Tag Archives: Kodagu

Revving up a career… Tasmai Cariappa shifts gears in racing circuit

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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’

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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

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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

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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

Ginger under siege: Pyricularia Fungus identified in Kodagu district

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A newly identified fungal disease has emerged as a significant threat to ginger cultivation in Karnataka, prompting an urgent advisory from the ICAR–Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR). Researchers from the premier spices research institute have confirmed that the pathogen Pyricularia spp.—typically associated with blast diseases in monocot crops like rice and wheat—has, for the first time, been found infecting ginger crops in the Kodagu district.

The outbreak, which escalated rapidly during the 2024 growing season, has already caused an estimated 30 per cent yield loss in affected farms. The disease manifests initially as leaf yellowing with small dark olive-green to black lesions, progressing swiftly to defoliation and plant collapse. While rhizomes may appear outwardly unaffected, early leaf loss significantly hampers rhizome development, reducing both quality and weight.

The severity of the outbreak has been linked to specific weather conditions during August and September 2024, when intense morning dew in Kodagu created ideal conditions for fungal spore germination and field-level spread. Interestingly, other major ginger-producing belts in Karnataka and Kerala have not reported similar infections, suggesting the outbreak may be microclimate-driven. Researchers at ICAR-IISR’s regional station in Appangala played a critical role in field monitoring and sample analysis, though challenges in preserving infected tissue during transport slowed initial confirmations.

ICAR-IISR has issued comprehensive control recommendations to mitigate the disease and prevent recurrence. These include fungicidal seed treatment of rhizomes using either Propiconazole (1 ml/litre) or a Carbendazim-Mancozeb mix (2 g/litre), followed by storage in dry, ventilated conditions. For standing crops, preventive foliar applications of Propiconazole (Tilt) or Tebuconazole (Folicur) are advised approximately four months after planting. If early symptoms appear—particularly dark pinhead spots with surrounding chlorosis—immediate fungicide application is critical due to the pathogen’s rapid spread. Field observations have confirmed infections in fields up to 20 kilometers apart, indicating strong airborne mobility.

As an interim measure, ICAR-IISR has advised farmers in high-risk zones to suspend ginger cultivation until further assessments are completed. Ongoing research aims to better understand the pathogen’s adaptation to ginger, map its lifecycle triggers, and evaluate long-term solutions, including resistant varieties and sustainable biological controls.

The emergence of Pyricularia on a non-traditional host like ginger has raised new concerns among plant pathologists and agro-climatic researchers. It also underscores the urgent need for robust surveillance systems, climate-linked disease forecasting, and strategic extension services to protect India’s spice economy.

source: http://www.agrospectrumindia.com / Agro Spectrum / Home> Crop Protection / by Crop Protection / July 04th, 2025

Kodava Hockey Premier League-2025:  Pale Taluk emerge champions

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Mysuru:

Team Pale Taluk emerged as the champions of Kodava Hockey Premier League – 2025 defeating Coorg Titans 3-1 in the finals held at Chamundi Vihar Stadium Hockey Grounds here yesterday.

In the first half, Coorg Titans was leading 1-0 after converting a penalty. Pale Taluk came back strongly in the second half to score three consecutive goals to emerge champions. Kodavu Warriors won the third place.

The winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1.50 lakh while the runner-up team received Rs. 1 lakh cash reward along with trophies.

The jubilant Pale Taluk team posing with winner’s trophy at Chamundi Vihar Stadium in city yesterday.

Earlier, presiding over the valedictory event, Legal Advisor to Chief Minister and MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna expressed his happiness over the tournament being organised in Mysuru for the Kodava community and also congratulated Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Mysuru and Hockey Mysore for the success of 3-day tournament.

“We have been encouraging all sports including hockey in Kodagu as sports is an integral part of our culture. The State Government has been providing sufficient funds for promoting sports which has to be utilised efficiently. An 11-acre land has been identified in Virajpet taluk which will be developed into a sports facility,” he added.

Coorg Titans posing with their runner-up trophy.

Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) Commissioner R. Chethan, in his address, expressed concerns about youngsters committing suicide even for a small loss despite being excellent in their academics. He called upon the sportspersons to take the loss positively and come back stronger to emerge victorious.

Urging the parents to encourage their children to take up sports which not only helps in being physically fit but mentally stronger as well, Chethan lauded the Kodava Samaja Youth Wing for hosting the tournament by bringing community people from Mysuru and Kodagu together.

No players from Karnataka in National team

DYES Commissioner Chethan regretted the absence of Karnataka players in the National side. “Earlier, at least 3-4 players from the State, majority from Kodagu, were a part of the National Hockey team. However, it is disheartening to note that not a single player from the State was a part of the National team which won bronze in the previous Olympics.

A detailed discussion has been held with Hockey Karnataka and DYES is ready to provide all necessary facilities to improve the sport,” he added.

United Kodava Organisation Convener Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation’s Pradeep Urs, Hockey Mysore President Konganda Dilip Biddappa, Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Gynaecologist Dr. Appaneravanda Sonia Mandappa, actor Shwetha Chengappa, advocate Smitha Devaiah, Indian Hockey player C.B. Poovanna, Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru President Kotera Vedith Uthaiah, Technical Official Pullangada Rohini Bopanna, motorsport enthusiast Vamcy Merla and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 30th, 2025

₹50 crore for development works in Madikeri: Minister

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Minister for Municipalities Administration Rahim Khan speaking during his visit to Madikeri on Wednesday. MLA Mantar Gowda and Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja are seen. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan inaugurated the newly constructed Town Municipal Council (TMC) office building at Kushalnagar in Kodagu. The facility has been built at a cost of ₹7 crore.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Minister announced that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had approved the release of ₹50 crore for various development projects in the Madikeri Assembly Constituency.

