Bengaluru biologists spot new butterfly species in Coorg; first one in the Western Ghats in four decades

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The new member in the family has been named Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta) based on fused spots and bands on the underside of wings, and shiny silver lines in the centre of those bands.

Bengaluru biologists spot new butterfly species in Coorg; first one in the Western Ghats in four decades
Cigaritis conjuncta, found in Honey Valley, Kodagu.Photo credit: NCBS

New Delhi:

Biologists in Bengaluru on Wednesday reported discovery of a new butterfly species in the Western Ghats, underlining the potential of one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots to spring a surprise even after decades of exploration.

The butterflies were first seen in the Iruppu Falls area of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary way back in 2008 but was studied extensively when a large number of them were spotted in the Honey Valley two years ago. Both of the locations are in Kodagu.

Researchers at the National Centre for Biological Sciences and Indian Foundation for Butterflies spotted 30 of them within a 100 mt stretch and extensively studied five males and four females to conclude that such butterflies are distinct from other similar species.

“The stunning part of the discovery was that this species was never seen. It was neither in the museums nor in the literature. Our naturalist friends found them in a coffee plantation. This is the first new butterfly species reported from the Western Ghats in the last four decades,” Krushnamegh Kunte, associate professor at the NCBS and corresponding author of the study, told DH.

Kunte saw the species for the first time in 2008 but could not study it as he did not have a collection permit to capture the sample. For the next 13 years, the species eluded the scientists.

The new member in the family has been named Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta) based on fused spots and bands on the underside of wings, and shiny silver lines in the centre of those bands.

“We expect it to be more widely distributed, occurring in other forests of Kodagu and the central Western Ghats of Karnataka, possibly extending as far south in the Western Ghats as the hill ranges of Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris) and southern Kerala (up to Peppara wildlife sanctuary),” the scientists reported.

Despite barely having the size of a one-rupee coin, the species is extremely valuable to conservationists as it is endemic to mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats mountains. The two sites where they have been located are at an elevation of 900 meters (Iruppu Falls) and 1,300 meters (Honey Valley).India houses more than 1,400 species of butterflies, but very few new ones have been discovered in the last few decades.

The new ones are active on sunny days from early in the morning to afternoon. Both sexes rest on shrubbery while some males take up vantage points nearly 3 metres off the ground.

The males bask with wings opened up halfway, and females also apparently do so, similar to other Cigaritis species. Males appear to be more active in sunny patches, and therefore more readily detected, compared with females.

“The discovery is a testament to the state’s unparalleled biodiversity, its unfolding scientific potential and the strong protection that butterflies and other wildlife enjoy in the state,” the Karnataka Forest Department, which supported the research, said in a statement.

The study appeared in Zootaxa.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Science / by Kalyan Ray, DHNS / January 11th, 2024

Six solo acts on stage

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The plays will be staged in Kannada and English over three days. Laxmi, who has been performing solo acts for 25 years, has translated and adapted the works.

Six solo acts on stage
Laxmi Chandrashekar in ‘Kittalemane Kaveri’.

Abhinethri Festival by Kriyative Theatre Trust will present three plays by theatre artiste Laxmi Chandrashekar, this weekend.

The plays will be staged in Kannada and English over three days. Laxmi, who has been performing solo acts for 25 years, has translated and adapted the works.

On January 12, ‘Singarevva Mattu Aramane’ and its English version ‘Singarevva and the Palace’, a play based on Chandrashekhara Kambara’s namesake play, will be staged. “It is about a woman’s frustration and helplessness, being denied the right to motherhood, how she faces exploitation by all the men in her life and the way she asserts herself in the end,” says Laxmi. The play will be directed by Soumya Varma.

The second play, ‘Shakespearana Srimathi’/ ‘Shakespeare’s Wife’, written by Uday Itagi will be staged on January 13. It has been adapted from Robert Nay’s work based on Shakespeare’s sonnets. “I have taken inputs from feminist writer Germaine Greer’s work ‘Shakespeare’s Wife’, and from other sources to create this play. It depicts the Bard’s wife, Anne Hathaway, in a different light,” she explains. “This play looks at Anne as a committed and strong woman, and a loyal wife”, she elaborate . The play will be directed by Vishwaraj Patil.

