Category Archives: Nri’s / Pio’s

Annual Kodava Convention at US

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Mysuru: 

The Annual Kodava Convention of North America brought together more than 500 guests in Houston, Texas, from Sept. 4 to 6, with 141 Kodava families from 116 cities and three countries taking part.

This was the third time Texas hosted the event, following earlier gatherings in Austin and Dallas. Preparations began more than 14 months ago, with Kodava families from the Greater Houston area involved.

The Convention opened on Sept. 4 with a ‘Meet the Hosts’ gathering, allowing participants to reconnect with friends and families from across North America and overseas.

The celebrations on Sept. 5 had a distinct Texas flavour, with optional morning run/walk and shooting range activities, followed by a pre-convention celebration at a ranch-style venue. The programme featured Bollywood and Western line dance performances by Houston hosts and a Mexican folk dance by guest artistes.

On Sept. 6, participants visited NASA’s Johnson Space Centre before attending the Main Convention programme centred on the theme, ‘What does it mean to be a Kodava today?’

Kodagu brought to Houston

The Convention venue featured a Kodava heritage exhibition displaying traditional jewellery, clothing, household and cookware items, along with storyboards on Kodava history and identity. Tables were named after villages in Kodagu, while traditional Kodava proverbs were used for an interactive quiz.

The décor also reflected Kodagu’s landscape, incorporating coffee beans, paddy, anthuriums, banana stems and flowers.

The main programme began with a traditional prayer song and ceremonial lamp lighting by members of the Baduvamanda and Gummatira families. Traditional ‘Ummathat’ by Kodava women and ‘Bolkaat’, the martial dance performed by Kodava men, were among the highlights. A contemporary dance by Kodava women and a children’s skit, ‘Two Boots, One Beat’, exploring the cultural similarities and contrasts between Texas and Kodagu, were also presented.

Tradition takes centre stage

A multigenerational panel discussion, ‘One Heritage, Many Journeys: Being Kodava Today’, brought together five Kodavas from different generations to discuss identity, traditions and the challenges of preserving their heritage while living away from Kodagu. Live polling also allowed the audience to share their views.

The convention also saw the introduction of ‘arivāme’, a Kodava heritage and language app aimed at supporting the preservation and teaching of Kodava Thakk.

The programme concluded with an update from Kodava Koota on its activities and plans, followed by dinner featuring Kodava and Indian cuisine. The evening ended with music and Kodava Vaalaga, with guests joining the celebrations on the dance floor.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 30th, 2026

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

Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , ,

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

A journey to an ancient underwater world

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , , , ,

Alpena :

What can Lake Huron tell us about early life on Earth? Join a live streamed exploration today at 11 a.m. of one of the Great Lakes’ most extraordinary underwater environments and discover a world that resembles the Earth as it was years ago.

The backup dates are Sept. 17-18.

Hidden beneath the waters of Lake Huron lies the Middle Island Sinkhole. Formed over thousands of years as groundwater dissolved the limestone beneath the lakebed, the sinkhole plunges 80 feet below the surface into a colorful ecosystem unlike anything in the Great Lakes. This rare environment attracts researchers from around the world seeking clues about early life on Earth.

Freshwater explorers and filmmakers Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert are teaming up with Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Great Lakes Now for the first-ever livestream from this underwater time capsule, providing an up-close look at an area that, until now, has only been experienced by advanced divers. Using a high-tech remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with high-resolution cameras, the team will descend into the sinkhole, following divers as they collect samples from the remarkable microbial mats that carpet the bottom.

Viewers will get an up-close look at the sinkhole’s colorful bacterial communities, vast carpets splotched with shades of purple, brown, and white. Scientists believe this globally significant ecosystem can provide insights into how life evolved on early Earth and how the planet’s first oxygen-producing organisms transformed the atmosphere. While beautiful to look at, the sinkhole is deadly to most other lake lifeforms due to the water’s lack of oxygen.

