Monthly Archives: December 2018

Book On Kodagu Flood Victims Released

December 18, 2018Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, Alladmin

Mysuru:

“The search for my daughter Manjula whose life was lost during the landslide and floods on Aug.17 at Jodupala where she was studying in my sister Gowramma’s house is still going on. I live in a tribal area and on that fateful day even after I came to know of the tragedy, I was not able to reach the place. It was only four days later that we were able to go there only to find that my sister and other members of the family had all died,” recalled Somaiah, father of the flood victim Manjula from Kodagu.

He was sharing his experience after releasing the book ‘Kathe Heluve Nanna – Kodagina Nonda Hrudayagalu… Midida Managalu’ written by journalist Ravi Pandavapura at the Rani Bahadur Auditorium here this morning and said that his daughter was a tenth standard student and he was still in search of her body.

Kodagu Superintendent of Police Dr. Suman D. Pennekar said that it was just one month before she had taken charge and this was a very new experience when the tragedy struck, which was very challenging.

“There were distress calls all around. But everyone be it the local guides, officials and the public rose to the occasion and supported us in those trying times. Even the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Deputy Commissioner were with us. However, our first priority was to rescue those who were alive and only later we concentrated on recovering the dead bodies,” she said.

Senior Journalist Ananth Chinivar spoke about the book. Kodagu Press Club President Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa presided. Somaiah’s wife K.S. Jayanthi, sons K.S. Darshan and K.S. Roshan were present.

Abhiruchi Prakashna’s Abhiruchi Ganesh who has published the book and author Ravi Pandavapura were also present. The 128-page book is priced at Rs. 105 and the proceeds of the book will go towards Kodagu Relief Fund.

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source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 14th, 2018

Kodagu set to gain from proximity to Kannur airport

December 18, 2018Business & Economy, World Opinionadmin

The newly opened Kannur International Airport has brought smiles to Karnataka’s bordering district of Kodagu.

The closest airport from Madikeri, Gonikoppal, and Kushalnagar is Kannur, and tourism stakeholders are hoping that the new airport may prove a big advantage for tourist footfall in the coffee land.

Kushalnagar, a commercial town surrounded by tourism hotspots, is around 100 km from Kannur, while Madikeri and Gonikoppal are about 95 km and 55 km, respectively, from the Kerala city.

“Certainly, the airport will benefit Kodagu, both in terms of business and tourism. Whether the benefit will be felt immediately has to be seen. But, tourists travelling by road from Bengaluru airport may prefer Kannur airport to reach Kodagu,” said Kodagu Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants’ Association president Nagendra Prasad.

He, however, said the road linking Kannur and Madikeri should be developed within the State limits since the route till Kerala–Karnataka border from Kannur is a four-lane road. The Karnataka government should take immediate steps to develop the single-lane road till the border to facilitate tourist arrivals, Mr. Prasad urged. While the journey by road from Bengaluru to Madikeri takes about five hours, the route from Kannur to Kodagu is less than two hours.

Mysuru Travel Mart president B.S. Prashanth said the airport would open a new gateway for tourism developmentand eventually improve connectivity between the two States, thereby boosting tourism.

People flying to Kannur need not have to bother about traffic to reach their destination — Madikeri — unlike from Bengaluru, according to Mr. Prashanth as during weekends and holidays, the Mysuru–Bengaluru highway witnesses bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The new airport may also open a new route for tourists visiting Wayanad and Ooty — the other two popular destinations in south India.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Shankar Bennur / Mysuru – December 15th, 2018

Champa Shashti observed in Kodagu

December 17, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainmentadmin

Car festival was held at Sri Udbhava Subrahmanya Swami temple in Koodige village, in Kushalnagar, on the occasion of Champa Shashti on Thursday.

Champa Shashti, devoted to Lord Subrahmanya, was celebrated with pomp and gaiety across the district.

Special prayers were offered at Muttappa temple and Omkareshwara temple in Madikeri. Temples were decorated with flowers and buntings on the occasion.

A beeline of devotees was found in Omkareshwara temple. ‘Teppotsava’ and a palanquin procession were held in the evening.

Ablutions were offered to the serpent God at Sri Kote Mariyamma temple as well.

In Kushalnagar

On the occasion of Champa Shashti celebrations, car festival and a special puja were performed at Sri Udbhava Subrahmanya Swami temple in Koodige village in Kushalnagar on Thursday.

