Gowda Samaja, Kushalanagar and Karnataka Arebhashe Mattu Sahitya Academy have jointly organised a cultural get together on Dec. 27 at 11 am and Silver Jubilee celebration of the Samaja on Dec. 28 at 10 am.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Thursday , December 25th, 2014
Land identified for starting Shooting Academy’
Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari has said that Kodavas should start a community radio to exchange views on Kodava culture, literature and agriculture activities.
Speaking at Kodava Samskrithika Mela organised by Kodava Sahitya Academy and Hudikeri Kodava Samaja on Sunday, he said that community radio has been playing a vital role in development of a community in other parts of the country.
Emphasis should be laid for conserving Kodava culture and tradition. There is a need to introduce Kodava culture to tourists who visit the district round the year, he added.
The DC said that land has already been identified for starting Shooting Academy in Kodagu district.
“Possessing arms is an integral part of Kodava culture. Hence, the people from Kodagu if given training might achieve success in national and international tournaments,” he said.
Kodava Vidyanidhi President Koothanda P Uthappa said that one should not neglect to preserve the culture of the land.
There is a need to preserve the sanctity of river Cauvery. Youth from Kodagu should excel in competitive examinations.
Ajjinikanda T Bheemaiah also spoke.
Senior physician Dr Kalimada Shivappa, teacher Kirundanda Ponnamma Nanjappa, Kudiya Samaja President Kudiyara Muthappa and others spoke.
Mahadevada Pommakkada Sangha members presented Ummathat on the occasion.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Gonikoppa, December 21st, 2014
It was an evening of fun and fashion as designer Ramesh Dembla showcased his clothes at the Kodava Night.
The night saw the state’s warrior community enjoy music, fashion and food, along with their favourite beverages.
The fashion show saw three former Miss Indias — Parvathy Omanakuttan, Natasha Suri and Himangini Singh Yadu — walk the ramp along with city models.
We also spotted actor Adityaa having fun with his friends at the party.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru> Namma Metro / TNN / December 20th, 2014
Vested interests are creating confusion in the minds of people’
To preserve the greenery in Kodagu, there is a need to implement recommendations of Kasturirangan report on conservation of Western Ghats. If the recommendations are not implemented, then the environment will be at stake, said office bearers of Wildlife First.
Addressing a press meet here on Thursday, K M Chinnappa, A Thammu Poovaiah, T M Somaiah, P M Muthanna and M K Appacchu said that the report will not harm environment and its dwellers. However, a few vested interest, politicians and officials are engaged in creating rumours against the report. It has created fear in the minds of the people.
“Timber mafia, mining lobby and encroachers are engaged in misleading people. Thousands of trees have been felled to facilitate the work on high-tension wire in Virajpet. Will the environment in Kodagu intact if hydel power and railway line projects are implemented,” they asked.
“Those who have opposed the report have not read the report. It is better if people read the report on their own. If we initiate a discussion, then we are projected as pseudo environmentalists and anti-development.”
He lamented at the untoward incident reported during state-level committee’s visit to collect opinion on the recommendations in Madikeri.
The office-bearers said as per the recommendations, only 37 per cent of the Western Ghats have been identified as Specially Economic Areas. There is no problem in taking up development work in the remaining 63 per cent of the area. “ESAs are those areas considered sensitive, less populated, National Park, Reserve forest, project tiger and elephant corridor areas. Only 55 villages in the district have been identified as SEAs and not the entire district,” they said. “There is no proposal to acquire agricultural and coffee estates. There is no restriction on the felling of trees on private land. The land owners can seek permission and fell trees in Kodagu as per the Karnataka Forests Act 1963 and Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act 1976. There is no proposal to check felling of silver, acacia trees grown by the land owners.
They said “the recommendations have not laid down any restrictions on the cultivation of coffee, black pepper, paddy and oranges in Kodagu. It has not laid down restrictions on the construction of houses as well. Commercial activities like coffee, tea processing units, home stays, commercial complex, cement unit, furniture units and tiles manufacturing units are listed in green zones and no restrictions have been laid down on it.”
The recommendation has banned quarry, sand mining, setting up of thermal power projects and construction of more than 20000 square metre building in the identified areas, they added.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, December 19th, 2014
When Kannada actress Prajna launched her event management firm — Live Spotlight Events (which she runs with Ankita Naik, Prince and Partha) — to coincide with her birthday celebrations earlier this week, her pals from the industry turned up in droves to support her.
Prajna played perfect host, welcoming her guests to a sneak preview of what her firm had on offer and a party to ring in her big day.
We spotted Sanjjanaa, Harshika Poonacha, Sindhu Loknath, and Bhavana enjoying the dance-and-fashion extravaganza that was put up from the front row.
As the evening wore on, Ragini Dwivedi, Srujan Lokesh, Tilak, Ramya Barna and Deepika Kamaiah, among others, joined in the celebrations.
