Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Former athletes urge IOC to sort out India mess

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

New Delhi :

A group of prominent athletes fighting for better administration of sports in India has asked the International Olympic Committee to send a team to resolve the country’s suspension.

“We’ve written to the IOC about the latest developments and requested them to send a team to assess the situation,” Clean Sports India vice president Ashwini Nachappa told The Associated Press on Thursday. “Officials here are trying to mislead the IOC and there is no justification in what they say. They’re only employing delaying tactics.”

(The IOC suspended the Indian…)
(The IOC suspended the Indian…)

The IOC suspended the Indian Olympic Association on Dec. 5 for conducting illegal elections and the election of tainted officials.

It then asked the IOA to liaise with government officials and set a meeting date with the IOC, but the proposed meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, has not materialized.

Former IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra, who has been corresponding with the IOC since the new body was not recognized, wrote to the world body last week saying the government did not seem interested in a solution.

“While we endorsed your move for a dialogue involving the government, it has gone ahead and constituted a committee to re-draft the controversial sports bill, which is in total breach of the Olympic charter,” Malhotra wrote to the IOC.

Sports minister Jitender Singh reacted with disappointment on Wednesday, saying Malhotra was only trying to delay the meeting with IOC.

“I will appeal to the IOA to quickly fix the dates. If they are not going, then (someone from) the ministry will or I will personally go there and speak to the IOC,” Jitendra said.

The sports code puts an age restriction of 70 years on officials while Malhotra is already past 80. It also puts a cap of three tenures for the main office-bearers but Malhotra has been the president of the Archery Association of India for more than three decades.

Nachappa said the sports bill was inevitable and that long-serving officials should look beyond their personal interests.

“I think the ministry is clear about having the code. That code is being drafted out with good representation from all stake holders. I feel the IOC has taken cognizance of that and trying to give them a wrong impression will not help,” Nachappa said. “This is the only time to do it right. Even if it takes a long time, it will be good for Indian sports.”

The IOA had cited a Delhi High Court order in conducting its polls according to the sports code even though the IOC had asked it to follow its own constitution while meeting an election deadline. Though the IOC does not want government interference, it is not opposed to the Indian body re-drafting its constitution in line with the code, which is based on the IOC’s own constitution.

The IOC’s ethics commission had also advised that tainted officials shouldn’t hold administrative posts, but Lalit Bhanot was declared elected unopposed as the new secretary-general despite spending 11 months in jail for corruption cases related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Suresh Kalmadi, who headed the IOA for 16 years, decided not to seek re-election after graft charges relating to the Commonwealth Games but backed new president Abhey Chautala and Bhanot.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> More Sports / by AP / April 11th, 2013

Harshika celebrates her big day

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

(Harshika Poonacha )
(Harshika Poonacha )

Harshika Poonacha turned a year older on May 1. And the actress was in great spirits, starting her big day at midnight and having cut three cakes already by the morning, when we at Times of India called the actress to wish her.

Her plan of action for the day, she told us, was to spend time at home with family and friends, and then head out in the evening for the launch of a fashion event company that she will be a part of, which will culminate in her birthday celebrations. Her involvement in a fashion event firm does not come as a surprise, given that Harshika has, in the recent past, been a judge on a talent hunt show exclusively for the Kodava fraternity.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional / by Prathibha Joy, TNN / May 01st, 2013

Decoding California

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

The Silicon Valley, a rough triangle that stretches from San Francisco and Oakland in the north to San Jose in the south, could be mistaken for an extension of an Indian city.

From streets with names such as Gurudwara Road to Indian restaurants and even a store named The Love Of Ganesha, the area is home to thousands of Indians, many of them techies. And first-time filmmaker Rucha Humnabadkar, who has assisted Nagesh Kukunoor on his films Hyderabad Blues (1998), Rockford (1999) and Bollywood Calling (2003), is looking to capture the journey of these people in her new film, For Here Or To Go?
“It’s the story of every Indian who comes to the Bay Area with dreams of making it big,” says Rucha. The script is written by Rishi Bhilawadikar, who is actor Atul Kulkarni’s nephew, and is based on posts from his blog, Stuff Desis Like. “I met Rishi about a year ago and we got talking about this script that he’d written. I was interested in making the film right off the bat,” she says.

