Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The ‘first’ Diwali high

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

The first celebration is always the best and most memorable. As newly-wedded couples from the city gear up to celebrate the festival of lights with great gusto, we speak to them on their sparkling plans this Diwali.

Zulfi and Sheena celebrate their first Diwali together
For celeb couple Sheena Verma and model Zulfi Syed who tied the knot this year, it’s going to be a chilled out and peaceful Diwali at the Anjuna beach in Goa. Zulfi says, “After Diwali tomorrow, we both get back to work as I’m in the final stages of launching Café Lambretta at the Anjuna beach in Goa. I’m shuttling between Bengaluru, Mumbai and Goa these days. During the week, I will be in Bengaluru and Sheena will go to Mumbai to celebrate Diwali with her parents.”

Actress Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani, who got married this year, are going all out with their family celebrations. Esha says, “On our first Diwali, there will be a puja followed by a feast with the whole family. We are not going to burst crackers.”

Newlyweds Akshar and Nishita Peerbhoy, who tied the knot last year, are looking forward to their most cherished gift this Diwali. “We are expecting a baby soon. This being the first Diwali after being married, celebrations will consist of dinners with family, drinking sessions with friends, sweets, watching people lose money over teen patti, staying away from crackers and most importantly lighting up my house with diyas in preparation for the puja. Also, now being married means more work for a brighter future,” says Akshar of Maa Communications.

Swati Gupta of Bodycraft who recently tied the knot with Sidharta Viswanath says, “Diwali is definitely a big deal for us and the whole family. It is, in fact, one of our biggest festivals and it’s about parties, get-togethers and taash. This festival brings together family and friends.

“Tomorrow evening, we will be performing the puja at all our centres, followed by a puja at home. This year, since it’s my first Diwali after my wedding, I will be doing puja in both my houses, with my parents and my husband where we will pray for love, happiness and positive vibes in our homes. We have already bought new clothes, jewellery and have planned a special festive feast.”

Daughter of Uday Garudachar, owner of Garuda Malls, Prerana who also works with her dad is excited forms and sizes of diyas. She says, “My husband Abhijit Harnahalli is a busy advocate and both of us have had a really hectic working week, so we are looking forward to catch up on a Diwali holiday. It’s my first Diwali with his family after our wedding, so we are hosting a grand feast. We’re going eco friendly and aren’t bursting crackers, but will be doing our Laxmi puja and have invited friends and family over for dinner.”

Wedding celebrations will shift to Diwali celebrations for the just-married couple Dr Chytra and Ajay . “Our celebrations with our friends have already start ed with cards parties; black jack and teen patti. Ajay is a fab cook and has paneer flown in from Delhi, so he is going to cook and we will have a few close friends over for a meal. I have a lot of clothes from the trousseau that I am able to use, than God for Diwali. Our main festival is on 14th, which we shall celebrate in Mysore with our family. In the morning, we have an oil bath, followed by lowed by lighting of lamps, puja and bursting fire works.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Namita Gupta, DC, Bangalore / November 12th, 2012

‘Create awareness on secularism’

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

Virajpet (Kodagu dist):

There is a need to create awareness on secularism to conserve democracy. A community can progress, only when its members respect and love their community, said Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah.

Speaking at the golden jubilee of Baithoorappa Sangha of Puggera family at Devanageri near here, he said the government has released Rs 60 lakh for the Kodava Sahitya Academy. Kodava Study Centre has been set up in Mangalore University, to encourage Kodava culture, tradition and literature.

Academy president A C Cariappa said Puggera family was responsible for conserving Bolakat and Ummathat dance forms. District in-charge minister Appachu Ranjan, Kodava Centre coordinator Kodeera Lokesh, Puggera family seniors K Subbaiah and Appayya were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / by DHNS / November 17th, 2012

Coluvanda C. Cariappa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

OBITUARY

Coluvanda C. Cariappa

Mysore, Nov. 12

Coluvanda C. Cariappa (Appu), a resident of Madikeri, passed away in city here this morning after a brief illness. He was 85.

He leaves behind wife, one son and three daughters.

Dr. P.A. Kushalappa, Director (Academic), JSS University, Mysore, is one of his sons-in-law.

Last rites will take place at his Estate in Kadagadal in Madikeri this evening.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / November 12th, 2012

A green route off the grid

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature


NO TELLY, NO NETWORK Just peace and quiet! Photo: K.C. Vijayakumar / The Hindu
The road from Mysore twists up the hills that define Coorg. A palette of colours flit across, be it the red robes of Tibetan monks at Bylakuppe, the rusty brown Mangalore tiles that lend a roof to homes or the greenery split by streams that gurgle down the mountains.

