Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Opening Vistas, The right platform for growth

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports
Kids INK, a one-day conference that opens up new vistas of art, science and culture to students in the City, is being held on September 24, 10 am to 3 pm at Alliance Francaise.
Mesmerising: Ugesh Sarcar, a street magician, will perform during the conference. The conference will include speeches, performances and workshops which will give students exposure to different forms of visual arts, writing, as well as science and technology. 

The speakers for the conference include well-known names such as cricketer Robin Uthappa; Shantanu Moitra, the music composer for the film 3 Idiots; street magician Ugesh Sarcar and Shailaja Gupta, creative designer of Shah Rukh Khan’s new movie Ra.One.

It will also include accomplished individuals doing various interesting things, like Heer Singh, who teaches break dance to slum children.

About the conference, a representative from Kids INK, and one of the organisers of the event, said that it was created with the intention of exploring the overall potential of children. “Most kids go to schools that have a strict curriculum but it’s important to give them an overall perspective as well. We honestly believe that children are very smart, and we were trying to figure out different ways to inspire them and get them to think out of the box,” she explained.

And the best way to do that, it was decided, was to bring them into contact with different speakers who could talk to students about how they started off with their careers.

“Robin Uthappa didn’t just start off being Robin Uthappa. He must have put in hours of practice and training to reach where he is. We wanted to include different people who would talk to the children about how important the journey itself is,”
she said.

While the conference includes some prominent names in the fields of art, science and sports, there were a few factors that INK had to keep in mind while organising it.

Since children do not like sitting down and listening to talks for a long period of time, the organisers of Kids INK have included afternoon workshops in the programme.

In fact, one of the participants will be Aravind Gupta, who will show the children how to conduct scientific experiments simply by using everyday trash.

Kids INK will also make an effort to encourage parent-child bonding. The workshops and talks include the parents of the participating children as well. As one of the organisers elaborated, “We are trying to initiate conversations between parents and children, and remove the disconnect that exists between them.”

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Supplements> Metrolife / by DHNS

Books: The Word on the Street — It’s all about reading

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A Sunday walk through Victoria Park in Kitchener is a delight. But the pleasure is doubled every September when The Word on the Street Book & Magazine Festival takes over Jubilee Drive, which winds through the downtown greenspace.

Sunday’s festival (Sept. 25) is the tenth and one of six Word on the Street events being held across Canada — also in Vancouver, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Halifax and Toronto. Admission is free and the Kitchener event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the events in several big tents, the street is lined with vendors and exhibitors — most of them relating to reading and literacy, including individual authors and small publishers selling copies of their books. Chapters will have a table of books for sale, including many written by authors who will be reading from their works during the afternoon.

Among the writers speaking at the CTV Authors Tent are:

• Trevor Cole, a Hamilton writer who was born and raised in Waterloo Region. Two of his novels have been finalists for the annual Governor General’s Award and his most recent novel, Practical Jean, won the 2010 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.

• Sarita Mandanna, a Toronto writer who has an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and has worked as an investment banker. Her novel Tiger Hills is set in India and follows the lives of two childhood friends.

• Ross Pennie, a physician and infectious-disease specialist in Brantford who has written two medical crime fiction tales, Tampered and Tainted, both set in Hamilton where Pennie is an instructor at McMaster University.

jfear@therecord.com

source: http://www.TheRecord.com / by Jon Fear, Record Staff / Friday, September 23rd, 2011

In the Mountains and the Valley of Kodagu (Coorg)

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Situated in Karnataka, the southern state of India amidst the massive Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Mountains is a picturesque region of Kodagu (Coorg is the angelical term for Kodagu). Coorg is famously known for its scenic marvel, especially since it’s a calm hilly region with the hues of green caused because of the vast stretches of trees and forest. The Kaveri River that flows through this district also adds more beauty to this place.

Coffee and Coorg

Coorg and CoffeeThe district of Coorg is one of the largest and the first Coffee producing districts in India and the Coffee from Coorg is suppose to be one of the richest in the world. Coffeea robusta is a commonly found variety of Coffee in Coorg. One of the other varieties of Coffee produced in this region is Coffeea Arabica. The Coffee plantations also cultivate crops like vanilla, black pepper, and Cardamom.

Coffee Planation in CoorgThe vast natural forests are a great source of forest reserve and thus making Coorg an apt region for cultivation of variety of crops.

Flora and Fauna

Coorg is gifted with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The three wildlife sanctuaries Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary,Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, and one national park Nagarahole National Park have several species of animal like leopard, tigers, Asian Elephants, boars and deer.

