Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

‘Create awareness on Aids’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Science & Technology

AidsKF10dec2013There is need to create an awareness on HIV/Aids among people, said Zilla Panchayat Vice President Biddanda Usha Devamma.

She was speaking at a World Aids Day programme organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, department of health and family welfare, District Aids Control unit, district Legal Services Authority, here on Monday. Zilla Panchayat standing committee (education and health) Mani Nanjappa, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Srividya, District Health Officer Dr O R Srirangappa and others were present.

Protest

The contract workers of Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society staged a protest demanding the fulfillment of their demands, by wearing black badge.

The staff members of ICTC, ART, DSRC, Link ART and blood bank took part in the protest.
Addressing the protesters, Contract Workers district unit leader Sadananda said that Karnataka tops in controlling the spread of Aids. However, the workers who have been striving for the purpose are not given facilities.

The protesters urged to regularise the services of contract labourers and double the wages of the contract workers. The wages which were pending for the last few months should be released at the earliest.

Mudigere

Students who become victims of wrong selections, tend to miss a lot of opportunities in life, said JMFC Principal Civil Judge Padmaprasad.

He was speaking after inaugurating legal literacy programme jointly organised by the law department, NSS unit and health department, to observe World Aids Day at Government Boy’s PU College on Monday.

“Adolescence is a period which takes youth in wrong direction. Only those who aim high and are spirited throughout, achieve in their lives.”

“Life gives several opportunities, therefore students should come out of negative and unwanted thoughts that come to their mind. Even the parents should shower love on children so that they will not succumb to bad habits,” he said.

Taluk Health Officer Dr Yogesh called ‘awareness’ as the only medicine for Aids.
Students should educate themselves about Aids and also spread awareness in the society, he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by DHNS – Madikeri / December 02nd, 2013

DC’s letter on Kodava firearm licence kicks up a row

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

Guns are part of the Kodava culture and they are used during auspicious occasions.—Photo: Nanda Kumar / The Hindu
Guns are part of the Kodava culture and they are used during auspicious occasions.—Photo: Nanda Kumar / The Hindu

Clarification sought on granting exemption certificates to Kodavas and ‘Jamma’ holders

The clarification sought by the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner from the State government on granting exemption certificates (ECs) to the ‘Coorg by race’ (Kodava) people and ‘Jamma’ (land tenure) holders to keep weapons without licence, a privilege existing since the days of the British, has caused anxiety among the people here.

In his letter on September 20, Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari asked the Home Department whether the Jamma holders should necessarily be Kodavas (Coorgs) or otherwise. He asked whether ECs could be granted to Kodava people even if they were not Jamma holders, and non-Kodavas, who are Jamma holders. It was also asked whether EC holders could purchase weapons from outside Karnataka in such cases.

CLAIMS

Kodavas are eligible for EC, as per concessions under Sections 3 and 4 of the Indian Arms Act of 1959, even if they are not Jamma holders, says T.C. Thammaiah, a former tahsildar. “ECs were issued to Kodavas and non-Kodavas, who were Jamma holders. There is also no mention about the extent of land a Jamma holder should possess to qualify for ECs,” he says. After the letter sent by the DC, many people have been forced to wait for long to get ECs.

Kodavas worship fire arms during festivals, they are used to fire shots in the air to herald the birth of baby boys, and some use it during house warming too.

Weapons provide security to people who live in remote villages and can act a deterrence to ward off activities of Naxalites.

The new documents sought by the district administration included original Jama Bandhi (land record) pertaining to 1918, Kodava caste certificate, Election Photo Identity Card bearing address in Kodagu, and ration cards, which were not necessary, Mr. Thammaiah argues, quoting lawyers in Madikeri.

A revenue transfer certificate would confirm whether the person seeking EC is a Kodava or the land held by him is Jamma.

The Madikeri Kodava Samaja has threatened non-cooperation for the All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan scheduled to be held in Madikeri from January 7 to 9 if the obstacles in issuing ECs were not removed.

