B.N. Veena, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kodagu district, seen inaugurating the Crafts and Weaves Mahotsav 2023, organised at Gayathri Kalyana Mantapa on Market Road in Kushalnagar, Kodagu, yesterday morning.
R.V. Gangadharappa, Dy.SP, Kushalnagar and K.S. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Director, Handicrafts Service Centre, were present as chief guests.
The Crafts and Weaves Mahotsav, organised under the aegis of Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will be open to public between 10 am and 8.30 pm till Nov. 1.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> PhotoNews / October 27th, 2023
The uniqueness of the Kodava community has garnered appreciation globally, even as the films aim at preserving its culture.
Director Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa
Madikeri :
Kodagu is beautiful and bountiful. The district is blessed with nature and culture, preserved and honoured by its people for generations. In recent times, cinema has taken the centre stage to bring the life and times of Kodavas on screen. Despite a dearth of cinema halls or multiplexes in Kodagu, Kodava cinema is evolving with 29 films made in the regional language till now. Parallel to the big screen and censor-certified films, youngsters are also venturing into short filmmaking in the Kodava language, highlighting the culture, attire and traditions of the community.
It was in 1972 that the first Kodava film – Nada Mann Nada Kool (My Land, My Food) – was released, marking the inception of a new era in regional cinema. “Mandara Poo, Naa Bynda Poo, Ponn Ra Manas… several such films came later and Kodava cinema grew in tandem with the Tulu film industry. But it was always non-Kodavas who directed Kodava films during the initial years,” explains V Nanaiah, former president of the Virajpet Kodava Samaj, who has acted in over 10 Kodava films.
While Kodava cinema goes back five decades, it was only a decade ago that its films began to be directed by those from the community. “Filmmakers of Kodava movies in the early 70s were not locals. This was evident in a majority of early cinema as the Kodava language was not used in its original form,” recalls Nanaiah. While most actors were Kodavas, the direction still lacked the real touch.
Nevertheless, Kodava cinema evolved post-2015. The ninth Kodava film – Talang Neer (also directed by a non-Kodava director, Gopi Peenya) became a revolutionary flick. It highlighted the existential crisis of the community and the language was used in its true form. “Our cinema evolved with technology. Until 2015, Kodava movies never recorded much commercial success. Talang Neer was the first film shown to the public. It was a super hit as the director trusted the actors and gave them the freedom to write dialogues in the Kodava dialect. The movie also won a state award,” he adds. From here on, Kodava cinema gained prominence, and Kodava Samajas became hubs that promoted regional cinema by screening these movies. Cinema also began to archive the culture, tradition, practices, attire and food of the community.
“In all, 29 Kodava films have been made so far, among which three have not applied for censor certificates. There was a lot of internal politics behind the making of regional movies earlier. However, all that has changed and new movies in the Kodava language are made every year, despite challenges,” opines Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa, who has directed over five Kodava films. An ex-armyman with a passion for cinema and acting, he takes pride in promoting Kodava cinema at international film festivals.
Baake Mane, directed by Prakash, is among the first Kodava films to be screened at the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), even as Naada Peda Asha, a film based on writer Nagesh Kalur’s novel, won 72 awards in various festivals.
“Our films are receiving an overwhelming response in festivals. However, the industry lacks support and encouragement in Kodagu,” he opines. While a few films have recorded good public shows across Kodagu, fewer locals watch them. “During the screening of Naada Peda Asha at BIFFes, a Japanese viewer met the filmmaker and congratulated him for the cinematography and storyline. However, locals who speak the language hesitate to watch these films. Apart from making a Kodava film, creators also have to put in their efforts to exhibit their works,” says Nanaiah.
But that has not stopped artists from creating Kodava films. The uniqueness of the Kodava community has garnered appreciation globally, even as the films aim at preserving its culture. The subsidies extended to the Kodava regional cinema have made it possible for filmmakers and actors to keep doing better, as Prakash says, “Kodava films portray the culture of the Kodava community and help preserve its language. The community’s tryst with the Army, its unique attire, rituals, etc… I want to present them to the world. We receive subsidies and even funds through film festivals, which are invested into making new films. While we feel encouraged if people watch our films, I look forward to creating new films every year.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR , Express News Service / September 24th, 2023
CB Poovanna has excelled as a midfielder in the junior setup
CB Poovanna, a debutant in the victorious outfit that created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, is now eager to help his team defend the title in Malaysia.
