Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Grieving wife’s decision gives new life to many, ‘walk of honour’ for donor

Madikeri:

In a touching act of humanity, a grieving wife chose to give life to others by consenting to donate her husband’s organs after he was declared brain dead at Kodagu District Hospital, Madikeri, managed by Kodagu Institute of Medical  Sciences (KIMS).

Dalu, 46, a resident of Aravathokkalu village in Ponnampet taluk, had suffered severe head injuries after falling at his house on May 17. Despite treatment, he succumbed to his injuries, following which his wife Rajeshwari agreed to donate his organs.

The donation marked the first organ retrieval procedure in the history of Kodagu District Hospital. Doctors retrieved his heart, kidneys and corneas, which were later transported under ‘zero traffic’ arrangements to hospitals in Mysuru and Bengaluru for transplantation.

Dalu was initially treated at Gonikoppal Government Hospital before being shifted to Madikeri District Hospital on May 19 after his condition deteriorated. A CT scan revealed critical internal head injuries.

Family consent, procedure

On May 22, doctors confirmed brainstem death after two rounds of examinations by a medical board and mandatory observation procedures under Indian law. The family was subsequently counselled on organ donation and Dalu’s wife, Rajeshwari, gave her consent.

The organ retrieval surgery was carried out in the early hours of May 23 under the guidance of Kodagu Medical College Dean Dr. A.J. Lokesh and Senior Surgeons Dr. Somashekar and Dr. Nanjundaiah.

ICU Specialist Dr. Nishid Joseph and Nursing Officer Pavan continuously monitored and stabilised the donor’s condition ahead of the procedure.

Nursing staff Jayashree,  Anil and Manjunath, along with Senior Nursing Officers Vasanth and Mahesh, assisted  through the night.

To Mysuru and Bengaluru hospitals

By 2 am, Surgeons had successfully retrieved the two kidneys, heart and corneas. Medical teams from Mysuru and Bengaluru, including specialists from JSS Hospital and Narayana Hrudayalaya, participated in the procedure. The organs were dispatched to recipient hospitals by 6 am. The hospital later held a solemn ‘walk of honour’ for Dalu. Rajeshwari was also presented with an official organ donation certificate in recognition of the family’s decision.

Speaking emotionally, Rajeshwari said, “We wanted his death to give life to others, so we agreed to donate his kidneys, eyes and heart,” she said.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May24th, 2026

Brain-dead man saves four lives as first organ donation performed at Karnataka’s Madikeri district hospital

Following the consent by the victim’s family, the management at the hospital contacted several other hospitals and made a list of the recipients.

Dalu (46), a resident of Arvathoklu near Gonikoppal, was admitted to the District Hospital aka Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) after he suffered severe head injuries in an accident. Photo | Special Arrangement

Madikeri :

A 46-year-old man, declared brain dead, gave a new lease of life to over four people after his family donated his organs. In a landmark achievement, the organ donation procedure was conducted for the first time at the District Hospital in Madikeri.

Dalu (46), a resident of Arvathoklu near Gonikoppal, was admitted to the District Hospital aka Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) after he suffered severe head injuries in an accident. However, Dalu was not responding to the treatment, and after 48 hours of observation, a two-stage medical committee conducted the examination and confirmed loss of brain stem functions. The hospital declared him brain dead.

While tragedy struck the family of Dalu after he was declared brain dead on May 19, Dalu’s wife Rajeshwari, took a bold step. Following counseling by the medical experts at the District Hospital, Rajeshwari agreed to donate the organs of her husband.

“My husband suffered continuous epilepsy attacks on May 17 and he was shifted to the District Hospital. After several tests, the doctors at the hospital confirmed that my husband was brain dead on May 19,” recalled Rajeshwari. An estate worker who also works as domestic help to run her family, Rajeshwari decided to donate her husband’s organs after she learnt that it would help many patients.

Following the consent by the victim’s family, the management at the hospital contacted several other hospitals and made a list of the recipients. As Dr Nanjundaiah, District Surgeon, explained, “We are intimidated about the organ donation to Jeevasarthakathe (state government body that coordinates organ transplantation) and hospitals that were in need of organs were recognized.”

