Mysore :
Former international shuttle badminton player Pullera G. Chengappa (67), a resident of Mysore, passed away in Bangalore this morning after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Vanitha and a son.
Last rites will be held at his native village Kedakal in Suntikoppa, Kodagu, later this evening, according to family sources.
source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 29th, 2014
Bangalore:
The fifth edition of the India International Coffee Festival (IICF 2014) is back in Bangalore after a hiatus of four years, after making its mark felt in New Delhi, a non-traditional coffee market in 2012.
Organised by the India Coffee Trust with the support of the Coffee Board of India, the theme of this biennial conference “The changing face of coffee” will be held at The Lalit Ashok from January 21-25 is reflective of the increasing popularity of the retail coffee culture spreading across the country.
Visitors to IICF 2014 will be treated to an exposition of the latest technologies and products by 60 leading coffee companies both national and international, including instant coffee makers of India, café chains and leading product/farm equipment companies.
“Per capita (per person, per annum) coffee consumption in India is just 90 gm compared to 4-5 kg in developed markets like the US and Europe, and is the highest, at 12 kg in Finland. While the coffee industry in India is doing very well with exports going up by 33 per cent in the last quarter of 2013 compared to the previous year, we are also focused on promoting coffee consumption within the country, which is currently at 1.2 lakh tonnes per annum. I hope the IICF attracts more investments in the Indian Coffee Industry,” said Jawaid Akhtar, Chairman Coffee Board of India.
Forty-one global experts from the industry, including Roberio Oliveira Silva, former Director, International Coffee Organisation, Deverl Maserang, Ex-Vice President, Starbucks, Prof Jaakko Tuomilehto, University of Helsinki, and some 900 delegates are expected to attend.
The five-day event will host workshops on the first two days on themes like brewing coffee by espresso method, advanced roasting skills, brewing filter coffee etc. Conference sessions on marketing and production trends, a workshop on coffee entrepreneurship, coffee awards to recognise best exporters, roasters, curers, best coffees and best Baristas will also be presented. For the first time, a national Coffee Quiz, which attracted over one lakh participants from across the country, will have the six finalists competing for the award.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC / January 21st, 2014
It was their first international exposure, for the three differently-abled persons from Kodagu, but they brought laurels to the country at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games held at New Castle, Australia, last month in which 29 countries participated.
M.P. Mandanna, a 27-year-old, won gold medal in 100 mt, bronze in 200 mt and silver in 4 X 400 mt relay, while 16-year-old C.R. Gowtham won silver in singles and bronze in doubles in Bocce. H.M. Arun, a 20 year-old, was placed 4th in singles and 6th in doubles in Bocce.
The trio from Swastha, a rehabilitation centre for differently abled children located in Suntikoppa in Kodagu district, were part of the Indian contingent of 381 athletes that returned with a rich haul of 387 medals, including 111 gold medals and 136 silver medals.
In all, 20 athletes and nine coaches through Special Olympics Bharat Karnataka represented the State, bagging nine gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals.
“It was a nice experience and a great pleasure to participate in the games,” Mr. Mandanna told presspersons here on Friday.
“I want to improve on my performance,” he added. Mr. Arun and Mr. Gowtham too concurred with Mr. Mandanna on their experience.
According to Biju Thayathvalapil, a special educator at Swastha, Asia Pacific games was the first international exposure for the three, who had earlier participated in the national games.
They have already started training for the World Special Olympics scheduled to be held in Los Angeles, US in 2015, Mr. Biju said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Special Correspondent / Bangalore – January 20th, 2014
Once branded as a limited-overs specialist, Robin Uthappa, nick-named the ‘Walking Assassin’, for that gumptious stroll down the pitch, has changed tracks, picking solid instead of swashbuckling. He now flaunts a controlled approach, improved technique, tailor-made for the longer version of the game.
Uthappa, who after missing six of the nine Ranji Trophy matches this season due to a ruptured hamstring tendon, cracked a crucial 100 in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinal win over Uttar Pradesh last week.
His four-hour stand and a century-run partnership with Karun Nair propelled Karnataka from a humiliating 15 for three to a position of dominance.
After scoring oodles of runs including a triple hundred in the Shafi Darashah, he struck a century for India ‘A’ against New Zealand ‘A’ in Vizag in September last year.
