Category Archives: Leaders

Who is Kalanithi Maran Wife Kavery Kalanithi? The Quiet Powerhouse Behind Sun TV Network

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Kalanithi Maran built one of India’s biggest media empires. Yet the woman standing beside him has shaped much of its success from the start. Kavery Kalanithi (also known as Kaveri Maran) is far more than the wife of the Sun Group chairman. She is Executive Director of Sun TV Network, the force behind its content strategy, and one of the highest-paid executives in Indian corporate history.

Here’s a clear, up-to-date look at her life, work, and family.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Marriage to Kalanithi Maran

Kavery hails from Kodagu (Coorg) in Karnataka. She married Kalanithi Maran in 1991. At the time, Kalanithi was still shaping his vision after returning from an MBA at the University of Scranton in the United States. He had seen the explosion of television channels there and wanted to bring something similar to South India.

Kavery joined the journey almost immediately. When Sun TV launched in 1993, she stepped into a hands-on role. What began as a single Tamil channel grew under the couple’s combined leadership into a network of more than 30 channels across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and Marathi. In 2024 the group even entered the Hindi market with Sun Neo.

Their partnership has always been professional as well as personal. Both ranked among India’s highest-paid executives, each drawing packages in the tens of crores in earlier years. Kavery’s remuneration has consistently been reported around ₹87 crore in recent financial years.

Her Role in Building the Sun Empire

Kavery oversees content across the network. She watches competing channels closely and believes feedback is essential—something her husband instilled early. Under her watch the group expanded beyond South India and strengthened its overseas presence among the Tamil diaspora.

Key contributions include:

  • Driving content that keeps Sun TV dominant in Tamil Nadu (often around 40% viewership share).
  • Expanding into Marathi and Bengali markets.
  • Supporting the group’s move into digital streaming through Sun NXT.
  • Helping maintain the network’s strong film production arm, Sun Pictures.

She rarely seeks the spotlight. Colleagues and industry watchers describe her as focused, detail-oriented, and quietly decisive. While Kalanithi handles the broader business vision, Kavery has long owned the creative and content side.

Family Life and the Next Generation

The couple has one daughter, Kavya (also spelled Kaviya) Kalanithi Maran, born in the early 1990s. Kavya is Executive Director at Sun TV Network and heads the group’s cricket interests—Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa’s SA20, and Sunrisers Leeds in England’s The Hundred.

As of October 2026, Kavya is preparing to marry music composer Anirudh Ravichander. The wedding reception is scheduled for 21 November 2026 in Chennai. Kalanithi and Kavery have already begun inviting political leaders, including meetings with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

The family maintains a relatively private profile despite their public business roles and political connections (Kalanithi is the grand-nephew of the late M. Karunanidhi and son of former Union Minister Murasoli Maran).

Quick Facts Table

DetailInformation
Full NameKavery Kalanithi Maran (Kaveri Maran)
HometownKodagu (Coorg), Karnataka
Marriage1991 to Kalanithi Maran
ProfessionExecutive Director, Sun TV Network
Key ResponsibilityContent strategy across 30+ channels
DaughterKavya Kalanithi Maran (SRH CEO)
Notable Salary (reports)Around ₹87 crore in recent years
Current Focus (2026)Content, digital growth, family milestones

Why Kavery Matters in Indian Media

Kavery represents a quieter style of leadership. She entered the business at its foundation and stayed through every expansion, from a single channel to a multi-language powerhouse that reaches over 140 million households. Her consistent presence has given Sun TV stability and a strong content identity.

In an industry often dominated by louder personalities, her approach—watch the product closely, expand carefully, and let results speak—has proven effective for more than three decades.

Conclusion

Kavery Kalanithi is not just Kalanithi Maran’s wife. She is a co-architect of one of India’s most successful regional media groups. From the early days of Sun TV in 1993 to the network’s current scale and the family’s next chapter with their daughter’s wedding in November 2026, she has remained a steady, influential presence. Her story shows how behind-the-scenes leadership can shape an entire industry.

source: http://www.gmdcalibration.in / GMD Calibration / Home / by gopalkumarjha111991@gmail.com / October 18th, 2026

Karnataka: MLA AS Ponnanna inaugurates 4.84 crore power project in Kodagu district

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Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna inaugurates the `4.84 crore power project at Cheeni Hudlu Haadi in Kodagu district. (Photo | EPS)

Located on the forest fringes of Thithimathi, these four tribal settlements are home to over 185 families across three tribal communities: Jenu Kurubas, Paniyera Yeravas, and Panjari Yeravas.

