Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Coorg Butterflies Make their Annual Tour to Silent Valley

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

Aralam Wild Life Sanctuary, one of the most precious evergreen forests in the state, is witnessing the breath-taking annual migration of butterflies from the Coorg hills. The wintering butterflies, mostly of Albatross species, breeze by the rivulets in the forests like gentle patch of yellow clouds, making their way to Nilambur forests and to Silent Valley, apparently guided by an unknown collective memory passed on to generations.

The amazing migration of the butterflies is better seen in the morning and when the sun gets hot by noon, they stop moving. As many as 40,000 Common Albatross butterflies can be seen in a single flock in the morning, says V C Balakrishnan of Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS) and a regular visitor at Aralam during this season. The Great Orange Tip, Lesser Gull and Plain Pussin butterflies can also be seen following the Albatross migration, he said. Many varieties of butterflies of Daniane sub species were seen congregating in the Aralam Sanctuary in the season. Lakhs of butterflies roosting on trees in the forests is a sight of a lifetime, Balakrishnan said.

Experts say that the butterfly migration through this stretch of Western Ghats is known to start from the evergreen forests in Coorg where these butterflies generally lay eggs on a particular tree locally known as Choota Maram or Asthi Maram (Drypetes Venusta). The butterflies fly through Aralam to Nilambur and to Silent Valley forests. “However, not much is known about when these butterflies would return to Coorg,” Balakrishnan said.

A group of nature lovers and butterfly enthusiasts would annually visit the sanctuary to witness the wonderful natural phenomenon every January. The Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department conducts joint explorations with MNHS during the season to survey butterflies. Many new species have been identified during these explorations. “We have been regularly conducting butterfly surveys during the season for the past eight years,” said Harikrishnan Nair, Wildlife Warden, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

A total of 242 species of butterflies were spotted at Aralam, the highest among the forests in the state. This makes a big share of the total of 320 butterfly species found in the entire state. “The thick evergreen forests and the rich diverse flora at Aralam make perfect home for the butterflies. However, the maximum number of butterfly species is recorded here because we conduct regular surveys and scientifically categorise it,” the Wildlife Warden explains.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service – Kannur / January 13th, 2014

Madikeri ready to weave magic on literary enthusiasts

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri, the must-go town on the tourist’s itinerary, will be a literature enthusiast’s destination for the next three days. The 80th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana is all set to begin at this hill station on Tuesday and the town is awash with the yellow and red colours of the Kannada flag.
MadikeriKF17jan2014
Thousands of language aficionados have descended here, not bothering about the cold winter weather.

Hordes of volunteers are sweating it out for the success of the extravaganza. The literary conference is being held here after a gap of 32 years. Madikeri had hosted the 18th conference in 1932 and the 54th in 1982.

Writer Na D’Souza, who presides over the meet, will be brought in a procession to the dais named after writer Bharatisuta at the Field Marshal K M Cariappa College grounds in the town.

The venue has been named I M Muttanna Mahamantapa. Cutouts depicting Kodagu’s must-see tourist spots, with famous lines of well-known poets, adorn the main entrance to the venue.

The venue has a seating capacity of 20,000, including a thousand chairs for VIPs and special invitees. Giant LCD screens have been erected for the large gathering to watch the on-stage proceedings.

A second dais has come up at the auditorium in the adjacent college to host literary sessions and cultural programmes. The entrances to the eight roads leading to the main venue have been named after prominent personalities.

More than 400 stalls selling books and handicrafts have been set up beside the main venue. A total of 2,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the conference.

There will only be one-way traffic on the narrow roads of the town for the duration of the conference. KSRTC buses will ply passengers for free within the town during the event.

A total of 600 cooks will prepare the choicest of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the delegates attending the meet. Food arrangements have been made at the Police Parade Grounds, one km from the venue.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / Madikeri – DHNS, January 06th, 2014

83 Dignitaries feted at Kannada Sammelana

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

SammelanaKF14jan2014
Madikeri :

A total of 83 persons were felicitated in recognition of their services to Kannada on the closing day of the 80th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana here yesterday.

Veteran litterateur Prof. Dejagow feted the dignitaries in the presence of Sammelana President Pundalika Halambi.

