Mud fest in the marshes

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When the monsoon turns farmlands into sludge tracts, Kodagu girds up for some thrilling rural sports.

Madikeri :

Monsoons in Kodagu are beautiful. The lushness of nature and play of the fog during the season is poetic — that’s apart from the recent calamities. And to add some thrill to the chilly wet weather, the ancestors of the land followed a unique pursuit — the ‘Kesaru Gaddhe Oota’ event or Sludge Sports. Races, football, tug-of-war… the sports are varied and taken up in slushy farmlands. Enthusiasts plunge into mud pools, unmindful of the rain and slippery earth, at one with nature. Young and old, girls and boys participate.

Kodagu is primarily an agricultural district, and the culture of the people is often intertwined with their farmlands. The important festivals of the district revolve around nature and farms — be it ‘Puthari’, ‘Kailpodh’ or ‘Tula Sankramana’. Similarly, the district is also active in sports, and what’s interesting is that the ancestors connected sports activities with farmlands, and took the entertainment level up by a notch.

Every year, between June and August, several farmlands, especially in rural areas of the district, host unique sports events. Sludgy farmlands become running tracks and hundreds take part in the event amid pouring rain and chilly weather.“All our festivals are linked to farmlands, and our ancestors also linked sports activities with the farms. Once the fields were sowed with paddy seeds, the traditional sports ‘Naati Oota’ (translating to harvest run) would be held in every village,” explained Apattira Tatu Monnappa, former president of the District Youth Club, and winner of the State Youth Award. In ancestral times, races were hosted in sludgy farmlands ploughed for paddy. 

As soon as the monsoon sets in, various organisations and associations come forward to host sports events at private farmlands. Though sludge sports in farmlands formed a part of the culture, the activities witnessed a gradual decline. “Earlier, every village hosted this activity during the cultivation season. Locally grown produce, including banana bunches, coconuts and arecanuts, were handed over as prizes to the winners. This slowly vanished as youngsters moved to cities and showed less interest in their farms,” recalled Kannikanda Subbaiah, a native of Surlabbi village.

Nevertheless, the traditions are now being revived. While the villagers themselves hosted sports activities in farmlands as a part of farming customs, they are now being organised by various organisations and associations. “While there were several sports activities during summer, events were few during the monsoon. With an aim to revive the rural sports tradition and involve youngsters in sports activities during the monsoon, we started organising ‘Kesaru Gaddhe’ annually,” explained Rafeque Tuchamakeri, founder-president of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ponnampet Nisarga. The organisation has been hosting the event for the past six years at a private farmland in Bittangala.

“During ancestral times, sporting events on farmlands were part of agriculture activity. Rural sports brought together the entire village, and it was a means of relaxation before the tedious work began. With  farmlands now being abandoned and the interest in agriculture vanishing, rural sports have become a means of reviving both agriculture and sports. The associations and organisations now aim to introduce agricultural activities through these sports events,” opined Tatu.

Sports activities now draw a large number of youngsters into the farmlands and have become events that residents look forward to. “Not many youngsters are interested in agriculture. To introduce agriculture and invoke interest in farmlan­ds, sports activities in the farmlands were being held from ancestral times. While sports is a means of entertainment, it has also become a medium to introduce farming among kids. Interest in sports is, in turn, helping develop interest in agriculture,” concluded Shashi Somaiah, a sports journalist and resident of Madikeri.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / July 31st, 2022

‘Get acquainted with Kodava tradition’

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Kodava Education Society Joint Secretary Chiriyapanda Raja Nanjappa inaugurates ‘Kodavame Padipu’ programme at CIT PU College in Ponnampet on Wednesday. Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairperson Dr Parvathi Appaiah, Academy member Dr Mullengada Revathi

People are busy in agricultural activities during the month of Kakkada and also it keeps raining during the month. Hence, our ancestors imposed restrictions on holding auspicious programmes during Kakkada month, opined Kodava Sahitya Academy member Dr Mullengada Revathi Poovaiah.

Speaking during ‘Kodavame Padipu’ programme, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, at Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT) in Ponnampet on Wednesday, she said that the youth should understand the reasons behind the religious rituals. “Our elders gave a lot of importance to indigenous food and used them during the rainy season. They planned their food according to the seasons,” Revathi added.

Inaugurating the programme, Kodava Education Society Joint Secretary Chiriyapanda Raja Nanjappa said it is believed that the Kodava tribe was present during the origination of River Cauvery and called upon the present generation to get acquainted with the local tradition and culture.