Passionate, eloquent, and analytical with a mature head on young shoulders, the 21-year-old from Kodagu feels blessed to have practised alongside Coorg-based veterans like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa during his formative years.
Over the course of an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, the young midfielder traces his hockey journey back to the time when he dreamt of making it to the family team in Coorg while also looking back at the Johor Bahru win last year.
“In our Kodava community, hockey is a sport that runs in our blood. Everybody in our community plays hockey. My dad and brother used to play hockey. Having observed them on the pitch, I too wanted to play the game,” Chandura Boby Poovanna stated.
I started holding a hockey stick when I was in third grade. My first dream was to play for the family team. Within the family, there were a lot of hockey players. As a small kid, it isn’t possible for make it to the family team as there a lot of elder players,” he explained.
Being granted admission to track and field athlete Ashwini Nachappa’s KALS (Karaumbiah’s Academy for Learning and Sports) was a game changer for the young hockey aspirant who got to rub shoulders with the best in the business.
“When I was in the fifth grade, I was first allowed to wear the family jersey. I kept playing hockey for the sheer love of the game until there was a selection that happened at KALS,” CB Poovanna stated.
“My mum took me there for the selection. It was a three-day selection process and I was taken into the school on the basis of my performance there. There was a bond according to which I had to play for the school for three years after which I would be sent to SAI (Sports Authority of India),” he revealed.
The rise was evident as CB Poovanna earned a spot in the Hockey Bangalore team after having been selected by SAI but decided to train harder after failing to make the next grade.
An eventual place in the Hockey Karnataka squad led to Poovanna realising his dream after being selected in the team headed to Johor Bahru.
@Uthappask
“I started training harder and hit the gym on rest days after failing to progress from a core group of 60 players which was trimmed down to 30. COVID interrupted my progress for a bit before which I played for Hockey Karnataka,” he said while pausing to recall the precise details.
“Four players were finally selected from a group of 30 ahead of the Sultan of Johor Cup last year. I had realised a part of my dream,” CB Poovanna declared.
“At SAI, we played against an ex-India XI which boasted names like SV Sunil” – CB Poovanna describes the Coorg pedigree
Some of India’s best hockey talent has been nurtured in Coorg which boasts of having produced a host of legendary names. Unsurprisingly, Poovanna describes with an unmistakable sense of pride what it meant for him to have rubbed shoulders with the former India internationals.
“At the SAI campus, we used to play matches against an ex-India XI which boasted of players like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa. You also had other greats from Coorg like SK Uthappa, VR Raghunath, Nikkin Thimmaiah, and Nithin Thimmaiah,” he stated reeling off the names effortlessly.
“I consider myself lucky to have played over three years of hockey with them. Aside from playing matches alongside them, we also used to ask them a lot of game-based questions about tactics,” Poovanna said.
The Karnataka player also recalled fellow midfielder and “exceptional” Bangalore boy Mohammed Raheel coming over to Coorg while still in school to play a tournament there. Raheel donned India colours under the tutelage of Graham Reid last year.
“I first met Raheel when I was in the sixth or seventh grade. My family had once called Raheel and a few other players to come over to play our family tournament in Coorg,” said CB Poovanna shedding light on the memories.
“Raheel was exceptional back then as well. He had great speed even on a gravel ground. He was an idol for me also because he plays as a midfielder,” the youngster added.
“CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach” – CB Poovanna
CB Poovanna was all praise for coach CR Kumar
Several Indian players in the men’s and women’s camp have been tutored by veteran hockey coach CR Kumar who is now in charge of the junior boys. CB Poovanna was all praise for the committed coach who helped shape his career.
“CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach. He is committed and totally into the sport,” said Raheel with an air of reverence. “He has shaped me from being who I was to who I am right now.”
Headed to Johor Bahru to defend India’s title at the 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup, CB Poovanna cannot help reminiscing about the glory of his debut international tournament victory.
“The 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup was my first international tournament. It was a really new experience, wearing the India jersey for the first time,” he stated.
A scintillating 5-5 draw against Great Britain witnessed Poovanna scoring a 7th-minute equalizer after the opposition had taken the lead in the opening minute of play.
@TheHockeyIndia
“It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us” – CB Poovanna turns the clock back in the big final against Australia
Six goals were scored in a frantic final quarter with the Indian boys finding the back of the net four times before taking on Australia in the big final.
