SAI funds to boost Ashwini Nachappa’s foundation in Kodagu

Education, Sports

Union Sports Ministry sanctions Rs. 5.50 crore for the Foundation

Bangalore :

Budding athletes in Kodagu and surrounding districts have all reasons to smile as Ashwini Nachappa’s Sports Foundation at Kaikeri near Gonikoppa in Kodagu district will be converted into a national training hub for athletics with the installation of an eight-lane synthetic athletic track.

The sports foundation arena will be installed with synthetic track worth Rs. 5.50 crore. The idea of installing synthetic track was mooted by former international athlete Ashwini Nachappa in 2010 for which the Union Sports Ministry gave an approval at the beginning of this year. The Sports Ministry has decided to sanction the facility under the National Sports Development Scheme and is expected to the benefit the budding and national level athletes.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) Netaji Subhas Southern Centre, has signed an 30-year agreement with Ashwini’s Sports Foundation for utilisation of Synthetic Athletic Track and allied infrastructure to be built in the coming days.

The Rs 5.50 crore agreement was signed by Roque Dias, Regional Director, SAI and Arjun Awardee Ashwini Nachappa who is Founder and Managing Trustee of the Foundation, according to the sources.

The new facility at Kodagu will enable Sports Authority of India to conduct National Camps and organise sports events. The ministry is expected to release first installment (25 percent of the total cost) along with the finalisation of tender for the installation of the synthetic track. Technical Committee comprising of officials, experts and Olympians will look into the works which are expected to commence in November this year.

The entire project will cost Rs. 9.90 crore. With the Union Government funding Rs. 5.50 crore, the foundation will have to raise Rs. 4.40 crore.The Foundation is already being helped by Biocon’s Kiran Mazumbdar Shaw, Mohandas Pai and the Embassy Group to run the existing the facility. The foundation has 28 trainees and athletes between age group of 12-19 years in which few of them have already made a mark at the State and National level.

With Government coming forward to the support such initiatives, it will definitely help in country producing quality athletes who could make our country proud at international level.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / July 22nd, 2014

Visitors flock to picturesque spots along the Cauvery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature
The Gaganachukki waterfalls in Mandya district is one among the tourist spots along the Cauvery that has been attracting visitors every day for the past two weeks / . Photo : Special Arrangement / The Hindu
The Gaganachukki waterfalls in Mandya district is one among the tourist spots along the Cauvery that has been attracting visitors every day for the past two weeks / . Photo : Special Arrangement / The Hindu

The outflow from the reservoir was at the rate of just 350 cusecs on July 8. However, it rose to 8,052 cusecs on July 15 as the Irrigation Department began discharging water to Tamil Nadu.

With the Irrigation Department releasing water from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS), tourism spots along the Cauvery have been witnessing a steady rise in the number of tourists for the past couple of weeks.

Catchment areas of the Cauvery in Kodagu district and areas upstream of the reservoir received good spells of rainfall in recent days and therefore, the inflow rate into the reservoir has increased significantly. The authorities have increased the outflow from the reservoir, owing to which, these tourism spots now look vibrant and picturesque.

Tourism spots
Visitors are flocking to KRS, Balamuri waterfalls, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatna, Paschima Vahini, Gende Hosahalli Bird Sanctuary, Mahadevapura, Muthathi, Bheemeshwari fishing camp, Shivanasamudra and Gaganachukki waterfalls in the district.

The outflow from the reservoir was at the rate of just 350 cusecs on July 8. However, it rose to 8,052 cusecs on July 15 as the Irrigation Department began discharging water to Tamil Nadu. It continuously increased till Sunday, when it was 11,475 cusecs at 6.30 a.m. The CNNL then reduced the outflow rate to 446 cusecs on Sunday night. It was, however, increased to 3,100 cusecs on Tuesday morning.

At least 20,000 tourists — domestic and foreign nationals — have been visiting these places every day for the past two weeks. Many of them come from Bangalore and other parts of south India to take in the beauty of nature, a senior officer of the Department of Tourism told The Hindu here on Tuesday.

