Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Coorg Kannada Type Family Gives 50 Million Newspaper Readers a Reason to Smile

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
courtesy: Ramakrishna Saiteja / ITF
courtesy: Ramakrishna Saiteja / ITF

Name: Coorg Kannada Family
Designer: Ramakrishna Saiteja
Foundry: Indian Type Foundry
Release Date: Pending

Back Story:

23-year-old Saiteja of Bangalore, India, is this year’s Society of Typographic Aficionados Catalyst Award winner, in recognition of his significant achievement and future promise in the field of typography. His elegant design for the Coorg Kannada type family makes reading Indian-language newspapers more of a joy and less of a struggle. Kannada is a Dravidian language spoken by 50.8 million people in southern India. Its written form derives from a 5th century script, Kadamba, and can be a bit tricky for type designers: it has an inherently wide proportion, and an atypical reverse stress when compared with Latin type. Some forms fall below the baseline as subscripts to indicate added sounds. As if this wasn’t challenging enough, the height added to each character by the subscripts forces fewer lines per page.

Saiteja first began working on Coorg Kannada in early 2016 because he found the typefaces in local Kannada newspapers lacking. “The fonts used in most newspapers are poorly designed for text due to an unresolved and uneven texture, and don’t enhance the reading experience in any way,” Saiteja says. Guided and advised by his colleague, Satya Rajpurohit (one of ITF’s founders, along with Peter Bil’ak) he perfected and refined the design and followed up with Coorg Kannada Sans as a more neutral variant of the typeface.

Why’s it called Coorg Kannada?
The Coorg language, which uses Kannada script as a writing system, is widely spoken by the people of Kodava, India, and the type family is named in their honor.

What are its distinguishing characteristics?
Designed to maximize legibility, the Coorg Kannada family’s letterforms in both Classic and Sans follow the proportions of Kannada and are balanced so that they work well together. Certain characters bear stylized terminals plus angled head strokes and ink traps where needed. The subscripts are matched in terms of weight and gray value with the main characters, with a careful eye towards creating an even texture on the page. It adds up to a well thought out, visually coherent type system.

What should I use it for?
Coorg Kannada shines for setting text in any medium. It has five weights unlike previously available Kannada fonts, providing options for a wide range of text hierarchy within the same typeface. The heavier weights of both styles are intended to be used for display purposes.

What other typefaces do you like to pair it with?
The Classic Kannada sits well alongside ITF Gujarati in terms of Indic scripts. William Text is a good Latin typeface match. As for the Sans, try it with sturdy Equitan or Neutral.

source: http://www.eyeondesign.aiga.org / AGA Eye on Design / Home> Type Tuesday / by Angele Riechers / June 20th, 2017

‘Madikeri Dasara committee must comprise people from all walks’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

CMC president Kaveramma Somanna, who is also president of Madikeri Dasara Samithi, has clarified that she wants people from the four Karaga committees, Dashamantapa members and those who have been in public service to adorn the post of working president of the Dasara committee.

Following a row over amendments to by-laws to the Dasara committee and working president of the committee, Kaveramma told reporters on Saturday that, “The members of various organisations have echoed my viewpoint. At present the CMC president is the president of Dasara Samithi while the vice president is CMC general secretary and another member has been elected treasurer. If the CMC members are elected as working president of Dasara committee, then it would become a Madikeri CMC members committee which would be objected to by the government. Hence, I wanted someone apart from the CMC members to become the working president of the committee.”

“The public must extend financial assistance for Dasara. If the post of the working president is entrusted to politicians, then there will be opposition from the general public. I am committed to organise Madikeri Dasara utsav in an organised manner,” she said.

“The present by-law is old. It was decided to bring in amendments to the by-law through a by-law committee. However, a few persons created unwanted confusion and chaos in the second meeting. As a result, we could not bring in amendments as per the expectations of the people. A few have been disappointed,” she said.

“The government expects amendments as per its guidelines. We cannot seek financial assistance for Dasara as per the old by-law. Hence the amendment was necessary. A few disrupted the meeting by creating confusion and chaos,” she said.

Barring CMC members, a working president would be appointed shortly. We have to value public opinion by setting aside vested interests. A meeting will be convened to put an end to all the confusion,” Kaveramma said.

“Dasara utsav should not be used for political gain. Dasara should be organised under the guidance of the working president. MLA, MLC, and zilla panchayat members should cooperate and sort out their differences.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service, Madikeri / July 29th, 2017

Two books to be launched tomorrow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg
Author Lakshmi Palecanda with her two new books in Mysuru.
Author Lakshmi Palecanda with her two new books in Mysuru.

The city will witness the launch of two works by scientist-turned-author Lakshmi Palecanda on Sunday – one of which is a romantic novel titled The Fifth Wedding.

The other work ‘Indian American – Then Indian Again’ is a collection of her writings over the years in an Indian-American magazine India Currents.

Lakshmi Palecanda, who is a molecular biologist and has worked in the U.S. for many years, returned to India and has settled in Mysuru since 2009. She writes both romantic fiction and creative non-fiction. The Fifth Wedding is a romance based in South India and any south-Indian reading it will recognise the characters, places and scenes used, said the author.

