Set in the heart of Kodagu (now Coorg), The Tamara Coorg crafts a scenic getaway for the discerning traveller. Surrounded by nature’s bounty and soaked in tales of history, the property gives its guests a peek into the culture and the livelihood of the people in the region.
When it comes to an experiential holiday in the hills, Coorg is the first destination that comes to mind. Previously known as ‘Kodagu’, this hill station has bragging rights to misty mountains, sprawling coffee plantations, quaint monasteries, pepper vines, and a host of other scenic delights for the discerning traveller.
The etymology of the words “Kodava” (referring to the indigenous people, language, and culture) and “Kodagu” (referring to the land) traces back to the root word ‘Koda’ of uncertain meaning. Some speculate it signifies ‘hills’ while others suggest it signifies ‘west.’ In 1956, Kodagu (now Coorg) was established as a district and became a part of the Karnataka state.
The Land of Coffee
Kodagu thrives as the land of coffee, with the Robusta variety being its primary plantation crop. Notably, Kodagu alone contributes around 33% of India’s coffee production. The region is also renowned for its exquisite wild honey. Nestled within a 184-acre coffee estate, the Tamara Coorg resort stands as a testament to preserving the surrounding ecosystem, untouched by extensive development, making it a truly unique creation in this coffee-rich land.
The flora and fauna of Kodagu
Blessed with three wildlife sanctuaries—Brahmagiri, Talakaveri, and Pushpagiri—and the Nagarhole National Park (also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park), located within the Kodagu district, the region boasts an unparalleled wealth of flora and fauna, showcasing its remarkable biodiversity.
Kodava people
The Kodava people, also known as Kodavas, are the inhabitants of this land. They speak the Kodava language and traditionally identify as land-owning agriculturists, following a patrilineal social order deeply rooted in martial customs. Kodavas hold their ancestors and weaponry in high reverence, and uniquely, they are the only community in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence. Kodagu has also produced several notable hockey players.
Kodava festivities
Kodava festivities revolve around their agricultural practices and military traditions. The community celebrates three main festivals that are distinctive to their culture—Kail Podh, Kaveri Changrandi (Tula Sankramana), and Puthari. In recent times, under the rule of the Haleri Rajas, Kodavas have also embraced a few Hindu festivals, including Ugadi, Ayudha Puja, Dussehra, and Mahashivaratri.
Kodava trails at The Tamara Coorg
Embark on our immersive Kodava Cultural Tour and be transported to a bygone era steeped in tradition. Journey to a nearby village, where a guide will accompany you to an Ainmane, a quintessential ancestral home of the Kodava people.
Walk through the halls of the Ainmane, as it unveils its architectural marvels and treasured artefacts. Delve into the essence of Kodava heritage as you learn about their unique way of life.
Indulge in a tantalising Kodava meal that showcases the region’s authentic flavours and local ingredients. Carry with you cherished memories of the warmth and hospitality as you bid adieu to the Kodava people.
In and around Kodagu
Scouting for activities to partake in when in Kodagu? Here’s a list of destinations that are a stone’s throw from the city and are worth a visit:
Abbey Falls | Distance: 44 km
Talakaveri And Bhagamandala | Distance: 40 km
Bylakuppe | Distance: 76 km
Nalknad Palace | Distance: 7.5 km
Padi Igguthappa Temple | Distance: 9.2 km
Chelavara Falls | Distance: 13 km
Omkareshwara Temple | Distance: 38 km
Raja’s Seat and Nehru Mantap | Distance: 38 km
Madikeri Fort And Palace | Distance: 37 km
For more information about planning a Kodagu itinerary and booking a stay at the plush property of The Tamara Coorg, click here.
source: http://www.cntraveller.in / Conde Naste Traveller / Home> India> Hotels & Resorts / Published by The Tamara Coorg / August 04th, 2023
Kavery Nambisan traces the history and geography of the brew in India in her book ‘Cherry Red, Cherry Black: The Story of Coffee in India’.
At the Nellikad Coffee Estate in Pollybetta, Coorg | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
When did coffee arrive in India? How did Coorg, a rice-growing area initially, take to growing coffee in large quantities? Where does India stand as a coffee planter and exporter? Kavery Nambisan writes the history of one of the country’s most popular beverages in her new book, Cherry Red, Cherry Black: The Story of Coffee in India. In an interview, she says the history of coffee in India is closely interwoven with global history.
The story goes that an Indian merchant who went on a pilgrimage to Mecca is said to have brought some coffee seeds back with him in the early 17th century, and thus began the backyard cultivation of coffee in parts of then Mysore province, mainly Chikmagalur, Hassan and Coorg. The British saw its potential and expanded the growth of the cash crop. Having worked in the industry — she tried at her hand at berry picking when she was 15 and realised what a tough thing it is — Nambisan also outlines the challenges the industry faces.
Author Kavery Nambisan | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
You say history has everything to do with the story of coffee in India. Why?
The history of coffee is closely interwoven with global history, particularly from the 18th to the 20th century. It is believed that the stimulant effects were first discovered in Abyssinia when a goatherd noted how his goats frolicked non-stop after eating coffee berries growing in the wild. This led to its cultivation and coffee became something of an energy drink of those days. Its popularity spread to many parts of Arabia and from there to parts of Europe. An Indian merchant who went on a pilgrimage to Mecca is said to have brought some coffee beans back with him and so started the back-yard cultivation of coffee in parts of the Mysore Province, mainly, Chikmagalur, Hassan and Coorg.
By the mid-19th century the British had recognised the potential for growing coffee (and tea) on a large scale. They cut down thousands of acres of forests in these regions for this purpose. The British government which got revenue from its production and export, played a key role in regulating the sale of coffee. The two World Wars challenged the prospects of export and profits while competition from other coffee-growing countries ensured that our own plantations had to work on improving quantity and quality.