The kidneys of Dalu were donated to recipients registered with JSS Hospital in Mysuru even as expert doctors Dr Vijay and Dr Manjunath Shetty, who visited the District Hospital to retrieve the kidney conducted the transplantation in Mysuru. Further, corneas were transplanted to registered recipients at Mysuru Medical College.

Since the functioning of the heart of Dalu was slow, the heart valves were retrieved and the transplant was done at a private hospital in Bengaluru. “However, we could not find a recipient for lungs and hence we did not remove Dalu’s lungs,” Dr Nanjundaiah confirmed. He added that since Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences has already been accredited by SOTTO and NOTTO, the case was reported to the State Organ and SOTTO. The organ procurement process was carried out under the guidance of SOTTO.

The operation was carried out under the leadership of KoIMS Dean Dr Lokesh AJ., Hospital Superintendent Dr. Somashekar and District Surgeon Dr. Nanjundaiah. ICU team Dr. Nishid Joseph and Nursing Officer Pawan worked tirelessly to keep the patient’s condition stable.

In the surgery that began at 2 am on Saturday, two kidneys, heart valves and eye corneas were successfully harvested. Neurosurgeons Dr. Sachin Dharwadkar and Dr. Vijayakumar, who arrived from Mysore, carried out the kidney harvest. Dr. Abhinandan and Dr. Chandrashekar collected the heart valves, and Dr. Shruti and the team collected the corneas. Nursing staff Jayashree, Anil and Manjunath and senior nursing officers Vasanth and Mahesh performed the task efficiently.

Meanwhile, Dalu’s remains were handed over to the family through a ‘walk of honour’ after the medical experts honored the donor’s service.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 23rd, 2026

Kodagu boy is International Brainobrain Champion

Anvith S. of Madikeri has won the Champion Trophy in the junior category at the 15th International Brainobrain Abacus Competition held at Dubai.

8 year old Anvith S. is being trained by Mapangada Kavitha Karumbaiah at the Brainobrain Madikeri Centre. Anvith was one of the 6 contestants from Karnataka State.

The Abacus competition was held at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai. Over 1,800 children, from 16 countries participated, and it was a very proud moment for Kodagu, when 8 year old Anvith S. representing India won the Champion Trophy.

Anvith S. is the son of  Srinivas V., who is a Lecturer in Made Maheshwara P.U. College and Pavithra M.N., who is working in National Highway Department. Anvith S. is studying in 3rd std in BGS. Public School, Made.

Anvith received the Champion Trophy from from Mr. Arul Subramanian, Director Technical of Brainobrain and Mr. Anand Subramanian, MD Brainobrain.

Faculty Kavitha Karumbaiah attributed the entire credit to Anvith S. for his determination to participate and to his parents and family, for their unwavering support, that made this huge accomplishment possible.

Anvith has won the Gold Topper Medal in the State Level Competition and also the Champion Trophy, in the National Level Competition in Chennai.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> General / by CLN Newsdesk / December 13th, 2025

Coorg content creator Rida Tharana’s ethereal white gown at Cannes 2026 red carpet spotlights Indian craftsmanship

Rida Tharana makes Coorg proud, picks Nikhil Gajare gown spotlighting Indian craftsmanship for her Cannes red carpet debut. See all the photos.

Coorg-born fashion and lifestyle content creator Rida Tharana officially made her red carpet debut at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 13. A day later, Rida took to Instagram to unveil a series of photos that showcase her look that seamlessly bridges the gap between avant-garde global fashion and the meticulous handiwork of Indian artisans.

Rida’s sculptural ivory gown at Cannes 2026

For her walk across the iconic Cannes Film Fetival red carpet, Rida Tharana chose a custom creation by Indian designer Nikhil Gajare. The gown is a striking example of contemporary couture, featuring a structured, strapless corset bodice and intricate curved paneling that flows across the torso, creating a 3D effect that mimics the organic lines of a seashell.

