Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

From the lap of nature

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

walkingstickskf21oct2016

In 2014, when a Coorgi village tribal gave Bheemaiah K K a rattan vine stick for his off-road activities, he contemplated starting a venture selling ‘all-purpose’ sticks. “That was in June-July, the beginning of my journey,” says the founder of Bheem Styx, now with a store on Indiranagar’s 12th Main. After three months of driving between Coorg, his hometown, and Bengaluru, where he lives, with the stick in his vehicle, he decided to act on the idea.

“I often travelled through forests and coffee estates,” says Bheemaiah — Bheem for short — from a family of coffee growers. “I realised then it didn’t make sense to ‘climb a tree to cut a branch’, and that sticks were strewn across roads and paths. You only had to see them and pick them up.” So every summer he goes hunting for sticks, fallen branches and trees, even keeps a look out for landslides along the Western Ghats. “Now that people know what I do, they alert me about fallen trees or about the civic bodies pruning trees,” he says.

He also makes the most of monsoon tree-felling gusts of wind in the city and elephants that uproot trees in the forests and, in all, about 400 sticks find their way into the drying room at his Coorg homestead, where they remain for a few months to a year.

“I seal the ends with wires to prevent cracking. Even so, some crack, some others are already eaten by insects or are rotten from inside,” he admits. But except for these 80 to 100, the rest, he says, turn out strong.

“They are mostly from hardwood trees whose names I know only in Kodava,” says the journalism graduate who moved to the city in 1997 for his schooling. “Some of these, my father tells me, are said to last for 80 to 100 years.” Others sticks come from boughs and branches of coffee plants or fruit trees, also grown abundantly in the Kodagu belt.

Once dried and hardened, these sticks are cleaned, sandpapered and transported to the garage store in the city, where they are painted. Bheem has dipped into his friends circle for this. “Some are artists, but most are students, entrepreneurs in their own right or art enthusiasts with day jobs,” he adds.

From deep-river-walking sticks and hook sticks, which can be used to pull down branches, and catapult sticks, whose ‘Y’ can either fling stones at fruits or work as an armrest, to home decor, fashion and city-walking sticks, there are several options on offer. Smaller bits of wood become keychains. They are priced between Rs 500 and Rs 12,000, with customised ones selling for not less than Rs 6,000.

Bheem reasons: “Collecting sticks is a sweaty, dirty job. I’ve got bitten by leeches, and once by a snake, though it wasn’t venomous. Caterpillars and thorns abound the wooded areas, so you hardly come back without a scratch or rash.”

The going is slow too, he adds. “At a time, one person can’t carry more than four to six sticks, given that often there are no walkways,” he explains. “Some are heavier than the rest, like the jungle palm felled by elephants. Carrying one five-foot-long, half-foot-wide piece of those is a difficult task.” But passion keeps him going back year after year, he muses.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / Chetana Divya Vasudev / DHNS – October 18th, 2016

Watch Star Suvarna Mahotsava on Sunday at 6pm

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

Star Suvarna channel will air Suvarna Mahotsava on Sunday at 6pm.

starsuvarnakf14oct2016

On the occasion, the channel has honoured women achievers like Ashwini Ponnappa, B Sarojadevi, Saalu Marada Thimakka, Umashree, Manjula Gururaj, Padmini Prakash, Mayuri Upadhya, Amulya and Hema Chaudhary.

The event is hosted by Niranjan Deshpande, who is currently in the Bigg Boss house .

Small screen actors who have acted in the serials aired by Star Suvarna have performed in the glittering evening.

Sandalwood director S Narayan, actor and director Prakash Raj and singer Raghu Dixit have graced the occasion.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> TV> News / Kannada / TNN / October 13th, 2016

Fiction: Good Hope Road by Sarita Mandanna

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion
Good Hope Road by Sarita Mandanna
Good Hope Road by Sarita Mandanna

There’s a road called Good Hope Road in Washington, D.C. and many of the events in Sarita Mandanna’s second novel occur around Good Hope Road in 1932, as America’s WWI veterans march for the passing of the Bonus Bill, legislation entitling war veterans to a decent income and health care. Vietnam and Afghanistan veterans still have these same issues today.

