Category Archives: Records, All

Tropical creeper vine systems may hold key to framing good green legislation, says IFP research

Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, , , , , ,

A study by researchers of the French Institute of Pondicherry at the Uppangala forest in Kodagu, Karnataka, showed how lianas, or creeper vines, hold key to framing green legislation. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

With their knack for piggybacking towering trees in evergreen forest ecosystems to access sunlight and nutrients, the lianas, a type of creeper vines, may appear to have patented a survival guide to grow and thrive inside the deep jungles.

Research at the French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP) offers new insights on the “intelligence” of this flora species and the dynamics at play in the liana–host interaction networks that could be crucial determinants of conservation strategies and for robust green legislation.

The study, set in the Uppangala evergreen forest in central Western Ghats of Kodagu district, Karnataka, led by Vincy K. Wilson, IFP associate researcher and researcher N. Ayyappan, delved into the survival traits and adaptive tricks of lianas, from minimalist sustenance to extroversion in networking with other tree species.

According to the researchers, despite the increasing number of liana studies in India, few have examined the distribution and association of hosts with lianas, or liana–host interaction networks to determine their functional significance and conservational value.

“Our objective was to fill the knowledge gap about the diversity, abundance, and network structure of liana–host interactions in response to logging disturbance in a typical wet evergreen forest”, said Ms. Wilson.

The study focused on lianas spread in an area demarcated into six one ha plots — four plots that had been selectively logged and two unlogged compartments. Before the 1988 ban on logging, specifically in the 1974-83 period, the site was subjected to extensive manual logging of trees, predominantly the dipterocarpus species.

Presenting a comparative investigation of the biodiversity variation of regeneration in the logged and unlogged sites in the Western Ghats, the IFP research found that the total regeneration density was 1,860 individuals, and species richness was 98 species representing 31 families. Logged sites had higher Shannon and Simpson diversity indices. Five species, namely Humboldtia brunonis, Vateria indica, Knema attenuata, Dipterocarpus indicus, and Psychotria nigra, collectively accounted for 36% of the overall density and exhibited a greater important value index.

While approximately 40% of the adult tree species at the logged site and 46% of the unlogged site were not represented in the regenerating species, the occurrence of ten species that are considered rare in unlogged plots was found to be more prevalent in logged sites.

Liana-tree interactions are a good indicator of nestedness (high frequency of interactions) and a sign of a robust system that allows species replacement. On the contrary, anti-nestedness points to fragility, where the removal of a single element in the network can potentially lead to a system collapse.

A striking aspect of the lianas is how they achieved the goal of height, instead of breadth, by willingly sacrificing supporting tissue, said Ms. Wilson, who had a few months ago, shared some research findings at a presentation, “Green Genius: Nature’s Amazing Tricks to Survive and Thrive”, at the Alliance Francaise.

“Their aim is to reach the canopy where they will get light… so they do not invest in lateral branches unlike trees”, she noted.

A significant takeaway from the IFP study was that a higher density and diversity in the logged sites may only signify robustness at a superficial level, as a deeper probing of modularity and nestedness, showed that logged systems exhibited anti-nestedness, low connectors, high modularity, high specificity — all clear signs of a fragile system.

“This understanding is important for implementing good laws. We need to continuously monitor the system to know the forest dynamics and the network properties in order to evolve appropriate and robust conservation laws and interventions”, said Ms. Wilson.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Puducherry / by Dinesh Varma / March 30th, 2026

Our waste, our responsibility: A Kodagu school is teaching its students garbology

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Deviah Memorial Preparatory (DMP) School is one of the few schools in Karnataka to teach garbology, the study of a community or culture by analysing its waste.

Our waste, our responsibility: A Kodagu school is teaching its students garbology

Multiple hands shoot up in the air, almost instinctively, when the teacher asks the question, “What are the ten categories of waste?”

