Tag Archives: Virajpet

A piece of History gleaned from an Eye Hospital in Kodagu

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

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

‘Permanent solution needed to prevent elephant-human conflicts’

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

Madikeri:

“There is an urgent need to find a permanent solution to prevent wild elephant-human conflicts,” stated Meriyanda Sanketh Poovaiah, Member of the State Board  of Wildlife (SBWL).

Speaking at the ‘World Elephant Day‘ celebration organised by the Madikeri Wildlife Division of the Kodagu Circle at Harangi Elephant Camp, Poovaiah highlighted the critical role of community involvement.

“Rescuing wild elephants is not solely the responsibility of the Forest Department and the Government. There is an immediate need for the participation of border residents, organisations and the public in this effort,” he emphasised.

Poovaiah also mentioned that, to address the rising human-wild elephant conflicts in Kodagu district, a consultation meeting was held with Forest Ministers and officials from the neighbouring States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A decision on this matter will be taken by the Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

During the event, Dubare Elephant Camp Veterinarian Dr. Chittiappa educated students about elephants and their habitats, answering their questions. Madikeri Regional Division Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Bhaskar underscored the significance of World Elephant Day.

The elephants at the Dubare camp, including Lakshmana, Eshwara, Ekadanta, Vikrama, Rama and Karna, were bathed, anointed with castor oil, adorned and honoured with a puja. Mahouts Putta, Manju, Vishwanath, Nagaraja, Sanju and Manja guided the elephants in raising their trunks to greet the guests.

Notable attendees included Kodagu Elephant Task Force DCF P. Anusha, Virajpet Subdivision Conservator of Forests N.H. Jagannath, Forest Mobile Squad DCF Syed Ahmed Sha Hussain, Madikeri Wildlife Division DCF K.A. Nehru, ACF Srinivas, along with Forest Officials N.C. Shaman, Mariswamy, Range Forest Officers (RFOs) Rathan Kumar, Kotresh, Aravind & Ravindra and Deputy Range Forest Officers (DRFOs).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 02nd, 2024

Rs 2.83 crore released to over 17,000 farmers under drought relief fund in Kodagu

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Records, All, , , , , , ,

The department had proposed for the release of Rs 8.38 crore as a drought relief fund to be distributed among the farmers of the district.

Image used for representational purposes only,(File photo | EPS)

Madikeri :

A total of 17,297 farmers across Kodagu have been distributed with the drought relief fund from the state. Sources confirmed that many other pending applications are still under scrutiny and will be disposed of shortly.

All five taluks in Kodagu were declared as drought-hit regions this year from the state and over 20,000 farmers from the district applied to avail compensation for the crop loss.

As per the applications received by the agriculture department, 7620.74 hectares of paddy farmland and 2170.36 hectares of maize farmland were affected by drought in total across all the taluks.

The department had proposed for the release of Rs 8.38 crore as a drought relief fund to be distributed among the farmers of the district.

However, applications of 17,297 farmers from the district have been approved so far in ten phases and they have been handed over the total drought relief fund of over Rs 2.83 crore.

Joint Director of the agricultural department, Somasundar confirmed that 17,297 farmers have received only part payment of the drought relief even as applications of 3,263 farmers are still under scrutiny and will be finalized shortly. While a few applications are pending due to technical errors, others are under verification process.

Over Rs 5.54 crore funds are still pending to be distributed to the farmers as per the memorandum submitted to the state from the department.

The Ponnampet taluk is the worst hit region in the district as over 3825 hectares of paddy land has been reportedly affected by drought. A total of 5155 farmers from the region applied for drought relief.

In Somwarpet taluk, 1161 hectares of paddy and 470 hectares of maize farmlands have been affected by drought even as over 7,000 farmers applied for the compensation.

1972 hectares of paddy field in Madikeri and 650 hectares in Virajpet were hit by drought even as 1700 hectares of maize farmland was hit by drought across Kushalnagar taluk.

