Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mahabaleshwar Bhat passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All
Neerkaje Mahabaleshwar Bhat
Neerkaje Mahabaleshwar Bhat

Senior writer and retired principal Neerkaje Mahabaleshwar Bhat passed away on Sunday late night. He was 89.

He had served as the teacher of Madikeri Government High School and later retired as the College Principal in Madikeri.

He was the resident of Biligeri in Madikeri. He had chaired the Madikeri taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelan held at Moornadu. He had also chaired the District Sahitya Sammelan held at Chembu in 2015.

In fact, Bhat had brought out the stories of Bharathisutha under Kaveri Publications, in the form of books.

Some of his works are “Himalaya Darshana Paryatane,” “Daithya Darshana,” “Avathara Bhat.”

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President B S Lokesh Sagar has condoled the death of Mahabaleshwar Bhat.

Lekhaka Mathu Kalavidara Balaga has convened a condolence meeting at Patrika Bhavana in Madikeri on July 4 at 3 pm.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> District / DHNS News Service, Madikeri / July 02nd, 2018

PHHL: Mebiena Michael is the winner

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

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Mebiena Michael is crowned as the winner of Pyaate Hudugir Halli Lifu season 4. She lifted a glittering trophy with the cash prize of Rs 7 Lakh.

Shahan Ponnama was declared as the runner up.

Mebiena who was tipped to win the show for doing tasks immaculately. She thanked everyone for supporting her through the journey.

Priyanka secured third place. Another contestant Abhijna Bhat who posed strong competition to Mebien did not feature in top three winners list.

The show hosted by Akul Balaji ended with a glitzy finale at Banavani village near Gorur of Hassan.

From next Monday, instead of Pyaate Hudugir Halli Lifu, new soap opera Shree will go on air at 9pm.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> TV> News> Kannada / TNN / June 30th, 2018

Cauvery Gallery may soon become a reality

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

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The Cauvery River Gallery, which was proposed to be established in the city, five years back, may finally be a reality with Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission and former chairman of ISRO K Kasturirangan announcing that he has spoken about the project with Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, in Bengaluru, recently.

The formation of the Cauvery Tourism Development Authority was mooted in March 2015 and the idea of the Cauvery River Gallery was discussed in the first meeting of the authority, chaired by then Tourism minister R V Deshpande, in June 2015. Neither of them materialised so far, even though the previous chief minister was a native of Mysuru district, the nucleus of the Cauvery River basin.

According to the annual report (April 2016 – March 2017) of the National Academy of Sciences of India (NASI), River Cauvery is among the most sacred rivers in the southern region of India and is thought to be the Dakshina Ganga, on account of its diverse characteristics and attributes.

“Originating from the Brahmagiri Hill in the Western Ghats and flowing towards the Bay of Bengal, the river travels along Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in the southeastern direction. River Cauvery is well inscribed in Tamil and Kannada literature because of its sacredness. Bathing in waters of Cauvery is a traditional belief. The striking Shivanasamudram falls of Cauvery River is the second biggest waterfalls in the country.

At the request of Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, K Kasturirangan, Chairman of Karnataka Knowledge Commission, requested Manju Sharma, former president of NASI, to establish a Cauvery Gallery on the lines of Ganga Gallery and Brahmaputra Gallery.

Manju Sharma, with the consent of the NASI Council, sent a preliminary intent proposal to establish a high-quality gallery that captures the etymological, ecological, cultural, heritage and social characters of River Cauvery,” the report states.

The Cauvery Gallery can be established with the help of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Kolkata, and the financial support of the department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka. Interactive multimedia with diorama, animation, graphics and the 3-D display will be used to make the gallery interactive and interesting for visitors, the report states. At present, there is a gallery for River Brahmaputra in Guwahati, in Assam, and a gallery for River Ganga at Allahabad, in Uttar Pradesh .

