Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Dancer Adapts Kodava Poems To Bharatanatyam

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

Submits two-year Fellowship thesis to Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

Mysore/Mysuru:

Acclaimed Bharatanatyam artiste from Kodagu Mukkatira Shilpa Nanjappa has recently completed her two-year fellowship research with the Central Government’s Ministry of Culture. She was awarded the prestigious Fellowship by the Indian Government’s Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) for 2019-2021.

Her topic was ‘Adaptation of Kodava language/literary compositions into the classical format and Bharatanatyam’. Shilpa pursued this work with the intention of popularising and propagating the language of Kodavas ‘Kodava Thakk’ which is deemed to vanish by the turn of the century. 

The Fellowship is awarded to only 200 artistes across India and includes all art fields like dance, music, sculpture, literature, photography, video-graphics, etc. The CCRT is one of the premier institutions working in the field of linking education with culture. 

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Shilpa said that she has submitted her 150-page thesis as part of the Fellowship. Mentioning about her research work, Shilpa said that there are many poems and prose in Kodava language and her intention was to make them accessible to the masses. 

“I am proficient in the vocabulary of Bharatnatyam, Kannada, Kodava and English and I also understand the nuances of the Kodava language and as such it helped me to achieve proficiency in the Fellowship and also bring out a full length Bharatanatyam production titled ‘Tales in Kodava’. 

Shilpa is the first from the community to adapt the language to dance in such a format, making it entertaining, catchy and enabling people to ponder and reflect on their present situation. Her research work and dance production makes Kodava poems effective, making people visualise and also raise questions to make their own lives better. 

In fact, Shilpa did a 45-minute solo dance drama composition for Doordarshan when she was just 14 and it was about ‘Yayati’ by Haradasa Appacha Kavi. She has created a set of classical connoisseurs through her performances in Bengaluru. “I have developed the storylines, concept, content and context using Kodava poems and literature for a wider reach and appeal. All are in classical music as classicism ensures that a language lives and thrives,” she said.  

The research work and the dance production come after years of research on this subject. The ‘Tales in Kodavas, the fragrance of Kodagu’s culture, its people, psyche and language through Bharatanatyam’ premiered on Sept. 2 in the online festival ‘Padmini’ brought out by Rasabodhi Arts Foundation. 

Daughter of Allaranda Kamy and Uthappa, she is married to Mukkatira Pavan Nanjappa and lives in Madikeri with her family. 

Dance compositions 

The dance production brings to the fore the fragrance of Kodagu’s culture, people, psyche and language through various dances choreographed and conceptualised by Shilpa.

There are five compositions in the production and the first one is by late Mandira Jaya Appanna’s musical poem ‘Jaya Mohini Bhasmasura’ episode of Lord Aiyappa that follows the legend of Makki Sarthavu Temple at Bethu village in Kodagu. The second poem ‘Conversations with Shiva’ has been written by Shilpa herself and it brings forward the no-fuss spiritual journey that the Kodavas have.

The  third poem is by late Nadikeriyanda Chinnappa in 1917 titled ‘Sri Moola Kanniye Pommale Kodumale…’ adapted to the current problems of environmental pollution, family discords and extensive exploitation of nature and how Cauvery caused landslides and floods where mountains came crashing. Called the ‘Plight of Cauvery’ Shilpa compares river Cauvery, ravaged by man-made exploitation to a woman who has been violated by a greedy society and how she hits back with a vengeance.

The fourth poem in the dance production is a poem by an anonymous poet about betrayal, love and friendship. The last one is a ‘Thillana’ in Kodava language. It is a dance of joy, exuberance with Puthari (harvest festival) as the theme, again penned and composed by Shilpa.

‘Tales in Kodava’ is available for viewing until Sept. 20 and tickets can be bought at https://www.tikkl.com/RasaBodhiArtsFoundation

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 07th, 2021

Kodava Academy annual awards announced

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

Twelve achievers have been selected for the annual honourary awards and book awards conferred by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Academy chairperson Dr Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah said that the award function will be held at Kodava Samaja in Makkanduru on September 12.

She said that the award function could not be held last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The awards for both years will be presented on September 12.

The honourary awardees for the present year are Monnanda Shobha Subbaiah and Badakadammanda Kasturi Govinda Mayya (literature), late Kameyanda C Ayyanna and Bottolanda Kali Achaiah (art), Kambiranda Cauvery Ponnappa (research) and Appaneravanda Kiran Subbaiah (sculpture).

