12 New Taluks In State: Kodagu To Have Two More

About Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

With addition of Kushalnagar and Ponnampet, the hill district will now have five taluks

KumaraswamyKF02mar2019

Madikeri/ Mysuru:

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy yesterday announced the formation of Kushalnagar and Ponnampet taluks in Kodagu following the Cabinet’s decision conceding the long-pending demand of the people of the hill district. The two new taluks carved out will be Cauvery Taluk from Kushalnagar and Ponnampet Taluk in the South.

With this, Kodagu will have five taluks, the other three being Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet. The CM made this announcement at a programme organised for allotting houses to the displaced tribals of Diddahalli, at Basavanahalli, near Kushalnagar. He also launched a slew of development works at a cost of Rs. 2,146 crore.

House keys handed over to displaced tribals

A sum of Rs. 50 lakh would be released to each newly-formed taluk in the first stage for establishing basic infrastructure. On the occasion, the CM symbolically handed over keys of houses built for the displaced tribals of Diddahalli, who were evacuated from the Devamachi reserve forests.

Kumaraswamy said the people affected by last year’s floods and landslips need not worry as the government was committed to rehabilitating them. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to consult experts and explore precautionary steps to be taken in the wake partially collapsed hills before the onset of monsoon.

Kodagu District Minister S.R. Mahesh said the CM had visited Kodagu district six times since he assumed office and argued that the government was completely with the people of Kodagu.

Kodagu flood: Rs. 5 lakh to Manjula’s parents

On the occasion, the Chief Minister handed over a cheque for Rs. 5 lakh to the parents of Manjula, a student, who was feared dead in the landslips at Jodupala last year. MLAs K.G. Bopaiah, Appachu Ranjan and others were present.

About Ponnampet taluk

Ponnampet in South Kodagu is a main cultural centre in the district. Earlier, it was under the jurisdiction of Virajpet. Barring a Tahsildar’s office, all other taluk offices are situated at Ponnampet. The Court, Treasury, Taluk Panchayat Office, PWD Office, Offices of Social Welfare Department, Department of Backward Classes, Horticulture, Nada Kacheri and others are situated at Ponnampet.

Villagers from Balele, Nittoor, Karmadu, Kutta, Birunani, Parakatageri and Theralu had to travel 50-km to 60-km to reach taluk headquarters of Virajpet for any work. The proposed Ponnampet taluk will include Ponnampet Hobli, Balele, and Srimangala, Hudikeri Hobli, 21 Gram Panchayats and 49 villages. Ponnampet taluk will have 2,23,507 acres of geographical.

About Cauvery taluk

A new Cauvery Taluk will be carved out comprising Kushalnagar that was earlier under the Somwarpet Taluk. It was the dream of former Chief Minister late R. Gundu Rao to form Cauvery Taluk way back in 1993.

Kushalnagar has the offices of DySP, Circle Inspector, First Grade College, Polytechnic College, industrial layout at Kudlooru, Sports School at Koodige, DIET, Training Centre for Forest Officials, Offices of the Department of Agriculture, Sericulture and APMC. Recently, Court, Government Engineering College, Kodagu Sainik School, PG Centre of Mangalore University at Chikkaluvara and a Sub-Registrar’s Office was set up in Kushalnagar.

12 NEW TALUKS

1. Harohalli in Ramanagara

2. Cheluru in Chikkaballapura

3. Teradala in Bagalkot

4. Kalasa in Chikkamagalur

5. Ponnampet in Kodagu

6. Kushalnagar in Kodagu

7. Alamela in Vijayapura

8. Mulki in Dakshina Kannada

9. Ullal in Dakshina Kannada

10. Saligrama in Mysuru

11. Shantigrama in Hassan

12. Yaragatti in Belagavi

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 02nd, 2019

The tale of a much-loved hero

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

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Professor Lissie Mathew’s book, Kathivanoor Veeran: Malakayariya Manushyan, Churamirangiya Daivam, traces the evolution of an ordinary man to God

Mannappan and Chemmarathy were not exactly a model couple, they fought as intensely as they loved. When he dies in war, after a domestic squabble, Chemmarathy is heartbroken, the last words she uttered to him were the unkindest. She jumps into his pyre and the two attain godly status. This is an extraordinary tale of Mannappan, a man who goes up to Coorg in Karnataka from his village, Mangad in Kannur, dies a war hero, and returns as Kathivanoor Veeran. To this date, few can listen to the tragic hero’s tale without a lump in the throat.