The Akhila Kodava Samaja, a representative body of the Kodavas, wants the rights continued. The Codava National Council, headed by N.U. Nachappa, too has demanded unhindered continuation of the privilege.

However, Mr. Tewari told The Hindu that the administration did not want to harass people, but the intention was to devise an alternative way to regulate the likely misuse of weapons.

The government of India had raised the issue some time ago, he said. “We have not stopped issuing ECs to the people,” Mr. Tewari confirmed.

Asked why the applicants were being told to produce Jama bandhi copies of 1918, he said some officials dealing with it had sought them to verify the claims of the applications as additional proof and it was not mandatory.

Efforts were on to computerise and keep a directory of licensed weapons and EC holders in the district, Mr. Tewari said. “The people of Kodagu should get the benefit,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by K. Jeevan Chinnappa / Madikeri – December 03rd, 2013

GPs told to extend monetary help for Kannada Sahitya Sammelana

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

With the district administration facing funds crunch to organise the 80th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana which is scheduled to be held in Madikeri for three days from January 7, Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Srividya has directed every gram panchayat to offer Rs 10,000 fund towards organising the mega event.

Speaking at the monthly KDP review meeting of developmental works of Kodagu Zilla Panchayat at Old Fort hall in Madikeri on Thursday, the CEO directed taluk panchayat executive directors to ensure that the gram panchayats lend the help. Kannada Sahitya Parishat District Unit President T P Ramesh who was present at the meeting raised the issue and said that a resolution was passed in the previous meeting to raise Rs 10,000 fund from every GP for organising Sahitya Sammelana. But, only a few GPs have given the amount and 90 per cent of GPs have failed to release the amount.

He also requested that every GP displays two to three welcome banners during Sammelana. With most of the name plates in the district written English, the authorities should direct the shop owners write the name plates in Kannada, he asked.

Chairing the meeting, ZP President B Shivappa suggested the officers and elected representatives to extend co-operation for making the event a success.

Social Justice Standing Committee President Rajarao said that for availing grant from the gram panchayats for Sahitya Sammelana, letters should be written to the GP presidents too, along with the panchayat development officers. By writing to both, it would be possible to set aside the fund for the convention, he said.

Meanwhile, he also raised the issue of lack of facilities in Morarji Desai residential schools in the district. The materials given by the government departments to these schools are of poor quality, he alleged. He displayed a uniform sample and said the cloth was of sub-standard. He also complained that title deeds were not given to those residing in forest in Nagarahole and other parts of the district and the villagers are also deprived of basic facilities like school, hospital, electricity etc. The forest dwellers are facing problem due to the restricts put by the forest department officers, Rajarao complained.

Responding to the complaint about poor quality in Morarji Desai schools, Social Welfare Officer K V Suresh said that an organisation which is a part of the social welfare department directly controlling the schools from Bangalore is the reason behind all the problems. Assistant Commissioner Abhiram G Shankar said that 75 to 80 per cent of compensation has been distributed to those who have incurred crop loss due to heavy rain in the district during monsoon. There has been a delay in distributing compensation to coffee growers, due to the re-survey of the areas that have incurred crop loss.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS – November 29th, 2013

I like to do teda roles – Gulshan Devaiah

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

The growing success of the Ranveer-Deepika starrer Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela despite a lot of controversies has surely left its actors thrilled. Rejoicing the victory, Gulshan Devaiah, the bad guy in this Indian adaptation of Romeo-Juliet says, “It’s really overwhelming to see this kind of response. People send me messages on Twitter and Facebook. Like the other day when I went to the gym, people there were like ‘Hey you were really cool man.’ The feeling is so complicated… it’s as big as a Tsunami. Kya kahein, yeh sab Ram ki Leela hai.”
GulshanKF03dec2013
Starting his career with unconventional films like Shaitaan and Hate Story, Gulshan Devaiah breaks the trend with a commercial film like Goliyon ki Rasleela Ram-Leela where he plays the notorious villain. Playing the menacing Bhavani reveals yet another grey shade of Gulshan, just like his previous hits. Is that a mere coincidence? “I like to do things that are slightly out of the box or teda. I want to try and take up roles which are unlike me. Mostly the understanding is that there is a hero who is always shining and there is a villain but there is nothing in between. We all are imperfect. The difference is some people have darker shades of grey and vice versa. In this film, Bhavani’s negativity is highlighted. And as I said before, I like exploring the different phases of human psychology which happen only in such roles.”

