Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri: ‘Indian Army Ready to Face Greater Challenges’ – Lt Gen A K Singh

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Uncategorized

Madikeri:
Lieutenant General A K Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, was here to be at the late Field Marshal K M Cariappa’s 113th birth anniversary observace. He arrived on Friday.

At a touching ceremony jointly organized by the department of Kannada and culture, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Field Marshal Cariappa Forum on Saturday, Jan 28 – the day the great man had been born in 1899 – he received the military guard of honour and then spoke highly about him and the land he hailed from, namely, Kodagu.

“India is ready to face great challenges from adversaries in spite of the talks of friendship. Besides, all citizens should be alert of security threat in the country. We are fully alive and alert to face those elements which harm the trust and honour of the nation,” he asserted.

He said Kodagu district had given a number of soldiers to the armed forces. The trend must continue and more and more youngsters from here should join the Services, he said. He said that he had always longed to visit Kodagu, which had given great soldiers like Field Marshal Cariappa, General Thimmaya and Subedar Guddemane Appaiah Gowda. The visit was finally possible because of the 113th birth anniversary of FM Cariappa.

Having served as the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces of independent India FM Cariappa, he made a significant contribution to the nation. The country should always remember his discipline, efficiency, honesty and patriotism. Remembering him itself could inspire anyone to inculcate self-respect, dedication and discipline, he further said.

Lt Gen Singh also said that golden canteen, healthcare, rest-house and other facilities had been made available to former Servicemen in Kodagu district. He also revealed that a grant of Rs 2 lakh would be made towards observance of FM Cariappa’s birthday on Army’s behalf.

State legislative assembly speaker and Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah, speaking on the occasion, said that it was fitting that the birthday of FM Cariappa, one of the greatest Army chiefs that India had seen, was being observed in a very apt way.

He also said that with the support of all elected representatives from the district, the government would be urged to observe the great man’s birthday throughout the state. The government had already declared two festivals of Kodagu, Tula Sankramana and Huttari, as official holidays. A request to declare FM Cariappa’s birthday as a public holiday would be submitted to the government, he said.

FM Cariappa was known for discipline, consistency and punctuality and the ideals and values he had stood for should be adopted by everyone. It was a healthy development that functions to recall such personalities were being arranged. During visits to elsewhere in the country or abroad, no one identifies Kodavas on their own. But a mention of Field Marshal Cariappa would give instant recognition, he further said.

Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan said that remembering the Field Marshal, who was known for discipline, honesty and commitment, by in itself was an inspiring experience. Pointing out the slump in the number of people from Kodagu joining the Armed forces, the youth should take his example of military discipline and dedication. Wishing that the birthday should be observed on a nationwide basis, he said already a library had been set up in Shanivarsanthe, the Field Marshal’s town of birth and assured to make more funds available for it.

MLC M C Nanaiah said the late Field Marshal deserved Bharat Ratna decoration and suggested that the state government would take steps to have it given posthumously to the great person. His birthday should be

Mysore-Kodagu Lok Sabha member H Vishwanath and FM Cariappa Forum convener Major Nanjappa also spoke on the occasion. Other highlights of the occasion was the release of a booklet on the Field Marshal, honouring of four individuals for their achievements and service, showering of flower petals on the Cariappa statue from a helicopter from above and an attractive march-past by NCC cadets, the Army band, police, Scouts and Guides etc. A traditional Kodava weapon, ‘Odikatti’ was presented to Lt Gen Singh.

C M Pemmaiah, coffee planter and Mandepanda Pushpa Kuttanna, a social activist, were also honoured. Besides, K C Ramamurthy, coffee planter, and Mukkatira Chengappa, a social activist, were honoured posthumously. There were spontaneous shouts of ‘Jai Cariappa’ when an army helicopter showered flower petals on the statue at the Sudarshan circle.

Kodava Sahitya Academy president Iymudianda Rani Machaiah, DC Dr N V Prasad, SP Manjunath Annigeri, Kanti Belliappa, Lt Gen C N Somanna, Lt Gen B C Nanda, Air Marshal K C Cariappa, Maj Gen B A Kariappa, Maj Gen K P Nanjappa, Col K C Subbaiah, FM Cariappa Forum vice president M M Ravindra, Kannada and culture department assistant director Vinod Chandra and many prominent citizens were present on the occasion.