He said that the number of people thronging these tourism spots was expected to increase in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Mandya police have deployed additional policemen at Muthathi, Gaganachukki and Balamuri, KRS and other places to prevent loss of life and property.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by M. T. Shiva Kumar / Mandya – July 23rd, 2014

‘Cauvery’ squad to help women in Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

To curtail rise in atrocities against women and to provide security to women, the Kodagu district police have constituted ‘Cauvery’ squad on the model of Hoysala.

Superintendent of Police M N Anucheth said that the ream will patrol in Madikeri, Virajpet and Kushalnagar. It will start its operation in Gonikoppa and Somwarpet shortly.

The team will patrol in a jeep and will have one ASI rank officer and police constables. The team will patrol near women’s colleges, schools, hostels and remand homes.

Woman constable in every station should visit children’s home during night patrol.

Women help desk has been opened in every police station.
A woman police will be deployed to women help desk started in every college and high school, for one hour. The names of the complainant in sexual atrocity cases will be kept in secret. Those who want to complaint can dial toll free number 1091 or 100.

11 sexual assaults

A total of 11 sexual assault cases have been reported in Kodagu district in the last six months. Twenty seven cases have been registered last year, said the SP.

Barring one case, in other cases accused has been arrested and produced to the court.

Eight sexual assaults have been committed on minors. Most of the cases, it is the relatives and neighbours who have committed the crime.

“Goonda Act can be invoked on the accused in sexual assault cases. There is no question of hushing up the case through dialogue.”

Any citizen can walk in to the police station to register a FIR. If any police station refuse to register FIR, then they can contact me directly at 9480804901.

CCTV cameras will be installed at Kushalnagar to maintain law and order.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, July 23rd, 2014

INTERVIEW: Chikkarangappa S: Winner, PGTI Kashmir Master

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

‘Hospitality of Kashmiris will drive me to visit this place again and again’

ChikkarangappaKODAGU24jul2014

Chikkarangappa S could well be mistaken for a literature student. He talks with a poised fluency that matches his play on a golf course. The Bangalorean isn’t bad either with what has turned to be his ultimate career option.

At 24, he has teed off himself to be one of the most sought after professional golfer in Indian circuit, having already pocketed three Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) titles. His latest triumph came at the scenic Royal Springs Golf Course Srinagar, ensconced in the lap of picturesque Zabarwan Hills. His PGTI-Kashmir Masters victory was all skill, stamina and steady progress that has seen Chikka-as he is fondly known among his contemporaries- surge ahead of the established golfers in Jyoti Randhawa and Rashid Khan. Such was Chikka’s dominance; he was at the top of the leaderboard three times in the four-day event.

Chikka caught up Kashmir Reader Sports Editor after his winning show to talk about his victory, overall scenario of the sport in the valley and how Kashmir treated him.

KR: First things first, it must be one of your most cherished victories? Piping the likes of Jyoti Randhawa and Rashid Khan isn’t all that easy?

Chikka: There is no doubt the PGTI-Kashmir Masters title is something I will cherish whole life. To win the event where your opponents are some great golfers of India is very special. I grew up watching Jyoti Randhawa and to win the tourney he was participating in will be something I remember my whole life.

What made the win sweeter was the way I held my own for all of four days. I didn’t let others to have better off me.

KR: Going into the tournament, did you expect dominating show like the one you exhibited during the course of four days?

Chikka: Honestly, winning the tournament wasn’t in my mind. I didn’t have encouraging stint at the Pahalgam tourney, but found some form in the later stages of the event.

I had set certain goals for myself. I wanted to hit under-4 at least, but as the tournament progressed, I got better and better and even shot under-seven.

KR: It is your second trip to the Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar, you must have noticed a huge improvement in the overall quality of the venue.

Chikka: I came here in 2012 as an amateur and did well at that time as well. The facilities were excellent then and now things have improved to another level.

The greenness of the grass here is excellent. The natural beauty brings calmness and freshness in the overall setup. And, temperature here is fantastic to play in.

KR: You have played in Delhi, Bangalore and other leading venues of India, it must be refreshing to play here with temperatures always under 35 Degree Celsius?

Chikka: Obviously, it is fantastic to play in this part of the world. The temperatures aren’t that energy sapping as we see in Delhi or other venues. Players remain fresh throughout the day and mental and physical tiredness is taken care of by the lovely breeze that goes across the Royal Springs all the time.