Wasn’t Coorg a rice-growing area before the prospect of expanding coffee growth brought the British to the region in large numbers?
The people of Coorg were hunter-peasants right up to the early 19th century when it was annexed by the British. Livelihood was closely tied to paddy cultivation which in turn was dependent on the monsoons. Paddy is a labour-intensive crop and needs workers prepared to work in difficult weather conditions. So the local tribespeople worked in the fields for daily wages. Coffee growing was initially very challenging, and disease often destroyed the crops. But with effective planning, research on the cause of disease, treatment and plant selection, it turned out to be very profitable.
Though the first coffee estate was set up near Mercara, why did coffee growth proliferate in southern Coorg? And what was the variety grown there?
North Coorg where coffee was initially grown receives heavy rainfall which can damage the blossoms and the young berries. Moreover, the area is mostly hilly and so coffee is grown on steep terrain. Within a few decades of cultivation, hundreds of acres of coffee plantations were thus destroyed. Many plantations closed down and some of the British planters went back to England. In Southern Coorg on the other hand, the land is gently sloping, or flat and the rains are not so severe. It is better suited for coffee cultivation. The two varieties of coffee grown are Robusta and Arabica.
A coffee picker with a sack of harvested beans | Photo Credit: GRJGM
Please share your experience of plucking coffee berries when you were 15. How tough was it?
That was foolish bravado on my part. Perhaps also, the fact that I was of an age when I romanticised manual labour. Coffee plucking itself appears easy when a skilled worker does it. Actually, It is hard work. There are nettled shrubs and creepers that get in the way, abrading palms and scratching the arms and shins. The many insects that creep, crawl and fly will often sting. Dried coffee twigs can poke the eyes for good measure when the picker crouches beneath the bushes to pluck the berries. I was not able to pick as much as I thought I could. But the workers? They talked and laughed all day and plucked enough berries to fill a few sacks each.
Was the rapport between the local Kodavas and the British a happy one? What did they learn from each other?
I guess you could say it was a good rapport. You need to go back in history in order to understand why. Coorg (or Kodagu) was ruled by the Haleri kings for 250 years before the British annexed Coorg in 1834. Coorg was better off under the British. They got schools, dispensaries, apothecaries, etc. Importantly, there was more peace and harmony which came with better administration. Within a few decades, many of the Kodavas became literate. The British found them to be hard-working, honest and trustworthy.
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Cherry Red, Cherry Black: The Story of Coffee in India
Kavery Nambisan Bloomsbury
₹699
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What are some of the concerns about the modern coffee industry?
There are several concerns: Coffee plantations are the result of the felling of large areas of forest land, particularly in and around the Western Ghats. It is also a crop that uses pesticides and chemical fertilizers which denude the soil of its health and vigour. Organically grown coffee is a possibility, but economically it is not viable in large plantations. The climate catastrophes experienced in the last few years has led to destruction and loss of lives. We need to look at alternate ways of producing coffee so the end result is not deleterious to the environment. There are many individuals, groups and a few corporates who are experimenting with new methods. Coffee growing is no longer as lucrative as it once was and there is a need for innovation and the use of methods that are not harmful to the ecosystem.
A farmer in Coorg picks riped coffee beans for pulping | Photo Credit: Sampath Kumar G.P.
From Steeping to the French Press there are many ways to make coffee and you describe them in the book, which is your favourite way to make and drink coffee?
I have been a coffee drinker all my life, naturally. I cannot start the day without coffee. I like it strong, hot and full flavoured. I use a mix of Robusta and Arabica beans, roasted at a mill nearby and powdered at home. I have three methods that I use to make coffee, depending on my mood. The Moka pot coffee, filter coffee or the simple brew, in which you heat fresh water and when it comes to boil, add the coffee powder, cover and let it steep for 2 minutes, strain and serve with hot milk and jaggery.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books / by Sandipta Datta / December 09th, 2022
The first Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) and get-together of Pombolak Kodava Koota, Mysuru was held at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar here recently.
Koota President Mundottira Jaya Chengappa presided.
Theetharamada Dr. Devaki rendered the invocation. Vice-President Thathira Bheemaiah condoled the death of Koota members in the past one year.
Koota’s annual report was read out by Joint Secretary Guddanda Rashmi Uday while the accounts was presented by Treasurer Kullachanda Vinutha Kesari.
The names of new members was read out by Annarkanda Prathima Thimmaiah, who also compered the programme.
Committee Member Boppanda Appaji proposed the vote of thanks.
Various sports and games were conducted for the members present by Sports Committee Member Adikera Sajjan Cariappa.
Cash prizes were presented to meritorious students while the Ph.D awardee Dr. Theetharamada Dr. Devaki was felicitated on the occasion.
Hon. Secretary Chottanda Chengappa, Mallengada Sharanu Somaiah, Theethira Beena, Ammanda Somaiah, Mullanda Vinu Cariappa and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 02nd, 2023
The State Government’s move to release funds for the genealogical study of 18 communities of Kodagu has irked the Codava National Council (CNC) as it has alleged that in the name of studying the genealogy of Kodavas, the Government is cheating the Kodava community by including other non-native communities in the study.
Addressing a press conference at Pathrakartara Bhavan yesterday, CNC Chairman Nandineravanda U. Nachappa said that the State Government must conduct a fair ethnographic study to facilitate the inclusion of the Kodava race under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list as per the directions of the Karnataka High Court.
Opposing the genealogy study of other communities of Kodagu by suppressing the genuine genealogical study of the Kodava community, Nachappa said that the Kodava race has nothing to do with other communities in Kodagu.
He released a memorandum submitted in this regard to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Minister for Social Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojari and Chairman of Karnataka Backward Class Commission Jayaprakash Hegde.
