Indian Tennis player Rohan Bopanna with young players during ‘Bhoomi’ programme for under privileged an initiative of Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy at MA Stadium in Jammu.
Jammu :
In a major step towards promoting tennis among underprivileged children, the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy, in collaboration with the J&K Lawn Tennis Association and J&K Sports Council, conducted selection trials for its “Bhoomi” Programme in Jammu and Kashmir.
The trials, held in Jammu and Srinagar, aimed at identifying talented young players aged 8 to 10 years who come from underprivileged backgrounds.
The initiative, supported by the Kamal India Foundation, focuses on providing free tennis training, education, and overall development to deserving children.
Around 70-80 children participated in the trials in Jammu, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm for tennis.
BS Jaggi, General Secretary of the J&K Lawn Tennis Association, praised the event’s success and emphasized its significance in identifying and nurturing young talent. He also mentioned that Rohan Bopanna himself visited Srinagar and Jammu to personally oversee the selection process.
The selected children will receive free boarding, lodging, and education, following the CBSE syllabus up to the 10th standard, at the Sports School in Bengaluru, home to the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy. In addition to the education, these children will undergo world-class tennis training to enhance their skills and prepare them for competitive play.
Meanwhile, Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna also met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the programme.
The Lt Governor lauded Bopanna’s efforts, appreciating the academy’s dedication to providing educational and sporting opportunities to underprivileged youth from Jammu and Kashmir. He further assured full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of sports as a vehicle for empowering youth and promoting holistic development.
source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com / DailyExcelsior.com / Home> Sports News / by Daily Excelsior / February 02nd, 2025
The Golden Temple at Coorg, better known as Namdroling Monastery, is a centre of Tibetan culture in South India.
The Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple at Coorg | Nitin SJ Asariparambil
When I first got to know about solo travelling, I was just a college student pursuing my higher studies in English literature. Back then, travelling alone to my college, 30 kilometres away from my house, was, in itself, a big leap; there was no scope for solo travel to an unknown place.
So I quietly and shamelessly brooded over the very romantic and challenging idea of solo travel for the time being, keeping my fingers crossed. But solo travel was always on my bucket list of wishes.
And I finally got to travel solo! The destination was the Golden Temple at Coorg, in Karnataka, better known as Namdroling Monastery, where I could find and feel the vibrant tapestry of Tibetan culture.
A few months after my marriage, my husband and I headed to Coorg. From Mysore to the resort at Coorg, we enjoyed the lush greenery of coffee plantations and sandalwood forests. As I sipped on a hot cup of Madikeri special coffee served in the evening at the resort garden, I hesitantly revealed my hidden desire for solo travel to my husband.
After listening to me, we discussed and came to a consensus. He suggested I head to the Golden temple situated nearby, where I can reach safely, spend time, relax my inner self and reflect on the spiritual and metaphysical absurdities and enigmatic realities of human life. Oh, that sounded crazy and philosophically heavy, but I somehow managed to reach there the early morning the next day.
While travelling in the taxi to the Golden Temple, I did not forget to research and arm myself with some information regarding its history and cultural significance. His Holiness the 3rd Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche laid the foundation stone of the monastery in the year 1963.
His Holiness Dalai Lama visited there to consecrate it and bestowed the name Namdroling. Located in Bylakuppe of the Mysore district of Karnataka, it is the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Wow! What a perfect place to go solo.
At the gate of the monastery, I stood like another statue, excited and embarrassed. I never expected such a divine radiance and silence lingering there. A well-maintained, well-landscaped place. It had a kind of special emotional connect even to the first visitors, I felt.
While standing at the gate, I got a feeling that the real world had ended outside the gate, and inside, it was another surreal world. The celebration of colours was evident in the paintings and architecture, and I was allured by its charm. There, I noticed the big picture of His Highness Penor Rinpoche, who is said to be an incarnation of Vimalamitra, an 8th-century.
The centre of attraction was the calmness in the surroundings. Though there were visitors wandering here and there, all were keeping silent, or better yet, they might be talking to themselves like they had never done before.
The Smiling Buddha statue warmly greets us, and we human beings feel so small in front of this 60-foot statue. At a glance, we get a bitter self-realisation that we are only this much, ripped of our petty ego and superiority complex.
The tranquillity entraps you, making you wonder if reached some kind of enlightenment. The beautiful interiors of the temple, with its shimmering gold and dark red colour palates, par excellence, and the meditative silence, were infectious.
I remember the curios and wall hangings were there for sale in the outlet; though not cheap, it was a worthy buy for its uniqueness. I still have with me an antique wind chime I bought from a monk, safely hung on the balcony of my flat. Every time I listen to its delicate musical notes, an ancient silence touches me, and I breathe in a kind of pristineness.
