goutham on Thursday morning may have been an intimate affair with only close family and friends in attendance.
But the reception at a city star hotel saw the who’s who of the cricket world make a beeline to greet the newly-weds.
Among the early birds at the reception were Anil Kumble, GR Vishwanath, Brijesh Patel, EAS Prasanna, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, Roger and Stuart Binny and Praveen Amre, among others.
Rahul Dravid, who had just flown into the city from Delhi, came directly from the airport to be a part of the celebration.
S Sreesanth, with whom Robin had a business venture earlier, was conspicuous by his absence.
Adding filmi glamour to the proceedings were Bollywood actress Elli Avram, and Sandalwood stars Diganth and Aindrita Ray.
Notable among the guests were the parents of Robin’s pals who could not make it to their big day.
Shikha Tandon, who resides in the US now, was represented by her parents, while Pankaj Advani sent his mother and brother.
The do, which began with the couple greeting their guests on an elegantly decorated podium, extended well into the night, with Robin and Sheethal leading their friends on the dance floor.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Entertainment / TNN / March 05th, 2016
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, IDL Foundation, a non-profit organization, is all set to organize a unique and innovative programme – IDL Blind Pinkathon – for the benefit of blind and visually-challenged on March 6 at NGO Hall, Cubbon Park.
Speaking with Iamin, Dr P K Paul, founder and executive trustee of IDL Foundation, said that the NGO plans to organise similar programmes at other cities for the benefit of blind and visually-challenged people. “Our objective is to provide a platform to the special people to showcase their talent and provide opportunities to celebrate womanhood in a special and unique way by organising a programme for interaction among abled, differently abled and celebrities which will be a life time memory for the participants,’’ Dr Paul said.
Participation is open to all on the first come first basis, provided they possess a Medalor Blind Certificate.
Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha, the brand ambassador of this project, had launched the IDL Blind Pinkathon logo in the presence of blind and visually-challenged couples on Valentine’s Day at Cubbon Park recently. “I am inspired to see the love and affection I received from the special people. I appeal general public to come forward to lend a helping hand to blind and visually-challenged people to cross roads, to board BMTC buses, read books, and write exams,’’ Harshika Poonacha said.
According to Dr Paul, there are loads of goodies awaiting special people. “We have made arrangements to give Rs500 each as honorarium for 500 participating blind and visually-challenged women, girl students and children. Each participant will get a designer ladies bag and five gifts such as talcum powder, oil, shampoo, soap, cream and moisturizer as a token of appreciation of participating and memorabilia,’’ he said.
Those who want to participate in the programme may contact at 880268787/7813018787/7813028787.
When: Sunday, March 6.
Where: NGO Hall, Cubbon Park, Bangalore.
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Locality> Bangalore Central / by Y M Reddy / Tuesday – March 01st, 2016
Star Indian doubles player hopes to get facility with four clay courts running by April
Dubai:
Indian doubles ace Rohan Bopanna will launch his tennis academy in Bengaluru next month.
35-year-old, who has struck a successful partnership with Romanian Florin Mergea on the ATP World Tour said that the focus of his academy will be on tapping talent in the 4 to 14 years age-group.
The academy that will be located on the outskirts of the country’s IT capital, is a personal initiative from the Indian Davis Cup player.
“I want to do this my way. I want the primary focus to be on fitness because that’s the most important factor in our sport today, also if the child then doesn’t want to play tennis, he or she can play another sport because they will already have the necessary early training,” Bopanna told Gulf News after he and Mergea had lost in the doubles to the veteran pairing of Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek.
Bopanna disclosed that he is teaming up with former South African professional Piet Norval and fitness trainer Yash Pandey in his new venture.
“Piet has done a fantastic job with kids back home in South Africa,” Bopanna said.
“He will visit the facility once every month for a week. I want to focus on juniors to begin with and then see if I want to expand in the future. Right now it’s all about a wholesome exposure to children who want to play the sport. I’m only having clay courts now because it’s easier on the body, more so when kids are learning the sport,” the 35-year-old added.
Bopanna will launch the academy with just four courts late next month before going into business probably a month later. “I’ve spoken to a lot of schools and the response so far has been very good. The idea is to get as many kids as possible playing the sport. The more the numbers, the greater our chances for success,” he said.
Bopanna and Mergea, ranked 8 and 12 individually, and placed 14 as a team, haven’t had a great start to the new season. Last year, the pair surprised a few when they sailed into the doubles final at the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals held at the O2 Arena. After Dubai they are scheduled to play Indian Wells and Miami before they hit the European trail for the clay court stretch.
source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> Sport> Tennis / by Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter / February 27th, 2016
Niranjan Nikam in conversation with Yamini Muthanna.