Indigenous community
“We don’t have any half-shoots. Kodavas are a single race and a race cannot be multiple communities. How Kashmiri Pundits are indigenous to Kashmir, likewise Kodavas are indigenous to Kodagu. The Kodava race does not come under a quadrilateral caste system and there is no sect, or sub-sect within the Kodava race and do not have multiple communities under its fold,” Nachappa noted.
Those who migrated and settled in Kodagu have copied Kodava culture and are now claiming themselves as Kodavas, the original inhabitants. “They are attempting to delegitimise and uproot the native Kodava race from his soil which is a dangerous act. Under the conspiracies unleashed by them and supported by some elected representatives who have vested interests, the Kodava community is on the verge of losing their unique identity, art and culture,” he said.
Highlighting various documents, gazetteers, census records, Coorg manuals, anthropological surveys and reports, history books, journals and literature from the British era to the Commissions appointed by Governments of independent India like the Havanur Commission Report, Venkatswamy Commission Report and Justice O. Chinnapa Reddy Commission Report, Nachappa said that there is ample proof to establish Kodavas as a unique and exclusive race that has no relation with other communities of Kodagu who are basically migrants.
Why study the migrant population?
“Instead of conducting a study on original Kodava tribalism, the State Government is planning to conduct a study of migrated population and portray it as the study of Kodavas which is an unjust move aimed at destroying the Kodava community. It is an attempt at Kodava race extermination. Everyone wants to use the ‘Kodava brand’ for their ulterior motives and not for protecting or respecting it,” Nachappa added.
The Kodava race has genetically imbibed unique folkloric culture and formulated its own folk legal systems ages ago. Those who infiltrated into Kodagu and have, over the years, copied and aped Kodava culture cannot be called Kodavas,” he noted.
“Instead of destroying the Kodava race by mixing other non-native cultures, the Government must protect their unique identity without any dilution by including Kodavas in the ST list which will be a befitting tribute to the nationalistic and patriotic Kodava race, thereby abiding by true social engineering to save them from extinction,” he urged.
CNC Members Bepadiyanda Biddappa, Kaliyanda Prakash, Chambanda Janathkumar, Apparanda Poovanna and Areyada Girish were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / March 18th, 2023
At the first glance it seems to be another piece of metal with the sign of a star embossed on it. The hardly visible recipient’s name along with the date it was received is engraved in a corner. To own this piece of metal is an irrepressible desire of every soldier who goes to war. That’s because it represents valor. It’s the ‘Maha Vir Chakra’, second highest gallantry award given to those who exhibit exemplary courage and valiance. It is the Indian equivalent of the ‘Distinguished Service Cross’ of the British. Since 1947, Only 218 braves of the mighty Indian Army have been the proud recipients of the Maha Vir Chakra. 6 among them have received the Maha Vir Chakra twice, also called the Maha Vir Chakra Bar. Considering this, only two from Karnataka, a state which has given some of the most valiant soldiers and officers to the Indian army, have been the illustrious recipients of this gallantry award.One is Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devaiah famously known as the ‘Tiger of Sargodha’ and the other is Major (Later Lt. Colonel) P S Ganapathi. While the former was martyred in action during the 1965 war and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, the latter is a living example of unparalleled gallantry amongst us today.
Saga of a living memorial
Unlike the brave souls of Punjab, there have been no books published about this hero. He hasn’t given any interviews to TV channels or attended public events which are flashed all across the media. Almost nothing is known about him yet. He is relatively unknown even in his own hometown, Coorg, the land of the brave warriors. Shy of any kind of publicity and one who lives by the dictum ‘Safeguarding the nation is my duty alone’ is how Lt. Col. Puttichanda Somaiah Ganapathi has led his life throughout. Participating in public events is not at all a difficult task. However, Lt. Col.PS Ganapathi believes that safeguarding the honor of the esteemed medal is his paramount duty and is more valuable than any kind of publicity.
At 73 today, Lt. Col.Ganapathi might not have a large frame but his baritone voice, characteristic of military officers, hasn’t waned a bit. Lethargy that comes with age is alien to him. The agility of his mind is intact despite many years of retired life. Currently residing at ‘Sena Vihar’ in Bengaluru, Lt. Col.Ganapathi’s retired life is anything but idiosyncratic with lives of retired people who prefer a laidback existence.An effervescent man, unlike most people his age, he drives to his hometown in Coorg once every month on his own.His life in the concrete jungles of Bengaluru hasn’t sapped his love for farming one bit.His suave demeanor and absence of any signs of pretension for being the proud owner of a national gallantry award, is the true nature of this hero.
While seated at his home in the multistory apartment complex at the Army’s ‘Sena Vihar’, Lt. Col. Ganapathi began to narrate the stirring story behind his Maha Vir Chakra. He was soon joined by his wife on her wheelchair, with a cup of coffee in her hand. Although, she had heard her husband’s heroic tale umpteen times,her desire to keep listening to the saga made her tolend her ear once again. The showcase behind the Lt. Col. was decked with the upright photo which had captured the invaluable moment when he was presented the MVC by the President. Adjacent to it was the photo of his son, who departed untimely, adorned with a sandalwood garland. The enduring agony of the deceased son was apparent, albeit fleetingly,in the stern battle-hardened face of the Lt. Colonel.
As a worthy prelude to his tale of heroism, Lt. Col. Ganapathi began by recollecting his childhood.
Madikeri Central High school, 1952
After completing his primary education from Napoklu in Coorg, Ganapathi was admitted to the Central School at Madikeri for High school studies. This was the school from where towering personalities like Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimmayya studied, played hockey and graduated. The Central School was famous all over Coorg for its quality English education, encouragement in sports and its discipline. While most kids ran towards the ‘Mens Compund’ Ground to play hockey as soon as the school bell rang, Ganapathi used to run to the school auditorium to gaze at the large portraits of FM Cariappa and Gen. Thimmayya which were hung on its walls. Years of gazing and drawing inspiration from them, sowed seeds of desire within Ganapathi to join the military and become a decorated officer like the two greats.As soon as he completed the ‘Seventh Form’, he began his preparations and started to spend a lot of time on the ground. He used to sit and listen to the stories of war and valor from retired soldiers in the town. Though many years had passed, the inspirational portraits from his school never ebbed from his mind.
