Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy brings libraries to houses and communities
The academy has begun setting up personalised libraries for individuals and organisations interested in creating reading spaces, with each library consisting of a bookshelf and a curated collection of books based on the preferences of the recipient.
The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has begun setting up personalised libraries for individuals and organisations interested in creating reading spaces. | Photo Credit: special arrangement
As reading habits continue to decline in the digital age, the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has launched a unique initiative aimed at reviving library culture by bringing books directly into houses, offices, and community spaces across Karnataka.
The academy has begun setting up personalised libraries for individuals and organisations interested in creating reading spaces, with each library consisting of a bookshelf and a curated collection of books based on the preferences of the recipient.
Speaking about the initiative with The Hindu, academy president Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah said that the programme was started with the intention of encouraging people to reconnect with books at a time when libraries and reading habits are slowly fading.
“Today, many youngsters spend more time on mobile phones and social media, while the culture of reading books is gradually disappearing. By setting up libraries in houses, offices, and community spaces, we want to create an environment where books become a part of daily life again. Even a small bookshelf can inspire curiosity, discussions, and the habit of reading among children and adults alike,” Mr. Nachaiah said.
Multilingual library initiative
Under the initiative which started this February 7, the academy collects a charge of ₹10,000, which is utilised for purchasing books and providing a bookshelf to the applicant. Along with books brought out by the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, additional books are selected according to the interests and language preferences of the individual or organisation.
Mr. Nachaiah said that the initiative was not limited to Kodava literature alone. “Though this programme is being implemented by the Kodava Sahitya Academy, we do not provide only Kodava books. We provide books in Kannada, English, Kodava, and other languages depending on what people prefer. We also collect books through donations and purchase additional titles so that every library becomes unique and useful to the people using it,” he said.
So far, the academy has established libraries in nine locations, including residences, community spaces like Kodava Samajas, offices, and associations in the district. One such library has also been set up at the residence of Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna. The initiative has also expanded beyond Kodagu, with a library already established in Mysuru Kodava Samaja.
Villages, ancestral homes
Among those who benefited from the initiative is Kukera Jaya Chinappa, a resident of Arekadu village in Madikeri taluk.
“I was impressed by the concept when I heard about it. People in our village regularly gather at the association building in the evenings, and now, because of this initiative, we have a proper library there. The collection includes Kodava, Kannada and English books, and many villagers have started reading during their free time,” he told The Hindu.
Similarly, Palandira Jaga Joyappa, a resident of Balamberi village, said the initiative helped preserve the literary legacy of his ancestral home. “Our grandparents were avid readers and were into the literary field and had a large collection of books. Over the years, many books were lost or scattered because we did not know how to maintain them properly. After learning about this initiative, the academy helped us organise the books and establish a proper library in our ancestral house,” he told The Hindu.
“With increasing interest from individuals and organisations, the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy hopes to expand the initiative further across the State in the coming months. Already many people are reaching out to us to have their own libraries,” Mr. Nachaiah added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B.P / May10th, 2026
Kodagu tourist assault case: Homestays, bed-and-breakfast properties to be brought under GPS and police monitoring
A file photo of Chikkamagaluru police visiting a resort in the district to check if the owner have implemented measures to ensure the safety of tourists. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
As part of the new measures, every staff member working at these properties, including permanent and contract employees, will have to undergo background verification at the local police station.
Following the sexual assault on a U.S. tourist at a Kodagu homestay, the government of Karnataka has made police verification of staff mandatory for all homestays and bed-and-breakfast properties. Travellers, as per a recent circular, will be able to check whether a property is registered with local authorities before checking in.
Moreover, for police monitoring, all registered properties will be linked to the Karnataka Police Smart E-Beat system, to allow beat constables to make regular visits, verify guest records and log their inspections through GPS-based tracking. District administrations have been told to form joint inspection teams with police and tourism officials to carry out surprise checks and identify unregistered properties operating illegally.
The government of Karnataka is planning to strengthen emergency response by linking registered properties directly to the 112 system to allow distress calls from these locations to be treated as priority tourist emergencies for quicker police response, officials told The Hindu.
The rules were updated following a recent incident where the victim had alleged that her drinks were laced with intoxicants by a homestay staff member who assaulted her. She had accused the homestay owner of attempting to suppress the incident and failing to help her in approaching the police.
