Monthly Archives: November 2025

Dr. U.T. Uthappa of Kodagu among ‘Top 2% Scientists in World’

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Dr. Uluvangada T. Uthappa (Sanju), a native of Kodagu, has been recognised among the ‘Top 2% Scientists in the World (2025 Survey)’ compiled by Stanford University, USA.

The annual list, prepared by Prof. John P.A. Ioannidis of Stanford in collaboration with Elsevier and Scopus, identifies the world’s most influential scientific researchers representing about 2% of all scientists globally. The rankings are based on standardised citation metrics and composite indicators of scientific impact.

Dr. Uthappa is currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Researcher/Scientist at the College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, China. Earlier, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Chonnam National University (2021-2022) and as a Research Professor at Yeungnam Univer-sity (2022-2023) in South Korea. He obtained his Ph.D in Chemistry from Jain University, Bengaluru, in 2021. His research focuses on addressing global challenges in environment, health, food and agriculture sectors.

He has published over 50 articles in reputed international peer-reviewed journals, with more than 2,300 citations and an H-index of 25. He has also filed two patents in South Korea and one in China.

An extraordinary achiever, Dr. Uthappa is the son of Uluvangada Sabu Thammaiah and Meena, residents of T. Shettigeri, Ponnampet Taluk, Kodagu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 17th, 2025

Field Hockey : 100 years of Indian Hockey: BP Govinda, hero of 1973 World Cup semi-final win over Pakistan, reflects on two historic victories over arch-rivals

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(Courtesy : Hockey India)

India also outclassed Pakistan in the 1975 WC final.

In the last half a decade, the Indian men’s hockey team have bagged two bronze medals at the Olympic Games, and that brought a lot of joy to the fraternity.

India had to wait a bit before experiencing Olympic glory, but that was not the case for a major part of the last 100 years. With 13 medals at the Olympic Games, and three at the World Cup, India is among the most decorated teams in the sport.

Reflecting on India’s glorious history, a two-time World Cup medallist (1973 and 1975) and an Olympic medallist (1972), BP Govinda said, “It is a nice thing and a big achievement that we can celebrate such a glorious 100 years of Indian hockey.

“The journey started all the way back in 1928 with our first Olympic medal, and we are all very happy that Hockey India is making a celebration of this landmark of 100 years.”

Considered to be one of the fastest players during his era, BP Govinda was a crucial part of the Indian team. In 1973, it was his goal that helped India overcome Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final, before they went onto finish with silver.

In the next World Cup in 1975, BP Govinda again played a big role in the team’s success, scoring important goals in the tournament, as India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan in the final to win the coveted gold medal.

Reflecting on the memories of those World Cup campaigns, BP Govinda said, “1975 World Cup we really outclassed Pakistan in the finals, but before that Malaysia gave us a very tough time in the semi-finals.”

He further added, “When we won the gold medal in 1975 in the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, there is no words to express the feeling. All the members of the Indian team were overjoyed, and there was a lot of emotions, as it was a first World Cup gold medal, and of course we were all very thrilled to stand on the podium.”

Now as a former player, and a fan of the sport, BP Govinda believes the current generation of players should always aim high.

He said, “As a team, the Indian men’s hockey team should always expect a lot from themselves. It is important to be aiming for the top prize, the team should always aim for a gold medal. We have won two bronze medals in the last two Olympics, I hope we can make it better in the next Olympics and World Cups.”

source: http://www.khelnow.com / Khel Now / Home> Field Hockey / by Alex / November 05th, 2025

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Commends 19 Karnataka Battalion NCC in Madikeri for Exemplary Youth Development Efforts

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On November 5, 2025, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, visited the 19 Karnataka Battalion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Madikeri. This visit highlighted the Indian Army’s dedication to fostering youth involvement in nation-building and promoting leadership, discipline, and patriotism among cadets.

Throughout his visit, Lt Gen Seth received a comprehensive briefing on the battalion’s notable history, organizational structure, and major accomplishments since it was formed in 1954. The presentation emphasized the unit’s ongoing achievements in training cadets from various schools and colleges in Karnataka, as well as its exceptional performance in adventure activities, social awareness initiatives, and national-level competitions.