Madikeri :

For as long as anyone can remember, sunset marked the end of the day for the tribal settlements near Thithimathi in Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district. For generations, darkness was not just the absence of light in the village; it was a way of life. This narrative, however, changed forever this week after a 4.84 crore power project was inaugurated, finally lighting up the tribal settlements of Jungle Haadi, Ayur Suruli Haadi, Cheeni Hudlu Haadi and Chombu Kaadu Haadi.

“We never thought we would live to see our homes shine like this. All of us were jubilant when our houses lit up with the flick of a switch,” said Paniyeravara C Ramu, a resident of Cheeni Hudlu Haadi. He said that although the project was completed four months ago, the inauguration was delayed. “While we were always in the dark, we could not keep calm after the completion of the project. We persuaded our MLA to inaugurate the unit, and you should have seen the happiness on all our faces when our houses received electricity,” he added.

Located on the forest fringes of Thithimathi, these four tribal settlements are home to over 185 families across three tribal communities: Jenu Kurubas, Paniyera Yeravas, and Panjari Yeravas.

Having lived here for generations, residents say they are only now witnessing real development. “Earlier, we used to light diyas with kerosene received through our ration cards. But kerosene supplies stopped after the forest department started providing LPG, leaving us struggling to light lamps in our houses,” explained Ramu.

He noted that while the settlements later received solar lights, they failed because they were not durable. The children in the settlements struggled to study, but the arrival of electricity has now resolved these major hardships.

Yeravas, however, in the settlement still wait for permanent shelters, as many continue to live in tarpaulin huts now equipped with electricity meter boards. According to Ramu, Jenu Kurubas, classified as an indigenous Adivasi community, receive government facilities on a priority basis from the ITDP department. In contrast, Paniyera Yeravas and Panjari Yeravas, who were previously under the ITDP department, were shifted to the Valmiki Corporation and are now under the Alemari Corporation.

“While Jenu Kurubas receive facilities on priority, the Yerava community in the settlement is still waiting for permanent houses. Over 25 houses sanctioned to Yeravas in 2012 remain incomplete. Running from one department to another, we feel like true ‘Alemaris’ (nomads) even to this day,” he concluded.

Nevertheless, Ramu said the settlement has seen considerable progress, including good roads thanks to the current MLA’s efforts, and he hopes permanent shelter, like electricity, is no longer out of reach.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna G R / October 13th, 2026

Ponnanna and Manthar are like the two eyes of Kodagu; protect them

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Bengaluru :

“Instead of migrating elsewhere for jobs, people of the Coastal and Malnad regions should start businesses in your own hometowns utilizing local natural resources. To empower you, the Congress government has formulated a special Tourism Policy for the Coastal and Malnad regions,” called upon CM D. K. Shivakumar.

Shivakumar was speaking at the Kail Muhurat Jambara 2026 event held on Sunday at the Kodagu Gowda Samaja Hall in Ullal, Bengaluru.

“All of you have come from Kodagu and are residing in Bengaluru. If you forget your roots, you will not achieve success. Just as roots are essential for a tree, faith is essential for a human being. It gives me immense joy to see you all come together, building such a magnificent structure by bringing together your culture, hometown, heritage, and community. My congratulations to everyone who worked hard and encouraged this effort,” he said.

Kodagu has a rich history of valor, culture, and spirituality

“Kodagu has a history in the fields of valor, culture, and spirituality. We can never forget its history of raising heroes in every household. Mother Cauvery, who originates here, feeds us all the way to Puducherry. This time, there has been a severe drought. Even the Malnad region has lacked rainfall this year. I am anxiously waiting for the lakes and the KRS dam to fill up,” he stated.

