Category Archives: Business & Economy

Know Thy Coffee: HumbleBean is on a Mission to Spread Coffee Literacy

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), , ,

Bengaluru-based omnichannel coffee startup HumbleBean Coffee has launched a Coffee Academy in Coorg to educate people about the ‘complexity and diversity of a humble bean like coffee’.

Know thy Coffee: HumbleBean is on a mission to spread coffee literacy

Bimal might seem like a regular barista. But he’s not content to simply brew and serve cups of coffee. He wants every customer to know what they are going to sip. 

“I make sure they know their cup of coffee. I ask about the kind of taste they are looking for, and how strong they want their coffee. Most of the time, they go ahead with what I recommend even if they have something else in mind,” he says.

After losing his job at a high-end restaurant during the pandemic, Bimal joined HumbleBean Coffee as a barista. With no prior expertise in the sector, he was enrolled in a specialised course at HumbleBean. The course helped him understand the beverage better—starting from its plantation to the multiple brewing methods. 

HumbleBean Coffee runs a small brew bar tucked away under the lush green cover of Bengaluru’s Lavelle Road. On a regular day, you might find Bimal sniffing and tasting a sample from every cup he brews.

HumbleBean Coffeeis the brainchild of Soomanna Mandepanda and Puja Soomanna. Since 2017, the couple has been on a mission to make coffee consumption a more enjoyable and mindful experience. Their idea is to educate more people about the complexity and diversity “of a humble bean like coffee”. 

In 2021, they launched the HumbleBean Coffee Academy in Coorg to spread coffee literacy among the masses. The academy offers short-term courses for coffee enthusiasts, home brewers, students pursuing hotel management, and coffee entrepreneurs. 

The team of 22 people, including the co-founders, brew bar staff, and coffee academy experts, is based in Coorg and Bengaluru. At present, HumbleBean has only one coffee brew bar in Bengaluru and an online B2C channel that sells coffee beans of different types and roasts. A new coffee concept store is underway in Indiranagar which would replace the manual brew bar in a few weeks’ time. 

As per filings with the Registrar of Companies, HumbleBean made a revenue of approximately Rs 1.1 crore in FY21. 

In July 2022, the coffee startup raised an angel round of Rs 4.5 crore from undisclosed investors. 

Today, as Soomanna, Co-founder of HumbleBean, prepares his favourite pour-over, he recalls the days when he felt the need to clean up the coffee ecosystem. 

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“I wanted to get into the coffee ecosystem to build an Indian coffee company of global standards. I also wanted to orient farmers towards quality and help them to stay invested in agriculture,” he says. 

HumbleBean
HumbleBean Academy, Coorg

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Spreading coffee literacy

The main objective behind the coffee academy was to ensure everyone in the coffee ecosystem was well informed about the beverage.

The team began by addressing the absence of a feedback system for farmers who grow coffee. A feedback mechanism was essential to bring changes in their farming practices and improve the quality of the produce. 

“More than 85% of coffee farmers in India, mostly small and medium farmers, have never tasted their own coffee. They are unaware of how their coffee is appreciated around the world,” Soomanna says.

The coffee academy receives free coffee samples from more than 100 farmers across the country. The team prepares extensive reports on the sample quality and offers suggestions to farmers. The farmers bring in suggested changes in farming techniques and send new samples to the academy for further assessment.

“We test the samples again and buy their lot if the quality matches our parameters. Most of the time, we ask the farmers to quote a price instead of us fixing the price,” says Puja, Co-founder of HumbleBean, who looks after the B2C and hospitality side of HumbleBean. 

The academy offers courses that focus on the art of brewing, food pairing with coffee, and more. These courses can be as short as one day or three days (for beverage enthusiasts) or as long as three months (for students in hotel management colleges). They are priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 35,000.

HumbleBean has collaborated with a hotel management college in India to offer these courses for a semester. 

Puja believes there is a need to train baristas in the early years of hotel management. 

