DakshinaChitra, the living-history museum and a project of Madras Craft Foundation, is set to unveil its 19th addition — a meticulously restored 1852 Kodava house from Coorg (Kodagu).
Located at DakshinaChitra Museum on East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chengalpet district, Tamil Nadu, the house will officially open on Oct. 23 at 11.30 am, with Ju Seong Kyu, the Managing Director of Mobis India Foundation (the CSR arm of Hyundai Mobis) presiding over the event.
The Kodavas, a unique community known for their distinct customs, heritage, attire and cuisine, will have these aspects vividly showcased within the house.
Kodagu, nestled in the Western Ghats, is renowned for its rich, forested, mountainous terrain, and the Kodavas have long been its protectors, safeguarding its wildlife and biodiversity for centuries.
A dedicated exhibition on the Western Ghats will highlight the global importance of conserving these biodiversity hotspots. Kodava music and dance, a cherished part of the community’s culture, will also be showcased.
A Kodava troupe from Kodagu will perform on both Oct. 23 and 24 to celebrate the house’s inauguration.
The Kodava House exhibition has been curated by Gigi Scaria, while the Western Ghats exhibition has been curated by Shekar Dattatri and Saravana Kumar.
Contributions from Sandooka: The Living Museum of Kodava Culture, founded by retired IAS Officer Rathi Vinay Jha of the Codanda family, enrich the display with images, content and videos. She is also the Life Trustee of the Madras Craft Foundation.
The construction of the Kodava house and the exhibition has been entirely supported by Mobis India Foundation. The opening ceremony will conclude with a traditional Kodava folk performance.
Rathi Vinay Jha and Founder of Madras Craft Foundation and DakshinaChitra Museum Dr. Deborah Thiagarajan will address the gathering. Head of CSV Strategy Team, HQ Mobis Lee Chang Jun and Kim Kyung Jin from the CSV Strategy Team, HQ Mobis will be present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 20th, 2024
Anitha Nanda Appanervanda, a 61-year-old coffee farmer from Coorg, Karnataka, stands as a symbol of determination, sustainability, and empowerment. Over the course of her 22-year journey, Anitha has not only established a successful coffee farm but has also transformed the lives of hundreds of women in her community, fostering a culture of eco-friendly farming practices.
A passion for farming rooted in childhood
Born and raised in Bengaluru, Anitha’s passion for farming took root in her childhood. Every school vacation, she would visit her grandfather’s coffee estate in Coorg, a place that quickly became her second home. The vast expanse of coffee plants, the rich biodiversity, and the sense of peace found in the hills left an indelible mark on her young mind. “From those early days, I knew I wanted to return to the hills and be part of coffee farming,” she fondly recalls. This deep connection to the land paved the way for her lifelong dedication to sustainable agriculture.
Her dream started to take shape after she married Nanda Belliappa, a fellow coffee farmer from Coorg. Together, they took over the family-owned Surya Kiran Estate, where Anitha embarked on her mission to blend her passion for farming with eco-friendly practices.
Despite her enthusiasm, the road to success was not easy. In the early years, Anitha and her husband faced numerous challenges. Coffee farming requires patience, and the couple struggled to produce good harvests from their robusta coffee plants. “It took almost 10 years before we saw good yields,” she shares, highlighting the perseverance and dedication it took to build the farm.
Their breakthrough came when they adopted intercropping techniques, blending coffee cultivation with black pepper. This method not only boosted productivity but also contributed to a more sustainable farming system. Today, they cultivate 110 acres of robusta and 40 acres of arabica coffee, a testament to their hard work and commitment to innovation in farming.
Anitha’s approach to farming is deeply rooted in her desire to protect the environment. Situated in the biodiversity-rich region of Coorg, her coffee estate is more than just a farm – it is a sanctuary for wildlife. Her coffee plants grow under the protective canopy of rainforest trees, a practice known as shade-grown coffee farming. This method helps maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem, providing shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
“We must protect this land from climate change and global warming,” she asserts, emphasising the role that sustainable practices play in preserving the environment for future generations. Anitha’s farm has been awarded Rainforest Alliance Certification, recognising her dedication to eco-friendly farming.
While she remains deeply connected to traditional farming methods, Anitha is not afraid to embrace modern technology when it benefits the farm. She uses machines for irrigation and weeding, which helps reduce labour and improve efficiency. However, the core of her farming philosophy remains grounded in traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.
