The Kodava community in Karnataka will hold an 80-km peace march to highlight cultural erosion, identity concerns, and ecological challenges in Kodagu.
Kodava Community Plans 80-Km Peace March to Protect Cultural Identity
The Kodava community, an indigenous group in Karnataka known for its unique traditions and martial heritage, has announced an 80-kilometer peace march from February 2 to 7. Organized by the Federation of Kodava Samajas, the march will begin in Kutta, near the Kerala border, and conclude in Madikeri, Kodagu’s district headquarters.
The initiative aims to draw attention to the community’s dwindling population and threats to its cultural identity. According to reports, the Kodava community has been raising concerns over cultural erosion, socio-political neglect, and restrictions on traditional practices.
The Kodava population, once estimated at 300,000, has declined to approximately 125,000. Speaking to The Times of India, Chandapanda Prajwal Poovanna, a real estate professional, highlighted the demographic shift. “Only 40% of Kodavas continue to reside in Kodagu, leading to a loss of political representation and influence,” he said.
The community has also voiced concerns about the increasing sale of ancestral land to outsiders. Wealthy buyers, including politicians and businesspeople from Karnataka and neighboring states, are reportedly converting plantations into commercial establishments.
“Many Kodavas are forced to sell their properties and migrate due to economic pressures. This not only threatens our cultural roots but also disrupts Kodagu’s ecological balance,” Theethramada Satish Bopanna told The Times of India.
Despite their small numbers, the Kodavas have made significant contributions to India’s armed forces and sports. Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General K S Thimayya are among the community’s most celebrated military leaders. Sports icons like hockey player M P Ganesh, cricketer Robin Uthappa, badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa, and tennis player Rohan Bopanna also hail from the region.
“Even with such contributions, the state and central governments often overlook our concerns because we are a small community that does not significantly impact vote banks,” cultural expert Poyyatira Raj Chengappa told The Times of India.
The Kodava community has been advocating for special status to protect their cultural and ecological heritage.
Bayavanda Sharath Kushalapoa, secretary of SVG Kodava Sangha, highlighted the importance of such measures. “Special status would prevent outsiders from purchasing land for commercial purposes and help conserve Kodagu’s distinct culture and environment,” he said.
Organizers have called for widespread participation to highlight the urgency of their cause. Kodava Community Plans 80-Km Peace March to Protect Cultural Identity
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Sowmya Sangam / Hans News Service / January 28th, 2025
On the 125th birth anniversary of K M Cariappa, here’s a look at one of his letters to Jawaharlal Nehru.
After his retirement, Field Marshal (then General) Cariappa served as the high commissioner of India to Australia and New Zealand from 1953 to 1956 and after completing this tenure he settled in Madikeri in Coorg. (Source: Express Archives)
Field Marshal K M Cariappa , the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army, wrote a series of letters to then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru with several suggestions — from the Kashmir issue to the setting up of a National Defence College.
After his retirement, Field Marshal (then General) Cariappa served as the high commissioner of India to Australia and New Zealand from 1953 to 1956 and after completing this tenure he settled in Madikeri in Coorg.
On the 125th birth anniversary of K M Cariappa on January 28, here is a look at one of his letters to Jawaharlal Nehru.
In his letter dated April 14, 1960, a plain-speaking Cariappa expressed his annoyance to Nehru for not replying to two of his letters. “Since we last met on 16th January at Bangalore I have written to you two letters on matters which I thought and still think are of some importance. Taking you at your own word I have always written and talked to you quite frankly, without beating around the bush with no ulterior motives or political ambitions of any kind whatsoever. I know what a very busy person you are. But I did expect at least a line or two In reply to those letters. Have I said anything, traitorous or unpatriotic? At any time that you should so totally ignore the matters. I have written to you. Panditji, I never expected this of you. This is indeed a sad and tragic ‘discovery’ for me. I am afraid, I cause and create unhappiness to myself By being too much of an idealist,” wrote Cariappa.
Cariappa then went on to raise three issues in his letter which he had mentioned on previous occasions to Nehru. He referred to the urgent need to look into the morale of officers in the Army, and also opposed the setting up of a National Defence College citing expenses and administrative issues about it.
Field Marshal Cariappa also emphasised to Nehru the need to reach out to the then president of Pakistan Ayub Khan and solve the Kashmir issue, saying that it should not be left pending for future generations. “Panditji please do this in your lifetime. We cannot live forever and we cannot hold office forever. Ayub will be prepared to discuss things with you if you show your desire to thrash out the matter between you two. Please let India and Pakistan settle the 12-year-old matter between themselves. This will then secure a more permanent feeling of goodwill between the two countries than if it were left to someone else — third party to settle it for us,” he said.
