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Cariappa takes charge as academy chief

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Addanda C. Cariappa assumed charge as president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy in Madikeri on Thursday.

Mr. Cariappa said he would work for the development of Kodava language, art, culture, folklore and literature with cooperation of other members of the academy. He would focus on publishing more works in Kodava by consulting experts, according to a press release issued here.

President of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Ravi Kushalappa, president of Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple Committee Manu Muthappa, president of the Madikeri Taluk Akrama-Sakrama Samiti Napanda Ravi Kalappa, editor of Shakti G. Rajendra, former president of the Kodagu District Kannada Sahitya Parishat T.P. Ramesh, and Kodagu District Commissioner of Scouts and Guides K.T. Baby Mathew congratulated Mr. Cariappa.

Members of the academy Nirmala Bopanna, Mittu Poonacha, Poovaiah, Thammaiah, Kasturi Govindamaiah, Sumi Subbaiah, N.A. Ramesh, and Uma Prabhu were present.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Mysore, March 30th, 2012

Spending time with the tribals

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Uncategorized

Honey hives: In the forest
It was a day to remember when school kids danced with the Soliga tribals recently at the town hall.
A recent event in Mangalore brought school students closer to Soliga culture. Many of them joined the Soligas as they danced as part of a programme held in the city’s town hall recently.

The students were from Stds. VI and VII. There were 40 students from Government Higher Primary School, Parappade, and 70 students from Government Higher Primary School, Mullakadu.

Song and dance
Enjoying ethnic beats: With the Soliga tribe
The dance was part of a week-long celebration of dances organised by the Information Departments of all the 30 districts of the state.

Most of the students said that they were seeing the dances and songs of the Soligas for the first time.

The Soligas explained to the students about life in the forest. The students asked them several questions about their food, their way of worship and how they lived in the forest.

Telling time

Raghuvir, Std. VII, Government Higher Primary School, Parappade, said, “I liked the way they described how they collect honey and how they tell the time by looking at the blooming of a flower. They should be allowed to live in their forests.”

Nirmala, Std. VII, said, “Women in the tribe have freedom.” Hithesh, Std. VII was thrilled how they could detect a snake hidden in the foliage.

Dhanaraj, Std. VII admired the way they dressed, their views on animals, their ornaments made from what is available and the variety of their dances

Mamatha, honorary teacher, Government Higher Primary School, Parappade, was impressed by their marriage custom, where a girl can choose her life partner and the expense of the marriage came to only Rs.12.50.

The word Soliga means “people of the bamboo”, because they believed they originated from the bamboo. They live close to nature. This is seen in their local tribal laws. They harvest fruits and berries only from trees that has lots of flowers. They leave the overripe ones for the birds.

They cultivate land only for five to seven years. Then the land is left untouched for 50 to 75 years, so that the forest takes over again.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Life & Style> Kids / by Renuka Phadnis / April 02nd, 2012

Rally keeps racing buffs on their toes

Sports

Mysore:
Hundreds of bike and car enthusiasts on Sunday morning flocked to Roost Hotel off in Mysore-Hunsur Road to witness Rally de Mysore, a time speed-and-distance (TSD) motorsport rally.

SP R Dileep flagged off the rally, organized by Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club (KSCS), amid fanfare, excitement and, of course, revving engines. Fifty-four teams on 40 cars and 14 motorbikes took part in the TSD rally spread over 10 hours. The 140-km rally covered Bilikere, KR Nagar and other places on the outskirts of Mysore. Besides 15 teams from Mysore, there were those from Coimbatore, Erode, and Bangalore too.

The revving of engines an hour before the commencement of the rally set the mood, while the spectators enjoyed watching customized cars, jeeps and bikes warming up for the big day. Each team had a rider/ driver and a navigator.

Speaking about the rally, organizer B Rathan Ponnappa said it comprised three classes in four-wheeler category — professional and novice classes and general category in bike class. “It’s a first-of-its kind of rally aimed at providing a platform for amateur racing youths,” he added.

Twenty-year-old S S B Arjun, who took part in the bike category, was all charged up for Rally de Mysore in the wee hours itself. He has participated in five rallies elsewhere, but was thrilled to take part in the first-ever rally of Mysore. “The roads and landscapes on the city’s outskirts are perfect for rally,” he opined.

Another participant, A Nagarjun, said the craze for wheels in on the rise among the city’s youths.

“This is an opportunity to test their capabilities, skills and to learn from noted racers. Instead of doing wheeling and speeding on public roads, race enthusiasts should participate in such events,” said the 23-year-old final year engineering student. Noted racers Satish Gopal Krishnan, Karthik Maruthi, Johnson and others took part in the rally.