And then there is this extreme shade of green that greets you once you drive past Madikeri town and Club Mahindra. Take a right turn, climb higher into the Western Ghats and after trundling into the Rainforest Retreat, all you can do is marvel at nature’s bounty and listen to the symphony of a million cicadas. Rainforest Retreat is part of the Mojo Plantation that was launched in 1994 thanks to the efforts of the scientist couple, the Goels – Anurag and Sujata. Their objectives were twin-fold – escape the rat-race and practice what they preach: be it organic farming or supervising a tourism initiative that remains friendly to the environment.

The eco-lodge spread over undulating terrain, has two deluxe guesthouses, a plantation cottage with independent rooms and tents. Solar power runs the basic appliances here and gobar gas is the preferred ally for cooking. For those who sigh on seeing clips of the Amazon on National Geographic, this place can be a soothing balm provided you can accept that living inside a plantation that has an overwhelming air of being a forest would mean that there is no television and nor will mobile signals work.

Windows that open to damp air and dense foliage might goad the city-stressed tourist to curl up with a book but for those with the itch to explore, there are varied treks. Be it the plantation trail with Archana Shetty, who manages the resort with a smile and a kind word, or the walks through the adjoining jungle, there is enough to see and savour.

The place teems with various species of birds, animals and insects, including the world’s largest moth – the Atlas moth. Also be prepared for the occasional leech that draws blood. There is nothing to panic though and with helper Ravi’s family staying inside the leafy zone, assurance comes in a variety of languages – Kannada, Tulu, Kodava, Tamil, Hindi and English. Ravi, with ancestral roots leading all the way to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, along with Jeff, who is doing an internship as part of his eco-tourism management studies in the United States, and Antonin, a French farmer, do yeomen service at the resort.

Meanwhile the affable Goels voice their concerns about a globe that is increasingly losing its green cover and their efforts to conserve nature, is truly inspiring. The Indian food can be bland at times, tailored as it is for the largely foreign clientele but the hospitality and the lessons of nature that you get to imbibe, is something that will stay with you forever.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Life & Style> Metro Plus / by K C Viyaya Kumar / November 09th, 2012

Tribals empowered to collect minor forest produces: Rameshwar Oraon

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature


Rameshwar Oraon, Chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, addressing tribals at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan in Hunsur yesterday, accompanied by other members of the Commission. Pictures centre and right show the tribal dances performed to welcome the Central team.

Mysore, Nov. 9 (RK&RNN)
Tribal people have every right to collect and sell Minor Forest Produces (MFP) and no one could interfere with this, observed Rameshwar Oraon, Chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

Addressing members of the tribal community at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan in Hunsur after visiting several Haadis in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysore district yesterday, he said the Union Government was taking steps to fix a minimum price for the MFP to avoid exploitation from middle men.

He also added that The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 made all tribal people living in the forest eligible for title deeds of their lands and urged Adivasis to take benefits due to them.

He also elicited the opinion of tribal people and others who participated in the meeting on whether they were getting the benefits given by the Centre.

Stating that the tribals would be given compensation four times higher than the existing value of the land if the same was acquired for any government purpose, Oraon added that the Centre was planning to bring legislation in this regard.

Many of those present complained that they were denied benefits like schools, angan-wadi centres, drinking water and ration under the Public Distribution System (PDS) to which Oraon replied that he would take up the issue with the State Chief Secretary at a meeting scheduled to be held today and added that he would also discuss it with Deputy Commissioner and CEO of Mysore Zilla Panchayat.

Food security to tribals

It is reported that Rameshwar Oraon has directed the District Administration to provide food security to tribals and adivasis living in the periphery of forests through Fair Price shops and also urged the District Administration to provide them alternative land for agriculture.

Stressing for education to tri-bal children at Ashraya Schools from first to seventh standards, Oraon instructed ADGP Chikkanur to withdraw false cases filed against tribals and also called for making arrangements for selling of products manufactured by tribals through Lamp Societies at good prices.

He directed early completion of probe into the missing cases of Jiyamballi Raju and Hunsekoppa Bheemasena besides ensuring avoidance of harassment of tribals by forest officials.

A traditional welcome was accorded to the visiting team by tribals who performed folk dan-ces following which Prasanna, Convenor of South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM) and Vaddaragudi Chikkanna gave a presentation of problems being faced by tribals.

The team consisting of Rameshwar Oraon, Commission members Kamala Kumari, B.L. Meena, Jt. Secretary Aditya Mishra, Dy. Director K.D.Bansar, SC/ST Regional Office (Bhopal) Asst. Director R.K.Dubey and others who arrived from Bangalore in the morning drove straight to Morarji Desai School Hostel in Hunsur for an inspection.