Along for the journey will be Dr. Bopaiah Biddanda from Grand Valley State University, an Aquatic Microbial Ecologist who has spent years studying the sinkhole’s unique ecosystem. Sarah Morrison, Media Specialist at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, will share how the sanctuary supports researchers looking to uncover the secrets of the sinkhole.

Biddanda, Morrison, Melnick, and Drebert will answer audience questions in real-time during the dive.

The date and time are subject to last-minute change due to weather conditions. Follow Great Lakes Now and Hidden Below: The Great Lakes on social media to stay updated about the expedition.

Hidden Below: Live is a collaboration between Great Lakes Now and Inspired Planet Productions to bring real-time, interactive explorations of the Great Lakes to audiences around the world. Previous expeditions have included the deepest part of the Great Lakes and the fish-filled warm waters surrounding North America’s largest nuclear power plant

source: http://www.thealpenanews.com / The Alpena News / Home> Lifestyles / by The Alpena News / September 15th, 2026

Brothers with Kodagu roots make their mark in American Ice Hockey

Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru :

Two brothers with family roots in Kodagu and Mysuru have made their mark in American Ice Hockey after earning selection to competitive teams of the Frisco Hockey Association, Texas, USA.


While 15-year-old Mayon Machaiah Merianda has been selected to the Frisco Varsity Team, his 13-year-old younger brother Krish Machaiah Merianda has secured a place in the Frisco Varsity Junior Team for the Summer 2026 season.


Mayon, a Grade 10 student at Independence High School, Frisco, earned promotion to the Varsity squad following his performances in previous seasons. Krish, who recently completed Grade 8 at Nelson Middle School, secured his place in the Junior Varsity team after consistent performances at the developmental level.


The brothers belong to the Meriyanda family of Kodagu, with their ancestral roots tracing back to the historic Meriyanda Ainmane. They are the sons of Srikanth Thimmayya, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SHIRO Technologies and Dr. Gangamma Chenenda, a Physician based in Dallas, Texas.


Their late grandfather Merianda K. Thimmayya, was an advocate, who had settled in Mysuru after moving from Kodagu several decades ago while their grandmother Sharada Thimmayya, continues to reside in Mysuru. Despite growing up in the United States, Mayon and Krish maintain close ties with Karnataka through regular visits to Mysuru and Kodagu.

Their success stands as an inspiring example of how young people with roots in Kodagu and Mysuru are making their presence felt in diverse fields and sporting arenas across the world.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 03rd, 2026

Trunk calls from trigarta

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The book is rich with vivid details and engaging snippets from history and mythology.

The War Elephants of Trigarta By: Sarita Mandanna Publisher: Aleph Pages: 192 Price: Rs499

The War Elephants of Trigarta by Sarita Mandanna is part of the Bold Chronicles series, which aims to awaken a love of history and storytelling among the next generation. Inspired by fascinating moments from India’s rich and layered past, as well as world history, the series uses engaging storytelling to capture the attention of youngsters who are often absorbed in gadgets and reluctant to engage with anything beyond reels or apps. It is an uphill task, but Mandanna manages it with dexterity and humour, delivering a rich and enjoyable narrative that plants seeds of curiosity about history while also offering insight into the present.

At the heart of the story is the delightful Mili, the daughter of Raja Puru’s general, who is in charge of training and caring for the war elephants that are the pride of Trigarta. She forms a bond with a rare white elephant, whom she names Nathu. Over time, Mili becomes an unlikely but important player in the looming war led by the formidable Alexander the Great, culminating in the legendary Battle of the Hydaspes. As her father often says, and Mili repeats, “Never too old, and never too young!”

The book is rich with vivid details and engaging snippets from history and mythology. Readers encounter the fate of beautiful Parsa, or modern-day Persepolis, and the well-known story of how Alexander tamed the wild horse Bucephalus, who became his trusted companion. There are also references to Supratika and Sangram, the elephant heroes of mythology and history. In contrast, Nathu proves difficult to train and is a constant source of frustration. Even the general calls him a “donkey of a stubborn elephant,” much to Mili’s annoyance.