Uthappa then battled crippling cramps to score 86 against Vidharbha in his first Ranji Trophy match of the season. He followed that up with a 33, batting for two hours, against Orissa.
The 29-year-old took tough decisions, changing his attitude and lifestyle in a bid to give fresh life to his career. The Kodava moved out of his parents’ home – father Venu Uthappa, a hockey referee, and mother Roselyn – to live on his own and focus on his game. He also hired a personal coach Praveen Amre, a former India Test cricketer, to help him tighten his technique.
“I isolated myself from the people I knew, I worked on my fitness and lost 20 kilos. With Amre I went through an unlearning and learning process, to me, that is quite an achievement,” Uthappa said.
The 28-year-old Air India employee made Mumbai his training base. He has even rented out a flat in the suburbs to aide his training regimen.
He pays Rs 15,000-a day to train at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s indoor academy in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
His stroll to stardom was however full of hurdles. As a kid, Uthappa had to overcome epilepsy, the medications for which made him overweight. Despite the baggage he was a prolific scorer at the inter-school level, playing for St Joseph’s Boys High School.
Uthappa made a memorable ODI debut with a stroke-full 86 against England in Indore. The following year, he played a stellar role in India’s World T20 triumph, becoming India’s first half-centurion in T20 when he made 39-ball 50 against Pakistan at Durban.
Thereafter, the Bangalorean, the forgotten man of Indian cricket, continued to state his case in the shorter versions of the game. He was then bought for a whopping $2.1 million by the now-defunct IPL team Pune Warriors. His last international appearance was in the rain-affected T20 game in South Africa in March 2012.
The stylish Bangalorean is looking to return to the national team. “I believe I’m close to getting a national call-up,” said Uthappa, who has also started a food and garments business, “I think everyone has seen the change in me, attitude and approach.”
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> Interviews> Air India / by Sunil Subbaiah, TNN / January 20th, 2014
India is known to be one of the top coffee bean producing country and it is exported to Italy, Russia and Germany. With the prices for arabica bean falling, Indian indigenous arabica coffee which constitute 1/3 of the total coffee production face stiff competition.
India is known to be one of the top coffee bean producing country and exports to Italy, Russia and Germany. With the prices for Arabica bean falling, Indian indigenous arabica coffee which constitute 1/3 of the total coffee production face stiff competition in terms of revenues.
One way to beat this would be taking popularity of Indian beans to an international platform and the Indian Coffee board plans to exactly achieve this by announcing a coffee festival in Bangalore.
One can expect an array of events to promote the coffee bean. From the basic strong scented ‘Kaapi’ to the extravagant Cappuchino, India will promote its diverse beverage at the platform.
This will be held between 21st to 25th January and around 12,000 visitors are expected to participate in the event.
“Indian coffee, grown under tree shade, is very popular in the international markets,” said Jawaid Akhtar, chairman of the government-run Coffee Board of India as quoted in a BBC report.
In 2013, India’s coffee exports rose marginally by nearly 3% to 3.14 lakh tonnes in 2013 on the back of sharp jump in re-export of instant coffee, despite sluggish global prices, according to the Coffee Board report presented to the media.
The country had exported 3.05 lakh tonnes of coffee in the previous calender year and this opportunity will help India improve its standing in the global market.
The oldest coffee chain in India is Cafe Coffee day while the latest entrant is Starbucks-Tata alliance and Indian coffee-mongers are definitely lapping up the options and variety.
What to expect at the event:
The event will focus on issues of health aspects of coffee and innovative and alternate channels of coffee delivery to consumers.
There will be workshops on processing, brewing, roasting, espresso making, cooking with coffee, art on silk and coffee entrepreneurship.
A trip to Coorg, called ‘Coffee Trail to Coorg,’ will be conducted at the end of the festival as per the Coffee board website.
The first three editions of the festival were held in Bangalore, the traditional coffee capital of the country, whereas the fourth edition was organised in Delhi.
So, book your entries and head to Bangalore for some hot cup of coffee.
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Money / by Vishal Manve / Sunday – January 19th, 2014
Bangalore :
Kodagu district qualifies to be an eco-sensitive zone with its picturesque landscapes, coffee plantations, and more importantly as it is the principal catchment of Cauvery river, said members of Coorg Wildlife Society here on Thurdsay. The catchment area provides almost 50% of the total water flow into the river.