But this is not a political novel, rather it is a tale of how WW1 affected a rich New England heir and his unlikely best friend, a dirt-poor young black man from Louisiana.

James and Obadaiah are in Paris when war breaks out, and both decide to join the French Foreign Legion. Had they known the horrors that lay ahead, they might have just gone home.

Years later, they have lost contact and James is practically estranged from his adult son Jim. When Jim meets an actress from Boston, Madeleine, things change. Madeleine is determined to mend the rift between father and son.

With much persuasion, James Senior eventually decides to do something about his post-war embitterment and so lobbies the press about furthering the veterans’ Bonus Bill. What starts out as a letter of complaint leads to a national movement, and a new lease of life for James Senior.

The story sweeps from one World War to the next, as Mandanna explores themes of family, friendship, race, civil rights and the utter futility of war.

Epic in its scope, yet beautifully intimate and poetic in its style, it’s a keeper.

Sunday Indo Living

source: http://www.independent.ie / Independent.ie / Home> Entertainment Newsletter / by Anne Cunningham / October 10th, 2016

Uthappa not to don the big gloves

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

CRICKET / The dashing batsman confident of playing for India again

OPTIMISTIC:The prolific Robin Uthappa says he has become more consistent and feels people will take note again.— FILE PHOTO
OPTIMISTIC:The prolific Robin Uthappa says he has become more consistent and feels people will take note again.— FILE PHOTO

Robin Uthappa will not seek to keep wicket for Karnataka this Ranji Trophy season, believing it is best for “team chemistry.”

The 30-year-old shared the gloves with C.M. Gautam last time around, in an effort to bolster his credentials as a keeper-batsman, but the situation was recognised as not perhaps being ideal.

“Last season was a learning for me; I understood a little more about team chemistry,” Uthappa told The Hindu here on Thursday. “The chemistry works with CM keeping. And I respect that.

“Last year, we shared the duties but this year I’m going to allow CM to keep. And I think he should keep because it works well for the team. I don’t want to disturb that. For me it was a learning and I’ve accepted that learning and grown with that.”

After two glorious years, last season ended in disappointment for Karnataka, and Uthappa felt there was an element of things being taken for granted.

“Our batting didn’t fall into place. We couldn’t get 20 wickets. The rub of the green wasn’t going our way either. Eventually we missed the knockouts by a point. We were a little lacklustre in a few games.

“When the team’s good then sometimes you take things for granted. But we want to make amends for that this season. We’ve got the hunger, the drive, and motivation,” he said.

Not a fan of neutral venues

Uthappa admitted he was not a fan of playing at neutral venues. “I’ve been playing domestic cricket for 13 years and in the last three-four years crowds are actually turning up to watch Ranji Trophy games. It is very heartening. It is healthy for domestic cricket.

“To not see that happen this year would be a bit of a lull. I don’t know if this will last. I don’t know if this is the right way to go. But some teams were playing on such bad pitches that they were forced to take this option. Hopefully, it’s not something that will last too long,” he said.

Uthappa was last called up to the Indian team in 2015 following a good IPL season but was overlooked for the ODI and T20 tour of Zimbabwe this June. He was in fine form with the bat in the Ranji Trophy last season, scoring 759 runs at an average close to sixty.

“I have been staking a claim [for an India spot] every season. But it’s up to the selectors to make that call,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s disheartening. Especially when you watch other teams, other nations playing. You feel you’re missing out. But I do believe strongly that I will play again.

