Gonimaroor school gets Parisara Mitra award

Education, Records, All

GonimarurKF02feb2015.jp

Gonimarur school has bagged the district level Parisara Mitra award given by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Kodagu district administration, Bharath Scouts and Guides and Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, for the year 2014-15.

One hundred eighty one schools, across the district, had applied for the award. 21 schools have been selected among them.

10 schools will be identified as yellow schools and will be awarded Rs one thousand cash prize, certificate and shield, 10 schools will be known as green schools and will get Rs two thousand cash prize and shield and Gonimaroor school will be recognised as Parisara Mitra school with Rs ten thousand cash prize, certificate and shield. The school which started in 1968, has 68 students from first to seventh standard.

Around 50 variety of flower bearing plants have been grown in the school garden. Each students has been given responsibility of a plant and the plant is named after the student, with a tag on it.

The students look after the plant and water the plant every day. The vegetables required for the mid-day meals are grown by the students themselves. There are more than 101 trees including mango, jack fruit, gooseberry and neem trees, all planted and grown by students. The dry leaves are collected by students to prepare organic manure. Also, there are medicinal plants. The toilets at the school are well maintained.

The natural wind are light are utilised at its best and also, the water management is efficiently done. Last year, the school had won the second place in the district level.

The school has also bagged district level awards twice in science modeling. The school has a library which is managed by students themselves.

The school development and management committee comprises 13 members as is presided by Siddalingappa. The committee has provided sports equipment to the students.

S P Mareena is working as the Headmistress of the school and there are four teachers including H R Sunitha and Nagaveni. School teacher H S Rajappa said that the Parisara Mitra award is the outcome of the contributions and hard work of students, teachers and the school development and management committee.

source:http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Somvarpet – DHNS, January 31st, 2015

116th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa in city

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders

CariappaKF01feb2015

Mysuru :

Marking the 116th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the Mysuru Kodava Samaja had organised a function at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle (Metropole Circle) here this morning.

Earlier, the gathering offered floral tributes to the portrait of the Field Marshal.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj. Gen. (retired) C.K. Karumbaya said that Field Marshal Cariappa was an epitome of discipline and hard work, who should be taken as a role model by the youth.

Corporator M.J. Ravi Kumar sought a war memorial and a statue of the great soldier in city.

Kodava Samaja President M.M. Karumbaiah, office-bearers and members of the Samaja and also of the Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club were present at the programme along with some public. On the occasion, sweets were distributed.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 28th, 2015

Coffee Board to monetise ‘Coffees of India’ logos

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Records, All

New initiative expected to encourage and promote the Indian brew in overseas markets

Exporters, traders, roasters and curers displaying the ‘Coffees of India’ and the other regional/speciality coffee trademarks on their packages will now have to seek the Coffee Board’s permission to do so and pay a fee for using each logo.

The State-run Coffee Board, which had devised the unique identities/logos and trademarks under the umbrella brand ‘Coffees of India’, has filed for registration of some 19 logos as the Certification of Trademarks.

Issuing certificates
The Registrar of Trademarks, Chennai, has issued the registration certificate for about nine logos including the Robusta Kaapi Royale, Pulneys, Annamalais, Chikmagalur, Coorg and Coffee Swami.

Another set of ten applications for logos such as Mysore Nuggets and Monsooned Malabar are pending registration, though provisional numbers have been issued for the same.

Coffee Board is the sole custodian of the trademark of all logos and those planning to use them on their packets, sacks and publicity material will have to obtain written permission.

Payment details
Exporters or roasters seeking to use the logos will have to apply to the Board in a prescribed format with samples of the beans or instant/roast and ground coffees.

The board has fixed a fee of ₹10,000 for use of each logo and ₹2,500 for every additional logo.

Coffee Board officials said the rationale behind registering the trademarks/logos was to regulate and prevent the misuse. Also, the new initiative is expected to help encourage and promote Indian coffees in overseas markets. However, the trade is divided on the Board’s move to regulate and monetise the logos.“It is good idea.

The logos would enhance the visibility of Indian coffees in the overseas markets,” said Ramesh Rajah, President of the Coffee Exporters Association.

It will also help create awareness among the consumers, Rajah said adding that “the Board should be given a chance.” However, some exporters, who have developed their own brands, do not see major benefits from these trademarks or logos.

