Monthly Archives: September 2019

Karnataka: Bike, cycle rally organised in Kodagu for World Tourism Day

Kodagu :

A bike and cycle rally was organised by the administration of Kodagu district on the occasion of World Tourism Day on Friday.

Superintendent of police (SP), Deputy Commissioner (DC) and hundreds of people participated in the rally. Enthusiastic young children also took part in a cycle race.

“Due to floods and landslides, in the past two years, the tourism rate has decreased and we are organising this to rally to promote tourism on the day of World Tourism Day,” said one of the organisers.

Kodagu, a famous tourist spot, is a small hill station in Karnataka.

A few days back, the state government had also organised a sports meet for senior citizens between the ages of 71 and 80, ahead of World Elders Day October 1.

source: http://www.newkerala.com / NewKerala.com / Home> News> Karnataka / by ANI / September 28th, 2019

Wayanad all set to celebrate International Coffee Day

Livelihoods of farmers under threat, says organising panel

The Coffee Board of India, in association with Way Win, a farmer producer company in the coffee sector in Wayanad, Wayanad Chamber of Commerce, Wayanad Coffee Growers Association, NABARD and Brahmagiri Development Society, is organising various programmes to mark International Coffee Day on October 1.

Agricultural Production Commissioner Devendra Kumar Singh will inaugurate the event at M.C. Auditorium here at 10 a.m. on the day. M. Karuthamani, Deputy Director, Coffee Board (Extension) Kerala, will preside over the function.

Coffee had never been more popular, but the livelihoods of coffee farmers were under threat, said organising committee chairman M.K. Devassia. Due to an increase in crop yield, causing two consecutive years of surplus in the market, there was currently a global oversupply of coffee, he said. The oversupply was driving down market price of coffee, he added. But the input cost, including labour cost and price of fertilizers, had increased considerably. Hence, the theme of the day was ‘Coffee’s future needs you’, he said.

“Wayanad, a major Robusta coffee growing area in the country, is facing the impact of global warming and climate change,” said Mr. Devassia, adding that it was expected that the crisis could be overcome by increasing production and doubling the income of farmers by value addition under the brand name of ‘Malabar Coffee’.

GI tag
The geological indication (GI) tag for Wayanad Robusta and the State government’s initiation to make the hill district carbon neutral would also help farmers get a better price for the produce, he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Staff Reporter / Kalpetta, September 28th, 2019

When Coorg got a glimpse of Gandhi’s moral vision

The Living Stream

Students of various educational institutions and volunteers paint a picture of Mahatma Gandhi. (DH Photo)
Students of various educational institutions and volunteers paint a picture of Mahatma Gandhi. (DH Photo)

During his first visit to Coorg, in February 1934, Gandhi visited Kaikeri, a bright and attractive Dalit settlement. A public meeting was held amidst its grand natural surroundings. On this occasion, several upper-caste women gave away their gold jewellery for the freedom movement.

Gandhi later addressed a public gathering in Madikeri: “It is a matter of very great joy to me that God has enabled me to come to this beautiful land of Coorg. Ever since I have come here, I have been simply drinking in the natural beauty of the place; and I presume your hearts are as beautiful as your scenery. And yet, there is lurking in my mind a doubt as to the beauty of your hearts; for I see that though there is not that poisonous untouchability here that is found in the plains, there is still some of it in your midst. For, in your address, you have said that temples are not open to Harijans. It is just like a father saying to some of his children, ‘I give you food, clothing, housing but I won’t let you come into the sanctuary of my heart.’ Imagine what those children would feel. So long as you do not allow Harijans to enter temples on the same terms as you do, I cannot say your hearts are beautiful. I wish, therefore, that you will take a lesson from Nature and wash out that black spot on your hearts.”

Gandhi’s reasoning reveals a distinct style of moral engagement.