“People have seen me as flamboyant but not consistent. It’s taking time for people to relate to how I play. But consistency is something I’ve worked on. Hopefully people will take note again.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport / by Shreedutta Chidananda / Bengaluru – October 07th, 2016

Sports events begin

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports
Olympian Ashwini Ponnappa and Paralympian Deepa Malik holding the Kreeda Jyoti during the inauguration of Dasara in Mysuru on Saturday.— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM
Olympian Ashwini Ponnappa and Paralympian Deepa Malik holding the Kreeda Jyoti during the inauguration of Dasara in Mysuru on Saturday.— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

The Kreeda Jyoti was lit and handed over to Olympian Ashwini Ponnappa at the Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills on Saturday.

Ms. Ponnappa, along with other athletes, ran for a distance before handing it over to veteran athletes. The athletes then installed the torch at the Chamundi Vihas stadium where the Dasara sports events were being held.

As many as 22 games have been organised for this year’s Dasara. Over 8,000 sportspersons will be taking part. Paralympic Deepa Malik and Ms. Ponnappa jointly inaugurated the sports event later at the stadium.

The half-marathon will be held on October 2 and October 9 and over 500 people have already registered for the event.

Earlier, Ms. Ponnappa and Ms. Malik were felicitated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Mysuru – October 02nd, 2016

Sharjah: Multitalented Ganesh Rai to be honoured with ‘Global Man Award’

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

Dubai :

Multitalented former president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, B K Ganesh Rai is being bestowed with the ‘Global Man Award 2015’ for his contributions to Kannada language, literature, art, folk and social service both globally and in India and is the only one chosen from the UAE for this award. The award will be presented to him during the 12th Vishwa Kannada Samskruthi Sammelana and 13th anniversary of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah celebrations to be held on November 19 and 20 at Al Boom Tourist Village, Sharjah, UAE.

Ganesh Rai is the name that flashes in the minds of every Kannadiga specially in the UAE when it comes to matters of creativity. Multitalented, one can call him “Sakala Kala Vallaban”, be it different forms of painting, from miniatures to wall size, various forms of sculptures, from paper pulp to plaster or parry’s, large stage settings, tableaux, palatial sets, photography, videography, brochures, digital banners, souvenirs, models… you name it and you will find the skills in this great man, Ganesh Rai. He will simply smile and says yes without any hesitation, as for him work is worship and so he does it with ease. He is a good speaker too, a recepient of “Karnataka State Best Teacher Award” in the year 1993.

Hailing from Madikeri, Coorg, Ganesh Rai was born to Thulasiamma and Krishnappa Rai who themselves sound ‘Krishna Tulasi’, close to the Lords. Madikeri has gifted to the world this unique personality called Ganesh Rai who always keep saying “Elladaru iru, yenthadaru iru, yendendhigu nee Kannada vaagiru. (Live wherever you want to, be whatever you want to be, but remain a Kannadiga forever).”

Professor of art, B K Ganesh Rai needs no introduction in this part of the world. He is a person who rises above boundaries of colour, caste, creed, religion and language. Be it a request for art, stage setting, designing, printing, executing brochures, logos, invitations, souvenirs, sculpture, decorating stage from any corner of people, any corner of UAE, at any point of time, you will find only one person who creates with a smile and executes in spite of his busy schedule. ‘Sirigannadam Gelge, Sirigannadam Baalge’ – he never forgets to say that when completing his speech in any of the respected podiums he addresses.

