Monthly Archives: February 2023

Saving the koilemeen of Kodagu

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Conservationists hope to connect people and the dwindling fish species, to save streams, rivers and otters.

Volunteers conduct survey of the stream to look for signs of Koilemeen and Small Clawed Otters

Madikeri :

Food has a way of bringing people together. Raising awareness using a local delicacy to protect streams and the ecosystem of Kodagu is the unique ‘Koilemeen Project’ — an initiative by conservationist Gopakumar Menon. To understand the motto of the project, it is important to first understand that koilemeen is the Kodava name for freshwater fish, commonly known as Spiny Loach, with the scientific name ‘Lepidocephalichthys thermalis’.

A local variety found in streams and water-filled fields of Kodagu, the koilemeen used to be a popular delicacy in Kodava households during the monsoon. However, the numbers have dwindled over the years due to various reasons, and this is where the ‘Koilemeen Project’ comes into the picture.

The objective is to involve the local community in the conservation of streams and rivers, by connecting the people to their once-popular koilemeen dish, Gopakumar explains. “In the past two decades, there has been a precipitous drop in the availability of Koilemeen. We spoke to several coffee planters and a fish trader in Virajpet, who shared his worry due to the non-availability of koilemeen,” he said.

He explained that the use of chemicals in agriculture and horticulture has severely affected the koilemeen population, which also indicates that stream and river waters are being polluted by chemicals. “Increased use of weedicides, pesticides and other fertilisers have affected the koilemeen, and indicates that our water is polluted. The project addresses the loopholes and tries to bring awareness in the community,” he added. Illegal sand mining across the streams of Kodagu has also affected the koilemeen population.

These tiny fish breed on sand, and with sand illegally mined for commercial purpose, it has affected their numbers. “The fish spawn across paddy fields (during monsoon) and other shallow streams, and swim upstream post the monsoon. However, the use of chemicals, sand mining and deposits of plastic waste across the streams has affected the fish. The project is trying to sensitise locals and get them involved. For the community, koilemeen is an easy logo to enable the conservation process,” he shared.

The group is active across social media platforms, and wants youngsters from the district to get involved in the conservation project. The project team meets small groups of planters and raises awareness on the need to stop the extensive use of chemicals. “We tell planters and farmers about the correct method to use chemicals. We are creating awareness on the hazardous use of weedicide and urging them to use fewer chemicals, while ensuring there is at least a 20-ft gap from the chemical-sprayed area and water source,” he explained.

While the project’s main objective is to protect the streams of Kodagu, the focus is not just the tiny koilemeen fish. The bigger picture includes small clawed otters – a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife Protection Act, whose habitat is found by freshwater streams of Kodagu.

Small beings in the ecosystem, like small clawed otters, have the same protection right as elephants or tigers, but are less talked about though their existence touches the level of endangerment. Since koilemeen are occasionally hunted, it is being used as a mascot to protect the small clawed otters in their natural habitat of freshwater streams and rivers.

The team — geared in gumboots and equipped with GPS — heads out to survey streams to find signs of small clawed otters. “The signs or presence of otters indicate good health of the ecosystem. We look for droppings or spraint of otters and are collecting data on their habitat,” explained Yashas S, a master’s student, a volunteer for the project. He stresses the need to conserve the riparian habitat to protect small clawed otters.    

The project aims to collect research material on the otters, and find ways to protect them from being poached. “The diet of an otter includes crustaceans and koilemeen. Our aim is to protect the prey which will help conserve the predator. Protecting the prey also means protecting the streams,” explained Gopakumar.

Alongside the community conservation initiative, the project is conducting a baseline analysis on the otter habitat, which will help take an intelligent step towards their conservation.  

Purpose of the project

To involve the community in conservation of fresh water streams, rivers of Kodagu.
Enable conservation by connecting community to their once-favourite delicacy. Protect koilemeen, the prey, in freshwater streams.


