Category Archives: World Opinion

Field Marshal KM Cariappa 26th Death Anniversary: Remembering First Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion
Field Marshal KM Cariappa (Photo Credits: indianarmy.nic.in)
Field Marshal KM Cariappa (Photo Credits: indianarmy.nic.in)

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa breathe his last 26 years ago on May 15, 1993. He was the first Indian Commander in Chief of the Indian Army. Cariappa took command of the Army from its British Commander in Chief, General Sir Roy Bucher. He was also nicknamed “Kipper”. Cariappa was born on January 28, 1899, in Madikeri, Kodagu which is today part of Karnataka.

Field Marshal Criappa had his formal education in Madikeri and pursued his college education from the prestigious Presidency College in Chennai. Cariappa joined the British Indian Army in 1919 and was commissioned in the 88th Carnatic Infantry at Bombay (now Mumbai) as Temporary Second Lieutenant. He was granted permanent commission on September 9, 1922. In 1927, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

During the World War–II, Field Marshal Cariappa actively served in Iraq, Iran and Syria in 1941–1942 and then in Burma in 1943–1944. Back in India in March 1942, he was posted as second-in-command of the newly raised 7th Rajput Machine Gun Battalion at Fatehgarh. Cariappa was posted as AQMG of the 26th Indian Division stationed at Buthidaung in Burma. The division played an important role in pushing the Japanese back from Arakan. For his services in the operation, Cariappa was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in June 1945.

In the same year, Cariappa was made the commander of the Bannu Frontier Brigade in Waziristan. During this period, Colonel Ayub Khan – later Field Marshal and President of Pakistan from 1962–1969 – served under him. In 1947, Cariappa was the first of two Indians selected to undergo training at the Imperial Defence College, at Camberly, in the UK, to attend the higher command courses.

After Independence, He was promoted to the rank of Major General and was appointed as deputy chief of the general staff. In November 1947, Cariappa was appointed as the Eastern Army commander after being promoted to a rank of Lieutenant General. As the situation worsened in Kashmir in 1947, Cariappa was moved as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command. He directed operations for the recapture of territories seized by Afghan tribals backed by the Pakistani Army.

On January 15, 1949, Cariappa, took over the reins of the Indian Army. The day is now celebrated in India as the Army Day. He served in the Indian Army for over 30 years. After his retirement in 1953, he served as the Indian high commissioner to Australia and New Zealand until 1956. On April 28, 1986, the Government of India conferred the rank of field marshal on Cariappa. He was the second Field Marshal of the Indian Army after Sam Manekshaw. Cariappa’s health began to deteriorate in 1991. He suffered from arthritis and heart problems. He died in his sleep on May 15, 1993, at the Bangalore Command Hospital.

Cariappa was married in March 1937, in Secunderabad, to Muthu Machia. The couple had a son and a daughter. Their son, K.C. Cariappa also known as “Nanda”, joined the Indian Air Force and rose to the rank of air marshal. During the 1965 war, Nanda was shot down over Pakistan. He was captured and held as a prisoner of war (POW). After realising the identity of the captured IAF officer, General Ayub Khan, the then president of Pakistan himself contacted Cariappa to inform about his son. When Ayyub offered to release Nanda, Carriapa asked him to give his son no better treatment than any other POW. Field Marshal Carriappa was a recipient of Indian Independence medal, Burma Star and General Service Medal.

source: http://www.latestly.com / LatestLY / Home> Lifestyle> Festivals Events / by Team LatestLY / May 15th, 2019

Second phase of study on Kodava genealogy begins

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

The second phase of the study on Kodava Genealogy began on May 1, said Codava National Council President Nandineravanda U Nachappa.

Addressing reporters in Madikeri on Friday, he said that the features of Kodava community are being studied. The objective of the study is to provide statutory protection to the Kodavas.

The study is being done under the supervision of the Central and the state governments, he said.

The study in the second phase includes the subjects of ‘Devanele’, traditional healing methods in Kodagu, tribes, folk sports, agriculture, Kodava almanac, festivals, ‘Oor mand’, ‘Nadmand kol’, ‘Manepatt’, ‘Kail poldh’ and ‘Kaveri Changradi’.

Nachappa added that the study of the social, educational and financial conditions of Kodavas was carried out in the first phase.

