Who are the Kodavas? A riddle that ethnologists are yet to crack, says P.T. Bopanna

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

Author PT Bopanna says while there are a number of theories on who the Kodavas are, none are scientific enough to establish the origin of the race

After retiring from journalism in 2010, with four decades in the field, PT Bopanna has championed the cause of Kodagu (Coorg) district in Karnataka. Bopanna’s passion to showcase Kodagu’s beauty, culture, cuisine and people serves as a mirror to the hilly region.

“I have documented the lifestyle, language and cuisine of Kodagu beyond the well-known akki rotti and pandi curry,” says 70-year-old Bopanna, who runs five Kodagu-centric websites, has published seven books and produced a documentary on Kodagu. Bopanna’s latest book, My Coorg Chronicles, (Rolling Stone Publications) traces his journey from journalism to activism, and his efforts to chronicle the unknown facets of Kodagu. My Coorg Chronicles has colourful photographs, illustrations and a caricature of Bopanna by cartoonist Ponnappa.

Bopanna speaks to MetroPlus about the many aspects of his journey.

Excerpts.

Would you describe yourself as a journalist, activist or chronicler?

After studying journalism at Bhavan’s College of Journalism in Mumbai, I started my career in 1981 as the Coorg Correspondent of The Hindu. I registered my first domain www.coorgtourisminfo.com in 2005. Initially the traffic to my website was not encouraging. So I decided to bring out the content from the website as a book in 2006. Discover Coorg was a runaway success. I brought out two more editions of the book, adding more content with each edition. It was also translated into Kannada.

Your research reveals Kodavas as being different from the rest of Indians…

Kodava women are highly educated. There is no dowry system, and women drape their saris opposite to the style adopted by the rest of India. The customs are unique. Kodavas are Hindus, but priests have no role in their marriages. Kodavas revere the Cauvery River, they worship nature and guns. The Keil Murtha festival is dedicated to guns. The harvest festival, Puttari, is ushered in with a gunshot. When I realised that the land has a rich culinary tradition and I compiled traditional recipes in the website, coorgrecipes.com in 2006.

Who exactly are the Kodavas?

This is a riddle that ethnologists are yet to crack. There are any number of theories on who they are, but none scientific enough to establish the origin of the race. One theory says they are the descendants of Alexander the Great, while another traces their origins to a band of Kurds from Iraq.

Why did you bring out a video on Kodagu?

During the course of my work I realised there was a lack of documentation on Kodagu. This was mainly because Kodava language does not have a script. The language is a mixture of Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam. Any documentation was only after the British annexed Coorg in 1834. They kept records and maintained diaries. After Independence, especially after Coorg merged with Mysore State (Karnataka) in 1956, there wasn’t any documentation. I decided to produce a video on various aspects of Kodagu and in 2014 brought out a DVD, Discover Coorg. The video features tourist spots, homestays, jewellery, hockey and golf, Kodava marriages and traditional folk dances.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society / by Ranjani Govind / Bengaluru – August 18th, 2020

Gulshan Devaiah pens funny poem on ‘Bolly mafia’: ‘The drugs are free, so’s plastic surgery’

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

Amid all the discussion about the existence of a ‘mafia’ in Bollywood, Gulshan Devaiah has a funny take on it. He penned a humorous poem on it and quipped about all the supposed perks, but ‘only for members, exclusively’.

“One for all, & all for one. The pay is good, & so’s the fun. The drugs are free, So’s plastic surgery. But only for members, Exclusively. If you’re thinking, Oh! I want in, Eat some s**t, You jealous cretin. #jest,” he wrote.

Kangana Ranaut has been talking about the ‘movie mafia’ and how she has been targeted by it. She recently alleged that Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray colluded with them and got her office in Mumbai demolished. She also said that a few years ago, the mafia tried to destroy her financially as well as her standing in society. She claimed that it got so bad that she wanted to shave her head and disappear at one point.

Earlier this month, Kangana warned the ‘movie mafia’ and said that their attempts to harm her will only backfire. “Movie Mafia today you might break my face n my house using your powerful friends, it will give you momentary happiness but if you are clever you will know my end is my beginning, you will end me here I will rise somewhere else … trust me it will hurt you even more,” she wrote on Twitter.