It was ironic, he pointed out, that nature’s beauty hadn’t found a complement in the hearts of people living in its midst. The practice of untouchability was not as toxic here as it was elsewhere, but moderate untouchability wasn’t any more acceptable. The prejudice had to be overcome completely. And, if a father took care of only the physical needs of some of his children without allowing them space in his heart, how would they feel? To make his listeners empathize with the pain and suffering of being denied entry into temples, Gandhi reached for a moral analogy from family life, and not for historical or sociological discussions. And, the non-Dalits could still make their hearts pure. Gandhi’s faith in the human potential for self-reform and reconciliation is firmly in place.

On the day after his visit to Madikeri, Gandhi addressed a public gathering in Virajpet following the welcome address by a local Urdu scholar: “It was an agreeable surprise to me to receive an address in very choice, correct Hindustani. I am a lover of Urdu and Urdu literature. But I have noticed that down South, it is rare to find an Urdu scholar; and I was not prepared to find good Urdu writing and speaking in Coorg.”

The local scholar had urged Gandhi to do whatever was possible to unite the Hindus and Muslims across India and felt that his campaign to end untouchability upheld the ideal of a common humanity.

In response, Gandhi said: “Of certain things which I hold as dear as life itself, Hindu-Muslim unity, i.e., unity among all the races in India, is one; and as I did some years ago in Delhi, I should be prepared, given the occasion and the inspiration, to stake my life again for the same cause. My life is one indivisible whole, and all my activities run into one another; and they all have their rise in my insatiable love of mankind. Seeking to realize the oneness of life in practice, I cannot be happy if I see communities quarrelling with one another or men suppressing fellowmen. I am, therefore, glad that this (welcome) address admits that this Harijan movement is one for realizing the substantial oneness of man.”

The stakes behind seeking the unity of Hindus and Muslims (what he termed, “heart-unity” on another occasion) were for Gandhi very high. Ending untouchability was truly an effort to realize the oneness of humans. Achieving togetherness among communities was not a single-point struggle: it was connected with everything else he cared for.

These struggles of Gandhi extend a moral obligation in the present to evolve a response to the rising violence against Muslims and Dalits in the country.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> The Living Stream / by Chandan Gowda / September 29th, 2019

Obituary : Cheppudira Bollamma Kushalappa

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Cheppudira Bollamma Kushalappa (Thara – Kodimanianda), wife of late Kushalappa (retd. Transport Dy. Commissioner) and a resident of #120, Krishna Villa, Daya Marga, Siddarthanagar here, passed away yesterday. She was 82.

She leaves behind a host of relatives and friends. Last rites were performed at the foot of Chamundi Hill this afternoon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / September 28th, 2019

Slurp! Wild Coriander Leaves, Turmeric To Spice Up Tribal Food

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Mysuru:

Tribal food section at ‘Dasara Aahara Mela’ to be held at Scouts and Guides Grounds will have new inclusions with more delicious Bamboo Biriyani to tickle the taste buds of foodies.

Addressing a press meet at Pathrakarthara Bhavan yesterday, Karnataka Adivasi Rakshana Parishat State President M. Krishnaiah revealed that special wild coriander leaves, curry leaves and turmeric usually grown in forests would be used to spice up the popular bamboo biriyani to give a new look and rare and exotic taste. He said that tribal foods are being served at ’Aahara Mela’ since 2014 and has been very popular.

BambooBiriyaniKF28sept2019

Continuing, Krishnaiah said that the exclusively and traditionally decorated stall would deliver ‘Haadi Mane Oota’ (tribal home food) with authentic tribal delicacies other than Bamboo Biriyani like boiled sweet potato with honey, ‘Bidirakki Payasa’, ‘Makali Beru tea’ and crab soup with ragi balls. They will be priced at Rs. 50 (a bowl), Rs. 50 (a cup), Rs. 20 (a cup) and Rs. 100 (a plate) with the popular Bamboo Biriyani at Rs. 180 a plate, he said.

Krishnaiah further said that Nagamma will be back with her herbal medicines. She sells herbal medicines and medicines to cure skin diseases. Nagamma, a nature therapist or Naati Vaidya, will come from Doddabettageri Village in Dubare Forest of Kodagu district to provide medicines to visitors. Krishnaiah added that a 30-member team would be readying the stall and prepare food for visitors.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 27th, 2019

Farmers To Take Out Talacauvery To Bengaluru Bike Rally

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Mysuru:

Urging the State Government for effective tackling of floods and drought in the State, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) will take out a bike rally from Talacauvery to Bengaluru next month.

