“India needs committed teachers who believe in their career development,” opined Professor M D Nanjunda, renowned educationist and secretary of Kodagu Academy for Education and Culture, Gonikoppal.
He was speaking after receiving the prestigious Alevoor Group Award instituted by Alevoor Group for Education at the annual day celebrations of Shanthiniketan English Medium School, Alevoor, on Sunday January 29.
“Unfortunately, many teachers did not take up the teaching profession as a choice, but somehow they landed up in the profession. Now they believe only in bell and the bill,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prof Nanjunda advised the teachers to develop a professional attitude or to quit the profession. He also said that government’s effort to get the state syllabus on par with the central syllabus through a bridge course would be a futile attempt.
Presenting the award, Lions district governor Jayakar Shetty Indrali called upon the parents to instill the qualities of respecting elders and teachers in their wards.
DDPI Nagendra Madhyastha released the annual bulletin of the group,
Alevoor Group president A Ganapathi Kini welcomed the gathering. Secretary A Dinesh Kini introduced the awardee. Principal Roopa D Kini presented the annual report. Teacher Vibha Adiga proposed the vote of thanks. Srinivas Upadhya and Sudha S Puthraya compered the programme.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Shubalaxmi / Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD) / January 31st, 2012
Kodagu’s Thekkada Bhavani becomes the firstIndian woman to win international skiing medals
While many youngsters influenced by Bollywood dream of entering the world of glamour and fame, here is a girl who chose a very different path — the icy slopes of the mountains. Inspired by adventure and driven by determination, she turned her passion for mountaineering into a historic achievement, becoming the first Indian woman to win medals at an international-level cross-country skiing championship.
A native of Napoklu in Kodagu district, Thekkada Bhavani Nanjunda defied all odds to make not just her hometown, but the entire State and Nation proud. She clinched bronze medals in the 5 km distance race and 1.3 km sprint at the South American Cross-Country Skiing FIS Competition held at Corralco, Chile, in September this year.
Bhavani has represented India at several prestigious international events, including the Nordic World Championships and the Asian Winter Games. A multiple medal winner at the Khelo India Games and the National Skiing Championship, she is now rigorously training to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Daughter of Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu) and Parvathi (Divya) of Perur village near Napoklu, Bhavani draws her strength from her roots and family support. Her younger sister, Thekkada Seethamma, works for a private firm in Bengaluru.
Star of Mysore caught up with the trailblazing athlete to learn more about her journey, challenges and preparations for the upcoming Olympics. Excerpts…
Bhavani (second from right) seen with her father Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu), mother Parvathi (Divya) and younger sister Thekkada Seethamma.
Star of Mysore (SOM): How did your journey in cross-country skiing begin?
Bhavani: It all started after I watched the movie ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. That’s when I first learned about the majestic Himalayan mountain range, which inspired me to join the NCC Air Wing during my college days.
In 2014, I attended a mountaineering camp in Manali — that was my first encounter with snow, something we never see back home in Kodagu. The experience changed my life completely. I wanted to explore the mountains more deeply and decided to take up skiing so I could glide down the peaks I climbed. Over time, I discovered cross-country skiing and fell in love with it for the endurance, precision, and mental strength it demands.
SOM: What inspired you to pursue adventure sports, and cross-country skiing in particular?
Bhavani: I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and adventure. But my biggest inspiration came from Marit Bjørgen of Norway — one of the greatest cross-country skiers in history. Her strength, determination, and consistency truly motivated me. Watching her made me want to follow that path and represent India in a sport that very few from our country have even attempted.
SOM: Cross-country skiing is known for its toughness. How did you master such a demanding sport?
Bhavani: It’s been a long and challenging journey. I had no background in snow sports and limited access to proper facilities in the beginning. But I stayed consistent — training first in India, then in New Zealand, and later in Europe. Each season taught me something new — from refining my technique to building endurance and mental resilience. It’s a constant process of learning, and even today, every single day on the snow feels like an opportunity to improve.
SOM: How does it feel to be the only Indian woman to win cross-country skiing medals at an international event?
Bhavani: It’s an incredibly proud and emotional feeling. Standing on the podium with the Indian flag was one of the most special moments of my life. But beyond the medals, it’s about proving that Indian athletes can compete in winter sports at the highest level. I hope my journey inspires more youngsters, especially girls, to explore lesser-known sports and believe that nothing is impossible.
SOM: How have your parents supported you throughout your journey?