Dy. Commissioner P.S. Vastrad, ZP CEO Dr. Ajai Nagabhushan, SP R.Dileep, MLAs Chikkanna and Manjunath, Asst. Commissioners, Tahasil dars and other officials provided necessary information to the team.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / November 09th, 2012

Birds of the same feather

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment

Kodagu, straddled on the Western Ghats, boasts of more than 300 varieties of birds. This pristine area abounds in an assortment of rare flora and fauna as well.

One of the unique selling propositions for coffee grown in these environs is that the berries develop under dappled sunlight filtered through friendly shade trees, to a medley of melodious sounds of numerous feathered bipeds.

It is claimed that these ‘happy’ berries are imbued with the finest qualities of the salubrious sylvan surroundings. Just as in a popular commercial for a Scotch that says, “as you sip their whiskey you hear hundred pipers playing,” the coffee planters in this area market their produce with the hype that the consumers could listen to chirping of birds as they savour the brew which is famously known as: the cup that cheers but not inebriates!

When it comes to these bright coloured feathered bipeds, there are two medical doctors in Kodagu who have evocatively captured the images of local birds in all their splendour, through different art forms.

Besides their medical profession, they are well-known ornithologists as well. The first, Dr S V Narasimhan, has brought out a bilingual (English and Kannada) book titled ‘Feathered Jewels of Coorg’ in which he has painstakingly colour-sketched 310 birds of this region.
He has meticulously described each species giving their popular English names along with their scientific Latin names. Also included are the names of each species in Kannada as well as in Kodava languages.

However, Narasimhan’s efforts go far beyond just documenting bird-life in Kodagu. He is actively involved in bringing about environmental awareness and wildlife conservation in a unique way. Every year, Narasimhan hand-paints thousands of postcards of birds and animals of Kodagu with specific messages composed by him pertaining to our milieu.
He then mails them free of cost to a host of recipients.

His modest request, however, is for postage stamps so that he could distribute his hand-painted postcards to even more beneficiaries to spread his message on conservation and protection of wildlife, so very crucial to our environment. Narasimhan has, as on date, hand-painted 56,590 cards in a span of 28 years! I am sure it’s a world record. I am one of the lucky beneficiaries this year.

Aim and shoot

The other doctor, Dr Bishan Monnappa, an orthopaedician, is a keen photographer. He brilliantly captures wildlife in their natural habitat through powerful cameras. His high-definition photographs of birds of various plumages are simply spectacular.

Dr S V Narasimhan and Dr Bishan Monnappa are popularly known as ‘Bird-men of Kodagu’. They are extending their healing touch beyond humans to the wellbeing of Mother Nature as well.

Now, who can resist drinking coffee that has bird songs recorded in its brew!

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / by C.P. Belliappa / November 06th, 2012

Exploring the unknown this festival

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

This Diwali vacation, families are looking to experiment with their travelling plans. Exploring new places in domestic travel is the new trend.

“Going to places like Mahabaleshwar or Lonavala does not make sense. They are commercialised and we have been there several times,” said Vrinda Choughule, a Mahim resident who has decided to go on an eight-day vacation to Coorg. Coorg, surprisingly happens to be one of the most happening destinations amongst vacation-goers.“My family wanted to be close to greenery and hence we chose Coorg. Besides, it’s nice living at a home stay,” said a traveller from Borivli who will be visiting Coorg, Vainad and Kabini.

Cheap rentals and a greater distance from home rank high on the list when choosing a destination. “The per head cost is around Rs20-25,000 for places like Coorg and these can also be customised according to preference enhancing their appeal,” said Yogesh Lele, director of Dadar based Sanyog Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Another destination that is hot on to-do list is wild life sanctuaries. The sanctuaries appeal to people who are tired of the same old hills and beaches. “A lot of youngsters like going with their families to places like Gir, Kanha and Ranthambore. Besides the novelty of a safari ride, they like being in the lap of nature,” said Gaurav Athalye, director of Jungle Lore, a Mahim-based tour operator. “My brother and I have planned a trip to Ranthambore this year. We like Rajasthan and feel that this is the right time to go there as the weather will be pleasant too,” said Vidhi Salla, a 27-year-old Kandivli resident.

In the international market, it is popular destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand that are still the favourites fro travellers. “Better connectivity and cheaper travel is what attracts people to these palces,” said Iqbal Mullah, president of Travel agents association of India.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> Mumbai> Report / by DNA Correspondent, Place: Mumbai, Agency: DNA / Sunday, November 04th, 2012

Rajyotsava in Kodagu

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

A variety of dances by school children, attractive march past by men in uniform, Naadageethe and Raita Geethe sung in unison marked Kannada Rajyotsava, organised by the district administration at the fort here on Thursday.