Ganesh Rai’s Work – Service without Boundaries

* Turnkey project management for almost all social organisations without linguistic barriers
* Conceptualization, designing, printing and distribution of invitations
* Creation of giant size banners, stage backdrops, stage settings, cut-outs, posters etc.
* Creative journalism writing to various web media flashing timely news around the world
* Publication of high profile visit reports of specially invited artistes and guests from India
* Master of ceremony (MC) par excellence with easy flow of language and literature
* Conceptualization of ‘Certificate of Honour’ for dignitaries, high profile guests, artistes etc.
* Concept, design and execution of various souvenirs to almost all the existing Associations in UAE
* Creating sculptures especially Ganesha idol every year, Narayan Guru idol and many more
* Paintings of deities, brush arts, pencil art, charcoal art and various naturalistic creations
* Assumed and discharged active role as president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2004
* Conducted first blood donation camp for Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in association with MOH
* Attends all blood donation camps organised by various associations and spreads awareness
by creating banners, role-ups and notices for blood donation camps and providing media news
* Compiled, created and released brochure of all Karnataka-based organisations’ blood donations. Brochure released by M K Lokesh, Ambassador of India
* Record of Indian blood donors presented to governments of India, UAE and Karnataka
* Helping the unfortunate deceased Indians in formalities of sending the mortal remains to India
* Enlightening and spreading the essence of Kannada as a soldier of Karnataka to Kannadigas
* Attained appreciations and accolades from almost all Karnataka based associations, and from Tamil, Malayalam and other Indian associations
* Won accolades from NMC Group where he is serving as creative art director
* Supported people of Bangladesh during the flood and natural disasters and helped those affected by the calamities.

Rai, a BCom graduate of Government College, Madikeri, a fine arts diploma holder of Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Art6s, an art master certificate holder from Kalanikethan School of Arts, Mysore and Mahalasa School of Arts, Mangaluru, is very well supported by his charming wife Manjula Rai, beautiful daughter Aishwarya Rai and handsome son Monish Rai.

Below are some of the creations for which he has been applauded:

Rai’s creations in India

Sculpture / Statues: Created Pushpanjali, Elephants, Lion and Carving Designs in the year 1974 at Govt Junior College Madikeri – Courtesy P P Ayyanna, principal, and unveiled by Field Marshal K M Cariappa

Ganapathy Statues: From 1979 onwards he has created more than 350 statues (2ft – 12 ft) for Karnataka Electricity Board Madikeri 1979-1995, Archana Ganapathy Festival, Virajpet, Angala Parameshwari Temple, Virajpet, Sri Rama Mandir Dechoor Madikeri, Hindu Yuva Shakti New Extn, G T Circle, Madikeri.

Paper Pulp Statues: Created paper moulding statues 8ft-12ft of different styles at Madikeri Dasara Festival, Gonikoppal Dasara Festival, viz, Ganapathy, Natya Ganapathy, Durga Parameshwari, Lakshmi, Saraswaty, Cauvery, Subramanya, Veera Hanumaan, Soorya Bhagavan with Seven Horses, Shanmuka Tarakasura vadhe, Vishnu Bhagavan, Narada, Thumbura, Shiva Linga, Lions, Tigers, Swamy Ayyappa, Maha Kali and many more. Also at Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Gouli street Madikeri, Kote Mariyamma Temple new Extn. Madikeri, Dechoor Sri Rama Mandir Madikeri, Kote Ganapathy Temple Madikeri, Kundurumotte Chamundeshwari Temple Madikeri Uma Maheshwari Temple Gonikoppal, Sree Hanuman Garadi, Beltangadi, South Canara, Bhuvaneshwari Statue – Kannada Rajyotsava celebration – Virajpet etc.

Concrete Moulding Statues: Created 9 ft Cauvery Statue both front and back faced double dimension in front of Cauvery Kalakshetra Madikeri, St Michael Statue (9 ft) at St Michael’s Church Madikeri, St Mary Statue at Kedamalloor Church – Virajpet, Nandi Basava – Arameri Kalancheri Mata statues, Raghavendra Swamy Statue at Raghavendra Temple – Mantralaya, AP, Karu Mariyamma / Nandi / Shiva Linga statues at Karu Mariyamma Temple Madikeri, Swamy Vivekananda 12 ft statue at Cauvery Krupa Madikeri and Prabhavali at Ganapathy Temple Virajpet

Wax Statues: Created Ganapathy, Lakshmi, Sarswathy, Cauvery statues at Madikeri.

