Category Archives: Records, All

Coffee grower to exhibit his 85 cars

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Sports

Madikeri:

Ahmad Kutti, a resident of Nellihudikeri, has organized an exhibition of 85 different cars, some vintage, on February 13 and 14.

Entrance to the exhibition is free for students from Siddapur, Abhyathmangala, Nellihudikeri and other surrounding villages. In addition to the cars, Kutti, a coffee grower, also owns 20 two-wheelers, seven jeeps and seven lorries.

Among the cars Kutti owns is a 1951-model Moris minor,1953-Hill man,1976-Moris-8, 1943 Ford jeep,1928 Ford tower, 1948 Ford perfect, 1946-Ford Myangilo, 1948-Austin-A-50, 1968-Hill man super mix and 1956-Austin-A-50.

Kutti has a separate garage for these cars inside his estate. The cars are not merely showpieces, but are in working condition, he says proudly. His son Ashraf, who studies in Bangalore, informs his father immediately when there is a vintage car for sale. Kutti has even bought a vintage car from senior politician K H Patil for just Rs 3,500.

After purchasing the car, some of which have to be brought to his garage in a lorry, Kutti gets them repaired spending more than its worth to bring them back to running condition. Kutti even brought a car from Pune.

He brought one car from Pune. He is also a member of the Karnataka Vintage Cars Association and participates in every vintage car rally.

Initially, his family members were worried, but about his peculiar taste, later they adjusted and enjoying moveding in those cars. The records of all the cars are perfectly maintained.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Bangalore / TNN / February 11th, 2013

His name is F.M Khan

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All


Caption: 1) F. M. Khan with SOM Editor-in-Chief K.B.Ganapathy 2) Garden in front of the house with a fountain.

It was a fortuitous visit. Being Sunday, I decided to drive to Kodagu with a couple of my friends with a double intent — visit the coffee estate, this being the coffee picking season and to enjoy God’s rest day Sunday with good food in one of those innumerable resorts and holiday homes. And on our way back via Madikeri, at Boikeri, about 8 kms on Mysore road, I saw a frayed, grayed wooden sign-post with the legend Balayatrie Estate with a colourful flex board announcing the flower show. Instantly, I knew what it was — the annual flower show conducted by the owner of the estate F.M. Khan, a former Congress Rajya Sabha member and a good friend of former Chief Minister of Karnataka R. Gundu Rao.

For courtesy, I asked my friends if we could visit the show even as I swerved the vehicle to the kachcha road into the estate. A few metres inside and there were nearly 20 cars parked in two parking lots. Men, women and children were there enjoying the flower garden in front of the house with a dysfunctional fountain surrounded by angelic figures (see picture). There were many burqa-clad ladies among others. I wondered if there would come a day in our country when a fatwa would be unleashed to prohibit growing of certain varieties of flowers, as it happened in Kashmir where a fatwa was issued prohibiting playing of certain kind of songs and music by an all-girls band!

Poor Rock Band girls and their families are in hiding now. What a secular country this. Sometimes, I wonder if secularism in this country is applicable only to Hindus and not to other religious groups. A re-look into the definition of this nebulous word ‘secular’ or ‘secularism’ is needed because this word finds a place in our Constitution following an amendment, which was not there otherwise. Let it be.

To revert to F.M. Khan’s flower show, I have nothing but admiration for his efforts, a labour of love. I learn he has been holding this private flower show since 1998 and people are enjoying it thoroughly, for, after all, who would not love flowers. Flower saplings too were there for sale but when I went much of it was sold. Khan’s youngest daughter, who obviously must have taken total responsibility for the show, too was there at the sales point with a receipt book and a visitors’ book.

The name F.M. Khan was as familiar in Karnataka as in Delhi in the late 80s — during the period of Emergency — like R. Gundu Rao then and Shah Rukh Khan today in Bollywood. F.M. Khan and Gundu Rao were two names the Congress (I) party members in Karnataka respected as much as feared for they really did matter in politics of the day — thanks to their intimacy to Sanjay Gandhi the Terrible of the Emergency days. In fact, these two from Karnataka were the blue-eyed boys of Sanjay Gandhi.