“Being a barista is more than serving a cup of coffee, especially today when manual brewing is finally getting recognised. That’s why we deliberately choose people who do not have any knowledge of coffee and are more receptive to knowledge,” she says.

Puja looks after the barista training course with Gaurav Ganapathi. A certified Q grader (a type of coffee evaluator), Gaurav leads the Coffee Academy in Coorg. He has been in the coffee industry since 2014 and previously worked with Tata Starbucks. 

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“Coffee is one of the most sustainable industries in the world; there is almost no carbon emission in the production process. The coffee academy is helping everyone in the ecosystem understand coffee as a plant better—its diversity in terms of species and types, different brewing techniques, and more,” Gaurav says.

Pastry chef Sana Kabra, who joined the HumbleBean team in March 2022, works closely with Puja and Gaurav and leads the food pairing courses at HumbleBean.

“Food pairing is an important part of the coffee experience. What kind of pastry would go best with a pour-over, what should be the level of the roast or grind of your coffee to make it go well with a croissant…these things require mindful consumption and a lot of trial and error,” Sana says. 

HumbleBean

Overcoming the pandemic

Like any other brick-and-mortar business, HumbleBean was hit hard by the pandemic. Their first manual brew bar in Residency Road, Bengaluru, launched in 2019, was shut down due to operational difficulties.

Around the same time, the brand collaborated with a high-end retail outfit GoNative to set up its model brew bar on Lavelle Road.

The HumbleBean team took the pandemic as an opportunity to study and gather data about customer perception of manually brewed coffees, and coffees served from small and medium farms, and studied the unit economics of a coffee brand. They also worked on creating a range of coffee beverages and the delivery mechanism.

“During this lean time, we also consolidated our backend work, the academy, small and medium farm outreach, plantation management, flavour science with regards to food pairing along with coffee. We built a solid core team of subject matter specialists in plantation management, roasting, and flavour science. Most of them are third-generation small farmers who have spent time in large coffee companies,” Soomanna says.

Brewing a bright future

According to a report published by Research and Markets, Indian retail coffee is largely dominated by the southern region and is projected to reach over $253.8 million by 2025, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.04% from 2017 to 2025. 

HumbleBean aims to tap this growing market while competing with major global brands like Starbucks, Barista, Tim Hortons, and Indian brands like Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee Roasters, Araku etc. 

“We know about the competitive landscape but we also know that everyone who walks into our cafe either knows their coffee very well or is passionate to learn more about coffee. We are banking primarily on word of mouth over other marketing strategies,” Soomanna says.

HumbleBean plans to launch its concept store in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. It would also serve as the second location for the coffee academy and as the second manual brew bar. 

The startup also has plans to expand to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. 

“The final goal remains the same: establish HumbleBean as an Indian global brand that is sustainable, grounded, and invested in the place of production,” Soomanna says.

(The copy was updated to correct a typo in the name of the co-founder)

source: http://www.yourstory.com / YourStory.com / Home> Startups / by Pooja Rajkumar / September 20th, 2022

Interview / Tata Starbucks CEO, Sushant Dash

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

India has long been a tea drinking nation but it also has deep roots as one of the world’s major coffee producers. Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash speaks to 5THWAVE about flying the flag for coffee in India and how the country’s younger consumers are leading a new wave of café culture.

Tata Starbucks CEO, Sushant Dash | Photo credit: Tata Starbucks

With more than two decades’ beverage industry experience under his belt, Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash is now focused on harnessing India’s huge potential as a coffee drinking nation. That’s no mean feat in a country where tea has long been the beverage of choice, but it is a challenge he is relishing – and his efforts are yielding significant results. 


Following the disruption of the pandemic, Tata Starbucks is tapping into new opportunities in the vast Indian market and now operates more than 320 stores in 37 cities across the country, having achieved record 72% revenue growth in 2022. 


First joining Tata Global Beverages in 2000, Dash held senior management roles across the conglomerate’s international beverage divisions and was later part of the core team that launched Starbucks in India in 2012. 