Nanda Cariappa said on the occasion that his father was respected with awe not only by Kodavas but the entire people of Kodagu. His wife Meena Cariappa was with him.

Uliada Poovaiah welcomed the gathering. Madettira Belliappa and Daty Poovaiah compered the function. Kodava Samaj president Matanda Monnappa gave a vote of thanks.

source: http://www.connect.in.com / www.Mangalorean.com / Team Mangalorean – Madikeri / from Ashwini Appaiah / With Vartha Pics / publised January 29th, 2012

Kids’ fest recreates festive mood

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mangalore:

If the city was immersed in youthful exuberance during the 17th National Youth Festival (NYF) 2012 last week, it was the turn of Vamanjoor village, to embrace innocence personified, in the form of children, in the first ever Bal Bharath Srujanotsav held in the state at Pilikula on Sunday.

This is the first Srujanotsav to be held outside Delhi.Nearly 4,000 children, including 1,430 from 20 states and union territories, descended in droves at the Pilukula venue in a procession which started from Vamanjoor junction, about two km from the venue. The mile-long procession was as colourful as the NYF procession with 26 teams and their guides, taking part in it.

Jaya Tandel and Chinmaya from Daman, in the city for the first time were excited to present their machi (fisher folk dance) apart from dandiya, Portuguese and tribal dances in the festival.Their teacher Deepika Sahani said they had taken part in Children’s Mela held in Delhi twice.Virat Gowda and Manjunath from Kodagu were in the traditional Coorgi attire and will present a slice of Kodagu. Virat said he had been to festivals in Delhi. G Nageshwari from Odissa will present sambalpuri and Odissi dance at the four-day event. Shakuntala A, deputy director, Women and Child Development, said that there were 30 teams from the state and 50 members team each of the Bal Bhavan societies from five taluks of the DK district.Divya Narayanappa, administrative officer, Bal Bhavan Society, Bangalore said the fest had moved out national capital for the first time.

“For the past 35 years, Delhi was the venue for the event. The objective to move out of the national capital is to bring out the hidden talents in children through four mediums – science, creative writing, creative performance and creative art (painting, collage etc),” she said.Women and child welfare minister C C Patil said that the fest was provided Rs 69 lakh through Bal Bhavan and the state was giving Rs 25 lakh. “We will supplement if there is a shortfall,” he added.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Collections> Odissi / Mangalore / by Stanley Pinto / January 23rd, 2012

Homestays to face regulations in Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Uncategorized

This hill paradise, which pioneered the concept of homestay, is going to regulate them. Ten years after homestay became a part of Madikeri’s tourism circuit, the local civic body is looking at it as a source of income.

Starting from next financial year, the Madikeri City Municipal Council (MCMC) will charge an annual fee of `2,000 to each individual who runs such a facility.

“This is not a tax, but a fee payable by the owner of every homestay in return for the no objection certificate (NOC), which will be issued by the civic body. The new tourism policy has made provisions for issuance of NOC by the local civic body in addition to the ‘trade licence’ by the regional tourism office,” HM Nandakumar, president of MCMC said.

“There are not more than 50 legal homestays. But the number of illegal homestays is five times this number. If they are to survive, they should adopt regulations which will be good for them and to the city,” he said.

The owners stand to gain as their establishments will get a legal stamp by having the licence from regional tourism office and NOC from the City Municipal Council. The establishment will be automatically certified and no owner can run away from the law.

Opposition leader in the council TM Aiyappa was critical of homestay owners who hoodwink the city municipality.

“They cannot have a free run anymore. They have to fall in line and pay the city its due. They should consider themselves lucky that the council did not impose a tax but only a fee for the annual NOC,” he said.

Madikeri City Municipality commissioner Shashikumar said the civic body had passed a resolution recently to this effect.

“Civic leaders of Madikeri thought it fit to collect just a NOC fee. But later, homestays may come under a tax structure. That will be decided by the urban development department. In addition to the NOC and the fee, the council decided to impose hefty fines to those homestays that pollute the environment by indiscriminate dumping of garbage.

District in-charge minister J Krishna Palemar, who is also the state environment and ecology minister, hailed the move of the civic body. “Homestay is a commercial activity. During their formative years, homestays were welcomed with open arms. They grew without any regulation except for a licence from the tourism department.We have to consider that period as a gestation period or even as a tax holiday. The owners should not rue the fees and should consider it as their contribution towards the growth of Madikeri as a hill tourism centre of the state,” Palemar said.

