Category Archives: Records, All

CCRI researchers focus on four climate-resilient coffee varieties

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The species identified are — Coffea stenophylla, Coffea racemosa, Coffea liberica and Coffea excelsa.

Representative Image

Bengaluru :

As climate change is affecting harvesting and cropping patterns of all agriculture produce, coffee growers too are facing challenges. To address the issue, researchers are working on climate-resilient coffee varieties.

The Centre for Excellence of Central Research Institute (CCRI) located in the Coffee Research Sun Station, Chettalli in Kodagu has identified four wild coffee varieties that are particularly resilient to climate change.

Cup tasters discovered that Coffea stenophylla tastes close to Coffea arabica. This has raised hopes that consumers may soon have a new climate resilient option to choose from.

New coffee varities will have to be blended

“There is resistance in these wild varieties as they have stood the natural test of time. They have strength in their roots, have high yields and can withstand high temperatures. The four varieties are different from the existing and popular Arabica and Robusta coffees. During research, these varieties were found growing naturally in the wild and even in the estates of some coffee growers,” said Jeena Devasia, Divisional Head, Plant Breeding and Genetics, CCRI, Chettahalli substation, told The New Indian Express.

During the study, researchers found historical evidence to show that Robusta is equal to Coffea stenophylla in taste and texture. “If all goes well, consumers will soon get a new climate-resilient coffee variety to choose from,” she said.

Researchers said wild varieties are found all over India. Some are also found in the Himalayan zone, growing naturally as trees. “The region under coffee cultivation is gradually increasing in India,” added Jeena.

Some companies are exporting some of the wild coffee varieties that are growing in their estates. Komal Sable, South India Coffee Company Partner, said they are exporting around 5.5 tonnes of green Coffea excelsa to the US, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland and other places. While some countries are consuming it as single origin and others are blending it, he added.

Explaining the advantages and disadvantages, coffee tasters and traders said it could be difficult for consumers to immediately accept the new variety as they have a set taste suiting their platter. The new varieties are climate resilient and need less pesticides. They are less acidic in nature and are more sweet. Some even have a fruity flavour and are less bitter.

Coffee Board officials said that when these varieties are launched in the domestic market, they will have to be blended to meet the consumers’ demand.

Experts said there are around 120 globally identified and accepted coffee varieties. The list continues to have additions and deletions depending upon research and quality reports. Tests and tasting is an ongoing process and is the need of the hour, they added.

Karnataka produces

72,020 metric tonnes of Arabica coffee

1,76,000 metric tonnes of Robusta coffee

Total area under coffee production — 2,48,020 acres (70.5% of coffee-growing areas in the country)

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Bosky Khanna / September 25th, 2024

Abandoned hilltop houses tell a tale of destruction in Madikeri

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People looking at the devastation near Raja Seat at Indira Nagar in Madikeri.

The abandoned localities on the hilltops near the Raja Seat in Madikeri town, which bore the brunt of landslips, are testimony to the devastation here. People are thronging the roads leading to the dwellings to understand the scale of destruction from a safe distance.

Though tourist arrivals have dropped drastically following the Deputy Commissioner’s diktat to hotels and homestays to not accept bookings until August 31, people carrying relief from various places and those from adjoining places bordering the district are thronging these places to see the destruction that has struck the coffee land this month.

The police have established a check-post near Raja Seat to prevent people from closing in where the remaining houses in Indira Nagar and Sri Chamundeshwari Nagar, the adjoining residential hubs, are delicately positioned. They are facing the looming threat of the earth caving in any time. All the residents had been evacuated to safer places and relief camps.

“The devastation is much bigger in the interior parts which have no access because of damage to roads. Therefore, people are coming to the town to see the havoc,” a local said.

‘Disaster tourism’

Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan said VIPs visiting Kodagu to understand the scale of devastation need to bring their escorts with them instead of depending on the local police and officials to usher them to the sites. If a large number of people accompany high-profile visitors, it will hamper the ongoing relief works, he said.

