Monthly Archives: December 2013

Arjun Halappa sees India on the podium in Junior Hockey World Cup

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

A tournament at home brings with it a fair deal of expectations from the home team, and when it’s a sport that has been striving to revive its glorious past, the percentage of those expectations rises. The 10th FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup has brought the same with it.

India will host the biggest global tournament in junior hockey from December 6 to 15 in New Delhi, and the hosts, led by Manpreet Singh, will at least like to repeat the podium finish junior India women achieved earlier this year by winning a bronze.

Talking to IBNLive.com Hockey India selector and former India captain Arjun Halappa concurred, saying that he sees India at least finishing on the podium, though lifting the World Cup will be a huge lift for the sport in India.

File photo of Junior Indian men hockey team captain Manpreet Singh during a match against South Korea. (Hockey India)
File photo of Junior Indian men hockey team captain Manpreet Singh during a match against South Korea. (Hockey India)

Your expectations
We want to win the world Cup. There’s no second thought about that. But we have to take it match by match. We should not put unnecessary pressure on the boys. Of course, we all want to win and play to win, but it’s important to take one step at a time and not think too far ahead.

First match against Netherlands
It might [set the tempo]. First match is always important as it is difficult to lose and then come back in a short four-team pool. I think at least a draw is required against Netherlands. And then we should concentrate on finishing in the top two, which will get us through to the knockouts.

Manpreet as leader
He is leading well, being part of the [2012] Olympics and playing with the senior team for close to two years now. He has been with the junior team for the past 7-8 months and has led by example. But captaincy doesn’t matter much in hockey as, like other team games, the result depends on the whole unit. But yes, Manpreet has done very well.

Rising Stars
If you ask me, there are a lot of guys who have made a name for themselves. But for me, it’s always about 18 guys. A player may have a good day and a bad day, but it’s always about the team. We always talk about the goal-scorer but forget who created that goal. There are many players [in this squad] who can leave an impact. Manpreet played the [2012] Olympics and there are others like Mandeep [Singh] who have already played quite a few international games. So it’s a very good squad overall.

Home Support
It’s great to play such a big tournament on home soil. It brings a little bit of pressure; but in front of home fans, the guys will get motivated to go all the way.

Where do you realistically see India on December 15?
I see them on the podium, which is a minimum. Of course, we would love to win the World Cup, but a podium finish is a bare minimum. India have got a fair chance to get into the final playing at home. But I will come back to the earlier point I made. We should look at one game at a time and finish in the top two in our pool. That will get us to the quarter-finals, which should be the first objective.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / IBN Live / Home> IBN Live> Sports> Hockey / by Jaspreet Sahni, IBN Live Sport / December 03rd, 2013

‘Create awareness on Aids’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Science & Technology

AidsKF10dec2013There is need to create an awareness on HIV/Aids among people, said Zilla Panchayat Vice President Biddanda Usha Devamma.

She was speaking at a World Aids Day programme organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, department of health and family welfare, District Aids Control unit, district Legal Services Authority, here on Monday. Zilla Panchayat standing committee (education and health) Mani Nanjappa, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Srividya, District Health Officer Dr O R Srirangappa and others were present.

Protest

The contract workers of Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society staged a protest demanding the fulfillment of their demands, by wearing black badge.

The staff members of ICTC, ART, DSRC, Link ART and blood bank took part in the protest.
Addressing the protesters, Contract Workers district unit leader Sadananda said that Karnataka tops in controlling the spread of Aids. However, the workers who have been striving for the purpose are not given facilities.

The protesters urged to regularise the services of contract labourers and double the wages of the contract workers. The wages which were pending for the last few months should be released at the earliest.

Mudigere

Students who become victims of wrong selections, tend to miss a lot of opportunities in life, said JMFC Principal Civil Judge Padmaprasad.

He was speaking after inaugurating legal literacy programme jointly organised by the law department, NSS unit and health department, to observe World Aids Day at Government Boy’s PU College on Monday.

“Adolescence is a period which takes youth in wrong direction. Only those who aim high and are spirited throughout, achieve in their lives.”

“Life gives several opportunities, therefore students should come out of negative and unwanted thoughts that come to their mind. Even the parents should shower love on children so that they will not succumb to bad habits,” he said.