The final play provides insights into the Kodava community and has been directed by Soumya. ‘Kittalemane Kaveri’/‘Kaveri of Kittale Villa’, an adaptation of ‘Emily of Emerald Hill’, an English play written by Singaporean writer Stella Kon, will be staged on January 14. “I had lived in Singapore for a while, and I got rights from the writer to stage and adapt it accordingly. Set in the Kodava community now, the play captures their culture, food, customs, and costumes,” she tells Metrolife.

From January 12 to 14, Kannada plays will be staged at 3.30 pm and English plays at 7 pm, at B P Wadia Sabhangana, Indian Institute of World Culture, Basavanagudi. Tickets online.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Tini Sara Anies, Team Metrolife / January 10th, 2024

Sandooka Virtual Museum Of Kodava Heritage And Culture Launched

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Sandooka Virtual Museum of Kodava Heritage and Culture, an informative and interactive platform for the community, the diaspora, researchers and knowledge-seekers, has been launched. One can access it on https://sandookamuseum.org/

The museum has been created with community participation and on the basis of research on existing knowledge of the history of Kodagu, traditions of the Kodava community and unique practices.

Presently, the museum boasts 54 stories categorised into nine themes:

Architecture, Arts and Crafts, Community Histories, Clothes and Jewellery, Cuisine, Customs and Rituals, Festivals, Landscape, Literature and Folklore. The website also includes a glossary of commonly used Kodava terms and a list of recommended books and website resources.

Within the museum’s pages, visitors can explore a brief history of Kodagu in sections like ‘Residences of the Royals’ and the glossary. An outline map in the glossary provides context, illustrating the taluks of Kodagu, its location within Karnataka and its place in India.

The brain behind this ambitious project is Rathi Vinay Jha (Codanda), the erstwhile Chair of the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA). A retired 1967 batch IAS Officer, she served as the Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. In early 2022, IFA issued a call for proposals from multidisciplinary teams to develop the virtual museum.

Talakaveri (Talacauvery) – the birthplace of River Kaveri. [Photo courtesy: Kunjiyanda Mahesh Appaiah (Max)]

Stringent scrutiny

Numerous teams from various parts of India submitted their proposals.

The selection process involved the scrutiny of an esteemed jury, including Paul Abraham (Founder of Sarmaya Arts Foundation), Nick Merriman (Director of Horniman Museums and Gardens, London), Sara Ahmed (Founder of Living Waters Museum), Venu Vasudevan, IAS (former Director General of the National Museum) and Hemanth Satyanarayana (CEO, Imaginate).

Following a meticulous evaluation of presentations and interviews, a team led by art museum curator Lina Vincent emerged as the chosen one for the project. The team comprised the dynamic designer duo Upasana Nattoji Roy and Saurav Roy from SWITCH. I was honoured to be invited to spearhead the Research and Coordination for Virtual Museum.

Our team came together in early 2022 and the ensuing two years have been both hectic and gratifying. Our efforts were complemented by a dedicated group handling media resources, including Aiyuda Prasad Ponnappa (videography), Clare Arni (photography), Kalpit Gaonkar (drone videography), Kunjiyanda Mahesh Appaiah aka Max Machu (videography), Chenanda Rohan Ponnaiah (videography), G.S. Bhavani (photography), Dr. Bishan Monnappa (photography) and others. Hasan Shahrukh spearheaded website development, with Samarth Gulati focusing on the front end and Gaurav Nagar on the back end. Additional support came from associates such as Nitya Devayya, Dhriti Belliappa, Nigel Gomes and Christina Dedhia.

The IFA team overseeing the project included former Executive Director Arundhati Ghosh, Executive Director Menaka Rodriguez, members Darshana Dave, Ritwika Misra and C. Suresh Kumar

IFA Advisory Board, consisting of Rathi Vinay Jha, Cheppudira P. Belliappa and Hemanth Satyanarayana, provided valuable guidance.

The editorial advisors, namely Dr. Boverianda Nanjamma Chinnappa, Cheppudira P. Belliappa, Dr. Kodira Monnappa Lokesh and Dr. C.C. Sowmya Dechamma, contributed expertise to the project.

Recaero India predominantly funded the initiative, while Anuraag, a Virajpet-based NGO, played a crucial role in supporting payments to artists, folk singers, dancers, craftsmen and facilitating media documentation.