Oil Colour/Water Colour Paintings: Created Birth Place of Cauvery oil color canvas painting for Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Board, Chennai. Also created Field Marshal K M Cariappa lifesize oil colour painting, Gopala Krishna Gokale lifesize oil colour painting for Govt Junior College Auditorium Madikeri, Coorg landscape paintings in oil colour for Public Library Virajpet, Jayaprakash Narayan oil colour portrait for A B Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, Omkareshwara Temple by night oil colour painting for Lalitha Kala Academy Bengaluru and many painting collections in Delhi, USA, Australia, France, Dubai etc.

Besides, he has participated in a number of art exhibitions in several places right from 1977.

Souvenir Cover Page Design and Logos

Created souvenir pages for 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Madikeri, Madikeri Kodava Samaj Amruta Mahotsava (80 Years), Karnataka Police Centenary Celebration, St Anne’s Church 200 years Celebration, Kodagu Dist Honey & Wax Co-op Society Virajpet.

Created logos for Kodagu District Co-op Central Bank, Kodava Sahitya Academy, Kodagu Zilla Parishat, 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Taranga Virajpet, St Anne’s High School Virajpet, Many more commercial company

He was responsible for multi-coloured picture, offset printing at Shivakasi which was the first time a multi-coloured picture was published in Kodagu (1980)

Birth Place of River Cauvery – Released by Field Marshal K M Cariappa.
Tala Cauvery – Poster released by A Ramaswamy, former deputy commissioner, Kodagu
Tala Cauvery – Triveni Sangama, Theerta Kundike – Picture cards released by M K Poovaiah
Tala Cauvery – Raja Seat Madikeri, Abbi Falls Madikeri – Greetings cards released by R Gundu Rao, the then chief minister of Karnataka
Cauvery – Amar Chitra Katha (pictorial book) Kannada, English, Kodava language released by M C Nanaiah, the then law minister of Karnataka government.
Aishwaraiswara Kubera Lakshmi, Framing picture – Released by Shekar Shetty of Arab Udupi Group of Hotels UAE

Organisations Served

President –Kodagu Kala Parishat / Kodagu Art Masters Association
Secretary –Bharat Scouts and Guides Taluk Association
Secretary –Kodagu District Bunts Association
Founder Member – ‘Taranga’ Cultural Association Virajpet
Technical Advisor – Field Marshal K M Cariappa Statue Committee, Madikeri

Rai’s activities in United Arab Emirates from 1996 onwards

Served as creative art director at Mirrage Advertising, Winning Communivations, Modern Graphics and now currently serving as creative director in Gulf Public Relations Advertising – Signage Division, NMC Group

Public Service

President – Karnataka Sangaha Sharjah 2004 – 2006
Entertainment Secretary – Karnataka Sangha Dubai 2000-2002
Art Director – UAE Tulu Koota Dubai, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE
Organising Committee Member – UAE Bunts -2000-2001
Blood Donation Camp, 2006 – Karnataka Sangha Sharjah and Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman and Ministry of Health, Sharjah

Art works created in UAE: Digital banners created with the concept of Karnataka art and culture and Indian traditional art for Karnataka Sangha Dubai, UAE Tulu Koota, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, UAE Bunts, Mogaveers UAE, Billawas Dubai & Northers Emirates, Billawas Dubai, Gulf Billawa Sangha, Daiji Rang Mandir, Symphony Music Institute – Ajman/Sharjah, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE, Nama Tuluveru UAE, Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE, Devaadiga Sangha UAE.

Logos created in UAE for Karnataka Sangah Sharjah, UAE Tulu Koota (decennial), UAE Bunts, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Al Ain Kannada Sangha, Dhvani Pratistana UAE (silver jubilee), Mogaveers UAE, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE, Gulf Kannadiga Forum, Devadiga Sangha UAE, UAE Tamil Sangam, Mangalore Konkans (20 years), Daiijiword website, Kannadadhvani website

Stage settings and gateway creations in UAE with the concept of Karnataka art and culture and Indian traditional art for Karnataka Sangah Dubai – Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore setting in 2001, Mysore Palace setting in 2002 (Karnatakotsava – Vishnuvardhan Kannada cine star), UAE Tulu Koota – Tulunadu setting.