Years later, after completing his college education, Ganapathi joined as a Forrester. While he was posted at Kolhapur in Maharashtra, he attempted to join the military. He failed. He attempted again in Bengaluru and failed yet again. But he did not give up and again attempted to join the military at Bengaluru. He succeeded in this attempt. Ganapathi’s ambition that blossomed at Central High schoolin Madikeri had now come true.He was deputed to the Officers Training Academy (OTA) at Chennai. After the successful training in Chennai, Ganapathi became an officer of the 14th Mahar Regiment.
Within a few days of joining the military, PS Ganapathi duly ingrained the military traits of discipline and diligence. Those portraits of Central High school had only become larger in his mind. He was selected for the Anti-Insurgency battalion formed to tackle the militancy spread in Nagaland and Mizoram. He worked in various areas in the North-East like Palampur, Gangtok, Nathu La, etc. He received further training for a few years in Belgaum. He was then deputed to Assam Rifles. During this period, Ganapathi has served in various regions, under different environments and had experienced adverse conditions from close quarters.
Colombo, 1987 July 29
That was an era during which rivers of blood was flowing all across Sri Lanka. India too bore the brunt of the bloody strife there. Lakhs of people from the affected areas from Sri Lanka sought refuge on the shores of Tamil Nadu daily. The Tamils of Sri Lanka had the sympathy of Indians. India was caught in a quandary over the dispute in Sri Lanka. On the one hand, the Lankan government was adamant on not granting any kind of special status to the Tamils there. The then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, with the arbitration of the then CM of Tamil Nadu MG Ramachandran, invited LTTE’s Chief Prabhakaran to Delhi to deliberate on the Tamil issue. Indian Intelligence institutions had exerted considerable pressure on the LTTE chief. Soon after this, Rajiv Gandhi undertook a tour of Sri Lanka. However, the Tamils of Sri Lanka were displeased at the way their leader was purportedly treated in Delhi. On the very first day of his visit, a Sri Lankan soldier had attacked Rajiv Gandhi with a gun during the ceremonial Guard of Honor. Subsequently, Rajiv Gandhi and the then Sri Lankan President G R Jayavardhane conducted bilateral talks and signed a deal. As per the deal, the Sri Lankan government would recognize the Tamil aspirations and grant special status and privileges to them. India on its part had promised to send its military to Sri Lanka and undertake the task of persuading the Tamils to lay down their arms.
The world assumed that this historic deal would solve the century old dispute and put an end to the 3-decade old cycle of bloodletting in Sri Lanka. India’s initiative to solve the crisis was lauded the world over. It was deemed that the Intervention of India would change the situation in the island nation. Everyone believed that the fighting Tamils would lay down their arms and hoped that the lives of Tamils, who formed 20% of Sri Lanka’s population, would change for the better. Many even penned poems over the cause. Congress leaders in India started to sing paeans to Rajiv Gandhi and even declared that there was no difference between King Ashoka who sent saplings of the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka and Indira Gandhi’s son Rajiv in their speeches.While all these events were happening, Tamils the world over had exercised a conspicuous silence which was ominous of the lull before astorm. The world had thought that a single treaty would resolve India’s refugee crisis, establish peace in Sri Lanka and assuage sorrows of the Tamils.
Tamilnadu, 1987 August
The Indian troops arrived in Sri Lanka with much zeal to fulfil the obligations of the peace accord. With the over-confidence brought by the success of signing the pact, Indian government sent over ten thousand Indian soldiers to Sri Lanka in the first week of August itself. All the three arms of Indian armed forces crossed the ocean into Sri Lanka. The India troops which consisted of The Sikh Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry, Mahar Regiment, along with battalions of 10th Para Commandos, Armored regiment with U-72 battle tanks, Gorkha and Rajputana battalions, soldiers of 4th mountain division, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters of the Air Force, several units of ‘Marcos’ commandos of the Indian Navy, landed at several places in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, and Urumpirai with overweening confidence.
In a land that it did not belong to, in an environment that it was alien to, the Army did not have a faint idea about the war that was about to ensue. The only plan of action in mind was to establish peace. Hence there were no adequate preparations or efficient battle plans. Even the intelligence gathering was not robust enough. The maps of the area were woefully inadequate. In such circumstances, the truth of the grim scenario dawned on the Indian army. The LTTE had armed even the women and children with guns. The LTTE terrorists who had hidden capsules of cyanide, stunned the Indian soldiers. The troops which had arrived with the sole aim of establishing peace in the island, had its plan turn topsy-turvy in just a few days. The LTTE which had mastered the art of subversion, began to hoodwink the Indian Army. At several places, in a beguiling act of reciprocating to the peace accord, LTTE cadres surrendered old and rusted weapons to the Indian Army. A few days later, a leader of the LTTE committed suicide by consuming cyanide. This incident completely grounded any chances of establishing peace in the island nation. LTTE’s Chief Velupillai Prabhakaranused this as an opportunity to declare a direct war against the Indian troops. The war resulted in the martyrdom of 1138 brave Indian soldiers, the same soldiers who had come to the island with an idea of establishing peace. More than 3000 Indian soldiers were critically wounded. By the time the Indian government decided to recall its peace-keeping forces, the Army was decorated with 1 Param Vir Chakra (posthumously) and 6 Maha Vir Chakras. Among the six recipients of the MVCs was PS Ganapathi.
