Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Karnataka Arrabashe Culture and Sahitya Academy: Honorary Award announced to three IV News

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Karnataka Arrabashe Culture and Sahitya Akademi has announced the Honorary Award for the year 2021.

Tukaram Enekallu of Kadaba, P.G. of Sullya. Chandira Basappa of Ambekal, Madikeri will be honored with the award, Lakshminarayan Kazegadde, president of the academy said in the announcement.

Tukaram
Tukaram Enekallu of Kadaba taluk is a retired Director of College Physical Education by profession. In 1992, Subrahmanya K.S.S. “Kusuma Saranga” stage unit was established in the college and produced 26 plays in 23 years. In addition, many rural talents have been brought to modern theater and given theater education. Alumni of Kusuma Saranga Ranga Troupe have been selected for the prestigious “Ninasam” organization due to their immense contribution. Maha Mai, Chitrapata, Harinabhisaran, Sirisampi plays produced under his leadership have received state level awards. He was honored by the Karnataka State Drama Academy in 2010. Recently, he has also won the DK District CGK Ranga Award.

P.G. Ambekal
PG Ambekal (Puttanna Gowda Ambekal) of Paylar, Amara Mutnur village, Sulya taluk, graduated with MA, BED, was a teacher in Chettalli High School, Kodagu district, and settled in Bangalore after retirement. His works are Tabli Manha-anthology in Arabic, Goode Chaguttu-Jompe of Arabic dramas, Ninna Premada Pariya-anthology in Kannada, Avaravara Kanni-anthology in Arabic (in print). Kodagu Mate in Arrabish, Goudadoni and Hingara are well known to the Arrabish community for writing several Arrabish articles in the newspaper. Acted in several plays. Several school students have also been brought to the stage. He was honored for his achievements in the field of literature in the 2nd Semi-Language Literature Conference held at Alur-Siddapur of Somwarpet Taluk.

Chandira K. Basappa
Chandira K. of Kokeri village. Basappana is a resident of Napoklu in Madikeri taluk. Chosen for the award for achievement in the field of culture. After serving as a Subedar in the Indian Land Army after Excelsior, he retired and currently resides in Mysore.

He is also a Sobane singer who has composed works in Arabic including Sri Mate Kaveri Suprabhata in Arabic, Sripadi Iggutappa Deva Suprabhata, Composition of God’s Names in Arabic.

source: http://www.irshivideos.com / IV News / Home> Latest News / edited / July 26th, 2022

Gulshan Devaiah to star in ‘Duranga’ based on Korean show ‘Flower of Evil’

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

Mumbai:

Bollywood actor Gulshan Devaiah is all set to star in the upcoming romantic thriller OTT series ‘Duranga’ along with actress Drashti Dhami. The series is an official adaptation of the Korean show named ‘Flower of Evil’ and has been directed by Pradeep Sarkar and Aijaz Khan.

The series chronicles the love story of Sammit (played by Gulshan Devaiah) and Ira (played by Drashti Dhami), that unfolds in three different timelines. Hiding a twisted past, Sammit maintains the facade of a perfect husband to his Inspector wife – Ira. With a series of twists and turns, Ira begins investigating multiple gory copycat murders by the suspected accomplice of a psychopathic serial killer Bala, twenty years after his suicide.

‘Duranga’ has been produced by Goldie Behl and Shradha Singh and will soon bow down on OTT platform ZEE5.

Talking about the series, Goldie, producer at Rose Audio Visuals, said in a statement: “At Rose Audio Visuals we have always been committed to producing quality, out of the box content which is also entertaining. ‘Duranga’ is a step forward in that direction.”

“It is a special subject because it explores the concept of marriage but through a unique twisted lens, something you have never seen before. The unusual pairing of Drashti Dhami and Gulshan Devaiah has worked very well for us. Their characters in the show come from very varied, distinct backgrounds and they both have divulged completely into it.”

The 9-episode series also stars Rajesh Khattar, Divya Sheth, Zakir Hussain, Barkha Bisht, Abhijit Khandkekar and Hera Mishra in prominent roles.

As the case unfolds, it leads Drashti’s character to some shocking revelations about her husband. The story will show how the protagonists wade through constant problems, despite which, they stand tall.