Background verification
As part of the new measures, every staff member working at these properties, including permanent and contract employees, will have to undergo background verification at the local police station. Property owners must keep these records ready, either physically or digitally, for inspection by police or tourism officials.
Report by May 15
All Deputy Commissioners, tourism officials, Police and Women and Child Development departments have been directed to co-ordinate and implement the new rules, and submit a compliance report to the Tourism Department by May 15.
For properties hosting foreign tourists, owners and managers will be trained to correctly record and report guest details through the police-prescribed system, with random checks to ensure compliance.
Tourists can verify antecedents of accommodation
As per a senior official, the Tourism Department will publish and regularly update an online list of all registered homestays and bed-and-breakfast properties in Karnataka for tourists to check. Travel agents, tour operators and online booking platforms have been told to work only with registered properties, while non-compliant properties could be removed from listings until they meet the rules. These properties will have to display their registration certificates and licences at the entrance or reception so guests can easily check if the property is authorised to operate, according to a recent circular.
Emergency contact details, including 112, the national tourist helpline (1800111363 or on a short code 1363), women’s helpline and child helpline numbers, along with details of the nearest hospital and local authorities, must be displayed at all properties. Hospitality staff will undergo training on gender sensitisation, the POSH Act, 2013 and the POCSO Act, 2012. Properties will have to display QR codes for the Karnataka State Police SOS mobile app, Tourism Department stated.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Rishita Khanna / May11th, 2026
Miscreants vandalise coffee estate in Kodagu
Over 2,000 coffee plants, 250 pepper vines cut down at Kalakooru village
Madikeri:
In a shocking incident of large-scale vandalism, unidentified miscreants entered a coffee plantation at Kalakooru village near Birunani in Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district and destroyed more than 2,000 coffee plants and 250 pepper vines, causing losses estimated to run into several lakhs of rupees.
The plantation belongs to Kuppanamada Gautham, who had carefully developed the four-acre estate over the years with seven-year-old coffee plants and pepper vines. The estate was equipped with modern surveillance measures, including CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations.
The incident took place while Gautam and his family were away in Mysuru to attend a wedding ceremony. Taking advantage of their absence, miscreants trespassed into the plantation and carried out widespread destruction.
In addition to cutting down the crops, the perpetrators disconnected and took away the CCTV cameras in an attempt to erase evidence.
The destruction was extensive, with coffee plants and pepper vines cut at ground level, leaving no scope for regrowth. Gautham now faces the difficult and expensive task of re-establishing the plantation from scratch.
Villagers described the act as deliberate and well-planned. They pointed out that the scale of destruction indicated the involvement of at least eight to ten persons.
The incident triggered outrage among villagers and members of the local farming community, who strongly condemned the destruction of crops and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Hudikeri Revenue Inspector Santhosh visited the spot and inspected the damaged estate. Srimangala Police Station Inspector A.S. Ravindra, along with his team, also visited the plantation. Police deployed a dog squad to gather clues.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 08th, 2026
Institute of Dental Implants Offers Advanced Education Program May 15-16
Dr. Aeklavya Panjali conducting hands-on courses throughout the year in Cicero, New York.
The New York Implant Institute has provided excellence in dental implant education since 2007 at its dental implant institute in Cicero, NY, and the next course will take place May 15 to May 16 with limited seats available.
Aeklavya Panjali, DDS, MS, FAGD, DICOI, who is an international speaker on dental implants, teaches the courses. He is certified in IV sedation dentistry, invisalign, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Prof. Dr. Al Panjali earned his DDS at NYU College of Dentistry and went on to complete a Master’s in Oral Implantology at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany—one of Europe’s leading implantology programs. He holds Diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)—a credential held by fewer than 3,000 dentists worldwide. He serves as a Clinical Professor at the Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences and has lectured on 4 continents.
The New York Implant Institute offer hands-on implant training through its dental implant CE courses and live surgery courses that stay with you for life. Join these seminars and take the next step in advancing your skills with implant courses for dentists.
The May 15-16 course is a Level 3 two-day hands-on course worth 16 CE credits, titled “Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF), With GBR (Guided Bone Regeneration) and Ridge Augmentation.” This is an advanced course for implant site development with autologous growth factors.