He further said, “The Jamma land is not government land. It is inherited by Kodavas from generations. Also, the gun is used for religious rituals in Kodava culture. However, our ancestors did not use a gun for fighting. Gun rights of Kodavas should be preserved, he added.

During the programme, the resource persons spoke on the importance of ‘Kakkada Padinett’, ‘Kakkada Tingalra Pudume’, ‘Kodava Namme’ and ‘Kodava Takk’.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairperson Dr Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah, member Padinjaranda Prabhukumar, CIT PU College Principal Dr Sannuvanda Rohini Thimmaiah, Thookbolak Kala Sahitya Vedike convener Madhosh Poovaiah and others were present.

Students of CIT PU College watched the programme online.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / DHNS, Kodagu / August 14th, 2020

‘Nadi Utsava to create awareness on protection of rivers’

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DC calls upon various organisations to help make the festival a success.

Deputy Commissioner Dr B C Sateesha chairs a preparatory meeting on Nadi Utsava at his office in Madikeri on Monday. DH Photo

Nadi Utsava will be held as a part of the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence in the district, said Deputy Commissioner Dr B C Sateesha.

The festival is directed towards spreading awareness on the protection of rivers, river banks and cleanliness, he said.

He was speaking during a preparatory meeting held at his office in Madikeri on Monday.

The deputy commissioner called upon various organisations to join hands with the district administration in making the Utsava successful.

Kaveri Neeravari Nigama Ltd engineer Nagesh said that the Nadi Utsava will be held on December 17 and 18.

The inaugural function will be held in Talakaveri on December 17 afternoon and the programme will be held in Kushalnagar on December 18.

A motorbike rally will be held from Talakaveri to Bhagamandala to create awareness about cleanliness. Later, a programme directed towards creating awareness on the protection of rivers will be held at Triveni Sangama.

Also, a cleanliness camp and Deepotsava are planned as a part of Nadi Utsava, he added.

Nagesh further said that a formal stage function will be held on December 18. The Nadi Utsava Jagruthi rally will be taken out from the Kaveri statue to the Ayyappa Swamy Temple.

Kaveri Nadi Jagruthi Vedike president Chandramohan said that the organisations in 23 Gram Panchayat limits and a Town Panchayat limit in Bhagamandala to Shirangala should take part in the Nadi Utsava. Information should be provided to the organisation by the administration.

Leader Monti Ganesh requested the organisers to ensure precautionary measures against Covid-19.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat district president M P Keshava Kamath called upon the youth to take part in the Utsava in large numbers.

Kodagu Gowda Samaja Federation president Surthale Somanna said that importance should be given to the cleanliness campaign in the Gram Panchayats in the Kaveri river basin.

All people should come together for the good cause of protecting the Kaveri river, he added.

During the meeting, it was decided to form sub-committees of Nadi Utsava.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy chairperson Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah, Karnataka Arebhashe Cultural and Literary Academy chairman Lakshminarayana Kajegadde, leaders M B Devaiah and Talakaveri-Bhagamandala temple executive officer Krishnappa were present, among others.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / December 06th, 2021

New Team For Igguthappa Kodava Assn

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A group photo of the new office-bearers of Sri Igguthappa  Kodava  Association, Vivekananda Nagar, Mysuru. President: Moodera P. Belliappa, Vice-President: Nellamakkada Kaverappa, Joint Secretary: Porangada Somaiah,  Hon. Secretary / Treasurer: Anjanda Kumari; Committee Members: Saddumudira Kalappa, Chottangada Belliappa, Kuttetira Suresh, Appachettolanda Beena Erappa, Chottekalapanda Prema Uthaiah and Kademada Harish Poovaiah.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / March 16th, 2017

‘Appacha Kavi’s residence should be developed as memorial’

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Kodava Samaja, Napoklu, president Appachettolanda Manu Muttappa inaugurates the 153rd birth anniversary celebrations of Appacha Kavi, organised at Appacha Kavi auditorium in Kodava Samaja, Napoklu.

The Ainmane, traditional house of Haradasa Appacha Kavi, the first poet of Kodagu, should be developed into a memorial, said Appachettolanda Manu Muttappa, president of Napoklu Kodava Samaja.

