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Making room

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Minimal designs, foldable furniture, technology to control locks and lights… the home decor trend in 2021 was simplistic and practical.

Interior designers find 2021 to be a year of contemporary, trendy and eco-friendly home decor styles.
Interior designers find 2021 to be a year of contemporary, trendy and eco-friendly home decor styles.

Bengaluru :

The years 2020 and 2021 have seen many turning homebodies out of little option. Thanks to the raging pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, people have been forced to stay indoors. It’s no surprise then that the trend of doing up homes to suit working from home continued into 2021.

According to interior designers, this was the year when people cleared clutter. Tasneem, studio manager at Design Café Bangalore, says, “The use of multi-functional furniture was a huge factor this year. Clients wanted something that is practical and something that takes up minimal space in the house.

It was more about utility than looks this year.” She goes on to add, “For instance, most homes required two study/ work tables. But many clients just wanted a table that could be attached to the wall or something that is foldable. This also led to customers opting for ‘zoning’, where there’s a visual divide of the different spaces in home – be it the study space, drawing or bedroom and kitchen. Different corners to unplug was also an important factor.”

With Bengalureans spending extended periods at home, many were particular about open spaces and well-lit spaces. Anagha Bhaskar, principal architect of Pradyotha Associates, says, “Whether it was people building brand new homes or renovating their current ones, they wanted fewer walls, more windows – long ones to be precise – and plenty of natural light coming in throughout the day. This also led to dedicated spaces for indoor gardens as people had the time to care for them while working from home.”

The buzzword has been sustainability which spilt into the home decor space too. Various other redecorations with the use of bottles, eco-friendly products and old materials were added to homes, giving them a story of their own. “On the other hand, digitally-focused homes were also a trend we saw in 2021. They used technology to control the settings of the home – from locks to lights within the house,” explains Bhaskar.

Nain Belliappa, founder and creative director of Houseof9design, adds that marble and stone finishes were preferred over laminate products. “As for the design style, people wanted something contemporary. For example, plantation-style homes like fireplaces or pillar designs were opted for even in apartment spaces. This is something we only saw in independent homes previously,” she explains.

Long study and work desks for both children and parents were an additional factor. With many welcoming pets during the pandemic, pet parents wanted their home to not have any sharp edges or wallpaper. There was also the use of rugs or carpets for pets. “The colour schemes that were popular through the year were monotones and muted colours. Homeowners wanted minimalistic designs in classic and contemporary styles. Home with a spirit is the vibe of 2021,” says Belliappa.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Anila Kurian, Express News Service / December 27th, 2021

Former Tamil Nadu and South Zone captain P.K. Belliappa passes away

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

The keeper-batsman skippered South Zone and Tamil Nadu

Former Tamil Nadu and South Zone captain P.K. Belliappa passed away in Bengaluru on Wednesday morning. He was 79 and is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Belliappa, who made his debut for Tamil Nadu (then Madras) in 1959, played 94 First Class matches till 1974.

An opening batsman and a wicket-keeper, he made 4061 runs at an average of 29.42 with a highest score of 141 and had 93 catches and 46 stumpings to his credit.

Former India leg-spinner V.V. Kumar said “I played with him for close to 20 years and he was a great captain in the 60s. Under him we really did well in various tournaments. He was a gritty opening batsman and very good ’keeper who gave valuable inputs to the bowler as well. He was a self-made cricketer and off-the field, the heart and soul of any party.”

Another contemporary, former TN fast bowler B. Kalayanasundaram, remarked “he was my captain when I made my debut in Ranji Trophy and someone who always encouraged players. Once played me in an inter-district match when I was not well and made me bowl just five overs before allowing me to take rest, so that he could then pick me for the State side.”

“I knew him from my younger days as we were neighbours in Harrington Road and used to play with a golf ball. He was a very pleasant person and incidentally, I made my debut in his last Ranji Trophy match,” said former India wicketkeeper Bharat Reddy.