“It’s in national interest that the district gets the tag,” the members said. Its environment and ecology are under serious threat due to development projects for Kerala, urbanization and invasive tourism.
Tourism is flourishing in Kodagu but the need of the hour is a set of strong regulations, officials pointed out. “Tourist resorts are mushrooming here without proper clearances. They occupy pristine landscapes and consume massive amounts of water. There should be a cap on further licences for resorts until there is a proper evaluation on the carrying capacity for tourism in the district,” said Col C P Muthanna, president, Coorg Wildlife Society.
Land conversion and urbanization are other major threats to Kodagu. Plantations and agricultural lands are increasingly being converted for commercial purposes, affecting the landscape. “Kodagu is one lung space which is increasingly being clouded,” said Suresh Heblikar of Eco Watch, Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development. “Do not overexploit Kodagu in the name of development,” said Heblikar, urging the government to take care of all aspects while thinking of economic development of the region.
Main demands
* A stretch of 55 km through Kodagu has been earmarked for Mysore-Kozhikode power line. At least 2000 trees have been felled along the 5-km stretch of reserve forests. There is another 50-km stretch, of which 30km is coffee plantations, which has to be cleared for this power line. That calls for cutting of 50,000 more trees. This area, close to Nagarahole National Park, could now more instances of man-animal (elephant) conflict. Significantly, this area of South Kodagu is also the catchment of Lakshmantheerta river which is the primary water source for Mysore and an important tributary of the Cauvery. Ongoing work for this power line needs to be suspended with immediate effect.
* There are plans to connect Mattanur airport to Mysore and Bangalore through Kodagu with a four-lane highway, which again will involve massive tree-felling operations.
*A rail link between Kushalnagar and Kerala is being planned through Kodagu, for which funds have been sanctioned. The line may be extended once work is over on the announced stretch, which will destroy the landscape and affect indigenous communities of Kodagu.
* MoUs signed during the Global Investors Meet in 2012 needs to be reviewed and permission granted only to the projects which will benefit Kodagu without damaging its ecology.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Power Line / TNN / January 17th, 2014
Govt. urged to expedite construction of War Memorial in city
Mysore :
Kodava Samaja, Mysore, had organised a function to celebrate the 115th Birth Anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa at the Circle named after him here this morning.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) C.K. Karumbaya, SM, paid glowing tributes to the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and urged the Government of Karnataka to expedite the construction of the War Memorial near the DC office in city. Capt. Sharma urged to include the life story of the Field Marshal in the school curriculum.
Earlier, the gathering offered floral tributes to the portrait of the Field Marshal.
Samaja President M.M. Karumbaiah welcomed. Samaja Hon. Secretary K.M. Belliappa, former Presidents of the Samaja Dr. A.A. Kuttappa, K.A. Kariappa and P.S. Ganapathy, Chairman of Cauvery Educational Institutions Prof. K.C. Belliappa, Sri Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha Hon. Secretary P. Lovely Appaiah, Kavya Kuttappa, office-bearers and members of the Samaja and also of the Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club were present at the programme along with some public. On the occasion, sweets were distributed.
It may be recalled, VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust, Mysore, headed by M.N. Subramani as its President, was the first Ex-Servicemen NGO to propose a War Memorial in city way back in the year 2000 and the same was accepted by the district administration which earmarked a plot in front of ncc Gp hqs behind dc office. The NGO, which pursued the matter till 2007, had also suggested installing a statue of the Field Marshal at the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 28th, 2014
Bangalore :
Kodagu district qualifies to be an eco-sensitive zone with its picturesque landscapes, coffee plantations, and more importantly as it is the principal catchment of Cauvery river, said members of Coorg Wildlife Society here on Thurdsay. The catchment area provides almost 50% of the total water flow into the river.
“It’s in national interest that the district gets the tag,” the members said. Its environment and ecology are under serious threat due to development projects for Kerala, urbanization and invasive tourism.
Tourism is flourishing in Kodagu but the need of the hour is a set of strong regulations, officials pointed out. “Tourist resorts are mushrooming here without proper clearances. They occupy pristine landscapes and consume massive amounts of water. There should be a cap on further licences for resorts until there is a proper evaluation on the carrying capacity for tourism in the district,” said Col C P Muthanna, president, Coorg Wildlife Society.