Mysuru is the Ashtanga Yoga capital of the world, a sobriquet which is music to the ears of Mysureans, after the cleanest city tag for the second time. The city has also produced two of the finest yoga exponents in the world, B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois. However, there is one more Guru, who is quietly doing his bit on whom many discerning yoga practitioners swear — it is B.N.S. Iyengar.
Bengaluru-based Yamini Muthanna, dancer and yoga exponent, is one such. She was in city recently to participate in the launch function of her book “The Power of Yoga” at Dhvanyaloka Open Air Theatre.
After the book launch, organised by the Mysore Book Club, a first-of-its-kind experiment in Mysuru, Yamini, who gave a breath-taking yoga demonstration, shared her views on how the book shaped, the power of yoga, the undue importance for competitions and why everybody should practice yoga, with Senior Journalist N. Niranjan Nikam. Excerpts. — Ed
by N. Niranjan Nikam
SOM: We just saw your demonstration of yoga. I was thinking all the time, aren’t children the best yogis because their body is so flexible. How is it that we lose all that and only when we see people like you, we say to ourselves, “I wish I was like her — flexible, elastic and graceful.”
Yamini Muthanna: Children are natural Yogis. They are so free in their mind and body so the Asanas are easy for them. They do not have points of resistance either in their body and mind due to stress or tension that an adult might have. Therefore, I personally feel that flexibility in a Yoga Asana practice is a product of freeing the body and mind rather than putting in a lot of imposed effort. Anybody can train to be flexible with proper training of the body and freedom in mind. Yoga Asanas are patterned so beautifully that the body can be slowly animated into an Asana with proper judgement and care.
SOM: Yamini, you started yoga at a young age and you have come a long way. What made you write “The Power of Yoga?”
Yamini: My practice of Yoga has been extremely beneficial for me in all circumstances of my life. It helped me cope during my teenage through motherhood. I have been in constant touch with my body and mind and Yoga has helped me to be always aware. Once I started teaching from 2001 onwards, I noticed it was helping my students also to deal with situations better than how they used to handle things before they started practice. I started documenting their progress and started prescribing need-based specific practice sessions. It was helping my students and, therefore, I decided to share it for a larger group of yoga enthusiasts. My message in the book is you can choose your daily practice according to your day’s needs and have tried to explain how it works.
SOM: I learnt a little bit of yoga about 25 years ago from a Guru here. Later, I practiced for quite some time with the book, “Light on Yoga,” by B.K.S. Iyengar. Your book is equally interesting as you make it look very simple, how far have you come?
Yamini: Guru B.K.S Iyengar’s book is my Bible for my personal Asana study. He has set the benchmark of perfection in the Asanas and I am yet to come across another book equal to that of “Light on Yoga.” The book has been my Guru ever since I started personal practice. I did personal practice from 1996 to 2001 before I started to teach. I did a thorough study of the book, summarised by Guru B.N.S. Iyengar’s teachings and built up my practice, experimented my understanding and documented them in a way which would be easy for a Yoga Practitioner to comprehend. My book is not about loads of information but it is a guide to delve deeper in the practice by triggering a curiosity.
SOM: Yamini, you were talking to me about angles and Trikonasana which is the cover page that has caught you in action is such a perfect pose. Share a little about angles and sequences with our audience.
Yamini: I have a strong understanding that Yoga Asanas are geometric patterns from the Sri Chakra Yantra. I do not want to go to the details of it as I do not have proof and specific information about it. Just as Guru B.N.S.Iyengar mentioned in his speech earlier that the body will get chiselled into a fine cut diamond with perfect glitter in the body with the practice of Asanas and Pranayama. I would like to add that perfect geometry exists in pyramids and prisms also creating certain beneficial energy source forming specific benefits in the universe. It is in the same lines I personally feel that Asanas are also patterned to generate specific benefit to the body. Therefore, it is very important to maintain perfect lines in an Asana construction.
SOM: You have talked at length about asanas, chakras, mudras, pranayama and their benefits, all with photographs and you yourself doing each one of them. However, you have not mentioned time needed for each asana, or have I missed it?
Yamini: No I have not gone too much into the details of these deeper practices of Hatha Yoga as I do not want practitioners to try them on their own with the help of a book as they could be dangerous. It is very important that their first instruction comes from a Guru. I have just mentioned them as an information guide into the future practice.
