Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Fr. John Francis Texeira Passes Away

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

Mysore/Mysuru:

Rev. Fr. John Francis Texeira (72), Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church at Naganahalli, passed away yesterday at a private hospital in city following brief illness.

Funeral was held today afternoon at the Catholic Cemetery in Belawadi Parish, Mysuru and the Requiem Holy Mass was  held at 3 pm today at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in city, according to the communication from the  Bishop’s House.

Rev. Fr. John Texiera was born in Virajpet, Kodagu district on June 4, 1949 to Paul Texiera and  Hilda Vaz couple. He was the eldest among three sons.  After completing his primary education at Virajpet, Rev. Fr. John joined St. Marys Minor Seminary in Mysuru. He completed his High School education at St. Philomena’s High School, PUC at St. Philomena’s College and later completed his Philosophy and Theology studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru. 

Fr. John completed Master Degree in Catechetics at Vishwadeep, Bengaluru. He also served as the Director of Catholic Centre in Mysuru for six years and was also the Dean of Hunsur Deanery. He was ordained a Priest on June 24, 1975 at Siddapura, Kodagu district by the then Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. Mathias Fernandes.

After serving for a few years as an assistant Parish Priest at St. Joseph‘s Cathedral in Mysuru, Fr. John was appointed as the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church in Yadavagiri. He later served as the Parish Priest at Pandavapura, Kamagere, Siddapura, Shantipura, Nanjangud and was serving as the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church, Naganahalli since last June.

Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. K. A. William, Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Vazhapilly and Priests of the Diocese have condoled the demise of Rev. Fr. John F. Texiera.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 19th, 2021

Kunchagayana programme for drug-free Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
Artist B R Sathish in the Kunchagayana in Virajpet.

To create awareness about the ill effects of narcotic drugs, artist B R Sathish conducted a Kunchagayana programme on social media.

Speaking on the occasion, Kodagu Press Club president Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa said that there is a need to fight against the drug menace. Everyone should join hands to create a drug-free Kodagu.

In the Kunchagayana, T D Mohan sang songs while artist B R Sathish made drawings to create awareness.

Janapada Parishat district president Ananthashayana and others were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / DHNS, Virajpet / April 17th, 2021

‘More Army recruitment rallies needed in Kodagu’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Describing the 37 Coorg Medium Regiment as a matter of ‘pride for Karnataka’, ex-Sergeant of Indian Air Force Mandetira Subramani, who is also the president of VeKare Ex-Servicemen’s Trust (VKET), has emphasised the need to post a few more willing young officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and jawans among Coorgs to the regiment and make it more meaningful.

Representation needed

Even though the regiment uses the insignia of Coorg i.e Odi Kathi and Peeche Kathi, and displays the insignia in sports track suits, besides celebrating the two major festivals Puttari and Kaipodh, it is surprising to note that there is no significant representation of Coorg officers, jawans and JCOs in the regiment as of now, said Mr. Subramani while addressing the recent 9th annual general body meeting of T. Shettigeri Ex-Servicemen Association, Kodagu.

He urged the president of the association Kattera Vishwanath to approach the Chief of Army Staff and request him to post a few willing young officers, JCOs and jawans among Coorgs already serving the army in different artillery regiments to the regiment.

Youth training

He also said the Army recruitment rallies should be held in Kodagu more frequently. He urged the members of the association to motivate and train the youth in Kodagu to join the Indian Army as officers or as combatant soldiers depending on their educational qualification.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / Mysuru – April 14th, 2021

Screening Of Kodava Film ‘Usar’ At Mysuru Kodava Samaja

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

Mysuru:

After successful screening at Madikeri, Murnad, Virajpet, Napoklu Ammathi and Ponnampet, Kodava film ‘Usar’ will be screened at Mysuru Kodava Samaja on Apr. 9, 10 and 11. 

