Bhavani GS, a Bangalore-based artist, is thrilled to be presenting her latest project, ‘Journey With The River Cauvery’, in Chennai.
This show includes a video documentary, paintings and photographs. After exhibiting her work in Bangalore and Mysore, the next leg of her project flows on to Tamil Nadu.
“This is a narrative video of the journey taken by Cauvery to reach the Bay of Bengal,” says Bhavani. The project began in 2009 when she journeyed till Mysore and it took her almost 12 days to finish shooting. She adds, “In November 2011, I travelled to several other places, tracing the river’s journey. This took me around 15 days.”
Bhavani has captured the traditional spaces of worship and the rituals that go along with it, and various other human activity connected with the river.
Her passion for the river Cauvery is the sole reason why she chose to document her journey. “I belong to Kodagu (Coorg), the place where the river originates, and she is worshiped as ‘kuladevatha’ there. Since I moved away from my native place, I started missing Cauvery and seeing her flow in all her glory. So, I decided to translate my memory into photographs, paintings and a docu film,” she smiles.
Check out Bhavani’s Journey With The River Cauvery, at Art & Soul, 204-A, East Coast Road, Akkarai, between 11 am and 9 pm, till March 21 (except Mondays).
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Art & Culture / by Isha Sharma, TNN / March 15th, 2013
Right after they had beaten Punjab Warriors 2-1 in their Hockey India League opener, the UP Wizards quartet of Nitin Thimmaiah, VR Raghunath, SK Uthappa and Pradhan Sommanna headed into the players’ enclosure to have coffee. The choice of beverage was easy to explain. All four hail from Coorg, famous for its coffee estates.
“All four of us studied in St. Thomas High School. The last few years have seen a lot of players coming into the national team from Coorg, and the hockey culture there is strong enough to produce even more players,” said Thimmaiah, who made his India debut in the Europe tour before the London Olympics.
Own goal
Thimmaiah and Raghunath set up the second goal for UP, an own goal from Punjab goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann that gave them an eventually decisive 2-1 lead. Raghunath, one of the experienced players of the national team, was also crucial in thwarting the likes of Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles. The 24-year-old was picked up for US$ 76,000 by UP and is the skipper of the team.
“It was great to be picked up for such a huge amount. A lot of our juniors in Coorg called me on the auction day and congratulated me. It was big news for hockey fans back home. Looking at the amount of players emerging from the region, I guess there will soon be a franchise from Coorg in the league,” said Raghunath.
Uttar Pradesh coach Roelant Oltmans, who was appointed Indian hockey’s high performance technical director on Thursday, said some of his youngsters would play key roles for India over the coming years. “Players like Thimmiah and Harbir Singh are the talents to look out for,” he said. “Their basics are good and they will benefit from playing alongside the likes of legends like Teun de Nooijer.”
source: http://www.indianexpress.com/ The Indian Express / Home / by Nitin Sharma / Jalandhar – Friday, January 18th, 2013
Former Sandalwood actress Nidhi Subbaiah, who has acted in Kannada films Pancharangi and Krishnan Marriage Story among others, seemed a little flustered yesterday when she saw what she had scored on the Bangalore Times Most Desirable list. The actress, who was rated number 42 in the national list, appeared at number 6 on the regional list. (Nidhi Subbaiah )
Her comment on the list on Twitter began with, “These individual city polls are funny! I believe only in the national poll.. God bless small minded people! .. Tch.” The actress, who was last seen in the Bollywood film Ajab Gazabb Love opposite Jackky Bhagnani, went on to further add, “Also, nice to read em sometimes.. Get to know a lot about myself that I didn’t know!Like who’s dating who!No time to confirm? Double tch.”
The comments, however, has not gone down too well with fans, colleagues and friends. While one of her fans posted a snapshot of hers from the list congratulating the actress, Nidhi, reacted with a “hmmm no I don’t believe in this! False news.”
