Tata Coffee honoured for its CSR initiatives in Soil and Water Conservation

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Kiran Ganapathy, Head of Plantations – Operations & Samir Palsule, Head – Business Excellence, Tata Coffee Limited receiving the FICCI award

Tata Coffee Limited (TCL) recently won the ‘Sustainable Agriculture Award’ at the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Agriculture Summit and Awards 2021. The company was recognized for its Soil and Water Conservation initiatives undertaken at its plantations and instant coffee plants.

Kiran Ganapathy (Head of Plantations – Operations) and Samir Palsule (Head – Business Excellence) received the award on behalf of the company from members of the FICCI Agriculture Committee. The award was granted under the ‘Large Corporate’ category and TCL was conferred the award for significant on-ground interventions in sustainable agriculture development.

The entries were shortlisted and evaluated based on the agricultural challenges faced, the CSR initiatives to mitigate such challenges, the outcome and impact of the practices, its scalability and ways to extend the program to benefit small farmers.

The Agri summit brought key stakeholders and policymakers on a common platform to ideate an implementable strategy for smart and sustainable agriculture. It was attended by CEOs and business heads of the agri and food industry, policymakers, multilateral and bilateral institutions, NGOs, academicians, researchers, embassies, financial institutions, development organisations etc. who discussed and recommended practical pathways for the promotion and adoption of best sustainable agriculture practises on a large scale.

Chacko Thomas, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Coffee speaking on receiving the award said, “Tata Coffee is honoured to be recognized for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, and soil and water conservation are a key part of our sustainability strategy. We have adopted scientific ways to conserve water to store excess run-off from the rainwater, in healthy catchment areas. As a result, we now have 274 tanks with a storage capacity of 3.4 Mn cubic meters. This model has ensured that our irrigation is 95% self-reliant and no groundwater is ever exploited. Over the last few years, we have also successfully enhanced the soil fertility in the estates, through regular application of organic compost into the soil. Few other initiatives undertaken towards soil conservation include – contour planting, intercropping, planting of new trees and cover crops. We have also carried out several interventions in terms of training programmes and CSR awareness campaigns towards adopting improved technologies in all operations.”

source: http://www.thecsrjournal.in / The CSR Journal / Home> Categories> Agricultural & Rural Development / by The CSR Journal / December 09th, 2021

CDS Bipin Rawat shared special bond with Kodagu in Karnataka

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Rawat was again requested to invite the President of India.

Bipin Rawat. Credit: PTI File Photo

The country’s first Chief of Defence Staff Late General Bipin Rawat, who died in an IAF helicopter crash, shared a special bond with the Kodagu district of Karnataka, which is regarded as the land of army generals.

Retired Major General Biddanda Aiyappa Nanjappa, Convener of Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimmaiah Forum, speaking to IANS recalled that Late CDS Rawat had great respect for Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General Thimmaiah. “CDS Rawat visited Kodagu four times. He was instrumental in getting the General Thimmaiah Museum inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind, who is Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces on February 6, 2021,” he remembered.

“2016 he came for the Southern Command Golf tournament when he was an army commander. While having lunch, he assured that he would bring the army chief to Kodagu. In 2017, being a Southern Army Commander he came along with Dalbir Singh Suhag, then Chief of the Army staff as promised. Then, he visited the late General Thimmaiah Museum and extended financial assistance also,” Nanjappa explained.

“Later, we requested Rawat that Delhi Parade Ground in New Delhi be named after Field Marshal Cariyappa and also install and unveil a statue there. It was done by August 30. His role was instrumental. Afterwards he went on to become the CDS,” he remembered.

“We again invited CDS Rawat to unveil statues of Cariayappa and Thimmaiah in Gonikoppal town of Kodagu. He came down with all happiness and unveiled the statues as per the request of the Forum,” he said.

Rawat was again requested to invite the President of India, who is Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces, for the inauguration of the General Thimmaiah museum. “Late Rawat had asked us to write a letter when everything was ready. When we wrote a letter to him in this regard, within 24 hours he got back to us and with confirmation from the President of India,” he stated.

He came along with President Ram Nath Kovind. When he came he had a gift for us. “It was a copy of the letter from Lord Mountbatten to Lieutenant General Chibbar. It was written in the letter that General Thimmaiah should be made CDS in the year 1961.

“Rawat shared a special love and bond with Kodagu. His father served in the Gorkha regiment. Lieutenant General Somanna from Kodagu also served in that regiment. Rawat visited Somanna’s house in Kodagu. His father and General B.C. Nanda (who also hails from Kodagu) were good friends. Rawat was close to Nanda also,” Nanjappa said.