Those feted were: Shantalinga Mahaswami, Jayadev Kadadevaramath, Mugur Nanjundaswamy, V.G. Nayak, M. Doddamani, G.T. Veerappa, H.V. Jayaram, Dr. Shivananda Gaali, Vamadevaiah, Dr. G.K. Ramchandrappa, Dr. Sharanu Patil, Halmidi Kallol, Rajashekhar Hathagundi, B. Rangaswamy, M.B. Vishwanath, Jenukurubara Sannappa, Ganga Changappa, Siddappa Tallalli, L.S. Shashtri, Prof. K.H. Belura, D. Ganesh, M.B. Perla, Somanath Mudda, Gaddigayya Karikantamath, Dr. Shashikanth Sinnoor, Gowramma Basavegowda, Mahalingappa Itagi, E.V. Sathyanarayana, B.M. Patel Pandu, G. Guruprasad, Veeranna Charantimath, Shekharagouda Malipatil, Prof. Kodi Kushalappa Gowda, A.R. Nagarajcharya, Dr. Wooday P. Krishna, K. Sathyanarayan, B.M. Patil, B.K. Mathapati, Shivaranjan Bolannanavar, C.S. Bopaiah, B.R. Subba Rao, Puttichanda S. Ganapathy, Dr. S.D. Narasimhan, Mukkatira Chotu Appaiah, H. Sridhar Hande, Raviteja, Vishwanath Hoogar, S.V. Nagaraj Rao, Dr. M.B. Subhash Chandra, Dr. G.R. Basavarajan, G. Suresh Gowda, Mukunda Rao Lokunde, S.

R. Manavalli, K.B. Talageri, Gayatri Ramanna, T.A. Narayan Gowda, Gayatri Navada, Mavalli Shankar, T.A.P. Nagaraj, Maddikere Gopal, Prof, M.G. Chandrashekharaiah, Nataraj Swamiji, R. Vijaya Raghavan, Bhaskar Jois Hebri, B.K. Hongal, R. Shivanna, C.H. Naarival, Sunil Patil, Umesh Aradhya, C.V. Shankar, Nazir Ahmed, B.R. Satish, Chalavali Ramakrishna, Yalanadu Anjanappa, Dr. S. Shivarudraswamy, Babu Shivapujari, H. Dandappa, G.H. Paramashivaiah, A.G. Hari Gopal, Nagesh Boppanadu, N. Krishnamurthy, Veeranna Karabantanal and Virupakshappa Abbigeri.

Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shivashankarmurthy, former BBMP opposition leader M. Nagaraj, Sammelana office-bearers Sangamesh Badavadagi, P. Mallikarjunappa and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 10th, 2014

Hills come alive for literary jamboree today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Madikeri (Kodagu district):

Picturesque locale, biting cold, wine and books. It seems like perfect jamboree for literature lovers. The Scotland of India is all set to host the 80th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, the annual literary festival, from Tuesday amid apprehension of possible traffic chaos and shortage of accommodation.

The hill town of Madikeri, about 250 km from Bangalore, will witness a mega literary event as authors and critics discuss the challenges before Kannada language and its culture at the three-day meet.

The backdrop of Madikeri Fort built in 1861 and Raja’s seat, a spot from where the kings watched the sunsets with their consorts, provide the perfect setting for writers to exchange views about region, politics and various facets of writing. Organizers are bracing for last-minute entries and trying to ensure nothing goes amiss.

This is the third literary festival being held in the district since 1915 – the previous two were held in 1981 (presided over by DV Gundappa) and 1932 (Shamba Joshi).

8,000 delegates to attend:

Over 8,000 delegates have converged to participate in the festival that will open with a keynote address by sammelana president Norbert Dsouza, a senior writer from Shimoga. It will be inaugurated by chief minister Siddaramaiah on the dais named after litterateur Bharatisuta.

Seers Siddharama Swami of Naganur Rudrakshi mutt, Belgaum, and Shantamallikarjuna Swami of Arameri Kalancheri mutt, Virajpet will provide the spiritual touch.

A band of ministers and elected representatives will participate at the event lending credence to some views that the sammelana has, of late, become a platform for politicians.

Union petroleum minister Veerappa Moily, who has penned many a literary piece, will be the special guest to release the souvenir and open seminars on language, literature and other issues.