Annual book awards will be present for, ‘Pojang’ a collection of poems by Bacharaniyanda P Appanna and Ranu Appanna, ‘Mahavira Achunayaka’ a novel by Kadyamada Reeta Bopaiah, ‘Badk Pinja Dechavva’ a play by Addanda C Cariappa, ‘Nadapeda Asha’ a novel by Nagesh Kaluru, ‘Nangdar Kodava’ by Maletira Seethamma Vivek and ‘Nataka Ranga’ by Uluvangada Cauvery Uday.

Honorary awards will comprise a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each and the book awards comprise Rs 25,000 each, said Parvathi Appaiah.

Kodava thesaurus ‘Pala Pajel Kodava Takk’ will be released during the function.

There are 5,000 words and descriptions have been given in Kannada, Hindi and English, she added.

Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan M P will inaugurate the programme. Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah, MLC Sunil Subramani M P, MLC Veena Achaiah and others will take part, said Makkanduru Kodava Samaja president Napanda Ravi Kalappa.

Academy members Babbira Saraswathi, Machimada Janaki Machaiah, Makkanduru Kodava Samaja secretary Anchettira Manu Muddappa were present at the press meet.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / September 08th, 2021

Kodava movie ‘Nadapeda Asha’ screened

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All
A scene from the movie ‘Nadapeda Asha’.

The much-awaited Kodava film ‘Nadapeda Asha’ was released on Monday and the first screening of the film was held at Kodava Samaja in Moornadu.

The movie has a positive social message during the tough time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nadapeda Asha narrates the story of the wife of a martyr and was appreciated by movie lovers.

The film has reflected the Kodava way of life and heritage.

Nellachandra Rishi Poovamma and Bollajira B Ayyappa are in the lead roles.

The film is based on the work by Nagesh Kaluru. Kottukattira Prakash Cariappa has directed the film.

Nadapeda Asha is the 21st Kodava film. The other films in the Kodava language are ‘Kodagra Sipayi’, ‘Mahavira Acchunayaka’, ‘Nadamanne Nada Kool’, ‘Mandara Poo’, ‘Na Bayanda Poo’, ‘Jadimale’, ‘Ponnra Manassu’, ‘Nirikshe’ and ‘Makkada Manas’.

During the first screening of the film, Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum president Col (retd) Subbaiah, writer Nagesh Kaluru, producers Eramanda Harini Vijay and others were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / September 06th, 2021

Kailpodh Festival of Kodavas: A Unique Festival of Weapons

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

Festival season is approaching and so are the moments of colorful traditions and culture. Some of them are celebrated within communities and some of them nationally and globally. Community festivals are significant to the respective community and connect them with their families and social structure of living.

Festival of weapons

Situated at 3000 feet above sea-level, Coorg is beautiful and is known as the Scotland of India and is home to the Kodagu Community, where this festival of weapons is celebrated. Coorg is home to various agricultural crops  like coffee, pepper, oranges, avocado and cardamom. The delicacies include dishes cooked with pork, mutton, rice, wild mushroom, bamboo shoot and smoked meat.

About the Kodagu Community:

The Kodagu community has got its own rituals and very interesting traditions still kept alive. One such Festival they still celebrate within their community is Kailpodh, which is celebrated in the month of September. ‘Kail means armory and Podh means festivals, so Kailpodh means “Festivals of Weapons”.   This Unique traditional festival is celebrated within the Kodagu community where arms and weapons like guns, knives, swords, bows, and arrows are cleaned and prayer lamps are lit. The hanging prayer lamps are called Thookbolcha in Kodava and flowers called Thokk Poo (Gloriosa Superba flowers) are placed on the nozzles of guns.

The Kodavas have always maintained an intimate relationship with their weapons. Its been said that during weddings they use a large Kodava Knife to cut banana Stalk with one single cut. During the death and birth, they fire a single shot into the air to share the news with the neighbours. Largely there were forest land where they lived and hunting used to be their favourite past time. At present even if hunting is not done, these weapons are passed down from generation to generation.

This is a time which marks the end to the sowing season and then they have to remain watchful and protect the crop. The weapons used to protect the crop hence are taken and decorated on this day and pooja is offered. The river deity Kaveramma, and Mahaguru Igguthappa and the supreme ancestor Guru Karana, are invoked during this day.

