Two Sundays back, over 100 vehicles were parked in and round the Kodava Samaja club in Vasanthanagar in Bengaluru. There were shiny Sedans and rusty Jeeps, perky hatchbacks and burly SUVs.
For all their differences in name, colour and models, they had one thing in common: The light green triangular shape Coorg Wildlife Society (CWS) stickers plastered on windshields or bumpers.
“For decades, people of Kodagu have used the CWS as a moving identity card. It symbolizes the driver is proud of his place (Coorg) and also it offers a glimpse of their love and fascination with nature, It’s a great way to find common ground to begin a conversation, when Kodavas meet outside Coorg” said Jeeth Devaiah, strength and conditioning coach at Galen Gym, Airport road.
The CWS sticker was the brainchild of Pratap Chittiappa, chairman of Skanda Coffee, one of the founding members of CWS. In 1983, he influenced M/s Hindustan Thompson to design a crest that eventually turned into the bumper sticker in the 1990s. The members of the society began promoting the CWS by sticking it on their windshields and it gradually became a fad.
“Initially the fad was limited to Kodagu alone but now it shifted across the world. I even happened to see such stickers in cars driven by non-Coorgs in San Francisco some time ago,” Ajith Nanjappa, who pursued his MBA degree there recently said.
Sales of CWS stickers have eroded during the past decade. Buoyed by the popularity of CWS stickers, unauthorized vendors started marketing it in their own with giving it various colour combinations. “We sell roughly around 1,000 stickers per month for a prices ranging between Rs 25 and Rs 100. But the fad is dying now compared to what it was a few years ago. Now people have been switching to other stickers like Coorg warrior 1839, Coffeeland, among others,” said Ayub Zameer, a vendor at Madikeri.
“We had got it patented a few years ago to prevent misuse of our logo but it was tough to stop the illegal trade. Now we have decided to lodge a formal complaint to ensure only registeredd CWS stickers are sold,” said colonel CP Muthanna (Retd), president of the CWS, now with a membership of 920,
Tarun Cariappa, secretary of the NGO said the stickers which have registered trademark symbol ® are only the genuine ones. “We sell these stickers to general public for a nominal sum of Rs 30 at our office. The money will be used in promoting conservation activities. “People can buy online through our website at a cost of Rs 75,” he added
CWS activities however are not just limited to business of selling stickers. Formed in 1980, CWS is actively engaged in organizing programmes to increase awareness of nature, wildlife and environment in schools and colleges of Kodagu district. “CWS has a long history of campaigning to ensure that government policies and laws help safeguard Coorg’s wildlife. Our aim is to make Coorg a leader in the field of wildlife protection and restoration, a dream of the late brigadier CM Cariappa who was the moving spirit behind its establishment” said colonel Muthanna.
CWS has been in the forefront of an activism against the decision of the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) to draw a 400kv power line from Yelawal in Mysore to Kasaragod in Kerala via Kodagu. “The project will see as many as 50,000 trees felled, affecting the ecology and increasing man-animal conflict. We will do everything to protect the nature,” said Cariappa.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / by Manu Aiyappa, TNN / September 11th, 2015
They have worked in the tea gardens of Assam but in Madikeri they are tending the Coffee plants. Labourers from Assam working in coffee plantations in Kodagu have become a common sight since the past two years.
It is in south Kodagu that more number of Assamese labourers find work in houses and estates.
A few days ago, nearly 200 people arrived from Assam and were divided in teams to meet the demands of the local agents.
According to the labour department officials, there are seven labour camps in and around Kodagu where these people stay.
A few big planters will host some of the Assamese labourers in their own camps in the estates.
In Kodagu, over the years, shortage of labourers have been very severe and existing workers have been demanding more salary and benefits. In 2011, the acute shortage of labour and the high demands of local labourers had put the planters in a spot.
Earlier, the planters were getting labourers from Sullia in Dakshina Kannada and Arasikere in Hassan district, but the Assamese labour comes much cheaper than the usual lot, the officials added.
A labour contractor from Dakshina Kannada, Rajappa Gowda, who takes labourers from Sullia and Puttur every week, says Kodagu has a heavy demand for labourers.
Many escape the labour work in the estates and get into more cozier jobs as servants at home-stays.
But the migrants tend to stay for longer as they get all the benefits, from schooling for their children and higher social security.
