Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Annual get-together of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association held

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

‘Federation of Kodava Samajas belies promise’: KBG

KaveriKodavaBF01dec2014

Mysuru :

Sri Kaveri Kodava Association Mysuru-East, located at Vidyashankara Nagar, Mysuru, celebrated its annual get-together on Nov.23, 2014 at the premises of Kodagu Model School here in a grand manner.

Over 500 members attended this annual get-together function presided over by Pudiyokkada B. Madappa, President of the Association. Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, President of Kodava Sahitya Academy, Kodagu, was the chief guest while Biddatanda T. Pradeep, President of Kodagu District Congress Party was the special invitee.

Speaking on the occasion, B.S. Thammaiah, the chief guest, appreciated the efforts of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association in running a school for the benefit of the people residing in and around Vidyashankara Nagar and also its members. He urged the members to preserve the rich culture of Kodava community despite the changes taking place in this modern world in one’s lifestyle.

B. T. Pradeep, President of Kodagu District Congress Party, who also spoke, regretted the lack of unity among Kodavas and said this situation had affected the progress of Kodava community in their own land, district. He expressed concern about Kodavas losing political influence and power in Kodagu and said it was mainly due to the acknowledged, successful Kodava politicians not encouraging the bright and dynamic youngsters to shine in politics of Kodagu. He expressed apprehension that in the days to come, the political influence of Kodagu as a district and of Kodavas in politics would further diminish. And as an example, he mentioned that in the beginning, for many years Kodagu district had three MLAs which has now come down to two.

There was also a surprise speaker Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, District Convenor of United Kodava Organisation (UKO), who suggested that Kodavas residing outside Kodagu would do well to register their names for voting in their respective villages in Kodagu itself and exercise their vote either by making a patriotic visit to Kodagu or by post. He also said that his organisation was making all efforts to revive the time honoured tradition of assembling at the ‘Mandh’ (the common meeting place of villagers), where during the time of harvest festival known as ‘Huthri’, villagers would hold their traditional dances and related cultural activities. He said a number of such ‘Mandhs’ have been either encroached upon or simply abandoned giving up the tradition. He said his organisation would strive to restore this tradition in order to preserve the identity of Kodavas in their own land.

Another senior member of the Association, K.B. Ganapathy, who was requested by the President to speak on the occasion, made a plea to the chief guests to use their good offices to get the By-law of the Federation of Kodava Samajas established at Balugodu in Kodagu as an apex body of all Kodava Samajas either reviewed or suitably amended to enable it to serve the Kodava community more purposefully than it is doing now.

Ganapathy said this Federation should not end up as a ‘Super Kodava Samaja’ of all Samajas which would serve no purpose in fulfilling its avowed object of enabling the Kodavas to survive in their own homeland called Kodagu with honour and dignity under the present democratic political dispensation where political representatives are elected on the basis of majoritarianism.

Since in Kodagu district, the population of Kodavas is about 1,20,000, it has become a Herculean task for a Kodava candidate (assuming he gets a ticket to contest an election) from any political party to win the election. In this context, the Federation has its usefulness and significance. Unfortunately, Ganapathy said, the Federation does not seem to have engaged itself in tackling issues that have a political bearing on the lives and properties of Kodavas in their own homeland — Kodagu.

With a view to circumventing these existential problems of Kodavas, Ganapathy suggested that as in the case of some of the small ethnic communities in other parts of the country, the President of the Federation should always be a well-known person either in the country or someone who has held very high position in the Government service. As I know there are many Kodavas who have held such high offices. The elected office-bearers of the Federation, after identifying such a VIP, should approach that person and invite him to be the President of the Federation. This may be for a fixed period or as may be decided by the General Body. This will help the Federation to take the problems of the Kodava community led by its President directly to the powers-that-be whether in the State or at the Centre. And because of our President’s personal stature and connections, we will be heard. This is the only way today for Kodavas to show their solidarity and make their voice, nay cry, heard by the government.