Subaiah, a scrawny Class 4 student, begins answering the question even before he is prompted. “Paper waste, plastic waste, glass waste, metal waste, construction waste, mixed waste, recyclable waste…”

At this point, Shavari, a Class 5 student standing next to him, cuts in to add, “Hazardous waste, organic waste and e-waste,” to the dismay of the boy.

Inside the Deviah Memorial Preparatory (DMP) School in Kodagu district of Karnataka, this is now a routine after the school introduced Garbology lessons for the students of classes four and five in 2017.

Tucked away just off the Mysuru-Virajpet road in Bittangala village, DMP is one of the few schools in Karnataka to teach garbology – the study of a community or culture by analysing its waste.

Crafts made out of recycled materials hanging in the school premises

The school was founded by Mundachadira Gangu Deviah in 1981 and is one of the oldest residential schools in Kodagu district. According to MM Deviah, the administrator of the school, the staff has always placed importance on protecting the environment. In the school, there is an almost zero-tolerance policy towards plastic.

“We don’t even allow parents to send items to their children in plastic covers. There have been times when we have returned parcels sent to the school which contain chocolates wrapped in plastic,” Deviah says.

Separate dustbins at the school

The school hopes to set an example to its students by managing the waste created in its own premises effectively. The school building is filled crafts made out of upcycled and recycled plastic. The school maintains separate dustbins for plastic, paper and hazardous waste. The students and teachers grow fruits and vegetables in a field close to the school which is used to cook most of the food prepared by the school. A soapnut liquid is used in place of handwash while natural loofahs are used to scrub the body instead of plastic ones. Kitchen waste generated in the school is also turned into compost and the school is planning to make invitations for their annual day programme using recycled newspaper.

“Even before we began garbology lessons, students were introduced to the idea of reducing and managing waste,” explains Nina Chengappa, a teacher at the school.

Deviah Memorial Preparatory School, Kodagu

In 2017, garbology was introduced in the class 4 and 5 syllabus. The classes for the subject are held every Tuesday and they are based on material provided by Wasteless, non-profit social enterprise that focuses on innovative education for sustainable waste management. Students are taught about waste management, the different grades of plastic, how much waste is generated in the production of paper, among other topics.

Composting at the school

“We conduct the sessions in such a way that the theory and practical classes go hand in hand. For instance, we teach the students about a land dump and then we take them to a land dump the following week so that they can actually see it. It is not enough that the students visualise it, they need to experience it. But, they are not asked to handle the waste, of course,” says Pavan Aiyappa, the garbology teacher at the school.

According to Pavan, the lessons are designed to create a sense of responsibility among students about managing waste. “The idea is that if the students understand the harmful effects of not managing waste, they will understand it is their responsibility to manage it. We want to teach them that garbage is their own responsibility,” says Pavan.

The lessons are not only changing the attitude of students towards waste but it is also giving the teachers plenty to think about. “One of the students suggested to us that the school should stop serving biscuits wrapped in plastic during tea break and instead give fresh fruits since it creates less waste. We realised then that the message is reaching the students,” says Nina.

The students in the school are also changing the attitudes of their family members. They have also enacted plays and recited songs in other schools in the district about managing waste responsibly. “The students are telling their family members not to litter, people listen when children tell them something and that becomes a habit over time and this leads to right choices. The students also perform plays in other schools to spread the word of reducing waste. They have performed in six government schools so far reaching an audience of around 800 students,” adds Pavan.

The students cleaned and re-painted a bus-stand on the main road in Bittangala on September 15, World Clean-up Day. They hope to lead by example and spread the message of taking responsibility for the waste created.

“We want to tell students that the waste we create is our responsibility,” says Deviah, before adding, “Even before we started garbology lessons, we used to teach the students here to love nature because we don’t destroy what we love.”