However, those who run homestays are not amused.

“It is wrong to say that we’ve year-long business. There are certain seasons and each season does not last more than a few weeks.

Only techies from Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore were patronising home stays in Madikeri, Nowadays, they go to Chikmagalur and Shimoga. which have also embraced this business. It is all right if the CMC charges us fees for grantingthe NOC, but if they are thinking of further taxing us, many of us will go out of business,” said office-bearers of Kodagu Home Stay Association.

Techies from Bangalore and Mysore going to Madikeri homestays during week-ends may have to dig deeper into their pockets as the homestays and estate stays have become 10% costlier.

A one-room facility will cost not less than Rs2,200 to Rs3,000 per 24 hours while a two-room, four-bed family facility will cost Rs4,000.

Urban development department official are thinking of bringing in a uniform rate of taxes and fees payable by home stays to civic bodies.

source: http://www.DnaIndia.com / Home> Bangalore> Report / by M Raghuram / Place: Madikeri / Agency: DNA / Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Flower show in Madikeri today

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri:

Former Rajya Sabha member F M Khan has organized a flower show for public view on his Balyantri estate at Boikeri near Madikeri. The exhibited will be held on Saturday and Sunday, with free entry.

Khan has been organizing the show every year since 1998.The garden has been named after Yousuf Ali Khan memorial. Over 1,000 varieties of flowers are grown here.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Mysore> Home> Collections> Madikeri / TNN / January 21st, 2012

Participants applaud clean venue

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Napoklu (KODAGU):
The eco-friendly measures taken up by the organizers of the Storm Music Festival has been appreciated by music lovers. The sprawling venue was free from litter. Dustbins were placed to prevent participants from littering the venue. A separate gallery was set up for drinkers and smokers.

A band member of Faridkot, I P Singh from Delhi, was glad that measures were taken to maintain the cleanliness of the place. “We should preserve nature. Without spoiling the beauty of nature, humans can do whatever they want. In the name of entertainment we cannot spoil the environment. The organizers have done a fantastic job by setting up dustbins,” he says.

A student of Mumbai Pratiti, who was on her first visit to Napoklu, was mesmerized by the greenery of Kodagu. “It’s a beautiful place to unwind. The organizers have planned the event meticulously. I hope the greenery remains the same even the after the event,” she added.

A Mumbai-based businessmen Ramachandran who was disappointed when the event was postponed last November, said: “The ambience was fantastic, we can sit wherever we want and chill out. I also hope we have more such events. I am impressed by the cleanliness of the area,” he added.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Collections> Music Lovers / TNN / January 21st, 2012

‘Ko Ko Koli Kothi Village Belle Harshika ‘Balle Balle’

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

The chirpy heroine of Kannada cinema who gives a lovely performance in any given role and wins like how got distinction in her Engineering studies Harshika Poonacha has given a sensible performance in ‘Ko Ko’ movie. As a village belle Harshika giving her mind to ‘Kitty Bhava’ in the film was so inspiring to director R Chandru and he kept a song for the actress for her talent in abundance.

It is a short and sweet role ‘Ganga’ in KKKK remains in the mind of Kannada audience for Harshika Poonacha. When Kitty decides to take up his IPS and not marriage with Ganga, it is Ganga who throws a challenge and says she will marry in front of Kitty when he comes back to the village. So when Kitty returns to village in the second half of KKKK there is some electrifying moments. All is under the impression that Kitty and Ganga get married. But screenplay of the film that is captivating in the film says something else. Ganga hot tempered marries the boy looked for her in front of Kitty and that is a suspense for Cauvery (Priyamani). There is of course all round of applause for Harshika Poonacha in the media reviews too.

Happy and content in Kannada filmdom Harshika Poonacha armed with Engineering degree made her beginning in arch lights from ‘PUC’ Kannada cinema. She was really at the first years of Engineering when she accepted PUC Kannada cinema. Jugari, Thamassu, Jackie, Murali Meets Meera got released. The films to release are Crazy Loka, Adwaitha, Beet, Mavalli, Hubballi Hudagaru and Parie for Harshika Poonacha.

In coming four years as the lone daughter of my parents I would take up more interesting roles and settle down for marriage.

Harshika Poonacha is also in to social service activities. She is a member of Lions Club and ambassador of Yuva Global.