The rigid structure of the bodice gives way to a voluminous, multi-layered chiffon skirt, allowing for a dramatic twirl that captured attention. A unique, copper-toned pleated sash wraps around the hips, providing a metallic pop against the pristine ivory fabric and highlighting the fusion of different textile techniques. To complete the regal ensemble, Rida wore diamond jewellery by Sennes, with her hair styled in a high, textured, voluminous updo.

Rida’s candid post

Beyond the glamour of the red carpet, Rida shared a deeply personal message regarding her journey to Cannes. In her Instagram post, she admitted that her initial reaction to the invitation was to decline. “When I first found out I had the opportunity to walk the Cannes red carpet, I said no. I didn’t think I deserved it. I questioned myself every second,” she revealed

She credited her management team for pushing her beyond her self-doubt. Rida’s post touched on the rollercoaster of emotions — from the fear of public criticism to the eventual realisation that this was her moment to own. She also revealed that the choice of designer was deliberate. Having worked with Nikhil previously, Rida noted that the piece ‘felt like her’. She likened the experience to a childhood dream, stating that while she never had Barbie dolls growing up, the gown made her feel like a princess.

The debut marks a significant milestone for the creator, and by choosing to wear an emerging Indian couturier on one of the world’s most scrutinised stages, Rida reinforced her reputation as a cultural curator, proving that the journey from Coorg to Cannes is paved with hard work, authenticity, and a bit of self-belief.

“When I say this year is mine, I mean it. This year, and everything that comes after, is mine,” she concluded.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / HindustanTimes / Home / by Sanya Panwar / May 14th, 2026

Joshna finds joy in longevity after nearly three decades on court

Joshna Chinappa’s immediate target is the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, while the Los Angeles Olympics is not on her radar at the moment.

Joshna Chinappa reached the women’s doubles final alongside Rathika Seelan at the National doubles championships on Friday. | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B

Having played  squash since the age of nine, Joshna Chinappa continues to defy time and expectation. Now 39, she remains among India’s finest players, currently ranked World No. 71 and second only to Anahat Singh among Indian women.

Through dedication, discipline and an enduring love for the sport, Joshna continues to set new benchmarks.

So, after nearly three decades on court, what has changed? Joshna has found a different perspective.

“In the last couple of years, I’ve learned to be very detached from the outcomes. I ensure that I do what I need to do to be able to play and train and give it my best. If it doesn’t work out, it’s also okay,” Joshna told Sportstar after reaching the women’s doubles final with Rathika Seelan and the mixed doubles final with Velavan Senthilkumar at the National doubles championships here on Friday.

The results suggest that the shift in mindset has worked in her favour. This season, Joshna captured the Japan Open title, her 11th Professional Squash Association Tour crown and her first in a decade, besides finishing runner-up in two events at home.

The journey, however, has not been easy. Joshna has battled persistent physical setbacks, particularly after undergoing a second surgery on her right knee following the 2023 Asian Games. Yet, she has carried herself with remarkable poise and resilience, continuing to compete against opponents nearly half her age.

“I have not taken a break ever, except for the two knee surgeries. I always say it was the anaesthesia that kept me out. Other than that, I have always been playing back-to-back,” she said with a smile.

“I am also at the stage where it doesn’t excite me to play 12 tournaments a year.”

For now, the immediate target is the forthcoming Asian Games. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is not on her radar at the moment.

But beyond medals and rankings, Joshna understands the significance of simply being able to compete at this stage of her career.

“Any match or tournament that I’m able to play is a huge gift for me. To still do that, play at that level and compete with the best girls in the world, is very encouraging. For me now, it’s more about enjoying my game,” she said.

source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Squash / by K Keerthivasan / May 15th, 2026

Yonex-Sunrise All India Junior (U-19) Ranking Badminton Tournament 2026 : Diya Bheemaiah of Kodagu clinches doubles title

To represent India in the Asian Junior Championships

Mysuru:

Diya Bheemaiah, a native of Kodagu and India’s top-seed junior player, secured the Girls’ Doubles title at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Junior (U-19) Ranking Badminton Tournament 2026 held at the Karnataka Badminton Academy in Vasanthnagar, Bengaluru recently.