Kangana has also talked about a ‘drug racket’ in Bollywood and claimed that 99% of the people in the industry have been exposed to drugs. Several members of the film fraternity have condemned these remarks. Jaya Bachchan, in her speech in the Parliament, raised objection to the negative portrayal of the film industry and urged the government to discourage it.

Sometime back, the Producers Guild of India addressed the attempt to ‘defame and slander the film industry and its members’. “A picture has been painted of the industry as a terrible place for outsiders to aspire to; a place that treats those who dare to enter it with contempt and derision; a murky den of substance abuse and criminality. This narrative is salacious enough for the media to exploit to great effect in order to boost its ratings, readership and page views. But it is not the truth,” the guild said in an open letter.

source: http://www.poptimesuk.com / Pop Times / Home> Entertainment India / by Pop Times News Team / September 19th, 2020

Okkuta supports priests of Talacauvery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
A view of Talacauvery Kshetra in Madikeri.

Kodagu Gowda Samajagala Okkuta has decided to support fully the priests who perform puja at Talacauvery Kshetra.

The decision was taken during a meeting held in the presence of Gowda Federation Youth wing, said Okkuta president Somanna Soorthale.

Okkuta office-bearers said, “The unscientific works at Gajagiri Betta led to its caving in. A delegation will be taken to the state government shortly demanding action against those who were responsible for such activities. At a time when the death of the Talacauvery priest and family members is still fresh in our mind, a few have been trying to recreate the history of Talacauvery, which is condemnable move.”

A few are trying to disrupt peace in peace-loving district, Somanna alleged. Kodi and Ballada families have been discharging their duties at Talacauvery and Sri Bhagandeshwara Temples for several centuries.

“We condemn all the unscientific activities that are carried out within 10-km radius of the Kshetra and all those that affect the sanctity of the Kshetra. However, we can not accept those who have been trying to harass those who are carrying out business activities in Talacauvery. Goddess Cauvery is worshiped by all. It is sad that a few are trying to distort the history of Talacauvery kshetra,” he added.

It is good that Akhila Kodava Samaja is planning to conduct Shatarudrabhisheka at Talacauvery on September 21. It would have been good if all the communities were invited for the same.

The meeting also condoled the death of Chief Priest Narayana Achar and four others in landslide at Gajagiri Betta in the first week of August.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by DHNS/ September 20th, 2020

Kanubari in Arunachal Cultivates Coffee in Over 400 Hectares

Coffee News

Kanubari in Arunachal Pradesh so far known for its lush green tea gardens may soon be recognized for coffee.

With over more than 400 hectares of land and around 400 farmers, the coffee beans are now bearing a visibility.

Gabriel D. Wangsu, also chairman, APSCIT and e-Gov, said that coffee offers scope for economic growth and help maintain natural equilibrium.

Earlier, Joint Director of the Coffee Board of India, Dr CG Anand, who arrived here from Bangaluru to study the feasibility of coffee cultivation, said that Kanubari is suitable for robusta coffee and success stories of other parts of India can be replicated here.

source: http://www.northeasttoday.in / Northeast Today / Home> Northeast> Arunachal Pradesh / September 18th, 2020

Levista: Made in India, savoured globally

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Its distinct taste can be traced to the geographical speciality of its plantation in Coorg

Image Credit: Supplied / gulfnews.com

You experience the flavour of Levista, right from the beans to the coffee you drink. The beaming spirit of SLN Group is like a perfect cup of coffee — fulfilling, hearty, crisp, wholesome and so gratifying since 1956.

Levista’s distinct taste can be traced to the geographical speciality of its plantation, which is rooted in Coorg, the coffee capital of India. It is born from the rich expertise of a company that supplies coffee to leading Indian and global coffee companies, and is among the top ten coffee exporters of India. Millions of coffee drinkers wake up to Levista every morning. It is the coffee for coffee lovers, and across the world, people have placed their trust in the timeless flavour of its legacy.

Wafting across the world

Levista has definitive plans in place to spread its aroma across 10 countries, and has undertaken brand building associations with leading entities.