The very purpose of the Federation will be defeated if it remains an apolitical body refusing to discuss problems related to the lives, properties, roads, forests, water, power, employment, benefits from government schemes etc.

Ganapathy requested the chief guests to consider the suggestion and take it forward with the help of all those so many Kodava organisations that are mushrooming in Kodagu today, sometimes working at cross-purpose.

On the occasion, Neravanda Nanaiah, retired Police officer and a senior member of the Association; Chayaa Nanjappa, Managing Partner, Nectar Fresh Foods and Kundranda Bhageerathi Thimmaiah, National Athlete, were felicitated.

The meeting was followed by luncheon and thereafter sports events were held for children. On the occasion, prizes were given to academic toppers in the examinations held last year. The prizes were sponsored by the munificent members of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association.

Association Vice-President Puliyanda Devaiah welcomed. Alamengada Greeshma Appaji and Kechettira Likitha Appaiah rendered innovation. Hon. Secretary Appachangada P. Motaiah proposed a vote of thanks.

Association Treasurer Koppira Ponnappa, Joint Secretary Mollera Kavitha, former President of the Association and Chairman of Building Committee Kanjithanda K. Aiyappa and Kodagu District Convenor of the Committee on Kasturi Rangan Report on Eco-sensitive Zone Theethira Dharmaja Uthappa were among those present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday , November 25th, 2014

Kodagu may see 35 lakh tourists this year

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, World Opinion

Mysuru :

With its postcard-perfect settings, pleasant climes and green environs, Kodagu is a dream destination for holiday goers. No wonder then that the ‘Scotland of India’ is seeing an influx of visitors. While the average number of tourists hovers around 25 lakh a year, this year may spring a surprise. “The number may cross 35 lakh,” says V Paneesh, assistant director of the tourism department.

The department itself is taken aback at this unprecedented footfall and interest in the hilly district. For, the infrastructural facilities in Kodagu provided by the government are no match for the flood of tourists. But the growing number of home stays set up by locals has somewhat offset the government’s apathy. While 249 home stays are registered, a recent drive by the administration to persuade more home stay owners to legalize their business has upped the number to 477. In addition, there are more than unregistered 1,500 home stays doing brisk business. Vinitha Karumbaiah, secretary of the Kodagu Home Stay Association, said this year saw heavy tourist rush during October.

While tourists rave about the scenic splendours of Kodagu, they wish more attention is paid to infrastructure too. Home stays should be regulated to avoid exploitation of visitors, says Pallavi Abhishek Majumdar, a tourist from north India staying in a Madikeri home stay. Regular buses should be arranged for tourists with guides to visit the spots, she adds.

KSTDC MD P S Harsha says the department has commenced trial bus trips from Madikeri to Abby Falls and Talacauvery and assured to introduce more buses to other tourist spots depending on the demand.

Why kodagu beckons?

What makes Kodagu attractive for tourists is that it has something for everyone, be it adventure tourism, temples, historical places or wildlife parks. Some of the popular spots include Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Abbey Falls, Madikeri fort, Raja’s Seat, Omkareshwara temple, Nalaknad fort and Chelavara Falls near Napoklu, Dubare elephant camp and river rafting centre, Nisargadhama, golden temple at the nearby Tibetan settlement, Irpu Falls and Nagarhole National Park in South Kodagu, Mallalli Falls and Pushpagiri hills in Somwarpet taluk.

Tourists set to multiply

Tourist inflow to Kodagu is bound to multiply in the coming years for various reasons. As it shares the border with Kerala and is landlocked by coastal Dakshina Kannada district and Hassan and Mysuru cities, it’s a hop-over destination for many. That other historic and tourist-driven cities like Mysuru and Hassan are within reach makes it even attractive.

The commissioning of international airport in Kerala’s Kannur, 95 km from Madikeri, is also expected to boost tourism here. “Once this airport gets commissioned in mid 2016, tourist numbers will rise drastically,” says Paneesh, adding that tourists who fly in now have to come via Bengaluru or Mangaluru, which are far from Kodagu.