Urging Nehru to give “a kind and charitable thought” to his suggestions, Cariappa ended the letter by asking Nehru not to dismiss his suggestions by saying “yet another irresponsible thing from one who is mental”.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Chandigarh / by Man Aman Singh Chhina / January 28th, 2025
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah handed over a cheque for Rs. 1 crore to the Kundyolanda family, organisers of the 2024 Kodava Hockey Festival, during a ceremony held here on Thursday.
The funds, allocated from the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, underscore the government’s commitment to promoting the unique sporting tradition of the Kodava community in Kodagu.
The event was attended by Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, MP Ajay Maken, Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Chief Secretary to the Government Shalini Rajneesh, and Additional Chief Secretary to the CM and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance L.K. Atheeq.
Highlighting the cultural and sporting significance of the festival, CM Siddaramaiah praised the Kodava hockey tournament, which entered the Guinness World Record last year as the largest field hockey event.
The 2024 edition saw participation from 360 teams and 4,800 players, showcasing the unmatched passion of the Kodava community for hockey.
“Hockey is deeply rooted in Kodava culture, and it is a matter of pride that the tournament has gained global recognition. As the birthplace of hockey legends like Dhyan Chand, India must nurture this sport alongside cricket. The State Government remains steadfast in its support for elevating the Kodava Hockey Festival to greater heights,” Siddaramaiah stated.
The Kodava family hockey tournament, a hallmark of the Kodagu district, has been organised annually for over two decades. It began in 1997 with just 60 teams and has grown into a mega-event with international attention.
Many Kodavas have gone on to represent India in national hockey teams, further cementing the community’s association with the sport. CM Siddaramaiah expressed his hope for the tradition to flourish and promised continued support to sustain the festival’s legacy.
It may be recalled in Aug. 2024, Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, Ajay Maken, speaking in the Rajya Sabha, had highlighted that the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament 2024 had earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records — a remarkable achievement accomplished without any support from the Union Government, though the State Government had fully backed the event. This, he had argued, underscores the urgent need for the Centre’s involvement in such significant sporting events.
He had also called upon the Centre to provide financial assistance for the Annual Kodava Family Hockey Tournament.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 13th, 2025
Rohan Bopanna, 44, has enjoyed a glittering career in doubles tennis, winning two Grand Slam titles – but he was forced to consider retirement in 2019 due to having injured knees.
Iyengar Yoga has changed Rohan Bopanna’s life
Tennis pro Rohan Bopanna has opened up about the severe knee issues that almost led him to hang up his racket in 2019 – and the remedy he found to combat the pain.
The Bangalore-born doubles specialist, who boasts an impressive career record of 504 wins against 367 losses, including 26 titles and two Grand Slam victories, faced a major setback when he contemplated retirement due to having no cartilage in his knees.
Bopanna’s career highlights include clinching the mixed doubles title at the French Open in 2017 with Gabriela Dabrowski and securing another Grand Slam win at the 2024 Australian Open with Matthew Ebden. Yet, it was nearly a different story for Bopanna, as he revealed in an interview with Claytenis: “In 2019 I was contemplating retiring because I had no cartilages in my knees. I was in a lot of pain. I wanted to stop at the end of that year.”
He credits a discovery made during the pandemic for his remarkable turnaround, sharing (via Surrey Live): “During the pandemic, actually, I discovered Iyengar Yoga. And this changed my entire journey.
I was having almost two, three painkillers a day because my knees were torturing me so hard. Without being able to play tennis because of the lockdowns I was doing it four times a week, 90-minute sessions. And it really strengthened a lot of my muscles and everything.
“And I went from two, three painkillers a day to no painkillers. From pain to no pain. Because when you have pain as a tennis player, it’s tough. You know, always dealing with that every single day. You don’t want to wake up and be in pain. So now, thanks to Iyengar Yoga and having a good physio to really do a lot of strengthening. It has been incredible.”
Rohan Bopanna considered retiring from tennis in 2019
Iyengar Yoga focuses on detail, precision and alignment and uses longer poses than traditional Hatha Yoga. Meanwhile, props like blocks are often used in the practice, to allow people to adapt to certain poses which may otherwise be difficult in terms of strength and mobility.