Partnering with Baruni Paruswal of Haryana, Diya clinched the title by defeating the Tamil Nadu duo of A.S. Anushka Jennifer   and Deeshitha Singha Gopinath Singh in straight-sets 21-10, 22-20.

This victory also earned Diya a direct spot to represent the Indian Junior Team at the upcoming Badminton Asian Junior Championships – 2026 to be held in Yatsushiro, Japan, from June 26 to July 5.

Furthermore, her performance has secured her a place in the selection process to represent the Indian Junior squad in the Mixed Doubles category as well. Diya is the daughter of Boppanda B. Bheemaiah, a badminton coach and K.K. Kusuma, a fitness coach,  residing in Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /May 13th, 2026

26th Kodava Family Hockey Festival: Kulletira trounces Cheppudira family to clinch Chenanda Cup

Madikeri:

Amid loud cheers from a packed crowd of over 25,000, the Kulletira family team clinched the ‘Chenanda Cup’ at the 26th Kodava Family Hockey Tournament defeating the Cheppudira family 3–1 yesterday.

The final of the month-long Kodava Family Hockey Festival was held yesterday at General Thimmaiah Stadium in Cheriyaparambu near Napoklu. With this win, Kulletira lifted their fourth title in the prestigious tournament.

The summit clash saw an evenly fought first half, with Cheppudira earning several penalty corners but failing to convert them. Both teams scored once in the third quarter to keep the contest open. However, Kulletira took control in the final quarter, striking twice to seal the victory.

Roshan Lokesh, Avaneesh Mandappa and Shubham Chettiyappa scored a goal each for Kulletira, while Vachan Chinnappa netted the lone goal for Cheppudira.

The winning Kulletira family team was awarded Rs. 3 lakh and a silver rolling trophy. Runners-up Cheppudira family received Rs. 2 lakh and a trophy, while Paradanda family, who finished third, received Rs. 1 lakh.

The festival concluded with the ceremonial handover of the flag to the Ajjikuttira family, who will host the 27th edition in 2027. The Chenanda family, organisers of this year’s event, handed over the flag.

Mandaviya assures support

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who was the chief guest, assured financial support to promote sports, stating that such assistance is the Government’s responsibility and not charity.

He said he had long heard about the Kodava community’s passion for hockey and was glad to witness it first hand. Referring to the International Olympic Committee’s vision of sports as a unifying force, he noted that the Kodava community had upheld this spirit  for generations.

“This land has produced 18 Olympians. It is the duty of both the Centre and the State to              nurture Kodagu’s sporting talent,” he said. He added that sports should remain free from politics and promised to promote shooting in the region by identifying and training young talent.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said the festival reflects the growing sporting culture in the country. Highlighting Kodagu’s contribution to Indian sports, he said the family hockey tradition inspires youth, encourages women’s participation and strengthens national unity.

He urged the Centre to set up a shooting academy in Kodagu under the Khelo India scheme.

Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna termed the festival a model initiative for the district. He said work on an 11-acre sports training centre at V. Badaga village in Virajpet has already begun with State support and appealed to the Centre for assistance in building a stadium.

Kodagu Hockey Academy, President Pandanda K. Bopanna, retired Justice Ajjikuttira S. Bopanna, SLN Coffee CEO Saheed Singh, Dr. Santosh Uthappa of Narayana Hospital, Sports Authority of Karnataka Vice-Chairman Cheppudira Arun Machaiah and others   were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May 03rd, 2026

Karnataka philanthropist marks 50th birthday by gifting homes to needy

Ganesh BM, an electrical contractor and philanthropist, is helping the poor lead more comfortable lives by building houses and providing free electricity connections.

