Journalist and author P.T. Bopanna’s new book, Who are the Kodavas (Coorgs)?, looks at the origins of the Kodava community of Kodagu, drawing on the first genetic study of the community.
The study was led by Coorg-born Professor Buttiyanda Kuttapa Thelma, popularly known as B.K. Thelma, a prominent Indian geneticist and genomics researcher.
Her team, comprising scientists from the University of Delhi South Campus and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, analysed genomic samples from Kodavas to study their genetic links with other populations. The findings form a separate chapter in the book.
The study found that the Kodavas have a more complex genetic profile than their shared cultural identity might suggest. It identified three distinct subgroups, with differences in genetic isolation, drift and admixture. The findings also offer insights into the genetic history of populations in South Asia.
A separate chapter by Sociologist Prof. Neravanda Veena Poonacha examines the community’s socio-cultural heritage. She argues that Kodava identity cannot be explained by genetics alone or through colonial-era racial theories. It has also been shaped by trade, wars, migration and cultural exchanges over the years. She also examines how the Kodavas have retained their distinct identity while sharing cultural links with other South Indian communities.
This is Bopanna’s 12th book. Deepika Cariappa, Bengaluru Bureau Chief of The Hindu, has written the foreword.
Published by Prism Books, Bengaluru, the paperback edition is available online.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore/ Home> News / October 27th, 2026
Mysuru’s motorcycle racer Tasmai Cariappa secured his second victory of the 2026 season in the Superbike 1000cc SB2 category at NEXZTER BRIC Superbike Championship – Round 3 held at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, from Oct 16 to 18.
The victory was particularly special for Tasmai as it marked his first-ever wet race since beginning his motorcycle racing career in 2021. Competing on the powerful Yamaha YZF-R1 1000cc superbike, he demonstrated exceptional determination, adaptability and control in challenging wet weather conditions to secure the top step of the podium.
Racing in the rain presented an entirely new challenge, demanding precision, confidence and a careful balance between speed and control. Winning under these circumstances made the achievement even more rewarding, marking another significant milestone in his international racing journey.
Tasmai credited his data engineer and the entire AVRP team for their crucial contribution to the victory. “I am extremely happy to secure this victory, especially because it was my first-ever wet race in my entire racing career. Winning it on a 1000cc Yamaha R1 makes it even more special. A huge thanks to my entire team for understanding my riding style and working tirelessly to set up the motorcycle exactly the way I needed it. Their support and efforts made a tremendous difference and this victory belongs to the entire team,” said Tasmai.
Representing India with the Nexzter Liqui Moly Yamaha Moritech Bridgestone AVRP team, Tasmai continues to establish himself on the international racing stage. Following his successful transition to the highly competitive 1000cc Superbike category in 2026, this latest win further strengthens his campaign as he prepares for the season finale.
With two victories secured this season, Tasmai now turns his attention to Round 4, scheduled for Nov. `19 to 22, 2026, where he aims to continue his momentum and fight for the championship title in his debut yearin 1000cc category.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / October 24th, 2026
Dr. Joseph John, a former nuclear physicist who helped introduce and redefine Indian-grown coffee in the United States, died Sept. 15. He was 88.
Known throughout the industry simply as “Dr. John,” John and his wife, Urmila, established the San Francisco Bay Area-based Josuma Coffee Company in 1992, working to introduce high-quality Indian coffees to a U.S. specialty coffee market that largely overlooked the origin.
John later developed the company’s signature Malabar Gold Espresso blend, made exclusively with Indian coffees, while becoming a fixture at industry trade shows through his lectures on the science of espresso.
Born in 1938 in Madurai, in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, John earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics before joining India’s atomic energy program in 1958, at age 20.
He moved to the United States in 1964 and earned a doctorate in nuclear physics from Florida State University in 1968. He met Urmila at Florida State, and the couple married in 1967 and became parents in 1972.
John subsequently worked for Gulf General Atomic, a predecessor of today’s General Atomics, in San Diego before moving into business and consulting work in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Entering Coffee
John’s entry into specialty coffee came unexpectedly after an acquaintance connected to an Indian coffee estate sought help finding American buyers. In a 2012 interview with Fresh Cup magazine, John recalled that he and Urmila initially had no plans to enter the coffee business.
“It was not by design. It was really just sheer accident,” he said.