Professor Lissie Mathew’s book, Kathivanoor Veeran: Malakayariya Manushyan, Churamirangiya Daivam, retraces Mannappan’s journey to Kodagu (Coorg). Having grown up in Vayattuparambu in Kannur, Lissie’s childhood was full of the stories and colours of Theyyam. And she had always wanted to explore the story of Kathivanoor Veeran. A professor of Malayalam at the Sankaracharya College, Kalady, working on its Payyannur campus, she has to her credit 12 books.

Kathivanoor Veeran is one among the most popular Theyyams, for it is a visual spectacle where the performer indulges in acrobatics and comes in close contact with fire. “It is an experience to watch Kathivanoor Veeran in action. I wanted to bring out the hero’s story through this book,” Lissie says.

The book delves into the micro-histories of Northern Malabar, where folktales, fiction, fact and history mingle in curious ways. It also explains the Theyyam, its rituals and practices in a detailed manner.

Excerpts from an interview with Lissie Mathew

Can you describe your relationship with the work.

I should say the book came out straight out of my mind, though it took four years of research, travel and interaction with people, to complete. It was hard work, but I wanted to trace Kathivanoor Veeran’s route from Mangad in Kannur to Kodagu (modern day Coorg). Through the thottam (the song sung before the ritualistic practice), which describes Mannappan’s life and death in great detail, one can get an insight into the geography, culture, mores and history of North Malabar. I followed the thottam to retrace Mannappan’s journey.

The thottam would have been difficult to interpret as it is in archaic Malayalam, often in the local dialect.

Yes. I could not understand it, the first time I heard it. I got the thottam singers to sing it for me, recorded it and I listened to it over and over again, until it began to make sense. It is fascinating, how these songs combine legend, history, reality and imagination. Most of the places mentioned in the thottams remain, though in different names. These thottams speak of a culture that is over a 1,000 years old.

What is the relevance of Theyyam today?

Theyyam talks about people and their problems, their relationship with Nature and fellow creatures. A rural-agricultural lifestyle makes up its very foundation. For instance, a Kathivanoor Veeran Theyyam performance is always followed by an annadanam (feast), which everyone partakes of. In this day and age, when we, as a people are becoming more self-centred, this is an example of how we are a part of our community and how we need to share our resources.

Performed most often in sacred groves (kaavus), it is important to understand the relevance of preserving these pockets of biodiversity intact. It is heartening to see that even the younger generation respects the rituals associated with Theyyam. By wanting to preserve the sanctity of Theyyam’s rituals, they are also contributing towards preserving the ecosystem.

Theyyam is performed by people in the subaltern communities. The Chirakkal Kolathiris, the rulers of the land, gave certain subaltern communities the right to perform Theyyam and it is continued to this day. Once they become Gods, even the upper castes, pray to them.

In that sense, Theyyam is undoubtedly, extremely relevant today.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books / by Anasuya Menon / February 28th, 2019

Ponnampet taluk: Victory for decades-old fight

About Kodagu / Coorg, Business & Economy, Records, All
The bust of Deewan Ponnappa and Basaveshwara Temple in the heart of Ponnampet.
The bust of Deewan Ponnappa and Basaveshwara Temple in the heart of Ponnampet.

The decades-old struggle demanding taluk status to Ponnampet has been fulfilled with the Cabinet meeting deciding to accord taluk status to Ponnampet.

The countdown has begun for Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to make an official announcement of Ponnampet and Kaveri taluks during his visit to Kodagu on Thursday.

Ponnampet in South Kodagu is a main cultural centre in the district. It was coming under the jurisdiction of Virajpet taluk so far. Barring a tahsildar’s office, all other taluk offices are situated at Ponnampet.

The court, treasury, taluk panchayat office, PWD office, offices of social welfare department, department of backward classes, horticulture, Nada Kacheri and others are situated at Ponnampet.

Villagers from Balele, Nittur, Karmadu, Kutta, Birunani, Parakatageri, Teralu had to travel 50-km to 60-km to reach taluk headquarters of Virajpet for any work.

Demanding taluk status to Ponnampet, former MLC C S Arun Machaiah, senior advocate Mathranda Appacchu, Bheemaiah, M T Cariappa, senior leaders like Pucchimada Harish Devaiah, A A Haji, M S Kushalappa had been fighting for the last 10 years. The demand for taluk status had gained momentum in the last two years.

