Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

India to celebrate international coffee festival at Bangalore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), World Opinion

India is known to be one of the top coffee bean producing country and it is exported to Italy, Russia and Germany. With the prices for arabica bean falling, Indian indigenous arabica coffee which constitute 1/3 of the total coffee production face stiff competition.

RNA Research & Archives
RNA Research & Archives

India is known to be one of the top coffee bean producing country and exports to Italy, Russia and Germany. With the prices for Arabica bean falling, Indian indigenous arabica coffee which constitute 1/3 of the total coffee production face stiff competition in terms of revenues.

One way to beat this would be taking popularity of Indian beans to an international platform and the Indian Coffee board plans to exactly achieve this by announcing a coffee festival in Bangalore.

One can expect an array of events to promote the coffee bean. From the basic strong scented ‘Kaapi’ to the extravagant Cappuchino, India will promote its diverse beverage at the platform.

This will be held between 21st to 25th January and around 12,000 visitors are expected to participate in the event.

“Indian coffee, grown under tree shade, is very popular in the international markets,” said Jawaid Akhtar, chairman of the government-run Coffee Board of India as quoted in a BBC report.

In 2013, India’s coffee exports rose marginally by nearly 3% to 3.14 lakh tonnes in 2013 on the back of sharp jump in re-export of instant coffee, despite sluggish global prices, according to the Coffee Board report presented to the media.

The country had exported 3.05 lakh tonnes of coffee in the previous calender year and this opportunity will help India improve its standing in the global market.

The oldest coffee chain in India is Cafe Coffee day while the latest entrant is Starbucks-Tata alliance and Indian coffee-mongers are definitely lapping up the options and variety.
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What to expect at the event:

The event will focus on issues of health aspects of coffee and innovative and alternate channels of coffee delivery to consumers.

There will be workshops on processing, brewing, roasting, espresso making, cooking with coffee, art on silk and coffee entrepreneurship.

A trip to Coorg, called ‘Coffee Trail to Coorg,’ will be conducted at the end of the festival as per the Coffee board website.

The first three editions of the festival were held in Bangalore, the traditional coffee capital of the country, whereas the fourth edition was organised in Delhi.

So, book your entries and head to Bangalore for some hot cup of coffee.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Money / by Vishal Manve / Sunday – January 19th, 2014

115th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa celebrated

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

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Govt. urged to expedite construction of War Memorial in city

Mysore :
Kodava Samaja, Mysore, had organised a function to celebrate the 115th Birth Anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa at the Circle named after him here this morning.

Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) C.K. Karumbaya, SM, paid glowing tributes to the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and urged the Government of Karnataka to expedite the construction of the War Memorial near the DC office in city. Capt. Sharma urged to include the life story of the Field Marshal in the school curriculum.

Earlier, the gathering offered floral tributes to the portrait of the Field Marshal.

Samaja President M.M. Karumbaiah welcomed. Samaja Hon. Secretary K.M. Belliappa, former Presidents of the Samaja Dr. A.A. Kuttappa, K.A. Kariappa and P.S. Ganapathy, Chairman of Cauvery Educational Institutions Prof. K.C. Belliappa, Sri Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha Hon. Secretary P. Lovely Appaiah, Kavya Kuttappa, office-bearers and members of the Samaja and also of the Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club were present at the programme along with some public. On the occasion, sweets were distributed.

It may be recalled, VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust, Mysore, headed by M.N. Subramani as its President, was the first Ex-Servicemen NGO to propose a War Memorial in city way back in the year 2000 and the same was accepted by the district administration which earmarked a plot in front of ncc Gp hqs behind dc office. The NGO, which pursued the matter till 2007, had also suggested installing a statue of the Field Marshal at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 28th, 2014

Gun licence exemption for Kodavas to continue : Home Minister K.J. George

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

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Madikeri :

Home Minister K.J. George, who is also In-Charge of Kodagu district, said that he would discuss with the district administration about continuing the provision of possessing guns without licenses, as per the exemption provided under the Indian Arms Act, exclusively for Kodavas by race and Jamma land holders of the district.