“Late Rawat had passed out of the academy, three years later I passed out. He was very affectionate towards me, he helped us,” he remembered.

Kodagu is a land of brave Indian army soldiers. All Chiefs of the Indian Army have responded positively, but Rawat had special bonding with the place. “We think it is a conspiracy by two countries. The Taiwan army chief was also killed in a helicopter crash. A high-level investigation should be conducted by the Special Investigating Team (SIT). The politicians from our country go to our enemy country and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with them, these things are bound to happen. We feel it is a conspiracy,” he reiterated.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by IANS, Bengaluru / December 09th, 2021

Organisations demand repair of Hindu crematorium in Meenpete

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Members of various organisations submit a memorandum to Town Panchayat chief officer Chandra Kumar.

Members of various organisations urged the Town Panchayat to repair the Hindu crematorium in Meenpete. 

The members of the Muthappa Temple Committee, Onam Celebration Committee, Hindu Malayali Association and SNDP unit of Virajpet submitted a memorandum to Town Panchayat executive officer Chandra Kumar.

Onam Celebration Committee secretary C R Babu said that the cremation chamber is in a deplorable condition. It is difficult to conduct cremations at the crematorium.

Legal action should be initiated against those who stole iron equipment from the crematorium, he demanded. 

Muthappa Temple Committee member C R Sajeevan said that the crematorium in the past was managed by the temple committee. Now, it is maintained by the Town Panchayat.

The emergency works should be taken up immediately. Steps should be initiated to take up a cleanliness drive at least once a month at the crematorium, he added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Virajpet / December 07th, 2021

Prize Winners Of Kodagu Golf Open Championship-2021

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

Following are the prize winners of  Kodagu Golf Open Championship-2021 held at J.W. Golf Club in city on  Dec. 4 and 5:

Strokeplay Gross — Field Marshall Cariappa Memorial Trophy [Sponsored by K.C. Biddappa]: M.G. Chengappa (71 Gross) – Winner (Better Back 6 Over Dhruv Bopanna); Dhruv Bopanna – Runner.

Strokeplay Net (H/C 0 to 12) — Gen. K.S. Thimmaiah Memorial Trophy [Sponsored by M.A. Bopanna]: M. Chirayu (64 Net) – Winner; M.R. Surya Kumar (66 Net) – Runner.

Strokeplay Net (H/C 13 to 18) — Sqn. Ldr. M.B. Chittiappa Memorial Trophy [Sponsored by Mallengada B. Nanaiah]: Suresh Balaram (65 Net) – Winner; J. Gautham Pal (67 Net) – Runner.

Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 18) — Kodagu Warriors Trophy [Sponsored by Star of Mysore]: H. Akshay (40 Points) – Winner; Yashasvi Shankar (38 Points) – Runner.

Stableford Net (H/C 19 to 24) — Kodagu Challenge Trophy [Sposored by Mall of Mysore]: S.N. Koushik (43 Points) – Winner; Abdul Fatah (37 Points)  – Runner.

Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) for Seniors – 65 Years & Above — Senior Challenge Trophy [Sposored by Mandovi Motors, Mysuru]: S.A. Thimmiah (38 Points) – Winner (Better Back 9 Over K. Krishne Gowda); K. Krishne Gowda (38 Points) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over H.S. Gopinath).

Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) for Super Seniors – 75 Years & Above — Super Seniors Challenge Trophy [Sponsored by Dr. P.A. Kushalappa]: Col. Samba Murthy (30 Points) – Winner.

M.A. Bopanna (former Managing Director of Tata Coffee) inaugurating the Kodagu Golf Open Championship- 2021, sponsored by Association of Kodagu Golfers of JWGC, at J.W. Golf Club on Dec. 4.

Best Kodagu Golfer — Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) [Sponsored by Bopy’s Inn]: K.A. Prabhakar (38 Points).

Best Lady Golfer — Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24) [Sponsored by Jeeth Uthaiah]: Smitha S. Prabhakar (35 Points).

Nearest to Pin (2nd Hole) [Sponsored by Travel Parkz]: A.R. Ganeshwar (3 Feet 7 Inches).

Longest Drive (9th Hole) [Sponsored by P.M. Chengappa]: G. Sanjay (290 Yards).

Straightest Drive (5th Hole) [Sponsored by K.M. Achaiah]: Pratheek Poovaiah (7 Inches).

The Championship, sponsored by Association of Kodagu Golfers of JWGC, saw a total participation of 175 players, according to a press release from JWGC Hon. Secretary H.D. Thimmappa Gowda and Tournament Sub-Committee Chairman N. Parameshwar.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / December 06th, 2021

Annual General Body Meetings

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The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) and get-together function of Sree Igguthappa Kodava Kshemabhivrudhi Sangha, Hebbal, will be held on Dec. 12 at 9.30 am at Gurumane Hall, Kodava Samaja Mysore, Vijayanagara 1st Stage, in city.

