Bhupathi & Bopanna cruise to victory

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports


India’s Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles event at the Wimbledon here today. File photo. / The Hindu
Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles, defeating Uruguay’s Marcel Felder and Tunisia’sMalek Jaziri 6-0, 7-6(1), 6-2 in an hour and 36 minutes.

The Indians couldn’t have begun better: the first set featured 17 minutes of solid serves, angled returns, from Bopanna in the deuce court and Bhupathi in the ad court, and sharp volley exchanges. Especially impressive was the co-ordination in movement.

Felder and Jaziri, who didn’t know what hit them, were able to push the seventh seeds to a breaker in the second set, even endangering Bopanna’s serve in the fifth game.

But Bhupathi and Bopanna recovered to get the job done. “We really worked hard these past six months to get where we are, very pleased, and we’re hoping to continue our good form here and doing well this week,” said Bopanna.

Understandably there were questions about the incidents surroundingthe selection of India’s representatives to the Olympics.

Not true

“You know things couldn’t have got uglier for us in Indian tennis the last week,” said Bhupathi. “Everyone seems to think that I’m the one manipulating and pulling the strings for all these extremely individual and successful tennis players like Rohan and Sania. It’s not true.”

Bhupathi said he understood Sania Mirza’s criticism of the system,including him. “I obviously sympathise with Sania,” he said, before addressing Mirza’s comment about Bhupathi sacrificing his commitment to her. “As far as I am concerned, I am committed to her. We’re playing here, and if we get a chance to, we’ll play the Olympics.”

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sport> Tennis / by Special Correspondent / London, June 27th, 2012

Luxury Hotels in Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri offers tourists with varied accommodation options that range from budget to luxury resorts to homely homestays. Among the numerous budget accommodations in Madikeri are Hotel Mayura Valley View, Roxel Inn Hallery Estate, Solitaire Exotica Resort and Spa, Kechitti House, Prasanthi Resort, Sri Vinayaka Lodge, Hotel Chitra, Popular Residency, The Mercara Inn, Hotel Hilltown and Hotel Fort View. These budget Madikeri Hotels provide basic amenities along with food to all its guests.

The Kaveri river flows through this region and is a very sacred river to the Kodagas who call themselves children of Kaveri. Madikeri is popular for its many sightseeing options that include the Rajah seat, Abbey Falls, Omkareshwara temple, Madikeri Fort and many more. The Madikeri Fort is the most prominent one among Madikeri’s chief attractions. This fort houses a museum, a district prison and the popular Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple.

Madikeri is hemmed by misty hills through which many a waterfall tumble down flowing through the dense forests as merry streams.

Madikeri is the capital town of Coorg district, one of the most visited tourist destination in the state of Karnataka. Enveloped in lush green vegetation, this town is also known by the name Mercara.

Abbey Falls a beautiful waterfall here is another popular attraction of Madikeri. For families with young children, a visit to the Dubare Elephant camp is a must. The camp provides wildlife safari on elephants, which is enjoyed by all. A unique opportunity to spend some time with elephants is also offered here wherein visitors can join in bathing elephants, feeding them and even petting the young elephants.

Raja’s Seat is another popular tourist spot here that provides a panoramic view of the valleys down below and the mountains high up above. Tourists flock to this place during sunset time to witness the scene of the sun setting amidst the beautiful mountains.

Madikeri has two resorts, too, Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley and Heritage Resort both of which provide tourists with luxury accommodations in the midst of this green haven. These Madikeri hotels provide guests with luxury amenities such as here bar/lounge business centre, fitness centre, free parking, kitchenette, restaurant, room service, swimming pool and wheelchair access.

Madikeri Hotels also include a number of homestays such as Dhanush Homestay, Ajantha Homestay, La Emilia Homestay, Serenity Homestay, Aarti Homestay, Jungle Trails Homestay, Malma Homestay, Misty Heights Homestay, Chirpy Haven Homestay, Coorg Trekkers Paradise Homestay, Dhyan’s Den Homestay, Alpen Glow Homestay, Ganga Homestay, SilverLine Homestay and Ananda Nilaya Homestay. These homestays provide a perfect stay for families with small children or elderly since the atmosphere is homely and the food is prepared fresh without excessive oil or other artificial flavours.

source: http://www.xiaomax.com / Home> Travel & Leisure / by Mike Jimmy / June 24th, 2012

Coffee Board of India

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

The Coffee Board was founded in 1942 to provide support to local coffee growers. In 1995, the institution withdrew from marketing operations, once the industry became self-sufficient.