“‘Duranga’ primarily deals with the subject of how well you know your partner and then explores the story further. We may believe that we know our partner really well, but do we really? That’s what Duranga will explore and answer. Very excited to present the show and we hope the audience totally resonates with it the way we did,” Goldie further mentioned.

–IANS

source: http://www.newsroomodisha.com / Newsroom Odisha / Home> Entertainment / by Newsroom Odhisha / July 25th, 2022

Brahmagiri Kodava Association AGM And Get-Together Held

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Members of Brahmagiri Kodava Association (BKA), Mysuru,  conducted its AGM and get-together function at Kodava Samaja premises in city on Sunday.

Association President Nayakanda Prakash, while addressing the gathering, appealed to them to put across their suggestions to the Association office-bearers to bring bonhomie belongingness among members and serve the society.

He also called upon the members to take part in various activities of the Association.

After discussions during AGM  on utilisation of available  corpus of the Association, it was decided that the final decision would be taken in due course  by the office-bearers and Committee Members, keeping in view the best interest of members and their School and College going children.

Children of members of BKA were felicitated with cash awards for securing distinction/ highest marks in SSLC and PUC during the academic year 2021-2022.

Games were organised separately for ladies and children and prizes were distributed by elderly members.

Mallamada Devaiah, Secretary, read out the activities of the previous year. Mandetira Shakunthala read out the Accounts.

Pandiyanda Pradeep welcomed. Thirodira Dev proposed a vote of thanks. Chananda Jyothi compered the programme.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 26th, 2022

Rafting Thrill Draws Tourists To Rapids At Dubare, Barapole

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nature, Records, All, Sports, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Kushalnagar:

Adventure lovers who have been pining to get some adrenaline rush are heading towards Dubare and Barapole in Kodagu district for whitewater river rafting and rappelling in the rapids. Rafting in the Cauvery and at Barapole is an exhilarating experience. Rafting usually starts once the inflow into the Cauvery and Barapole increases and the level rises. A raft is a rubberised, inflatable boat with different carrying capacities.

A 7-kilometre journey at Dubare will take about one-and-a-half hours while it is shorter but adventurous at Barapole’s 4.5-km rafting. The tranquil water may be a deceitful thing along the course of the Cauvery and Barapole as one hits the rapids (a section of the river where the water moves very fast particularly over or bisecting the rocks).

If one is tired of their mundane schedule and wants to try something adventurous with friends then river rafting is one of the perfect and thrilling options that one can opt for. The thrill, however, is not without a certain amount of risk. However, the risks are what enhance the river rafting experience for many adrenaline junkies.

Rapid adventure

At Dubare, rafters will get to experience two rapids and swimming is allowed at two places. Barapole has more than nine Class 2 Class 4 rapids and is set on the banks of the Kithu Kakathu River (KKR). The river is a turbulent one all along its route as it flows through the Brahmagiri hills to the Arabian Sea via Kerala.

While June to the end of September is the ‘whitewater’ season, October to December or January is a ‘stillwater’ season. After which, the water level depletes. Whitewater is formed in a rapid when a river’s gradient changes enough to generate so much turbulence that air is trapped within the water. This forms an unstable current that froths, making the water appear opaque and white. Stillwater is part of a stream where no water current is visible.

The response for rafting is pretty good with over 2,000 rafters during weekends and over 250 rafters daily. At Dubare, there are 70 rafts and 70 guides while Barapole has 9 rafts and 9 guides. Soon, 10 more rafts will be added to the existing fleet at Dubare as there is a huge demand.

Safety is of paramount importance here and all the guides are well trained. Life jackets are worn by all the rafters and the guide and at Dubare, each life jacket can withstand a weight of 180 kgs and there is little chance of drowning. Rafting at Dubare costs Rs. 600 per person and Rs. 1,200 at Barapole. Each raft can carry six rafters and one guide.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Pavan of Coorg Water Rafting Sports and Adventures, Barapole, said that the response is good. “Only those who are passionate about rafting and adventure come here and we have many regulars. It is quite challenging and tests the adventure spirit,” he said.

Barapole

Need changing room for ladies

C.L. Vishwa, raft owner and former President of Dubare Rafters Association, said that they desperately need a changing room at Dubare for ladies and girls and also there is a need to establish a drinking water facility.