Anitha’s success is not just about coffee. She has diversified her farm by growing black pepper and areca nuts, a strategy that has made her farm more resilient and sustainable. This diversification has allowed her to reduce dependency on a single crop and has opened up new streams of income for her family.
Empowering women and building a community
Anitha’s contributions go far beyond her own farm. As an active member of Biota Coffee FPC and the secretary of the Codagu Women’s Coffee Awareness Body (CWCAB), she has empowered around 400 women in her community. This group, which was founded in 2002 during a time when coffee prices were low, has provided women with the support they need to embrace eco-friendly farming practices and achieve fair prices for their crops.
For Anitha, farming is not just a livelihood – it’s a community effort. Through CWCAB, she has helped women coffee farmers promote sustainable farming and spread awareness about the benefits of coffee. Each year, on International Coffee Day, they celebrate by giving away free coffee to locals and tourists, a gesture that symbolises their pride in the hard work that goes into every cup.
Anitha’s dedication to sustainable farming has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) for her pioneering work in intercropping black pepper with coffee. “It was a proud moment,” she recalls, noting that it validated the years of effort she had poured into her farm.
Despite her success, Anitha continues to innovate and learn. She has recently taken up beekeeping, recognising the crucial role bees play in pollination and the overall health of her farm. This new venture is another example of her commitment to maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Coffee Farming: A source of Income and Sustainability
Sustainable farming has proven to be both environmentally and financially rewarding for Anitha. She cultivates robusta coffee, which has been particularly profitable in recent years. Producing around 19-20 bags per acre, she earns Rs. 10,000 per bag, while her arabica parchment fetches a higher price at Rs. 16,000 per bag. This strong financial return is a direct result of her commitment to eco-friendly practices.
While she does use some fertilisers, Anitha avoids harmful chemicals, focusing instead on maintaining native trees and enhancing soil health. Her approach blends the best of traditional and modern farming methods, ensuring that her land remains fertile and productive for generations to come.
A legacy of passion and purpose
Anitha Nanda’s journey from city life to becoming a successful coffee farmer in Coorg is a testament to her passion for the land and her determination to create a better future for her community. Through her sustainable farming practices, she has not only preserved Coorg’s rich biodiversity but has also empowered hundreds of women to take control of their livelihoods.
For Anitha, coffee is not just a crop – it’s a legacy, a connection to her roots, and a vision for a sustainable future. Her story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, care for the environment, and a strong community, anything is possible.
source: http://www.theorganicmagazine.com / The Organic Magazine / Home / by Tanishq Verma
The first-ever ‘Coffee Dasara’ launched at Gandhi Maidan as part of the recently held Madikeri Dasara was a ground-breaking initiative to elevate the coffee industry and engage the farming community. This event raised awareness about the transformative changes in coffee cultivation and the various facilities available to growers.
Conceptualised by Dr. Manthar Gowda, MLA from Madikeri Constituency, the two-day event on Oct. 7 and 8 featured a diverse array of coffee enterprises and 34 departmental stalls, all dedicated to equipping growers in the district with essential information and resources.
Numerous organisations also participated, setting up stalls to offer supplementary materials and insights related to various agricultural products, including coffee, thereby fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Inaugurating the Coffee Dasara, Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy affirmed the Government’s commitment to standing by farmers to ensure the comprehensive development of all agricultural activities, particularly coffee cultivation, which serves as the backbone of Kodagu’s economy.
He noted that coffee cultivation does not fall under the purview of the Agriculture Department or the State Government. In various regions of the State, paddy cultivation is widespread, supported by reservoirs. However, water availability often decreases as crops mature, leading to difficulties for farmers, he said.
“To tackle this issue, the State Government has decided to create farm ponds (krishi honda) in command areas, which will aid farmers during water shortage. The Government plans to grant permission for the construction of 250 farm ponds in Kodagu district,” he assured.
Escaping modernisation
As the chief guest, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, stressed that no region can escape the wave of modernisation. He underscored the need for balanced development while maintaining cultural roots.
Emphasising the promotion of coffee cultivation and industry, he advocated for the establishment of local coffee brands and raising awareness about domestic coffee consumption.
Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna praised the focus on coffee cultivation during the Madikeri Dasara celebrations, expressing hope that importance of coffee would continue to be emphasised in future Dasara festivals, spreading its significance throughout State.
MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda highlighted the numerous challenges faced by coffee growers and called for support, urging Ministers not to permit the conversion of paddy fields into non-agricultural land to preserve Kodagu’s agricultural heritage.
