Category Archives: Records, All

Samiti too lays claim on Light House Hill Road

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Mangaluru :

The controversy surrounding naming of Light House Hill Road took a historical turn with Sullia Amara Kranti Utsava Samiti too laying their claim to name the road. Turning back pages of history to shed light on role played by Vokkaliga community prior to India’s first War of Independence, the Samiti demanded that the road be named Bavuta Gudde Road and the hillock which also has St Aloysius College continue to be referred to as Bavuta Gudde.

Gopal Peraje, convener of the Samiti said the 1837 revolt against the British, a good two-decades before the first War of Independence of 1857 was the offshoot of dethroning of the Kodava ruler in 1834 by imperial rulers. The revolt engulfed Kodagu, Sampaje, Sullia, Bellare, Puttur, Kumble, Manjeshwar and even Mangaluru which saw thousands of people rally round the leadership of Ramayya Gowda of Kedambadi. Ramayya was ably assisted by many leaders, he said.

The dethroning of the Kodava ruler and change in taxation system from material to monetary terms were the main reasons for sparking the revolt, he said. The rebels that marched from Kedambadi took control of government treasuries in Sullia, Bellare, Puttur and Kumble and also went on to wrest control of Mangaluru from the British, he said. The rebels lowered the British flag that was erected on Bavuta Gudde and hoisted the flag of Haleri dynasty of Kodagu there.

Noting that the rebels wilted under the East India Company’s counter-offensive and many rebels were captured and prominent leaders hanged in public at Bikarnakatte and another leader publicly hanged in Madikeri Fort, Gopal said the rebels ruled Mangaluru for 13-days from April 5, 1837. The Mangaluru City Corporation and state government must take this historic fact in to account and name the road as Bavuta Gudde Road to commemorate this freedom struggle, he noted.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Mangalore News / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / July 25th, 2017

8 new additions to Mysuru zoo

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

As many as four new animals have been added to the zoo which has also witnessed eight animal births.

The animals will be available for public viewing after they finish the quarantine period. (Representational Image)
The animals will be available for public viewing after they finish the quarantine period. (Representational Image)

Mysuru:

Mysuru Zoo, celebrating its 125th anniversary, has new additions to its animal fraternity. As many as four new animals have been added to the zoo which has also witnessed eight animal births.

Zoo executive director Kamala said they have received two Lion tailed Macaques, Rama and Anitha, from Arignar Anna Zoological Park Chennai. The animals will be available for public viewing after they finish the quarantine period.

The quarantine period of a female and a male leopard, which the zoo got from Virajpet and Kushalnagar forests, on April 22 and May 14 respectively, has ended and they are now on display at the zoo.

Ms Kamala added that Mysuru Zoo has seen the birth of a Tufted Capuchin Monkey baby which is being nursed at the baby incubator in the zoo hospital. Also, two swamp deer fawns and three Gaur fawns were born at the zoo enclosure and two dusky lorry chicks have hatched in the zoo aviary.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Pets and Environoment / by Shilpa P , Deccan Chronicle / June 20th, 2017

Rakshit and Rashmika put a ring on it

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

The tiny town of Virajpet has probably never witnessed this kind of excitement before.

RashmikaKF19jul2017

On Monday evening, it played host to a mega celebrity event — the engagement of Sandalwood’s most-talked about pair, Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna.

A year after they met on the set of Kirik Party, the duo exchanged rings in the presence of their families and friends. What was said to be a ‘family and close friends’ affair, finally had over 1,700 guests.

Enthusiasm reigned high in both the Shetty and Mandanna families, as both sides began the morning of D-day on an auspicious note — visiting the Ganapathi temple in Virajpet to write the lagna patrike.

“Since we wanted the couple to begin their new life with divine blessings, Rashmika and Rakshit visited all the temples in our town, including the iconic Devi temple that is in the nieighbourhood,” says Rashmika’s mother, Suman.

The evening was an invitees-only do, with bouncers closely guarding the venue. That, though, didn’t hamper the spirit of bonhomie that abounded inside the mammoth hall where the engagement took place.