Lt Gen Seth lauded the battalion’s steadfast dedication to the central mission of the National Cadet Corps, which is to develop young men and women into responsible citizens and future leaders for the Armed Forces and the nation. He commended the officers and training staff for their professionalism and commitment to instilling values of discipline, integrity, and service in the cadets.

The General Officer also engaged with a group of distinguished cadets who have represented the battalion at various regional and national events, including the Republic Day Parade, the All India Nau Sainik Camp, and the Thal Sainik Camp. He acknowledged their enthusiasm, confidence, and dedication to serving the nation in diverse roles.

In his address to the cadets, Lt Gen Seth encouraged them to uphold the NCC’s motto of “Unity and Discipline” and to focus their efforts on nation-building and social welfare. He emphasized that the NCC offers an unparalleled platform for character development and leadership training, urging cadets to continue pursuing excellence in all aspects of life.

The visit concluded with Lt Gen Seth expressing his belief that the 19 Karnataka Battalion NCC would maintain its tradition of honor, discipline, and service, making significant contributions to the youth development initiatives of the Indian Armed Forces.

source: http://www.shop.ssbcrack.com / SSB Crack / Home / November 06th, 2025

N.R. Mohalla Kaveri Kodava Okkoota office-bearers

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Mysore/Mysuru:

The 25th Annual General Body Meeting  (AGM) of Kaveri Kodava Okkoota, N.R. Mohalla, was held recently at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar, Mysuru.

Ponjanda Ganapathy, President of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, was the chief guest. Thathanda Biddappa, Acting President and Treasurer, presided.

A two-minute silence was observed to mourn the demise of departed Okkoota members.

The AGM was followed by the election to the Managing Committee and Committee Members of the Okkoota. The new office-bearers are:

Ajjinikanda U. Villy Chittiappa  – President; Aatrangada Praveen Poovanna – Vice-President; Madetira Sunil Somanna – Secretary and Kotera Revathy Kushalappa – Joint Secretary/Treasurer.

Kotera Kushalappa, Kakamada Prabhu, Nerpanda Sannu, Chottemanda Hemavathy Mohan,  Ballyattanda Sarasu Vishwanath and Chotteyanda Smitha – Committee Members.

The day-long meet comprised cultural programmes and prizes were given to winners of various contests.

Hemavathy Mohan and Sangha Members conducted the sports events. Revathy Kushalappa compered.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 05th, 2025

Kodagu farmers protest conversion of farmland into reserve forests

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The farmers set fire to the government order notifying conversion of category C and D land and cautioned of indefinite protest if their problems are not addressed by December 5.

Hundreds of farmers adorning green shawls on their shoulders formed a human chain protesting the government order. Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Hundreds of farmers from across the Kodagu formed a human chain at the heart of Somwarpet town to protest the conversion of category C and D land into forest areas.

The farmers alleged that the Forest Department “is devising a conspiracy” to convert farmland into reserved forests through a notification under Section 4.

“This is not just the problem of the farmers of Kodagu, it is a problem across the entire state. The protest will be made a statewide struggle,” declared the protestors.

Somwarpet Raitha Horata Samithi, Raitha Sangha, and Coffee Growers’ Union organised the protest demanding relief with regards to the land issue. Hundreds of farmers adorning green shawls on their shoulders gathered at Somwarpet.

They expressed their anguish that the state and central governments are turning a blind eye despite the daily harassment of the farmers by the Forest Department.

A conference to discuss the issue was later hosted by the farmer leaders.

President of the Raitha Horata Samiti Suresh Chakravarthy, who presided over the meeting, said that the previous governments and officials had not conducted a joint survey. He accused the officials of submitting wrong information by sitting in an AC room.

“Due to the irresponsibility of the officials and the negligence of the governments, farmers have come to the streets today,” he opined.

He demanded the MLAs of the district to intervene and solve the decade-old problem. He alleged foresters of exploiting the farmers by destroying the cultivated crops.

