Coorg’s Famous Aromatic Oils: Uses and Benefits

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Spread the love

Full of natural beauty and a culturally rich spot, Coorg is one of the foremost tourist destinations in India. Located in southern Karnataka, the hill station abounds with green valleys, forests, several waterfalls and hills. It makes for a wonderful holiday spot for singletons and families alike, with its zigzagging roads, aromatic blossoms and cool climate. If you are planning a holiday to South India this year, we suggest booking one of the premium Coorg resorts and packing your bags.

Coorg: India’s treasure trove of natural wonders

Known as the ‘Scotland of India’ since the time of the British Rule, Coorg is known for several natural scenic wonders and the prettiest landscapes. On your list of places to visit in Coorg, you should include:

  • Abbi or Abbey Falls
  • Nisargadhama Forest
  • Iruppu Falls
  • Cauvery River
  • Talakaveri
  • Kote Betta
  • Brahmagiri Hills

Things to buy in Coorg

Most people head to Coorg to experience its hushed tranquillity, and you’ve already made a list of places to visit in Coorg . But shopping buffs are pleasantly surprised to find that the region produces several local items of superior quality. Chief among these is coffee, which is processed from the several coffee plantations in the area. You can buy coffee beans or powder from the plantations, or even the local markets. Next, you should stock up on locally produced organic honey which offers gentle sweetness and has a high medicinal value. You should also buy the region’s oranges to eat during your stay; these are best at staving off thirst and eliminating nausea. One of the significant buys, however, is essential or aromatic oils.

About aromatic oils from Coorg

Coorg is most famous for its coffee, but over the years, visitors to this hill station have discovered its other secret: aromatic oils. Coorg produces a number of aromatic essential oils that promote good health and healing. Chief among these are eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, sandalwood oil and wintergreen oil. These are cultivated and produced locally and are of the highest quality. And you can buy them from most markets and shops in Coorg. Just ask your Coorg resort concierge about the best places to buy what you need, and you can get the best products to take home with you.

Uses and benefits of aromatic oils

Aromatic oils are the main component of the science of Aromatherapy, which aims to heal various aches and pains in the human body through aroma and the oil’s healing powers. Aromatherapy is an ancient science practised by cultures in Egypt, India, China and Greece, among other countries. It uses smell and skin absorption of the oil via creams, gels, soap, oil diffusers, lotions, bath salts, masks, compresses and inhalers. Aromatic oils are often used to manage pain, relieve stress and anxiety, ease digestive discomfort, improve sleep, improve palliative care, reduce inflammation and nausea, boost immunity and provide short term relief from chronic ailments like migraine and hypertension.

Some uses of popular aromatic oils are:

Tea tree oil: helps reduce acne, ringworm and Athlete’s Foot

Peppermint oil: eases headache, regularises digestive cycle, is a good anti-fungal and anti-microbial agent

Eucalyptus oil: clears nasal passages, relieves pain and reduces inflammation

Lemongrass oil: relieves stress, alleviates depression, and heals wounds

Wintergreen oil: improves blood circulation, reduces pain, promotes detoxification of the body, and soothes a cold or symptoms of flu

Lavender oil: treats anxiety, soothes inflammation, reduces stress and relieves the discomfort associated with menstrual cramps, eczema, nausea, etc.

Where to buy aromatic oils in Coorg

There are several markets and stores that retail aromatic oils in Coorg. The most popular ones are Coorg Greens, Aroma Coffee, Choco Coorg Spice, and Coorg Homemade Wine & Spices. Your Coorg resort concierge can recommend the best places to buy these oils; do look for products that are authentic, produced in Coorg and sold at a reasonable cost. Some retailers can even ship the oil you need online if they don’t have it in stock.

Why stay at Club Mahindra Madikeri, Coorg

Every Club Mahindra resort promises a lifetime of stupendous holidays, in the most stunning locations in India and abroad. As a Club Mahindra resort member, you and your loved ones can avail of annual holidays in over 100 domestic and international destinations, staying at the choicest resorts and affiliate properties that offer superlative rooms, best service, sumptuous food and excellent on-site activities.

