Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Kodagu sees record growth in tourism; attracts over 45 lakh visitors in 2024

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Raja Seat is one of the prime attractions for tourists in Madikeri. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

Kodagu continues to be one of the top tourist destinations in the State, drawing 45.72 lakh visitors in 2024, surpassing its record in 2023, which drew 43.99 lakh tourists.

The increase of two lakh visitors highlights the district’s growing appeal, particularly as a hub for coffee tourism.

Deputy Director of Tourism Anita Bhaskarremarked, “It appears to be a golden era for tourism, with a surge in visitors seeking to experience Kodagu’s landscapes. The district remains a preferred getaway, as seen in the footfall in the last two years.”

During an interaction with reporters on Thursday, Ms. Bhaskar said that steps are being taken to successfully implement the Tourism Police 2029, keeping the focus on increasing footfall and understanding the tourism potential of Kodagu.

The post of the Deputy Director for Tourism in Madikeri was vacant for many years, and it was filled about a year ago, with the district being an important tourist destination.

She said 23 tourist sites in Kodagu have been identified for development under various schemes. Steps have been taken to appoint nine guides in various tourist sites. Ten more “Pravasi Mitras” will be appointed for other sites in the coming days, she added.

One district,one destination

Ms. Bhaskar said Mandalapatti hill station has been identified under the “One District, One Destination” programme, and facilities will be provided to tourists at the popular site, which attracts a large number of adventure enthusiasts.

For the first time, Kodagu is being included under a tourist circuit, the details of which will be announced soon.

Steps have also been taken for developing “Coorg Village” near Raja Seat in Madikeri. The department has joined hands with the orange growers cooperative society in Gonikoppal for popularising Kodagu oranges among tourists.

Thanks to the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja for promoting Kodagu tourism, a lot of tourists are visiting Kodagu to explore the coffee land’s beauty, and one of the reasons for the rise in footfall is the social media promotion of “Coorg tourism”, she said.

Ms. Bhaskar said a sum of ₹1 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, and Malatirike Hills in Virajpet due to the efforts of MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

Ms. Bhaskar urged the owners of homestays, hotels, and lodges to put up signages on their premises, stating the ban on single-use plastics in the hill station, where several steps had been taken to make the place “trash-free”. The effort will impact tourists, and they shall be discouraged from littering to establish eco-friendly tourism.

She suggested transportation facilities to some key destinations, including sites of adventure tourism.

During the interaction, suggestions came for reintroducing toy trains at Raja Seat and also organising Pravasi Utsava in Kodagu to boost footfall, besides restricting traffic at Raja Seat to ensure that it will not cause inconvenience to locals.

B.G. Ananthashayana said steps must be taken to crack down on low-quality wines, chocolates, and spices that are being sold to tourists. This will affect the brand Kodagu. Kodagu journalists’ association president H.T. Anil presided over the interaction. The deputy director was felicitated on the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / April 04th, 2025

Muddanda Hockey Festival from tomorrow

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion

Kodava family hockey tournament celebrates silver jubilee

Madikeri:

Stage is set for the premier Kodava Family Hockey Festival which begins at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds from tomorrow.

This year’s ‘Muddanda Hockey Namme’ also marks the 25th edition of the tournament. A total of 396 teams have registered to take part in the tournament compared to 360 teams in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest. The tournament will be inaugurated by Legal Advisor to Chief Minister and MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds at 12 noon. Prior to the inaugural event, a traditional Kodava rally will be held from Gen. K.S. Thimayya Circle in the town till the College grounds.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, District Minister N.S. Boseraju, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, MLC Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa, Ajuna Awardee Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah and Madikeri Kodava Samaja President Manduvanda P. Muthappa will be chief guests. Deputy Commissioner Venkatraja, SP K. Ramarajan and Kodagu University Vice-Chancellor Ashok Sangappa Alura will be the guests.

The inaugural ceremony will also feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

This year matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and at Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families. The marathon was flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Leela Kuttappa, wife of Pandanda Kuttappa, the Founder of Kodava Family Hockey Tournament, on Mar. 25 at the Ainmane of Pandanda family in Karada village.

The Kreeda Jyothi has passed through the ancestral houses of Cheppudira, Alamenganda, Kallichanda, Machamada, Chekkera, Maneyapanda, Kuppanda, Nellamakkada, Mandepanda, Thathanda, Mandetira, Muddanda, Iychettira, Ballachanda, Biddanda among others.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 40 women’s teams have registered and more entries are expected before Apr. 10 deadline. The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri.