The actor who cannot stop gushing about the success of his latest release revealed that if not for his friends and family, he would have never agreed for the film. “I found it really difficult to say a ‘yes’ to Bhavani. It was my manager Shobha Sant and my wife Kalliroi who convinced me to take up this offer.” But his obstacles increased after he joined hands with the Ram Leela team. This urban lad turning into a Gujju gaon ka chora was no cakewalk. “Learning the flavor and accent of Gujarati was a little difficult. I went for a workshop with Homi Wadia (who plays Ranveer’s father) for a couple of days. And of course learnt a lot from Supriya Pathak! Being around her really helped me understand the rhythm of Gujarati since she is so experienced. Also, I spoke in a flatter voice to give the villainous feel which helped me get the pronunciations better.”

Now with a success like that, Gulshan is bound to be flooded with offers and a few may even involve him playing the role of a hero. But the actor says that he doesn’t want to be unrealistic and would always choose to remain unconventional even in mainstream cinema. “To be honest I would love to be a hero but is it practical to do it? No. I cannot dance like Hrithik nor fight like Shahid. I love watching their films. I loved Ranveer’s role in my film but I cannot do it because it won’t suit me. I don’t want to confuse the audience because it’s foolish of me to compete with these people who are well versed in it. I want to make my own niche.”

But that doesn’t mean Gulshan is restrictive about his roles. Moving away from his forte and exploring genres has always been one of his dreams and his future projects reflect just that. “I have completed a comedy film recently with Radhika Apte titled Hunterr directed by Harshvardhan Kulkarni which is a slice of life kind of film. And I am also going to start shooting for a thriller called Cabaret to be produced by Pooja Bhatt. Here, I’ll play a role with lighter shades of grey, but surely not a villain.”

Very few people are aware of the fact that Gulshan Devaiah has had a connection with the world of acting before as a theatre artist. But cinema for him is passion. The actor is in love with every aspect of filmmaking. Ask him if theatre has taken a back seat and he immediately agrees to it. “I love cinema. I love the process of filmmaking. I just love being on the set. I have taken a temporary retirement from theatre. And I would like to go back to it only when I get the urge to do it again. Jab woh andhar ki awaaz kahegi ki to go back to the stage.”

Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama.

source: http://www.oyetimes.com / Oye! Times / Home> Cinema> Oye Masala / by Kiran Arora / Wednesday – November 27th, 2013

Double dhamaka for Harshika Poonacha

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

Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha might have two releases on the same day. The actress starrer two movies B3 with Srikanth and Adwaitha which has Ajai Rao in the lead, is likely to release on December 6.
HarshikaKF30nov2013
An excited Harshika on her micro-blogging website page has tweeted, “Dec 4th is dad’s birthday n Dec 6th is gonna be my most expected n special day My two Bigg releases might happen on the same day B3 Adwaitha.” And it is not the first time the actress is having two releases, she has further tweeted, “Y do my movies clash?? I remember Jugaari n Sugreeva released on d same day, now it’s time fr B3 & Adwaitha,guys pls watch both n support me.”

B-3, which is said to be a love story directed by Gana Shyam and Adwaitha is an action-based movie, Ajai Rao is playing the role of a writer. The movie is directed by MB Giriraj.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada> Srikanth / Vinay Lokesh, TNN / November 27th, 2013

Girish Karnad at a book launch

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

KarnadKF30nov2013Bangalore sure loves its share of evenings dedicated to literature and the arts. No wonder then, that even a heavy down pour in the city couldn’t stop literary enthusiasts from making it to a city hotel where author Kaveri Ponappa launched her book, The Vanishing Kodavas.