Bhavani: My parents have been my biggest strength. Even though they didn’t fully understand the sport initially, they always believed in me and supported my dreams. Their encouragement gave me the courage to pursue such an unconventional path. Every achievement of mine belongs to them as much as it does to me.
SOM: Now that you have reached the international stage, what is your next goal?
Bhavani: My primary focus is the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. I want to qualify and represent India with strong performances on the world stage. At the same time, I hope to raise awareness about winter sports and help build better infrastructure in India, so the next generation has opportunities I didn’t have.
SOM: What advice would you give to youngsters wanting to take up cross-country skiing?
Bhavani: I would say, just start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or ideal facilities. Passion and perseverance can take you a long way. Cross-country skiing challenges you physically and mentally, but it also teaches resilience, patience, and self-belief. If I could do it, coming from a small town in South India, anyone can.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home > Feature Articles / October 19th, 2025
A walk about Virajpet in Coorg throws up interesting tales.
STEEPED IN HISTORY: Virajpet. / Photo: Lakshmi Sharath
I was lost in Virajpet looking for an address. The quaint town in Coorg was a welcome break en route to Madikeri. Traditionally-dressed Kodava women were shopping in the vegetable markets, and the main street was bursting with traffic.
I looked around and saw houses with tiled sloping roofs transformed into eateries and retail outlets. I stopped by the auto stand and asked for Telugu Street, but was met with puzzled glances.
I walked around the main street, lost in the old world charm, when a Kodava came to my assistance.
“You are standing in Telugu Street Madam; go a bit further and you may find Bengali Street, but no one refers to the streets by these names now.” We had coffee at a local eatery as Ponappa, a retired Army man, provided a glimpse of Virajpet’s history.
The great escape
Our story starts in the middle of the 18th Century when Madikeri, the capital of Coorg, ruled by the Haleri kings, was invaded by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The young Haleri prince, Dodda Veerarajendra, and his brothers were virtually held prisoners, while the father-son duo was busy fighting the British.
The story goes that Dodda Veerarajendra finally escaped from Tipu’s prison and regained his kingdom. The British sensed an ally in the Haleri king and decided to support him in the war against Tipu.
It was in this scenario that Virajpet, barely 30 km from Madikeri, was founded by Dodda Veerarajendra.
As kings have a penchant for naming places after them, this town too was called Veerarajendrapette.
Ironically, it was established as a settlement to celebrate the relationship forged by the Haleri kings with the British. Ironic, because it was the British who finally deposed the Haleri dynasty later.
Virajpet belonged to Veerarajendra, who built a fort here with a palace, and a pond for his cavalry. Although the remnants of this can be seen even now, Virajpet is largely reminiscent of the Colonial era.
The landmarks today are the St Anne’s church, built initially during Veerarajendra’s reign and the clock tower, established in the 20th Century to commemorate the coronation of King George V.
I quiz Ponappa about Telugu Street, and he smiles. “When Veerarajendra built the town, many Kodavas were imprisoned by Tipu, and so he invited people from neighbouring kingdoms to come over.
There were several communities living here — the Christians, Moplas, Tamilians, Jains and Telugus, among others.”
Cosmopolitan town
Adds Ponnappa: “Virajpet is what you would have then called a cosmopolitan town. For instance, the Bengali Street was filled with those who came down here after the British defeated the Nawab of Bengal in another battle.”
I finally manage to find my destination, and Ponappa takes leave. It’s amazing how stories bring strangers together!
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metroplus> Travel / by Lakshmi Sharath / May 23rd, 2010
The auspicious moment when the holy river Cauvery gushed out from the sacred Kundike occurred at the predicted time of 1.44 p.m., marking the highlight of the annual ritual.
Hundreds of Kodavas, dressed in their traditional attire, walked barefoot for about 8 km from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in a display of devotion.(Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
The chants of “Kaveramme Ukki Baa” filled the air across Talacauvery as thousands of devotees witnessed the sacred Cauvery Tula Sankramana on Thursday.
The auspicious moment when the holy river Cauvery gushed out from the sacred Kundike occurred at the predicted time of 1.44 p.m., marking the highlight of the annual ritual.
The rituals were led by chief priest Prashanth Achar along with a team of 11 other priests. Devotees from across Kodagu district and neighbouring states, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, gathered in large numbers to take part in the holy festivity.
Hundreds of Kodavas, dressed in their traditional attire, walked barefoot for about 8 km from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in a display of devotion.
Elders, also clad in traditional Kodava attire, led the way playing the traditional dudi and singing baalo paat as they made their way to Talacauvery. Devotees from various communities, including members of the Are Baashe community from across the district, also participated in the rituals with reverence.