Ganesh BM inaugurates Shankru and Vasanthi’s new house

Madikeri :

When we exit this world, we don’t take with us the assets we earned in this lifetime. So instead of concentrating on gaining more and more assets, keep what is required to lead a decent life and donate the rest to the needy,” is the mantra Ganesh BM lives by. A resident of Arji panchayat in Kodagu, Ganesh is an electrical contractor and a philanthropist who has donated houses to the poor.

Recently, Ganesh celebrated his 50th birthday and instead of a lavish celebration, he cut a cake with a poor family to whom he gifted a two-bedroom house. “Hard work and determination helped me earn a decent living. I was born in a poor family and lived in a straw hut for the longest time. However, I am now in a well-to-do position and have the urge to help the needy,” he shared.

Lighting up homes

In 2000, Ganesh won the Betoli Gram Panchayat (now known as Arji panchayat) election by five votes. “During this time, I travelled across the panchayat limits and learnt about the living conditions of the people. I was re-elected to the panchayat in 2005 and served as vice-president. I then became a Taluk Panchayat member,” recalled Ganesh.

It was then that he came across a girl from a financially weak background who had scored 95 per cent in the SSLC examination. Her story went viral as she studied under an oil lamp, as the hut she lived in did not have electricity connection. “Her story inspired me and I enabled free electricity connection to her house,” he recalled.

Meanwhile, in 2023, during a routine panchayat survey, Ganesh was introduced to a tribe called Kala. “No one in the panchayat limits lived in such a pitiable condition as Kala and his family. I wanted to make a difference in his life and promised to build him a house,” he shared.

He constructed a four-bedroom house for Kala and the keys were handed over to the family on January 22, 2024, to coincide with the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. “I wanted to the day to have a special memory, so I handed over the keys on the day the Ram Mandir was inaugurated,” he added.

After

In April 2024, Ganesh was alerted about a family which had lost their house. “I am the taluk president for the Billava Community Association, and I was told that the house of a poor woman from the community had collapsed. I decided to build her a house,” he shared. He built a four-bedroom house for Kamala and her family, who had lost their shelter. He spent up to Rs 2.5 lakh each on the two houses.

After these donations, Ganesh was approached by many from financially weak families who sought his help. A total of five families from the panchayat limits reached out to him, seeking help for electricity connections to their houses. “I helped them get electricity connection free of cost,” he explained.

A birthday gift

To mark his 50th birthday celebration, Ganesh built a two-bedroom house for Shankru and Vasanthi’s family. “I was visiting the Theremekadu paisari area for some work when I met Shankru and his family. They were living in a straw hut that was nearing collapse. I assured them I would build them a house,” he said.

While the couple was living on paisari land, they received the rights for the land a few years ago. Spending Rs 1.60 lakh, Ganesh built a house on the land and handed over the keys to the house on his birthday. “A rich person looks forward to earning more assets, but we all have to leave this world behind one day. When you are alive, keep what is necessary and help those in need,” concluded Ganesh.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Pragna GR / January 12th, 2025

A Kodava Soldier’s Tale – Gowdanda Thimmaiah

pix01

General Thimayya Museum at Madikeri, is one of the most visited attractions at Coorg. The museum houses images of the General, documents, weapons and other items, that the late illustrious General was associated with.

Gowdanda Thimmaiah at General Thimayya Museum

General Thimayya Museum at Madikeri, is one of the most visited attractions at Coorg. The museum houses images of the General, documents, weapons and other items, that the late illustrious General was associated with.

Subedar Major (Retd) Gowdanda Thimmaiah proudly wearing his medals.

Gowdanda Thimmaiah joined the Indian Army (8th Madras Regiment) in November 1987, and has seen multiple postings throughout India and also in Bhutan.

Thimmaiah has actively participated the following Indian Military campaigns:

1. Operation Rhino – Counter Insurgency operation in Assam (1990)
2. Operation Rakshak – Counter Insurgency operation in Kashmir (1990)
3. Operation Vijay – Kargil War in Kashmir (1999)
4. Operation Parakram – Military Mobilization on the border with Pakistan (2001)

The most challenging operation, Thimmaiah remembered was during his participation in counter insurgency operation in Kashmir. The militancy in Kashmir was at its peak and I have been witness to many casualties. If I recall correctly, from my battalion itself – around 10 to 15 casualties. It was tough to witness so many casualties of my brother soldiers, but we were not the be swayed by emotions and we were up for the challenge and ready to fight it out., he recalled.