“Deployment of local officers on such visits may end up in relief work getting hindered despite the fact that officers from other districts have been deputed to oversee works,” he argued. “Local officers need to be on duty for relief and rescue since they are aware of the terrain. Deploying outstation officers will not serve the purpose. I have conveyed this to the Minister in charge of Kodagu district, S.R. Mahesh, and Deputy Commissioner P.I. Sreevidya.”

Meanwhile, the district officials and staff have been strictly told not to avail leave for at least a fortnight in order to assist with the relief and rebuilding works.

A woman Madikeri Zilla Panchayat employee said: “We have been told to put off our leave and stay in the headquarters for attending to the relief and other important works.”

An engineer attached to the Public Works Department, who is overseeing the roadworks, said, “Until the situation becomes stable, it may not be possible to avail leave, considering the devastation and the works to be carried out on a war footing.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Shankar Bennur / August 23rd, 2025

Nitin Kushalappa wins Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar

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Mysore/Mysuru: 

Kodagu-based author and engineer Mookonda P. Nitin Kushalappa has been awarded the prestigious Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his latest work, Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold, published by Puffin Books in 2023.

The awards were announced in New Delhi on Wednesday (June 18), and Nitin is among 24 writers to receive the Bal Puraskar this year.

The Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, is the country’s central institution for literary dialogue, publication and promotion, and is the only organisation to conduct literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English.

These distinguished literary honours recognise exceptional contributions to Indian literature across multiple languages, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the country’s rich linguistic heritage.

Presented annually, the awards honour authors whose works exemplify outstanding literary merit and cultural relevance. This year’s selection showcases a rich tapestry of genres — from poetry and novels to short stories and criticism — highlighting both emerging and established voices.

“Although I have authored seven other books so far, this is my first book for children. Winning this award was unexpected, and I am grateful that my current work has found such recognition. I thank the Sahitya Akademi for conferring the Bal Sahitya Puraskar on me. I am also thankful to my publishers, book agents, relatives, friends, and everyone who supported me on this journey,” Nitin Kushalappa told Star of Mysore.

An engineer by profession, Nitin is widely known for his deep interest in Kodagu’s local history, folklore and fiction. His notable publications include ‘The Early Coorgs’, ‘Long Ago in Coorg’, ‘1785 Coorg’, ‘Kodagu Principality vs British Empire’, ‘The Major Who Kept His Cool’, ‘The House of Awadh’ and ‘The Gandhi of Kodagu’.

His latest work, ‘Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold’, reflects his signature storytelling style, which blends regional history with creative retelling. Award winners will each receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 at a special ceremony on a later date.

A native of Kodagu, Nitin is the son of Mookonda K. Poonacha (Sunny) and M.P. Damayanthi (Pushpa), residents of Ammathi. He is married to Deepthi Belliappa from the Ketolira family.

He completed his education at Clarence High School, St. Joseph’s Pre-University College, CMR Institute of Technology (B.E.), Kuvempu University (M.A.) and Alliance University (Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Management).

2019 award

In 2019, Codanda Devika Cariapa received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar for her book ‘A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects’, published by Penguin Random House India.

The book is a compilation featuring 100 objects that hold significant relevance in Indian history, from prehistoric times to modern-day India. The emphasis has been to capture India’s diversity through concise and descriptive texts and beautiful illustrations.

Devika is the daughter of Lt. Gen. Biddanda Chengappa Nanda  (late) and Leela Nanda, and wife of Indian Air Force Group Captain (Retd.) Codanda Chitrajit Cariapa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 21st, 2025

Sainik School Kodagu holds parade to celebrate U-17 football team’s victory

Education, Records, All, Sports

The Under-17 Junior Football Team of Sainik School Kodagu, which emerged as runners-up in the All India Sainik Schools Inter-Zone Football Tournament 2025, with the dignitaries after a victory parade on the school campus at Kudige recently. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Sainik School Kodagu held a victory parade to celebrate the achievement of its Under-17 Junior Football Team, which emerged as runners-up in the All India Sainik Schools Inter-Zone Football Tournament 2025, also known as the Pre-Subroto Cup, held at Sainik School Bhubaneswar from June 9 to 15.

The cadets marched with their trophy, marking the school’s first-ever podium finish at the national level. Cadet Aryan, who was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, received an individual achiever’s trophy for his performance.

