‘Coffee with Drama’ event, reading of play ‘Nijamahatma Baba Saheb,’ written by Addanda Cariappa, Panchavati Gardenia Hotel, Lakshmipuram, 5 pm.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Events Today / July 24th, 2025
Tag Archives: Coorg
K’taka Government aid to bring body of Kodava man from Guyana
Babu was working as a staff nurse at a hospital in Guyana for the past two years. He was availing treatment at the same hospital since July 3. However, he passed away due to heavy internal bleeding and a heart attack on July 14.
Representative image showing a dead body.Credit: iStock Photo
Madikeri:
The state government has provided Rs 3.60 lakh to bring back the body of P B Girish Babu Pale, a native of Madenadu village in the taluk, who passed away in Guyana of South America recently.
Babu was working as a staff nurse at a hospital in Guyana for the past two years. He was availing treatment at the same hospital since July 3. However, he passed away due to heavy internal bleeding and a heart attack on July 14.
His wife Janaki, living in Bengaluru along with their two-year-old son, had requested the government for assistance to bring back his body to India. The expenses will be to the tune of Rs 12 lakh, she had said.
Accordingly, a request was placed before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by the NRI Forum. The chief minister has sanctioned Rs 3.60 lakh from the government. The hospital has agreed to bear the rest of the amount, it is said.
Karnataka NRI forum vice president’s special duty officer H S Satish has stated that the body of Girish Babu will be flown from Guyana to India, with the help of the Indian Embassy and the office of the High Commission in New Delhi, India.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by DHNS / July 24th, 2025
Kodagu Student Muskan Sufi’s Debut Poetry Book Nominated for International Award
pix: kannada.hindustangazette.com
Mysuru/Chandigarh:
“This Too Shall Pass,” a debut poetry collection by Muskan Sufi, a young Kodagu student studying in Mysuru, has earned international recognition after being nominated for the prestigious Indie Authors Award 2025, held in memory of American poet Emily Dickinson. The book is now available for purchase online on Amazon.
Muskan Sufi, a student of English Literature and Psychology at St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru, hails from Virajpet in Kodagu and belongs to the Kodava Muslim community. Her literary achievement has drawn attention not only for its quality but also for the quiet determination that brought her recognition at a young age.
Published by the internationally acclaimed Bookleaf Publication, This Too Shall Pass was born out of Muskan’s participation in the publisher’s “21 Poems in 21 Days” challenge. She surpassed expectations by writing more than 28 poems, which resulted in a 50-page collection of emotionally rich, thought-provoking verse.
Her poems explore themes of pain, healing, nature, death, and the complexities of human emotion. With modern and socially conscious subjects, Muskan’s writing brings to life the inner turbulence of individuals and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. She uses simple yet powerful language, aiming to connect souls and provide hope to those facing life’s darkest times.
Thousands of poets participate in Bookleaf’s global poetry initiatives, and the top entries are selected for book publication and nomination to the Indie Authors Award. Muskan’s nomination has created a ripple in the English literary community, marking a proud moment for the Kodava Muslim community.
Expressing her joy, Muskan said, “I joined the challenge after coming across the campaign on social media. I’ve always loved writing English poetry, but I never imagined my poems would be published or nominated for such a prestigious award. It’s given me great motivation to pursue more literary work.”
Muskan is the daughter of Duddiyanda H. Sufi and Masuda Sufi, who head the DHS Group of Companies in Virajpet. Her father also serves as the president of the Kodava Muslim Association (KMA).
Muskan’s poetry book, This Too Shall Pass, is now available for purchase on Amazon.
source: http://www.hindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / pix:kannada.hindustangazette.com / July 21st, 2025
‘Kodava Food Festival’ at Hyderabad’s ITC Kohenur : A warm hug from Kodagu
Bringing the rich and rustic Kodava food to our palates, Chef Smitha Kuttayya impressed our hearts and tummies at Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur.
Lush green landscapes, ethereal waterfalls, and aromatic coffee plantations… wouldn’t you like to be in Coorg every single day? Well, a delicious fragment of Kodava culture presented itself on our plates at the Kodava Food Festival in Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur. Chef Smitha Kuttayya, who looked stunning in her Kodagu-style saree, treated us to what was no less than a delightful feast right from the hills of her beloved homeland. She told CE, “The unique distribution of flavours and the use of local ingredients such as kachampuli, a local vinegar, is what makes Kodava cuisine stand out.”