Urge planters to opt for organic farming, stop use of harmful weedicides
Protect, conserve vand conduct analysis on small clawed otters, the predator.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / Februry 26th, 2023

Ahead Of Polls, Minister Promises Rs. 5 Crore For Kodava ‘Ain Mane’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Virajpet:

When Karnataka is on the cusp of Assembly polls, Social Welfare Department and Backward Classes Minister Kota Srinivasa Poojari has stated that Rs. 5 crore will be released for the development of ‘Ain Mane’ (ancestral houses) in Kodagu and also, Rs.25 lakh will be released for the genealogical study of 18 Kodava language natives.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating ‘Othorme Koota’ (get-together) and an exhibition at a gathering of 18 Kodava-speaking groups organised by the Kodagu Heggade Community Organisation and Kodava-Speaking Communities Association recently at Kodagu Heggade Community Hall in Bittangala.  The issue of ‘Ain Mane’ is an emotional one for Kodavas and the community has been critical of successive State Governments for doing nothing to protect the ancient tradition and ancestral houses. Dejected by lack of Government grants, many families have contributed money, resources and time on their own to restore many ‘Ain Manes’ at their native villages.

Even the genealogical study by the Mysuru-based Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI) in 2016 has come in for intense criticism for a ‘biased and unscientific survey’ and there is a demand for a fresh order to conduct a comprehensive, unbiased, judicious and a meticulous ethnographic study.

“At the Government level, we can give reservations through genealogical analysis to the most unrecognisable ethnic groups. I will discuss with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and release Rs. 25 lakh for the study. It will be entrusted either to the University of Mysore or Hampi University. Later, reservation will be announced for the communities that are economically weaker in Kodagu,” the Minister assured.

He also said that implementing the Sadashiva Commission Report on internal reservation will be taken up with the CM. Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah has made a request at the Government level to release Rs. 5 crore for the development of ‘Ain Mane,’ Poojari said and added that five acres of Government land will also be allotted to construct a community hall.

Former State Advocate General and Congress leader Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna said that though the Government has been planning to study Kodava genealogy for over six years, it has been of no use. “The study of genealogy, reservation, and political reservation is subject to legal struggle under the Constitution,” he noted, asking the Government to take concrete and concerted measures to uplift marginalised communities in Kodagu.

State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel inaugurated the book stalls and said that Kodava community is facing a stark reality of dwindling numbers and a rapid decrease in geographical areas owned and occupied by them. He criticised the Congress Governments for neglecting the marginalised communities.

MLA Kombarana G. Bopaiah, MLC Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa, head of History Department of Hampi University Tambanda Vijay Poonacha, President of Kodava-Speaking Communities Association Dr. Mechira Subhash Nanaiah, former Karnataka Western Ghats Conservation Task Force Chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 24th, 2023

‘Kallakere Maadevi ’ At Mysuru Kodava Samaja

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Mysuru: 

The most-awaited Kodava feature film ‘Kallakere-Maadevi’ will be screened at Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar I Stage, Mysuru, on Feb. 25 and 26 (Saturday and Sunday).

This first-ever mythological movie, which has seen 36 shows in Kodagu (Kokeri, Virajpet and Napokulu), is produced by Pattada Reena Prakash under the banner of P&G Creations and directed by Baleyada Pratish Poovaiah and Acheyada Gagan Ganapathy; Story, script and dialogue by Ammanichanda Praveen Chengappa.

There will be four shows on both days at 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are available at the Samaja premises. For details contact Mob: 96326-06913 or 98806-00240.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 24th, 2023

Forest Department’s Sharp-Shooter Officer

Records, All

An expert in tiger, elephant capturing operation, Ranjan had darted tiger that had killed two persons in Kodagu

Siddapur (Kodagu):

Sharpshooters of Forest Department play an important role and are known for their skills in capturing problem-causing wild animals such as leopards, tigers and wild elephants among others and they are engaged during man-animal conflicts to capture or rescue injured animals which pose danger to human beings.

For a sharpshooter, capturing a problem-causing animal needs dedicated efforts and a strong belief to save it along with patience and grit, which play a crucial role during an operation as every operation is different. One such sharpshooter is Kannanda Ranjan, who is serving as a Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) at Dubare, Kodagu district.

Ranjan, along with combing expert elephant the daring Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, successfully darted the tiger that had killed two persons including an 18-year-old youth at K. Badaga village near Choorikaadu in Ponnampet taluk recently.

Seated on Abhimanyu, Ranjan fired the tranquilliser dart on the tiger without missing the aim even from far. The animal was sedated within moments which was later captured and shifted to Chamundi Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Koorgalli in the outskirts of Mysuru.