The TNCA president and members condoled the demise of Belliappa in a statement. His last rites will be held in his native place Coorg.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – February 19th, 2020

KDF’s Integrated Coffee Processing And Storage Unit Inaugurated

Coffee News

Jeypore (Odisha): 

Kalinga DESIAGRO Foundation (KDF) has inaugurated an integrated coffee processing and storage unit today. Located in Ekadeli village, about 12 kms away from the Koraput town, the 4,500 sq. ft. facility houses state-of-the-art machineries capable of undertaking curing of raw coffee, including hulling, peeling, polishing, and grading operations. A prominent feature of the entire set-up is the phosphor-bronze peeler polisher, that will impart a fine lustre to the coffee processed at the unit, at par with some of the best curing works in Karnataka.

Mckinnon India Pvt. Ltd., a renowned manufacturer and exporter of coffee processing systems, was engaged by KDF to commission the processing unit. KDF further relied on the technical guidance and wisdom of Mrs. Sunalini Menon, Coffee Lab, Bangalore, one of the leading coffee quality experts in India.

The unit will cater to the requirements of the coffee growers of Koraput, neighbouring districts including Kandhamal and Keonjhar, and all such districts in Odisha, where coffee is being commercially produced. The unit will enable the coffee growers to make value addition to their coffee that is being currently sold in raw form (called parchment or cherry) to traders in Karnataka. The integrated facility has been conceptualized to be future proof, with the provision for an initial storage capacity of 200 metric tons of raw coffee.

The processing unit is capable of processing approximately 600 metric tons of raw coffee annually, with provision for phase-wise expansion in the future. Due to the sensitive and hygroscopic nature of coffee beans, the facility has been constructed with necessary adherence to the guidelines and norms prescribed by the Coffee Board of India to ensure optimal temperature and moisture control.

The unit was recently audited by Dr. Mandappa I.S. the Divisional Head of Coffee Quality (Coffee Board of India) as part of the process for its registration as a Coffee Board licenced curing works.

The establishment of the integrated unit is part of KDF’s social impact outreach towards transforming the coffee ecosystem in southern Odisha.

The integrated unit represents a significant private investment in not just the fledgling coffee sector of Odisha but in the economically and industrially backward district of Koraput in general. The unit has been commissioned in a record time of just under 6 months, reaffirming the commitment of KDF towards the coffee growers of Koraput. The project aims to positively affect lives of over 1500 locals including by way of generating direct and indirectly employment.

As part of its effort to boost the hyperlocal economy, KDF has chosen to largely work with local vendors, suppliers and contractors in the Koraput district in setting up the unit. The establishment of the processing facility is likely to have a ripple effect on the coffee sector in the near future by encouraging more coffee growers and boosting the earning capabilities of the existing growers by enabling them to sell green coffee beans, the most popularly traded form of coffee internationally.

To mark this significant occasion, KDF organized an event to officially unveil the integrated processing and storage unit.

Shri Iswar Chandra Panigrahi, Chairman of Odisha State Seeds Corporation & District President of BJD, Shri Upendra Saha, Senior Liaison Officer of the Coffee Board of India (Koraput) and Shri Pradip Mohanty, President of Odisha Coffee Growers Association, graced the occasion as the guests of honour.

The integrated coffee curing and storage unit was unveiled to the attendees after a customary ribbon cutting ceremony.

The event was attended by the members of the coffee fraternity comprising of the local coffee growers (both tribals and non-tribals). Local coffee growers who are affiliated with KDF were felicitated with silver coins, personalised goodies and certificate of recognition, to appreciate their efforts in producing quality coffee. Other attendees, including the local tribal dancers and performers, were handed over attractive hampers.

On the sidelines of the event, KDF also introduced its green beans coffee brand “Kora Milds – Coffee from the East”.

A day before the main event, KDF organised a feast for the neighbouring villages and the workers, which was attended by more than 150 people.

A volleyball tournament was also organised for the youth of the villages forming part of the local Gram Panchayat, with the winning team being felicitated with a cash prize.

source: http://www.sambadenglish.com / Sambad English / Home> Economy / by Sambad English Bureau / March 26th, 2022

12 Girls From Kodagu In State Junior Hockey Team

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports

To make a mark in 12th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship at Kakinada from today

The Junior Women’s Hockey players from across the nation have a golden opportunity to showcase their skills at the 12th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship, which began today (Mar. 25) at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.