Chef Smitha Kuttayya
We started off with the Balekai Barthad, plantains marinated in kachampuli, shallow-fried and coated with rice flour. This dish was simply superb, with the right amount of sourness, crisp and texture. Its non-vegetarian counterpart, Meen Barthad, where the fish was marinated in kachampuli, chillies, and salt, was just as irresistible, with everyone going back for more. The Bollary Barthad, shallow-fried cucumber with spices and green chillies, was moderately spicy yet soothing. The Nallamalu Erchi and Koli Barthad — lamb and chicken fry respectively — stood out. The lamb, with subtle hints of cinnamon and cardamom, took you on a flavour ride. “Traditional Kodava cooking uses minimal oil for meat, relying on the lard instead. We also don’t favour overly spicy food, and because of our proximity to Kerala, we love using coconut; almost every dish has it,” Chef Smitha explained with a chuckle.
All the dishes were plated so professionally, but Chef Smitha revealed that this is the effect of modernity; traditional Kodava cuisine draws from its warrior culture, which prioritises bulk cooking for sustenance and togetherness. But then there are commonalities too — a staple loved across the southern states, the dosa appeared in its Kodava avatar: Neer Dosa. We had two versions: one filled with veg poriyal, the other with prawns marinated in kachampuli. Though quite full, we were treated to more of that famed Kodava hospitality.
Chef Smitha brought out Otti (Kodava-style akki roti) and Kadambuttu (steamed rice balls) served with six curries. The Kootu, a mixed vegetable stew, matched the rainy Hyderabad mood perfectly, while the Kaad Mange, a tangy seasonal mango gravy, became an instant favourite. The spicy Meen Curry melted in the mouth, but the Koli Kanni, a chicken curry rich with coconut, cardamom, cloves, and pepper, stole the show. But no Kodava meal is complete without Pandi Curry or pork curry. While the other curries paired well with the Otti, the Pandi Curry was perfect with the Kadambuttu; the grainy rice balls with soft, flavourful pork created a textural celebration in the mouth. Among the vegetarian curries, the Baimbale Curry, made with tender fermented bamboo, burnt onions, and roasted rice, was the winner.
Now, both Hyderabadis and Kodavas love their rice, and so we had Erchi Pulav, a coconut-based lamb pulav which brought back the flavours of the hills, especially when paired with Mango Pachadi. The Vegetable Pulav was just as good. The spiciest dish was the Onkkerchi, or dry-shredded pork, due to the generous use of bird’s eye chilli.
It left us craving something sweet and so we had Thambuttu, mashed ripe bananas blended with roasted rice flour. With a generous drizzle of ghee, this dish was traditional perfection. “A woman is central in the Kodava household. During Puthari, our harvest festival, we make Thambuttu and offer it first to the married daughters, praying for their well-being,” shared Chef Smitha. The meal concluded with Kaskase Payasa, a delicious poppy seed kheer that was so good, it was hard to stop at one helping.
We were 800 km away from Coorg that day, but after tucking into that delightful spread, we felt miles closer to the hills.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Hyderabad / by Nitika Krishna (headline edited) / July 19th, 2025
Mobile crematorium eases struggle of tribals to bid farewell to loved ones in Kodagu
Over 1300 families in the panchayat no longer need to travel 10 kilometres for cremation services, said the former Panchayat Development Officer Srinivas.
The mobile crematorium being used across Hosuru grama panchayat (Photo | Special arrangement)
Madikeri :
While births are celebrated, deaths cause not only grief but also stress as relatives, especially from underprivileged communities, struggle to give their loved ones a decent goodbye. However, a unique initiative has give solace to tribal residents of Hosuru grama panchayat in Kodagu.
This has become a model panchayat in the district for introducing the first mobile crematorium enabling smooth final rites of the departed.
“In Hosur Gram Panchayat, a majority of the population lives in modest line houses, often without access to land or essential facilities to perform the last rites of deceased family members. This lack of resources, particularly the absence of a cremation ground, caused not only emotional stress but also led to tensions between different communities over the use of limited space,” explained Srinivas MD, the former Panchayat Development Officer of Hosuru GP who envisioned the concept of a mobile crematorium. Srinivas is currently serving as Assistant Director of Ponnampet Taluk Panchayat.
Realizing the urgent need for a decent crematorium, Srinivas alongside other panchayat officers approached the Lions Club of Gonikoppal seeking their support. A mobile crematorium unit worth Rs 10 lakh was donated to the panchayat by the Lions Club. “This was in 2023 and I approached the then DC and obtained approval for 50 cents of land to serve as a designated cremation site. Further, utilizing Rs 5 lakh from the 15th Finance Commission grant, the infrastructure to manage and maintain the unit was established,” he recalled.