After being appointed CEO of Tata Starbucks in 2021, Dash is now focused on catalysing further growth for Starbucks in India’s fast-developing branded coffee shop market. 


However, as Dash notes, that growth has been delivered through a long-term strategic focus, with most consumers historically unfamiliar with out-of-home coffee consumption. 


“India is a tea market,” he says of the countryʼs 1.4 billion citizens. 


“If I look at in-home consumption 90% penetration is for tea; coffee is around 11-12% in terms of overall penetration.” 
 

However, Dash notes the country’s coffee producing southern states as outliers, where traditional filter coffee consumption is far more widespread. 


Times are changing, however, as consumers across India develop a taste for premium coffee and café experiences. Both in-home and out-of-home coffee consumption have steadily grown across India over the last decade, with Starbucks playing a key role in the ascent of café culture. Today, Dash pegs India’s coffee shop market growth at 9-10% CAGR. 

“Gen Z and Millennials constitute 50%-plus of our population, and that is contributing to the growth of coffee consumption” 


The new coffee crop  


It may come as a surprise that India is the world’s seventh largest coffee producer, yielding around 329,000 metric tonnes in 2022, with the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu accounting for over 90% of national production. 
 

Tata Coffee is the undeniable giant of India’s coffee industry, managing 19 coffee plantations across 8,000 hectares and making it the ideal partner for Starbucks to vertically integrate coffee resources and expertise through its joint venture. 


Reflecting on a decade of growth for Tata Starbucks in India, Dash says there has been a seismic shift in coffee consumption, notably led by the country’s younger, increasingly well-travelled and digitally connected consumers. 


“Gen Z and Millennials constitute 50%-plus of our population, and that is contributing to the growth of coffee consumption,” he says. 
 

Dash is now building on the foundations laid by his team more than a decade ago. After establishing the Starbucks brand in major cities across the country, his current focus is now to grow the brand in smaller urban centres as coffee culture catches on. 


“The first eight-to-nine years were about understanding what makes the business successful in India, how to replicate what Starbucks is known for in terms of its coffee expertise and overall experience,” he says. 


After honing Starbucks’ approach in India, which has evolved to include a range of store formats, including larger showcase outlets alongside smaller convenience formats, including drive-thru, Dash says his priority is to scale this approach across the country. 


“Priority one has been about expansion, but expansion in a mindful manner. We will continue to give the core of what the brand stands for in terms of the Starbucks experience in terms of coffee expertise,” he says. 


“We serve nearly 400,000 consumers a week, which is a phenomenal number and just shows us the brand love we have.” 

Interior of the Starbucks Reserve store in Mumbai | Photo credit: Tata Starbucks

Paying homage to India’s rich and diverse culinary traditions has also been a key part of tailoring Starbucks’ international offer to the market. Its food menu has been inspired by Indian favourites, enabling customers to enjoy a kakori kebab wrap or masala chicken croissant with a traditional masala chai or Indian filter coffee. 
 

Unique to the Indian market, Tata Starbucks’ ‘Picco’ beverage size is a nod to small ‘kulhad’ terracotta tea and coffee cups used throughout India and caters to a widespread preference for smaller beverage volumes. 


Indicating Starbucks is gaining widespread appeal in India, Dash points to recent successes opening stores away from India’s vast metropolises in the country’s smaller towns and cities, such as Jalandhar, Anand, Nagpur and Calicut. 


“We are getting the same love and affection and numbers in those cities as in the bigger cities, which just goes to show that people are looking for coffee experiences out-of-home. 


“In terms of our 12-month financial year we opened around 58 stores this year and 12 new cities and will continue to run at that rate or maybe slightly higher,” he says. 

Convenience in the cup 


Opening smaller, nimbler store formats has been another key driver of Tata Starbucks’ rapid growth over the last year, enabling the coffee chain to expand efficiently and open stores appropriate to their location. 
 