It was Gundu Rao who went to the Bangalore Race Club and ‘trapped’ photographs of a few IAS officers who should have been in the Vidhana Soudha. And it made all-India news. I was in Poona then.

As for F.M. Khan, he was like a young stallion, a rising star. Sadly, he faded into oblivion as fast as he rose in politics. If my memory serves me right, I think he was also the Treasurer of the party.

Mrs. Indira Gandhi had visited this house and stayed there after she lost power, post-Emergency and it was big news. I was looking for a plaque somewhere outside the house commemorating the visit of such a great leader but could not find one. I also forgot to ask Khan or his daughter about Indira Gandhi’s visit.

The house, a typical British bungalow with tiled roof, is rather old, may be a hundred-year-old and looked its age needing restoration. The surroundings with service buildings too looked as if in need of care and maintenance. As I strolled around, I was mentally visualising the old glory and the flamboyant life the family, including F.M. Khan, led in the past as one of the richest coffee planters of Kodagu.

Times have changed and the young, debonair F.M. Khan too has changed — has become old like me, but a senior.

In his heydays in politics, he was confident and assertive. Always on short fuse. But now he seemed to have mellowed. He still carries that aristocratic bearing on his feeble shoulders. Heard, he was once mortally sick, but has bounced back. As visitors were trooping into the garden, he was standing at the steps giving a gentle welcome smile with a twinkle in his eyes, apparently feeling happy and nice about what miracle he has done with the flower show spreading happiness and fragrance.

My friends did not know him though they had heard his name. As a courtesy, I acknowledged his presence and wished him simultaneously introducing myself. He seemed to have recognised me. “Would you mind if I took a picture with you?” He smiled in approval (see picture) and as I took leave of him he said, “I am extending the show by a day till tomorrow. Would you publish it in your Kannada paper Mysooru Mithra?” I kept my word, of course.

Yes, I met our own F.M. Khan and reminded myself how nature and time, together, ravage man and all his creations.

Tailpiece: If only R. Gundu Rao had not overplayed his role and got expelled from the party at a critical time after losing the State elec-tion, I am sure, both he and F.M. Khan would have risen in the party and F.M. Khan would be playing the role of another Khan from Karna-taka, the present Minister for Minority Affairs K. Rehman Khan in Congress. With the sudden tragic death of their Godfather Sanjay Gandhi, their political fortunes faded for ever. Sadly, Gundu Rao too died young.

e-mail: kbg@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> Abracadabra…. Abracadabra /by K. B. Ganapathy / February 09th, 2013

M’lore: Birth anniversary of Field Marshal General Cariappa observed

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

Mangalore,:

Dakshina Kannada Kodava Students Association observed 114th birth anniversary of Field Marshal General Cariappa at Kadri War Memorial to pay tribute to the great soldier.

N Prakash, deputy commissioner of Dakishna Kannada said, “Field Marshal General Cariappa was great a man, known for his bravery, discipline and dedication to the nation. He is an inspiration to all.”

Captain Ganesh Karnik in his inspirational address said, “General Cariappa’s contribution to the nation is immense; his birth anniversary should be celebrated throughout the nation. From past 65 years, more than 65,000 soldiers sacrificed their life for the sake of the nation. Though all of us cannot join the army, we can serve the nation in our daily deeds and show our respect to the nation. Kodagu has given great soldiers to this nation. When Pakistan occupied POK in 1948, General Thimayya said “Give me one week time, I will occupy every inch of land what we have lost today”. In 1971, during the Indo- Pak war, our army captured upto Lahore but unfortunately our army was called back. 90,000 Pakistani soldiers from eastern fronts and 4,000 soldiers from western fronts were taken as prisoners but were later freed. Today the Kodagu youths are moving towards IT BT, while the number of youths joining army is becoming less.”