South Indian filter coffee
Coffee Board Chairman Dinesh Devabrinda announced a plan ‘from farm to market,’ aimed at doubling coffee production over the next decade while maintaining quality.
He noted that the Government of India recognises the significance of coffee and has allocated Rs. 307 crore to the Coffee Board for the development of the coffee industry. Of this, Rs. 19 crore will be provided to coffee growers in Kodagu through various assistance schemes.
Currently, the average coffee consumption per Indian is 30 cups. If this figure can be increased to at least 60 cups, internal coffee consumption could rise from 2,50,000 tonnes to 3,50,000 tonnes, significantly benefiting farmers.
He emphasised that South Indian filter coffee is among the best globally, and the Coffee Board is actively working on initiatives to promote this filter coffee on a worldwide scale.
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkata Raja, Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Narwade, former MLC Veena Achaiah, Secretary of Karnataka Planters’ Association K. Rajiv Ganapathy, President of the Coorg Planters’ Association Nanda Belliappa, General Secretary of the Women’s Coffee Awareness Society Anita Nanda, Coffee Board Member Taluru Kishore Kumar, Coffee Board member, Kodagu Congress President Dharmaraj Uthappa, former President Vinod Shivappa, General Secretary of the Madikeri Dasara Committee B.Y. Rajesh Yellappa and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 16th, 2024
The chants of ‘Jai Jai Maatha, Cauvery Maatha’ and other devotional callings filled the morning air at Talacauvery and the rituals were led by priest Prashanth Achar and others.
Devotees taking part in the Cauvery Tula Sankramana. (Photo | ENS)
Madikeri :
The chants ‘Ukki Baa Cauvery’ broke the morning mist at Talacauvery as the sacrosanct event of Cauvery Tula Sankramana was witnessed by thousands of devotees.
The holy water gushed out from the ‘Kundike’ at 7.41 am, a minute later than the predicted time. Rituals followed the holy event and the temple towns of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery flourished with devotion on Thursday.
The chants of ‘Jai Jai Maatha, Cauvery Maatha’ and other devotional callings filled the morning air at Talacauvery and the rituals were led by priest Prashanth Achar and others.
The roads leading to Bhagamandala and Talacauvery were flooded with devotees from midnight hours even as hundreds of devotees dressed in traditional Kodava attire marched barefoot to the temple from Bhagamandala.
A few devotees even carried out ‘padayatra’ from Virajpet and the temple towns were witness to the endless devotions from thousands of devotees. While the astrologers predicted the holy gushing of water to take place at 7.40 am, the same was witnessed a minute later. Hundreds took a dip in the holy water even as arrangements were in place to distribute the holy water to the gathered devotees.
Alongside the arrangements extended by the district administration and police department, several volunteers and other organizations joined in to ensure smooth ongoing of the activities during the festivity.
Increased security was deployed by the police department. Under the leadership of SP K Ramarajan, four DySPs, 12 Inspectors, 32 PSIs, 350 constables, two KSRP, four DAR staff and others extended security to the devotees.
Mass feeding to the devotees was extended by Kodagu Ekikarana Members. Apart from the traffic jam, all necessary arrangements were made to ensure smooth visits of the devotees.
Several dignitaries including district in-charge minister Boseraju, MLAs AS Ponnanna, Dr Mantar Gowda, DC Venkat Raja and others were present during the sacrosanct event.
source: http://www.newindianexpess.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 17th, 2024
Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, will be celebrating Cauvery (Kaveri) Sankramana Festival at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar 1st Stage on Oct. 18.
Kani Puja will be performed at 10 am.
Holy water (Theertha) will be distributed to all the devotees present in the celebration.
All the devotees of Goddess Kaveri are requested to participate in Kani Puja, Festival celebration and also receive Theertha brought from Talacauvery, according to a release from K.A. Belliappa, Hon. Secretary of the Samaja.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 15th, 2024
Kodagu, the lush green forests in the faint backdrop of the hill range, graze each other as the warm light pours through the valley. The boundaries of small towns slowly melt into the green with flowering plants blooming by the roadside. Also known as the Kashmir of South India and Scotland of India by the British, the sunlight trickling through the hazy landscape of Coorg is a dream setting for a photographer.
The facade of Huilekere House in our team member and artist Rashmi Manodhas rendition.
After an eighteen kilometer drive from Virajpet to the small village of B Shettigeri and another five kilometer downhill, mesmerized by the strong scent of coffee flowers past the Koottiyal lake, welcomes you to the Huilekere House, peeking beyond the lofty coffee plantations seated in a 200-acre land in the Kerala-Karnataka border. The birds chirp merrily along the burbles of the river as the dewdrops settle slowly on the coffee berries. The scent of the mouldy dried leaves infuses the chilly atmosphere, with every step feeling more in tune with nature.