Taluk Health Officer Dr Yogesh called ‘awareness’ as the only medicine for Aids.
Students should educate themselves about Aids and also spread awareness in the society, he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by DHNS – Madikeri / December 02nd, 2013

Chikka beats Rashid to win his maiden title

Records, All, Sports

ChikkaKF10dec2013
Mumbai:

Rookie Chikkarangappa S of Bangalore upstaged pre-tournament favourite Rashid Khan of Delhi in a playoff to bag his maiden professional title at the CG Open 2013 played at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club in Mumbai.

It turned out to be a day of twists and turns. Rashid Khan (64-64-66-70) maintained his overnight three-shot lead till the eighth hole as both he and Chikkarangappa (64-65-68-67) made two birdies and a bogey each on the first eight holes. The tide turned over the next five holes. Rashid dropped bogeys on the ninth, 10th and 13th as a result of a few missed putts and a poor tee shot while Chikka sank a 17-feet birdie putt on the 12th. Chikka thus went ahead by one shot on the 13th.

Chikka stayed ahead by one till the 17th after both he and Rashid made birdies on the 16th. Rashid however, came back in the contest with a birdie on the 18th thanks to a near-perfect third shot from the fairway that landed within a foot of the flag. Chikka on the other hand, missed an up and down for birdie from the bunker wall on the 18th. The two golfers, who have grown up playing against each other on the junior and amateur circuits, headed for a playoff after ending the regulation 72 holes with matching totals of 16-under-264.

The 20-year-old Chikka, who hails from the Eagleton Golf Resort near Bangalore, sealed the deal on the first playoff hole against 22-year-old Rashid, who lost a playoff at the CG Open for the second year in succession. Chikka found the rough and then the bunker during the playoff but recovered well with a 12-feet birdie putt conversion. Rashid on his part missed the birdie after a poor bunker shot.

Chikka’s winning cheque of Rs. 16,16,500 propelled him from fifth place to second position on the Rolex Rankings. Rashid Khan continues to lead the Rolex Rankings with an impressive margin of about Rs. 11 lakh.

Chikka said, “It feels great to win my first title in my first season as a professional. I’ve been in contention in at least six events this season but somehow could not deliver in the final stages. I drew a lot of experience from those tournaments and that helped me break the all-important victory barrier today.

“I performed really well with the 3-wood and the putter this week. I made a lot of fairways and dropped just five bogeys in the whole tournament. I stayed in touch with Rashid in the initial stages and capitalized with some long putts when he faltered midway through the round. The turning point was the crucial 13-feet downhill par putt that I converted on the 15th. That kept me ahead and gave me momentum. I was confident heading into the playoff despite missing an up and down from the bunker wall on the 18th.

“This win will give me a huge boost for the rest of the season. I dedicate my victory to the Late Mr. M Ashok Kumar, the former Chairman and Managing Director of Eagleton – The Golf Resort, who passed away earlier this year. He was like a father figure to me and encouraged and supported me for many years,” added Chikka.
Bangladeshi Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (67-68-66-69) secured third place at 10-under-270 after shooting a 69 in the final round.

Delhi’s Vinod Kumar was a further shot behind in fourth place while K Prabagaran of Sri Lanka claimed fifth place at seven-under-273.

source: http://www.indiansportsnews.com / Indian Sports News / Home> Golf / Tuesday – December 03rd, 2013

Saurav Ghosal, Joshna Chinappa call for more facilities

Sports

SauravKF08dec2013
Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa – two of India’s top squash players – said that the country needs to organise more tournaments, have more venues and improve the training facilities to produce fresh players.

“India needs more venues, better infrastructure and spectatorship. The international venues are fantastic. It gives you a feeling of being a rockstar as you are watched by so many people. The New York and Manchester courts pump up my adrenaline,” said Ghosal.

He felt the difference when he went to England to train with Malcolm Willstrop in 2005. “There are more players to train with in England. The support staff and physiotherapists are far advanced than in India,” he added.

Chinappa, India’s No. 2 woman player, seconded Ghosal and said that the need of the hour was a structured programme in India. “Having good courts won’t serve the purpose. India needs a system in place. Saurav, Dipika (Pallikal) and I did not have any system,” she said.