The proposed Ponnampet taluk will include Ponnampet hobli, Balele, Srimangala, Hudikeri hobli, 21 Gram Panchayats and 49 villages.

According to the survey conducted by Horata Samithi, Ponnampet taluk will have 2,23,507 acres of geographical area including Devamacchi, Nagarahole and Brahmagiri forest.

The taluk will have more than 100 primary schools, 50 high schools, 15 PU Colleges, two polytechnic colleges, one ITI, one degree college and one post graduation centre.

Speaking to DH, Nagarika Horata Samithi member M S Kushalappa said, “The long-pending demand of the people of Ponnampet region has been fulfilled.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Gonikoppa / February 27th, 2019

It’s ‘RASH’ hour for the Kodava lass

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

The doe-eyed beauty who has wowed the audience in two South Indian industries, Rashmika Mandanna is now getting set for a Tamil debut…

Rashmika Mandanna
Rashmika Mandanna

In a little more than two years, she has had six movies to her credit — three in Kannada and Telugu (each). All have been declared box office hits. She also has four more projects in her kitty among them is Yajamana, starring with Challenging Star Darshan which releases this Friday. There are also reports about her Tamil debut opposite Karthi in a yet-untitled project to be directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan.

A rare feat for an actress, she is ‘reely’ living a wonderful dream, which she says has been a “roller coaster” ride. Now, she is set on a fast forward MO to fame. True to a tattoo on one of her arms that reads “irreplaceable,” Rashmika Mandanna has achieved what many would need atleast a decade to achieve. What makes it more special, is that this pretty Coorg lass has done it in not one but two big South Indian film industries. That too simultaneously!

The beautiful actress who hails from Coorg, Rashmika speaks exclusively to Bengaluru Chronicle about her impressive two year career, her star-studded filmi journey, her most expected movie Yajamana, her die-hard fans, social causes and her little sister Shiman Mandanna and more.

“I have been living my dream for the past two years. All I ever wanted was to keep busy and do work which made me proud. And meet new people, and travel. I am glad I am doing what I wanted to. Kirik Party will always remain my most special moment,” is what Rashmika had penned when she completed her two year journey in films, ending it with a special note, thanking her huge fan following who made it even more special.

“Yes, it has been a roller coaster life on fast forward mode. I had the greatest opportunity to learn and work with some of the best and most humble personalities. About my latest Kannada film Yajamana, it is certainly not my return to Kannada after some time, because I have been busy with the film for more than a year, and due to some delays in the post production stage, the film is releasing now,” says Rashmika Mandanna.

While she has been successful in both Kannada and Telugu films, there are reports about her Kollywood (Tamil) debut which she cannot reveal more about. According to reports, it was announced on Sunday that Rashmika has been signed on for a role opposite Karthi in a yet to be titled project directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan of the Remo fame.

The film by Dream Warrior Pictures is set to go on the floors in a month or two. Currently dubbed as K19, the film will mark the first time collaboration between Karthi and Bakkiyaraj Kannan, and it’s tipped to be a film high on action and comedy.

After Kirik Party in Kannada, she was paired opposite both the Golden Star and the Power Star, and now she takes another challenging role in her stride, alongside Challenging Star Darshan in Yajamana, which is directed by composer-turned-director V Harikrishna, and is produced by the popular Shylaja Nag.

“The character of Kaveri, I portray in Yajamana is loud with a lot of energy. During the shooting of the film, I would feel so exhausted at the end of the day, but all that hard work reflects onscreen as well. Moreover, with such a chilled co-star like Darshan Sir, who cares for others along with a dedicated team, it was all worth it. Yajamana is one movie which I am pinning great hopes on. I essay a completely different character from my previous roles,” she adds. Juggling between Kannada and Telugu, the actress feels that travelling is the only downside in her dual industry stint though, she adds, “For an artist who is doing three movies a year in one language, it cannot be hard to do it in two different languages. Though I had some grasp of Malayalam growing up with friends who spoke the language, I had no clue about Telugu,” she reveals. She adds, “I could not even say how are you in Telugu. Now, I can converse in Telugu very easily.”

Rashmika is very active on social media and has been very vocal in support of her huge fan following. “If I could meet every fan, and invite them my home for dinner, I would do so. It is their love and support which makes my journey so special and if anybody talks bad about them, I get annoyed, hence my straight replies to those who speak negatively about my fans,” she explains.