Trincomalee, 1987 July 30
(In first person) I was deputed from the Assam Rifles to the 8th Mahar Regiment. Pursuant to the orders of the government, the first batch of the peace-keeping force was airlifted from Tiruchirapalli to Jaffna on 30th July, 1987. I was in this batch. The dense jungles around Jaffna made me anticipate the struggles we would face in event of a military operation. I had a premonition of the same at the first glance of Jaffna. It did not take many days for my apprehensions to become true. This was because the LTTE waged a direct war against us. Within a few days of our landing, the LTTE attacked the Palali Airbase on the outskirts of Jaffna. The CRPF troops which were part of the peacekeeping force, were also attacked. The Jaffna Radio station was captured. Despite several counter-attacks by our forces, the LTTE did not capitulate easily. Jaffna was LTTE’s bastion and it was fighting to hold on to it at any cost. By this time, we understood that unless the LTTE loses Jaffna, its strength would not be depleted. But the Land mines buried unsuspectingly, suicide squads whose strategies were difficult to comprehend, disheveled all plans of our troops. The situation turned so grave that the then Chief of Army Staff Krishnaswamy Sundarji had to pay a visit to Sri Lanka in October 1987 and guide our troops in the peace keeping operations. The LTTE attacks were so dreadful and brutal that the Sri Lankan army abandoned and withdrew from areas which were the strongholds of LTTE. We were then clear that our next goal was Jaffna.
LTTE had assembled a strong army at a place called Maruthanamadam to defend Jaffna. Unless Maruthanamadam was cleared of the LTTE forces, the path to Jaffna would not be easy. We had to proceed towards Maruthanamadam from our station in Uduvil. Though our troops did not have exact information about this path, we were aware of the fact that LTTE cadres were present on the entire stretch. It was 6AM in the morning of August 11, 1987 when I was summoned by my Commanding Officer of the 8th Mahar Regiment Colonel BS Rathi. He informed me that he was entrusting the task of clearing Maruthanamadam from LTTE militants to me. Maruthanamadam was about 3 KMS from the place we were stationed. Without further delay, I along with 60 of my regiments’ soldiers proceeded towards Maruthanamadam. Our troops were adequately equipped with Medium Machine Guns, Hand grenades, personal weapons and few 106 RCL guns. As we reached Maruthanamadam, we faced heavy resistance. Those 3 KMS we traversed to Maruthanamadam that day is etched in my mind,just like a movie,even to this day.It was an uninhabited area, with kutcha roads.We neared Maruthanamadamaround 7AM. It was an atmosphere of stoic silence characteristic of a graveyard. Though we could see a few houses, no humans were visible. As we mulled over the scenario, a sudden barrage of gun fire fell upon us. We were stunned for a moment. While we deliberated our action, we realized that our estimation
that LTTE had modern weapons was indeed true. We also realized that the gun fire was emanating from within the houses there.Tackling the militants who are hiding inside such houses is a very dangerous operation. We had to overcome the danger at any cost. Lobbing grenades inside the houses through the windows was our only option. I then order my troops to lob 36 High Explosive grenades into the houses. Our soldiers blasted atleast 40-50 houses and destroyed the safe havens of the militants. Havildar Kaka Phule was grievously injured in the operation and attained martyrdom later. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for his courage.
Anaicottai, October 15, 1987
The success of the first operation had given lot of confidence for our troops. Jaffna was still in the hands of the LTTE. We had only advanced by a single step. With each step we took, the dangers only increased. Our next target was the town of Anaicottai. It was also called as Jaffna junction. The path to Jaffna would be easier only if we cleared this junction. LTTE agents were active throughout the path. The stretch was deserted with no signs of human activity. But in the silence that pervaded the area, temple bells used to ring all of sudden. It soon occurred to me as to why the Temple bells tolled when there were no one visible. I had realized at Maruthanamadam that the LTTE was a step ahead of us in gathering intelligence. The temple bells were used from far distances to convey to the LTTE cadres that the Indian Army was approaching Anaicottai. We proceeded with caution after we realized their modus operandi. We now only had enough arms and ammunitions to fight for 12 hours. We did not carry surplus arms as we had expected the 41st Brigade to arrive at Anaicottai by the evening of 16thOctober. As soon as we reached the Jaffna junction where four roads meet, we were attacked by the LTTE with their full might. We had to fight back hard and stop the enemies from advancing further. As the fighting ensued, the sun started to set and darkness had engulfed us. We would not retreat for any reason come what may.By nightfall, it started to rain and our adversaries were merely at a distance of 200 to 300 meters from us. While plain wetlands were behind us, scrub forests lay ahead of us.The ground beneath was sludgy. We were forced to consume rain water itself to quench our thirst.The incessant military operation since morning was taking its toll on our fatigued troops. Everyone ran the risk to slipping into deep sleep if anyone attempted to shut their eyes even for a moment.The gun fire from the enemies used to stop intermittently and start again all of a sudden. This continued throughout the night.I opined that we had to defeat them through the waiting game. I then sent the corresponding message to our headquarters. I received the communication that the 41st Brigade had departed from India and we should keep the enemy engaged until the Brigade arrives. We then received the message that a troop of 1st Maratha Light Infantry commanded by Colonel Oberai and armed with 81MM mortars would come to our rescue. As day and nights passed, we continued to fight the LTTE without as much as battling our eyelids. The putrid rainwater that had accumulated around continued to quench our thirst for days. The LTTE had come as close as 50 meters from us. We could not delay further and began our intense counter attack. Our soldiers fought valiantly like I had never witnessed before. By this time, the 8th Mahar regiment supplemented out efforts with their 81MM mortars and the 31st Light Regiment safeguarded us with their 120MM mortars and they fired upon the LTTE fiercely. While the battle raged on, I was forced to witness the deaths of several of my beloved boys. Unanticipatedly the LTTE fired a large explosive which landed close to me. The intensity of the blast was so deafening that my left ear started ringing. Decades after the war was over and even many years after my retirement, this was the only sound I heard in my left ear. The LTTE forces advanced further maybe after they realized our condition. During one of these nights I positioned myself in the Rifle trench and had my aim directed at the enemy. Despite the incessant and intense gun fire from their side, we did not fire a single shot. Silence from our side gave two soldiers of LTTE the confidence to walk towards our lines with the help of torch lights. I waited in my trench until they came very close to me. When I could see their face clearly, I fired upon them using my Sten machine carbine. Those two bullets I fired at that instant had a tremendous effect on the enemy’s psyche. LTTE’s courage had taken a beating.