CNC office-bearers Pullera Kalappa, Chambanda Janat and Kandera Suresh were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / May 03rd, 2019

Aviva Bidapa brings her swimwear brand to India

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, World Opinion

AvivaBidappa01KF09may2019

The collection aims to bridge the gap between mass and designer brands

Fashion was the last thing on Aviva Bidapa’s mind when she was growing up. Her outfit of choice was breeches, boots and a white shirt — she was an equestrian. It was only when she was 16-years-old that she discovered brands and appreciated details such as stitch and craftsmanship.

The 28-year-old designer, daughter of fashion guru Prasad Bidapa, recently launched Aviva Swimwear in India, at an event in Bengaluru. The brand was earlier launched in Colombo in 2016.

AvivaBidappa02KF09may2019

Talking about her passion for designing swimwear, while sipping on watermelon juice at Café Noir, UB City, Aviva says: “A few years ago, I was in Colombo on work and took a day trip to the Linea Aqua factory, which manufactures swimsuits. I was fascinated by how they create the silhouette and the fit.

“My father later suggested we create a swimwear line. As a test, I created a line that was white with red roses. I love business and I love being creative so I thought why not put the two together and create a brand.”

The swimsuits are manufactured by Linea Aqua. “First, I design the silhouette and the cut, then zero in on a story in the print and what I want that season to be. And, of course, I keep in mind my creativity and what’s in fashion.”

________________________________________

The 70s and a koi pond

– Two stories were showcased at the India launch of Aviva Swimwear.

– Aviva says: “I wanted to do a line that was inspired by the 70s. I
didn’t want to do polka dots so I did deconstructed polka dots. I
had black on white and white on black and solids in bright red.

– “For the second story, inspiration struck while I was staying at a
hotel in Sri Lanka that had a koi pond. The solids are a yellow
with a bit of orange in it as the carp has elements of orange.

– There are 13 styles, including a one-piece with a halter neck and
a high-waisted two-piece with balcony-style cups.

_________________________________________

As any woman on the hunt for a swimsuit in India knows, the options are limited. “Many brands don’t make them for the Indian body type: we are heavier on the hips and bust and we tend to have smaller waists. So, it becomes hard for an Indian woman because if the bottom fits her, the top won’t and vice-versa,” she shares.

This is where Aviva Swimwear comes in. The brand also aims to bridge the gap between mass brands such as Marks and Spencer and designer brands like Shivan and Narresh.

“My swimsuits are a mix of usability and couture. The other important thing to know is that I have incorporated quality. As long as you hand wash them in cold water, they will last.”

AvivaBidappa03KF09may2019

There are some things to keep in mind while buying a swimsuit though. “The first thing you should ask yourself is how do you feel in it? The second thing is the sizing. It is very important to know your size and your fit. You should know what your body looks good in and shop in that realm, ” says Aviva.

She reveals she had certain insecurities growing up because of her weight, which fluctuated. “But, I know how clothes make me feel and how swimsuits make me feel. Ultimately, that is what creates confidence. How you feel you look and not what somebody else tells you. So, I kept that in mind. I want girls to be confident. You don’t need to be shy and cover up. I want to make swimsuits that make you feel good.”

AvivaBidappa04KF09may2019

The swimsuits, priced between ₹3,500 and ₹6,500, will be available at the Millennial Mode Label store opening shortly. In the meantime, DM the store or Aviva Swimwear on Instagram to place orders.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style> Fashion / by Aparna Narrain / May 09th, 2019

Asian Squash championship: Ghosal and Joshna script history

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion
Sunday special: Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa made it a memorable day for India.
Sunday special: Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa made it a memorable day for India.

Become the first to win the Asian title at the same time

Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa emerged champions in the Asian squash championship here on Sunday. This is the first time two Indians have finished on top in the same tournament.

An unprecedented feat that eluded the Indians in Chennai two years ago became a reality in Malaysia when Joshna, the second seed, successfully defended her title shocking the top seed Annie Au of Hong Kong 11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6.

Soon after, Ghosal, the top seed and finalist last year, ensured there was no slip-up this time when he downed the fourth seed Leo Au Chun Ming, also of Hong Kong, 11-9, 11-2, 11-8.

Sweet revenge
Joshna, who had lost to Annie in the Macau Open last month and seen her head-to-head record drop to 12 losses in 20 meetings, played with purpose and conviction. Though she suffered a blip in the second, she recovered to win the next two in style.

In the men’s summit clash, Ghosal proved the master. Except for a brief period in the first and third games, there was little the Hong Kong player could do to match the Indian who achieved his maiden success at this level.