There is also a hilarious episode involving Nathu, a basket of stolen turnips, and an unfortunate bout of flatulence at the worst possible moment. At the end of it, Mili asks her father a question that is both innocent and amusing: “The royal family. Do they fart—I mean, do they pass wind too?”

However, the story is not all light-hearted. Given the subject, and Alexander’s well-known ruthlessness, the narrative does not shy away from darker realities. Mandanna presents these events in a way that is accessible to younger readers without losing their seriousness. As news arrives of Alexander sacking yet another rebel city, Mili repeatedly asks her father, “What happened to the children in the mercenary camp, Baba?”

The danger and horror of war feel immediate and real for Mili and those around her, as the Macedonian army advances. Yet, her courage stands strong. Like the great figures of history, she uses her intelligence and resilience to make a real difference in a world torn apart by conflict and ambition.

This is an irresistible story that will appeal not only to young readers but to anyone who enjoys a gripping and well-told tale.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Books / by Anuja Chandramouli / April 19th,2026

Obituary : Palecanda Bojamma Muthanna

Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Palecanda Bojamma (91), wife of late Palecanda P. Muthanna (former Advocate General of Karnataka and former President of Kodava Samaja, Bengaluru), passed away in Arizona, USA, on Apr. 22.

Originally from Madikeri town in Kodagu, Bojamma (Paruvangada) leaves behind her daughters Dechu Muthanna, Dr. Neeli Muthanna, son Poonacha Muthanna, grandsons and a host of relatives and friends.

Cremation took place at Paradise Memorial Gardens, East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA today (Apr. 24).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / April 24th, 2026

Couple from Iran stranded in Kodagu

Nri's / Pio's

While the couple had booked their return tickets from Bengaluru to Bojnurd via Sharjah for March 16, the flights were cancelled due to the West Asia crisis.

Naveen and Nadher / Special Arrangement

Madikeri:

A couple from Iran has been stranded in Kodagu and is unable to book flights back following the Iran-US/Israel War.

The woman, who is a native of Kodagu and her Iranian husband, who were on an annual visit to Kodagu, hope that they can fly back before their Visas expire.

Naveen, a native of Murnad in Kodagu, met Iranian National Nadher over four decades ago when the former was working for a private company in Bengaluru. The couple was married and settled in Bojnurd city in Iran.

They have two children; one of them is a civil engineer and the other is an architect.

Naveen and Nadher own an orchard in Iran and sell exotic fruits, including almonds, apricots, pistachios and other berries.

As confirmed by the two, they annually visit Naveen’s house in Murnad during December every year, and they arrived in Murnad at the end of December last year.

While the couple had booked their return tickets from Bengaluru to Bojnurd via Sharjah for March 16, the flights were cancelled due to the war crisis.

The two later booked a flight that was scheduled to take off on April 15, but they confirmed that this flight too had been cancelled. Following these developments, the couple is stranded in Kodagu.

The couple shared that they are unable to contact their children due to the internet shutdown in Iran, and they fear legal issues as their visas will expire in May, and hope to find a return flight to Iran before it. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / April 05th, 2026

Capt. Nithin Cariappa commands INS Kolkata

Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Nri's / Pio's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

Capt. Maletira Nithin Cariappa, Indian Navy, is the Commanding Officer of INS Kolkata, a state-of-the-art destroyer and a symbol of India’s naval prowess.

A resident of Bogadi in Mysuru, Capt. Nithin Cariappa is an alumnus of St. Joseph’s School and later joined the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, followed by the National Defence Academy.  Over his 24-year career, he has commanded INS Ajay, an anti-submarine warfare corvette and INS Kadmatt. He also served as the Naval Advisor at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, becoming the first Kodava officer to hold this post in Pakistan and to command a Kolkata-class destroyer.

The 163-metre-long, 7,500-tonne warship, with a cruise speed of 30 knots, is equipped with cutting-edge telecommunications and armed with anti-air missiles, anti-submarine weapons, the lethal BrahMos missile, and long-range surface-to-air missiles. Built by Mazagon Docks Ltd., Mumbai, the Kolkata-class destroyers are a testament to India’s naval strength.