Sangha President Malachira M. Ponnappa will preside.

Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Jayalakshmipuram, will hold its AGM (2020-2021) at the Sangha premises on Dec. 19 at 10.30 am.

Sangha President A.C. Nanjamma will preside.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / December 05th, 2021

Kodagu martial artist finds place in India Book of Records

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HIGHLIGHTS

A lad from Virajpet taluk succeeded in gaining entry into India Book of Records by performing tough karate feats.

Kodagu martial artist finds place in India Book of Records

Madikeri:

A lad from Virajpet taluk succeeded in gaining entry into India Book of Records by performing tough karate feats.

K Rahul, 20, delivered 262 punches and kicks in 60 seconds to gain entry into the history book.

Rahul, a student of Uechiryo Karate school in Virajpet, strove many years to gain entry into the record book. The India Book of Records has issued an identity card, certificate and medal to Rahul.

Rahul was trained by karate expert H R Shivappa.

He also won hundreds of medals in district and State level competitions. Last month he won a gold medal in international online karate championship competition organised by World Union of Martial Arts Federation, World Karate Alliance in September 2021.

Rahul now aims to gain entry into Asia Book of Records.

He said karate is not merely a martial art for self defense, but offers a lot to sportspersons to achieve.

Kodagu, the smallest district in the State, has contributed hundreds of sports talents to the country. Many talented sportspersons have proved their mettle in international and national level sports competitions.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / December 06th, 2021

Tributes To Dr. A. A. Kuttappa: A Gentleman In His Profession & Social Life

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Dr. A.A. Kuttappa, who passed away early this morning, was known in city since late 1960s as Dentist Kuttappa. Those were the days when there were not many privately practicing dentists. Most of the dental patients would go to K.R. Hospital.

He was indeed lucky to have got a place for his Dental Clinic on the second floor of the Visvesvaraya (crescent shaped) building at the vantage point of the downtown area, the K.R. Circle. Those days and even now K.R. Circle is the nodal point of the city’s business area.

I had once visited his clinic when I had come to Mysore on leave from Bombay, where I was working in The Indian Express. It was just to say hello to an old collegemate of Madikeri, Kodagu. Naturally, he was surprised to see me as much as I was surprised to see him in his doctor’s gear, immaculately dressed complete with a long white gown of a coat, a doctor’s mask with his eyes popping out of a pair of specs and a receding pate. But before we met, I had to wait for a while in the outer room, as he was busy. The walls were embellished with photos and quotes that would bring a smirk on your face. For example: You kill time here while  I kill pain inside. The waiting area bespoke the personality and character of the person who ran the place — Dr. A.A. Kuttappa. So neat, clean, magazines to leaf-through and absolute silence. A place for everything and everything in its place, seemed to be a credo of the doctor.

He was an active member of the Rotary and also of Kodava Samaja, an organisation of his community in Mysore and served both the organisations well. He was much sought after in Rotary either to introduce a guest or propose a vote of thanks for he was a man of profound and impish sense of humour though spoke haltingly. A Rotarian among Rotarians and a Kodava among Kodavas. What are his legacies?

I guess it was his sense of being a gentleman in his profession and also in his social life. As a Rotarian, he followed the rules and regulations always. Punctuality, attendance, giving donations and dress as per the norm prescribed. The same can be said of him in his observations of Kodava dress, customs and practices — worth emulating for the new generation of both dentists in private practice and Kodavas of Kodagu and the diaspora. RIP my friend Shyam.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by K.B. Ganapathy / December 03rd, 2021

Tributes To Dr. A. A. Kuttappa: A People’s Dentist

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Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa, who passed away early this morning at his residence, was  one of the most jovial and exemplary Dentists of our city for the past over 40 years.

Past President of Mysore Kodava Samaja, Dr. Kuttappa  was a man genuinely concerned about Kodavas and very helpful too.  He led the Kodava Samaja during his tenure smoothly without controversies.

He  was a good listener to ideas and suggestions from others. 

I was blessed to work closely with him during his tenure as the President of Mysore Kodava Samaja, when I organised a mega Fund Raising event by Fashion Guru Prasad Bidappa during 2000 at Kaynes Resorts.