How to book your holiday

That’s simple enough – just take a Club Mahindra membership and ready yourself for the best ever holiday experiences for over 25 years. Visit www.clubmahindra.com to know the Club Mahindra membership fee structure, how to pay the Club Mahindra membership fee, how to book the holiday you want, if you can choose a certain season every year for your trip, and so on.

source: http://www.mangalorean.com / Mangalorean.com / Home> Article / By EE / March 16th, 2022

National Skiing athlete from Kodagu looks for sponsors to support her Olympic dream

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda represented Karnataka at the National Cross Country Skiing Competition held at Gulmarg during March this year and won gold and two silver medals.

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda
Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda. (Photo | Special Arrangement)

Madikeri :

A gold medal, five silver medals and a bronze. Athlete Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda from Kodagu has all these achievements to her name.

A certified skier, she has become the first South Indian to have won medals in the national cross-country competitions. While she has already become the pride of Karnataka, she hopes to become the pride of the nation by taking part in the Winter Olympics.

“I was the first and the only South Indian to represent India in the International FIS Cross Country Skiing races hosted in Iceland in January this year. In March this year, I became the first South Indian to have won medals in the National Cross Country and Winter Biathlon Championships,” Bhavani shared enthusiastically.

She represented Karnataka at the National Cross Country Skiing Competition held at Gulmarg during March this year and won gold and two silver medals in the 1.5 km, 10 km and 5 km race in the championship.

Similarly, she has become the pride of the state after winning two silver medals in 10 km and 5 km race in the National Winter Biathlon Championship, where she shone in shooting and cross-country skiing biathlon sports. She won the silver and a bronze medal in the 1.5 km and 5 km race in the All India Open Ski and Snowboard Championship held recently in Himachal Pradesh.

“Following the participation in the various championships, I am now eligible to represent India in the upcoming Nordic World Ski Championship that will be held at Slovenia. While I dream of representing India in the Winter Olympics of 2026, I have to mandatorily take part in several world championships to collect FIS points,” she explained.

She shared that while her passion for the sport and her dream to represent the nation is high, so is the requirement of funds to fulfil her dream. She earnestly looks forward to some support from sponsors, which will help her acquire skiing equipment and support her training sessions.

“The training will help me catch up with the international skiers and help me represent India in the World Championships, World Cup and finally in the Winter Olympics,” she concluded.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport> Other / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / April 21st, 2022

‘Unofficial’ Entry Fee Rule At Talacauvery Temple

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Kushalnagar:

A new entry fee rule has come into force at Talacauvery Temple in Kodagu, the birthplace of River Cauvery where visitors are charged Rs. 20 and a receipt of ‘Vishesha Seve’ (Special Offering) is given after the payment.

Though the ticket is issued for ‘Vishesha Seve’, people who come there do not perform any rituals. They just enter the Temple to pray and leave. The Temple comes under the State Muzrai Department and is governed by its rules and regulations.

Interestingly, the entry fee is levied in a sly manner and whoever questions the new system are let inside without the ticket. Normally, local residents who know that there was no entry fee till now are not ready to pay and are bound to question the person who issues the  ‘Vishesha Seve’ tickets. But tourists and other people who come from outside the district meekly pay up.

Barricade for fee collection

Earlier, one could enter the Temple through the main arch gates and there was no such ticket counter and no one would stop entry. However, now all devotees who come to the Temple are made to enter through a barricaded entry point — to the right of the arch gates — and the security guards force each and everyone to take that particular line.

Moreover, there are no sign boards indicating that an entry fee has to be paid. Rs. 20 ticket is issued to one group. As there are no clear-cut guidelines and rules, many Temple goers are objecting to the practice.

The rule has been enforced recently as thousands of tourists are visiting Kodagu for the holiday season. As there are no signboards or any Government Order to indicate the Rs. 20 entry fee, it is an ‘unofficial’ arrangement to collect money.

As generally tourists will be in a hurry, no one questions the rule of entry tickets while no other major temples have  an entry fee. Only the special rituals and prasadam have tickets of various denominations. But if any devotee questions the entry ticket collection, they are told that tickets are not mandatory.

Not mandatory: Temple EO

Krishnappa, Executive Officer of Talacauvery-Bhagamandala Temple Committee said that the collected money is being used to maintain the Temple staff. “We get bare minimum funds from the Government for the maintenance of the staff. Anyway the tickets are not mandatory. Those who have the tickets will get three special mangalarathis at the Brahma Kundike, Agastheshwara and Mahaganapathi Temples,” he said.

