Coffee Board refurbishes India Coffee House at its premises with old world charm intact

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While the classic menu, existing staff members and the old charm of the Coffee Board cafe will untouched, a fast food menu has been introduced to attract the younger generation.

The ICH, set up in 1972, has been a favourite coffee joint for journalists, government officials and also the general public who visited the High Court, Vidhana Soudha and other government and private offices nearby.  | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K

Coffee Board of India has renovated and renewed its cafe, India Coffee House (ICH), located at its premises in Bengaluru. It has also added a ‘sitting on the veranda and sipping a cuppa’ kind of experience to it.

While your favourite dosa, idli and vade, sandwich, cutlet, bread toast and coffee, existing staff members and the old charm of the Coffee Board cafe will remain, an additional fast food menu has been introduced, in association with social enterprise Mitti Cafe, to attract the younger generation.

The ICH, set up in 1972, has been a favourite coffee joint for journalists, government officials and also the general public who visited the High Court, Vidhana Soudha and other government and private offices nearby.

Coffee Board CEO and Secretary K.G. Jagadeesha said, “Even after the renovation, the classic, existing menu will remain untouched while a new menu has been introduced in collaboration Mitti Cafe to get more youngsters to the cafe.’‘

Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry said, “The idea is not to get into the market and compete with Cafe Coffee Day, Starbucks and other cafes. This cafe will only be a catalyst for coffee in the country.’‘

Redoing other ICHs

Responding to a query on when the other ICHs in the country would be renovated, Mr. Agrawal added, “Let us see how India Coffee House is doing, before we start renovating other ICHs in the country. All these are historical coffee houses and they come with a unique legacy, we can touch them only with a lot of sensitivity, fully respecting the sentiments of the staff and customers.’‘

The India Coffee House (ICH) chain was started by the Coffee Cess Committee of the Coffee Board and the first outlet was opened in Churchgate, Bombay during 1936. During the 1940s, there were nearly 50 Coffee Houses all over British India which has currently reduced to 11 — one in Bengaluru, five in Delhi, four in Kolkata and one in Tirumala.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities / by The Hindu Bureau / January 09th, 2022

Ferns Estates and Developers setting up resorts in Coorg, Chikballapur

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To expand existing resort in Sakleshpur.

Errol Fernandes, CMD, Ferns Estates and Developers

Bengaluru-based real estate company, Ferns Estates and Developers, which has entered the luxury hospitality business, is establishing properties that are close to nature and easy to reach.

The company estimates revenue of Rs 363 crore in five years from the hospitality segment alone, according to Errol Fernandes, CMD, Ferns Estates and Developers.

“We started our first resort in 2021 in Sakleshpur – a luxury property spread over 100 acres, with an investment of Rs 160 crore. At present, there are 126 keys and we plan to expand the resort by adding another 76 keys. The estimated investment for this expansion is around Rs 50 crore,” said Fernandes.

Going forward, two more resorts are being set up in Coorg, which is spread over 25 acres of coffee plantation, with an investment of Rs 60 crore, and another in Chikballapur, spread over 7 acres. “The best part is that all these locations are within a day’s drive from Bengaluru, which was one of the goals in establishing them,” he added.

The company is also acquiring a resort in Goa. “In Goa, we have acquired a 100-key property for Rs 150 crore. It is on the verge of being completed. We should be able to start operations in September 2023,” Fernandes said. The property would be funded with debt to the tune of about Rs 100 crore, and Rs 50 crore from internal accruals.

Real Estate

The company, which has been in the real estate business for the last 34 years, has built gated communities, apartments, and office spaces in Bengaluru.

“For our real estate arm, we don’t intend to venture outside Karnataka; however, we plan on going to tier-two cities such as Mysore, Mangaluru, and Hubli Dharwad. Initially, we plan to set up gated communities and then get into apartments later. As of now, we are scouting for land. We are developing another vertical called branded plots in Sakleshpur,” said Fernandes.