The couple officially established Josuma Coffee Company in 1992, focusing on direct relationships with Indian estates, specializing in coffees that could meet the quality requirements of specialty roasters. John also worked with growers and the Coffee Board of India to improve quality and expand the country’s presence in the U.S. market.
In a 2018 account of Indian coffee’s development, Barrington Coffee Roasting Company co-founder Barth Anderson credited John with introducing him to Indian specialty coffee in 1996, describing his influence on both American roasters and coffee producers in India.
In 1996, John developed Malabar Gold Espresso, initially as a demonstration of the potential of Indian beans in premium espresso blends. The product grew into Josuma’s flagship roasted coffee offering.
John also became an outspoken advocate for the use of high-quality robusta in espresso blends, challenging prevailing attitudes in the American specialty coffee industry.
An Educational Leader
Beginning in the early 2000s, he wrote extensively about espresso extraction and blending while delivering lectures at Coffee Fest and other industry events. His classes included “Espresso and Coffee: More Different Than You Think.”
His published work included a two-part 2008 article on espresso blending in Roast magazine and the 2023 book Creating a Perfect Espresso, which brought together much of his teaching and writing.
John retired in 2017, although his involvement in coffee education continued. In 2018, Josuma became an early supporter of the UC Davis Coffee Center, where a conference room now bears the company’s name.
Josuma remains family-owned and operated under the management of John’s son, Melind, and daughter-in-law, Steph.
John is survived by his wife, Urmila, Melind and Steph.
source: http://www.dailycoffeenews.com / Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine / by Daily Coffee News Staff / October 20th, 2026
Observed in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, Kaveri Sankramana celebrates Goddess Kaveri and the sacred origins of the Kaveri River.
Every year, thousands of devotees gather in Karnataka’s mist-covered hills to witness a sacred ritual associated with the origins of the Kaveri River. Kaveri Sankramana, also known as Tula Sankramana, celebrates Goddess Kaveri, who is revered as the divine embodiment of the river. Observed in Kodagu district, the festival brings together ancient rituals, local customs and religious traditions. Its main attraction is Theerthodbhava, when sacred water is believed to emerge from a spring at Talakaveri. Here are six things to know about this unique river festival. (Image: Incredible India).
Kaveri Sankramana falls on the first day of the Hindu solar month of Tula, usually in mid-October. In 2026, the festival is observed today, October 17. It marks the Sun’s transition into Libra and holds special significance for devotees in Kodagu, Karnataka. (Image: Wikimedia Commons).
The main celebrations take place at Talakaveri, a revered pilgrimage site in the Brahmagiri Hills of Kodagu, also known as Coorg. A temple and sacred tank mark the traditional source of the Kaveri River. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, the site attracts pilgrims throughout the year. During the festival, particularly large crowds gather to offer prayers and witness the central ritual. (Image: Wikimedia Commons).
The highlight of Kaveri Sankramana is Theerthodbhava, which refers to the emergence of sacred water from the Brahma Kundike at Talakaveri. According to local belief, the water appears at an auspicious moment, symbolising the manifestation of Goddess Kaveri. Devotees gather to witness the event and collect the sacred water, known as theertha. Many families preserve it at home, believing it brings divine blessings. (Image: Incredible India).
For the Kodava community, Goddess Kaveri, also known as Kaveramma, holds a special place in religious and cultural traditions. The river is associated with life, prosperity and the well-being of the region. The festival celebrates this deep connection between the community, its land and the river that sustains generations. (Image: Wikimedia Commons).
Kaveri Sankramana is also observed through household rituals, including Kanni Puje. Traditionally, a cucumber or coconut is decorated with flowers, jewellery and other offerings to symbolise the goddess. Families offer prayers and seek blessings. Traditional festive foods may include dosa, pumpkin curry and payasa, a sweet preparation. (Image: AI-Generated).
Bhagamandala, located in Kodagu, is associated with the confluence of the Kaveri, Kannike and the traditionally recognised underground river Sujyoti. Devotees visit the area for prayers and religious observances during the festival. Local fairs and community gatherings add to the celebrations, making Kaveri Sankramana an important expression of Karnataka’s living cultural heritage. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
source: http://www.news18.com / News18/ Home> News> Photogallery> Lifestyle> Events / by Sujata Singh / edited by Priyanka Das / October 17th, 2026
For one of her wedding rituals, Rashmika Mandanna draped a green-red saree in Coorgi-style and completed the look with gold temple jewellery
Rashmika Mandanna wore gold jewellery by SHREE Jewellers for her wedding. / SHREE Jewellers/ Instagram
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s wedding in Udaipur was this year’s biggest social event, grabbing all the eyeballs and headlines. Their kilos of gold jewellery for the main wedding and regal looks set new standards for brides and grooms.
