Category Archives: Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

In Their Different Cultures, They Found Common Denominators

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Sneha Medappa Maruvanda grew up in India, and Dr. Mark Ross Edelstein, in Virginia. But in getting to know one another, they discovered their backgrounds were strikingly similar.

Don Mears Photography

By the time Sneha Medappa Maruvanda met Dr. Mark Ross Edelstein in person, she feared they might not have anything left to say to each other.

“I was having a bit of a panic attack about meeting,” said Ms. Medappa Maruvanda, 30, who matched with Dr. Edelstein on Bumble in November 2019, and soon became engaged in a two-week-long conversation with him on the app. He was living in Philadelphia, and she in Bala Cynwyd, Penn., a suburb of the city.

“We had over talked,” she said. “He was telling me about his heroes when he was four, how a teacher was very mean to him.”

Another concern, said Dr. Edelstein: “Both of us were a little bit worried about our cultural background differences.” He was raised by Jewish parents in Richmond, Va. Ms. Medappa Maruvanda grew up in a Hindu family and was born in Coorg, a rural district in the Indian state of Karnataka, before moving to Bengaluru, formerly Bangalore, as a young girl.

But when they met up that December at a Cuban restaurant in Philadelphia, neither was at a loss for words. As for their cultures, it quickly became clear that they might not be as different as they had seemed.

“Our backgrounds are very similar in terms of sense of community and family, so I think that made it a lot easier to bridge that cultural gap,” said Dr. Edelstein, 32.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, where he received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and bioethics, Dr. Edelstein earned a medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He is currently in his fifth year of residency training for interventional radiology at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Ms. Medappa Maruvanda received a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and management from Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering in India, then earned a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She is now a project manager in the Wayne, Pa., office of Johnson Matthey, a multinational chemicals and technology company.

After the couple’s first date, Dr. Edelstein texted his sister, who had asked if he was in love. His reply: “Maybe.”

“I was like ‘Yeah, but that’s insane at this point, one date,’” Dr. Edelstein added. “But I was definitely struck by her.”

Don Mears Photography

Later in December, after their third date, the pair became an official couple. Weeks later, when Dr. Edelstein’s parents visited Philadelphia in January 2020, he told them that he knew Ms. Medappa Maruvanda was the one.

“I’d never met someone so selfless and just truly kind,” Dr. Edelstein said. “It’s never been so easy to be myself around another person.”

Ms. Medappa Maruvanda said her feelings for Dr. Edelstein were solidified six months later, in July 2020, when he met some of her cousins and began asking them questions in Kodava thakk, the language spoken in Coorg.

“I had no idea that he had been Googling this language. And it’s not an easy one to learn because there aren’t many of us,” Ms. Medappa Maruvanda said. “It was just this moment of complete shock to me that he put so much effort into wanting to connect with my cousins.”

On Jan. 15, 2021, Dr. Edelstein proposed to Ms. Medappa Maruvanda in the living room of her apartment in Bala Cynwyd, where the two now live together. A year later, the couple was wed at Main Street Station in Richmond on Jan. 22. Rabbi Jake Rubin, the director of Hillel at University of Virginia, officiated.

At the ceremony, the ketubah was read in English and Hebrew by Mr. Rubin, and in Kodava thakk by Ms. Medappa Maruvanda’s mother. The Seven Blessings were read by Ms. Medappa Maruvanda’s sister and two cousins, and Dr. Edelstein’s brother, sister and two uncles. Afterward, the couple’s 160 vaccinated guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with Indian hors d’oeuvres and music.

In April, the newlyweds plan to travel to Bengaluru for a second wedding celebration. In the meantime, the bride said, “I am most excited by having the monotony of a relationship. I want to do mundane things with Mark. I’m excited to have our own little life together.”

A version of this article appears in print on Feb. 13, 2022, Section ST, Page 13 of the New York edition with the headline: Finding Common Ground in Different Cultures.

source: http://www.nytimes.com / The New York Times / Home> Sytle> Mini-Vows / by Kristej Bayrakdarian / February 11th, 2022

Pilgrim names Rashmika Mandanna as hair care brand ambassador

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Beauty and personal care brand Pilgrim has named actress Rashmika Mandanna as its new brand ambassador for its hair care product range. Harnessing Mandanna’s pan-India popularity, the brand has launched a new campaign titled ‘The Secret is in the Mix’


Rashmika Mandanna for Pilgrim – Pilgrim

“I’ve always believed that haircare goes beyond just using the right ingredients- it’s about how they’re brought together,” said Rashmika Mandanna in a press release. “This campaign is truly special because it highlights that while trends come and go, the real magic lies in how ingredients are expertly combined to deliver results. Pilgrim’s haircare products masterfully blend natural and active ingredients, making them truly transformative. I look forward to a great association with Pilgrim and can’t wait to share these remarkable hair care secrets with everyone.”

