Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Kozhikode Corporation to join hands with IISR for spice street project

Kozhikode Mayor Beena Philip has said that the corporation was willing to cooperate with the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) for the proposed spice street project.

Inaugurating the foundation day programme online at the IISR here on Thursday, she said the emerging farming scenario enhanced the social and scientific relevance of institutions like ICAR- IISR in the wake of the pandemic.

She also emphasized that the spice economy was important for the farming sector. However, the ability to maintain and enhance spices production needs to be anchored on improved cultivation practices and research advances, she said.

Presiding over the session, Dr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director-General, ICAR, New Delhi, said the spices sector had witnessed significant changes in the recent past, and that the country was poised to make gains in production and trade in spices in the coming years.

Dr. Athulya G. Ashokan, Associate Professor, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, delivered the foundation day lecture on ‘Management of post-COVID syndrome’. The IISR also launched the e-commerce platform for sale of good quality spices from verified sources and products from incubatee entrepreneurs associated with the institute.

In a new initiative aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, the institution has entered into an agreement with the Kozhikode District Kudumbashree Mission to provide support for development and marketing of value-added products, production of quality planting materials, and delivery training services.

The IISR also executed two technology commercialisation agreements for the turmeric variety IISR Aleppey Supreme and black pepper micronutrient mixture.

Marking the occasion, the institute conferred spices excellence awards on Kanthraj K.M. from Kodagu district in Karnataka and Rajesh E.M. from Kozhikode. R.L. Innovative Agri Pvt. Ltd., an agri-startup company, was also honoured with the award.

The staff recreation club of the institute donated 10 mobile phones and tablets to support online education of students from under-privileged sections as part of its outreach activities. The institute released five extension folders and three technical bulletins on various aspects of spice cultivation to mark the foundation day.

Dr. J. Rema, Director, ICAR-IISR, and Dr. Vikramadithya Pandey, Assistant Director General, ICAR, spoke.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kozhikode / by Special Correspondent / Kozhikode – July 02nd, 2021

Rohan Bopanna-Sania Mirza pair wins historic all-Indian Wimbledon match

File photo of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna. | Photo Credit: PTI

It was the first time in open era that two Indian teams competed against each other at a Grand Slam tournament.

The experienced pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza defeated the brand new combination of Ramkaumar Ramanathan and Ankita Raina 6-2 7-6 (5) in the historic all-Indian mixed doubles first round match at the Wimbledon here on Friday.

It was the first time in open era that two Indian teams competed against each other at a Grand Slam tournament.

The contest finally brought a Grand Slam debut for Ramkumar, who has made 21 attempts to qualify for the singles main draw of a tennis major.

While the first set ended quickly in favour of the veterans, Ramkumar and Raina presented a good fight in the second set, which even they led for a brief period with a break of serve.

Bopanna was clearly the best player on the court with his powerful serve and solid ground strokes from the baseline as well as the ability to execute a superior net game.

On expected lines, Ramkumar served big while Raina gave her all after growing in confidence.

Mirza’s serve is still not at its best and would improve as she plays more matches.

Mirza has moved has also moved to women’s doubles second round with Bethanie Mattek-Sands while Raina and her American partner Lauren Davis lost in straight sets to the US pair of Asia Muhammad and Jessica Pegula on Thursday night.

The 14th seeds disposed off the challenge from the Raina-Davis pair 6-3 6-2 in 70 minutes.

Bopanna and Divij Sharan are already out, having lost their men’s doubles opening round match.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by PTI / London, July 02nd, 2021

Celebrity couple Anu Poovamma-NC Ayyappa to feature in reality show ‘Raja Rani’

Celebrity couple Anu Poovamma  and NC Ayyappa are all set to feature together in the new reality show ‘Raja Rani’ which will premiere soon on a leading Kannada general entertainment channel.


The channel airing the show has confirmed the same on their official social media handle. On the other hand, Social media is filled with best wishes for the couple. Fans are elated to see their favorite Jodi onscreen again.

The soon-to-be-launched reality show is all about testing the bond between real-life couples. Many celebrity couples from the Kannada entertainment industry are likely to be a part of the show. Besides Akarsh and Deepika, celebrity couples like Chandan Shetty- Nivedita Gowda and Neha Gowda  along with her husband Chandu, Kulavadhu stars Deepika-Akarsh have also confirmed their participation in the new reality show.


For the unversed, Anu got married to cricketer and former Bigg Boss Kannada season 3 contestant N C Aiyappa in 2018.

On the career front, Anu and Aiyappa are not new to the Kannada audience. Having acted in a few Kannada films, Anu made her TV debut with daily soap ‘Muddulakshmi’, in which she played a negative character. However, she bid adieu to the show due to personal reasons. She was last seen on TV playing the character of ‘Devasena’ in supernatural fiction ‘Nandini 2’.

Aiyappa, who is a cricketer by profession, entered Bigg Boss Kannada season 3 as a celebrity contestant and made his presence felt. He was one of the most controversial contestants of the season.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> TV> News> Kannada / by TimesofIndia.com / June 30th, 2021

Rashmika Mandanna moves into her new apartment in Mumbai

Actress Rashmika Mandanna , who made her Tamil debut with Karthi-starrer ‘Sulthan’ that hit the screens earlier in April, is all set for her Bollywood debut . The pretty actress had now finally shifted into her new apartment in Mumbai, with her pooch, Aura.