Designed by SHREE Jewellers, each jewellery piece was a masterclass in honouring roots and intricate designs. The brand recently took to Instagram to share an unseen wedding picture of Rashmika.
The caption read, “A magnificent celebration of Coorg’s ancestral jewels, distinguished by their intricate forms and enduring cultural richness. Rashmika Mandanna brings an effortless grace to this extraordinary legacy of adornment.”
Rashmika Mandanna’s unseen wedding look is a beautiful tribute to Kodava tradition and craftsmanship. Photo: SHREE Jewellers/ Instagram
Rashmika Mandanna In Gold Temple Jewellery And ‘Coorgi’ Saree
In the picture, Rashmika Mandanna can be seen glowing and smiling ear to ear in a green-and-red saree draped in the signature Coorgi style. The silk drape featured a red-and-gold border. She completed the look with a green veil featuring intricate embroidery and zari work. The vastra, or musuk, is tied as part of traditional Kodava culture.
Complementing the look was a gold necklace, a traditional South Indian kasumala design. It features coin-shaped elements with carvings of Goddess Lakshmi, a symbol of auspiciousness and prosperity. It is also adorned with uncut diamonds, creating a striking contrast. The lower edge of the piece is finished with clusters of tiny pearls, adding movement to the signature silhouette.
The matching earrings featured sculpted motifs of Lord Krishna on the upper portion. The jhumka-style earrings were also studded with precious stones and showcased a multi-tiered silhouette with clusters of pearls dangling at the end.
For makeup, the Ranabaali star tightly lined her eyes with brown-black kohl and applied brick-red lipstick. Her small red bindi tied the whole look together.
Rashmika Mandanna’s Wedding Jewellery
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Abhishek Agarwal and Kaushik Kumar, Managing Directors of SHREE Jewellers, shared, “We have always admired Rashmika and Vijay for their craft, but getting to know them personally and being a part of their magical day was truly special. They are wonderful human beings, and being entrusted with such an intimate celebration is something we will always cherish. Like the rest of the country, we are still taking it all in.”
Her jewellery for the big day was inspired by the sculptural language of South Indian architecture. “The collection featured high-relief Nakshi work and intricate Rava granulation, with each detail hand-fused by master artisans,” shared the Hyderabad-based jewellery brand.
As a bride, Rashmika Mandanna wore 11 jewellery pieces, including a choker layered with traditional harams, statement jhumkas, a jada billa, champasaralu, a hathphool, a mathapatti, a nose ring, bangles, a bajuband, a waist belt, and anklets.
“Finished in an antique matte polish, the creations carried a rich, heritage-inspired glow and were crafted to move seamlessly with her silhouette. The intention was not just adornment but permanence, with jewellery conceived as legacy pieces meant to transcend generations,” shared SHREE Jewellers.
source: http://www.ndtv.com / NDTV / Home> Lifestyle / by Krati Purwar / October 17th, 2026
India’s luxury travel market is finding new appeal in places where the landscape, local culture and pace of life matter more than spectacle. In Karnataka’s Western Ghats, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary brings that shift into focus, placing forest experiences, plantation heritage and wellness at the centre of a high-end stay. The property was unveiled under its new identity in July 2026 after The Leela acquired the retreat earlier in the year. Set across 76 acres of forest and coffee plantations near Madikeri, it introduces a nature-led expression of Indian luxury that differs from the palace hotels and urban landmarks associated with the brand. The development also sits within a wider tourism shift in Karnataka. Helicopter tourism is being promoted as a way to connect Bengaluru with destinations such as Coorg and Kabini, offering an alternative to long road journeys. However, scheduled direct helicopter shuttles from Kempegowda International Airport to private plantation estates have not been independently confirmed.
The Leela Coorg Makes the Forest the Main Attraction
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary features 71 villas, including family accommodation, duplex options and private pool villas. A four-bedroom presidential villa sits at the top of the property’s accommodation offering.