A bride & a groom in traditional attire. [Photo courtesy: Deepthi Puttichanda]

A comprehensive repository of information

The Sandooka Virtual Museum of Kodava Heritage and Culture stands as a comprehensive repository of information on Kodavas. In the Kodava language, a ‘sandooka’ is referred to as ‘chandooka’, akin to a traditional wooden trunk or chest found in Indian homes.

Our documentation efforts included capturing the ‘Kail Podh’ festival of weapons at the Baduvamanda ancestral house in Kavadi, festival sports at Puliyeri village green near Ammathi, the harvest festival ‘Puthari’ at the Padeyanda ancestral house, festival dances at Biddatanda Vaade and Kokeri Bhagwathy temple, and the annual ‘theray’ (a shaman ritual of Kodagu similar to ‘theyyam’ and ‘kola’) at the Nadikerianda ancestral house in Karada

While a substantial population of Kodavas still resides in Kodagu, tens of thousands have migrated to places like Mysuru and Bengaluru. Additionally, Kodava diaspora is seen outside Karnataka in  various parts of India and extending to international locations such as Singapore, the Middle East, Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia and the Americas.

A picture of ‘theray’ ritual.

To maintain cultural connections, Kodavas have established regional Kootas or Associations, where members gather annually, often during festivals. Kodava Samajas in villages, towns and cities organise Kodava weddings and other social events.

However, the Kodava diaspora faces challenges in preserving their native language and culture. As generations pass, certain traditions risk fading away. Recognising this need for preservation, Sandooka Virtual Museum of Kodava Heritage and Culture acts as a bridge, documenting and safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations worldwide.

Cherishing our legacy

Kodavas are a small community with a vibrant heritage and unique traditions. Kodagu and the Kodavas have always raised the curiosity of not just our own people but of scholars and visitors across the world. Today, with access to technology we can send a message across to our diaspora and the world about our land and its culture. Sandooka Virtual Museum is a repository of such online information on Kodava heritage. Let us cherish our legacy and celebrate our achievements. — Rathi Vinay Jha (Codanda), erstwhile Chair of the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA)

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa / January 09th, 2024

Karnataka: Ancient Shivalinga of Pandavas unearthed at foothills of Coorg’s Kundabetta

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A massive ancient Shivalinga, possibly dating to the Pandava era, was found in Kunda village, Kodagu. Discovered beneath a tree in Darshan Nanjappa’s garden, it included sacred objects. Believed linked to the Eshwara Temple, experts suggest Pandava influence. Efforts to preserve it underway, awaiting verification by Archaeology Department for historical connections.

Karnataka: Ancient Shivalinga of Pandavas unearthed at foothills of Coorg's Kundabetta vkp

A remarkable discovery has been made in the quaint village of Kunda in the Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district. A massive Shivalinga believed to date back to the Pandava era, has been unearthed, leaving the locals astounded by its presence in the tomb of Kilan Ganapati.

The unexpected finding unfolded following a revelation by Kalyatanda Ajjappa, who mentioned the presence of a Shivalinga buried within Darshan Nanjappa’s garden. After an initial search around a tree in the garden yielded nothing, a decision was made to excavate the area with the aid of heavy machinery. Much to everyone’s surprise, a colossal Shiv Linga was discovered deep within the base of the tree.

This significant finding, situated in the Gummattira family estate, boasting a history spanning nearly 800 years, has brought immense joy to the family. Senior priests and elders within the Gummattira lineage assert that the Shivlinga holds profound spiritual significance. The discovery also included several other objects such as a tirthanala, an elephant pillar, stone bricks, a Somasutra, and a panipeeth, all laid beneath the linga.

The proximity of this Shivlinga’s discovery to the renowned Eshwara Temple atop the revered Kunda hill has triggered numerous contemplations among the locals. Renowned sculptor Sivakumar suggested that the Shivalinga might have been installed during the time of the Pandavas’ sojourn in this area to venerate Lord Shiva.

Efforts have been taken to preserve the Shiva Linga, Panipeeth, and the assortment of objects discovered within the depths of the Darshan Nanjappa tree. However, it was noted that a portion of the Shivalinga had suffered damage in the past.