Taking to her social media, the actress gave a glimpse of the house with an adorable picture of her dog. She captioned it as, “Dear diary, Ahhhh so much happened today, I finally shifted to the apartment! had to shop so many Ill things…( I am still not done) (gahhhh it’s a never ending expense) . Aura was out all day…1 had to meet 2 of my friends and I had to set up the place.. (Sai (my assistant) helped me) Aura and I passed out cz we were so tired”

Rashmika had recently returned to Mumbai to resume the shoot of ‘Goodbye’. The pretty actress will be making her Hindi debut with ‘Mission Majnu’, followed by her role in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Goodbye’. She was also snapped shopping for home essentials in the past few days in Mumbai.

In a recent interview, Rashmika Manadanna had spoken about how the the COVID-19 pandemic situation made her shift to Bollywood and do Hindi films as well. Speaking about her upcoming Bollywood movies, Rashmika Mandanna had said, “I think it’s just the time because before Covid hit, I had no time because I was doing so many South films and I didn’t feel at that time that I should do Bollywood (films). Once Covid hit and other projects slowed down, I felt it was the right time to do it and that’s when ‘Mission Majnu’ and ‘Goodbye’ came. There is no particular reason why I didn’t do it because back then I had a couple of Hindi film offers but I feel now is the right time.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Entertainment> Tamil> Movies / by TNN / June 25th, 2021

Chosen For Rangapuraskara

Gonikoppa:

Artistes Cheppudira Uthappa of Ponnampet and Madetira Belliappa have been selected for C.G. Krishnaswamy Ranga-puraskara, instituted by Kodagu Rangabhoomi Pratishtana, in recognition of their services to the field of theatre. 

The award will be presented to the artistes after lifting of lockdown, according to a release from Pratishtana Convenor Addanda Anitha Cariappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 29th, 2021

Kodagu DCC Bank celebrates its centenary

District Central Cooperative Bank president Kodandera P Ganapathy cuts a cake to mark the bank’s centenary on Monday.

Simple celebrations were observed to mark the centenary of Kodagu District Central Cooperative Bank on Monday.

The bank was established on June 28, 1921, owing to the efforts of the then pioneers of the cooperative movement, Dandera Kuttaiah, Puliyanda Thimamaiah, Kuppanda Bellyappa and Udiyanda Machaiah.

The bank began operations with 45 cooperative societies, 16 members, share capital of Rs 4,400 and deposits worth Rs 10,000.

Rao Bahaddur Kodandera Kuttaiah was the founder president of the bank and served in the post from 1921 to 1927.

The centenary programme was celebrated at the bank’s head office in Madikeri, in the presence of the president, vice president, directors, chief executive officer and other officials and staff.

A cake was cut in all 21 branches of the DCC bank, to mark the occasion. Sweets were distributed to the customers. 

Bank president Kodandera P Ganapathy said that the bank could complete its 100 fruitful years due to the cooperation of the staff and the customers.

A public function of the centenary celebrations is planned for August 20, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony for the centenary building will be done on the day, by the state cooperative minister, said Ganapathy.

The district in-charge minister, elected representatives from the district, representatives of cooperative societies, department officials and the former presidents and staff of the bank will be present, he added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / June 28th, 2021

Obituary – Kekada M. Nanaiah

Kekada M. Nanaiah (Papa), former General Secretary of KDCC Bank and a resident of Arvathoklu in Gonikoppa, Kodagu, passed away yesterday in Mysuru Hospital. He was 84.

Brother of K.M Belliappa, President, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, he leaves behind his wife, one son, two daughters and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at Kekada Vakka Thootangala in B. Badaga village, Cherambane, Kodagu, this afternoon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / June 25th, 2021

The cat-eyed beauty – A talent from the land that has contributed immensely to put India on the GLOBAL MAP

Gonikoppa:

The arrival of a promising talent to the Kannada film industry from Kodagu has raised expectation of film lovers across the state.

And the name is Ballachanda Akshitha Bopaiah whose root of origin is Gonikoppa in Kodagu. Ms. Akshitha is winning hearts of Kannada cine lovers across the state with her appearances in Kannada feature films.

Akshitha has proved herself as a promising actor from Kodagu and is enjoying the rewards of all the hardwork the artist has put in to reach where she is. She has acted in multiple films in Kannada starting with REAL POLICE, her debut film which marked Akshitha’s entry into world of Kannada cinema in the year 2017.

Akshitha has already acted with top names of Sandalwood like, Late actor Rebel Star Ambareesh, Real Star Upendra, Abhinaya Chatura Satish Ninasam, Late actor Chiranjeevi Sarja and many more.

In the film Ambi ninge vayassaito, Akshitha had donned the role of Childhood Friend of Late Actor Ambareesh and her role had impressed Ambareesh to an extent that the legend had declared Akshitha as a promising lead lady of the Kannada Film Industry.