Actress Ramya, who topped the regional list, too could not help but react to Nidhi’s comments. “We may be small minded but we have a big heart. We mean good to others and of course we don’t forget our roots as much as we branch out,” Ramya tweeted.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional / by Parinatha Sampath, TNN / Monday – May 21st, 2013
Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha, who was last seen Kavita Lankesh’s Crazy Loka, featuring Ravichandran and Daisy Bopanna, seems to be flooded with offers now.
The actress, who is working on eight Kannada films this year, is also doing her debut in Kollywood with the film Anandha Thollai. Harshika, who has been in the news lately for her upcoming special number in the film Case No 18/9, is excited about her first dance number. “On my way for the dance rehearsals:)My first dance number has to be outstanding!wish me good luck tweeps, I need lot ,” tweeted the actress recently. (Harshika Poonacha )
The Jackie heroine, in a recent voice update also says, “There’s some good news. I’m getting lots of song offers. I’ve even been offered two Telugu films. So, I might be flying to Hyderabad very soon. Your blessings should always be with me.” Though Harshika has a string of films lined this year, her first dance number sure has brought with it a lot more projects.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada / by Parinatha Sampath, TNN / March 25th, 2013
M.R. Poovamma came up with a rare hat-trick of titles in the women’s 400 metres as India won 12 medals, including five gold, in the third and final leg of the rain-marred Asian Grand Prix athletics series in Colombo on Sunday.
India wound up with 13 gold, 10 silver and 11 bronze medals from the series.
Though the chase for the World Championship qualification proved elusive, Poovamma clocked 53.30 seconds in taking her third gold. She had run a personal best of 52.75 in the Federation Cup recently, when she missed the qualification by four hundredth of a second. She had clocked 52.97 in winning the first leg in Bangkok.
Arokia Rajiv came up with his second gold with a time of 46.63s in the men’s 400 metres, after the silver in the first leg. Jitin Thomas failed in his attempt to get his third gold despite scaling 2.21 metres in high jump. He was beaten by Manjula Pushpakumara of Sri Lanka by three centimetres. Nikhil Chittarasu also jumped 2.21m for the bronze.
Siddhant Thingalaya clocked 13.81s in winning the men’s 110m hurdles. In a photo finish, the JSW Foundation supported Thingalaya, who trains in Australia, pipped Rittidet Jamras of Thailand by one hundredth of a second. Thingalaya had hurt his hamstring in clocking a national record 13.65 seconds in Brussels in June last year while chasing the Olympic qualification standard of 13.60. Interestingly, the ‘B’ standard has been set at 13.50 seconds for the World Championship.
Arpinder Singh captured the gold in men’s triple jump with a leap of 16.70m. He had missed the qualification mark of 16.85m for the World Championship by one centimetre in the Federation Cup.
The results Indians unless specified): Men: 100m: 1. Al Harthi Barakat (Oma) 10.45; 2. Guo Fan (Chn) 10.45; 3. Yi Wei Chen (Tpe) 10.59. 400m: 1. Arokia Rajiv 46.63; 2. Seneviratne Kasun (Sri) 46.84; 3. Kalinga Kumara (Sri) 47.31. 5,000m: 1. Nitendra Singh 14:41.26; 2. Kheta Ram 14:41.91; 3. D.L. Samarajeewa (Sri) 14:43.15. 110m hurdles: 1. Siddhant Thingalaya 13.81; 2. Rittidet Jamras (Tha) 13.82; 3. Wan Sofian Rayzam Shah (Mas) 13.96. High jump: 1. Manjula Pushpakumara (Sri) 2.24; 2. Jitin Thomas 2.21; 3. Nikhil Chittarasu 2.21. Triple jump: 1. Arpinder Singh 16.70; 2. Roman Valiyev (Kaz) 16.42; 3. Renjith Maheswary 16.41. Shot put: 1. Wang Li Ke (Chn) 19.20; 2. Guo Yan Xiang (Chn) 19.03; 3. Grigoriy Kamulya (Uzb) 18.87; 4. Om Prakash Singh 18.20. Javelin: 1. Huang Shih Feng (Tpe) 75.85; 2. Sachith Maduranga (Sri) 73.99; 3. Jiang Xing Yu (Chn) 73.43; 7. Davinder Singh 69.33. 