At night in Coorg, when I was talking with the estate manager Husainika in the courtyard of the estate, it unexpectedly rained like a guest. The rain fell on the coffee plantations that lay outside.. the cold wind.. fell into a great feeling. An unforgettable night in beautiful Coorg.
The front elevation of Huilekere House
The design of the house pays homage to the richness of the traditional Ainmanes resided by the Kodava clan. The Kayale (the wide front veranda), Chadara Kamba (large square wooden pillars that taper upwards), and Munds (square central courtyards that are open to the sky) are characteristic features adopted from the Coorg Ainmanes.
Chadara Kamba supporting the verandah
The Chadara Kambas support the courtyards and the verandah, while the roofs slope inside the courtyards and the four exterior walls. The rafters and the joinery fit perfectly, which involves skilled wood craftsmanship. It is one of the three types of Ainmanes called the Mundmane (a square structure built around a mund), followed by the Othe Pore and Madakmane. The extensive, wooden slab seating called the Aimaras was a significant feature of these houses. The one on the left was used only by the founder of the clan or the Karanavas. It was the reserved seating for the Pattedar or the head of the family.
The house is raised on stone pillars instead of mud. The long, polished wooden slabs fixed to the low parapets called ‘aimara’, which sit on the front verandah, evoke the grandeur of tradition. The courtyards of this house encourage natural light and ventilation. All other rooms lead to corridors around the courtyard. The tiled roof slopes down to the two courtyards and four sides of the house. The service block containing the laundry and servant quarters is located across the entrance to the house. Elaborate woodwork done by skilled craftsmen can be seen throughout the house. Thus, this traditional style house is proof that aesthetic creations can be created without any additional decorative elements on the elevation.
View of the front verandah
Strolling along the extensive laterite stone pathway as the breeze from the trees brushes across the face, it takes you back to the past glory of the Kodava heritage. The lush green grass adds a pop of colour that compliments the facade extending twenty six meters horizontally.
The stone pathways leading to the entrance
The flight of steps carved intricately from stone leading to the entrance on a structure built on a stone plinth instead of mud stops at the Kayale. There are two entrances on the western and northern sides of the house. The majestic scale is a recognizable aspect of the Ainmanes, ranging from ten to twenty meters. Upon opening the main door, two Munds with elegant seating and Chadara Kambas emerge into view.
Steps carved intricately from stone
The courtyards encourage natural light and ventilation into the house, as the narrow corridor circulates and connects the rooms. Paintings on the wall, the carvings on the pillars, the wooden frames, and the capital beams celebrate their love for fauna and flora.
View of the interior courtyard
View of the exterior courtyard
To lend a signature touch to the house, terracotta tiles were used in the verandah and in the interior, natural stones have been used. The residence is adorned with numerous antique treasures on display. The dark-coloured furniture and wall decorations provide a striking contrast to the light-coloured interior. A warm lighting with coloured and pattered decorative fixtures is used to light up the house as it feels natural and fosters relaxation. All in all, this summer residence emanates warmth and comfort by striking the right balance between neutral beige hues and pops of colour.
Living room of the Huilekere House
Dining room of the Huilekere House
The residence is adorned with numerous antique treasures on display
The timber roofing in Huilekere House
Designed by Benny Kuriakose and Associates, it heeds the concept of “form follows function”. The beauty in the simplicity confirms that additional decorative elements are unnecessary for the aesthetics of a building. Coorg can make any voyager fall in love with the scenic beauty anew with every visit, invoking memories of the timeless grace that will continue to follow for a lifetime. This residence is a beautiful and elegant space where you can enjoy the beauty of nature all around you.
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament is returning for the first time since 2017. The event will feature 12 nations, competing in six-a-side matches.
FILE PHOTO: Robin Uthappa. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Robin Uthappa will lead a seven-member Indian team at Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, set to be held from November 1 to 3.
The rest of the squad includes Bharat Chipli, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami and Stuart Binny.
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament is returning for the first time since 2017 and will be played at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground. The event will feature 12 nations, competing in six-a-side matches.
The 12 teams will be divided into four pools of three each, who will compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals. While the winners of the quarterfinals will enter the Cup semifinals, the losers of the quarterfinals will compete in the Plate semifinals.
The bottom-placed team in each pool will play the Bowl Competition.