The resort’s setting is central to its identity. Coffee plantations, forest trails, a seven-acre lake and the surrounding Western Ghats provide the backdrop for a stay designed around nature rather than urban entertainment.
Its architecture draws on local craftsmanship and the character of Kodava land. The property also holds an Indian Green Building Council Platinum certification, reflecting its environmental design credentials.
For the luxury market, this is a notable shift in emphasis. The experience is less about grand interiors and more about privacy, landscape and the opportunity to spend time in a distinctive part of southern India.
Wellness Takes Guests Beyond the Traditional Spa
The sanctuary’s 27,000-square-foot wellness centre is a major part of its offering. Under Aujasya by The Leela, the programme draws on Indian wellness traditions, personalised therapies, yoga, mindfulness and nature-inspired rituals.
Forest walks and outdoor treatment spaces connect the wellness experience with the surrounding environment. The intention is to make restoration part of the stay rather than an isolated appointment at a spa.
The property’s wellness positioning also reflects a broader change in luxury travel. Guests are increasingly looking for holidays that support rest, movement and healthier routines, alongside the comfort expected from premium hospitality.
Coorg’s setting strengthens that proposition. Misty mornings, plantation trails and a quieter pace offer a natural contrast with the demands of city life.
Kodava Heritage Gives the Stay a Local Identity
Coorg’s cultural character is an important part of its appeal. The Kodava community has a distinct heritage, with traditions linked to the region’s landscape, food and agricultural history.
The resort’s dining programme includes Luma for all-day dining, Zen for Pan-Asian cuisine, The Cellar Lounge Bar and 92 Degrees, a coffee retreat rooted in the local plantation story.
Its Estate to Brew experience takes guests through coffee heritage with plantation walks, curated tastings and storytelling. This connects the resort to one of Coorg’s defining industries while giving visitors a more direct way to understand the destination.
Rather than presenting regional culture as decoration, the experience places coffee and local identity within the guest itinerary.
Bengaluru’s Helicopter Tourism Links Reach Coorg and Kabini
The journey to a remote luxury retreat can be as important as the stay itself. Coorg is several hours by road from Bengaluru, and traffic can make the transfer longer during busy travel periods.
Karnataka Tourism identifies Bengaluru as a helicopter tourism gateway, with BLADE India operating flights to Coorg, Kabini, Hampi and Mysuru from Jakkur Aerodrome. The state tourism authority also describes customised private charter options for travellers seeking more flexible schedules.
These services create a faster alternative to road travel, although flight availability, departure points and landing permissions depend on the operator and destination.
The Leela Coorg itself has a private helipad, providing an additional arrival option for eligible guests. This is a more firmly established feature than the claim of direct scheduled shuttles from Kempegowda International Airport’s private terminal to plantation estates.
For Kabini, helicopter tourism offers another route into Karnataka’s wildlife and river landscapes, where resort stays and safari experiences form a major part of the visitor proposition.
A Different Luxury Map for South India
The investment made by The Leela into Coorg will add another nature-themed destination to India’s premium hospitality sector. With its forest location, coffee history, wellness services and secluded atmosphere, this will give an advantage to the area in terms of entering the luxury segment of the market. For guests, the attraction comes from the difference offered: comfortable accommodation without the hustle and bustle of a city hotel, with experiences strongly associated with the environment around it. With the development of the helicopter tourism segment in Karnataka, the possibilities for combining trips to Coorg and Kabini with tours from Bengaluru could grow.
source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel and Tour World – TTW / Home> Latest Travel News of India / by TTW Newsdesk / October 04th, 2026
‘Kodava Veera Janangada Antaratma Part-1’, written by Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa, was released recently at the Kodava Samaja in Ponnampet. The event was organised by Jabbhoomi Charitable Trust.
Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna released the book and stressed the need for Kodavas to preserve their inherited customs and values without being influenced by external forces.
The book focuses on the uniqueness and nuances of Kodava culture and seeks to highlight the importance of preserving traditional values.
It also attempts to challenge colonial historical narratives through researched accounts, references and documentation of Kodagu’s oral traditions.
The author examines the underlying meanings of various Kodava customs, heritage and regional practices, besides highlighting the spiritual and cultural ties the community has historically maintained with its ‘Guru Karonas’.
