The arrival of a promising talent to the Kannada film industry from Kodagu has raised expectation of film lovers across the state.
And the name is Ballachanda Akshitha Bopaiah whose root of origin is Gonikoppa in Kodagu. Ms. Akshitha is winning hearts of Kannada cine lovers across the state with her appearances in Kannada feature films.
Akshitha has proved herself as a promising actor from Kodagu and is enjoying the rewards of all the hardwork the artist has put in to reach where she is. She has acted in multiple films in Kannada starting with REAL POLICE, her debut film which marked Akshitha’s entry into world of Kannada cinema in the year 2017.
Akshitha has already acted with top names of Sandalwood like, Late actor Rebel Star Ambareesh, Real Star Upendra, Abhinaya Chatura Satish Ninasam, Late actor Chiranjeevi Sarja and many more.
In the film Ambi ninge vayassaito, Akshitha had donned the role of Childhood Friend of Late Actor Ambareesh and her role had impressed Ambareesh to an extent that the legend had declared Akshitha as a promising lead lady of the Kannada Film Industry.
Her role in the film Brahmachari starring Satish Ninasam gained popularity with her fine acting skills & her act in the scene where a marriage alliance is discussed for the hero is a notable one and was entertaining enough for film lovers.
Akshitha added life to the role in the film Upendra I Luv U in which she appeared as Real Star Upendra’s childhood friend.
The actor has appeared in a lead role in the film Shivarjuna. Also, P5 starring Vikram Ravichandran and Trivikrama are Kannada films in which Akshitha as appeared as the lead lady.
Akshita has also starred in TV commercials and her appearance in the Add for Pothy’s with Power Star Puneet Rajkumar is a notable one.
Apart from Sandalwood Akshitha has left a mark with audiences in Tamil Nadu with her outstanding performances in Tamil daily soaps titled, Azaghu, Sumangali, thazhampoo , Kannana Kanne.
With her classy and stylish looks and brilliant performances in both small and silver screen, Akshitha is here to stay and entertain audiences.
A resident of Gonikoppa, Akshitha is the daughter of Bopaiah and Prema Bopaiah. Completed her primary education at Gonikoppa Lion’s School, High School at St. Annamma at Virajpete and completed her M.Com at Mysore Vidyashrama College.
Her love towards acting has brought her this far and is shining bright in the hearts of audiences.
Also starring Raj Tarun, the rom-com is being directed by debutant Santo Mohan Veeranki
Makers of the upcoming rom-com Stand Up Rahul featuring Raj Tarun in the lead role have released the first look poster of its female lead, Varsha Bollamma, on Wednesday.
The young actor, who won rave reviews for her performance in Middle Class Melodies, will be seen as Sreya Rao, a plain-looking young woman struggling with body image issues.
Written and directed by Santo Mohan Veeranki, Stand Up Rahul tells the story of an unenthusiastic stand-up comedian, who stands his ground for his love and passion for the narrative craft.
Produced by Nandkumar Abbineni and Bharath Maguluri under Dream Town Productions and HighFive Pictures banners, the film is in the last leg of production and is expected to release soon.
Also featuring Vennela Kishore, Murli Sharma, Indraja, Devi Prasad, and Madhurima in supporting roles, Stand Up Rahul has music by Sweekar Agasthi.
source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> CE Features / June 23rd, 2021
Actress and supermodel Shubra Aiyappa has been spending most of the lockdown time last in her hometown Coorg, where yoga, meditation, reading and dancing have kept her happy. She caught up with us over a video chat to share her experiences through the pandemic and more.
Despite being home, amid near-and-dear ones and lush greenery, Shubra admits that she got bogged down during the second wave, what with all the devastating news that was doing the rounds. “We were taken by shock by the onset of the pandemic, but we thought we were prepared for everything after that. But the second wave has been hard for all of us. It has hit home, a lot of people we know have lost their lives. It has been difficult and we have learnt a lot of lessons. It has been more heart-wrenching for my family and me,” she says, adding, “I’ve had the luxury of being in Coorg, which has been nothing short of a blessing. I chose to keep away from news channels and newspapers to preserve my sanity. Personally, I am better when I am happy and I found my peace by doing yoga, reading books and meditation. I have continued this through the two waves. I am close to my family and my friends have been a strong support system. At times like these, it is important to surround yourself with the right people who pep you up and keep you positive. There have been bad days, but being away in Coorg and doing what I love doing has helped.”