The victory parade commenced from Old Kudige and concluded on the school campus, drawing participation from cadets, teaching and non-teaching staff, NCC units, and local residents.

The Sub-Junior and Girls’ football teams took part in the procession, celebrating the collective spirit of sportsmanship, a press release said.

Principal Col. Amar Jeet Singh, administrative officer Wing Commnander Prakash Rao, vice-principal Squadron Leader Mohammad Shaji, and others attended the event. Girl cadets clad in traditional Kodava attire welcomed the players with flowers, while cultural performances such as ‘Dollu Kunita’ and the school’s ‘Tamate’ ensemble added vibrancy to the event, the release added.

The team was felicitated with citations and certificates. Col. Singh praised the team’s determination, skill, and resilience, and commended the dedicated efforts of coach Shek Ajjed and the entire coaching staff.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu /Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 20th, 2025

Metro Station in Bengaluru to be named after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa: CM

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022))

Bengaluru:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured that one of the metro stations in Bengaluru will soon be named after Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, India’s first Commander-in-Chief.

He made this announcement on Sunday during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Kodava Samaja Bengaluru at the Kodava Samudaya Bhavana in Vasanthnagar. The event honoured Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar for allocating seven acres of land to the community in the State capital.

He said that the proposal to name a metro station after Field Marshal Cariappa will be placed before the Cabinet, and a final decision will be taken shortly.

For years, the Kodava community has been urging the State Government and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to honour Cariappa’s legacy in this manner.

In July 2024, members of Kodava Samaja formally submitted a request to BMRCL Managing Director Maheshwar Rao, reiterating the demand to name a metro station after the iconic military figure. Praising the Kodava community’s contributions, Siddaramaiah lauded its inclusive spirit, highlighting that Kodavas respect all Indians regardless of caste or religion.

He also expressed confidence in the political future of Kodagu MLAs A.S. Ponnanna (Virajpet) and Dr. Manthar Gowda (Madikeri), describing Ponnanna as an emerging firebrand leader comparable to the late A.K. Subbaiah and M.C. Nanaiah, known for their socially conscious speeches in the legislature.

Deputy CM Shivakumar appealed to the Kodava community to continue supporting Congress government. “Our government has initiated many programmes for you. We have allotted land to families of Armed Forces personnel, appointed Kodavas to Rajya Sabha and ensured representation in the legislature. Recognising this legacy, we request your continued support,” he said.

He pointed out that the Government’s decision to allot seven acres of land in Bengaluru to Kodava Samaja comes with only nominal financial concessions, underscoring that no price tag can match the community’s discipline, sacrifice and patriotism.

“We must safeguard our traditions and culture. Your dedication is beyond monetary value,” he added.

The event was attended by Ministers K. J. George, Krishna Byregowda, Byrathi Suresh, MLA Rizwan Arshad, MLAs A.S. Ponnanna and Dr. Manthar Gowda and Bengaluru Kodava Samaja President Karavattira Pemmaiah, among others.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 19th, 2025

Codava meet on geo-political autonomy and tribal rights

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

HIGHLIGHTS

Madikeri: In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar…

Madikeri:

In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar on June 18 highlighting its 35-year-long peaceful movement for the political, cultural, and territorial rights of the Codava people.

Speaking to Hans India President of the CNC NU Nachappa, the seminar will address CNC’s core demands, including the creation of a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution — akin to the autonomous councils in the Northeast and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The organisation is also seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Codavas, whom it identifies as a distinct animistic, mono-ethnic indigenous community.

The keynote speaker for the event is Vikram Hegde, a constitutional lawyer practising in the Supreme Court, who has previously represented the CNC in the landmark Codava Gun Rights case. His lecture will delve into constitutional provisions for regional autonomy, linguistic rights, and the protection of customary practices — subjects he also teaches as a visiting faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.

The CNC is currently pursuing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks legal recognition of Codavaland’s claim for geo-political autonomy, arguing that their demands are both constitutionally viable and historically justified.

