Rashmika Mandanna has added another remarkable achievement to her name by emerging as the highest taxpayer in Kodagu district, creating pride among locals and fans while proving her success goes far beyond the film industry.
From Kirik Party to National Stardom
Rashmika Mandanna, fondly called the “National Crush,” has come a long way since her breakthrough in the Kannada film Kirik Party. Today, she stands tall as one of India’s most successful actresses, making a strong impact in South cinema and Bollywood with consistent box office successes.
The Rise of a Box Office Queen
With multiple hit films across languages, Rashmika has earned the title of “Box Office Queen.” Her strong screen presence, versatility, and audience connect have made most of her films commercially successful, placing her among the most bankable stars in the Indian film industry today.
Pride of Kodagu District
Hailing from Virajpet in Kodagu district, Rashmika has become a source of immense pride for her hometown. Kodagu has produced several notable personalities, but Rashmika’s achievements have set her apart, elevating her status beyond cinema and making her a standout figure from the region.
Biggest Taxpayer in Kodagu
In a remarkable achievement, Rashmika Mandanna has emerged as the highest income taxpayer in Kodagu district. She has reportedly paid ₹4.69 crore in income tax for three quarters of the current financial year, securing the top position among all taxpayers in the district.
Marriage Buzz Continues
Apart from professional milestones, Rashmika is also in the news for personal reasons. Reports suggest she may soon marry actor Vijay Deverakonda, with rumors pointing to a February 26 wedding in Udaipur. However, no official confirmation has been made by either star yet.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet News, English / Home> Entertainment / by Nancy Tiwari / January 07th, 2025
The year 2025 stands as a defining moment in contemporary literature, marked by voices that combine depth, purpose, and cultural relevance. The three modern literary stars of 2025 represent distinct yet powerful dimensions of today’s literary landscape, spanning spirituality, fiction, and poetry. Through thought leadership, storytelling rooted in lived experience, and emotionally resonant expression, these writers have shaped conversations beyond the page. Their work reflects the evolving spirit of literature in a time that values authenticity, insight, and impact, positioning them as influential figures whose words continue to inspire readers, thinkers, and future generations.
The three modern literary stars of 2025 are:
Dr. M. Soni
Kavery Nambisan
Twisha Ray
DR. M. SONI – Empowering Minds Through Knowledge, Purpose, and Practice
Dr. M. Soni stands among the three modern literary stars of 2025 as a respected soft skills trainer, academician, and spiritual author with more than sixteen years of experience across corporate, academic, and consulting domains. Her work focuses on empowering individuals through leadership development, effective communication, and holistic personal growth. Known for seamlessly blending traditional wisdom with modern relevance, she has trained thousands of learners and professionals, helping them unlock clarity, confidence, and purpose.
As an accomplished author, Dr. Soni has written multiple books on spirituality and has co-authored over three hundred and fifty anthologies, reflecting her wide literary influence and disciplined scholarship. Her deep passion for Indian epics and her keen understanding of human behavior come together powerfully in her latest book, Warrior’s Mindset Soft Skills from Indian Mythology. This work transforms timeless mythological narratives into practical tools for professional and personal success. Her writing speaks equally to students, young professionals, and lifelong learners, awakening the inner warrior through wisdom, discipline, and self mastery.
KAVERY NAMBISAN – A Distinguished Voice in Contemporary Literature
Kavery Nambisan is a celebrated Indian novelist and surgeon whose writing has earned her a prominent place among modern literary stars of 2025. Born in the Kodagu district of Karnataka and trained as a surgeon, she has spent much of her medical career serving rural communities across India while simultaneously building a distinguished literary legacy. Her unique perspective as a medical professional deeply informs her fiction and non-fiction work, giving her narratives both emotional depth and social insight.
Her body of work includes several acclaimed novels that explore diverse themes of identity, culture, gender, and history. Early novels such as The Scent of Pepper and Mango-Coloured Fish depict the lives and traditions of Indian society with rich, evocative detail. On Wings of Butterflies offers a powerful narrative rooted in the women’s movement in India, while The Hills of Angheri draws on her own medical experiences to portray the challenges of life as a doctor. Her later novel The Story That Must Not Be Told was shortlisted for prestigious literary awards including the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature and the Man Asian Literary Prize. A Town Like Ours extends her literary exploration to the complex social dynamics of small town India.
In 2025 she added to her remarkable catalogue with Rising Sons, a deeply reflective novel that traces the historical and social contours of village life in southern India. Beyond fiction, her non-fiction work A Luxury Called Health critically examines the Indian healthcare system while weaving personal medical narratives on ethics and care.