To ensure that the project was implemented in a structured and sustainable way, a dedicated committee to oversee the operation of the unit was formed even as a WhatsApp group to manage service requests efficiently was created.
“This digital coordination allowed timely deployment of the unit and maintained transparency in operations. As a result of these well-coordinated efforts of the panchayat, over 1300 families in the panchayat no longer need to travel 10 kilometres to Virajpet or Gonikoppal towns for cremation services. Particularly for daily wage workers residing in line houses, the nearby availability of the cremation facility has proven to be a great relief. Over 60 cremations have been respectfully carried out directly at the homes of the deceased using the mobile unit. The service has also been extended to neighbouring villages upon request,” he explained. He hopes that this model is adapted by all the Grama Panchayats to ensure a better society.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / April 10th, 2025
Suttur Seer recalls KBG’s illustrious works, services
Mysore/Mysuru:
The Suttur Mutt has deeply condoled the passing of K.B. Ganapathy, Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra. In his condolence message, Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji recalled that Ganapathy was originally an Advocate who practised at the Karnataka High Court and Civil Courts.
“Driven by a deep interest in journalism, Ganapathy left his legal profession and worked for The Free Press Journal and The Indian Express for several years. He later founded the English eveninger Star of Mysore in 1978 and the Kannada morning daily Mysuru Mithra in 1980, becoming the Founder-Editor of both newspapers. These publications quickly gained popularity for their in-depth reporting on local issues affecting Mysuru and surrounding districts, the Swamiji added.
“Ganapathy wrote thought- provoking editorials and book reviews, often highlighting social shortcomings. He also served the society in many capacities — as a Member of the Karnataka Media Academy, President of Mysuru District Journalists Association, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) and Vice-President of Kodava Samaja. He actively participated in relief efforts through Mysuru Nagaraikara Vedike, extending help to Tsunami victims in Tamil Nadu and others affected by natural disasters,” the Seer said.
Sri Deshikendra Swamiji further noted that Ganapathy authored four books in Kannada — ‘Adarshavadi’, ‘Kodagina Mele Shilubeya Neralu’, ‘Choomantra’ and ‘Shivajiya Khadga’ — and seven in English. “His book ‘Life and Times’, which reflects on life, literature, religion, spiritualism and personalities, stands out as a significant work. His recent book ‘The Hidden Life of a Yogi’ was released during the 9th edition of the Mysuru Literature Festival-2025. His popular Abracadabra column in Star of Mysore and its translated versions in Mysuru Mithra were widely read and appreciated. He received numerous accolades, including the Rajyotsava Award and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Mysore,” the Seer added.
“His demise is a great loss to society and the field of journalism. May the Almighty grant strength to his family, relatives and well-wishers to bear this loss. We pray for his soul to rest in peace,” the Seer said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / July 14th, 2025
Revving up a career… Tasmai Cariappa shifts gears in racing circuit
Kodagu, often hailed as the ‘Land of Spices’ and the ‘Scotland of India’, is not only known for its lush coffee estates and spice plantations but also for producing some of the country’s finest athletes and brave soldiers. Adding to this legacy is 22-year-old Monnanda Tasmai Cariappa, an emerging talent in the world of motorcycle racing.
Tasmai recently made a stunning international debut by clinching second place in the SP400 (400cc) category at the BRIC Superbike Championship-2025 held in Thailand, a performance that has turned heads in the racing circuit.
Now, with his eyes set firmly on representing India at the highest level of motorsport, Tasmai is revving up for Indian Superbikes League (ISBL) selections scheduled to take place in Bengaluru next week. His passion runs so deep that he made the bold decision to put academics on hold — despite excelling in his II PUC — to pursue a professional career in motorsport.
A resident of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru, Tasmai is the son of Dr. Monnanda Nalini Somaiah, Professor, Department of Studies in Botany, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore.
Star of Mysore caught up with the promising racer as he gears up for the ISBL trials. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): Being such a high-risk sport, how did you get into motorcycle racing?
Tasmai Cariappa: I’ve been passionate about racing from a young age. I grew up watching MotoGP and other races on television, which sparked my interest. After I turned 18, I got my first bike — a KTM Duke 390 — and started riding on the curvy roads of Chamundi Hill, which I loved.