As DJ Hussain spun Bollywood hit after hit, the guests took to the dance floor, with Tilak showing off some impressive moves.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru> Namma Metro / TNN / December 19th, 2014
Mercara Downs Golf Club, one of India’s oldest, turns 100
Caddies have it hard at Mercara Downs Golf Club. Spread over 102 acres, its course has water hazards and hillocks and is ringed by woods. Golfers flock here on weekends. Some are on the course at the crack of dawn.
For Ganesh Mahendra, a planter from Coorg, a round of golf in the afternoon is absolutely sacred. “It is a great way to unwind after a long day in the plantation,” says the 37-year-old who cultivates black pepper, cardamom and coffee on his 120-acre estate at Suntikoppa.
Located in Coorg, the Scotland of India, Mercara Downs is shrouded in mist on most winter evenings. A veil of nostalgia, too, hangs over the place; it is gearing up for its centennial celebrations.
At a hillock near the club house, we meet I.K. Anil, 63, captain of the club. “During the colonial period, only the British could play golf,” he says. “Indians were not allowed, as the club was run by the British and it was their choice who they should have. Later on, a few Indians were taken to the club and were allowed to play. But, they were just less than 10 per cent.” There used to be inter-club tournaments with the Belur Golf Club and the Tata Coffee Golf Club. “We have had expats coming here and saying ‘My grandfather used to play golf here’,” he says.
Anil shows us a tree which used to have a thatched hut under it, where the Brits would party. “We did not have a club house then,” he says, adjusting his hat. Mercara Downs was just nine holes on 30 acres during the British period. “It was all browns then. Now, we have lovely greens,” says Anil. And, 18 holes.
Keeping the course green is a challenge. “It has to be irrigated inch to inch, which is a big constraint in cities,” Anil says. “Luckily, we are blessed with plenty of water. Once the northeast monsoon stops, we start irrigating.”
Harish Appanna finds the greens a real treat to the eyes. He comes to the course thrice a week. His estate is in Chettalli, 20km from Mercara. A hockey player, Appanna took to golf easily. “I took coaching for a week,” he says. “Then I would come here and practise every day. Now, I love golf more than hockey.” The 57-year-old is secretary of Mercara Downs.
Roy Chengappa, 59, loves hanging out on the course with friends. “It helps me connect with nature,” says Chengappa. He shows us a lapwing perched on the course: “These birds lay eggs among pebbles, to keep them safe from predators like foxes.” The lapwing appears on the club logo, too.
A coffee planter, Chengappa never used to play golf earlier. “One day, I just came here and hit the ball. It felt great. Then I became a member,” he says. Now, he plays once a week. “It is an intelligent game,” he says. “You have to hit a stationary ball. It involves a lot of science, especially physics and mechanics, as well as physical and mental abilities.”
Golf is for gentlemen, says Anil who has been playing for the last 35 years. “It is the toughest to play, but the easiest to cheat,” he says. “If the ball goes into a depression, one can take it out without anyone seeing it. We are trying to inculcate certain values in youngsters.”
Mercara Downs will soon be a hot destination for golfers from abroad. “We have a helipad here. A few days from now, Japanese tourists will come here looking at business opportunities,” says Anil. “It is easy to get outstation golfers. In the US they do not have many public golf courses. In Japan, one has to wait years for a round of golf, leave alone membership.”
Outstation golfers can buy a lifetime membership in Mercara Downs for Rs3.5 lakh. For local players it is Rs1.3 lakh, as the club wants to have more regulars around.
Mercara Downs has helped a lot of aspiring golfers take up the game. Two years ago, Mahendra had a hole-in-one. “My first shot on the 11th hole went in phadaak,” recalls Mahendra. The odds of an average golfer hitting a hole-in-one are 12,000:1. He was thrilled and threw a party; the bill came to Rs22,000. The next time he was playing, he hit a shot which rolled close to the hole. “I prayed, ‘God, let this not get in’. I was worried about losing money again!” says Mahendra, who played in the Valentine Team Amateur Golf Challenge in Bangkok.
Ace golfer Trishul Chinnappa, 21, says Mercara Downs is an “out-of-the-world place”. “The sand traps make the course more challenging,” he says. “Similarly, the elevation has an effect on the way you play. You need to use a lot of skill and get creative while playing in Mercara Downs.”
Golf has become quite popular in Coorg. Other courses are at the Tata Coffee Golf Club at Pollibetta and the Coorg Golf Links at Bittangala. Chinnappa was five when he took up the game. “Back then I used to be the only kid in Coorg playing golf,” he says. “But, today I see a lot of youngsters taking up the game. It is indeed good for the sport in our community.”
Chinnappa and other distinguished sportspersons from Coorg district will be honoured at the Mercara Downs centenary celebrations on December 12 and 13. The evenings of glitz and glamour will have live music performances and a fashion show by designer Prasad Bidapa.
source: http://www.week.manoramaonline.com / The Week / Home> Sports / by Mini P. Thomas / Monday – December 08th, 2014
The 13th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) and Huthri get-together of Sri Igguthappa Kodava Welfare Association, Hebbal will be held on Dec. 21 at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar from 9.30 am onwards.
Dr. Kodira A. Kushalappa, Retd. Forest Officer will be the chief guest.