On the barricades erected near the arch gate, he said that it is to ensure that the visitors are not skimpily clad. “75 percent of  the visitors who come here are tourists and many of them are scantily dressed. This is a holy place and body showing is unacceptable,” he added.

President of Talacauvery – Bhagamandala Temple Committee Kodi Motaiah said that there are 11 employees including priests at Talacauvery and 16 at Bhagamandala. “The Muzrai Department pays just Rs. 7,500 as salary and that too they are paid once in two or three months. We are paying them from whatever little money collected from the entry ticket,”  he added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.come / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / April 19th, 2022

Coffee Board warns of pesticide residue in coffee

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

Kattappana:

Pesticides residues were found in a huge amount in the coffee powder exported to European countries. Following this, the Coffee Board has directed the farmers to control the use of pesticides on crops.

The European countries have informed that the pesticides are detected in the coffee powder and advised not to export similar products again. In this context, the Coffee Board has warned the farmers that the European countries and other importers will ban the import of Indian coffee if a similar quantity of chemical components were detected again in the products.

The pesticide Chlorpyrifos has been detected in an excess amount in the coffee powder exported from the country. Instead of Chlorpyrifos, another pesticide Phenthoate 50 EC can be used by mixing 400 millilitres of it in 200 litres of water with 200 millilitres of glue.

The Coffee Board had recommended the use of “Chlorpyrifos 20 EC at the dosage of 600 ml in 200 litres of water along with 200 ml of any wetting agent may be used just prior to the flight periods or during the early part of the flight period,” as a “last resort.”

source: http://www.english.mathrubhumi.com / Mathrubhumi.com / Home> English> Features> Agriculture / April 15th, 2022

They Were Talking About My Upbringing: Rashmika Mandanna Opens On When She Was Body-Shamed

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, World Opinion


Rashmika Mandanna opened up on how she dealt with body shaming, here read to know

The Pushpa actress Rashmika Mandanna, known as the nation’s crush has given us career goals with her back-to-back successful movies in the row. However, while the actress definitely rules our hearts, it’s been quite times when she got severely trolled by netizens on social media, for her body and career choices.

Talking to Bollywood Bubble, Rashmika Mandanna opened up on how she struggled over the years with body-shaming, and how she felt about it. She said, “It hit me like a bloody tsunami. I didn’t see it coming.” Adding further she said, “To one point, I was body shamed, they were talking about my personality, my character, my family, my school, my upbringing and all of that.”

The actress further added, “I started losing myself into all of these. I started shelving myself…it was bad.” The diva also said that how the constant trolls made her doubt herself and her career choices too.

On the work front, the actress recently earned pan-Indian recognition with her work in the film Pushpa along with Allu Arjun. She is also set to make her Bollywood debut with Sidharth Malhotra in the film Mission Majnu, followed by Goodbye and more.

source: http://www.iwmbuzzi.com / IMWBUZZ.com / Home> Movies> Snippets / by Team IWMbUZZ / April 16th, 2022

Karnataka appoints Robin Uthappa as brand ambassador for Brain Health Initiative

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology
Robin Uthappa

Project to improve treatment of neurological disorders was launched January

Soon diagnosis and timely treatment of common neurological problems, such as epilepsy, headache, stroke, dementia and brain infections, can be done from the grassroots level of primary health centres, secondary-level district hospitals and NIMHANS at the tertiary level in the State.

Recognising the need to improve treatment and prevent neurological disorders in the community, the State Government in association with NIMHANS and Niti Ayog launched the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (Ka-BHI) in January.

While training of doctors and preparations to start Brain Health Clinics in the three pilot hospitals – Jayanagar General hospital in  Bengaluru Urban, SNR Hospital in Kolar and District Hospital in Chickballapur – has begun, the Government has appointed cricketer Robin Uthappa as the brand ambassador for brain and mental health programmes. The pilot project has also been announced in this year’s State Budget.

State Health Commissioner Randeep told The Hindu that brain health promoting activities such as physical exercises, yoga, sports, traditional art and crafts, stress reduction and nutritional support will be initiated in three pilot districts. “This is a first of a kind initiative in the country that will facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment, for common neurological diseases,” he said.