Done up in shades of white and blue with reams of satin flowers cascading down the walls, Rakshit and Rashmika exchanged rings, popped open a champagne bottle and even cut a pretty layered cake.

The otherwise shy Rakshit surprised everyone when he gave his lady love a heart-warming hug as he declared, “this is one of the happiest days of my life… I love you.” Overwhelmed by the gesture, Rashmika nodded in agreement.

As onlookers showered the couple with wishes and requests for selfies, the party moved on to the dance floor for some Coorg style music, wining and dining.

“Often, while shooting for Kirik Party, without Rakshit knowing, I’ve wished for a man like him in my life. God has been kind… Rakshit is mine now. I can’t thank my parents enough for giving me one of the most memorable days of my life,” sums up Rashmika.

A musical love story: Rakshit’s parents arranged for a special box to hold Rashmika’s engagement ring. “It opened out to play the video of our hit song, Belageddu,” says Rakshit.

Yogaraj Bhat’s quick cameo: Bhatru, with whom Rakshit shares a warm relationship, came all the way to Virajpet to spend an hour with the couple. “He couldn’t make it to the engagement, so he came to bless us in the morning and left to Bengaluru immediately,” says Rakshit.

Celeb call: Other celebrities at the event were Vijay Raghavendra, Sundar Raj, Pramila Joshai, Meghana Raj, Vasishta N Simha, Tara, Venu, SV Babu, Akul Balaji, Meghana Gaonkar, Anish Tejeshwar, Samyukta Hegde, Pushkar Mallikarjunaiah, Saad Khan, Danish Sait and Rishab Shetty.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies> News / TNN / July 05th, 2017

Businessman’s dream home for wife to be up in 24 hrs

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Highlights

Tyag Uthappa from Kodagu is planning to gift a 3-bedroom house covering 2,400sqft, built in 24 hours flat

A Bengaluru-based company is out to prove a point, and also set a world record with this dream home

The Limca Book of World Records has acknowledged this claim and will send a team to document the execution
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DreamHouseKF19jul2017

Bengaluru :

A three-bedroom house covering 2,400sqft, built in 24 hours flat. At Rs 48 lakh, plus tax. That’s some fast and furious work, and cheap too.

A Bengaluru-based company, specializing in rapid construction and building innovation technology , is out to prove a point, and also set a world record with its dream home for a city businessman.Tyag Uthappa, coffee planter and businessman from Kodagu, is planning to gift the marvel to his wife on her birthday .

Using the precast method of construction, the project is tentatively scheduled for July 15 at T Agrahara, close to Stonehill International School in North Bengaluru. The Limca Book of World Records has acknowledged this claim and will send a team to document the execution.

The construction will cost Uthappa about Rs 48 lakh, plus tax, compared to Rs 70-80 lakh for a normal construction of this size.

“The delay in the project handover, quality of construction and exorbitant prices are making people think twice before investing in real estate projects. Precast technology could be the answer. It reduces construction timelines and improves sustainability and quality . Most important, precast buildings can last a lifetime,” said Paddy Menon, chief disruptor, REBEL Disruptive Building Technologies, who’s taken the lead in attempting a record.

According to the 2015 Survey of Construction from the Census Bureau, the average completion time of a singlefamily home is around seven months. “The amount of time it takes to build your home depends on the type of home you’re building and various other factors, like labour, raw material supply and weather.But this is amazing, considering that these factors become irrelevant. The new technology can give a fillip to affordable housing and the Modi government’s ambitious project to provide houses to all by 2022,” said a builder.

How is the construction done in such quick time?
Menon explained: “We use moulds using precast to create structural elements which are standardized.” A house could have 15 to 25 large elements. These are transported to the site, using trailers. We use standard strip foundations we normally see at construction sites, and with the help of cranes we assemble these walls (elements) and construct the whole house. We ensure that the elements are assembled with great care and precision, with appropriate joints.This technology helps us skip a lot of procedures which we follow in the conventional method of construction, and makes work easier and faster,” Menon explained.

Construction trend: In 2016, a 10 storey structure was built in 48 hours in Mohali, using precast technology , and entered the Limca Book of Records.

