Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Remembering those who fought for freedom

July 24, 2016About Kodagu / Coorg, Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

A rare document from 1931 reveals the role played by freedom fighters from Kodagu

Legacy: A picture of freedom fighters with Mallengada Chengappa (right) at the laying of the foundation stone for the Freedom Fighters' memorial in Gonicoppa on December 16, 1998. — Legacy: A picture of freedom fighters with Mallengada Chengappa (right) at the laying of the foundation stone for the Freedom Fighters’ memorial in Gonicoppa on December 16, 1998.

A rare document from 1931 obtained by The Hindu here speaks volumes about people from Kodagu district who were in the forefront of the freedom struggle under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

The people of Kodagu had issued a ‘manapatra’ then, a letter of honour, commending and saluting the 98 brave men and women who revolted against the British, following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation. They had taken part in the satyagraha in 1930-31 and were incarcerated.

Pandyanda Belliappa, Kollimada Karumbaiah, Chekkera Monnaiah, Makki Krishnaiah, Mallengada Chengappa, Abdul Gafoor Khan, Ajjikuttira Chinnappa, Ponnimada Machaiah, Kalengada Chinnappa, K.M. Subraya, Puliyanda Subbaiah, V. R. Thammaiah, Bidarur Madaiah, Chokira Madappa, Poojari Muthappa, Pandikanda Madappa, H.R. Krishnaiah were some among the people honoured by the people of Kodagu in 1931. Puliyanda Subbaiah, who hailed from Maggula village, was a true Gandhian till his death. He wore Khadi and counselled patience whenever a rift arose among people. So was V.R. Thammaiah, another Gandhian, who also hailed from the village. Elders say that H.R. Krishnaiah even refused to apply for pension after Independence saying if the Government recognised his contribution, it should come to his doorstep and give him the pension papers.

Even women did not lag behind. Kotera Accavva, Balyatanda Muddavva, Mukkatira Bojamma, Machimanda Medakka, Appanderanda Kalamma also joined the freedom struggle. The manapatra given to them on March 11, 1931, stated that they had been imprisoned for preaching the message of Mahatma Gandhi and taking part in the satyagraha.

The manapatra further stated that the people of Kodagu would not be able to offer them (the freedom fighters) privileges such as ‘Jahagir’, ‘Umbali’ — both land grants for service rendered — or ‘Pinchani’ (pension), but would carry forward the noble message of freedom struggle, support and abide by it.

A sentence read significantly that “Bharata mateya makallada Kodaginavaru drohigalalla, Bhartada veera putra putriyaru embudannu prapanchakke saridiri”. This meant “the people of Kodagu, who are the children of mother India, are not traitors. You have heralded a message to the world that you are valiant sons and daughters of India.” The people who were mentioned in the manapatra at the function presided by Biddanda Subbaiah, also had taken a pledge to follow the ideals propounded by Gandhiji such as ‘swadeshi’ and liquor prohibition.

A section of people might feel that some people of Kodagu supported the British. But it cannot be forgotten that Guddemane Appaiah Gowda who had fought the British was hanged at the Fort here by the British on October 31, 1837, much before the Sepoy Mutiny took place.

Kodagina Gowramma had offered all her jewellery to Gandhiji when he had visited here soliciting peoples’ support for continuing the freedom movement in the early 1930s.

It is an unfortunate irony that the Freedom Fighters’ memorial, the work for which started at Gonicoppa 12 years ago and the Guddemane Appaiah Gowda memorial, of which works are now underway, are yet to be completed.

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The ‘manapatra’ saluted the 98 men and women who revolted against the British

The work on the Freedom Fighters’ memorial at Gonicoppa started 12 years ago

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source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Madikeri – August 15th, 2010

Scientist brews a green idea to give coffee growers their due

May 26, 2016Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, World Opinionadmin

Arshiya Bose, founder, Black Baza Coffee

Bengaluru:

Verdant forests, picturesque mountains, lush coffee plantations — for many, Coorg is the perfect place to unwind. However, it was a different quest which took Arshiya Bose to the coffee land. A PhD holder in geography and environmental science from the University of Cambridge, she visited Coorg as part of a research project. Her mission — to make coffee production environment-friendly.