Lohith Urs, international rally expert and in charge of the event, said TSD is a type of motor rally usually conducted on public roads, but at times, the track includes off-road too. “The main aspect of TSD rallies is to maintain precise time, average speeds on various segments on pre-defined rally route,” he said, adding: “Mysore is a hub for racers and rally buffs. This kind of rallies nurtures the basic skills of young aspirants.”

“TSD rally is not about speed, but it’s about timing, so navigator plays a vital role in this rally,” said Urs.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mysore / by Pavan M.V. / TNN / April 02nd, 2012

Celebrating 100 years of education

Education, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

There is festive mood in Bettageri Government Primary School, as they will be celebrating 100 years of their existence, on April 4 and 5.

At present, as many as 169 students are pursuing their education in the school. It is one of the best schools in Bettageri Gram Panchayat limits. The students have not only excelled in academic activities but also in extracurricular activities.

They have been actively taking part in Scouts and Guides activities. The students from the school had taken part in Scouts and Guides Rally held in New Delhi in 2007-08.

The school was started in March 1911 by late Pattada Biddappa. Somegowda Ayyanna had served as the first teacher of this school. During the British rule in 1935, the school was named as Lower Feeder School.

Later, the school was upgraded as Senior Basic School. The school was taken over by the government in 1952. The documents says that Charianda family members had donated 23 cents land to the school.

With the guidance of Mukkateera Somaiah, Manavateera Chinnappa, Mukkateera Somaiah, Abdul Rahman, Soodan Thammaiah, Pattada Muthanna and Palandira Madappa, the school had achieved success.

Later, with the support of donors, classrooms were built. Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the work on Akshara Dasoha building has been taken up. The school has nine teachers including head teacher B Devakki.

Centenary Committee President Taloor Kalappa said that several old students of the school are serving in the army. Students from five villages are pursuing their education in the school.

Litterateur Baithadka Janaki said “the teachers were supporting the students in developing their writing skills. The school had given me a platform to portray my talent in writing, which helped me to excel.”

Head teacher Devakki said “the teachers are striving to impart quality education in the school. Majority of the students hail from economically backward class. The students are encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities.”

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District> Napoklu / DHNS, April 01st, 2012

A true blue Ghat trip

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment


Abbey fall provide the perfect picturesque view.
Madikeri (aka Marcera) is a hill town in Karnataka and is the headquarters of Kodagu district. This place is named after King Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633 to 1687.

I was new to Karnataka, an intern in Mysore and was just starting to understand Kannada, so I knew that this road trip was going to be a great experience for me. I had my bike, a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 2002, and I am sure no one can ask for a better ride for a road trip.

I am also a photographer, so packing up the backpack with my camera and lens, a pair of clothes, some sweaters and jerkins; I started out at around 3 pm on a Saturday from Mysore.

Stopping once to fill the tank and took the Hunsor road towards Marcera. The road goes through villages and farms, so its quiet crowded most of the time.

Kaveri Nisargadhama is a point where the river Kaveri bifurcates and flows through a stream where people can take a dip to cool off.

The Kaveri Nisargadhama is protected by the forest department that does not allow people to enter after 5 pm. So I barely made it in. There is a park and lots of deer playing around in a fenced ground.

Proceeding there I rode on to Madikeri at about 8 pm. Now, if you are a bike enthusiast then you have got to ride through the Ghats.

It’s a whole different feeling just cruising along hearing the dhup dhup dhup of your bike ringing through the woods. The roads curve beautifully, allowing you to literally glide along.

I was able to find a place to sleep at a hilltop hotel, which is behind Hotel Kaveri. After checking in, I took a stroll in the night in the mild drizzle, which is likely to happen almost night during that time of the month.

The next morning, I took a walk from the hotel to the Raja’s seat and the Madikeri Fort. The town is so beautiful enveloped in mist and dew. The roads are empty with hardly anyone around. The cold air gives you such a chill that it literally jump starts you.

The places that are worth visiting are very close, hardly 500 meters from the centre of the town. I headed for Abbey Falls, which was about nine kms from the town bus stop.

At the check post just before the falls, I was greeted by a guard who was ecstatic at the sight of the bike. He was like, “Oh! You rode from Tamil Nadu? Which year is this bike… etc.” The people of Kodagu are very humble and hospitable and are known for rendering their service to the nation. The place is known for its coffee plantations.

The coffee powder and the beans from Kodagu are a must try. My father loves coffee and simply loved the packet I got him. I left Madikeri by 2 pm and rode back to Mysore. On my way back, I stopped at Bylakuppe, the Tibetan Town. I got caught in a bas spell of rain and had to ride very slowly. I reached my room at almost 9 pm, drenched and tired. But it was one great experience.