“The match against Great Britain was pretty intense with one side taking the lead and the other cancelling it out,” recalled Poovanna. “Scoring the equalising goal helped motivate the rest of the team and that is when we all started pepping each other up.”
CB Poovanna opined that Australia’s equalising goal against India wasn’t legitimate but goes on to describe the pulsating shootout during which the Indians achieved victory.
“The pressure and intensity of the final is different. We scored the opening goal and Australia equalised but the goal wasn’t legitimate. There was actually a foul which happened in their circle which led to a goal in our circle. At the junior level, we do not have video referrals and hence were unable to challenge the goal,” he said.
“Both teams pressured each other for the ball and finally it led to the shootout which was going one way and then the next. Finally Mohit Shashikumar (the goalkeeper) made a great save after which we scored and won the tournament. It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us,” CB Poovanna affirmed.
The 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup begins on October 27 with the Indians facing Pakistan in their Pool B opener. Malaysia and New Zealand are also in Pool B while Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and South Africa find themselves in Pool A.
Will defending the title add to the pressure for captain Uttam Singh and co.?
“Not in the least,” shoots back CB Poovanna unhesitatingly. “The pressure will be on the opposition, for us being defending champions is a big motivation.
The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on November 4 at Johor Bahru.
source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / Sports Keeda / Home> Field Hockey / by Subhashish Majumdar / October 23rd, 2023
Mathanda Monnappa, the former President of Akhila Kodava Samaja, breathed his last at the age of 76 yesterday afternoon at his son’s residence in Bengaluru.
He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters and a multitude of relatives and friends. His mortal remains were placed for public viewing at his residence in Kedamullur Tora in Virajpet taluk until 12 noon today. Subsequently, the last rites were scheduled to be conducted at the family’s burial grounds in Bollumadu later in the afternoon, as per family sources.
Monnappa, a native of Bollumadu village, was born in 1948 to Mathanda C. Chengappa and Lilli Chengappa of Kedamullur Tora village. He was a stalwart and a visionary who founded the Akhila Kodava Samaja in 1973, and diligently served as its President for nearly half a century until he voluntarily relinquished the post in 2022.
His dedication to the Kodava community was further evident through the establishment of the Akhila Kodava Samaja Pommakkada Parishat and Akhila Kodava Samaja Youth Wing. He actively championed the cause of Kodagu and the Kodava community.
Moreover, his illustrious contributions extended to serving as the President of the Talacauvery Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti and Talacauvery Jeernoddhara Samiti. His philanthropic spirit shone through his brainchild, the annasantarpana (mass feeding) held on Tula Sankramana Day annually.
His multifaceted involvement also extended to various other organisations, including his role as the President of Beppanad Kodava Samaja. He held the position of a member of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, was the Honorary President of Kodava Samaja Okkoota and served as the Founder Director of CIT (Coorg Institute of Technology), Ponnampet.
Monnappa was an active participant in the movements concerning Jamma Baane and Kodava gun licence issues. Due to declining health, Monnappa had been residing at his son’s residence in Bengaluru for the past few years, where he breathed his last on Saturday.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 22nd, 2023
Every person has a different relationship with coffee- some are purists – you know the ones who will talk about their beans, roasts, and brewing methods.
(IANS photo)
Every person has a different relationship with coffee- some are purists – you know the ones who will talk about their beans, roasts, and brewing methods. Others just want a caffeine hit, regardless of where and how it comes from. Then you have the adventurers, the experimentals who enjoy their beverage with a twist- they’ll try raspberry, mint, bubblegum, and be risque with their drink. What we are trying to say is the way we intake coffee might differ, but we’re all united by our need for this concoction.
You’ve heard of Champagne from France, but did you know that coffee also has its GI tags – namely from Kodagu (Coorg), Bababudangiri, Chikkamagaluru, Araku Valley and Wayanad?
Currently, India is the only country in the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade, hand-picked and sun dried. Indian coffee beans are exported widely around the globe, and valued especially in European markets as ‘premium’ coffee. In 2022-2023 alone, India is estimated to have produced about 3,52,000 metric tonnes of coffee beans (Arabica and Robusta), with the southern regions dominating the landscape with a produce of 326,415 metric tonnes.