A total of 29 matches will be played in the three-day tournament.
A Women’s Exhibition Match will also be held on the final day of the tournament to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.con / Sportstar / Home> Cricket / by Team Sportstar / October 12th, 2024
Yesterday I travelled to Kushalnagar in Kodagu to see a friend in an eye hospital, “Lopamudra Eye Care,” who was undergoing a procedure for cataract. While in the waiting area, I noticed a number of framed certificates, citations, testimonials and photographs about the doctor. Being a private, personal hospital, such displays are expected and understandable.
However, what interested me was a couple of framed displays that seemed unique and modestly appropriate for a doctor who is a native Kodava and the hospital is in Kodagu.
I took the photographs of some of these displays to study them later. There was a photograph of a native Kodava of the early 20th century in his ethnic ceremonial attire (see picture). He is the grandfather of Dr. M.M. Ponnappa of Lopamudra Eye Care. He was honoured by the British Masters of the Colonial days with the title Rao Bahadur. So, he is Rao Bahadur Mukkatira Aiyappa. Could be, his grandson, this doctor Dr. M.M. Ponnappa, is so proud of his grandfather, he chose to honour his memory by hanging his photograph in the front office area.
And, again most appropriately, the legend of this legendary coffee planter and a philanthropist of those days (who had, no doubt, cultivated the company of the British Officers in Kodagu) as written in a newspaper was also displayed. The text details about the great gifts of this Kodava man. Curiously the news must have originated from Karachi (now in Pakistan) and taken from the newspaper ‘The Madras Mail’ (which was published by the British from Madras, now Chennai).
Reading its contents I was thrilled. Let me reproduce it:
The Madras Mail
Pluck Office, Karachi
M. Mukkatira Iyappah
Devanageri Virarajendrapet
Virarajendrapet is now embellished with a clock tower, erected in front of the post office.
The foundation stone of the building was laid by Sir Hugh Daly, the Chief Commissioner of Coorg on 5th February, 1914, when he visited the town, during his tour in Coorg. It is the gift of Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah, a successful coffee planter in commemoration of the coronation of the King-Emperor at Delhi. lt has already proven to be a boon to the public.
Mr. R.K Ellis, I.C.S., the District Magistrate of Coorg, performed the opening ceremony on the 16th of January and handed over the building to Virarajendrapet municipality.
Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah has also gifted the outpatient block of the civil hospital of Gonikoppal and an inspection bungalow of Fraserpet (now Kushalnagara) which has immensely benefited the people and district administration of Coorg.
Those who visit Virajpet in South Kodagu could not miss to see the famous Clock Tower at the junction of three roads in the busy down-town area built in red-brick. By the way, history records the location of the Clock Tower was selected (in 1914) for the reason that it was the place where General Abercromby, the General who marched with his troops from Malabar via Kodagu (to reinforce the British and allied forces fighting Tipu Sultan in May 1799 at Srirangapatna), met the Maharaja of Kodagu Virarajendra Wadeyar and signed a peace treaty. The Kodagu Raja founded the city Virarajendrapet to commemorate the occasion.
Be that as it may, the Clock Tower was a gift of Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah (Aiyappa) in commemoration of the coronation of the King-Emperor at Delhi. The opening ceremony of the Clock Tower was held on 16th January (1915), just one year after its foundation was laid.
Iyappah had also gifted an Outpatient Block of Government Hospital at Gonikoppal and an Inspection Bungalow of then Fraserpet, now Kushalnagar.
It is said, what one gives often goes round and round and comes back multi-fold to the giver — or to his progeny. The same seems to have happened to Dr. M.M. Ponnappa and his brother Dr. M.M. Amrit Nanaiah, who is running the Lopamudra Medical Centre in Gonikoppal.
It is inscrutable that both these brothers are today successfully running their hospitals, one in Gonikoppal and another in Kushalnagar, the towns where their grandfather Aiyappa had generously built two valuable facilities for the good of the public. Vedic values and Sanatana Dharma are seen working in a mysteriously subtle way as reward for Mukkatira Aiyappa’s selfless service to his fellow men. Let it be.
But as I scanned the wall, I noticed two boards with closely written text which read like pedagogy and a lesson in morals. Let me produce them here for the benefit of those who are on the path of virtuous and even spiritual life:
Keep it simple
Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes. (Well, I guess I have followed this advice by visiting this hospital !)
Forgive quickly. Life is short.
Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 am (I agree, I do follow this even to this night!).
Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
Count your blessings.
