Tag Archives: Kodagu

Karnataka govt organises ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ in honour of armed forces

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Bengaluru :

The Karnataka government organised a special event, ‘Jai Hind Sabha’, in honour of the Indian armed forces and facilitated retired military personnel in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The programme was held at the Town Hall in Bengaluru, and it was given the tagline, ‘Jai Hind Jai Sena’.

During the event, senior officers who served in the Indian Army and ex-servicemen were felicitated. The families of brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service to the nation were also honoured.

Among those felicitated were the family members of late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan (Ashoka Chakra awardee), Colonel Jojan Thomas (Ashoka Chakra awardee), Major M.C. Muthanna (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Major Ganesh Maddappa (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Captain M.V. Panjal (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Major Mohan Gangadharan (Shaurya Chakra awardee), Major Shafiq Mohammad Khan, and Colonel Ramamurthy (Sena Medal awardee).

More than a thousand senior army officers and ex-servicemen participated in the event. The Karnataka government had issued directions to organise such events across the country to salute the selfless service of Indian soldiers and stand in solidarity with them.

Addressing the “Jai Hind Sabha” programme, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that soldiers, farmers, doctors, and teachers are as revered and memorable as one’s own parents.

He praised the legacy of Indian soldiers. “Soldiers dedicate themselves to national defence with a spirit of sacrifice. The responsibility of protecting the country does not lie with the army alone, but with all 1.4 billion Indians,” he said.

He emphasised that India has never compromised on the principle of protecting the righteous and eliminating evil, and it never will.

“This is the commitment of every Indian,” Siddaramaiah underlined.

The Chief Minister made a significant declaration that no excise duty will be levied on army canteens by the state. He also assured that all necessary steps would be taken for the welfare of retired soldiers.

Speaking after felicitating senior army officers, ex-servicemen, and the families of martyred soldiers, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said, “To support all ex-servicemen in the state, the government is considering the establishment of a separate corporation. This proposal will be discussed in the state cabinet meeting before a decision is made.”

“We are thinking of forming this corporation based on the suggestion of Mallikarjun, President of the Congress Party’s Sainik Cell. We are committed to the welfare of soldiers who have served our nation,” Shivakumar stated.

“It is a matter of pride to be part of such a significant event. On behalf of the Congress party and the nation, I extend my gratitude to all of you who have served our country with strength and dedication. The Congress party has always stood by the nation and our armed forces. This programme is a testimony to the fact that your sacrifices will always be remembered,” he added.

–IANS

source: http://www.thehawk.in / The Hawk / Home> India / May 28th, 2025

Q & A with Joshna Chinappa | Still smashing

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

Thirty-eight-year-old squash champion Joshna Chinappa’s win at the National Doubles Championships shows she’s still in fine form.

Q. You recently won the women’s final at the National Doubles Championships alongside Anahat Singh. Do you have a long-term plan with this pairing?

Anahat and I were casually discussing the doubles and decided to play together. We will be playing the Asian Doubles Championships in Malaysia in June. She is a solid player, so it makes it easier and more fun.

Q. How have you modified your game with age?

I have a deep appreciation and respect for my body and what it has done over the past three decades for me to be able to play squash professionally. I definitely have to put in more work in terms of how I prepare for a game with my strength training, fitness, diet, etc.

Q. You’ve been playing squash for three decades now. How has the game evolved over the years?

The game has definitely gotten a lot more intense physically and you have so many different players with amazing skill to add to that physicality. There are so many tournaments happening all around the world and in India.

Q. What do you make of the next generation of Indian players?

There are a good crop of young players doing well at the junior and professional level. It’s so good to see about 6-7 of them playing the big PSA events consistently. I hope more juniors make the switch to go pro because that’s where the real test is.

source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> Leisure / by Pratibha Joy / June 10th, 2025

St Peter’s hockey: Coorg XI beat Mansi Foundation

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Salman Ambi, Omkar Musale and Sanket Sapkal got on the scoresheet for Coorg XI, while Karan Thosar pulled one back for Mansi Foundation

Representational Image. Pic Courtesy/iStock

Coorg X beat Mansi Foundation 3-1 in a men’s open match of the St Peter’s hockey tournament at Bandra on Tuesday.

Salman Ambi, Omkar Musale and Sanket Sapkal got on the scoresheet for Coorg XI, while Karan Thosar pulled one back for Mansi Foundation. 

In a boys U-16 fixture, Don Bosco beat Children’s Academy 6-2. 

Arnav Khot scored a brace  while Jap Topiwala, Parth Chintal, Raj Shirke and Samarth S added a goal each. 