The actress is particularly upbeat when she talks about yoga. “Many years ago, I had a problem with my uterus that required hospitalization. Surgery was suggested as a solution, but we were not sure if that was the right choice. A friend then put us on to a yoga teacher who promised to make the problem go away in only three months. We tried that and when I went back to the doctor, my issue was sorted and, ever since, I have been fine. Yoga changed me for the better and that is why I am so passionate about it,” she beams.
The other positive factor that has helped keep Shubra sane is her love for reading. “I began modeling when I was 17. You tend to spend a lot of hours at airports or on flights, which can get boring. I chose to fight this by reading, which became a habit and at a time like this, when someone like me who loves to travel cannot do much of it, books have transported me to different places, times and situations,” she says.
With things slowly starting to get back to a semblance of normalcy, Shubra is thrilled to be back at work. “I am so excited about my new film Aaganya , in which my character will have two distinct shades. The first half will see me kicking some butt, which is exciting and challenging. I have returned home from the shoot with bruises, but it is so gratifying. We’ve finished one schedule. We begin shooting for the next schedule this week with a small crew and all precautions in place,” she states.
She also has her next Kannada film underway. “I am doing a Kannada film titled Ramana Avatara. It was announced a while ago, but has been delayed owing to the pandemic and other factors. We have shot for a few days earlier and I will continue with the rest probably next month. So, it is an exciting time, because I get back to work and I have so much gratitude to be able to say that,” wraps Shubra.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / by TNN – Sunayana Suresh / June 24th, 2021
K A Ponnanna from Karnataka joined IISc as a security guard, but began serving as a field assistant at the Centre for Ecological Sciences and helped mentor students in handling bees and collecting samples for research.
K A Ponnanna, a native of Kodagu in Coorg, Karnataka, grew up amid peaceful co-existence with wild rabbits, lion-tailed macaques, deer, honey bees, wasps, and several other insects and animals.
He says these creatures were his pets. “The relationship between humans and wildlife was unique, as we reared and tended to wild animals and depended on them for livelihood,” he recalls.
Speaking with The Better India, Ponnanna (70) says that as he grew older, his job took him to places including Nashik, Hyderabad, Deolali, Dharangadhara and Jammu, where he served as a technician in the communications equipment field at the School of Artillery, a training institution of the Indian Army.
Ponnanna retired in 1993 and was appointed as a security guard with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. However, within a few days, his job profile took a different turn altogether.
The security guard became a field assistant and conservator of bees until he retired in 2012. Interestingly, despite the change in role, he continued his designation of a security guard and drew a salary for the same profile. He spent all his time at the Centre for Ecological Science (CES) department attending and mentoring students for their research work.
Here is his story.
Beehive at IISc campus. / Credits: KG Haridasan.
A few days into his job as security guard, Raghvendra Gadagkar, then associate professor at IISc, struck up a conversation with Ponnanna. “He had helped rescue a few beehives in the campus and I had heard about his enthusiasm and fearless attitude. I noticed that he was interested in honey bees. Our conversation helped me understand how he grew up tending to honey bees and wasps in his native village,” Raghavendra says.
He adds that considering the experience that Ponnanna had, he requested him to volunteer in the research. “The work involves spotting honey bees and safely handling the hive, collecting samples and even bees at times. It is a delicate process. And Ponnanna proved to be brilliant in all aspects,” he says.
He adds that he was impressed by Ponnanna’s skills and passion towards bees, and that he requested the security department to transfer Ponnana to the lab with the existing designation and salary.
“It is difficult to make such arrangements in a government institution. However, the administration was flexible and recognised the value Ponnanna held,” Raghvendra explains.
A friend, mentor and philosopher
Ponnanna says he was thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the change in his profile.
“I had never attended any classes or received formal coaching on bee handling. I’d never worn clothes, gloves or held any equipment to handle bees. Moreover, I did not know the departments and their locations,” he says, modestly adding, “In my village, everyone handled bees and wildlife, and this was not unique to me.”
Ponnanna slowly got a hang of things as he worked in the lab, assisting students and researchers. “I can now differentiate between the types of bees, insects that are poisonous and non-poisonous, reptiles and other wild animals. I used the knowledge to help students in their research and accompany them during field visits to handle bees and wasps,” he adds.