Former vice-chairman of Coffee Board of India, Bose Mandanna, told Express that though Assamese workers do not know the scientific work of coffee cultivation, those who settle here learn how to spray, borer tracing and other works. Since all migrants show records like BPL cards, voter IDs and other records, it is the responsibility of the officials to trace fake cards, he says.
However, according to Codava National Council president N U Nachappa, these workers are all Bangaldeshis possessing fake documents. He recalled the protests held early this year urging officials to verify the labourers’ antecedents.
A coffee planter from Gonikoppa told Express, “Since we are getting Assamese labour, demand for more salary from workers who come from far away places cease.”
Another planter from Suntikoppa in Somwarpet taluk said many estates would run into trouble if the Assamese labour did not flow into Kodagu.
The police department have asked all coffee growers to check the documents and collect photos of workers and their family members and submit copies to them without fail.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 24th, 2015
The rain deficit in Kodagu, the origin of Cauvery river, has become a major cause of worry for the farmers here.
As far as the monsoon is concerned, the rainfall seems to be following an erratic pattern.
Heavy rain lashed the district in the beginning of the monsoon causing havoc. Later, it slowed down causing a drought-like situation.
Generally, in the 90-day monsoon season, the rainfall was sufficient for farmers as it was enough to fill the Harangi reservoir. But this year, the situation is different.
Though Harangi is full, Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir is yet to be filled as the crest gates in Harangi were opened only once.
Kodagu district received 60 cm of rain in the first 10 days of the monsoon causing floods.
In July and August, rainfall was deficient by 70 and 60 per cent respectively.
Cloud seeding was taken up in Kodagu six years ago, but it was not conducive with the weather here.
According to figures available with Express, the average expected rainfall in January was 5 mm, but the district received 0.3 mm; February – 3.2 mm (5.6 mm expected); March – 37.4 mm (14.7 mm); April – 133.4 mm (73.5 mm); May – 191.4 mm (146 mm); June – 804 mm (486 mm); July – 366 mm (938 mm) and till August 20 – 164 mm (250 mm).
This erratic rainfall seriously impacted the water requirements of paddy, coffee and pepper crops.
The total average rainfall from January to August should have been 2,100 mm, but Kodagu has recorded 1,710 mm. The district is facing a deficit of 300 mm rainfall.
A minimum of 600 mm rain is required on a weekly basis to fill the reservoirs in Kodagu.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh / August 24th, 2015
With rains drenching the hilly, wooded landscape of the Kodavas, it is time to visit the Kodagu district in Karnataka, the birthplace of the mighty Cauvery.
Originating at Talacauvery, the Cauvery gently flows from the Western Ghats and in the process, traces a long journey of 800 kilometers in the South-Eastern direction and empties in the Bay of Bengal. With monsoon gaining vigour once again, the coffee land especially during the months of July and August, is at its best. It is a sublime experience to visit Madikeri and surrounding areas that are home to many a waterfall.
As these are located in dense jungles, one has to trek and walk a few kilometers to take a peek at silver cascades in both the Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri hill ranges. Both these hill ranges are home to many waterfalls but the Mallali Falls near Somwarpete and Irupu near Virajpete, attract many tourists before, during and after the monsoons.
A fresh water cascade, the Irupu comes to life during the heavy downpour that is so common in these hilly ranges. This (also called the Lakshman Tirtha Falls) is situated on the highway to Nagarhole and just 20 kilometers away from the National Park. One has to walk at least half a mile to reach this place which is in the midst of a forest and far away from the cacophony of urban life.
Enjoying the sounds of the serene hill ranges and the gushing foamy waters, one can relax and forget all about urban stress. The roaring sound of the falls can be heard from a distance as one walks on the rocky twisting pathway with the chirping birds and the lush forests for company.
The pristine scenery resonates with the chirping of birds one has never heard before. The falls criss-crossing the hills and the forests tumble down from a height of just 150-200 feet while the spray of the gushing waters during monsoons is so intense that one can get easily wet. However, it is not safe to venture into the waters as the currents are strong. If you planned a visit before the monsoons, you can stand literally below the falls and get a soothing shower.
But do not miss visiting during the monsoons as Irupa falls from a cliff in all its mesmerising glory. If you are interested in visiting the nearby temple, you can take a peek as legends associate it with the visit of Ram and Lakshman when they were searching for Sita.
There are good spots to relax and enjoy, clean, wholesome vegetarian food but make it a point to place your orders in advance if you are visiting this place in a group. If you are carrying food and drinks, do not litter the place with plastic debris as it is a fragile ecology and home to many birds and animals.
