In a significant move aimed at bolstering connectivity and infrastructure, the Kodagu District Administration has conducted a comprehensive land survey for the establishment of a mini airport or airstrip near Kushalnagar.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Venkat Raja is set to submit a detailed report to the State Government soon, marking a crucial step in the realisation of this long-anticipated project.
The survey team reviewed various factors crucial to the successful implementation of the initiative, first announced in 2018.
Previous surveys identified a 49.5-acre plot adjacent to Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, stretching to the border of Basavanathoor village, for the purpose.
The Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) is the Nodal Agency to develop airstrips across Karnataka. The initial plan for the 49.5-acre plot involved a 950-metre airstrip, complete with basic facilities like the airstrip, terminal, security post and fencing. However, during inspection, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed the plot inadequate, prompting the District Administration to order a re-survey.
The recent survey identified more than 130 acres of land, under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, addressing the need for additional space.
DC Venkat Raja confirmed that the survey report will be submitted to the State Government soon and upon approval, the land will be handed over to the KSIIDC.
The successful completion of the mini airport terminal is expected to make a significant contribution to the region’s economic and infrastructural growth. The establishment promises improved connectivity and enhanced transportation options, fostering local development and attracting further investments.
The Government Order issued in 2018 outlines the development of airstrips in various locations, including Kushalnagar, Chikkamagalur, Karwar, Raichur, Gadag, Bagalkot, Davanagere, and Udupi.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 18th, 2023
Hundreds of Kodava community members assembled at the Mysuru Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar First Stage yesterday evening to witness a unique tradition of Kodava Paithande Namme.
The event, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Madikeri and Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association, Mysuru, was inaugurated by Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) It was presided over by Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, the Chairman of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy.
In the past, Kodava society had a practice of honouring mothers who gave birth to ten or more children and they used to be respectfully adored as a great mother. Such mothers used to be honoured in a public function ‘Mangala’ (marriage ceremony) called ‘Paithandekkalapa’ or ‘Paithande Namme.’
The age-old tradition was introduced to the audience along with the rituals practiced during Paithande Namme. According to the organisers, the event was organised to recall the traditions that are rarely practiced now or are on the verge of extinction.
Apart from Paithande Namme, traditional dances including Bolakaat, Ummathat and Kathiyat were performed. The main attraction of the evening was, however, the mock show of Narimangala (wedding of a hunted tiger), a custom unique to Kodavas where the hunter of a tiger is wedded to the soul of the animal. The ritual was performed complete with traditional dresses, swords, guns, bands and other paraphernalia.
Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) is seen inaugurating Kodava ‘Paithande Namme’ at Mysuru Kodava Samaja yesterday evening along with President of Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association Ballachanda D. Subbaiah and Chairman of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Biddatanda S. Thammaiah. Others seen are (from left) former President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa, Chairman of Sree Cauvery Education Council Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s former Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa, Superintendent of Police (retired), Directorate of Civil Enforcement-Mysuru Aramanamada K. Suresh and retired Police Officer Ballyamanda M. Nanaiah.
Minority Status :
Along with these traditional performances, the event was also a platform for chief guests to speak about the welfare of Kodavas. In his inaugural address, Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) said that the Kodava Sahitya Academy was doing good work to preserve Kodava traditions within Kodagu district and also outside.
“We Kodavas do not have facilities like reservation as we are economically and educationally forward. But it is imperative for us to obtain minority status as enshrined in the Indian Constitution,” he said and called upon the community to stay united and fight for minority status. He suggested Kodavas to have one organisation to fight for recognitions and welfare of the community.
Political Representation :
In his address, Superintendent of Police (retired), Directorate of Civil Enforcement Mysuru Aramanamada K. Suresh opined that Kodavas must have a political representation. “We are a small community and we should ensure that we have representation in the Legislative Assembly and Council. This will give the much-needed political power to the community,” he said
“As Kodavas are educationally forward, the youths must take up competitive examinations and make a place for themselves in the upper echelons of the government,” he added.
Vanishing Traditions :
Speaking on vanishing Kodava culture and traditions, Keethiyanda Kavya Kuttappa said that the unique traditional Kodava attire which people wore on all occasions earlier has become rare now. “This is because Kodavas blindly ape Western culture. Unfortunately, some Kodavas think speaking Kodava language is improper,” she said.
“Many Kodavas have migrated to cities in search of employment and they have forgotten the customs and traditions. They don’t even go to their roots in Kodagu and this is the reason why traditions are being forgotten,” she opined. In a fervent plea to parents, Kavya said that it was their responsibility to ensure that their children dress well when they attend community and public functions.
On the occasion, a book “Kodira Poomale” written by Uluvangada Cauvery Uday was released by former BBMP Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna and Academy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah.