Chinappa asserted how she had to struggle to get sponsors. “Squash is an expensive sport and one cannot make money out of it unless he or she is in the top 10. There should be more tournaments and players from all categories should be supported,” she added.

The duo recently won the NSCI Squash Open in Mumbai and along with Pallikal will begin their campaign in the Hong Kong Open starting on December 3.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Sport> Report / by Wriddhaayan Bhattacharyya / Place:Mumbai, Agency:DNA / Tuesday – December 04th, 2013

DC’s letter on Kodava firearm licence kicks up a row

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

Guns are part of the Kodava culture and they are used during auspicious occasions.—Photo: Nanda Kumar / The Hindu
Guns are part of the Kodava culture and they are used during auspicious occasions.—Photo: Nanda Kumar / The Hindu

Clarification sought on granting exemption certificates to Kodavas and ‘Jamma’ holders

The clarification sought by the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner from the State government on granting exemption certificates (ECs) to the ‘Coorg by race’ (Kodava) people and ‘Jamma’ (land tenure) holders to keep weapons without licence, a privilege existing since the days of the British, has caused anxiety among the people here.

In his letter on September 20, Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari asked the Home Department whether the Jamma holders should necessarily be Kodavas (Coorgs) or otherwise. He asked whether ECs could be granted to Kodava people even if they were not Jamma holders, and non-Kodavas, who are Jamma holders. It was also asked whether EC holders could purchase weapons from outside Karnataka in such cases.

CLAIMS

Kodavas are eligible for EC, as per concessions under Sections 3 and 4 of the Indian Arms Act of 1959, even if they are not Jamma holders, says T.C. Thammaiah, a former tahsildar. “ECs were issued to Kodavas and non-Kodavas, who were Jamma holders. There is also no mention about the extent of land a Jamma holder should possess to qualify for ECs,” he says. After the letter sent by the DC, many people have been forced to wait for long to get ECs.

Kodavas worship fire arms during festivals, they are used to fire shots in the air to herald the birth of baby boys, and some use it during house warming too.

Weapons provide security to people who live in remote villages and can act a deterrence to ward off activities of Naxalites.

The new documents sought by the district administration included original Jama Bandhi (land record) pertaining to 1918, Kodava caste certificate, Election Photo Identity Card bearing address in Kodagu, and ration cards, which were not necessary, Mr. Thammaiah argues, quoting lawyers in Madikeri.

A revenue transfer certificate would confirm whether the person seeking EC is a Kodava or the land held by him is Jamma.

The Madikeri Kodava Samaja has threatened non-cooperation for the All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan scheduled to be held in Madikeri from January 7 to 9 if the obstacles in issuing ECs were not removed.

The Akhila Kodava Samaja, a representative body of the Kodavas, wants the rights continued. The Codava National Council, headed by N.U. Nachappa, too has demanded unhindered continuation of the privilege.

However, Mr. Tewari told The Hindu that the administration did not want to harass people, but the intention was to devise an alternative way to regulate the likely misuse of weapons.

The government of India had raised the issue some time ago, he said. “We have not stopped issuing ECs to the people,” Mr. Tewari confirmed.

Asked why the applicants were being told to produce Jama bandhi copies of 1918, he said some officials dealing with it had sought them to verify the claims of the applications as additional proof and it was not mandatory.

Efforts were on to computerise and keep a directory of licensed weapons and EC holders in the district, Mr. Tewari said. “The people of Kodagu should get the benefit,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by K. Jeevan Chinnappa / Madikeri – December 03rd, 2013

Hoping for a better season ahead

Sports

Rohan Bopanna (left) and Somdev Devvarman at the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy on Monday. / Photo: V. V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
Rohan Bopanna (left) and Somdev Devvarman at the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy on Monday. / Photo: V. V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu

Rohan Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman trained at the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy (SMTA) on Monday with the objective of putting up a better showing in 2014.

“Yes, having entered a Grand Slam final once, I know what it takes to be there. So, it is a question of taking more steps to realise my dream of winning one,” said Bopanna before his long training session as part of the 10-day camp organised by the Indian Tennis Players Association, under the supervision of American coach Scott McCain.