4x100m relay: 1. China 39.63; 2. Chinese Taipei 39.89; 3. Hong Kong 39.91; 5. India 40.14. Women: 100m: 1. Zyabikina Viktoria (Kaz) 11.69; 2. Khubbieva Guzel (Uzb) 11.70; 3. Klomdee Neeranuch (Tha) 11.90. 400m: 1. M.R. Poovamma 53.30; 2. Rakhmanova (Kaz) 53.85; 3. Anu Mariam Jose 54.63. 800m: 1. W.K.L.A. Nimali (Sri) 2:05.90; 2. Do Thi thao (Vie) 2:06.38; 3. Liliya Bazyaruk (Kaz) 2:06.68. 100m hurdles: 1. Anastasiya Soprunova (Kaz) 13.61; 2. Erawati Dedeh (Ina) 13.62; 3. Natalia Ivoniskaya (Kaz) 13.64. High jump: 1. Nadiya Dusanova (Uzb) 1.93; 2. Wang Yang (Chn) 1.89; 3. Sahana Kumari 1.79. Long jump: 1. Darya Rezmehnenko (Uzb) 6.34; 2. Yuliya Tarasova (Uzb) 6.20; 3. Katherine Kay Santos (Phi) 6.04. Javelin: 1. Lakmali B.L. Nadeeka (Sri) 58.41; 2. Chang Chunfeng (Chn) 54.05; 3. Lekamge Dilhani (Sri) 53.67; 6. Mukesh Kumari 48.34. Discus: 1. Liang Yan (Chn) 57.67; 2. Jiang Fengjing (Chn) 57.59; 3. Krishna Poonia 55.41. 4x100m relay: 1. Thailand 45.33; 2. China 45.41; 3. Sri Lanka 46.21.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Other Sports / New Delhi – May 13th, 2013
India’s former penalty corner specialist Len Aiyappa is in town to help the Project 2013 squad players improve on their penalty corner drag flicks.
The 34-year-old Len, of Bangalore, was one of the top penalty corner drag flickers in the world during his playing days from 1999 to 2005.
Len also trained the Spain National Under-21 drag flickers in 2010 and was also attached to Italian clubs for four years from 2007.
The defender, who plays for Air India in the Indian League, was also the top scorer in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) for three consecutive years in 2003, 2004 and 2005 – and for three different clubs (Ernst & Young, Bank Simpanan Nasional and Telekom respectively).
He was the last foreign player to win the MHL top scorer’s award in 2006.
Len, who arrived here on Wednesday, said that he was more than happy to help the Project squad drag flickers prepare for the Junior World Cup in Chandigarh, India, in December.
“Penalty corners are crucial during matches … a good drag flicker can help his team win matches. I am here to help fine-tune their flicks so that they are accurate and powerful,” said Len, who will be here for 12 days.
The five drag flickers in the Project squad are Mohd Shahril Saabah, Mohd Nor Aqmal Abdul Ghaffar, G. Kavin Kartik, Mohd Zulhairi Hashim and Mohd Aminudin Mohd Zain.
Len said he would return to KL “another four of five times” to train the Project squad drag flickers.
“My aim is to produce a good drag flicker for Malaysia for the Junior World Cup in December,” said Len.
Project squad coach K. Dharmaraj believes that Len is the perfect choice to guide and turn his youngsters into deadly penalty corner flickers.
source: http://www.thestar.com.my / The Star Online, Malaysia / Home> Sports / Friday, May 17th, 2013
Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna — File Photo Bengaluru:
Indian tennis is playing out like a long-running soap opera.
Seasons have rolled by but the central characters have remained the same and so has the plot. A power-hungry negative but central character in the form of the All India Tennis Association and a group of protagonists, who although united in the cause of the sport, have for long differed in their opinions.
But come April 6, we could witness the end of the opera which in turn could usher a new beginning for the sport, which has a strong following in the country.
This Saturday, the newly-formed Indian Tennis Players’ Association will hold its first Annual General Body meeting in Bengaluru, following its launch in February.