Kavery Nambisan’s contribution to Indian English literature is defined by its narrative strength and cultural resonance. Her ability to blend lived experience with literary sophistication continues to inspire readers worldwide and cements her status as a defining literary voice of her generation.
TWISHA RAY – Where Lyrical Depth Meets Modern Introspection
Twisha Ray has emerged as one of the three modern literary stars of 2025, earning recognition as a powerful poetic storyteller known for emotional authenticity and lyrical precision. Her writing reflects a deep engagement with self identity, transformation, and inner endurance, conveyed through vivid imagery and expressive metaphors. With a meditative approach to language, she captures the complexities of human experience in a manner that feels both intimate and universal.
By 2025, Twisha Ray has continued to expand her literary presence through digital publishing, live poetry sessions, and collaborative creative projects. Her work resonates strongly with readers who seek honesty, reflection, and emotional truth through art. Her growing influence highlights the evolving landscape of contemporary Indian literature, where poetic elegance meets raw emotional depth.
Twisha Ray was recently chosen for the Majestic Pen Award 2025 by Cherry Book Awards in recognition of her lyrical storytelling, emotional clarity, and meaningful contribution to India’s modern poetic movement. Her ability to articulate healing and transformation with aesthetic grace has set her apart as a distinctive literary voice. Representing a new generation of Indian poets, she brings authenticity, vulnerability, and innovation to the forefront, making her a compelling and deserving literary figure of 2025.
source: http://www.hindustanmetro.com / Hindustan Metro / Home> Lifestyle> Brandpost / by Abhishek Kapoor / December 23rd, 2025
‘Puthari Namme,’ the harvest festival of Kodagu that marks the season’s first paddy harvest, was celebrated with grandeur across Kodagu and Mysuru last night.
The celebrations began with a puja to Lord Igguthappa and Goddess Cauvery, followed by the symbolic harvesting of the new paddy crop (kadiru) and the customary firing of gun shots into the air to herald prosperity.
Major festivities began at Sri Omkareshwara Temple in Madikeri, the Kodava Samaja, Gowda Samaja and several other venues, where people offered prayers and performed time-honoured rituals.
Families chanted “Poli Poli Deva…” as they symbolically welcomed the Dhanya Lakshmi — goddess of grain — into their homes. Kodava men wore the distinctive ‘kupya-chele’, ‘peechekathi’ and ‘mande-tuni’, while women adorned traditional sarees and ‘vasthra.’
Members of the Kodava Samaja, accompanied by ‘taliyatakki bolcha’ and traditional ‘valaga’, marched in a grand procession to the temple. The freshly harvested paddy was then taken to the Samaja, worshipped and later distributed to devotees. Special ‘thambittu’ made from fried kusubalakki mixed with ripe banana was distributed to all.
A Samaja member symbolically harvesting the paddy crop at a small field in School premises.
At Gowda Samaja
The Kodagu Gowda Samaja celebrated ‘Puthari’ with equal fervour. A symbolic paddy field was created on the premises where the ritual harvest was performed, followed by the distribution of the festive delicacy.
Members of Kodagu Gowda Samaja celebrating harvest festival at its premises in Railway Layout, Vijayanagar Fourth Stage, last night.
At the historic Sri Mrutyunjaya Temple in Badagarakeri, villagers celebrated ‘Puthari’ on a grand scale collectively. Led by village elders and the temple management committee, the ritual cutting of paddy was followed by a vibrant procession. Villagers walked 2 kms to the traditional fields, burst crackers, danced to the valaga and returned to the temple with the harvested crop.
Festival in Mysuru
In Mysuru, ‘Puthari Namme’ was celebrated at Sree Cauvery School premises in Kuvempunagar, where hundreds of Kodava community members, led by Mysuru Kodava Samaja office-bearers, gathered in traditional attire.
The event featured a wide range of Kodava cultural performances. Devotees took home the new paddy sheaves, chanting “Poli Poli Deva,” as they prayed to Lord Igguthappa and Goddess Cauvery, welcoming Dhanya Lakshmi into their homes.
Kodagu Gowda Samaja also marked the festival at Railway Layout in Vijayanagar Fourth Stage, where they harvested paddy crop after performing the rituals.
The cultural highlight of the evening was the spirited performances by youngsters who had trained diligently in traditional dances and songs, earning applause from the community.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 05th, 2025
Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa is a gifted orator and custodian of Kodava Culture. For generations the Paradanda family have been tasked with keeping the customs and traditions at the Padi Igguthappa Temple pristine and relevant. While being extremely proficient with such knowledge, his humility shows when he unhesitatingly seeks external assistance from elders in the community to validate his thoughts. Subramani does his best to elegantly recollect the customs for the Kodava community. – CLN Newsdesk.