The ITC Windsor played host to guests like Girish Karnad, Jaya Zaveri, Mohandas Pai and Sadiqa Peerbhoy among others. After an engaging reading from the book, guests took the discussions further even as they enjoyed their drinks and canapes.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada> Girish Karnad / TNN / November 27th, 2013

Kodagu beats Munnar to the top tourist spot

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

A picture of a misty Talacauvery shrine in Kodagu
A picture of a misty Talacauvery shrine in Kodagu

Mysore :
Until recently, Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala trumped Kodagu as a tourist hotspot, but the hilly district of Karnataka with its coffee plantations and pleasant weather has emerged as the new favourite in 2012-13.

From January to Nove­mber this year, Kodagu received as many as 10,73,961 tourists and Munnar only 3,53,545, although it has more to offer tourists in terms of infrastructure, going by the data of the tourism departments of the two states.

A recent survey by the Indian Tourism Deve­lop­ment Corporation, New Delhi, too placed Kodagu in numero uno position among hill stations of the country, says Mr Phaneesh, assistant director of Department of Tourism, Kodagu.

With its many homestays and natural beauty drawing more people to the ‘Orange County’ of late, the department of tourism is now waking up to its potential and building more facilities here for visitors.

“We are also in the process of regularising the unauthorised homestays that have come up all over the district,” Mr Phaneesh adds, clearly upbeat at the new emerging trend which he is sure will bring good business to the district.

While Kodagu saw a large number of tourists even in the monsoon, Munnar received 40 percent less tourists owing to bad weather, according to Mr Soman, assistant wildlife warden of Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary.

“Tourism in the hill station has been badly hit due to the heavy monsoon. The average tourist inflow per day has dropped from 6,000 to 3,000 this year,” he says.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Travel / DC / by S. V. Krishna Chaitanya / November 27th, 2013

Committees gear up for Kannada Sahitya Sammelana

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Kodagu MP H Vishwanath has asked cooperation of all people to organise 80th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Kodagu which will be held after a gap of 32 years.
sammelanaKF29nov2013
Speaking at a meeting of heads of all sub-committees formed to organise the sammelana at D Devaraj Arasu Bhavan on Monday, Vishwanath said that the government has earmarked Rs one crore for the Sammelana and the Chief Minister has promised to release Rs one crore in additional fund for the event. Still, there is a need for around Rs 1.75 crore and the CM has suggested to mobilise it from other sources, he said

Kannada Sahitya Parishat District President T P Ramesh asked information from the subcommittees about the preparation works. Lodging Committee President District Superintendent of Police M N Anuchet said that preparations have been made to provide shelter to around 7,500 people. It would require a grant of Rs 72 lakh, he said. Food Committee Chief Secretary Keshav Kamath said that preparations have been done to provide food for the guests at police parade ground. The committee would approximately need around Rs 80 to 90 lakh for making food arrangements, he said.

Cultural Committee President G Chidhvilaas said that around 20 to 30 cultural programmes will be organised during the event. Transport Committee Chief Secretary Hossoor Ramesh Joyappa said that school vehicles will be provided for sammelana activities.

Souvenir committee Preisdent G Rajendra said that all preparations have been done to release souvenir in time. He assured that the book would contain informative articles. Handbook committee President Anil H T said that a 20 page hand book will be brought out and attempts will made to reach the book to all registered representatives 10 days before the event.

Media Committee President Chinnaswamy said that staying arrangements will be made around 400 journalists. Preparations are going on to provide food for about 500 media persons, he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS, Madikeri / November 26th, 2013

Sanjay Leela Bhansali impressed with Gulshan Devaiah

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

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-leela has surprised everyone, the movie is a resounding hit and the looking at the box office collections of the opening week, the movie has worked its magic on the audiences. The entire star casts were spot on with their performance, even the talented Sanjal Leela Bhansali was impressed by Gulshan Devaiah’s performance.