History

Raja’s Seat is a small square platform made out of bricks and mortar is surrounded by four arched pillars. It is said that, during those times, this was the favourite spot of Kings and therefore the name of the place is Raja’s seat. The beauty from this place is impeccable especially during the sunrise and sunsets.

Trivia

Abbey fall is located between private coffee plantations with sturdy coffee bushes. The sight of this place is beauty personified as we can see trees entwining with pepper vines. If you look closely, the falls that appear suddenly quietly turn into a silent lake.

Food

Sri Krishna Bhavan is one of the most popular restaurant in Madikeri. Serving traditional North Indian and South Indian cuisine, the restaurant offers lip-smacking paneer-based dishes like palak paneer and paneer bhurji. People from Coorg make sure they visit this place.

Stars promoting their soil

When a person like Jonty Rohdes asks you to visit his country, who would refuse? The South African cricketer, a well known travel enthusiast who has travelled to almost every country is inviting more travel enthusiasts to explore the beauty of South Africa.

In a first of its kind association, South African Tourism has teamed up with renowned cricketer, Jonty Rhodes to launch the book, My South African Diary, penned by Jonty himself.

As Jonty travels through his home country, he dons the cap of a narrator in the diary and shares his varied, exhilarating experiences of the scenic beauty of South Africa.

Jonty is not the only celebrity to promote his home country. Jackie Chan did a TV series where he narrated the beauty of China, we had instances of Konkana Sen Sharma taking us through the streets of Kolkata.

Harsha Bhogle’s Travel India with Harsha Bhogle is yet another popular show where he travels across the country explaining the rich tradition and culture of the country.

There is no doubt that the tourism departments of various countries have roped in stars to promote the tourism industry.

The writer is a photographer and a travel enthusiast

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> LifeStyle> Wanderlust / by Venkatesh Ravi / DC / Chennai / March 29th, 2012

National – level ‘Rally De Mysore’ on Apr.1

Sports


Caption: Kodava Samaja Cultural & Sports Club President M.M. Karumbaiah addressing a press meet at Patrakartara Bhavan this morning. Others seen are (from left) ace racer Lohit Urs, Club Treasurer P. Raja Poovaiah, Vice-President M.M. Kuttappa and Hon. Secretary B. Rathan Ponnappa.

Mysore, Mar. 28
Rally De Mysore, a national level bikes and cars rally, will be held in city on Apr. 1, under the joint auspices of Kodava Samaja Cultural & Sports Club (KSC&SC), Mysore and Indian Motor Sports Club (IMSC).

Mysore’s ace racer Lohit Urs, who is in-charge of the rally, provided details about the rally at a press conference held at the Patrakartara Bhavan today.

The event is run in accordance with Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) which is the governing body for Motor-sports in India.

The event will start from The Roost hotel on Hunsur Road in Mysore at 9 am on Sunday (Apr. 1) and conclude in the same place by 6 pm, said KSC&SC President Mechanda M. Karumbaiah, adding that Police Superintendent R. Dilip will flag off the rally.

City Police Commissioner K.L. Sudheer will give away prizes during the valedictory function to be held at the same venue in the evening.

The rally will cover a distance of 140 km around Mysore and pass through interior roads near Yelwal, Bilikere, K.R. Nagar and Hunsur. The main sponsors are Graviti 9.

The rally is run on Time Speed Distance (TSD) format. In this event, the main focus is on navigation rather than speed. The competitors are given the route map and the speed at which they should cover the distance.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / March 28th, 2012

Respect the Girl Child: Prema Cariappa

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


Caption: Prema Cariappa, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Board, inaugurating the International Women’s Day celebration organised by Karnataka State Social Welfare Board at Rajendra Auditorium in JSS Hospital premises here recently. Others seen are State Board Chairperson Vinoda Nataraj and Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation Chairperson Sarojini Bhardwaj.

Mysore, Mar. 28

“Members of the Indian society need to shed the ancient notion that only male issues can support us in our old age and that one attains ‘sadgati’ after death only if one is the a parent of a male child,” said Prema Cariappa, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Advisory Board, New Delhi.

Speaking after inaugurating International Women’s Day celebration held under the aegis of Karnataka State Social Welfare Board at Rajendra Bhavan in city on Monday, she said that women are playing a pivotal role in the development of the nation and the country; but in spite of this, they are being discriminated.

She further said that even today, the birth of a female child is considered shameful. Even though girls excel in education they are being discriminated in the fields of higher education, professional courses and employment.

