Category Archives: Amazing Feats

They are all my sons: What Field Marshal K M Cariappa told Ayub Khan

Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Field Marshal K M Cariappa the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army was responsible for eradicating caste and creed from the Indian Army. He remains one of India’s bravest sons.

New Delhi :

January 28 2023 marks the 124th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

When it comes to Field Marshal K M Cariappa, there are many stories. Prior to becoming the Army Chief, FM Carrriappa led the Indian forces on the western front during the India-Pakistan War of 1947. He played a major role in recapturing Drass, Kargil and Zojila.

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa

Another fine achievement of FM Cariappa was that he kept politics away from the Indian Army. He also introduced inclusivity by doing away with caste and creed. In this regard, he raised the Brigade of The Guards in 1949.

The soldiers were his sons: This story will go on to show how important the nation and soldiers were for Field Marshal K M Cariappa. It was 1965, the last day of the war between India and Pakistan. FM Cariappa’s son, then Squadron Leader K C Cariappa of the Indian Air Force was flying near the border, when his plane was shot down. He was taken prisoner by the Pakistan Army.

At that time, Cariappa was a retired General of the Indian Army. He was conferred the title of Field Marshal in the year 1986.

When K C Cariappa was being interrogated, he only revealed his name, rank and unit number. That is when the jail guards rushed to his cell to ask if he was the son of K M Cariappa.

K C Cariappa recalled (https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/when-i-was-a-prisoner-of-war-in-pakistan/295045), he gave his name, rank and number. I was asked if I was related to General Cariappa. I feigned a faint because of the pain, or maybe I did pass out. The next thing I knew was that I was lying on the back of a jeep and was being questioned by a Brigadier.

After he confirmed that he is the son of General Cariappa, the news reached up to Ayub Khan who at that time was the military leader of Pakistan. Khan announced on radio that K C Cariappa had been captured by his forces and that he was in safe custody.

Khan offered to release K C Cariappa because he is the son of General Cariappa. He even ordered the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to personally meet with General Cariappa and brief him about his health.

General Cariappa declined the offer by saying all soldiers were his sons, and all of them should be looked after well by Pakistan.

K C Cariappa revealed years after his release that his dad was a man of high principles. For him his son and all other soldiers were the same. I was released with all others even though Ayub Khan was his junior and was close to him. Despite that he refused to get me released Air Marshal (retd) K C Cariappa.

source: http://www.oneindia.com / One India / Home> News> India / by One India Correspondent / January 28th, 2023

Talacauvery is South India’s top ‘star party’ destination

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , ,

The source of Cauvery is also among the most ideal locations to gaze at the sky.

A “star party” organised by the Bangalore Astronomical Society recently at Talacauvery in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Photo: Special Arrangement

Talacauvery in Kodagu district, which is the source of Cauvery river, has emerged as South India’s Hanle, as astronomers have been hosting “star parties” there for some time now. Hanle, located in Ladakh, and known for its pristine skies and minimal light pollution, is also India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial light interference.

In south India, most dark sky locations are in the Western Ghats or some hill ranges nearby, and according to astronomers, Talacauvery is the most ideal location to gaze at the sky and have a star party.

Voluntary work

The Bangalore Astronomical Society (BAS), a group of volunteers working for the promotion of astronomy as a hobby as well as a science, is now hosting star parties at Talacauvery. IT professionals Sudhash Natarajan, Vishwanath S.K. and Keerthi Kiran have been volunteering to conduct the star parties for BAS.

“We at BAS usually arrange star parties on New Moon weekends (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) format as it is the ideal time to observe the celestial objects which we are looking for. We inform people who are interested in joining us for the star party eight to days in advance. Members of the sky party after arriving at the dark sky location set up their equipment like telescopes, binacolours etc and the observation goes on until 4.45 am,” said Sudhash Natarajan.

Mr. Natarajan said that the group which attends the star parties are of all walks of life and that they are a mix of experienced astronomers as well as students and newbies to astronomy. He added that star parties have also been conducted in Koratagere, Hoshalli, Kavalur, and Yercaud in the past.