The gallery is expected to showcase the life, culture and biodiversity along the Cauvery River from its birth in Talacauvery of Kodagu district till it reaches the Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar (now Pombuhar) in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. It splits into two, twice, and forms the islands of Srirangapatna and Sivanasamudra in Karnataka.

Kasturirangan has said that he held talks with Chief Minister Kumaraswamy on setting up of the gallery on the Karnataka Exhibition Authority Grounds (Dasara Exhibition Grounds) in Mysuru and a detailed project report would be prepared soon.

In 2016 itself, Karnataka’s Tourism department and the NASI had signed a memorandum of understanding to set up the gallery at Mysuru. Then, the Tourism department officials and NASI experts had decided to establish the gallery on the premises of the Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) complex. The project was scheduled to be completed in six to nine months and was expected to be a major tourist attraction in the city. The KEA complex is also yet to be constructed.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mysuru / by T.R. Sathish Kumar, DH News Service, Mysuru / June 28th, 2018

Yamini Muthanna On DD Chandana

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

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Mysuru:

A 26-episode TV programme titled “Do it with me,” written and directed by Bharathanatyam exponent and teacher Yamini Muthanna and picturised at her studio Yogastala in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, is being telecast by Doordarshan (DD) Chandana Channel.

The TV series, which has sequences of Yoga Asana patterns for therapeutic benefits, aims to inculcate a habit of practicing Yoga on a daily basis.

The show is being telecast on DD Chandana every Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 7.30 am and repeat telecast on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 am to 7.30 am.

The show will soon be telecast in the National Network and also in the Regional Channels as the translation work is under progress.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 24th, 2018

There were times I regretted taking up wrong projects: Harshika Poonacha

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

In a freewheeling conversation with City Express, Harshika Poonacha, who awaits the release of Chitte, looks back at her decade-long career and gives us the low-down on her choice of films

Harshika Poonacha. (Photo | Instagram/harshikapoonachaofficial)
Harshika Poonacha. (Photo | Instagram/harshikapoonachaofficial)

As the release of Chitte draws close, actor Harshika Poonacha’s anxiety is on the rise. And naturally so. But as she awaits the release and reaction from fans and fraternity to know how the film will fare at the box office, the actor has been hopping from bus stands to metro stations and railway stations, and has even been frequenting malls. During interactions with the public, she is posing like a chitte (butterfly) and even challenging her fans to. Ahead of the release of the film directed by ML Prasanna with Yashas and Harshika in lead roles, the actor, who started her career at the age of 15, tells City Express about how her early days when she played support roles which has given her the confidence that she will one day play lead roles with top stars. Excerpts.

Still from Chitte
Still from Chitte

How different is Chitte from your other films

So far, my roles have mostly been those of school girls or college-goers. Otherwise, it’s been love stories with a happily-ever-after ending. In Chitte I play the role of a married woman, who is bubbly. What we’re trying to say is, ‘Who said a married woman cannot be bubbly?’ And this is the first time that I’m going to be scaring viewers. It’s something to watch out for. (laughs). Playing the kind of role like I do in Chitte was a totally new experience. The challenging bit was bringing out the horror element. Having grown up watching actors like late Soundarya Ma’am in Apthamitra, I thought helped me pull off the role. Of course, that’s not to say that I’m anywhere close. But she has been my inspiration to play a role like this. Horror films in Sandalwood are taking shape, and audience are also showing interest in such films.

You made your debut at a time when many others did. Would you call yourself the dark horse?

I entered the industry at the age of 15, and this is my 10th year in the cinema industry. I remember how many people were making their debut at the same time I was. It was a year when there was a wave created in Sandalwood with fresh faces. Having said that, nobody has stuck on this long. I have seen heroines who have done two-three films and then disappeared. During these 10 years, I have not taken a break. This journey has given me my identity. I’m known by my real name than just that as a film’s heroine. I have come to a stage where people whistle when I enter and cheer for me. At the end of the day, this is what every actor looks for, and I feel content. I wouldn’t have been happy if I was sitting in a cubicle as an engineer. It can’t match the satisfaction when I face the camera, get my make up and hair done, and rehearse dialogues. The feeling is soulful.