“It is obvious that the sport is getting tougher every year and you have to raise the bar constantly to be in the elite group, and so we are here for off-season training. I have had eight different partners in the recent past, and the focus has been on constantly improving.”

“I have decided to re-combine with Pakistan’s Aisam Qureshi for next year. Having grown together on the circuit from the Challengers, ITFs and ATP events, we know each other’s game pretty well and hope to improve our record,” said Bopanna, who reached the US Open men’s doubles final with Qureshi in 2010.

“We also complement each other very well. We know our strengths and weaknesses and can sort out many issues quickly — on and off the court. It is not ideal to keep changing doubles partners if you want to stay at the top,” he pointed out.

“It is great to be here at this wonderful academy which has all the facilities. I love the quiet ambience here,” he said.

“Most tournaments are now held on synthetic surfaces, though I love to play on grass. But having decided to completely focus on doubles now, my aim is to work hard, believe in myself and keep improving,” Bopanna signed off.

Oozing confidence

Meanwhile, Devvarman — back after a break because of surgery — is also oozing confidence ahead of the Chennai Open this month.

“It was quite tough to overcome the break. Hopefully, 2014 will be much better for me if I do the right things at the right time.

It is great to be here with the other leading Indian men’s players,” he said.

“Right now, I am completely fit and eager to improve my ranking.

“The motivation is always there and my target right now is to keep working hard, beat the tough guys and come closer to my career-best ranking of World No. 62,” he concluded.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by V.V. Suhrahmanyam / Hyderabad – December 03rd, 2013

GPs told to extend monetary help for Kannada Sahitya Sammelana

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

With the district administration facing funds crunch to organise the 80th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana which is scheduled to be held in Madikeri for three days from January 7, Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Srividya has directed every gram panchayat to offer Rs 10,000 fund towards organising the mega event.

Speaking at the monthly KDP review meeting of developmental works of Kodagu Zilla Panchayat at Old Fort hall in Madikeri on Thursday, the CEO directed taluk panchayat executive directors to ensure that the gram panchayats lend the help. Kannada Sahitya Parishat District Unit President T P Ramesh who was present at the meeting raised the issue and said that a resolution was passed in the previous meeting to raise Rs 10,000 fund from every GP for organising Sahitya Sammelana. But, only a few GPs have given the amount and 90 per cent of GPs have failed to release the amount.

He also requested that every GP displays two to three welcome banners during Sammelana. With most of the name plates in the district written English, the authorities should direct the shop owners write the name plates in Kannada, he asked.

Chairing the meeting, ZP President B Shivappa suggested the officers and elected representatives to extend co-operation for making the event a success.

Social Justice Standing Committee President Rajarao said that for availing grant from the gram panchayats for Sahitya Sammelana, letters should be written to the GP presidents too, along with the panchayat development officers. By writing to both, it would be possible to set aside the fund for the convention, he said.

Meanwhile, he also raised the issue of lack of facilities in Morarji Desai residential schools in the district. The materials given by the government departments to these schools are of poor quality, he alleged. He displayed a uniform sample and said the cloth was of sub-standard. He also complained that title deeds were not given to those residing in forest in Nagarahole and other parts of the district and the villagers are also deprived of basic facilities like school, hospital, electricity etc. The forest dwellers are facing problem due to the restricts put by the forest department officers, Rajarao complained.

Responding to the complaint about poor quality in Morarji Desai schools, Social Welfare Officer K V Suresh said that an organisation which is a part of the social welfare department directly controlling the schools from Bangalore is the reason behind all the problems. Assistant Commissioner Abhiram G Shankar said that 75 to 80 per cent of compensation has been distributed to those who have incurred crop loss due to heavy rain in the district during monsoon. There has been a delay in distributing compensation to coffee growers, due to the re-survey of the areas that have incurred crop loss.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS – November 29th, 2013

Ghosal, Chinappa win NSCI Squash Open

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Seasoned champions Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa won the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively at the NSCI Open Squash Championships on Saturday.

Joshna Chinappa
Joshna Chinappa

Ghosal lived up to his top billing and posted a 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 victory over Ravi Dixit to pocket a winner’s purse of Rs 150,000.