Realizing not all is well with the current production process — use of pesticides, exploitation of farmers, growth of coffee in the sun instead of shade — Arshiya, 32, started looking for ways to make it sustainable. She wanted to address these problems by adopting a holistic approach that ensures the well-being of both the environment and the coffee producers. The result — Black Baza Coffee, an entrepreneurial idea currently being incubated at the NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL), IIM Bangalore. The centre mentors innovators and supports their ventures.

During her research, Ashriya got the opportunity to work with forest dwellers and tribal communities in the Western Ghats, which helped her get closer to her goal. “I studied the social and environmental impacts of coffee production and found there were a number of problems no one was doing anything about. Traditionally, coffee in India has been grown under the shade of trees. But now, it is grown directly under the sun’s harsh rays, which adversely impacts biodiversity. Also, the trade market is extremely unfair to the producers, with the exploitation levels being very high. To fix the loopholes in the social and environmental ecosystem, I started Black Baza Coffee,” said Arshiya, who has tied up with many producers.

So far, the Kolkata resident has got 35 coffee producers on board, of whom 31 are marginal farmers from Biligiriranga Hills in Chamarajnagar. All of them are small growers —they own farms spanning less than 25 acres. “Under our partnership, we promise to buy coffee from farmers, support them through agronomic training and quality improvement and build safeguards for unforeseen price crashes. Many small growers are exploited and we hope to be the most fair buyer of their product ensuring they get their due,” said the young entrepreneur.

Explaining the potential of the idea, professor Suresh Bhagavatula, chairperson, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development, NSRCEL, IIMB said, “Coffee is among the top five most popular legally traded products in the world, including oil. It is a $90 billion industry and supports about 75 million people. While India is among the top 10 coffee-producing nations, it accounts for about 3.5% of the world exports. Unlike the rest of the world where sustainability and fair trade are becoming important for consumers, it is yet to catch on in India”.

“Black Baza Coffee would like to market the produce from farmers who practice sustainable methods for production. Consumption of coffee in India has started to increase, which will make it more feasible for ventures such as BBC to be established and serve the local markets as well,” Suresh added.

MUTUAL BENEFIT

We make conversational agreements with farmers and enter into a mutual understanding with them to grow coffee under certain kinds of trees, restrict the use of pesticides and protect their water resources. In return, Black Baza Coffee guarantees to buy coffee from these farmers at a higher premium

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bangalore / Shilpa Baburaj, TNN / May 25th, 2016

Annual Kodava hockey festival begins

April 12, 2016Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sportsadmin

The 20th annual Kodava hockey festival began at the Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa Grounds in Madikeri on Sunday.

Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda inaugurated the 28-day-long festival by hailing the concept of community sport that serves to strengthen human relationships, which had taken a back seat the world over.

Pointing out that community hockey does not merely serve to promote ties between different Kodava families, Mr. Gowda said the sport also helps protect the community’s culture and traditions.

The Kodavas, who had contributed to the defence of the country, had also made immense contribution to hockey.

A large number of people, from different parts of Kodagu district, had arrived in Madikeri to watch the inaugural hockey match that was preceded by a cultural programme that included a procession showcasing Kodava traditions prominent being its agricultural practices.

The Kodava Hockey Academy president Pandanda Kuttappa, who is also the founder of the Kodava hockey festival, signalled the start of the festival by pushing a silver ball with the silver stick.

The annual Kodava hockey festival is being held in Madikeri after a gap of 11 years with the last one being held in 2005.

During the 2015 edition of the hockey festival organised by Kuppanda family in Virajpet, a total of 255 teams had participated.

The ongoing festival organised by the Shanteyanda family will continue till the finals scheduled for May 8.

299 teams

The festival will feature not only a record 299 teams, but also close to 5,000 players.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / Laiqh A. Khan / Mysuru, April 11th, 2016

Coorg green cardamom to join select club

April 4, 2016Amazing Feats, Business & Economyadmin

It is to get the GI tag soon, says Spices Board

Fresh Impetus: H.S. Srinivas, Joint Director, Spices Board, addressing farmers at the seminar in Kodagu on Monday.