In the case of gated communities, it expects to grow by 20 per cent every year, and typically do around 5 lakh sq feet of sales annually. Similarly, it sells around one lakh of sq feet of apartment space annually and expects to grow by 20 per cent, said the CMD.

Ferns Estates and Developers expects to end FY23 with a revenue turnover of Rs 185 crore, of which Rs 40 crore would come from its hospitality arm.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / The Hindu Business Line / Home> News / by Isha Rautella / January 06th, 2023

Tata Consumer Products Launches Tata Coffee Grand Premium in Non-South Markets

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In line with its focus on innovation, Tata Consumer Products announces the launch of its premium instant coffee ‘Tata Coffee Grand Premium’ a 100 percent coffee blend with flavor-locked decoction crystals. The product has been launched keeping in mind the taste preference of consumers in non-South markets who tend to prefer a 100 percent coffee blend over a coffee: chicory blend (which is more preferred in South).

Tata Coffee Grand Premium, while being a 100 percent coffee blend also has unique flavor-locked decoction crystals which lock in taste and aroma and are the key differentiator for the brand as it’s a unique product offering over its key competitors. 

The new launch is supported by a captivating film, using ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) that showcases the sensory journey of Tata coffee Grand Premium from bean to cup. 

ASMR videos are sensory magic that invigorates listeners and captivates viewers intensely. 

The new film accentuates the brand’s positioning through a scenic and captivating ASMR video by featuring the enthralling sounds of how the coffee beans are born in the plantation, carefully plucked, dried, roasted, and then grounded and processed to perfection to deliver the signature ‘Shik Shik Shik’ sound of the flavor locked decoction crystals of Tata Coffee Grand. 

The campaign integrated creativity and technology to deliver a film that resonates with the brand’s core proposition of great-sounding coffee. Through this campaign, the brand aims to build a strong and memorable connection with consumers by leveraging the power of sonic marketing. 

Puneet Das, President – Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products said,

“Our ambition is to become a significant coffee player and we continue to offer relevant and quality offerings to grow our share in the India coffee market. Indian consumers are embracing a new wave of coffee. Hence, as we continue to expand our presence and reach to consumers across India we are strengthening our portfolio across the country with the launch of Tata Coffee Grand Premium- a 100 percent coffee blend with flavour-locked decoction crystals that gives consumers a rich and aromatic cup of coffee”. 

He further said, “The differentiation of Tata Coffee Grand is the signature SHIK SHIK SHIK sound of the flavor locked decoction crystals. Hence, it was only natural to bring the brand story alive through sensorial stimulation which is unique to ASMR. The new launch will be scaled by leveraging TCPL’s network and distribution reach across channels including E-commerce and modern trade.”

In 2015, Tata Consumer Products limited made its entry into the branded instant coffee business in India under the brand name Tata Coffee Grand.

 After leading the Indian tea market under its iconic Tata Tea brand, the company took the strategic step to leverage its product, marketing, and retail expertise to enter the branded coffee space in India.

source: http://www.indianretailer.com / Indian Retailer / Home> News> Retail & Business / by Indian Retailer Bureau / by sub-editor / January 05th, 2023

K.S. Sundar Raj Transferred As Kodagu Additional SP

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Madikeri:

K.S. Sundar Raj, a recipient of the President’s Medal, who was serving as Chamarajnagar Additional SP (ASP) has been transferred as the Additional SP of Kodagu district by the Government.

Sundar Raj had earlier served as a Circle Inspector in Kodagu district. He had also served as Hunsur Sub-Division Dy. SP previously.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 06th, 2023

Talacauvery is South India’s top ‘star party’ destination

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The source of Cauvery is also among the most ideal locations to gaze at the sky.

A “star party” organised by the Bangalore Astronomical Society recently at Talacauvery in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Photo: Special Arrangement

Talacauvery in Kodagu district, which is the source of Cauvery river, has emerged as South India’s Hanle, as astronomers have been hosting “star parties” there for some time now. Hanle, located in Ladakh, and known for its pristine skies and minimal light pollution, is also India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial light interference.