Photographs by: Dhruv Khanna

source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The NEWS Minute / Home> Karnataka / by Prajwal Bhat / Photos by Dhruv Khanna / October 05th, 2018

Exhibition to Honour Legacy of C.M. Poonacha, Constituent Assembly Member at the Constitution Museum in JGU

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Sonipat :

As a part of its commitment in honouring the legacy of the framers of the Constitution of India, The Constitution Museum & The Rights and Freedoms Academy, O.P. Jindal Global University commemorates the 115th Birth Anniversary of Shri C.M. Poonacha by curating an exhibition in his memory. Shri Poonacha, a Member of the Constituent Assembly, served independent India as the Chief Minister of Coorg, the Union Minister of Railways and as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and later Odisha.

The exhibition displays original photographs capturing various moments of Shri Poonacha’s life, epistles, books, constitutional and other official documents, and other memorabilia belonging to Shri Poonacha. The exhibition also features a historically significant ampoule containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, which Shri Poonacha received and kept in reverence throughout his life.

In the Constituent Assembly Shri Poonacha made impactful contributions in the Provincial Constitution Committee and the Committee on Chief Commissioners’ Provinces. In the Assembly Debates, Sri Poonacha articulated the significance of the Coorg Province in the emerging federal structure of India. He also advocated for a measured degree of autonomy to the provinces, emphasizing the importance of preserving the cultural and political identity of Coorg while remaining firmly anchored in the unity of India.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University stated that, “The Constitution Museum and the Rights and Freedoms Academy—India’s first museum dedicated to the constitution—remain deeply committed to honouring the legacies of each of the 300 members of the Constituent Assembly. Entering the fourth quarter of the century leading up to 100 years of Indian Independence, we carry a moral responsibility to contribute to nation-building. Through these exhibitions, we strive to continually remind the people of India about the dreams of a bygone generation—their unwavering dedication to the nation and profound commitment to justice and liberty. In doing so, the Constitution Museum at JGU fulfils its purpose as vital educational space for cultivating constitutional morality”. In April 2025, the Museum hosted a similar exhibition in memory of Shri R. Sankar, the member of the Constituent Assembly from Travancore-Cochin. The present exhibition will remain open for the public from 15th to 18th October 2025.

The exhibition commenced, with an engaging panel discussion titled “C.M. Poonacha: A Constitutional Exemplar: In the Words of His Children” which set the tone for an insightful exploration of Shri Poonacha’s legacy.

Speaking in the panel discussion inaugurating the exhibition, and remembering their father’s legacy, Mr. C.P. Belliappa, son of Shri Poonacha, and Mrs. Vijaya Muthanna and Dr. Kaveri Nambisan, daughters of Shri Poonacha, observed that “Our father upheld constitutional values in all aspects of life. He was a man of principles who never compromised his ethics for his personal gains—he left his education to participate in the national movement heeding to Mahatma Gandhi’s call. Throughout his life he remained a true Gandhian—he believed in the power of satyagraha, ahimsa, and social upliftment of masses. He held Coorg close to his heart yet not forgetting his primary allegiance to the nation”.

The exhibition will close on the 18th October 2025.

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with O.P. Jindal Global University and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.

source: http://www.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> English / by PTI PRNEWS / October 16th,2025

Retired KSRP SP B.D. Mandappa passes away at 78

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Virajpet (Kodagu):

Buttiyanda D. Mandappa (Prabhu), retired Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) Superintendent of Police (SP), Mysuru District and a resident of Nangala village, Bittangala Post in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district, passed away yesterday. He was 78.

He leaves behind his wife Vimala (Poodrimada), daughter Allumada Swagi Naveen and a host of relatives and friends.

Mandappa was a prominent officer in the Special Task Force (STF), which was formed to eliminate forest brigand Veerappan. He had sustained injuries in the shootout which took place on Aug. 14, 1992, in which SP Harkrishna and Sub-Inspector Shakeel Ahmed were martyred.

Mandappa was a recipient of the President and Chief Minister’s Medal for his meritorious service. Last rites were held at Nangala village this afternoon, according to family sources. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>News / December 01st, 2025

Sachi Ponnamma Memorial Hockey Cup at MYCAS: St. Joseph’s University bags top honours

Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Mysore/Mysuru:

St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, won the Sachi Ponnamma Memorial Hockey Cup organised by MYCAS College in city recently.