Ranjan has so far participated in more than 25 operations to capture wild elephants and in nine operations to capture tigers. He is a recipient of the Chief Minister’s Award and also the Lifetime Achievement Awards given by the Kodagu Forest Department.

In February 2021, three persons including a teenager were killed in Ponnampet taluk and the big cat had created panic among the people. Ranjan was roped in by the Forest Department to trace and capture the tiger. The feline, however, was found dead later.

Ranjan has also participated in over 25 operations to capture problem-causing wild elephants and has helped capture many wild elephants after tranquillising them. When wild elephants were creating havoc in Uttar Pradesh (UP) by killing people, the UP Forest Department had sought the help of Karnataka Forest Department to capture the problem-causing wild elephants.

Three sharp-shooters from Karnataka, including Ranjan, were selected and sent to UP. They were able to capture the wild elephants there with the help of tamed elephants and their works were appreciated by all.

Apart from taking part in operations to capture wild elephants, Ranjan was also part of the team that investigated many forest and wildlife smuggling cases.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 23rd, 2023

Daredevil Act By Kodagu-Born Vet Saves Leopard In Mangaluru

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She sits inside a cage, goes down 25-feet deep well to bring back the feline after darting

Mysore/Mysuru:

One of the most challenging and dramatic animal rescue missions has been accomplished by a Kodagu-born veterinarian Dr. Pandikanda Meghana Pemmaiah, now settled in Mangaluru. 

She recently saved a leopard that had fallen inside a 25-feet deep well and performed the act by sitting inside a cage that was lowered into the well to sedate the leopard that was stuck there and starving for 36 hours. She was able to pull the one-year-old feline into the same cage in a tense and dare-devil two-hour rescue operation. Her husband Dr. Yashaswi Naravi too was a part of the rescue mission. 

In fact, it was 31-year-old Dr. Meghana, who volunteered to go down the well. She told Star of Mysore that though she was scared as it was deep inside the well and the leopard was not visible from the top, the adrenaline rush to save the starving and stuck animal overcame the fear.

The incident took place near a house in Niddodi near Kateel in Dakshina Kannada, about 35 km from Mangaluru. “We got a call at 9 am on Feb. 12 from the Forest Department. We are a team from Chitte Pilli, a Wildlife Rescue and Research Centre in Mangaluru and the team comprises me, my husband and experts Dr. Prithvi Salian and Dr. Nafisa Kousar. We reached the place at 11 am with some necessary equipment for the rescue,” she said. 

After successfully tranquillising the big wild cat, Dr. Meghana being pulled up along with the tranquillised leopard inside the cage.

Failed attempts 

The Forest Department had tried to rescue the feline with a ladder and a cage, as in other instances the trapped leopard had walked into the cage when it was lowered inside a well. However, this leopard was unwilling to move, she added. 

The leopard was not visible from the top and it had taken shelter at a cosy spot that was shaped like a cave-like cavity — to avoid falling into the water — inside the sturdy well that was built with stones. The leopard was aggressive when attempts were made by the Department to drain the well water.

“Later, a different strategy was adopted and it was decided to lower a cage carrying a person to tranquillise the leopard and bring it back. We had no other choice and someone had to do it. I volunteered despite the dangers involved,” Dr. Meghana revealed. 

The leopard being treated after capturing in Mangaluru.

A risky mission

The cage was lowered by villagers, volunteers and the Forest Department staff in a coordinated action and with Dr. Meghana holding the tranquilliser gun. “We did not have a visual of the leopard and as such, it was a risky mission as no one had a clue as to how the leopard would react,” she said. 

“I waited patiently for a sight of the leopard as the cage was lowered gradually and finally I could spot the animal around 10 to 15 feet inside the well and it was growling at me though it looked exhausted without food and water. I had very little time and hence aimed the dart at the animal and shot at it. Luckily, it was a precision shot and the dart hit the feline’s thigh in the first attempt itself,” Dr. Meghana said. 

Meghana had carried about three to four syringes containing the sedating medicine as she did not know about its weight, size, health and other parameters for darting it. If she missed the aim the first time, she could well refill the tranquilliser gun with the second shot but the leopard could have moved away from the initial close proximity and there was more probability of her missing the shot. 