Chosen for her popularity amongst young Indian audiences, Mandanna will help Pilgrim to further build upon its Gen Z customer base. The new campaign shows a herd of consumers following the latest viral trends and juxtaposes this with Pilgrim’s products, which Mandanna presents as having a superior mix of ingredients.
 
“As Pilgrim continues to grow and take its next big leap, Rashmika is the perfect person to represent the spirit of our brand and lead us into this new era,” said Pilgrim’s co-founder Gagandeep Makker. “This partnership is a significant milestone as we continue to innovate and provide exceptional solutions to our dynamic consumers, and we look forward to scaling new heights together. Our hair care range has received tremendous love, with products like the Hair Growth Serum and Patuá & Keratin Smoothening Shampoo becoming game-changers in the market. Today’s young audience is always searching for innovative solutions for healthy and silky hair, and Rashmika embodies this quest perfectly. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Pilgrim family.”

source: http://www.in.fashionnetwork.in / Fashion Network / Home> India> News> People / August 13th, 2024

Centenarian Passes Away

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Obituary

Ammathi (Kodagu):

Machimanda Mittoo Appaiah (Munjandira), wife of late Appaiah and a resident of Cauvery Cottage, Ammathi-Polibetta Road, passed away on Aug. 3 in the town. She was 100. She leaves behind sons Cariappa and Devaiah and a host of relatives and friends.

Her another son Ganapathy had predeceased her.

Last rites were held at Kavadi on Aug. 4, according to family sources.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 12th, 2024

Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa announces retirement after playing her ‘last Olympics‘

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Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa announces retirement after playing her ‘last Olympics‘.

Ashwini Ponnappa of India in action during the Group C match with Tanisha Crasto of India against Angela Yu of Australia and Setyana Mapasa of Australia. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Indian badminton stalwart Ashwini Ponnappa on July 30 broke down in tears, announcing she played her last Olympics after she and her partner Tanisha Crasto suffered their third straight loss in the women’s doubles competition of the Paris Games.

Ashwini and Tanisha lost to Australia’s Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu 15-21 10-21 in their final Group C game on Tuesday. They ended their campaign after losing all their three group matches.

“This will be my last, but Tanisha has a long way to go,” said 34-year-old Ashwini, who was playing in her third Olympics, when asked whether she hopes to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“It takes a toll emotionally and mentally, I can’t go through this again. It is not easy, you can take all these if you are a little younger. Having played for so long, I can’t take it anymore,” she said while trying to hold back tears.

Ashwini, who had won her first national title in 2001, had formed a formidable and history scripting women’s pair with Jwala Gutta, who played till 2017.

They had won many international medals, including a gold medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and bronze at the Uber Cup (2014 and 2016) and the Asian Championships (2014).

In 2011, they scripted history by becoming the first Indian pair to win a medal — a bronze — at the World Championships. That was their biggest prize in their careers. The Jwala-Ashwini pair was consistently ranked among the top 20 in the world and reached 10th spot at one time.

Ashwini and Jwala played in two Olympics together (in 2012 and 2016) but could not go beyond the initial stage.

“We wanted to get a win today. As much as we would have liked the outcome to be different and better, the biggest takeaway I and Tanisha had is we had quite a journey, getting to in the Olympics. It has not been easy,” said Ashwini.

Tanisha also could not control her emotions and she sobbed inconsolably.

“She (Ashwini) has been my biggest support here. We had wanted a better result and held out heads high. She motivated me every time.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport / by PTI / July 31st, 2024

Passion drives her to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, alone

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru:

Scaling heights is what enthrals her most. Jammada Preeth Appaiah, a resident of Bannimantap in Mysuru, has recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa. She reached the summit of the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet).

Also called a stratovolcano (a term for a very large volcano made of ash, lava, and rock), Kilimanjaro is made up of three cones — Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant. The highest point on Kibo’s crater rim is called Uhuru.