From Ko Ko Koli Kothi I got very good name. I am told I look very innocent and beautiful. I am also a performer is the encouraging appreciations I have received says Harshika Poonacha.

source: http://www.SuperGoodMovies.com/ Kannada Movie News> Talent> News / January 21st, 2012

MTV launches Gatecrash to brings festivities closer to the youth

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mumbai:
MTV is launching MTV Gatecrash – which gives its fans a privileged access to the most exciting events across the world. Be it a musical festival, a carnival, a cultural extravaganza, MTV brings the festivities closer to the youth by allowing them to jump the queue through MTV Gatecrash. The name as it sounds grants a special access to the choicest winners to enjoy the festival in all MTV style.

Think youth festival, Think MTV. In last few months, MTV has been an official partner to F1 race – the start-studded sporting event. Recently, MTV was the official partner to the most prestigious EDM festival – Sunburn. MTV has also been the media partner to the Metallica performance – which was also broadcast on the channel later. In addition to this will now be MTV Gatecrash , which will include series of events that will run through the year making a pit stop at different music festivals. It’s simple! Where there is a music or youth festival, MTV Gatecrash will make sure to be there and be part of it.

MTV Gatecrash kickstarts this month with the music festival STORM, a camp out music festival for 2 days to be held on 21st& 22nd Jan, in the hills of the beautiful district of Coorg in Karnataka. The festival will have over 30 artists from across the globe performing on multiple stages. The Festival will have bands and DJs like Indian Ocean, Leslie Lewis, The Raghu Dixit Project, Judge Jules, Henrik B, BREED, Pearl, Nikhil Chinnappa and others.MTV Gatecrash with STORM is a multimedia initiative with a full blown campaign across TV and Digital.

AdityaSwamy, EVP AND Business Head, MTV India, explains, “Young people are experience junkies and since virtual experiences are the norm today, real ones are becoming even more special .. With MTV Gate Crash we will give people of chance to touch and feel the magic of the best in live entertainment, get inspired the creativity of the performers create social currency out of this once in a lifetime experience.”

Speaking about the concept of Storm, Lavin Uthappa, Managing Director of LiquidSpace Entertainment said “With a strong conviction towards preserving the environment, team-Storm takes the concept of “responsible Tourism experience” to a new level. This initiative is also to strongly address a few of present global concerns and doing our bit to prevent environmental degradation through innovative strategies and technology. It’s a complete experience for all age groups, young or the old with Multiple Stages, Food corners, a Flea market, an Adventure zone and Camping area where each individual at the festival enjoy music, nature, food and Adventure.”

Along with being a music festival, Storm and MTV will also promote a strong conviction towards preserving the environment, with eco-friendly venue, minimal usage of plastic and innovative recycling techniques; Storm Festival promises to fulfil the green-cause. The festival is a total “drug- free zone” and has a zero tolerance policy against those who breach it.

MTV Gatecrash will be one of the forerunners in innovating different ways to bring the best available events for the fans in India. MTV GATECRASH promises to be an open ticket to experience the best sounds, great symphonies and a story you can live to tell.

source: http://www.medianewsline.com / by Swati Arya / January 16th, 2012

MTV kicks-off Gatecrash with music fest ‘Storm’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mumbai:
MTV has initated a new property called ‘Gatecrash’, which will give fans a privileged access to most of the musical events across the world.

‘MTV Gatecrash’ will kick start this month with the two-day music festival ‘Storm’ to be held on 21 Jan in the hills of the beautiful district of Coorg in Karnataka. The fest will showcase an eclectic mix of 37 artistes from across the globe performing on two different stages. The fest will include electronic band, artistes and DJs like Indian Ocean, Leslie Lewis, The Raghu Dixit Project, Swarathma, Richard Durand, Faridkot, Thomas Gold, Pearl, Nikhil Chinapa, Soulmate and others.

In last few months, MTV has been an official partner to F1 race, Sunburn and also a media partner to the Metallica performance – which was also broadcast on the channel later. So, in addition to this, will be MTV Gatecrash which will include series of events that will run through the year making a pit stop at different music festivals.

MTV Gatecrash with Storm is a multimedia initiative with campaign across TV and Digital.