Addressing farmers from 6 districts of Mysuru region at Jaladarshini Guest House here recently, KRRS President Badagalapura Nagendra said the bike rally will be launched at Talacauvery, the birth place of river Cauvery, on Oct.12.

The rally will pass through Periyapatna and Hunsur to reach Mysuru where a massive farmers meet will be held at Town Hall on Oct.13. After the meet, the rally will travel to Mandya, passing through Srirangapatna. The rally will then travel to Shivapura near Maddur where a farmers meet will take place. After the meet, the rally will proceed to Channapatna, where the rallyists will stay for the night.

The rally will reach Bengaluru on Oct.14, where a massive conference of farmers will take place at 1 pm, Badagalapura Nagendra said and added that over 10,000 farmers from different parts of the State are expected to take part.

He further said that the farmers meet will demand a special package for restoration of flood hit areas, scientific compensation to displaced farmers and constitution of an expert committee for management of drought and floods.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 27th, 2019

Kodagu needs hi-tech hospital: B Sriramulu

There was a Twitter campaign “#WeNeedEmergencyHospitalinKodagu” for Super specialty hospital in Kodagu.

Minister Sriramulu at the district hospital in Madikeri on Thursday night as part of his ‘Hospital Vaasthavya’ programme.
Minister Sriramulu at the district hospital in Madikeri on Thursday night as part of his ‘Hospital Vaasthavya’ programme.

Mysuru:

Health and family welfare minister B. Sriramulu conducted a ‘Hospital Vaasthavya’ visit and stayed overnight at the district hospital in Madikeri (which is attached to Kodagu Medical College) to avail first hand information on the facilities available at the hospital and the problems of patients Thursday night. He even interacted with patients and held a discussion with hospital staff and officers of the district administration.

Speaking to the media on Friday morning, he said, Kodagu being a hilly area it is difficult to travel to Mysuru or Mangaluru for emergency treatment. So there is a need for a multi specialty hospital which he would discuss with the chief minister.

The government has already taken measures to fill vacant posts and will ensure that all facilities are available to patients at government hospitals in the state, he said.

Following complaints by patients, he ordered the suspension of the doctor of Madapura public health care centre. There was a Twitter campaign “#WeNeedEmergencyHospitalinKodagu” for Super specialty hospital in Kodagu recently and the second leg of that campaign had restarted on Thursday.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Politics / by Shilpa P, Deccan Chronicle / September 28th, 2019

Kodagu on a plate

Kodagu is known for its climate, coffee and cuisine. The Restaurant – Coorg, Indiranagar, has maintained the authenticity of Kodagu cuisine and stays true to the flavours of the land.

RestaurantCoorgKF28sept2018

Bengaluru :

Kodagu is known for its climate, coffee and cuisine. The Restaurant – Coorg, Indiranagar, has maintained the authenticity of Kodagu cuisine and stays true to the flavours of the land.

The restaurant was started by KC Aiyappa in 2009, with his wife, Priya Aiyappa, donning the role of executive chef. Situated on the rooftop of a house, the interiors are quaint with a calm ambience.

We started the buffet with the Coorgi Chicken Curry, which we paired with Nuputtu (string hopper). The chicken was cooked in a coconut milk-based curry and we were amazed at the creamy delight that complemented the fluffy and soft serving of Nuputtu. The coconut had enhanced the flavour and we were surprised with the consistency.

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My companion tried the Pandi Curry (Pork Curry) and Chilly Pork, which he described as ‘marvels on a plate’. The chunks of pork were marinated in Kachampali (fruit-based vinegar) and pepper, which added to the dark texture and juicy fat, while the chilly pork was fried with peppers, paired along with Kadamputtu.