Land conversion and urbanization are other major threats to Kodagu. Plantations and agricultural lands are increasingly being converted for commercial purposes, affecting the landscape. “Kodagu is one lung space which is increasingly being clouded,” said Suresh Heblikar of Eco Watch, Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development. “Do not overexploit Kodagu in the name of development,” said Heblikar, urging the government to take care of all aspects while thinking of economic development of the region.
Main demands
* A stretch of 55 km through Kodagu has been earmarked for Mysore-Kozhikode power line. At least 2000 trees have been felled along the 5-km stretch of reserve forests. There is another 50-km stretch, of which 30km is coffee plantations, which has to be cleared for this power line. That calls for cutting of 50,000 more trees. This area, close to Nagarahole National Park, could now more instances of man-animal (elephant) conflict. Significantly, this area of South Kodagu is also the catchment of Lakshmantheerta river which is the primary water source for Mysore and an important tributary of the Cauvery. Ongoing work for this power line needs to be suspended with immediate effect.
* There are plans to connect Mattanur airport to Mysore and Bangalore through Kodagu with a four-lane highway, which again will involve massive tree-felling operations.
*A rail link between Kushalnagar and Kerala is being planned through Kodagu, for which funds have been sanctioned. The line may be extended once work is over on the announced stretch, which will destroy the landscape and affect indigenous communities of Kodagu.
* MoUs signed during the Global Investors Meet in 2012 needs to be reviewed and permission granted only to the projects which will benefit Kodagu without damaging its ecology.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Power Line / TNN / January 17th, 2014
Madikeri :
Home Minister K.J. George, who is also In-Charge of Kodagu district, said that he would discuss with the district administration about continuing the provision of possessing guns without licenses, as per the exemption provided under the Indian Arms Act, exclusively for Kodavas by race and Jamma land holders of the district.
He was speaking to press persons after landing at the helipad in Mercara Towns Golf Course here on Saturday.
Referring to a question on the delay in issuing exemption certificate (EC) to the eligible persons in Kodagu, George said the earlier practice would be continued and that the State government had not given any instructions to the district administration in this regard. He also assured to discuss the issue with the officials concerned.
When pointed out that the incidents of crime in the borders of Kodagu were on the rise, mostly involving criminal elements from the neighbouring Kerala State, the Minister said that the State government will deal sternly with persons indulging in anti-social activities and vitiating peace in society.
“Not only Kodagu but the entire State faced shortage of Police personnel,” said the Minister and added that in order to fill up the vacancies, the process for appointing 8,500 Police personnel and 500 Sub-Inspectors had commenced.
Regarding the Opposition parties’ allegations that the law and order situation in the State has deteriorated (following the incident of the attempt to murder Kodagu BJP President Suja Kushalappa), Home Minister George said that those who are making such allegations have been given a befitting reply during the last Assembly elections. He claimed that the law and order situation in State is normal and there is no need for anxiety.
In reply to another query, George said his political career started from Kodagu and he was pleased to serve the district as the in-charge Minister.
District Congress President B.T. Pradeep, spokesperson B.S. Thammaiah, former Minister M.M. Nanaiah and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 27th, 2014
Madikeri :
An eye-catching flower show has been organised from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Yousuf Ali Khan memorial flower garden at the premises of Balyatri Coffee Estate near Boikeri on Madikeri-Suntikoppa Road in Kodagu.
The estate belongs to former Rajya Sabha member F.M. Khan. Briefing the press on the annual flower show, Khan said that “over 90 varieties of flowers and fruits have been grown in the garden which is the only private flower garden in the country. The garden took shape about 50 years ago and for the last 15 years the flower show is being organised annually for the public. The garden houses Philia, Lorsper, Khel, kelen chus, cactus, dahlia, daisy, roses, pinks, kupia and other exotic varieties including bonsais.
He said that horticulture was bifurcated from agriculture when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister to boost the growth of horticulture which has not happened to the desired level yet. Continuing, he opined that Congress needed young leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka.
However he felt that Rahul should address more public rallies instead of closed-door meetings to reach the masses.
source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 25th, 2014
