Category Archives: Records, All

Golden jubilee of KSP Kodagu unit to be celebrated

The golden jubilee of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Kodagu unit, will be observed in the district, said Kodagu district Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Lokesh Sagar.

During a preparatory meeting, he said that various programmes for the development of Kannada literature are being organised by the parishat.

The Kodagu unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishat has also gathered appreciation from the state executive committee of Kannada Sahitya Parishat and has been presented with the state award.

The term of the existing committee of district Kannada Sahitya Parishat will end on March 2021. The 15th district Kannada Sahitya Sammelana and the golden jubilee celebrations will be held before the end of the term.

It has been planned to organise programmes at Cauvery Hall in Madikeri on February 11, 12 and 13.

The past presidents of the district, taluk and hobli committees of Kannada Sahitya Parishat will be felicitated on the occasion.

The first day of the literary convention will commence with a cultural procession followed by the inaugural function. Cultural programmes will be held on the occasion.

Felicitations, poets’ meet and cultural programmes will be held on the second day. Musical programmes, poets’ meet and cultural programmes will be held on the third day.

The main streets of the town and various hoblis will be decorated with Kannada flags and buntings and portraits of Kannada litterateurs.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat office-bearers will act as the conveners of various committees of literary convention.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / December 20th, 2020

‘Coorg Person of the Year 2020’

Sanjana Kattera, a corona warrior who was part of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine trial team, is ‘Coorg Person of the Year, 2020’, according to a release.

Kodagu-born Dr. Sanjana was involved in treating COVID-affected children. A paediatrician, she was part of the vaccine trial team at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the United Kingdom. The release said Dr. Sanjana served patients selflessly by risking her life, especially when PPE suits were in short supply initially.

Dr. Sanjana was selected ‘Coorg Person of the Year’ in a poll conducted by www.coorgtourisminfo.com, Kodagu’s first news portal, promoted by senior journalist P.T. Bopanna.

She worked with phase I/II of the trial with the age group 18-55 years by initially screening and recruiting patients as part of the eligibility criteria.

Dr. Sanjana, daughter of Suresh Kattera and Smitha Suresh, did her schooling in the United World College South East Asia (UWCSEA) in Singapore.

She studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. After completing her medicine, she specialised in paediatrics in a hospital in the U.K, and is currently training in NHS, Liverpool. She will be completing her Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) early next year.

The corona warrior had a tough competition for the ‘Coorg Person of the Year’ title from M.A. Ganapathy, IPS, director-general of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the release added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – December 21st, 2020

Kodagu-Born IAS Officer Appointed As Private Secretary To Union Finance Minister

Madikeri:

The Union Government yesterday approved the appointment of IAS Officer S.S. Nakul as Private Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA) at the level of Deputy Secretary. Incidentally, Nirmala Sitharaman is a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka. 

According to an order from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Nakul has been appointed as Private Secretary to Nirmala Sitharaman for a period of five years with effect from the date of assumption of the charge of the post or on co-terminus basis with the Minister or till he ceases to function as Private Secretary to the Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Nakul is a 2010-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer of Karnataka cadre. He is currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Ballari District. An Engineering Graduate (BE in Electronics & Communications) from Mysuru, he joined civil services in 2010.

Nakul hails from Kushalnagar in Kodagu district and is the son of well-known entrepreneur Rotarian S.K. Satish and Shobha Satish. He has served as Deputy Commissioner and Zilla Panchayat CEO in many districts. Nakul is married to Poojita and they have a boy child. 

Nakul had secured an all-India rank of 31 in USPC Civil Services exam. He is known for his efficient handling of administration and has made a mark in deft handling of COVID-19 situation in the State. He is known for utmost transparency in handling of administrative matters. In his tenure, Ballari became the first district in the country to prepare and upload an audit report of COVID expenditure in the district. 

He has shown exemplary uprightness and efficiency in the use of Ballari district’s mineral fund and State disaster management fund for COVID relief such as setting up special wards in hospitals, construction of oxygen tanks, procuring masks, PPE kits, medicines and equipment.

On his deputation to Central service, Nakul said “The PMO had sought my opinion two weeks back. I couldn’t say no… It’s an opportunity to learn new lessons of public administration. I will join the Central service after the completion of Gram Panchayat election process.”

Nakul’s wife delivers first child at Govt. Hospital

When he was the CEO of Ballari ZP, Nakul had emerged as a trend-setter by getting his wife’s maiden delivery done at the district hospital in Ballari at a time when it has become common even for the economically weak to prefer private hospitals or nursing homes for deliveries. 