He added, “If Naxalism arises in Kodagu, it is because of the government.”

The farmers set fire to the government order and cautioned of indefinite protest in front of the DC Office in Madikeri if their problems are not addressed by December 5.

Manju Kiran, state executive member of the Karnataka State Farmers’ Association’s Green Army, said that the major JCB parties in the state (Janata Dal, Congress, BJP) are eating away at the people’s land and livelihood.

“Farmers should not trust political parties. They should not salute them. Women farmers should also join the struggle. Only then will the struggle be successful,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / November 03rd, 2025

CM announces Rs. 1 crore grant for Chenanda Cup Hockey-2026

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Madikeri:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday announced a financial grant of Rs. 1 crore for Chenanda Cup Hockey Festival to be held in 2026 in Kodagu district.

Unveiling the Hockey Festival’s logo at his home Office ‘Krishna’ in Bengaluru, the CM praised Kodava community’s deep-rooted association with the sport. 

The 26th Chenanda Cup Hockey will be held at Napoklu from Apr. 5 to May 2, 2026.

“Kodavas mean hockey and hockey means Kodavas,” he remarked, highlighting the region’s legacy of producing national and international-level players, including Asian Games.

Siddaramaiah lauded the Kodava community for preserving its cultural identity while excelling in sports. “Kodava culture has retained its distinctiveness and continues to thrive. It is a matter of pride for our heritage. Their talent and dedication have brought immense honour to the nation,” he said. Pledging Government support, he added, “We will provide Rs. 1 crore for Chenanda Cup Hockey-2026. I will also attend the matches.”

The event was attended by office-bearers of Chenanda Cup, Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Kodagu District Minister N.S. Boseraju, Ministers Byrathi Suresh and Shivaraj Thangadgi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / November 04th, 2025

Selected for BCCI’s Cooch Behar U-19 probables

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Mysuru:

Kodagu’s Gaurav Appanna Chendanda has earned a coveted spot among the 39 probables shortlisted for the prestigious Cooch Behar Under-19 cricket tournament conducted by the BCCI.

This year he is the only player selected from Kodagu district making this achievement significant for the region.

An all-rounder, Gaurav is a right-arm fast bowler and a right-handed batsman known for his discipline, work ethic and consistent performances. At just 18, he has been pursuing cricket professionally for the past decade.  He is the son of Chendanda Naveen and Reshma couple, who hails from Chembebellur village near Virajpet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / November 03rd, 2025

Mini-hydel proposal near Pushpagiri in Karnataka’s Kodagu dist. kindles concern over Western Ghats conservation

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A proposal has surfaced for the construction of a mini-hydel project across the Kumaradhara river in Kodagu district at a time when the conservation of Western Ghats should be a policy priority.

The proposal in question is for the Sri Shantamallikarjuna Mini Hydel Project across the Kumaradhara in Kodagu, which seeks the diversion of 2.8 hectares of forestland in Kumarahalli village of Somwarpet taluk.

This has been proposed by M/s Poorna Pragna Infrastructure of Hassan district and is pending before the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Division, for examination and recommendation.

However, conservationists have expressed concern drawing attention to ecological issues and the degradation of the Western Ghat ecosystem under the guise of mini and micro hydel systems.

Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has appealed to the Forest Department to deny permission for the project on grounds that the site was close to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary — an important elephant habitat and home to several species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Mr. Kulkarni said that the project area reportedly falls within the sanctuary’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notified in June 2017 and lies barely 2.5 km from its boundary.

“The region is already facing severe habitat fragmentation due to multiple infrastructure projects, unregulated tourism, and mini-hydel projects, and the new proposal, if approved, will further add to anthropogenic pressure and have a negative impact on the elephant corridor,” said Mr. Kulkarni. While it will threaten the survival of key species, it will also aggravate human-elephant conflict in the region, he cautioned.

Underlining the importance of conserving the project area, Mr. Kulkarni said failure to do so will also result in the degradation of the riverine ecosystem. The attention of the authorities was also drawn to recurring incidents of landslides in the region due to habitat degradation and measures to stop further deterioration of the ecosystem were sought.

