Category Archives: Education

Govt to replace textbooks of Kodagu kids free of cost

Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features

Coming to the rescue of children across Kodagu who have lost their textbooks in landslides and floods, the state government on Wednesday ordered free distribution of textbooks.

DH had reported on the government’s decision to replace the textbooks inits edition dated August 22.

The Karnataka Text Book Society issued a direction to the DDPI, Kodagu, on Monday, to distribute textbooks free of cost to the children of Kodagu. “As students of the districts have lost their books in the floods, the BEOs of every block in Kodagu are hereby directed to distribute free books to all the children,” the order said.

The Karnataka Text Book Society has already supplied 33,980 textbooks on Saturday compared to the required 34,270 textbooks.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Top Karnataka News / by Niranjan K N , DH News Service / August 29th, 2018

A Professor Remembers His Days In Kodagu

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Nature

ProfessorKodaguKF25jul2018

Voice of the Reader:

Sir,

Apropos the letter titled ‘A Mysurean’s tryst with Kodagu’ published in Star of Mysore dated July 11, I want to narrate my experience of staying in Kodagu from 1962 to 1966 being a former native of Hunsur.

In 1962, I was directed to a school in South Kodagu by my College Professor whom I happened to meet on Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysuru. Since Kodagu is adjacent to Hunsur, I thought, as a fresher, that I can go and work there and teach English to students.

When I landed at Balele in Kodagu, I was mesmerised by the beauty of nature around the school which was situated amidst a coffee plantation dotted by orange trees. There wasn’t any other building near the school except an asphalted road on which buses used to ply from Gonikoppal to Balele – four or five buses used to ply on this road every day. It was a rare sight for us to see the buses so clean and punctual. The crew of the bus was so co-operative and social, that the passengers used to feel that all of them were the members of the same family.

There was a valley near the school and down below, there was a stretch of land which belonged to the school just like a part of the coffee plantation around the school. It was used to cultivate paddy and rain water was the only source of irrigation. The valley was so beautiful that we used to stand at the rim and enjoy the beauty especially during rainy season and winter amidst thick mist. There was an old house at the rim of the valley and from there we used to enjoy the beauty of the rising sun over a cup of piping-hot Coorg coffee.

Boys playing hockey was a feast to the eyes at the school field which was close to the valley. But that side rim was covered by trees and other vegetation.

This year’s rainfall reminds me of the continuous rain in Kodagu for about five days which locked us up in the school building which was our residence too. We spent our days playing carom, chess, hearing radio. There was no electricity and tap water during that time. I have gone to that place many a time even after leaving that place about 52 years ago to recapitulate the memory.

– Dr. Hunsur S. Raghavendra Rao, Retired Professor, J.P. Nagar, 12.7.2018

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Voice of the Reader / July 15th, 2018

Admission To Military College

Education

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Mysuru:

The entrance test for admission to eighth standard in Rashtrya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, will be held in Bengaluru on Dec. 1 and 2.

Boys from Karnataka who are currently studying or have studied seventh standard are eligible to apply. Boys aged between 11 and 13 years as on Jan. 1, 2019 (born between July 2, 2006 and Aug. 1, 2008) are eligible to apply.

The last date for applying is Sep. 30.

The prescribed application form can be obtained from the office of the Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Bhavan, No. 58, Field Marshal K.M Cariappa Road, Bengaluru-560025 by presenting a Bank draft of Rs. 600 (for General category candidates) or Rs. 535 (for SC/ST candidates), drawn in favour of “The Commandant RIMC Dehradun” payable at SBI, Tel Bhavan, Dehradun (Banl code No. 01576).

The last date for applying is Sept. 30. For details, call Ph: 080-25589459.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 01st, 2018

Mahabaleshwar Bhat passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All
Neerkaje Mahabaleshwar Bhat
Neerkaje Mahabaleshwar Bhat

Senior writer and retired principal Neerkaje Mahabaleshwar Bhat passed away on Sunday late night. He was 89.

He had served as the teacher of Madikeri Government High School and later retired as the College Principal in Madikeri.

He was the resident of Biligeri in Madikeri. He had chaired the Madikeri taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelan held at Moornadu. He had also chaired the District Sahitya Sammelan held at Chembu in 2015.

In fact, Bhat had brought out the stories of Bharathisutha under Kaveri Publications, in the form of books.

Some of his works are “Himalaya Darshana Paryatane,” “Daithya Darshana,” “Avathara Bhat.”

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President B S Lokesh Sagar has condoled the death of Mahabaleshwar Bhat.