During those rides, I met a few fellow enthusiasts who were already participating in races organised by KTM. That motivated me to take things more seriously. I enrolled in track training academies in 2019 and again in 2022, held in Coimbatore and Chennai. After completing the training, I began competing in Indian National Racing events in the 165cc category.
From the album – Tasmai Cariappa with his racing icon Marc Marquez of Spain.
SOM: Who has been your biggest inspiration among professional racers?
Tasmai Cariappa: Spanish racer Marc Márquez has been a huge inspiration for me. It’s not just his aggressive racing style, but also his mental strength and unshakeable determination that I admire. Despite suffering multiple injuries, he’s always managed to make a strong comeback and dominate on the track.
SOM: How did your family react when you told them you wanted to pursue racing?
Tasmai Cariappa: In the beginning, I didn’t inform my parents. I first shared my interest with my grandmother, Monnanda Jooby Somaiah, who supported me financially so I could join a racing academy. Only after completing my training did I inform my mother and my aunt, Rajini Somaiah, who works as a scientist in St. Louis, USA. Since then, they’ve all been very supportive of my racing journey.
SOM: Mysuru doesn’t have dedicated racing tracks. Where do you usually practice?
Tasmai Cariappa: I regularly train in Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Chennai. Bengaluru is my primary practice location because it has three Go-Kart tracks. I frequently ride at the Velocity International Circuit in Kolathur and the Aruani Grid in Dommasandra. Additionally, I visit the Madras International Circuit in Chennai and the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore every month for advanced training.
SOM: Motorcycle racing involves a high risk of accidents. How do you manage that risk?
Tasmai Cariappa: Yes, the risks are there. But as you gain experience and improve your riding skills, the risk starts to reduce. A major part of staying safe also depends on the quality of your racing gear — your race suit, helmet, gloves and boots.
High-quality gear plays a crucial role in protecting you during crashes. Apart from that, maintaining physical fitness is essential — it strengthens your body and helps you recover quickly in case of a fall.
SOM: Injuries take time to heal and can be expensive to treat. Since motorsport doesn’t get much support in India, how do you manage your finances?
Tasmai Cariappa: In professional racing, we have what’s called Circuit Insurance, which covers medical expenses during events. However, beyond that, it’s essential to consult reputable doctors and physiotherapists. They help design recovery plans, recommend the right nutrition, and guide you to bounce back faster and stronger.
SOM: Is the fitness routine for motorsport different from other sports?
Tasmai Cariappa: Absolutely. Racing demands both physical and mental strength. It’s not just about building muscle or endurance — it’s about total body fitness. My routine includes CrossFit, Yoga, mobility drills, reflex training for quicker reactions, and stamina-building exercises. Mental sharpness is just as important as physical readiness when you’re on the track.
SOM: What kind of diet do you follow?
Tasmai Cariappa: Diet varies from person to person based on their age, weight, and the bike category — whether it’s 400cc, 600cc or 1000cc. As the G-force increases with higher-capacity bikes, your body needs to be strong enough to handle it. So, nutrition plays a critical role. Most of us follow a high-protein, low-carb, and fibre-rich diet. You can’t just eat anything — every element in the diet must be planned to support your performance.
SOM: You’ve chosen the Kawasaki Ninja 400 as your race bike. Why that model?
Tasmai Cariappa: In my category, riders can opt for the Yamaha R3 or KTM RC 390 as well. But I’ve chosen the Kawasaki Ninja 400 because it performs better at the top end and has a more reliable engine.
It also has a slight edge in displacement — about 50cc more than the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390, which makes a difference in race conditions. For long runs of 8-10 laps, engine reliability becomes crucial, and the Ninja 400 holds up very well.
Proud moment – Tasmai with his mother Dr Nalini Somaiah
OM: Do you see yourself racing in higher categories in the future?
Tasmai Cariappa: Yes. I want to race in higher categories — especially in the 1000cc segment. But I believe in taking it step by step. It’s a physically demanding sport, and it’s important to gradually build your knowledge of the bike and your own skill level before moving up. My dream is to represent India on the global stage at world championship-level events.
SOM: What are your thoughts on the newly launched Indian Superbike League (ISBL)?
Tasmai Cariappa: Indian motorsport is growing and the ISBL is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring racers. It’s especially valuable for those who are passionate about racing but don’t own a superbike. Ducati stepping in to provide the bike and gear for selected riders is a big move for the sport in India. The selection process will be tough, but getting through it would be a game-changing opportunity for any racer.
