Category Archives: Records, All

5 Covid Care Centres opened in Kodagu, says DC

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The Covid Care Centre set up at Morarji Desai Residential School in Koodige.

Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal said that five Covid Care Centres have been opened in the district as the Covid-19 pandemic is spreading fast.

Chairing a meeting at her office on Monday, she said that nodal officers have been appointed for Covid Care Centres.

She directed the officials concerned to ensure proper food and other basic facilities for Covid-19 patients undergoing treatment at the Covid Care Centres.

Facilities of books, newspapers and indoor games should be provided. Cleanliness and hygiene should be maintained at the centres and the premises should be sanitised on a regular basis. There should be no room for any complaint, she said.

Stating that the management of containment zones is good, she felt there is a need to pay more attention to ensure adherence to guidelines.

The statistics related to the pandemic should be properly maintained and disseminated to the authority concerned, she added.

Charulata Somal also noted that posters are not displayed at several containment zones in the district and directed the officials concerned to do the needful.

Stressing on the tracking of primary contacts of Covid-19 patients, she said that the target set by the government towards the tests should be met without fail.

The deputy commissioner also sought from the nodal officials, the day-to-day information on the admission of Covid-19 patients in Covid Care Centres and the availability of vacant beds.

“Regular check-ups of people who are availing treatment at hospitals and Covid Care Centres should be carried out. The health condition of people in home isolation should be tracked regularly,” she added.

Charulata Somal also told officials to ensure the availability of medical oxygen in sufficient quantity.

The controller of drugs has been appointed as the nodal officer for the supply of medical oxygen, she added.

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr K Mohan said that medical students have been appointed at the Covid-19 helpline centres. The peoples queries on their health issues will be addressed through the resource persons.

There is a stock of Remdesivir and medical oxygen in the required quantities and 24 jumbo jet cylinders filled with oxygen have been provided to Somwarpet and Virajpet taluks.

Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) Director Dr Cariappa, Government Medical College Superintendent Dr Lokesh, Community Health Officer Dr Mahesh, local resident officer Dr Rupesh and Dr Anand provided necessary information during the meeting.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhanwar Singh Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner Raju Mogavira and Assistant Commissioner Srinivas were present.

Covid Care Centre at Morarji Desai Residential School

In the wake of an increase in Covid-19 cases in various villages in Kushalnagar limits, an 80-bedded Covid Care Centre has been set up at Morarji Desai Residential School in Koodige.

People who are diagnosed with mild symptoms are being admitted to the Covid Care Centres. The same centre operated during the previous year as well.

After a health check-up, the inmates who are fit to be home isolated are discharged from the Covid Care Centre.

The patients are treated at the centre for 10 days. They will be admitted to the designated Covid hospital only if there is no improvement in their condition.

A total of 18 people have availed of treatment at the centre during the last three days. Around 600 people who visited the centre have been subjected to home isolation.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / April 26th, 2021

Hyderabad: A 1941 vintage car ‘Humber Super Snipe’ used by Gen Cariappa rehauled at MCEME

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Science & Technology

The Super Snipe was introduced in October, 1938, derived by combining the four-litre inline six-cylinder engine from the larger Humber Pullman with the chassis and body of the Humber Snipe which was normally powered by a three-litre engine

Hyderabad :

A 1941 vintage car which was once used by Gen Cariappa has become a thing to be proud of for the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) in Secunderabad which has completely overhauled it. The ‘Humber super snipe’ now stands out as one of the main attractions at the college.


The Super Snipe was introduced in October, 1938, derived by combining the four-litre inline six-cylinder engine from the larger Humber Pullman with the chassis and body of the Humber Snipe which was normally powered by a three-litre engine. The result was a car of enhanced performance and a top speed of 79 mph, fast for its day.

Within a year of introduction, World War II broke out in Europe but the car continued in production as a British military staff car, 4-seater, 4 x 2 , while the same chassis was used for an armoured reconnaissance vehicle and the Humber Light Reconnaissance Car.


The model with MCEME is of 1941 vintage, which was initially assigned with the number of AB-11, which was later changed to AP-10 F 4566 post its decommissioning from Military service.

The vintage car was packed by the British army and ferried to India in 1943 and ultimately assigned to ‘A’ Pl of Army HQ Transport Company.

After Independence, the car was used by the then serving General K M Cariappa, OBE who later became the Field Marshall. In 1958 the car got its marching order and was declared unserviceable and was sent to the Barracks of Equipment and Vehicle Depot in Avadi after its stock transfer inspection.