However, tour organizers and home stay owners feel the department should work out a comprehensive plan to manage the crowd of visitors as they foresee problems in waste disposal, transport and infrastructure apart from civic and administrative hassles. They also want the government to encourage resorts and home stays and ease laws to cope with the increasing tourist inflow.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysuru / TNN / November 29th, 2014

Madikeri: Girls Top District-level Debate Competition Held at Ponnampet

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Madikeri:

A district-level debate competition was conducted by Sri Sai Shankar School, Ponnampet for PU and degree students on the topic ‘Harassment of girls in educational institutions’.

The first prize was won by Pragathi of 2nd PUC, St Joseph’s PU College, Madikeri while the second prize was won by K C Thanvi Thangamma of 1st PUC, Vidyaniketan PU College, Gonikoppa, Kodagu.

Thanvi Thangamma is the daughter of Kallichanda Suresh Chengappa and Kavitha Kaveramma Kallichanda, residents of Balele in south Kodagu.

source: http://www.mangalorean.com / Mangalorean.com / Home / by Special Correspondent with inputs from Mohan Devaiah / August 21st, 2014

Talks Honouring General Cross A Milestone

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
Aditya Sondhi (standing fourth from left) with other 'Old boys' of Bishop Cotton School
Aditya Sondhi (standing fourth from left) with other ‘Old boys’ of Bishop Cotton School

Bengaluru :

An annual lecture series in memory of General K S Thimayya enters its tenth year on November 22.

‘Old Boys’ of Bishop Cotton School started the lectures to commemorate the memory of General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya, also an alumni of the school. In an exclusive Aditya Sondhi interview with the City Express, managing trustee recounts the decade-long journey.

What inspired you to start this lecture series?

When Col Lalit Rai addressed a small group of us on his experiences in Kargil (where he won a Vir Chakra), it struck me that Bishop Cotton had an alumni that had so much to share. The lecture series was started in the memory of Gen Thimayya, one of our most towering old boys and one of India’s greatest generals. This would not only showcase the depth of the alumni, but also improve the quality of interaction among the participants and inspire the younger listeners to greatness.

Did any of you know Gen Thimayya personally?

Most trustees were born only after the General had passed on. But one trustee, Jairaj Daniel, remembers his father leaving him in the care of the General while he attended meetings of the board of governors at the school. Gen Thimayya had no reservations about spending the next hour or so chatting with the four-year-old! Another trustee, C N Kumar, fondly remembers him visiting the school as Chief of the Army Staff and the patron of the Old Cottonians’ Association. ‘Timmy’ was regarded as a ‘Soldier’s General.’ He was always close to his men, witty and jovial in tough situations, and fearless in thought and execution.

In the ZoJi la sector, he personally implemented the movement of tanks to hitherto unseen heights. His brand of leadership is to be treasured.

Is Bengaluru a good place to hold strategic affairs lectures?

Indeed, for the critical mass of retired military and government officers coupled with the Bengalurean hunger for intellectual stimulation.

However, I must clarify that our lectures go beyond strategic affairs and span art, science, social service and entrepreneurship.

Over the past 10 years, what difficulties have you encountered in organising these lectures?

This endeavour is run by seven friends, six of whom are large-hearted and spirited. Expectedly, with such ‘start-ups’, funding and logistics are always a challenge. Initially, we also found it challenging to convey our intent behind the lectures.

Fortunately, our patrons took to the lectures early enough to convince us that the effort was not in vain and needed to be sustained. Special thanks are due to the school, the family of the General and the armed forces veterans for their unstinting support.

Which lectures sparked the most intense discussions?

By far, Col Rai’s talk on Kargil in 2007 evoked the strongest feelings among the audience, with an intense and moving account of the valour of his troops. Dr Ajit Varki’s talk on experiments in glyco-biology, Phil Wollen’s talk on ahimsa and the vegan movement, and G K Pillai’s talk on internal security were very robustly received by the guests.