Chinappa also had a relatively easy finale, beating fourth seed Urshavi Joshi 11-3, 12-10, 11-9 in the women’s category.

source: http://www.mid-day.com / Mid Day / Home> Sports / by A Correspondent / Mumbai – December 01st, 2013

1st Soliga KAS does his tribe proud

Amazing Feats, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Bangalore :

Ravi Ramaiah is on cusp of setting a record by becoming the first KAS officer from the Soliga tribes. But to his misfortune, this 28-year-old, selected to be a Class I officer in 2011, is yet to receive his appointment order. The reason: the recruitment process has been kept in abeyance because 25 of the 362 successful candidates were found to have indulged in malpractices.

But Ravi, who hails from a hamlet near Nagarahole in Mysore district, has not given up hope. Working as a police constable in Mysore’s Jayalakshmipuram police station, Ravi began dreaming of becoming a bureaucrat after his primary school teacher Suresh and lecturer Rudrappa felt he could achieve more.

“They encouraged me to take the KSPC exams. I cleared both exams and the interview in my first attempt. I used to study at least eight hours a day,” Ravi said. He scored 956 marks out of 1,800 in the Mains exam and 150 out of 200 in the interview.

“The imbroglio over appointments has ruined my dreams,” Ravi says.

Coming out with flying colours in the face of adversity is not new to Ravi. “I did my primary education at a government school in Beeranahalli, walking alone 3 km from and to my house in the jungle. These lonely treks made me decide to be a self-made man. Jungle made me a brave and bold man,” he says.

Ravi’s father, Ramaiah, studied till class III, while mother Jayamma never went to school. “He is a born naturalist. He can smell the air and predict rain two days in advance,” Ravi says of his father. His eldest brother is an SSLC dropout, while the second brother completed his II PUC.

Ravi’s teacher Suresh took him to Hunsur and got him admitted to a government high school.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Government School / by Rajiv Kalkod, TNN / November 28th, 2013

Wind beneath my wings

Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, World Opinion

VIKRAM-DASAPPAkf03dec2013
Born into a family, that owns coffee plantations in Coorg, city boy Vikram Dasappa, had a natural affinity to Coorg coffee and felt that it is one of the oldest and the best coffees in India. Eligible bachelor boy who chose to become a restaurateur, instead of running the family coffee business, shares, “Our family has been in the business since past three generations and we have the oldest and best kept coffee estates in Coorg. On my various travels around the world, I explored a lot of night clubs, lounge bars and pubs and always wanted to own one of my own. But owing to Bengaluru’s early nightlife deadline, opening a night club didn’t seem like a very clever proposition. Food has been growing steadily in the city and that’s why I decided to bring an International food chain here.”

Recognising the city as a social melting pot, a brand like Nando’s seemed to pique the foodies interest. “I was always very passionate about the hospitality industry. I also love travelling and have been to many cities around the world with a group of friends and family. This year we went to explore Europe and went to Croatia, Greece, Italy, Hungary, London and Montenegro. It was also my mom Gayathri’s 60th birthday, so 25 of us from my family went onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise. We also took out time and tried some rock climbing in Montenegro. Last year we went to Bangkok, Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore with friends. On one of my trips to Budapest, I went cycling across the country, which is the best way to explore new places. Highlight of my trips is trying out new cuisines, especially Italian and meeting new people,” says Vikram, who runs two Nando’s restaurants in the city, adding, “The first time I tried the Peri-peri chicken at Nando’s in London, I was hooked onto it and one of my cousins mentioned about the franchise. I have taken the franchise licence for Karnataka state.”

Recalling a recent trip to London, Vikram adds, “I love Nobu for its interesting Japanese cuisine. Whenever I like a dish, I always try and have a word with the chefs to get an idea on whatever goes into making it. I’m always exploring more options of world cuisine, with plans to bringing in more international chains to India. I also love Prosecco and have also tried a lot of exotic range of cognacs from Venezuela. Another of my favourites is Frangelico. I take my golf breaks whenever I can. We had gone to take part in the golf tournament at the 107 year old Belur golf club. I have also taken golf holidays in Colombo and South Africa.”

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Offbeat / DC / by Namita Gupta / November 28th, 2013