Now it focuses on research, development, quality control and market promotion. It advises the government on matters relating to the industry.

The board also provides diploma courses in coffee quality management and holds the Indian Barista Championship to encourage baristas from across the country.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Features> Neighbourhood / June 28th, 2012

Sajan Bopanna advances

Sports

Sajan Bopanna won both his group matches to advance to the round-of-32 in the men’s State-ranking 8-ball pool tournament here on Wednesday.

In the women’s event, defending champion R. Umadevi Nagaraj retained her crown while Judy Walia won second place in the event contested by four cueists.

The results:

Men: Group M: Sajan Bopanna bt S. Dhawat 5-0; Sufian Ahmed bt S. Dhawat 5-1; Sajan Bopanna bt Sufian Ahmed 5-3.

Group N: R. Santosh bt Vybhav Goel 5-1.

Michael Rebello bt Vybhav Goel 5-0; R. Santosh bt Michael Rebello 5-0.

Group O: Joginder Singh bt L. Nagaraj 5-3; L. Nagaraj bt Manav Saraf 5-0; Joginder Singh bt Manav Saraf 5-0.

Group P: H.E. Anand bt Madhu Nambiar 5-3.

Karl Alphonso bt Madhu Nambiar 5-2; H.E. Anand bt Karl Alphonso 5-2.

Women: R. Umadevi Nagaraj bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-0; Judy Walia bt Indira Gowda 4-3; R.

Umadevi Nagaraj bt Judy Walia 4-0; Indira Gowda bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-2.

Judy Walia bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-1; R. Umadevi Nagaraj bt Indira Gowda 4-3.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sports> National / Bangalore, June 28th, 2012

Ashwini Ponnappa

Leaders, Records, All, Sports

KEY FACTS
Full Name: Ashwini Ponnappa
Height: 5’5″
Born: 18 September, 1989 (22 years)
Country: India
Sports: Badminton
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About Ashwini Ponnappa

Ashwini Ponnappa is one of India’s leading badminton players in the women’s doubles category. She is known to represent India in the doubles’ category with Jwala Gutta. In 2010, she earned accolades and fame when she won the gold medal in the women’s doubles category partnering Gutta, in the Commonwealth Games.

Ashwini Ponnappa Medal Record

2006: Gold – South Asian Games
2009: Won – National Badminton Championships (Women’s Doubles)
2010: Gold – South Asian Games (Mixed Doubles)
2010: Gold – Commonwealth Games (Women’s Doubles)
2010: Silver – Commonwealth Games (Mixed Team Event)

Ponnappa won the National Badminton Championships title twice in doubles event in 2006 and 2007. She also won gold medal partnering India’s V Diju at the 2010 South Asian Games in the mixed doubles event.

Ponnappa again teamed up with Gutta to win the bronze medal at the World Badminton Championships in 2011. It was a significant event in Ponnappa’s life as it was her first semifinal of a key tournament.
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source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / TOI Home> Olympics 2012> Team India> Ashwini Ponnappa / June 29th, 2012

Rs. 5-crore for development of Bhagamandala, Talacauvery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Imposition of dress code for those visiting the two temples sought

Cauvery Neeravari Nigama has released Rs. 5 crore for the development of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery pilgrim centres in Kodagu, according to information received here on Friday.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly K.G. Bopaiah, who presided over a meeting to chalk-out programmes for the development of these pilgrim centres at Bhagamandala on Thursday, told the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee headed by Manu Muthappa to have a long-term plan and utilise funds effectively.

Work should not affect the originality or sanctity of the temples in both places, he said.

Mr. Bopaiah elicited views of members of the Bhagamandala gram panchayat, prominent citizens of the district, including president of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Ravi Kushalappa.

He asked chief architect of the Public Works Department Udaya to prepare a blueprint for the development of the two pilgrim centres in tune with the religious sentiments of the people.

Objection

There had been an objection by the auditors to the renovation of the temples using nigama funds earlier, he said. Funds should not be diverted for temple renovations any longer.

Instead, funds must be utilised for work such as construction of a yatri nivas, food distribution choultry, construction of retaining wall, and removing silt from Triveni Sangama at Bhagamandala, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Dress code for pilgrims could be introduced at the twin pilgrim centres henceforth to maintain the sanctity of the temples, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Demand

This followed a demand by some prominent citizens from Bhagamandala and other places of Kodagu.