On December 29, 1964, the Vintage car was taken by 515 Army base Workshop, Bangalore which carried out extensive repairs. The car provided its services to various commandants of 515 Army Base Workshop, Bangalore and after serving for 12 years, on March 10, 1976, the car was once again declared unfit for employment in service.


But that was not the end of it. Since the car was a Vintage and Elite model, in 1977, it was brought to Secunderabad and kept in the Mechanical Engineering Department of MCEME. It remained as a show piece and young officers used to relish watching the old classic. However, the Mechanical as well as the physical condition of the car started deteriorating. Consequently an initiative was taken in 1994 to carry out its complete overhaul by the Mechanical Engineering Department, MCEME.


“When it comes to the maintenance of a vintage car, it can be difficult since replacement parts are often hard to come by, and can end up spending more time in maintaining it than actual utilisation., MCEME said. “With the diligent work of the skilled technicians of MCEME and soldier craftsman of Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, the Humber Super Snipe still roars and services the Commandant, MCEME,” it said.


With the great legacy behind and efforts of various officers in maintaining the Vintage car, the car was pitched for Competing in Vintage Car Competition on November 10, 1995 against the likes of Rolls, Royce of 1930, Buick Super of 1949 and Little Baby Austin of 1921 and was one of the winners.

source: http://www.eveningstandard.in / Evening Standard / Home> Hyderabad / April 24th, 2021

162 Houses Handed Over To Kodagu Flood Victims

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Madikeri:

After a long delay amidst losing hope and living in despair, 2018 flood victims of Kodagu district have finally got houses of their own, built by the State Government. The victims have either completely lost their houses due to floods and landslides or the destruction of houses was to such an extent of beyond repairs. 

In 2018 and 2019, unprecedented rains triggered by cloudbursts, floods and landslides brought untold misery to the people of Kodagu and over 30 percent of land in Madikeri and Somwarpet taluks was destroyed in previously unheard of havoc that was unleashed by nature, rendering hundreds of people homeless.

On Friday (Apr. 23), Kodagu District Minister V. Somanna symbolically handed over houses to 162 families. He handed over the keys to the beneficiaries at a simple ceremony. As many as 22 houses were provided in Biligere village and 140 houses in Galibeedu village. 

Each house has been built by the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation with pre-cast concrete. Rs. 9.80 lakh has been spent on each house and the areas that have been identified to build houses are certified by Geological Survey of India (GSI) as flood-and-landslide-proof. Each concrete mould house has been designed according to ‘M-20 Grade Design’ and the built area is 425 square feet.

Modern techniques have been used to build the houses and each house has 2 bedrooms, a hall and a kitchen. The houses are fire and earthquake-resistant and have modern facilities, said Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Project Director Srinivas. 

Somanna said 660 houses had been handed over to the flood victims so far in three phases. As many as 35 houses in Karnangeri, 80 houses in Madenadu, 383 houses in Jambur and 162 houses in Biligiri have been handed over to the beneficiaries so far. This adds upto 660 houses. Over 76 houses are under construction at K. Nidugane and they too will be handed over in the next two months, the Minister added. Infosys Foundation is building 200 houses in Jambur and the work is in progress.

“A total of 836 families had lost homes during the natural calamity. Houses have been handed over to 660 beneficiaries so far. Houses that are being built at K. Nidugane village will be handed over in a month,” he said.

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 25th, 2021

Lone Covid-19 hospital in Karnataka’s Madikeri functions efficiently despite staff crunch

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technology

According to sources, more number of patients are reportedly coming to the hospital from neighbouring district including places like Sulia.

Oxygen supply unit at COVID-19 hospital in Madikeri. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The Government Covid-19 Hospital in Kodagu, which is the only hospital treating coronavirus patients in the district, is efficiently handling the pandemic despite a spike in cases and shortage of staff. 

Nearly 2,000 swab samples are being collected daily at the lone Covid-19 testing lab of the district.

According to sources, more number of patients are reportedly coming to the hospital from neighbouring district including places like Sulia.

A video alleging mismanagement at the Covid Hospital went viral recently, causing fear among many residents. The person recording the video alleged that the Covid hospital in Madikeri did not have enough beds and four persons were made to share a single bed at the centre. 

Nevertheless, this allegation is far from the truth as one of the doctors working at the Hospital clarified, “once a patient tests positive, they will have to undergo many other tests including CT Scan. While the Hospital is equipped with a CT Scan facility, the center is not appointed with a radiologist. Hence, there is a minor delay in availing the CT Scan report as they are availed from a private hospital in Mysuru. Hence, patients are required to wait for nearly two hours at the hospital wards equipped with beds during the waiting period.”