“If the District Administration wants to attract more tourists to Dubare, then a hanging bridge is a must for tourists to reach the Elephant Camp from one side of the Cauvery river. Unfortunately, the tourist-friendly project has been shelved by officers without a vision,” he added.

Rules and regulations

The Kodagu District Administration has came out with a 23-point formula to ensure safety. The operators must secure permission from the Departments of Police, Forests, Fire Force and Tourism, and employ trained guards to accompany the rafters. Every one of them should have ID cards issued by Tourism Department and should be trained in first-aid methods. Smoking and drinking is prohibited during rafting. Rafters should also obtain permission from the Karnataka Inland Water Transport Department.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / July 24th, 2022

Kodagu’s slush sports festival evokes warm response

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nature, Records, All, Sports, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Many take part in programme despite intermittent drizzle

Providing a reprieve from the stress and strain of a vigorous monsoon which tends to wreak havoc in Kodagu, was the slush field sports conducted by the district administration, on Saturday.

The monsoon in Kodagu tends to conjure up images of flood and landslips. But with the rains abating, the people put their worries behind to take time off and participate in the 30 th State-level slush field sports organised at Kaggodlu village in Madikeri taluk.

It was conducted by the Kodagu district administration, Zilla Panchayat and Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and inaugurated by Appachu Ranjan, MLA. He recalled that in earlier days, every farmer or landlord in Kodagu used to take part in slush sports after sowing and it helped bring the community together and strengthened bond.

The competition drew people from different parts of the district who braved the intermittent drizzle and encouraged the participants who were drenched in muddy water and slush and gave a display of their prowess in different games. The festival was open to boys and girls as also men and women and included 50 metrerace, 200 metre race, 400 metre race , throwball, volleyball, tug-of-war etc.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / July 23rd, 2022

A Book On The Lighter Side Of Coorg

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All

Yesterday morning as I sat at my working desk, there sat a brown cover addressed to me on the table.

It came from Palanganda T. Bopanna, a journalist author from Bengaluru. Inside was a thin book with a thick hard cover embellished with the photograph of the author in his ethnic Kodava headgear of a peta adorned with a pattern of golden strap crossing each other as if hugging the peta.

The title of the book is quite revealing and says what it contains:

Round And About With P.T. Bopanna’ with a bottom line: Bopanna looks at the lighter side of Coorg. Himself being a Kodava (Coorg), his writings here are of Kodagu related subjects or about himself with VIPs. I finished reading it in one hour and here I am writing about it. This was possible because each of the 25 pieces inside, including the Foreword by the Kodava iconic Fashion Guru of India Prasad Bidapa and the Epilogue, are no longer than two or three pages in fairly larger font and pictures. Good reading for those familiar with Kodagu (Coorg) and the people written about in the book.

There is a Preface also by the author and I was delighted to find the names of Mr. Boverianda Chinnappa and Mrs. Nanjamma Chinnappa, now residents of Mysuru, being mentioned for their “valuable suggestions” in bringing out this thin book of 68 pages. “The couple has been a source of strength to me in my book and web ventures,” he writes in gratitude.

As a Kodava myself, I know there are any number of Kodavas all over the world engaged in different activities and pursing professions who have become great achievers. Kodava people belong to a microscopic minority as a population who lived in a land of their own known as Kodagu ruled by Nayaks and then Kings and then the British, now a district in Karnataka.

The land area cannot increase but population increases. As a result when the family grew, its land-holding was not sufficient for running the family. Perforce they got themselves educated and some members had to leave Kodagu and then Kodava (Coorg) diaspora became a reality. Fortunately those who went out of Kodagu, a great majority of them, are doing well and very well. Some of them became celebrities and some are recognised by the governments. But there are other achievers who remain without public recognition but doing very well in their given profession, business or industry.

One example for anonymous achievers and distinguished persons among Kodavas is given in the book itself in the person for whom the book is dedicated (page 3). He is Pemanda Monappa Belliappa, a retired IAS Officer of Tamil Nadu.

Acknowledged as an outstanding administrator, Belliappa was decorated with MBE (Member of the British Empire) by the Queen of England. More than this, he established ‘Pemanda Monappa Scholarship’ in Cambridge University in perpetuity, in the name of his father, Pemanda Monappa, former Karnataka Inspector General of Police. Nearer home, he has also made handsome donation to the Coorg Education Fund, Madikeri. People like Belliappa are indeed the pride of Kodagu. There are many such Stars of Kodagu!