Just two to three hours drive from Madikeri, one has to take the Virajpete route to reach this breathtaking place where the waterfall plunges from the Brahmagiri peaks in all its beauty and finally joins the Lakshman Teertha River. Since it is a very popular tourist spot, the place is easily accessible via tarred roads, concrete steps, viewing seats and affordable lodging and boarding facilities in and around the densely wooded ranges.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Meera Bharadwaj / July 30th, 2015
The then Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu, A. Bharath, had convened a meeting to discuss the revision of various privileges granted to the people of Kodagu.
This important meeting was chaired by the then Revenue Minister B. Basavalingappa. The meeting was at the highly ornate meeting hall that was earlier a Palace, inside Madikeri Fort.
The Palace and the Fort were constructed by King Mudduraja in 1681 and renovated by King Lingarajendra Wadiyar II in 1813.
Myself and all the District Officers, political leaders and elite public were present at the meeting. As the subject was highly contested, people had assembled in large numbers and the hall was jam-packed.
The meeting started and DC Bharath introduced the subject and highlighted the objective of the meeting. He explained the need for the revision, as many of the privileges were outdated and were out of context. Afterwards, Revenue Minister Basavalingappa expressed the thinking of the Government and wanted the opinion of the public to facilitate issuing a revised order.
As the public were preparing to put forth their arguments, suddenly the Minister shot a question: “Who is the Divisional Forest Officer, Hunsur?”
I got up and after wishing him good morning Sir, introduced myself, ‘Sir, I am A.C. Lakshmana DFO Hunsur.’
Where is the land for rehabilitation of farmers from Nagarahole Wildlife Sanctuary? Where is the money for compensation? came the thundering questions from Basavalingappa.
I was surprised by the unexpected change in the topic of the meeting. By observing his anger, I could fathom his anger, at our proposal. We had proposed rehabilitation of nearly 1,000 people from Nagarahole, which he had rejected outright and ordered for eviction of farmers.
Most of these farmers were welcomed and settled under the “Grow more food campaign” of 1950s. They were granted suitable marshy wetlands in the forest for cultivation of paddy. At that time, there was an acute shortage of food in the country.
When I tried to support my proposals for rehabilitating the farmers in alternate lands and giving some incentives, he shot back: “Where is the land I say?”
I was stung by his pungent remarks but controlled myself. I explained that my predecessor Yellappa Reddy and Conservator of Forests B. Baliah had already earmarked 400 acres of forest land at a Northern corner of Thithimathi forest.
Not satisfied with my explanation, he put a stinging question: “Where is the money? You have asked for nearly Rs. 10 lakh as compensation.”
As government servants, we were never grilled in the public like this earlier by any Minister, and this was a strange situation I was facing.
He continued, “Do you pluck Rs.10 lakh from leaves of forest trees and distribute?”
I felt I am losing a good cause by being polite and submissive and if I do not defend now, the struggle for rehabilitation that was going on for the last six years will be lost forever.
I mustered all my courage and loudly blurted, “Sir, by rejecting our proposal, you are bringing discredit to Government of Karnataka.”
The packed assembly fell into pin-drop silence at this unexpected development. My heart started pounding hard.
Basavalingappa’s voice came piercing like a bullet, “Are you in your right senses while replying to a Minister?” he shouted in a thundering tone.
Me, a trusted blue-eyed boy of the forest department, felt being humiliated in the presence of public. I was defending the voiceless innocent animals and plants and supporting needy farmers. Suddenly, I felt that I should be vociferous and blurted back: “Sir, Karnataka government that was kind enough to release over 3000 acres to rehabilitate Tibetans nearby, if they say no to the local need for 400 acres, how can the Government get a good name?”
I paused for a moment and could see the Minister in a dilemma. I shot off a remedial answer, “Sir if I sell two rosewood trees from my division I can get Rs. 10 lakh. This investment is sufficient to keep all my animals, plants and the concerned farmers happy and at peace.”
The Minister was quick to order me to sit down. He added that we will discuss this matter in the DC’s chambers after this meeting. I felt he wanted to silence me.
I stood my ground firmly and said that as the matter is introduced here in public, it must be resolved here itself.
The Minister ordered in a raised tone, “Sit down.”
I politely disobeyed him and insisted, “Sir, you should solve the problem here and now.”
After seeing my stubbornness, he asked the DC to advise me. Bharath used his goodwill and friendship and cajoled me to sit. Reluctantly, I sat down and the regular meeting started.