There will be four shows at 11 am, 2.30 pm, 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm on all three days and advanced booking can be done. Tickets are available at the venue also. 

The film has been made under the banner of P&G Creations and the story of the film is based on the lives of youth affected by the drug menace and their family members. The film aims to create awareness in society.

‘Usar’ has been produced by Pasura Ramya Nanaiah and directed by Pratish Poovaiah and Acheyada Gagan Ganapathy. The team decided to produce the film after the success of many short films that went viral, especially those having a good social message. It is a family movie and has three songs. 

For more details on tickets, contact: 98806-00240 or 63601-89482. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 09th, 2021

No total ban on tourism: Kodagu DC

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Charulatha Somal on Monday clarified that no blanket ban on tourism has been imposed in Kodagu and only tourist destinations had been closed till April 20 in view of many holidays in the ensuing days which could result in larger turnout of travellers.

Resorts, hotels and homestays can function as usual taking all necessary precautions. The hospitality sector has been permitted to operate, complying with the COVID-19 appropriate practices of wearing face masks, sanitisation and social distancing. “There is no blanket ban on tourism,” she clarified.

Ms .Somal said the decision on closing down tourist sites had been taken in the interest of public health safety. “The district administration is thankful to everyone for their support and cooperation,” she added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – April 05th, 2021

Kodagu On Canvas: 3-Day Art Camp Held

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri: 

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Kodagu Kendra, in association with Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, had organised a three-day art camp in city which concluded on Sunday. The camp provided a platform to both professional and upcoming artists to depict the beautiful city of Kodagu on canvas through watercolour painting.

Artists S. Madhusudan (Chamarajanagar), Santosh Mala (Udupi), Priyadarshini Shahapur (Bagalkot), Krishnaveni (Ballari), Boraiah (Davanagere), Vansanthkumar (Hassan), Dr. Appa Saheb Ganigera (Bengaluru), Arathi (Vijayapura) and Praveen Kumar (Mysuru) participated in the three-day art camp.

Speaking on the occasion, art camp organiser, a member of BVB Bengaluru, Bharatanatyam dancer Nagalakshmi Rao said, “Most of the artists were facing financial crisis due to the pandemic and lockdown. We didn’t want COVID blues to dampen their spirits. Hence, BVB Kodagu Kendra in association with Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, had organised this three-day art camp. The scenic landscape of Kodagu as well as portraits of Kodavas have been wonderfully sketched in watercolours on canvas. Our intent was to provide a platform for these artists to present their narratives. This would certainly inspire more and more artists to come and visit Kodagu in the coming days.”

BVB Kodagu Kendra Gen. Secretary Balaji Kashyap stated that they were very happy to organise such a programme after a gap of many years in Kodagu. “Due to the pandemic, we had to take all necessary precautions.

During the three-day art camp, we took the artists to different parts of the city.

Special thanks to Kodagu artist Imanda Roopesh Nanaiah who was also the Convenor of this camp for helping us and successfully organising this event.”

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 06th, 2021

Harshika Poonacha is seen in a Radha avatar in her Bhojpuri debut film poster

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
Harshika Poonacha is seen in a Radha avatar in her Bhojpuri debut film poster | Kannada Movie News - Times of India

Actress Harshika Poonacha, after doing films in various South Indian languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, is all set to head northwards and is gearing up for the release of her first Bhojpuri film. The actress shared with us the first look of her film Hum Hain Raahi Pyaar Ke through a poster. The poster sees Harshika posing alongside Bhojpuri cinema’s much loved Power Star Pawan Singh. The actress shot for this film in London around November last year. The actress already has bagged more films in Bhojpuri too and has earned herself the title Smiling Queen in the film industry.

Earlier, in an interview with Bangalore Times , when she was shooting for the film in London, had said, “”Yes, I am shooting for my maiden Bhojpuri film here in London. I will be acting alongside Pawan Singh, while the film will be directed by Premanshu Singh, who has helmed some of the biggest hits in recent years.”

