Category Archives: Records, All

Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa Releases ‘War – The Ugly Mistress’ In City

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

Mysuru/Mysore: 

Air Marshal (Retd.) K.C. Cariappa (Nanda) released Dr. Lata Muthanna’s novel “War – The Ugly Mistress” at a programme organised by Mysuru Book Clubs-2015 at Sri Kanteerava Narasimharaja Sports Club (Mysore Sports Club) on Lalitha Mahal Road here last evening.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa said that his profession is related to the book. Pointing out that the book has focussed on Indian Navy, he said that it reminds one of the turbulent  times of the war period over 50 years ago.

Noting that the author has vividly explained war scenarios, he said that the book has also highlighted the post-war scenarios.

Recalling his younger days when he dreamt of becoming a pilot, which he realised by joining the Air Force, he said that he was fortunate to get an opportunity to serve the Nation. He further said that everyone should read this book for a better understanding of the serious consequences of war.

Prof. K.C. Belliappa, former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, who was the chief guest, said one can get a real war experience by reading the book and lauded the author’s contribution to literature though she is a doctor by profession.

Dr. Lata Muthanna, a well-known Consulting Physician,  said the book owes a lot to serendipity. She stated that when she started to draw the outlines of the narrative, the civil war in Sri Lanka was still on. After the civil war ended, she went to Sri Lanka and spent time with the main character of her book, Angeline, a Singaporean, who as a child, had survived the Second World War. The book literally carries her (Dr. Lata) to different places and various periods of time. It was as though she lived through the wars and felt the fear, anger and desperation of all those who were involved in it, she said. Maintaining that no Government has the right to throw its people into the jaws of death, she said that the world citizenry should never allow that to happen.

The book release was followed by a panel discussion, in which retired Statistician Boverianda Nanjamma and retired engineer Boverianda Chinnappa took part. Both are translators and scholars of Kodava studies

Sharada Chengappa, a multifaceted personality, received the first copy of the book. Her husband Chengappa was a well-known freedom fighter, who had the good fortune of caring for Mahatma Gandhi when he visited Kodagu.

Mysuru Book Clubs-2015 Founder-President Shubha Sanjay Urs, Chinimamba Desraj Urs, Sita Bhaskar, Nalini, Kavita Bopaiah and others were present at the event.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 12th, 2020

Brigadier (Retd.) Mukkatira Ashok Cariappa

Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All

Obituary:

Brigadier (Retd.) Mukkatira M. Ashok Cariappa (Para/Bihar),  passed away at his residence, No.  1006, Brigade Horizon Apartments on T. Narasipur Road, Siddarthanagar here at 5.30 am today. He was 82.

A native of Devanageri in Kodagu, he leaves behind his wife Chitra Cariappa, sons M.C. Ponnappa and M.C. Muthanna and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites will be held at the foot of Chamundi Hill tomorrow (Mar. 10) at 2.30 pm.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / March 09th, 2023

‘Rotary Sainik Desh Rathna’ Award Conferred On Brig. B.M. Cariappa

Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All, Uncategorized

Mysore/Mysuru:

National Security Guard (NSG) Force Commander Brigadier B.M. Cariappa (Baleyada Muthanna Cariappa) was conferred the prestigious ‘Rotary Sainik Desh Rathna’ award at a programme jointly organised by Rotary Mysore Midtown and Shrisainik Foundation at Rotary Centre Hall on JLB Road here yesterday.

Speaking after conferring the award, Col. (retd.) Ravi Shirahatti lauded the acts of Brig. B.M. Cariappa during the victorious Kargil War against Pakistan.

Pointing out that Brig. Cariappa’s achievements and works are a model to young servicemen as well as armed service aspirants, Ravi Shirahatti said that though several will be willing to don Army uniform, it is not possible for many.

Noting that donning the Army uniform is a pride for everyone, he said that it is important to understand the past and history of Wars. Maintaining that those serving in the Army should be ready for sacrifice, he said, as such, the honour of Armymen will continue even after their retirement from service. Observing that a tree’s future depends upon the deep-rootedness and sturdiness of its roots, he said that the service profession demands valour, integrity, sacrifice and commitment. In the absence of these, the purpose of serving in the Army cannot be fulfilled, he said adding that he (Ravi) feels proud to have served the Indian Army.