DC Venkat Raja confirmed that Rs 2.83 crore funds have been so far released to farmers and this includes a minimum compensation amount of Rs 1,000 and a maximum compensation of Rs 2,000 to the affected farmers.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna G R / May 29th, 2024

Whodunnit? Thousands of trees burnt inside Kodagu reserve forest

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , ,

In a move to erase evidence, they burned the axed trees risking the spread of forest fire across the Talacauvery sanctuary region.

Trees axed inside Padinalkukadu Reserve Forest area Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Thousands of trees were illegally felled inside the reserve forest area close to Talacauvery sanctuary in Kodagu. The incident came to light after Kodagu Ekikarana Members highlighted the issue after visiting the spot. Suspecting involvement of foresters in the act, they have filed a complaint in this regard with the Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna.

Located on the edge of Talacauvery Sanctuary, Mundrote Forest Range of Padinalkunadu Reserve Forest area is home to over 6,000 species of trees and plants. However, thousands of trees have been axed illegally inside the reserve forest area and three accused have been booked in the case.

In a move to erase evidence, they burned the axed trees risking the spread of forest fire across the Talacauvery sanctuary region.

When Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga forum members visited the spot, they found that over 5 acres of reserve forest land was allegedly cleared by the encroachers.

Virajpet DCF Jaganath shared that the department is still ascertaining if the chopping was carried out in the reserve forest area or at the private land touching the reserve forest area.

Nevertheless, FIR filed by the department states that the incident took place in the reserve forest area. “Stringent action will be taken against the culprits,” DCF added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 11th, 2024

Tree Surveys On Private Lands In Kodagu Irk Coffee Growers

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, , , , , ,

Madikeri:

Tree surveys on private lands and coffee plantations in Kodagu District, initiated by the Forest Department following the directives from higher authorities, have faced opposition from farmers and coffee growers in the region.

Recently, Forest Department officials visited certain coffee plantations in Valnoor and Tyagathur villages, informing villagers that they were there to conduct surveys of trees on private lands and plantations, citing regulations under Section 133 of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969.

Officials stated that they were acting upon orders from Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) for Forest Conservation and were surveying estates and lands in Valnoor and Tyagathur. However, farmers and plantation owners objected to this action and raised their concerns.

The villagers strongly reprimanded the Forest Department’s field staff for accompanying officials to document trees on private and Jamma tenure lands. They accused the Congress government of pursuing a policy of appeasement by authorising one-sided tree survey operations without prior notification to land-owners.

Expressing their discontent, they informed the officers that villagers have been safeguarding trees for generations, demonstrating greater competence in this regard compared to the Forest Department. They alleged that after conducting tree recording activities on private lands, the trees would be subsequently felled and sold to fund the guarantees announced by the Congress Government.

The villagers asserted that they would not allow tree-recording activities in the village under any circumstances. In response, Bhaskar, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of the Madikeri Division, stated that according to Section 133 of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969, a directive was issued on Jan. 24 from the Central Office of the Forest Department to record and list trees growing on private lands.

“We have instructed officials to adhere to the prescribed procedure, and tree recording has been conducted in certain areas accordingly. However, objections have been raised by farmers in certain regions. Reports detailing the situation will be submitted to higher authorities,” he added.

“This is a Statewide survey, and it is being conducted across all districts. As it is currently summer, officials have commenced fire prevention activities. Concurrently, tree recording activities are also underway,” stated Jagannath, the DCF of Virajpet Division. He further mentioned that tree recording is being conducted on lands within Virajpet division and in Ponnampet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 07th, 2024

Battle Brews Over Coorg’s Coffee Estates: From Serenity to Sprawling Villas-locals fear environmental disaster

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , ,

HIGHLIGHTS

Plans to turn 2400 acres of BBTC Coffee Gardens into large villas and townships have sparked strong opposition and deep concern among locals and environmentalists alike, creating a tempest of controversy around the serene hills of Coorg.

Madikeri:

Plans to turn 2400 acres of BBTC Coffee Gardens into large villas and townships have sparked strong opposition and deep concern among locals and environmentalists alike, creating a tempest of controversy around the serene hills of Coorg.

