Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

The President confers Rajiv Gandhi Award on Kakamada Ganga Changappa

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

The President of India Pranab Mukherjee has conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award on Kakamada Ganga Changappa for her outstanding contribution towards child welfare. The Award was presented to her recently in Delhi.

The President confers Rajiv Gandhi Award on Kakamada Ganga Changappa
The President confers Rajiv Gandhi Award on Kakamada Ganga Changappa

After her marriage, Ganga Changappa, who holds a Master’s degree in English, settled down in Munnar where her husband worked for Tata Tea. Looking for something worthwhile to do, she found her vocation – welfare of women and children among the Tata Tea estate workers, teaching them skills which they could turn to profit.

With the active support of Tata Tea, she became very involved in setting up a special school and rehabilitation centre in Munnar for children with disabilities – Dare School. She was its Principal for nine years and with her innovative ideas imparted specialised skills to her students in order to make them independent and earn a living.

Her dedicated work was well recognised and in 1999 she received the FICCI award.

When her husband retired as a director of Tata Tea, they settled in Kodagu. Even here, Ganga was determined to work for disabled youngsters. Tata Coffee, as part of their corporate social responsibility, set up a school on the lines of the Dare School, in Kodagu.

The school, Swastha, a special school for the differently-abled was set up in Sunticoppa in 2003. It is partly residential and offers free education. She has worked tirelessly for eleven years taking the school to great heights. Tailoring, screen printing, offset printing, book binding, paper bags and candle-making are a few of the skills being taught there.

Some of the youngsters from the school even got a chance to represent India at the international level in the Para-Olympics.

by P.T. Bopanna

source: http://www.coorgnews.in / CoorgNews.in / Home> Features> NewsMakers / by P.T. Bopanna / December 02nd, 2014

Kodagu Dancer To Pursue Research In Kodava Language

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

ShilpaKF06jul2019

Mysuru:

Shilpa Nanjappa, an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer from Kodagu, has also been awarded the prestigious Fellowship by the Indian Government’s Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) for 2019-2021 for being an outstanding artiste.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, an elated Shilpa said that the two-year Fellowship meant a lot for her and she has chosen to do extensive research on ‘Adaptation of Kodava compositions (existing and new) into the classical music format and Bharatanatyam’.

“In simple words, my topic means popularising Kodava language through classical music format and Bharatanatyam. There are many compositions in Kodava language in both prose and poetry formats written by Dr. I.M. Muthanna, Haradasa Appacha Kavi, Nadikerianda Chinnappa, Boverianda Nanjamma and Chinnappa and other writers. Also, there are many poetic compositions in spoken Kodava language and Kodava songs. My aim is to popularise such compositions by extensive research and documentation,” Shilpa says. “My topic aims to popularise Kodava language by propelling it to people who don’t normally hear it and also to create a renewed enthusiasm among the current generation to speak Kodava Thakk (Kodava language). I am happy to do a Fellowship in this unexplored area of work and I want to do full justice to my homeland and its culture,” she explains.

The documentation of the Fellowship project will be a valuable resource for anyone who does future research on Kodava language and will interest those who want to learn the language and explore its origin and development.

“I have been brought up with great regard and respect for Kodava language and culture which has inspired and motivated me to serve Kodagu and its people. This Fellowship is a timely encouragement to carry on the work that I was already doing for Kodava language,” Shilpa adds.

Daughter of Allaranda Kamy and Uthappa, she is married to Mukkatira Pavan Nanjappa and lives in Madikeri with her family including a five-year-old daughter and a year-old son. Her guru is late Padmini Ramachandran.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 06th, 2019

Tejaswini Ananth Kumar Releases Kaadinolagondu Jeeva Book

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

ChinnappaKF05jul2019

A narration of experiences of retired Forest Officer K.M Chinnappa

Mysuru:

Wildlife First and Bharathi Prakashana, Mysuru, had organised a programme at Hotel Roost on Hunsur Road here this morning for the release of the book Kaadinolagondu Jeeva, based on the first-hand experiences of retired Forest Ranger K.M. Chinnappa, written by T.S. Gopal, retired Principal of Srimangala Junior College.