Flora and Fauna - CoorgThe flora of the jungle is like none another, with trees like the thickly wooded bamboo, Iron wood, Indian Mahogany, Sandal wood, Ebony and much more the forests of Coorg are generously gifted.

Wildlife in CoorgIf luck favours you while driving through Nagarhole National Park you may sometime get to see wildlife like Chitals, Elephants, Bisons and Sambar.

Cultures and Traditions of the Coorgi’s

Kodava Pandi CurryThe people of Coorg have a distinctive culture much different from that of people from other parts of India. Known much for their hospitality and their love for weapons the people of Coorg are very welcoming and would be more than happy to have you around. If you are fortunate you could savour the famous delicacy of Coorg, Pork cooked in vinegar that has been extracted from wild berries.

The people of Coorg worship nature and their ancestors. They have high regards for the holy River Kaveri and consider it to be their mother and their provider.

A mother is also held at the highest regards in the Coorg community. A mothers blessing is considered of utmost importance and unlike other Hindu communities widows in the Coorg community can still participate in joyous events.

Coorgi’s also have a very distinctive way of dressing up. Men dress up in coats that hang down to their knees, paired with a turban or a white and red checked scarf. The saree that is worn by the women of Coorg is tucked in the back unlike the typical Indian way of tucking the pleats in the front.

Best place to Stay

If you are looking to enjoy the true beauty of coorg and to experience their culture first hand what better way than to opt to stay in a Homestay. Not only is Homestay one of the most economical way option of staying in Coorg it also comes with many added benefits. We offer you a variety of Homestay options in Coorg.

Eco HabitatOne of the best place to stay in Coorg is Eco Habitat, situated very close to river Kaveri. It’s a beautiful coconut farm intercropped with Vanilla & Cardamom. There is small dairy farm in Eco Habitat which takes care of all the dairy needs as well as bio gas for the kitchen.

 

Bird of Paradise

 

The Ahana Group stay In Coorg is a one of kind Estate stay amidst one of the numerous Coffee plantations in Coorg.

The Birds of Paradise is another Homestay option you cannot overlook. This seven acre estate will entice you with its scenic beauty and the gushing sound of Kaveri River that passes right through it With nothing but nature all around you this is a great place to unwind.

What To Do

Whether you are alone or with your friends, driving to the Raja Seat is one of the most relaxing and picturesque experience. The valley could be rebuffed with fog thus blocking your view in the winters but the distant mountains and the drizzle of the cold morning could be soothing and elating.

Irpu FallIrpu FallIrpu is a beautiful waterfall which makes it way from the Brahmagiri hills which is also the place where the Laxamana Teertha River originates.

TrekkingTrekking is one of the most popular forms of sport in Coorg. Coorg has extremely rugged land area thus making it a hotspot for trekkers who could trek to many summits and pave their way through dense jungles. Trekking is also a very dangerous sport hence it is highly recommended that you have done all your preparations well. The winters could bring the temperatures near the peak to freezing points hence it is advisable that you are well equipped, summers could also lead to heat strokes.

Abbi FallsAbbi waterfall located inside one of the private Coffee plantations is also one of the most visited tourist places in Coorg. It is not one of the most beautiful places in Coorg but you could give it a shot and see how it goes for you.

BhagamandalaBhagamandala and Talakaveri are places of great importance for the Coorgi’s. Bhagamandala literally translates to ‘the meeting point of 3 small rivers which gives birth to River Kaveri.

The Medikere Fort also attracts many tourists. Once made out of mud it was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan who used stone to construct the structure.

BylakuppeThe largest Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe is located near Kushalnagar. There are numerous places to visit and see in Bylakuppe. Tibetan monasteries of great importance like Sera Je, Sera Mey and Namdroling Monastery are also located here. You could visit the monasteries and experience a totally difficult culture and witness the gold statues of Buddha which reflects the rich cultural heritage of Tibetans and earn yourself some good karma and peace of mind.

If fishing is your forte you could visit the Valnur Fishing Camp and experience the joy of angling for the grand Masheers. Make sure you have received a permit for fishing from the Coorg wildlife Society. Valnur is also a delight for bird watchers and bird aficionado.

Weather

Weather at CoorgThe best time to visit Coorg is in the between the months of September and March. The moderate temprarture of Coorg makes it a tourist hotspot for people from all around the world all year round. The winter time in Coorg could be a little chilly but it is still quite pleasant. The summer time heat makes it a welcoming place for tourists.