“The district hospital has experienced doctors, performing over 10 deliveries daily. The hospital has almost all the facilities and above all it is clean and tidy which made us prefer Government Hospital,” Nakul had told reporters then. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>News / December 18th, 2020

‘Keep aside feelings of inferiority on language to save Arebhashe’

Kodagu Gowda Mahila Okkoota former president Radha Yadava recommended teaching Arebhashe to children.

Culture will be at stake if small, regional languages seize to exist, opined retired principal Bariyanda Joyappa.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Arebhashe Day and Arebhashe Yakshagana Talamaddale Koota organised by Karnataka Arebhashe Cultural and Literary Academy, held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Madikeri on Tuesday.

Quoting linguistics expert Ganesh N Devi, he said that around 400 languages out of 780 languages in the country are on the verge of extinction.

“Everyone, including those who are highly qualified in terms of education and are in a good position, should speak in their mother tongue. One should not feel inferior about Arebhashe,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Arebhashe Cultural and Literary Academy chairman Lakshminarayana Kajegadde said that December 11 is the Foundation Day of the academy and the day is observed as Arebhashe Day.

He remembered stalwarts such as T G Muduru, M G Kaveramma, Prof Kodi Kushalappa Gowda, Dr Kaveri Mane Bojappa and Katratana Belyappa who had worked for the setting up of the academy.

Stating that Arebhashe language needs to find a place in textbooks as Tulu, he said the popularity of Arebhashe should be increased by using the language in Yakshagana and various forms of literature.

Efforts will be on to obtain ISO recognition for Arebhashe. The Arebhashe Day is being observed in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru and various other places as well, he said and added that several programmes are planned on the occasion of the decennial celebrations of Arebhashe Academy.

Kodagu Gowda Samaja Federation chairman Soortale Somanna said that the Kodagu Gowda Samaja will organise programmes in Arebhashe.

Kodagu Gowda Mahila Okkoota former president Radha Yadava recommended teaching Arebhashe to children.

The language should become part of their curriculum, she added.

Arebhashe Academy register Chinnaswamy, members Baitadka Janaki Bellyappa, Smitha Amritaraj, Chokkadi Prema Raghavaiah, Dhananjaya Agolikaje, Dambekodi S Anand, Dr K C Dayanand, A T Kusumadhar, Purushottama Kirlaya and Kodagu Gowda Yuva Vedike president Paikera Manohara Madappa were present.

An Arebhashe Yakshagana Talamaddale ‘Panchavati Prasanga’ was performed on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / December 15th, 2020

Madikeri: Student invents robot that can treat COVID patients

Madikeri :

Coronavirus infection has created so much scare among the people that initially even the doctors were wary of treating these patients. Many doctors and nurses who treated such patients have lost their lives.

Observing these things, an engineering student from Virajpet here has invented a robot to solve the problem. Manikantha from Hubballi, is the son of Amaresh, working in the court at Ponnampet in the district. Amaresh has been living in Virajpet since the last 15 years. Manikantha is a fifth semester student of electronics engineering department at the engineering college at Mandya.

IEEE India Council had invited students to send in their plans about projects relating to COVID treatment. The council which observed the report sent by Manikantha, asked him to prepare the project and paid Rs 12,000 as expenses. Manikantha by using C programming, created this robot.

This robot can be controlled with the help of a mobile phone. It can go near the COVID patients and dispense medicines and tablets. It can give instructions to patients, and check the heartbeat and body temperature. It also greets the patients. When returning, it scans its entire body and protects itself. IJWMT too has got a research article authored by the student and published. It also issued him a citation.

Manikantha’s parents are happy. He happens to be the first to invent a medical robot for the treatment of COVID patients.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network, Madikeri (SP) / December 12th, 2020

AGM Of Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysore East Held

Puliyanda S. Devaiah elected as new President

Mysore/Mysuru:

The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysore East, was held at the Association premises in Vidyashankar Nagar here yesterday. 

The following were elected as office-bearers and Managing Committee Members of the Association for the year 2020 – 2022: President: Puliyanda S. Devaiah, Vice-President: Pandyanda Raja Bopaiah, Hon. Secretary: Kademada M. Belliappa, Joint Secretary:  Pemmanda D. Poonacha, Treasurer: Coluvanda M. Chengappa, Committee Members: Neravanda Muthappa (Sunil), Machura D. Cariappa, Pattada Sachin Devaiah, Pudiyokkada Praveen Chengappa, Pattamada T. Charmana, Pokachanda P. Narendra, Kanjithanda Manu Aiyappa, Mookalamada B. Somanna, Chimmanda P. Subbaiah, Karthamada Nalini (Sweety), Mollera A. Kavitha and Ajjamakkada Beena Cariappa.