In India, our southern counterpart shares an intimate relation with these dark beans- A steaming cup of filter kaapi is very personal to the residents here and rightfully so since, this is where coffee was born and grew up. Coffee has been an innate part of life in these hilly regions and it has everything to do with these four places- Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu (Coorg), Wayanad, Araku Valley.
Chikkamagaluru – Arabica
The birthplace of the world’s most adored beverage is known for tall lush green trees and huge coffee estate produces 96,180 Metric tonnes of coffee, making it India’s largest producer. Arabica and Robusta are the two kinds found in these regions the most. Visit Chikkamagaluru and go on a tour of the coffee plantations to discover how coffee is made. You can also try Korebi Coffee’s Barbara Estate Beans, available on CRED Store.
Kodagu (Coorg) – Arabica
Coorg is a tiny district tucked away into the deep valleys of a fertile stretch famous for Arabica and Robusta. Score some of this 100% authentic Arabica coffee from Estate Monkeys single estate range, and while you’re at it, don’t miss out on a tour of these rich, dense plantations!
Estate Monkeys brings you fresh, 100% pure and premium Arabica beans from Baragalli Estate & Puttana Koppalu Estate plantations across North Coorg. Selectivity, traceability, transparency and quality describes and complements this coffee. From growing to brewing, every step is monitored and accounted for.
The first step of quality check takes place at the estate level. Shade-grown coffee supports biodiversity, native flora and fauna and migratory birds. They retain huge biodiversity thus complementing the coffee plants with various fruit bearing trees and spices which as a matter of fact adds on to the flavours of coffee. The hand-picked ripe cherries are hand-sorted with utmost care. They are introduced into machines to remove the fruit pulp and later washed in clear water to remove the mucilage. The washed beans are laid out in thin layers and dried naturally under the sun for a few days constantly by using rakes and later transferred into hulling machines for removal of the skin.
Wayanad – Robusta
In the Wayanad district of Kerala, Robusta coffee is grown both as a pure crop and in combination with pepper. The majority of Kerala’s coffee is grown in Wayanad, which also serves as the foundation of the state’s coffee industry. The region has a lot to offer to nature enthusiasts and people looking for a quiet, serene break.
Araku Valley – Arabica
Arabica here has a light to medium strength and a lovely acidity with a grapefruit citrus note combined with a faint jaggery-like sweetness. It is grown in areas of the Koraput district in Odisha and Visakhapatnam.
Barring these GI-tagged beans, some other lesser-known but equally exciting types of coffee include Monsoon Malabar, an exclusive variety found in the Malabar region of Kerala. You can find this whole bean roasted variety through Dope Coffee Roasters, along with another infamous variety staple to the Nilgiri Regions in the south, Nilgiri Coffee Beans.
If you want to know more about the coffee world, maybe it is time for you and your family to have your own little adventure in these dense, thriving mountain regions- freshly brewed cups of bitter coffee served alongside some sweet, sweet memories.
source: http://www.thestatesman.com / The Stateman / Home> Lifestyle / by IANS, New Delhi / October 08th, 2023
Mukkatira Kavery Muthanna, a resident of Mysuru, is currently serving as a member of the officiating team in the game of golf at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, which are taking place in Hangzhou, China.
She holds a role in the Technical Rules Official team, which consists of 24 referees from various countries. The official rounds are scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the West Lake Golf Course in Hangzhou, featuring 121 players.
Kavery Muthanna is well-qualified, having completed the Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) under the R&A. (R&A is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.)
She has actively officiated various amateur and women’s professional golf tournaments in India, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her experience also extends to her role as a Rules Official at the 36th National Games in 2022, held in Ahmedabad.
In addition to her involvement in golf and sports officiating, Kavery Muthanna is part of the Kavery Education Trust in Virajpet and serves as its Chairperson. She is married to Mukkatira Manju Muthanna and is the daughter of Guddanda Kanthy and Nanda Ganapathy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / September 28th, 2023
Mandetira Nanayya Subramani (M.N. Subramani) passed away in Mysuru on Sept. 21, 2023, a day when day and night were equal. This coincidence seems significant, given Subramani’s unwavering dedication to the principles of equality and justice, a commitment few could match.
I first had the privilege of meeting Subramani shortly after my retirement in 1996. Our initial encounter was related to the newsletter he published, which provided updates to ex-servicemen on Ministry of Defence policies affecting their welfare and entitlements. It was during this time that I learned about his remarkable personal background and his service in the Armed Forces, which compelled me to write about his life and accomplishments in greater detail.