After this meeting, we met at the DC’s chambers. The Minister shot another question, “How much of compensation have you recommended per family?”
I replied, “Rs. 5000, Sir.”
“Why have you asked only Rs. 5,000 per family?” asked the Minister; it was an awkward question to me.
I gave an awkward answer, “Sir, for asking Rs. 5,000 you scolded me that much, if I had asked for Rs.10,000 by mistake, you would have thrashed me in the meeting.”
Suppressing his anger and smile, he asked my name again. I replied, A.C. Lakshmana Sir.
Suddenly my stars and luck appeared to have changed, the Minister became cool and suggested that myself and the DC should meet him at Bangalore with a revised proposal.
The Minister could understand my strong support for wildlife sanctuary and the compulsion for supporting the farmers. It is the labour and sacrifice of such farmers that had made this country self-sufficient in food front during the “Grow more food” campaign of 1950s. [PS: Even now I have continued my relationship with these farmers rehabilitated at Channangi-Gudlur area of Thithimathi. Their suggestion is, we should have given 2.5 acres to each family.]
Now the farmers were sacrificing their three decades of hard work in favour of forest and wildlife conservation. The government was bound to support the farmers. After finishing the discussions, he shook hands with us and left for Bangalore.
Next day myself and the DC revised our recommendations increasing the compensation to Rs. 10,000 per family and took it to the Minster at Vidhana Soudha. We gave the letter to him at 11 am. A government order was issued and handed over to us by the Minister promptly by 4pm along with a cup of coffee. The coffee and the government order were both sweet and remained green with us.
Retrospectively, it is an interesting study. The Minister was close-fisted and conservative and hence might have rejected the recommendations for releasing the land and paying compensation. He was aggressive in expressing his displeasure openly at me, feeling that I am liberal or laxative in dolling out favours.
Once he was convinced that I was judicious, he had the conviction and greatness to revise his judgement. What is outstanding here is his statesmanship. The file went from Revenue to Forest and Finance and then back to Revenue and a government order issued in five hours.
I have the experience of working in the Secretariat as Secretary. I know the difficulties in taking quick decisions in an atmosphere where acts, rules, precedents, court orders, government orders bind the Secretariat staff and slows down the speed of disposal. In this backdrop, the administrative skill of Basavalingappa wins the admiration of every person.
After this memorable Madikeri incident, every time Basavalingappa passed through Hunsur, he used to send words for me and shared a cup of coffee at the PWD guest house. It was an everlasting friendly gesture on the part of Basavalingappa.
Basavalingappa left an indelible mark in whatever capacity he worked. Once when he was allotted a less known Environment and Ecology portfolio, as Minister he brought it to the forefront. He awakened the staff, officers, municipalities and industrialists about the need for a clean and green environment. He was a Minister five times and was always in an urgency to deliver.
Earlier, he was instrumental in bringing a legislation bringing dignity and hygiene to the pourakarmikas in Karnataka. It is a landmark legislation that other States and Government of India are struggling to copy. His vision and efficiency should be a model for everyone, particularly the politicians who are tending to be sloppy and lack vision. Basavalingappa fought aggressively for the upliftment of the deprived, downtrodden and socially backward people. He is called the ‘Ambedkar of Karnataka.’ This is the contribution of that firebrand Basavalingappa.
Good administration heaps plenty of benefits to society. The administration is a complex subject and is the result of good co-ordination and understanding between people involved in administration. Here the law of physics ‘Light travels in a straight line holds good.’ If anyone in the line has a dissent, the light will not pass through. This ends up in more correspondence, suspicion, delays and disappointments.
Here it is worth recalling the observation of a British officer who remarked as follows: The process of taking decisions in the Mysore Representatives during the rule of Rajarishi Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, was summed “that the administration in Mysore is very good and can match the best administered States in the world. They discussed one subject yesterday at the Representative Assembly and orders are issued today.”
This efficiency is our heritage, let us revive the old glory and take Karnataka to be a model State not just in India but anywhere in the world. We should remember B. Basavalingappa and his valuable contributions to society.
[aclakshmana@yahoo.com]
Camp: New York
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Sunday – July 05th, 2015
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, who is also the member of Spices Board, has demanded setting up of a Spices Park in Kodagu district.