Brig. Cariappa who spoke after being conferred with the award, reminisced on how he led his group during the 1999 Kargil War.

Noting that the first two attempts of the Indian Army in capturing the Khalubar Hills in Kashmir had failed, he said that he was then entrusted with the responsibility of capturing it, following which he came up with an innovative operation and succeeded in doing the job.

Explaining how the Kargil War was won, he said that crucial decisions were taken by the Indian Army during the War which resulted in a crushing defeat for Pakistan’s misadventure.

Earlier, Brig. Cariappa was accorded a grand welcome at the venue with Hootagalli KHB Colony’s Rotary Midtown Academy students playing Musical Instruments and saluting him.

Rotary Midtown President Rtn. M.S. Naveen Chandra, Hon. Secretary Rtn. S. Kumaraswamy, Rtn. K.L. Rakesh Babu, Rtn. S. Abhilash and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 23rd, 2023

Karnataka forest dept spent crores on afforestation in Kodagu district since 2015, shows RTI

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

The RTI further revealed that the Bhadravathi forest division in Shivamogga did not spend a single rupee on afforestation since 2015.

kodagu forests
The RTI further revealed that the Bhadravathi forest division in Shivamogga did not spend a single rupee on afforestation since 2015. (Representational)

From 2015 to 2022, the Karnataka Forest Department spent Rs 1.98 crore and Rs 49,95,067 on afforestation in Kushalnagar and Bhagamandala forest ranges, respectively. The two forest ranges are located in Kodagu district. The figures were shared by the department in response to an RTI filed by The Indian Express.

The RTI further revealed that the Bhadravathi forest division in Shivamogga did not spend a single rupee on afforestation since 2015.

The amount spent on afforestation includes maintenance of the forests. However, some of the officials within the forest department opined that the forest department should concentrate on afforestation in the drier parts of Karnataka rather than spending crores in the Western Ghats.

“The Western Ghats has many naturally regenerated seedlings. The department should have pumped funds in greening the dry regions of Karnataka like Vijayapura, Raichur, Gadag and Koppal. These regions have less than 5 per cent green cover. Even in the Dakshina Kannada region, a huge amount is spent on afforestation,” a senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the Karnataka Forest Department said on condition of anonymity. Notably, a response from Dakshin Kannada forest region is still awaited.

Every year, Kodagu faces floods and huge loss of property and human lives.

Amount spent on afforestation in Bhagamandala range

2015-2016: Rs 15,82,293

2016-2017: Rs 3,10,974

2017-2018: Rs 3,66,500

2018-2019: Rs 14,33,305

2019-2020: Rs 4,03,750

2020-2021: Rs 3,02,865

2021-2022: Rs 3,35,720

2022-2023: Rs 2,59,660

Amount spent on afforestation in Kushalnagar range

2015-2016: Rs 11.17 lakh

2016-2017: Rs 12.90 lakh

2017-2018: Rs 24.66 lakh

2018-2019: no data

2019-2020: Rs 27.90 lakh

2020-2021: Rs 66 lakh

2021-2022: Rs 14.47 lakh

2022-2023: Rs 44 lakh

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Aksheev Thakur / Bengaluru – April 30th, 2023

Tiranga replaced Union Jack many times much before 1947 in Kodagu

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

In 1930, the tiranga was hoisted at a number of villages in Kodagu district.

The Madikeri fort, where freedom fighters replaced the Union Jack with the Tricolour. Credit: Special Arrangement

In 1928, Paruvangada Kushalappa attended the annual Congress session in the then Calcutta (now Kolkata) and was returning to Kodagu when he fell ill and passed away.

He was 38 years old and the president of the Coorg Agricultural Society.

The following year, an area in Ponnampet was named after him as Kushalapura and the tiranga (the Indian tricolour flag) was regularly hoisted there.

This flag was the old design which had three colours as well. In 1930, the tiranga was hoisted at a number of villages in Kodagu district.