A CD that was brought out in 1985 on “Kodava Baalopaat” sung by late Napanda Thimmaiah and team from Garvale village in Kodagu was released by Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa. The original CD was brought out by Thammu Poovaiah and Ambika of Nada Lahari, Madikeri.
Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy felicitated the President of Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association Ballachanda D. Subbaiah. A book and CD sale was also organised.
Kodava MLA Candidate:
Concurring with Aramanamada K. Suresh on political representation to Kodavas, businessman and former BBMP Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna (in pic) regretted that Kodavas were dominated by other communities in Kodagu, their homeland. He appealed the community members to elect a Kodava candidate to the Assembly irrespective of the political party.
He also advised Kodavas not to sell their properties in Kodagu to others but instead sell them within the community if it is inevitable. He called upon them to support Kodava youth who have set up businesses in Kodagu and outside.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /July 13th, 2017
From raising funds to conducting door-to-door campaigns, PE teacher Poornesh Shetty has left no stone unturned to ensure a sports education for his students in Karnataka’s Kodagu.
A hockey player himself, Poornesh Shetty has been training government school students in Kodagu in hockey since 1992. (Express photo)
While Poornesh Shetty is yet to accept himself as Kodagu’s Kabir Khan – a character essayed by Shah Rukh Khan in the famous sports drama Chak De India – the people of Karnataka’s Madikeri are already drawing parallels, he says. A physical education teacher, Shetty, 58, was recently recognised by the state government when he won the Best Teacher award at the state level for 2023-24.
From picking up the ball for hockey players at Somwarpet’s Blue Star Hockey Club in the 80s to captaining his school hockey team in Class 7, Shetty is now a proud physical education teacher in Boykeri, who counts hockey Olympians Arjun Halappa and S V Sunil as his students, among others.
A hockey player himself, Shetty has been training government school students in Kodagu in hockey since 1992. He later went on to pursue a C.Ped (Certificate in Physical Education). In 1994, Shetty was appointed the physical education teacher at the Boykeri Government Higher Primary School in Kodagu district’s Madikeri taluk.
“When I joined the government school in Boykeri as a PT teacher, I realised that the school did not have enough space for sports. I later called up the kids working at nearby coffee plantations and school students to dig up space and level the field for playing sports. By 1996, the school had a playground and I started training students in hockey and athletics,” says Shetty.
Shetty pooled money and sports equipment from donors and well-wishers to support aspiring hockey players. “My friend Dhananjay, who is a pilot, financially supported me to buy hockey bats, shoes, socks and T-shirts for the students to practice hockey,” he recalls.
Shetty is also instrumental in coaching government school girl students who later went on to participate in hockey tournaments at the state and national levels, including in Gujarat, Bihar and other states. While he helps students enrol in the District Youth Sports Hostel in Madikeri after Class 4, he also pushes students to join the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Ponnampet after Class 7 for further training in hockey.
Besides sports, Shetty was also recognised by the government for various academic interventions to ensure his government school in Boykeri did not close down. The school once had about 380 students from Class 1 to 7. However, over the years, the strength dropped to a mere 52. “To keep the government school going, we had to enrol children. So I decided to conduct door-to-door outreach creating awareness on education and more importantly, the benefits of enrolling children in government schools. We lost admissions significantly because of convent schools nearby. So I emphasised the fact that if their children enrolled in government schools, they would get eggs, milk, midday meals, and textbooks for free,” says Shetty.
He adds, “With this outreach programme, along with the help of teaching staff, we managed to register students right from the anganwadis. If we can get students to enrol from anganwadis, it would be easier for us to retain them till high school.”
In fact, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Shetty’s brother Hemanth, an MBBS doctor, and his friends collectively raised funds worth Rs 20 lakh to keep the government school running. Through this, Shetty managed to use Rs 15 lakh for building a dining hall, science laboratory, sports room, library, and toilets for the school.
In addition, Shetty also established Tycoon Sports Club along with 50 other sportspersons by pooling in Rs 25,000 each. With professional trainers, the club trains youngsters and adults in hockey, swimming, athletics and other sports. Shetty also teaches swimming in April every year to nearly 150 students in a day.
“I believe a lot of parents advise their kids on the importance of education but they will not lay much emphasis on sports. Which is why I believe in giving equal balance between sports and education, to ensure they either become employable or professional sportspersons in the future,” says Shetty.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Sanath Prasad, Bengaluru / September 09th, 2023
Seetavva Ganapathy is flanked by her family members, during her 100th birthday celebrations, on Sunday.
Ketolira Seetavva Ganapathy from Naladi village in Kakkabbe near Napoklu, celebrated her 100th birthday at Muttavva auditorium, on Sunday.