The final match was played between Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT Team: Agni), Ponnampet and St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru. Displaying remarkable teamwork and determination, St. Joseph’s University emerged as champions followed by CIT (second) and  Cauvery College (Team: Commando), Virajpet (third position).

Winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 15,000 while 1st runners-up received Rs.10,000 and 2nd runners-up Rs. 5,000 along with medals and certificates.

Best Player of the Tournament was awarded to Nanamanda Sathvik from CIT and Best Goalkeeper to Koothanda Gyan from St. Joseph University.

Mukkatira Karthik Nachappa, Director of Hockey Mysore, witnessed the tournament held under the guidance of Harshith Gowda and MYCAS Sports Wing. Dr. G. Ramacharan, Director (Operations), UG College Principal Dr. J. Thekkade Ramya, PU College Principal C. Archana, teaching and non-teaching staff were present  at the valedictory event.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 24th, 2026

Karnataka: Mobile Passport Seva van to operate in Kodagu from Apr 8 to 10

Business & Economy, Records, All

Bengaluru (PTI):

A Mobile Passport Seva van will operate in Madikeri town of Kodagu district from April 8 to 10, offering on-the-spot passport services to applicants.

The van will operate at Gandhi Bhavana in Madikeri town under an initiative launched by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take passport services to people in underserved areas by facilitating document verification and biometric data collection closer to their homes, the Regional Passport Office, Bengaluru, said in a statement.

Applicants may book appointments online at the Passport Seva portal under the normal scheme. After payment, they should select the ‘mobile van’ option while scheduling the appointment, it said. PTI AMP KH

This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> India / by PTI / March 24th, 2026

Know Your City: From hosting Queen Elizabeth to reviving lost saris, how Chimy Nanjappa shaped Karnataka’s craft heritage

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , ,

In the early days, says Muddaya, several dignitaries visited Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium and were hosted by Chimy—from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Sri Lankan premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and even a young Queen Elizabeth.

Chimy Nanjappa’s passion for Karnataka’s textiles and crafts lives on at the Vimor Museum of Living Textiles in Bengaluru.

When one speaks of textiles and fine crafts in Karnataka, the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium on MG Road in Bengaluru is one of the first places that comes to mind. The shelves of the state-owned emporium are packed with a vast array of the traditional crafts of Karnataka—from intricate silver-based Bidriware items to charming Channapatna toys. However, this wasn’t always so. And one of the people who painstakingly worked to transform the emporium into a showcase of the state’s finest creations was the late Chimy Nanjappa.

Chimy was selected to head the emporium in the late 1950s—then known as Mysore Arts and Crafts Emporium—by its governing board, which included many women, including Sudha Reddy, a proponent of Indian handicrafts.

“It was not a cakewalk for her. In those days, women did not work and close up a place as huge as Cauvery and then walk home at 8 pm,” Chimy’s daughter, Pavithra Muddaya, recalls.

Born in 1928 in Madikeri, Chimy did not have an easy childhood as she lost both parents by the age of nine. She went on to pursue higher education in Chennai, securing a BCom degree, and later settled in Bengaluru after marrying advocate A C Nanjappa. With the family facing financial difficulties in the early days, she began working as an assistant manager at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, before being promoted to manager.

“She had nothing by way of a background in the field and had previously done accounts work…but life forces you to take up opportunities,” says Muddaya, adding that her mother always said that women need to work and be financially independent. She also credits her father’s role in encouraging and supporting Chimy, recalling him as a person who held views that would be considered progressive even today.

In the early days, says Muddaya, several dignitaries visited Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium and were hosted by Chimy—from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Sri Lankan premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and even a young Queen Elizabeth.

In 1963, cultural activist and author Pupul Jayakar, a major mover in the revival of traditional crafts and culture, recruited Chimy to represent Indian textiles at the New York World Fair the next year. It turned out to be a success, says Muddaya, recounting what an IAS officer familiar with the event told her. “Good lord, nobody could go past her without buying something!”