This was the largest ever fund raiser organised by Mysore Kodava Samaja to date which finally culminated in Mysore Kodava Samaja making a clear profit of approximately Rs. 20 lakh those days.  Dr. Kuttappa had total faith in me and had given the full responsibility of organising this event and completing it successfully.  He was a leader who had the ability to identify those with talent, nurture and encourage them for the common  good of the  community.   Dr. Kuttappa ensured that he was present in almost all functions of Kodavas both during celebrations or mourning. 

Dr. Kuttappa made his mark in Rotary Mysore too and was very popular in Rotary circles.

Dr. Kuttappa was a good speaker who added colour and poise  to any event he addressed.  His pun and humour was of a very trademark style.  He could carry the gathering very well by his impish sense of humour which Mysore and especially the Kodavas are going to miss immensely.

As for his professional side, he was a Doyen among the Dentists in Mysore who was probably among the first to establish his Dental Clinic at K.R. Circle  during late 60s. Of course, he was a highly sought after dentist and during his heydays, was a dentist of such fame and repute that it was not easy to get an appointment with him.

Dr. Kuttappa was very jovial and bore a pleasing personality and demeanour. The minute a patient sat on his dental chair he would make him or her forget the impending treatment in store by the power of his sheer humour and jokes that he would crack during the treatment.

He knew the art and style of ensuring his patients forgot the pain during the course of treatment. That was unique only to Dr. Kuttappa’s Dental Clinic. Now it is more than a decade since Dr. Kuttappa retired from being a practicing dentist but many of us, his regular clients, remember him and his dental chair. Above all, the great humour and conversation thrown in as a fringe benefit of visiting his clinic.

May his soul attain moksha is my prayers for him. The front chair which he used to occupy in almost all functions at Mysore Kodava Samaja shall forever remain empty will be a reminder to us about his eternal absence. RIP dear friend Shyam. Personally, it is a great loss to me that my dear friend Shyam is no longer with us.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / December 03rd, 2021

Rohan Bopanna honoured with Rajyaotsava award by Karnataka government

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The Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna was honoured with the Rajyaotsava award by the Karnataka state government on Tuesday.

Rohan Bopanna being conferred with the Rajyaotsava award (Source: rohanbopanna/Twitter)

The Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna was honoured with the Rajyaotsava award by the Karnataka state government on Tuesday. The 41-year-old took to his Twitter account to express his gratitude for the same.

“It’s an honour to receive the Rajyaotsava award, one of the highest civilian awards and for the state to recognise my achievements and contributions to Indian tennis,” Bopanna tweeted.

The Rajyotsava award is the second-highest civilian honour conferred by the Karnataka state government annually. It is awarded across 24 categories and includes a gold medal and cash prize worth INR. 1 lakh.

source: http://www.thebridge.in / The Bridge / Home> Tennis / by The Bridge Desk / December 01st, 2021

MLC polls: Direct fight between Congress-BJP in Kodagu

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Congress candidate Dr Mantar Gowda

The Legislative Council election from the local bodies constituency in Kodagu district has taken a curious turn. With the JD(S) withdrawing its nominee at the last moment, there is a direct fight between Congress and BJP candidates.

There is a stiff fight between Congress and BJP in the BJP’s strong fortress—Kodagu. Congress candidate Dr Mantar Gowda and BJP candidate Suja Kushalappa have been engaged in campaigning and are chalking out strategies for winning the election.  

MLA M P Appachu Ranjan is striving hard for the victory of his brother Suja Kushalappa.

Both candidates are crorepatis and have a political background. Dr Mantar is the son of former minister and BJP leader A Manju. The BJP has termed him as an ‘imported candidate’.

However, Dr Mantar has been claiming that his mother hails from Kodagu and owns ancestral property in the district and is trying to attract voters.

While levelling allegations on family affiliation against the BJP candidate, the Congress leaders are chalking out tactics for the victory.

BJP leader A Manju is not seen openly campaigning for his son who is contesting from a Congress ticket. However, it is said that he is working behind the scenes for the political future of his son. 

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have been claiming that they have the highest number of supporters in the Gram Panchayat.

As Gram Panchayat members are not elected on party lines, the members will support the Congress, said Congress leaders. 

On the other hand, M P Sunil Subramani, the present MLC representing the constituency is the brother of Suja Kushalappa. After he was denied a ticket, he is not seen actively participating in the campaign.

BJP candidate Suja Kushalappa said, “In the interest of development, I am confident of voters supporting the BJP.”

Congress candidate Dr Mantar Gowda said, “Voters are craving for change. I have not come to Kodagu to become a leader. I will work as a party worker.” 

Total voters

Total – 1,343

Male – 654

Female – 689

Local bodies

Total Gram Panchayats – 130

Number of Town Panchayats – 3

City Municipal Council – 1

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Adithya K A, Madikeri / November 30th, 2021