Ablusions, ‘Mahapuje’ and ‘Mahamangalarathi’ were held in the temple in the morning. ‘Digbali’, ‘Rathabali’ and ‘Rathapuje’ were held prior to the car festival.

Thousands of people from the district along with those from Mysuru and Hassan took part in a grand car festival.

People belonging to Koodumangaluru community pulled the car from the temple premises till Koodumangaluru Community Hall.

Cultural troupes of ‘Veeragase’, ‘Garudi Gombe Kunitha’, ‘Keelu Kudure’, ‘Somana Kunitha’ and ‘Chende Vadya’ were part of the 50th annual car festival of the temple.

Devotees offered serpent hoods made out of silver to the deity at the temple, in fulfilment of their vows.

Special rituals were also held in Someshwara temple in Somwarpet and Beeralingeshwara Gramadevathe Sannidhi in Shanivarasanthe. Devotees offered milk and tender coconut water to Lord Subrahmanya.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Districts / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri – December 13th, 2018

APMC to reintroduce ‘Raitha Santhe’ in Madikeri

December 17, 2018Agriculture, Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

The yard identified for organising ‘Raitha Santhe’ on the premises of the APMC in Madikeri

The APMC in Madikeri will reintroduce ‘Raitha Santhe’, the farmers’ shandy, from December 21.

The weekly shandy was stopped following landslides and incessant rain in Kodagu.

After a long gap, the APMC has decided to relaunch the unique market wherein a platform will be provided to farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers (customers).

The programme, which was initiated on January 12 this year had received a poor response. The APMC has now relaunched the shandy by incorporating some changes with an objective to make it friendly for both the farmers and the buyers.

“From December 21, ‘Raitha Santhe’ will be held on the premises of the APMC near KSRTC depot on every Friday and Wednesday,” said APMC Madikeri Chairman S Ambi Cariappa.

It has been decided to hold the farmers’ shandy on two days in a week. Earlier, the market was meant only for the farmers of Madikeri taluk. This time, the facility will be extended to farmers from various parts of Kodagu district as well as from the state.

Basic amenities such as a new building and parking space will be provided at the venue of the ‘Raitha Santhe’.

APMC member Beppurana Medappa said that the ‘Raitha Santhe’ intends to encourage customers to purchase products directly from farmers at reasonable prices.

Apart from vegetables and fruits, value-added products by farmers will also be featured during the sale. Farmers have also been extended tax exemption to carry out the business, he added.

Another member Kangira Sathish said that earlier, the customers had complained of a limited variety of vegetables at the ‘Raitha Santhe’. Hence, provisions have been made this time to sell a wide range of vegetables, along with groceries.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Districts / by Adithtya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri – December 16th, 2018

Joshna bags record-equalling 16th national title, Mahesh wins maiden crown

December 17, 2018Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sportsadmin

Noida :

Squash star Joshna Chinappa equalled Bhuvneshwari Kumari’s record of 16 national titles while Mahesh Mangaonkar won his maiden crown on the concluding day of the premier domestic event at the HCL campus here on Sunday.

In the two contrasting finals, Mahesh pipped Vikram Malhotra 11-4, 13-15, 11-2, 5-11, 15-13 while Joshna edged out Urwashi Joshi 9-11, 11-1, 11-6, 11-5.

In comparison to the gruelling battle in the men’s final, Joshna had it easier though Urwashi Joshi of Maharashtra did surprise her by taking the first game.

As it turned out, the dent Joshna suffered was more of an aberration. The reigning champion ensured the ride was smooth from there on en route a record equalling crown.

The 32-year-old said it was always special to come back to the Nationals, where she won her maiden title as a 14-year-old. Overall, Joshna has played in a staggering 18 finals, losing just two of them.

“There is a funny story behind this. When I was 12, my father told me that ‘you have to win your first national title before you turn 16’ and I did it at 14. The plan at that point was to win as many Nationals as I could. For me, playing the Nationals is more about reliving the child in me every since I played my first as a 12 year old,” Joshna told .

Her achievements on the international stage easily eclipse Kumari’s feats and now Joshna wants to break her national record.

“Yes I do want to have the maximum number of titles, I am not going to lie abut that. It is nice to equal her record. To be here after 20 years in the sport, is a testament to the work I have done,” said the world number 15.

Joshna has dominated the National Championships over the last two decades but has also had some tough battles with Mekhala Subedar and longtime teammate Dipika Pallikal, who is not a regular at the domestic event.