Later, Chimy was offered an opportunity to head an outlet anywhere in the world under the Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation, but declined, refusing to be a “second-class citizen” in a foreign country.

After A C Nanjappa passed away in 1974, Chimy went on to start the Vimor Handlooms, a home store specialising in handloom sarees and textiles. Muddaya remembers, “No one who came to her for help was sent away…she would give weavers’ addresses to people. Freedom fighter and social reformer Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay would say that anyone coming to the Regional Design Centre (on Church Street) without a recommendation could ask my mother for one.” Vimor would go on to revive many traditional sari styles, such as one dubbed the ‘Cubbonpete’ sari.

Those interested in Chimy Nanjappa’s legacy in textiles may visit Vimor Museum of Living Textiles after making an appointment. The exhibits on display include saris up to a century old, in styles that are not often seen today.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service / March 13th, 2026

India International Coffee Festival plans larger and more global edition for 2027

Amazing Feats, Barista Championship (wef. July 28th, 2022), Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Coffee, Retail-India (wef. Jan 25th, 2025), Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this photo essay, we showcase more exhibitors at IICF 2026, along with expert insights.

Bengaluru recently hosted the 2026 edition of the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Road. See our earlier coverage of the World Coffee Conference in 2023 here.

“We estimate that 20,000 visitors attended the three-day IICF event. The energy on the floor was indicative of strong commercial engagement,” Hamsini Appadurai, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), tells YourStory.

The festival featured India’s geo-tagged coffee varieties such as Coorg Arabica Coffee, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee, Araku Valley Arabica Coffee, and Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee. There were also international brands such as MilkLab (Australia), Astoria Coffee Machines (Italy), and Probat Coffee Roasters (Germany).

IICF had parallel workshops on Farm to Cup: Post-Harvest Processing 101; Robusta Tasting: Processing Methods; Roasting Fundamentals: Profile Building & Tasting; Coffee Species Showcase & Guided Tasting; Manual Brewing and Espresso Brewing; and Marketing Specialty Coffee: Storytelling & Tasting;

There were panel discussions on a range of provocative topics: Why Biodiversity Is the Foundation of Coffee’s Future; and The New Coffee Farmer: Balancing Yield, Quality, and Profit in a Changing Market.

Many visitors said they appreciated the opportunity to learn about coffee trends and network with coffee lovers and industry professionals. “Exhibitors were pleased with the promotion of the shared vision and passion of the industry,” Appadurai adds.

She explains that the Australia delegation places IICF right up there along with other global events such as World of Coffee Dubai, World of Coffee Indonesia, World of Coffee Bangkok, FHA Singapore, and Melbourne International Coffee Expo.

“The festival was a rich source of inspiration and strategic thinking. One initiative already taking shape for the next edition is a dedicated micro-lot auction for roasters, an exciting development that we believe will add significant value to the specialty coffee ecosystem,” Appadurai says.

Last year, Nestlé India strengthened its premium at-home offering by bringing Nespresso to the country. “With this, we cater to consumers seeking super premium coffee experiences at home,” says Sunayan Mitra, Director – Coffee and Beverages, Nestlé India.

It has expanded its NESCAFÉ Ready-to-Drink cold coffee portfolio, and developed NESCAFÉ Ice Roast. At IIFC, it showcased Duo Gusto, a pioneering solution that dispenses both hot and cold beverages from a single machine. “Innovation in cold beverages is equally central to Nestlé’s out-of-home strategy,” he adds.

Next year’s IICF will have more stalls. “We would like to secure a larger venue, and significantly increase our international visitor footprint. The vision is to position IICF as a truly world-class destination event for the global specialty coffee industry,” Appadurai describes.

“Coffee is an experience, not merely a beverage We are witnessing a meaningful shift from coffee as a functional caffeine fix to coffee as a lifestyle and cultural statement,” observes Komal Sable, Co-Founder, South India Coffee Company.