The festivities:

Kodava cuisine includes well-prepared, tasty food such as steamed dough balls called kadambuttu, and rice cakes, string hoppers meat dishes such as Pork curry, Chicken curry and Mutton Curry as well as desserts like Rice kheer. They also wear traditional costumes and play various games like folkdances ,shotput, rifle shooting , traditional dances.

source: http://www.krishijagran.com / Krishi Jagran / Home> Others / by Dr Lakshmi Unnithan / September 07th, 2021

Waterfalls in Suntikoppa are in full splendour

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All
Haleri Falls near Suntikoppa.

Several waterfalls in Suntikoppa hobli have been attracting people and tourists with their natural splendour.

Some of these waterfalls in Suntikoppa are located inside plantations.

As the region has witnessed intermittent rainfall from the past week, many waterfalls have regained their natural beauty.

The sound of the water flowing down the hills has been beckoning the tourists.

Haleri Falls is situated at a distance of 2 km from Boyikeri. The sound of the flowing water can be heard till 2 km.

‘D’ Block Falls in Kedakal Gram Panchayat limits near Suntikoppa, is one of the most attractive falls. The waterfalls cascade amidst the greens, providing a feast for the eyes.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Suntikoppa / August 24th, 2021

Onam celebrated at Coorg Public School

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Coorg Public School (COPS) celebrated Thiruvonam on the school’s premises, keeping in mind the present pandemic and adhering to the necessary safety protocol.  

The celebrations started with the setting up of an attractive floral decoration Pookalam in the reception area.

The main attraction was a semi-classical dance performed by the staff members.

Dr Benny Kuriakose, the principal of the school, spoke on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / August 24th, 2021

Prasad Bidapa Joins Advisory Board Of Pearl Academy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Pearl Academy welcomes Bengaluru based fashion connoisseur Prasad Bidapa on its academic advisory board.

India’s leading creative education institution, Pearl Academy, today announced that fashion and image expert Prasad Bidapa has joined the academic advisory board of its Bengaluru campus.

The advisory board, with eminent veterans from diverse creative fields, is responsible for bringing industry insights and global best practices that can be incorporated into the curriculum and pedagogy to ensure that the students receive the most relevant education.

On joining the Pearl Academy Bengaluru advisory board, Prasad Bidapa said, “I strongly believe that contributing to the education of the youth is one of the best ways to make your years of expertise and experience count and hence, I am delighted to collaborate with Pearl Academy.

The institute’s seriousness towards nurturing creative minds in a way that prepares them for professional lives while retaining their unique identity and passion for the chosen craft is exemplary.

I am looking forward to engaging with the young creators, innovators, dreamers and disrupters. My mission is to sensitize our young minds into appreciating & using the vast wealth of our indigenous textiles & techniques, and helping them achieve global recognition”.  

With 40 years of experience, Prasad is undoubtedly amongst the iconic fashion gurus of India.

He has been revolutionizing the fashion industry by curating various high-profile fashion events like India Men’s Fashion Week, Colombo Fashion Week and Rajasthan Heritage Week.

He is also committed to the cause of reviving the traditional textiles of India. 

source: http://www.bweducation.businessworld.in / BW Education / Home / by BW Online Bureau / September 02nd, 2021

The inimitable Shiv Amma

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Photo for representation only

The assistant manager’s bungalow at the Margolly coffee plantation in Coorg in the early ’90s was an interior decorator’s delight. Although the regal British era structure had lost some of its original sheen and the shining Sheffield cutlery, crockery and linen that formed part of the resident ‘gora sab-memsab’s’ home furnishings, yet it had retained the old English charm of a dream bungalow with its large, cool, well-ventilated, well-lit bedrooms, sizeable bathrooms and bay-windows overlooking lush gardens and orchards to boot. The place was adequately furnished and the new resident could move in with the bare minimum of wherewithal. Our son, who had joined Coorg Coffee then, was house-proud and kept the place immaculately tidy.

On my first visit to him during the summer vacation, I met the good old Shiv Amma, his housekeeper, who couldn’t stop gushing over her generous new Sikh manager and seemed even more pleased to have me visit him. Although I knew just a smattering of Tamil, and she knew no other language, we managed to communicate through gestures and an admixture of what sounded more like Double Dutch. She would appear every morning, genie-like, in a spotless clean sari and headdress, carrying a bag of fresh groceries for the day and diligently set about her work. From the several broken interactions we had, I gathered that she lived on the estate itself and was proudly informed that her son was pursuing a PhD programme in agriculture.