The proposal, orchestrated by a resort tycoon, has ignited a fierce debate, with critics decrying the potential environmental devastation and cultural erosion that could accompany the transformation of these verdant landscapes. The Codava National Council spearheaded by NU Nachappa has opposed it on two major counts.

“The roots of this dispute delve deep into Coorg’s past, tracing back to the acquisition of the land by the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation (BBTC) during the colonial era. Once communal property of the indigenous Codava tribe, the estate passed through various hands before landing in the possession of a resort magnate, sparking memories of Coorg’s colonial subjugation and indigenous displacement” Nachappa told.

Economic Gain vs. Environmental Loss

At the heart of the controversy lies the stark dichotomy between economic gain and environmental preservation. The sale of the estate, purchased at a fraction of its current market value, has raised eyebrows and suspicions, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the transaction’s legality and ethical implications.

“The conversion of lush coffee estates into sprawling villas and townships not only threatens to disrupt the delicate ecological balance of the region but also poses a grave threat to vital water sources and biodiversity hotspots. The ramifications extend beyond environmental concerns, touching on the preservation of indigenous culture and heritage, which risks being overshadowed by the specter of unchecked development” Nachappa told in a complaint lodged with the President of India, Prime Minsiter and Chief Secretary of the union government for forests and environment.

A Call to Arms

Following the CNC taking up the issue on a global scale, voices from all over the places where Codava people have migrated and relocated “decisive action to halt the encroachment on Coorg’s natural splendour and cultural heritage. Calls for stringent legal measures echo through the hills, demanding accountability from all parties involved, from buyers and sellers to local authorities and regulatory bodies. “The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as Coorg stands at a crossroads, torn between preserving its pristine landscapes and succumbing to the allure of unchecked development. The fate of this idyllic paradise hangs in the balance, with stakeholders grappling with the weighty consequences of their decisions” Nachappa relayed some sentiments of his countrymen.

In the face of mounting opposition, the battle for Coorg’s soul rages on, with the outcome poised to shape the region’s destiny for generations to come. As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: the future of Coorg hinges on the choices made today.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Hans News Service / May 01st, 2024

A pioneer who heralded growth of hockey in Karnataka

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, , , , , , , , , , ,

Legendary Ammanda Vasu Uthaiah was considered by many as a pioneer in promoting hockey across Coorg and subsequently Karnataka.

A pioneer who heralded growth of hockey in Karnataka
AS Uthaiah / Credit: Special arrangement

Bengaluru:

Legendary Ammanda Vasu Uthaiah, who passed away at 83 after following a brief illness on Thursday, was considered by many as a pioneer in promoting hockey across Coorg and subsequently Karnataka.

Hailing from Virajpet, a town in Kodagu, Uthaiah carved a niche for himself in the competition-heavy Indian national hockey team from the late 1960s to 1970s. It was no mean feat by Uthaiah, a stylish player who excelled in the left half back position, amid intense competition for places.

Uthaiah, a recipient of Dusshera Puraskara Koda and the Silver Jubilee award of Karnataka, was a part of the 1970 Asian Games squad that won silver, but missed out on making the cut for the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Uthaiah also played for Madras Engineer Group and Centre hockey team for close to one and a half decades, playing almost all the First Grade hockey tournaments in the country.

He later turned up for the BEML Bangalore hockey team, winning a couple of KSHA Super Division titles.

Karnataka Hockey president AB Subbaiah spoke about the impact Uthaiah’s contributions had in kick-starting a hockey revolution in Coorg and Karnataka.

“He (Uthaiah) can be considered as Coorg’s first established hockey player to have played a major tournament and inspired the next generation of players,” Subbaiah said.

“From what I have understood after speaking to Uthaiah’s contemporaries, he was a very skilled player with a never-say-die attitude. A good tackler, and someone with a calm head,” Subbaiah added.

“As a person, he used to guide and support us and share his pearls of wisdom, and was very passionate about hockey and players coming up from Coorg and Karnataka.