Among the participants were Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, who adorned the traditional white royal attire, and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who was dressed in traditional Kodava wear.
Both walked the 8 km stretch from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery and took part in the rituals. Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda, Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan and several others were also present at the ceremony.
Enhanced security measures and improved arrangements were in place at the temple premises to manage the large crowd. While a few devotees allegedly demanded the removal of barricades, the issue was resolved amicably, ensuring smooth movement for all.
A medical team from the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences was stationed at both Bhagamandala and Talacauvery to attend to any emergencies.
‘Annadhana’ (mass feeding) arrangements were made for devotees at both temples, while the Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga will host a month-long mass feeding programme at the centre.
Cultural programmes are also being organised at Talacauvery by the Kodava and Are Baashe Sahitya Academies.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy were scheduled to attend the event; however, their visit was cancelled due to unforeseen reasons.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 17th, 2025
Two- time Asian champion Joshna Chinappa continued her remarkable comeback by winning the women’s singles title at the Japan Open 2025 squash tournament at Yokohama in Japan yesterday.
The 39-year-old Indian squash player, 117th in the women’s singles rankings and unseeded in Japan, defeated third seed and world No. 53 Haya Ali of Egypt 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 to cap off an impressive run at the PSA Challenger event.
This triumph marked Joshna’s 11th career PSA title and her first since returning to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery after the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, where she was also part of India’s bronze-winning women’s team.
Joshna teamed up with teenage prodigy Anahat Singh earlier this year to win the women’s doubles title at the Asian Championships in June and also reached the semi-finals of the Indian Open, where she lost to eventual champion Anahat.
At the Japan Open, Joshna displayed dominant form throughout the tournament. She defeated Malaysia’s Anrie Goh 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 in her tournament opener, followed by a straight game win over French fifth seed Lauren Baltayan 11-7, 11-4, 11-9 in the second round.
In the quarter finals, she overcame Egypt’s second seed Nardine Garas 11-8, 15-13, 11-9 and then overwhelmed fourth-seeded Egyptian Rana Ismail 11-7, 11-1, 11-5 in the semi-finals.
Squash will make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / October 15th, 2025
Volunteers and stakeholders participating in the ‘Clean Coorg’ campaign in Kodagu on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The ‘Swachh Kodagu Sundara Kodagu’ campaign held on Wednesday evoked a positive response from the public, in what is reckoned to be the largest such initiative in the district.
Held simultaneously across the district, it was organised by the Coorg Hotel and Restaurant Association and entailed the participation of thousands of volunteers and stakeholders.
Mantar Gowda, MLA; Venkat Raja, Deputy Commissioner; and others inaugurated the event at General Thimayya Circle in Madikeri.
Mr. Gowda, while appreciating the initiative and the spirit behind the campaign, said that Kodagu was endowed with natural and scenic beauty and it was the duty of every citizen to protect it. He drew attention to some of the policies of the district administration and pointed out that there was already a ban on Single-Use Plastic (SUP) and the sale of water bottles below the capacity of two litres — all of which has helped reduce waste.
Stating that cleanliness should not be a one-day affair, Mr. Gowda called for a 24×7 drive throughout the year so as to ensure that cleanliness becomes a part of culture of the district.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the waste collected during the campaign would be shifted to a waste management facility for the scientific disposal of garbage. Nodal officers have been appointed to oversee waste collection and its proper disposal in all taluks, said Mr. Venkat Raja.
K. Dinesh Kariappa, who represented the assocaition, said that over 320 organisations took part in the campaign and the response exceeded expectations. Although tourism has been blamed for environmental problems, efforts have been made to promote sustainable tourism and this initiative was a part of it, added Mr. Kariappa.
The association said that the ‘Clean Coorg’ campaign will not be a one-day affair but similar drives will be held at local levels periodically across the district with a focus on places of tourist interest.
The campaign was supported by the Kodagu district administration, zilla panchayat, Tourism Department, and Madikeri City Municipal Council among others.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / October 15th, 2025
The ‘Swacha Kodagu-Sundara Kodagu’ (Clean Kodagu-Beautiful Kodagu) campaign has received an overwhelming response from across the district and a mega-cleanliness drive will be held on Wednesday, October 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. as part of the initiative.
Kundyolanda Dinesh Kariappa, president, Kodagu Hotels and Resorts Association, said that the campaign is being organised under the banner of the association, in collaboration with the district administration, Kodagu Zilla Panchayat, Kodagu Chamber of Commerce, Kodagu Homestays Association, Rotary and Lions Clubs, Department of Tourism, Red Cross, local organisations, and various educational institutions. More than 220 associations and organisations in the district have extended their support to the drive.