NIMHANS Director Pratima Murthy said the burden of neurological disorders is rapidly increasing in India and is posing a challenge to the health of the society. “Neurological diseases, including stroke, epilepsy, headache, dementia and brain infections, contribute to immense disability in the community.  Since brain health, mental health, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health and elderly care overlap, coordination between the different national programmes under the National Health Mission is being strengthened through this pilot project,” she said.

“Ka-BHI will develop a model for prevention and management of neurological diseases and promote brain health, from grassroots level of primary care to tertiary care. This pilot study in three districts can become a model and be implemented in the whole State and at the national level in the coming months,” Dr. Murthy said.

Suvarna Alladi, professor and head of the Department of Neurology at NIMHANS, said the training programme for PHC medical officers was initiated on March 11.  “Three in-person training workshops have been conducted for all the PHC doctors in the pilot hospitals. Overall 180 doctors, including 26 neurologists from NIMHANS, are involved in this. The protocols for diagnosis and management of neurological disorders have been drafted and weekly online neurology interactive teaching sessions are going on,” she said.

“The training of PHC doctors will be completed in June and they will be certified in treatment of common neurological diseases. Training programme for ASHA workers and community health officers has been developed. They will be provided with a 15-point questionnaire that can be used to screen patients with neurological disorders from the community level and Health and Wellness centres for early identification and timely treatment in referral centres,” Dr. Alladi explained.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / b y Afshan Yasmeen / Bengaluru – April 15th, 2022

Bhavani G S’ Artworks That Connect Memories With The Present Opens At Hyderabad’s State Art Gallery On April 15

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

The artist’s debut solo show opens at Hyderabad’s State Art Gallery on April 15.

The excitement is palpable in artist Bhavani G S’ voice. “This is my first solo show in Hyderabad and I have not been able to sleep for the past few days due to the thrill of coming to the city. I am glad I could come early,” she says ahead of her multi-disciplinary exhibition, Fragmented Memories, that opens at the State Art Gallery on April 15. The show consisting of paintings and video art brings memories to the fore connecting the past to the present and vice versa.

Besides a few short videos, around 35 works done in acrylics and watercolours promise to give artlovers an uncanny sense of being in the woods. The works done two years ago were to be displayed at Jehangir Art Gallery in March 2020 but got postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (she displayed at Jehangir Art Gallery two months ago). “Our lives changed in two years of the pandemic; My works also changed,” she shares.

Talakaveri by Bhavani G S

Bond with Cauvery

Hailing from the mountain ranges of Kodagu in Karnataka surrounded by coffee plantations, Bhavani’s works represent the deep connection she shares with her native land and the river Cauvery. In fact, the artist has been working on a decade-long sustained project on Cauvery and has shot a few videos on water issues. This is part of a research-based work on her journeys that started in 2012 when she travelled (around 65 kilometres) along the river from TalaCauvery (in Coorg district where Cauvery originates) reaching the Bay of Bengal in Poompuhar and observing the changing shores of the confluence of the river.

Poompuhar by Bhavani G S

Her journey started as a probe into water issues like pollution, ended up forging a bond with the river. “I fell in love with Cauvery and wanted to travel with it. Hence a bit of the river will always be there in my works.” Memories evolved as COVID-19 triggered uncertainties and took her back to her home town that was witness to unscientific man-made changes leading to disasters.

“Television and the internet kept us connected but our relationships had changed and we were disconnected from each other. The pandemic taught us the value of many things, especially freedom,” she points out. She connected images emanating from her childhood memories to her current stay in Bengaluru. The migration issue made her ponder her life when she migrated to Bengaluru. The elephant corridor has disappeared as people have moved in. I am responsible in a way for that disappearance.”

Milestone 3A Talakaveri by Bhavani GS

The anxieties also took her back to her childhood when she recollected the solace she got as a child by hearing the howling of Western Ghats fox and the jackal. “The Western Ghats fox is on the verge of extinction,” she says. The various images that touched her mind and soul have found a place on her canvas.