Speaking on the occasion, Devaiah said the Kavery Kodava Association has completed 20 successive years and attributed its achievements over the years to the services of past six Presidents and their team of Managing Committees — Palachanda Kuttappa, Founder-President; Accapanda Kashi Kuttappa; Kanjithanda K. Aiyappa; Pudiyokkada B. Madappa; Boovadira A. Devaiah and Koppira D. Ponnappa. 

Expressing his gratitude to Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy for his valuable support and guidance in all its endeavours, the new President also recalled the services of Naina Achappa as Kodagu Model School’s first Correspondent; Channira T. Poovaiah as first Chairperson of the Education Council and Chowrira Seetha Kalaiah, Chairperson of the Education Council since 2010, who is instrumental in steering the institution to the present level. 

The Association had a humble beginning and today there are 600 members with assets worth over crores and a  turnover of over Rs. 40 lakh per annum.  The Kodagu Model School  run  by  the Association has classes from LKG to X Std., he said and added that he aims to improve the standard of the School as ‘Vidyadhaana was Mahadhana.’ 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 14th, 2020

Give Top Priority To Cultivate Coffee Naturally In Kodagu

Ponnampet Forestry College Dean calls upon growers to maintain quality from estate to cuppa; 18th AGM of Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha held

Madikeri:

Coffee growers should give priority for cultivating tasty coffee naturally, said Ponnampet Forestry College Dean Dr. Cheppudira G. Kushalappa. 

He was speaking at the 18th Annual General Body meeting of Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha held at a private hotel in Madikeri recently. Though Vietnam and Brazil produces large quantity of coffee, they are unable to get back the amount invested in coffee cultivation. They use highest quality of fertilisers to cultivate the crop and most of the finances are drained out here. 

The growers of Kodagu must concentrate on cultivating coffee naturally by reducing the use of fertilisers. There are 360 species of trees inside the coffee estates in Kodagu. As a result, the ground gets good manure. This is the reason why Kodagu coffee is famous across the world. 

“The undeniable natural beauty and abundance in Kodagu — from rainfall to fertile soil and diverse water sources — has made the region a highly sought-after location to cultivate coffee. Coffee flourishes in a unique blend of climatic conditions that includes humidity, heat and rainfall. Kodagu is ideal for these conditions and the slopes of the Western Ghats ensure orthographic rainfall that measure between 60 to 80 inches,” he said. 

The abundant species of    shaded trees work together in a two-tier system to protect coffee plants. These trees also prevent soil erosion and provide mulch to act as fertiliser. “The soil of Kodagu is rich with nitrogenous material and has a good sub-surface drainage,” he said and called upon growers to maintain quality from the estate to the cuppa. 

Coffee Board quality expert Vikram Kuttaiah said that the prices of coffee have not increased drastically for the last 25 years. The maintenance of Arabica coffee was Rs. 25,000 per acre 25 years ago and now it has reached Rs. 80,000 per acre. The maintenance of Robusta variety has increased from   Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 60,000. 

 “The maintenance costs have increased manifold but the prices of coffee has remained stagnant. There is a huge disparity between production costs and end profits. There is a situation where the grower has to be satisfied with meagre income,”   he explained. 

Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha President Pandikuthira Chitra Subbaiah said that the Sangha has been creating awareness about Coorg Coffee since the last 18 years. Sangha Director Kumari Kunjappa has been provided permission by Kodagu District Administration to open an outlet at Coorg Village that is coming up near Raja’s Seat in Madikeri, she said.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 14th, 2020

CNC To Hold Annual Gun Carnival In Kodagu On Dec. 18

Madikeri (Kodagu):

The 10th Annual Codava National Council (CNC) Thok Namme (Gun Carnival) will be held Dec. 18 at 10.30 am at Kolakeri in Napoklu to mark “World Minorities Rights Day.” 

Gun is a part and parcel of Kodavas and to showcase the valour and rich folkloric cultural heritage of the community. The Thok Namme is scheduled to be held at Cauvery Estate of Appachira Rammi Nanaiah in Kolakeri. 

All participants are requested to carry their guns to the ceremony. This programme is intended to showcase warrior-hood tribal traits of the community. As pet the schedule, a mass worship of guns will be performed on the banks of River Cauvery. The ritual will be led by CNC President N.U. Nachappa, followed by Thok Paat (folkloric weapon prayer).

Later, a shooting competition for men, women and children will be held followed by a public meeting. Prize distribution will be held and traditional Kodava food will be served to all participants. 