Less light pollution

“However, Talacauvery is possibly the best dark night location in south India due to less light pollution. In astronomy, there is something called the Bortle scale which measures the night sky’s brightness of a location on a nine level numerical scale. The lesser the numerical scale it qualifies for a better dark sky location. For example, Hanle skies would qualify as Bortle one skies, Talacauvery as Bortle two, and Bengaluru as Bortle nine,” he added.

The star parties are usually conducted in the winter months between December to March as the skies are clearer during these months which is very important for stargazing.

Mr. Natarajan said a star party was conducted between December 23 and 27, 2022, and the next one would be between January 20 and 24.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Hemanth C S / January 04th, 2023

Rashmika Mandanna chosen Coorg Person of Year 2022 in online poll

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , ,

Author P.T. Bopanna decided to promote ‘role models’ by conducting an annual poll to select a ‘Coorg Person of Year’ to ‘reignite the famed leadership qualities in the community’.

Rashmika Mandanna achieved phenomenal success with the pan-India movie Pushpa – The Rise, and drew the spotlight on the tiny hill district of Kodagu, also known as Coorg, a popular tourist destination inhabited by Kodavas, who have a unique culture. | Photo Credit: PTI

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has been chosen as the Coorg Person of the Year 2022 in a poll conducted by www.coorgtourisminfo.com, a news portal based in the district of Kodagu.

Sharing the details, author P.T. Bopanna, who runs the news portal, said he decided to promote ‘role models’ by conducting an annual poll in 2005 to select a ‘Coorg Person of Year’ to ‘reignite the famed leadership qualities in the community’.

This year, the choice was Rashmika Mandanna, who achieved phenomenal success with the pan-India movie Pushpa- The Rise, and drew the spotlight on the tiny hill district of Kodagu, also known as Coorg, a popular tourist destination inhabited by Kodavas, who have a unique culture.

“Rashmika, who has become a household name through her acting and dancing skills, has emerged as an unofficial brand ambassador for Kodagu culture,” said Mr. Bopanna. She did her schooling at Coorg Public School, Gonikoppal, in Kodagu, before earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Journalism and English Literature at M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Bengaluru.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 03rd, 2022

Cave found at Kallembi village in Dakshina Kannada could be that of Megalithic period, says historian

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), ,

The cave was found accidentally while levelling the land for plantation purpose.

Potteries collected from a cave found at Kallembi village in Kadaba taluk of Dakshina Kannada | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The study of potteries, which were found in a cave at Kallembi village under Yadamangala gram panchayat, Kadaba taluk in Dakshina Kannada some time ago, indicated that the cave could be that of the iron age-Megalithic period, according to T. Murugeshi, Associate Professor in Ancient History and Archaeology, Mulki Sundarram Shetty College, Shirva, Udupi district.

“They resembled grave potteries of Mudukonaje near Moodbidri, and burial potteries of Heggadehalli and Siddalingapura of Kodagu. In addition, they were more akin to the Kerala Megalithic burials in construction and style. But side opening and underground passage with top opening, which is a common feature of Kerala burials, are not traced. It will be known by excavation only,” he said in a statement.

Mr. Murugeshi said that the small particles of husk, most probably of ragi, found inside surface of red potteries were carefully collected, and they will be sent to a laboratory for further studies.

He said that one-legged red jar of about 10 inch in height, large red lid of about 7.5 inch in diameter, another large black lid of about 8.5 inch in diameter, three red potteries of about 19 cm, 22 cm and 23.5 cm in height respectively, one small black pot of about 9 cm in height having small mouth of about 2 cm, one small red lid with knob, and black and red bowl pieces with flat bottom, lamps of red and black colour with round base were collected from the site.

Accidental find

The cave was found accidentally while levelling the land for plantation purpose. The site is located on the slope of a small hillock and watered by Kumaradhara river. It is about 16 km away from Yadamangala and just 1.5 km away from Dola. The cave was opened on eastern side by an earthmover, the historian said.

“It looks like a hemispherical dome having a central pillar. Pottery base impressions are visible on the inside surface of the cave. A heap of soil on either side of the pillar was found. Without clearing the debris proper study is difficult, and rain is also an obstacle to continue the examination. There was no trace of metals inside the cave,” he said.