His journey stands as an inspiration for Mysuru’s youth, encouraging them to explore the promising career opportunities in the armed forces. Married to Rohini, he is also an avid sportsman, recently completing the Tata Mumbai Full Marathon. 

Capt. Nithin Cariappa’s parents are Maletira Ganesh Bopanna and late Cauvery Bopanna (Gummattira). Ganesh is settled in Bogadi and his second son Nayan Chengappa is a Chief Marine Engineer, assisting New Zealand Navy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 07th, 2025

Dr. Maletira Machayya

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Obituary : 1937 – 2026

Maletira “Mac” Machayya died January 17, 2026, at Eventide in Fargo, ND. There will be a celebration of life Friday, January 30, from 1 pm to 3 pm at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

A private inurnment ceremony will take place at Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, Fargo.

Maletira Ganapathy Machayya, the son of Dr. Maletira and Bollamma Ganapathy Machayya, was born February 10, 1937, in Madikeri, India.

He earned his medical degree from Madras Medical College, India, in 1960. He completed a General Surgery Residency at Furness General Hospital, Barrow-in-Furness, England, in 1969, and Urology Residency at Preston Royal Infirmary, Preston, England, in 1971.

While in England, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He completed a rotating internship at Illinois General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972.

Mac married Margaret “Maggie” Burns in 1971 in Barrow-in-Furness, England.

In 1972, Mac, Maggie, and newborn son Mark moved to Valley City, North Dakota, where Mac began a distinguished career as a general surgeon. There, they raised their family and made lifelong friends. Mac served the community for many years at Mercy Hospital and Meritcare Clinic, which later became Sanford Clinic. His dedication to patient care earned him the respect and gratitude of countless individuals and families throughout the region.

In his free time, you would find Mac working on a new project around the house, woodworking and creating stained glass art. Mac was also a member of The Lions Club in Valley City. Many memorable summers were spent with family and friends at the cabin on Lake Eunice in Minnesota. Maggie passed away in 2005. In 2013, Mac moved to Fargo to be closer to his family.

He is survived by his three sons, Mark (Katie) with grandchildren Makayla, Dakota, and Memphis, Bemidji, MN; Kevin (Jamie) with grandchildren Josie and Gaby, West Fargo; and Jon (Jill) with grandchildren Ellie, Lincoln, and Vera, West Fargo; sister-in-law June Burns, Barrow-in-Furness, England; and extended family in England and India.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; Maggie’s parents, Edward and Frances Burns; brother Devaiah Ganapathy; sister Maletira Sushiela; and brother-in-law Antony Burns.

Mac’s family is appreciative of the care received from Eventide and HIA Hospice.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Sanford Health Foundation or CHI Mercy Health Foundation Valley City.

Arrangements by West Funeral Home, West Fargo.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

source: http://www.legacy.com/ Machayya

WEST MOUNT COFFEE-From the Western Ghats to the World

Coffee News, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

India’s coffee industry is experiencing rapid expansion, with an expected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5-7% over the next few years, reflecting its growing significance both domestically and internationally.

India, the 7th largest producer of coffee in the world, contributes approximately 4% of the global coffee supply, with the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu leading the charge. With increasing demand for high-quality coffee, the Indian coffee industry is poised for exponential growth, driven by rising domestic consumption and expanding export markets.

In this vibrant and expanding sector, West Mount Coffee stands as a proud representative of Indian coffee’s journey from local farms to international markets.

The Western Ghats – Nature’s Coffee Garden

Every bean of West Mount Coffee begins its journey in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in Wayanad, Kerala, this land offers the perfect combination of high-altitude terrain, cool climate and fertile soil-conditions that create exceptional, carbon-neutral coffee.

Beyond cultivation, Wayanad is also fast emerging as a hub for coffee tourism, attracting travelers eager to explore plantations and traditions, with the Coffee Village in Chundale standing out as a destination that brings the story of coffee alive from bean to brew. Here, visitors connect with the culture and heritage of the land, making Wayanad not just a producer but also a custodian of India’s coffee legacy.