Fast forward to 2024, and Bopanna believes that he would best his younger self if they ever met on the court despite his history with injury. Elsewhere in the conversation, he added: “Without a doubt. Experience is so important. I might have had more power, but tennis is not about power. It’s about experience and your mind strength.”
He continued: “I never think of the age, because both of us are there to play tennis in the same tournament. Because even if he’s older than me or younger than me, it makes no difference. Both of us are there to win the match. So I just go there and play my game. I’m not really looking at it as whether he’s young, old, he’s my age, he’s 15 years younger, 20 years younger. It doesn’t matter. Once you cross 18, everybody comes to the real world.”
Rohan Bopanna
Discussing his thoughts on retirement today, Bopanna expressed a desire to keep playing. He said: “As long as I’m enjoying the competition and travel, yeah. Why not? And my family is here in the Grand Slams. My wife is here, my daughter is traveling. I never would have thought my daughter would be watching me play live.
“If I had stopped at 35, this would not have happened. She would have been like, oh, my dad used to play tennis. Today she can say her dad is a tennis player.”
source: http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk / Gloucestershire Live / Home> News> Health> Tennis / by Aaron Morris, Sr Sports Reporter & Maria Ortega / January 06th, 2025
P.T. Bopanna’s book Nanjamma Chinnappa – Chronicler of Coorg Culture looks at how the writer who passed away last year and her husband closely observed and recorded many aspects of the Kodava culture.
P.T. Bopanna | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Pattole Palame (Silken Lore), originally compiled by the folklorist Nadikerianda Chinnappa in 1924, is considered a treasure trove of Kodava oral traditions, including songs, rituals, and stories that have been passed down through generations. Originally written in Kodava, it was the late Nanjamma Chinnappa and her late husband Boverianda Chinnappa who translated the work to English in 2003, making this treasured piece of literature accessible for Kodavas as well as others interested in oral literature around the globe.
As the celebrated author passed away in March 2024, writer and journalist P.T. Boppanna is set to release a book honouring her, titled Nanjamma Chinnappa – Chronicler of Coorg Culture. The book is a collage of works of Nanjamma that talks about her setting the image of a quintessential Kodavathi, her work on the architectural heritage of Kodagu, ancestral homes and Coorg cuisine. It is also a personal tribute looking at how the Chinnappa couple guided Bopanna’s journey as an author.
Speaking to The Hindu, Bopanna said that Nanjamma and her late husband worked as a team for various projects and were associated with some of his work too. “The Chinnappas were closely associated with my book and website projects for over 15 years,” he said.
Book on Nanjamma Chinnappa by P.T. Bopanna. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The couple’s journey
“Nanjamma, a statistician of international repute, and her husband Chinnappa, an engineer, left for Cambridge, England, in 1974 where Nanjamma was a visiting fellow of Cambridge University. In 1975, they went to Canada to continue their careers and returned to India in 1995. Their first project after returning from Canada was to translate into English Pattole Palame, a book on Kodava culture, folk songs and traditions, written by their common grandfather Nadikerianda Chinnappa,” he explained.
Boppanna said that it took Nanjamma and her husband nearly eight years to complete the translation of the book which runs into 700-plus pages and was published in 2003. “The couple will be remembered mainly for their monumental book Ainmanes of Kodagu, on the traditional dwelling places of the original inhabitants of Kodagu. The Chinnappas believed that Ainmanes (house of elders/ancestral home) and their surroundings were sacred heritage sites that need to be preserved for future generations,” he said.
The Chinnappas are said to have visited close to 700 traditional and functional Ainmanes belonging to all communities in Kodagu and clicked 1,500 photographs during their field-work which took them five years. The book was published in 2014. “The couple also put together a website www.ainmanes.com that contains detailed information and photographs of each Ainmane visited, including oral narratives related to the Okka (clan) to whom the Ainmane belongs,” explained Boppanna.
A personal connect
The couple took a lot of interest in Boppanna’s own work on Kodava heritage and guided him in many ways, he said. “The Chinnappas were associated with my book and website projects since around 2007. They had gone through the manuscript of all my nine books, including my last book Round and About with P.T. Bopanna, published in 2022. They checked my books for grammatical and factual errors and offered suggestions for improving the content. Initially, I used to visit their home in Bengaluru. After they shifted to Mysuru a few years ago we exchanged emails and messages. They wrote the foreword for my book Are Kodavas (Coorgs) Hindus? They also wrote the afterword for my book My Coorg Chronicle,” he explained.