The meet promises to be different. “Kodagu literature festival may change the way lit fests are organized as the place is known for its hospitality and culture,” said reception committee head and Kodagu district in-charge & PWD minister H C Mahadevappa.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Literature / by Manu Aiyappa & G. Rajendra, TNN / January 07th, 2014

German technology for book stalls

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Science & Technology

GermanKF12jan2014
Madikeri :

More than 300 book stalls that have come up in a sprawling 1 1/2 acre area in the town, as part of the literary fest, is expected to be a hit among the participants and the general public.

The book stalls are set-up using German technology, adjacent to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College ground, with each stall measuring 10×15 ft.

A 16-member Committee is supervising the maintenance of these stalls, with one stall reserved exclusively for Kodagu writers.

Apart from the book stall, commercial stalls featuring fancy stores, food outlets, textiles etc., too have come up. Also several women self help groups (Sthree Shakthi Sanghas) have taken up some stalls in order to promote their products.

The Committee has fixed a rent of Rs. 2,500 to each stall for the 3-day literary fest, with book-sellers from different parts of the State including Bangalore, Dharwad, Udupi, Gadag, D.K. and Mysore districts having booked the stalls.

‘Kodagu-Bedagu’ handbook to be distributed at Kannada meet

Madikeri, Jan. 6 (KBM&DM)- A handbook on Kodagu district titled “Kodagu-Bedagu” is ready for free distribution among those arriving for the All India Kannada Literary Meet to be chaired by renowned writer Na. D’Souza tomorrow at Madikeri.

The 20-page handbook, contains information on the geographical features of Kodagu district, a former Princely State, and its magnificent scenic valleys and other spots. It contains vital information on all religious places, including the dress code to be observed while visiting some prominent temples and tourist spots across the district.

The handbook, brought out with an attractive cover page, contains detailed information on the famous tourist spots in Madikeri including the Fort, Raja’s Seat, Archaeology Museum, Omkareshwara Temple, St. Michael’s Church and other scenic spots like Abbey Falls, Makkalagudi Betta, Talacauvery-Bhagamandala, Padi Shri Igguthappa Temple, Thadiyandmol Hill, Yemme Madu, Sufi Shahid Dargah, Rajiv Gandhi National Park in Nagarahole, Irupu Falls, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Harangi Dam, Dubare camp, Virajpet’s St. Anne’s Church, etc.

Handbook Committee President H.T. Anil said that the Committee had earlier planned to bring out a more exhaustive 48-page handbook but it was later scaled down to 20 pages on account of cash crunch.

The handbook will be distributed free of cost amongst more than 8,000 representatives and journalists attending the meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / January 06th, 2014

CM to inaugurate Kannada literary meet at Madikeri tomorrow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Sammelana President Na. D’Souza to be brought in a procession
Sammelana President Na. D’Souza to be brought in a procession

Madikeri :

Chief Minister Siddharamaiah will inaugurate the 80th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana here at 12 noon tomorrow.

The fest will formally commence with Kodagu District in-Charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa hoisting the national flag at 8 am at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Ground, which will be followed by the hoisting of Kannada Sahitya Parishat flag by Kannada Sahitya Parishat State President Pundalika Halambi and hoisting of ‘Naada Dhwaja’ by Kannada Sahitya Parishat District President T.P. Ramesh.

The main platform of the fest has been named as ‘Bharatisuta Pradhana Vedike,’ named after Bharatisuta, which was the pen name of the great writer S.R. Narayana Rao, while another stage erected has been named as ‘Ichettira N. Muthanna Mahamantapa’

Renowned writer Na. D’Souza who is to chair the fest, will be brought in a grand procession at 9 am tomorrow from Gandhi Maidan passing through CMC, Private Bus Stand, Indira Gandhi Circle and College Road, before reaching Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College ground.

The procession will be flagged off by Kodagu DC Anurag Tewari at 9 am. Naganoor Rudrakshi Mutt Seer Siddarama Swamiji and Arameri Kalancheri Mutt (Virajpet) Seer Shamba

Mallikarjuna Swamiji will grace the occasion. The Sammelana Immediate Past President Ko. Channabasappa will deliver the inaugural address. Na. D’Souza will deliver the presidential address.

Union Petroleum and Environment Minister Veerappa Moily will release the souvenir brought out on the occasion.