The ITPA, by itself, is a model for sportspersons in the country who for long have been ruled by the whims and fancies of federation honchos, for most of whom players’ welfare is a very low priority.
Although the ITPA came into existence last month, the indications to the effect have been around for a while now. Until recently, unity was never a strong point of Indian tennis. Internal bickering and ego clashes have always been a part of the sport’s culture.
Last year, when Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna took on the men, who wield power and supposedly know what is best for the sport in the run-up to the London Olympics, a significant glimpse of unity in times of crisis proved to be shining beacon.
The next show of strength came when 11 players made themselves unavailable for the Davis Cup tie against Korea after the AITA chose not to take up the players’ suggestions.
The players are back in the fold, on their terms, and determined to bring about a positive change in the tennis scene in the county. But they take pains to maintain that they are not a rival body to the AITA, but a “forum for the players, by the players.”
Speaking about the players’ unity, one of the primary factors behind the formation of the ITPA, India’s singles ace Somdev Devvaraman said, “All the players are sticking together and that’s a positive sign and it’s not going to change anytime soon. It’s very evident to all of us that we are doing what is correct and what is right for the sport in the country.
“We are always going to support each other. It’s rare and it’s a beautiful group to be a part of,” said the undisputed leader of the young generation.
The 28-year-old pro, who is on a comeback trail, further stated, “It’s our right to voice our opinion, India is a free country where people have always voiced their opinion if we don’t like it, we’ll say it. That’s the way I have been brought up.”
While AITA may beg to differ, Bhupathi rightly points out that they have only the interest of sport in mind. “What we are trying to do is call for better process in tennis and make it a better sport for everyone.”
All these players show passion and commitment on the court and it’s no surprise the same comes out when they speak of the way forward for Indian tennis.
“The ultimate thing is a lot of players who have played in the past and most of the present players are all on the same page. One thing is for sure, all of us want the exact same thing as an outcome. We just want the best for the players and for the future of the game. I think all of us are tennis enthusiasts, and we just want the best for it,” said the strappy Somdev.
A new beginning beckons Indian tennis, and the fact that the ushers are men and women who are passionate about the sport may well bring the bang back into Indian tennis. We will have the AGM on Saturday. Trust me, we are going to be there in full force supporting the team during the Davis Cup tie and we will be there in full force to make sure what changes we set out to do in Indian tennis happens.”
Mahesh Bhupathi “I’m glad the ITPA is formed and I’m looking forward to the first meeting. It is great to have a platform where people who are truly connected to the sport have a chance to discuss the future and identity the best way forward for the sport.”
Modelled around the ATP (the Association of Tennis Professionals), the ITPA, a Section 25 Company, a non-profit association, is a body floated as a platform to represent the professional interests of tennis players across the country.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Sports> Tennis / by Manjula Veerappa / DC / March 31st, 2013
Star Indian shuttlers lit up the hall as they walked the ramp in a gala opening ceremony here on the eve of the India Open.
Displaying designer clothes, Parupalli Kashyap, Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa, P.V. Sindhu, Pullela Gopichand and Saina Nehwal took to the ramp Monday night as the entire Indian badminton contingent cheered them on. Olympian Kashyap got the loudest cheer from his fellow players.
Shuttlers who played in the London Olympics were felicitated and presented with prize money as had been promised by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).
Saina got Rs.25 lakh for winning the bronze medal in London last year. Women’s doubles specialists Jwala and Ashwini got Rs.2.5 lakh while Jwala’s mixed doubles partner V. Diju was awarded Rs.1 lakh.
source: http://www.vancouverdesi.com / Vancouver Desi.com / Home> Sports / by IANS / New Delhi, April 23rd, 2013
The event saw actors and celebrities like Prajna, Surabhi, Harshika Poonacha, Bhuvan Ponannaa Ramesh, Aravind and Ajai Rao in attendance
Taking fashion and glamour into a whole new level, actress Harshika Poonacha and actor Bhuvaan Ponannaa launched their dream company — GlamGod Fashions and Events, which specialises in every aspect of fashion, modelling, films and glamour.