Actor Gulshan Devaiah, who was last seen in Hate Story (2012), is playing the lead character, a first-generation immigrant from Mumbai. “He is a loner who likes western culture. He wants success and goes to America in search of it,” says Gulshan. “However, he soon finds that he’s facing the age-old dilemma of migrants, where do I belong?” he adds. Although the actor hasn’t had a similar experience himself, he will be meeting techies in the States and hopes to draw inspiration from their lives.

The film, which goes on the floors by July, will be shot in the Bay Area and Mumbai. “It’ll be nice to have a wide release,” says Gulshan. “This is a story that needs to be told, especially with the spotlight on immigration reform right now,” says Rucha, referring to the Mark Zuckerberg-led initiative FWD.us (pronounced forward US).

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Movies> Entertainment> bollywood / by Sumedha Deo, Hindustan Times / Mumbai, April 30th, 2013

Case No 18/9 audio to be released on April 29

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

The audio of upcoming movie Case No 18/9 which has Sindhu Lokanath, Niranjan Shetty and Shwetha Pandit in the lead roles, will be released on April 29.

(Sindhu Lokanath )
(Sindhu Lokanath )

The film is the remake of critically acclaimed Tamil movie, Vazhakku Enn 18/9. The Kannada version is directed by Mahesh Rao of Murali Meets Meera and Bhadra fame. Sindhu is essaying the role of a house maid in a teen crime thriller. There are six songs in the film scored by Arjun Janya. Recently, the film was in news for actress Harshika Poonacha doing a special number in the film.

Meanwhile, Sindhu’s last outing in Sandalwood Sa Re Ga Ma failed to live up to the expectations of the audience. The actress will be seen in varied roles in her upcoming movies — Nan Lifeali which has Anish in the lead, Jai Bajrang Bali opposite to Ajai Rao, Prachanda which has Yogesh in the lead and bilingual movie Coffee with my wife, which will mark her debut in Telugu industry.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada / by Vinay Lokesh, TNN / April 28th, 2013

Phata poster, Nikli heroine

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

DeepikaKF30apr2013
That Sandalwood is making its presence felt everywhere is no surprise. Day after day, our immensely talented actors continue to impress Bollywood. The latest one to join the bandwagon is actor Deepika Kamaiah who will be seen in Rajkumar Santoshi’s Phata Poster Nikla Hero. For someone whose foray into acting was purely accidental, she couldn’t have asked for a better break. “I was a bit apprehensive about acting in a Hindi film at first but everyone made me feel welcome. Shahid Kapur is such a humble guy and helped me with dialogue delivery.” She talks to us about her films, fetishes and why modelling will always hold a special place in her heart.

A thoroughbred Coorg beauty, Deepika has grown up in namma ooru and has fond memories of her childhood. “I studied in Army School and Bishop Cotton Girls College. Modelling happened right after college and I’ve been doing it for seven years. I enjoy the adrenaline of walking on the ramp. It’s a completely different ball-game from acting though.”

She is one of Prasad Bidapa’s muses and was noticed by film makers. She even participated in the MTV Style Awards in Mumbai and won. Her first film was Chingari opposite Darshan and the film received rave reviews. “To be honest, I didn’t plan my foray into acting. I went with the flow and wanted to experiment.” Being spontaneous has worked wonders for this pretty actress who will be seen in an instrumental role opposite Shahid Kapur in Phata Poster Nikla Hero. “I was really surprised when Rajkumar Santoshi called me. I play the role of a village belle whose presence shapes Shahid’s journey in the film.” A tad apprehensive at first, Deepika wasn’t sure what to expect when she had to begin shooting. She recalls how the entire unit was very friendly, helpful and great to get along with. Going by the ever-growing South presence in Bollywood, Deepika feels it’s helping newcomers like her overcome barriers. “Since the Southern industries produce a lot of original scripts, directors and producers are keenly watching us. It’s a great time for synergy between artistes.”

It’s looking like a pretty busy year for her in Sandalwood too. She will be seen in Auto Raja and Neene Baari Neene. Speaking about Auto Raja that’s up for release next month, she tells us what it was like shooting with Golden Star Ganesh. “He is arguably one of the funniest actors we have. His comic timing and style of dialogue delivery is impeccable,” she says adding, “I play the role of a tough corporate woman who takes challenges head on.” She had a blast on the sets and even daringly rode an auto rickshaw! “Ganesh totally ribbed me for that but it was such a fun experience.” Her next film is Neene Baari Neene, which is based on music. “There are nine songs in this film, one of them sung by Shreya Ghosal. The movie is about the beauty of music and how it enriches our lives.”