“I have decided to conduct the Cauvery Aarti every year, and instructions have been issued to celebrate it during the Dasara festival this year as well. Kodagu district is the Kashmir of Karnataka. The entire world is attracted to this region. Preserve your heritage; it is a great human quality. In my own experience, people migrate from villages to cities for education and livelihood. If education and employment were available in the villages, you would not have come here. You are organizing yourselves and trying to do good for the village people, and you have presented several demands to me,” he said.

Build businesses in your own hometowns

“We recently held a special cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, where a separate tourism policy was formulated for the Malnad and Coastal regions. The talent of the people from this region must be recognized. People from this district have left their mark in sports and the defense sector. Educational institutions and banks were established in the Coastal region, but they have now declined. Protecting them is our duty. It has been decided to utilize the 327 km-long coastline for tourism, similar to Goa and Kerala,” he noted.

“Looking at Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar, there isn’t even a single five-star hotel. I do not wish to talk politics about why this happened. It is our desire to leave behind a meaningful contribution during our tenure. We are not permanent in politics. God gives neither blessings nor curses; He only gives opportunities. What we do with the opportunities we get is what matters,” he expressed.

“The Tirupati Temple Trust approached us asking for land to build a good temple. For that purpose, the Cabinet has decided to allot 10 acres of land in Mangaluru to the TTD Board. There are already temples like Kukke Subramanya, Kollur Mookambika, Kateel, and Dharmasthala in that region. This decision was taken to help those who cannot travel to Tirupati visit the Venkataramana temple here instead,” he said.

“Our decision regarding the Tulu language has been discussed worldwide; it is a symbol of self-respect. We have framed a special tourism policy combining the Coastal and Malnad regions. Rather than going outside for employment, this should enable the people of this region to build businesses right at their doorstep. We arrived at this decision so that you become entrepreneurs rather than remaining employees. No one can erase your coffee, spices, and culture. To protect them, an infrastructure policy has been integrated into this tourism policy. If you start a tourism-related business in this region, the repayment tenure for loans offered by banks can be extended from 5–6 years to up to 20 years. Financial strength must be provided to those starting businesses,” he explained.

Meeting with entrepreneurs in Mangaluru shortly

“I will visit Mangaluru again and sit down to hold discussions with all entrepreneurs. I invite you as well; please participate. Instead of outsiders coming and starting businesses here, set up businesses yourselves and build assets. I am making efforts to give strength to this initiative,” he informed.

Ponnanna and Manthar are like the two eyes of Kodagu; protect them

“You have shown special affection toward me, and I believe in principles over caste to take everyone along together. Victory to human values; peace to the world through righteousness. We must follow the message given by our National Poet Kuvempu in the state anthem to live with humanity without hurting anyone’s feelings. We are building our lives for the unity, integrity, and peace of the nation. Let us work together for this.

Representatives from Mysuru have submitted a memorandum regarding land, and I have instructed Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda to present this matter before the Cabinet. I will extend whatever help is possible from my end and look into the remaining demands to provide assistance,” he assured.

“When I was in difficult times, all of you stood by me in support, praying and fighting for me. As I always say, efforts may fail, but prayers never fail. You all expressed the desire for this D. K. Shivakumar to be around for a longer time to serve the state. I will govern without compromising your feelings, thoughts, and respect. This D. K. Shivakumar is a son of your household. Protect me as you would protect your own children. There are two MLAs here—Manthar and Ponnanna—who are like the two eyes of Kodagu district. Give them strength too. They are active, young, and working with honesty. Some people feel envious of their growth. There is no cure for envy. Those who are strong and perform well will always have critics and enemies,” he said.

Protect your voting rights

“If we are stronger, we will have more enemies; if we are less strong, fewer enemies; if we aren’t strong at all, there will be no enemies. Envy exists toward those who work actively. Therefore, you must protect these two MLAs. Protecting them is equivalent to protecting me and giving me strength. Protect your votes. You are seeing it yourselves—we are fighting day and night to safeguard your right to vote. Now, the Election Commission has directed that no names should be removed from the voter list unnecessarily.