The book Indian-American…Then Indian Again is laced with humour and encapsulates laugher, tears, loneliness and feelings of accomplishment that come with moving to a new country and then returning to find that “home” has changed , Ms. Palecanda explains. “I was smitten by the written word and decided to turn into a full-fledged writer a few years ago while taking a small class,” she said.

The launch is by Book Clubs 2015 at Hotel Roopa Elite (above Saravana Bhavan) behind Vontikoppal Post Office, 6th Main, Vontikoppal, at 5 p.m.

The books will be released by Javeed Nayeem and Lalitha Rao. Ms. Palecanda will be in conversation with Sujatha Rajpal, another author from Mysuru, sharing her experience about the books.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – July 29th, 2017

Arebhashe academy honour for 6 veterans

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Six achievers have been selected for honorary awards of Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruthi and Sahitya Academy.

A Kepu Ajila from Sullia in Dakshina Kannada (Arebhase Janapada Matthu Samskruthi), Pattada Prabhakar from Avandur in Madikeri (literature and art), Ammajeera Ponnappa from Bengaluru (music) have won the award for the year 2016.

Dr Purushotham Bilimale from Panja in Sullia (research), Kullachana Kariappa from Kumbaladalu village in Madikeri taluk (literature), M G Kaveramma from Sullia (Arebashe literature) have bagged the award for the year 2017, academy president Kolyada Girish said at a press conference.

Function in August
The awards will be presented at a programme to be held in August and the awards comprises a purse of Rs 50,000 in cash, Girish informed.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by DH News Service, Madikeri / July 28th, 2017

Implementation of Satwa scheme in Kodagu district mooted

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy
Women and Child Development Committee chairman N A Haris speaks at a meeting in Madikeri on Thursday. DH photo
Women and Child Development Committee chairman N A Haris speaks at a meeting in Madikeri on Thursday. DH photo

The Satwa scheme, implemented in Chamarajanagar district to eradicate malnutrition, should be implemented in Kodagu district as well, said Women and Child Development Committee chairman N A Haris.

He was speaking at a review meeting to discuss progress of welfare programmes taken up under Women and Child Development Department in the city on Thursday.

“Through Satwa scheme, 500 children suffering from malnutrition in Chamarajanagar district have been already brought to mainstream. Children suffering from malnutrition in Kodagu district should also be brought to the mainstream. The officials should show special concern towards such kids,” he said.

He said officials should ensure that pregnant and puerperal women get nutritious food.

Haris expressed displeasure over failure to utilise Rs 21 lakh released by the government to provide financial assistance to pregnant and puerperal women under Scheduled Tribe Special Component Plan. He observed that the number of Stree Shakti groups in the district is less and said there is a need to increase the number of groups to get the facilities from the government.

Haris directed the CDPOs and the department’s deputy directors to visit anganwadi centres and inspect the quality of food being supplied.

MLC Veena Acchaiah said that Women and Child Development Department, Education and Labour Department officials should work in coordination to bring school dropouts back to the portal of the school.

Women and Child Development Committee member Sudhakar Lal said that anganwadi centres should be opened at Basavanahalli and Byadagotta where Diddalli tribals have been rehabilitated.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service, Madikeri / July 21st, 2017

Go gaga over crabs, bamboo shoots

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature
Crabs being sold near Madikeri KSRTC bus stand and Bamboo shoots laid out for sale. DH Photos
Crabs being sold near Madikeri KSRTC bus stand and Bamboo shoots laid out for sale. DH Photos

It’s that time of the year when the sale of crabs and bamboo shoots in Madikeri goes up. Monsoon is indeed an ideal time to indulge in crabs as they are considered good for generating heat in the body which helps in braving the chill in the air.

To keep oneself warm, people in Kodagu adjust their food habits during monsoon. Likewise, the roadsides in the town are lined up with crabs and bamboo shoots.

Earlier, crabs were available in plenty at paddy fields and water bodies but in spite of an increase in demand, crab sellers have been on the decline. A deficit in rainfall has affected the availability of crabs.

“Demand for crabs increases in the month of Aashada. Since paddy fields have declined in the district and many have been converted into homestays, I collect crabs from Harangi reservoir, Periyapatna, HD Kote and Beemanahalli and bring it to Madikeri for sale. The price of a kg of crab is Rs 200 while a bundle of crab (12 crabs in a bundle) costs Rs 250. A pack of bamboo shoots is sold for Rs 50,” H L Kumar, a seller from Indira Nagara told DH.

Venu said that, “Earlier, crabs were available in the shandy market but with chemical fertilisers and insecticides being sprayed in paddy fields, the number of crabs have declined,” he said. Venu signs off by stating that crabs are delicious to savour as crab fry instead of curry.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service, Madikeri / July 22nd, 2017

Harshika Poonacha can’t wait for Chitte’s release

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg
Still from the film
Still from the film

Harshika Poonacha has completed the talkie portions of Chitte, and the actress says she is excited with the way the film has taken shape.

Sharing a few pictures from the film with City Express, she tell us, “I’m only left with two more songs. From whatever few scenes of mine I have watched on screen board during spot editing, I can say that every scene is beautiful. I can’t wait to share my excitement with the audiences when it releases,” she says.