In south India, most dark sky locations are in the Western Ghats or some hill ranges nearby, and according to astronomers, Talacauvery is the most ideal location to gaze at the sky and have a star party.

Voluntary work

The Bangalore Astronomical Society (BAS), a group of volunteers working for the promotion of astronomy as a hobby as well as a science, is now hosting star parties at Talacauvery. IT professionals Sudhash Natarajan, Vishwanath S.K. and Keerthi Kiran have been volunteering to conduct the star parties for BAS.

“We at BAS usually arrange star parties on New Moon weekends (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) format as it is the ideal time to observe the celestial objects which we are looking for. We inform people who are interested in joining us for the star party eight to days in advance. Members of the sky party after arriving at the dark sky location set up their equipment like telescopes, binacolours etc and the observation goes on until 4.45 am,” said Sudhash Natarajan.

Mr. Natarajan said that the group which attends the star parties are of all walks of life and that they are a mix of experienced astronomers as well as students and newbies to astronomy. He added that star parties have also been conducted in Koratagere, Hoshalli, Kavalur, and Yercaud in the past.

Less light pollution

“However, Talacauvery is possibly the best dark night location in south India due to less light pollution. In astronomy, there is something called the Bortle scale which measures the night sky’s brightness of a location on a nine level numerical scale. The lesser the numerical scale it qualifies for a better dark sky location. For example, Hanle skies would qualify as Bortle one skies, Talacauvery as Bortle two, and Bengaluru as Bortle nine,” he added.

The star parties are usually conducted in the winter months between December to March as the skies are clearer during these months which is very important for stargazing.

Mr. Natarajan said a star party was conducted between December 23 and 27, 2022, and the next one would be between January 20 and 24.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Hemanth C S / January 04th, 2023

Rashmika Mandanna chosen Coorg Person of Year 2022 in online poll

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Author P.T. Bopanna decided to promote ‘role models’ by conducting an annual poll to select a ‘Coorg Person of Year’ to ‘reignite the famed leadership qualities in the community’.

Rashmika Mandanna achieved phenomenal success with the pan-India movie Pushpa – The Rise, and drew the spotlight on the tiny hill district of Kodagu, also known as Coorg, a popular tourist destination inhabited by Kodavas, who have a unique culture. | Photo Credit: PTI

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has been chosen as the Coorg Person of the Year 2022 in a poll conducted by www.coorgtourisminfo.com, a news portal based in the district of Kodagu.

Sharing the details, author P.T. Bopanna, who runs the news portal, said he decided to promote ‘role models’ by conducting an annual poll in 2005 to select a ‘Coorg Person of Year’ to ‘reignite the famed leadership qualities in the community’.

This year, the choice was Rashmika Mandanna, who achieved phenomenal success with the pan-India movie Pushpa- The Rise, and drew the spotlight on the tiny hill district of Kodagu, also known as Coorg, a popular tourist destination inhabited by Kodavas, who have a unique culture.

“Rashmika, who has become a household name through her acting and dancing skills, has emerged as an unofficial brand ambassador for Kodagu culture,” said Mr. Bopanna. She did her schooling at Coorg Public School, Gonikoppal, in Kodagu, before earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Journalism and English Literature at M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Bengaluru.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 03rd, 2022

Winners Of Inter-School Football And Handball Competition

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Kodagu:

Sainik School Kodagu hosted the Brahmagiri Sahodaya School Complex Inter-School Football and Handball Competition (12-16 year age group) recently.

Six schools, namely SMS Academy of Central Education, Arameri, Virajpet, ALG Crescent School, Madikeri, KVG International School, Sullia, National Academy School, Attur, Gonikoppa, Ankur Public School, Napoklu and Sainik School Kodagu, participated in the competition.

The girls team of SMS Academy of Central Education, Arameri, Virajpet, stood victorious in Handball Competition and Ankur Public School, Napoklu, was adjudged runners-up.