Boppanna said that one of the highlights of this book is the interview of Nanjamma by Dr. Nervanda Veena Poonacha, an eminent sociologist and women’s studies scholar. Veena had spoken to Nanjamma on the latter’s life journey. The foreword for the book has been penned by Dr. Sowmya Dechamma C.C., Professor, Centre for Comparative Literature, University of Hyderabad.
In the foreword of the book, Dechamma says that those who are even slightly familiar with the Kodavas of Kodagu and their increased awareness of Kodava language, culture and identity politics in the last three decades or so, would have definitely come across Nanjamma Chinnappa, her work and her ideas.
Context of their work
“On 31st March 2024, Nanjamma left us, leaving a void in the Kodava world. If an earlier generation of Kodava writers and intellectuals like Pandyanda Belliappa, I.M. Muthanna, B.D. Ganapathy, set a foundation for a discourse about the different identities of the Kodava, it was around a time when limitations of literacy and media restricted access to their work and discussions around them. The times in which Nanjamma and her husband and collaborator in her work, Chinnappa, began researching, writing and translating on the Kodavas, their work began appearing during a period of immense growth in media, combined with changes in the larger socio-economic scenario that had bearings on identity politics of the 1990s and thereafter. The opening up of the economy and large-scale migration of the Kodavas into urban centres along with an awareness of a distinct Kodava identity was the context in which Nanjamma and Chinnappa’s works were received,” she says in the foreword.
What Dechamma finds of immense significance in this volume is the interview of Nanjamma by Veena Poonacha that charts Nanjamma’s life and work. “Her review of works by Nanjamma and Chinnappa are equally valuable. Bringing together in one place the reflections and works by Nanjamma and Chinnappa is one of the best tributes possible to the life and work they were part of. Their effort in spreading indigenous knowledge associated with Kodavas and Kodagu needs us to take their work further,” she says.
Priced at ₹195, the book Nanjamma Chinnappa – Chronicler of Coorg Culture is published by Prism Books Pvt. Ltd,. and is available for purchase on online stores such as Amazon and Flipkart.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Yemen S / January 03rd, 2024
Retired IAS officer, Rathi Vinay Jha, has been selected as Coorg Person of the Year 2024 in a poll conducted by a news and tourism portal, www.coorgtourisminfo.com.
With her roots in Kodagu district in Karnataka, Ms. Rathi Vinay Jha, a former Union Tourism Secretary, had initiated several projects to “conserve Kodava culture and the martial traditions of the comunity, known for its contributions to the nation in the areas of defence and sports,” author P.T. Bopanna, who runs the portal pointed out.
He said Ms. Rathi was instrumental in setting up the virtual museum of Kodava heritage and culture, the project known as Sandooka — a treasure trove of information.
“The virtual museum is an interactive online space, brought together through material contributed by the Kodava community. Sandooka will be a living museum of Kodava culture and will be useful for future generations of Kodavas.”
“It was at the instance of Ms. Rathi, a model of Kodava ainmane (ancestral house) was inaugurated this October in Dakshinachitra Museum near Chennai,” Mr. Bopanna said.
Dakshinachitra is home to 18 traditional houses that depict the unique culture of South India. The ainmane project involved dismantling a structure built in 1852 in Kodagu and was transported to Dakshinachitra Museum, said Mr. Bopanna.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 01st, 2025
Following are the prize winners of the 23rd Edition of Kodagu Golf Open Championship-2024 held at J.W. Golf Club, Mysuru, on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1:
Strokeplay Gross – Field Marshal Cariappa Memorial Trophy, sponsored by K.C. Biddappa: Shridhar Singh (74 Gross) – Winner; K.A. Anil Kumar (77 Gross) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over M.C.S. Manohara).
Strokeplay Net (H/C 0 to 12) – Gen. K.S. Thimmaiah Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Mandovi Motors: I.K. Anil (68 Net) – Winner (Better Back 9 Over Sonam Chugh); Sonam Chugh (68 Net) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over M.C.S. Manohara).
Strokeplay Net (H/C 13 to 18) – Sqn. Ldr. M.B. Chittiappa Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Mallengada B. Nanaiah: J.N. Arjun (62 Net) – Winner; Ram Kevalur (68 Net) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over K.C. Vishwananda Bhat & Janardhan Babu).
K.B. Ganapathy, Founder-Editor, Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, seen presenting the trophy to K.C. Vishwananda Bhat (38 Points), runner of Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 18) – Kodagu Warriors Trophy sponsored by Star of Mysore, as others look on.
Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 18) – Kodagu Warriors Trophy, sponsored by Star of Mysore: Dr. T.M. Prashanth (39 Points) – Winner; K.C. Vishwananda Bhat (38 Points) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over Janardhan Babu).
Stableford Net (H/C 19 to 24) – Kodagu Challenge Trophy, sponsored by P.C. Naren Uthaiah: B.S. Sathyanarayan (40 Points) – Winner; Madhushree Srinivasan (38 Points) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over A.S. Somesh, K.N. Theerthananda & M.B. Nanaiah).
Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 18) – Kodagu Warriors Trophy, sponsored by Star of Mysore: Dr. T.M. Prashanth (39 Points) – Winner; K.C. Vishwananda Bhat (38 Points) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over Janardhan Babu).
Stableford Net (H/C 19 to 24) – Kodagu Challenge Trophy, sponsored by P.C. Naren Uthaiah: B.S. Sathyanarayan (40 Points) – Winner; Madhushree Srinivasan (38 Points) – Runner (Better Back 9 Over A.S. Somesh, K.N. Theerthananda & M.B. Nanaiah).
P.M. Ganapathy, Senior Member, Association of Kodagu Golfers of JWGC, teeing of the Kodagu Golf Open Championship-2024 on Nov. 30.
Best Lady Golfer – Stableford Net (H/C 0 to 24), sponsored by C.B. Changappa: Priya Kushalappa (36 Points) – Winner.
Fortunate Golfer – Sponsored by Brig. N.N. Madappa: M. Ramesh – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 2nd Hole – Sponsored by Col. C.P. Medappa: A.S. Somesh (7 Feet 2 Inches) – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 6th Hole – Sponsored by Travel Parkz: Dr. Anthony Fernandes (8 Feet 5 Inches) – Winner.
Nearest to the Pin – 12th Hole – Sponsored by Praveen Chengappa: Ram Kevalur (11 Feet 10 Inches) – Winner.
Crooked Line – 16th Hole – Sponsored by K.B. Kushalappa: Rick Van Vliet (On The Line) – Winner.
A total of 270 golfers took part in the Championship, according to a press release from Tournament Sub-Committee Chairperson Sonam Chugh and Hon. Secretary V.G. Achar.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / December 03rd, 2024
In my previous article, I featured an Ethiopian coffee export company who ran her business based on trust. This is factored in two ways; dealing with her farmers and clientele. In this day and age, we can learn a thing or two by understanding the wisdom behind why some people do the things they do, treading a harder path and not resort to shortcuts. They are in it for the long term, not focused on the short term gains. I have nothing but high regard for individuals like Medina.
Continuing a similar conversation, I have been focusing on what exactly is happening at the farm level by getting in touch with the producer directly. In this article, I talk to the owner of a coffee estate farm based in India. Sumaira gives us an insight about how her family’s coffee estate started in the late 18th century, processing techniques employed on her farm, the specialty coffee movement in India, and much more.
source: Rasulpur Coffee Estates
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and Rasulpur Coffee Estates?
I am Sumaira, the owner of Rasulpur Coffee Estates & Roasters . We are located in the Rasulpur village, Coorg district, in the hot spots of the Western Ghats, India. My entrepreneurship journey has had its shares of ups and downs. I took up a career as an interior designer and worked as a business head for a furniture empire in India. Later on, I moved to the UAE and explored the real estate industry and the coffee sector. I envisioned starting up something of my own, being from a family of coffee planters and having the self-confidence and determination to start my own business. Something clicked the moment I realized how the coffee industry is growing day-by-day.
To add, I am a fifth generation coffee planter who introduced specialty coffee at our estate. We introduced better equipments and techniques, and new processing and fermentation methods which I’ll get into a little later. A laboratory is set up for roasting and cupping to create different roast profiles and new blends at our estate. We believe in helping and encouraging our coffee community, especially the neighboring small and marginal coffee growers to analyze their coffees, and improve their harvesting and processing methods to fetch a better price for their coffee.
The journey of Rasulpur Coffee Estates started in the late 18th century when our ancestors migrated to the Western Ghats of India i.e. Coorg at the time of the British rule, as their main occupation was trading in coffee and spices. They travelled to different parts of Coorg, as they developed a liking towards coffee estates and the greenery, purchased plenty of estates, learnt the methods of coffee cultivation, and started exporting coffee to foreign countries. England was one of the major countries to which coffee was exported to from our estates in that period with the help of the Coffee Board.