Growling leopard

“In fact, I had to sit inside the cage for over 15 minutes for the dart to take effect and the leopard was right in front of me. It was growling and looking at me. Slowly, the sedation process began and I tried to pull it to the cage but could not. Another youth got inside the well and helped me and we both put the 25-kg leopard inside the cage. It was a leopardess. Now when I look back, sometimes I fear what could have happened if something had gone wrong,” she said. 

So tense was the situation after the dart was fired that Dr. Meghana sat motionless inside the cage as any movement or noise would disturb the leopard and it would take a long time for the animal to get sedated. Finally, the feline fell unconscious after over 15 minutes. After the leopard was lifted back to the ground, it was checked and the vets found no external injury marks.

“It was a healthy leopard but was exhausted. After administering the required medicines for the feline to rejuvenate and get back its strength so that it has the capacity to hunt on its own, it was handed over to the Forest Department that released it back to the wild,” Dr. Meghana said.

Passion for wildlife keeps her going

Wildlife rescue operations are nothing new for Meghana and she has been a part of many rescue operations in the last six years in Karnataka. She has been a part of many missions where she has rescued and treated tigers, owls, star tortoises, pariah kites, crows, pigeons, birds and even pythons. 

“Passion about wildlife, increasing human-animal conflicts and the resulting rescue mission keeps me going. I dread to see an animal suffering due to injuries,” she said.

Every year, she does almost 10 darting procedures after following the scientific process and protocols. But this was the first time she had to get down into a well, sitting inside a cage to rescue a leopard. She hails from Halugunda village near Virajpet in Kodagu district and studied in Bengaluru.

Dr. Meghana treating a python.

After completing her PUC from Christ College, Dr. Meghana did her BVSc followed by MVSc in Wildlife and Surgery from Veterinary College, Bengaluru. The next four years, she worked in People For Animals (PFA) as a senior veterinarian and this gave her on-hand exposure to animal rescue and medication.

Her father late Pandikanda M. Pemmaiah was a retired Superintendent of Police and her mother P.P. Sarasu and rest of the family live in Bengaluru. She married veterinarian Dr. Yashaswi Naravi of Mangaluru and both have been working at Chitte Pilli — a Wildlife Rescue and Research Centre.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / February 21st, 2023

The Brave Warriors of Coorg: A Salute to the Kodavas

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The Kodavas have a unique culture and history rooted in martial traditions, and have made significant contributions to the Indian Armed Forces. Defence and aerospace analyst Girish Linganna explains 

The Brave Warriors of Coorg: A Salute to the Kodavas

The Kodavas, a small warrior community from the Coorg district in southern India, have a long-standing tradition of serving in the Indian armed forces. This is due to a number of factors, including their martial culture, sense of duty and loyalty to the country, and the prestige and honour associated with military service in their community.

The Roots of Warrior Culture 

The Kodavas are an ethnic group with a distinct culture and language. They have been living in the Western Ghats region for centuries, with a history dating back to even before 1100 AD. They have a martial culture, and the men are trained in the use of traditional weapons such as the odi katti (traditional Coorgi sword). They have a rich history of military service, with many Kodavas having served in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions. 

In fact, Coorg is the only district in India to have produced all the ranking officers in the Indian army, despite having a population of just over 1.5 lakh. Coorg was once a state and had its own chief minister. Four diwans served the Mysore maharajas; many held the commander-in-chief position even pre-independence during Mysore rajas’ rule.

Dedication to Duty: The Kodavas in the Indian Army 

The Kodavas have a strong tradition of serving in the Indian armed forces, driven by their martial culture, sense of duty, and desire to protect and defend their country. Many come from families with a history of military service, and it is not uncommon for multiple generations of a family to have served in the armed forces. There are even Kodava couples who have served together in the Indian armed forces. They are also known for their physical fitness and discipline, which makes them well-suited for military service.

In addition, serving in the armed forces is often seen as a way for Kodavas to protect and defend their country, and many view it as a matter of great pride and honour. As a result, many Kodavas are willing to make significant sacrifices, including leaving their families and communities to serve in the armed forces.

Bravery in the Face of Danger: Kodavas in Action 

The Kodavas have a rich history of military service and have played a significant role in defending the country in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions. They have been known for their bravery and dedication in the face of danger. 

One of the most notable Kodavas to have served in the Indian Armed Forces is Field Marshal K M Cariappa, who was the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army. He played a key role in the integration of the Indian states after independence and was honoured with the Order of the British Empire and the Legion of Merit.