A builder said there have been instances of houses being built in 48 hours, a week or month, but this is the first time someone is attempting to set a record by building a 2,400 sqft house, which could change the way the construction industry is going about its work.

Saves time, improves quality: Paddy Menon, chief disruptor, REBEL Disruptive Building Technologies, said precast technology has proved its worth by saving a lot of construction time in Europe and West Asian countries. The best part of the technology is that it not only speeds up construction work but also enhances quality of the final output.

This technology is still nascent in India, though a few large projects are happening in a few metros, and need a lot more awareness among common people.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Bangalore News / by Manu Aiyappa Kanathanda / July 03rd, 2017

Pachmarhi Hills come alive to sound of AEC’s music

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

CariappaMusicWingKF11jul2017

by Nandu Andhare,

The Cariappa Music Wing at Army Education Corp (AEC) Pachmarhi provides sheer delight, especially to one who loves and savours music, be it Western or Indian. Instrumental music emanating from the shining Brass saxophones, trumpets, clarinets, followed by the heart-beating drumming by the trainee drummers is something revering.

The scribes visiting the Cariappa Music Wing took a melody out of the hills in their hearts. The visit was arranged by Defence PRO Wg Cdr Samir Gangakhedkar.

Amid scenic beauty of Pachmarhi hills, the musicians were busy preparing for the farewell programme of the Station Commander.

The sight was totally mesmerising. Seated in a semicircle under a 240-year-old huge Banyan tree, about 35 musicians, comprising of buglers, trumpeters, saxophonists, vocalists, drummers, repianists, flutiests and guitarists were waiting in anticipation. After the guests took their seats, the veil of suspense was lifted and out flew lilting tunes in perfect synchrony and harmony, enveloping the entire densely-wooded region with heavenly music.

It was Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s idea to introduce music in military to instill patriotic feeling among personnel and help in bringing in uniformity, imbibing one-nation feeling. It was also his idea to shift the erstwhile location of the Military Music Wing at Belgaum to Pachmarhi.

The Music wing offers three-year course in Martial Music to potential bandmasters. The school has experienced faculty from civil and military to train the new entrants in various instruments and even vocal. Hindustani classical music is also taught to the soldiers, who learn to play tabla, dholak, harmonium, jaltarang and various ragas based on which are some of the very popular Martial tunes and regimental songs, which when played with harmony can bring goose-bumps. Chests of soldiers and officers swell with pride when the band plays the signature song of the regiment. They may not have professional voices, but the voice of the vocalist exhibits raw patriotism, zeal and the strong will power to complete the task on hand fearlessly.

The Music wing has a Shantiniketan Band Stand, enveloped under a 240-year-old Banyan tree, where the band practises in complete harmony with nature. Besides there are the Beethoven, Mozart, Tansen and Swami Haridas Training sheds. The Cariappa Music Wing of the AEC is on the lines of theworld famous Kimberly Hall of the UK, where trainees ranging from a Sepoy to Subhedar can pursue a course. Musicians from all the three wings of defence services are trained at the Cariappa Music Wing.

It has a huge, impressive and up-to-date music library along with a section that displays an assortment of musical instruments, percussion items, with photographs of ceremonial presentations. The library has a good collection of Desh Ke Gaane, Tunes of Valsar, History of Music, Biography, Music Dictionary, Martial Music of Indian Army, Martial Bands and Music of the Indian Army. The Music school teaches Jazz, Pipe and Brass Band. Military music taught at the school is at par with international standards.

For the visiting scribes, the musicians played the famous ‘Donau Wallen Waves of Danube Waltz’ which was simply haunting. This was followed by ‘Silver Sobre’, ‘Mack and Mack’, ‘Raga Bhupali’ on Jaltarang, and Vibraphon and Xylophone ‘In a Persian Market’. Devotional songs like ‘Deh Shiva’, an entity of Guru Gobind Singh, was also played much to the delight of the visitors.

Another impressive part of the visit was the Protools Software or recording available at the state-of-the-art recording studio of the music school, where vocal recordings are made separately and then mixed with the rhythm of instrumentalists.