The next day, a contingent of 15 soldiers led by Capt. Sunil Chandra arrived to deliver food and ammunitions to our troops. Capt. Sunil was a handsome young man but a tad impulsive, maybe owning to his young blood.While he was conversing with me in the rifle trench, Capt. Sunil got up to light a cigarette. I had forewarned him that lighting cigarettes could be dangerous. He must have taken a puff when his headsurfaced a few inches above the trench. A sniper bullet pierced through his scalp. Capt. Sunil Chandra breathed his last right in front of me. I took a headcount of my troops while lying in the trench itself. 11 of my brave boys had laid down their lives in the battle. I then could feel the heaviness in my heart. Finally on the morning of 19th October, 41st Brigade commanded by Brig. Manjit Singh arrived for our support. By then we had almost vanquished the enemy. A few of them had fled from their positions. For an operation that was supposed to last only 12 hours, we had fought relentlessly for 72 hours.
Uduvil, 25th January, 1988
Pursuant to the operations at Maruthanamadam and Anaicottai, Maj. Ganapathi was deputed to serve at the Army Headquarters at Uduvil. It was 8.30PM in the night of 25th of January. As usual, everyone in the camp were listening to news on the radio. A special bulletin was about to be broadcast. But none were aware of this and were eager to hear the news related to the Republic Day which was a day later.Then the announcement came on the radio that the ‘Indian Government had declared the Maha Vir Chakra for Maj. PS Ganapathi for exemplary courage demonstrated during the operations to clear Jaffna of LTTE militants and for the gallantry displayed during the operations to capture Maruthanamadam and Anaicottai’.
All his friends were elated and joyous. Congratulations poured in from his senior officers and staff. However,Ganapathi was reticent throughout. He neither felt proud for the award nor did he thank anyone.But he asked the only question that was haunting him. “You have bestowed the Maha Vir Chakra on me. But will it be possible to get back those 11 boys whom I lost?”
source: http://www.santoshthammaiah.wordpress.com / December 02nd, 2016
A girl, who had saved an elderly man from drowning in a lake, has been honoured with Keladi Chennamma Bravery Award by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the Children’s Day function held at Jawahar Bal Bhavan in Bengaluru on Nov. 14. The bravery award is instituted by the Department of Women and Child Development.
The girl, who bagged the award is Namratha, daughter of Shabareesh and Shantha couple of Seegethodu in Gonikoppal of Kodagu district.
A student of Sarvadaivatha PU College at Arvathoklu in Gonikoppal.
Namratha, on Nov. 6, 2021, was walking towards her home after finishing her college, when she noticed an elderly man drowning in the lake, next to her house. Without thinking twice, Namratha jumped into the lake and dragged the elderly man out of the water, thus saving his life.
The officials of the Department of Women and Child Development, who took notice of this bravery act, recommended the name of Namratha for the Keladi Chennamma Bravery Award.
Namratha has dedicated the award to her parents, College Principal and her School Head Master. Her mother Shantha said she was very happy for her daughter who has saved a life. Namratha has participated in National-level throwball and also bagged many prizes.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 16th, 2022
An invitation from Air Marshall K C Cariappa to join him and his wife Meena for dinner at his home was the highlight of my trip to Coorg.
There is something about the Air Force men that arouse feelings of awe, and this strapping man was even more special. Not only because he was the son of Field Marshall K M Cariappa, but a hero who was once captured as a prisoner of war (Indo-Pak, Sept ’65) My colleagues and I left Mahindra Resort, where we were staying, in good time to be able to reach Roshanara, the ancestral home of the Cariappas in Madikeri. The appointed hour was “10 minutes past eight”.
Driving in the daytime in the Madekeri hills is tricky enough with endless stretches of narrow tree-lined roads, so you can imagine how it was at night. The dark seemed darker and we got quite lost on the hilly roads. Trying to find someone on the lonely path, to ask for directions, was a task in vain. , , , .
We were feeling pretty rotten because you just don’t keep people like the Cariappas waiting. Punctuality is the norm with them.
When we did reach our destination, gracious as he is, the Air Marshall was more concerned about our predicament rather than the fact that we messed up with his idea of “an early dinner”. Brushing aside our apologies, he immediately put us at ease by introducing himself simply as Nanda and insisting we address him so. “Let´s get the drinks out of the way,” he said, “who is drinking, what?” he enquired, rubbing his hands.
The drinks order taken and quickly executed, he returned with a tray in hand and was leading us out the back door and into the back yard where chairs and tables were set, along with a two-seater metal swing under a fabric canopy, painted by his grandchildren.
“So! What brings you to Coorg, my Coorg?” he asked, eyes twinkling. I told him about the magazine and the popular UpperCrust Destination section that our readers look forward to, where we now planned to feature Coorg. But I didn’t tell him just then that I was hoping to include them too and that in my handbag I had a ´verrry´ serious camera.
Instead, I asked him when did he retire and how does it feel. “Oh, it’s been marvellous,” he said. “I retired on Jan 31, 1996 and drove down straight from Jodhpur, where I had given up charge. I reached Coorg on Feb 6 and have been here ever since. I hate leaving Coorg and do so only when I really have to. It’s strange, but just before you retire, you dread it, and now it’s been 15 years and I don’t know where they have gone!”