Give us an overview of how the lectures could shape up in the next 10 years. Any long-term vision?

The trustees aim to invite younger speakers and those with more eclectic life experiences. We also hope the lectures become more of a Bengaluru calendar-event and attract wider participation.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Saloni Mital / November 12th, 2014

Tap for information: Madikeri gets tourism kiosk

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nature

Mysuru :

If you are holidaying in Madikeri and want to know the must-see places or cuisine or its rich cultural fabric, just head to this touchscreen kiosk. All the information about the district is one tap away.

The kiosk, a near-replica of the official website, has information in English and Kannada in both text and video formats. Kodagu tourism department, the district administration and a Bangalore-based software company have developed the kiosk, which chief minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated at the newly built district office complex in Madikeri on Monday.

“Tourism department and the district administration should utilize IT resources to develop and boost tourism in this picturesque hill district,” the CM said.

Tourism department assistant director V Panish said the department has sent a proposal to the state government to extend this facility to all tourist destinations in Karnataka. “Using the kiosk, tourists can directly contact hotels, homestay facilities and other service providers,” he said.

The department also plans to set up Coorg House.

Tourism authorities claim that such facilities will bring a unique brand identity to Kodagu. “Information kiosk will guide tourists about the ongoing cultural events, history, coffee plantations, festivals and local cuisine.”

“The project aims to develop a fully operational web portal service in five phases in two years. Work is on to develop apps for cellphones, iPad and tablets covering all tourist destinations in Karnataka. The current Android mobile application focuses only on Kodagu. It allows users to contact home stay owners, local artists, resorts and tour operators. Using this app, tourists can also book hotels and tickets for various events,” Panish said.

Tourism department and the district administration will provide an enriched tourism experience to visitors. The web portal service will also create jobs for locals, he added.

The kiosk, a near-replica of the official website, has information in English and Kannada in both text and video formats. Tourism authorities claim that such facilities will bring a unique brand identity to Kodagu.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysuru / by Maramkal Basavarajappa, TNN / November 08th, 2014

Tourism establishes tourist friendly kiosks in Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature

Mysuru :

Kodagu tourism department in association with district administration and a private software company from Bangalore has developed a touch screen tourist information kiosk. According to tourism department sources, this is said to be first of its kind kiosk in India to leverage IT technology and holistic approach to developing tourism in Kodagu besides facilitating the tourists visit.

Tourism authorities claim that touch screen facility to tourists will bring a unique brand identity for Kodagu by helping them to utilize rich history, heritage, events, festivals, activities, coffee, legacy of kings and unique culture along with its cuisine.

Using agile methodology, the website portal developed concentrating IT and non IT services will provide varied information to the tourists. In later stages a fully developed website portal works will reveal the tourist information on Kiosk, computer, laptap, mobile, iPAD and tablet. Disclosing about the project , Tourism department assistant director V Panisha said the project aims to develop fully operated web portal service in five phases in two years of tenure. At present the released android mobile application is focused on Kodagu tourist content and ability to contact home stay owners, local artists, resorts and tour operators also aims to tap the services of booking accommodations, tickets for events and seats availability for various cultural and socio events.

The kiosk will be having the same features that website portal will have. The Kodagu tourism will propose to set up “Coorg house” to unveil the rich tourism potential of Kodagu, he added. Augmented reality is a technology that overlays an image, video or information from GIS on top of Google map or any other map. In the smart phones with GPS device fitted, navigation assistance in local language with information fed from GIS, Koisk will have the information in English and Kannada in text and video format, he said.

Panish said Kodagu tourism department and district administration would like to provide hassle free and enriched tour experience to tourists in coming days. And this web portal service will create local job opportunities and many unemployed having little IT knowledge will get jobs, Panish added.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the kiosk on 3 November at the newly built district office complex and expressed his happiness on the venture. Siddaramaiah said Kodagu tourism department and district administration should utilize the IT technology to develop and boost tourism in this picturesque hill district known for its natural beauty.