The AEC Military Music Wing has also got its name in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records for having performed at Vijay Chowk Delhi in which 4,459 musicians played under One Band Master during the Asiad games.

As one left the arena of the lilting music, one could see, bandmasters practicing with their mace, wand, drummers letting loose a volley of beats while practicing ‘Beating of the Retreat’.

Bagpipers were practicing patriotic songs, trumpeters letting off the haunting bugle call of the Last Post. At various points, the sound echoed down the Satpura hills of Pachmarhi.

source: http://www.thehitavada.com / The Hitavada / Home / by Nandu Andhare / July 06th, 2017

Forest dept files case against Cesc for elephant deaths

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Records, All
Four elephants were electricuted in an estate in Kodagu.
Four elephants were electricuted in an estate in Kodagu.

Following the electrocution of four elephants at an estate in Kodagu on Tuesday, the Forest department has filed a case of abetment and hunting against Chamundeshwari Electricity Corporation Limited (Cesc).

This is the second such case filed against the power supply corporation this year. This time the Forest department has filed a case after four female elephants came in contact with a snapped high tension live wire at Ammathi Vontiangadi village in Virajpet, Kodagu and died on the spot on Tuesday.

Manoj Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kodagu Circle, told DH that the case was filed against Cesc and not the estate owner as the deaths were not because of his negligence. A vigilance committee has also been formed to investigate the case. The committee will file a report detailing the causes and practical remedies.

During an interaction with Ravi Kumar, additional chief secretary, Environment, Forest and Ecology, in Kodagu on Wednesday, the Energy department showed interest in joining hands with the Forest department to shift all the existing and new cables under ground.

“Shifting of cables will cost around Rs 3,000 crore. Instead, the department can spend Rs 200 crore on strengthening and enhancing forest areas and corridors. Following the high court orders, the power supply companies have invested crores of rupees in erecting 22,000 poles to ensure that cables are not hanging, posing threat to the elephants. But this has shown limited effect,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, the Forest department has intensified the search for land around the forest patches and near the elephant corridors to purchase them and increase the forest patch. A senior Forest department official said that since the estate owners are also worried, getting land with the funds assured by the state government will be easy and quick.

“We have also started training estate owners and workers on how to react when confronted with an elephant. Erecting more fences will only aggravate the problem. There is a need for people to understand the problem. The department has spent around Rs 1 crore towards crop loss compensation in last one year. The number of conflict cases have also increased. Due to drought over the last two years, some estate owners have extended their support in helping us resolve man-elephant conflict,” Kumar added.

WhatsApp group formed

For the first time, the Forest and Energy departments together have created a WhatsApp group for Kodagu division. They have brought all the ground staff of both the departments together to give quick ground information and provide timely help.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by Bosky Khanna / DH News Sercive, Bengaluru / June 30th, 2017

CFO of audiology practice named business woman of the year

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Albuquerque, NM :

The Professional Business Women-Albuquerque chapter has selected an executive of a hearing care practice as “Albuquerque Business Woman of the Year.” Honored was Naina Ballachanda, chief financial officer of Premier Hearing Center, which serves thousands of patients with hearing loss from five locations New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.

In the award citation, Ballachanda was described as a “strong female leader [who] leaves an outstanding impression on people.”

The honoree is married to Bopanna Ballachanda, PhD, CEO and director of audiology at Premier Hearing Center, who was formerly on the faculty at Purdue University and the University of New Mexico.

source: http://www.hearinghealthmatters.org / Hearing Health & Technology Matters / by David Kirkwood / November 12th, 2011

I am playing my best tennis, I have matured now: Bopanna

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Rohan Bopanna and Gabriela Dabrowski (AFP Photo)
Rohan Bopanna and Gabriela Dabrowski (AFP Photo)

New Delhi :

Rohan Bopanna says he is playing the “best tennis” of his career after he achieved a personal goal of winning a Grand Slam title. The Indian asserted that he has matured as a player who knows how to negotiate pressure situations.