That year, Mallengada Chengappa and two others removed the Union Jack at the Mercara (Madikeri) fort and replaced it with the tiranga.

For this act, they were arrested. Two years later, Satyagrahis again replaced the Union Jack with the tiranga at the fort.

After that, there were permanent guards to protect the Union Jack at the fort.

In August 1942, the Quit India movement had been declared all over India. 

Several local leaders such as Pandyanda Belliappa, Chekkera Monnaiah, Kollimada Karumbaiah and C M Poonacha were arrested and deported to Vellore. 

The British thought that there was now nobody to lead the movement.But they were wrong.

Gundukutti Narasimhamurthy organised a Seva Dal camp for volunteers in Madikeri. On August 18, Malachira Muthanna and two other students were arrested for hoisting the tiranga in front of the ‘Kodagu’ newspaper office at Madikeri.

On August 19, when students took out processions at various places, at least 12 of them were arrested and released that same evening.

Some of the high school students in Madikeri and Virajpet who had participated in the movement were expelled from their hostels.

They were driven out along with their belongings, suitcases and mattresses placed on their heads. Meanwhile, the British authorities arrested B D Ganapathi, a sub-editor of ‘Kodagu’ weekly, locked the newspaper office and sealed it.

The erstwhile peaceful movement turned violent and went out of control. 

In November that year, dynamite parcels addressed to A S Machaiah, Mallengada Chengappa and Mukkatira Belliappa arrived in Kodagu.

The British authorities became alert, confiscated these parcels and arrested the three persons. Yet, this action didn’t stop the subversion that was planned.

Telegraph wires were cut in various places across Kodagu. Dynamite was found placed inside the post office and the police station in Virajpet.

The munsif court building in Virajpet was set on fire. Dynamite was thrown inside the Gonikoppa police station. 

Koniyanda Thimmaiah, Mallengada Chengappa and C Chengappa were found guilty of cutting the wires. Chengappa was again arrested, along with, along with the other two.

On August 15, 1947, chief commissioner Diwan Bahadur Ketolira Chengappa replaced the Union Jack with the tiranga at the Madikeri fort, one last time.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by Mookonda Kushalappa / August 09th, 2022

This coffee estate property is now a holiday home in Coorg that promotes sustainability

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, , ,

Studio 4A builds a serene escape amidst natural landscaping with an undeniable old-world quality.

This coffee estate property is now a holiday home in Coorg that promotes sustainability | Architectural Digest India
Divya R

The clients approached Studio 4A co-founders Vijay Narayanan and Appachu Nanjappa to build an estate house that would also double as a vacation home in Coorg. Located amidst a coffee estate with the views of the distant elk hills, the structure is barely visible from the driveway, which is at an elevated plane. This single-storied gable-roofed 4,000 square-foot house sits where an old house once stood.

This coffee estate property is now a holiday home in Coorg that promotes sustainability | Architectural Digest India
View of the house from the coffee estate. Divya R

“One enters the planar entry pavilion with a low floating roof. A forty-feet-long Kota cladded linear wall directs movement, creates an entry court and prepares one for the dramatic reveals of views yet to be experienced,” says Vijay. “We designed a house that celebrates the natural landscape and local climate. In a tropical setting , covered semi-open spaces allow one to be with nature while being protected. The house is designed as a response to its climatic context and organised into two distinct parts,” adds Appachu.

Court at the entry framed by the Kota wall.
Court at the entry framed by the Kota wall. Divya R

Selecting materials and creating the inner courtyard and spaces integrated with the surrounding landscape have been key to modern design. They also focussed on upcycling pieces, such as the antique wooden column in the court that was salvaged from the old house that once stood on this site. The form and finishes of the structure are bare and simple hence in total harmony with the surroundings, celebrating the tropical weather and landscape.