Bopanna, who claims to be a chronicler of Kodagu or Kodavas, may also venture to trace all those achievers among them, after independence of our country (1947) and publish a book with their biodata. This would be a great contribution from him to the Kodava people.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns > Abracadabra / by K.B. Ganapathy / July 20th, 2022

Gauahar Khan, Gulshan Devaiah and Pavan Malhotra to star in ‘Shiksha Mandal’

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

This original series is directed by Syed Ahmad Afzal.

article-image

An OTT platform will soon launch ‘Shiksha Mandal’, a hard-hitting narrative inspired by true events that revolve around the biggest scam in the educational system in India.

‘Shiksha Mandal- Power Paise Ka… Scam Shiksha Ka’ will reveal corruption, fraud, cheating and criminal conspiracy that affects vulnerable students in India.

This original series is directed by Syed Ahmad Afzal and stars Gauahar Khan, Gulshan Devaiah and Pavan Malhotra in lead roles.

Gauahar Khan will be seen as a no-nonsense cop, Gulshan Devaiah will enact the role of a simple, hardworking young man running a coaching centre with aspirations for his family and Pavan Malhotra will portray the role of a villain who is behind many illegal activities.

With a socially relevant premise and equally talented cast, audiences can expect to see a riveting storyline inspired by true events.

source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home / by FPJ Web Desk / July 19th, 2022

Exclusive: Nidhi Subbaiah bags a pivotal role in Upendra’s UI

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Nidhi Subbaiah is excited as she finally gets to work with Upendra. There were films that she was supposed to have worked with the Real Star before, but they never materialised. But she is now happy that she not only gets to work alongside him, but it is a pivotal role in his directorial comeback, UI. As she speaks to us, she tells us that she has already finished shooting for a couple days for the film.


The excited actress shares, “I’m finally in a movie that I really want to be in. The roles and scripts that I’ve been listening to so far weren’t fitting the bill.” As for how it all happened, she says, “I was in Goa when I got a call from the team. I cut short my trip to meet Uppi sir. It was nice to know that he was keen on casting me specifically, and I readily agreed after the narration. I am super excited to work with him.”

Nidhi says that she was previously supposed to work with Upendra on a couple of projects, but they didn’t work out due to various reasons. “Uppi sir’s memory is amazing. He recalled all those projects and also reminded me of the couple of times when we had met at different events. I was awestruck,” she says, adding that she immediately began shooting for the film after the narration and has been enjoying her time on the set.


“Uppi sir has a novel way of filmmaking. He is particular about the details and is also a perfectionist. He treats everyone like a child and patiently explains everything. The added bonus of working in this film is that we have a great production house that has delivered cult hits,” explains Nidhi, who adds that they want to keep the details of her character under wraps.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Times of India / Home> E-Times> News> Entertainment?> Kannada> Movies / by TNN / by Sunayna Suresh / July 14th, 2022

Tourism Minister To Open Cauvery Gallery In Mysuru

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)
  • After Ganga, Brahmaputra Galleries, first such Gallery in South India
  • Gallery timings: 10 am – 6 pm
  • Entry ticket: Adults – Rs. 20, children – Rs. 10

Mysore/Mysuru:

The Cauvery Gallery that has been set up at Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) Grounds showcasing the life, culture and biodiversity of the River from its birth at Talacauvery in Kodagu till it reaches the Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu will be open to the public on July 13.

The visually appealing Gallery with many 3-D presentations has been built jointly by Karnataka Knowledge Commission and Tourism Department. It has been modelled as per the design, specifications and imagination of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) and has been built at a cost of Rs. 3.5 crore.

KEA Chairman Hemanth Kumar Gowda told Star of Mysore that Tourism Minister Anand Singh will inaugurate the Gallery on July 13 at 11 am in the presence of Mysuru District Minister S.T. Somashekar. In-Charge Mayor Sunanda Palanetra, MPs V. Sreenivasa Prasad, Pratap Simha and Sumalatha Ambarish, MLAs G.T. Devegowda, Tanveer Sait, S.A. Ramdas and L. Nagendra will be the guests.