Appangala (Kodagu Dt.) :

Coorg green cardamom is expected to secure the geographical area indicator (GI) tag very soon as all formalities have been completed, according to Joint Director (Development), Spices Board, Sakleshpur, H.S. Srinivas, here on Monday.

He was speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of a regional seminar held at the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) here, on pepper and cardamom. It was organised by the IISR and the Spices Board. Coorg green cardamom is to join the select group of 34 crops in the State for which GI tag applications have been registered, Mr. Srinivas said. The process would be complete once the gazette notification is made soon. The tag would help the product carve out a niche for itself in the market, besides getting all priorities for its production.

He said that Indian spices export had reached an all-time high during the period April 2008 to January 2009, touching a whopping Rs. 4,500 crore. However, the contribution of pepper was slightly down, Mr. Srinivas said. As much as 475 MT of cardamom was exported, which was up by 75 MT compared to the previous year.

Increase in production

In three year’s time, cardamom production would be raised to around 15,000 hectares in Kodagu district, he said. Diseases such as ‘Katte’ and others had accounted for the destruction of cardamom crops in the district in the past. Mr. Srinivas said crop insurance too would be introduced for the commodity in the district soon.

The Spices Board was providing subsidies for cardamom re-plantation, construction of drying yards, and for digging wells and tanks, Mr. Srinivas added. The board had also opened new offices at Bhagamandala in Kodagu and Vanajoor in Hassan.

Earlier, the president of the Karnataka Planters’ Association, K.M. Nanaiah, inaugurated the regional seminar on pepper and cardamom at the IISR premises. The president of the Codagu Planters’ Association, B. Duleep Nanjappa, who was a guest, called upon the farmers who had come in good numbers to ‘help themselves’ in saving the pepper vines from disease by proper management system.

He told the farmers to follow the advise of the scientists of the IISR and the Spices Board not only for saving the plants but also to obtain higher productivity.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / March 26th, 2009

K M Cariappa’s 117th birth anniversary: Some interesting facts you must know

February 5, 2016Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

“An Indian and to the last breath would remain an Indian. To me, there are only two Stans – Hindustan (India) and Foujistan (the Army).” – Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa

Famously known as Kipper, Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa was born today, 117 years ago on January 28, 1899. He was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and was the first Indian Officer who was given command of a unit before independence.

Some interesting facts that you must know:

– K. M. Cariappa’s full name was Kodandera Madappa Cariappa

– He was born at Shanivarsante in Kodagu, which was a princely state in Karnataka

– Cariappa was selected to the first batch in King’s Commission after the World War I in 1918

– His permanent regimental home was 2nd Queen Victoria’s Own Rajput Light Infantry

In 1933, he was the first Indian officer to undergo the course at Staff College

– Cariappa served in many countries like Iraq, Syria and Burma
In 1949, he was appointed as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army

– After his retirement, he served as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956

– He was awarded with the General Service Medal, Indian Independence Medal, Order of the British Empire, 1939-1945 Star, Burma Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Indian Service Medal and Legion of Merit

– He died on May 15, 1993 at the age of 94.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> GK & Current Affairs> Listicles : Microfacts / Story / New Delhi – January 28th, 2016

She sips, swirls and spits: Meet Asia’s only woman coffee taster

September 26, 2015Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

What would life be without spicy food, ice-creams, perfumes, fragrant flowers, late-night parties and alcohol? Ask Sunalini Menon, who swears by this regimen.

No, she’s not a health freak or someone prone to allergies. She’s been practising abstinence for the sake of her passion, which is also her profession.

Asia’s first and only woman professional in the field of coffee cupping (tasting), Sunalini has experienced the aroma of several thousands of coffee types and spent a considerable time in the fields. “I love ice-creams and soft drinks but they affect my taste buds. My profession requires them to be extremely sensitive. So, I steer clear of cold food items or beverages,” she said. The chief executive of Coffeelab, one of India’s largest coffee exporters, Sunalini spoke to TOI on the ocassion of Coffee Santhe, a three-day carnival hosted by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.

Restraint and discipline are core attributes of a good coffee cupper. “It is essential to preserve the palate, the instrument vital for coffee tasting. We’re advised to avoid spicy food. Alcohol and smoking are a strict no no. Late nights and poor health can be a hindrance to the job,” she explained.