“Let them revise the names of those having more than one vote or those who have passed away. But the rights of genuine, eligible voters must be protected. The right to vote is the right to life; it is the power granted by the Constitution,” he said.

Celebrating Dasara differently this time

“You have celebrated Ayudha Puja with great joy, and we will accord the respect due to the history and Gowda heritage of Kodagu. You are preserving both agricultural and cultural traditions. Our culture is the asset of our nation. We are trying to celebrate Dasara differently this time—troops from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy should participate in the Dasara procession to honor the soldiers who have served the nation. Artists from various regions, the film industry, and all communities should be included, and we are moving forward to conduct the event with discipline,” he stated.

I am with you, stand with us
“Ambassadors from several nations and Chief Ministers of other states have been invited to this tradition that has been carried forward since the era of the Maharajas. Opportunities have also been provided for your traditions and culture in the procession. This D. K. Shivakumar will be with you on all occasions. Utilize me as much as you can. May good things happen to you. I am with you; stay with us,” he assured.

source: http://www.megamedianews.com / MegaMedia News / Home> Regional News / by Editor / October 05th, 2026

Dr. K.P. Lalitha selected for Kodagina Gowramma Award

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Mysuru:

 Dr. K.P. Lalitha (Rashmi Nanjappa Kallichanda) has been selected for the 24th Kodagina Gowramma Endowment Award of the Kodagu District Kannada Sahitya Parishat for her book ‘Kodagina Janapada Kathegalu’ (Kodagu Folk Tales).

The award has been instituted by B.G. Vasanth, son of writer Kodagina Gowramma, to honour outstanding works by women writers of Kodagu. So far, 23 women writers have received the award.

Dr.Lalitha has worked extensively in translation research and folklore studies. She has served as Head of the Kannada Department at BMS Women’s College, Bengaluru and as Deputy Director of Mysore University’s Prasaranga. She is currently the Executive Editor of Prasaranga.

A native of Kodagu, Dr.Lalitha graduated from Mangalore University and secured a gold medal in her postgraduate studies at the University of Mysore.

Her doctoral thesis on Kodagu place names was subsequently published by the Sahitya Akademi.

Her research works include ‘Vivaksha’, ‘Vivechane’, ‘Jeevantha Paleyulikegalu’ (On Living Relics), ‘Kodagina Bhashe Mathu Samskruthi’ (Kodagu’s Language and Culture), ‘Kodagina Janapada Kathegalu’ and ‘Shodhaneya Haadiyalli’ (On the Path of Research). She has also authored ‘Oororme,’ a collection of research essays in English.

Her play, ‘Pommodeera Ponnappa,’ based on the history and folklore of Kodagu, was staged 11 times to full houses at Rangashankara in Bengaluru. It was later translated into English and performed in New York, Sydney and New South Wales.

Dr.Lalitha has published 29 research papers in reputed international journals and has presented papers at State, National and International Seminars. Her research work has also earned her the Abdul Kalam National Award from NITI Aayog.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 04th, 2026

Field Marshal Cariappa’s Canberra legacy remembered in Indian High Commissioner Nagesh Singh’s Commonwealth Club address

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Image: India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh addressing the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner in Canberra (Source: X)

India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, has highlighted the deepening India–Australia relationship and its historic foundations while addressing the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner in Canberra.

Singh was the distinguished guest speaker at the event, where he reflected on the longstanding connections between the two countries, their shared Indo-Pacific outlook and the growing breadth of the bilateral partnership.

He also highlighted the enduring legacy of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who served as India’s High Commissioner to Australia and played a pivotal role in establishing the Commonwealth Club in Canberra in 1954.

Cariappa arrived in Australia in 1953 and envisioned a neutral and welcoming space where diplomats and members of the local community could meet and interact as equals.

In January 1954, he presented the idea to then Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, who encouraged the initiative. Cariappa subsequently brought together community members to establish what became the Commonwealth Club.

The club went on to attract 116 foundation members and welcomed women as members from its beginning. Its first premises were at historic Old Canberra House before it moved to its present Yarralumla location in 1965.