Her role in the film Brahmachari starring Satish Ninasam gained popularity with her fine acting skills & her act in the scene where a marriage alliance is discussed for the hero is a notable one and was entertaining enough for film lovers.

Akshitha added life to the role in the film Upendra I Luv U in which she appeared as Real Star Upendra’s childhood friend.

The actor has appeared in a lead role in the film Shivarjuna. Also, P5 starring Vikram Ravichandran and Trivikrama are Kannada films in which Akshitha as appeared as the lead lady.

Akshita has also starred in TV commercials and her appearance in the Add for Pothy’s with Power Star Puneet Rajkumar is a notable one.

Apart from Sandalwood Akshitha has left a mark with audiences in Tamil Nadu with her outstanding performances in Tamil daily soaps titled, Azaghu, Sumangali, thazhampoo , Kannana Kanne.

With her classy and stylish looks and brilliant performances in both small and silver screen, Akshitha is here to stay and entertain audiences.

A resident of Gonikoppa, Akshitha is the daughter of Bopaiah and Prema Bopaiah. Completed her primary education at Gonikoppa Lion’s School, High School at St. Annamma at Virajpete and completed her M.Com at Mysore Vidyashrama College.

Her love towards acting has brought her this far and is shining bright in the hearts of audiences.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> BrandSpot>PR Spot / June 25th, 2021

First look of Varsha Bollamma from Stand Up Rahul out

Also starring Raj Tarun, the rom-com is being directed by debutant Santo Mohan Veeranki

Makers of the upcoming rom-com Stand Up Rahul featuring Raj Tarun in the lead role have released the first look poster of its female lead, Varsha Bollamma, on Wednesday.

The young actor, who won rave reviews for her performance in Middle Class Melodies, will be seen as Sreya Rao, a plain-looking young woman struggling with body image issues.

Written and directed by Santo Mohan Veeranki, Stand Up Rahul tells the story of an unenthusiastic stand-up comedian, who stands his ground for his love and passion for the narrative craft. 

Produced by Nandkumar Abbineni and Bharath Maguluri under Dream Town Productions and HighFive Pictures banners, the film is in the last leg of production and is expected to release soon. 

Also featuring Vennela Kishore, Murli Sharma, Indraja, Devi Prasad, and Madhurima in supporting roles, Stand Up Rahul has music by Sweekar Agasthi.

source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> CE Features / June 23rd, 2021

It’s important to surround yourself with people who keep you positive: Shubra Aiyappa

Actress and supermodel Shubra Aiyappa  has been spending most of the lockdown time last in her hometown Coorg, where yoga, meditation, reading and dancing have kept her happy. She caught up with us over a video chat to share her experiences through the pandemic and more.

Despite being home, amid near-and-dear ones and lush greenery, Shubra  admits that she got bogged down during the second wave, what with all the devastating news that was doing the rounds. “We were taken by shock by the onset of the pandemic, but we thought we were prepared for everything after that. But the second wave has been hard for all of us. It has hit home, a lot of people we know have lost their lives. It has been difficult and we have learnt a lot of lessons. It has been more heart-wrenching for my family and me,” she says, adding, “I’ve had the luxury of being in Coorg, which has been nothing short of a blessing. I chose to keep away from news channels and newspapers to preserve my sanity. Personally, I am better when I am happy and I found my peace by doing yoga, reading books and meditation. I have continued this through the two waves. I am close to my family and my friends have been a strong support system. At times like these, it is important to surround yourself with the right people who pep you up and keep you positive. There have been bad days, but being away in Coorg and doing what I love doing has helped.”

The actress is particularly upbeat when she talks about yoga. “Many years ago, I had a problem with my uterus that required hospitalization. Surgery was suggested as a solution, but we were not sure if that was the right choice. A friend then put us on to a yoga teacher who promised to make the problem go away in only three months. We tried that and when I went back to the doctor, my issue was sorted and, ever since, I have been fine. Yoga changed me for the better and that is why I am so passionate about it,” she beams.

The other positive factor that has helped keep Shubra sane is her love for reading. “I began modeling when I was 17. You tend to spend a lot of hours at airports or on flights, which can get boring. I chose to fight this by reading, which became a habit and at a time like this, when someone like me who loves to travel cannot do much of it, books have transported me to different places, times and situations,” she says.


With things slowly starting to get back to a semblance of normalcy, Shubra is thrilled to be back at work. “I am so excited about my new film Aaganya , in which my character will have two distinct shades. The first half will see me kicking some butt, which is exciting and challenging. I have returned home from the shoot with bruises, but it is so gratifying. We’ve finished one schedule. We begin shooting for the next schedule this week with a small crew and all precautions in place,” she states.

She also has her next Kannada film underway. “I am doing a Kannada film titled  Ramana Avatara. It was announced a while ago, but has been delayed owing to the pandemic and other factors. We have shot for a few days earlier and I will continue with the rest probably next month. So, it is an exciting time, because I get back to work and I have so much gratitude to be able to say that,” wraps Shubra.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / by TNN – Sunayana Suresh / June 24th, 2021