“Even after his retirement, he would actively organise tournaments and headed the Kodava Samaj Sports Committee,” Subbaiah revealed.

Uthaiah is survived by a son and a daughter.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Sathvik Bharadwaj / February 02nd, 2024

Two Female Officers From Kodagu To Lead R-Day Contingents

Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kushalnagar:

At this year’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, the focus will shift towards celebrating ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) and achievers at ‘Kartavya Path.’ The opening spectacle will feature a hundred talented women artists playing traditional Indian instruments. This marks departure from previous displays, which heavily emphasised military prowess, aligns with the themes of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat Loktantra Matrika” (India, mother of democracy). Notably, the emphasis on women empowerment and achievements takes precedence without diminishing the showcasing of military might.

Adding to the significance, two outstanding female officers from Kodagu will shine in the 2024 Republic Day Parade. Captain Sharanya Rao will lead the Army Wing of the Tri-Service Contingent of Women, marching proudly along the ‘Kartavya Path,’ while Punya Ponnamma will command the All-India NCC Women’s Contingent.

Sharanya Rao hails from Kukkloor village near Virajpet and is the daughter of Harish Rao, Manager of Bittangala Golf Club and Mythili Rao, a lecturer at SMS College. After completing her schooling at St. Anne’s School, she did her PUC in Cauvery College. She completed her Mechanical Engineering at Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT), Ponnampet and did her MSW in Alva’s College, Moodbidri. At present, she is serving as Captain in Kargil Sector, Jammu and Kashmir.

Capt. Sharanya Rao, an all-rounder who excelled in both academic and sports, was awarded Best Outgoing Student of CIT Award in 2018. She marked her academic excellence by being one amongst the University topper and her sports excellence by representing the University in handball and women’s hockey event.

“I am the Supernumerary Officer and will be leading the Army component of the Tri-Services contingent. It is a proud moment because, for the first time in history, a Tri-Services contingent would be marching,” she said.

Punya Ponnamma is from Madikeri and is the daughter of Circle Police Inspector Anoop Madappa and Vinita Dechamma, a lecturer at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College. As an NCC cadet, she has participated in several camps and displayed excellent performance. She is currently pursuing third year law studies at Christ University, Bengaluru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 24th, 2024

Karnataka: Siddaramaiah unveils logo of Kogadu Hockey festival

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , ,

Kodagu, often referred to as the cradle of Indian hockey, boasts a rich legacy with more than 50 Kodavas representing India in various international hockey tournaments.

Karnataka: Siddaramaiah unveils logo of Kogadu Hockey festival
 Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah unveiling the logo of the Kodagu Hockey festival.

Madikeri: 

In a momentous event on Thursday, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah unveiled the logo of the Kodagu Hockey Festival, reinforcing the deep-rooted connection between Kodavas and the sport of hockey

Kodagu, often referred to as the cradle of Indian hockey, boasts a rich legacy with more than 50 Kodavas representing India in various international hockey tournaments.

March, April, and May are the months when the spirit of hockey comes alive in Kodagu a tiny district of the state with unique culture. The Kodava Hockey Festival, colloquially known as the ‘Kodava Cup Hockey’ tournament, stands as a testament to the unique relationship between the Kodava community and the sport of hockey. The festival, a friendly tournament held among Kodava families, is an unparalleled celebration of unity and sportsmanship.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during the logo unveiling ceremony at the Home Office Krishna, expressed his support for the Kodava Hockey Festival. The event was attended by Virajpet MLA A S Ponnanna and representatives of the Kodava society, marking the significance of the festival in the region.

The Kodava Hockey Cup, initiated in 1997, was the brainchild of Pandanda Kuttappa and the Kashi brothers, retired employees of the State Bank of India and first-class hockey referees. The objective was to foster unity among Kodava families through a shared passion for hockey. The inaugural ‘Pandanda Cup’ tournament witnessed the participation of 60 families at the Karada village ground near Virajpet, with Kuttappa shouldering the financial expenses for the opening ceremony.