In historical records, Shivalingas were crafted using white and wild stones, consistent with the materials used in constructing this particular Shiv Linga. Notably, during Kodagu’s time as a separate state, it was ruled by Lingayat kings, leading to speculation that the unearthed temple could be associated with a Shiva lingam. To confirm these historical connections, verification by officials from the Archaeology Department is deemed necessary.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykumar Patil / January 07th, 2024

Talacauvery Water Collected For Jalabhishekha At Ram Temple

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Madikeri:

The consecration, known as ‘Prana Pratishtapana,’ of Lord Ram in his child-like form (Ram Lalla) is scheduled to take place in Ram Temple at Ayodhya on Jan. 22. To perform the sacred Jalabhishekha ritual, holy water from the seven rivers (Sapthanadi) is being collected from various locations across the country.

A dedicated team of priests from the Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi, representing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kodagu units, visited Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery, yesterday to collect the sacred water. The water was received from the holy Brahmakundike through meticulous rituals, homas and havanas.

Masilamani Desiga Jnana Sambhandha Swamiji, the Peetadhipathi of Dharmapuram Adheenam in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, conducted special pujas and received the sacred tirtha from the head priest of Talacauvery Temple from the holy Brahmakundike.

The gathering included notable figures such as State President of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi and the Guru of Om Sri Math in Mangaluru Mahamandaleshwar Sri Vidyananda Saraswati Swamiji, Co-President Matashree Shivajnanamahi Saraswati, Kodagu District President of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi Shri Rajeshnath Ji, Tamil Nadu unit of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi President Mahamandaleshwar, Treasurer Garuda Maharaj, Vishwa Hindu Parishad Kodagu District Working President Suresh, Treasurer Sampath Kumar, Kodagu Journalists Association President S. A. Muralidhar and others.

In addition to the water from Sapthanadi, water from the rivers of Nepal, including Bagmati, Narayani, Ganga Sagar, Dudhmati, Kali, Gandaki, Kosi, Kamla, etc., has been collected. These sacred waters will play a significant role in the rituals during the consecration.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 07th, 2023

Mandh, the curator of Kodava culture

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While documents mention mandhs as paisari land, they are much more than just a piece of land — they are cultural hubs preserving the rich traditions of the Kodava community.

Two Kodava men perform Pare Kali 
Two Kodava men perform Pare Kali

Madikeri : 

A land narrates the culture of the people who reside on it.

Similarly, ‘mandh’, also known as ‘mandh maani’, are tiny pieces of land found in villages of Kodagu, which intimately recite the identity, culture, traditions and way of life of the Kodava people. Even as these pieces of land are given sacrosanct status in several regions of Kodagu, they come alive with vibrant culture during the festivities of the Kodavas. Rich greenery surrounded by age-old trees and serene mountain peaks and the silence of nature broken by the sound of traditional drums and people dancing in tune with the rhythmic sounds — this is a common sight in the mandh regions after the harvest festival of Puthari across Kodagu. 

While documents mention mandh as paisari lands, they are much more than just a piece of land — they are cultural hubs preserving the traditions of the Kodava community.

“Known as the cultural centres of the Kodava community, mandhs come alive with traditions and culture once or twice each year. Folk dance, art, culture and traditions of the Kodava community are exhibited on mandhs. While mandhs are mostly sacrosanct places, they bustle with activith during Kailpodh and Puthari festivities,” explained Madetira Beliappa, former joint secretary, Madikeri Kodava Samaj, a member of Kodava Sahitya Academy and an artiste at Madikeri Akashvani. He is also president of the uru mandh (village mandh) of Kadagadal village.

A group of men perform Balo Paat, a traditional performance, during a temple festival 

As he explains, mandhs are a connection between an individual and society. They play the role of multipurpose auditoriums and have taken up preserving and promoting the rich Kodava culture. “Mandhs are the first places that introduce the culture of the community to children. They also adorn the role of training spots,” K Shashi Somaiah, a resident of Madikeri, adds.

Promotion of culture, tradition
After Puthari, the community participates in a cultural extravaganza. Cultural programmes are not hosted amid the four walls but on mandhs. Puthari Kolat is a folk dance that is hosted right after a harvest. After paddy is harvested, every village hosts Puthari Kolat aka Puthari Mandh Namme across the mandhs. While Kolata is performed with colourful sticks that are usually short, lengthy canes are used to perform Puthari Kolat. The villagers get together at the mandh even as they take part in the Kolaat.

“During ancestral times, Puthari Kolat used to be hosted across all mandh regions up to five days after Puthari. While the Kolat started off at one mandh, it ended at the main mandh of the district on the fifth day of the festivities. After this, the sound of the canes falls silent,” explains Beliappa. He, however, added that Puthari Kolat is now hosted across the mandhs throughout the month.