Coffee exports
“The logos will help the newcomers the most,” said Ashok Kurian of Balanoor Plantations, who exports under the Balanoor brand.

Coffee exports during January 1-27 were down 32 per cent, provisionally, at 14,672 tonnes against 21,573 tonnes in the corresponding period a year ago.

In 2014, coffee exports stood at 3.01 lakh tonnes valued at ₹4,984 crore or $818 million.

Crop size estimates
The Board, in its latest post monsoon estimates, has pegged the 2014-15 crop size at 3.31 lakh tonnes, a four per cent decline over its post blossom estimate of 3.44 lakh tonnes (lt), primarily due to lower arabica crop that faced a severe pest attack, erratic rainfall and a cyclone.

However, the latest estimates for 2014-15 are 8.7 per cent higher than last year’s final estimate of 3.04 lt. Arabica output for the current season is pegged at 99,600 tonnes, while production of Robusta is expected to 2.31 lt for the 2014-15 season, a decline of 5.6 per cent and 3.28 per cent respectively over the post blossom estimate.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Hom> Agri-Biz / by Vishwanth Kulkarni / Bengaluru – January 29th, 2015

Road works may hit coffee exports from Karnataka

Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Curbs on movement of containers on two State highways affect delivery to port

Bengaluru :

Curbs on the movement of heavy container traffic on the key State highway connecting Kodagu with Mangaluru port, and the closure of Shiradi Ghat on National Highway 75 for repairs will hamper coffee export consignments in Karnataka, the major coffee producer in the country.

Exporters said containers were stopped from moving on the Mangaluru-Kodagu State highway from Monday by the district administration for repairs. As a result, coffee consignments have to be transported in normal trucks, a move that will increase shipment costs, Ramesh Rajah, President of Coffee Exporters Association, said.

Round about
The Shiradi Ghat on NH-75, which connects Mangaluru with Hassan and also used by exporters in Chikmagalur, has been closed since the beginning of this month for repair and development work.

Most of the green coffee beans from the key growing regions of Kodagu, Hassan and Chikmagalur are normally shipped to the Mangaluru port in containers as it is safe and the quality can be maintained, Rajah said.

Some 22 tonnes of coffee can be transported in a single container from the hinterland to the port. Two lorries with a capacity of 10-12 tonnes are required to transport the same quantity, entailing additional costs.

Karnataka accounts for about two-thirds of the coffee produced in the country and Mangaluru is the major port for coffee shipments.

Rajah said most of the export orders have been booked on free-on-board basis from Mangaluru port and the latest curbs on container movement during the peak exporting season could hurt the realisation for exporters and growers.

He said the Government should look for a solution for regulating the container traffic on the Kushalnagar-Mangaluru road to ease the movement of coffee shipments.

Further, Rajah said the overseas demand for robustas has been good, but the interest for arabicas has been rather subdued due to volatile prices.

Robust outlook
“The order book for the robusta is better than last year, and shipments have been picking up in the past couple of days,” he said. Robusta is currently being harvested across the key growing regions. According to the Coffee Board, provisional exports in the current calendar year (from January 1 to 15) are down at 6,610 tonnes against 8,597 tonnes in the same period a year ago.

Last year, coffee exports stood at 3.01 lakh tonnes valued at ₹4,984 crore ($818 million).

The Board, in its latest post monsoon estimates, has pegged the 2014-15 crop size at 3.31 lakh tonnes, a 4 per cent decline over its early or post blossom estimate of 3.44 lakh tonnes, primarily due to lower arabica crop that faced a severe pest attack, erratic rainfall and a cyclone.

However, the latest estimates for 2014-15 are 8.7 per cent higher than last year’s final estimate of 3.04 lakh tonnes.

Arabica output for the current season is pegged at 99,600 tonnes, while production of Robusta is expected to 2.31 lakh tonnes for the 2014-15 season, a decline of 5.6 per cent and 3.28 per cent respectively over the post blossom estimate.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Hom> Agri-Biz / by Vishwanth Kulkarni / Bengaluru – January 20th, 2015

SK Uthappa ready to make a big impression in HIL

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports
"I am looking to push a bit harder this year and make it to the top two and eventually emerge as the winners of the league," SK Uthappa said. (TOI Photo)
“I am looking to push a bit harder this year and make it to the top two and eventually emerge as the winners of the league,” SK Uthappa said. (TOI Photo)

New Delhi :

Amid the excitement ahead of the Hero Hockey India League 2015, India’s forward SK Uthappa is all set to rattle the grounds of the stadium with his impressive performance. Playing for Uttar Pradesh Wizards consecutively for the third time, Uthappa looks more confident on putting up a good show making it to the finals for his team this season.