Does all work and no play make Deepika a dull girl? Evidently not. She loves cooking and thinks it’s a major stress buster. “I enjoy preparing biryani, pudding and desserts! I have a sweet tooth,” she adds. A self-confessed lover of shoes, she owns over 250 pairs! “I absolutely love Aldo and Zara. I also admire Rohit Bal and Sanchita Ajjampur for their work.” She was recently spotted at her friend’s wedding having a blast with close friends and she says, “My friends keep telling me I’ve no time for them ever since I became an actress! I spend as much time with them when I’m free,” she adds with a laugh. This pretty lass also loves travelling and has a soft spot for Europe. “I’m taking off to Australia on vacation after my film commitments and I can’t wait for that.”
Here’s hoping 2013 has better things in store for her.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Sandalwood / by Sindhuja Balaji, DC / March 18th, 2013

Poovamma, India’s newest quarter-miler

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

The doping scandal in mid-2011 that wiped out India’s 4×400 women’s relay team provided a window of opportunity to the second-string and junior quarter-milers to come through. Though the Indian team comprising the next generation of runners didn’t reach anywhere near the London Olympics qualifying standards, the churning brought about by the dope-related bans resulted in the emergence of MR Poovamma, who won the women’s 400m with a personal best of 52.75 seconds at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.

Over the past two years the 22-year old has cut nearly two seconds off her 400m timing to emerge as a potential star. Last year, the Mangalore-based ONGC athlete clocked a personal best of 52.94s at the Asian Grand Prix in Bangkok. Though she faced little competition in the final 200 metres, Poovamma was able to prove that she was steadily improving by registering another personal best.

“I was hoping to get closer to the World Championship qualifying mark (52.35s) but I am happy about registering a personal best,” said Poovamma, who had defended her Federation Cup title.

N Ramesh, who coaches the women quarter-milers, marked Poovamma as a special talent. “When I started training her two years ago, her best timing was 54.34s. The rate at which she is progressing makes her a future start. I would even say that she is as talented as Ashwini Akkunji,” Ramesh said.

Incidentally, it was Ashwini, currently undergoing a ban for steroid violation, who was one of the first to congratulate Poovamma at the finish line. Anu Mariam Jose of Kerala finished second (53.88s), followed by her statemate Anju Thomas (55.14s).

Mayookha below-par

ONGCs’ Mayookha Johnny started her season by claiming the long jump gold but it was courtesy a modest effort of 6.16 metres. Mayookha was participating in her first event after the London Games, and her coach Shyam Kumar said that he expected a much-improved performance at the National Inter-state Senior Athletics Championships to be held in Chennai from June 4.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Indian Express / by Nihal Koshie / Patiala, Thursday – April 25th, 2013

Poovamma scorches the track

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

EASY WIN: M.R. Poovamma (centre) was hardly challenged by the rest of the field as she cantered to victory in the women's 400m final on Wednesday. — Photo: Akhilesh Kumar / The Hindu
EASY WIN: M.R. Poovamma (centre) was hardly challenged by the rest of the field as she cantered to victory in the women’s 400m final on Wednesday. — Photo: Akhilesh Kumar / The Hindu

The quartermile continued to be the topic of discussion in Indian athletics, albeit on a positive note, as M.R. Poovamma clocked 52.75 seconds to win the gold in the 17th Federation Cup athletics championships at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) here on Wednesday.

Pleased at bettering her previous personal best of 52.94s set at the Asian Grand Prix last year, Poovamma said that she would be able to get the qualifying standard of 52.35s in the forthcoming international meets in Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The expected competition for Poovamma from Anu Mariam Jose did not materialise. Poovamma, trained by N. Ramesh, ran her race in the second half, as she was determined to improve on her time of 53.59 that she had clocked in the domestic Grand Prix earlier this month at the same venue.

“I expected a fight at least till 300 metres, but after 200 metres I got away,” said Poovamma who burst through in the final stretch.

Her coach said that Poovamma was shaping very well in training and would be getting better in the next three races of the Asian Grand Prix.