According to the land (site) owner, Vishwanath Gowda Balladka, the cave was found in the afternoon on August 19, 2022. The materials were collected after conducting ‘panchaname’ in the presence of the village accountant. The study team led by Mr. Murugeshi had reached the site on August 21 after the he was informed about the finding of the cave on the evening of August 20.

Adjoining areas of Kallembi like Dola, Yenmakaje, and others are well known in the Tulu folklore, belonging to twin heroes of Tulu Nadu Koti and Chennaya and their sister Kinnidaru, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / November 08th, 2022

Memorial Event Held Under Bronze Statue In Madikeri

Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri:

Squadron Leader Ajjamada B. Devayya, the only Indian Air Force (IAF) Officer to be posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), was remembered on Sept. 7 in Madikeri and his valiant actions were recalled by war veterans, defence personnel and political leaders. It has been 57 years since his supreme sacrifice.

They had gathered at the 6-feet-9-inch bronze statue of the Squadron Leader installed at the Old Private Bus Stand Circle and paid their respects. The statue has been mounted on a pedestal.

The event in Madikeri was organised by Kodava Makkada Koota and the members of Ajjamada family. Speaking at the ceremony, Air Marshal (Retd.) Kodandera Nanda Cariappa recalled the bravery displayed by Devayya who came from the tiny district of Kodagu.

“Let us not restrict the Squadron Leader to the Kodava community. He is India’s valiant son and deserves that recognition. He is a role model even now, more than 50 years after his death,” he said.

Katti Mandaiah, President of Ajjamada B. Devayya Memorial Trust, said that it was a proud moment to pay homage to a leader under his huge bronze statue.

Devayya showed dare-devilry at the young age of 32.

The bronze statue weighs 600 kg and Rs. 20 lakh was spent on getting it carved at Kengeri near Bengaluru. The statue installation work was supported by Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum, Kodava Makkada Koota. Thanks to the efforts of all, the Old Private Bus Stand Circle is officially called Squadron Leader Ajjamada B. Devayya Circle, he recalled.

Former MLC Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Dr. B.C. Sathish Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum President Col. (Retd.) Kandrathanda Subbaiah, Kodava Makkada Koota President Bollajira B. Aiyappa, Kodagu Superintendent of Police Malachira A. Aiyappa, President of Akhila Karnataka Retired Soldiers Association (Kodagu) Kottukathira B. Somanna and other dignitaries also spoke.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 10th, 2022

Karnataka Travel: Heard Of Chiklihole Dam In Coorg? Here’s Why It’s An Undiscovered Beauty That You Can’t Afford To Miss

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , ,

Chiklihole Dam, a modest reservoir in Coorg is located within Karnataka’s Cauvery basin. For those seeking some solitude and serenity away from the crowd, the hidden spot is the best choice!

Chiklihole Reservoir Coorg
Karnataka Travel: Heard of Chiklihole Dam in Coorg? Here’s Why It’s an Undiscovered Beauty That You Can’t Afford to Miss (Picture Credit: A_Lasting_Impression_43/Instagram)

Coorg’s Undiscovered Beauty: 

Nature lovers that take the chance of travelling from distant locations merely to experience nature’s grandeur are drawn to the lush green surrounds, the freshness of the rain, and also the splendour of the waterfalls.

The Chiklihole Dam in Coorg, a man-made reservoir, is one of the undiscovered beauties in Karnataka’s Coorg.

Coorg is a captivating hill town in the Karnataka region that is home to expansive coffee fields, towering hills, and fascinating waterfalls. Coorg is situated in idyllic surroundings and presents countless opportunities to get personal with nature and its beauties. Coorg’s hidden gem – Chiklihole Reservoir is truly a sight to behold!

The Chiklihole Dam in Coorg is a great illustration of how natural and man-made buildings can coexist. The water reservoir is surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides, still water in the centre, and an enormous grand dam on the opposite side between Kushalnagar and Madikeri.