Chodumada K. Karumbaiah, Ex-Army, Master OCM, Kudremukh Iron Co. Ltd. will be the guest of honour.
Assn. President Machimada P. Nanaiah will preside.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Brief / December 19th, 2014
The December party scene is on in full swing and more and more musical events are keeping Ahmedabad on its toes.
On December 13, Amdavadis got a healthy dose of EDM as one of the most popular artists Nikhil Chinapa came down to the city as part of Moon Mantra, an EDM evening. Alongwith Dual Drama’s scintillating performance, Nikhil Chinapa had Amdavadis on their feet this Saturday.
A number of young enthusiastics came to the event dressed in their designer best. People were seen recording videos and clicking a number of selfies with their friends.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Gujarati> Music / Ano Patel, TNN / December 15th, 2014
Mysuru :
Fr Louis Noronha celebrated his sacerdotal golden jubilee on December 2 in Mysuru.
Thanks giving mass was held at St. Peter’s Church, Bogadi, Mysuru. Dr Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, Bishope of Mysuru and around 80 priests including the native priests, namely Fr Joseph Aloysius D’Mello, Fr John Francis Texeira, Fr Leslie Vernon Moras, Fr Michael Gonsalves, Fr Edaward William Saldanha, Fr Michael Menezes SMM, Fr Richard Britto, Fr Ronald Dhanthi, Fr Melwin Lobo SJ were present for the Eucharistic celebrations. There were hundreds of nuns and around 1000 people who took part in the thanks giving mass.
After the Holy Eucharist, there was short felicitation program for Fr Louis Noronha and to Bishop Vazhapilly who was also ordained on the same day. All the priests, nuns and faithful took part in the programme and wished Fr. Louis Noronha long life, good health, peace and happiness.
All the Parish council members and the 21 Religious houses belonging to St. Peter’s Church, Bogadi, Antony Fernandes and John William D’Souza and their families worked hard for the success of golden jubilee celebrations.
Fr Noronha born on December 17,1938 is the son Joseph Noronha and Benedicta D’Souza in Kedamullur in Virajpet, which is called the cradle of religious vocations. He did his schooling at Kedamullur, then in St. Anne’s school, Virajpet and finished his 10th from the government high school Virajpet. In 1956 he joined St. Mary’s minor seminary, Mysuru and in 1958 he went to St. Peter’s Seminary, Begaluru, to do his philosophy and Theology studies. In the august presence of Pope Paul IV on December 2nd, 1964 Fr. Louis Noronha was ordained as priest during 38th International Eucharistic Congress at Oval Maidan, Bombay.
For the last 50 years Fr Noronha has worked in the diocese of Mysuru, being parish priest of different parishes in Coorg deanery, in Hunusur deanery, Kollegal deanery and in Mysuru deanery. He was also the Rector of St. Mary’s minor seminary for seven years.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / Media Release / Mysuru – December 04th, 2014
Model Zulfi Syed, who was in Indore recently to participate in a private event, spoke to HT about Bigg Boss, his plans to start a modelling academy and more. Here are excerpts from an interview.
You have been a part of reality show Bigg Boss. What do you have to say about the ongoing season of the show?
I find the format a bit different now. Our season was more or less based on an international format. Now there is more contact with the outside world and even the number of wildcard entries have gone up. The audiences have better access to housemates as they can talk to them over phone. This wasn’t possible when Bigg Boss started initially.
We heard you are planning to start a modelling academy. Is that true?
I am starting an academy for people who want to get into modelling. There are hardly any schools to mentor aspiring models in India. I am planning to open such a school. We would be visiting cities like Indore and Bhopal and hold workshops for aspiring models. I have a team of experts which includes models like Rahul Dev, Alisia Raut, Praveen Sirohi, Amrita Patki, Shahwar Ali and Aanchal Kumar to guide them. There will be a makeup artist and a fitness trainer. Shakir Sheikh would be imparting training in choreography. We will train them on how to walk the ramp among other things. We will be doing portfolio shoots and if they have potential, we will handle their work in Mumbai. The institute would be called Smoke and we plan to start the project by February, 2015.
What inspired you to start such an institute?
I have been a part of the modelling industry for several years. I felt the need for such an institute. There are a lot of people who come from small towns to Mumbai and they don’t know where to start if they want to become a model.
Many male models have gone missing from the industry.
There is obviously more work for girls. Designers for women have increased in the recent past. Even a lot of male designers have ventured into creating outfits for women. The industry was always ruled by women and I think it will be this way.
What are your upcoming projects?
I am working on a Bulgarian venture which contains a mix of Indian as well as Bulgarian actors. Portions of the film will be shot in Bulgaria. It’s an action-thriller movie. I can’t talk much about it right now.
Which designer’s outfits do you prefer wearing?
I follow a lot of designers. Of late, a lot of interesting names have crept in the market. I like Asif Shah from Indore for his style of suits. Rohit Bal is really good. I also admire Ravi Bajaj, Suneet Verma and Manish Malhotra.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> India-News> Indore / by Husain Malvi, Hindustan Times / Indore – November 29th, 2014