During a fun-filled ceremony, Seetavva was flanked by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives.
Seetavva is the youngest of the five children of Mepadiyanda Mandanna and Subbavva of Karada village. She was born in 1920. She was married to Ketolira Ganapathy of Naladi village in 1941.
Seetavva Ganapathy has nine children – five boys and four girls.
Her husband Ganapathy passed away at the age of 45 and since then, Seetavva raised her children, carrying the mantle of responsibilities on her shoulders.
There are 67 members in her family, including children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Seetavva’s son Appanna and grandson Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna spoke on the occasion.
Centenarian Seetavva wished good health and prosperity to all people.
Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd., Mysuru Regional Office, in association with District Souharda Cooperative Federations of Mysuru, Mandya and Kodagu districts, has organised a theme-based training programme for the Members and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Mysuru and Kodagu District Souharda Cooperative Federation Limited on Nov. 28 at Rotary Children’s Library Association, Rotary Centre, JLB Road in the city.
According to a press release from Shivakumar Biradar, Regional Manager of Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd., the programme will start with breakfast and registration at 9.30 am, followed by the inaugural session between 10.30 am and 11 am.
A lecture session is organised on the topic ‘Rights and Duties of Directors’ from 11 am to 1.30 pm.
Following the lunch break, there will be another lecture on the topic ‘Filing of Case and Loan Recovery Procedures’ from 2.30 pm to 4 pm.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 26th, 2023
The versatility of Indian cuisine continues to impress food enthusiasts who seek rich flavours and manage to find a range of varying flavour palettes in a single country. However, some regional cuisines are often overlooked due to the appeal of other famously adored dishes. One of them is Coorg cuisine, which has been influenced and shaped by the history, geography and culture of the people of the region. Many young chefs from Coorg are now mastering their own family recipes and sharing them with millions on social media. Here are a few homegrown chefs on our radar who are elevating and shining a spotlight on Coorg cuisine.
1. Anjali Ganapathi
A home chef who has been sharing the authentic recipes behind traditional Coorg cuisines, Anjali Ganapathi runs a small, niche catering company called Pig Out with her core team. She has always had an inclination towards exploring her roots and since a very young age learnt the art of cooking some wonderfully complex dishes. The chef presently shares her wisdom with many through her online recipes and also organises events at cooking studios and other places across the city. The customer base extends beyond native Coorgi people as Chef Anjali wishes to introduce the regional cuisine to different communities around India.
Pork dishes are easily the star of Coorg cuisine, especially if cooked in the traditional way using family recipes. The Curly Sue takeaway joint and blog is perfecting the method of these recipes and making them more accessible to everyone. They source the meat from farmers who own their own farms and use a delightfully indulgent process of slow cooking the meat for four to eight hours. The most delectable meat needs to be given its due and the chefs at Curly Sue are adamant about achieving just that as well as sharing some insight into their process of preparation.
A food blog run by chef Sitara Cariappa and her family is an ode to the Coorg people and their love for coffee brews, spirits and meat dishes, especially those made with pork. They often delve into the childhood memories that are so closely associated with the cuisine and discuss their family recipes. The page also helps the audience to gain an understanding of the local ingredients and how they can be utilised to achieve wholesome flavours. They are slowly building a community of food enthusiasts who all share a passion for learning more about the specialities of the region as well as the culture that enables its excellence.
Actress-host Shwetha Changappa is celebrating the festival of Kailpodh with her son Jiyaan Aiyappa. She shared a video on social media where she is seen dressed in a traditional Kodava-style saree and wishing the Kodava community a happy and prosperous Kailpodh.
Actress-host Shwetha Changappa is celebrating ‘Kailpodh’ with full enthusiasm. Draped in a traditional Kodava-style saree, the proud Kodavati recently took to her social media handle and shared an adorable video, where she is seen posing along with her little munchkin, Jiyaan Aiyappa.
The Kodavati’s wish
Shwetha in the video is seen wishing all the Kodava community people a very happy and a prosperous Kailpodh.
She is seen wishing in the native language and talks about the importance of celebrating the festival.
Swetha’s baby boy is also seen in the video and wishing everyone on the occasion in his cutest way possible.
The Kailpodh festival
For the uninitiated, September 3rd marks the festival of Kailpodh, in Coorg. While in Kodagu the festival is celebrated on different days, elsewhere Kail-Podh is observed at homes on the third of September.
The Kail Podh day begins with the youngsters touching the feet of their parents.
Traditional and household weapons, such as guns, war knives, swords, spears, bows, and arrows, are cleaned and placed near the thook bolcha (hanging prayer lamp) in the house.
On a work front Swetha Changappa is currently seen hosting kids-based reality game show, Chota Champion, which returned to the Kannada small screens after a long gap.