Do you regret taking up some films in the early stages of your career?

There was a time when I regretted taking up wrong projects in the early stages of my career. But now I have decided that I live my life without regrets. Tell me any hero or heroine who has not done wrong films in his/her career. Every actor has gone through it or will go through it. Those so-called wrong projects have been a learning for me. Those were the films that had kept me busy, and ultimately helped me pick the right films. I have done close to 23 projects. I am happy to have a solid number.

What is your next course of action?

I started off playing the role of a sister to top stars in Sandalwood, but now I’m confident that I will get to star opposite them. I was young and most filmmakers considered me for the sisterly kind of roles. I’m at an advantage compared to many other heroines who make their debut at 25. I, on the other hand, already have ten years experience on my side.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / June 27th, 2018

Obituary : Thathanda Gowramma Muthamma

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

TathandaKF28jun2018

Thathanda Gowramma Muthamma (Thamane Balianda), wife of late Thathanda Muthanna, passed away this morning at her residence in Rajivnagar 1st stage in city. She was 94.

She leaves behind three sons, two daughters and a host of relatives and friends.

Cremation was held at the foot of Chamundi Hill at 1.30 pm today, according to family sources.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / June 14th, 2018

Move To Include Kodava As Third Language In State, CBSE Syllabus

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Karnataka Textbook Society writes to DDPIs to furnish details about number of students available to study Kodava language
KodavaLanguageKF28jun2018

Bengaluru:

The Karnataka Textbook Society that comes under Department of Public Instructions, Government of Karnataka, has written to Deputy Directors of Public Instructions (DDPIs) on the inclusion of Kodava language from First Standard to 10th Standard as a third language in the State Syllabus and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The Society is responsible for printing and distribution of textbooks based on the State syllabi for lakhs of children of Classes 1 to 10 in Government, Aided and Unaided Schools of Karnataka.

The letter (copy of which is available with Star of Mysore) was initially sent from the office of Principal Secretary (Primary and Secondary Education) on 13.06.2016 and 10.04.2018 asking the DDPIs and Deputy Director (Administration), Department of Public Instructions, to furnish details about the number of students who will be available to study Kodava language if it is introduced as the third language.

Though the letter was sent in 2016 and another reminder sent in April this year, no action has been taken either by Deputy Director (Administration), Department of Public Instructions, or by DDPIs across the State. Taking objection to this, the Patya Pustaka Sangha has again (04.05.2018) written to the DDPIs and DD Administration to furnish the details. The latest letter has been sent by Narasimaiah, Managing Director.

‘Move beneficial for language’

Though language scholars say that the move to include Kodava language as a third language will ultimately benefit the language and culture of Kodagu, having Kodava language as a medium of instruction is financially unviable.

According to research scholars, who have conducted extensive research in Kodagu, its language and culture, a majority of Kodavas consider Kodava as a language of culture rather than education. They feel that Kodava language is not adequate enough to be a medium of education even at the primary level.

Many Kodavas prefer English as the medium of education and those who can afford it send their children to English medium schools. Even people with a positive attitude towards Kodava language also do not advocate for Kodava medium as they feel that it will not be economically viable. Financial resources, textbooks, availability of the teachers, etc., are the major problems, they say.

However, linguists are of the opinion that learning through a language other than the mother tongue creates interpretative thinking while education through the mother tongue develops creative thinking. Mother tongue also helps preservation of minority language and culture. As such, education through Kodava medium at least in primary education will benefit the language and culture, say linguists.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 28th, 2018

Karnataka: Now, permission from Forest Department necessary to enter Mandalpatti

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Sports

The pleasures of visiting these popular spots were taken away due to the aggressive nature of locals who charged up to Rs. 1500 to ferry tourists to Mandalpatti.