Legislative Council Chairman D.H. Shankar Murthy will inaugurate the book stalls. Home Minister K.J. George will release ‘Kannada Dinadarshike.’

Litterateur Dr. Malali Vasanthakumar will release books brought out by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, while Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan will release books of Kodagu writers and MP H. Vishwanatha will release works of different authors.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao will inaugurate commercial stalls, while Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree will inaugurate the cultural programmes.

Former Assembly Speaker and Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah will inaugurate a painting exhibition organised to mark the occasion.

MLC T. John will inaugurate the Pradhana Vedike, while MLC M.C. Nanaiah will inaugurate the Mahamantapa and MLC Ganesh Karnik will inaugurate the fest’s main entrance arch. Kodagu ZP President B. Shivappa, Lt. General (Retd) B.C. Nanda, State Government Employees’ Association President L. Bhyrappa, Kannada and Culture Department Secretary K.R. Niranjan will be the guests of honour on the occasion.

Following the inaugurals, seminars will commence at 3.30 pm, followed by cultural programmes later in the evening at 7 pm.

Seating arrangements have been made for over 20,000 participants. Welcome arches
have been erected on the roads leading to Mysore, Mangalore and as well on other prominent roads.

The city is wearing a festive look for the literary fest. Meanwhile, the District Administration has declared holidays for schools and colleges across the district from Jan. 7 to 9, on account of the 80th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 06th, 2014

The roots of Kannada in Kodagu…

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

The coffee land is all set to witness the 80th Kannada literary meet scheduled to begin on January 7, after a long gap of 32 years. Earlier, Madikeri has witnessed two literary meets – the 18th literary meet in 1932 under the leadership of D V Gundappa and the 54th literary meet in 1982 under the leadership of Dr Shambha Joshi.
RootsKF11jan2014

Interestingly, despite being one of the smallest districts in Karnataka, it has a wide variety of culture as well as languages that include Kodava, Arebashe Gowda and Malayalam, yet the region has managed to retain the flavour of State language.

If one goes down the pages of history, the little district with unique weather and culture has contributed immensely for the development of Kannada language. The Ganga – Kongwala – Hoysala and Haleri dynasties, perhaps laid the strong foundation for Kannada through inscriptions way back in the 9th century. In the 10th century, Nagaverma had created ‘Chandombudi’ and ‘Punyashrava,’ according to the reference available at ‘Kodagu Sahithya – Sanskrithi Darshana,’ published by Kodagu District Kannada Sahithya Parishat.

During the Chengalva dynasty, the third Mangarasa had published ‘Jayanrupa Kavya’ and ‘Samyukta Kaumudi’ (1508), while his cousin Nanjunda had written ‘Kumara Ramana Kathe.’

There are documents to prove that the first epic ‘Rama Vijaya Kavya’ was written by Devappa, a Jain poet in 1540. Similarly, Dodda Veera Rajendra, who ruled Kodagu between 1789 and 1809, has the credit of documenting history titled ‘Rajendra Name’ in Kannada. The II Linga Rajendra, who ruled Kodagu between 1810 and 1820 had written a book pertaining to land in Kodagu entitled ‘Lingarajana Shisthu.’

The 19th century

The leading name of 19th century pertaining to literature is that of Panje Mangesh Rao, who served as a teacher in Kodagu in 1920s. He had penned poems pertaining to Hutthari festivities among other literary works. In fact, he was the president of All India Kannada literary meet held in Raichur in 1934.

Haradasa Appacchha Kavi, popularly known as the Adi Kavi of Kodagu had penned many plays including ‘Savithri,’ ‘Yayathi,’ ‘Kaveri’ and ‘Subramanya’ in Kodava language. The same were translated to Kannada language by Dr I M Muttanna, who also hailed from Kodagu.

Kodagina Gowramma

The first woman story writer in Kannada literary field, Gowramma, hailed from Kodagu and she is known as ‘Kodagina Gowramma.’ Born in Madikeri in 1912, she did her early schooling in Madikeri and married to B T Gopalakrishna in 1928.

From 1931, she wrote a number of articles and stories in the name of ‘Mrs G T G Krishna’. Most of her stories were based on the theme of women’s problems. However, she passed away in 1940 when she was just 28 years old. When Mahathma Gandiji arrived at Kodagu, she had invited Gandhiji to her home and she had donated her jewellery for the cause of freedom.