Today, the Commonwealth Club describes itself as a longstanding meeting place for Canberra’s diplomatic, political and community circles, continuing the tradition of connection established by its founders.

Cariappa’s contribution came during an important period in India–Australia relations.

Well-known Australian historian Prof. David Walker has observced that India was among the most persistent international critics of Australia’s White Australia policy during the 1950s, with India’s concerns contributing to wider debate within Australia.

Despite the difficult political environment of the era, Cariappa developed strong personal connections in Canberra and became a well-known figure in Australian social and diplomatic circles.

Cariappa, a distinguished military officer and later India’s first Field Marshal, was also known for his interest in Indian philosophical traditions, including the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.

He arrived in Australia in September 1953 accompanied by his 12-year-old daughter, Nalini, and his niece Sagari Chengappa, who assisted him as hostess at official functions.

The Commonwealth Club’s history reflects Canberra’s evolution from a small early settlement into Australia’s national capital and the development of its diplomatic and community networks.

More than seven decades after its establishment, the club continues to promote the values of connection, diplomacy and community that shaped its foundation.

Singh’s address brought that history into the context of contemporary India–Australia relations, as the two countries continue to expand cooperation across trade, education, defence, technology, critical minerals and the broader Indo-Pacific.

source: http://www.theaustraliatoday.com / The Australia Today / Home> News / by Amit Sarwal / September 26th, 2026

Three district judges sworn in as additional judges of Karnataka HC

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Karnataka HC / File Photo | Express

Bengaluru :

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office to Usharani, KS Bharath Kumar and NV Bhavani as Additional Judges of the High Court of Karnataka, at a ceremony held at the glass house of Lok Bhavan on Friday.

The trio was elevated from the district judiciary as additional judges of the High Court.

Justice Usharani, from Dakshina Kannada district, completed her BA (Law) and LLB from Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College in Mangaluru, began judicial service as a Munsiff in 1998.

Justice Bharath Kumar from Virajpet graduated from National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. He was appointed as a district judge in 2015.

Justice Bhavani from Mysuru is the daughter of former judge of the High Court, late NS Veerabhadraiah. She graduated from NLSIU and practised in Bengaluru. She entered the district judiciary in 2015 and served in Mangaluru, Ballari, Chikkaballapura and Bengaluru.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / September 27th, 2026

Book on Kodava traditions, culture, heritage released

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Mysuru: 

‘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

Karnataka to hold special meeting to discuss Kasturirangan Report

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Several key issues in the district concerning the forest department have been highlighted by the various organisations.

Madikeri:

Ramalinga Reddy, Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment, said the state government will hold a special meeting on Monday to find a resolution to the proposed Kasturirangan Report.

The minister, who heard the grievances related to wildlife conflict in Kodagu from the various communities and organisations in the district, assured to hold meetings with the revenue minister and the Chief Minister to find a permanent solution.

Speaking to the media after heading the grievance meeting, he said that several key issues in the district concerning the forest department have been highlighted by the various organisations.

“The wild elephant and tiger conflict, Kasturirangan Report, the need to establish an elephant corridor, request for increase in wildlife compensation, section 4 issue and the revenue land issue near Harangi have been highlighted by the various groups in the district,” the minister said adding that a meeting with the revenue minister and the Chief Minister will be held to find solution to the problems.

He assured that a special meeting will be called to discuss the issues, including the Kasturirangan Report.

Meanwhile, hundreds of residents arrived at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Madikeri to highlight their grievances with the minister.

Representatives from the Kudiyara community, Communist Party of India (CPI), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Coorg Planters’ Association (CPA), Estate Workers’ Union, Labour Union and several other residents and growers living in wildlife conflict zones met the minister and submitted memorandums of their demands.

Initially, former BJP MLA KG Bopaiah spoke and gave suggestions to the state to fight the wildlife conflict. He requested the department to cancel the elephant chasing missions in the district to prevent further damages to estates of growers. He requested the state to hold a meeting and find a scientific solution to the Kasturirangan Report.

Various other issues, including the Section 4, C and D land and the need to revive Elephant Trenches, were highlighted by Bopaiah.