For Children’s Academy, Kartikeyan Pandey and Austin reduced the margin of defeat. 

source: http://www.mid-day.com / Mid-Day / Home> Sports News> Other Sports News> Articles / by mid-day.com , Mumbai / May 29th, 2025

NGO integrates AI-based siren system to warn Kodagu villagers of elephant movement

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Using this app, people can update the last location where they spotted a wild elephant, and through an AI-based system, the movement of the elephant will be traced.

The siren system is being installed across 12 conflict zones in Virajpet limits. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

A new initiative to prevent untoward incidents related to wildlife movement is being undertaken on a trial basis in Kodagu. Funded by a private company, the early warning system has been installed by Support for Network and Extension Help Agency (SNEHA), an NGO.

An early warning system in the form of a siren to alert residents about wildlife movement within a one-kilometre radius has been installed by SNEHA on a trial basis in wildlife conflict regions across Virajpet in Kodagu.

The NGO is currently in the process of installing 12 such sirens across the conflict zones of Badaga Banangala and surrounding areas. While the initiative is currently at a trial stage, SNEHA plans to expand it further by introducing automated alert systems.

“This initiative is being carried out by SNEHA in Odisha and Kodagu regions. We are looking at developing the system further to ensure an automated alert system,” explained Ramaswamy Krishnan, the Executive Director of SNEHA.

He said the NGO has developed a mobile application called SNEHA Kalpvaig Elephant Tracker, which is being uploaded online to become accessible to all.

Using this app, people can update the last location where they spotted a wild elephant, and through an AI-based system, the movement of the elephant will be traced.

Further, based on the location of the elephant, a siren will be triggered to alert residents within a one-kilometre radius.

“The users who have this application can learn about the movement of the elephant, and this application is linked with the siren system. We have also placed about four camera traps in conflict zones, and these cameras are being monitored by the staff at the office to activate the siren manually,” he explained.

The cameras click pictures every minute, and these photographs are reviewed by the appointed staff, who can activate the siren if an elephant is detected within the designated area.

“We want to make this an automated system, and we are devising plans where the cameras can automatically detect wildlife movement,” he confirmed. When the sirens are activated, a voice alert message is also sent through the mobile application simultaneously.

The alert system is currently being implemented in Kodagu on a trial basis, with the NGO having formed a tracking team to monitor wildlife movements.

A total of 12 sirens have been installed across conflict zones in the Virajpet limits. The initiative is being funded by Sucden Coffee Pvt Ltd and is being implemented in collaboration with the Forest Department.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / May 30th, 2025

Kodagu jumps to 4th place in SSLC results after 25 students pass in revaluation

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A total of 25 students from the district have passed following a revaluation. Let’s find out more…

Kodagu district, which had grabbed fifth place in the state in Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) results, has now occupied fourth place after a revaluation process.

A total of 25 students who applied for revaluation have passed and the district has attained 82.40%, according to the report by The New Indian Express.

As per the results on May 2, Kodagu was in fifth position in the state with a percentage of 82.21. However, after the revaluation process, the district’s percentage has increased by 0.19, and the district has overtaken Shivamogga in the SSLC results.

A total of 25 students from the district have passed following a revaluation. Among those who applied for revaluation, 11 in Virajpet taluk, 13 in Somwarpet taluk and one student in Madikeri taluk have passed.

Earlier these students were in the failed list. With these 25 students joining the pass list, the district is moving up to the top position with a 0.19 percent increase in the pass percentage.

Meanwhile, supplementary examination is being held in two centers each in three taluks of the district. A total of 68 students have passed but are retaking the examination to improve their performance, as per the report by The New Indian Express.

Apart from these, students who have failed in various subjects are also writing the second examination as repeaters.

source: http://www.edexlive.com / EdEx Live / Home> News / May 29th, 2025

Devika Cariapa conferred with the Times of India Author Award

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

Codanda Devika Cariapa was recently conferred the prestigious Times of India About Her Award for the Best Children’s Author (Non-Fiction) 2024 at a grand ceremony in New Delhi.

She won the award for her book, ‘A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects’ published by Penguin Random House India. The award sees over seven thousand entries across five categories with only four books making it to the final shortlist.

The book is a compilation of information and depictions of 100 objects that have significant relevance in Indian history from prehistoric times to modern-day India. The emphasis has been to capture India’s diversity through concise and descriptive texts and beautiful illustrations. 

Devika Cariapa has been the recipient of multiple literary awards for Children’s Literature including the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, the Neev Book Award and The Hindu-Young World Award.