“The need of the hour is to educate girls. She said that the social evils like dowry etc. have ruined the society. Women are being burnt alive if dowry is not given. Police and judiciary seem to be helpless in stopping these crimes. Govt. is taking appropriate steps for the development of women but it is the duty of the voluntary organizations to come forward to work in the field of social work,” she said and opined that local elected representatives need to work towards eradicating this discrimination.

Board’s chairperson Vinoda Nataraj, State Women’s Development Corporation Chairperson Sarojini Bhardwaj and Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director N.R. Vijay were the chief guests.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / March 28th, 2012

Team Coorg for UTSC Gulf Cup in Dubai

Nri's / Pio's, Sports

Muscat:
Team Coorg Muscat will take part in the forthcoming United Thallasery Sports Club-organised UTSC Gulf Cup hockey tournament to be held in Dubai on March 30.
The regional hockey tournament have seen representation from GCC states like Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE and this time around it is expected to bigger.

Team Coorg Muscat, who were the runners-up last year, are full of confidence to finish on top this time around, and team manager Kuttapa thanked the UTSC for inviting them again.

“We are a well-knit team and we are looking forward to win the title this time,” said Kuttapa.

Team Coorg have been involved in promotion of hockey in various levels among the expatriates and the group has also won appreciation from the hockey-loving citizens of Oman for providing them the opportunity to play the game round the year.
Former national coach of India and Oman will lead a strong Team Coorg this time as player-cum-coach, but missing from the line-up will be their senior playing member Devayya.

source: http://www.main.omanobserver.com / Oman Daily Observer / Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

The inspiration behind the team is the hockey veteran S A S Naqvi.

New team for Kodava Academy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

Madikeri, Mar. 25
Drama artist Addanda C. Kariappa has been nominated as the President of Karnataka Kodava Sahithya Academy, as per a government order passed yesterday. He succeeds Imudiyanda Rani Machaiah.

Other members of the Academy for the three year term are: Prof. Ittira K. Biddappa of Gonikoppal, Chendira Nirmala Bopanna of Ponnampet, Maletira Abhimanyu Kumar of Somwarpet, Bottolanda Mittu Poonacha of Peroor, Charmanda Poovaiah of Kunjilageri, Kudiyara Thammaiah of Yavakapadi, Kasturi Govindamayya of Madikeri, Chendanda Sumi Subbaiah of Maldare, Melathanda A. Ramesh of Hysodlur and Uma Prabhu of Napoklu.

The order was issued by K. Sudhakar Shetty, Deputy Secretary, Kannada & Culture Dept. and Information Department.

source: http://www.StarOfMysore.com / General News / March 25th, 2012

Wake up, smell the filter coffee

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

Radhakrishnan M with co-founder and wife A Chithra

Fully automated vending machines that serve freshly brewed authentic filter coffee, that’s the business Aromas of Coorg is into. In conversation with co founder Radhakrishnan M.

Origins
After lucrative careers in the corporate world, my wife Chithra and I had the urge to start something on our own. We are from Coorg and have been into coffee cultivation for more than three decades. Aromas of Coorg was born in 2009. Four factors made our idea into a company – our passion for entrepreneurship, our son, our roots from Coorg and our corporate exposure.

Elevator Pitch
We bring the authentic filter coffee experience to businesses at an affordable cost and with modern technology-inspired machines.

Gameplan
We offer end to end turnkey solution for corporate vending (small, medium, large), corporate conferences, tradeshows etc. Our service is a plug-n-play model, where we provide the finest coffee of your choice, equipment, service and maintenance. We also provide services to hotels, hospitality segment and home delivery facility within city limits. We work both on variable and a fixed pricing model where clients can pay based on usage or based on usage plus a fixed monthly costs. Our USP is our focus on technology. Our vending machine is the first its kind and is fully automated to serve freshly brewed authentic filter coffee and freshly brewed tea by simply pressing a button. Our coffee is a blend of six varieties of finest coffees beans hand-picked from our own cultivation. We are shortly launching first of its kind coffee vending machines with both hot and cold options in the same machine. Our vending machines will be the first of its kind to adopt Micron filtration and UV purification technology to purify the water. This means you can even use tap water.

The Challenges
Differentiation. The wave of western form of coffee was so popular that everybody wanted cappuccino, espresso, latte, etc. Also in scaling and maintaining levels of service and quality.

Reward: Fame, Money, Thrill?
Adrenaline rush and the satisfaction that you control your destiny.

Start-up-to-date

Company: Aromas of Coorg
Domain: Beverage solutions
Founder: A Chithra Uthappa, Radhakrishnan M
Founded in: 2009
Funding: Bootstrapped. Mentored by Vaibhav Tewari

source: http://www.BangaloreMirror.com / Home> Columns> Ideas Factory> Story / by Manu Prasad / March 22nd, 2012