Panish said the department has sent a proposal to the state government to spread this facility to all the tourist destinations in the state and important tourist arrival places. ” Most notable feature of the kiosks and new technology is the tourists are prevented from being cheated by agents, touts and middlemen and they can directly bargain with the facility providers,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysuru / by M B Maramkal, TNN / November 07th, 2014

Nikhil Chinappa Collaborates with Jay Sean for ‘Aashiq Mizaaj’ Remix

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

JaySeanKF16nov2014

DJ and MTV VJ Nikhil Chinappa recently invited Jay Sean to India, specially to work on the new mix under his company Submerge Music. Chinappa and Jay are working on remixing the track “Aashiq Mizaaj” from Lisa Haydon, Akshay Kumar-starrer film “The Shaukeens.”

The original track “Ashiq Mizaj” has been composed by Hard Kaur and sung by Aman Trikha. Nikhil, who is a fan of Kaur’s work wanted to remix the number ever since he heard it for the first time.

We hear that he picked Jay Sean because of the unique spin he adds to desi tracks. He wants it to be a tribute to the singer.

Apparently, Jay too has loved the song so much that he has been listening to it on loop. He even called her up to congratulate her on track.

Chinappa plans to add his own twist to the track, and hopes that Hard Kaur will love it. Let’s see whether the remix ups the energy of the original song.

source: http://www.indiawest.com / India West / Home> News> Entertainment / by Suparna Thombare, India West Staff / November 06th, 2014

MLA’s son ties knot in US

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's

MLAsSonKF13nov2014

Madikeri MLA Mandepanda P. Appachu Ranjan celebrated his eldest son Dr. Mandepanda Vikram Poovaiah’s wedding with Vietnamese scientist Kim at a ceremony held at Laguna Beach, California recently.

Appachu Ranjan’s son, who is settled in USA and works as a Principal Chip Designer, got married in traditional Kodava wedding style.

The ceremony was attended by the MLA’s wife Shyla, his second son Dr. Cariappa, daughter Ksheera and about 30 family members along with some relatives of the bride.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>General News / Friday, November 07th, 2014

The legend of the hills

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
Panagalammai temple. / Photo: Lakshmi Sharath / The Hindu
Panagalammai temple. / Photo: Lakshmi Sharath / The Hindu

Who is Iguthuppa, the lord who can’t bear to see anyone hungry?

Our journey into Coorg’s heritage takes us on a spiritual quest — atop mountains, inside forests and coffee estates and by the riverside. These are temples etched in the cultural landscape of the Kodavas, although some of them never find mention in any religious texts.

It is misty as we climb a small hilltop to the Padi Iguthuppa temple in Kakkabe. The bells toll the moment we enter the temple, as a gentle breeze blows from the rolling hills around.

The priest Kush Bhat welcomes us and insists we stay back for lunch. “No one comes to the Iguthuppa temple and goes away without lunch,” he says. For, Iguthappa means giver of food, and the deity is a form of Subramanya or Muruga, son of Shiva.

Legend has it that centuries ago, Shiva and Subramanya came here, and loved the hills so much that they decided to settle down here. The temple is known to feed every visitor, and all pilgrims offer food, not money, to the deity. “Iguthappa told the people of Coorg that they would never go hungry as long as he was there and if they accepted him as God,” explains Kush Bhat.

The bell tolls at Iguthuppa temple. / Photo: Lakshmi Sharath / The Hindu
The bell tolls at Iguthuppa temple. / Photo: Lakshmi Sharath / The Hindu

Now, every festival of the Kodavas starts with an invocation to Iguthappa; the most important festival of the temple is Tulabharam.

We go to the another Iguthappa temple in Naljee, inside a forest through a lush coffee plantation. There is not a soul around, and it is peaceful to just listen to the sounds of the forest.