By and by as one conversation led to another, each of us felt more and more comfortable with the warmth that Meena and Nanda exuded. The night was chilly and we were sitting out in the open, under the stars which were shinning brilliantly in the clear skies. Pointing towards the sloping land and in the direction of the dark shadows, Nanda nonchalantly informed us that there could be wild animals right there. Brrr…
Roshanara is a house with character. Not a showcase kind of a house, but one which tells a tale. Where each artifact has a story to tell, a reason to be there.
I don’t normally ask for a tour of a house I am visiting, that too for the first time, but this one I was curious about.
“Chalo,” said Nanda Cariappa, when I asked if I could prowl around. And actually accompanied me. The anteroom was so rustic. Sports jackets and long coats, mufflers hanging on hooks, walking shoes and boots in another corner, hats, one with a feather stuck to it an a stand… not the kind of things we city people often see in homes. The large living room with a fire place “that works brilliantly and has never ever given us any problems” led to another sunken sitting room, painted a soft blue. The chandeliers, with delicate glass work were obviously antique, but then the house itself qualifies as heritage being 160-years old. “It’s been in our family since 1944. We have some nice drawings and water colours done by the different residents, it is a remarkable house. When Father bought it, it came with some 50-odd acres, but now after bequeathing some to my sister and other people, also the municipality, it´s down to 33, but it´s much more than enough,” said Nanda.
When I asked to be shown Field Marshall Cariappa’s favourite room I saw it was a modest room, opening to the garden and had many picture frames in it.
Again, each with a story. But one was extra special. An original black and white photograph of the Himalayan range with Mount Everest Massif with signatures of members of the first expedition, including those of Edward Hillary, Tenzing Norway and Capt John Hunt. It was then and with some trepidation that I checked if I could click some photographs. Nanda Cariappa looked at me, paused for just a moment and then said a quiet, ‘yes’ and I got to work as inconspicuously as possible. I respect people like Nanda who though fiercely private will not make a fuss about it. It was in that instant that I was reminded of another photo shoot, the very first cover story of this magazine, in 1999.
Co-incidentally it was with Air Marshall Idris Latif and Begum Bilkis Latif in their house in Hyderabad. Publicity shy as they were too, they could not refuse a request from Behram and I. Latif´s only plea was could we eat without interruption the Hyderabadi food which his wife had lovingly cooked. And could I shoot pictures of them and their guests, after we had eaten lunch?
Keeping that memory in mind, I put my camera away after taking just two pictures at the dining table. Some things we have to save in the memory chip of our mind’s eye.
Dinner was typical Coorg fare. Meena is a good cook. Used to entertaining, she had set a good table and at such short notice. But she was apologetic. And invited us to come again when she would do better. Naw…
After dinner, with GJ (Gulab Jamun) nestling in the Air Marshall´s arms and Tojo at his feet, we again sat talking and discussing everything under the sun (moon, actually), like old friends. Life in Coorg, life after retirement, food, wine, music, travel, religions of the world.
Both Meena and Nanda love the quiet life in Coorg. They are happy to spend time by themselves and few close friends. Nanda enjoys his golf, and sometimes goes angling. He used to ride, but has now got himself a mountain bike, which he loves to ride. He likes wearing the traditional Coorg kupiya when he goes for weddings.
At home, at night they both love to listen to Indian Classical Music. Nanda writes a fair amount for journals on subjects like Wild Life, Environment and International Relations. He had in fact spent four months in the U.S. in 2001 writing a paper on ‘Confidence Building Measures’, between India and Pakistan, a collaborative exercise with a fellow Air Marshall from Pakistan. The paper, due to the many unfortunate events (read terror activities) that took place around and since that time, got shelved. A pity.
For the present, Nanda Cariappa finds solace in trekking. Which he says he discovered only after retiring. Every year he goes into the Himalayas for two weeks of intensive walking and climbing. The next one in August is already planned right down to the last detail.
Lastly, I learned that Nanda is pretty fascinated by two other religions, Islam and Sikhism. He reads the Quran in the ´Roman English´ version and its translation in English, going to the local mosque for clarifications from the maulvi, if he does not understand something.
He even recommended a book he was currently reading; Foundation of Islam, The Making of a World Faith by Benjamin Walker. He is so influenced by Islam, his speech is peppered by Insha’allah and Masha’allah.
Come to think of it, when we were leaving, he had said, Khuda Hafiz.
Kavery Nambisan’s new book Cherry Red, Cherry Black details the fascinating story of coffee in India
Kavery Nambisan was born on a coffee estate, grew up among the “twisted branches and dark green leaves of the coffee bushes”; her parents joked that she was among those children who had been “plucked off the coffee bushes.”
It is therefore fitting that the surgeon’s latest book Cherry Red, Cherry Black(Bloomsbury India) is about the history of coffee in India.
Written with anecdotes woven into chronology, this comprehensive look at the coffee industry reveals intriguing nuggets – the origins of the coffee terms ‘Robusta’ and ‘Arabica’; the story of how Southern India became coffee country (it’s more complex than the Baba Budan tale); how coffee made sugar popular… Kavery explores the world of coffee far beyond its cultivation via the journeys of rulers and invaders and the ways of governance and tribute to its current status as one of the most valuable legally-traded commodities in the world. With the pride of a true Kodava, she writes of how coffee cultivation in Coorg (now Kodagu) changed the social, ecological and economic nature of the land and its people, and of the planters clubs that still exist.
A large part of the book details the story of how Tata Coffee, with whom the author has been associated in her medical avatar, came to be, but its scope goes far beyond company history and personalities to showcase coffee’s ability to be the great leveller available to every layer of society, and details the journey of the bean from plant to cup. Readers will be fascinated to know that the coffee served at Starbucks is made with beans from Kodagu, Hassan and Chikmagalur and cured in Kushalnagar.
Excerpts from an interview
You speak of yourself as “almost a child plucked off a coffee plant”. How was the experience of going back with research to discover what is such an integral part of your childhood? How long has this book been in the making? Have there been any surprising learnings?