Born in Madikeri on Feb. 13, 1956, Subramani was the son of Gangavva and Lance Naik Mandetira Nanayya, a Second World War Veteran. He joined the Indian Air Force in 1974 as an Airman and eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant.
While serving, Subramani pursued his education through night college, earning degrees in B.Com, M.Com. and LLB from Delhi, Rajasthan and University of Mysore, respectively.
During his military service, Sgt. Subramani observed that many retired Armed Forces personnel struggled with post-retirement issues, including pension matters, medical treatment and other entitlements. Motivated by his own education, he resolved to assist ex-servicemen with these challenges
In 1989, after retiring from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Subramani settled in Mysuru. To supplement his modest pension as a Sergeant and support his young children, Sitara and Sooraj, he took on a job as a commerce lecturer in State Government PU Colleges. His wife, Shakunthala, also took up teaching in schools. After college hours, Subramani dedicated himself to addressing the problems faced by ex-servicemen and widows, often working late into the night. These issues primarily revolved around securing employment in civilian life and rectifying errors in their military records, which could later affect entitlements or inheritance rights.
Many ex-servicemen, especially those retiring as ‘Ex-Jawans,’ face these difficulties at a young age, typically between 32 and 38, when family responsibilities are at their peak. They often lack the knowledge and means to navigate bureaucratic processes, access official authorities, or even stay informed about policy changes that might affect their benefits. This lack of support can lead to severe hardships, especially for their widows. To provide more efficient assistance to ex-servicemen, Sgt. Subramani established the “VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust” on Aug. 15, 1990, dedicated to his father’s memory. The Trust operated on his pension and personal savings, occasionally supplemented by his devoted wife, Shakunthala.
Collaboration across India
Subramani collaborated closely with Armed Forces Record Offices across the country, tirelessly pursuing officers through various means, including registered letters, phone calls, emails, and, more recently, WhatsApp, to resolve veterans’ and widows’ cases. He even escalated matters to the Armed Forces Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Karnataka when necessary.
These are the real-life challenges that ex-servicemen and their widows face due to limited access to official channels, lack of awareness, and financial constraints. Sgt. Subramani bridged this vital gap.
Over three decades, he brought relief and support to hundreds of veterans and widows, including veteran officers and their widows and next-of-kin. Sgt. Subramani earned a reputation as the “go-to man” within the ex-servicemen community, and people turned to him whenever they encountered difficulties.
On a single call, he would rush to assist injured ex-servicemen, arranging immediate medical treatment and notifying military authorities, essential for financial coverage. In the event of an ex-serviceman’s passing, he facilitated last rites and provided guidance on the documentation required for family pensions.
Moreover, Sgt. M.N. Subramani took on policies affecting the welfare and benefits of ex-servicemen at both the Central and State Government levels, as well as with Armed Forces Headquarters. His efforts resulted in the rectification or amendment of several policies, bringing justice and benefits to ex-servicemen and widows.
Elevating status of veterans
Additionally, Sgt. Subramani initiated efforts to elevate the image and status of Armed Forces Veterans. He played a pivotal role in naming the Mysuru Department of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Office building as “Squadron Leader A.B. Devaya Bhawan” in memory of Indian Air Force martyr Sqn. Ldr. A.B. Devaya, MVC (Posthumous).
In October 2000, he took the initiative to propose an Armed Forces War Memorial in Mysuru by writing to the District Administration, ultimately securing a designated plot for it.
Today, 23 years later, his vision is becoming a reality, with substantial progress made. When completed, this memorial will honour the sacrifices of Armed Forces personnel who gave their lives in service to our nation, although Subramani will not be present to witness its consecration.
Sgt. Subramani also addressed the exclusion of Mysuru’s Armed Forces Veterans from Republic Day Parade organised by the civil administration. Thanks to his efforts, senior Armed Forces veterans are now officially invited to these events.
Deep concern for nature
In addition to his dedication to ex-servicemen, Sgt. Subramani demonstrated a deep concern for nature and the environment. In 2018, he funded the planting of approximately 2,000 tree saplings in Vijayanagar 3rd Stage. Even earlier, while teaching at Government PU College for Girls, Mysuru, he founded an Eco-Club that encouraged students to plant saplings in the college premises.
He also cultivated a half-acre of coffee plantation in the adjacent vacant land. His commitment to environmental causes was evident to those who knew him.