Other courses later this year include:
• LEVEL 4 – Live Patient Surgical Course – 5‑Day Intensive Program Overview
July 1–6, 2026 – 2 seats available
August 9–14, 2026 – Weekday – (Monday–Friday) November 4–9, 2026
• LEVEL 5 – IMPLANT PROSTHODONTICS
• LEVEL 6 ALL ON “X” – The Workflow with Hands on Clinical Sessions. June 12 – 13, 2026
• LEVEL 7 – LIVE SURGERY FOR ALL ON “X” WITH SAME DAY CONVERSION
August 28 – 29, 2026
DIGITAL WORKFLOW FOR FULL ARCH WITH NEODENT – A HANDS ON COURSE
October 10 – 17th, 2026
For more information call (201) 381-7990 or visit nyimplantinstitute.com
source: http://www.dentistrytoday.com / Dentistry Today / Home> Dentistry Today > Industry News / Todays Dental News / May 06th, 2026
Coffee Exports Jump 26.6% YoY To 1.74 Lakh Tonnes In Early 2026: Coffee Board
Coffee Exports Jump 26.6% YoY To 1.74 Lakh Tonnes In Early 2026: Coffee Board
New Delhi, (KNN) :
India’s coffee exports increased 26.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 1.74 lakh tonnes during January–April 2026, led by strong growth in robusta and instant coffee shipments, according to data from the Coffee Board of India.
Exports stood at 1.37 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period last year. India exports a mix of arabica, robusta and instant coffee.
Export Value and Realisations Improve
In value terms, coffee exports rose to Rs 936.57 crore from Rs 757.07 crore a year earlier. Unit value realisation also edged up to Rs 4,94,766 per tonne, compared with Rs 4,75,023 per tonne in the same period last year, PTI reported, citing the coffee board data.
Robusta Leads, Arabica Declines
Robusta exports recorded a sharp 36 per cent rise to 85,168 tonnes, up from 62,736 tonnes a year ago. Instant coffee shipments also increased to 20,332 tonnes from 17,504 tonnes, while re-exports of instant coffee rose to 38,169 tonnes from 30,274 tonnes.
In contrast, arabica exports declined significantly by 58 per cent to 30,589 tonnes, compared with 72,479 tonnes in the year-ago period.
Sector Shows Signs of Structural Shift
Industry experts said India’s coffee sector is gaining momentum in 2026, with its role in the global market gradually evolving beyond its traditional position as a robusta-focused exporter.
Rising export values, higher imports for processing, and steady domestic consumption indicate a sector at a potential turning point.
Record Output Expected
The Coffee Board has projected record production of 4,03,000 tonnes for the 2025–26 crop year (October–September), with output expected to grow across key producing states such as Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Arabica production is estimated at around 1,18,000 tonnes, while robusta output is expected to exceed 2,84,000 tonnes, supported by improved yields and favourable moisture conditions.
Climate Risks Persist
Despite the positive outlook, experts cautioned that weather volatility and climate-related risks remain key challenges for the sector going forward.
(KNN Bureau)
source: http://www.knnindia.co.in / KNN, Knowledge & News Network / Home> Sector> Export-Import / by KNN Bureau / May 05th, 2026
A Culinary Journey to Coorg Arrives at Madras Kitchen Company, The Westin Chennai Velachery
The aroma of freshly crushed black pepper, the earthy warmth of slow-cooked curries, and the comforting simplicity of traditional home recipes – this March, Madras Kitchen Company invites Chennai to step into the rustic kitchens of Coorg with “The Kodava Kitchen.”
Hosted at The Westin Chennai Velachery, this limited-period culinary celebration from 20th to 29th March, available for lunch and dinner, brings the bold and soulful flavours of Kodava cuisine to the city. Known for its generous use of spices, aromatic herbs, and the iconic tang of kachampuli (Coorg’s signature vinegar), Kodava cooking is a heartfelt tribute to the land, its forests, and its people.
Curated as an A la carte experience, the menu showcases time-honoured recipes passed down through generations—each dish reflecting the robust character of Coorg’s hill kitchens. Guests can begin their journey with appetisers such as Anjal Fish Fry, a coconut-tawa fried coastal delicacy, the rich and peppery Chillkana Pandi (slow roasted pork with crushed black pepper), or the flavourful Kodavu Yerachi Fry, a dry mutton preparation infused with poppy seeds, cinnamon and green chillies.