It also has Café Levista, located strategically across cities for discerning coffee lovers, to enjoy a wholesome experience with friends and loved ones. By 2025, 500 such outlets will be operational in India and overseas to deliver its rich taste and heritage. Levista pours the best quality brew made from handpicked beans, with offerings across instant, filter, and artisanal range of coffees.

An association befitting Kings

Recently, Levista has proudly associated with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as their official licensed coffee partner.

It’s a distinctive milestone for two big brands to come together during the Indian Premier League, as the action shifts to the UAE this season.

To make it truly memorable, there will be CSK combo packs which will be retailed as a limited edition, along with the team’s memorabilia.

It will indeed be an unbeatable mix for coffee and cricket fans, when the world is watching. The quality and flavour of Levista resonates with the vivacity and passion of CSK.

source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> Lifestyle> GN Focus Report / September 13th, 2020

Entri ropes in Robin Uthappa as its brand ambassador; partners with Hotstar for IPL campaigns

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

With this move, Entri expects to accelerate its user adoption across India and especially in the Hindi belt.

This is Entri’s first major campaign across India and marks the on-boarding of a local language ed-tech player on the Dream 11 IPL 2020.

Entri ropes in Robin Uthappa as its brand ambassador; partners with Hotstar for IPL campaigns

Local language learning app for jobs – Entri, has signed up former Indian and current Rajasthan Royals cricketer Robin Uthappa as its brand ambassador. It has also partnered with Hotstar to run ad campaigns in 5 different languages throughout the upcoming IPL 2020 season.

With this move, Entri expects to accelerate its user adoption across India and especially in the Hindi belt.

This is Entri’s first major campaign across India and marks the on-boarding of a local language ed-tech player on the Dream 11 IPL 2020.

“Robin was an easy choice because he was an early backer of Entri and also the fact that he could speak 4 different languages that Entri had courses in, helped make the decision. The user demography we are targeting are cricket crazy and we believe campaigns with Robin on Hotstar during the upcoming Dream 11 IPL season would help Entri grow faster across India,” Mohammed Hisamuddin, Founder & CEO – Entri.

The startup claims that it has doubled its revenue to $2.5 million ARR this quarter compared to the previous quarter. With Robin campaigns on Hotstar during the Dream 11 IPL, Entri aims to double the revenue again to reach the target of $5 million ARR by the end of this year.

The startup claims it has 3 million users out of which 90,000 are paid users and is now adding 10,000 users every day.​Entri is a learning app for jobs in India that provides different types of learning content (mock/adaptive tests, flashcards, video lessons) in local languages for job aspirants, that prepares them to get a government or private job.

source: http://www.cnbctv18.com / CNBCTV18 / Home> StartUp> Business / by Palak Agarwal / September 16th, 2020

From Pandi Curry to Kadambuttu, Kodagu introduces Coorg’s cuisine to Hyderabadis

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
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Thatte Idli

The emerging food trends in the city where cloud kitchens introduce newer micro cuisines has been a rather positive coincidence during the lockdown. Otherwise unexplored dishes from smaller regions with local produce have been making a foray into the City of Nizams. Take, for instance, the newly-opened outlet Kodagu. They are now delivering a select few no-nonsense delicacies all inspired by Kodava  cuisine from Coorg. It boasts of unique flavours with a distinct taste – simmered spices, slow-cooked meat paired with puttus (rice preparation).

Koli Curry

Founder Sateesh Polkam says he and his family fell in love with the dishes from this part of Karnataka once they visited in 2012. “While we started experimenting since then it took us eight long years and lots of courage to take the plunge,” he reminisces. The plan came to fruition when he got a break from my work due to the pandemic.  “At the moment, we are only delivering orders placed online. However, we have been getting a lot of encouragement and wouldn’t mind looking at a venue in the next one year,” he says.

In the mood for Kodava cuisine ?