Tableaux, gateways and souvenirs designed

* UAE Bunts Souvenir Cover page design – 1999
* Karnataka Sangha Dubai Souvenir – “Gaana Vaibhava”2001 , “Chandana” 2010
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah – “Saadhane” – 2006
* Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha “Rajata Rashmi” – 2006
* Mangalore Konkans Dubai 2003 – 2010
* Billawas Dubai & Northern Emirates “Suvarna Kedage”- 2007
* UAE Tulukoota – “Sangama” 2000
* St Mary’s Church Dubai – 2005
* St Francis Assisi Jebal Ali – 2007
* St Michael’s Church Sharjah
* SMC Malayalee Catholics
* Tamil Sangam Ras Al Khaimah
* SMC Fr Daniel’s Hon Souvenir
* Dhvani Pratistaana UAE – “Kannada Naadu Nudi Rakshane” Cover
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah -” Suvarna Karnataka Picture Card”

Besides, he has written and conceptualised a book titled ‘Footprints – A fascinating journey’ to Padmashri Dr B R Shetty.

Awards

Honoured at Govt Junior College Madikeri 1974 at Field Marshal K M Cariappa unveiling ceremony of sculptured art work, Main Gate GJC Madikeri
Karnataka State Best Teacher Award – 1993 by Karnataka Teachers Benefit Fund Bangalore
Karnataka Rajyotsava District Award -1987 by R Gundu Rao, the then chief minister of Karnataka
Gold Medal -1987 at Lakshadeepotsava Dharmasthala by Dr Veerendra Heggade
State Level Honouring – 1993 – at Gokrananatheshwara Temple Mangaluru, by Sri Pejawar Swamiji
Dr Shivaram Karanth Shilpa Kala Rathna Award – 1983 at Karnataka Electricity Board – Madikeri, by K A Somanna, state commissioner, Bharat Scouts – Karnataka
Kala Praveena Award – 1984 Ganapathy Utsava Samiti Gandhi Nagara Virajpet by Sri Shanthamalla Swamiji, Arameri Mata
Kala Kirana Award – 1990 at Angala Parameshwari Temple Virajpet, by M K Poovaiah, president, town muncipal council, Virajpet
Honoured at 100 years Karnataka Police Celebration – 1984 by P S Ramanujam, DIG Mysore
Honoured at Lalitha Kala Academy, Bangalore -1991 by P R Thippeswamy, president, Lalitha Kala Academy Bangalore
Honoured at Madikeri Dasara – Navaratri festival by M C Nanaiah, the then law minister Karnataka
Honourred at Sarva Dharma Sammelana – Arameri Math, by Shiva Kumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Math,Tumakuru and Shantha Malla Swamiji Kalncheri Arameri Math
Honoured at Madikeri Dasara Utasav Temples by Kanchi Kaamkshi Temple, Kote Mariyamma Temple
Honoured by Kodagu Bunts Association 1993 at Rotary Hall Madikeri
Honoured at Vishwa Bunts Convention -1993 at Art Exhibition – Chitra Kala Parishat Bangalore by Dr Shivarama Karanth and Jeevaraj Alva, the then minister of Kannada and culture, Karnataka

Awards in UAE

Was honoured with ‘Mayura Award’ by Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2009
Received ‘Prathiba Puraskar Award’ at Vishwa Kannada Cultural Convention in 2009
Honoured at Nama Tuluveru ‘Tuluvere Parba 2012’
Honoured at Kuvempu Utsava 2012 at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Honoured at UAE Bunts Satyanarayana Pooja by Dr. B.R. Shetty in 2015
Honoured at UAE Tulukoota Silver Jubilee Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Devadigas Dubai Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Ramakshatriya Sangha in 2015
Honoured by Shri. Veerendra Hegde at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sanga Rajyotsava Celebration 2015

Other than the above there are innumerable events Ganesh Rai has contributed selflessly to in one or the other way which was noticed and appreciated by the concerned on various occasions.