One evening, when she was asked to stay back as my son had an official engagement, she dropped a bombshell. Sitting by my side, she suddenly asked in right earnest, ‘Amma, manager la father illay?’

‘Good Lord, no! Whatever makes you ask that?’ I asked bemused. Gesticulating calmly, she said: ‘No bindi, no mangalsutra and no manager’s father himself!’

My focus during that one month’s stay was to train Shiv Amma to cook simple North Indian victuals without the perennial mustard tadka. The courtyard of the assistant manager’s office, which was an extension of the bungalow itself, abutted the kitchen. So, whatever transpired between Shiv Amma and me would waft into the office, unless we kept our volumes in check. I remember receiving a polite telephonic reprimand from my son whenever the vocal cords lost control. Despite trying valiantly to strike a balance between a treble at the university and a bass at home, exasperation over my linguistic limitations here would often tend to let the vapours escape. On this particular occasion, I needed a spoon during a cooking demonstration. So, I said, ‘Shiv Amma, chamach,’ thinking it was a common enough word.

She looked around vaguely and picked up everything but what I needed till I huffed across to the shelf impatiently, picked up a spoon and thrust it under her nose, hollering ‘chamach’.

Instantly galvanised now, she animatedly blurted out, ‘Voh! Amma! Spoon eh!’ leaving me flummoxed.

source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Musings / by Mina Surjit Singh / August 26th, 2021

Neelakurinji blooms beckon tourists, chopper rides on offer

Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All, Uncategorized, World Opinion

The mass blooming of the Neelakurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana) in Kodagu district is giving the much-needed boost to the state’s tourism sector.

Neelakurunji flowers bloom at a hillock in Kodagu district | forest department

Bengaluru:

The mass blooming of Neelakurngi in Coorg has made it a rallying point for wildlife enthusiasts, botanists, photographers and tourists.

The blooming at the hillocks of Mandalpatti and Kote Betta in Kodagu, tourism has also taken up the north. Since the blooming has happened for the first time in a such a massive scale and is after 12 years, more so after tourism activities have opened up after the pandemic, every one are heading to India’s Scotland to see them. 

The new entrant in the list to draw tourists is heli- tourism. As the state government and the tourism department are trying the revive the long pending heli- tourism, a firm in Bengaluru has undertaken a heli- ride to Kodagu and surrounding areas, giving an areal view of the blooming Neelakurunji flowers on the hillocks. 

Govind Nair, Director, Thumby Aviation Private Limited said already one trip from Yelahanka air base to Coorg was done earlier this week. Now it is being offered as a part of the Nowhere trip to Coorg, a package tour, where a detour to Mandalapatti will be done. 

Tourism packages and inineraries are being revamped on the go, depending upon the blooming and withering of the flowers. But since it is a once in 12 years sighting, many resorts are offering a visit to the region as a part of the package, to draw more crowds. 

Trekking and flying has now taken the front seat to draw tourists. Even as the recent guidelines of the ministry of aviation states that drones are prohibited over national  parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other eco- sensitive places, conservationists and foresters object to helicopters flyover over the region. They point not just is the area a fragile Western Ghats region, little is know the species in Kodagu and so all precaution should be exercised to safeguard them. 

Botanists point that utmost care should be taken in the area as the flowering in this part of Western Ghats has not been recorded and documented. Karnataka as around 45 species of Kurunjis and in different altitudes different species have been recorded. Each species blooms at different intervals like once in six years, nine years, 11 or 12 years. So administration must ensure that tourism and footfall is limited to the region, so that they are well protected. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Bosky Khanna, Express News Service / August 27th, 2021

Kodagu Zilla Mogera Samaja seeks site for hall

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Kodagu Zilla Mogera Samaja submitted a memorandum to Minister for Fisheries, Port and Inland Water Transport S Angara to help in getting a site sanctioned from the government for the construction of a community hall of Mogera Samaja.

The Mogera Samaja members held a discussion with the minister, in the presence of MLA K G Bopaiah, Karnataka Western Ghats Task Force chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa and others.

In their appeal, the office-bearers of the Samaja said that government help is essential for the upliftment of the Mogera community.

Earlier, the community members felicitated the minister on his arrival at General Thimayya Circle in Madikeri.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / August 27th, 2021