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda will inaugurate the district-level campaign near General Thimmaiah Circle in Madikeri at 8 a.m. Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena, and other dignitaries are scheduled to be present.
M.P. Sunach Kushalappa, MLC, will inaugurate the drive at Gonikoppal, while B.R. Nagendra Prasad, president, Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce, will launch the programme at Kushalnagar. At Virajpet, Teethir Dharmaja Uttappa, District President, Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, will launch the drive. Rohith, president, Taluk Homestay Association; and B.S. Sundar, vice-president of the Hotels and Resorts Association, will inaugurate the campaign at Somwarpet.
As part of the initiative, 1,500 NSS students from 23 colleges affiliated with Kodagu University will participate in cleanliness activities within their respective campuses. Similarly, students from schools and colleges across the district will take part in cleaning the respective premises of their institutions.
Officials and staff of the Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank among others have also pledged their support.
Traders have been urged to clean the surroundings of their business establishments.
Mr. Kariappa said that public participation is being sought on a voluntary basis and the waste collected on October 15 will be transported to the solid waste management plant in Mysuru with the assistance of panchayat and local body officials.
Association general secretary Naseer Ahmed said government office staff, private school teachers, bank employees, and students may also participate between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on October 15. The campaign primarily focuses on cleaning major roads and highways across the district.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / October 14th, 2025
The villagers, including estate growers, complained to the department about increased elephant movement across the estate limits.
Officials confirmed that a couple of herds did not budge from the estates as these herds had calves.
Madikeri :
Over 30 elephants were found roaming and herded across the estate limits in Badaga Banangala village in Kodagu. The incident came to light when the forest department took up the mission to chase away the elephants, following complaints of elephant menace in the surrounding regions.
The villagers, including estate growers, complained to the department about increased elephant movement across the estate limits.
Following this, the forest department staff from the Thithimathi division kick-started the mission to chase all the wild elephants back to the forest. During the mission, the foresters spotted over 30 wild elephants herded within the estate and village limits. The foresters faced a challenging situation as the estates were moist and slushy following a downpour. Nevertheless, the numerous separate herds of elephants were guided into the forest area. However, officials confirmed that a couple of herds did not budge from the estates as these herds had calves.
The mission to track the elephant was led by RFO Gangadhar along with other team members. The Rapid Response Team has been halted at the spot to track the movement of the elephant herds that are still staying within the estate limits.
Meanwhile, the growers in the region shared that they face numerous problems, and the elephant menace is worsening it.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 11th, 2025
Directed by Charukesh Sekar, the Tamil-language gangster drama also stars Nimisha Sajayan, Gautham Karthik, and Abhishek Banerjee.
A poster of ‘Legacy’ / Netflix
R. Madhavan and Gulshan Devaiah will headline Netflix’s Legacy, a Tamil series directed by Charukesh Sekar, the streaming platform announced on Monday.
“Watch Legacy, coming soon, only on Netflix,” wrote the streaming giant on Instagram alongside a poster of the show.
Legacy is billed as a gritty family gangster drama that spirals into a saga of succession. The series boasts an ensemble cast, including Nimisha Sajayan, Gautham Karthik, and Abhishek Banerjee.
Produced by Kalyan Subramanian of Stone Bench Pvt Ltd, Legacy is set to hit Netflix soon.
While Madhavan recently appeared in the Netflix film Aap Jaisa Koi, Devaiah has been earning plaudits from movie-goers for his performance in Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1. Madhavan has Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar in the pipeline.
Director Charukesh Sekar is known for Ammu (2022), Bench Talkies (2015) and Mercury (2018).
Netflix on Monday announced three more Tamil original films and series.
Stephen, a Tamil psychological thriller directed by Mithun and starring Gomathi Shankar, delves into the mind of a self-confessed killer being evaluated by a psychiatrist on a chilling case.
#Love, a Tamil series directed by Balaji Mohan and starring Arjun Das and Aishwarya Lekshmi, offers a refreshing take on modern romance.
Made In Korea brings a fresh cross-cultural story to Tamil cinema. Directed by Ra Karthik and starring Priyanka Mohan alongside Park Hye-Jin of Squid Game fame, the film is about a young woman whose dream trip to Korea is derailed by betrayal. Through unexpected friendships and hard lessons, she discovers hope, and herself.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Entertainment / by Entertainment Web Desk / October 13th, 2025