In my view, Ganesh Rai should be considered as a great asset to the Kannadigas in the UAE and India as well, for his contribution so far. With his sheer enthusiasm and commitment towards Kannada and Tulu language, he is promoting community spirit from so many years in this part of the world. He deserves all accolades and appreciation from the government of Karnataka which should recognize his service towards Kannada/Tulu language, art, folk and literature packed with a unique blend of artistry, social awareness, commitment of service to humanity and honour him soon.

Wishing him more success in his future endeavor.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Shodhan Prasad / Dubai – November 19th, 2015

Couple returns from Canada, seeks to preserve Kodava culture

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

AinmaneKF30aug2016

Bengaluru :

An 81-year-old statistician in the city, along with her husband, is on a mission to preserve, protect and promote the Kodava culture. The Kodavas are an ethno-lingual community from Kodagu.

“As we went around Kodagu, we noticed many homes in a dilapidated situation and thought why not document this important element of our tradition to help preserve them,” says Nanjamma Chinnappa, who travels with her husband Boverianda Chinnappa, 82, for the project.

NanjammaCoupleKF30aug2016

This extensive field work saw them cover around 434 ainmanes (traditional houses) of the Kodavas besides around 250 of 15 other communities like the Goudas, Heggades and Gollas, which account for about 40% of the ainmanes that once stood.

Ainmanes are the ancestral homes of the native communities in Kodagu, with unique architectural styles.

“Our criteria in considering a house as an ainmane was that it should have a traditional structure and be functional. Functional in the sense that it should be where the family members continue to come together for festivals like annual offerings to ancestors, ‘Puthari’, ‘Kail Poldu’ and ‘Kaveri Changrandi,'” the Coorg Person of the Year – 2006 explains.

Nanjamma has a Masters degree in Statistics from the Madras University and a post-graduate degree in Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. She was a visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge, England.

After 20 years of service in the Canadian Federal Department of Statistics, she retired in 1995 as the Senior Statistical Advisor.

Her husband, a mechanical engineer, was working as a consultant in Canada.

Nanjamma and Chinnappa moved to their native Kodagu after retirement and translated their grandfather Nadikerianda Chinnappa’s book, Pattole Palame into English. Pattole Palame includes the customs, traditions and folk songs of the Kodavas. Their translation was published in 2003.

“Our grandfather in the 1920’s sensed the impact of English would lead to Kodavas forgetting our traditional folk songs. So, he decided to translate them into English for the benefit of the coming generations,” says Nanjamma.

Nadikerianda passed away before he could finish the translation work, which is when the couple took over the project.

Their translation, was the fruit of nearly eight years of work, consulting elders and singers of folk-songs in many parts of Kodagu.

It was this field experience that prompted Nanjamma and Chinnappa to work on their second book Ainmanes of Kodagu.

The publishing of the book also led the Kodava duo to moot the idea of starting a website – www.ainmanes.com.

The objective of the website is to document the current status of the traditional ainmanés of all the communities in Kodagu and thereby contribute to the archival records of the heritage and oral history of the people.

“We realised that it is extremely difficult to document information and the photographs of all the ainmanes in a book. We wanted this work to be available to the people in our lifetime,” adds the 81 year-old statistician.

The Chinnappas have had a great response to their efforts on the website. “At least 40-50 people have personally written to us appreciating our work,” say the researcher-couple.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Jijo Jose / August 30th, 2016

Team Coorg wins Independence Day Trophy

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, Sports, World Opinion

TeamCoorgKF22aug2016

Muscat :

Team Coorg Muscat and Friends of Naqvi Group under the patronage of Embassy of India and in coordination with Oman Hockey Association organised the 70th Independence Day commemoration Hockey Festival at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex recently. It was the tenth year in a row the event was held.

