The Tamara Coorg won the ‘Best Luxury Resort in South India’ award at the South India Travel Awards held in Hyderabad on March 27, 2014. DDP Publications gave away the award at Radisson Blu Hotel at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad.
This exclusive event is presented in four regional editions, with South India as the first event. The award recognises the ‘best of the best’ in travel and tourism in the country. The winners from each zone will now participate in Pan-India awards to be held later in the year.
Senthil Kumar N, Director and CEO, The Tamara Coorg said, “We are really pleased to win this prestigious award. This is a wonderful confirmation of our exclusive service in the luxury segment & our offering to discerning travellers seeking elevated experiences.”
source: http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com / HospitalityBizIndia.com / Home> NewsTrack / by HBI Staff – Mumbai / Monday – April 07th, 2014
The Tipu Sultan Nagarika Vedike Kodagu district unit has said that the unit was ready to raise funds from the public to pay Rs 7,80,541 to the Transport department to get the custody of Sunny Side, ancestral house of General K S Thimmaiah.
It was a long pending demand to convert Sunny Side into a memorial.
Addressing a press meet, district unit President K M Kunhi Abdulla said, that the government had announced that Sunny Side would be converted into a memorial eight years ago. However, it has not seen any progress. After the death of General Thimmaiah, his wife had sold the building to the Transport department.
However, owing to lack of maintenance the building was in a deplorable condition. The government should respond to the demands of the people.”
Kannada and Culture department has already written to the government to pay Rs 7,80,541 to take over the building. “If the government fails to initiate measures to convert the building into a memorial, a protest rally will be held in Bangalore. We will extend our support to the Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General Thimmaiah Forum.”
Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said that the State government had earmarked Rs 1 crore in the budget in 2006. “The respective BJP and Congress governments failed to convert the building into a memorial,” he said.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, April 04th, 2014
The country needs IAS officers who will go out in the sun and work for the people in the streets, said former IAS officer P M Belliappa at a lecture series organized by the Association of British Scholars (ABS) in Chennai on Monday.
During the lecture held as part of the Gazetteer lecture series at the British Council, Belliappa said IAS officers should be recruited at a young age to understand and display good governance. “There is more of lateral entry these days and it dilutes the system,” he said.
“It is sad that we don’t have any leader who puts himself last and puts the country first,” he said, adding that K Kamaraj was the best chief minister that Tamil Nadu has ever had as he worked for the people in the streets.
Belliappa has contributed to the ABS project on gazetteer series, which includes a three-part book ‘Madras, Chennai: A 400-year Record of the First City of Modern India,’ edited by historian S Muthiah.
Speaking on the occasion, Muthiah said the third book in the series, with the sub-title ‘Information, Culture and Entertainment,’ would be released early next year. The first two parts of the book have the sub-titles ‘The land, the People and the Governance’ and ‘Services, Education and the Economy.’
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai / by Saradha Mohan Kumar, TNN / March 31st, 2014
New exhibit displays artifacts and reproductions of a bygone era.
Coffee beans were scooped from this cast iron and glass storage container into a manual coffee grinder.
Although Freeman Store and Museum’s new exhibit, History of the Country Store, opened in early March, Historic Vienna Inc. chose a sunny and warm spring day for its opening reception on April 6. A steady stream of guests filtered through the store and museum examining the artifacts and reproductions on display in the store and upstairs in the museum and parlor. The Freeman Store is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Abram Lydecker himself, who lives as an HVI historian and reenactor in his alternate ego, greeted guests and shared recollections of the birth of his store just before the Civil War broke out, during the war, and post-war business.
Abram and Susan Lydecker moved from New Jersey with their nine children in 1859, founding the community’s first general store. The store was used as a secession vote polling place on May 23, 1861. Vienna was one of the few precincts in Virginia to vote against secession.
“We just moved here from New Jersey and the village is very small,” said “Lydecker, referring to 1859. ”We don’t have many people living here yet but a lot of new agricultural technology was introduced here in Fairfax County.
“It’s nice for me and my family to have store next to the railroad so we can get goods and ship to people.”
Fairfax County welcomed Northerners as long as they didn’t take Abolitionist stands publicly, Lydecker said.
Ken Liu and his 11-year-old son Jason visited the Freeman Store and Museum during the reception. Jason is earning his Boy Scout Citizenship in the Nation badge and the Vienna family recognized Freeman Store’s historic designation. “We’re losing a lot of the original concepts,” said Jason. “Modern technology can help us do things faster but we shouldn’t forget the original ideas.”
Ken Liu said he was particularly struck by “Lydecker’s” conversations, especially when learning that the federal government suspended the Constitution when they took over the store during the war.