In the first edition of the league, Uthappa without any failure showcased his talent and ability and helped the Uttar Pradesh-based franchisee claim the third spot win. However, in the second season of the league, the 23-year old player played with more maturity in order to materialize the given opportunities into goals. He got his name featured in the list of the ‘Man of the Match’ in the second season. In the same edition, he also got his name in the list of ‘Goal of the Match’ where the score was knotted to 1-1 against Delhi Waveriders.

With all the experience and skill set developed in the upcoming league, Uthappa is spotted sweating it out striving hard not to miss any scoring opportunities. With an aim to give a tough challenge to the opponents and come out as a stronger team, Uthappa will find support of the team’s strong forward-line. The forward position will see players like Tushar Khandker, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Jeroen Hertzberger to name a few.

Eagerly awaiting for the HHIL to begin, SK Uthappa said, “I am sure it will be a great season of Hero Hockey India League 2015. We not only have some of the best players from the world but also the top coaches. I am expecting that the team will do much well than what we did last season.”

Speaking further, he added, “I am looking to push a bit harder this year and make it to the top two and eventually emerge as the winners of the league. Not only it’s a good learning experience for us, but a great opportunity for every player to be a part of this league.”

The 3rd edition of the Hero Hockey India League will start from 22 January 2015. The opening day of the League will witness Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays in Bhubaneswar.

Hero Hockey India League will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> Hockey / TNN / January 12th, 2015

Indian Coffee House staff want aroma of democracy

Coffee News
A view of the Indian Coffee House on Jawaharlal Nehru Street in Puducherry.— Photo: S.S. Kumar
A view of the Indian Coffee House on Jawaharlal Nehru Street in Puducherry.— Photo: S.S. Kumar

The workers of the iconic Indian Coffee House are demanding early elections to choose a board of management for the Indian Coffee Workers’ Cooperative Society that would effectively govern the eatery.

The branches are managed by an interim administrator since 2011 as the previous board of management failed to conduct the elections on time.

The Society was established in 1958 by the retrenched employees of the Coffee Board under the Government of India with their terminal benefits as the working capital of the Society. The Society was formed by the then Leader of Opposition and veteran communist leader, A.K. Gopalan, with the help of the Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The Society was registered in Puducherry under the Co-operative Societies Act 1972. It runs branches at T. Nagar and K.K. Nagar in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Big Kancheepuram, Kalpakkam and Neyveli besides having six branches in Puducherry.

As many as 154 employees working in the branches are also members and shareholders of the Society. Normally the chain of restaurants were being managed by a board of management, comprising a president, a vice-president and seven directors who were elected by the workers and a chief executive officer to be appointed by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies.

K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Indian Coffee House Workers’ Union said, “Election was not conducted to constitute the board of management. Hence there is no improvement for the past four years as there was no board of management in place. The restaurants are not being managed in an efficient manner to turn profitable. In some places, the restaurants are having poor worker strength. Restaurants are kept unclean and service is delayed. The authorities not conducting the elections will only weaken the system further.”

R. Rajangam, president of the union, said the basic principle of cooperative movement is democratic control of the Society and the election should be conducted immediately.

The workers union also sought more fund allocation to the Society.

T. Murugan, honorary president, said the government should come forward to infuse funds to increase staff strength and open more outlets. The Tamil Nadu government exempted the Society from collection of sales tax. Puducherry government should also extend the exemption of value-added tax.

Workers demand early elections to choose board of management for Indian Coffee Workers’ Cooperative Society

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Puducherry / by R. Sivaraman / Puducherry – January 28th, 2015

State finally gets a shot at sports policy

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

If your child is not that enthusiastic about sports and fitness and his/her school does not push him/her enough, things may change soon.

The State has finally got a shot at having its own sports policy with the “goal” of making it the sports destination of the country.

The committee formed by the Karnataka Knowledge Commission, which boasts of some of the biggest names in Indian sporting history, met recently for the first time and discussed the issue.

A report is likely to be submitted in a few months.