According a source, people, including women, could not visit the temples scantily dressed.

Mr. Bopaiah said the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee would take a decision in this regard.

Mr. Kushalappa said that Bhagamandala and Talacauvery should remain as pilgrim centres and not as picnic spots.

New road

Mr. Bopaiah said NABARD had provided Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery. Besides, the road from Karada to Bhagamandala would be developed for which tenders had been invited.

The height of the bridge across Napoklu-Bhagamandala road would be raised.

Mr. Muthappa said Rs. 80 lakh would be provided for the “anna santarpane kendra” (free food distribution centre) in Bhagamandala. The committee would identify a site for its construction soon.

Steps would be taken to video record the jewellery of Bhagamanadala and Talacauvery temples through the Department of Endowments (Muzrai).

Development plans at Bhagamandala, included protecting the sanctity of Triveni Sangama, quarters for priests and staff of the committee, development of the spot where devotees offered “pinda”, and entrance arch, among others.

Plan

There was a plan to relocate the meat stalls and non-vegetarian hotels to the periphery of Bhagamandala town for which the committee would seek people’s cooperation, Mr. Muthappa said.

In-charge Deputy Commissioner K.M. Chandre Gowda, Superintendent of Police Manjunath Annigeri, and Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat Anjanappa attended the meeting.

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PWD chief architect told to prepare a blueprint
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Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery
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source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Mysore, June 30th, 2012

‘Reclaim lands reserved for schools’

Education

Zilla panchayat president Ravi Kushalappa directed the education department officials to reclaim encroached lands of government school in the taluk.

Speaking at a meeting of the taluk panchayat here recently, he said there were allegations about encroachment of the school lands.

The SDMC and teachers should discuss the issue and take measures to reclaim the lands.
The engineers should look into the poor quality of work taken up with the funds available under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. The honorarium paid to Asha workers should be increased, he said.

Taluk panchayat president Hosamane Kavitha Prabhakar directed the officials to prepare an action plan for repairing and constructing anganwadi buildings.

“A sum of Rs 21 lakh released by the government should be utilised effectively,” she said.

Members said that several anganwadi centres did not have any infrastructure. The work on a few anganwadi buildings have remained incomplete.

CDPO Madappa said an action plan will be prepared to provide infrastructure to anganwadi centres. As many as six anganwadi centres are yet to be repaired.

Taluk veterinary officer Dr Chidananda said the sanctioned posts of veterinary doctors in the taluk was eight.

But, only two doctors are functioning. “Without doctors, we had to close a few hospitals,” he said.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / June 28th, 2012

Dress code for Men and Women visiting Temples in Kodagu

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri, June 29
A dress code insisting on decent and traditional attire will soon be in force at five places of worship in Kodagu district, coming under the Muzrai Department.

A decision to this effect was taken up at a meeting of the Talacauvery-Bhagandeshwara Temples Management Committee, held at Bhagamandala yesterday. Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah presided over the meeting.

The dress code will be implemented at Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Iruppu (near Srimangala), Omkareshwara temple (in Madikeri town) and Paadi Sri Igguthappa temple (in Kakkabe village), said Addanda C. Kariappa, President of Karnataka Kodava Sahithya Academy, speaking to Star of Mysore this morning.

As per the dress code, visitors to the holy places, including men, will be requested not to wear revealing garments like shorts or knickers, but to be well clad, preferably in the traditional attires, said Kariappa.

Local residents who participated in the meeting drew attention of the Committee towards the large number of tourists who visited the holy places, with most of them having no concern or regard towards the religious sentiments or sanctity of the place. They also alleged that several tourists consumed alcohol at Talacauvery and Bhagamandala and littered the holy places with piles of garbage.

The members then resolved to impose a dress code akin to the ones prevailing in other Hindu pilgrim centres across the country. “Devotees, especially women wearing jeans, T-shirts, sleeveless tops, shorts, knickers and other revealing dresses would be stopped at the entrance of the temples. Only the women wearing saree, chudidar and salwar kameez will be permitted to step into the holy place,” said Kariappa, adding that notice boards will be installed in front of the temples giving details about the dress code.

“The Police alone cannot enforce such discipline, especially in a religious place. The temple committee will employ the services of volunteers for this,” added Kariappa.