SOM: You said that you do not believe in giving certificates. I would like to share my experience — I had written a story about yoga talking to a teacher about four years ago titled “Posturing ‘Olympics’ (op)position.” I had read an article in Deccan Herald about a move to include yoga performance in Olympics. The yoga teacher had opposed this idea and I had even quoted that B.K.S. Iyengar was also not in its favour. You yourself and a few noted yoga exponents including Sharath Jois, grandson of Pattabhi Jois, whom I met the other day does not favour it. When I sourced this article of mine which I had promptly forgotten, after four years, I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were 39 comments on it but all blasting me away to glory.
Yamini: I do not agree that Yoga Asana be treated as sports. Yoga is all about a personal well-being routine rather than challenge or competition. Your practice is your personal journey and you don’t need to get a medal or stand on a victory stand to announce your success. You silently practice yoga and reap the glory of the practice by using it in life and your routine mundane activities. It’s not sports.
SOM: But you yourself had participated in competitions earlier. In fact that is how you started your tryst with yoga.
Yamini: I did go for two competitions in 1986 and 1987, won the championships and understood it was a mistake. Master was also not too pleased by it. I did not inform him before entering the contest, because I knew he would not let me. I was sorry for a long time for that mistake.
SOM: What is the difference between a Nadia Comãneci’s perfect ten and yoga postures is the question many ask? Can you highlight the difference?
Yamini: Well, I am going to answer this in brief. Gymnasts use a lot of kinetic energy in their postures and expel a lot of force and energy to get into their perfect positions. Yoga uses potential energy with holds and binds in the asanas conserving energy. So some of the postures look the same but the benefits and the source of construction are different in both Yoga and Gymnastics.
SOM: Yamini you are a Kodava — and Kodavas are slim, tall, elegant, beautiful, handsome, rugged and with wiry bodies. The trouble sometimes is, we stereotype people. Did you turn a vegetarian when you started practicing yoga?
Yamini: I am a proud Kodavathi rooted in my Kodava culture and tradition. I have not given up anything at all. But my personal development has adopted various principles from my study of the two classical disciplines. They are my personal principles that do not interfere with my home culture, which is Kodava. [Daughter of Chendrimada Raja (late) and Sundari, Yamini is married to Kotera C. Muthanna].
No I did not turn vegetarian when I started practicing Yoga, though I changed a lot of principles to suit my practice. However, I am not a great fan of non-vegetarian food. You can call me a “No-fussytarian.” I eat whatever is healthy.
SOM: How much of your yoga has influenced your dance?
Yamini: A lot, in terms of energy and health. Breathing especially gets regulated when we do rigorous dancing. It has helped me keep my body agile and supple and less injury-prone.
SOM: What are your future plans and why the word ‘Power’ in the title of the book?
Yamini: Future plans — I shall keep doing what I am doing with more passion and conviction. I shall keep replenishing my knowledge in these two subjects. With the blessings of my Gurus, I have no doubt in accomplishing this; I will need their support and guidance always. I have already started my next book on Yoga, which would be exclusively for women from 18 to 80. The contents are just shaping up. I feel it will give an interesting perspective on woman’s body and how Yoga could benefit maintenance.
“Power,” I can’t think of a better term for Yoga. Yoga is a source of Power to better your life. As one adapts Yoga into his/her lifestyle, it becomes more and more obvious. I am using the term to emphasise this fact… It’s been my personal Power.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Niranjan Nikam / February 24th, 2016
“Look at me… don’t you notice any change,” said Jwala Gutta, displaying her toned down body.
“This is what our doubles coach has done. I am much fitter now. He brought a number of changes to our game, more particularly to my fitness,” said Jwala, who lost at least 11 kgs in the last five months. Earlier, it was difficult to push Jwala in many aspects. But new doubles coach Kim Tan has found a way on how to deal with talented senior players.
Ever since he took over five months back, Kim is working hard with the doubles teams. After acrimonious exchanges with national coach P Gopichand, which made headlines, Jwala and her partner Ashwini Ponnappa came back to train at the Gopichand Academy and started working with Kim. Kim took time to understand the doubles scenario in India and succeeded in creating a working atmosphere.
“My contract with Badminton Association of India is up to 2020. I have to make some good contributions before that. When I came here I was happy with the things around. I realised that I had to deal with two aspects, the senior doubles team like Jwala-Ashwini, who have achieved success, and a few junior doubles pairs. So I have a plan for them,” Kim said.
Kim is also planning to use Ashwini in mixed doubles. Known for effective smashes which are packed with a lot of power, Ashwini hardly played in mixed doubles events. “Manu Attri and Ashwini will be playing the mixed doubles event. We have finalised on that. They will make an exciting pair,” said Kim, adding that he has plans for others as well.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Sports> Badminton / M Ratnakumar / TNN / February 18th, 2016
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