Tournament organisers have announced Rs. 5 lakh cash reward and a trophy for the winners of Muddanda Hockey Fest. Runners will receive Rs. 3 lakh cash reward along with a trophy and the losing teams in semi-finals will receive Rs. 1 lakh cash along with trophies.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 27th, 2025

Mysurean emerges Champion at Trump International Golf

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Mysuru:

The 24-year-old Mysurean, Drishti Karumbaya, who emerged the Ladies’ Golf Champion at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach County, Florida, celebrated her victory with the 78-year-old US President Donald Trump, who won the Men’s Golf Championship.

“I just won the Golf Club Championship, probably my last, at Trump International Golf Club, in Palm Beach County, Florida,” Trump wrote on social media on Sunday afternoon.

Drishti, daughter of Dentist Dr. P.G. Karumbaya (Palachanda Chethan) and Swetha Karumbaya (Kandrathanda), residents of Yadavagiri in Mysuru, is working as a Golf Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a member of Trump International Golf Club.

An alumnus of St. Joseph’s Central School and NPS International in Vijayanagar, Mysuru, she is a double major in Sociology and Human Development from California State University.

Having initiated into golfing when she was 9 years old at JWGC, Mysuru, Drishti had a Career Best Ranking of #5 in the U-13 category in India, was the runner-up in the Wester India Ladies & Junior Girls Championship in 2014, winner of the CGL Indian Gold Union South Zone Event by 11 strokes in 2015 and winner of the Prestige Golfshire IGU South Zone Junior Championship in 2016. She has also won various Championships representing  California State University.

At the Trump International Golf Club Championship, Drishti won Stableford on day-1 and Matchplay on day-2 and 3.

Drishti’s younger brother Dhruv Bopanna is also a pro-golfer in Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 19th, 2025

Mind and Matter: NGO in Bengaluru creates mental health awareness through unique community sessions

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This NGO is helping participants understand areas of mental health like communication, empathy, inter-personal relationships and more.

As part of the annual mental health awareness campaign, participants paint the walls of The Wheel Cafe in Madikeri

Bengaluru :

Every alternate Sunday morning, a group of individuals gather in the tranquil embrace of Cubbon Park, Bengaluru, for a unique mental health session called ‘Sundays for Mental Health’, organised by a Kodagu-based NGO Mind and Matter.

As the gentle breeze sets the stage, participants attend the event not just to meet, but to connect. Through a variety of carefully curated games, activities, paintings, etc, the NGO assist the participants to understand areas of different mental health such as communication, empathy, inter-personal relationships and more. In case someone comes up to them with a serious problem, the NGO refers it to mental health professionals.

Venkatesh, a chartered accountant who attended the event on Sunday, said, “There’s unmistakable warmth here. It helped me a lot. The session has given me a chance to look into my soul. It helped me understand myself much better.”

Another participant, Somnath, said, “This is my second campaign with Mind and Matters, and I understood how to look at the same situation from a different perspective.”

In a world where problems related to mental health often take a backseat, Mind and Matter stands as a beacon of hope, offering support to individuals in need. The NGO has stepped into the fray with free programmes which it organises in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kodagu, and plans to expand to cities like Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai as well. It aims to break the stigma around mental health with a short yet moderate plan under expert guidance, a holistic approach and compassionate care.

Trustee and founder of Mind and Matter Deepika Appaiah said, “We work with schools, colleges, parents and teachers. Our initiative has impacted about 13,000 children and over 700 parents and teachers. Our organisation is run by volunteers, so we invite people to join us and provide them training from the Department of Psychiatric Social Work, Nimhans, in Bengaluru.

As of now, we have 150 volunteers.” From housewives to working professionals, the numbers joining the initiative are only growing. Registered in 2021, Mind and Matter has collaborated with Nimhans and is witnessing a spike in enrolment.

Mental health programme in schools in Mysuru

Dr Aravind Raj, Department of Psychiatric Social Work of Nimhans, and one of the pioneers of the initiative, said, “Mental health professionals are often confined to hospitals, where stigma deters people from seeking help. It is one of the reasons to take mental health initiatives outside hospitals.” He stressed the need for more awareness campaigns in society.

Mental health includes different methods of handling situations: understanding one’s potential, dealing with stress in a positive way, being productive and contributing to society. “Our motto is to promote all these among people, so their vulnerability to developing mental disorders comes down,” he said.