Weather - CoorgMonsoons make Coorg a scenic wonder since the greenery is at its peak and the waterfalls across the town are vivacious. Dress according to the season when you plan to visit, pack light cotton clothes for summer and some woollens for the winter.

Why Coorg

CoorgBlessed with cosmic stretches of mountains, abundant tropical forests and the greenery of the trees, the small hamlets scattered across the mountains and the sweet smell lingering from the coffee and cardamom plantations makes Coorg one the most opted vacation getaway across India. If you are looking to get away from the stressful life of the city and get some fresh air, experience the lush foliage and relax in one the most peaceful places then Coorg is the right place to sit back and relax and enjoy the joy of being amidst nature.

Getting to Coorg

CoorgThe nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore which is nearly 136 kms away. You could also head to Coorg directly from Bangalore airport which is 260 kms away. The nearest railway station to Coorg is Mysore and Mangalore which approximately the same distance away. There are buses from major cities across Karnataka to Madikere which is the closest bus stop to Coorg.

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(Photo Courtesy: Kislaya Dube, Anuj Kumar and Nayyar Azam)

source: http://www.en.paperblog.com / September 24th, 2011

 

“Sangeetha Sambhrama” in City on Sept 24th and 25th

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

 

Mysore:

Gurukrupa Sangeetha Kendra, founded by renowned singer and music director late Madikeri Nagendra, has organised a one-and-a-half day programme “Sangeetha Sambhrama” to commemorate its 10th anniversary on Sept. 24 and 25 at Jaganmohan Palace.

The event starts at 5.30 pm on Sept. 24 with light music programme by the students of Gurukrupa comprising songs composed by famous poet N. S. Lakshminarayana Bhatta. It will be presided over by Dr. Hanumanna Nayaka Dore, Vice-Chancellor, Music University. N. S. Lakshminarayana Bhatta will be the chief guest. Vidushi B. R. Geetha will be felicitated on the occasion for her service in the field of classical and light music.

The programme on Sept. 25 starts at 10 am with “Rangabhoomi haagu Rangageethegalu” comprising a lecture by Master Hirannaiah and Ranga-geethe recital by renowned stage artistes Vid. Paramashivan and Vid. Mandya Nagarajachar.

This will be followed by “Kagga Magic” to be presented by film and television actor M. D. Kowshik. The programme presents DVG’s famous Mankutim-mana Kagga in the form of magic. At 4 pm, Vid. Pawagada Prakash’s lecture has been organised on “Bhakti Marga” along with devotional recitals by the students of Gurukrupa Kendra. The programme in the evening starts at 5.30 pm with “Bhaava Taranga”, a unique fusion of singing and painting presented by renowned painter B. K. S. Varma.

Poets G. Ramanath Bhat, Nagarathna Hemmige, Jayappa Honnali and H. Sheshadri will also participate along with singers like Indrani Anantharam, Dr. A. D. Srinivasan, S. Suhasini, M. R. Sangeetha, Nishchay Vishwasena and K. Shreya. The “Bhaava Taranga” programme will be presided over by K.N. Annegowda, Asst. Director, Department of Kannada and Culture, Mysore. B. R. Shridhar, mridangam artiste, will be the chief guest.

Entry to the programme is free.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General / September 22nd, 2011

 

Cauvery ‘Teertodbhava’ at 11.43 p.m. on October 17

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

The famous ‘teertodbhava’, emerging of the sacred or holy water from the tiny pond called ‘Brahmakundike’ at Talacauvery, foothills of the mighty Brahmagiri Hills in Kodagu, will occur at 11.43 p.m. on October 17 under the ‘Mithuna Lagna’.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner N.V. Prasad said this at the preliminary teertodbhava meeting at the Old Assembly Hall in Madikeri on Tuesday. The puja rituals concerning the teertodbhava would start from September 28 at both Bhagamandala and Talacauvery with the patreyalli akki hakuvudu (filling rice in the vessel) at 8.45 a.m. on September 28, Aajna Muhurta on October 5 and Akshaya Patra on October 13.

Mr. Prasad gave a call to officials of all departments to take steps to ensure a successful teertodbhava. He instructed the Public Works Department engineers to repair the Madikeri-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery road a week ahead of the Cauvery jatra that ensued after the teertodbhava.

He said the officials of the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) should make arrangements to avoid power disruptions. The Talacauvery-Bhagamandala Temple Committee should keep diesel generators as stand-by to meet emergencies since the occurrence was in the night, Mr. Prasad said.