The actress has also been standing up for social causes. “Now that I have the access to do my bit, I am more than happy to extend support. So much of negativity has been around lately. We all can understand if it is a natural calamity but when innocent lives are lost, what is the purpose of all this when we cannot stand in solidarity for such brave hearts who make supreme sacrifices,” Rashmika says of the tragic Pulwama attack.

An important critic in her life is her little sister Shiman Mandanna. “Yes, she gauges all my work. I can easily guess when she doesn’t like it. She has been my biggest critic, which I miss a lot at times. She takes my case and keeps a close watch on what I am up to. She is more like my ‘elder sister.’ A don and a cute rowdy,” she wraps up.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Sandalwood / by Shashi Prasad SM / Deccan Chronicle / February 27th, 2019

CM to hand over houses to Diddalli evacuees on Feb 28

Records, All
An aerial view of the newly constructed houses at Basavanahalli rehabilitation site near Kushalnagar.
An aerial view of the newly constructed houses at Basavanahalli rehabilitation site near Kushalnagar.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will hand over 300 houses built at Basavanahalli and Byadagotta in Somwarpet taluk to Diddalli evacuees on February 28.

Speaking during a meeting at the DC’s office, Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy said that the chief minister will also break the ground for various development works taken up at a cost of Rs 142 crore and will inaugurate other completed projects on the occasion. The facilities will be distributed to the beneficiaries under various government schemes, he added.

The title deeds of the houses will be handed over by the chief minister to the Diddalli evacuees symbolically, she said.

She also directed the PWD, Panchayat Raj, CESC, rural drinking water and sanitation, NHAI, revenue and other departments to submit fund utilisation certificate to the district administration, in connection with the expenditure of funds released by the government towards natural calamity relief in Kodagu.

Zilla Panchayat CEO K Lakshmi Priya and assistant commissioner T Javaregowda were present.

528 families to be rehabilitated

Nirmiti Kendra Executive Engineer R J Sachin said that out of the 528 houses planned in two villages Basavanahalli and Byadagotta in Somwarpet taluk. The construction of 300 houses has already been completed and they are ready to be occupied.

About 174 sites on 6.45-acre land at Basavanahalli and 354 sites 8-acre land at Byadagotta have been developed to construct the houses. Each site is of 30 x 40 feet measurement. Electricity connection has been provided to 300 houses. Each house has been built at a cost of Rs 3.90 lakh. Out of the total budget, the government has released a grant of Rs 14 crore so far. Nirmiti Kendra has carried out the work on the construction of the houses, he said.

The Diddalli evacuees, who have been provided with temporary rehabilitation on Byadagotta, have urged the government to speed up the work. The construction work of 228 houses are still incomplete, they said.

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

We have started working on Vh1 Supersonic 2020: Nikhil Chinappa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

NikhilChinnappaKF27feb2019

Mumbai :

Vh1 Supersonic 2019 wrapped up with a bang and has left the audience with immense memories. The makers had truly put in a lot of efforts, which were shown in the festival as it was absolutely lit and organized. Well, we at Radioandmusic spoke to Nikhil Chinappa who has been associated with Vh1 Supersonic since its launch in 2013. His company Submerge has been known to bring several DJ’s across the world to festivals in India. Nikhil Chinappa has played a major role in curating and creating the festival.

Vh1 Supersonic 2019, held in Pune enthralled visitors, while we spoke to Nikhil Chinappa on how the festival has been treating him. He expressed, “It is exhausting, but it has been a lot of fun. It is really good to see the hard work the super crew has put into the festival as to see it come to life and to see the artists come here and fans come here and enjoy the festival and the vibe around it, this is why we do it.”

On being asked about Vh1 Supersonic’s area of focus, Chinappa replies, “Focus has always been the same i.e. to create a festival, which when over will have people walk away, but thinking, when next Vh1 Supersonic would come around. So, this is exactly the focus and the end goal.”

When asked about Vh1 Supersonic 2020, he reveals, “We have started working on Vh1 Supersonic 2020 a month ago. We are already talking about the artists, we are planning to have. We will be trying something new thing next year to actually see how people respond to it and will expand on it and would do those on a larger scale next year. Next year the line-up will be new. We always try and bring new artists. So, we are always thinking about future projects and festivals that’s really exciting for us. I feel as a team it does motivate us to do better.”

source: http://www.radioandmusic.com / R and M / Home> Editorial> News / February 25th, 2019

Tributes paid to martyrs of Pulwama

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
Tributes were paid in Madikeri on Friday to the martyrs of Pulwama.
Tributes were paid in Madikeri on Friday to the martyrs of Pulwama.