The representation made to the Forest Department on October 28, 2025, also sought to remind the authorities of the State government affidavit filed before the Karnataka High Court in Writ Petition No. 9333/2009, wherein it undertook not to permit new mini hydel projects in the Western Ghats.

“The High Court had accepted this undertaking, leading to the cancellation of several proposed schemes. Any new approval, Kulkarni argued, would contradict this commitment and violate the State’s stated conservation policy,” said Mr. Kulkarni.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / November 11th, 2025

“Pathalodhi Namme” at Paadi on 27.10.2025

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Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa is a gifted orator and custodian of Kodava Culture. For generations the Paradanda family have been tasked with keeping the customs and traditions at the Padi Igguthappa Temple pristine and relevant. While being extremely proficient with such knowledge, his humility shows when he unhesitatingly seeks external assistance from elders in the community to validate his thoughts. Subramani does his best to elegantly recollect the customs for the Kodava community.
– CLN Newsdesk.

In keeping with Kodava tradition, from the sunrise on the day of Kani Puja – which is essentially performed in Kodava households following the Teerthodbhava at TaleKaveri, the tenth sunrise marks the sacred day known as Pathalodhi, also referred to as Tholayaar Pathh. Coincidentally this event takes place a few days before the rising full moon – considered positive by the Kodavas as it signifies growth. This tenth day is therefore considered very auspicious for undertaking any good or new initiative, as it is believed that any work commenced on this day will be blessed by the Divine Force in an enduring manner. Typically piercing of ears, lagna patrike, marking the site for construction of houses, House warming… are undertaken on this date. Many Kodavas observe Karona Kodupa on this day in Okka AinManes.

A similar practice takes place in Tulunad.

At Paadi, the Paradanda family traditionally is given the responsibility of performing the Tholayaar Patth Aaradhane on Monday, 27th October 2025.

On this occasion, special poojas, Tulabhara Sevas, and Maha Poojas will be performed. An interesting aspect is that at the end of the ceremonies, after the circumambulation of the Temple, the idol of Igguthappa is brought to the South-East facing corner under the sacred (milk bearing) jackfruit tree – symbolically facing His Sister Pannangala Thamme, as well as generally considered the Gulliga Sthaana.

There are other details relating to certain agricultural practices that are of no further significance due to the advancement of veterinary science and is superficial, hence not being mentioned.

Devotees are requested to visit the Paadi Sri Igguthappa in large numbers to the Temple on this auspicious occasion. It is important to keep up with traditions that make us Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas who we are.

The Devathakka’s Prayer at Tholayaar Pathh

The prayer commences by inviting the devotees who offered Thulabara Pooja to the Deity in the morning. As a matter of interest, Thulabara is open for all, irrespective of their caste.
Towards the end the Devathakka invokes Igguthappa’s blessings for the entire land of Kodagu; His kindness to influence the weather Gods from extreme weather – rain or sunshine, so that there are bountiful crops with enough water to survive comfortably; lush canopy of greenery with abundant produce in the fruit bearing trees so that even the pranipakshi, ettha kadchi and mankind can survive comfortably.

Another very important and interesting aspect of the prayer is that forgiveness is sought if any rituals or Tantra or Mantra is erred by the priest or if the chandekol maaraya missed a beat. Similar forgiveness Is sought for any errant occurrence by the person who bears the divine umbrella, the bearer of the chamara and chatri to be forgiven and last but not the least – the prayer ends with an abundant supply of oil for the sacred lamp and the padiyakki which is served as naivedhyam to the Deity.

Finally, in Kodava culture.. there is no overbearing influence of mantra and tantra when praying before nellakki bolcha in kodava thakk. This equates us as “one” (equal in stature) in all our prayers – even our Guru Karonas and the Gods are addressed in first person. Significantly the Gurukarona’s image is etched in the first step of Namaskara Mantap where the Devathakka stands and prays to the Deity. The stark simplicity and rustic yet sophisticated nature of our customs is remarkable and it is our duty to understand, practice and nurture it for future generations.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles / by Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa / October 25th, 2025