The following is a list of medals that Gowdanda Thimmaiah has been awarded:

1. OPERATION VIJAY MEDAL
2. SAINYA SEVA MEDAL
3. SPECIAL SERVICE MEDAL(SURAKSHA)
4. HIGH ALTITUDE MEDAL
5. SAINYA SEVA MEDAL (ASSAM)
6. 9 YEARS LONG SERVICE MEDAL
7. 20 YEARS LONG SERVICE MEDAL
8. 50 YEARS INDEPENDENCE MEDAL

Gowdanda Thimmaiah retired from the Indian Army after serving 28 years and 28 days, with his character being judged by his superiors as exemplary.

Today, this illustrious soldier mans the museum of one of the most famous Generals of Indian Army. To quote Field Marshal Cariappa: “An officer is nothing without the soldiers”.

Lt General Dhiraj Seth presenting the certificate and medallion to Gowdanda Thimmiah

On the 24th of March, 2025,  Lt General Dhiraj Seth (PVSM, AVSM) – Army Commander Southern Command, while on his visit to General Thimayya Museum, took note of Thimmaiah’s work as a curator and his dedication towards the museum.


General Dhiraj Seth, presented Thimmaiah with a commendation certificate and VETERAN HONOR MEDALLION in recognition of his contribution, post retirement.

True to the concept that a soldier never retires, Thimmaiah is also involved in every activity at Surlabbi village. The family is the Deva Thakka for the ancient temple and the Gowdanda family have the privilege of leading the sacred dance that takes place every year.


A hardworking farmer, beekeeper and sportsman. He played for the family in the ongoing Muddanda Hockey Namme, with his two accomplished daughters. One has recently completed her Aeronautical Engineering degree and the other is qualifying as a Dentist. His wife is currently serving in the Health Department as Taluk Nursing Supervisor at Madikeri.

Like Gowdanda Thimmaiah, in Kodagu – there are many such gallant soldiers. And all would have a story to tell. A story worth listening to and sharing. A story of serving the Indian Army and Nation with grit and determination.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles / by A S Aiyappa / April 19th, 2025

Last rites of soldier Althaf performed with State honours in Virajpet

Army personnel handing over the tricolour to the wife of Hawaldar Althaf Ahmed, who died in Kashmir on February 22. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangemen

Althaf Ahmed | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The last rites of 37-year-old Indian Army Hawildar Althaf Ahmed, who died in a blizzard while on duty in Kashmir, were performed in his native in Meenupete in Kodagu district’s Virajpet taluk with state honours on Saturday.

The body of Althaf Ahmed, who had died on February 22, arrived in his native in Kodagu early on Saturday as its departure by air from Srinagar was delayed owing to bad weather. The body was kept at Eidgah Maidan in Meenupete for the public to pay their last respects before it was laid to rest at the burial ground as per Islamic rituals.

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, MLCs Suja Kushalappa and Veena Achaiah, besides Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish, Kodagu Superintendent of Police M.A. Aiyappa and other senior officials of the district administration were among the large number of people, who paid their last respects.

According to sources, Althaf Ahmed grew up in Meenupete and completed his SSLC in St Anne’s School in Virajpet and Pre University Education at the Virajpet Government Junior College. He later joined the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) regiment. He had been serving the Army in various places since the last 19 years.

While guarding the border in Kashmir, Althaf Ahmed was caught in a blizzard on February 22 and died.

After the ceremonial gun salute during the funeral of the martyred solider, Army personnel handed over handed over the tricolour that draped Althaf Ahmed’s body and his uniform to his wife and two children. He leaves behind his mother, wife, a son and a daughter.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / February 26th, 2022