A total of 26 teams will vie for top honours in the competition including the Karnataka team that has 12 players from Kodagu. Kodagu district has contributed many hockey champions to the national and international events including the Olympics.

In the team are: P. Dechamma Ganapathy, B.J. Jeevitha, Seema Anandarao Pawar, B.M. Keerthana, H.S. Jahnavi, Taj Belliappa, S.B. Nisarga, H.B. Siddaganga, H.A. Apsara, K.J. Dilan, T.C. Suchitha and H. Mani. The girls from Kodagu form a formidable force in the 19-member team.

D.N. Tejaswini and C.M. Sahana of Hassan District, Kaveri R. Lenkannavar of Dharwad District, Tamil Nadu-based B. Deepika and Andhra Pradesh-based Vudumula Sowmya who are at present coaching at SAI (Sports Authority of India) Centre Madikeri and Kushee M. Jain from Bengaluru will also represent the Karnataka team.

Participating teams

The participating teams include Hockey Haryana, Goans Hockey and Hockey Madhya Pradesh in Group A, while Pool B features Hockey Jharkhand, Manipur Hockey and Assam Hockey. Pool C includes Hockey Maharashtra, Telangana Hockey and Le Puducherry Hockey, meanwhile, Hockey Chandigarh, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu and Hockey Uttarakhand have been slotted in Pool D.

Hockey Association of Odisha, Delhi Hockey and Kerala Hockey have been included in Pool E, while Pool F features Punjab, Chhattisgarh Hockey and Hockey Himachal. Pool G features Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Hockey Bihar, Hockey Rajasthan and Hockey Mizoram, while Hockey Andhra Pradesh, Hockey Karnataka, Hockey Bengal and Hockey Gujarat has been included in Pool H.

Matches from Mar.25

The Karnataka girls will play their first match against Gujarat on Mar. 25 and fight with Andhra Pradesh on Mar. 27 and with West Bengal on Mar. 29. The team will enter the quarter-finals if it wins against all three teams.

After six days of pool matches, the quarter-finals will be played on Mar.31, the semi-finals on Apr. 2 whereas the medal matches of the 12th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2022 are scheduled on Apr. 3.

The Karnataka team has brought laurels to the State in thFe matches held in New Delhi,

Assam, Haryana, Jharkhand and Kerala. As of now, there is no player from Kodagu in the Indian National Team either from Kodagu or Karnataka. The participation of 12 players from Kodagu in a single team has raised hopes of at least four or five of them making it to the National team.

Team well-prepared

The team has already been trained well in Bengaluru and the players are confident of making big in the championship. At Kakinada, all the teams have been acclimatising to the ground and weather conditions as the humidity is high. “Our preparations for the tournament are going great and our confidence is high as we are well-trained and we are sure of bringing laurels to Karnataka,” said Dechamma Ganapathy.

In the recently held India Camp in Bengaluru, Dechamma Ganapathy, Tejaswini, Sowmya, Sahana, Kushee, Deepika, Kaveri had participated. While Tejaswini was captain-cum-goal-keeper, Suchitha was the goal-keeper.

B.M. Komala is the team coach and Dharmendra is officiating as Manager.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 25th, 2022

Chain link mesh to be installed near Kushalnagar, Karnataka to control pollution of river Cauvery

Records, All

The increased pollution of River Cauvery can be observed clearly on the Kushalnagar-Koppa Bridge – the NH275 – from where people often toss garbage into the water.

An officer conducts a survey of the bridge to install the chain link mesh.

Madikeri :

An innovative project is underway to control the dumping of litter in river Cauvery near Kushalnagar. The Town Panchayat has drawn a plan to install chain link mesh across the Kushalnagar-Koppa bridge to protect river Cauvery from the garbage.

After its birth in Talacauvery, Cauvery flows towards Kushalnagar passing Balamuri and other places. While the river is in its purest form at Talacauvery, the quality of the water touches B Grade and sometimes C Grade due to the increased pollution from various commercial activities and garbage dumping. 