Speaking after releasing the book, Ponnanna said Kodavas should never forget their authentic traditions and practices. He appreciated the author’s efforts in preparing the comprehensive volume and said documentation was vital to the community’s ongoing demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list.
Jabbhoomi Trust’s Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah said the book was the outcome of more than two years of collecting records and historical material relating to Kodava attire, rituals and traditions.
“This is the first step in recording our culture in a way that allows us to proudly claim it as our own,” he said.
Author Ramesh Uthappa said the book was an effort to pass Kodava practices on to the next generation by documenting what he had learnt from elders. He said the work avoided distorted history and instead presented factual accounts of Kodava life. “Such works will play a crucial role in legally documenting Kodava rights and existence,” he said.
The author also interacted with the audience and explained various aspects of the book, citing examples of the uniqueness and nuances of Kodava culture.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Articles / September 24th, 2026
B.K. Thelma, Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of Delhi, South Campus. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A scientific paper on the genetic makeup of Kodavas has been published by scientists from the University of Delhi, South Campus, and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.
The paper, titled ‘Unique Demographic History and Population Substructure Among the Coorgs of Southern India’, was published last year in Communications Biology, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal covering research in biology.
President of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy President Ajjinikanda C Mahesh Nachaiah in the traditional Kodava attire – Kuppia. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Journalist and author P.T. Bopanna, who is shortly bringing out a book on the origin of the Kodavas (Coorgs) based on the findings, said Coorg-born Prof. Buttiyanda Kuttapa Thelma of the Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, South Campus, and her team had carried out systematic sampling of the Kodava population across Kodagu using available genetic analytical tools.
Discussing the study’s key findings, Bopanna said the Coorgs are not a single population but three, each with distinct histories and genetic makeups. The study segregated the present-day Coorg population into three genetically distinct sub-groups — Coorg1, Coorg2 and Coorg3.
According to a summary of the study, Coorg1 shows a strong tribal genetic component (70–80% of ancestral south Indian ancestry) and is estimated to have formed around 2,000 years ago through the admixture of a Palliyar-like group with another Dravidian group (proxy Mala).
Coorg3, on the other hand, emerged as the oldest of the three, with divergence dating to around 3,000 years ago. This group carries a distinct genetic component that does not match any contemporary South Asian or Eurasian population.
The analysis further revealed that Coorg1 and Coorg3 combined to form Coorg2 only around 330 years ago — a finding that may partly explain the socio-cultural homogeneity seen among Coorgs today, the study notes.
Yet despite this unified cultural identity, the genetics point to a far more fragmented ancestry. Y-chromosome analysis suggests male Coorg ancestors may have shared genetic ties with Eurasian and Middle Eastern populations, while female ancestors were primarily indigenous to South Asia, the study’s summary points out.
The findings also shed light on historical migrations that shaped the Indian subcontinent, pointing to male-mediated migration followed by assimilation with native females. The Coorgs appear to carry one of the oldest Y-chromosome lineages to have migrated from Central Asia into South India.
“They were among the first people to settle in India during the Bronze Age, before the majority of male-mediated migration, which includes the majority of caste groups in North and South India,” the study notes.
While noting that the findings underline India’s complex demographic history — marked by multiple ancient migrations and deeply divergent lineages — Bopanna said the Coorgs have practiced strict endogamy alongside family-level exogamy (marrying outside the immediate family but within the community).
Geographical isolation in the Western Ghats, he added, helped preserve distinct genetic boundaries, while stating that the study makes a landmark contribution to understanding South Indian ancestry, ancient migration patterns, and genetic evolution.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News>India>Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 18th, 2026
A chapter titled “Coorg” in Class X English textbook Glimpses of India indicates that the Kodava community is “possibly of Greek or Arabic descent”.
As the textbook is prescribed for class 10 students across the country, statements concerning the history, identity and origin of a community carry considerable educational and social significance and therefore require particular scholarly care and accuracy, the letter said. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has sought a review of references to the origin and traditional attire of the Kodava community in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10 English textbook.
In a letter to the Chairperson and members of the CBSE Text Committee, Academy president Ajjinikanda C. Mahesh Nachaiah referred to passages in the Class X English textbook Glimpses of India, Chapter II, “Coorg”, and sought not only a scholarly review but also correction and withdrawal of historically unsubstantiated statements concerning the origin and traditional attire of the Kodava community.