The first drive-thru location opened on the Chandigarh-Ambala highway in mid-2020, but Dash highlights delivery as one of the chain’s most promising convenience channels in the post-pandemic trading environment. 


“Today, delivery is around 11% of turnover,” he says. “Pre-Covid the figure was around 4%, so it has grown significantly. Even as the pandemic recedes and people have returned to stores, we still see delivery retaining that contribution and I think that is a trend that is here to stay.” 


Mobile ordering and pay were also introduced by Starbucks during the pandemic, and although making up a relatively small proportion of sales today, will remain long-term fixtures of the Starbucks experience in India, Dash adds. 

“Priority one has been about expansion, but expansion in a mindful manner” 


Next stop, specialty  


Convenience is yielding positive returns for Tata Starbucks, but Dash maintains that a diverse eco-system of market-appropriate store formats will be key to the brand’s success. 


“We will not over-index one format, we will open stores appropriate for the market,” he says. 


Adding to that diversity, in October 2020 Tata Starbucks marked its 10th anniversary by opening India’s first Reserve outlet in Fort, Mumbai. 


Offering a range of small-batch single origin coffees served by Starbucks’ master ‘black apron’ baristas, Dash says the store will cater to Indian consumers who have followed Starbucks’ journey in the country from the beginning and have developed a taste for more sophisticated varieties. 


“We wanted to give that elevated experience to consumers who have been here with us for the last 10 years,” he says. 
 

“There is definitely a market for specialty coffee as the market matures. In terms of the evolution of people’s understanding of coffee, what they want from coffee is also increasing.” 


With India producing its own crop of successful coffee businesses alongside a growing international segment, Starbucks’ role in introducing elevated coffee shop experiences to consumers is evident and demonstrated by the growing popularity of café culture across the country. 
 

This article was first published in Issue 14 of 5THWAVE magazine.

source: http://www.worldcoffeeportal.com / World Coffee Portal / Home> Coffee Industry Reports / March 24th, 2023

Magicsip Is Set To Redefine The Coffee Experience With Its D2C Launch

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All,

The Coorg-based coffee brand is all set to hit the shelves and offer 100 per cent natural coffee to aficionados

Magicsip’s gourmet coffee offerings and sustainability commitments set it apart from the competition

Magicsip, the homegrown coffee brand, is pleased to announce the launch of its direct-to-consumer (D2C) coffee business on the 1st of March 2023, offering a range of 100 per cent natural coffee range to enthusiasts. The launch of this brand is an exciting opportunity for coffee lovers to enjoy a cup of high-quality, flavourful coffee at affordable prices.

Magicsip was founded by two childhood friends who grew up amidst the enriching aroma of coffee in the charming plantations of Coorg. Their quest for genuine coffee prompted them to create a brand that was free of any harmful chemicals. Although they successfully achieved the authentic taste they desired, their thirst for knowledge and growth drove them to explore naturally curated blends.

The brand’s vision and mission are dedicated to making 100 per cent natural coffee accessible and affordable to everyone, directly sourced from their Coorg estates, and making a positive impact on the world with one cup of magical coffee at a time, with a passion for excellent coffee and a commitment to sustainability.

“We have seen a drastic change in the way people look at their daily products post-COVID. There has been a huge shift in the need for 100 per cent natural foods. This is where we are looking to make a huge difference as our coffee is sourced from our plantations, and all processes are handled by us until the last mile delivery to the consumers. Ahead of our D2C launch, we promise to deliver premium quality coffee directly from our estates in Coorg that is rich in flavour and can be consumed anywhere, anytime. We have also entered the gourmet coffee market with 7 new products including French vanilla, nutty hazelnut, and many others.” said Mr D. H. Soofi, the Director of the firm.

The launch of Magicsip’s D2C coffee brand marks the beginning of a new chapter for the brand, with plans for future expansion, including entering the Coffee-dip bag market and in expanding their Modern Trade market by Q2 2023, he added.