“My biggest battles have been with Mekhala and Dipika. Everyone loves watching Dipika and me play. Shame she is not here,” added Joshna, who initially struggled to sight the ball in sunlight during the final played on a glass court.

In the men’s final, Mahesh outwitted Vikram Malhotra in a five game tussle of fluctuating fortunes.

Vikram had three match points to settle the argument but failed to grab them. A final can always be tense and Mahesh and Vikram displayed that no less. A year ago in a PSA event, the only occasion when the two had met on the professional circuit, Vikram had edged Mahesh, again over five games.

BS PDS PDS
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> The News Scroll December 16th, 2018

‘Tour of Nilgiris’ reaches Kodagu

December 13, 2018Sportsadmin

Cyclists who are participating in the ‘Tour of Nilgiris’ pass through Kodagu on Monday.

The ‘Tour of Nilgiris’ by Ride a Cycle Foundation reached Kodagu on Monday evening and left for Kerala.

The cycle rally that will pass through the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu was flagged off on December 16. The rally comprises 110 cyclists including 18 women and 29 foreign nationals.

Speaking to reporters, ‘Tour of Nilgiris’ director Sathish Belavadi said that for the first time, cyclists passed on the Sakleshpur-Somwarpet-Kushalnagar route. It was a challenge to find a new route amid coffee estates and hilly ranges, he added.

Assistant director Badrinath V Shastri said, “Tour of Nilgiris will provide a platform for the cyclists to showcase their capacity. As many as 20 cyclists from Bengaluru, 10 from Pune, 6 from Indore, three each from Chennai and Hyderabad, two from Goa, one each from Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Delhi, Vellore and Chandigarh are taking part, explained Shastri.

The ‘Tour of Nilgiris’ will be creating awareness on Retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer among the children, and raise funds to support them.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Naina J A / DH News Service, Madikeri / December 11th, 2018

Barefoot Marathon’s 4th Edition Held At Pollibetta

December 12, 2018Sportsadmin

The Coorg Wellness Foundation, in association with Milind Soman, successfully conducted the World’s First Barefoot Marathon’s 4th Edition at Pollibetta Tata Sports Ground on Dec.2.

Cash price was awarded to only localities who live in Kodagu full time, and those who participated from outside/ non-residents of Kodagu, where given Kodagu produce like local rice, sponsored by Chendanda Aiyappa, local pepper sponsored by Cheppudira Brig Ponappa and coffee sponsored by Adengada Bharat.

It was a fund-raiser event and the proceeds will be utilised for long-term rehabilitation of the recent landslide victims.

Like every year, this year too it was a ZERO plastic event. Even stalls kept by associates of The Coorg Wellness Foundation like Project Coorg, Cheshire Home and Coorg Wildlife Society ensured no plastic was given to buyers of their products.

Schools that participated in the run were Cheshire Home, DMP, Sai Shankar School and COPS.

Local Winners

42-kms (male): Jeethan – 1st place with Rs.42,000; M. Ganapathy – 2nd place with Rs.25,000.

21-kms (female): Kavery – 1st with Rs.21,000.

21-kms (male): Vishwa – 1st with Rs.21,000; S. Mani – 2nd with Rs.15,000; Dhiren Machaiah – 3rd with Rs.10,000.

10-kms (female): Shyla Kottangada – 1st with Rs.10,000; Nisha – 2nd with Rs.5,000; Chaitra – 3rd with Rs.2,500.

10-kms (male): Madhu – 1st with Rs.10,000; Bojanna – 2nd with Rs.5,000; Bopanna – 3rd with Rs.2,500.

The attractive price money was keeping in mind the devastation Kodagu went through, the intention was to encourage more locals of Kodagu to benefit from this.

The next year date for The Barefoot Marathon Coorg Re-Connect, would be Dec.1, 2019, according to a press release from Cheppudira Nikki, Founder, The Coorg Wellness Foundation.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / December 05th, 2018

Short film ‘Nentathi Goode’ released

December 11, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, Alladmin

Karnataka Arebhashe Samskrithi Mathu Sahitya Academy president P C Jayaram releases the short film ‘Nentathi Goode’.

All of us should develop self-respect for the mother tongue, said Karnataka Arebhashe Samskrithi Mathu Sahitya Academy president P C Jayaram.

Speaking after releasing an Arebhashe short film ‘Nentathi Goode’, he said, “All languages have there own distinct feature and culture. The younger generation should conserve the language for the future generation.”