Another notable Kodava is Lieutenant General K S Thimayya, who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Distinguished Service Order. Other notable Kodavas who have served in the Indian Armed Forces include Brigadier B K Ponnappa, who fought in World War II and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Lieutenant General B K Krishnan, who served as the Director-General of Military Training and the Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, Lieutenant General P K Dewan, who served as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff and the Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, and Major General K S Chandrashekar, who served as the General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s Southern Command.

In conclusion, the Kodavas have a unique culture and history rooted in martial traditions and have made significant contributions to the Indian Armed Forces. Their sense of duty and loyalty drives their dedication to the military to the country and their desire to protect and defend their country. 

They have a rich history of military service and have played a significant role in defending India. The Kodavas of Coorg are a shining example of bravery, honour, and sacrifice, and their service to the nation should be revered and celebrated.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> India News / by Team Newsable / February 21st, 2023

‘Check dam constructed due to vested interests’: Kodagu villagers oppose project across Chikliholey

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The villagers stated that they were not taken into confidence before sanctioning the project and said that these dams will severely affect the farmers and villagers living downstream of the Chiklihole.

The check dam project across Chikliholey Stream in Kodagu by the Minor Irrigation Department is under construction. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
The check dam project across Chikliholey Stream in Kodagu by the Minor Irrigation Department is under construction. (Photo | Special Arrangement)

Madikeri :

The check dam project across Chikliholey Stream in Kodagu by the Minor Irrigation Department has met with strong opposition from the villagers.

The department has now assured to call off the project as villagers alleged that the check dams are being constructed to help a private estate owner. The project is estimated to cost around Rs four crores. 

The villagers of Horuru, Modur, Abhiyala, Attur and Nallur of Kedakal grama panchayat have strongly opposed the new check dam project upcoming across the Chikliholey stream.

The Minor Irrigation Department has taken up the task of building two check dams – within a span of 100 meters distance – across the Chikliholey stream near D Block of Kedakal Grama Panchayat.

However, the villagers stated that they were not taken into confidence before sanctioning the project and said that these dams will severely affect the farmers and villagers living downstream of the Chikliholey.

They claimed that the check dams also pose a risk of flash floods and landslides during monsoon.  

As sources confirmed, a 128-acre private estate was recently bought by a person from outside the district at the D Block of the panchayat limits.

The villagers allege that due to vested interests, the minor irrigation department has sanctioned the construction of two check dams across the Chikliholey stream, which according to the villagers will only help the D block estate owner.

“The check dams are of no use to the farmers of the village. The planters who have plantations downstream of the Chikliholey will be severely affected by the check dam project as this will stop the free flow of the water stream. The entire Chikliholey dam will be of no use if these check dams are constructed as this will stop water flow from December to May – when people need water the most,” explained Sanju Ponappa MM, vice president of Kedakal Grama Panchayat.

The villagers on Monday called for an emergency meeting that witnessed participation from over 30 villagers alongside the Kedakal Grama Panchayat members. The stir against the construction of the check dams invited the attention of Minor Irrigation Department officials who visited the spot. Following the strong opposition from the villagers, the department has now handed over a letter to the Grama Panchayat assuring them to immediately stop the project.

The construction of the two check dams has been called off following opposition from villagers.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / February 20th, 2023

Govt. in favour of Sadashiva Commission report on internal reservation, says Minister

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Minister for Social Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary speaking at a programme in Bittangala village of Virajpet in Kodagu district on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Minister for Social Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary said the BJP government in the State was in favour of implementing the Sadashiva Commission report on internal reservation.

According to a statement here, Mr. Poojary made clear the government’s stand on internal reservation while speaking at a programme in Bittangala village of Virajpet in Kodagu district on Sunday.

Mr Poojary said he will hold another round of discussion with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the issue while stating that there was a need for the government to give voice to the voiceless sections of the society.

The Sadashiva Commission has looked into the decades-old demand for internal reservation of the 101 castes that comprised the Scheduled Castes.

Even though internal reservation has become a complicated issue, Mr. Poojary said the government was in favour of ensuring social justice to the communities that had been deprived of government benefits.

The government will be ordering a study on genealogy of all native Kodava communities at a cost of ₹25 lakh and the task will be entrusted to either the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute in Mysuru or the Kannada University in Hampi.