At Magicsip, we’re on a mission to make 100 per cent natural coffee accessible and affordable for everyone. Our coffee is directly sourced from the picturesque estates of Coorg, where the perfect blend of climate and altitude creates a truly unique and delicious flavour profile.

With a passion for excellent coffee and a commitment to sustainability, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, one cup of magical coffee at a time. Our instant coffee is available online and at select stores across Karnataka.

Visit our website,www.magicsip.co, to experience the true magic of coffee and join us in our quest for a better world, sip by sip.

source: http://www.businessworld.in / BW Business World / Home / March 30th, 2023

Tales of the Coast in the Capital

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021),

Chef Naren Thimmaiah brings the flavours of Karavalli to Varq, a pioneer of award-winning modern Indian fine-dining

The timeless Taj Mahal, New Delhi and its award winning restaurant Varq proudly welcomed the culinary legend of the south – Karavalli from Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road. This year, as Varq embarks on its 15th year anniversary voyage, it will feature unique gastronomic pop-ups, new innovations and reinvented concepts in the year ahead.

Varq, symbolic of preciousness, luxury and elegance, is the birth place of modern Indian cuisine in the Capital. Karavalli’s voyage to Varq, was the perfect marriage of authentic Indian south-west coastal cuisine with contemporary flair and artistic presentation. The unique pop-up presented an exquisite experience wherein culinary legend Chef Naren Thimmaiah, from Karavalli, showcased a special coastal menu celebrating authentic flavours and treasured recipes.

The uniquely curated presentation included dishes like Malabar Prawn Roast, Meen Porichathu (Shallow Fried Black Pomfret), Calamari Fry, Attirachy Ularthu (Lamb Roast) Chattambade (Fried Lentil Patties), Patrade (Colocasia Leaf Roll), Chevod Balchao (Lobster in Pickled Spice), Alappuzha Meen Curry (Alleppy Fish Curry), Pachakkari Stew (Vegetable Stew), Kashi Halwa (Ah Gourd Pudding) and Ragi Manni (Finger Millet Pudding).

Celebrated Chef Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef, Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road said, “I am delighted to return to the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi and its renowned restaurant Varq. Karavalli’s coastal delicacies have made their way into the heart of the South and we can’t wait to share our passion with patrons of Delhi-NCR. We take pride in our authenticity, the promise of quality and the connection with our roots. With the capital’s bustling culture of food, there couldn’t have been a better place than Varq, the birth place of modern Indian cuisine in New Delhi, to showcase our special Karavalli culinary art.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Arun Sundararaj, Director of Culinary Operations at Taj Mahal, New Delhi said, “We have been committed to offering immersive dining experiences to our patrons. Varq has been the one stop dining destination for celebrating the unique flavours of India, pop-ups by Michelin Starred Chefs from around the globe and for curating culinary art and innovation. Chef Naren Thimmaiah is a legend in the epicurean world and we are humbled to welcome him once again at Varq.  The confluence of Karavalli and Varq will present a tantalizing experience of exotic coastal recipes combined with fine dining with art.”

 Chef Naren Thimmaiah has been the face of the iconic Karavalli for over two decades. He holds the distinction of participating in the World Gourmet Summit held at Singapore in the year 2005. In February 2009, at the Government of India, National Tourism awards held at New Delhi, Naren Thimmaiah was adjudged as the Best Chef of India. Economic Times rated Chef Naren Thimmaiah among Top 10 Chefs of India – 5th place. December 2018, Times Food & Nightlife Awards – Chef Naren Thimmaiah was awarded Chef of the Year.  In August 2019, at the Eazydiner Awards, Naren Thimmaiah was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award. In March 2022, he was recognized among the Top 10 Chefs in India by Culinary Culture.

source: http://www.bwhotelier.businessworld.in / BWHotelier.com / Home / by BW Online Bureau / March 27th, 2023

Get E-Prasad From Bhagandeshwara, Talacauvery Temples In Kodagu

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

Madikeri:

An e-Prasad initiative has been launched at Sri Bhagandeshwara and Talacauvery Temples that are run by the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment (Muzrai) Department.