A huge bunch of actors and celebrities including actors Ramesh Aravind, Ajai Rao, Prajna, Surabhi, Indian idol winner Sriram, director AMR Ramesh were present during the launch.
Harshika was on top of the world, attired in a red dress along with celebrity director Bhuvaan Ponannaa, as both welcomed everyone with open arms and posed for the shutterbugs.
“While acting is still a part of me, I wanted to branch out and try out new things. The opportunity came my way when Bhuvaan told me about his plans of starting an international fashion agency,” says Harshika.
She added, “Through our company, we plan to promote young talent in fashion industry and films and give them a platform to showcase their art on an international platform using our tie-ups with agencies overseas. I remember when we entered the industry, both of us had no background in films and we took every day as it came. So I want to give something back. With this launch, I hope to do just that.”
The guests and her team surprised Harshika by getting a cake on her birthday. The actress played along when they smeared the cake on her face.
“It was the best birthday I ever had, not only because I could celebrate it with people whom I love, but also because I have entered a new phase of my life,” she said.
The evening also had an exclusive fashion show choreographed by Braveem Thamaya where international designer Reshma Kunhi showcased her spring summer collection.
The show saw models dressed in ethnic clothes like long kurtas, sherwanis and dhotis in bright summer colours along with Indo-western attires like kurtis, smart jackets and pants.
With only ten unique creations on the ramp, the audience were left craving for more. “Our main motto is to simplify fashion and provide opportunity to all the budding talents in the city and subsequently all over India.
The focus will not only be on clothes, but on hairstyle, make up, choreography and also on the quality of models. There is a huge demand for Indian models overseas and our company will bridge that gap.
All newcomers and freshers can sign up with our agency at no cost and the deserving will be selected and groomed for free and subsequently be used for commercial events and films all over the world,” said Bhuvaan Ponannaa, the director of the company.
The evening saw the celebrities let their hair down at Tango Calypso as they wished the best to both the directors and their team.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Express Features – Bangalore / May 13th, 2013
Ajai Appachu started his winning streak in competitive riding in 1996. | EPS
For the son of an army man, taking to tough sports and adventure is second nature. Coorg lad Ajai Appachu is no different. Being based in Bangalore, Ajai was attracted to horse riding and took to equestrian events like ducks to water in 1995. He took part in local events and then graduated to bigger events. He started his winning streak in competitive riding in 1996 when he was adjudged the best rider in the zonal championships at Kolkata.
There has been no looking back for Ajai, whose parents Maj Gen Cheppudira Jai Appachu and Gita, have given him all encouragement and opportunities to excel in it.
A truly gifted rider and an extremely successful instructor, Ajai has won innumerable equestrian accolades in India, South Africa and Australia in every field of equestrian sport, whether dressage, show jumping or eventing.
Ajai has been trained under world-class instructors and is now the guiding force behind the Embassy International Riding School competition yard.
His students reflect his ability and the EIRS team for the Junior National Equestrian Championship is a force to reckon with, having achieved the highest medal tally at national level since 2003. The young rider has a long list of achievements under his belt.
Just sample this:
*Won the Individual Gold (1.30 mt) at the recently held KRA Cup, Seoul, South Korea. Also, won the Team Silver for Jumping.
* Qualified for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in the year 2010.
* Won FEI World Jumping challenge Category A in Meerut (2011).
* Won the FEI World dressage challenge held at Embassy International Riding School in 2008.
* Won Team Gold in show jumping at the Junior International (1999)
* Best Rider at the Tollygunj Horse Show (1997-98)
* Junior National Champion at Bangalore (1998)
* Represented India in South Africa where the team won a gold and three bronze medals
* Represented India for the 4th time in the International Tent Pegging meet (2000)
* Won the gold in the Lance and silver in the Team Sword events.
Ajai’s recent success in the World meet has given him immense confidence “I will be participating in a eventing meet in Germany.
My target is the 2016 Olympic Games,” said Ajai, for whom, his mentor and coach Maj Ahluwalia is the know-all and be-all of equestrian.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by S. S. Shreekumar / ENS – Bangalore / July 06th, 2012
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