Medical condition did not deter her

Preeth Appaiah is a housewife who had a sciatic nerve problem and doctors had advised her not to do any physical activity which could aggravate her pain. But her medical condition did not deter her from achieving the feat and her main source of inspiration is her younger son Aryan Kuttappa who went on an expedition to the Himalayas in 2018.

She went on her first expedition to Mount Bhrigu, Himachal Pradesh, in 2018. Since then, she never looked back and she has climbed many mountains like Mount Sar Pass, Valley of Flowers and the Great Lakes of Kashmir. Her instinct to climb Kilimanjaro was kindled in 2022 when a group of people from Mysuru successfully climbed Kilimanjaro.

Though she had made up her mind to go ahead and her instinct said she could do it, the advice given by her doctors against any misadventure was playing at the back of her mind. But her elder son Pratham Poonacha was a constant motivator who goaded her to pursue her passion.

Preeth Appaiah then spoke to various persons in Mysuru and booked an agency for the trekking and the training started under the mentorship of Yoga Guru Mahadeva. She left Mysuru on Mar. 2 and began the actual trek to Kilimanjaro on Mar. 3. She returned to Mysuru on Mar. 11 after scaling the mountain on Mar. 8.

Not an easy task

“I tried coaxing people to come along but none from Mysuru came along. But I was determined to go and took the yellow fever shot and set the rucksack in order and went to the airport to board for Kilimanjaro. It was not an easy task for a woman to travel alone and in the journey, you do not know if there will be anyone coming along on the trek from the Marangu Gate in Tanzania,” she told Star of Mysore.

Preeth Appaiah trekked through the rainforest to Mandara Hut and from here she went to Horombo Hut and reached Kibo Hut walking amidst the Alpine Desert. “The view of Mount Kibo is just mesmerising but here I was totally out of shape due to altitude sickness. But as advised by my mentors, I took lots of liquids to keep myself hydrated. From Horombo Hut, I trekked to Kibo Hut which is physically challenging and steep too,” she added.

From here, many return. “But in my case, I had overcome altitude sickness and was going well and finally had a good rest. Mar. 8, 2023, International Women’s Day coincided with my summit feat and I got on to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro,” she said. She started the final walk on Mar. 7 at 11 pm and reached the summit at 8 am on Mar. 8.

“It was an enthralling moment of my life as I set foot on Kilimanjaro via Gilman’s Point. It was not an arduous task. After walking more than 10 hours, I reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and Uhuru,” she recalled.

It was a proud moment, she said as she held the National Tricolour. This would not have been possible without the support of her husband Jammada M. Aiyanna, who is an advocate in Mysuru. Preeth is the daughter of Hon. Captain late Kunjiyanda Appaiah and Gowramma couple. Her brother Kunjiyanda Machaiah (Machu) is a wildlife photographer.

“Before trekking to Kilimanjaro, I used to keep the mountain photo as my mobile phone status and was dreaming of scaling it one day. Now that I have accomplished the feat, I feel fulfilled. I want to continue this passion and scale more peaks,” she said.

Preeth Appaiah was initially trained in mountaineering by Tiger Solanki of Tiger Adventure Foundation (TAF) and later on by Vinay Singh and Shankar Subramanya of Royal Riders and the International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 16th, 2023

Touching The Sky

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More power to those who dream with their eyes open, navigate through every challenge and eventually emerge as winners.

Flt Lt Punya Nanjappa, Indian Air Force

Nari Shakti being the theme of India’s 75th Republic Day celebration, the grand parade on Kartavya Path, in the heart of the National Capital, New Delhi, displayed a spectacular combination of military feat and cultural vibrancy on January 26, 2024.

IAF showcased a breath-taking performance with a flypast featuring 51 aircraft during the Republic Day celebrations. This impressive line-up included 29 fighter aircraft, 8 transport planes, 13 helicopters, and one heritage aircraft. When 51 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircrafts zoomed over the Kartavya Path, piloting one of the fighter jets in the flypast was a young woman pilot from Mysuru. Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT) Punya Nanjappa was piloting the MiG-29 fighter and was among the eight female pilots who flew in various formations at the Republic Day parade. It was indeed a proud moment for India.

Breaking barriers is nothing new for Punya Nanjappa. She was the only girl in her batch training with 40 male cadets and the only female cadet from Karnataka to be selected as a trainee pilot for the flying branch training at the Air Force Academy, becoming the second woman from the state of Karnataka to be a fighter jet pilot after Meghana Shanbough from Chikkamagalur to do so. The training for cadets who are selected for the flying branch is divided into three stages. Punya completed Stage 1 training at the academy in Dundigal and was selected to join the fighter stream. Commissioned into the IAF in December 2020, FLT LT Punya is from the No. 47 Squadron of the IAF.

“ Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT) Punya Nanjappa was piloting the MiG-29 fighter and was among the eight female pilots who flew in various formations at the Republic Day parade. It was indeed a proud moment for India”

The sky is literally the limit! While choosing a career path, not many students are able to pursue their dreams and turn them into reality. Mysuru-based Coluvanda Punya Nanjappa is one such dreamer who followed her childhood passion to be a fighter jet pilot and worked hard towards achieving it. Not only is it a personal and professional achievement for Punya, but a social one too, a rare distinction for a woman who has her roots in Kodagu, a land of many ‘defence personnel’. Though the district basks in the glory of producing a Field Marshal, a General, and innumerable Lieutenant Generals, Brigadiers, and Majors in the Indian Army and their equal ranks in the Navy and the Air Force, for the first time a woman fighter pilot emerged from the tiny district.

Punya is the daughter of Coluvanda Anuradha Nanjappa, who served as a teacher at St. Joseph’s Central School, Vijayanagar, and the late Coluvanda P. Bala Nanjappa, who held the position of manager at Prabha Theatre. Though the family hails from a small district, they encouraged their daughter to aim high and achieve through hard work and courage.

Punya Nanjappa’s achievement represents a remarkable moment, highlighting the strides made by women in the IAF and representing women-power, equity and equal ownership in every walk of life with their male counterparts.

source: http://www.outlook.com / Outlook / Home> Brand Studio / by Outlook Bureau / March 08th, 2024

Prizes galore in District-level Cultural Meet and Sports

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Mysuru:

The following students of Coorg Institute Pre-University College (CIPUC) in Halligattu, Ponnampet, have swooped 13 prizes and topped Kodagu in the District-level Cultural Meet organised by PU Board at Junior College in Madikeri recently.

II PUC: H.R. Minchu – 2nd prize in Monoacting; Shraddha Shastry – 2nd prize in Folk Song; N. Chetna Vivek – 3rd prize in Light Music; T.S. Aparna Bharadwaj – 2nd prize in Devotional Song; Chaincy Rai – 3rd prize in  English Debate.

I PUC: M.B. Donvi Dechamma – 3rd prize in Monoacting; K.N. Pushya Poovamma – 3rd prize in Light Music; T.U. Mahitha – 1st prize in Folk Song; C.S. Devika – 2nd prize in Devotional Song;  Aman Appachu – 1st prize in English Essay; A. Shivani Madappa – 3rd prize in Kannada Debate; N. Pranamya Kalappa – 1st prize in English Debate and P.P. Lipthi – 3rd in Pick and Speak.  

A group photo of CIPUC students who excelled in sports and games.

Sports: CIPUC students have also  excelled in Sports during the academic year 2019-20.

District-level: Milan Muthanna – Shotput; T.L. Bhuvan Bopanna – Discus Throw, Hammer Throw; Ashika Bojamma – Hammer Throw; Neelamma – Cross Country;  Shashank – Cross Country; M.S Charan – Shotput; B.S. Dhyan Medappa – Chess.

State-level: K.T. Chondamma – Chess, Athletics and Cross Country; K.S. Yashas – Handball; N.R. Prajna Bojamma – Football; T.L. Bhuvan Bopanna – Discus Throw, Hammer Throw; Jnanesh – Karate. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 28th, 2019

Nellamakkada Sheela

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Obituary

Nellamakkada Sheela (Kullachanda), wife of N.B. Kaverappa of Bharani Art Gallery, Mysuru and a resident of Vivekananda Nagar here, passed away yesterday afternoon in city. She was 71.

A native of Kavadi village in Ammathi, she leaves behind her husband, one son, one daughter and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at the foot of Chamundi Hill this noon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / July 01st, 2024

Rashmika Mandanna embraces her Kodagu heritage in elegant blue Coorgi silk sari

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , ,

Rashmika Mandanna is no stranger to creating memorable fashion moments. Over the years, the South Indian star has cultivated a distinct style that sets her apart, effortlessly blending traditional and contemporary fashion. Her wardrobe is filled with everything from elegant lehengas to form-fitting evening wear. However, it’s her love for the simplicity and sophistication of saris that often steals the spotlight. Recently, Mandanna showcased her heritage with pride by donning a cobalt blue silk sari.