The Department has tied up with India Post for delivering the prasad from the temples to the devotees. Kodagu Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish gave a start to the initiative yesterday.

The prasadam box contains 100 ml Theertha (holy water) from the Talacauvery Brahmakundike (holy pond), Panchakajjaya from Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple in Bhagamandala, Kumkum and sandalwood paste. 

Devotees can book the prasad on India post website www.indiapost.gov.in or by calling the toll-free number 18002666868. e-Prasad costs Rs. 300. If paid, the e-prasad will be delivered to the doorstep by post and the facility is available all over India.

The prasadam box will be delivered within four to five days of the money being paid. However, the facility is not open for devotees abroad and will be open for devotees who cannot make it to the Temples.

Steps will be taken to increase prasad distribution after devotees’ response, the DC said. Additional DC and Bhagamandala Sri Bhagandeshwara and Talacauvery Temple Administrator Dr. Nanjundegowda, Post Office Manager Ramesh Babu, Temple Executive Officer M.S. Dore, Temple Paarupathegara K.T. Ponnanna were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 07th, 2023

State Constitutes Kodava Development Corporation

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Community welcomes Government’s long-pending decision

Madikeri:

The State Government yesterday notified the constitution of the Karnataka State Kodava Development Corporation. This comes just days after Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai made an announcement in Kodagu during the inauguration of the Appachattolanda Hockey Festival that the Corporation will soon be constituted. 

The notification stated that the newly constituted Corporation will strive for the comprehensive development of the Kodava community.

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah has thanked the Chief Minister for constituting the Corporation. “I had personally led a large delegation and met the Chief Minister underlining the importance of constituting a Board or a Corporation for the development of the community. Though this was a long-pending demand, the Chief Minister has notified it now,” he said.

People of Kodagu are thankful to the Government as the Corporation will exclusively strive for the development of the unique culture and distinct customs of Kodavas, he added.

The Kodava Development Corporation was one of the main and long-pending demands of the Kodava community. Expressing his happiness over the constitution of the Corporation, Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa of the United Kodava Organisation, who was the force behind the demand, told Star of Mysore this morning that it is a huge victory for the community.

“Kodavas have played a crucial role in taking the State forward and reaching newer heights. We have unique tradition, customs, heritage and culture that needs to be protected and the Corporation is a huge step in this regard. The community has played a vital role in the country’s defence sector and sports field, earning national and international accolades, he added.

Though there are notable achievements from the community, Kodavas have remained politically weak when compared to many other communities in Karnataka.

“The State Government has finally honoured the genuine demand of a political and cultural minority. It is a well-deserved gift for the distinct community and the complete credit goes to CM Basavaraj Bommai, former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, MLA K.G. Bopaiah, former MLC Veena Achaiah, Congress leader and former Advocate General A.S. Ponnanna, other MLAs, MLCs and largely the community,” Manju Chinnappa added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 21st, 2023

Madikeri, Virajpet hospitals get hi-tech ambulances

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

Two hi-tech ambulances with one costing ₹42 lakh and another ₹17 lakh were handed over to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital attached to the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Madikeri and Virajpet Government Hospital, in Madikeri on Thursday.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha handed over the two ambulances.

The ambulance that was handed over to the district hospital (of KIMS) is an advanced one equipped to provide ICU care.

The MP said public healthcare was being upgraded providing the hospitals under the government set-up with advanced facilities. The Centre has decided to strengthen the public healthcare post COVID-19. The ambulances that were handed over today were part of the efforts.

He said the government has allocated ₹100 crore to Kodagu for increasing the beds at the district hospital to 450. The expansion of the hospital building is underway. Already, a women’s hospital with 150 beds has been given a start.

Kodagu will get all advanced healthcare services as a trauma care centre has also been sanctioned at a cost of ₹29 crore, he added.