Joining Hegde at the seminar will be his wife, Hima Lawrance, also a Supreme Court lawyer, qualified to practice in both India and New York. The event is expected to draw academics, legal experts, regional leaders, and community stakeholders from across Karnataka, as discussions around regional autonomy and tribal classification continue to gain traction in India’s federal structure.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Hans News Service / June 17th, 2025

CM Assures Kodavas To Name A Metro Station After Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa

Business & Economy, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, , , , , , ,

“The matter to name a Metro Station in Bengaluru city will be placed before the cabinet meeting to arrive at a decision,” said the Chief Minister and exuded confidence that “None will have objection to name a Metro Station after Field Marshal Cariappa.”

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa —DC Image

Bengaluru :

Responding to a plea to name a Station of Bangalore Metro Train Corporation Limited (BMRCL) in Bengaluru city, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday assured to fulfill the wish of the Kodavas to name a Metro Station after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Field Marshal of independent India. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa was from Kodagu district.

“The matter to name a Metro Station in Bengaluru city will be placed before the cabinet meeting to arrive at a decision,” said the Chief Minister and exuded confidence that “None will have objection to name a Metro Station after Field Marshal Cariappa.” Though a request has been made to name a Metro Station but have not stated a particular Station.

“I will make an honest effort to name the Metro Station after Field Marshal Cariappa,” Siddaramaiah said at a felicitation programme organized by members of Kodava Samaj in Bengaluru. The felicitation to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was organized in honour of the State Government allocation of 7 acres for Kodava Samaj in Bengaluru city.

At the function, D.K. Shivakumar assured the Kodava Samaj members that the demand of Kodava Samaj to name a Metro Station after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa has been received with an open mind and stated “The State Government will make all efforts for the coming generations to remember Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa.”

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Southern States> Karnataka / by M B Girish / June 16th, 2025

Three-day Kodava Hockey Premier League 2025 from June 27

Leaders, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Auction creates buzz; franchise owners draft 175 players from a talent pool of 270 registered players

Mysuru:

The Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) — Player Auction 2025 was held with much fanfare on June 1. KHPL 2025 is scheduled for June 27, 28 and 29 at Chamundi Vihar Stadium, Mysuru, promising three days of fierce competition and Kodava pride.

Organised by the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru, in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and under the aegis of Hockey Mysore, the event witnessed a remarkable blend of tradition, sport and strategy.

Ten franchises — Coorg United, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Coorg Titans, MTB Royals, Kodava Tribe, Kodavu Warriors and Kakot Strikers — each began by selecting three icon players, and then went on to build 18-member squads with calculated precision from a talent pool of 270 registered players. A total of 175 players were drafted into the KHPL 2025 league.

The auction’s digital footprint was equally impressive, with over 10,000 views on the Kodava Swara YouTube channel, the event’s official broadcast partner. Powered by M9 Sports, the live stream delivered a seamless, front-row experience for online viewers who followed the action from across the globe.

The event was held at Hotel Ibis Styles, Mysuru. The auction was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Ponjanda Ganapathy (President, Kodava Samaja Mysuru), Pandanda Bopanna (President, Kodava Hockey Academy), Konganda Dilip Biddappa (President, Hockey Mysore), Kotera Muddaiah (Vice-President, Hockey Mysore), Muckattira Somaiah (Director, Kodava Hockey Academy), Appanervanda Dr. Sonia Mandappa (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist), Bollepanda Kariappa (Coach, Indian Junior Hockey), Ganesh Iyer (GM, Ibis Styles Mysuru) and Machanda Prakash (Vice-President, Kodava Samaja Cultural & Sports Club, Mysuru).

Ajjetira Vikram Uthappa anchored the high-octane evening as Master of Ceremonies, while the Kottangada Ayudh Appanna fired up the crowd as the official auctioneer, adding energy and excitement to every bid.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /June 04th, 2025

Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana’s Nidhi Subbaiah: I’ve always detached myself from the outcomes of my movies because…

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

Nidhi Subbaiah, who was last seen in UI, is reuniting with Pancharangi co-star Diganth in the dark comedy suspense thriller Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana, which releases on June 13, 2025

Nidhi Subbaiah reunites with Diganth Manchale 14 years after Pancharangi

Like everyone else in the Kannada film industry, Nidhi Subbaiah too has been keenly observing the trend in the Kannada film industry, with audiences dwindling day-by-day.