However, this issue was wrongly publicised by a patient who alleged that three to four patients share a bed, while they were just waiting inside a ward for their CT Scan report. 

“The Covid Hospital is equipped with 150 beds attached with the oxygen supply facility. An additional 100 beds equipped with oxygen supply will be operational from Monday. A total of 13,000 liters of oxygen is available at the hospital and the same will be refilled once in 12 to 15 days,” confirmed Dr Kariappa, dean of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences. He, however, said that there is a shortage of staff at the hospital. 

The existing staff and doctors are working overtime to ensure efficient treatment and consultation to the patients. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna G R, Express News Service / April 25th, 2021

Sarileru Neekevvaru Creates Record: Mahesh Babu-Rashmika Mandanna’s Mind Block Song Hits 100M Views On YouTube

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Videos

Mahesh Babu’s ‘Mind Block’ song from his previous venture Sarileru Neekevvaru has reached a new high. The song premiered on February 29, 2020 has created a record with its views on YouTube. Crooned by Blaaze and Ranina Reddy, the song has hit 100 million views on the video streaming platform. Featuring the Superstar and National Crush Rashmika Mandanna, ‘Mind Block’ is a quirky dance number composed by renowned music director Devi Sri Prasad.

Upon its release last year, the song received huge attention of thenetizens, thanks to the charming chemistry of the stars, endearing short dialogues, mind-blowing dance moves of the lead actors, brilliant choreography, vibrant colour palette used in cinematography, crooning style of the singers, catchy lyrics, groove-worthy music and last but not the least the background dancers who made the song a visual treat with their immense synchronization.

Notably, the song has garnered 575K likes so far on YouTube. Well, as the song creates a massive record on the video streaming platform, fans and followers are now trending hashtag #SarileruNeekevvaru on social media.

On a related note, Sarileru Neekevvaru written and directed by Anil Ravipudi also features Vijayashanti, Prakash Raj, Rajendra Prasad, Rao Ramesh, Murali Sharma, Posani Krishna Murali, Satyadev Kancharana and Brahmaji in key roles. The action-comedy drama revolves around an army major who is assigned a mission in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool, where he witnesses a major scam. His journey of unfolding the truth and bringing the offenders before the law forms the crux of the film. The film which released on January 11, turned out to be a hit at the box office despite tough competition with Allu Arjun’s Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, which hit the cinemas on January 12.

Backed by Dil Raju, Mahesh Babu and Anil Sunkara under Sri Venkateswara Creations, GMB Entertainment and AK Entertainments respectively, Sarileru Neekevvaru has camera cranked by R Rathnavelu and editing carried out by Bikkina Thammiraju.

source: http://www.filmibeat.com / FilmiBeat / Home> Telugu> News / by Sruthi Hemachandran / April 24th, 2021

Artwork by Virajpet student wins award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All
The artwork by B S Yashaswini, which has won an award.

An artwork created by B S Yashaswini, a student from Virajpet in Kodagu district has won first place in the Mysuru city level art competition organised by Vyjayanti Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya, Mysuru.

Yashaswini is a first-year student of Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Charmarajendra Academy Of Visual Arts (CAVA), Mysuru.

She is well versed in watercolour, oil paint, acrylic and mixed medium.

Yashaswini has taken part in a number of art exhibitions and art demonstration camps.

She was awarded the state-level Pratibha Puraskara in 2008, organised by Bal Bhavan.

She is also a recipient of National Bal Bhavan scholarship.

Yashaswini is the daughter of artist B R Satish and K N Damayanti.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya KA, DHNS, Madikeri /March 11th,2019

Landscape Filled With Magic…

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

It’s raining in Kodagu and so are ‘Rain Lilies’ (Zephyranthes candida) in some coffee estates.

This photo is from an estate on Siddapura-Mysuru Road where Lilies with their inconspicuous grassy leaves have bloomed silently amidst the plantations forming a sight to behold.

These rain lilies bloom repeatedly following rains, while some bloom primarily in spring, others flower in summer.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home > Photo News / April 23rd, 2021

Gulshan Devaiah completes 10 years in Bollywood; says it’s been a good journey, not a great one

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

Gulshan Devaiah completes a decade in Bollywood today i.e April 22.

To mark the occasion, the actor took to his Twitter handle to share a heartfelt note. He said that he has just started and is far from done.

The note read, “I’m better now, than ten years from today. So much better in every way. I came with dreams in my eyes, & fire in my belly. Some came true, not too much too soon, And the fire, it’s still going steady. Been a bit lucky…yeah it’s true. It’s been a good journey, not a great one,

But hey! I’m just getting started , I am far from done. I do feel pride, for I’ve done this on my own, but like it is said, I ‘ve also had a bit of fortune. Thanks for your love, and support, On an endless river, I row my boat. Yours sincerely, Gulshan Devaiah.”