We named the estate and brand ‘Rasulpur Coffee’ after the village, Rasulpur, which is on the banks of the Kaveri river in Kodagu district is named after Mr. Rasul Khan, our first generation planter. He cleared the land, started cultivation, built dams for irrigation, made the place livable and initiated agricultural works. Looking at his abilities and progress, the government named this village after him.
In time, our second, third and fourth generation planters purchased more coffee plantations and improved the methods of cultivation, processing, and introduced pulping and irrigation. An R&D team was also set up and a variety of experiments are conducted to this day. The goal here is to enhance the quality of the crops, and advance the processing and post harvesting methods. Our coffee is featured in auctions, supplied for projects, sold locally and exported to wholesalers, cafes, and restaurants. We also ferment micro lots as per requirements from our roasters and young entrepreneurs who are venturing into the coffee industry.
What kind of processing is done on the farm?
Processing on our farm is done in three different ways along with few specialty processing methods, all of which change the sweetness, body and acidity of brewed coffee. These are natural/sun dried, washed, and honey processed.
Natural/sun dried process. A natural processed coffee, also referred to as dry processed, is a traditional yet common way to process coffee today. Originating in Ethiopia, it involves drying out freshly picked coffee cherries with the seed still inside. To do this, we place the cherries on drying beds in the sun. These beds are either patios or raised drying tables. The cherries have to be rotated and turned to prevent mold, and takes about seven to eight days to ferment. During this time, the sugars and mucilage (the sticky substance that coats the seed) will latch onto the seeds, develop flavours and make them sweeter. Once the coffee is dry, a machine separates the pulp from the seed. Natural coffees are heavy bodied, and have deep, complex tasting notes. This development comes from the way the cherry ferments differently. Natural processed coffees can be difficult to replicate because of the inconsistencies in fermentation. However when done right, these coffees can also be some of the sweetest you’ll taste. It is juicy, syrupy and well worth the extra effort.
Washed process. Unlike natural, washed processed coffees are called the opposite, i.e. wet processed. In this scenario, machines called pulpers remove the seeds from the cherries before drying them. However, it is not just any cherry that gets the seed removal treatment. These cherries must have the perfect amount of ripeness to make sure they are sweet enough. To accomplish this, they go through a sorter and are segregated according to density. Once these pulpers remove the skin and pulp from the seeds, they are placed in tanks full of water. The water separates the rest of the mucilage and fruit caked onto the seed. Finally, the seeds are dried on the beds in the sun. Washed processed coffees have cleaner, and more crisp tasting notes when compared to natural processed coffees. The body of a brewed washed coffee is lighter. There is typically more brightness as well, because of a cleaner acidity that balances out the sweetness of the coffee. They are just as fruity as natural coffees, but the flavor notes are easier to differentiate.
Honey processed. This method is a combination of both natural and washed. It is a rare and demanding method, and not as commonly practiced as the previous two. However, it produces a unique cup of coffee, with flavours similar to both of the previously described processing methods. During honey processing, a pulper removes the seed from the cherry before it undergoes a drying process. However, it does not go into washing tank to remove the mucilage. That mucilage, which is what the ‘honey’ refers to stays on the seed and is now dried in the sun. The amount of mucilage left behind determines the sweetness, and there are even machines to control the amount on the seed. Like natural process, the seeds are dried on beds. The flavor components of honey coffees are varied and complex. Like washed coffees, they have lighter body and are very syrupy and sweet. Acidity is present but more mellow when compared to washed coffees.
Specialty processing. This is an emerging field and we use unique methods like anaerobic, aerobic, natural fermented, and fruit fermented to name a few. We ferment our coffee in a temperature controlled environment, with or without oxygen, followed by controlled drying to bring out unique and funky flavors out of the coffee.
source: Rasulpur Coffee Estates
What is the current state of the specialty coffee industry in India?
The coffee culture in India has evolved over the past decades. The nostalgia-inducing coffee houses were popular meeting grounds until the 1980’s. In the 90’s, cafe culture took over the country and coffee became the trendy drink to try.
Cafes are becoming the primary hangouts for youngsters and coffee found an emerging and appreciative audience. In the past two decades, we have seen a surge of cafes all over the country. They have materialized as a central hub for meeting, whether casual or business, and also doubling up as co-working spaces.
The 2020 pandemic impacted the industry In multiple ways and its effects were manifold. Logistics of coffee exports are pretty bad even today. Traditional coffee plantation owners who supply heavily within India and export to Europe are left with excess stock of coffee that could no longer be shipped to international markets.