She is the daughter of Lt Gen Biddanda Chengappa Nanda and Mrs Leela Nanda and wife of  Gp Capt Codanda Chitrajit Cariapa.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> General / by CLN News Desk / April 12th, 2024

In their farm with five pet dogs, Booker winner Deepa Bhasthi’s husband celebrates in Kodagu

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

While the literary world applauded in London, back home in Kodagu, her win was met with joy, disbelief, and a bit of solitude.

Deepa Bhasthi won the  International Booker Prize for her translation of Kannada author Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp short story collection, in London on May 20, 2025. | Photo Credit: Deepa Bhasthi/Instagram

While Karnataka’s Kodagu-born writer Deepa Bhasthi celebrates a historic International Booker Prize win in London, her husband Chettira Sujan Nanaiah is celebrating in his own quiet way — on a farm, with five pet dogs, and congratulatory phone calls at their peaceful home in Madikeri.

On Tuesday night, Ms. Bhasthi, along with writer-activist Banu Mushtaq, was awarded the prestigious GBP 50,000 International Booker Prize for her translation of the latter’s short story collection, Heart Lamp. While the literary world applauded her in London, back home in Kodagu, the win was met with joy, disbelief, and a bit of solitude.

Speaking to The Hindu over the phone on Wednesday morning, Sujan Nanaiah — an artist-turned-farmer — shared his happiness. “She’s still in shock and joy. We spoke briefly in the morning. I couldn’t be there with her due to other commitments, but I’m extremely happy and proud,” he said.

Quiet life in Madikeri

The couple, who moved to their native Madikeri during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been living a quiet life on their farm surrounded by lush greenery. “It’s a simple life. We grow our own food, look after our pets, and enjoy being close to nature,” he said.

Mr. Nanaiah, who studied fine arts at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru, first met Ms. Bhasthi seven years ago at an art exhibition where he was a participant. What began as a friendship evolved into marriage and a shared life in Kodagu.

As calls poured in from family and friends, Mr. Nanaiah was busy tending to farm duties and looking after their pets. “I didn’t expect her to win, but I’m thrilled for her and the recognition it brings to Kannada literature,” he said, adding that he was the one who shared the good news with Bhasthi’s parents on May 21 morning. “They were emotional and proud. It’s a big moment for our family,” he added.

Born and raised in Madikeri, Ms. Bhasthi studied at Kodagu Vidyalaya before moving to Mangaluru for a degree in Mass Communication. She worked with print publications in Bengaluru before transitioning to freelance writing and literary translation.

Mr. Nanaiah said that Deepa’s return to Kodagu is expected around May 26, though her schedule is still uncertain. For now, as she enjoys her moment on the international stage, her immensely proud husband continues to hold fort at their serene Madikeri farmhouse.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B P / May 22nd, 2025

Kodava roots trace back 3,000 years, but origins still a mystery

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Mysuru:

A genetic study has traced the ancestry of the Kodavas, the culturally distinct community from Karnataka’s Kodagu district, to nearly 3,000 years ago. Yet, the mystery of their precise origins remains unsolved.

This is the first scientific attempt to explore the genetic makeup of the Kodavas. Conducted by researchers from the University of Delhi South Campus and Hyderabad’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, the study was published in Communications Biology.

Using genomic data from 144 Kodava individuals, scientists identified three genetically distinct lineages within the community. They named it: Coorg-1, Coorg-2 and Coorg-3.

Coorg-3 emerged as the most ancient lineage, dating back 98 generations, about 3,000 years. Coorg-1 diverged around 1,920 years ago and Coorg-2, the youngest lineage, appeared roughly 330 years ago from a mix of Coorg-1 and Coorg-3.

Interestingly, mitochondrial DNA passed down from mothers showed that around 40% of maternal lineages in the community are South Asian.

In contrast, Y-chromosome data revealed genetic signatures from Eurasian, Middle Eastern and India-specific male lines. This suggests a pattern of male-dominated migration followed by           local assimilation.

Despite numerous theories about the Kodavas’ origin, including links to Alexander the Great’s Indo-Greek army, pre-Muslim Kurds, pre-Christian Georgians or Indo-Scythian Sakas, concrete evidence of origin has remained elusive.

Even in this study, while Coorg-3 stands out as the most genetically distinct group and ancient, its original ancestral source remains unidentified.  [Sourced]

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 19th, 2025

June 2025 Weekend Plan: Coorg – Nature’s Gift Near Bangalore

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

Looking for a peaceful escape from the busy city life of Bangalore? June is the perfect time to take a weekend trip and enjoy the calm beauty of South India. One of the best weekend getaways near Bangalore in June 2025 is Coorg. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is often called the “Scotland of India” because of its green hills, coffee plantations, cool weather, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s just around 250 km from Bangalore and is ideal for a short break with family, friends, or even solo.