Coffee cuppers have to perform regular tongue exercises not only to keep their taste buds active but also to pick up foreign flavours. “Cupping with experts from other parts of the world helps calibrate one’s potential and understand the coffee produce of other countries. One also needs to perceive through the eyes, nose and palate of other cuppers,” she said.

Habituated to taking a sip and playfully swirling the liquid in her mouth before spitting, Sunalini said her job doesn’t allow her to swallow the coffee, however aromatic and delicious it be. “Coffee can have the distinct enzymatic flavours of apples, apricots, peaches and berries; sugar-browning flavours of chocolate, caramel, honey or those of spices like clove and pepper. It is an inborn acuity of taste, knowledge, experience, memory and good communication skills which help the cupper differentiate one flavour from another,” she said.

Sunalini, who entered the male bastion decades ago, said her journey hasn’t been easy. “I wasn’t lucky enough to be handheld when learning the tricks of the trade. I had to learn on my own, especially the chemistry of the coffee bean. It took a long time for me to be accepted into the fold, but once there, you are in,” she said.

Cupping as a Career

There are certifications for coffee tasters issued by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE). The SCAA issues two types of certificates. One is called the Licensed ‘Q’ grader and the other, the Licensed ‘R’ grader. The ‘Q’ grader licence is a certificate for proficiency in evaluating arabica coffees and the ‘R’ grader for proficiency in evaluating robusta coffees,” said Sunalini.

She admitted that coffee tasting as a career could have some limitations.

“To overcome them, one needs to perhaps complement tasting with other jobs such growing, roasting or marketing coffee,” she said.Coffee tasting is more of a passion; it may not help you financially, especially in the first 10 or 12 years. Credibility comes only through knowledge and experience,” Sunalini signed off.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / by Sreemoyee Chatterjee, TNN / September 26th, 2015

A memorial in honour of Appaiah Gowda

September 16, 2015About Kodagu / Coorg, Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

The bronze statue of freedom fighter Guddemane Appaiah Gowda, which was unveiled in Madikeri on Monday.

He was hanged by the British in Madikeri on October 31, 1837

Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said on Monday that his government would take steps to initiate the process of development in Kodagu, a land known for its warriors, freedom fighters and natural landscape.

He was addressing a gathering at the Gandhi Maidan here after unveiling a bronze statue of Guddemane Appaiah Gowda at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle.

Appaiah Gowda was a freedom fighter, who was hanged by the British on charges of sedition on the fort premises here on October 31, 1837.

Mr. Sadananda Gowda’s wife Dotty hailed from Guddemane family. She was also present.

The Chief Minister said that he had taken nearly six months to visit Kodagu as he was being pressured by Madikeri MLA M.P. Appachu Ranjan and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly K.G. Bopaiah to take steps to solve the vexed Jamma Bane issue in Kodagu before the visit.

Responding to the demands made by Mr. Ranjan and M.C. Nanaiah, MLC, Mr. Gowda said that he would take steps to include a proposal to set up a medical college in Kodagu in the next budget.

A sum of Rs. 322 crore had been spent on various development projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings in Kodagu in the past few years. A sum of Rs. 115 crore would be sanctioned to the district in 2011-12, he said.

On considering Mr. Ranjan for inclusion in the next Cabinet expansion, Mr. Gowda said how could he deny it when he himself was the Chief Minister and he was versed with the requirements of Kodagu. All 122 MLAs from the BJP were capable of becoming Ministers, but it was not possible owing to restrictions.

Mr. Gowda, who conducted a progress review meeting involving officers of various departments at the Sudarshan Guesthouse, took exception to the tardy progress in the execution of projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Kodagu. He instructed the officials to speed up work on the projects.

Of the 3,850 projects planned under the scheme in Kodagu, only 508 had been completed, according to officials.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the implementation of drinking water projects in the district, Mr. Gowda directed the officials to complete them in a month.

Of the 235 projects, only 22 had been completed in the current year, the officials stated.

Of the Rs. 8.5 crore earmarked for drinking water schemes in Kodagu in the current year, only Rs. 3.75 crore had been spent. Mr. Gowda announced that he would take the issue of lack of progress in the execution of projects in six departments seriously.