Pratap Simha, who was in Kashmir to attend the Spices Board meeting along with former Chief Minister and MP B.S. Yeddyurappa, urged the Board authorities to set up a Spices Park in Kodagu district, which is also famous for growing spices such as pepper and ginger apart from coffee.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Pratap Simha said that Spices Board officials had agreed for a feasibility study and added that a team of officials would visit Kodagu in the coming days to conduct a study for setting up the Spices Park.
Setting up Spices Park in Kodagu would help pepper and ginger growers in Kodagu district and Cardamom growers in Sakaleshpur in Hassan to market and get good rates for their products, he added.
Our aim is to provide a sustainable market for the spices grown in this part of the region, he said and added that there is a proposal to start a Spices Park in Haveri which intends to provide a good market for chilli growers in the region.
But, for the growers to transport spices from Kodagu and Hassan districts to Haveri would be a problem and for that reason it was proposed to set up Spices Park in Kodagu, said Pratap Simha.
He said that the State Government has to provide 50 acre land for the Spices Park like it has been done in Haveri district.
Once the land is allotted, the work on Spices Park would commence after the proposal is approved by the Spices Board officials, Simha added.
Pratap Simha further said that issues pertaining to Saffron growers were also discussed during the meeting held yesterday in Srinagar.
He said that the Spices Board has decided to work towards providing assured market for Saffron within the country and also exporting the same throughout the world.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Thursday – July 02nd, 2015
The bacteria extracted grows in a minimal medium supplemented with petroleum crude oil (PCO) in sea water indicating that this is a halophile (organisms that thrive in high salt concentrations) and can be used effectively to clear oil spills in seas.
Mangaluru :
Can bacteria extracted from coffee pulp waste help clear oil spills? It can, says the team from NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte which has won the Best Project Award for ‘Microbial Bioremediation of Effluents’ at the Joy of Engineering, Design and Innovation (Jed-i) project challenge.
The bacteria extracted grows in a minimal medium supplemented with petroleum crude oil (PCO) in sea water indicating that this is a halophile (organisms that thrive in high salt concentrations) and can be used effectively to clear oil spills in seas.
The team – Aparna K Mohan, Sandhya Kamath, Sanjana Chiplunkar and Shiny Martis B, all BE Biotechnology students of the college- won the challenge beating 19 other finalists which included teams from IITs and NITs. The annual challenge, conducted by Jed-i in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, is designed to identify and showcase the best final year engineering project.
Sanjana, one of the participants, said: “Actually, this was our mini project in the second year. When we got good results we continued with it. The bacteria (Brevibacterium sp. MTCC10313) was previously isolated from coffee pulp ad our seniors had done work and found out that it had caffeine degradation ability. Since it had ability we thought it could tolerate other stressful conditions, then we thought of this.”
Can this be implemented at ground level? “We built a bio-reactor with some waste water and we inoculated the bacteria and got the same results as we got in our lab. This will work in the real world,” she said.
The second place was won by the team of Pradyumna S V, Prateek R, Kunal A Mehta, Mohit Kumar Basu from Reva Institute Of Technology & Management for their project ‘Design, fabrication and Analysis of A Remotely Piloted Vehicle’ while the project ‘Robotic Wrist’ by team of Harish Pawar, Raghuveer Sarma M S, Amit Inamdar, Pooja Ambannavar, Priya Burlabaddi from B V Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology won a special mention.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangaluru / by Stanley Pinto, TNN / June 25th, 2015
Hoovaiah, an ex-serviceman, who is serving as a mobile tower operator with the BSNL, entered the Guinness Book of World Records for growing the tallest sugarcane in the world.
As of now, the sugarcane in Convent Junction in Madikeri is 42-foot tall.
The Sugarcane grown with the support of Mobile Tower in Convent Junction of Madikeri
During an interview to Express Hoovaiah detailed the uphill task and claimed that he had to be convinced to enter the Guiness Book.
Hoovaiah, brought a stem of black variety of sugarcane from Karike four years ago and wanted to eat it once it had grown. He nurtured it with cow dung and ash apart from watering it regularly.
But when it was found that in three years the sugarcane had grown 40-foot tall with the support of a mobile tower, his friends and others advised him to get Guinness Book recognition.
When Hoovaiah approached the Guiness Book officials for recognition they asked him to pay nearly Rs 4 lakh for visiting and verifying the sugarcane.
When Hoovaiah expressed his financial constrain they asked him to submit a 22-page application as it is certified by six gazetted officers, Hoovaiah said.