Releasing the book, Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, President of Adamya Chetana Trust and wife of late former Union Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar, observed that humans to prove their greatness were going against nature and inviting problems. She regretted that people were unaware of safe disposal of waste materials leading to environmental pollution. She commended Chinnappa for his experiences as a Forest Officer.

Speaking on the book, Dr. S.V. Narasimhan heaped praises on the ‘Hero’ of the book Chinnappa and the author of the book Gopal in evolving a great study volume. He appreciated the enthusiasm of the 80-year-old Chinnappa in narrating the experiences in the forest vividly.

Addressing the gathering, Chinnappa asked people to be aware of animal behaviour in forests. He warned that rampant deforestation would invite more drought. He commended Gopal in putting his (Chinnappa) experiences beautifully through words.

Author Gopal was present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 03rd, 2019

Dubai: UAE Kannada Doctors’ Association celebrates National Doctors’ Day

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

Dubai :

United Arab Emirates Kannada Doctors expressed gratitude to Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru family for arranging meet and greet of Kannada doctors’ in Dubai on behalf of National Doctors’ day.

The stage was set on June 28 at Hotel Conrad, Sheikh Zayed Road in the city for the joyous celebration of ‘Doctors’ day’ and proud United Arab Emirates Kannada Doctors’ first ever get together in Dubai.

Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru Dubai Family, the pioneers of promotion of Kannada language and culture in the UAE since four years organized the first ever gathering of Kannada Doctors with the theme ‘UAE Kannada Doctors Meet & Greet’.

Over 100 eminent doctors from all across the seven emirates attended this maiden occasion. The UAE national anthem, Indian national anthem, Karnataka state anthem ‘Jai Bharatha Jananiya Tanujaathe’ filled the hall with great spirit.

‘Kannada Deepa’ was lit by Dr Guru Madhva Rao, President, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University along with the Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru organizing members with the prayers of well being to humanity.

Dr Savitha Mysore from Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru family warmly welcomed the guests musing about their medical college days, professional challenges, dedication, success stories and explaining the purpose of the formation of the group and its vision.

Vishnu Murthy shared Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru’s works, vision and mission to promote the Kannada Language and culture and sought the doctors’ support to take it to newer heights, which was warmly reciprocated with assurance and applause.

Self-introduction of the Doctors had many nostalgic moments as each one of them shared their home towns, education, specialization, workplace, worldwide and UAE experiences and love for Kannada. Teachers found their students and vice versa.

A special cake cutting celebration was arranged by Hemmeya team celebrating Doctors’ day. The cake was cut by Dr Guru Madva Rao, Dr Vasanth, Dr Anil Kumar, Dr Aris, Dr Shanthi, Dr Ragavendra Bhat, Dr Mamatha, Dr Fauzia, Dr Godfred, Dr Vasanth, Dr Anil along with all the other doctors.

Several key points on forming the Doctors’ Associaton, conduting Medical CME, cultural meets, professional workshops, and Doctors’ protection were discussed. Dr.Guru Madva Rao welcomed all the doctors to RAK University Campus with open arms and to utilize the facilities for professional development.

Rafiq Ali Kundanda Kunjila and Dr Lekha Thammaiah explained how lives are lost during golden hour of emergency and patients had to be rushed from Kodagu to far away Mangaluru, Mysuru or Bengaluru due to lack of facilities and made an appeal for an early set up of Super-speciality Hospital in Kodagu supporting the ongoing campaign in Karnataka. Doctors supported the noble cause by raising their hands and speaking in one voice that it is long overdue for decades and an absolute necessity to save lives. A video appeal was recorded for submission to the Government of Karnataka.

Vote of thanks was rendered by Dr Lekha Kodagu, from Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru group, in which she thanked all the doctors for their precious presence and appealed to connect all the Kannada doctors, and to work for the professional development, give employment opportunities to Kannadigas and promotion of Kannada culture and language was well received.

The lunch with the North Karnataka cuisine of ‘Jolada Rotti Oota’ was followed by singing of Kannada songs by the multi-talented Dr Santosh, Dr Manjunath, Dr Mamatha and Dr Lekha.