Ankur Public School, Napoklu, won the Football Championship and KVG International School, Sullia, was declared runners-up.

Akhil from Ankur Public School, Napoklu and Sanjana from SMS Academy of Central Education, Arameri, Virajpet, were adjudged ‘Best Player’ in football and handball competition respectively.

Col. G. Kannan, Principal of Sainik School Kodagu, was the chief guest. K. Suresh, PGT (Mathematics), the Event Coordinator, BHM Raneesh, CHM Stalin, Corporal Shiva, Sergeant C. Roy and faculty members of participant and host school were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / January 02nd, 2023

As demand goes up, scientists in Kodagu develop new avocado variety

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The new variety will have 80% pulp and is expected to improve coffee based avocado cultivation.

Scientists at Central Horticultural Experiment Station in Kodagu have developed a new avocado variety ‘Arka Coorg Ravi.’ | Photo Credit: DARSHAN DEVAIAH B.P.

Bengaluru:

As the demand for avocado, popularly known as butter fruit, is increasing in the cosmetic industry as well as for consumption, scientists at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES) in Kodagu have developed a new variety called ‘Arka Coorg Ravi’, which will further improve coffee-based avocado cultivation in the district.

According to scientists in CHES, the new variety will have 80% pulp and the rest seed, making the fruit profitable for farmers.

Speaking to The Hindu, Madhu G.S, scientist in CHES, said: “Avocado, which is described as a miracle fruit for its health and nutritional benefits, is now also in huge demand in the cosmetic industry. The fruit is used in many skincare products. We have researched and developed Arka Coorg Ravi, which will help farmers in the district. The fruit is grown on about 500 hectares in Kodagu amidst the coffee plantations and the area of cultivation has seen a rise in recent years.”

The CHES recently started distributing the Arka Coorg Ravi grafts to the farmers. The centre has already developed 30,000 avocado grafts which have been distributed to farmers in the district.

“The new variety developed by the CHES will have at least 450 to 600 grams of weight per avocado, which will make the fruit profitable. Seedlings take 10 years to give yield, while graft plants start yielding from at least in the seventh year,” S. Rajendran, scientist, CHES Chettalli in Kodagu told The Hindu.

Recently, the CHES had a farmer-scientist interaction on the cultivation techniques of avocados in the district. According to CHES, farmers from different parts of Karnataka and also from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have been purchasing avocado saplings or grafts to grow in their State.

Since Kodagu district saw two natural calamities in 2018 and 2019, which caused huge losses to farmers, especially coffee growers, they are now growing avocados on the coffee plantations.

“In the last few years, due to the floods in the district, coffee production has come down, and coffee is also not fetching an attractive price now. Hence, I have started cultivating avocados as a mixed crop in my coffee plantation and it is now yielding fruits and it can be a good alternative to offset the losses from coffee and black pepper,” said Roshan Poovanna, a farmer from Virajpet.

According to farmers, Kodagu avocados have a market in Kerala and Maharashtra, apart from Karnataka. “Local varieties yield fruit twice a year, February to May and June to September. Now, we have some more varieties that yield fruits around the year. Now the CHES has developed a new variety. I hope this will produce more avocados from the district and get a good market price. However, the government should promote and create awareness about the growing of mixed crops in coffee plantations so that the farmers can avoid losses from other crops,” said Praveen Nanaiah, a farmer from Madikeri.

Earlier, as part of crop diversification, the farmers in Kodagu were growing ‘Coorg mandarin’ oranges, grown as a mixed crop on the estates along with coffee and black pepper.

However, in the past few years, the Coorg mandarin cultivation is coming down due to the threat of citrus greening disease.

Benefits of avocados

Avocado, botanically known as Persea Americana, is an evergreen plant and can grow in diverse environmental conditions. On average, one avocado tree produces about 120 to 150 fruits annually.

The fruit has a high monounsaturated fat content, which is considered healthy. One fruit contains 25% of the recommended daily amount of saturated fat.

Avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas and are rich in vitamins B, E, and K. Its juice acts as an antioxidant and its seeds are used to manufacture paper.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Darshan Devaiah B.P. / January 01st, 2023

Govt. employees sports meet

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A district-level sports meet of government employees of Kodagu district will be held on January 3 and 4 at Madikeri.

It will be conducted at General Thimayya stadium and district in-charge Minister B.C.Nagesh will inaugurate it.

The sports meet is being jointly organised by the Kodagu district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports in association with the district unit of the Karnataka State Government Employees Association.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The HIndu Bureau / December 31st, 2022

Yuva Sambhrama Enthrals Crowd

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Mysore/Mysuru:

The second day of the Yuva Sambhrama at the Open Air Theatre in Manasagangothri on Saturday, was a huge crowd-puller, with many sterling and spectacular performances by College students and youths.

Gonikoppa Cauvery College students gave an exciting Kodava dance performance portraying the rich Kodava   culture, practices and traditions, which enthralled the huge audience.

Likewise, students of JSS ITI College at Mariyala in Chamarajanagar district gave a performance that portrayed the courage, sacrifices of our brave soldiers and the richness of Kannada land, culture and language.

Chamarajanagar Government Boys PU College students gave an excellent dance performance on the life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who fought for equality. ‘Jai Bhim’ slogans rented the air during the course of the performance.’

Students of Ponnampet’s Forestry College, in association with students of Vidyavaridhi Composite PU College, Bilikere, gave a magnificent dance performance focusing on nature conservation. The dance presentation was based on the theme ‘Nature is our Future’.

Students of Government Girls PU College, Arkeshwaranagar in Mandya, presented a performance that laid threadbare the plight of transgenders as a gender minority community.

Chamarajangar’s Bright PU College students gave a performance on safety and security of girl children and women. H.D. Kote’s Sri Vishwabharathi First Grade College students gave a dance performance that sought shelter and rehabilitation for poor women and girl children living on streets and who are found selling pens to motorists at traffic signals.

Students from Mysuru’s Marimallappa’s, Taralabalu, St. Joseph’s, Seshadripuram, Sri Chayadevi and Government Ayurveda College, K.R. Nagar’s T. Mariyappa Memorial Composite PU College, H.D. Kote’s St. Mary’s composite PU College, Yelwal’s Kalabharathi Composite PU College, Virajpet’s Cauvery PU College, Pandavapura Government PU College, Nanjangud Taluk’s Doddakavalande Government PU College etc., too gave a variety of dance and drama performances.

Similarly, a variety of performances with focus on freedom fighters, Maharajas, warriors and like and societal issues, were presented by students from other colleges spread across Mysuru and surrounding districts.

Actor Ramesh Aravind, the star attraction

Senior Actor Ramesh Aravind, who is known for his stellar performances in several films of different languages, was the star attraction of the show yesterday. Addressing the audience, Ramesh explained his journey in the world of Cinema, which started over three-decades ago and his life and times.

The senior actor began his talk by narrating the experiences he shared with his two ‘Girl friends’ when he was a youngster. Announcing that the name of his girl friends were ‘Priya’ and ‘Shreya’, which he quoted from the Upanishad, the versatile actor explained a story involving the two girls, which delighted the crowd. Pointing out that it took 30 years for him to achieve big in film industry, Ramesh recalled the days when he participated in the cultural programmes that took place during his college days.  He noted that those who saw his talent in these programmes took him to a Radio show, from where his cinema journey began. He also gave some tips to the youths on choosing their career and the efforts to be made to excel in their chosen fields.

The teaser of Ramesh Aravind’s latest Cinema ‘Shivaji Suratkal-2’ was released on the occasion. Ramesh Aravind, who was recently conferred Honorary Doctorate by Belagavi’s Rani Chennamma University, was felicitated  in the presence of District Minister S.T. Somashekar, Mayor Shivakumar and others.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 18th, 2022