Mr. Khan said allocations would be released in phases for development works. He announced the launch of three additional Indira Canteens in the constituency. Each canteen is expected to serve breakfast and lunch to more than 300 people daily, he added.

Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda said the new municipal office was spacious and well-equipped, adding that Kushalnagar was likely to be upgraded to a City Municipality in future. He proposed the installation of a statue of former Chief Minister R. Gundu Rao on the premises in recognition of his contributions to the town’s development.

He said the merger of several gram panchayats, including Guddehosur with Kushalnagar TMC, strengthened its case for elevation to City Municipality status.

The Minister inspected the Indira Canteen near the KSRTC bus stand.

source: http://www.thehindul.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 12th, 2025

Kodava Food Festival at Golconda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur

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ITC Kohenur presents an immersive culinary experience with a three-day Kodava Food Festival, spotlighting the distinctive cuisine of Karnataka’s Kodava region.

ITC Kohenur presents an immersive culinary experience with a three-day Kodava Food Festival, spotlighting the distinctive cuisine of Karnataka’s Kodava region.

Curated with care, the menu features an array of time-honoured recipes that reflect the bold and aromatic flavours of the Kodava table. Diners can expect dishes such as Balekai Barthad – shallow-fried raw plantains, Nallamalu Erchi – Coorg-style lamb pepper fry, Meen Barthad – crisp fried fish, Koli Barthad – spicy pan-fried chicken, Ograne Itte Kadambutt – rice dumplings stir-fried with vegetables, Bollary Barthad – golden-fried yellow cucumber, among others.

The menu also includes traditional accompaniments and seasonal preparations such as Chorange Pajji, Thenge Pajji, Baimbale Curry, Kaad Mange, and Tarkari Pulav, offering a rare glimpse into the depth and diversity of the cuisine.

Starting from 30th June to 2nd July 2025, between 7:00 PM and 11:30 PM, the Kodava Food Festival offers an extraordinary culinary journey through one of India’s most distinctive regional cuisines.  

Golconda Pavilion – ITC Kohenur, 30th June to 2nd July 2025, 07:00PM to 11:30PM.

To reserve your table and for further details, please call +91 79955 59223

source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Hotel Listicles> Hotel / by Hospibuz.com / June 28th, 2025

Rain: Holiday declared for schools in Kodagu district

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The NDRF team inspecting the landslide-prone areas in Kodagu on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In the wake of persistent and widespread rainfall across Kodagu district, Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja has declared a holiday for all anganwadi centres, primary and high schools, and pre-university colleges on Thursday as a precautionary measure.

The district has been witnessing heavy downpours over the past few days, with instances of rain-related damage reported from several locations. In the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday, Kodagu recorded 60.92 mm of rainfall. Srimangala received 146 mm, while Shanthalli and Shanivarasanthe registered 160 mm and 112 mm respectively.

Meanwhile, Kiran Kumar, assistant commandant of the 10th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), visited the district on Wednesday to evaluate the readiness of the NDRF team already deployed in Kodagu.

The NDRF team inspecting the landslide-prone areas in Kodagu on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

During his visit, he held discussions with R.M. Ananya Vasudev, a district disaster management expert, and inspected areas vulnerable to landslides. He also issued directives to strengthen safety measures and ensure swift relief operations in case of emergencies.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 25th, 2025

Karnataka rains: Minister seeks damage report from Kodagu DC

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Minister in charge of Kodagu N.S. Boseraju inspecting a damaged house during his tour of rain-affected areas in the district on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Minister in charge of Kodagu N.S. Boseraju on Thursday directed the district administration to submit a comprehensive report on rain-related damages in the Karnataka district. He said the matter would be taken up at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for July 2, where necessary funds will be sanctioned based on the report.

Speaking to reporters at Harangi after inspecting rain-hit areas, Mr. Boseraju said that Kodagu had been under red alert for several days due to incessant rains that caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, and houses. “Fortunately, there has been no loss of life, thanks to timely precautionary measures,” he said.

The Minister stressed that while rainfall in Kodagu is vital for southern Karnataka, the current downpour has led to severe local destruction. “In the upcoming Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting, we will assess the extent of damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure for carrying out immediate relief measures and planning permanent solutions,” he added.

He noted that earlier, the release of relief funds required specific criteria to be met. Now, however, funds will be disbursed based on the actual scale of damage.

“Officers have been directed to submit the report at the earliest. Once received, it will be discussed with the Chief Minister, the Revenue Minister, and departmental secretaries to facilitate timely fund allocation.”

Referring to the closure of the Ramaswamy Kanive hanging bridge, which connects Kushalnagar in Kodagu with Periyapatna in Mysuru, Mr. Boseraju said steps would be taken to reopen the bridge in coordination with K. Venkatesh, Periyapatna MLA and Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture.

N.S. Boseraju inspecting the hanging bridge near Kushalnagar in Kodagu on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Earlier in the day, the Minister, accompanied by Mantar Gowda, MLA, visited several rain-affected locations. He inspected the flow of the Cauvery river and assessed damage to the hanging bridge at Kushalnagar, and assessed another bridge near Rangasamudra., and visited a damaged house belonging to a local resident Chandrashekhar.

He said the monsoon had arrived unusually early — in late May — this year, resulting in considerable damage across the district. With more rain expected over the next two months, he directed officials to take adequate precautionary measures in flood-prone areas.

Mr. Boseraju also assured that the district administration has sufficient funds in its Personal Deposits account to manage disaster response, and that compensation has already been distributed to those whose houses were damaged. Permanent reconstruction works will begin after the monsoon subsides, he said.

A report on the total rain damage will be submitted to the Chief Minister, along with a request for additional funds, he added.

Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, and other officials were present during the visit.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 26th, 2025