“Happy to win the Asian title for the first time. I had come close in the past, so it is hugely satisfying to finally win it. Hopefully, this will lead to further success in the future,” said Ghosal.

“I thought I really played well in the final. I had lost to Annie a few times prior to this and so I had come prepared. Most importantly, I found the length and that was the key. I am very happy to defend the title,” said Joshna.

Big achievement
“Winning two titles is an achievement that has come for the first time. I congratulate Saurav and Joshna and wish them more success in their endeavours in the future,” said N. Ramachandran, Patron, Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI).

National coach Cyrus Poncha said: “What was missed two years ago has been done for the first time. It is a massive achievement.”

The results (finals):

Women: Joshna Chinappa bt Annie Au (Hkg) 11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6.

Men: Saurav Ghosal bt Leo Au Chun Ming 11-9, 11-2, 11-8.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / by Sports Bureau / Kuala Lumpur – May 05th, 2019

Sri Lanka, all things brave and beautiful

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

by PRASAD BIDAPA

Prasad Bidapa writes about his experience in the world of fashion in Sri Lanka, and tells us why we should never give up on this beautiful country

Image: Paloma Monappa and Emanuel Abeyewardene shot in Sri Lanka from our October 2016 issue, photographed by Mazen Abusrour
Image: Paloma Monappa and Emanuel Abeyewardene shot in Sri Lanka from our October 2016 issue, photographed by Mazen Abusrour

George Keyt, the Sri Lankan poet wrote these lines in the 1930’s, a dirge that somehow resonates down the corridors of time, as relevant now as it was then.

In a lonely place, among leafless branches, there are images seated in a circle,
There are placid faces and unseeing eyes. In everlasting silence
There are words spoken with voices from somewhere else, very soft, very distant.
The words are spoken, uttered in vibration,
Around that lonely place,
And the desolation listens.
-George Keyt

Sri Lanka, that brave nation that had seen a decade of peace after a long and bloody civil war, was attacked mercilessly on Easter Sunday in a nightmare flashback to more troubled times. The sheer viciousness of the attacks on churches and hotels left hundreds of dead and wounded. Most shockingly, many of the victims were little children in the act of receiving Holy Communion. These searing images are imprinted upon our collective consciousness and we will retain the pain forever. This attack counts as one of the worst in the history of terrorist attacks with the highest ever body count.

But Sri Lanka stands proud today, resilient and unshakeable as she takes strength in the faith of her own, wonderful people. Their agony is palpable, and you can see the questions in their eyes. Sri Lankans are an intrinsically gentle race, and the smiles you get from even strangers on the street attest to this sweetness of their natures.

I first went to Colombo twenty-five years ago, and instantly fell in love with the vibrant, tropical beauty of this teardrop shaped paradise, and would spend the next couple of decades working in and traveling all over the Emerald Isle. I made many friends, Ajai Vir Singh in particular, who would later become a business partner with whom I co-founded Colombo Fashion Week in 2003, right in the middle of the civil war. This was more of a long-term developmental project that aspired to curate the design skills of Sri Lanka and promoting the nascent fashion design talent.

Ajai’s tireless efforts to promote Sri Lankan Designers has seen 16 editions of this directional fashion week which positioned the Nation as a South-Asian design hub. Sri Lanka is one of the most design sensitive cultures in this region and has always presented a highly evolved design sensibility in their architecture, interior design, furniture and product design spheres. This was typified by entrepreneurs like Shanth Fernando whose chain of Paradise Road galleries, stores and cafes pretty much summed up the Sri Lankan design principle of spare, modern thinking combining with the best of their heritage crafts.

Their fashion industry was slowly evolving into creating a vernacular interpretation of fashion that was singular and noteworthy. Today a new generation of designers whom Ajai has assiduously curated are taking their space in the spotlight. He was invited to join as a founding member of the Commonwealth Fashion Council in London, which brought together 53 member countries under the patronage of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. This put Sri Lanka firmly on the international design map, opening up trade routes and business opportunities for the designers worldwide. Now, in partnership with Fazeena Rajabdeen and Raj Omprasadham the Colombo Fashion Week will add a Bridal Week to their portfolio.

This year, in the 2019 edition of CFW, I remember thinking as I watched designers like Dimuthu Sahabandhu and Aslam Hussain showcase their impeccably constructed gowns, of how ready they were to take centre stage at fashion capitals the world over. Faultless technique and amazingly creative thinking combined to create a globally appealing look, that could be appreciated and worn anywhere in the world.