The film, directed by ML Prakash, is a thriller, and explores the life of a newly married couple. She is paired opposite Yashas in the film. Chitte is special because it’s all about me,” says Harshika.

Meanwhile, the actress will be off to UK soon, where she will be shooting songs for her first Tamil film. “I’m just waiting for my passport to get my UK visa stamped,” says the actress, adding, “I want to complete these two projects before I sign my next.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by Express News Service / July 24th, 2017

Arebashe culture summit tomorrow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

ArebhasheKF26jul2017

Mysuru :

“Karnataka Arebashe Culture and Literary Academy and Kodagu Gowda Samaja are jointly organising a summit at Vijayanagar Kodagu Gowda Samaja tomorrow,” said Kolyadha Girish at a press meet on Friday.

“MLA Vasu will inaugurate the event. MLA K G Bopaiah, Surthale Somanna, Periyana Jayananda, Chettimadu Janardhan, Kunjila Muthamma and others will attend the programme.

Chettimadu Janardhan, Kuntikana Ganapathi, and others were present at the press meet. (MR/KMR).

source: http://www.citytoday.news / Home> Mysore / by CT Bureau / July 22nd, 2017

8 new additions to Mysuru zoo

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

As many as four new animals have been added to the zoo which has also witnessed eight animal births.

The animals will be available for public viewing after they finish the quarantine period. (Representational Image)
The animals will be available for public viewing after they finish the quarantine period. (Representational Image)

Mysuru:

Mysuru Zoo, celebrating its 125th anniversary, has new additions to its animal fraternity. As many as four new animals have been added to the zoo which has also witnessed eight animal births.

Zoo executive director Kamala said they have received two Lion tailed Macaques, Rama and Anitha, from Arignar Anna Zoological Park Chennai. The animals will be available for public viewing after they finish the quarantine period.

The quarantine period of a female and a male leopard, which the zoo got from Virajpet and Kushalnagar forests, on April 22 and May 14 respectively, has ended and they are now on display at the zoo.

Ms Kamala added that Mysuru Zoo has seen the birth of a Tufted Capuchin Monkey baby which is being nursed at the baby incubator in the zoo hospital. Also, two swamp deer fawns and three Gaur fawns were born at the zoo enclosure and two dusky lorry chicks have hatched in the zoo aviary.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Pets and Environoment / by Shilpa P , Deccan Chronicle / June 20th, 2017

Rakshit and Rashmika put a ring on it

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

The tiny town of Virajpet has probably never witnessed this kind of excitement before.

RashmikaKF19jul2017

On Monday evening, it played host to a mega celebrity event — the engagement of Sandalwood’s most-talked about pair, Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna.

A year after they met on the set of Kirik Party, the duo exchanged rings in the presence of their families and friends. What was said to be a ‘family and close friends’ affair, finally had over 1,700 guests.

Enthusiasm reigned high in both the Shetty and Mandanna families, as both sides began the morning of D-day on an auspicious note — visiting the Ganapathi temple in Virajpet to write the lagna patrike.

“Since we wanted the couple to begin their new life with divine blessings, Rashmika and Rakshit visited all the temples in our town, including the iconic Devi temple that is in the nieighbourhood,” says Rashmika’s mother, Suman.

The evening was an invitees-only do, with bouncers closely guarding the venue. That, though, didn’t hamper the spirit of bonhomie that abounded inside the mammoth hall where the engagement took place.

Done up in shades of white and blue with reams of satin flowers cascading down the walls, Rakshit and Rashmika exchanged rings, popped open a champagne bottle and even cut a pretty layered cake.

The otherwise shy Rakshit surprised everyone when he gave his lady love a heart-warming hug as he declared, “this is one of the happiest days of my life… I love you.” Overwhelmed by the gesture, Rashmika nodded in agreement.

As onlookers showered the couple with wishes and requests for selfies, the party moved on to the dance floor for some Coorg style music, wining and dining.

“Often, while shooting for Kirik Party, without Rakshit knowing, I’ve wished for a man like him in my life. God has been kind… Rakshit is mine now. I can’t thank my parents enough for giving me one of the most memorable days of my life,” sums up Rashmika.

A musical love story: Rakshit’s parents arranged for a special box to hold Rashmika’s engagement ring. “It opened out to play the video of our hit song, Belageddu,” says Rakshit.

Yogaraj Bhat’s quick cameo: Bhatru, with whom Rakshit shares a warm relationship, came all the way to Virajpet to spend an hour with the couple. “He couldn’t make it to the engagement, so he came to bless us in the morning and left to Bengaluru immediately,” says Rakshit.

Celeb call: Other celebrities at the event were Vijay Raghavendra, Sundar Raj, Pramila Joshai, Meghana Raj, Vasishta N Simha, Tara, Venu, SV Babu, Akul Balaji, Meghana Gaonkar, Anish Tejeshwar, Samyukta Hegde, Pushkar Mallikarjunaiah, Saad Khan, Danish Sait and Rishab Shetty.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies> News / TNN / July 05th, 2017