Fragmented Memories by Bhavani G S will be at the State Art Gallery till April 24

source: http://www.newsazi.com / News Azi / Home> Entertainment / by Anindita Das / April 15th, 2022

Cariappa Park At Baramulla In Kashmir Renovated With New Library

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World Opinion

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s son, family visit Park, War Memorials; recall warm ties

Madikeri :

The Cariappa Park at Baramulla in Kashmir, named after India’s first Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa has been renovated at a cost of Rs. 3 crore.

Baramulla is located on the banks of River Jhelum, downstream of Srinagar.

It is a matter of pride for Kodagu and Karnataka that India’s legendary Armyman is being commemorated at Baramulla, a place that was once a hotbed of militants.

The winds of change began blowing through the Kashmir Valley after the Narendra Modi Government revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by revoking Article 370 in August 2019 and took steps to change how the region will be governed.

Though records are not available on when the Cariappa Park was created, its renovation began in 2020 and now it stands as a beautiful park. On Apr. 10, 2022 the family of Field Marshal Cariappa including his son Air Marshal (Retd.) K.C. Nanda Cariappa visited the park and paid respects.

The family was warmly received by officers and they also visited a Sikh War Memorial, Dagger War Memorial and the Cariappa Park in Baramulla.

Nanda Cariappa and the family appreciated the work of the Indian Defence Forces, especially the Indian Army for maintaining peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir which has won many hearts.

The Cariappa Park has been set up by the Baramulla City Municipal Council along with a hi-tech digital library and the funding of Rs. 3 crore has been obtained from the Jammu and Kashmir Government and Rajaram Mohan Roy Library, Kolkata.

Nanda Cariappa recalled his father’s association with the people of Baramulla and said that the people had a special place in the Field Marshal’s heart.

The family visited Baramulla following an invitation from the heads of Baramulla Park Trust.

Nanda Cariappa signed the Visitor’s Book at the War Memorial and spoke to the media about Field Marshal Cariappa, Kodagu and Karnataka.

 The family also visited the digital library that has state-of-the-art services and equipped with all the facilities considering the needs of users in the modern digital era. The library is linked with the National Digital Library of India to facilitate user access to around 3.5 crore academic resources including e-books, audio-books, lecture materials, thesis, reports, articles, journals, and question papers.

 The Field Marshal’s family members K. Rohit, Sanjitha Cariappa, sons-in-law A.K. Devaiah and Saurabh Gupta, granddaughter Arushi Anand and daughter Gayatri Gupta were present.

Cariappa was close to people’s hearts

The Cariappa Park is one of the oldest parks in Baramulla and it was lying in a state of neglect. Senior citizens and political leaders in Baramulla narrate the stories of the ‘Kipper’ (as Cariappa was fondly called) and how he is still close to the people there.

(Left) Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. Picture right: Cariappa’s son Air Marshal (Retd.) K.C. Nanda Cariappa recalling his father’s association with the people of Baramulla.

Once, after chasing the raiders from across the border beyond Uri, Cariappa, who was travelling in a military jeep, was stopped by a group of people including women and children at Baramulla and was told that they had suffered a lot due to the absence of food supplies, including salt.

It was a puzzling task for Cariappa, a General then, as no stocks were available with the Army so that they could be distributed among hungry residents. But he fulfilled his assurance the next day when he visited the old town and distributed flour, rice and salt to the needy families.

Cariappa followed this gesture in many ways in various parts of Kashmir. His noble act was appreciated by the Government those days. K.S. Thimayya (who rose to be General later), whom Cariappa had put in command of the 19th Infantry Division at Baramulla, followed Cariappa’s gesture and continued the support to the local population. Grateful Baramullians named the park after Cariappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / April 12th, 2022

INTERVIEW| ‘For a sportsman, striking the right balance between mind and body is of utmost priority’

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Joshna Chinappa on what it takes to gear up for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Joshna Chinappa. (File Photo)
Joshna Chinappa. (File Photo)

Joshna Chinappa (35) might be looking at the most important year of her career. After returning to the top 10 world rankings earlier this year, the squash champion won a gold medal for India with Dipika Pallikal at the World Doubles Championship in Glasgow on Saturday.

Later in the year, she will head to the Commonwealth in Birmingham and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. We caught up with Chinappa to chat about everything from her intensive training regimen to pre-match rituals. Excerpts…

When someone asked you about competing against 20-year-olds in an interview recently, you said that your best physical years came after you turned 30. Tell us more.
The tour is really strong right now with the girls being really fit and strong physically, so, it’s been important for me to train correctly, and look after my body, especially as I get older. I work with an amazing team in the UK on my strength and conditioning and that has helped me get a lot fitter in recent years. 