The attack coming at this time must not be allowed to stem the growth of the Sri Lankan fashion industry. It has served the country well, impacting both its global image as well as showing its potential to attract the top level of tourism during the various fashion weeks.

Prasad Bidapa is a well-known fashion personality who has worked in the fashion industry for close to four decades

source: http://www.vogue.in / Vogue India / Home> Fashion> Insider / by Prasad Bidapa / April 26th, 2019

Study centre on Jewish seer in Attur

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion
Followers of Jewish seer Itamar Oren Narada Muni from Israel perform prayers at the tomb of the seer, located in Attur village in Ponnampet on Wednesday.
Followers of Jewish seer Itamar Oren Narada Muni from Israel perform prayers at the tomb of the seer, located in Attur village in Ponnampet on Wednesday.

The commemoration of Jewish seer Itamar Oren Narada Muni was observed at the seer’s memorial in Attur village in Ponnampet on Wednesday.

Donors of the land, Kuppanada Raja and Chaya Nanjappa on whose farm the memorial is located, announced that a study centre will be established in two acres of land near the tomb of Itamar Oren Narada Muni.

The centre will be devoted to the purpose of strengthening the relationship between India and Israel.

Speaking on the occasion, Rashtriya Swayam Sevaka Sangha Saha Karyavaha Mukund said that both India and Israel have been the targets of terrorism. The two countries should come up with a united strategy to fight terror. While India has been working on peacebuilding in South Asia, Israel has been striving to instil peace in Arab countries. The motto behind the efforts of both countries is the same.

Sessions were held on the topics, ‘Challenges Before India and Israel in Improving their bond’ and ‘Improving the bond between India and Israel on Cultural and Economic Fronts’.

The sessions were moderated by Swami Dayananda, Swami Vijnananda and Itamar Theodore. Immanuel, Sankar Sanu, Ravikumar, Satya Bansal, Tapan Ghosh, Michelle Harrison and Rajani Sareen took part.

Homage was paid to the seer on the occasion. Vedic chants were recited.

Followers of Itamar Oren Narada Muni performed prayers.

ADGP Bhaskar Rao, actor Malavika, VHP National Joint Secretary Vijnanand and RSS Prant Pravahak Giridhar Upadhyaya were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Ponnampet / April 24th, 2019

Tata Coffee reports total income of Rs 757 crore in FY19

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), World Opinion

Mumbai :

Tata Coffee, a subsidiary of Tata Global Beverages and Asia’s largest integrated coffee company, has reported standalone total income of Rs 757 crore in April to March 2018-19 compared to Rs 762 crore in the previous financial year.

The profit after tax was Rs 72 crore against Rs 63 crore in the same period due to an improved plantation and instant coffee performance as well as on the sale of its non-core fixed assets.

For the quarter ended March 31, the company reported a total income at Rs 212 crore compared to Rs 207 crore during January to March 2018. Profit after tax was higher at Rs 12 crore compared to Rs 4 crore in the same period.

“The offtakes to Africa and European geographies continue to be strong and our focus on customer acquisition in new geographies has enabled a robust and healthy order book,” said Tata Coffee’s Managing Director Chacko Thomas.

“While volumes are high, the instant coffee business continues to be under margin pressure due to the current competitive scenario in the industry and hardening rupee,” he said.

On March 6, the company unveiled its first off-shore freeze-dried coffee production plant in Vietnam with a capacity of 5,000 million tonnes per annum.

Tata Coffee produces 8,000 to 10,000 million tonnes of shade-grown Arabica and Robusta coffees at 19 estates in south India. Its two instant coffee manufacturing facilities have a combined installed capacity of 8,400 million tonnes.

lt exports green coffee to 40 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

source: http://www.newkerala.com / New Kerala / Home> News> Business India News / by ANI / April 20th, 2019

Kodagu Swimmer Heads For Malaysian Event

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

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Baduvamanda Aditya Bopanna will be representing India in the 62nd Malaysia Open Swimming Championship to be held from April 24 to 28 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Competing in National and State Swimming events, Aditya Bopanna has been training since age six and specialises in backstroke and freestyle sprint events.

Representing Karnataka and a winner of many national medals in various swimming events, Bopanna trains at the Nettakallappa Aquatic Centre in Bengaluru. He is currently pursuing his Second PUC at Vijaya College, Bengaluru.