In keeping with Kodava tradition, from the sunrise on the day of Kani Puja – which is essentially performed in Kodava households following the Teerthodbhava at TaleKaveri, the tenth sunrise marks the sacred day known as Pathalodhi, also referred to as Tholayaar Pathh. Coincidentally this event takes place a few days before the rising full moon – considered positive by the Kodavas as it signifies growth. This tenth day is therefore considered very auspicious for undertaking any good or new initiative, as it is believed that any work commenced on this day will be blessed by the Divine Force in an enduring manner. Typically piercing of ears, lagna patrike, marking the site for construction of houses, House warming… are undertaken on this date. Many Kodavas observe Karona Kodupa on this day in Okka AinManes.
A similar practice takes place in Tulunad.
At Paadi, the Paradanda family traditionally is given the responsibility of performing the Tholayaar Patth Aaradhane on Monday, 27th October 2025.
On this occasion, special poojas, Tulabhara Sevas, and Maha Poojas will be performed. An interesting aspect is that at the end of the ceremonies, after the circumambulation of the Temple, the idol of Igguthappa is brought to the South-East facing corner under the sacred (milk bearing) jackfruit tree – symbolically facing His Sister Pannangala Thamme, as well as generally considered the Gulliga Sthaana.
There are other details relating to certain agricultural practices that are of no further significance due to the advancement of veterinary science and is superficial, hence not being mentioned.
Devotees are requested to visit the Paadi Sri Igguthappa in large numbers to the Temple on this auspicious occasion. It is important to keep up with traditions that make us Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas who we are.
The Devathakka’s Prayer at Tholayaar Pathh
The prayer commences by inviting the devotees who offered Thulabara Pooja to the Deity in the morning. As a matter of interest, Thulabara is open for all, irrespective of their caste. Towards the end the Devathakka invokes Igguthappa’s blessings for the entire land of Kodagu; His kindness to influence the weather Gods from extreme weather – rain or sunshine, so that there are bountiful crops with enough water to survive comfortably; lush canopy of greenery with abundant produce in the fruit bearing trees so that even the pranipakshi, ettha kadchi and mankind can survive comfortably.
Another very important and interesting aspect of the prayer is that forgiveness is sought if any rituals or Tantra or Mantra is erred by the priest or if the chandekol maaraya missed a beat. Similar forgiveness Is sought for any errant occurrence by the person who bears the divine umbrella, the bearer of the chamara and chatri to be forgiven and last but not the least – the prayer ends with an abundant supply of oil for the sacred lamp and the padiyakki which is served as naivedhyam to the Deity.
Finally, in Kodava culture.. there is no overbearing influence of mantra and tantra when praying before nellakki bolcha in kodava thakk. This equates us as “one” (equal in stature) in all our prayers – even our Guru Karonas and the Gods are addressed in first person. Significantly the Gurukarona’s image is etched in the first step of Namaskara Mantap where the Devathakka stands and prays to the Deity. The stark simplicity and rustic yet sophisticated nature of our customs is remarkable and it is our duty to understand, practice and nurture it for future generations.
source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles / by Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa / October 25th, 2025
Shot across stunning locations in Madikeri, the song from Peter has been simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
A still from Sundari Sundari
Peter is about creating hope, says director Sukesh Shetty, describing his upcoming sensitive crime drama that blends love, action, and local traditions. “We made sure the film meets expectations, and we worked as one team. About 50 per cent of the shooting was done in the rain. Music had to be a highlight, so Ritvik Muralidhar worked on a song that could become a trend,” Sukesh added, speaking on the sidelines of the recent launch of the film’s first song, ‘Sundari Sundari’.
Talking about the intent of the song, Ritvik says, “Our goal was to make the song feel original in every language, using all live instruments. The credit goes to the entire team. Three more songs will be released soon.”
The visuals of the song feature Rajesh Dhruva and Raviksha Shetty in a romantic sequence, with lyrics by Nagarjun Sharma, and sung by Kapil Kapilan and Sunidhi Ganesh. Shot across stunning locations in Madikeri, the song has been simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
Actor Rajesh Dhruva, who stars in the film, described the journey as special: “Sukesh wanted something extraordinary, and producers Ravi Hiremath and Rakesh Hegde supported the vision. Every note of Sundari Sundari lands on your heart. It’s the kind of song that will stay on everyone’s playlist.”
Peter is a sensitive crime drama rooted in tradition, highlighting the Chende Mela — a 300-year-old drum ensemble integral to Kerala’s cultural performances such as Yakshagana and Bhutakola. The film promises an immersive theatre experience, bringing this centuries-old folk rhythm to life on screen.