The increased pollution of River Cauvery can be observed clearly on the Kushalnagar-Koppa Bridge – the NH275 – from where people often toss garbage into the water.

“Garbage including unwanted materials and religious waste are being regularly tossed into River Cauvery from the Kushalnagar-Koppa Bridge. Many cleanliness and awareness drives have been hosted to prevent this, but in vain,” shared Chandramohan, convener of the Cauvery Nadi Swachata Andolana committee. He shared that a memorandum had been submitted to the town panchayat to control the river pollution.

As a permanent solution, the town panchayat has now decided to install a mesh net across the bridge to control the dumping of trash. “A plan has been drawn to install 8 feet high chain link mesh across the 120-meter bridge area,” confirmed Jayavardhan, president of Kushalnagar town panchayat.

A private bank in the area has assured to offer funds to the tune of nearly Rs 9.48 lakh for the project. Since the bridge falls under the National Highway, a letter in this regard was forwarded to the NHA and the project has been approved by the NHA officials following a survey.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnaktak / by Express News Service / March 22nd, 2022

Harangi Elephant Camp Takes Shape

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World Opinion

To be ninth in Karnataka; third in Kodagu

Madikeri:

Works are in full swing to set up the third Elephant Camp in Kodagu at Harangi. The State Government has released Rs. 50 lakh for the project that is expected to ease the burden of the existing elephant camps.

Already, Kodagu has two elephant camps, one at Dubare and another at Mathigodu near Anechowkur Gate that borders Mysuru. There are eight elephant camps in Karnataka including the two in Kodagu and the Harangi Camp will be the ninth in the State.

The eight jumbo camps house more than 100 tamed elephants that are used to rescue wild animals and for logging purposes at Government timber depots. The new elephant camp is expected to reduce the burden on the nearby Dubare Elephant Camp, which currently has over 31 elephants, the highest in the State.

90 percent works complete

Over 90 percent of the works have been completed at the Harangi Elephant Camp and interestingly, the Camp houses a Tree Park, also in the same vicinity. From 2017 till 2021-22 Rs.1.38 crore has been released by the Government and works are on to create the Tree Park.

The Forest Department is establishing the elephant camp in a 40-acre land at Athur Reserve Forest beside Harangi Reservoir in Kushalnagar Taluk. The place, located near the Harangi Dam backwaters, is ideal to set up the elephant camp. The camp per se is eight to 20 acres. The Athur Range Forest extends up to 2,000 acres and it is an ideal elephant habitat with plenty of water and green swathes.

Four houses have been constructed for the mahouts and their families to stay, a vast kitchen has been constructed to prepare food for the elephants and store rooms has also been constructed. Basic facilities including toilets have been constructed for tourists who come there.

Abundant water source

Borewells have been sunk to provide a steady stream of water and as the land comes near the Harangi Dam backwaters, there is no shortage of groundwater. Electricity works are on now at the camp and enough care is being taken to ensure that the forest area is not damaged while erecting the power poles and when the power lines are drawn.

The funds for the camp have been released from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). Apart from setting up a new elephant camp, there are plans to initiate other related development programmes including developing the camp as a tourist centre and at the same time provide shelter to the elephants.

Other tourism projects

The Government has also plans to closely develop Cauvery Nisargadhama in Kushalnagar and together with the new elephant camp in the region, the initiatives are set to boost eco-tourism activities.

Kushalnagar Range Forest Officer J. Ananya Kumar told Star of Mysore that once the Harangi Elephant Camp works are completed, five elephants will be shifted from Dubare Elephant Camp to immediately ease the burden. Later, 15 more jumbos will be shifted in phases. Appointment of staff and doctors will be decided by the State Government.

Among the State Government plans to improve tourism in Harangi are water sports on behalf of Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Jet Ski and para-sailing. The Kodagu District Administration is weighing various options for tourism promotion once the Harangi Elephant Camp is fully established.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 21st, 2022

Wins Medal In Biathlon

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports
Bhavani is seen receiving the prize from one of the dignitaries during the presentation ceremony. (Biathlon is a combination of shooting and cross country skiing.)