Temple Committee President Manu Muthappa, ZP President Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, DC (in-charge) K.M. Chandregowda, Police Superintendent Manjunath Annigeri, Assistant Commissioner (in-charge) Bhaskar, ZP CEO K.B. Anjanappa and others were present.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / June 29th, 2012

Coorgi food festival in Chennai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Coorg may be the smallest district in Karnataka but it’s undoubtedly BIG on food…

It’s a well-known fact that the Coorgs’ live to eat and take pride in their distinctive cuisine, which is influenced by the geography of the land as well as the history and culture of the inhabitants. The South Indian restaurant at Hotel Park Sheraton, Dakshin is offering an authentic taste of Coorg over a 12-day long Coorg Food Festival at Dakshin.

The Kodavas (inhabitants of Coorg) trace their descent from Alexander the Great and consequently are strictly non-vegetarian. Coorgi fare is high on spices which are grown in the region, with liberal use of pepper, cardamom and cinnamon. Liberal doses of kachampuli, a dark and tart vinegar which adds the authentic touch to the cuisine.

The accompaniments include sannas, puttu, pulao, yellow flavoured rice and egg biryani. Fish / chicken / beef pickle and chutneys add a dash of spice to the meal There’s a variety of rice dishes to choose from but we would highly recommend the nei kool (rice garnished with nuts and raisins, drenched in hot ghee!). Try the Akki Otti which goes best with a variety of curries including crab, meat and pork.

The delicious non-vegetarian options include meat pulao, Kadabu, prawn curry, chicken / fish curry, koli curry (chicken), fried quail, fried chicken coated with sesame seeds, venison, liver masala, menu saaru (fish), pork chops, pandi curry (pork) and parande (gizzard) fry. Cubes of pork in a dark sauce are served with buttery kadambuttus and a squeeze of lime.

The vegetarians can feast on beimbale (bamboo shoot) curry, nehale kumme (wild mushrooms) chekke kuru curry (jackfruit) aale kumme (umbrella mushrooms) bolleri fry (cucumber) bale kaamb (banana stem) curry, maange bajji (mango with coconut) and Mudure Kanni (simmered horse gram).

Go ahead and dine like a true Kodava!

Coorgi Food Festival at Dakshin
Hotel Park Sheraton
TTK Road, Chennai -18
Tel: + 91-44-24994101
Dates: June 19-30, 2012

source: http://www.buzzintown.com / Home> Bangalore – Articles & Reviews / Buzz Bureau / by Radhika Mohan / Chennai, June 26th, 2012

Zooming into travellers’ tales

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Ahmedabad:
For those bitten by the travel bug, poet Robert Frost’s famous exhortation on taking the path less travelled by, is a gospel. ‘Zoomed World’, the latest exhibition at Herwitts Gallery near Amdavad ni Gufa, instead of being limited to a display of photographs, is also a storytelling by four travellers.

The common thread that ties these Amdavadis – who met through CouchSurfing, a social media network meant for travellers – is the passion for travel photography. Be it Ramky’s shots of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Amit Shah’s picture of the Trojan Horse or Nishith Shah’s rare captures of the landscape of Turkey, the pictures tickle the wanderlust in you! The little notes written below each photograph add another dimension for the viewer. One is briefly transported to that little moment when Rahul Sanghvi reminisced about his grandmother’s stories when he saw the bamboo tree house tucked away in the high branches of Coorg – capturing the very essence of travelling.

Only Nishith is a professional photographer, Amit and Rahul are bizmen, while Ramky is a pharma professional. Collectively having travelled to more than 30 countries, the four have used CouchSurfing to traverse the globe. “Being hosted by local members, we got to see off-beat circuits and new perspectives,” says Ramky. “Today, CouchSurfing has become a crucible where cultures melt.”

With around 5.6 millions users in 246 countries, this social network is transforming and innovating travelling. In India the community is most active in Ahmedabad. “In January we organized Uttarayan festival and hosted more than 70 international travellers in the city,” says Rahul, who is also the ambassador of the body in Ahmedabad.

This the first time that members from CouchSurfing have got together to exhibit images from their various travels. “The hope is to inspire more to people to travel, connect with the fraternity and share their stories,” adds Rahul. The exhibition will be on display from June 19 to 24.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Ahmedabad / by Nisha Nair, TNN / June 20th, 2012