Gulshan Devaiah who essays the character of Bhavani, is also the chief antagonist of the film. Gulshan is also the surprise element of the film. The actor not only impressed the audiences and fans, but the talented actor also impressed the director. Sources close to Bhansali said, “The director is very pleased to have cast Gulshan for the character Bhavani, and the actor has impressed the director immensely.” The source further added, “Bhansali was also seen telling his friends about how well and subtly Gulshan has essayed the role of Bhavani and how he is one of the surprise packages of the film.”

Ever since the movie has released Gulshan has been receiving praises for his performance. Gulshan will be seen in an all new avatar in Phantom’s next “Hunter”, the actor has also signed a two movie deal with Pooja Bhatt. After such a performance the actor has a great year ahead.

source: http://www.bollyspice.com / Bolly Spice / Home / by Press Release / November 23rd, 2013

From the sidelines to the spotlight

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

by: Nirmala Ravindran

He was one of the few guys in Bangalore that could carry off a pair of pink shoes with panache. National Institute of Fashion Technology graduate turned theatre actor, Gulshan Devaiah (Gullu to friends) was always gifted with an innate sense of style that his friends in the theatre circles relied on to help them shop for ‘cool’ clothes that didn’t cost the earth.

But that was four years ago. Today, he’s shooting the daylights out of people as the dangerous bad guy Bhavani, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela wearing what looks like a prize-winning ensemble in fancy dress competition. Ask him if the edgy, hard hitting actor of films like Shaitan has made a smooth transition to the XL big budget film and he responds with, “The opus this time is in the super premium magnum league for sure. And it’s going to take a week for it to sink in, at least for a fringe guy like me.” As for being swathed in silk and satin, he’s not complaining. “Except those damn earrings that made me really miserable. They were too heavy and gave me headaches. I really loved the look that Maxima Basu designed for me. And I looked forward to dressing in those clothes, particularly the embroidered dhotis!”

His short but illustrious career graph has seen him winning accolades for films such as That Girl in Yellow Boots and Peddlers (both of which were screened at Cannes), Dum Maro Dum, Shaitan and Hate Story. Even when some of the films were panned, Devaiah managed to garner praise, award nominations and rave reviews for his performances. Not that he’s personally thrilled with any of his past performances. “I really aspire to be the best in my business, I’m not happy with being just good,” he says critically, with no touch of false modesty.

Devaiah has slowly but surely made his way from the edge of the fringe to land in the middle of mainstream Hollywood, first, with SLB’s film, and then with a two-film deal as main lead to be directed by Pooja Bhat. “I really made the best of what came my way, and one thing led to another and, then another. I firmly believe that the real challenge is making the right choices from what is offered to you,” he says.

Unlike Deepika Padukone (his co-star in Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela) who made her debut in a Kannada film, before moving to planet Bollywood, Gullu is yet to do a film down South. “It’s really never about the language, it’s only about good cinema for me. If the script and the project are right for me, I’ll definitely do it,” he says.

Kannada cinema reminds him of Bangalore, a city he misses. “I miss a lot of things, but mostly my parents, and some nice hot benne masala dosa.” Coming back to Padukone — also a Bangalore girl — he can’t help but admire her work ethic. “She’s a bonafide star and has made it on her own, like Sridevi and Madhuri in the past. She’s very professional and really easy to work with,” he adds of their time together with SLB’s film.

Even as things change around him on a daily basis, life remains largely unchanged for Devaiah who says he’s “really happy with Kallirroi, my beautiful loving companion (his wife, also an actor), a family of three cats, and commuting by rickshaws and taxis.” He adds, “There is a little bit of attention, but it’s totally manageable and yes, I would like my own home someday soon, but real estate is criminally expensive in Mumbai,” he sighs. Does he still have the pink shoes? “‘Well, there is some pink in my running shoes, so I guess…. the answer is yes, and no.”

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Columns> Sunday Read / Bangalore Mirror Bureau / by Nirmala Ravindran / November 24th, 2013