He was speaking during the 153rd birth anniversary celebrations of Appacha Kavi, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Napoklu Kodava Samaja, at Appacha Kavi auditorium, on Tuesday.

Manu Muttappa said that along with the residences of great poets and writers, their native places should also be developed.

“There is a need to introduce Appacha Kavi’s works to the present generation. Appacha Kavi had great knowledge of Kannada and Sanskrit. An education officer called Raghunatha Raya inspired Appacha Kavi to create literary works in the Kodava language, he said.

Speaking on Appacha Kavi, Rangayana, Mysuru, director Addanda Cariappa said that Appacha Kavi should be awarded the ‘Karnataka Ratna’ award.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy chairperson Dr Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah, Academy registrar Ajjikuttira Girish, Appaneravanda Ainmane Development Committee president Appaneravanda Chummi Devaiah, Appaneravanda Ramu and Dr Manoj were present.

‘Ummattat’ and other cultural programmes were held on the occasion.

Folklore scholar Bottolanda Kashi Achaiah sang songs composed by Appacha Kavi.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Napoklu / September 21st, 2022

Karnataka Arrabashe Culture and Sahitya Academy: Honorary Award announced to three IV News

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Karnataka Arrabashe Culture and Sahitya Akademi has announced the Honorary Award for the year 2021.

Tukaram Enekallu of Kadaba, P.G. of Sullya. Chandira Basappa of Ambekal, Madikeri will be honored with the award, Lakshminarayan Kazegadde, president of the academy said in the announcement.

Tukaram
Tukaram Enekallu of Kadaba taluk is a retired Director of College Physical Education by profession. In 1992, Subrahmanya K.S.S. “Kusuma Saranga” stage unit was established in the college and produced 26 plays in 23 years. In addition, many rural talents have been brought to modern theater and given theater education. Alumni of Kusuma Saranga Ranga Troupe have been selected for the prestigious “Ninasam” organization due to their immense contribution. Maha Mai, Chitrapata, Harinabhisaran, Sirisampi plays produced under his leadership have received state level awards. He was honored by the Karnataka State Drama Academy in 2010. Recently, he has also won the DK District CGK Ranga Award.

P.G. Ambekal
PG Ambekal (Puttanna Gowda Ambekal) of Paylar, Amara Mutnur village, Sulya taluk, graduated with MA, BED, was a teacher in Chettalli High School, Kodagu district, and settled in Bangalore after retirement. His works are Tabli Manha-anthology in Arabic, Goode Chaguttu-Jompe of Arabic dramas, Ninna Premada Pariya-anthology in Kannada, Avaravara Kanni-anthology in Arabic (in print). Kodagu Mate in Arrabish, Goudadoni and Hingara are well known to the Arrabish community for writing several Arrabish articles in the newspaper. Acted in several plays. Several school students have also been brought to the stage. He was honored for his achievements in the field of literature in the 2nd Semi-Language Literature Conference held at Alur-Siddapur of Somwarpet Taluk.

Chandira K. Basappa
Chandira K. of Kokeri village. Basappana is a resident of Napoklu in Madikeri taluk. Chosen for the award for achievement in the field of culture. After serving as a Subedar in the Indian Land Army after Excelsior, he retired and currently resides in Mysore.

He is also a Sobane singer who has composed works in Arabic including Sri Mate Kaveri Suprabhata in Arabic, Sripadi Iggutappa Deva Suprabhata, Composition of God’s Names in Arabic.

source: http://www.irshivideos.com / IV News / Home> Latest News / edited / July 26th, 2022

Gulshan Devaiah to star in ‘Duranga’ based on Korean show ‘Flower of Evil’

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Mumbai:

Bollywood actor Gulshan Devaiah is all set to star in the upcoming romantic thriller OTT series ‘Duranga’ along with actress Drashti Dhami. The series is an official adaptation of the Korean show named ‘Flower of Evil’ and has been directed by Pradeep Sarkar and Aijaz Khan.

The series chronicles the love story of Sammit (played by Gulshan Devaiah) and Ira (played by Drashti Dhami), that unfolds in three different timelines. Hiding a twisted past, Sammit maintains the facade of a perfect husband to his Inspector wife – Ira. With a series of twists and turns, Ira begins investigating multiple gory copycat murders by the suspected accomplice of a psychopathic serial killer Bala, twenty years after his suicide.

‘Duranga’ has been produced by Goldie Behl and Shradha Singh and will soon bow down on OTT platform ZEE5.