Areas in focus

Members of the committee include Rahul Dravid, former captain of the Indian cricket team and member of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission, badminton legend Prakash Padukone, Arjuna Award-winners Ashwini Nachappa and athlete Reeth Abraham. Areas expected to get a fillip are school and college-level sports, and manpower and sporting infrastructure. The committee is looking at roping in the Education Department to find ways to promote sports in educational institutions. Ms. Abraham said there is a need to make sports and fitness compulsory in schools, just like other subjects.

“Children these days are not getting enough exercise and they will not do it without being pushed,” she explained.

Reeth Abraham
Reeth Abraham

Health angle

Ms. Nachappa said the policy will not look at sports from one angle.

“For instance, sports can be looked at as a health benefit. Maybe, one per cent of the health budget can be allotted to sports. We have also discussed if a corporate organisation can run an elite sports,” she said.

Ashwini Nachappa
Ashwini Nachappa

Coaches

Human resource is the other area being explored, which includes getting coaches at the grassroots level.

“We have a lot of physical education teachers doing disciplinary classes rather than sports,” Ms. Nachappa said.
_______________________________________________________________________________


The policy aims at making the State a sports destination

Panel formed by Karnataka Knowledge Commission met recently and discussed the issue
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source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – January 23rd, 2015

Indian hockey is on the rise: Halappa

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports
Arjun Halappa / The Hindu
Arjun Halappa / The Hindu

Notwithstanding the absence of a regular national hockey coach since the exit of Australia’s Terry Walsh, selector Arjun Halappa sounded upbeat here about the Indian squad’s future following its good show over the last year-and-a-half.

“Some things are not in our control. We should not take it in a negative way. Indian hockey has been doing very well in the past 11 to 18 months. These things will be taken care of by the administrators. Let’s be positive,” said Halappa who is representing Dabang Mumbai as a player in the Hockey India League (HIL).

He also said that Indian captain Sardar Singh is there to see first hand the home country talent on hand in HIL along with selectors and interim coach Roelant Oltmans who is also Director, High Performance at Hockey India.

“Roelant (Oltmans) is there. We are there. Sardar is there leading a side (Delhi Waveriders),” he pointed out.

Halappa said the Test series win over Australia Down Under, a first for Indian hockey (after winning the Asian Games gold for the first time after 1998 to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games), augured well.

“As Hockey India selector I can say we have beaten Australia in Australia in the Test series. That jinx has been broken. We had never done that before. These things are getting better.

“We can’t straightaway say we are becoming world no. 1. It’s a step by step process. (Junior) Players like Harmanpreet and Santa Singh can get lot of positives from this league,” he said.

Halappa said he keeps his selector’s hat behind when he takes part in HIL as a player. “It’s a new challenge and I have to fight for my place. I am putting in my effort. I can see some players also while they train and play and their approach. But right now I am enjoying as a player. If I get into the selector’s mode, the players will be too reluctant to speak to me,” he said.

Halappa, who was part of champion outfit Delhi last year, said his new team — Dabang Mumbai — looked good on paper and the players were gelling well, while adding that the proof of the pudding would be how it performs on the pitch.

“On paper it looks really good, but let’s see how we perform on the pitch. It’s a mix of different cultures and there are a lot of different emotions. Things are looking positive.

“I have been speaking to a few guys like (Australian Glenn) Turner. They said compared to last year the planning and approach looks different,” he remarked.

Asked about the success mantra in HIL, Halappa said, “A good mix of Indian and foreign players playing together well, that makes the difference.”

“Indians are very skillful, Australians are aggressive and very fast, Europeans are tactically good. Everything has to fall into place,” he added

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Hockey / PTI / Mumbai – January 21st, 2015

Integrated development of Kodagu dist assured

Education

Virajpet to get Balamandira, Morarji Desai School

District in-charge and Home Minister K J George said, the government is committed for the integrated development of the district and an effort will be made to solve the burning issues in the district.

Speaking after unfurling the Republic Day celebrations, here, on Monday, he said, the District Administration has initiated measures to mitigate drinking water woes and develop Raja Seat. “Measures have been taken to construct Balamandira, Morarji Desai Residential School in Virajpet and Valmiki Bhavana. For the first time in the history of the country, the State government will conduct a socio-educational, economic survey, in the month of April. The people should furnish complete details for an objective assessment of their socio-economic status,” he said.