The students accompanied him in batches and took help in collecting samples for their academic requirements.
Sujata Deshpande, an assistant professor at the Zoology department of Mumbai-based St Xavier’s College, was one of the PhD students who received help from Ponnanna.
Credits: KG Haridasan.
“I was studying between 1999 and 2005, and he was more like a fatherly figure and mentor. He was always punctual and never hesitated to work late hours if needed. As students, we had to roam around a lot and search for wasps. But Ponnanna knew the most likely places that we’d find them, making our job easier. He handled bees like they were his children – with utmost care and protection,” she says.
Sujata says that hurting even one insect pained him. “The bee boxes in the campus would be safe and protected under his supervision. The chances of infections and diseases among the insects were also low because of the care he took,” she adds.
The academician says the field assistant’s traditional knowledge about bees helped students understand the insects and added value to their research.
Sujata says that over the years, Ponnanna’s role further evolved as a conservator. “The bees in Bengaluru suffered habitat losses in urban areas, and he often received calls for rescuing them. He would rush to the spot before anyone could destroy the beehives,” she adds.
Echoing her thoughts, Raghvendra says, “He has saved hundreds of beehives from destruction due to burning or spraying of pesticide and offered them a safe place inside the IISc campus. Many people wanted to get rid of the beehives around their residences, but he carefully removed them and resettled them without hurting any bees.”
He says that Ponnanna also became a friend, philosopher and guide to the students.
‘Have compassion for animals’
Raghvendra retired in 2012 and joined the institution as an honorary and Department of Science and Technology (DST ) year of science chair professor. Ponnanna retired around the same time and was reassigned as a consultant where he could continue to help students.
Credits: KG Haridasan
Apart from assisting researchers, Ponnanna also rescues snakes, other insects and animals.
Sharing his views on bee conservation, Ponnanna says that the destruction of habitat and beehives are contributors to adulteration in honey. “The use of pesticides in farms affects the bee population, and the insects often suffer from infection due to poor care. All these factors affect the population and honey production. To compensate, the companies adulterate the honey and sell it only because of its sweetness, but not for the medicinal properties the natural honey holds,” he says.
He adds that there needs to be a change in which the animals, insects and other biodiversity elements in nature are treated.
Ponnanna says that students should have a more practical approach and be willing to get their hands dirty in the research. “Apart from performing experiments in the lab, students should know how to handle what they are studying in the field. Only passion and sensitivity towards subjects can help achieve that,” he adds.
Citing an example, he says, “It is not difficult to catch an elephant when humans have managed to land on the moon. But we cannot hold the animal by the neck and choke it. We need to show compassion towards birds, insects, animals and other species. We should understand their anger, behaviour and other characteristics to ensure they are not harmed.”
Edited by Divya Sethu
source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> Inspirational> Karnataka / by Himanshu Nithnaware / June 23rd, 2021
Rashmika Mandanna will be next seen in Telugu film Pushpa. (Photo: rashmika_mandanna/Instagram)
All along the way, Akash Tripathi kept asking people for directions to Rashmika Mandanna’s residence. People grew suspicious and informed the police.
A star-struck fan of actor Rashmika Mandanna travelled all the way from Telangana to Kodagu in Karnataka, a distance of over 900 kms, to meet her but had to return after police convinced him to do so.
Akash Tripathi from Telangana is a die-hard fan of Mandanna. Wanting to see her, Tripathi used Google search to reach her and he took a train to Mysuru, then a cargo auto to Muggula near Virajpet in Kodagu, the home district of the actor.
All along the way, he kept asking people for directions to the actor’s residence. People grew suspicious and informed the police.
Soon, the police stopped Tripathi and told him to go back to Telangana as Kodagu was under lockdown. The fan also got to know that he cannot see the actor as she was away in Mumbai for a film shoot, the police said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Telugu / by PTI, Madikeri / June 24th, 2021
Lieutenant General Channira Bansi Ponnappa, AVSM (Ati Vishisht Seva Medal) has been appointed as 11th Corps Commander. He took charge at Jalandhar in Punjab recently.
With this appointment, the hilly Kodagu district, which has a long and illustrious history of courageous top Defence Officers, for which it is known as the ‘Land of Army Generals’, has added one more feather to its cap.