Advisor of Kodava Students Association, S P Chengappa said, “Field Marshal General Cariappa was the first person if India to become the Field Marshall General for army, navy and air force. He was first Indian to receive Legion of Merit award.”

Nikhil Cariappa along with Darshini Dechamma submitted a memorandum to DC Chengappa the statue of Field Marshal General Cariappa to be installed at Nanthoor Circle.

Nalin Kumar Kateel MP, Capt Brijesh, state award winner Kasturi and Sudharathana were present on the occasion.

Darshini Dechamma welcomed, Harshitha Mandanna compered.

source: http://www.DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka> News / Pic: Spoorthi Ullah / Daiji World Media Network – Mangalore (DV) / Mangalore, January 28th, 2013

Tribal families to get Anthyodaya card

Agriculture, Records, All, Uncategorized

Deputy commissioner Dr N Prasad has directed the officials to make arrangement for the distribution of Anthyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card, in the district.

Chairing a meeting here recently he said tribals are residing in a large number at Virajpet and Somwarpet taluks. The tribals are still leading a deplorable condition.

Anthyodaya

Food and civil supplies deputy director Naveed Ahammed said about 5,047 ration cards have been already distributed under Anthyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). At least 6,000 more AAY ration cards will be distributed shortly.

Social Welfare officer Lakshman J Ganti said that 301 houses which were sanctioned during 2008-09 are under progress. During 2010-11, as many as 350 houses were sanctioned. About 320 beneficiaries have been identified and the proposal has been sent to the ITDP director for approval.

Power

Additional DC Dr N Shivashankar said that electricity connection should be provided to the anganwadi centres. The revenue officials should look into the issue.

Women and child welfare deputy director J P Lingaraju said: “We have already deposited fund to the Chescom to provide electricity connections to the anganwadi centres.”

Assistant commissioner G Prabhu, agriculture department joint director Shivamallu, mines and geology department deputy director Haris and tahsildars were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District> Madikeri / DHNS, January 28th, 2013

Mangalore:Rich tributes paid to Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa on 114th birth anniversary

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

Mangalore, Jan 28, 2013:

Rich tributes were paid to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Independent India, on the occasion of his 114th birth anniversary on January 28, Monday.

A function was held at the War Memorial at Kadri under the aegis of the Kodava Students Union wherein several dignitaries participated and remembered the valiant son of the soil.

Addressing the function, Deputy Commissioner N Prakash described Cariappa as a proud son of India who was not only a valiant soldier but also a strict disciplinarian and man of principles. He also exhorted youngsters to emulate the great qualities of Field Marshal Cariappa.

MLC Capt. Ganesh Karnik who also spoke, said Kodagu has the credit of contributing the highest number of soldiers to the nation and added that he was proud to represent the region. Field Marshal Cariappa’s birth anniversary should be celebrated by the entire state in the years to come and not just by students of Kodagu, he said. Celebrating the birth anniversary of the great personality would be meaningful only when we incorporate at least some of the great values pursued by late Cariappa, in our own lives, he observed.

SP Changappa, Bar Association President, Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, former army officer Brijesh and others were present.

source: http://www.MangaloreToday.com / Home / by Mangalore Today News Network / January 28th, 2013

Kodagu boy Suhail among 22 chosen for National Bravery Awards

Amazing Feats, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Madikeri, Jan 19:

Suhail K M, a 17-year-old Kodagu boy, who without knowing swimming, had jumped into overflowing Cauvery River to rescue his classmate, who was about to drown, is among 22 children chosen for the National Bravery Awards-2012.
It was raining cats and dogs on November 3, 2011. The Cauvery River at Bhagamandala in Kodagu district had turned into a fast-flowing torrent.

A group of Class 8 students from the Sri Cauvery Junior College at Bhagamandala in Madikeri taluk attempted to cross the river via a bridge.

One of the boys, Faruq, stopped to clean his muddied trousers. Losing a toe-hold on the bank, he slipped into the water and the current carried him downstream. Faruq, who did not know how to swim, cried for help, the water entering his mouth and nostrils with each cry.