The minister later met the farmers and received memorandums from them. MLAs AS Ponnanna, Dr Mantar Gowda, PCCF (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar, PCCF Meenakshi Negi, Kodagu CCF Sonal Vrishni, Deputy Commissioner Somashekar S.J and other officials were present during the meeting.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 28th, 2026

Congress MLA A S Ponnanna appointed CM Shivakumar’s political secretary

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In the previous government, Ponnanna was then chief minister Siddaramaiah’s legal adviser.

A S Ponnanna / Credit: DH File Photo 

Bengaluru:

Virajpet MLA A S Ponnanna, whom the Congress had picked as its nominee for deputy speaker in the Assembly, was appointed Wednesday as Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s political secretary with a Cabinet rank.

Ponnanna, a first-time MLA, was sulking after being chosen for the deputy speaker’s position instead of a ministerial position. In the previous government, Ponnanna was then chief minister Siddaramaiah’s legal adviser.

Now, the Congress may propose former minister Mankal Vaidya for the deputy speaker’s position. Vaidya, who belongs to the Mogaveera (fishermen), was dropped from the list of Cabinet inductees at the last minute, replaced by SS Mallikarjun.

Meanwhile, senior Congress lawmaker RV Deshpande has been re-appointed as chairperson of the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission with a Cabinet rank. This makes him the only Brahmin holding a Cabinet-rank position.

On Wednesday evening, Shivakumar held a meeting with his deputy G Parameshwara, Karnataka Congress president BK Hariprasad, ministers KJ George, MB Patil, KH Muniyappa, UT Khader, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, former speaker KR Ramesh Kumar and former Legislative Council chairperson VR Sudarshan to discuss strategy for the upcoming legislature session.

According to sources, Shivakumar said in the meeting that he would helm the government’s defence over the Oppostion’s attack on the Bidadi township project.

Shivakumar also urged lawmakers to back Planning Minister B Nagendra, whose induction will be questioned by the Opposition BJP and JD(S) for the Bellary MLA faces corruption allegations.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Bharath Joshi / August 12th, 2026

Corner Time with Kuttappa

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Boxing needs a bigger push in South India, says Indian men’s boxing head coach C.A. Kuttappa.

Hailing from Kokeri village in Napoklu, Kodagu, the land known for producing Olympians and brave hearts, Chenanda Achaiah Kuttappa (C.A. Kuttappa) is an internationally known boxing coach who has been credited with shaping some of the best Indian boxers, including Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, Suranjoy Singh, Shiva Thapa and Amit Panghal, among others..

An ex-serviceman, Kuttappa, who retired as a Subedar from the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) earlier this year, is currently the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team that won two gold and two silver medals at the recently held Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Kuttappa training one of the boxers during the preparatory camp for Commonwealth Games-2026 which concluded recently.

A Dronacharya Awardee (2018), Kuttappa previously worked with the Indian men’s boxing team as head coach from 2018 to 2021, during which an Indian boxer won a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships.

Kuttappa (standing second from right) seen with the Indian men boxers at Glasgow, Scotland.

Kuttappa was also part of the Indian boxing support staff during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when Vijender Singh won a bronze medal. He was also the head coach during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

After a break of a year, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) re-appointed him as the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Kuttappa flanked by his wife P.U. Ashwini (right)  and daughter C.K. Yudhi.

A resident of Gokulam 1st Stage in Mysuru city, Kuttappa is married to P.U. Ashwini and the couple has a daughter, C.K. Yudhi

Star of Mysore caught up with C.A. Kuttappa during his recent visit to Mysuru following the heroics of the Indian boxing team at the  Commonwealth Games 2026. Excerpts:

Star of Mysore (SOM): Sir, firstly, thank you for talking to Star of Mysore. The recent achievements in boxing at the Commonwealth Games-2026 have been spectacular compared to previous Games. What do you have to say about that?

C.A. Kuttappa: The achievements have been remarkable. We have been able to achieve success because of our hard work and the efforts of the coaches and supporting staff, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists and others.

SOM: How was the preparation for the Commonwealth Games? Winning seven gold medals in boxing is a great achievement.