Madikeri :

In order to curb exploitation of tourists by locals who were charging exorbitant charges to ferry them to Mandalpatti, the State Government has now made it mandatory for tourists to obtain permission from the forest department for entry to the Pushpagiri belt of Mandalpatti.

The pleasures of visiting these popular spots were taken away due to the aggressive nature of locals who charged up to Rs. 1500 to ferry tourists to Mandalpatti. While bus routes were drawn to this spot, it was not seen as a convenient option by many tourists who paid over Rs 1,500/- per jeep to reach Mandalpatti from nearly 14 kms away.

Be it one passenger or eight passengers, the charges per jeep remained the same.

This overcharging by locals had been brought to the notice of DC Sreevidya P I, who has laid down strict rules to control the menace.

A meeting was recently held by Sreevidya along with SP Rajendra Prasad who concluded that permissions need to be sought to enter the Pushpagiri belt of Mandalpatti. The DC has also ordered that the jeeps ferrying tourists will be brought under the scanner and Galibeedu village panchayat has been asked to install CCTV cameras at the premises.

No public or private vehicles will be allowed beyond the gates installed by the forest department at Mandalpatti; pedestrians and tourists could trek to the spot (after receiving permission) from the gate instead of travelling in vehicles.

The district administration has also drawn a maximum ferry charge of Rs 300/- per jeep and anyone demanding more money would not be allowed to function in the area.

The forest department is ordered to make sure that no plastic, liquour or other items are carried to the spot by the tourists. Offenders of these rules will be penalized by the Police Department’s Road Transport Authority.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / June 05th, 2018

Demand for crabs, bamboo shoots rises in Madikeri

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature
Crabs kept for sale beside a road in Madikeri.
Crabs kept for sale beside a road in Madikeri.

It is the time of the year when people in Madikeri throng to purchase crabs and bamboo shoots.

Crabs, bamboo shoots and “Marakesu” have already entered markets in the district.

People consider crab as good for generating heat in the body which helps in braving the chill during monsoon.

The crab sellers collect 30kg to 40kg of crabs from H D Kote, Bheemanahalli and come to Madikeri to sell them. A bundle of crab (12 crabs) are priced at Rs 300. Crab fetches Rs 250 per kg.

In the past, crabs were available in plenty in paddy fields and water bodies. Now in spite of an increase in demand, there are a few people who sell it.

The availability of crabs has also declined, said crab seller Kumar.

Even the tourists who come here during weekends purchase bamboo shoots while returning home. The bamboo shoot is sold for Rs 40 to Rs 50 for half a kg.

The demand for “Marakesu” leaves also increases during the monsoon. The leaves are used for the preparation of “pathrode” and “bajji.”

The monsoon delicacies are served not only at home but at homestays and resorts as well.

There is a good demand for crab curry, crab fry, bamboo shoot pickle and bamboo shoot dry curry, said homestay owner Suyog.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> District / by DH News Service , Madikeri / June 24th, 2018

Shwetha Chengappa Romantic Song

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

ShwethaKF24jun2018

Swetha Changappa is a Kannada television actress who has acted in numerous tele-serials and films.She debuted her acting career through Sumathi, a serial directed via S. Narayan, aired on Udaya TV all through 2003-2005.

Her fame most of the tv audience of Karnataka reached heights thru her role in Kannada soap Kadambari which changed into produced with the aid of Balaji Telefilms and aired on Udaya TV in 2006.

She acted in lead roles for Sukanya and Arundhathi that have been aired on ETV Kannada (now Colors Kannada )which finally have become bigger hits in 2008 and 2010 respectively.

She additionally hosted TV show Yaariguntu Yaarigilla on Zee Kannada which changed into themed on celebration of spirit of womanhood. She additionally hosted Kuniyonu Baara on Zee Kannada, which changed into a dance show for kids.

Shwetha has also acted in Kannada films, Thangigagi with Darshan Thoogudeep and Varsha with Vishnuvardhan.

source: http://www.theprimetimes.in / Prime Time Media / Home> Hit Video / by Ananthu / June 22nd 2018