Chiklihole Reservoir
Chiklihole Reservoir is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, making it a delight to witness. (Picture Credit: Integrity Wellness/Twitter)

The dam is round in shape and has no crest gates. Travellers are drawn in by the dam’s distinctive shape alone. They are treated to an amazing sight as the water overflows like foam on the curved structures due to the increased input. This water body’s breathtaking surroundings are majestic and extremely pleasing to the eye. The reservoir has lush green woodlands on one side and a grassy meadow on the other, which adds to the area’s tranquillity.

Chiklihole Dam in Coorg, Karnataka, has breathtaking natural beauty. (Picture Credit: Sixth Element/Twitter)

Chiklihole Dam: Know The Ticket Price And Timings

Chiklihole Dam is Coorg’s undiscovered beauty that offers tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of the city. The location is rural, thus there are no shops. If visitors intend to unwind for a day or even a few hours by the dam, they should bring their own snacks and water.

Chiklihole Dam Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Chiklihole Dam Ticket Price: Free Entry

From the dam, you may enjoy a beautiful sunset view. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single store or business that provides amenities for tourists due to the location’s remoteness. The monsoon and winter season i.e from June to March are the greatest times to visit the dam since the weather is comfortable, the water level in the dam rises, and the scenery is beautiful.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India.com. The writer is solely responsible for any claims arising out of the contents of this article. All the products are independently selected by the author. For any such reviews, please contact himanshu.shekhar@India.com

source: http://www.india.com / India.com / Home> Travel / by Travel Staff , edited Tanya Garg / September 11th, 2022

Over 6,000 ‘Kodava’ people gather to break Guinness Record of largest family gathering

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , ,

The verification process is still ongoing to confirm if the event has broken the previous world record.

Over 6000 people gathered to break the world record for the largest family gathering in Bittangala.
Over 6000 people gathered to break the world record for the largest family gathering in Bittangala. (Photo | Special Arrangement)

Madikeri:

With an aim to create the Guinness World Record, over 6000 people from the Kodava community got together at Bittangala in Virajpet on Saturday.

They gathered to break the world record for the largest family gathering under a single roof and the initiative was organized by the Kodava Clan Portal. The initiative was called ‘Okoota’.

“Nearly 6500 people gathered under the same roof to prove that we all belonged to the same family,” shared G Kishoo Uthappa, the founder of the Kodava Clan portal. He explained that people from three generations gathered for the event and the same was monitored by the representatives of the World Record Association.

The verification process is still ongoing to confirm if the event has broken the previous world record.

The Kodava Clan portal was started to help the Kodava community connect with the ancestral lineage and the portal has succeeded in creating the largest family tree of over 21,000 Kodava individuals.

Through the portal, one can even find out how they are related to FMKM Cariappa or anyone else from the community. The portal had won the India Book of Records for the largest family tree and it has now attempted to break the Guinness World Record.

“We are now linking everyone who was part of the event to the family tree in the portal to find out if we all belong to the same family,” explained Kishoo. A total of 4514 people from the same family gathered in France earlier to create the world record for the largest family gathering and the Kodava clan aims to break this record.

Meanwhile, the event provided a platform to the Kodava litterateurs to exhibit their works and enabled sales of the same. Over 30 outlets in the vicinity promoted the Kodava culture even as various entertaining events including the ‘valagathat’, singing and other programmes were organized. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Express News Service / December 25th, 2022

Karnataka Shifts 13 Elephants In Batches To Madhya Pradesh

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Mahouts, Kavadis unhappy as they are emotionally attached to pachyderms

Siddapur (Kodagu):

The Karnataka Forest Department has begun the transfer of 13 elephants in batches from various elephant camps in the State to Madhya Pradesh. The purpose is to assist the Forest Department of that State in reducing the human-animal conflict and also ease the pressure on the identified elephant camps of Karnataka.

The camps that are giving the elephants are in Mysuru, Kodagu and Shivamogga. Following a letter from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh, seeking transfer of camp elephants from Karnataka to Madhya Pradesh, the Karnataka Forest Department initiated the process to shift the identified elephants. 

A team of Forest Department from Madhya Pradesh visited the elephant camps at Ramapura in Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Gundlupet taluk, Dubare Elephant Camp at Siddapura in Kodagu and Sakrebyle Elephant Camp in Shivamogga where they identified the 14 elephants (12 male and 2 female). Though 14 elephants were identified for transfer, one male elephant died, reducing the number to 13 — 11 male and two female.