This outdoor court is adjacent to the gallery and connects the two parts of the house.
This outdoor court is adjacent to the gallery and connects the two parts of the house. Divya R
The spectacular view of the hills and the starlit night skies get mirrored onto the infinity pool.
The spectacular view of the hills and the star-lit night skies get mirrored onto the infinity pool. Divya R

The tropical architecture, with long verandahs, courtyards, high ceilings, breezy folding doors and interconnected areas around the courtyard, create various outdoor spaces between the primary volumes including an exterior infinity swimming pool, a stepped sunken seating and a deck opening from the living area.

All private spaces such as the bedrooms are organised around a skylit internal court. The common spaces are in a...
All private spaces, such as the bedrooms, are organised around a skylit internal court. The common spaces are in a separate wing. Divya R
A pitched wooden roof imbues character and frames the view while ensuring ventilation. All the furniture is either...
A pitched wooden roof imbues character and frames the view while ensuring ventilation. All the furniture is either repurposed from the old house or customised by Studio 4A. Divya R
A wooden dining table with three pendant lights reinforces the charm of the era bygone.
A wooden dining table with three pendant lights reinforces the charm of the era bygone. Divya R

The large windows from the bedroom open to the pool and the view beyond. High-pitched ceilings and expansive windows keep the bedrooms well-ventilated and negate the need for air-conditioning. All bathrooms have recessed ceiling lights which are concealed in the rafters of the roof. The surface finishes are dominated by cement oxide, repurposed dark wood ceilings and white-rendered walls to create contrasts between light and dark, thus creating a pared-back aesthetic.

The washrooms are wellventilated with glazed skylights that help keep the moisture away in humid weather. The wet and...
The washrooms are well-ventilated with glazed skylights that help keep the moisture away in humid weather. The wet and dry areas have been defined using granite partitions. Divya R

Rafters from the old house, door frames and furniture have been upcycled and reused in the new structure. Rainwater from the gables descends to a gravel path at the ground level; the water then gets channelled away through the drains in the periphery. As a result, planter boxes border the edges instead of metal fencing.

source: http://www.architecturaldigest.in / Architectural Digest / Home> Decorting / by Rashmi Haralalka / April 21st, 2023

Kodagu improves performance in II PU examinations, stands third in State

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

Kodagu has managed to improve its position in the second PU examinations. It stood third in the State, securing 90.55 per cent results. Last year, it was at sixth place in the State.

Compared to last year, the results have improved by 17.23 per cent, said Puttaraju, Deputy Director of the PU Department, Madikeri.

Out of 4,622 students who appeared for the examination in the district, 4,185 have cleared it.

In the Arts stream, 779 students out of 985 passed the examination, securing 79.09 per cent results. In Commerce, 2,168 students cleared the exam out of 2,347 students, securing 92.37 per cent results.

In the Science stream, Kodagu secured 95.97 per cent results with 1,238 students passing the exam out of 1,290 students who appeared.

Akshata L stood first in Kodagu in Arts getting a score of 578. In Science, Niranjan K. of Kushalnagar stood first in Kodagu with a score of 591 marks.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / April 21st, 2023

Coorg: Stories and Essays

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, , , ,
Coorg: Stories and Essays by CP Belliappa. Rupa. Pages 264. Rs 395

‘Coorg: Stories and Essays’ draws from and builds on CP Belliappa’s earlier works on Coorg (officially known as Kodagu).

The book begins by tracing the progress of the land and its people during the rule of the Haleri rajas; the British annexation and their administration of the territory and the events that culminated in Coorg becoming a part of the Kannada-speaking state of Karnataka.

The essays and stories also offer the fascinating illustrated story of Princess Victoria Gowramma, the lost princess of Coorg.

Belliappa delves deep into antiquity, covering a wide range of topics relevant to understanding the ethos of Coorg. 

source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Backflap> Book Reviews / April 23rd, 2023

Karnataka 2nd PU commerce topper Ananya K.A. says changed question paper pattern helped save time

Amazing Feats, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

The new pattern has more number of multiple choice questions compared to the earlier examinations.

M. Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri offering sweets to Ananya K.A., who topped the commerce stream in the second PU exams in Karnataka. The results were announced on April 21, 2023.

Ananya K.A., topper in the commerce stream of the second pre-university examination, said that the new pattern of the PU exam helped save time in answering the questions.