“There is a huge difference what I used to be as a player. I have played close played close matches over the years. I was not so nervous today as compared to 2010 (US Open final). Over the years it has helped me to adapt (quickly) to surfaces. Last two years I have been enjoying a lot playing on clay,” Bopanna said.

“I have started to control the points better. I am playing my best tennis. I have matured over the years. I know how to handle those situations better. I have lost close matches, the Wimbledon semis, played the Masters series consistently. There were no nerves and that was a big difference,” he said.

Bopanna won his first ever Major title with Gabriela Dabrowski, who became the first Canadian woman to win a Grand Slam trophy.

The last time the Coorgy came close to a Major title was in 2010 when he played the US Open final but had lost to Bryan brothers with Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi.

Bopanna and his partner today saved two match points in the Match tie-breaker.

It took Bopanna 14 years to realise his dream of winning a Grand Slam trophy after turning a Pro and he said it will take some time to realise what he has done.

“I had fantastic past two weeks. It’s still sinking in. Maybe when I will be in flight tomorrow, it will sink in.”

Asked if this win erases all regrets over getting close to Grand Slam title twice but not winning and also not winning an Olympic medal in Rio, where he and Sania Mirza were a set away from the bronze.

“There was never ever any regret. Past is past, it can’t be changed. The only way to look is look forward and present,” he said.

Bopanna said he made adjustments to his game and altered his style to get success on clay, the most demanding surface of all.

“I have been working hard, doing the right things. On clay, I changed the way I play. I was serving and staying back and not just doing serve and volley.

Practicing with Pablo Cuevas also helped me get better,” the 37-year-old said.

Recalling the crunch moments of the match when they were down by two match points, he said, “I kept telling my partner that we have to keep it in play and she came up with unbelievable return off Robert.

“It’s a big bog moment for us, more than special. It was a personal goal for me to win a Grand Slam. It’s proud moment more than relief.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> Sports News> Tennis News / PTI / June 08th, 2017

Need to have a system in place to get singles champions, says Rohan Bopanna

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

French Open return champion Rohan Bopanna, who won the mixed doubles title with Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski, said on Thursday that to create champions in singles, the country needs to build a system in place at the grassroot level.

Bengaluru : French Open Mixed Doubles Winner Rohan Bopanna poses with a cake at a felicitation ceremony at Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) in Bengaluru on Saturday. PTI Photo by Shailendra Bhojak (PTI6_10_2017_000123B)
Bengaluru : French Open Mixed Doubles Winner Rohan Bopanna poses with a cake at a felicitation ceremony at Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) in Bengaluru on Saturday. PTI Photo by Shailendra Bhojak (PTI6_10_2017_000123B)

French Open return champion Rohan Bopanna, who won the mixed doubles title with Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski, said on Thursday that to create champions in singles, the country needs to build a system in place at the grassroot level.

In an interview to PTI, Bopanna said that players need support from junior level to create champions. He said, “Never give up on your dreams. That is something which stands out (in this win).” “To get singles champions we need to have a system in place at the grassroots level. We have a very limited support from the Federation (AITA), or Corporates. We need that system to compete with European standards. We still have a long way to go,” he said.

“It’s not about complaining. We should look at it in a positive way. Everyone from outside plays a part, whether it is Federation, parents, coaches. These guys need support from junior level and that is when you create champions.”

This is Bopanna’s first Grand Slam in 14 years. Bopanna gave credit to his team behind his success. “Age is only a number. You can’t set a timeline (for achievements). As long as you believe in yourself and keep working hard, nothing can stop you. I worked towards my goal, every single day and I am feeling grateful that my team also put in efforts. Although tennis is an individual sport, everyone has contributed in it,” he said.

The 37-year-old, who has an academy in Bangalore, said, “I am also bringing a couple of coaches to my academy in Bangalore from outside. They will be here for a year and help these kids. I tell the players if they go outside, go for a year not for a month or so.

“In a month it does not really help improve much. That’s why I am bringing these coaches, let’s hope the kids make good use of this opportunity, coming this month,” he said.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Sports> Tennis / by Express Web Desk / June 14th, 2017