Harshika’s work seems to have impressed makers in Bhojpuri industry, who have already signed her on for two more films. The actress says that her debut is slated to hit the screens this summer and she will begin shooting for her next two films in Bhojpuri after the release of her debut film. The actress also has signed on two romantic dramas in Kannada cinema and she is slated to begin work on these shortly too. It looks like 2021 will be a busy year for the actress.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / by TNN / April 08th, 2021

Cauvery Gallery At Dasara Expo Grounds To Be A Must-Visit Tourist Destination

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Tourism Minister impressed by visual river story narrated at the Gallery

Mysore/Mysuru:

The Cauvery Gallery being set up at Karnataka Exhibition Authority premises (Dasara Expo Grounds) in city will be open for visitors soon. “The Gallery showcases the life, culture and biodiversity along the River from its birth in Kodagu till it reaches the Bay of Bengal,” said Minister for Tourism, Ecology and Environment C.P. Yogeeshwar. 

He was visiting the Dasara Exhibition Grounds last evening to see the available options for promoting tourism in Mysuru. Impressed by the multimedia features and electronic display at the Gallery that provides visitors an immersive experience of life and culture along the Cauvery River, the Minister said that the Gallery will be a centre of attraction. 

Karnataka Knowledge Commission is setting up the Gallery along with the Department of Tourism. It would highlight the geological and ecological characteristics of Cauvery River apart from projecting the social and cultural characteristic features of civilisation that have evolved along the river bank.

Mysuru’s Cauvery Gallery will be the third in the country. There is a Gallery for River Brahmaputra in Guwahati and River Ganga has a Gallery in Allahabad. Cauvery Gallery is coming up at Kannada Karanji Building in an area of 15,000 square feet and works are almost complete. 

Here, artefacts and dolls will tell the story of the River from Talacauvery (birthplace in Kodagu) to Poompuhar (where Cauvery meets the sea in Tamil Nadu). Pictures, live visuals, models of the river flowing from one part to another criss-crossing the hills and plains will narrate the Cauvery story.

The Minister visited the main section of the Gallery that is a three-dimensional theatre where movies and documentaries on Cauvery will be screened. Yogeeshwar was told by the representatives of the Knowledge Commission that movies on conserving the river, increasing green cover around the river for sustenance, places and industries polluting the river will be shown to spread awareness.  

Along with the visual representation of various communities that have a close affinity with Cauvery like the Kodava community that find representation in the Gallery, prominent waterfalls like Shimsha, rugged terrain like Mekedatu and picturesque Hogennakal will find prominence, the Minister was told while explaining the progress of the works. 

Later speaking to reporters, Yogeeshwar said that the Cauvery Gallery would turn a must-visit tourist destination in the coming days and plans are on the anvil to develop the Karnataka Exhibition Grounds as an art centre with an allocation of Rs. 150 crore so that all-year-round programmes are held.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 13th, 2021

HC Orders Tahsildar To Survey Madikeri Gaddige Land

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Bengaluru/ Madikeri:

The Karnataka High Court has directed Madikeri Tahsildar to conduct a survey of 19.86 acres of the area where Raja’s Tomb (Gaddige) is situated at Mahadevpet near Madikeri.

A Division Bench, headed by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, was hearing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by J.S. Virupakshaiah, a former State Information Commissioner. It might be mentioned here that Virupakshaiah had even filed a PIL regarding the pathetic state of Madikeri Fort and had drawn the attention of the High Court contending that the Fort and Palace premises are heritage sites, dating back to more than three centuries and have been grossly neglected. 

In his PIL on Gaddige, Virupakshaiah alleged that there are several encroachments in the historical tomb area. Rajara Gaddige is one of the tourist attractions in Kodagu and tourists who visit Abbey falls will pass Rajara Gaddige en route to it. However, it is in deplorable condition owing to the negligence of the Government and encroachment of land by local residents and vested interests. 