Mr. Gowda and Air Marshal K.C. Cariappa (retd.), son of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, paid respects to Field Marshal Cariappa’s statue.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Jeevan Chinnappa / Madikeri – January 03rd, 2012 (updated July 25th, 2016)

Let Kodagu’s Rain Soaked Greens Refresh You

July 30, 2015Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Natureadmin

Bengaluru :

With rains drenching the hilly, wooded landscape of the Kodavas, it is time to visit the Kodagu district in Karnataka, the birthplace of the mighty Cauvery.

Originating at Talacauvery, the Cauvery gently flows from the Western Ghats and in the process, traces a long journey of 800 kilometers in the South-Eastern direction and empties in the Bay of Bengal. With monsoon gaining vigour once again, the coffee land especially during the months of July and August, is at its best. It is a sublime experience to visit Madikeri and surrounding areas that are home to many a waterfall.

As these are located in dense jungles, one has to trek and walk a few kilometers to take a peek at silver cascades in both the Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri hill ranges. Both these hill ranges are home to many waterfalls but the Mallali Falls near Somwarpete and Irupu near Virajpete, attract many tourists before, during and after the monsoons.

A fresh water cascade, the Irupu comes to life during the heavy downpour that is so common in these hilly ranges. This (also called the Lakshman Tirtha Falls) is situated on the highway to Nagarhole and just 20 kilometers away from the National Park. One has to walk at least half a mile to reach this place which is in the midst of a forest and far away from the cacophony of urban life.

Enjoying the sounds of the serene hill ranges and the gushing foamy waters, one can relax and forget all about urban stress. The roaring sound of the falls can be heard from a distance as one walks on the rocky twisting pathway with the chirping birds and the lush forests for company.
The pristine scenery resonates with the chirping of birds one has never heard before. The falls criss-crossing the hills and the forests tumble down from a height of just 150-200 feet while the spray of the gushing waters during monsoons is so intense that one can get easily wet. However, it is not safe to venture into the waters as the currents are strong. If you planned a visit before the monsoons, you can stand literally below the falls and get a soothing shower.

But do not miss visiting during the monsoons as Irupa falls from a cliff in all its mesmerising glory. If you are interested in visiting the nearby temple, you can take a peek as legends associate it with the visit of Ram and Lakshman when they were searching for Sita.

There are good spots to relax and enjoy, clean, wholesome vegetarian food but make it a point to place your orders in advance if you are visiting this place in a group. If you are carrying food and drinks, do not litter the place with plastic debris as it is a fragile ecology and home to many birds and animals.

Just two to three hours drive from Madikeri, one has to take the Virajpete route to reach this breathtaking place where the waterfall plunges from the Brahmagiri peaks in all its beauty and finally joins the Lakshman Teertha River. Since it is a very popular tourist spot, the place is easily accessible via tarred roads, concrete steps, viewing seats and affordable lodging and boarding facilities in and around the densely wooded ranges.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Meera Bharadwaj / July 30th, 2015

More on General K.S. Thimayya

July 11, 2015Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

Madikeri Farmer Eyes Record With 41-ft Cane

July 15, 2014Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

Madikeri :

B Hoovaiah is a happy man. A stalk of sugarcane grown by Hoovaiah in Madikeri is all set to enter the Guinness Records as the tallest in the world. The earlier record, set in 2001, was held by Venkatesh Gowda of Kolar.

Hoovaiah, a BSNL tower operator in Convent Junction in Madikeri, has been protecting the cane for three years now. All the required inspections have been completed by expert committees and a team from Guinness is expected to arrive shortly, before an official announcement can be made.

Hoovaiah told Express that an expert team inspected the stalk and measured it at 41.1 feet.

He then formally approached the Guinness authorities, asking them to consider it for a world record.

Later, he received an acknowledgement from Guinness records in-charge, Era Norroy.

Hoovaiah, who served in the Indian Army for 26 years, lives at Bettathoor in Madikeri taluk and has served as a tower operator for 11 years.

He expressed happiness that the cane had been grown organically.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh / July 10th, 2014

Kodagu First

a Celebration. Positive News, Facts & Achievements about Kodagu, Coorgs and the People of Kodagu – here at Home and Overseas