2022 is a big year for you with the Commonwealth and Asian Games lined up. How do you fight nerves and keep a clear and focused headspace?
I always look forward to playing in the Commonwealth and the Asian Games. It is the biggest platform for any athlete and the goal is always to win accolades for the country. The preparation for these games starts at least a year in advance. Closer to the event, I will take a couple of months off from playing tournaments just to train with my team for the 2022 games. For a sportsman, striking the right balance between mind and body is of utmost priority. 

What is your training regimen?
Usually, my mornings begin with a squash game on the court, followed by a fitness/gym session. In total, I dedicate around three to four hours to my training. Sundays are mostly off and spent doing things that I love. 
 
What does your diet look like?
I keep my eating habits simple. When I’m training, my diet consists of more protein, moderate amounts of carbs, fruits, veggies, and plenty of hydration. When I am playing a tournament, it is the same as training, except I eat more carbs. If I occasionally want to indulge in a cheat meal, I do like to treat myself with dark chocolate sometimes.   

Is there anything you have had to give up food-wise that’s taken some will power? 
The hardest part is giving up junk food!  I love eating rice and rasam but owing to my professional goals, I try to avoid consuming them in large quantities. 

Quick three

Do you have a ritual at the beginning or end of a match?
At the beginning of the match, I have to hit my first shot on the backhand side!

Best way to keep distractions at bay?
For me, what works at keeping distractions at bay is that I get off social media very often. When I am in the middle of a tournament, only my coach and mom can reach me.

For young athletes with a dream to compete at the Commonwealth Games someday: what would be your best advice?
Be passionate about what you do, work really hard and never give up!

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Delhi / by Express News Service / April 13th, 2022


 

Remembering Dr. Somayanda A. Subbaiah, IPS On His Untimely Demise 25 Years Ago

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

It was in 1961 that I joined Loyola College in Chennai for my PUC.  A couple of days after I joined and settled in my hostel room, there was a knock on the door.  I gingerly opened the door and there stood a senior.  I braced myself for a round of ragging. 

“Hi, I am Somayanda Freddy Subbaiah. I am from Coorg.  Welcome to Loyola,” he extended his hand.  I was relieved. He then took me across to meet the other Kodavas in Loyola including his elder brother Vittal. Freddy and I became good friends and remained good friends. 

Freddy Subbaiah was born in Chettali to Somayanda Appachu and Kongettira Gange in 1944.  His father owned a tea estate in the Nilgiris. Subbaiah had his entire education in Tamil Nadu.  He had made up his mind quite early in life to be an IAS Officer.  He single-mindedly started preparations to crack the tough UPSC exam. He diligently took part in all the activities in the campus and was particularly active in the debating society.

After completing BA in Economics, he continued in Loyola for his MA.  As a post-graduate student, he stood for the Presidentship of the Students’ Union of Loyola College, which was a very keenly contested one. Freddy won the prestigious election and did commendable work during his tenure.  This stint would help him later in the UPSC interview.

After completing his post-graduation, Subbaiah immersed himself in preparing for the UPSC exam; and still found time to attend Madras Law College to earn a degree in Law.  He was very earnest in whatever he did and was extremely hard-working.

Dr. S.A. Subbaiah receiving the Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra from the then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

Freddy wrote the UPSC examination in 1968 and qualified for the final round which was the interview in New Delhi by a panel of retired senior bureaucrats and officers from the defence services.  My father, C.M. Poonacha, was the Minister for Railways at the time.  I happened to be in New Delhi.  Subbaiah stayed with us a couple of days ahead of the interview. He was quite satisfied with his performance at the interview. 

However, when the results were announced Subbaiah narrowly missed the IAS and qualified for the IPS. The reason why he missed the IAS was the reservation policy.  Though disappointed, he accepted the IPS and opted for Karnataka cadre.  He was the first Kodava IPS Officer post-independence.

After intensive training in National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, and at the National Police Academy, Mount Abu, Subbaiah got his maiden posting as probationary Assistant                        Superintendent of Police at Belgaum, in January 1970. That was the beginning of an illustrious career.