Lekhaka Mathu Kalavidara Balaga has convened a condolence meeting at Patrika Bhavana in Madikeri on July 4 at 3 pm.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> District / DHNS News Service, Madikeri / July 02nd, 2018

Move To Include Kodava As Third Language In State, CBSE Syllabus

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Karnataka Textbook Society writes to DDPIs to furnish details about number of students available to study Kodava language
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Bengaluru:

The Karnataka Textbook Society that comes under Department of Public Instructions, Government of Karnataka, has written to Deputy Directors of Public Instructions (DDPIs) on the inclusion of Kodava language from First Standard to 10th Standard as a third language in the State Syllabus and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The Society is responsible for printing and distribution of textbooks based on the State syllabi for lakhs of children of Classes 1 to 10 in Government, Aided and Unaided Schools of Karnataka.

The letter (copy of which is available with Star of Mysore) was initially sent from the office of Principal Secretary (Primary and Secondary Education) on 13.06.2016 and 10.04.2018 asking the DDPIs and Deputy Director (Administration), Department of Public Instructions, to furnish details about the number of students who will be available to study Kodava language if it is introduced as the third language.

Though the letter was sent in 2016 and another reminder sent in April this year, no action has been taken either by Deputy Director (Administration), Department of Public Instructions, or by DDPIs across the State. Taking objection to this, the Patya Pustaka Sangha has again (04.05.2018) written to the DDPIs and DD Administration to furnish the details. The latest letter has been sent by Narasimaiah, Managing Director.

‘Move beneficial for language’

Though language scholars say that the move to include Kodava language as a third language will ultimately benefit the language and culture of Kodagu, having Kodava language as a medium of instruction is financially unviable.

According to research scholars, who have conducted extensive research in Kodagu, its language and culture, a majority of Kodavas consider Kodava as a language of culture rather than education. They feel that Kodava language is not adequate enough to be a medium of education even at the primary level.

Many Kodavas prefer English as the medium of education and those who can afford it send their children to English medium schools. Even people with a positive attitude towards Kodava language also do not advocate for Kodava medium as they feel that it will not be economically viable. Financial resources, textbooks, availability of the teachers, etc., are the major problems, they say.

However, linguists are of the opinion that learning through a language other than the mother tongue creates interpretative thinking while education through the mother tongue develops creative thinking. Mother tongue also helps preservation of minority language and culture. As such, education through Kodava medium at least in primary education will benefit the language and culture, say linguists.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 28th, 2018

Four-Day Personality Development Camp Begins In City

Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

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Mysuru:

A four-day special Personality Development camp ‘Spoorthi 2018’ is being organised since yesterday for students who hail from Kodagu and pursuing their studies from PUC to Graduation. The camp is being organised by Kodava Deena Bandhu Charitable Trust at Kodava Samaja, Vijayanagar First Stage. The camp will conclude on June 5.

The camp was inaugurated last evening by Major General (Rtd.) Codanda K. Karumbaya and senior Orthodontist Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa. Addressing the students, Karumbaya said that students must have grip over at least four to five languages so that they can pursue a career in any part of the world. Along with mother tongue and the medium of study, students must strive to learn dominant foreign languages, he said.

Giving an example of Indian Army, the retired officer said that people from various nook and corners of India serve in the Army. One common thread that unites them is Hindi. They all learn Hindi and protect the nation like one family, he said.

On the choice of careers, he said that students must have a proper aim and the courage to pursue their dreams. And it is important for them to periodically assess their capabilities and career path.

A step-by-step monitoring process where there is a room for improvement must be a part of a student’s activity, Karumbaya opined.

In his address, Dr. Kuttappa said that it is important for students to read and know about achievers. Almost all the achievers had a tough childhood where they fought against odds to study. “Even our Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a difficult childhood where he sold tea on Railway platforms to eke out a living. Our former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam used to study under streetlight due to abject poverty,” he said.

Students must not discontinue studies at any cost and must strive to secure merit scholarships to pursue their education. Only those who realise the value of education and money at a young age will make good citizens and this in turn, will give rise to a good society, Dr. Kuttappa said.

Kodava Deena Bandhu Charitable Trust Honorary Secretary Pattada A. Jayakumar, Kattera A. Cariappa and Trustee Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd.) Chowrira A. Ganapathy were present.

During the special camp, achievers in various fields will address the students and guide them in academics and careers.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 02nd, 2018

Fashion, celebs and haute couture on the BGTFW red carpet

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

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The red carpet of the Blenders Pride Magical Nights Music CDs presents Bangalore Times Fashion Week was abuzz with high fashion and celebrities. Fashion was seen on the ramp as well as off it.

We spotted many faces from the local film industry, including Suraj Gowda, Meghana Gaonkar, Anupama Gowda and Chandu B Gowda, as well as some of the regular party peeps.

The two-day affair saw some good shows with the who’s who in the front rows cheering for the designers, as top models walked the ramp. As a befitting finale to the event, there was a rocking after party, where everyone let their hair down and partied together.

Prasad Bidapa Associates produced the glitzy event.