Ms. Ananya had prepared well for the new pattern that had more number of multiple choice questions compared to the earlier examinations. “I was better prepared,” she told The Hindu.

Ms. Ananya hails from Kushalnagar in Kodagu district. She is the eldest of two daughters of ex-serviceman K. Ashok and government school teacher G. Nalini. She was a student of Adichunchungiri School in Hassan up to class 10. She joined Alva’s Pre-University College, Moodbidri, in Dakshina Kannada district, two years ago under the free education scheme of Alva’s Education Foundation for sportspersons.

“I am a volleyball player. But due to an injury, I had to discontinue sports and concentrate on academics this year,” she told The Hindu.

As she has been staying in a sports hostel since class 8 in Hassan, it was not difficult for her to stay away from her family, in Moodbidri.

She is now preparing for the company secretary entrance examination scheduled on May 1.

Congratulating Ms. Ananya for securing 600/600 marks, M. Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri said this is first time that a commerce student has secured 100% marks in the examination. Mr. Alva said the foundation will continue to offer free education to youngsters with a talent for sports, cultural activities or academics.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / April 21st, 2023

Tales of temple festivals

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)
Boys in sari and girls in traditional male attire at the Puthu Bhagwathy temple. Photo courtesy Nellira Ananya

The months of March, April and May witness many annual village temple festivals happening in Kodagu. The temple idols called ‘thadamb’ are carried by a priest on the head, in processions. ‘Therays’ (shaman dances), where performers wear colourful red costumes and imitate deities or ancestors, are organised in temples and ancestral homes of some clans. 

The main festivals are the Bhagwathi Namme and the Boad Namme, which are held in honour of village deities. Two such temple festivals were held in the second week of April this year. One was at the Puthu Bhagwathy temple in Birunani village. The other was at Pannangalatamme in Yavakapadi village.

During the Puthu Bhagwathy festival, the people of Birunani make vows to the goddess in order to fulfil their wishes, often for the good health of their children. The celebrations include a ceremony similar to a wedding ritual, with the boys dressed as brides and the girls as grooms.

Legend has it that once five sibling gods — two brothers and three sisters — came to South Kodagu from Kerala. The eldest brother Mattlappa settled in Mathur near Ponnampet. The eldest sister Puthu Bhagwathy settled in Birunani. The younger brother Ogerelappa settled in the forests of Ogerelappa. The youngest sisters, twins, settled in Rudraguppe near the Kammaratappa temple and hill. They were known as Rudraguppelamme or Jodi Bhagwathy. 

Members of the Kembatti, Kodava, Airi, Kudiya, Kaniya and other communities participate in the Pannagalatamme festival. They bring ‘bolle kall’ (toddy), umbrellas and other articles to the festival. A few members of the Kembatti community wear red or white ‘kuppyas’ (native coats) and perform ‘thirale’ or go into a trance.

The tale behind this festival goes as follows. Long ago, seven sibling gods — six brothers and one sister — lived in Kerala. The eldest brother settled in Tali Parambu and built a famous temple there. He sent his younger siblings eastward towards Kodagu to establish temples. Today, three of these other temples are in Kodagu, while the other three are in Kannur and Wayanad.

Four siblings came to Kodagu. The farm they were camping in belonged to the Pardanda joint family in Kunjila. The sister milked a cow belonging to the family which was grazing there. She used the milk to cook the rice. The rice was placed in a clay pot and buried in the hot sand beside a stream.

There were banana trees growing on the farm. The siblings cut a few leaves to use as plates. Ummavva of the Pardanda family saw this and scolded them. The sibling gods then cursed the family that no bananas would thereafter grow on their farm. 

Muthanna, the head of the Pardanda family, then came and sought their forgiveness. But the curse took effect. However, the Pardanda were made the ‘deva thakka’ (hereditary temple managers) of the Igguthappa temple which was built in the nearby Padi hamlet.

Another brother settled in Palur and became known as Palurappa. The last brother settled in Thirunelli across the Kodagu border in Wayanad and is called as Pemmaiah.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum / by Mookonda Kushalappa / April 20th, 2023