He was speaking to press persons after landing at the helipad in Mercara Towns Golf Course here on Saturday.

Referring to a question on the delay in issuing exemption certificate (EC) to the eligible persons in Kodagu, George said the earlier practice would be continued and that the State government had not given any instructions to the district administration in this regard. He also assured to discuss the issue with the officials concerned.

When pointed out that the incidents of crime in the borders of Kodagu were on the rise, mostly involving criminal elements from the neighbouring Kerala State, the Minister said that the State government will deal sternly with persons indulging in anti-social activities and vitiating peace in society.

“Not only Kodagu but the entire State faced shortage of Police personnel,” said the Minister and added that in order to fill up the vacancies, the process for appointing 8,500 Police personnel and 500 Sub-Inspectors had commenced.

Regarding the Opposition parties’ allegations that the law and order situation in the State has deteriorated (following the incident of the attempt to murder Kodagu BJP President Suja Kushalappa), Home Minister George said that those who are making such allegations have been given a befitting reply during the last Assembly elections. He claimed that the law and order situation in State is normal and there is no need for anxiety.

In reply to another query, George said his political career started from Kodagu and he was pleased to serve the district as the in-charge Minister.

District Congress President B.T. Pradeep, spokesperson B.S. Thammaiah, former Minister M.M. Nanaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 27th, 2014

3-day Flower show at Balyatri Estate near Madikeri from tomorrow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All

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Madikeri :

An eye-catching flower show has been organised from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Yousuf Ali Khan memorial flower garden at the premises of Balyatri Coffee Estate near Boikeri on Madikeri-Suntikoppa Road in Kodagu.

The estate belongs to former Rajya Sabha member F.M. Khan. Briefing the press on the annual flower show, Khan said that “over 90 varieties of flowers and fruits have been grown in the garden which is the only private flower garden in the country. The garden took shape about 50 years ago and for the last 15 years the flower show is being organised annually for the public. The garden houses Philia, Lorsper, Khel, kelen chus, cactus, dahlia, daisy, roses, pinks, kupia and other exotic varieties including bonsais.

He said that horticulture was bifurcated from agriculture when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister to boost the growth of horticulture which has not happened to the desired level yet. Continuing, he opined that Congress needed young leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka.

However he felt that Rahul should address more public rallies instead of closed-door meetings to reach the masses.

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

‘Pratibha Karanji, the best stage for students’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

Events like Pratibha Karanji provide the best stage for students to unveil their talents, said Zilla Panchayat Vice President Biddanda Usha Devamma.
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She was speaking after inaugurating the district-level Pratibha Karanji competitions organised by the Zilla Panchayat and Department of Public Instructions at St Joseph’s School on Thursday.

Students may improve their thinking by taking part in competitions related to art and literature, which will also develop creativity in them, she said.

Noting that ample grants are being provided to the department of Public Instructions by the Government, ZP Vice President called upon the children to utilise the programmes implemented under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, to their best potential.

‘Nali-Kali’ programme for primary students is being successfully implemented and the moral education provided in schools plays a vital role in forming students to be the best civilians, she added.

Deputy Director of Public Instructions Kantharaju, Block Education Officer Aras, DIET Senior Professor Vedamurthy and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, January 16th, 2014

Gulshan Devaiah had a blast at Filmfare pre-award bash

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

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The Filmfare pre-award bash sure was a fun do, more so for Bangalore boy Gulshan Devaiah, who was spotted along with his wife Kalliroi and friend Kalki Koechlin.

The actor couldn’t contain his excitement when he spotted Madhuri Dixit seated next to him. He told the diarist that she was probably wondering what was wrong with him and his wife as they kept stealing glances at her.

Though Devaiah was tonguetied and couldn’t get a picture with her, he did send the diarist this post party snap with Kalki and Varun Dhawan, looking all relaxed after a night of partying.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / Bangalore Mirror Bureau / January 17th, 2014

Call to preserve Kodava culture

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Kodava culture is on the verge of extinction as it is not receiving the right kind of encouragement and patronage, said president of the women’s wing of Somwarpet Kodava Samaja Bachinadanda Rita Kushalappa, here, recently.
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She was speaking during the inauguration of a get-together, organised by the Samaja. “The rich Kodava culture should be introduced to children in the primary school level itself. Parents should take the first step in this direction,” she said.