The exhibit, History of the Country Store, runs through the year. Counted among the displays are artifacts from the mid-19th century to the turn of the 20th century and reproductions that replicate goods, from feed and food to dry goods. The checkbook and satchel used by Leon Freeman, whose father Andersen Freeman married Abram Lydecker’s daughter, is displayed. Leon Freeman was the first president of the Vienna Bucket Brigade, the precursor to the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
“It’s fun to share the Freeman House as an open house,” said HVI Board member, Dave Shelby, who commented that HVI was pleased with the turnout. “It’s nice to show people what the building originally served as and how the world here used to be.”
Freeman Store and Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4p.m. There is no admission charge for exhibition. For information on the exhibit or to enquire about Historic Vienna, Inc., go to historicviennainc.org.
–Donna Manz
source: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com / The Connection / Home / Wednesday – April 09th, 2014
Rohan Bopanna, at 34, is the most experienced member of the Indian Davis Cup team. He’s also back on the pro circuit with his most successful doubles partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. Off the court, his marriage to Supriya Annaiah is just over a year old. (Rohan Bopanna, at 34,…)
He chats with Shamya Dasgupta about the calm after a stormy few years for the tennis player.
You’ve had 11 years in the pro circuit now. Do you think you have achieved what you set out to do?
Looking back, if someone told me that I would one day be the most senior representative on the Indian Davis Cup team and reach a career high of World No 3 (in men’s doubles), I would have found it hard to believe. It has been a journey of sacrifices and determination, which have, fortunately, paid off. I would say I have achieved most of what I set out to when I decided to take up the game, though I would still like to lead India to laurels on the global stage (in the Davis Cup) and also win a Grand Slam title, or many.
A question you would have fielded before—why do Indians make better players in the doubles game as compared with the singles game?
I don’t think there’s a tennis player in the world, who when he picks up the racquet for the first time and decides to be a professional, wants to be a doubles specialist. It is only later on in your career that you decide, based on your skills and your game, and choose to be a doubles specialist. I guess, in India, it is also due to the lack of sponsors that you choose the doubles route, an option that is financially viable.
You’re back with Aisam—what makes the two of you such a strong doubles team? Indeed, what makes any two individuals play well together?
There are a lot of factors that account for a great doubles pairing. Most important, I believe, is great chemistry on and off the court. Aisam and I have been close friends, having spent so many years on the circuit in proximity. I think that is a significant contribution to our success, apart from our understanding of each other’s game and each other’s strengths and weaknesses, again on court and off court. Drawing parallels to a marriage, which is my other significant partnership these days, I would say that all partnerships need work, effort and commitment.
Do you think you, and Aisam of course, became sacrificial lambs, so to say, in the 2011-12 period because of ‘issues’ between other people (Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi)?
I can only speak for myself here and not for Aisam—well, it was I who decided to play with Mahesh and not Aisam in 2012 keeping the focus on representing the country and the London Olympics. And looking back at the on-court success, 2012 was definitely one of the best so far in my career. Off-court controversies are in the in the past and as players, you live, learn and move on as mature individuals. My focus is now on the year ahead and I am looking forward to it.
Would you say, because of the way things panned out, no one really benefited in that period, not Leander or Mahesh, nor you or Aisam, or even Sania Mirza?
I do not think anyone who genuinely cared about the sport benefited from the issues at that point of time. But, we have moved on. But, there’s a chance a similar issue might crop up before the 2016 Olympics. I am focused on the current year and not looking that far ahead.
Moving on, the International Tennis Premier League is also around the corner. What do you think the ITPL will do for you, and for tennis as a whole?
I’m really looking forward to being part of the ITPL. It will be a great opportunity to play along with and against some of the biggest names in the sport. I hope that it propels the interest for the game and boosts the viewership across Asia.
You are the most experienced player in the Indian Davis Cup team at the moment. What does that mean to you?
It is a fairly young team that we have currently representing the country at the Davis Cup. All of the guys are enthusiastic about making the country proud and, for me, it is a great opportunity to try and help them and pass on what my experiences in the game have taught me.
The reunion with Aisam has already brought you a title in Dubai. You and Aisam are the same age, so how far do you think the two of you can go?
The win in Dubai was gratifying and we hope to continue with the success from that win. We would like to play together for a couple of years at the very least, with a Grand Slam victory a priority.
(The author is Senior Editor at Wisden India)
source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> Sports / ET Bureau / by Shyama Dasgupta / April 05th, 2014
History has always been a reigning passion for this 27-year-old software engineer who also makes iphone apps, blogs, sketches, writes poetry and edits on Wikipedia. / Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy / The Hindu Mookonda Kushalappa’s novel is a fascinating account of a beautiful land
Mookonda Kushalappa takes you back to the year 1834, offering you an account of a beautiful, complex place and its multi-faceted people
“I was brought up in Bangalore but my grandfather lived in Coorg and I used to visit it often. I was fascinated by the place and began reading a lot about it and there was a hunger in me to tell its story.”