Wave at the children on a school bus.
Remember that 80 percent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
Don’t expect life to be fair…
Have a firm handshake.
Look people in the eye.
Keep Secrets.
Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
Avoid sarcastic remarks.
Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 percent of all your happiness or misery.
When playing games with children, let them win.
Be romantic. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
Be a good loser for your loved ones. Be a good winner of Hearts.
When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
And finally, a board with some information from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with penal sections. I’m sure Dr. Javeed Nayeem, our weekly columnist, Over a Cup of Evening Tea, who was the President of MAHAN, an Association of Doctors and Hospitals, to protect themselves from the vandals, will love this.
Yes, protection to doctors and hospitals from people who attack them for different reasons, are there in the law books. But, in our too liberal a Democracy these laws are more often subverted, sabotaged and violated with impunity rather than enforced. Hence, this reminder of IPC to the patients. Examples are many, but the recent one is in the rape and murder of a duty doctor at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.
e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> abracadabra / by G.B. Ganapathy / October 10th, 2024
The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysore East, was held at the Association premises in Vidyashankar Nagar, Sathagalli Layout, recently.
Picture shows the newly elected office-bearers and Managing Committee Members of the Association for the year 2024-2026:
Sign USD70 Million deal to build a Waterfront Hotel in UAE and three resorts in India
L to R – Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Dinesh Yadav, Founder and Director, Kamah Hotels & Resorts
Kamah Hotels & Resorts, an upcoming luxury and wellness brand, proudly announces a major partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s second-largest hotel and resort brand. Together, they have signed a $70 million deal to develop four new hotels—one in Dubai and three in India—under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. This partnership was formalised at the Future Hospitality Summit 2024 in Dubai and marks a significant expansion for Kamah’s portfolio, developed by Fine Acers Group in India and Global Branded Residences (GBR) internationally.
The exclusive signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both companies, including Dimitris Manikis, President of EMEA, and Panos Loupasis, Market Managing Director of TMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; and Dinesh Yadav, Director of Fine Acers & GBR.
“After our successful collaboration with Wyndham Grand Jaipur last year, we are thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts,” said Dinesh Yadav, Managing Director of Fine Acers Group & GBR. “This partnership will see the launch of four hotels under the Kamah brand, offering an exclusive luxury and wellness experience under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The first set of properties are located in Dubai, Coorg, Jawai and Udaipur with further expansions planned in global destinations like North America, Australia and Europe, as well as prominent Indian locations such as Goa, Lonavala, and Dharamshala.”
Imran Khan, International Director of KAMAH, highlights a substantial gap in the wellness hospitality sector that requires attention. He suggests that for the industry to truly flourish, leading brands should prioritize creating strategic partnerships that can drive both growth and innovation.
KAMAH has finalized several key locations for its Lifestyle, Luxury and Wellness Resorts, including Coorg, known for its lush landscapes and serene environment; Jawai, a rugged region famous for wildlife and immersive natural experiences; Udaipur, the heritage-rich “City of Lakes; and Dubai, a global hub of opulence and cutting-edge wellness ” offering a regal blend of tranquillity and luxury.
The newly announced properties include Kamah Hotel, Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, and three Indian resorts: Kamah Resorts Coorg, Kamah Resorts Jawai, and Kamah Resorts Udaipur.
These hotels will be developed under a branded residences model, providing investors a unique opportunity to purchase units in an internationally branded hotel and resort, situated in popular leisure destinations.
The four properties will be branded as part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, a soft-branded collection of midscale to upscale properties that maintain their individual character. This partnership introduces the Trademark Collection by Wyndham in the UAE for the first time, marking a significant milestone for both Kamah and Wyndham’s expansion strategies.
“We are delighted to extend our collaboration with Fine Acers Group and to introduce the Trademark Collection by Wyndham to the UAE market,” said Govind Mundra, Head of Development for the Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “This partnership is just the beginning, with plans for many more properties to follow and building on the ‘Owners First’ policy of Wyndham. Udaipur and Coorg are already established tourist destinations in India, and Jawai is emerging as a popular destination in Rajasthan.”
Both India and the UAE are key growth markets for the hospitality industry, with increasing tourist arrivals. Dubai remains a prominent international trade and tourism hub, contributing 9% to the UAE’s GDP in 2022, with expectations to grow this to 15% by 2031 according to the UAE’s Ministry of Economy.
source: http://www.traveldailymedia.com / TDM News / Home> Hotels> Global / by Kanchan Nath, TDM Editor / October 07th, 2024
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