Coming to the Indian coffee space, in recent years, the spotlight is on specialty coffee. This movement is picking up speed with many brands and roasters setting up shop. Analysis gives us a deeper understanding on how speciality coffee has emerged as the current buzzword in coffee circles. Current generation and millennials have emerged as the major chunk of consumers of specialty coffee within India.
Increased awareness and interest about coffee augmented by growing exposure to worldwide trends due to rising international travel and social media saw many of them exploring specialty coffee and manual brewing techniques. Lockdowns put a halt to the possibility of exploring cafes and thus many coffee consumers in the country turned to home brewing.
Many retail specialty coffee brands saw skyrocketing sales in 2020 as consumers invested in manual brewing equipment ranging from French Press, Moka Pots, Chemex and Aeropress. The new generation of coffee consumers respect the people behind the product, want to better understand the ‘farm to cup’ journey and are willing to invest in educating themselves on all nuances of coffee.
A few years back, this was largely unheard of. Farmers were just one aspect of the coffee supply chain, but hardly ever found the spotlight on them. Now plantation owners are keen on sharing their stories and experiences, information on their crops and the work they put in to make that perfect cup of coffee.
One can safely say that specialty coffee will not just be a passing trend, but en route to becoming one of the mainstays of the Indian coffee space in the coming decade.
I think there is a lack of communication between the consumers and farmers. I know some of the consumers, including me, have started to pay attention to where exactly the coffee is coming and from which farm. What do you think can be done to fill this gap?
The missing ingredient is awareness. People need to be educated about Indian coffee. The new-generation farmers need to collaborate with the Coffee Board of India and conduct events to promote coffees originating from India within the country and internationally.
Joint efforts need to be made by all coffee enthusiasts to encourage the consumption of coffee by making people understand the benefits of drinking coffee. The government has to support and help promote farmers to come forward and establish their own brands.
Being honest and transparent ensures the consumers and clients knows about the past, present and the way you are going to build a future. Bringing credibility to the table builds trust factor for the brand with the consumers.
I know some of the issues the farmers are facing currently are the increasing production costs, what steps are you employing to change that? Have you increased the price of your coffee to reflect that?
Whether we like it or not, coffee is getting more expensive. It’s important to look at some of the reasons why this is happening, before you potentially do one of the following:
Buy less sustainable and ethical coffee because it’s cheaper or
Lay blame on the wrong people for higher prices.
There are many factors influencing the cost of coffee from climate change, disruptions to global shipping, consumer demand, and packaging cost. While the need to use more environmentally-friendly packaging for coffee cups and bags is real, so too is the cost for shops switching to compostable or recyclable materials. We have also witnessed fluctuating shortages of packaging stock forcing some companies to find more costly short term solutions to packaging which comes at a higher cost.
Lastly, coming to the cost of quality, producing coffee of higher quality simply costs more. Coffee must be cared, harvesting and processing is hard work. It requires time and physical effort if you want to achieve the highest quality standards. You can’t have it both ways.
source: Rasulpur Coffee Estates
What are your thoughts on transparency? Has it benefitted you in any way?
Yes, by ten-fold. Transparency has improved our overall trust factor in this industry. It solves many problems and even stops disasters before they happen. It expands relationships, increases productivity, strengthens innovation, and improved our revenue.
What is the future of specialty coffee?
By far, the most interesting and exciting coffee segment of the moment is specialty coffee. It is rapidly expanding in India and across the globe as consumers continue to seek out the best cup of coffee to enjoy.
When it comes to coffee quality, specialty coffee is the ‘cream of the crop’ and is likened to fine wines due to its distinctive characteristics and delicious flavour that can only be achieved under certain growing conditions.
In today’s market, specialty coffee has become an intricate science and a global phenomenon that is seeing rapid growth across all sectors. More estates are coming into this specialty game, that will give ‘Indian specialty coffee a lot of mileage.’
What do you do in terms of R&D on Rasulpur Estate
We are currently doing research on developing a hybrid plant which is resistant to white stem borer and leaf rust. These are the two biggest pests and diseases faced by all Arabica growers throughout the world. International Coffee Organization (ICO) is working with different countries to find a solution for this.