She called upon Kodava women, in the taluk, to enrol with the Samaja.

Former district Scouts and Guides commissioner Manavattira Sharadha Mandanna said, Kodavas are being reduced to a minority population in the district due to migration of the people to other districts, States and nations, in search of better opportunities.

Non-residents

“At least, those who are residing in the district should strive to take steps to safeguard the interest of the Kodava people. Those who are residing should encourage their counterparts in Kodagu district. They should contribute whenever possible,” she said.

Women took part in several cultural programmes and games. Samaja secretary Apadanda Asha Viraraj, vice-president Paruvanda Saru Ramappa, Biddatanda Seetha and others were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Somwarpet (Kodagu Dist.) / DHNS – January 15th, 2014

A weekend filled with coffee and art

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

The santhe is a precursor to the India International Coffee Festival./ File Photo: H. Vibhu
The santhe is a precursor to the India International Coffee Festival./ File Photo: H. Vibhu

BMRCL wants to create a cultural hub at the Rangoli Metro Arts Centre

This weekend, take a stroll down the M.G. Road boulevard, home to the Rangoli Metro Arts Centre. Get reintroduced to the coffee bean, learn more about the art of coffee — right from the plant to its energising beverage form — shop for not just coffee powder but also jewellery made of coffee beans, and peek into the coffee museum.

Organised by the Women’s Coffee Alliance India, a coffee lover’s collective that aims at empowering less privileged women in the coffee production chain, the event, ‘Coffee Santhe’, is slated to be held on January 11 and 12 between 2.30 and 8.30 p.m. Events include displays on coffee and beans, arts and crafts competitions for children, and a latte art competition, said Sunalini Menon, coffee quality control expert. “People don’t even know what a coffee plant looks like. We’re also selling coffee plants such as the Robusta and Arabica varieties,” she said.

The santhe is a precursor to the India International Coffee Festival, to be held from January 21 to 26 in the city, organised by India Coffee Trust and the Coffee Board.

Other events to be held over the weekend include storytelling by Deeptha Vivekanand, a storyteller from Ever After, who will perform at the Rangasthala Auditorium. Held along with the Kid and Parent Foundation, the sessions will be held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Also on the schedule are interactions with septuagenarian Malathi Rao, who will entertain children with her vast knowledge trove, and a photo exhibition organised by the Akshaya Patra Foundation featuring photographs of children.

Vasanth Rao, general manager (finance) at Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd., said the plan is to transform this stretch into a vibrant arts and cultural hub. “We are clear we do not want to feature any social/political activism. This should be a place that showcases excellence, and we want it to explore more niches and give people an unusual experience,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Staff Reporter / Bangalore – January 11th, 2014

Coffee land beckons as district admn all set to promote tourism

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

Even as Madikeri city is getting ready like a bride for the 80th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, which is only a week away, the tourist destinations in Kodagu district too are inviting the visitors for the Sammelana.

The district administration too is gearing up to promote tourism and attract more number of tourists to visit the tourism places, on the occasion of literary convention. The KSRTC has made arrangements for providing special bus facilities to the selected tourism destinations during these days.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat district unit has initiated the process of printing 10,000 booklets providing information about various tourism spots in the district and surrounding regions. These booklets will be distributed to the representatives who arrive at the convention, said Booklet Committee President H T Anil.

Madikeri, which is the headquarter of Kodagu district is located 1,170 metres above the sea level. The district is known for its picturesque greenery, dense forests, soothing weather, hills and ranges, waterfall and coffee plantations. No tourist can ever forget the beauty of Kodagu when it is covered with mist offering an amazing experience. If one stands in the spots like Rajaseat and Stewert Hill, one can see the best view of sun set and sun rise.