He captioned the note as, “My first decade in Bollywood! Class of 2011 #22ndApril #10yearsinBollywood Thank you all !! of the horns I’m grateful for all the love & support. See you at the cinemas!! Cinema Zindabad!!”

On the work front, Gulshan will next be seen in Ajay Bahl’s next co-starring Taapsee Pannu. Reportedly, the film is expected to go on floors in mid June in Nainital.

source: http://www.bollywoodhungama.com / Bollywood Hungama / Home / by Bollywood Hungama News Network / April 22nd, 2021

International Hockey Umpire Mundanda Anupama Passes Away

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

She was the first woman referee from India to officiate in 88 international hockey matches

The first Indian woman umpire who started her international career in 2004 and the first woman referee from India to officiate in 88 international hockey matches Mundanda (Puchimanda) Anupama, wife of Mundanda Mithun Mandanna of Nelaji village in Kodagu, passed away in Bengaluru this morning. She was 41.

She was selected by the Federation of International Hockey as one of the youngest umpires among ten men and women in the world. She had a passion for sports when she was nine and since then she never looked back. She was the first woman referee from India to officiate in 88 international hockey matches, junior world cup and three Commonwealth Games.

Born to Puchimanda Shivappa and Shanthi Shivappa (Achhandira) at Bittangala, Anupama was awarded the Best Umpire (Women) India by Sardar Gyan Singh Memorial Hockey Society in 2007. Anupama represented India in the umpires seminar held at Singapore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh and New Delhi and represented Karnataka as a player in the sub-junior and senior women’s National Hockey Championships. She officiated as the umpire in the four-nation tournament held at Singapore in 2007 and refereed the finals between Australia Vs Malaysia.

She was the umpire in the three-nation tournament held at Italy and also umpired the Central American and Caribbean games, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2006. In 2008, Anupama officiated as the umpire for two four-nation tournament at Rotterdam in Holland and also at Bremen in Germany. Anupama umpired the Junior Asia Cup held at Malaysia in and was the umpire in the youth Olympic Games held at Australia in 2009.

She started her sports career at the age of nine as an amateur athlete at Sports School Kudige in Kodagu. At 13, she joined the Sports Authority of India, Madikeri, where she got into hockey. She represented the State in sub-junior and senior national championships several times. She has also officiated in events in Asia, Africa, and America and European continents.

She had a passion for umpiring and she cleared the umpiring exam in 2001 and first officiated as an umpire at Cheppudira Family Hockey Tournament in Kodagu and went onto make international name and fame. Anupama’s goal was to be an Olympics umpire. “I am happy I chose this profession. This motivates me to focus more on the job and I will be happy if one day I get to officiate in the Olympics,” she had stated in one of her interviews.

Recently Anupama was selected as Executive Council Member by Karnataka State Hockey Association.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 18th, 2021

Fr. John Francis Texeira Passes Away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All

Mysore/Mysuru:

Rev. Fr. John Francis Texeira (72), Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church at Naganahalli, passed away yesterday at a private hospital in city following brief illness.

Funeral was held today afternoon at the Catholic Cemetery in Belawadi Parish, Mysuru and the Requiem Holy Mass was  held at 3 pm today at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in city, according to the communication from the  Bishop’s House.

Rev. Fr. John Texiera was born in Virajpet, Kodagu district on June 4, 1949 to Paul Texiera and  Hilda Vaz couple. He was the eldest among three sons.  After completing his primary education at Virajpet, Rev. Fr. John joined St. Marys Minor Seminary in Mysuru. He completed his High School education at St. Philomena’s High School, PUC at St. Philomena’s College and later completed his Philosophy and Theology studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru. 

Fr. John completed Master Degree in Catechetics at Vishwadeep, Bengaluru. He also served as the Director of Catholic Centre in Mysuru for six years and was also the Dean of Hunsur Deanery. He was ordained a Priest on June 24, 1975 at Siddapura, Kodagu district by the then Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. Mathias Fernandes.

After serving for a few years as an assistant Parish Priest at St. Joseph‘s Cathedral in Mysuru, Fr. John was appointed as the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church in Yadavagiri. He later served as the Parish Priest at Pandavapura, Kamagere, Siddapura, Shantipura, Nanjangud and was serving as the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church, Naganahalli since last June.

Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. K. A. William, Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Vazhapilly and Priests of the Diocese have condoled the demise of Rev. Fr. John F. Texiera.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 19th, 2021