Also, Mr Poojary said the government will be releasing a grant of ₹5 crore for the development of ‘Ainmane’ or ancestral houses of the native Kodagu community that play an important role in preserving the architectural heritage of Kodavas and the community’s culture.

The BJP government’s emphasis on language and culture becomes clear when people working for the good of the society even behind the scenes in rural areas are recognised for the prestigious Padma awards, Mr. Poojary said.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Professor of History from Kannada University in Hampi Vijay Poonacha Thambanda said the government should ensure political and social justice to all communities speaking Kodava language by bringing in internal reservation.

Apart from demanding the inclusion of Kodava language in the 8 th Schedule, he sought the post of Chairperson in the Kodava Sahitya Academy for persons from smaller communities that spoke the Kodava language.

Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and BJP MLA K.G. Bopaiah also spoke on the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / February 19th, 2023

Kodagu forests filling up with waste from Kerala

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Two more cases have been booked against violators who were trying to shift garbage from Kerala.

Heaps of solid wastes

Madikeri :

The forest and wildlife in Kodagu are facing serious threat due to illegal dumping of truckloads of waste arriving from Kerala. The forest fringes on NH-275 are also under threat from littering caused due to lack of public awareness and proper facilities for tourists.

The Makutta Reserve Forest and the Bramhagiri Wildlife Forest, which line the Karnataka-Kerala border, are gradually turning into an open dumping yard for waste.

Foresters during a cleanliness drive in Kodagu | Express

It was only after some alert residents from the district, including members of the Kodagu Seva Kendra, flagged the issue that the authorities started collecting waste from the forest fringes and burning it. The forest department has also increased checks at the Makutta check-post. Recently, a truck driver and a cleaner, who were allegedly transporting 15 sacks of plastic waste from Kerala, to dump in the Makutta forest area were nabbed by the foresters and booked under the Wildlife Protection Act. Two more cases have been booked against violators who were trying to shift garbage from Kerala.

“Foresters will conduct daily patrolling across the reserve forest area to prevent travellers from littering,” said Dechamma, Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Makutta forest.

Residents unhappy with burning of plastic waste

However, residents are unhappy with the foresters for their unscientific management of waste. They have voiced concern over burning of plastic waste inside the forest limits which can be hazardous to health. Further, hundreds of tourists take the Makutta route to reach Kannur International Airport and it has become difficult for the foresters to prevent littering, despite several awareness signboards being put up on the fringes.

Dechamma said that tree branches are being placed along the roadside to curb parking in the area. Meanwhile, the forest fringes lining the NH-275 on Kushalnagar-Madikeri Road are facing threat for which lack of public awareness is being cited as a reason. Foresters say they conduct cleanliness drives across the forest fringes once a month and collect truckloads of garbage.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / February 19th, 2023

All In The Game

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All of 37, Mayur Subbaiah, once a part of India’s medal-winning hockey team, now takes pride in working for the South Western Railways as Deputy Chief Inspector. He was a vital cog in Indian hockey as a drag specialist and an expert in penalty corner conversion.

Mayur might not have been born under a lucky star as the most sought-after Indian hockey player, but he has made his mark in the Indian Hockey arena and his love for the game and sense of duty keeps him going. He continues his passion for the game and does not miss a chance to wield the hockey stick and wants to do something worthwhile for his home district of Kodagu, the cradle of hockey.

Born to Bollajira Jaya Subbaiah and Rathi Subbaiah at Balaji village in South Kodagu on 18.7.1986, Mayur did his primary at Lions School, Gonikoppal from 1990 to 1995 and later went to Bangalore to join Junior Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre in 1996 for hockey selection and he was the youngest and talented player.

He did his schooling at St. Joseph’s Indian High School from Seventh to Tenth Standard and played for several School, District, State and National-level School games. His position in the game was right half and back. Coach Manohar Katige recognised Mayur’s talent and game skills and motivated him. “I hold him in great respect and fondly recall the memories of Manohar Sir who groomed me,” Mayur reveals.

Making the mark very young

“I used to dream of playing for the Karnataka Team and later on Indian Team. I was the youngest player in the school team and many seniors and my coach encouraged me and I had a chance to play for the senior SAI Team in my ninth standard itself. I worked hard and got selected for senior SAI team in 2000 and was a regular player for that team,” he says.