Vegetarian diners can savour traditional bites like Baimbale Barthadh, a spiced tender bamboo shoot fry, Soppu Vadai, crisp spinach and lentil dumplings, and Akki Rave Baje, a comforting semolina fritter delicately flavoured with cumin and green chillies.
The experience continues with hearty mains that truly capture the spirit of Kodava cooking. Signature dishes include Pandi Curry with Kadambattu, the iconic Coorg pork curry served with steamed rice balls, Coorg Yerachi Curry with Nool Puttu, a robust lamb curry paired with delicate string hoppers, and Koli Chekke Kari with Akki Otti, chicken cooked with raw jackfruit in a fragrant coconut and tamarind gravy. Vegetarian favourites such as Tarkari Gassi with Ney Kool (Ghee Rice) and Kumbla Curry with Akki Otti, a comforting pumpkin and coconut curry, celebrate the region’s produce and spices.
No culinary journey is complete without a sweet finale. Guests can indulge in the indulgent Oreo & Coorg Coffee Baked Cheesecake or savour the rustic charm of Jackfruit Steamed Puttu, a traditional dessert that perfectly captures the flavours of the hills.
Date: 1st-10th May 2026
Time: Lunch and Dinner
Price: A la Carte
Venue: Madras Kitchen Company, The Westin Chennai Velachery
For Reservations: 8939892001
With its warm ambience and thoughtfully curated menu, The Kodava Kitchen promises not just a meal but a journey—one that transports diners from Chennai’s bustling cityscape to the misty hills and homestyle kitchens of Coorg.
source: http://www.chennaipatrika.com / Chennai Patrika /Home / by Press Release / May 04th, 2026
Minister directs officials to expedite roadworks in Kodagu
N.S. Boseraju | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
With the possibility of monsoon rains commencing in the first week of June, Minister in charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju has issued directions to officials to expedite and complete the ongoing roadworks at the earliest.
Chairing the district-level Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) progress review meeting in Madikeri on Tuesday, Mr. Boseraju instructed the officials to take up necessary pothole filling up works across Kodagu district at the earliest.
While directing the officials to ensure the public do not face inconvenience during the rainy season, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the poor pace of roadwork. Though the government has allocated hundreds of crores of rupees for road maintenance across the State, the delays by engineers were tarnishing the government’s image, he rued.
His observations came amid demands by other people’s representatives including Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda, who sought for not only swift completion of the roadworks in the constituency, but also ensure good quality work.
He also sought early construction of the Aigoor bridge, repair of Galibeedu road and the maintenance of roads in Mutlu, Hammiyala, Devasthuru, Hanchinadu, and other areas.
Vice-chairman of Sports Authority of Karnataka (SAK) Arun Machaiah too pointed out that many roadworks, including Karike Road, were still pending and sought that the works be taken up urgently.
Kodagu District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee president Teetira Dharmaj Uthappa too highlighted the need to repair roads in Bittangala, Titimati, Balugodu, and other areas.
Reviewing works related to the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) in Kodagu, Mr. Boseraju said the government had released ₹110 crore each for the two Assembly constituencies in Kodagu and instructed the officials to ensure proper power supply to the people of the hilly district.
When the CESC officials pointed out that Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) works are in progress in Hudikeri and Balale while work on sub-stations are being initiated in Kalathmadu, Siddapur, and Katakeri, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction that discussions on power substations have been ongoing for over a year without sufficient progress.
Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekar, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Superintendent of Police Bindu Mani, Assistant Commissioner Nitin Chakki and Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhishek also participated in the meeting.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / May 06th, 2026
26th Kodava Family Hockey Festival: Kulletira trounces Cheppudira family to clinch Chenanda Cup
Madikeri:
Amid loud cheers from a packed crowd of over 25,000, the Kulletira family team clinched the ‘Chenanda Cup’ at the 26th Kodava Family Hockey Tournament defeating the Cheppudira family 3–1 yesterday.