Over the years, the Kodava Hockey Festival has grown into the world’s largest hockey festival, making its mark in the Limca Book of Records, the Indian equivalent of the Guinness Book of Records. The tournament is a unique blend of competition, camaraderie, and cultural festivities, making it a cherished annual event for Kodava families.

The festival rotates among Kodava families each year, receiving widespread support and participation.

Families eagerly anticipate this sporting extravaganza, with many in the army making special arrangements to attend the tournament. The Kodava Hockey Festival, with its rich history and traditions, is poised to create yet another unforgettable chapter as it strives to secure a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

As the logo of the Kodagu Hockey Festival is unveiled, anticipation builds for the upcoming tournament, promising to showcase the enduring bond between Kodava and hockey in a spectacular display of hockey prowess and community spirit.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Diganth Kengeri / December 21st, 2023

Ravishing Divya Madaiah’s Fat to Fitness Journey!

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , ,

“You are never too old to reinvent yourself”, says Divya Madaiah who has been working as a patisserie for 15 years now. I met Divya at an Instagram live interview on long distance running. The interview was for a sports enthusiast from Maharashtra and Divya messaged me about how she started running at the age of 42!

I was not even half her age but I was inspired by her story. Talking to Divya who is a part of the Jayanagar Jaguars Squad in Bangalore, I knew that she could inspire all the women, housewives or working, especially in Kodagu.

She narrated her story to me, “I took fitness very seriously when my weighing scale showed a whooping 96 kilos in 2019! I had just got my left ovary removed due to dermoid cyst. I was thereby advised not to engage in any physical activity for 6 months. That really hit me hard as I am an over enthusiastic person in life. Resting for 6 months was a great challenge for me. Then I thought of making a few changes in my diet through a certified nutritionist where I learnt the art of quantified nutrition. I watched and weighed what went onto my plate. Gradually, I managed to reduce 10 kilos.”

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=5057426554330351&id=100001891694163&scmts=scwspsdd

“I also began weight training and then in February, 2020, I decided to join the Jayanagar Jaguars running academy. I was 42 years old with a mindset to change my lifestyle. Started off in March, weighing 87 kilos, where I struggled to even complete the walk sessions. Then came the lockdown, where everyone in my team felt demotivated, but I never gave up. I followed few workouts regularly, and thanks to the online fitness session called “Fit from Home” from the JJs, I was able to become stronger by day.”

The most important thing was Divya never failed to miss a day’s practice. Waking up in the wee hours and scheduling herself to fitness time at 4:30 am, Divya was prioritising her health along with running two brands, ‘Warriors Wok’ and ‘Batter n’ Beyond’.

“In June, I did my first 10k run and from then on, it’s no stopping for me.
Here I am 18 kilos lighter after I started running. Not only did I change my lifestyle, but also maintained an enriching positive attitude.” She has been running even 15 km and recently completed her first half marathon in Airtel Delhi Half Marathon event.

For many, 2020 has been a trying year, full of demotivation and negativity. Here’s what Divya has to say about the year 2020 as she finishes TCS 10 K run strongly with a timing of 58m 34 secs!

“2020 has changed my character to a stronger, more powerful and a healthier version of myself. Times change, things change but only you change it by hard work. I know that there’s a lot more to achieve and a lot more to come.


Losing weight is not an easy battle. There is a lot of negativity circling around and you are surrounded by some people who bring your spirits down. Weight loss is something you do to improve your health.”

It would be surprising to know that Divya battled life’s deadliest health conditions like Hypothyroidism, PCOD, Asthma, Premature Menopause, Dermoid Cyst in the ovary, Cholesterol and Obesity! Her story is not about looking good by reducing weight but to battle all these health conditions and stay fit at 40, stronger at 50!

She remarks with a positive message for this new year, “Lastly don’t give up. We don’t give up on the people we love. So, how can you give up on yourself???” Divya hails from Coorg Arameri, Virajpet and keeps shuttling to Koramangala for work.

source: http://www.medium.com / Medium / Home / by Shrividya Somanna / January 13th, 2021