According to several reports, it has been identified that rural residents have inadequate mental health knowledge, tied to entrenched stigma and low literacy. In urban areas, people are grappling with work stress, especially Bengaluru’s techies. Dr Raj said Mind and Matter wants to penetrate that area and make them recognise the importance of mental well-being. “We also train Anganwadi workers and teachers and provide care in rural areas,” he added.

Mental illness affects 8% of population

According to the 2015–2016 National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), conducted by Nimhans and considered one of the best benchmarks, 8 per cent of Karnataka’s population, which is 1 out of 12 people, suffers from mental illnesses and requires care. Dr Raj and Appaiah say this is primarily because of a lack of awareness.

“The kind of transformation I have witnessed in people drives me to continue this work. Over time, I understood after attending the programmes we organise, that people feel it is okay to ask for help,” she noted. “If the initiative had never worked, people wouldn’t come back to us. More importantly, there is no monetary benefit involved, which means it has personally impacted me,” Appaiah said, a smile on her face. “I believe my family is my biggest support, and thank my entire team for their contribution.”

While the NGO is run for a noble cause, Appaiah says that sometimes, it is difficult to continue the initiative on such a large scale if there isn’t enough financial support. Appaiah, who also runs a café in Coorg, said it provides support. “We don’t go out to ask for donations. People who have worked with us donate money. The café is an extension of whatever we do here. However, now we are trying to collect funds from corporates or through CSR activities,” she said. Dr Raj also stressed that resource management is important.

A group of youngsters chit-chat after the Sundays for Mental Health programme in Cubbon Park, in Bengaluru / Photo | Express

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Saptarshi C / March 03rd, 2025

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

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Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on  Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

Indian National Army veteran Lt. Madhavan Pillai celebrates 99th birthday by paying tributes to Netaji and fallen soldiers

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He joined the INA at the age of 17. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at the National War Memorial at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. Photo: X/@adgpi

Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), celebrated his 99th birthday on Thursday (March 13, 2025) by laying wreaths at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path.

The wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Army was attended by senior military personnel and the public. “Today’s wreath-laying ceremony not only honours the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for India’s freedom but also serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing journey to break free from colonial legacies while upholding the spirit of their sacrifice,” an officer said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: ANI

Lt. Pillai was born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan township of Rangoon district in Burma (now Myanmar). His father hailed from the Sivaganga region in Tamil Nadu. He joined the Indian Independence League as a civilian in 1942 under Rash Behari Bose. When Netaji arrived in Singapore, Lt. Pillai formally enlisted in the INA, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.

After receiving his commission from the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer, according Army officials.

Serving as a recruiting officer and fundraiser, he mobilised support for the INA across 32 locations in Burma, including Hanthawaddy, Sawbwagale, Ywadanshe, Swryan, Yangon, and Mayongone. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Later, he served in the administrative branch at the INA headquarters in Rangoon under Major General K. P. Thimayya (elder brother of former Army chief General K.S. Thimayya). He was officially recognised as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on August 1, 1980.

On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated him on the occasion of Parakram Diwas at the Red Fort.

The Azad Hind Fauj was formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Netaji on October 21, 1943. United by the war cry “Chalo Delhi,” the INA aimed to secure India’s complete independence from British rule.

Several volunteers, soldiers, and overseas Indians — from regions as far as Malaya and Burma — joined the force. Lt Pillai’s life story embodies the courage and unity that defined the INA, another officer added.

In 2021, on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji, Lt. Pillai was awarded a silver medal for his role in the INA and India’s Independence movement.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025

69 stone inscriptions dating back to 9th century discovered in Karnataka’s Kodagu, transcription done

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The discovery of the inscriptions by Archaeology, Museums and Heritage department curator B P Rekha during a survey that started in 2023 is considered to be the largest one in Kodagu after B L Rice.

A rare ‘Nishidhi’ inscription found in Kodagu. Credit: Special Arrangement

Madikeri:

The transcription of newly found stone slab inscriptions in Karnataka’s Kodagu district has now been completed.

The discovery of the inscriptions by Archaeology, Museums and Heritage department curator B P Rekha during a survey that started in 2023 is considered to be the largest one in Kodagu after B L Rice.

B L Rice had published the transcription of the 114 stone slab inscriptions he had found in Kodagu in the ‘Epigraphia Karnataka’ in 1886.