Till now, Lieutenant General Bansi Ponnappa was the Chief of Staff Northern Command at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir. At present, there are two Corps Commanders serving in the Indian Army from Kodagu District.
While Lieutenant General Bansi Ponnappa is 11th Corps Commander at Jalandhar, Lieutenant General Codanda P. Cariappa is First Corps Commander at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.
Bansi Ponnappa hails from Nangala village near Bittangala in Virajpet taluk and is the son of Channira Ponnappa and Meera (Konerira, Virajpet Boikeri). He is married to Nitya Medappa (Keethiyanda). His son Nishanth is serving the Indian Navy as an officer and daughter Sunaina is studying in Bengaluru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 04th, 2020
Under threat of collapse due to incessant rains and possible landslides, the Kodagu DC Office is being protected with a 40-ft concrete retaining wall. But the works have started only now though the project was formally sanctioned long back and works on making pre-cast concrete slabs began in February this year.
Now the works have begun amidst heavy rains and a small portion of the wall has been built. The steep gradient on which the DC Office stands has been covered tightly with plastic sheets so that mud does not fall while undertaking the works. Rs. 5 crore is being spent on the project.
The District Administrative Office (DC Office) is located on a steep gradient along the Madikeri-Mangaluru Road and was built at a cost of Rs. 14.43 crore. It was inaugurated in November 2014 and last year, all the offices located in the DC Office Complex were shifted and they operated from the Office of City Municipal Council.
Officials requesting anonymity told Star of Mysore that the works were delayed because of COVID second wave and the tendering too got delayed though the project was sanctioned long back. The Geologists from Geological Survey of India (GSI) who conducted a study of the steep gradient on top of which the DC Office is located, had recommended the District Administration to construct a retaining wall to prevent any landslides.
The wall will be 140 meters in length and the height varies from 30 to 40 feet. The contractors are using soil nailing and pre-casting method to build the sturdy wall. In this technology, iron rods are inserted into the walls up to two to three feet inside and two to three feet outside and then the wall will be built with pre-cast concrete material.
“Works have started now and we will continue the wall construction work till July first week and will stop the work if it rains incessantly. We have a project completion time till December or January 2022,” officials said.
Mock drill
As the threat perception is high due to a couple of landslides that have occurred on the Madikeri-Mangaluru Road and following instances of road caving in and cracking open, a mock drill was conducted at the DC office last Friday where employees were evacuated.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services Department conducted the mock drill where drills including evacuating the injured or the trapped were demonstrated and practiced. Ladders were placed on the outer walls of the building and ropes were used to demonstrate the preparedness in case of emergencies.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 21st, 2021
Lieutenant CommanderSuraj Aiyappa of the Indian Navy has made our country proud by winning the highest number of Awards this year and the highest ever accoladed to an Indian Officer, at the Naval Staff Course of the U.S. Naval War College.
Notably, Suraj has been awarded the Second Place in the national-level Secretary of Defense National Strategy Essay Competition across all Military Institutions in the US, joining a rare and elite group of International Officers to have achieved this feat.
In addition, Suraj has also been awarded two prestigious Writing Awards (First Position), including the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Counter-terrorism Prize and the Naval Staff College International Essay Award at the U.S. Naval War College.
Suraj is also the only International Officer this year and the first Indian Officer to earn a Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Emerging Military Technologies from the U.S. Naval War College. He has graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies.
Suraj is the son of Lt. Col. Mukkatira A. Kariappa, SM (Retd.) and Saraswathy Kariappa (Thamane – Annalamada), who are residing at Sena Vihar (A.W.H.O.), Bengaluru.
Suraj’s elder sister Pooja Kariappa is Head – Human Resources at Vascon Engineers Limited, Pune.
Suraj is married to Dr. Yamuna (Thamane-Maneyapanda) who is a Dentist by profession.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 14th, 2021
77 places have been identified as prone to landslide and flood based on experts’ advice and previous years’ data
Even as the monsoon turned active in Kodagu district, 2,868 families living in areas identified as vulnerable to flood and landslide are expected to be evacuated to relief centres by July 15.
The officers in charge of evacuation are in touch with the families who are being persuaded to leave their houses in ‘risk zones’ as a safety measure.
Seventy-seven places in towns and villages have been identified as sensitive and prone to landslide and flood based on experts’ advice and also previous years’ data. Accordingly, steps are being taken to ensure the safety of dwellers.