SOM: Thank you, and all the best !
Tasmai Cariappa: Thank you !
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S N Venkatnag Sobers / July 12th, 2025
‘406 schools damaged in rain in Kodagu to be repaired’
Minister in charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju on Friday said that instructions have been issued to take up immediate repair works at 71 anganwadis and 406 schools in the district.
Speaking to reporters in Madikeri on Friday, Mr. Boseraju said 77 houses were damaged in rains in May and June, and compensation has already been distributed. Around 2,364 electricity poles and 22 transformers have been replaced.
Under the Shakti scheme, 500 crore women passengers have travelled across the State, with 1.20 crore in Kodagu district alone, he claimed. The government had borne an expenditure of ₹50 crore for the scheme, he added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / The Hindu Bureau / July 11th, 2025
Inverting the pyramid
On the cool, green hills of Coorg, the Kunde festival is when Jenu Kurumba men, liberated by disguise and liquor, curse their gods, their employers and all passers-by.
Once a year, the usual peace of the Coorg hills is rent by expletives and abuse, the staccato beat of plastic drums, and rhythmic chants and yells. Then, from the muted shades of green and brown foliage emerge the neon-yellow-silver-red Jenu Kurumba men. They are dressed as women, in a playful take on Western sexuality. They are walking to a forest temple to invert normality — they will not worship but berate the gods.
Liberated by disguise and alcohol, the Kunde festival topples the norms — gods, passers-by and plantation owners are all cheerfully abused by the labour force, as today they stand upright rather than bent over the coffee bushes. Kunde Habba in the local dialect means the festival of abusing god. Screams and laughter are in the air but this crazy carnival serves a purpose — it’s a social pressure cooker that allows everyone to let off steam. The static hierarchy of the hills is blown open for a day, which makes the rest of the year more bearable for those near the bottom.
The Kurumbas are seriously angry. They asked the god Aiyappa to go hunting with them, but he was far more interested in the beautiful goddess Bhadrakali, and abandoned them to the vagaries of the hunt. The god’s love is tested by this annual reminder of his duties, couched in a torrent of anatomically accurate abuse.
Today, the Kunde has modernised. The areca nuts, the leaf masks, the flowers and fruit layered over turmeric have been replaced with mass-produced plastic accessories, but what is still going strong is the casual immediacy of self-expression. The Kunde is more than a day of shattered inhibitions; it is carefully contoured chaos that obeys immemorial and invisible laws, granting the privileged observer a glimpse into another world and another time.
The Kurumba men, liberated by disguise and alcohol. Photo – Clare Arni
The Kunde festival is a carefully contoured chaos that obeys immemorial and invisible laws. Photo – Clare Arni
The Kunde festival is a carefully contoured chaos that obeys immemorial and invisible laws. Photo – Clare Arni
The Kurumba men, liberated by disguise and alcohol. Photo – Clare Arni
This crazy carnival serves a purpose — it’s a social pressure cooker that allows everyone to let off steam. Photo – Clare Arni
This crazy carnival serves a purpose — it’s a social pressure cooker that allows everyone to let off steam. Photo – Clare Arni
This crazy carnival serves a purpose — it’s a social pressure cooker that allows everyone to let off steam. Photo – Clare Arni
The Kurumba men, liberated by alcohol and disguise. Photo – Clare Arni
The Kurumba men, liberated by alcohol and disguise. Photo – Clare Arni
The Kunde festival is a carefully contoured chaos that obeys immemorial and invisible laws. Photo – Clare Arni
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Magazine / October 18th, 2016
Ph.D for landslide susceptibility research in Kodagu
Mysore/Mysuru:
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, has conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree on G.A. Arpitha for her research titled “Landslide Susceptibility Mapping for Kodagu Region using Machine Learning Techniques.”
Her work was carried out under the guidance of Dr. A. L. Choodarathnakara, Professor and Head of the Electronics and Communication (E&C) Department at Government Engineering College (GEC), Karwar.
As part of her research, Arpitha developed a comprehensive landslide susceptibility map and a detailed landslide inventory for Kodagu district. The dataset has been made publicly available to aid future research and enhance disaster management efforts.
She is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute of Technology (SDMIT), Ujire.
Arpitha is married to P.G. Yashavanth, a serving member of the Indian Air Force. She is the daughter of G.N. Achaiah, a retired BSNL employee and Vedavathi, a retired teacher.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 07th, 2025