Gun right, a clarification

In the wake of Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy issuing orders to all gun holders in Kodagu to surrender the same due to the forthcoming Gram Panchayat elections, the CNC has clarified that gun licence is different and gun exemption is different. 

During elections, under the directions from the Election Commission of India, all District administrations, Collectorates and Commissionerates will issue orders to all gun licence holders to surrender their weapons by depositing it in the nearest Police Station till the completion of election process to facilitate smooth electoral exercise as well as to maintain peace and tranquillity. “This order will not and does not apply to a Kodava community member as the community is exempted from Indian Arms Act to possess firearms or guns. This was clarified in 1994 during the period of Chief Election Commissioner of India T.N. Sheshan who reformed India’s electoral system.

Sheshan made it clear that the exemption certificate holders and also those who consider weapons as sacred and gun as an article of worship, this order of depositing the guns during elections will not apply, the CNC stated. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 12th, 2020

Joshna Chinappa, first Indian woman to play 400 PSA Tour squash games

Joshna’s contemporary Dipika Pallikal has competed in 297 PSA Tour matches. England’s Alison Waters (487) and Camille Serme (France, 439) have topped the list in the women’s category.

Joshna Chinappa achieved the unique feat in the CIB-Black Ball Squash Open in Cairo (Egypt).    –  RITU RAJ KONWAR (FILE PHOTO)

India squash player Joshna Chinappa became the first Indian female player and second (male and female) to play 400 PSA Tour squash matches.

The 34-year-old achieved the unique feat in the CIB-Black Ball Squash Open in Cairo (Egypt). 

The Indian, seeded 10, defeated Julianne Courtice of England 10-12, 11-6, 11-9, 12-10 in the women’s first round.

Only Saurav Ghosal (444) has played more than Joshna.

Joshna’s contemporary Dipika Pallikal has competed in 297 PSA Tour matches. England’s Alison Waters (487) and Camille Serme (France, 439) have topped the list in the women’s category.

source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / SportStar / Home> Squash / by Team SportStar / Chennai – December 09th, 2020

A cloud of anxiety hangs over tribals in Kodagu

Tribals in Reshmehadlu hamlet in Kodagu district. Credit: DH

The tribal population in Kodagu has been in fear of losing their existence, in the wake of implementation of the Kasturirangan report.

The land on which their livelihood depends upon might be termed as an encroachment. This is the fear of tribal population in Kodagu, said social activist Prabhu.

It is true that forests should be preserved and biodiversity has to be preserved. But, evacuating forest-dwelling tribal people in the name of an ecologically sensitive region, cannot be accepted. The government should provide them with alternative livelihood when they leave the forest and come into the mainstream, he said.

“There is a scattered population of Adivasis in the forest areas of Kodagu. The existing forest regulations have been hurdles in providing them with basic amenities. The Central government had earlier announced a package to bring Adivasis to the mainstream. As per the regulation, every evicted family which comes into the mainstream should be provided with Rs 15 lakh, along with three acres of agricultural land,” he added.

Stating that the tribal population cannot live in the forest for long, Prabhu said that 867 families have come out of Nagarhole National Park.

Still, around 1,000 families have been living in Chennayyanakote, Gaddehadi, Chenihadli, Reshmehadlu, Tattekere, Vaddaramadu, Bommamadu and Nanacchi. Those who have already come out of forests have not been provided with agricultural lands, he said.

In this situation, if the rest of the people come out of forests, how will the government manage to provide them with lands? he asked.

He further said that there is no question on whether the tribal people are for or against the Kasturirangan report. The main concern is there should be a mode of livelihood for tribals once they come into the mainstream and the government must ensure the same.

Apart from Adivasis, other primitives in the district have also been fearing the repercussions of the Kasturirangan report, said Prabhu.

’55 villages in the list of the ecologically sensitive area’

As many as 55 villages are in the list of the ecologically sensitive area. Out of these, 23 villages in Madikeri, 21 villages in Virajpet and 11 villages in Somwarpet are under ecologically sensitive region and currently there are residential areas and agricultural activities here, he added.

The farmers have been cultivating crops with the help of water from River Cauvery. These farmers should not land up in trouble in the name of the eco-sensitive region, he said.

An agriculturist said that coffee is the major crop in Kodagu. Trees in the coffee plantations need pruning once a year. But, if the report is implemented, there is no scope to cut the trees in the plantations, he added.

As per the Kasturirangan report, permission from the National Green Tribunal is required to construct a lake, which is not practical. Before deciding on the implementation of the report, a study of the demography, climate and agriculture should have should have been carried out, he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A, DHNS, Madikeri / December 09th, 2020