Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Jawa Lovers Hit Rainy Roads Of Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

A group of youths from Mysuru, who took out a ride to celebrate International Jawa Day, are seen at Kakkabe village near Thadiyandamol Mountain in Kodagu.

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12 Jawa enthusiasts — (from left) Balakrishna, Yashwanth, Sachin, Pradeep, Prasanna, Vikas, Nithyanand, Mohan, Pruthvi, Ravi, Ruthvik and Harsha — embarked on the journey from Mysuru last evening.

Sharing their experience, the youths said that it is raining heavily in Kodagu and riding the most-loved vehicle in biting cold and water splashing on faces was a thrilling experience.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> Photo News / July 08th, 2018

Booktalk: New Book On Kodava Death Rituals

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

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Title: Kodavara Saavu Paddathi

Author: Nellamakkada B. Kaverappa

Pages: 52 /Price: Rs. 50 / Publisher: Akshara Prakashana, Mysuru

Noted artist Nellamakkada B. Kaverappa has written a book titled “Kodavara Saavu Paddathi” which deals with the death rituals involving Kodavas. The book was recently released to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Kodava poet and dramatist Haradasa Appaneravanda Appacha Kavi.

It is a unique book on the death-related rituals of Kodavas to be followed by Kodavas living outside Kodagu in cities like Mysuru and Bengaluru. The book explains customs and traditions to be followed after a person dies.

According to the author, Kodavas living in other towns and cities are finding it very difficult to follow all the rituals connected to death as is being followed in Kodagu. Many rituals are being left out and many are being performed wrongly. The book has been written after a year-long research.

The book is in two parts — from the time of death till cremation and after cremation till the completion of Deeksha. The author says there is no need for any priests as the rituals will be conducted by a Kodava “Aruva”. The book is written in Kannada with Kodava names of all rituals and it is a must-read for a Kodava.

About the author

Born in Kodagu on Jan.1, 1950 to Nellamakkada Bopaiah and Nanjamma, Kaverappa served as a teacher and also the judicial department. Since childhood, he was interested in art and writing and he studied art from M.T.V. Acharya who was a painter, illustrator and art educator, most famous for his work for the popular Indian children’s magazine Chandamama.

In 1994, Kaverappa established Bharani Art Gallery, the first private art gallery of Mysuru. This is the only private gallery that is given free for artists along with a guest room. So far, Bharani has conducted more than 100 exhibitions. He has also written a book in Kannada on the life and sculptures of artist Kiran Subbaiah. He has translated two books for Lalitha Kala Akademi.

Copies of the book are available at Mysuru and Bengaluru Kodava Samajas. The author can be contacted on Mob: 94485-54221. – OSR

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / July 08th, 2018

Starbucks introduces coffee brewed with nitrogen for first time in India

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Records, All

Cold coffee which will be called–Nitro Cold Brew marks Starbucks next chapter of coffee innovation through the newest take on its signature cold brew.

Tata Global Bev
Tata Global Bev

Tata Starbucks, a 50-50 joint venture between the US-based Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Global Beverages has been on an innovation spree of its products.

Starbucks today introduced a new generation of coffee for the first time in India infused with nitrogen.

Cold coffee which will be called–Nitro Cold Brew marks Starbucks’ next chapter of coffee innovation through the take on its signature cold brew.

Starbucks Nitro Cold brew is made after handcrafting the cold brew coffee and then infused with nitrogen. It is also available with vanilla flavour– vanilla sweet cream cold brew.

Starbucks cold brew will be available across all outlets in India, while Starbucks nitro cold brew is currently available in 5 stores across India namely–Mumbai-Kamala Mills, Bangalore-Jaya Nagar, Delhi-Green Park, Noida-DLF Mall of India, Kolkata, Park Mansions.

The company achieved a topline growth of 28 percent last year, supported by better in-store performance and growth through new stores.

Tata Starbucks recently made its maiden foray into Kolkata, the seventh city for the company in India. It plans three more stores there.

source: http://www.moneycontrol.com / MoneyControl.com / Home> News> Business / July 04th, 2018

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

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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
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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