Sampath Kumar, Manager of the Temple Committee, said four generators would be kept ready to meet emergencies.

Mr. Prasad said the KSRTC Depot Manager Lachme Gowda should take steps to provide buses to the devotees visiting the temples on the teertodbhava day and on other jatra days. Mr. Gowda said 30 buses had been deployed during the last year’s teertodabhava and jatra, and the same number would be available this year as well.

Superintendent of Police Manjunath Annigeri said the police would regulate the movement of vehicles to and from Talacauvery in view of the lack of space for parking at Talacauvery. The Public Works Department should take steps to look into the parking problems, Mr. Annigeri said.

Mr. Prasad told the Department of Health officials to equip themselves with medicines, ambulance, and related facilities to attend to health needs during the occasion.

Additional Deputy Commissioner K.M. Chandre Gowda said this was a preliminary meeting and the Legislative Assembly Speaker and legislators would attend the next meeting to oversee the preparations. Every government department should cooperate to make the teertodbhava celebrations a success, Mr. Gowda said.

Seven sub-committees, including reception, transport, cultural, and publicity, were formed on the occasion.

Mr. Gowda asked the Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture to organise cultural programmes during teertodbhava at Talacauvery. The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy president Iymudiyanda Rani Machaiah, Madikeri Deputy Conservator of Forests K.S. Anand, and Senior Assistant Commissioner M.R. Ravi, were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / by Staff Correspondent / National> Karnataka / Mysore, September 21st, 2011

Kiss and (don’t) tell

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Do guys think it’s cool to brag about their sexual exploits, or is it in bad taste? Also, do they mind their girlfriends discussing intimate details of their relationship with her female friends? We find out what men think.

“I don’t kiss and tell, it just makes me uncomfortable,” says DJ Piyush Bajaj. “It’s something private that I never discuss even with my best buddies.”

But there is no dearth of guys who do, he adds. “I’ve heard lots of guys talking about who they’ve ‘done’ and how many they’ve done. Not only is it disrespectful to women, I find that most of these guys are really frustrated losers.”

As to women sharing details with their gal pals, Piyush says, “I’ve never heard a woman bragging about her conquests. So it’s a totally different kind of conversation.” However, actor Aditya Singh feels the rule applies to both men and women.

The Sandalwood star states, “I never talk about the intimate details of my relationship with anyone no matter how close a friend is. I respect and protect my woman’s privacy and I expect her to do the same for me because it’s something personal.”

As for men who like to discuss their sex lives with other guys, he says, “I think most of them just lie about it. Men have a complex when it comes to this topic and I feel many of their stories are just that — stories, to project a stud boy image.”

However, model Zulfi Syed feels, to each his own. “Yes, men do reveal details about their sex lives, and so do women. In fact, I think women talk about it more often. I don’t think it’s a problem,” says Zulfi, who admits that he is in a relationship.

IT professional Rohit K sums it up saying, “Many of us can’t resist dropping the occasional hint or comment about our nocturnal pursuits but as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, there’s no harm in it.”

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / by Tenzin Dechen /DC / Home> Channels> Lifestyle> Others / September 21st, 2011

Kannada version of ‘Rise and Fall of Coorg State’

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

“Coorg State: Udaya-Pathana”, Kannada version of journalist P.T. Bopanna’s book, “Rise and Fall of Coorg State”, dealing with the merger of the erstwhile Coorg (Kodagu) State with the then Mysore (Karnataka) State in 1956 has been released.

The English version of the book was published in 2009. B.K. Ganesh, a journalist, who also hails from Kodagu, has translated the book into Kannada, Mr. Bopanna said in a statement.

Commenting on the book published by the Press Club of Bangalore, Mr. Bopanna said when “Rise and Fall of the Coorg State” in English was first published, he was not sure how it would fare in the market.

There were reasons for his apprehension as he was publishing the book all by himself and no one had showed keenness in publishing it.

But to his surprise, the entire copies were sold out within two months of publication, mainly in Kodagu, he said. He felt the need for bringing out the Kannada edition of the book to reach out to the Kannada readers to make them understand the feelings of the people in Kodagu.

Even though Kannadigas were overjoyed by the integration of Kodagu with Karnataka, a large section of the people in Kodagu still felt that they would have been better off in the independent Coorg State, he said.

It was up to the policy-makers in Bangalore to try and remove the feeling of alienation by striving for the comprehensive development of Kodagu, he said.