Sateesh mentions that he and his team work on keeping the taste as authentic as possible. We do understand that the essentials of the Coorgi cuisine is very much intact and recognise the distinct flavours like that of pepper, ginger and garlic and the quintessential kachampuli (a reduction similar to balsamic vinegar). The cooking time for these dishes remains rather slow. They simmer in the spices as a result, the meat dishes are more flavourful and tender. Take their Pandi Curry (pork) for instance. That is easily the highlight of the menu. It is cooked-well and goes easily with the big thatte idlis – which as the word suggests in Kannada, would fill up your whole plate because of its sheer size. The flavourful curry with the melt-in-your-mouth idli makes for a good match without being overwhelming or spicy.

If you prefer chicken, opt for their Koli Curry. We love the succulent nature of the chicken, soaked in coconut-based masalas. The spices are subtle and never unnecessarily hot. You can also eat it with the Kadambuttu – Steamed Rice Dumplings, with coconut shreds. The hidden coconut bits add a slight sweetness that tempers the spices in the koli curry well. However, if you like pork, you must give Kodagu’s Pork Ribs a shot! It tears easy from the bone and is easily one of the top picks from their selection. 


Price for two – Rs 600.

source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / The New Indian Express – INDULGE EXPRESS / Home> Food / by Paulami Sen / September 15th, 2020

KSIIDC Lists Kushalnagar Airstrip As Priority One

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All

Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited also plans to develop a helipad

Kushalnagar:

The Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (KSIIDC), the nodal agency for the development of airstrips across Karnataka, has listed the proposed airstrip at Kushalnagar as a priority one. 

In its website, the KSIIDC has listed the 950-metre Kushalnagar airstrip as located adjacent to Sainik School with land availability of 49.5 acres. There is a proposal to develop the area as an airstrip and a helipad. An airstrip would have  basic minimum facilities like the airstrip, terminal with security post, fencing and security by local Police. 

The Government Order to develop Kushalnagar airstrip along with other airstrips at Chikkamagalur, Karwar, Raichur, Gadag, Bagalkot, Davanagere and Udupi was issued way back in 2018 after the Narendra Modi Government announced Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) or the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN) Scheme. Among them, airstrips at Chikkamagalur, Karwar and Kushalnagar are being taken up on priority.

Last December, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry had selected Kushalnagar airstrip under the fourth round of RCS-UDAN Scheme. The airstrip was listed under unserved airport category — any airport at which there have been no scheduled commercial flights. But there were no bidders last time as the Kushalnagar airstrip was in nascent stage. Now that the land has been identified, the Government is looking forward to private companies to develop the airstrip under Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model.  

Agri Minister unhappy

The land for the airstrip has been identified behind the Kodagu Sainik School at Koodige. Over 49.5 acres land owned by Agricultural Department at Doddathoor village till the border of Basavanathoor village has been identified for the airstrip and in June last year, a team of officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had visited the site and accepted the land proposal. 

But Karnataka Agriculture Minister B.C. Patil has not taken the land issue lightly as 49.5 acres is being taken from his Department. At a recent meeting of Agriculture Department in Madikeri, the issue was brought to his notice by some officials and the Minister categorically stated that the Department land would not be handed over to the airstrip. 

Justifying his move, Patil told the officers that the Department had 475 acres of flat land in Kushalnagar. A part of the land was later given to Sainik School which occupied over 66 acres. Likewise, over 15 Departments including Koodige Sports School, Dairy and Poultry Farms of Animal Husbandry Department and Horticulture Department have got lands. 

“If we go on giving lands to all, our Department would suffer as we too need land for our agriculture research and extension activities,” Patil reasoned, refusing to hand over the land to the airstrip. 

Ideal place for airstrip: MLA

Patil’s statement notwithstanding, Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan, who first proposed an airport to Kodagu when he was the Minister for Youth Services and Sports in 2012, told Star of Mysore that the land has been finalised and there is no question of changing it at this juncture. 

“A 50-acre flat land is not available anywhere in Kodagu that is a hilly terrain. This land is ideal and we will get it for sure. As there is a Sainik School next to the airstrip, there is a proposal to establish an Aviation Training Academy where this Academy can train flight aspirants from Kodagu, Mysuru and surrounding regions. This is an ideal place for the airstrip, helipad and the Aviation Training Academy,” he explained. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 12th, 2020

Six Girl Students March Into All-Boys Kodagu Sainik School

Education, Records, All

Kushalnagar:

The Sainik School at Koodige in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district has made a historic change in its admission procedure by admitting girl students for the first time since its establishment. The school has so far remained strictly all-boys institution.