These monuments are probably lost to the average tourist, but one finds sanctity in the silence around them.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review> History & Culture / by Lakshmi Sharath / August 08th, 2010

Coffee in Coorg

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Nature
Cottabetta Bungalow. Tata owns seven bungalows in Coorg, and every bungalow is set amidst a 1,000 acre plantation.
Cottabetta Bungalow. Tata owns seven bungalows in Coorg, and every bungalow is set amidst a 1,000 acre plantation.

COTTABETTA BUNGALOW

SOUTH KODAGU, KARNATAKA

USP: Live the planter’s life

There is freshness in the crisp air caressing your face. Picture-postcard greenery fills your senses. Add to it a welcome shower. There is magic in Coorg, the coffee country.

SMELL THE BEANS At Cottabetta Bungalow. Photos: Special Arrangement
SMELL THE BEANS At Cottabetta Bungalow. Photos: Special Arrangement

The escape to the Tata plantation coffee trails in Coorg during the monsoon turns out to be a bonanza. After a six-hour drive from Bangalore, past the Mysore Highway, Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, bamboo forests, cinnamon trees interspersed with teak trees on which pepper vines climb to great heights, and the ubiquitous coffee plantations, we reach Tata’s bungalow in Cottabetta (meaning cold mountain).

Tata owns seven bungalows in Coorg, and every bungalow is set amidst a 1,000 acre plantation. The three-bedroom and five-bedroom bungalows, occupied by the managers of Tata, have been converted into cottages, superior, luxury and heritage rooms and heritage suites. “The bungalows went vacant after the managers took VRS. As the butlers, cooks and gardeners continued working to maintain the bungalows, our management came up with the idea of homestays,” says K.C. Poovaiah, head of Plantation Trails, Tata Coffee.

Once occupied by British planters, the bungalows are more than 100 years old, but modified suitably for modern-day needs. Every bungalow is built on a higher elevation, overlooking the mountains and the plantations. Cottabetta is one of them. And, what a view! The majestic mountains open up — on the south is Kerala and to the North is Periyapatna, Kushal Nagar and the Madikeri hills.

Once occupied by British planters, the bungalows are more than 100 years old, but modified suitably for modern-day needs.
Once occupied by British planters, the bungalows are more than 100 years old, but modified suitably for modern-day needs.

As you take in the picturesque landscape from the portico, a curved road amidst the Tithimathi forests catches your eye. “It is a part of the Mysore Road,” Poovaiah explains. “When the British planters used to drive down, they would dim and dip the headlights at this point to alert the cooks.”

I check into one of the luxury rooms — the decoration is minimal but it has the comfort of a home. However, the bathroom is lavish with a bath tub. And, there is a beautiful balcony to sit and soak in the silence.

Barbets, drongos, golden orioles, parakeets, red whiskered bulbuls, flower peckers and sunbirds flutter by and feast on the jamuns, guavas, chikkus, mangoes and gooseberries, the inter-crops supported by the plantations.

Our tour of the bungalows begin with Woshulli, known for the spectacular view it offers of the Durbeen (binoculars) Road snaking through the plantations. (Vishal Bhardwaj has shot here for his new film “Saat Khoon Maaf”, starring Neil Nitin Mukesh, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham.)

At the manicured 25-acre, nine-hole golf course in Polibetta, it is monsoon magic again. As it buckets down, we take cover under the majestic ficus tree, watch the rain pour down in sheets and sprint back to the car.

Then, we set off to Surgi bungalow and the plantation trail at Taneerhulla and Woshulli plantations spread across a sprawling 1,340 acres. “We get tonnes of litchis every year,” says plantation guide M.K. Umesh, pointing to the giant litchi tree (planted by the British) at the bungalow.

Umesh peppers the trail with scary elephant stories, and we stop at intervals to touch and smell coffee beans, pepper and vanilla. The Robusta coffee bushes here are 130 years old. Back at the bungalow, biting into crisp, hot onion pakodas served by the courteous staff, sipping coffee and watching the mist-capped hills is just the perfect way to end a beautiful outing in the hills.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metroplus> Travel / by K. Jeshi / August 26th, 2010