The very location of the venue is soothing to the eyes and natural arrangement of the things here is something that will make you visit this place again and again.

KR: Lot is read in the Delhi based media about the dicey situation of the Valley, how did Kashmir treat you?

Chikka: I didn’t find any problem in walking around here in Srinagar. I could walk here as I do in any state of India. People here are loveable and hospitality here is something that will drive me to visit this place again and again.

KR: You coming back to Kashmir to visit and compete again?

Chikka: Most definitely, yes. I am looking forward to visit this place again and compete at one of the most beautiful golf courses in Asia.

KR: Kashmir is yet to produce a top professional golfer, how would that trend change?

Chikka: I feel there are lots of amateurs in Kashmir. They need to play with the professional more and more. Talent is definitely there but needs a proper coaching and direction.

Young golfers should come to watch the professionals play to pick up their mind and skill level from them. I am sure things will be better in coming years.

source: http://www.kashmirreader.com / Kashmir Reader / Home> Sports / Thursday – July 24th, 2014

Undivided we Stand!

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

Udaka Mandala is Karnataka’s other place by the waters that became more famous as Ooty, or Ootacamund thanks to the Brits. Elsewhere, the denizens of John Bull’s Island changed Mumbai to Bombay and Beijing to Peking.

However, like the refreshing confluences of rivers, the close encounters of the cultural kind led to enriching mergers and acquisitions. A fine example is the Omkareshwara Temple at Madikeri, which is not far from the sacred confluence. King Lingarajendra built it in 1820 around a central pool using a mix of Islamic and Gothic styles.

The golden-domed shrine with its whitewashed walls and red borders is dedicated to Shiva in the form of a Linga brought from Benares. Both Lingarajendra and his predecessor Virarajendra are buried in a compound north of Madikeri.

Outwardly, these domed tombs with their short minarets look like Islamic monuments but they are richly embellished inside with Shaivite symbols and imagery. The syncretism that led to the creation of these memorials was definitely ahead of its times.

The revival of Indo-Saracenic style in Bombay, Madras, Calcutta and Delhi came later.

This required a spirit of amity and cultural convergence. This is best summed up in a quote from the Panchatantra engraved on the lintels of the Parliament building designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker some 20 years before Independence: “That one is mine and the other a stranger is the concept of little minds . But to the large-hearted , the world itself is their family.”

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> Collections> Bombay / by Vithal C. Nadkarni, ET Bureau / May 31st, 2013

Coffee waste may fuel your car now

Coffee News, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Scientists have created a new biofuel to get the cars running using ground coffee. The study by University of Bath found that different varieties of coffee, including Robusta and Arabica, have reasonably standard composition and relevant physical properties of fuel, suggesting that all coffee waste could be a “viable” way of producing biodiesel.

Chris Chuck, a research fellow at the university, said that around eight million tonnes of coffee are produced globally each year, and ground waste coffee contains up to 20% oil per unit weight. This oil also has similar properties to current feedstocks used to make biofuels. Spent coffee grounds are waste and there’s a real potential to produce a truly sustainable biofuel using these, he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Science / Agencies / June 18th, 2014

Soon, astronauts to enjoy freshly brewed coffee at ISS

Coffee News, World Opinion

The ISS will soon get an espresso machine, allowing astronauts to enjoy hot, freshly brewed coffee in space. A pair of Italian companies in cooperation with the Italian Space Agency have announced plans to send an espresso machine to the ISS by November, which they are calling the ISSpresso machine.

Lavazza has joined forces with Italian aerospace engineering company to design an espresso machine.

The new machine will use a capsule system instead of a full ground system and will be capable of making not just espresso, but several other hot beverages. The plastic tube that usually conveys hot water inside a normal espresso machine has been replaced by steel tube, making the unit capable of withstanding very high pressure. They also added multiple redundant systems to ensure continued service for many years to come. The liquid product made by the machine is dispensed into a plastic bag.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Science / PTI / June 18th, 2014

George promises all-woman police stations in 10 more districts

Business & Economy

Home Minister K.J. George said in Madikeri on Saturday that the State government was serious about curbing atrocities against women.