MLAs Appachu Ranjan, K.G. Bopaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / March 23rd, 2023

The Kodava hockey festival: What you shouldn’t miss in Kodagu this summer

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

The Kodava hockey festival is a vibrant, month-long celebration held between March and April. The festival exudes the ambience and excitement of a mela with its draped festoons, welcome arches, and numerous stalls.

Come summer, and it’s hockey festival time in Kodagu. When schools close for summer vacation and coffee plantations take a break, Kodava families from around the world head home to participate in the Kodava Hockey Namme (festival) held in Kodagu (Coorg). It is time for Kodavas to battle with their hockey sticks at this tournament held in their home turf. With hundreds of families participating, the tournament is recognized as one of the largest field hockey tournaments in the world and finds a mention in the Limca Book of Records.

The Kodava hockey festival is a vibrant, month-long celebration held between March and April. The festival exudes the ambience and excitement of a mela with its draped festoons, welcome arches, and numerous stalls selling everything from automobiles to food. It is also an occasion for the Kodavas to dress up in traditional attire and participate in the procession and cultural programmes. Dancing and music add to the fun and frolic. One has to be here during the festival to experience the fierce pride of Kodavas in their glorious heritage, which they jealously guard.

Procession of Kodava women in their traditional attire

The genesis of the hockey festival can be traced back to 1997. It was the brainchild of late Pandanda Kuttappa, a former banker and State league referee. He is said to have conceptualised the festival after realising the deterioration in the standards of hockey played in the district. He hit upon the idea for a tournament among the families in order to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport. 

The first editions of the festival were held in the village of Karada with 60 families competing. The festival has no permanent venue, something organisers are striving to achieve, and the festival has been held across the district in previous years.

Kodava children flaunt their traditional dress

The tournament started with the dual purpose of paying rich tribute to the sport in the region, and bringing together players in thousands in order to identify the best talents for the country. Over the years, more than 50 Kodavas have represented India in international hockey, earning their district the title of ‘Cradle of Indian hockey’. Hockey is to Kodagu what cricket is to India. It is common to find hockey sticks in every home. 

This annual festival is hosted by a different family each year and will be known by the name of the host family. A family may not host the event more than once. Families apply to the Kodava Hockey Academy expressing interest and are allotted the tournament after evaluation. In a lifetime, a Kodava will only get to see their family host the cup once. For the 800-odd families in Kodagu, it has become a matter of pride and honour to host this iconic tournament. This is one of the reasons why family members from far and near take leave and arrive in droves to participate in the much- awaited festival games. 

Appachettolanda, the host family of the 23rd edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival

The hockey festival has accomplished what perhaps nothing else could have — uniting distant families. It is the time for annual family reunions in their ancestral homes. What makes this festival distinctive is that it remains a family-oriented event, which has morphed into a major sporting event and festival in the country. Besides uniting warring relatives and families torn by strife, the hockey event is also a platform for community members to discuss and transact trade and business, besides scouting for marital alliances. 

After a hiatus of four years due to floods and the pandemic, this year the hockey festival kickstarted with renewed vigour and energy. “This year (the 23rd edition)  the Appachettolanda family is organising the event under the aegis of Kodava Hockey Academy. The festival is held at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crores, raised through contributions from the families, a grant from the Karnataka Government, and through sponsorships. More than 350 teams will participate in the festival this time. While the winning team will be given a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, the runner-up will get Rs 2 lakh, and the teams that came third and fourth will get Rs 1 lakh each,” said Manu Muthappa, convener, Appachettolanda Hockey Festival.

pix05

An interesting feature of the festival is that both men women take part in the matches and there is no restriction on age. The only rule for forming a team is that all members must be from the same family and can include children and grown-ups from both genders. Young boys and girls, fathers, mothers, uncles, professionals, and even former Olympian heroes are all players. The women have the choice of playing for their in-laws’ team or their parents’ team. There have been instances when three generations of players have played together in a single match.