Bharathisutha

A teacher by profession, ‘Bharathisutha’ was the pen name of S R Narayana Rao. Based on the life story of Kodagu ruler Siribai Dodda Veerappa, he had written ‘Huliya Haalina Mevu,’ which was later made into a film by the same name.

His other stories too have been made into films and they include ‘Girikanye,’ ‘Edakallu Guddada Mele’ and ‘Bayalu Daari’ among others. His work on ‘Solle Haraduva Rogagalu’ (Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes) and ‘Giliyu Panjaradolilla’ (The parrot is not in the cage) earned him Central government award and Karnataka Sahithya Academy award respectively.

Kittel’s footsteps

Rev Fr Ferdinand Kittel, who contributed immensely to the field of Kannada literature has left indelible marks in Kodagu, prominent among them include the Kannada – English dictionary.

A German missionary, who served in Kodagu church (presently knownn as Shanthi church) between 1871 and 1876, was the first parish priest of the church. Rev Kittel started learning Kannada after going around the coffee land, says the present parish priest of the church.
DH News Servcie

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Srikanth Kallammanavar / Madikeri, DHNS – january 05th, 2014

MP’s book released in Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Releasing of the book ‘Malligeya Maathu’ penned by MP A.H. Vishwanath (third from right) at Hotel Coorg International, Madikeri, Kodagu on Jan. 4, 2014.

MalligaiKF11jan2014
Others are (from left) Kannada lecturer at Cauvery College, Gonikoppa Dr. Rekha Vasanth, Kodagu District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President T.P. Ramesh, advocate and litterateur Balasubrahmanya Kanjarpane, Shanthamallikarjuna Swami of Arameri Mutt in Virajpet, litterateur Cheppudira P. Belliappa and Akashavani programmer Abdul Rashid.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 05th, 2014

The roots of Kannada in Kodagu…

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The coffee land is all set to witness the 80th Kannada literary meet scheduled to begin on January 7, after a long gap of 32 years. Earlier, Madikeri has witnessed two literary meets – the 18th literary meet in 1932 under the leadership of D V Gundappa and the 54th literary meet in 1982 under the leadership of Dr Shambha Joshi.

Interestingly, despite being one of the smallest districts in Karnataka, it has a wide variety of culture as well as languages that include Kodava, Arebashe Gowda and Malayalam, yet the region has managed to retain the flavour of State language.

If one goes down the pages of history, the little district with unique weather and culture has contributed immensely for the development of Kannada language. The Ganga – Kongwala – Hoysala and Haleri dynasties, perhaps laid the strong foundation for Kannada through inscriptions way back in the 9th century. In the 10th century, Nagaverma had created ‘Chandombudi’ and ‘Punyashrava,’ according to the reference available at ‘Kodagu Sahithya – Sanskrithi Darshana,’ published by Kodagu District Kannada Sahithya Parishat.

During the Chengalva dynasty, the third Mangarasa had published ‘Jayanrupa Kavya’ and ‘Samyukta Kaumudi’ (1508), while his cousin Nanjunda had written ‘Kumara Ramana Kathe.’

There are documents to prove that the first epic ‘Rama Vijaya Kavya’ was written by Devappa, a Jain poet in 1540. Similarly, Dodda Veera Rajendra, who ruled Kodagu between 1789 and 1809, has the credit of documenting history titled ‘Rajendra Name’ in Kannada. The II Linga Rajendra, who ruled Kodagu between 1810 and 1820 had written a book pertaining to land in Kodagu entitled ‘Lingarajana Shisthu.’

The 19th century

The leading name of 19th century pertaining to literature is that of Panje Mangesh Rao, who served as a teacher in Kodagu in 1920s. He had penned poems pertaining to Hutthari festivities among other literary works. In fact, he was the president of All India Kannada literary meet held in Raichur in 1934.

Haradasa Appacchha Kavi, popularly known as the Adi Kavi of Kodagu had penned many plays including ‘Savithri,’ ‘Yayathi,’ ‘Kaveri’ and ‘Subramanya’ in Kodava language. The same were translated to Kannada language by Dr I M Muttanna, who also hailed from Kodagu.