The doting mommy
Talking about Swetha’s three-year-old son, Jiyaan has indeed become the latest sensation. The baby is quite popular on social media as mommy Swetha’s Instagram handle is filled with videos and pictures of Jiyaan. The actress indeed seems to be enjoying her motherhood to the fullest.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> TV> Kannada / etimes.in / September 03rd, 2023
‘Puthari Namme,’ the harvest festival of Kodagu, symbolising the first harvest of the paddy crop, was celebrated in a grand and traditional manner last evening at the Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar First Stage here.
The festivities showcased a diverse array of Kodava cultural events, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the gathered audience.
Hundreds of Kodava community members including men, women and children had gathered at the Kodava Samaja and took home the paddy crop (kadiru), chanting “Poli Poli Deva” and prayed to Lord Igguthappa and Goddess Cauvery and welcomed the Dhanya Lakshmi to their homes.
The highlight of the event was the cultural performances by young community members who have spent hours and days learning the traditional Kodava dances and songs. Their performance received loud applause from the community members and the boys and girls have been saddled with continuing the tradition of this small community that is facing the onslaught of modernisation.
The members of Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Vijayanagar Railway Layout, Mysuru, during the celebrations.
The performances featured captivating dances like ‘Ummathaat’, ‘Bolakaat’, ‘Puthari Kolata,’ ‘Kathiyaat,’ ‘Baalopaat,’ ‘Pareyakali’ and ‘Taalipaat’.
Notably, a new Youth Wing of the Mysuru Kodava Samaja was inaugurated and Katera Vedik Uthaiah has been nominated as its President. The other members of the team will be announced soon.
Commencing with a puja dedicated to the deities Lord Igguthappa and Goddess Cauvery, the festival progressed with a symbolic harvesting of the paddy crop (kadiru) and ceremonial firing into the air.
Kodava men donned their traditional attire of ‘kupya-chele,’ ‘peechekathi,’ and ‘mande-tuni,’ while women adorned themselves in the customary red sarees and ‘vasthra.’
As an integral part of the festivities, special ‘tambittu’ made from fried ‘kusubalakki’ mixed with ripe banana, was distributed to all the members.
Mysuru Kodava Samaja teams that have won various prizes in hockey matches and other cultural performances at Federation of Kodava Samajas, Balugodu, were honoured.
Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Hon. Secretary Ketolira Ravi Belliappa, Treasurer Ittira Kashiappa, Joint Secretary Ajjikuttira Diana Poovaiah, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa, office-bearers and committee members were present on the occasion.
A group photo of the members of the newly constituted Youth Wing of Mysuru Kodava Samaja with Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy and others.
The harvest festival was also celebrated at Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Vijayanagar Railway Layout, Mysuru.
Simultaneously, ‘Puthari Namme’ was celebrated in grandeur across Kodagu district yesterday.
The festival commenced with the ‘Nere Kattu’ performance at Kakkabbe’s Paadi Sri Igguthappa Temple at 7.30 pm. Subsequent celebrations were held across Kodagu district.
Though the festival concluded yesterday, the celebrations are set to continue for a week in rural areas of Kodagu and during this extended period, traditional ‘Puthari Kolata’ will take centre stage, accompanied by various other dance forms at the designated ‘Mandh’ in villages.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / November 28th, 2023
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna emphasises community representation in democracy
Dubai:
A Puthari get-together was organised recently in Dubai by the UAE Kodava Committee. The event not only featured cultural festivities but also offered valuable insights from Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna who was the chief guest.
Ponnanna underscored the importance of community representation in a democratic system. “It’s crucial to have representation in democracy for our community.” Stressing the role of the ‘Connecting Kodavas’ initiative, he highlighted its relevance and the necessity for systematic participation in the democratic process.
Ponnanna, along with Palengada Amit from ‘Connecting Kodavas,’ encouraged a collective mindset towards sustaining the Kodava community, irrespective of geographical locations. They also urged attendees to support such initiatives, emphasising a systematic thought process about the community’s survival.
“Regardless of our activities and locations, our thought process should be directed towards sustaining our Kodava community. We should all come together and contemplate the survival of our community,” remarked Ponnanna.
The event also featured engaging activities, including a quiz focused on Kodagu, providing a fun way for attendees to reconnect with the rich heritage and traditions of Kodava culture. Dressed in Kodava attire, participants underscored the sense of community and unity.
Beyond its celebratory nature, the Puthari get-together served as a platform to discuss pressing community issues and lay the groundwork for a brighter future. Delegates from ‘Connecting Kodavas’ also highlighted the importance of events like the upcoming Global Kodava Summit in 2023.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 27th, 2023