In recognition of his tireless social service spanning over three decades, Sgt. Subramani’s name was nominated for the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2022.
Throughout his work, his wife Shakunthala provided unwavering and compassionate support. Sgt. Subramani dedicated his time, attention, knowledge, abilities, and personal finances to help veterans and widows with issues related to succession, pension, entitlements and personal matters. He was an extraordinary problem-solver who demonstrated remarkable drive, focus, and tenacity, particularly when advocating for veterans.
It has been an honour to know Mandetira Nanayya Subramani, a proud son of Mysuru and a true benefactor of the ex-servicemen fraternity.
Aum Shanthi!
source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Maj.Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere / September 24th, 2023
The taluk administrative officials, advocates, teachers and students of Somwarpet taluk came together and worked hard on the paddy farmland on Sunday. It was a field day as officials and others took a break from their office work and enjoyed themselves on the field.
This event was organized by the Young Indian Farmers Association of Kodagu in order to call up youngsters and others to shower their love towards agriculture. This event was hosted for the fifth time by the association.
Revenue department officials, foresters, lawyers, teachers, people’s representatives and students including the tahsildar of Somwarpet taluk gathered at a private farmland in Belur village here and planted paddy seedlings across the field.
The president of the association, Srinidhi Lingappa said, “The association has been organizing this event for the past five years with an aim to create awareness about the need and importance of taking up agriculture.”
Inaugurating the formal function, tahsildar S N Naragund opined that there is an immediate need to create awareness among young Indians about the importance of agriculture.
Former MLA Appachu Ranjan said that, “Nowadays, youngsters and children are taking up jobs in cities and often neglect the need to take up agriculture. As a result, agriculture is unable to achieve the desired progress.”
Forest department Kushalnagar division ACF Gopal and Belur G P representatives also took part in the event.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> News / by Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (SJM) /September 18th, 2023
“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.”
“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
A land known as the nursery of Indian Hockey, Kodagu (Coorg) in Karnataka State has been a cradle for sports and Army.
However, located down south of Kodagu, Athur village near Gonikoppal town has been a mini nursery for writers! The village is home to four popular writers in English – C.P Belliappa and his sister, Kaveri Nambisan, P.T. Bopanna and his son Devaiah Bopanna.
It does look like Athur village has given birth to these Kodavas with a talent to be ‘pen-tastic’ not just at an amateur level, but at a professional one.
Growing up, I listened to stories of Princess Victoria Gowramma and Narimangala. My childhood days spun into a web of stories from different Kodava writers narrated to me by my mother. Sometimes, with a tale of a tiger’s tail by C.P. Belliappa.
As a teenager, I pondered over P.T Bopanna’s question, “Are Kodavas Hindus?” and sneaked a laugh at (AIB) All India Bakchod’s comic stories whose head writer was Devaiah Bopanna.
Chepudira P. Belliappa or popularly called as C.P Belliappa pursued a career in engineering. However, settling down in Coorg as a planter, he has been promoting technical education in Coorg. He has also penned many articles and is famous for his books, “Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg”, “Nuggets from Coorg History”, “Tale of a Tiger’s Tail and other Yarns from Coorg.”
His sister, Kaveri Nambisan has a unique style of writing. Her popular books like “The Scent of Pepper” can take you on a ride to Scotland of India, Kodagu with vibes of ethnicity. Her other books like “Mango-Coloured Fish” and “The Hills of Angheri” showcase stories derived from personal experiences. She is a doctor by profession. Kaveri started off as a writer for children’s magazines. She was recognized as the Coorg Person of the Year in 2005.
A leading author and a journalist, Palanganda T. Bopanna has been writing books about Kodavas and Kodagu. He has promoted several websites, including coorgnews.in, dedicated to Kodagu news. Bopanna is a recipient of the Gourmand international award for his book ‘The Romance of Indian Coffee.’
His son, Devaiah Bopanna, has co-founded a media company called ‘All Things Small’ which concentrates on writing true stories by giving a unique, modern touch to journalism. A Mumbai-based writer, Devaiah adds a tinge of comical approach to his writings.
These writers have touched many hearts with their writings. The root to their writing stems from Athur village and it is my dear hope that more writing talents mushroom from the Kodava land.
source: http://www.medium.com / Medium / Home / by Shrividya Somanna / February 05th, 2021
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