All-woman police stations will be established this year in 10 districts of the State, he said. Addressing a press conference, he said already 10 districts had all-woman police stations. While 10 new all-woman police stations would be established this year, 10 more will come up next year.

In addition to this, the State government had introduced 20 per cent reservation for women for recruitment to the Police Department, he said. The government plans to constitute a panel which will submit a report on how to curb atrocities against women, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysore – July 19th, 2014

Tata Coffee receives accolades at the Golden Peacock Awards 2014

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All, World Opinion

Tata Coffee Limited, India’s coffee producer and exporter of gourmet coffee, announced its win at the Golden Peacock Awards 2014, for excellence in ‘Environment Management’ in the ‘Beverages’ category. Golden Peacock Environment Management Award (GPEMA) is the coveted recognition that organisations across India strive to achieve for environment management.

The award was presented as part of the two-day ‘ 16th World Congress on Environment Management’ in New Delhi on July 11 and 12, 2014. Tata Coffee was declared the winner amidst a distinguished gathering of business leaders, jurists, academics, environmentalists, economists, legislators and policy makers. Present as Guest of Honour was Atul Chaturvedi (IAS), Chairman – Public Enterprises Selection Board.

Hameed Huq, Managing Director, Tata Coffee Limited said, “It is a proud moment for the company to be applauded on a national platform such as the Golden Peacock Awards 2014. Tata Coffee has consistently been committed to environment protection and we rely and coexist with nature at our coffee plantations. We promote eco-tourism and sustainability. We are constantly improving the quality of coffee through sustainable practices and agronomy solutions.”

Tata Coffee has been revered for excellence in ‘Environment Management’ based on its system by conservation of water and energy resources and effective utilisation of renewable energy resources. Tata Coffee is also known as a carbon-negative company as it upholds its biodiversity conservation practices.

Tata Coffee has 19 coffee estates in India which produce varieties of Arabica and Robusta coffees. The plantations adopt sustainable practices in irrigation, water management, and pest control. The plantations have set up bee hives to increase the dwindling bee population and bee activity, which, in turn, will serve the purpose of cross pollination, especially for the Robusta coffee.

Sustainable practices have their benefits, including important certifications: among these, the Utz Kapeh certification, which validates that coffees from the Tata Coffee plantations have not been exposed to harmful chemicals and processes, and the Rainforest Alliance certification, which validates the company’s sourcing and growing practices. Tata Coffee was also the first plantation company in the world to get SA 8000 certification, which recognises a company’s fair employment practices.

This year’s awards were declared by the Awards Jury under the Chairmanship of Justice P. N. Bhagwati, former Chief Justice of India and Co-Chairmanship of Justice and UN Human Rights Commission and co-chaired by Justice (Dr.) Arijit Pasayat, Chairman, Authority for Advance Ruling (Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax) and former Judge, Supreme Court of India & former Chairman, Competition Appellate Tribunal of India & Authority for Advance Ruling (Customs, Central Excise & Service Tax) and Lt Gen J S Ahluwalia, PVSM (retd), President, Institute of Directors.The award for the Environment Management System (EMS) is a powerful tool to evaluate oneself in an ecological sphere.

source: http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com / Hospitality Biz India.com / Home> F&B Overview> F&B / by HBI Staff, Mumbai / Wednesday – July 16th, 2014

Shirin in a horror film

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature

Actress Shirin will be seen next in a lead role in a horror film titled Dhigil, directed by Santosh Kodenkeri, an ad filmmaker who is making his feature film debut. Ashok of Pidichirukku fame plays the male lead.

ShirinKF18jul2014

Says Santhosh, “The entire film happens in one night. Shirin plays a TV script writer who is travelling from Chennai to Coorg. She stays in a home stay in Coorg for the night as she wants to surprise her boyfriend, played by Ashok, on his birthday the next morning.
The mysterious happenings that occur during her stay and her ordeal through the night form the plot.” He adds that though there will be a few supernatural ele ments, the film is basically a psychological thriller.

Interestingly, Santhosh is making the film in Kannada as well. “Since the subject is universal, I decided to make this as a bilingual. While Ashok reprises his role, Sayali Bhagat plays the female lead in the Kannada version,” he reveals.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Tamil> Movies / M. Suganth, TNN / July 15th, 2014