Hoovaiah with the Guinness Book of Records certificate
The team that verified the documents had advocate B B Ananda, Dr Renuka and Dr Tirmala Rao of Ex-servicemen Contribution Service Scheme hospital, Dr Rajashkear and Dr Ramakrishna from Agriculture Department and Dr Sreenivasaiah of Krishi Vignana Kendra Gonikoppa. They inspected the sugarcane and sent a report to Guinness Book of World Records in California of USA on June 21 last year.
After verifying with the records worldwide, they sent a letter of record holder on June 10 this year and asked him to pay Rs 2,593 if he needed an original certificate. After he made the payment, they issued the certificate, Hoovaiah said.
He pointed out that though he was told that the sugarcane will not survive due to the radiation from mobile tower nothing happens so far. He also acknowledge the support of his family, BSNL officials and others in protecting and caring for the sugarcane.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh / June 15th, 2015
Fkcci President S Sampath Raman said Fkcci will not support the establishment of industries harmful to the environment in Kodagu District. There is a need to set up eco-friendly industries that will support tourism, education and health sector.
Speaking after flagging of golden jubilee celebrations of Kodagu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Madikeri, on Tuesday, he said tourism is being promoted in Kodagu District.
There is a need to strengthen road and railway connectivity to the district. Mangaluru-Mysuru highway that passes through Madikeri should be developed further.
Fkcci will impress upon the government on the need for the laying of railwayline till Kushalnagar, he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has chalked out several programmes for the development of tourist spots in the state. He has given nod for laying of five cable cars in the state.
However, the government has forgotten to include to lay a cable car at Mallalli waterfalls.
He said that the FKCCI will urge the government to check elephant-humanbeing strife, initiate measures to construct private bus stand at Madikeri, develop Koodige Sainik School and Coffee Park in the district.
Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry President B N Prakash said the chamber of commerce will organise 50 unique programme as part its golden jubilee celebrations throughout the year.
“The tourists will visit in a large number if the city is kept clean. Promotion of tourism will help in generating employment.
“Swaccha Kodagu—Hasiru Kodagu” campaign will be organised in the near future.
Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Dwarakanath released a logo of the golden jubilee celebrations.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, April 01st, 2015
It’s not uncommon for people to pick up a stick and fiddle with it. But eventually they get bored of the ‘game’ and throw it aside. Bheemaiah KK, however, decided to earn a living from these discarded pieces of wood.
‘Bheemstyx’ is a unique start-up – most people don’t spend years curing and crafting sticks that are otherwise disregarded in an attempt to turn them into something beautiful and durable. Bheemaiah has, over time, progressed from crafting walking sticks to home decor sticks, gadget sticks, city walking sticks and more.
“About a year ago, I found inspiration in a friend’s collection of hand-carved walking sticks; I had a though ‘I could make those and I could make them even better!’,” he says. Since then, the coffee planter from Coorg, who shuttles between Bengaluru and Madikeri, has spent a lot of time scavenging for different kinds of sticks. He says he doesn’t go in search of a particular kind of a stick but rather, “When I see a stick on the ground, I think what I can do with it. I never cut a tree to make the sticks.”
Bheemaiah has an altogether thorough process of making the sticks. He says he prefers hunting for sticks in summer and spring because then they are relatively dry and free from insect infestation. “The process is very time consuming because far more sticks are rejected than harvested because they are either too crooked, thin, thick or straight…there are a million reasons! When I get home, I first strip off the bark and allow the branch to dry in the sun for up to two weeks, while sealing the ends up to prevent splitting. Then I let it dry for a few more months before I decide what to do with them.” The sticks are then sanded, shaped, painted, accessorised and glamourised.
The sticks are unique because not only are they hand-carved but they are multi-purpose. Made from hardwood, there are country and deep river walking sticks that come with a compass or catapult attached to the head of the sticks. They also have rubber soles to give the user a sturdy grip. According to Bheemaiah, decorative sticks are becoming popular these days. “They are intricately made and look fashionable. I also provide sticks that provide support to the plants in a garden. Anyone who needs any kind of a stick, I deliver it.” What are his favourite sticks? “I always have a stick made from Rattan vine in my jeep – it’s like bamboo and very flexible. You can bend it and it will straight up.”
How does one look after a stick? “Don’t leave it in the sun for long periods of time as it will crack; store it in cool, shady spots. Oil it often but don’t soak it, and wipe the residue as it will become sticky,” advices Bheemaiah.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Ananya Revanna, Bengaluru / DHNS – April 02nd, 2015
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