Kuttappa: After the Nationals, we went for build-up competitions in Spain and the Czech Republic, where we won a lot of medals. Later, we got good opportunities to participate in other international boxing events in which our top boxers selected for the Commonwealth Games took part. We also keep track of the progress being made by lower-ranked boxers who are in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions.

They play a crucial role as backups in case the top-ranked players miss the main event due to injuries or other reasons. We have been able to achieve good results because of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), as they provided us with the much-needed exposure and opportunities to prove our potential, which we did at the Commonwealth Games.

SOM: Compared to previous years, the Government of India has been encouraging sports. How do you think it has helped sportspersons?

Kuttappa: Yes, we are getting a good budget for boxing as well. People always compare other sports with cricket. It is a different sport. They have done extremely well and we cannot be compared with them.

We also need to do well at the international level. If we want to be considered at the same level as cricket, we need to work hard, plan well and execute those plans to win more medals at the international level.

SOM: What was the feeling when the boxers you coached were winning gold medals at Glasgow?

Kuttappa: As a coach, it is a completely different feeling. We always plan before the bouts. Watching videos of the opponents and discussing their styles, attacks and movements are some of the things we do. It is important as it helps our boxers understand the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.

There are times when we change our strategies and tactics during the bout. When our execution goes according to our plans, the results will be satisfactory, just like at the Commonwealth Games.

SOM: With the Commonwealth Games mission accomplished, the next target is the Asian Games. How are the preparations?

Kuttappa: Yes, we are now preparing for the Asian Games to be held in Japan from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. Compared to the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games is a tougher competition. Countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which are among the top-ranked boxing countries in the world, will be competing as well.

They are really good in terms of technique and tactics. The intensity of the bouts will be high and mentally demanding. Come what may, we are confident of doing well in the Asian Games, similar to what we achieved in the Commonwealth Games.

SOM: Talking about boxing, most of our boxers are either from North or Northeast India. Where is South India lacking?

Kuttappa: Most of our boxers are indeed from the North or Northeast. People there think of boxing as a sport, but here it is considered fighting. I always tell my boxers not to take the punch but to hit the punch. We need to educate parents and children about boxing as a sport in South India.

In the North or Northeast, the situation is entirely different. People take up boxing as a profession. There are boxers earning a good Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh every month. The State Governments have been extending all necessary help, with sponsors also coming forward to support top-ranked and high-performing boxers.

In the South, importance is given to very few sports and people insist on getting their children educated rather than allowing them to pursue sports as a profession.

SOM: Speaking about yourself, you come from Kodagu, which is famous for hockey and producing soldiers for the Indian Army. How did boxing happen to you?

Kuttappa: I started my boxing career in 1992. Before that, there was a selection process for only three sports disciplines: Swimming, volleyball and boxing. Since I was good at athletics and sports, I passed the physical fitness test and they asked me to choose between the three games. I asked them for some time and told them I would like to try all three sports before making a choice. I tried all three and finally selected boxing.

In fact, one of my father’s cousins, C.C. Machaiah, who is an Arjuna Awardee in boxing, had also told me about how boxing as a profession would be useful and help me financially.

In the first year, there were no results as I was still in the learning process. In the next two years, I won the sub-junior and junior titles for Karnataka and the junior national championship. After joining the Indian Army, I represented Karnataka in many national-level competitions and also won a bronze medal at the National Games held in 1997.

After I was injured and stopped boxing, I was thinking about what to do next when my senior officers advised me to continue with boxing. So, I completed my diploma in boxing and joined the national camp as a coach. I have trained Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, Akhil and other top boxers and continue to train boxers even today.

SOM: How does it feel to be awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award at a young age?

Kuttappa: It is satisfying. I believe it is a result of hard work and sacrifice. You should ask my wife and my mother. They both know the amount of time I have dedicated to my profession.

I only get to spend one or two months at home. Most of the time, I am travelling with the team, preparing them for competitions. I have taken up the responsibility of the national team and it is my duty to ensure they do well and bring laurels to the country.

SOM: Sir, thank you so much for your time and all the best for the Asian Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Kuttappa: Thank you.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Special Interview / by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers / August 12th, 2026