The Ambassador of India H E Indra Mani Pandey was the chief guest who distributed the prizes to all participants.

It was a great jubilation and historic moment for the organisers as president of FIH Leonardo Negre, CEO of AHF Dato Sree Tayyab Ikram sent their best wishes for the success of the hockey festival.

Dr Omar Zawawi, a great supporter for hockey had offered to sponsor the event and Waleed Associates were the main sponsors. Pramod Karajgikar attended on behalf of Waleed Associates. The Hockey Festival started with the national anthem of India and Oman presented by the Indian School Seeb choir.

The Indian School Muscat exhibited a parade and a march past.

The Independence Day trophy was won by Team Coorg Muscat for the second year in a row by defeating UTSC Muscat in a thrilling match by 3-2.

The Ambassador XI won the second time as they were the winners in 2015 of the Ambassador Cup.

The Ambassador XI won the 2016 cup by defeating Indian School Seeb in a tie breaker.

The 70th Independence Day Hockey Festival organisers expressed their sincere thanks and gratitude to participating teams from Oman and UAE.

In this connection the contribution by Bellu Kuttapa, Mohammed Raffe, Javis Ahmed and Liju Hassan is noteworthy.

The chairman of the organising committee S A S Naqvi along with Bellu Kuttapa expressed their gratitude to the sponsors and the Embassy of India.

source : http://www.muscatdaily.com / MuscatDaily.com / Home / August 21st, 2016

Somwarpet playgrounds in need of better facilities

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

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The taluk is considered as an abode of talented sportspersons. But the lack of facilities has discouraged the growth of budding sports talents.

Somwarpet has produced some of the best sportspersons in state, national and international levels. It still lacks a state-of-the-art playground.

At present, the taluk has two playgrounds — one at the Government Pre-university College and another at Government Higher Primary School.

B P Govind, M P Ganesh, Arjun Halappa, S V Sunil and Vikram Kanth are some of the sportspersons who had their humbe beginnings, practising at these playgrounds. These two playgrounds are in a pathetic state and have become marshy fields.

In summer, children are trained in hockey and cricket at these playgrounds. The playgrounds are not suitable to hold large tournaments. In the past, organisers of various sports tournaments had repaired the ground in their own expenses.

The PU college ground was developed at a cost of Rs 6 lakh 25 years ago. The then Zilla Parishat president J A Karumbaiah and member N M Rajshekhar had laid the foundation stone stone for its construction work.

Despite spending lakh of rupees, the condition of the ground has not improved so far. The playground has an uneven terreain. Also, the pavillion’s construction is unscientific as it does not prevent sun rays properly.

Though turf laying work was taken up two years ago at the playground, the project has remained incomplete. It has added to the existing problems. Organising taluk- or district-level sports tournaments is almost impossible in this condition.

Moreover, there is no water supply to toilets in the stadium. Also, Garbage is being littered all around, creating an unhygienic atmosphere near the gallery. There are no takers for the gymnasium in the playground and equipment worth lakh of rupees are being wasted. Sportsperson Prashant said the playground needs AstroTurf facility. Also, a state-of-the-art gallery is the need of the hour, he added.

The Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports had forwarded a letter to the Public Works Department for identifying a 10-acre land for the construction of a 400-metre track, long ago. But the work has not yet been initiated so far.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Somwarpet, August 18th, 2016

Harshika Poonacha at US India Day parade

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

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Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha was recently spotted at the India Day Parade in New Jersey, the US. The event, which was conducted to celebrate the nation’s 70th Independence Day, witnessed a turnout of as many as 50,000 people.

According to reports, the participants carried flags, danced to music and evoked so much enthusiasm that security officer struggled to keep the spectators off the parade route at times. The event drew over 20 floats from organizations ranging from the India Business Association to Air India, which had pilots in uniform to waving to the crowd.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / TNN / August 17th, 2016