Members of various organisations, political parties and ex-servicemen in Madikeri condemned the fidayeen attack on paramilitary CRPF personnel at Pulwama.

After garlanding the statue of Field Marshal K M Cariappa, a condolence meeting was held. The participants sang patriotic songs.

Senior writer Shobha Subbaiah said, “Martyrs should have a rebirth in the country to serve the country. All the help should be provided to the family of those martyred.”

Retired Air Marshal K C Cariappa said, “It is a cowardly act to attack soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cabinet ministers should take stern action to ensure that such attacks do not occur in the country. An alert on the attack was issued one week ago. Unfortunately, the fidayeen attack has occurred.”

He said, “It is our duty to instil confidence in the family of the deceased.”

Senior journalist Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa said, “The attack has raised concern on the internal security of the country. There is a need to act against anti-nationals inside the country.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service – Madikeri / February 15th, 2019

Kalki Koechlin, Gulshan Devaiah’s film gets digital premiere

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg
Kalki Koechlin
Kalki Koechlin

‘Candy Flip’ starring Kalki Koechlin and Gulshan Devaiah was premiered on Netflix yesterday. The film directed by Shahnawaz NK is based in Goa and talks about the drug menace that has plagued the state and various other parts of the country.

Speaking about the film, Kalki says, “The youth is increasingly getting into the habit of taking drugs. Hiding this issue is the wrong way to deal with it. Youngsters need to know what kinds of drugs are out there and what happens when you take them. Education about this abuse is important.”

Produced by Surendra K Hegde and Balasubramanyam TC under their banner 23 Entertainment, also stars Prashant Prakash, Prakash Raj and Valeriya Polyanychko in pivotal roles. “We are happy that the film is taken by Netflix. A platform like this will help the film reach out to a wider audience. We had made the film keeping the cause in mind and if the film helps to promote the cause of drug abuse, we are more than happy,” producer Surendra K Hegde said.

source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home / by FPJ Bureau / February 16th, 2019

S. Sadashivaiah Is New DD Of Food Dept. In Kodagu

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Records, All

SadashivaiahKF25feb2019

Madikeri:

S. Sadashivaiah has assumed charge yesterday as the new Deputy Director (DD), Department of Food and Civil Supplies of Kodagu district.

Earlier he was holding the same position in Ramanagaram district.

The previous incumbent Puttaswamy has been transferred to same position in Ramanagaram district.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 2019

‘Shatadarshini’ released during school’s centenary

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
Senior teachers were felicitated during the centenary celebrations of Government Model Higher Primary School in Titimati on Sunday
Senior teachers were felicitated during the centenary celebrations of Government Model Higher Primary School in Titimati on Sunday

Government schools celebrating centenary is a matter of pride, said MLA K G Bopaiah.

He was speaking after releasing ‘Shatadarshini’ souvenir during the centenary celebrations of Government Model Higher Primary School in Titimati on Sunday.

The parents and students should shed the inferiority complex about government schools. One should remember that those who have studied in government schools have made it to the top posts, he added.

Former ministers Suma Vasant and M M Belliappa were the alumni of the school, he said and added that the students should utilise the facilities provided to them at government schools.

Centenary Committee honorary president, school alumni and former minister Suma Vasant said that the government schools are catering to the needs of students from rural areas.

Get together

Alumni of the school had a get together during the centenary of the school. Senior teachers were felicitated on the occasion.

School alumni who were present during the occasion comprised of international sportsperson Paruvanda C Suguna Ponnappa, ISRO scientist Ashok, DFO Karunakar, physician Dr Sannuvanda Kaverappa, philanthropist Bachamada Chetan, former national hockey player Cheppudira Cariappa, Indian Navy Commander (retd) C M Bellyappa and Titimati Gram Panchayat president H E Shivakumar.

A cultural procession was taken out prior to the formal programme. A variety of programmes were held on the occasion.

Philanthropist Bachamada Chetan inaugurated an open-air auditorium built at a cost of Rs 7.5 lakh.

Centenary Committee working president Cheppudira Ramakrishna, school headmistress H M Parvati, ZP member R Pankaja, block education officer Srishaila and senior teacher Ittira Mandanna were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Gonikoppa / February 24th, 2019