The men’s 400 metres also witnessed Arokia Rajiv asserting himself ahead of Kunhu Mohammed once again. “I had to do it. I am happy to equal my personal best,” said Rajiv who had clocked the same time in Chennai last year.

He pulled away in the last 90 metres and hung on to the lead till the finish. He hoped that better competition would push him to an improved time soon.

Manjeet Singh had much better competition from Sajeesh Joseph in the men’s 800 metres, but he pulled through in the last 10 metres with ease.

Nikhil Chittarasu of Tamil Nadu attempted to better the meet record in high jump, but could not clear 2.22 metres when everyone watched with bated breath under the inadequate floodlights. He cleared 2.19 metres to take the gold, six centimetres ahead of Jithin Thomas of Kerala.

Mayookha Johny was below par in winning the women’s long jump at 6.16m, though it had to be conceded that she was taking off, at least half a foot before the board, most of the time. She started with a 6.03 jump and ended up with 6.13.

Unlike other athletes who were struggling to reach the World Championships qualifying marks, the Indian walkers were in a much a healthy state and thus were able to focus on the competition without much worry.

With K.T. Irfan, Gurmeet Singh and Chandan Singh having already achieved the ‘A’ standard in 20 kilometre walk, Babu Bhai Panucha jumped into the fray by clocking 1 hour 24 minutes and 36 seconds.

Though it was better than the ‘B’ standard, the conduct of the event did not meet the specifications to be eligible for achieving the qualifying standards. Athletics Federation of India (AFI), secretary general, C.K. Valson pointed out that the race was not done on the IAAF approved course, owing to a technical hitch.

The Russian coach Alexander Artsybashev said that he expected to field seven walkers in the World Championships including the women’s winner Kushbir Kaur, who has already achieved the ‘B’ standard, and came pretty close to that mark again on Wednesday.

The results: Men: 400m: 1. Arokia Rajiv 46.57; 2. Kunhu Mohammed 46.83; 3. Bibin Mathew 46.94. 800m: 1. Manjeet Singh 1:48.48; 2. Sajeesh Joseph 1:49.03; 3. Jinson Johnson 1:49.60. High jump: 1. Nikhil Chittarasu 2.19; 2. Jithin Thomas 2.13; 3. Kuwar Surajit Kumar 2.10, A. Shaiju 2.10, Silvar Star 2.10. 20km walk: 1. Babu Bhai Panucha 1:24:36; 2. Kuldeep 1:24:47; 3. Sandeep Kumar 1:26:07. Decathlon: 1. K. Dilip Kuar 6546; 2. V.V. Raneesh 6360; 3. Binoy John Mathew 6299.

Women: 400m: 1. M.R. Poovamma 52.75; 2. Anu Mariam Jose 53.88; 3. Anju Thomas 55.14. Long jump: 1. Mayookha Johny 6.16; 2. V. Neena 5.98; 3. Kaushalya 5.95. Shot put: 1. Neha Singh 13.63; 2. Manpreet Kaur 13.36; 3. Harkirat Kaur 13.30. 20km walk: 1. Kushbir Kaur 1:38:03; 2. Rani Yadav 1:42:26; 3. Ranjana Gupta 1:44:33.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / by Kamesh Srinivasan / Patiala – April 25th, 2013

‘I wanted to raise eyebrows’

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

HarshikaKF29apr2013
Harshika Poonacha, who is known for her bubbly girl- next-door roles, is making heads turn with her new glamourous avatar. The actress will soon be seen in a special song in ‘Case No 18/9’. With a new look and wearing a golden dress, Harshika says that she wanted to catch everyone’s attention through this song. Looks like she has done exactly that.

Harshika says she always wanted to be part of peppy numbers. “I do have a dancing background and have also represented my college in the cultural team. But people never felt that I could carry off a peppy dance number. All I got to do were very slow romantic songs, where I walk in the front with the hero following me,” she laughs.

And then Harshika took matters into her own hands, went through a rigorous exercise regime and shed all the baby fat. “That’s when I got the opportunity to do a ‘special number’ in Mahesh’s ‘Case No 18/9’. Since I have worked with him in ‘Murli Meets Meera’, I was willing to be a part of it. I loved every minute of it as I got to finally dance,” she adds.