“The families will be shifted out from the sensitive zones by July 15. The nodal officers have been instructed to ensure their safe relocation at the earliest,” said Deputy Commissioner Charulatha Somal on Saturday.
Besides, 618 cattle from the risk zones would also be evacuated. Measures had been taken for establishing 17 animal shelters, she said.
A 20-member NDRF team is camping in Kodagu. Four teams each of the Fire and Police Departments dedicated for rescue operations are also ready. In addition, civil society groups and volunteers have come forward to offer their services.
The gram panchayats in the risk zones have set up local teams for rescue and relief works.
The highway connecting Mangaluru to Madikeri has been identified as a ‘sensitive’ road based on previous years’ data (the road was damaged by landslides). The Kodagu district administration has banned movement of heavy goods transport vehicles, barring those supplying essentials in view of rains.
Ms. Somal said the onus is on the PWD to reduce the risk with necessary and timely interventions, she added.
The current spell of rains has already damaged electrical poles in certain areas. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) is already on the task of restoring supply, and replacing damaged lines and poles.
As the rescue operations may need more earthmovers, steps have been taken to hire machines in addition to those available with the PWD and RDPR.
“We need to be prepared to deploy more such machines for rescue operations,” she said.
Ms. Somal said the authorities of Harangi dam near Kushalnagar have been asked to be on alert and ensure that the 2018 episode was not repeated. The problems faced earlier may not recur since silt has been removed, the DC added. Unexpected and excessive release of water from the dam had led to floods. Areas close to the Cauvery river in Kushalnagar town were flooded.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – June 19th, 2021
No one flew like Milkha Singh. We all have heard about ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh but how many of us have heard about Kunjiyanda Aiyanna from Kodagu district who had defeated Milkha Singh?
Aiyanna had trounced the Flying Sikh in a 100-metre race in 1951. While Aiyanna had clocked 10.69 seconds, Milkha Singh clocked 10.75 seconds. Who better than Aiyanna could understand the importance of 0.06 seconds?
Aiyanna represented Karnataka in the National-level 100 mts. He has a credit of winning over Milkha Singh several times at National-level Meets and held the record for 100 mts for some period, unbeaten. Aiyanna never got recognition for his achievement and his name was hidden in the annals of history.
His feat came to light only after the news of Milkha Singh passing away flashed across the media yesterday. By evening, Aiyanna became a known name in many Kodava families. Hailing from Kavadi Village at Ammathi in Kodagu district, Aiyanna was born on Aug. 2, 1929 to Kunjiyanda Chinnappa and Seethavva (Macharanda).
He joined the Indian Army and served the Artillery Division. As he was a sprinter, his commanding officers recognised his talent and began training him amidst his Army duties. Aiyanna proved to be a true sportsperson and honed his skills to reach his defining moment that came in the form of National-level 100 mts. He sprinted to glory and defeated people who later rose to be legends. But Aiyanna remained in obscurity.
Kunjiyanda Aiyanna in the first place and Milkha Singh second.
Aiyanna married Gowri (Palachanda), sister of P.M. Kalappa who served as Additional Superintendent of Police in Kodagu. The couple had two sons and a daughter — Anitha, Anil Belliappa and Arun Thammaiah. After serving the Army, Aiyanna worked for Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The unsung hero passed away in 1995 at an age of 65.
Speaking to SOM this morning, Arun said that his father used to speak a lot about his achievements. “He used to tell us about how he struggled hard in athletics at a time when sports was considered a least priority in India and at a time when there were not even basic facilities for sportspersons. He told us about how people from South India were called ‘Madrasis’ and were looked down upon by sportspersons from North,” Arun said.
“The discrimination was clear and my father had to remain in obscurity. No one recognised him and despite this, he gave a stellar performance on tracks,” Arun, who studied in Bengaluru Sports Hostel, said. Arun runs a wedding management firm in Kodagu while his brother Anil works for BEML, Bengaluru.
The 100-metre race in 1951 where Aiyanna trounced Milkha Singh.
Aiyanna’s brother 84-year-old Kunjiyanda Poovaiah is a resident of Gokulam in Mysuru and he was also an athlete who has participated in National Meets. “I had been to Delhi along with my brother a couple of times and since my brother was a sprinter, I did not pursue running much,” he said.“I am glad that my brother has been recognised at least now,” he added.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 10th, 2021
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