Rashmika Mandanna embraces her Kodagu heritage in elegant blue Coorgi silk sari© Provided by The Times of India

She wore this stunning silk sari for her best friend’s wedding in Kodagu, Karnataka. The sari, adorned with gold zari ornamentation, features intricate motifs such as circular butties and stars spread across the rich cobalt fabric, complemented by a statement border. This classic six-yard garment is not just a nod to her Coorgi roots but also a celebration of India’s diverse sari draping styles. Eschewing the Bengali and Gujarati drapes, Mandanna opted for the Coorgi or Kodagu drape, paying stylish homage to her hometown, Virajpet, in the Kodagu district. “Kodagu is where my heart and my history is at,” she expressed in a heartfelt post.

Rashmika Mandanna embraces her Kodagu heritage in elegant blue Coorgi silk sari© Provided by The Times of India

The traditional Coorgi sari drape is characterized by the pallu being neatly tucked over the shoulder, with the pleats tucked backward. According to mythology, this draping style originated from the story of Agasthya’s wife, Cauvery, who transformed into a river to serve the people. In an attempt to stop her, Agasthya pushed the pleats of her sari backward.

This isn’t the first time Mandanna has championed the Coorgi sari. In May 2022, she attended another close friend’s wedding in an olive green Shanti Banaras sari, also draped in the Coorgi style. This tussar georgette sari, bordered with tonal tassels, featured a blend of green and gold needlework, further emphasizing her love for traditional attire.

Rashmika Mandanna embraces her Kodagu heritage in elegant blue Coorgi silk sari© Provided by The Times of India

Later that year, Mandanna chose a glamorous midnight blue Nitika Gujral sari with antique zardozi work, once again embracing the Coorgi draping style. This unique drape not only highlighted her traditional roots but also offered a modern twist, giving the sari the illusion of a one-shoulder dress.

Rashmika Mandanna’s sartorial choices reflect her deep connection to her heritage and her ability to fuse tradition with modern elegance. Her consistent preference for the Coorgi drape showcases a stylish way to honor cultural roots while making a fashion statement. Through her thoughtful fashion selections, Mandanna continues to inspire and set trends, proving that traditional attire can be both timeless and trendy.

source: http://www.msn.com / Microsoft Start / Home> Entertainment / by The Times of India / Story by the TOI Lifestyle Desk / July 01st, 2024

Lone landslide survivor becomes Madikeri’s pride

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The tragedy took a massive toll on her mental health and she frequently nursed suicidal thoughts.

Pallavi

Madikeri :

She was a lone survivor in her family after a massive landslide razed her home in Madikeri in 2006. She was just 16 then. After years of struggle and through her grit and determination, she has now won a doctorate degree.

Before the tragedy struck, Pallavi lived with her mother and two siblings in a small house at Mangaladevi Nagar in Madikeri. Her mother Radha Bhat was a daily wager. On that fateful night, while they were sleeping, a massive landslide struck Mangaladevi Nagar, killing six people. Among the victims were Radha Bhat, Pallavi’s younger sister Jyothi, 14, and brother Abhishek, 12. Pallavi was the only surviving member.

“I was told about the death of my mother, sister and brother only a month after the tragedy. Initially, I was told that my mother and siblings were seriously injured and were being treated at a hospital in Mangaluru. Their last rites too were conducted without my knowledge. That was devastating,” Pallavi said.

The tragedy took a massive toll on her mental health and she frequently nursed suicidal thoughts. But her mother’s aspirations of her children getting a good education and speaking English kept Pallavi motivated and helped her come up in life.

“My uncle Sundar and aunt Rukmini supported me and inspired me to do well in studies. A handful of friends and a few wellwishers often visited me and kept prepping me up. My hobbies and reading motivational books too helped me overcome the challenges,” she said.

“I aimed to become independent. I had even applied for the civil services examination and Baby Mathew of Madikeri then helped me a lot. I can never forget the contributions of my school teachers, Sister Sicily and Narayan Gowda,” she said.

After the 2006 disaster, the district administration gave her a compensation of Rs 3 lakh. She used it to complete her degree course, but had to apply for a loan to pursue a masters degree in Commerce from Mangaluru University.

She has now been granted a doctorate degree for her thesis, “Bancassurance from an Indian Perspective – A comparative study between banks in Udupi & DK districts “, done under Dr Anasuya Rai’s guidance. Pallavi works as an assistant professor at Jain University.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / June 19th, 2024