A Story Rooted in Passion

When you sip West Mount Coffee, you are tasting more than a beverage-you are experiencing a legacy of heritage and sustainability rooted in India’s timeless connection to the Western Ghats. Founded in 2017 by Ajai Ravi, an engineer and MBA graduate who chose to dedicate his life to building a world-class Indian coffee brand, West Mount has grown from a small grading centre in Kerala into a multinational company with a presence across continents. What began with a vision has now evolved into a movement dedicated to showcasing India’s coffee culture to the world while empowering local farmers and communities.

 A Cup That Cares

At the heart of West Mount Coffee lies a deep commitment to sustainability and ethics. The beans are grown in eco-friendly, carbon-neutral farms where biodiversity is carefully protected and farmers are supported through fair practices, modern training and livelihood development.

West Mount sources and celebrates both Robusta and Arabica varieties, grown across the rich coffee belts of Wayanad and Coorg, known for their distinctive aroma and taste.

From harvesting to roasting, the brand follows a zero-waste policy and uses eco-friendly packaging, while every bean is micro-roasted for quality and traceability, ensuring that each cup delivers an authentic and flavourful experience.

From Kerala to the World

Today, West Mount Coffee operates its global headquarters in Dubai under the name West Mount Arabia, serving coffee lovers across the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Dubai acts as a strategic hub for exports, giving Indian coffee a strong international platform. Yet despite its global expansion, West Mount remains proudly Indian at its core, echoing the ethos of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Recognised for Excellence

West Mount Coffee’s journey is also a shining example of the strength of India’s MSME sector. From humble beginnings, the brand has achieved recognition at multiple levels for its quality and sustainability. It holds ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certifications, the prestigious Zero Defect Zero Effect certificate and a Bronze Certificate under the MSME Sustainable (ZED)

Certification Scheme

 It is also officially recognised by the Coffee Board of India, FSSAI, DPIIT Start-Up India, and other government bodies. These accolades underline the credibility and resilience of the brand, showcasing it as not just a coffee company but an MSME success story that reflects India’s entrepreneurial spirit on the global stage.

West Mount is not only about great coffee but also about reimagining how people connect with it. The brand has ventured into roasting and grading, brewing gadgets and even coffee tourism, offering consumers new ways to engage with their favourite beverage. With a fully digital platform catering to retail and corporate clients, premium Indian coffee has become more accessible than ever, reaching homes, cafés and offices across the world.

Empowering Communities

What truly sets West Mount Coffee apart is its people-first model. The company takes pride in being the only coffee factory in India with such inclusive representation where 100% of its blue-collar workforce comes from tribal communities and 95% of its administrative staff belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Women Empowerment

Women form a vital part of West Mount Coffee’s journey, taking leadership both on the factory floor and in administration. This approach makes every cup of West Mount Coffee not only special but also socially transformative, truly reflecting women empowerment through coffee.

A Vision for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, the journey promises even greater milestones. With support from the Coffee Board of India’s Integrated Coffee Development Programme and the Government of Kerala’s Mission 1000, West Mount is investing in advanced roasting and curing facilities to strengthen its export competitiveness. Its long-term vision is to position Indian coffee as a gourmet global product, celebrated by coffee lovers everywhere, while continuing to empower farmers, preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.

Celebrating Coffee, Celebrating India

This International Coffee Day, West Mount Coffee invites you to celebrate more than just a drink. It is an invitation to celebrate the heritage of the Western Ghats, the dedication of farmers who pour their heart into every bean and the resilience of the MSME spirit that powers India’s entrepreneurial journey.

WEST MOUNT COFFEE

Kinfra Industrial Park, Wayanad, Kerala, Mob: +91 9744 321 001  +971 558 631001

www.westmountcaffe.com  E-mail: sales@westmountcaffe.com

“This article is part of sponsored content programme.”

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Sponsored Content (BrandHub) / October 01st, 2025