The final of the month-long Kodava Family Hockey Festival was held yesterday at General Thimmaiah Stadium in Cheriyaparambu near Napoklu. With this win, Kulletira lifted their fourth title in the prestigious tournament.
The summit clash saw an evenly fought first half, with Cheppudira earning several penalty corners but failing to convert them. Both teams scored once in the third quarter to keep the contest open. However, Kulletira took control in the final quarter, striking twice to seal the victory.
Roshan Lokesh, Avaneesh Mandappa and Shubham Chettiyappa scored a goal each for Kulletira, while Vachan Chinnappa netted the lone goal for Cheppudira.
The winning Kulletira family team was awarded Rs. 3 lakh and a silver rolling trophy. Runners-up Cheppudira family received Rs. 2 lakh and a trophy, while Paradanda family, who finished third, received Rs. 1 lakh.
The festival concluded with the ceremonial handover of the flag to the Ajjikuttira family, who will host the 27th edition in 2027. The Chenanda family, organisers of this year’s event, handed over the flag.
Mandaviya assures support
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who was the chief guest, assured financial support to promote sports, stating that such assistance is the Government’s responsibility and not charity.
He said he had long heard about the Kodava community’s passion for hockey and was glad to witness it first hand. Referring to the International Olympic Committee’s vision of sports as a unifying force, he noted that the Kodava community had upheld this spirit for generations.
“This land has produced 18 Olympians. It is the duty of both the Centre and the State to nurture Kodagu’s sporting talent,” he said. He added that sports should remain free from politics and promised to promote shooting in the region by identifying and training young talent.
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said the festival reflects the growing sporting culture in the country. Highlighting Kodagu’s contribution to Indian sports, he said the family hockey tradition inspires youth, encourages women’s participation and strengthens national unity.
He urged the Centre to set up a shooting academy in Kodagu under the Khelo India scheme.
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna termed the festival a model initiative for the district. He said work on an 11-acre sports training centre at V. Badaga village in Virajpet has already begun with State support and appealed to the Centre for assistance in building a stadium.
Kodagu Hockey Academy, President Pandanda K. Bopanna, retired Justice Ajjikuttira S. Bopanna, SLN Coffee CEO Saheed Singh, Dr. Santosh Uthappa of Narayana Hospital, Sports Authority of Karnataka Vice-Chairman Cheppudira Arun Machaiah and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May 03rd, 2026
Union sports minister meets women hockey players at SAI Madikeri Centre
ANI Photo | Union sports minister meets women hockey players at SAI Madikeri Centre
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya visited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre in Madikeri on May 2 and engaged with women hockey players from the Kodava community at the conclusion of a month-long hockey festival.
Mandaviya emphasised the importance of nurturing talent from across India to achieve the nation’s ambitions of becoming a global sports powerhouse. He highlighted the contributions of the Kodava community in promoting field hockey, noting that Kodagu district is considered one of the cradles of Indian hockey. Over 50 players from the community have represented India internationally, including seven Olympians such as P Govinda, MP Ganesh, MM Somaiya and CS Poonacha.
“Future Olympians in the making! Met with the rising stars of Indian Hockey from the SAI Training Centre (STC), Madikeri, Karnataka,” Mandaviya stated in a post on X.
The minister remarked that the Union Government is committed to developing a comprehensive sports ecosystem and identified the forthcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad as a positive step. He added that India’s rich talent pool provides strong prospects for sporting dominance.
“Taking inspiration from our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Sports Ministry is committed to nurturing the wide talent pool available across various parts of the nation. Unearthing and nurturing talent from different parts of the country can only ensure that we fulfil the dream of Modi ji. The bigger the talent pool, more the chances of us performing better in big ticket events. I am confident that both Indian men and women will register solid performance in the Commonwealth Games in 2030, where hockey is likely to make a return,” Mandaviya said.
The SAI Training Centre in Madikeri spans 5.49 acres in the hill station region of Kodagu District, approximately 1,100 metres above sea level. It operates as a feeder centre for 22 National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) across India. Facilities include an artificial hockey turf, a 60-bed hostel, dining hall and kitchen. Around 50 girls from the Kodava community train there for various hockey events organised across Karnataka.
source: http://www.thenewsmill.com / The News Mill / Home> Sports / by The News Mill (with ANI inputs / May 02nd, 2026