“I saw many senior players on the SAI campus and my inspiration was Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah, the former Indian hockey goalkeeper and coach. His passion, confidence and positive attitude further motivated me and I had a deep desire of wearing the Indian jersey. At SAI, I saw many Indian top players play like Dhanraj Pillai, Ashish Ballal, Sabu Varkey, Prabhjot Singh and Baljit Singh in action and that was inspirational,” he recalls.

Mayur has played for several Sub-Junior Karnataka, Junior Karnataka and Senior Karnataka hockey teams and he was a specialist in drag-flick. He has played multiple nationals in all categories Under-16, Under-19 and Senior National. He was a part of the Sub-Junior India team in Singapore in 1999 and emerged winners, played for Junior Indian Hockey Team Under-21 match in Dhaka in 2004 and was in the World Cup Under-21 in Chennai.

Lost out due to political lobbying

Though he had a vast experience in playing, Mayur could not play much for India due to political lobbying. “I was best in the ground and was the best in drag-flick and dribbling and no one could match my skills. Still, the selectors preferred some other players over me and this demotivated me. But I managed to make my mark in Indian hockey, despite the politics played by the selectors to include their family members in the national team. If I had support then at my peak, I would have been an ex-Olympian now,” Mayur says with a wry smile.

Mayur was upgraded to the senior SAI camp at the young age of 17. “Len Aiyappa taught me the drag-flick (penalty corner conversion). It involves a player crouching down low next to the ball. It is then picked up by the shaft of the hockey stick and pushed along the ground, while the stick acts like a sling. This helps accelerate the ball. These penalty corners are always taken by a specialist player, known as the drag-flicker. I am proud to say that drag-flick always falls upon the shoulders of someone who is proficient,” Mayur says with confidence.

Camp with commandos

A memorable experience was his time in the National Security Guard (NSG) 45-day Army fitness camp in Manesar with senior Indian hockey team probables where Mayur had the opportunity to play with Dhanraj Pillay, Jugraj, Dilip Tirkey, Ignace Tirkey and many more senior players. This was to make the players mentally tough and increase their endurance levels. “I got an A-1 certificate at the camp,” he adds.

“Being at Senior SAI, I was even playing for the Air India team, Bombay. Bombay was part of the Air India team and I got a job at South Central Railway (Secunderabad) when I was just 18 years and two months. I got through in talent quota and was directly appointed by the Railway Board, New Delhi in 2005 and was the youngest sportsperson of Railway Sports Promotion Board,” he recalls.

Contribution in the Railways teams

As the youngest employee in the Railways, playing for South Central Railway, he gained more experience and laurels and entered the Indian Railways Hockey Teams. Mayur played in All-India tournaments and Senior National Hockey tournaments to win several medals.

“I got the Best Player of the Year Award from the Railway Board. In 2007, I got a call from the Indian Hockey Federation for the Indian National Camp for Olympic Qualifiers Camp and Asia Cup. I got selected for the Asia Cup held in Chennai in 2007 and continued my hockey journey in the Indian Railways and South Central Railway. After playing many All-India tournaments and winning several medals, I got transferred from South Central Railway to South Western Railways,” he says.

“The South Western Railways is the nearest station to my native Kodagu. From 2012 to 2019, I played for this Division and had a successful hockey career for over 22 years. I am now concentrating on my duty as Deputy Chief Inspector. I have received many awards like the DRM Award, PCCM Award and even the GM Award. The motivation provided by the Railway administration helps me keep my dreams alive and every day is a learning experience. Whatever I am today is because of the Indian Railways,” he says.

On future plans, Mayur wants to give back to society. “I want to extend a helping hand to my village, my town, my land and my community which have brought me so much name and fame,” he signs off.

Words of praise from the mentor

“We have had drag-flickers in the team but they are not well-versed in other areas, but Mayur Subbaiah is exceptional. He has the uncanny ability to play in all areas, under any circumstance. If he is provided with a chance in the senior team, he will definitely make a world of difference. I coached Mayur when he was representing SAI and he does not lack in any area because he has got strong basics coming from SAI. His dedication to learning more in the game is tremendous. He has got the passion, is consistent, aggressive, hard-working and has the game.”

[Two-time Olympian and former Indian Goalkeeper Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah said this about Mayur Subbaiah to a sports magazine]

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by B.C. Thimmaiah / February 16th, 2023