Seeing this, Suhail, who also did not know swimming, immediately jumped into the water and made his way towards Faruq. Reaching the ailing boy, he somehow managed to get to the shore and safety.

Suhail’s act of courage has rendered him suitable for an award from the National Awards for Bravery in 2012. Suhail is a resident of Ayangeri village near Bhagamandala. He wants to become a medical doctor.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will present the awards to children prior to Republic Day and all children will participate in the parade.

Apart from giving each awardee Rs 1 lakh cash prize, the government will also ensure that they pay no education costs till the graduate level. Awardees will also get a scholarship, which will allow them to study professional courses such as engineering and medicine.

source: http://www.CoastalDigest.com / Home> News / CD Network / Saturday, January 19th, 2013

Madikeri: Well-known Journalist Anil H T Bags Karavali Cultural Foundation Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Madikeri:
Anil H T, well-known journalist from here, has been nominated to receive the annual award instituted by Karavali Samskrutika Pratishthana, a Kerala-based cultural and literary forum for Kannada linguistic minority, which has been functioning in Kasaragod over the past 22 years.

The forum will hold a two-day meet in Kasaragod on Dec 29 and 30 in the form of Fifth Kerala State Kannada Conference. It will be observed as Kerala-Karnataka festival also.

Pratishthana president Shivaraya Kasaragod has said that Anil H T was chosen to receive the media award, in recognition of his commendable service in the field of print, electronic and radio media in the past 15 years.

Currently, Anil is the Kodagu district correspondent of Kannada Prabha, Udaya TV and Akashvani (All India Radio). In the past twelve years, he has bagged 20 state and district-level awards.

Kannada and culture department secretary Dr Manu Baligar will present the award to Anil at a function during the conference in Kasaragod on Dec 30.

source: http://www.mangalorean.com / Home / by Ashwini Appaiah & Fayaz Bovikan in Kasargod / Team Mangalorean – Madikeri / December 27th, 2012

Squash: Saurav Ghosal, Joshna Chinappa bag National championship titles

Records, All, Sports

Kolkata:
Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa reigned supreme, winning the men’s and women’s titles respectively in the 60th National Squash Championship here on Sunday. The world number 11 Ghosal faced little resistance from second seed Harinder Pal Sandhu to wrap the issue 11-5 11-4 11-3 in 33 minutes.
Playing in front of a packed home support, Ghosal was quick to get into the groove as he had a commanding 7-2 lead before clinching the first set.

The second set was no different, while in the third Ghosal showed his class and superb ball control taking nine points on the trot for his seventh straight and eight overall senior national title.

“It was great to win my eighth title at the same place where I had won my first,” the world number 21 said.
He also gave credit to Sandhu and said, “The scoreline might suggest otherwise but it was a tough match honestly. He (Sandhu) has really improved a lot and its good time for the Indian squash.”

Ghosal is hopeful that squash gets a place in the 2020 Olympics.

“There is a strong bid for squash in the 2020 Olympics..I am following the updates regularly,” he said.
In the women’s section, Joshna Chinappa prevailed upon promising Anaka Alankamony, the reigning Asian Junior champion, 11-7 11-4 11-8 in 25 minutes.

Ananka led 6-4 but Joshna was quick to get into the act taking four straight points before taking the first set. The youngster was no match to the world number 31 in the second set, while in the third she gave some fight trailing 8-9 but Joshna showed fine ball control to take two points and clinch the title.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Press Trust of India / December 23rd, 2012

Kodava Academy spots an artiste living in oblivion

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

When there is a talk of degeneration of cultural values and all aspects associated with it, the 65-year-old Medara Taani’s name crops up as an exception. He is struggling to keep a vanishing tradition of beating drums during festivals in Kodagu that sets a rhythmic Kodava ‘kolatt’ in motion lending a special aura to the festival and raise it to dizzy levels.