Probably he is the first Kodava swimmer to represent India at an international event. Aditya is the son of Baduvamanda Cariappa and Sapna of Pollibetta in Virajpet. Aditya Bopanna excels in studies too and has scored 80.6 percent in Class 10 CBSE. For Aditya, getting this percentage after swimming and studying together is actually pretty good. “I squeeze in the free time I get during swimming for studies and I study almost every day after my swimming classes. Swimming has taken most of my life and has become a part of me now,” he says

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / April 22nd, 2019

When General Thimayya’s Grandson Comes Calling At ‘Sunny Side’

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Uncategorized, World Opinion

ThimmayyaMuseumKF20apr2019

Madikeri:

‘Sunny Side’, General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya’s house in Madikeri that is being converted into a museum and a war memorial, had a special moment last week when the celebrated General’s grandson Kongetira Belliappa visited the museum.

‘Sunny Side’ is located on G.T. Road in Madikeri and it is being renovated at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 crore. Belliappa is the son of Thimayya’s daughter Mireille, who married Maj. Gen. Kongetira M. Chengappa.

Visiting the museum that earlier functioned as RTO Office for the first time, Belliappa went around the museum and saw his grandfather’s photos, memorabilia and other artefacts. Stopping in front of some of the photographs, he turned emotional, recollecting the service of General Thimayya who was known as the “Soldier’s General.”

Some of the photographs portrayed the legendary General’s brilliant strategies and daring that have set the standard for professional soldiering and leadership. Belliappa appreciated the collection of photographs, artefacts and other items related to the Indian Army at the museum.

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa-General K.S. Thimayya Forum Convenor Major Biddanda A. Nanjappa, who is instrumental in setting up the museum and the war memorial, explained the museum and its various sections.

Providing a detailed account of how General Thimayya inspired his soldiers to carry parts of Army Tanks up to a height of 12,000 feet snow-clad mountains of Zojila Pass — one of the highest Passes in the world — when Pakistan planned to annex Kashmir by force during their offensive of 1947-48, Nanjappa told Belliappa that it was a daring move and the Pakistan army ran away after seeing the Tanks staring at them. The parts of Tanks were carried up the mountains overnight and were assembled by early morning of Nov. 1, 1948.

The very appearance of the Tanks utterly dampened the morale of the bewildered Pakistanis who either fled or were vanquished. Once Zojila was taken, the road to Kargil was reopened and Ladakh was safe. Ultimately, on Nov. 24 Kargil was re-taken. Thus the unofficial 1st Indo-Pak War (and perhaps the longest and toughest of them all) ended in success owing to the bold, shrewd and relentless pursuit led by Gen. Thimayya, explained Nanjappa.

Nanjappa then requested Belliappa to hand over certain items that belonged to General Thimayya that is in possession of the family to be kept in the museum.

Art works featuring the valour of Indian soldiers on the battlefield will occupy the centre stage at ‘Sunny Side.’ Other main attractions of the museum will be the articles used by Gen. Thimayya, military uniforms, books and information on Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Apart from an Army Tank, weapons that were used by the soldiers of Indian Army in the past during many operations have been donated to the museum.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 20th, 2019

Metro People: Aviva Bidapa turns a designer

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, World Opinion
Aviva Bidapa
Aviva Bidapa

Actor-turned-designer Aviva Bidapa, Director, India of Prasad Bidapa Associates, was always high on creativity. She knew that there was so much more talent within her that was waiting to be unlocked.

Aviva recently launched her swimwear collection. Talking about her collection, she says “I have two separate collections this season. One is inspired by the Japanese Carp/Koi fish and the other is deconstructed polka dots, which I think is a classic”. She says that she wanted to cater to both the moods she has as a woman. “My collection has a neat mix. I have added a hint of red solids to the polka dots and a yellow solid to carp. The collection is bright and colourful,” adds Aviva.

Who was her inspiration to turn a designer? “I never really wanted to be a designer but I knew I wanted to be creative. When I met Linea Aqua, the company that makes my swimsuits, I saw an opportunity to combine both my passions — business and creativity. I love swimwear and I am a passionate customer,” explains Aviva.

Her next collection is sequins and snake skins. “I want to stay true to my taste and also work on something that is in fashion. It will be out in June or July. I intend to first showcase it at the Colombo Swim Week and then bring it to India,” she concludes.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Metrolife> Metrolife Cityscape / by Nina C. George / DH News Service, Bengaluru / April 16th, 2019