Students of Crescent School, St Michael Primary School, St Joseph High School, Little Flower School and Rajarjeshwari School presented cultural programmes on the occasion.
District-level Sarvothama Seva awards were conferred on Chandrakanth Nayak, Mallikarjunaiah, Ravikumar, Praveen Kumar, N M Jagadeesh, and Abdul Rab. The winners of essay writing and painting competitions Niharika, Reshma, Bhumika, Mansur were felicitated. NCC cadets Madikeri FMC College student Prathap Kumar and Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan Kodagu Vidyalaya student Pratheek Bopanna were also felicitated.

MLAs Appachu Ranjan and K G Bopaiah, former MLC M C Nanaiah and others were present.

Sainik School

Sainik School Kodagu, at Kudige, near Kushalnagar, celebrated the 66th Republic Day on Monday.

Principal Captain Ben H Berson was the reviewing officer and he was escorted by a horse cavalcade. In his address, he mentioned about the technological advancement of the country in different walks of life. A music programme was conducted by Franco for the staff and cadets.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS, Madikeri – January 27th, 2015

Hockey: Ambassador XI, Team Coorg hog limelight at Republic Day of Indian Hockey Festival

Nri's / Pio's, Sports, World Opinion
Members of the Ambassador’s XI pose for a group photo after their title triumph. Photo – Supplied
Members of the Ambassador’s XI pose for a group photo after their title triumph. Photo – Supplied


Muscat:

Indian Ambassador XI and Team Coorg hogged the limelight at the eighth Republic Day of India Hockey Festival at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

The festival was organised by Team Coorg and Friends of Naqvi Group to mark the 60th year of Indo-Oman diplomatic relations and 66th Republic Day of India under the patronage of Indian Embassy and the Oman Hockey Association (OHA).

Indian Ambassador J.S. Mukul was the chief guest and OHA chairman Sheikh Mahfoodh Juma Al Juma was the guest of honour.

The festival was supported by Mohammed Rafiq & Partners LLC, Dr. Mujeeb Hussain (Amana Modern Medical Center), Sandeeep Gupta of Global Pioneer Solutions (GPS), Pocari Sweat (Muscat Pharmacy) and Quality Printing Press.
The matches were played in a festive atmosphere and hockey lovers and their families turned up in large numbers to witness the keenly fought matches.

In the first match, the Indian Ambassador XI met their match in the young Indian School Al Seeb and the full time score read 2-2. The Ambassador XI managed to retain the Ambassador Cup 2015 which they had won in 2014 also, prevailing by a 3-2 margin in thrilling penalty shootout.

In the second match, Team Coorg (Muscat) faced Beatrice Sports Club in an exciting tie for the Republic Day Cup 2015. Team Coorg met a strong challenge from Beatrice Sports Club and the final result of 3-2 in favour of the Team Coorg is an indicator of the closely contested match.

The proceedings commenced with a two minute silence in memory of the departed King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. The choir from Indian School Al Seeb rendered the national anthems of Oman and India and were awarded with certificates signed by the Indian Ambassador.

A novel competition was organised on the occasion for young students and participants for correct recitation of the Indian National Anthem and all participants were awarded certificates by J.S. Mukul and Sheikh Mahfoodh Ali Juma Al Juma.

The organisers also came up with a unique gesture to honour several personalities for their contribution to promotion of hockey — Mustafa Lawati (former OHA general secretary), Mohammed Shambeh Al Raisi (former member of FIH Development Committee), Abdul Rehman (former national coach and international umpire), Belu Kuttappa (Manager, Team Coorg), Mohammed Osama Rawat (Festival Coordinator), Shakunthala Boppanna (athlete and national player) and Mohammed Irfan (Organizing Committee). Media personalities were also honoured.

Inayat Naqvi, former Bombay XI player and national umpire, was presented with a memento for his admirable services as the trustee of the NGO Abhi Foundation for supporting under privileged children and providing them with free kit for hockey, football and athletics and appointing trained coaches for them.

The Ambassador of India expressed his gratitude for celebrating Republic Day of India and congratulated all participants, spectators and sponsors. Sheikh Mahfoodh Ali Juma Al Juma also praised the organisation of the festival and congratulated the Indian Ambassador.

SAS Naqvi, former technical advisor of Oman Olympic Committee and now a sports consultant, proposed vote of thanks and acknowledged the support and services rendered by the sponsors, participants and media, while thanking the special guests

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home> Sports / by Times News Service / January 27th, 2015