Medara Taani, who has been chosen for the Kodava Sahitya Academy Award.—/ PHOTO: NANDA KUMAR / The Hindu

The sounds of ‘dol’ and ‘pare’ the traditional music instruments have their own special place in Kodagu. And Taani has over five decades of experience in playing them. It is apt that the Madikeri-based Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has picked him as one of the persons contributing to the Kodava culture for this year’s award.

The dwelling of Mr. Taani in the Tadiyandamol Hills, the highest peak in Kodagu, is the only platform where he mastered the art. He is credited with producing a number of musical sounds emanating from the dol and pare during the Puthari festival held in Kodagu. Playing dol and pare is a must to the accompaniment of Hutri Kolatt, a dance performed by the Kodavas swinging reed sticks in hands, and gyrating in a set path around the ‘mand’, a place revered for the presence of niche of deities.

The musical instruments are a legacy of his father who pursued the avocation successfully. Mr. Taani has travelled to places such as New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mysore to play his musical objects in the past. But his sojourns did not help him get the better of his imperceptible background. However, his ordeals in life too never appear to end. The poor artiste walks the distance to fetch water every day. His dwelling does not have electricity. He does not possess land but has no qualms about it.

Son of Subbaiah and Seetamma from Nelaji village in Madikeri taluk of Kodagu, he is one of the nine siblings in the family. Mr. Taani, who speaks Kodava, ekes out a living with his wife by weaving baskets and other household items out of bamboo. The cash award of Rs. 10,000 which would be given to him with a citation by the academy might not change his life, but certainly send a message that artistes and art never die. And, the academy deserves kudos for spotting him from a state of obscurity. His humility came to the fore, reacting to the recognition by the Academy when he said that credit for his award should go to the people of his village.

Taani, who beats traditional drum, lives in abject penury.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Karnataka / by K. Jeevan Chinnappa / Mysore, December 14th, 2012

Coorg wins ‘Favourite emerging Indian destination’ Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All


G. Satyavathi, Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and Arvind Jadhav Singh, Addl. Chief Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka, seen receiving the award for Emerging Destination in India for Coorg at the Readers’ Travel Awards 2012 function in Delhi recently as Alex Kuruvilla, MD, Conde Nast India and Divia Thani, Editor, Conde Nast Traveller India look on.

New Delhi, Dec. 10

Condé Nast Traveller India, the last word in travel, has announced the winners of the second edition of the Readers’ Travel Awards-2012.

Coorg, with its abundant natural beauty, wooded grandeur and unique culture, was recognised as the Favourite Emerging Destination in India. Located in Karnataka, Coorg attracts travellers and nature lovers, mainly due to its scenic landscape, coffee estates, plantations and rich heritage.

Parvez Dewan, Secretary Tourism, Govt. of India, who was the chief guest at the awards ceremony said, “My connection with Condé Nast Traveller goes back to my earlier days. When I started doing my research on hotel standards I used Condé Nast Traveller as a benchmark to better understand the industry. Having such credible lineage, I feel that that the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards have become the Oscars of the Indian travel industry.”

Readers of Condé Nast Traveller India had the opportunity to vote across 22 categories for their favourite destinations, hotels, airlines, spas, airports and more. The winners were then chosen after being scored on several parameters unique to each category.

Commenting on the success of the awards ceremony, Alex Kuruvilla, MD, Condé Nast India, said, “Having introduced the prestigious global Readers’ Travel Awards last year and set a benchmark in excellence for the travel industry, I feel that Condé Nast Traveller India has outdone itself this year. We are proud to host the most credible awards for the discerning luxury traveller, and spearhead growth in luxury travel space in India.”

Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Award-2012 winners are:

1. Country – Thailand

2. Overseas City – London

3. Indian City – New Delhi

4. India Leisure Destination – Goa

5. Emerging Overseas Destination – New Zealand

6. Emerging Indian Destination – Coorg

7. Overseas Business Hotel – London Hilton on Park Lane.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / December 10th, 2012