Gen Z is driving experimentation and discovery. “Younger consumers are far more open to exploring new formats and alternative milk pairings,” she adds.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are now baseline expectations. “But they must coexist with convenience. Today’s consumer demands transparency and responsibility, delivered in formats that fit seamlessly into a fast-paced lifestyle,” Sable explains.

Coffee makers are responding to these trends and shifts. “They need to be agile, transparent, and have stronger storytelling. Responsibility must begin at the origin,” she affirms.

Producers also bear a responsibility to better educate roasters, buyers and end consumers about the expertise, risk and dedication involved in cultivating quality coffee. “When that story travels clearly through the value chain, it builds a deeper, more authentic respect for origin,” Sable suggests.

Coffee thus lends itself well to purpose-led enterprise. “It brings together agriculture, branding, community, and commerce in a deeply meaningful way. The growth of specialty coffee and direct-to-consumer models has also lowered the barriers to entry,” she says.

More women are stepping into roles that were historically male-dominated. “These include estate leadership, green buying, roasting, and supply chain management,” she observes, citing diverse examples from Kaveri Coffee, Coromandel Coast, Sangameshwar Coffee, and Coffee Mechanics.

“Creating intentional platforms that spotlight women in coffee is essential not only for representation but also for building lasting confidence, access and opportunity within the ecosystem,” Sable emphasises.

Coffee today is not simply about selling a beverage. “It is about shaping culture. And women are trailblazing that shift in remarkable ways across every level of the industry,” she says with pride.

However, the coffee industry is facing challenges like unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting crop cycles that directly affect quality, yields and costs at origin. “Supporting producers and investing in long-term ecosystem partnerships is not a choice — it is essential to the future of coffee,” she cautions.

SCAI and the Coffee Board of India are committed to driving knowledge transfer within the industry. “We will have expanded workshops, masterclasses and curated learning experiences. The best is very much yet to come,” Appadurai signs off.

Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?

(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at IICF 2026.)

source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Food & Beverages / by Madanmohan Rao / March 08th, 2026

A cookbook with stories

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

I was recently invited to Kaveri Ponnapa’s book launch that I had been looking forward to.

 Many in Mysuru may not recognise her name, but anyone who has even a passing interest in Coorg or the culture of small, distinct communities of this land would certainly know her remarkable work, ‘The Vanishing Kodavas.’

Just like her previous book, which was rich with history, culture and stunning imagery, her latest work, ‘Coorg: The Cookbook — Recipes and Stories from a Golden Land,’ is both beautiful to look at and deeply satisfying to read.

This book nourishes not just the appetite but jogs the memory, too.

‘Coorg: The Cookbook’ has been in the making since 2012 and the patience shows. It is thoughtfully structured into sections such as rice-based dishes, meats, seafood, vegetarian dishes, foraged foods, pickles, sweets and beverages.

Each section opens with a gentle historical introduction explaining how and why these foods became part of the Coorg dining table. It tells us why it is not just about how to cook, but also about understanding why Kodavas cook the way they do.

The book also includes sections on foundational pantry ingredients and the spices and herbs that define Coorg cuisine. For readers unfamiliar with some ingredients, the author thoughtfully offers alternatives.

There is even a section explaining how to use the book, making it as accessible to an outsider who may not be familiar with Coorg cuisine at all. That said, even a Kodava like me had some surprise discoveries.

The first surprise I encountered in the book was that while modern Coorg is synonymous with coffee plantations, it was earlier primarily a land of paddy farmers.

No wonder rice sits at the centre of not only Kodava cuisine but also culture. Appropriately, the first dish the book introduces is the humble yet iconic ‘Akki Otti’ or rice roti.

Another delightful revelation is the long-held myth that Coorg cuisine is dominated by pork. Yes, Coorg is famous for its pork dishes, but the book reminds us that Coorg food is far more diverse.