Right after the timings are fixed following astrological readings to observe the harvest festival of Puthari, every village prepares to host Puthari Namme across the mandh regions. “Currently, committees are formed by villagers to host these cultural programmes. Every village has a head from one particular Kodava clan and they are called thakkas. They call for a meeting even as finance for it is crowd-funded,” Beliappa adds. While Koalat forms the basis of the cultural programmes, several other folk arts, including Balo Paat (songs in praise of the village, village heads and deities), Bolkaat (traditional lamp dance), Umathaat (a traditional dance performed by women) and Pareyakali (a mock fight with canes to exhibit the warrior culture) also take place.

A group of Kodava men perform Kolaat in their traditional attire

Apart from Puthari, the mandhs also come alive during the festival of Kailpoldh. While Puthari calls for a cultural extravaganza, Kailpoldh festivities call for unique sports activities — from coconut shooting to throwing heavy stones, the mandhs exhibit the warrior culture of the Kodava clans. 

The mandh is also filled with activities during the ancient practice of nari mangala (tiger wedding). As Beliappa explains, “Kodavas were warriors who often hunted in the bygone era. When a warrior kills a tiger, a ritual called nari mangala — where the warrior is married to the tiger he killed – is conducted with unique wedding-like rituals.”

Kinds of mandhs

Mandhs are categorised into different types and have an ancestral history. In ancestral times, mandhs were not just cultural hubs but played a more serious role of courts providing justice. Any village dispute would be settled amicably in mandhs. Like the hierarchy in courts, mandhs were also divided into categories.

Vaade is the mandh attached to the traditional houses of Ain Mane and they are in the possession of a single family. Then there is Keri mandh which belongs to the entire village. Uru mandh falls under two or more villages and the Naad mandh are regions that fall under a cluster of big villages. Seeme mandhs are the biggest mandh regions, which according to community elders, hold the prominence of the Supreme Court that declares the final verdict.

Mandhs started losing their importance a few decades ago. While the district had over 240 mandhs, only 70 to 80 exist now. Encroachment, government possession and other factors led to the deterioration of the sacrosanct mandhs. Nevertheless, the community is now alert about this situation even as several individuals, Kodava Samajas and other Kodava organisations have initiated the task of reviving mandhs. As Beliappa explains, “As per land documents, mandhs are paisari lands that come under the possession of the government. Over a decade ago, several development projects were carried out on village mandhs by the government. However, the community is now alert and several mandhs have been revived. The community will continue to preserve these sacred lands and changes need to be made to land documents to ensure permanent protection.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 07th, 2024

Airstrip Construction At Kushalnagar In Kodagu

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Revenue Minister assures speedy land transfer

Bengaluru:

In a significant development, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has committed to expeditiously transferring the necessary land for the construction of an airstrip in Kodagu District to the District Administration.

This assurance followed a meeting held yesterday at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, presided over by Krishna Byre Gowda and attended by Kodagu District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju.

The Kodagu District Administration conducted a comprehensive land survey for the proposed airstrip near Kushalnagar. Initially, a 49.5-acre plot near Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, bordering Basavanathoor village, was identified in the first survey.

However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed it insufficient, prompting a re-survey. The second survey identified over 130 acres of land at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, within the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, addressing the need for additional space.

Minister Boseraju, addressing reporters post-meeting, noted that issues related to the Revenue Department were brought to his attention during the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Kodagu a few days ago. He stated, “The meeting with the Revenue Minister aimed to find solutions to these problems.”

Expressing satisfaction, Minister Boseraju affirmed, “The Revenue Minister’s positive response to the land transfer for the airstrip instils confidence in the timely resolution of the highlighted issues.”

The meeting also delved into acquiring necessary grants and permissions for constructing a mini Vidhana Soudha and an administration building in newly established taluks.

Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, along with various officers, attended the meeting.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 05th, 2023

Maj. Gen. C.K. Karumbaya Passes Away

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Mysore/Mysuru: 

Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya, SM (Retd.), aged 87 years, passed away at 7.45 am today at his residence in Kalpavruksha Farm, K. Hemmanahalli, Mysuru.