Encroachments galore

Initially, the Gaddige had 19.86 acres of land. However, the land has been encroached. Some have even built houses on the encroached land. Even a Government building has come up on the Gaddige land. The Gaddige area has become land for immoral activities in the evening.

Hearing the petitioner, the High Court directed the Tahsildar to visit the Gaddige with a view to ascertain the present condition of the tomb. The Bench said the Tahsildar has to ascertain in the report whether there are any encroachments. The Bench has also directed the Tahsildar to prepare a sketch of the entire land and point out encroachments, if any. The Tahsildar has been directed to submit the survey report within six weeks.

Also, the High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Centre to file affidavits stating whether the Raja’s tomb is an ancient monument and is of national importance. It asked the State Government to consider whether powers, under Section 19 of the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961, should be exercised for the declaration of the protected area.

Deep-rooted history

The Rajara Gaddige situated in a hilly region at Mahadevpet has been built in such a way that it can be seen from all the four directions. They have been built in Mohammedan style with tombs at the centre and turrets at the corners. Nandi figures are carved on top of the corners.

The entrance of the tombs has carvings too. Lord Shiva is placed and worshipped inside the tomb since the king was Hindu. There are three tombs built for the royal dynasty. The central tomb which is the largest among the three is of Kodava king Doddaveerarajendra and his wife Mahadeviamma. The right tomb is built by Chikkaveerarajendra for his father Lingarajendra in 1820. 

The left tomb belongs to Veerarajendra’s guru Rudrappa built in 1834. Closer to the tombs is the burial place of the two brave royal officials Biddanda Bopu — Bopu Dandanayaka — and his son Biddanda Somaiah who sacrificed their life fighting with Tipu Sultan. In fact, Doddaveerarajendra had erected a plaque in the memory his soldiers in 1779.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 29th, 2021

Education should instil culture among students: Dr Parvathi Appaiah

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

Stressing on the need for more reservation for women in education and in the job sector, Dr Parvathi said that girls should not be deprived of education

Participants at the International Women’s Day programme organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Aimanda Pommakkada Koota, in Maragodu village. Credit: DH Photo

Education becomes more meaningful if it instils cultural values among students, opined Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy chairperson Dr Parvathi Appaiah.

She was delivering the keynote address during the International Women’s Day programme observed by Kodava Sahitya Academy and Aimanda Pommakkada Koota, in Maragodu village recently.

Stressing on the need for more reservation for women in education and in the job sector, Dr Parvathi said that girls should not be deprived of education.

Madikeri Government First Grade College lecturer Bodukuttada Radhika Kuttappa said education alone can bring positive development among girls.

During the session, Taluk Panchayat former president Revathi Parameshwar spoke on ‘Kalakottaneke Pommakkada Badkal Badalavane’.

Aimanda Divya presented her views on ‘Kodagra Samskruthi, Samkraratha Bolachel Avvangada Pathra’.

Books and CDs brought out by Kodava Sahitya Academy were kept for exhibition and sale.

As part of the cultural programmes, students from Kaveri Degree College, Gonikoppa, members of Aimanda Pommakkada Koota and dance troupes from Virajpet performed dances on the occasion.

The best performances were awarded cash prizes, sponsored by Non-resident Indian Aimanda Jagadish.

Prior to the programme, office-bearers of Aimanda Pommakkada Koota and Kodava Sahitya Academy took out a cultural procession in the town.

Pommakkada Koota president Pushpavathi, Maragodu Gram Panchayat president Ayyandra Poornima Shrinivas, academy member Gowramma Madammaiah, academy former president Rani Machaiah, former principal Dr Pushpa Kuttana, academy members Babbira Saraswathi, Prabu Kumar and registrar Ajjikuttira Girish were present, among others.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> States> Karnataka Districts / by DHNS, Madikeri / March 14th, 2021