Yes, coffee has been integral to my being, but I did not consciously think about it until recently when I started to write this book. It has been a pleasure to discover the history behind coffee, and, along with it, to learn more clearly certain aspects of local history. I started to read up sometime after the middle of 2018 and wrote in 2019 but was unable to conduct some important interviews during the period when Covid came and went. After that, everything had to be ‘fast-forward.’
As for surprise learnings, yes, of course. There can be no better way of learning something new than writing about it. I learned much.
You are a proud Kodava and now live and work again in Kodagu. What aspects of life there do you enjoy most, both connected to coffee and otherwise?
I have worked as a surgeon in Kodagu for over 10 years, off and on. My husband and I built a house in a village here and it is surrounded by coffee estates that do not belong to us – so pleasure without responsibility! The tall shade trees that surround us are a blessing – with so much life going on in the branches and the undergrowth. As a doctor, I have a great rapport and a serious commitment to my neighbours, many of them being daily wage earners in the estates. I think we live a good life.
What does your own coffee cache look like? What would we find in there?
You would find a cache of roasted coffee beans (a blend of Arabica and Robusta). I roast the beans every few weeks or so and use about 10% of chicory to enhance its strength.
You’ve detailed a bewildering number of ways to prepare a cup of good coffee. Which is your favourite?
I use three methods, depending on my mood. Filter coffee (in the afternoons); the Moka pot or a rustic brew (adding coffee powder to just boiled water and letting it steep for two to three minutes) in the mornings. Always with a little milk and jaggery.
India Coffee House remains your coffee house of choice in Bengaluru. Tell us what you have there when you visit these days?
It’s a great place to hang around with friends. I always have coffee and, if peckish, an omelette or a cutlet. I have been frequenting this grand old place (although now in a changed location) from my medical college days. Satisfaction guaranteed.
source: http://www.femina.in / Femina / Home> Life> Books / by Primrose Monteiro D’Souza / November 04th, 2022
American football could become big in the country with a tournament being planned in the next two years
A lot of sports, most of which a majority of the average Indians aren’t aware of, are making inroads into our society. The latest being American football, the top US sport which has at least five per cent of American population earning through the game, apart from players, coaches and staff directly involved with the game.
History has it that only four players of Indian origin have played in the National Football League (NFL), a lucrative organisation that runs the sport in the US. One of the four, Brandon Chillar, who has his roots in Punjab, was convinced the game had something to offer for the Indian masses. He felt it could become big and give the average Indian a chance to excel in it.
TEAMS’ FORMATION The Elite Football League of India (EFLI) was launched in India in August this year and the government of India and the Sports Authority of India decided to back the game. A custom-fit stadium is ready in Pune, where the inaugural EFLI will be held within the next two years between eight teams from different states.
Having already formed four teams, the EFLI concentrated on Karnataka. Thimmaiah Madanda, a former India rugby player, with a passion for contact sport, was brought in as coach of the state team. The Kodava took his job seriously. He scouted for talent in Kodagu, Shimoga, Devanahalli and Bangalore. “I went to all these places and mostly visited government colleges and finally invited 140 players. A first shortlist of 115 went through a four-day orientation programme last week,” he said.
Thimmaiah, Sailesh Devrukhkar, the chief coach of EFLI, and Jeff Whelan, EFLI coaching co-coordinator, watched the hopefuls through drills and games before settling on the final 44 who will represent Karnataka.
DECENT SALARY EFLI is more unique than most associations in the country. It will pay players a salary rather than a match fee as does happen with most sporting disciplines. That too, a decent sum of Rs 15,000 per player. Jeff Whelan said, “This, we are offering till we sign a deal with Ten Sports to televise the league matches. Once we get everything in order, players will earn much more than what any coach earns.”
Does the average Indian have the physique or skill to compete in such a “ruthless sport”? All three men laugh it off and Thimmaiah says, “It is nothing like what the public imagine. Played with an elongated ball, the game offers 44 players the chance of being involved in a game (including substitutions). The game accommodates all physical attributes; athletes from any sport can take to this game. It calls for power, speed and agility. It does not need special skills,” he says.
The forwards and interiors do not even touch the ball, leave alone catch it. Their job is only to defend the quarter-backs… to stop the opposition from getting to the quarter-backs,” said Thimmaiah, adding: “You have a defending team, an attacking team and a kicking team. It is not about just 11 on field. Thirty players are used in each game, with the other 14 used for substitutions. So, it involves a lot of people and does not need any one qualification or requirement to play the game.”
TALENT APLENTY The EFLI does have some convictions that other sports administrators mostly talk about. “We know that if we search enough, we could find the right guys. The right athletes are in the villages of India,” said Jeff. “The game does not need any special skill. It combines a lot of disciplines like cricket, football, baseball, rugby,” he added.
Having watched the NFL mess it up in England when it tried to introduce the game there, the EFLI is more focused. “We are planning a league for players born and brought up in India. Unlike the NFL, we will not allow foreigners. That way, we know the cities can relate to players and will stand up for the team,” he said.
CHALLENGING CRICKET “India, with its masses, offers an opportunity for us (EFLI) to become a top sport in the country. India is a one sport country (cricket) and we believe we stand a good chance of becoming a top sport. Because we feel we can offer more opportunities for athletes and people of India,” said Jeff.
“We plan to have eight Indian teams and will invite two from Sri Lanka, one from Bangladesh, and each team will only be allowed proper citizens to represent them. No outsiders, guests or foreign players,” he said.
“At some point of time, we hope to invite a team from Pakistan to play a series against an Indian team. Because that is the ultimate battle in this part of the globe and we are sure millions will tune in to that game and the whole world will watch,” he said.
source: http://www.BangaloreMirror.com/ Home> News> City / by R Sathish Paul / Tuesday October 04th, 2011
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