Tourism destinations

The fort built by Mudduraj Urs who ruled Kodagu in 1681 and the church in the fort premises (which has now been converted as museum) attract tourists for their historical significance. Antiques, documents, materials and costumes belonging to Field Marshal Kariappa.

Rajaseat garden, Omkareshwara temple built by Lingarajendra-II, Rajara Gadduge are some of the important tourism destinations in Madikeri city. Other tourism places that are well known among tourists are Talacauvery which is 44 km from Madikeri, Bhagamanadala (39 km from the city) mountainous range Mandalpatti which is at a distance of 18 km from Madikeri, Tibetan colony at Bailukuppe (34 km from the city), Harangi reservoir (39 km from Madikeri), Dubare elephant camp (42 km from Madikeri), Nalkunadu palace (40 km from Madikeri) and waterfalls like Abbi, Irpu, Mallalli and Chelavara. However, waterfalls now do not offer as beautiful view as they offer during monsoon.

Be cautious

Tourists will have to be cautious while travelling in areas like Anekadu near Kushalnagar, Dubare, Virajpet and Gonikoppa due to wild elephants which often wander here.

Presence of tigers is felt in Thithimathi and Srimangala which are adjacent to Nagarahole reserve forest. Tourists should be careful while travelling in these regions, especially in the morning and evening.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Shrikanth Kallammanavar Madikeri / DHNS – January 02nd, 2014

After 32 Years, Kodagu Hosts Literary Meet

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Preparations on for the 80th Kannada Sahithya Sammelan that will begin in Madikeri on Tuesday | Express photo
Preparations on for the 80th Kannada Sahithya Sammelan that will begin in Madikeri on Tuesday | Express photo

After 32 years, Kodagu is all set host Kannada Sahithya Sammelan for three days from today.

The 8oth edition of the Kannada literary carnival will be held at the Bharathi Sutha and Kodagina Gowramma stages in Field Marshal K M Cariappa College Ground.

T P Ramesh, general secretary of the Sammalen and Kodagu Kannada Sahitya Parishat president, and B A Shamshuddin, general secretary of the Kodagu Parishat, told Express that as of now, 8,000 delegates have registered their names from 30 districts for the event.

If one counts officials, the public from Kodagu and the Parishat members, more than 10,000 people will take part in the procession, they added.

Ramesh said the procession will start from Gandhi Maidan and go along the main road, Indira Gandhi Circle, College Road and Convent Junction. As many as 25 folk troupes from across the state will participate in the procession.

Around 2,000 volunteers will help the public with parking and directions. Around six government buses have been arranged to take people around as movement of vehicles on the main road has been restricted for the three days that the event takes place. As many as 28 sub-committees have been formed for the meet. To commemorate the event, a souvenir named ‘Cauvery Siri’ will be unveiled.

Out of 50 books published by the KSP, 25 are authored by writers from Kodagu, Ramesh added.

Shamshuddin said all the events and cultural programmes will be conducted on stages at Bharathi Sutha and Kodagina Gowramma.

As many as 73 cultural teams from across the state, including Kodagu artistes, will perform during the three days of the Sammelan starting on Tuesday, he said. In 1932 and 1981 Kannada Sammalens were held under the chairmanship of DVG and Sham Bha Joshi, respectively, Shamshuddin recalled.

Though Kodagu is a small district and there may be some inconveniences, the public should cooperate in the interest of Kannada culture and literature, he said.

CM Siddaramaiah To Inaugurate Sammelan Today

Madikeri: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the Sammelan on Tuesday.

Sree Siddarama Mahaswamy of the Sree Naganoor Rudraskhi Mutt, Belgaum and Sree Shanthamallikurjuna Swamiji of the Aremeri Kalancheri Mutt will be present. District Minister H C Mahadevappa will deliver the welcome address and an introductory talk will be given by Pundalika Halambi. Ko Chennabasappa, a previous president of the Sammelan, will address the function. Minister for Environment M Veerappa Moily will release the souvenir. Minister for Kannada and Culture Umashree and Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Dinesh Gundu Rao will also take part in the inaugural function.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh – Madikeri / January 07th, 2014