Produced under the Vruddhi Studios banner, the ensemble cast includes Janvi Rayala, Pratima Nayak, Raghu Pandeshwar, and Ram Nadagouda, with cinematography by Guruprasad Narnad, collection by Naveen Shetty, and art direction by Devaraj Kala.
source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / b y A Sharadhaa / September 13th, 2025
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda has sanctioned a grant of ₹3 lakh from the MLA Local Area Development Fund for the development of the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and its surrounding park in Madikeri.
During their visit to Madikeri on Tuesday, Tennira Maina, district president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organisation, and Mandira Sada Muddappa, nominated member of the Madikeri City Municipal Council, submitted an estimate for the proposed development works. Responding to their proposal, Dr. Gowda announced the grant.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gowda said that Field Marshal Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya were exceptional military leaders and it is the duty of every Indian to honour their contributions.
The MLA said that he would continue to extend full support to all programmes and initiatives associated with these great leaders.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / October 28th, 2025
The auspicious moment when the holy river Cauvery gushed out from the sacred Kundike occurred at the predicted time of 1.44 p.m., marking the highlight of the annual ritual.
Hundreds of Kodavas, dressed in their traditional attire, walked barefoot for about 8 km from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in a display of devotion.(Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
The chants of “Kaveramme Ukki Baa” filled the air across Talacauvery as thousands of devotees witnessed the sacred Cauvery Tula Sankramana on Thursday.
The auspicious moment when the holy river Cauvery gushed out from the sacred Kundike occurred at the predicted time of 1.44 p.m., marking the highlight of the annual ritual.
The rituals were led by chief priest Prashanth Achar along with a team of 11 other priests. Devotees from across Kodagu district and neighbouring states, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, gathered in large numbers to take part in the holy festivity.
Hundreds of Kodavas, dressed in their traditional attire, walked barefoot for about 8 km from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in a display of devotion.
Elders, also clad in traditional Kodava attire, led the way playing the traditional dudi and singing baalo paat as they made their way to Talacauvery. Devotees from various communities, including members of the Are Baashe community from across the district, also participated in the rituals with reverence.
Among the participants were Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, who adorned the traditional white royal attire, and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who was dressed in traditional Kodava wear.
Both walked the 8 km stretch from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery and took part in the rituals. Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda, Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan and several others were also present at the ceremony.
Enhanced security measures and improved arrangements were in place at the temple premises to manage the large crowd. While a few devotees allegedly demanded the removal of barricades, the issue was resolved amicably, ensuring smooth movement for all.
A medical team from the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences was stationed at both Bhagamandala and Talacauvery to attend to any emergencies.
‘Annadhana’ (mass feeding) arrangements were made for devotees at both temples, while the Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga will host a month-long mass feeding programme at the centre.
Cultural programmes are also being organised at Talacauvery by the Kodava and Are Baashe Sahitya Academies.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy were scheduled to attend the event; however, their visit was cancelled due to unforeseen reasons.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 17th, 2025
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar releases the book ‘Nijamahatma Baba Saheb,’ written by Addanda Cariappa.
Social activist Vadiraj from Bengaluru speaks about the book, senior social worker Venkataram and Dr. Chandrashekar of Aditya Hospital guests of honour, Mini Theatre, Kalamandira premises, 5.30 pm.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Events Tomorrow / October 06th, 2025
To mark International Women’s Day celebrations, Daksha College, Mysuru, recently felicitated Padma Shri Awardee Rani Machaiah, who is an exponent of the Ummathat (traditional dance of Kodagu) and T.K. Smitha, a climate journalist and TEDX speaker, for their valuable contribution to the society.
Speaking on the occasion, Jayachandra Raju, Chairman of Daksha College, said women are the life and embodiment of mother earth and humanity that sustains life.
He assured of all possible support to women teachers and students who can volunteer and come up with practically possible activities and processes that can save water, prevent wastage of food, create livelihoods for women in distress and maintain our surroundings clean and green.
Rani Machaiah called upon the students to give out their best, respect elders and take care of the parents who have selflessly strived to give the best the education to their children thus enabling their growth and development.
Smitha and Sonia Umapathy, Secretary of Global Education Trust, motivated women to become independent and pursue their dreams without any inhibitions.
Prizes were distributed to lady teachers by the team of Dr. Mahesh, Principal of Daksha Degree College.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 23rd, 2024
The winners of JB Fresh Face Season 8 held at a private hotel in city on Saturday — Anoushka Uthaiah and Shashank — are seen with fashion designer Jayanthi Ballal (JB).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / September 24th, 2025
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