Amid drizzle that drenched the earth in the morning, district in-charge minister Appachu Ranjan hoisted the national flag and Kannada flag and inaugurated the celebration. In his inaugural address, the minister gave a call for the people to unitedly work towards preserving Kannada language and culture. Kannada language, which we speak today, has a history of 2,000 years. Apart from shouting slogans hailing Kannada, we should work in the ground level to preserve and promote the language. Specially, the emphasis should be laid on schools and colleges where they should be taught the skills of reading and writing Kannada.

“Language is a symbol of the richness of life and it reflects the culture. Kannada could be developed only when each of us dedicate ourselves and work proudly for the language and culture. The Central government has already given the classical status to Kannada. We should make an organised effort to gain all profits that the status would bring to the language,” he said.

Award Winners

Kodagu Zilla Rajyotsava award was conferred on several achievers from different fields on the occasion. The awardees are as follows: B S Lokesh Sagar (light music); B N Mohan Palegar (folk song); Roopa Srikrishna Upadhya (Bharatanatyam); Addanda Anitha Kariyappa (drama and cinema); B R Sathish (art); C N Boapaiah, Kayapanda Shashisomaiah, Nandagujar, Umesh (journalism); P M Appaiah, K Aine Asmakhanam, (sports); Dr Korana Saraswati Prakash, Paradanda Changappa (literature); Jeevan T B, P Mahadewaswami (education); Koodakandi Kaveramma Somanna, Manavattira Kaveriyamma Poovanna, Prakash B N, N S Kandadevaiah, P M Ravi (social service).

Kodagu zilla panchayat president B Shivappa, vice-president Usha Devamma, CMC president H M Nandakumar, deputy commissioner Dr N V Prasad and others were present.
Arogya Shri soon
Minister Appachu Ranjan announced that Vajpayee Arogya Shri scheme which helps the BPL families to avail free medical check-up and treatment at select facilities will be launched at Virajpet taluk on November 17.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS, November 01st, 2012

Grand procession marks end of Madikeri Dasara

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The entire city was illuminated for the grand finale.

Madikeri Dasara celebrations concluded with the grand procession of Dasha mantapas on Wednesday night. The celebrations culminated with the pooja at the Banni mantapa at Mahadevpet.

A large number of people, who had arrived from across the district and outside, participated in the procession. The public watched the procession of Karaga of Shakthi Devathas with devotion.

The entire city was illuminated for the grand finale. Post office, BSNL and police station buildings and temples of the four Shakthi Devathas were decorated for the occasion.
The mantapas depicted mythological stories.

Depending on the story, the tableaux, sound and lighting effect, the judges adjudged the best mantapas. The tableaux were taken out in a procession in the mainstreets at private bus shelter, in front of Basaveshwara temple, KSRTC bus shelter, Bata main road, Indiragandhi Circle, in front of police station, Anand Bakery and at Town Hall.

The police had made elaborate arrangements. In fact, CCTV cameras were installed at six places, to keep a watch on the movement of the people.

Mantapas were restricted in two tractors. Sound and light experts from Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore were hired by the Dasha Mantapa committees to make the mantapas look attractive. Laser effect on the Dasha Mantapa was another attraction.

The mantapa of Kote Mahaganapathy temple had depicted ‘Ganapathi Gajamukhanada kathana,’ Sri Kanchikamakshi temple had highligted on ‘Manikantana mahime,’ Pete Sri Rama Mandira on ‘Veerajaneya darshana,’ Sri Kote Mariamma temple —’Andhakasurana vadhe,’ Dechoor Sri Rama Mandira temple committee— ‘Parashuramaninda Karthyaveeryarjunana samhara,’ Sri Chowdeshwari temple— ‘Saptha mathrike killing Daarigasura,’ Sri Dandina Mariamma temple— ‘Seethapaharana,’ Sri Karavale Bhagavathi Mahisha mardini temple — ‘Shumba-Nishumbhara samhara,’ Sri Kodanda Rama temple— ‘Moshikasurana vadhe’ and Kundurumotte Sri Chowti Mariamma temple— ‘Andasurana vadhe.’

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District> Madikeri / DH News Service / October 25th, 2012

Revathi launches Rajiv Menon’s book

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

Actor and director Revathi launched author Rajiv G Menon’s book ‘Thundergod: The Ascendance of Indra’ in Mumbai recently.

VJ Nikhil Chinappa and actor Purab Kohli were seen in a scintillating conversation with author regarding his popular fiction book at Aurus, Juhu. Gul Panag, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sandhya Mridul, Cyrus Sahukar, Shonali Nagrani and many more were seen enjoying the launch.

Before setting out on a writing career, Rajiv G. Menon was an actor, occasional screenwriter, traveler and beach bum. A voracious reader since childhood, he was fascinated by stories and characters from Indian, Greek and Norse Mythology. Thundergod was born as a result of that fascination.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Entertainment> Regional / TNN, October 26th, 2012