Of the 132 recipes in the book, just 36 are non-vegetarian dishes and only 6 of them are pork! The remaining dishes feature chicken, mutton, fish and crab.

Meanwhile, there are 45 vegetarian recipes! which include an array of ‘pallyas’ & ‘chutneys.’

So, the notion that Coorg cuisine is dominated by the hog is hogwash.

What also struck me personally were the dishes I had never heard of before. There are recipes such as ‘Miniature Jackfruit Pancakes’ (Coorg name: ‘Chatti Puttu’) and the intriguingly named ‘Steamed Rice Parcels with Hitchhiker Elephant Ear Leaves’! (Coorg name: ‘Mara Kembe Puttu’).

But what truly elevates this book beyond the realm of a cookbook are the stories quietly interwoven along with the recipes. Food, after all, is rarely just about taste; it is about people, places and memories.

Reading about the ‘Nende Kari’ or the ‘Crab Curry,’ transported me back to my childhood in Coorg. I remembered being sent to the paddy fields with my cousin to catch crabs for dinner. We would return with a small mug full, often with bleeding fingers. Crabs can put up quite a fight.

While our grandmother prepared the ‘Nende Kari’ (Crab Curry), we sat near the fireplace listening to her tell stories of elephants straying into plantations, of wild boar hunts and town gossip, all while the aroma of spices slowly filled the kitchen.

This is the kind of book that eventually becomes an heirloom, something to be preserved, treasured and passed down through generations. Kaveri Ponnapa herself writes, “Recipes are cultural inheritances.”

This is why ‘Coorg: The Cookbook’ feels more than just pages of recipes. It takes you on a journey down memory lane.

For many Kodavas living far from their homeland, the book may well feel like a bridge back to traditions that are slowly fading. That alone is reason enough to own a copy.

In many ways, to use a culinary euphemism, this book pairs beautifully with Kaveri’s earlier work, ‘The Vanishing Kodavas.’

One documents the culture, the other documents the cuisine. Culture and cuisine, the two pillars that define every community.

Kaveri Ponnapa observed that “Kodavas are vanishing,” but with her books, she has made sure they will not be forgotten.

P.S. : You can order your copy athttps://kaveriponnapa.com/coorg-the-cookbook/coorg-the-cookbook/

e-mail:  vikram@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns in Black & White> Top Stories / by Vikram Muthanna / March 03rd, 2026

Who Is Madan Mandanna? Meet the Supportive Father of Rashmika Mandanna

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

Madan Mandanna, father of Rashmika Mandanna, has stayed away from the spotlight but has always supported her. Here’s everything you need to know about her father and the role he played in her journey.

Image Credit : Instagram

A Pillar of Support

Madan Mandanna, father of actress Rashmika Mandanna, has mostly stayed away from the public eye, but he has been a strong support for his daughter throughout her journey. Born in a Kodava Hindu family in Virajpet, Kodagu, Karnataka, he played a key role in shaping Rashmika’s values and career.

Image Credit : Instagram

Entrepreneurial Roots

Madan is a successful businessman who runs a coffee estate and owns a function hall called Serenity in Virajpet. His work shows the family’s entrepreneurial spirit, long before Rashmika became a household name in films.

image credit : X

Family First

Though he avoids the limelight, Rashmika often credits her father for teaching her important life lessons like hard work, humility, and determination. These values have helped her navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry successfully.

image credit : Instagram

Close-Knit Family

Madan is married to Suman Mandanna, a homemaker. Together, they raised Rashmika and her much younger sister, Shiman Mandanna. Rashmika occasionally shares glimpses of her parents on social media, showing the love and close bond in their family.

From Humble Beginnings to Stardom

Despite her fame as a pan-India actress, Rashmika often reflects on her modest upbringing. Her family faced financial struggles, but Madan’s guidance and support were crucial in helping her rise from Virajpet to becoming one of India’s most popular and loved stars.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet News / Home> English> Entertainment / by Nancy Tiwari / March 05th, 2026