He lauded the team of youths for coming out with a short film highlighting the culture and farming system of the Arebhashe speaking community members.

Madikeri Gowda Samaja president Periyana Jayanand said, “The short film, ‘Nentathi Goode’, is a new attempt and it has highlighted the culture and tradition of the Gowda community members in Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada district. There has been a decline in movies in Arebhashe language.”

Short film director Vishnu Kalanjana said, “35 artistes from the Gowda community have acted in the short film. It was shot in and around Kodagu. The short film also makes an attempt to showcase the richness of Ainmane (ancestral homes) in Kodagu district”.

Kadya Jagrithi is in the lead role in the short film. The screenplay is written by Torera Sachin while the cinematography is by Diwakar.

CMC President Kaveramma Somanna also spoke on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by Naina J A / DH News Service, Madikeri / December 09th, 2018

Cultural canvas at airport

December 10, 2018Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

Local art and culture and that of Kodagu find place in airport interiors

The luxurious interiors of the terminal building of the Kannur International airport could not have asked for better arts works to adorn its walls than the elegant paintings and murals featuring the local art and culture of north Malabar. The paintings also depicted the cultural legacy of neighbouring parts of Karnataka.

The paintings and murals on display at the terminal building represent the cultural legacy of north Malabar, especially Theyyam forms and feats of Kalaripayattu as also paintings depicting life and culture of the State.

Among the latest additions to the art works that adorn the walls of the airport terminal, to give a visual experience to passengers and provide a vista of the land’s culture and history, are two works that illustrate the heritage of neighbouring parts of Karnataka.

One art work represents the culture of Kodagu in Karnataka. Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu, is around 90 km away. The metal art work on Kodagu was prepared by artists of the Charu Art Gallery, an art consultancy based in Mysuru.

In the picture, a woman clad in traditional Kodagu attire holds a cup of coffee while a man, also clad in traditional Kodagu attire, holds a gun and wears a dagger. The background of the picture features coffee beans and the frame also includes birds and elephants.

Airport officials were told by Bheemesh A.N., managing partner of Charu Art Gallery, that the coffee mug in the hands of the woman, dagger and gun in the hands of the man, and coffee beans in the background symbolise the Kodava culture, while the birds and elephants represent the wildlife of the region. The second art work is a big picture of Yakshagana, the traditional theatre art form of Karnataka. The picture, in a 9-metre high and 6-metre wide frame, is a creation of a team of mural artists led by painter K.R. Babu.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Mohamed Nazeer / Kannur – December 08th, 2018

Kodagu Hockey Coach Part Of World Cup Men’s Hockey Officiating Team

December 9, 2018Sportsadmin

B.S. Ankitha from Madikeri in Kodagu district has functioned as a Level-2 Technical Official for the World Cup Men’s Hockey that was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, between Dec.4 and 6.

The Tournament was conducted at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar by Fédération Internationale de Hockey, commonly known by the acronym FIH, the international governing body of field hockey and indoor field hockey.

Ankitha has the distinction of being the only Level-2 Technical Official to be selected from India and from Karnataka for the FIH World Cup Men’s Hockey.

She has received training as FIH Hockey India Level-2 Technical Official. Her training at Bhubaneswar makes her eligible to be the Technical Officer for International hockey matches in the future. Prior to this, Ankitha has obtained training from SAI Hockey Hostel at Madikeri.

Ankitha has represented Karnataka in the National level for five times (twice in senior level and thrice junior level). In the University-level (Mangalore University), she has won three Gold medals and two Bronze (Annamalai University). She has participated in All India Inter-University Tournaments five times.

Ankitha has completed her Masters in Commerce and has a Diploma in Sports Coaching (National Institute of Sports).

She has PG Diplomas in e-Finance and Gym Instruction. She has done a course in Hockey abroad.

She was the coach for Karnataka State Team Junior Nationals Women’s and Senior Nationals (Girls).

Ankitha is currently working as a hockey coach at the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Shivamogga. Ankitha is the daughter of B.A. Suresh and B.S. Dharmavathi, residents of Madikeri.

She remembers her coaches Srinivas, Karumbaiah, Shankar Tholmatti, Suresh Adina, Vivek Chaturvedi and SAI coach N. Muthu Kumar whom she considers as a role model.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / December 08th, 2018

Kodagu First

a Celebration. Positive News, Facts & Achievements about Kodagu, Coorgs and the People of Kodagu – here at Home and Overseas