B P Rekha recently found 69 inscriptions.

H M Nagarajarao, an expert of inscriptions from Mysuru has prepared the transcription of the inscriptions, revealing interesting details.

For instance, in an inscription found in Niluvagilu village dating back to the 9th century AD, a mention has been made about Vasanthi temple, which is not to be found today.

In another inscription found in Edavare village dating back to the 9th century, speaks about a person called Vendi who ascended to the heaven. He was titled ‘the Brahma of Kaliyuga’, the inscription mentions.

A person called Kanakasenaiah had installed a ‘Nishidhi’ inscription at Kalthmadu in Virajpet, in memory of his Guru.

There are several inscriptions pertaining to Jainism.

An inscription is cleaned and smeared with a chemical for copying the text.Credit: Special Arrangement

An inscription unearthed in Shirangala dating back to 11-12 th century AD mentions the name ‘Sirivangala’ which could be the ancient name of the region. Also, there are mentions of River Cauvery and persons named Siriyamma and Kava Gowda.

Some of the inscriptions even date back to 8th century AD.

An inscription related to Rajendra Chola has been found in Seegehosuru, which highlights the fact that the empire of the ruler extended till Kodagu.

An inscription has been found in Mrityunjaya temple, which mentions the place ‘Vangala’. Another rare inscription from Basavanahalli has a mention of Badiva of Kongalva. It is the rarest available inscription about the Kongalvas.

B P Rekha said that the transcription of 69 inscriptions is complete. A detailed study of these will shed more light on history.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by K S Girish / November 01st, 2024

World War II veteran Dr. Kandanda K. Kuttappa passes away in city

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Mysuru:

Dr. Kandanda K. Kuttappa (97), a World War II veteran and a resident of No. 952, 8th A Main, 10th Cross, Vijayanagar 1st Stage, passed away here yesterday morning. His wife Shanthi Kuttappa (87) had passed away on Sunday morning (Jan. 22).

He leaves behind his son Lt. Col. Ravi Ayappa, daughter Meera Madappa, daughter-in-law Lekha Ayappa, son-in-law Arvind, grandchildren, great grandchild and a host of relatives and friends.

Profile:

Dr. K.K. Kuttappa had served in Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) in Burma during 1941-45 after which he obtained his Ph.D in Psychology from Mysore University and served as a Psychologist in Services Selection Board (SSB) for almost three decades before retiring from SSB, Bengaluru, in 1983.

He had also served as a Professor at Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. Having known Gen. K.S. Thimayya personally in Burma and being a great admirer of the General, he had collected a lot of material on his life and had personally initiated the shifting of his grave to the Army Service Corps (ASC) Centre in coordination with HQ Southern Command. Dr. Kuttappa was also a social worker.

Last rites were held at Chirashanthidhama in Gokulam yesterday afternoon, according to family sources.

As a tribute to the departed soul, wreaths were laid by the representatives of the Chief of Army Staff and the Director General of NCC, New Delhi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 24th, 2023

South Korean envoy pays tribute to General Thimayya at Indo-Korean Friendship Park

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Lee Seong-ho, the Ambassador of South Korea in India, and other top diplomats on Friday visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park in Delhi Cantonment, fondly recalling the contribution of Indian forces during the Korean War of 1950-53.

During their visit to the park, a symbol of strong ties between India and South Korea, the officials also paid tribute to late General K S Thimayya, a celebrated soldier who led the Indian contingent as Chairman of Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) in Korea headed by India.

“Ambassador Lee Seong-ho and his team visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park on the 21st of February and paid homage to General Thimayya, who headed a UN unit dealing with the repatriation of prisoners after the Korean War,” the South Korean Embassy in India posted on X.

“We also recalled that India sent the largest number of medical personnel during the Korean War. Remembering the enduring friendship between Korea and India, the Korean Embassy will do our best to further develop our Special Strategic Partnership.” the post further added.

India’s First Indo-Korean Friendship Park was jointly inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Korean counterpart Suh Wook in March 2021.

The park, spotlighting India’s contributions as part of 21 countries which participated in Korean war 1950-53 under the aegis of the United Nations, was developed in joint consultation with India’s Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Indian Army, Delhi Cantonment Board, Embassy of Korea and Korean War Veterans Association of India.

Spread across a green area of six acres, the park has an imposing handshake artifact standing tall at the entrance bearing flags of India and South Korea besides a larger than life statue of General Thimayya.