This R&D program has been ongoing for the past four years on a 40 year old, 30 ft tall, Arabica plant labelled by us as Rasulpur Arabica. So far, the results look promising and it is resistant to these diseases. We have propagated progenies of this plant by clonal cutting, seed and tissue culture, and cross-bred this plant with other varieties of Arabica.
source: Rasulpur Coffee Estates
About Rasulpur Coffee Estate
Rasulpur Coffee Estates & Roasters is based out of Rasulpur village in Coorg district in the hot spots of the Western Ghats, India. The Estate is run by Syeda Sumaira, a fifth generation coffee planter and entrepreneur.
Fun fact: Coffee farms are the best place to get first hand knowledge about the beverage, how it is grown, harvested and processed. Rasulpur Coffee Estates organizes coffee tours, get in touch with them to find out more.
source: http://www.fltrmagazine.com / FLTR / Home> Insight> People / by Naveed Syed / August 11th, 2022
Fabriano in Acquarello is the international artistic convention dedicated to water color painting. International Exhibition FabrianoIn Acquarello will be organized with the participation of InArte – International Watercolour Sociaty, Italy and in cooperation Municipality Fabriano, Fondazione Carifac, Fondazione Fedrigoni Istocarta, Rotary and Lions club from 23rd to 26th April 2015 with the participation of the most important watercolor communities from around the world that will allow Italian and foreign watercolorist demonstrate, share and discuss their work in a unique context.
Water Color Society of India, founded by Amit Kapoor in 2013 at New Delhi, a part of International Water Color Society functioning with the aim to promote and popularize water color/water media in every country and to bring the hidden Indian talent at International platform. The society has identified the water color painting of Shri Aimanda Rupesh Nanaiah, resident of Maragodu Village of Kodagu district. Aimada Rupesh Nanaiah is one among the 20 artists representing India for the Fabriano in Acquarello 2015 exhibition at Italy scheduled for April-May 2015. Shri Aimanda Rupesh Nanaiah was born on November 19, 1976. He did his Primary Education at St. Anne’s Convent, Siddapur and Secondary at Siddapur High School, Pre-University at Murnad Pre-university and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied arts 1995-2000 at CAVA Mysore.
A Special Cover was released to felicitate water colour painting of Shri Aimanda Rupesh Nanaiah selected for Fabriano in Acquerello 2015 on 14th February 2015 at Madikeri (Special Cover approval no. KTK/28/2015). The cover illustration depicts the water color painting selected for the exhibition with the title “Pathukutti-The Fish Seller”, and scenes of paddy transplantation, Madikeri Town, and other village scenes of Kodagu. The reverse of the cover also features paintings of tractor alongside paddy field and a Kodagu township. The cover was released by Senior Post Master, Madikeri. The cover was received b the Artist Shri Rupesh Nanaiah who and whose family were felicitated on the occasion. The event was held at the Madikeri Head Post Office Premises. The artist also gave a demonstration of sketching by sketching the post masters caricature. My stamp depicting the painting was also launched on the occasion.
Courtesy: Viswas Menon, Madikeri
Special Cover on Kodagina Gowramma – 14th February 2015.
Mrs. B. T. Gopal Krishna (b. 1912 – d. 1939), better known as Kodagina Gowramma, was an Indian writer who wrote in Kannada and lived in Kodagu. She was also a feminist and a supporter of the Indian Freedom Movement. Gowramma was born in 1912 and married to Mr. B. T. Gopal Krishna of Gundugutti village of Somwarpet taluk in Kodagu, then known as Coorg, a province in British India. She invited Mahatma Gandhi to her family house, during his campaign in Coorg, and donated all her gold ornaments towards the Harijan (Dalit) Welfare Fund. She died young, drowning in a whirlpool, at the age of 27, on April 13, 1939.
Gowramma wrote in Kannada and on the feminist ideology using the pen name ‘Kodagina Gowramma’. The stories that she wrote, such as “Aparaadhi Yaaru” (Who is the criminal), “Vaaniya Samasye”, “Aahuthi” and “Manuvina Raani”, were modern and progressive.
On the occasion of 10th District Kannada Sahithya Sammelana, a Special cover was released on Kodagina Gowramma on 14th February 2015 at Madikeri. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/27/2015). The Special Cover depicts the portrait of Gowramma, and photos of her two important books in Kannada “Kambani” and “Chiguru” and the special cancellation depicts the map of Karnataka and the Karnataka mate with 10th District Kannada Sahithya Sammelana in a circle.
Courtesy: Viswas Menon, Madikeri
source: http://www.indianphilately.net / Indian Philately Digest / Home> News> News Archive 2015> February 2015
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