MTV India EVP and business head Aditya Swamy said, “Young people are experience junkies and since virtual experiences are the norm today, real ones are becoming even more special. With MTV Gate Crash we will give people of chance to touch and feel the magic of the best in live entertainment, get inspired the creativity of the performers create social currency out of this once in a lifetime experience.”

source: http://www.radioandmusic.com/ Home> Editorial> News / by RnM Team/ January 16th, 2012

The Bearded Bandit of Coorg!

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Uncategorized

The Bearded Bandit of Coorg!

Robber Fly, Coorg / Photographed by: Samyak Kaninde
Being mugged is every traveller’s nightmare. Being mugged and then consumed as the main course in a mugger’s banquet, is the stuff that makes it to the horror movie hall of fame. But being killed and converted into a Smoothie to be slurped at leisure, takes the (dis)honours and is certainly not something you’d like on your resume. That, however, is exactly what happens to unwary air-travellers in Coorg if they don’t keep a lookout for the most feared bogeyman of the area – the Robber Fly. This bearded brigand perches quite innocuously on a twig, and when a beetle, dragonfly or wasp is spotted approaching incautiously, smacks his hirsute lips and takes off on a roundabout flight, before veering back suddenly and grabbing the unsuspecting insect, mid-flight, with his powerful legs. A short jab with his rapier-sharp beak injects venomous saliva that paralyses the prey while liquefying the body matter. From there on it’s a smooth return flight to the home perch, where the Robber proceeds to slurp up his Insect Smoothie. If he’s particularly peckish, and feels like a larger serving, the Robber Fly doesn’t balk at taking on prey much bigger than himself, trusting to his well-honed predatory skills and the power of his proboscis.

Talking of skill-sets, the predatory career of this successful bandit begins quite early: the larval baby brigand hides in the soil and in decaying wood, and learns the ropes by preying on the larvae, eggs and pupae of other insects around him. While this is bad news for some, a healthy Robber Fly population is good for humans, as it is our first line of defence against destructive and disease-carrying insects. Much like the legend of Robin Hood, the Robber of Coorg has shown that a bandit for some could well be a saviour for others.

We at Orange County have loved sharing this story with you, and shall bring you one every fortnight, as part of our Responsible Tourism Initiatives to raise awareness about the nature and culture of the environments we operate in.

source: http://www.lifescapes.org.in / LIFESCAPES by Orange County / Home> Lifescapes Gallery / January 11th, 2012

Puttur: ‘Dharmashree’ Award Conferred on K J Yesudas

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Puttur, Jan 12:

The annual ‘Dharmashree’ award being conferred to people with distinguished services to the society was this time, given to internationally renowned musical legend, Padma Vibhushan Dr K J Yesudas. The award is conferred annually by Dharmashree Foundation, Eshwaramangala, in the taluk.

The award function was held at Eshwaramangala on Wednesday January 11. State assembly speaker, K G Bopaiah, presided over the function. Speaking after conferring the award, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji of Hosanagar Sri Ramachandrapura Mutt, reasoned that India is a confluence of rhythms, emotions, and tunes, and that Indian music has the power to transcend boundaries of languages, religions, and sects. “Music delivers the message of happiness, and shows us the way how to lead life. No boundaries can confine music within their bounds,” he added. He also termed Yesudas as the most sublime personality in Indian music.

Yesudas, addressing the gathering after accepting the award, compared Hindustani music to river and Carnatic classical music to ocean. “Carnatic music is backed by 72 independent Raagas, and it is inspired by nature. It has the power to strengthen the roots of culture. Because of these qualities, this music has gained global recognition,” he reasoned.

In his congratulatory address, state primary and secondary education minister, Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, felt that the award given to Yesudas in the bargain got its own prestige enhanced. He hailed Yesudas for working tirelessly for five decades as the ambassador of musical culture of India.

Hereditary priest of Kollur Goddess Mookambika Temple, Narshi Govind Adiga, president of felicitation committee, Muliya Shyam Bhat, chief patron of Dharmashree Foundation, G K Mahabaleshwar Bhat, trustee, Shviaprasad E, and many others were present.

Managing trustee of the foundation, Nanya Achuta Moodittaya, welcomed. Secretary of felicitation committee, Dr Varadaraj Chandragiri, proposed vote of thanks. Advocate, Mahesh Kaje, presented the programme.

source: http://www.DaijiWorld.com / DaijiWorld Media Network-Puttur (SP)/ Thursday, January 12th, 2012