Identifying the passages in question, Mr. Nachaiah said the textbook states: “The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent.” It also says: “As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical.”
The textbook also refers to “the theory of Arab origin” and states that the traditional Kodava attire, particularly the kuppia, resembles the “kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds”.
Need for credible scholarly review
As the textbook is prescribed for class 10 students across the country, statements concerning the history, identity and origin of a community carry considerable educational and social significance and therefore require particular scholarly care and accuracy, the letter said. The Academy had received representations and objections regarding the passages, it added.
Mr. Nachaiah emphasised that such statements, particularly when presented to school students, should be supported by credible historical, linguistic, archaeological and anthropological evidence.
“The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy places on record its firm and considered position that Kodagu is the ancestral homeland of the Kodavas; the history, mythology, traditions and cultural identity of Kodagu are inseparably connected with the Kodava community,” the letter said.
“Therefore, theories attributing the origin of the Kodava community to Kurdistan, Arabia, Greece or to a section of Alexander’s army should not be presented to class 10 students as established historical facts without compelling and credible scholarly evidence,” it said.
The history and cultural heritage of Kodagu encompasses a long-standing body of traditions, customary institutions, mythology, oral narratives, social organisation and cultural practices associated with the Kodava community, the Academy said.
Kuppia vs. kuffia
Referring to the perceived resemblance between the traditional Kodava kuppia and the kuffia associated with Arabs and Kurds, Mr. Nachaiah said: “Similarity in clothing, design or appearance, by itself, cannot conclusively establish ethnic origin, migration or genealogical descent.”
Traditional attire can evolve through geographical, environmental, cultural and historical influences. Therefore, any inference concerning the ancestry or origin of a community based primarily on similarities in dress would require substantial supporting evidence, he said.
The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy urged the Committee to consider its representation and take appropriate corrective action following a review by suitably qualified historians, linguists, anthropologists and other relevant scholars.
The textbook refers to ‘the theory of Arab origin’ and states that the traditional Kodava attire, particularly the kuppia, resembles the ‘kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds’. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 18th, 2026
Caption: Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s wife Durga Stalin (centre) called on Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda (GTD) at his residence in V.V. Mohalla yesterday evening as GTD’s daughter Annapurna, Durga Stalin’s sister Jayanti, GTD’s wife Lalitha Devegowda, GTD, former Tiruvallur MLA Rajendran’s wife Indira Rajendran and Annapurna’s husband Vishweshwaraiah alias Babanna look on.
Mysuru :
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin’s wife Durga Stalin, called on Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda (GTD) at his residence in V.V. Mohalla yesterday evening, where she was accorded a warm welcome.
While Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin travelled from Kodagu to Tamil Nadu, Durga Stalin remained in Mysuru for a few hours, keeping her visit low-key and away from political engagements.
GTD’s daughter D. Annapurna and her husband Vishweshwaraiah, popularly known as Babanna, a businessman, share a long-standing acquaintance with the Stalin family. Annapurna, accompanied by her family, personally received the guests.
Arriving from Kodagu, Durga Stalin, accompanied by her sister Jayanti, Indira Rajendran, wife of former Tiruvallur MLA Rajendran and an aide Rajkumar, began the day with breakfast at a hotel on the Outer Ring Road.
They later visited Nimishamba Temple in Srirangapatna and Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill in Mysuru.
Annapurna told Star of Mysore this morning that Durga Stalin contacted her over the phone and informed her that she was in Mysuru and would visit the family after offering prayers at the temples.
After lunch at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, the group visited GTD’s residence in V.V. Mohalla at around 3.30 pm. Members of Devegowda family extended traditional hospitality and presented a memento.
In a light-hearted moment, Durga Stalin reportedly remarked to GTD, “I am former, you are current,” referring to her husband M.K. Stalin’s former status.
GTD responded warmly, wishing her and her family all the best in the days ahead.
GTD’s wife Lalitha Devegowda and other family members were present on the occasion. Former Corporators Prema Shankaregowda and Bhagya Madesh were also in attendance.
Before concluding her brief stay in Mysuru, Durga Stalin visited the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) showroom, where she purchased Mysore Silk sarees. The group later departed from Mysore Airport in the Chennai-bound flight at 7 pm.
source: http:www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / by Star of Mysore / June 02nd, 2026
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