Fondly called as Keshu by those in his close family circles, he leaves behind his wife Dechu Karumbaya, son  C.K. Somanna, daughter Shabari, daughter-in-law Navya, grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

His mortal remains will be kept at Muktidhama in Vijayanagar 4th Stage here tomorrow (Jan. 5) from 10.30 am to 12 noon for people to pay their last respects, following which the last rites will be held, according to family sources.

MLA G.T. Devegowda and Mysore Race Club (MRC) Chairman K.M. Chandregowda were among those who paid their last respects to the departed soul this morning.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 04th, 2024

Minister promises sports hostel in Somwarpet

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Hockey stadium inaugurated at Chowdlu village in Kodagu.

Minister in-charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju, MLA Mantar Gowda and others at the launch of hockey stadium in Somwarpet in Kodagu on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Minister in-charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju on Wednesday said he would make efforts to get a sports hostel sanctioned for Somwarpet.

Speaking after inaugurating the hockey stadium at Chowdlu village near Somwarpet, the Minister said he will talk to the Sports Minister for allocating additional grants for the construction of a compound wall for the stadium. Kodagu is famous for sports and the sporting tradition has to be continued, he added.

The Minister acknowledged the contribution of former MLA Appachu Ranjan for the construction of the hockey stadium at Chowdlu village and added that the present Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda made efforts to get a sum of ₹40 lakh sanctioned for completing the stadium works.

Mr. Boseraju said the national-level hockey matches can be hosted at the stadiums in Somwarpet, Koodige, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gowda said the dream of the people in Somwarpet has come true with the inauguration of the hockey stadium. The new facility has delighted the people here since hockey enthusiasts had been seeking for the stadium to promote the sport. He added that the hockey stadium needs to be properly maintained and also required safety measures. A lot of impetus had been given for promoting hockey in the district.

On the occasion, the MLA urged the Minister to get the hockey stadium named after one C.K. Kalappa, whose family had donated the land for constructing the hockey stadium.

B.M. Suresh, one of the family members of the donor, and hockey player Subbaiah were felicitated on the occasion.

Hockey coach Shashidar sought a sports hostel in Somwarpet.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The HIndu Bureau / January 03rd, 2023

Digital library carves new hope for cleaning staff in Kodagu

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The need to shift to a better job urged Bhavani, a cleaner at the panchayat, to try and apply for the 10th board exams.

Bhavani at the library in Kodagu. (Photo| Express)

Madikeri : 

A digital library in a rural part of Kodagu is helping shape a new life for a panchayat cleaning staff.

Bhavani HD (48), who never had the luxury to attend school, has now completed 10th grade after receiving help at the digital library even as she hopes for a promotion in her 12-year-old career.

A resident of Maldare village in Virajpet taluk, Bhavani hails from a poor family. She did not enjoy the right to attend school during her childhood and started off earning a living by working as a daily wager.

She then applied to work at the Maldare Grama Panchayat and has been working as the cleaning staff there for the past 12 years. She is shortly to be deployed as a civic worker who has to collect and dispose of garbage.

“I cannot lift heavy weights. I have undergone five surgeries including tubal ligation, uterus, piles, appendix, and a leg surgery. I requested a different job profile due to my illness and the then PDO had suggested that I could have applied for an attendee post at the panchayat if I had passed 10th grade,” shared Bhavani.

The need to shift to a better job urged Bhavani to try and apply for the 10th board exams.

“My dream of attaining an attendee post led me to the digital library at the panchayat. I obtained support from the library supervisor Sujitha,” Bhavani said. 

“From the Grama Digi Vikas portal, I helped download the study materials for Bhavani. The study materials are easy to understand and they are in the form of videos. Bhavani visited the library every day and studied for the board exams,” shared Sujitha KV, the library supervisor who learned about the ordeal of Bhavani and stepped in to help. 

For three months, Bhavani spent a few hours every day studying at the library. She wrote the board exams in March last year.

“But I passed only in Kannada. However, by god’s grace, I cleared all the subjects during the supplementary examination,” explained Bhavani.

Following this success, Bhavani is now confident of availing the attendee post.

However, Bhavani has a long fight before she gets to her dream post at the panchayat, as several panchayat members have failed to see her efforts and are demanding a male candidate for the attendee post over Bhavani.

While her hard work led her towards completing the 10th grade, it has not yet paid off due to the unprecedented developments at the panchayat.   

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 03rd, 2023