Subsequently, they submitted a detailed report to the Madhya Pradesh Government for consideration of their transfer from Karnataka. Following up on the matter, the Karnataka Government sought the opinion of field officers who approved the transfer and later, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change permitted the shifting.

The name of the selected elephants are: Krishna (21 yrs), Gaja (7 yrs), both male elephants, Marsiha (7 yrs) and Pooja (9 yrs), both female elephants — all four lodged in Ramapura camp of Bandipur Tiger Reserve; General Thimayya (8 yrs), Field Marshal (General) Cariappa (8 yrs), Valli (40 yrs), Lava (21 yrs) and Maruthi (20 yrs), all five male elephants from Dubare camp; Ravi (25 yrs), Shiva (6 yrs), Manikanta (35 yrs) and Bengaluru Ganesha (36 yrs), all four male elephants of Sakrebyle camp.

As per the agreement and the orders, yesterday, the five elephants were shifted from the Dubare Elephant Camp in trucks and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department took possession of the elephants. They will subsequently reach Bhopal. The shipment includes Mahouts and Kavadis who will stay in Madhya Pradesh for some time till the elephants are acclimatised with new surroundings and new handlers.

The Ramapura camp gave four elephants instead of five as the male pachyderm Ganesha (17 yrs) that was identified to be shifted died due to illness. The remaining four elephants have already been sent to Madhya Pradesh.

Now with the shifting, the Ramapura Elephant Camp has been left with 14 elephants, Dubare Camp with 27 and Sakrebyle Camp has 15 elephants.

Kodagu Chief Conservator of Forests B. Niranjan Murthy said that there are elephant camps at Dubare, Harangi, Mathigodu, Bheemanakatte and Balle in Kodagu with a total of 70 tamed elephants and two of them from Mathigodu camp have been sent for capture and taming of wild elephants and other departmental purposes.

Mahouts, Kavadis unhappy

Even as the process of shifting began, the Mahouts and Kavadis have opposed it as they are emotionally attached to the elephants. This apart, they are scared of losing their livelihood as they will be left with no job after the elephants are shifted.

Pointing out that they are not permanent staff, Dobi, State Vice-President of Mahouts and Kavadis Association, said that it is the Mahouts who have captured and tamed these elephants in deep forests and their livelihood is now under threat.

Urging the Government to regularise their service and also to hike their wages, he wanted the Government to address the issues concerning daily wage Mahouts and Kavadis, who are serving the Forest Department for years without any job security.

source: http://www.staromysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 23rd, 2022

Karnataka: Elephant Task Forces formed in Kodagu to address man-animal conflict

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

While the team is currently equipped with four vehicles, two more four-wheelers will be allotted to the team to address the conflict efficiently.

The newly appointed Elephant Task Force team. (Photo | Special arrangement)
The newly appointed Elephant Task Force team. (Photo | Special arrangement)

Madikeri :

To address the issue of wild elephant conflict, Karnataka had ordered the establishment of Elephant Task Forces in four conflict-affected districts. Similarly, the task force has become functional in Kodagu and assures to scientifically tackle the increasing movement of wild elephants.  

“The Elephant Task Force team and office have been established at Madikeri, Virajpet, Somwarpet and Thithimathi divisions. A sub-station has been established at Srimangala and the task force will be alert 24X 7 to fight the conflict situation,” confirmed BN Murthy, the CCF of Kodagu division forest department.

Each task force has been appointed a Deputy Conservator of Forest, an Assistant Conservator of Forest, a Range Forest Officer, eight forest guards, forest watchers and Rapid Response Team members.


The department will provide the team with a transport facility and equip them with improved guns.

A control room will be functioning 24X7 and residents can call 8277124444 to alert the Elephant Task Force team about the movement of any conflict wild elephant at any time. CCF confirmed that the teams will be in touch with the wireless connection facility and will stay updated on the movement of conflict wild elephants.

While the team is currently equipped with four vehicles, two more four-wheelers will be allotted to the team to address the conflict efficiently.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 20th, 2022