Six girl students have secured admission to sixth standard after rigorous entrance and medical tests. They will be treated as boarders and will stay inside the campus once the academic year starts after the Centre relaxes COVID-19 unlock rules for educational institutions. 

Sainik schools were established in 1951 with the aim of reducing the regional and class gaps among officers in the Indian Military. Sainik School in Kodagu is the 22nd Sainik School in the country and the second in Karnataka. It was established on Oct. 18, 2007. There are 25 such schools in the country now. 

The Kodagu School comes under the purview of Karnataka State Government and Ministry of Defence and is administered by a Local Board of Administrators. Col. G. Kannan is the Principal of the School while Lt. Col. Seema Tripathi is the Vice-Principal. 

The school trains its students in overall development while providing quality education and creating a consciousness of national integration. For admission to Class 6, child should be between 10 and 12 years, and for admission to Class 9, child should be between 13 and 15 years.

Though Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had given a nod to allow girls to take admission in these schools from 2017 onwards, the process began in 2018 with Sainik School in Chhingchhip in Mizoram becoming the first school to admit girls. Later the process began in other schools.

The six girls who have secured admission for Kodagu Sainik School were selected from a group of 455 students who wrote the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE). In all, 8 students have secured admission and two will be day scholars. The remaining six will stay inside the school campus. They are Deepa Ullagaddi, G.N. Priyanka, Haripriya Suresh Savadi, Tripti Kumari, Vanishree and Sanjana. Avni Avasthi and Vaishnavi Yeddula will be day scholars. 

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Vice-Principal Lt. Col. Seema Tripathi said that 10 percent of class strength will be reserved for girls. Each class has 85 students. “It will be the first batch for us and we are all eager to receive and train them to be Army officers. Infrastructure like hostel rooms, indoors and game rooms have been created in the Administrative Block and staff like lady warden, lady nurse and one lady employee have been appointed,” she said. 

“We want to make the girls feel at home. At the same time we understand that they will need some extra attention, care and counselling. We are prepared for it. The school has sent a proposal to the Government for an exclusive dormitory/ hostel for girls as the strength will increase from next year,” Lt. Col. Seema Tripathi said. 

While the academic activities will be the same for boys and girls, there will be some relaxations to girls when it comes to physical activities. “At present, we are holding daily online classes for all students in the absence of regular classroom atmosphere. But a strict ‘no gadget day’ is observed on Sundays,” she added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 13th, 2020

Three New Bridges To Come Up On River Cauvery

Business & Economy, Records, All

Mysore/Mysuru:

Kodagu MP Pratap Simha this morning inspected the ongoing works of Mysuru-Bengaluru 10-lane Highway along with a team of officials. The 140-odd-km Highway is being upgraded to a 10-lane Highway and as an Economic Corridor. The 10 lanes includetwo service roads on either sides of the eight-lane main carriageway. 

The NHAI has taken up the core works at an estimated cost of Rs. 7,400 crore. The project is under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I approved by the Government of India. The MP told reporters that three new bridges will be built across River Cauvery. The road will have several bypass stretches and the main towns will not  be touched. 

One 7-kilometre bypass road will be constructed at Siddalingapura after Naguvinahalli between Paschimavahini and Naguvinahalli. This bypass road will not touch Srirangapatna and a new 300-metre long and 60-metre wide bridge will be constructed on River Cauvery at Ganjam and the bypass road will connect the existing Highway after K. Shettihalli. 

The MP also inspected the 93-km six-lane Mysuru-Madikeri Economic Corridor Expressway Project along the Mysuru-Madikeri NH-275. The 115 km-long Expressway is being built to connect Mysuru and Madikeri. Once completed, the Expressway will not touch Mysuru and will link the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway that is being expanded to 10-lane Highway. The NHAI has completed the boundary marking (stone fixing) exercise so far. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 11th, 2020