Mr. Bopanna has authored four books, including “Discover Coorg”, the best-selling handbook on Kodagu which was translated into Kannada earlier. Mr. Bopanna also runs the website, www.coorgtourisminfo.com. The book is priced at Rs. 80 a copy.

source: http://www.theHindu.com / National>Karnataka> Mysore / September 17th, 2011 / by Staff Correspondent

How to carry off coloured denims with style

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Photographer: Rakesh Ravindran

Denims are a definite fashion must-haves! But it has come a long way from being the traditional blue. And we’re not even talking about them taking one step up and being available in blacks and whites; denims today are available in absolutely radiant colours including mustard, green, orange, red and pink. And while these coloured denims are only getting popular by the day, there are a few dos and don’ts that need to be kept in mind so that you don’t end up looking like a circus tent. DNA gets model Karan Medappa to demonstrate the look…

Karan is been modelling for nearly three years now and has been part of several advertisement campaigns as well. “The theme for this week’s shoot is pretty cool as I wear quite a bit of coloured denims myself. I loved the styling by Shaggy and it suited the overall theme perfectly. Overall, I had a great time shooting for the column,” says Karan.

Accessorise me

Too many accessories would spoil the show, and Karan was already aware of that. So he decided to go simple. He picked up a pair of trendy shoes that went with the entire look and strapped on a leather belt to complete the ensemble.

Check that outfit
In order to keep the look casual and yet stylish, Karan went with a pair of dark green denims and paired it with a black tee shirt so that it doesn’t look too dressy. In fact, a black T-shirt is apt when you’re wearing coloured denims.

Contour my face

The only thing a casual look requires is a clean face. So, Shaggy first cleansed his face to remove excess oil. He then used a concealer and followed it up with a foundation. After that, he contoured Karan’s face in order to highlight his features.

Style that hair
The theme requires a funky hairdo and that’s exactly what Shaggy gave the model. To start with, he ironed Karan’s hair and followed it up with spikes. And to set the look, he used hair spray and gel to make sure the style lasted the whole evening.

Pics: Rakesh Ravindran
Make-up and styling: Shaggy Khuman

 

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Home> Lifestyle / by Sharnaya C R / Monday, Sept 12th, 2011

Kodava Samaja hits a century

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , ,
In 1911, a few families came together and formed what was called the Coorg Association.
Pretty women: Kodava women dressed in their traditional attire at the annual day and felicitation programme organised by Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada Gowda Samaja at Palace Grounds on Sunday. DH PhotoThe association grew into being a strong force named the Kodava Samaja with more than ten thousand people from the Kodava community becoming a part of it and celebrated its hundred years of existence here on Sunday. 

A majority of the women wore sarees draped in the traditional Kodava way, while the younger generations wore jeans and t-shirts.

B A Muttanna, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) East, who spoke on the occasion said that the history of the community should not be oral alone.

Till now there is no library which can help the young generation learn about the Kodava community. The Samaj must set up a library in Bangalore where books on the history of the community must be made available.”

The Kodavas regard their female folks highly and that is a matter of pride.

M Boppaiah, member of the Samaj said even during marriages, Kodavas do not depend on any priests.

Instead, the older lady of the house performs the rituals. This is to symbolise that they are respected most.

With special Kodava meals served for lunch, people from the age of 10 to 80 were seen relishing what they miss in the urban environment.

“The food took me back to my village near Virajpet,” said P Muthanna, a retired government employee.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home>City / DHNS / September 11th, 2011

 

Gear up for soul sante this sunday

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

Bangalore:

This Sunday escape into a world of arts, crafts, music, fashion and a whole lot more as Kingfisher Premium presents the Sunday Soul Sante, which is currently in its fourth edition. The Kingfisher Premium Sunday Soul Sante is a mid-day to mid-night festival bringing to the city an exciting, day long carnival with flea markets selling paintings, pottery and all kinds of quirky and creative merchandise. The Sante bazaar will take place at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds. The festival is organised to bring together and showcase diverse cultures under one roof.

Kingfisher Premium Sunday Soul Sante promises oodles of fun with friends and family. Adding to the excitement, Bangalore’s fashion guru Prasad Bidappa will be putting together a high on style fashion capsule, witness electrifying performances by bands like Bicycle Days and Psychophonic. The evening promises to end on a high note with the closing performance by DJ Ivan. Entry fee is Rs. 49/- for adults and free for senior citizens and children below twelve.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Express News Service, The New Indian Express / September 11th, 2011