A clear winner on the menu.From the vegetarian section, we tried the Kummu Curry, which is fresh oyster mushrooms with sauteed onions and grounded coconut. The mushrooms were cooked to perfection and paired with a fragrant serving of Ghee Rice. The star was the Bolari Fry (Cucumber Stir Fry) which had a zing of red-chilli and a soothing aftertaste of grated coconut. The bamboo shoot pickle, tamarind pickle and cucumber raita added to a burst of flavours.For dessert, we tried the caramel custard and coconut souffle. The former melted in our mouths whereas the latter was a perfect balance of coconut and milk. It’s safe to say, we left satisfied.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Muneef Khan / Express News Service / September 28th, 2019

Minister Somanna Holds Meeting On Theerthodbhava

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Madikeri:

With Nada Habba Dasara round the corner, Kodagu District in-charge Minister V. Somanna held a meeting with officials on the preparations for Dasara festivities and Cauvery Theerthodbhava at the DC’s office here on Monday.

Addressing the meeting, Sri Bhagamandala Talacauvery Temple Management Committee President B.S. Thammaiah said that the Cauvery Theerthodbhava will take place on Oct. 18 and all preparations are being made in association with the Departments concerned.

MLA K.G. Bopaiah urged the PWD Department to fill the potholes on all roads connecting Bhagamandala, using the wet-mix procedure.

Bopaiah wanted clearance of all uprooted trees on Bhagamandala-Karike road.

The MLA also appealed the Minister to direct the Bhagamandala Temple Management Committee to release Rs. 25 lakh for the Gram Panchayat to take up cleaning works during the Jathra.

Thammaiah said that the Temple has Rs. 1.60 crore in its account, out of which various development works is being executed at a cost of Rs. 1.20 crore.

Minister Somanna directed the officials to ensure there are no lacunae in the celebration of Dasara festivities and also during Cauvery Theerthodbhava. On the occasion, Somanna released Madikeri Dasara Brochure.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 25th, 2019

Preparations begin for Madikeri Dasara

A Mantapa featuring the destruction of demons by Goddess Chamundeshwari.
A Mantapa featuring the destruction of demons by Goddess Chamundeshwari.

As the district tries to bounce back to normalcy after being affected by floods and landslides, preparations have begun for Navaratri festival and Madikeri Dasara celebrations.

In the previous year, Dasara celebrations were confined to one day due to massive damages caused by floods. This time, the state government has announced a grant of Rs 1 crore for Madikeri Dasara Janotsava and the celebrations will be held on all ten days.

The ‘Dasha Mantapa’ procession will be observed with all pomp and gaiety, according to Madikeri Dasara committee.

The procession begins, with the culmination of ‘Jumbo Savari’ in Mysuru.

All the 10 temples will take part in ‘Dasha Mantapa’ procession this time. Best Mantapa will be awarded prizes. The procession did not take place last year.

The themes of Mantapa are based on mythological incidents. Around eight to ten lakh rupees are spent to prepare a single Mantapa. Artisans from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are invited to prepare the Mantapas, Manu, an office-bearer of a temple administration committee said.

Madikeri Dasara will start with ‘Karaga Utsava’ at 4 pm on September 29. Children’s Dasara, Women’s Dasara, Poets Meet, ‘Janapada Utsava’, Youth Dasara and cultural programmes will be held.

There is a possibility of more tourists turning up this time. Homestays and resorts have been offering special schemes for tourists this Dasara.

Ranjith Poovaiah, owner of a homestay said that there are a lot of homestays, hotels and resorts in Kodagu and they are supported by tourists.

Earlier to floods in 2018, around 20 lakh tourists visited the district annually. But, the number had decreased drastically after the calamity, he said.

Tourism department Assistant Director Raghavendra said that the number of tourists during the months June, July and August had fallen comparatively. It is hoped that the footfalls might improve after Dasara.

Savita, a resident of Madikeri said that the Madikeri Dasara procession has its own significance and people from various parts of the state come to Madikeri to witness the same. Dasara celebrations have now become ‘Janotsava’, the festival of people in real sense.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / September 25th, 2019