Kodagina Gowramma

The first woman story writer in Kannada literary field, Gowramma, hailed from Kodagu and she is known as ‘Kodagina Gowramma.’ Born in Madikeri in 1912, she did her early schooling in Madikeri and married to B T Gopalakrishna in 1928.

From 1931, she wrote a number of articles and stories in the name of ‘Mrs G T G Krishna’. Most of her stories were based on the theme of women’s problems. However, she passed away in 1940 when she was just 28 years old. When Mahathma Gandiji arrived at Kodagu, she had invited Gandhiji to her home and she had donated her jewellery for the cause of freedom.

Bharathisutha

A teacher by profession, ‘Bharathisutha’ was the pen name of S R Narayana Rao. Based on the life story of Kodagu ruler Siribai Dodda Veerappa, he had written ‘Huliya Haalina Mevu,’ which was later made into a film by the same name.

His other stories too have been made into films and they include ‘Girikanye,’ ‘Edakallu Guddada Mele’ and ‘Bayalu Daari’ among others. His work on ‘Solle Haraduva Rogagalu’ (Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes) and ‘Giliyu Panjaradolilla’ (The parrot is not in the cage) earned him Central government award and Karnataka Sahithya Academy award respectively.

Kittel’s footsteps

Rev Fr Ferdinand Kittel, who contributed immensely to the field of Kannada literature has left indelible marks in Kodagu, prominent among them include the Kannada – English dictionary.

A German missionary, who served in Kodagu church (presently knownn as Shanthi church) between 1871 and 1876, was the first parish priest of the church. Rev Kittel started learning Kannada after going around the coffee land, says the present parish priest of the church.
DH News Servcie

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Srikanth Kallammanavar, Madikeri / DHNS / January 05th, 2014

Bangalore: Lit fest returns to Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

80th All-India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana starts on January 7.

As many as 80,000 people are expected to attend the Sahitya Sammelana, for which a pandal is being erected at Field Marshal Cariappa College Grounds. - DNA
As many as 80,000 people are expected to attend the Sahitya Sammelana, for which a pandal is being erected at Field Marshal Cariappa College Grounds. – DNA

This hill station, under the grip of a typical winter, is getting ready to host the 80th All-India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana after 29 years.

It was last held here in 1984. The three-day Madikeri Sammelana will open on 7 January. Despite the shortcomings in logistics, the city is making all-out effort to make it a success. Huge pandals were being erected at the Field Marshal Cariappa College grounds, which will accommodate more than 10,000 people at a time. The expected inflow of Kannada literature enthusiasts has been pegged at 80,000 people. Out of them, 8,000 are registered delegates from Karnataka and some from states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

“One of the concerns we are tackling is the accommodation of the delegates. We have booked various schools and colleges, which will host about 2,000 delegates. We have also booked 50% of the homestays and requested the resorts to accommodate a few VVIP delegates,” deputy commissioner of Kodagu Anurag Tiwari told dna.

The second challenge is handling traffic. “We are expecting more than 5,000 vehicles to come to Madikeri during the three days of the sammelana in addition to the special buses coming from all over the state. To facilitate smooth movement of traffic, we have made several roads of the city one-way, especially the two-kilometre stretch of road leading to the Sammelana site,” additional deputy commissioner HC Prasanna told dna.

One of the issues likely to crop up during the sammelan is the separate political set up for Kodagu. The activists who have been fighting for an autonomous region or hill council for Madikeri might press for a resolution in the sammelana, according to the leader of the activists, U Nachappa Codava.

Prof N Karibasappa, in charge of the book exhibition, said the Sahitya Sammelana will have a record number of book stalls. He said they have registration from 332 publishers and sellers from all over the state and 50 other commercial book and Kannada related stalls.

President of the Kodagu district Kannada Sahitya Parishat said: “The official business committee has chalked out elaborate sessions with an eye for quality and meaningful deliberations. Dr Na D’Souza, president of the 80th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, will participate in a special dialogue with the upcoming Kannada poets and writers.

“A special session on just the problems faced by Kodagu district—which includes local Kodava writers and intellectuals—will present papers pertaining to the theme on problems of Kodagu, with particular emphasis on challenges of modernity on Kodagu, problems of western ghats and impact on Kodagu and the challenges faced by the original inhabitants of Kodagu.”

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Bangalore> Report / by M. Raghuram / Place:Madikeri, Agency:DNA / Sunday, December 29th, 2013