NASI-NCSM project conceptualisation

The project is based on research conducted by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous society under the Ministry of Culture. Officials of the NASI and the State Tourism Department had signed an agreement to establish the gallery in the KEA complex (at Kannada Karanji). It is the first river gallery in South India.

The Gallery highlights the geological and ecological characteristics of the Cauvery River apart from projecting the social and cultural characteristic features of civilisation that have evolved along the river bank.

NASI is the implementing agency and would train the authorities from Mysuru on how to maintain and administer the gallery. The NASI and NCSM have completed the establishment of the Brahmaputra River gallery project in Guwahati, Assam, and the Ganga River gallery project in Allahabad.

15,000 sq.ft. area covered

The Cauvery Gallery has been built on an area of 15,000 sq.ft. and highlights the geological and ecological characteristics of the Cauvery apart from projecting the social and cultural characteristic features of civilisations that have evolved along the banks of the river.

Artefacts and dolls tell the story of the Cauvery River from Talacauvery (birthplace in Kodagu) to Poompuhar. Pictures, live visuals and models of the river flowing from one part to another criss-crossing the hills and plains narrate the story giving an audio-visual and also pictorial presentation to the viewer.

Ticket pricing

The mega project includes multimedia features and an electronic display to provide visitors with an immersive experience of life and culture along the Cauvery. After the viewers see the gallery, there will be a 20-minute short film on Cauvery.

Adults will have to pay Rs. 20 for an entry ticket while children have to pay Rs. 10. The Gallery will be open from 10 am to 6 pm and the timings will be extended based on the tourist response and tourist seasons.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 09th, 2022

Governor Takes A Break; Spends Time In Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Bylakuppe:

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot yesterday visited the popular tourist spot Dubare elephant camp near Kushalnagar. He inaugurated ‘Vana Mahotsava’ event organised by the Forest Department by planting a sapling.

Governor Gehlot who arrived at the other end of the elephant camp by crossing the Cauvery river by a boat, had a view of the camp elephants and beautiful scenery all around. The Mahouts apprised the Governor on the daily routine of elephants and their activities. Even as Gehlot was watching the elephants, one of them blessed the Governor by touching his head with its trunk. Later, the Governor received inputs on the life and livelihood of the tribal population in Dubare forest. Gehlot also interacted with Mahouts, during which the Mahouts sought a hike in their wages. The Governor rested for sometime at ‘Aane Mahal’, before leaving Dubare.

Gehlot, who was on his first ever visit to Dubare, was honoured  by Nanjarayapatna Gram Panchayat President C.L. Vishwa. Kodagu DC Dr. Satish, CCF B.N.N. Murthy, DFO Poovaiah, Kushalnagar Tahsildar Prakash, Kushalnagar RFO Shivaram, Dubare Deputy Forest Officer Ranjan, DRFOs Anil D’Souza, Vilas, Chetan and Manjegowda, Nanjarayapatna GP PDO Kalpana and others were present.

Visits Golden Temple

The Governor also visited the Tibetan Golden Temple at Bylakuppe on Mysuru-Madikeri Road in Periyapatna taluk yesterday. He was given a traditional welcome by Buddhist monks and received with Police honours. Gehlot went around the Golden Temple, when he was explained about the significance of three Buddha idols installed there and Monastery’s activities.

The Governor was presented with a Buddha idol by Namdroling Monastery on the occasion.

Mysuru DC Dr. Bagadi Gautham, Tahsildar Chandramouli, SP R. Chethan, Additional SP Shivakumar, Bettadapura CPI Prakash, PSIs Basavaraju, Prakash Yettinamani and Chikkaswamy, RI Pradeep, Village Accountant Naveen, Namdroling Monastery  Administrators Tulku Choedhar, Khenpo Ngawang Samten, Khenpo Tenzin Yeshe, Khenpo Pema Tashi, Lopon Gyurme, Lopon Tenzin Yeshe, Khenpo Karma Drubwang, Lopon Pema Namgyal and others were present.

Gehlot arrived at Madikeri for a two-day tour of Kodagu district on Friday when he was received with Government honours at Hotel Mayura Valley View in Madikeri.

He later  held an interaction with beneficiaries of various Government schemes, plans, programmes, projects and initiatives. He thereafter visited Bhagamandala and Talacauvery, the birth place of River Cauvery, which is the life-line for crores of people along Cauvery basin.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 03rd, 2022