The doctors immensely appreciated and thanked the organizing members of Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru family Rafiq Ali Kodagu, Sudeep Davanagere, Senthil Bengaluru, Shashidhar, Mamatha Sharja, Hadiya Mandya, Pallavi Basavaraj, Vishnu Murthy Mysore, Dr Savitha Mohan, Dr Lekha Thammaiah for bringing all the minds and hearts together and expressed their strong support to their future events and initiatives through active participation.

Programme video youtube link

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Middle East / July 04th, 2019

Nikhil Chinapa will be performing in Delhi this Friday & you cannot afford to miss it

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

Heartthrob for an entire generation and the face of MTV’s popular reality show, Splitsvilla, Nikhil Chinapa is going to be in the city this Friday.

Are you ready to have the ultimate Friday night experience? An evening so thrilling and so full of life that you wouldn’t be able to forget it for an extremely long time? Well, if your answer is yes, we have just the thing for you.

Heartthrob for an entire generation and the face of MTV’s popular reality show, Splitsvilla, Nikhil Chinapa is going to be in the city this Friday. You have to be at The Royal Friday Soiree where he’ll be showcasing his legendary DJing skills.

The MTV star found his way into our young teenage hearts years ago and we cannot seem to get over him to this day. So be sure when you turn your head you’ll find us bobbing our heads to whatever he’s playing.

The Royal Friday Soiree is touted to be the biggest musical event brought to Delhi by the DJ fraternity. The event would take the town on a funky, electronic, techno journey ferried around by DJ Nikhil Chinapa.

Nikhil, who is also the festival director of Sunburn, a former radio jockey, MTV VJ apart from being the fantastic music producer he is, will be performing in Delhi on 5th of July. To take us on a musical ride and bring us the most happening nights we would witness for a while.

So make the necessary arrangements, call your friends, get your tickets and be sure to head to the amazing event because we’re sure it is going to be an epic showcase of all the talents that the powerhouse of a DJ has.

Date: Friday, 5th July | 10 PM onwards

Location: Imperfecto Shor – Hospitality District Asset 5A, Aerocity

Entry: Early Bird ticket for females- ₹999, Full Cover passes for couples- ₹3000

Book your tickets from Bookmyshow here.

source: http://www.knocksense.com / Knock Sense / Home> Delhi / by Akanksha Singh / July 01st, 2019

‘Madikeri Square’ in town soon

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
The site where Madikeri Square will come up.
The site where Madikeri Square will come up.

The City Municipal Council (CMC) has proposed to construct a tourist spot in the name of Madikeri Square on the old bus stand premises.

Architects and engineers had visited and inspected the spot and have prepared an action plan.

The private bus stand was damaged during the natural calamity in August 2018. Later, the bus stand building was demolished. There was a proposal to construct a commercial complex which has not materialised. Now, the CMC has come forward to construct Madikeri Square.

According to CMC Commissioner Ramesh, the estimated cost of the project is Rs 3 crore. It was decided to utilise Rs 1 crore from the district administration and Rs 2 crore from the Tourism Department for the construction of Madikeri Square.

District In-charge Minister Sa Ra Mahesh had visited the spot and directed the Tourism Department to chalk out a plan to attract tourists.

Using German technology, a retaining wall is being constructed at the site where the hillock had caved in on the private bus stand at an estimated cost of Rs 1.7 crore. The soil from the landslide site has been tested by an engineering college in Bengaluru, said the officials.

Kodava Makkada Koota President Bollajira B Ayyappa said if the bus stand land is converted artistically, then it will increase the beauty of the site. A bronze statue of Ajjamada Devaiah will be installed at the circle. The statue will be brought from Bidadi in Bengaluru.

Kodava Makkada Koota has urged to name Madikeri Square after Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devaiah Square.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / June 09th, 2019

ZP CEO admits child to Kadagadalu school

Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
Kodagu Zilla Panchayat CEO K Lakshmi Priya and Madikeri Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Lakshmi speak to a child in Kadagadalu.
Kodagu Zilla Panchayat CEO K Lakshmi Priya and Madikeri Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Lakshmi speak to a child in Kadagadalu.

Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K Lakshmi Priya visited various places in Kadagadalu Gram Panchayat limits in Madikeri on Thursday and collected information on children who have dropped out of school.

As a part of the special enrollment drive by the education department, the ZP CEO and Madikeri Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Lakshmi convinced the parents to send their wards to schools. A school dropout was admitted to the eighth standard in Government High School in Kadagadalu.

Kadagadalu Gram Panchayat Vice President Madettira Timmaiah, Kadagadalu Panchayat Development Officer B D Devika, Government Higher Primary School, Kadagadalu, Headteacher Neelamma were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / June 07th, 2019

‘Sinkholes to Stars’ Monday at GLMHC in Sanctuary Series

Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Professor Bopi Biddanda
Professor Bopi Biddanda

On Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. is the next program in the Sanctuary Lecture Series, “Sinkholes to Stars: Diving into Lake Huron’s Sinkholes while Reaching for the Heavens.”

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this free program at Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 West Fletcher St., Alpena.

Grand Valley State University Professor Bopi Biddanda will share the excitement of over a decade of exploration of life in Lake Huron’s sinkholes carried out in collaboration with Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and ponder the relevance of these findings to major issues of both scientific and societal interest such as Earth’s current biologic and physiologic diversity, oxygenation of early Earth in the distant past, and humanity’s ongoing search for extra-terrestrial life.

Biddanda is an aquatic microbial ecologist studying the movement of carbon driven by microbes at the Annis Water Resources Institute at GVSU. He grew up in the lush subtropical mountains of Southwest India, and came to the U.S. in the 1980s to obtain a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Georgia. Subsequently, he went on research and teaching adventures at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (Germany), National Institute of Oceanography (India), University of Texas Marine Science Institute, University of Rio Grande (Brazil) and University of Minnesota.

For the last decade and a half at GVSU, he has been studying the microbial cycling of elements in the Laurentian Great Lakes — exploring life in extreme environments such as Lake Huron’s sinkholes and operating a world-class time-series buoy observatory in Muskegon Lake.

Courtesy Photo A diver navigates a sink hole in Lake Huron.
Courtesy Photo A diver navigates a sink hole in Lake Huron.

He teaches classes in marine biology and aquatic ecology, and directs NASA’s Michigan Space Grant Consortium programs at GVSU. He hopes to continue to study Earth’s lakes — one of our most vital freshwater commons — as sentinels of change.

For more information, contact Stephanie Gandulla at steph.gandulla@noaa.gov or 989-884-6200.

source: http://www.thealpenanews.com / The Alpena News / Home> Life / June 06th, 2019

Anxiety is a positive emotion before any tournament, says Robin Uthappa

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

UthappaKF31may2019

Robin Uthappa, who endured a tough season with Kolkata Knight Riders in the recently concluded IPL, said that anxiety acts as a motivator ahead of the start of any major tournament. KKR failed to make the play-off stage this season as they lost their do-or-die encounter against Mumbai Indians.

The recent Indian Premier League (IPL) ended with Mumbai Indians picking up their fourth title as they beat Chennai Super Kings in the final by one run. Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai made their way to the final after they beat Kolkata Knight Riders in their final league match at the Wankhede Stadium. However, things would have been different for Dinesh Karthik & Co. had they beaten Mumbai in that match. Had they done so, it would have been them who secured the fourth spot instead of Sunrisers Hyderabad who made the cut.

KKR’s Robin Uthappa, who had a tough outing with the Kolkata-based side this year, said that anxiety has an important role to play before the start of any tournament.

“Before the last game… I got to be honest, I did feel pretty anxious, (but) it’s quite a good feeling. It’s got to be anxiety. If you are nervous, then may be you are not prepared well enough. If it is anxiety, then it’s a positive emotion that precedes a tournament,” Uthappa said in a recent interview with The Telegraph.

The former Indian middle-order batsman further opened up about his preparation phase before the start of a typical IPL season.

“All of that becomes a lifestyle, honestly. I pretty much work out every day. The hours depend on how the body is feeling. We don’t go crazy working hard. Working smart is also a critical thing, understanding your body, how much recovery is required… all these aspects play a huge role in training.