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda from Kodagu district has won two silver medals in 10-km and 5-km race in the National Winter Biathlon Championships-2022 being held at Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.

For the first time in the history, an athlete from South India has won a national medal in winter biathlon competition.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> PhotoNews / March 22nd, 2022

Karnataka CM announces power subsidy for coffee cultivation

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

The Kodagu coffee growers have been demanding free electricity supply to up to 10 HP pump sets installed in coffee estates across the district.

Basavaraj Bommai
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai (Photo | Special arrangement)

Madikeri :

The state government has announced a subsidized power supply to up to 10 HP pump sets installed in coffee estates in Kodagu. The decision was announced by chief minister Basavaraj Bommai during the Zero Hour of the state Legislative Assembly. The request for the same was raised by Kodagu MLA Appachu Ranjan.

The Kodagu coffee growers have been demanding free electricity supply to up to 10 HP pump sets installed in coffee estates across the district. While assurances had been extended by the state, the same had not been sanctioned. On Tuesday, MLA Appachu Ranjan raised the issue during the Zero Hour of the legislative session and he was supported by MLA KG Bopaiah, MLA CT Ravi and MLA Kumarswamy.

The legislators argued that the district supplied Cauvery water to the state, but it has been neglected. They argued that while tobacco and areca nut estates are eligible for power subsidy, coffee has been neglected and ignored.

Following these discussions, CM Basavaraj Bomai said, “Power subsidies extended by the state are increasing every year and it adds up to Rs 12,000 to Rs 14,000 crore. However, we understand the problems of the coffee growers, and following the discussion with the power minister and other ministers, the state will grant a subsidy to the power supply to up to 10 HP pump sets installed in coffee estates. However, terms and conditions will be released to control misuse of the same.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 22nd, 2022

Native of Kodagu writes to the PM urging for a multi-speciality hospital in the district

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Science & Technology

Vishwa Cariappa is a native of Kodagu and currently resides in Bengaluru. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Vasan Infrastructure Private Limited.

Madikeri:

A native of Kodagu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging for the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital in the district. The uniqueness of Kodagu has been highlighted in the letter alongside the immediate need for a multi-speciality hospital.

Vishwa Cariappa is a native of Kodagu and currently resides in Bengaluru. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Vasan Infrastructure Private Limited. He has written to the Prime Minister urging for the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital in Kodagu.

In his letter, Vishwa highlights the uniqueness of the district and the people’s increased contribution to the Indian Military. The contributions of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, General Thimmayya and other noted personalities have been highlighted in the letter. Further, the dire situation of the people of the district post the 2018 natural disaster has been brought to the fore and the absence of good road connectivity and the absence of improved medical facilities especially in hilly regions have been highlighted.

The plight of the patients who are forced to travel out of the district to get medical treatment has also been highlighted. He has then requested the Prime Minister to establish a multi-speciality hospital in the district and Vishwa has assured to donate Rs One Crore to the government for the establishment of the same. He also assured to help the government find land in the district for the establishment of the hospital. The letter has been posted to the PM and other cabinet ministers of the central government. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Bosky Khanna / Express News Service / March 20th, 2022

Ph.D In Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Mysore/Mysuru: 

M.M. Uthappa has been awarded Ph.D in Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Sciences by the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, for his thesis ‘A study of motivational factors and its impact on project team performance (A study conducted at selected private and public sector companies in India)’ submitted under the guidance of Dr. A.N. Santosh Kumar.

Macharanda Madappa Uthappa is a Mechanical Engineer graduated from BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru and earned his post-graduation — Master of Technology (M.Tech) and Master of Engineering Management (MEM) ­­from VTU. He received his Doctorate during VTU’s 21st  Annual Convocation held on Mar. 10 at Belagavi.

Uthappa is a Chartered Engineer (C Engg) and also an elected Fellow Member of Institution of  Engineers India (FIE).

He started his career with Tata Group and after a 25-year corporate service till 2015 in various capacities, he quit the job in 2015 and registered as Full Time Research Scholar at VTU’s Research Centre in Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), Mysuru.

Also a folk singer and lyricist, Uthappa has translated many Kannada devotional songs to Kodava paaje.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 17th, 2022