So he did. His novel Long Ago in Coorg delves into the history of Kodagu in the modern era beginning from the invasion of the British East India Company in 1834 and going all the way to the present day existence of the Kodagu district. “Some of the interesting aspects of the book include the Coorg War of 1834 fought between the British and the Coorgs, the rebellion of 1837 where a pretender tried to claim the throne of Kodagu and the Gandhian movement in Kodagu,” adds Nitin.
History has always been a reigning passion for this 27-year-old software engineer who also makes iphone apps, blogs, sketches, writes poetry and edits on Wikipedia.
“The past fascinates me,” he says adding that the distinct culture and tradition of Coorg, which makes it an eclectic melting pot of sorts added to his fascination for the place. “The culture is essentially Dravidian with West Asian influences and fantastic theories abound about the place.”
In addition to this book, he has written another, also based on Coorg history, “The book is called The Early Coorgs and is based on Kodagu’s mythology, prehistory and early history before 1600,” he says.
On future plans he shrugs, “Well, honestly I don’t plan anything long term, I take one day at a time. I try to be different and do what I like. But yes, more writing will definitely happen.”
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Society / by Preeti Zachariah / Bangalore – April 02nd, 2014
Cubbon Park was charged with enthusiasm as more than 150 cyclists participated in the Child Rights and You’s (CRY) Vote for Child Rights Cycle Rally. Flagging off the rally alongside Regional Director of CRY recently, (South) Suma Ravi, were eminent personalities, including ace Badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa, Paralympic high jumper silver medalist Girisha Hosanagara Rajegowda, Kannada actor Srimurali and Guinness Record holder, young actor-director Kishan Srikanth. The 6-km rally which started off at Cubbon Park, and traversed around M G Road, culminated at Cubbon Park.
Suma Ravi said, “The Bangalore Cycle rally concludes our events for CRY’s Vote for Child Rights campaign, and yet again we are thrilled to witness the enthusiasm of all our participants in helping us spread the word.”
Ashwini Ponnappa said, “I’m glad that I am associated with a campaign that calls for everyone to become active advocates for Child Rights. I would like to see all girls getting equal opportunities everywhere in life.”
Mirroring the same sentiments, Girish Hosanagara said, “The Vote for Child Rights campaign stands for the rights for our children and is aimed at the people who will finally be in power. Every child, irrespective of any disability, must have the right to a happy, healthy childhood.”
Srimurali said, “CRY has always worked towards ensuring lasting change for children, and as an actor if I can do anything to help, I will.”
Supported by Unibic Foods India Pvt Ltd (Refreshment partner), Kerberon Automations, Bangalore Cyclists Club, Eden Suites and Target Imprints, the rally is part of CRY’s nationwide Vote for Child Rights campaign that started on November 13, 2013. It included activities ranging from signing pledges from the general public to getting prominent personalities from across India to support the campaign, to the organising events like wall paintings and flash mobs to showcase the current state of Child Rights in India.
The campaign believes that India’s children, who account for one third of the population, deserve the collective demonstration of commitment towards child rights. It also calls for action to express zero tolerance towards violation of child rights so that every child can be assured of a happy, healthy and creative childhood. That can happen only if children are recognised as rights holders and people in power remain committed towards providing care, protection, essential services and opportunities to each and every child.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service – Bangalore / March 24th, 2014
Leading Indian doubles badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa said on Sunday that she is happy to see more and more people take up the sport.
“I am happy to see more and more people take up badminton. It is great to see that many people are getting interested in the sport and are following India’s progress at the world stage,” the 2010 Commonwealth Games women’s doubles gold medallist said after giving away PNB MetLife RWA Badminton Championship prizes at the Thyagaraj Stadium here.
“I hope to see more support for badminton in the future as this will spread the popularity of the sport in India.”
The 2011 World Championship bronze medallist starts her campaign at the $250,000 India Open Super Series at the Siri Fort Sports Complex Wednesday.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> Badminton / IANS / March 30th, 2014
Winners of best the Biodynamic Coffee Growing Villages interacting with Chief Sustainability Officer of the Naandi Foundation David Hogg at Gems of Araku Festival 2014 organised at Thuraiguda in Visakhapatnam district on Wednesday./ Photo: K. R. Deepak / The Hindu
Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, and Japan, among others, keen on a deal on the coffee of the valley
This scenic locale that is a popular tourist destination is on the international map for one more reason – coffee.