“You are a cognisant of all these aspects and you train accordingly. Sometimes you train for an hour and hour-and-a-half, sometimes it goes on for a few hours and sometimes just 45 minutes, just a top-up on all that you have done. Sometimes you are feeling good, but you are also sore. So, you pop in and out of the gym for a 20-minute-half-an-hour session.

“Primarily, it is a combination of speed, endurance and strength. Cricket is a start-stop kind of sport. Today the sport is moving towards the power aspect of the game. You want to keep in mind those aspects as well,” Uthappa added.

source: http://www.sportscafe.com / SportsCafe / Home> Cricket> National> News / by SportsCafe Desk / May 22nd, 2019

Full-time national coach need of the hour: Joshna Chinappa

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

After reaching the pre-quarterfinal at the British Open last week, Joshna Chinappa opened up on her rivalry with Dipika Pallikal, problems with the national coaching setup and her plans for 2019 in an interview.

From being top 10 in the world in 2016, to winning the 2014 Commonwealth Games women’s squash doubles gold with Dipika Pallikal and being one of the few on tour to beat the top three in women’s singles, Joshna Chinappa’s career has been on an upswing since she turned pro 15 years back.

Earlier this month, the 32-year-old won the singles title at the Asian Championships in Kuala Lumpur to become the first Indian to win two continental crowns and retain the title she won at Chennai in 2017 by beating Pallikal.

After reaching the pre-quarterfinal at the British Open last week, she opened up on her rivalry with Pallikal, problems with the national coaching setup and her plans for 2019 in an interview. Excerpts:

You are the first Indian to defend and win two Asian Championship titles.

It feels great to have won the Asian Championship again. It was a good week in Kuala Lumpur, especially travelling with the team. On the professional tour it’s usually just me so it was nice to have the whole team, including physiotherapist Dimple and Harry (Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu) be there to support us.

Your opponent in the final, Annie Au, has a strong record against you. How satisfying was it to beat her for the first time since 2017?

Annie is tough to play against, mentally and physically. I had lost to her three times so it was extremely satisfying to win the final.

Sandhu was courtside when Saurav Ghosal and you won the Asian titles. Your thoughts on banking on fellow players for advice instead of a coach…

Harry is a player and has experienced what we as professional players go through and understands the game well. So having him was helpful. At most of my tournaments we help each other because we don’t have a full-time coach travelling with us. As Harry is injured (and out) of the tour, he was happy to come with the team and it is great SRFI (Squash Rackets Federation of India) chose to send him with us.

There’s been a controversy regarding coach, Cyrus Poncha. SRFI say he was in Malaysia. The players deny which is why they had to help each other during matches.

Harry, as coach, and our physiotherapist were the only officials who travelled with us.

What are the challenges of not having a chief national coach?

I work with my coach, Hadrian Stiff, in Bristol, England, so I keep going as often as I can to train there. Also, I train at the squash academy in Chennai. The coaches at the academy are helpful, but it would be great to have an experienced coach based here or even a part-time coach work with the juniors and seniors. I hope we can get a coach to travel with us on the pro tour as it makes a huge difference to have someone in our corner, helping us in-between games.

How do you view your rivalry with Pallikal? You have a better record (7-2) against her.

We have a healthy rivalry on court and when I play her it’s like playing any other player I compete with on the professional tour.

You have beaten the top-three players (all Egyptians) in the world at least once but lost to players ranked below you.

Competition is extremely high in the women’s game. Everyone is working hard and is so fit and strong with high levels of skill. You have to be at the top of your game from Round 1.

Can Egypt’s domination in women’s squash be broken?

Egypt are extremely strong and I don’t see that changing soon.

What can be done to improve Indian squash?

We need more TV time and better infrastructure, which is monitored by quality coaches and trainers.

The disadvantages of squash not being an Olympic sport?

The development of the sport and financial support from the government and corporates would be a lot more if squash was an Olympic sport.

Your goals for 2019?

To be injury free and healthy.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Other Sports / by Sandip Sikdar, New Delhi / May 27th, 2019