Harshika says that the song is nothing more than a special number. “This is not an item number as it doesn’t really talk about the woman. It’s more of a club song, where everyone is partying. It’s a very glamourous song and the best part is that it’s not vulgar in anyway,” she adds.

The reaction she got after the shot was something Harshika can’t get over. “The minute I came out for the shot, I could see many dropped jaws and people actually asked me ‘is that really you?’ I loved the reaction because I really wanted to raise eyebrows and I think I achieved it,” she says.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Megha Shenoy, DHNS / March 23rd, 2013

Poovamma, Arpinder named best athletes at Federation Cup athletics

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Bangalore :

Quarter-miler MR Poovamma and triple jumper Arpinder Singh were adjudged as the ‘Best Athletes’ as Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) retained the overall trophy in the 17th Federation Cup senior athletics that concluded at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala on Friday.

ONGC finished with a tally of 177 points followed by Kerala (113) and Tamil Nadu (78) who finished second and third respectively.

Results: Men: 200m: 1. M Manikanand Raj (AP, 21.41s), Rahul G Pillai (Ker, 21.61), 3. Ritesh Anand (Jha, 21.63). 1500m: 1. Ranjan Kariyappa (Kar, 3:48.26s), 2. Sandeep (Har, 3:48.51), 3. Pranjal Gogoi (Asm, 3:48.72). 5,000m: 1. OP Jaisha (Pun, 16:39.43s), 2. Lalita Babar (Mah, 17:22.78), 3. Swati Gadhave (Mah, 17:34.99). 10,000m: 1. Suresh Kumar (ONGC, 29:40.61s), 2. Arjun Pradhan (Utk, 30:06.70), 3. Md Yunus (Mah, 30:12.92). 4x400mR: 1. Tamil Nadu (3:12.53s), 2. Air Force (3:13.32), 3. ONGC (3:14.07) Women: 200m: 1. Asha Roy (Ben, 23.70), 2. Srabani Nanda (Odi, 23.96), 3. Dutee Chand (ONGC, 24.14). 800m: 1. Sinimole Paulose (2:08.04s), 2. Sushma Devi (Har, 2:08.23), 3. Gomathi (TN, 2:10.20). 100mH: 1. Hemashree (TN, 14.37s), 2. Sajitha KV (Ker, 14.40), 3. Sumandeep Kaur (Pun, 14.49). Triple jump: 1. Mayookha Johny (13.46m), 2. Mereena Joseph (Ker, 13.12), 3. Amitha Baby (Ker, 12.96). Heptatholon: 1. Susmita Singha Roy (Ben, 5080 pts), 2. Navpreet Kaur (Pun, 4935), 3. Niksy Joseph (Cht, 4913). 4x400m R: 1. ONGC (3:44.43s), 2. Kerala (3:44.71), 3. Punjab (4:07.51).

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> More Sports / TNN / April 27th, 2013

Stop making baseless allegations, greens tell BJP

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment

Coorg Wildlife Society President Colonel (retd) C P Mutthanna has challenged the BJP leaders to prove the allegations they have made against the Congress of using foreign funds received by fake environmentalists for election campaign.

Addressing media persons on Tuesday, he criticised the BJP leaders for making false allegations against the environmentalists who are trying their best to protect and preserve land, water and natural resources of the district. The environmentalists are simply portrayed as villains.

“Let Manu Mutthappa stop making baseless allegations. Why didn’t the BJP government which was in power take up an investigation into foreign funds that arrive to the State. Why was the issue not discussed so far, but raised only when the election has approached?” he asked.

Deforestation concern

Mutthanna questioned the mentality of not speaking against several issues in the district including hydel power projects, high-tension wires, illegal sand mining, expansion of Madikeri city etc.

If all these projects are implemented it would lead to massive deforestation. If the high-tension wire is laid from Kaiga to Thalasherry via Kodagu, it would lead to the chopping of 15000 trees.

The issue has been brought to the notice of the State Chief Secretary. If the government fails to take action, then the next option would be to approach the court, he said.

Illegal sand mining

Coorg Wildlife Society Vice President B A Poonacha expressed concern over the damage caused to rivers due to illegal sand mining on the banks of river Cauvery and Lakshman Theertha. If the illegal mining is not stopped now, there would be difficulty in supplying water to Bangalore and Mysore, he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District /DHNS, Madikeri – April 25th, 2013