“The BGTFW was a superbly staged experience showcasing the works of star designers like Archana Kochhar and Rina Dhaka. Bengaluru rarely gets to see events of this stature and it was wonderful to see the excitement and buzz of the audience as they enjoyed these lovely shows. I am proud to be associated with the event and look forward to more seasons of fabulous fashion with them,” says Prasad Bidapa, Driven by knowledge partner INIFD MG Road — The Design Centre, the stylish affair saw the institute’s students take on the reins of responsibility with élan.

Speaking about the success of the event, Jane Pereira, Centre Head, INIFD MG Road — The Design Centre, says, “Our students’ involvement in the fashion week is a unique attempt to integrate knowledge sharing between the leaders of the fashion business and the future of fashion in India.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Bangalore News / May 31st, 2018

A ray of hope for special children

Amazing Feats, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders

Swastha has rehabilitated many such children
There are 101 such children in Swastha
It has been training special children in various vocations since 2004

Madikeri:

Swastha, a centre for rehabilitation of special children on Sunticoppa-Madapur road in Kodagu, is a “home sweet home” for 101 such children.

Swastha has been taking care of such children and training them in various vocations since 2004.

Ganga Changappa, project head of Swastha, told The Hindu that 19 children, who had been trained in bookbinding, folder-making, screen printing, manufacturing table mats, bags, mushroom cultivation and offset printing, had been shifted to Polibetta, where they were working now.

In Swastha, special children undergo training under the watchful eyes of specialists. As many as 18 children have found placements in Kodagu and elsewhere. Some have been self-employed. Tulasi, who joined Swastha in 1986 and trained there till 2003, is now employed in a garment factory in Bangalore. Manohar, who was admitted in Swastha with cerebral palsy, works as a helper at the KSRTC depot in Kushalnagar. Guruappa, who is partially visually challenged, works in the Bengaluru International Airport.

Three are working as instructors at Swastha itself. Mohini, who is physically challenged, is working as a tailoring instructor, according to Aarti, counsellor and psychologist at Swastha. Two mentally challenged girls got married some time ago. Besides, seven children had joined regular schools under inclusive education stream, she said.

Eighteen-year-old Gaurav from Somwarpet made news recently for a different reason. He is less than two feet in height. But he is unperturbed by this and is preparing for the SSLC examination.

Special skills are needed to handle such children, and the faculty at Swastha has them in abundance. The faculty deals with children with cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation, and epilepsy.

There are six special educators, a rehabilitation teacher and a speech therapist, apart from the counsellor.

Ms. Aarti said Swastha had also brought the parents of the children under one roof. The parents had formed a self-help group. They would meet on the fifth of every month. The group was planning to buy sweaters for the special children this year.

The children get free vocational education, accommodation, uniforms, and medical care. There is free transport for day scholars. Swastha is funded by the JRD Tata Trust and Coorg Foundation, an initiative of Tata Coffee Limited, Polibetta.

Ms. Ganga Changappa said Swastha incurred an expenditure of Rs. 30 lakh every year. Two hundred children had applied for admission in Swastha, she added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Jeevan Changappa / August 17th, 2008

Kodava Deenabandhu Charitable Trust To Hold: Career Awareness Workshop In City On June 3

Education

Mysuru: Kodava Deenabandhu Charitable Trust, Mysuru, in association with Kodagu Educational & Social Service Trust (KESST) and Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, will conduct a career awareness workshop covering Defence, Civil Services and Banking on June 3 from 9 am to 1 pm at Vidyaashram College auditorium in Jayalakshmipuram here.

Spot registration will open at 8.30 am on June 3 and there will be no registration fees.

Eligibility

Kodava students who have passed 10th standard and above, along with their parents, may attend the workshop.

Lunch for the participants has been arranged at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar 1st Stage. Buses facility will be arranged to ferry the participants to the Samaja.

Those interested may contact Pattada Jayakumar on Mob: 94806-65525, according to a press release.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 22nd, 2018

Punith Secures 324th Rank In Civil Services Exam

Education, Records, All

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Mysuru:

Mukkatira Punith Kuttaiah from Kodagu has secured an All India Rank of 324 in the Civil Services examinations that were conducted by the UPSC in 2017, the results of which were announced on Apr.27.

He is currently undergoing training in New Delhi for Indian Defence Estate Service under the Ministry of Defence.

Punith studied at Good Shepherds Convent Ammathi and at Coorg Public School. He has scored 90 percent in SSLC and 92 percent in PUC. He appeared for UPSC Central Armed Police Force in 2015 and secured 8th rank (all India) and was selected for Central Industrial Security Force.

In 2016, he appeared for UPSC Civil Services Examinations and secured an All India Rank of 501. This time, he has improved in his ranking and has secured 324th rank.

Speaking to Star of Mysore yesterday, Punith said that he loves trekking and his other interests are reading, football and hockey.

Punith is the son of Mukkatira (Devanageri) Prakash Belliappa of Byrambada village in Kodagu and Jamuna Akkamma (Baduvanda).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 01st, 2018