The memories of my first solo trip still remain fresh in my mind, and the Golden Temple was an ideal choice, with no regret. Yes, there are certain places where we can experience loneliness and estrangement. Being alone in a crowd is enough to get that absolute feeling, because the true communication between the self and the universe finds its grammar only in loneliness, I feel…
Riya Joy, the writer, works at the Malayala Manorama in Kochi.
source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> News> Tourism / by Riya Joy / February 02nd, 2025
On Friday, the farm gate price of raw Robusta coffee berries in Wayanad market rises to a record ₹251 a kg, a significant increase from ₹171 a kg during the same period last year.
A farmer at Meenangadi in Wayanad district drying coffee berries. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Robusta coffee farmers in south India are celebrating a bountiful harvest season, with prices reaching new heights. On Friday, the farm gate price of raw Robusta coffee berries in Wayanad market soared to a record ₹251 a kg, a significant increase from ₹171 a kg during the same period last year. This time in 2022, the price was even lower at ₹80 a kg.
Though the harvest is almost over, a shortfall in supply has contributed to the surge in prices, according to market sources. Many farmers are opting to hold onto their produce, anticipating even higher prices in the coming days. Concurrently, the spot price for Robusta coffee beans has risen to ₹450 a kg.
Sources say a sharp decline in Robusta coffee production in Brazil, a leading coffee producer, due to drought-like conditions is also driving up the prices. Reports indicate that Brazil’s coffee stock has plummeted to below two million bags (60 kg each) this year, down from nearly 5.5 million bags last year.
Additionally, the coffee market in Vietnam, another key Robusta producer, has been temporarily closed due to lunar holidays, further tightening supply.
The dearth of rainfall is the major concern of farmers now, especially small-scale coffee farmers, as irrigation facilities are out of their reach. Many farmers living on forest fringes are also grappling with increased wildlife crop raids, posing additional challenges.
In a related development, the price of Arabica coffee seeds has also reached an all-time high at an auction held in Bengaluru, fetching ₹605 a kg, up from ₹456 a kg during the same period last year.
According to the Coffee Board of India’s Post Blossom Estimate, the total coffee production in India for the 2023-2024 fiscal is projected at 3,74,200 tonnes, including 2,61,200 tonnes of Robusta coffee, of which Wayanad contributes 61,050 tonnes.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by E M Manoj, Kalpeta / January 31st, 2025
Some section of Kodava community have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.
The bronze statue of Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya
Madikeri:
The issue of portraying the character of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya, as a Tamilian in the Hindi movie ‘Sky Force’, directed by Sandeep Kewlani has drawn the ire of people from Kodagu.
The move by the filmmakers has been criticised on social media. Tweeting about Ajjamada B Devayya, the people opined that even though the movie is based on him, his character has been misrepresented.
Some have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.
The film was released on January 24 and is said to be inspired by the life of Ajjamada B Devayya and by his role in destroying a Pak aircraft during the Indo-Pak war in 1965. He was martyred during the fight.
Speaking to DH, Codava Makkada Coota president and publisher Bollajira B Aiyappa said that the real name of the patriot should have been used for the lead character in the film. Even though the character’s name is changed, the identity of him being Kodava should have been shown. The change of his identity as a Tamilian has hurt the sentiments of Kodavas. Kodagu has given Field Marshals, Generals and Squadron leaders to the country, he said.
Ajjamada B Devayya./ File Photo
“The movie makers had come to Kodagu to collect information about A B Devayya. The opening and closing credits of the movie have made a mention about the story being based on A B Devayya’s life, he said.
He further stated that a book has been published about Ajjamada B Devayya – ‘1965 ra Yuddha Hagu Kodagina Mahavira’.
The Coota has been observing his commemoration on September 7 every year at A B Devayya Circle in Madikeri where the statue is situated. The statue is erected and is being maintained by Codava Makkada Coota, Aiyappa added.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Ashwani Kumar N K R / January 30th, 2025
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will formally inaugurate the Bhagamandala flyover in the Cauvery basin on Friday (Jan. 31).
He will be accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Large and Medium Scale Industries Minister M.B. Patil, MLAs A.S. Ponnanna, Dr. Manthar Gowda and other dignitaries. The Rs. 30 crore project, aimed at addressing frequent flooding in the region, was executed by Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL).
Before the inauguration, Siddaramaiah will visit Talacauvery at 1.30 pm. The flyover inauguration is scheduled for 3 pm, linking Bhagamandala and Napoklu, providing a critical transport corridor to prevent travel disruptions caused by seasonal floods.
Relief for residents
Though opened for traffic in May 2024, the flyover is now being officially inaugurated. The region, particularly Brahmagiri Hills, Talacauvery, Korangala, Cherangala and Bhagamandala, experiences heavy monsoon rainfall, leading to severe flooding at Triveni Sangama, where the Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi rivers converge. This results in frequent road closures on the Madikeri-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Ayyangeri-Napoklu routes.
Flooded roads not only cut off Bhagamandala, temporarily turning it into an island, but also cause immense hardship for residents, students and businesses. With essential supplies blocked, villagers struggle for basic necessities, and schoolchildren are often unable to attend classes. The completion of the flyover has now eliminated these challenges, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even during heavy rains.