“But honestly, I think this phase would be scarier for newcomers because they are just making baby steps and trying to make a name for themselves.

I debuted 14-15 years ago with Pancharangi and back then, it was easier and most of us were working 2-3 films at a time. I’ve found a place in people’s heart and think it is easier to hold on to the name I’ve made. In that sense, I am in a better place,” says the actress, who will next be seen in Edagaiye Apaghatakke Karana, which releases on June 13.

Pancharangi fame Nidhi Subbaiah

Nidhi adds that the fact that she is detached from the outcome of her movies is perhaps why she isn’t unduly worried about what’s going on in Sandalwood. “From the start of my career, I have been very detached from the outcome of my films. The day before the premiere of Pancharangi, there was so much nervous energy in the team and I was chilled out, because the result is not in my hands – good or bad. I am not affected by what becomes of a movie even if I have poured my heart and soul into it,” she reasons.

Nidhi Subbaiah: Acting is a job I do; it’s not who I am

The actress adds that it is necessary for people in the industry to not put all their eggs in one basket – Sandalwood – and to diversify, either into other neighbouring film industries or totally unrelated stuff based on one’s skillsets. “See, web series’ are an option, but am sure most of us have more skills than just being actors. For instance, I am writing something currently, which may turn into a book or a script and am in talks with a publishing house. I also pursue sailing actively. There are things I can do; acting is a job I do, it’s not who I am. I won’t die if the industry dies,” says Nidhi.

The Krishnan Marriage Story actress adds that she’s been able to stay alive and kicking in the industry despite being choosy and not mechanically picking up everything that comes her way. “I am still trying to keep myself exclusive. Even though I have been around for 15 years, I have not done as many films as my contemporaries have,” she says.

Over the years, has her outlook towards the kind of roles she wants to do changed? “Do I want to play the bubbly girl-next-door? Hell no! That’s the girl I was when I started off, but I am not that anymore. I am hungry and greedy as an actor and want to do all kinds of roles and am not worried that I will be objectified; people in Karnataka know that I can act,” she says.

source: http://www.ottplay.com / OTT Play / Home> News / by Pratibha Joy / June 10th, 2025

Coovercolly Pushpalatha Chandrashekar Media Award presented to journalist Ismail Kandakere

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HIGHLIGHTS

Journalist K.M. Ismail Kandakere has been conferred the Coovercolly Pushpalatha Chandrashekar Media Award by the Kodagu Press Club for his compelling human-interest report titled “The roof of Meena’s house is leaking.”

Madikeri:

Journalist K.M. Ismail Kandakere has been conferred the Coovercolly Pushpalatha Chandrashekar Media Award by the Kodagu Press Club for his compelling human-interest report titled “The roof of Meena’s house is leaking.”

The report narrates the harrowing story of Meena (16), an SSLC student from Mutlu village in Somwarpet taluk, who was brutally murdered by her fiancé Monnanda Prakash on May 10, 2024. Although the couple was engaged in April, Meena had opposed an early marriage to continue her education. Enraged by her resistance, Prakash allegedly attacked and killed her with a sickle at her home.

Ismail’s story went beyond the crime to highlight Meena’s dire living conditions. Her house, dilapidated and leaking during the rains, symbolized the poverty the family endured. The report resonated across Karnataka, prompting public outrage and swift political response.

Moved by the family’s plight, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda visited the bereaved parents in May 2024 and pledged to build a new home for them at an estimated cost of ₹8.5 lakh. True to his word, the house was completed and handed over to Meena’s parents on May 9, a day before her first death anniversary.

The award was instituted by senior journalist Coovercolly Indresh, along with his siblings Savitha, Sundresh, and Chandresh, in memory of their parents B.V. Chandrashekar and Pushpalatha. A corpus fund of ₹1 lakh was deposited with the Kodagu Press Club to support the annual award. The recognition includes a cash prize of ₹5,000 and a memento.

Ravishankar Nanaiah, Special Officer of Kodagu University, presented the award during a ceremony held at Patrika Bhavan in Madikeri on Sunday.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / June 09th, 2025