Let’s explore why Coorg is the perfect weekend getaway this June.

Green landscapes and fresh air In June, Coorg becomes even more beautiful. The monsoon begins, and the rains make everything green and fresh. The smell of wet soil, the sound of birds, and the misty hills create a peaceful mood. If you are someone who loves nature, you will enjoy every moment here. The scenic drives through winding roads covered with thick forests and coffee plantations are a treat to the eyes. You can stop at many places on the way for pictures or just to breathe in the clean air.

Popular places to visit in Coorg

Coorg has something for everyone. Here are some must-visit spots:

Abbey Falls – A stunning waterfall hidden in the forest, Abbey Falls is a great place for nature lovers and photographers. The short walk through coffee plantations to reach the falls is a lovely experience.

Raja’s Seat – This viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the hills and valleys, especially at sunset. It’s a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the fresh breeze.

Madikeri Fort – For history lovers, Madikeri Fort gives a glimpse into Coorg’s past. It also has a museum inside with interesting displays.

Dubare Elephant Camp – If you’re traveling with kids or love animals, this camp is a fun place. You can watch elephants being bathed and fed and even take part in some activities.

Talacauvery – This is the birthplace of the river Cauvery. It is also a holy site and offers beautiful views from the hilltop.

Local food and coffee Coorg is also known for its tasty local food. Try dishes like Pandi Curry (pork curry), Kadumbuttu (rice dumplings), and Noolputtu (rice noodles). These are full of local flavors and are best enjoyed at homestays or small local restaurants.

And of course, don’t miss the coffee. Coorg produces some of the best coffee in India. You can visit a coffee plantation, learn how coffee is grown, and sip a fresh cup while enjoying the cool weather.

Where to stay

Coorg has many options for all kinds of travelers. From budget hotels to luxury resorts, and cozy homestays in the middle of coffee plantations, you will find a place that suits your needs. Staying in a homestay will also give you a chance to talk to locals, learn about their culture, and eat home-cooked food.

Perfect weekend itinerary

Here is a sample weekend plan for June 2025:

Day 1 (Saturday)

Leave Bangalore early in the morning

Reach Coorg by noon and check into your hotel or homestay

After lunch, visit Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat Enjoy local dinner and relax

Day 2 (Sunday)

Visit Dubare Elephant Camp early in the morning

Head to Talacauvery and Madikeri Fort Try local food for lunch

Leave for Bangalore by late afternoon

Tips for travel in June

Carry an umbrella or raincoat, as it may rain suddenly

Wear comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing

Book your stay in advance as Coorg is popular during weekends

Try to leave early from Bangalore to avoid traffic

Why Coorg is perfect for June

June is the start of the rainy season, and Coorg looks like a green paradise. The weather is cool and perfect for walks, sightseeing, or simply relaxing with a hot cup of coffee. It’s close to Bangalore and easy to reach by road, which makes it a great weekend choice.

Whether you’re looking for nature, adventure, food, or just a peaceful time, Coorg gives you all. So, pack your bags and make your June weekend refreshing and unforgettable with a short trip to Coorg.

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source: http://www.nativeplanet.com / Native Planet / Home> Travel Guide / by Neha Choubey / May 23rd, 2025

Varsha Bollamma slays Singapore streets in style

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , ,

In Singapore, Kannada actress Varsha Bollamma, who recently enchanted viewers as Bhoomi in Ooru Peru Bhairavakona, is enjoying some well-earned relaxation.

The curly-haired beauty shared new photos from her trip, showing off her bright curls and beaming smile while wearing a white shirt and black shorts. She won over fans with her carefree aura and natural charisma when she posed in front of Singapore’s national symbol, the famed Merlion monument, in one of the photos.

Varsha costarred with Sundeep Kishan in Ooru Peru Bhairavakona, where he portrayed Basava, a desperate stunt double who steals a bride’s jewelry and becomes entangled in a series of enigmatic occurrences.

Next up, Varsha Bollamma has two great projects underway and is back to work. In addition to filming for Nithiin’s next film, Thammudu, she is also working on a Tamil film called Iruvam. Varsha never fails to captivate her followers with her presence and performances, whether she is on vacation or on television.

source: http://www.gulte.com / Gulte / Home> Photos> Actress / by Satya B / May 14th, 2025