The festival is also ideal for talent spotting. Sometimes, officials from the Sports Authority of India arrive here to select players who are then offered training and equipment. Some of them have gone on to become state and national players. Plans are afoot to set up a hockey stadium to offer more facilities to budding players from the district. It is heartening that there is a growing interest among the younger generation in the hockey festival. But there is a need for more stadiums and turfs to facilitate more players to practise regularly.

Schedule of the hockey festival: General Thimmaiah Stadium, Napoklu, from March 18 to April 10. 

Misty Woods Resort is an ideal place to stay to cover the hockey festival as it is within driving distance from the venue.

All pics by Susheela Nair. 

Susheela Nair is an independent food, travel and lifestyle writer and photographer contributing articles, content and images to several national publications besides organising seminars and photo exhibitions. Her writings span a wide spectrum which also includes travel portals and guide books, brochures and coffee table books.

source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> Features> Sports & Culture / by Susheela Nair / March 27th, 2023

Harangi to get Karnataka’s first biodiversity park

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Madikeri:

The work to develop the first biodiversity park of the state was launched in Harangi, by laying the foundation stone on Friday.

Legislator Appachu Ranjan, who conducted the ‘bhoomipooja’ for the biodiversity park work, said, “India is the biggest exporter of medicinal herbs. The new park will help us.”

He said that a medicinal herbal park will also be opened in Bhagamandala soon.

“Medicinal plants are needed to cure diseases. Also, the environment will be healthy if there is enough greenery,” he pointed out.

Karnataka Biodiversity Board chairperson Napanda Ravi Kalappa, who presided over the ceremony in Harangi, said that a master plan of building a model medicinal garden in the district was readied by the Board. The park is also being launch to conserve the richness of the flora of Kodagu, he added.

“The Karnataka Biodiversity Board intends to establish similar parks in every panchayat of Kodagu. The Coorg Mandarin used to be an exclusive plant to Kodagu, but is virtually not to be found anywhere now. Research is now being conducted to promote this species,” Kalappa said.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / March 18th, 2023

CM assures Kodagu a place on the international tourism map

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

Projects totalling Rs 2000 crore were inaugurated by the CM at a ceremony in Madikeri, which was attended by beneficiaries of the district. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. (Photo | Express)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

“Kodagu will be included in the international tourism map and plans are in place to ensure the same,” said Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai in Madikeri. He declared to extend free electricity to the irrigation pump sets, of up to 10 HP, installed across coffee estates in Kodagu.

Inaugurating various projects at a ceremony in Gandhi Maidan, he said, “Rs 100 crore has been released to the district under a special package in the state budget. Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the Kodava-speaking community. The state has also granted seven acres of land to the Kodava community in Bengaluru.” Projects totalling Rs 2000 crore were inaugurated at the ceremony which was attended by beneficiaries of the district. 

The Chief Minister said that plans are being laid out to put Kodagu on the international tourism maps. “A plan similar to Mysuru Tourism Circuit will take shape in Kodagu shortly,” he confirmed. 

He opined that the district has received increased funds from the central and state governments. “This year, Rs 132 crore has been released as compensation amount to the farmers of Kodagu,” he said. He explained that the state government is working towards the overall development of all the communities. 

“Various schemes including the Kisan Samman Yojana have recorded successful implementation. Scholarships have been released to the children of the farmers, who are the nation’s strength. The work of the BJP government is speaking for itself,” he said. 

He explained the various projects aimed at empowering women and called the guarantee card scheme of the Congress a bluff. “One can cheat someone a few times. But they cannot cheat people all the time. The guarantee card is bogus and is similar to a visiting card,” he mocked.

Handing over cheques to a few beneficiaries of the government schemes at the ceremony, he sought the support of the people for the BJP.   

While the congregation with the beneficiaries had to be inaugurated by CM at 11.30 am on Saturday, the same was delayed as Bommai arrived in the district by 3.00 pm. He, however, apologised stating that the visit was delayed due to the ongoing PUC examination at the college located close to the function venue.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / March 18th, 2023