Freddy Subbaiah proved his mettle at every posting he held.  After serving as ASP at Yadgir, he was soon promoted and posted as Superintendent of Police at Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).  At KGF, he endeared himself to the people with his prompt addressing of any issue that cropped up.  When he was transferred to Tumkur as the SP in 1973, there was widespread disappointment at KGF for losing one of the best Police Officers the district had seen. 

After two years in Tumkur, Subbaiah was transferred to Mysore as the SP, which is one of the prestigious postings for young IPS Officers.  His sincere, prompt, dedicated and diplomatic handling of Law and Order issues were highly appreciated, not only by the people, but also by his seniors and political bosses. It was during his tenure at Mysore that Subbaiah tied the knot with Sumathi, daughter of Muckatira Aiyappa from Byrambada village, in 1976.

Subbaiah was highly knowledgeable and very well read.  After joining the IPS, he was keen on contributing to the intelligence and security issues of the nation.  His seniors recognised his treasure trove of knowledge and his abilities and recommended him for a deputation to the Central Government. In 1979, Subbaiah joined as an Officer in the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) under the Cabinet Secretariat.  He served the organisation with great distinction for 17 long years. 

Subbaiah surprised his family and colleagues when he earned a doctorate degree in Economics from University of Mysore in 1983. While he was totally involved in his job, he still found the time to pursue his Ph.D. Despite his busy schedule, he made time for his family.  Sumathi ably supported him and together they raised their two sons Bopanna and Mandanna with all parental care.

His dedicated work impressed everyone.  In 1984, Subbaiah was appointed as the First Secretary at the Indian High Commission, Singapore. His next posting in 1988 was a coveted one at Geneva with dual assignment as Consular General of the Indian Mission as well as the Indian Representative to the UN at Geneva.  He served in this position till 1991 and had the opportunity to visit several countries.

On his return to headquarters in New Delhi, he was involved in sensitive assignments such as the Shah Commission, Jain Commission, ISRO spy case and the Bofors probe. While on overseas assignments, he closely followed the activities of the LTTE and gave valuable intelligence inputs to the Government.

Freddy’s achievements and his immense contribution to the nation as an Officer in RAW reached the highest echelons of the administration. In recognition of his yeomen service, he was awarded the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service followed by the Medal for Distinguished Service.  He was the first recipient of the Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra, the highest award for outstanding contribution within RAW. He received the award from Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

In 1996, Subbaiah decided to return to Karnataka, though RAW was reluctant to let go of an outstanding officer in the department.  With his seniority and experience, he was appointed as IGP – Intelligence.  A year later, in February 1997, he was promoted as Additional Director General of Police. Subbaiah was on course to occupy the DGP’s post in the State.

I kept in touch with Subbaiah and met him in Tumkur, Mysore, Bangalore and at Geneva. My wife and I had dropped in at his residence in Indiranagar a few months before tragedy struck on that fateful day, 10th April 1997. Subbaiah went out for his morning walk and suddenly collapsed.  Before any medical aid could be given, he passed away. It was shocking beyond words for his family, colleagues, friends, and the political leadership. He was aged just 52 and had many more milestones to cross in the years ahead.

Several articles appeared in national and local newspapers by those who knew Subbaiah well. Everyone uniformly expressed high accolades for Dr. S.A. Subbaiah as he was officially known.  One of the most succinct and insightful comments was from the Cabinet Secretary while forwarding a note to the Prime Minister on the outstanding work by  Subbaiah to the nation. This was quoted by RAW Officer B. Raman, who retired as Additional Secretary:

“What a pity the nation cannot be told of this Officer’s outstanding achievements.”

Subbaiah was involved in highly sensitive intelligence operations.  He never discussed details of his work even with close family and friends. Undoubtedly, Subbaiah would have taken part in assignments as daring as those carried out by NSA Ajit Doval. 

Subbaiah would have certainly been the DGP of Karnataka and would have eventually headed one of the premier Investigating or Intelligence agencies of the nation. Despite holding high-ranking positions, he remained  simple and unassuming.

Subbaiah’s untimely demise this day 25 years ago was an irreparable loss to his family, the Kodava community and the nation at large.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / April 10th, 2022