The coffee Arabica from Araku is set to sell at Rs. 450-500 per kilo. The premium coffee is grown by the 12,000 small and marginal tribal coffee farmers of the valley and the world’s coffee guzzling nations including Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, and Japan are keen on striking a deal on the produce this year.
Making the world know the existence of Araku Arabica and having it appreciated for its unique taste and flavour is the Araku Originals Limited floated by the Naandi Foundation. AOL is marketing the idea and the coffee by bringing in the discerning international buyers to the Araku Valley to see the cultivation and interact with the farmers.
On the other hand the international recognition has boosted the morale of the farmers who are taking pride in their produce and are willing to walk that extra mile to ensure quality.
What makes the coffee cultivated by the members of Small and Marginal Tribal Coffee Farmers Mutually Aided Cooperative Society in the Valley so unique is the biodynamic cultivation process that avoids use of chemicals, SAMTCFMACS president Killo Kondal Rao of Thuraiguda says.
Competition
The Naandi Foundation, in association with the Mahindra & Mahindra, organised a competition — Gems of Araku 2014 — to recognise and award the best biodynamic farmer and the best biodynamic farming village.
The competition has been designed with an aim to encourage the farmers to adopt the best practices and maintain the quality that is sought after in the international markets, says Chief Sustainability Officer of Naandi Foundation David Hogg.
On Wednesday Rajeev Dubey of the Mahindra & Mahindra along with the CEO of Naandi Foundation in the presence of a number of international coffee buyers gave away the awards to the Best Biodynamic Farmer Janni Budho of Ganjaiguda village, runner-up G. Anantaram of K. Bodapat village; Best Biodynamic Village to K. Bodapat village and runner-up to Ganjaiguda village at a function organised at the Coffee Processing Unit of the SAMTCFMACS at Thuraiguda near here.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by G. S. Subrahmanyam / Araku Valley (Visakhapatnam District) – March 20th, 2014
Chef Naren Thimmaiah on the rise of regional cuisines on menus and his restaurant Karavalli. Karavalli
Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef of The Gateway Hotel in Bangalore, is a very happy man. Not only did he pick up the Time Out Food Award for Favourite Coastal Restaurant — in Delhi last week — for his brainchild Karavalli, but the restaurant was also a new entrant in this year’s list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, published by Restaurant Magazine, considered a definitive guide to restaurants globally. The spate of awards has catapulted Karavalli, an institution in Bangalore, into national prominence.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognised on such a large platform. This award is a reiteration of the fulfillment of the pact we made 23 years ago to our guests, wherein we promised authenticity, and heartwarming and soul-endearing food,” he said.
Thimmaiah and his team have spent more than two decades researching the cuisines of all the sub-regions and communities in the south-western coastal belt, coming up with an eclectic offering of south Indian and coastal fare. There is a combination of dishes both fiery hot and genteel, whether it’s Moplah-style ghee rice and chicken curry, steamed and served in a green banana leaf, a piquant Meen Vevichathu (seer fish in a thin chilli-based gravy) or a gentler Camaro Con Cilantro, a Goan dish of prawns with coriander and saffron. Given its proximity to the ocean, seafood has a starring role on Karavalli’s menu, present in all shapes, sizes and types from crustaceans to shellfish to cephalopods, served grilled, curried, skewered, all of them as fresh as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The restaurant is designed like a mansion, typical of the region, complete with high wooden ceilings, antique furniture, colonial bric-a-brac and lantern-shaped lights. Several dishes are served in a particular, ritualistic manner, harking to the place of their origin, by liveried servers.
According to the soft-spoken chef, it is partly the trending of regional foods which has spurred Karavalli’s success. “Most of the earlier food menus in Indian restaurants hardly reflected the variety in India’s cuisine. It used to be only food from Punjab or Chettinad that found a place of prominence in restaurants. Now, we have interesting cuisines, such as Mangalorean, Bengali, Gujarati and Malabar weaving their magic. We have also started talking about and serving Coorgi, Bundelkhandi, Malwani, Rampur and similar cuisines, which is very encouraging,” says Thimmaiah. “Earlier, a restaurant mainly catered to the hunger quotient. Now, a meal in a restaurant has become experiential and that calls for variety to begin with,” he adds.
Thimmaiah believes that maintaining the authenticity of food while cooking and serving also helps in preserving the traditional cooking for future generations. “Tradition should not have to be preserved only in museums or archives. As we evolve, we should look at using all avenues to preserve our tradition and culture. That is where the authentic regional restaurants come into picture,” he says, “Like museums, restaurants also preserve traditions.”
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / Indian Express / Home> Cities> Delhi / Shantanu David / March 30th, 2014
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