South Koreans still remember General Thimayya, who was awarded a Padma Bhushan for his service in Korea, with gratitude and affection. General Thimayya also served as the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) after the armistice and contributed to resolving the humanitarian issues arising out of the War.

India played an important role in the Korean peninsula after Korea’s independence in 1945, sending an army medical unit – the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance comprising 627 medical personnel, commanded by Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj – during the Korean War as part of the UN Command. The unit treated about 220,000 patients. During the Korean War (1950-53), both warring sides accepted a UN resolution sponsored by India and the ceasefire was declared on July 27, 1953.

India-South Korea diplomatic relations were elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015 during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seoul.

Source: IANS

source: http://www.socianews.xyz / Social News XYZ / Home> Diplomacy / by Gopi / February 21st, 2025

‘Kodavaame Balo’: Behind the Kodava march

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This ‘journey by foot’ (kaal nadp) was called ‘Kodavaame Balo’ (‘May the Kodava way of living live on’). The participants walked through several towns over six days (from February 2 to 7).

Thousands of people at the march in Madikeri. / DH Photo by Rangaswamy / Credit: Special Arrangement 

In the hills of Kodagu, a six-day walk was conducted, by Kodavas and other native Kodava speakers (Bhashikas), spanning 82 kilometres. Kodava is an endonym used by the natives of Kodagu, who were otherwise called ‘Kodaga’ in Kannada or ‘Coorg’ in English, and has two usages. One is for the language and culture followed by Kodagu’s indigenes and the other is for the most populous community among these people. Twenty one different communities speak the Kodava language.

People dressed in colourful attire walked from the southernmost town of Kodagu (Kutta) to the district headquarters (Madikeri). The men wore kuppya chele (a wraparound kurta and cummerbund) and mande vastra (head dresses). The women wore kodavathi podiya, sarees draped in the Kodava fashion. An incident at the Kattemad temple, where Kodavas in traditional dresses were denied entry, was the catalyst for the event. 

This ‘journey by foot’ (kaal nadp) was called ‘Kodavaame Balo’ (‘May the Kodava way of living live on’). The participants walked through several towns over six days (from February 2 to 7). Lunch was provided by samajas (associations) along the route. At each village, the Kodavas and Kodava speakers such as the Ammas, Heggades, Kembattis and others, joined the procession from their homes. The Kodagu Muslims came out to greet and support the procession during the march. 

The crowd was the largest on the final day. The main procession from South Kodagu covered 8.5 km from Kaggod until the Mand ground in Madikeri. Among those who walked from Kaggod was 82-year-old Maha Vir Chakra awardee Lt Col Puttichanda S Ganapathi.

Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Akademi, walked along with me during the last day. He said, “A worldwide message has been sent that a community’s culture is their right which should not be hindered or opposed by others. An awareness has been created and this march will be remembered for years to come by our children and their generation.”

Historical and current significance 

Even before the reign of the Haleri rajas (1600-1834), Kodava paddy agriculturists were living in Kodavu, now called Kodagu. They were employed in the army and the government. Some other castes employed in different professions also lived in Kodagu under the rajas. They spoke the same language and more or less followed the same culture. 

During the 18th-century Anglo-Mysore Wars, Kodagu’s population was decimated. Many either died during the warfare or were deported as prisoners. 

In 1834, the British took over Kodagu, renamed it Coorg, and made it a province. In 1947, it became part of independent India and, in 1950, it was one of the 28 states of the Indian Union. In 1956, Kodagu (Coorg) was merged with Karnataka. 

The Kodavas speak a distinct Dravidian language. They worship their ancestors, nature, weapons and village deities such as Mahadeva, Povvadi and Ayyappa. 

Kodagu lies between Kannada, Tulu, Tamil and Malayalam-speaking regions. Hence, along with the Kodagu distinctness, we see influences from these communities and cultures.

Key Demands

Bollajira Aiyappa, President of Codava Makkada Coota, who walked for two days, said, “This is the first time in history that all the Kodava and Kodava-speaking organisations came together. In the future as well, everybody should come together like this to solve problems.” 

The event culminated with the President of the Akhila Kodava Samaja presenting the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, followed by lunch. On the final day, the organisers counted more than 30,000 lunch plates.

The main demand of the marchers was for the government to protect the Kodava identity, culture and constitutional rights. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Mookanda Kushalappa / February 13th, 2025