The 880-metre-long flyover, supported by 36 pillars, includes a 200-metre connecting road with underground drainage (UGD) facilities. It has been designed to withstand vehicles weighing over 60 tonnes, with a speed limit of 40 kmph. Authorities have also installed streetlights and rainwater drainage pipelines, with all painting and finishing works completed.
Development Efforts
According to Kodagu District Congress spokesperson T.P. Ramesh, the project was conceptualised nine years ago, during the previous Congress government. Following an expert assessment, the government approved Rs. 30 crore in phased grants for construction.
Now, under CM Siddaramaiah’s leadership, the flyover’s completion marks another significant milestone in Kodagu’s infrastructure development. MLA A.S. Ponnanna has also played a key role in enhancing road connectivity between Madikeri and Bhagamandala, with the Government implementing a special action plan for further road improvements.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 30th, 2025
Kotera Yamini Muthanna, daughter of late Chendrimada Raja and Sundari, will be presenting ‘Devi Marga,’ a classical dance drama at the Madikeri Dasara cultural programme on Oct. 9 at 7 pm.
Guru Yamini Muthanna of Kalasinchanam Nrithyalaya will be performing with her senior students at the Gandhi Maidan here along with a host of other cultural groups.
An artiste par excellence in the field of Classical Dance and Ashtanga Yoga, she is a Top Grade artiste of Bharatanatyam and Yoga Acharya. She has presented dance performances in many prominent festivals and cultural events all over the world and has travelled as an Ambassador of Culture assigned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (External Affairs Ministry).
She has scripted and directed 26 episodes of Therapeutic Yoga on Doordarshan in various Indian languages which is at present telecast on DD Bharathi.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home > News / October 06th, 2024
Sarvodaya Day was observed in Madikeri by the district administration, Kannada and Culture Department, Municipal Council, and Sarvodaya Samiti on Thursday.
The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, which were kept in the district treasury of the city’s District Administration Building, were taken out to allow people to pay their homage.
Led by the district administration and Sarvodaya Samiti members, the ashes of Gandhi were taken out through the main road of Mangeria Muthanna and General Thimayya Circle and placed at Gandhi Mantapa in the Gandhi Maidan.
The reserve police force also paid tribute to Gandhi by firing three rounds and observing silence.
A religious prayer was part of the event where messages were read by heads of different religions.
After the state tributes and a moment of silence, Gandhi’s ashes were taken back to the district treasury in a procession.
DC Venkat Raja, SP K Ramarajan, and Sarvodaya Samiti President Ambekallu Kushalappa were present.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra / TNN / January 30th, 2025
On the 126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, tributes poured in from across the nation this morning, honouring the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
The Indian Army took to ‘X’ on January 28, writing, “Remembering the Legend…On his 126th Birth Anniversary, the Indian Army pays homage to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, OBE.”
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared his respect, posting, “Remembering First Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army Field Marshal Sir Kodandera ‘Kipper’ Madappa Cariappa.”
In Mysuru, as part of the celebrations, floral tributes were offered to the statue of the Field Marshal at the Circle named after him on JLB Road.
Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda emphasised that the name of Field Marshal Cariappa, whose contributions to the country’s defence are immeasurable, should be honoured as long as the Sun and Moon exist.
Stating that the annual commemoration of the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary is a fitting tribute, he highlighted that Field Marshal Cariappa was known for his discipline, dedication and determination.
The MLA also mentioned that the Mysuru Kodava Samaja had previously proposed the installation of a statue of another Kodagu warrior, General K.S. Thimayya. He announced that work has now begun on the statue, which will be installed at the Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar, with funds allocated from his Legislator’s fund.
Kodagu’s contributions recalled
Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa pointed out that Kodagu is likely the only district in the country where almost every household has at least one member serving in the country’s defence forces. He also lauded Field Marshal Cariappa for his pivotal role in shaping the post-independence Indian Army, as well as his involvement in Iran’s army structure. Srivatsa added that Cariappa also had a deep love for sports and music.
MLC C.N. Manjegowda stressed the importance of celebrating the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary, encouraging youths to draw inspiration from his legacy and consider joining the army.
Manjegowda, an ex-serviceman, urged the Government to ensure that Field Marshal Cariappa’s birth anniversary is celebrated as prominently as those of other great personalities.
City BJP President and former MLA L. Nagendra highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Deepavali every year with the Armed Forces at the country’s borders. He noted the renaming of Metropole Circle as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle in recognition of the late Commander’s accomplishments and called for it to be referred to by its new name.
Former Mayor M.J. Ravikumar suggested that the busy junction at the Circle be made safer by constructing a shelter that covers the entire area to prevent accidents from speeding vehicles. He also called for further development of the Circle.
Former Mayor Srikantaiah, former Corporators Maletira U. Subbaiah and Prameela Bharath, Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Mukkatira C. Ashok, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Abhimaani Balaga President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and community leaders were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / January 28th, 2025
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