Talking about the series, Goldie, producer at Rose Audio Visuals, said in a statement: “At Rose Audio Visuals we have always been committed to producing quality, out of the box content which is also entertaining. ‘Duranga’ is a step forward in that direction.”

“It is a special subject because it explores the concept of marriage but through a unique twisted lens, something you have never seen before. The unusual pairing of Drashti Dhami and Gulshan Devaiah has worked very well for us. Their characters in the show come from very varied, distinct backgrounds and they both have divulged completely into it.”

The 9-episode series also stars Rajesh Khattar, Divya Sheth, Zakir Hussain, Barkha Bisht, Abhijit Khandkekar and Hera Mishra in prominent roles.

As the case unfolds, it leads Drashti’s character to some shocking revelations about her husband. The story will show how the protagonists wade through constant problems, despite which, they stand tall.

“‘Duranga’ primarily deals with the subject of how well you know your partner and then explores the story further. We may believe that we know our partner really well, but do we really? That’s what Duranga will explore and answer. Very excited to present the show and we hope the audience totally resonates with it the way we did,” Goldie further mentioned.

–IANS

source: http://www.newsroomodisha.com / Newsroom Odisha / Home> Entertainment / by Newsroom Odhisha / July 25th, 2022

Robin Uthappa Explains Why He Switched From Playing Hockey To Cricket

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports
Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa. Image-Twitter.

Indian batter Robin Uthappa revealed about his sporting journey from hockey to cricket. Uthappa has played 46 One-Day International matches and 13 T20Is for India since making his ODI debut against England in 2006.

The Karnataka-born player was part of India’s victorious title in the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa led by MS Dhoni.

Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa. Photo- Getty Images
Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa. Photo- Getty Images

Uthappa last played in Indian colours in the year 2015 in both the white-ball formats during India’s tour of Zimbabwe. Seven years later he is still playing the game for Kerala on the domestic circuit and Channel Super Kings in the IPL.

Not many might be aware of Uthappa’s early days as a hockey player and why did he switch to cricket?

“My father was an internationally renowned hockey umpire who also represented Karnataka. Once, when I went for the U16 sub-junior selection, I realized the path is going to be very smooth because everyone loved my father.

“In fact, during the selection day, there were very talented people who had come there, however they did not get selected,” Uthappa said on Sharechat’s online show CricChat.

Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa (Image Credit: Twitter)

“I felt really bad that day that these players were not selected even though they were better than me. I used to play as a full-back and I was selected as a stand-by, but I felt that these players were so talented, however, they did not get selected. That’s when I realised my journey will be easy,” he added.

Uthappa is someone who wanted to establish his image by his own deeds rather than climbing on his father’s shoulders and doing injustice to the deserved ones.

“I wanted to do something on my own. I loved and enjoyed hockey as it was a game of courage and perseverance but I thought the route would be an easy one and even if I succeed people would believe that has happened because of my father,” the 36-year-old said.

“So I went back to cricket, expecting to become successful through my hard work since my father had no connection with cricket,” he added.

Uthappa claimed the orange cap for the most runs in the 2014 IPL season, which was his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 660 runs in 16 innings at 44 and a strike rate of 137.78.

source: http://www.cricketaddictor.com / Cricket Addictor / Home / by CA staff / July 26th, 2022

KAAPI Solutions associates with the Coffee Board, UCAI and SCAI, Sponsors National Barista Championship 2022

Barista Championship (wef. July 28th, 2022), Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All
KAAPI Solutions associates with the Coffee Board, UCAI and SCAI, Sponsors National Barista Championship 2022
KAAPI Solutions shakes hands with the Coffee Board of India, United Coffee Association of India and Speciality Coffee Association of India to organise National Barista Championship 2022

Mumbai :

KAAPI Solutions, spearheaded by the former NBC winner and jury member, Vikram Khurana, has announced its platinum sponsorship for the celebrated National Barista Championship 2022. The event is organised annually by the Coffee Board of India in association with the Specialty Coffee Association India and the United Coffee Association of India to honour the best baristas within the country. Renowned as a coffee fanatic’s paradise, the competition will take place in Bangalore and see India’s most beloved baristas competing for the title of the best Barista of 2022.

Considered to be one of the most paramount members of the coffee fraternity in India, Vikram Khurana was the first and only Indian to receive a silver medal in the famed World Barista Championship 2002. Since then, Khurana has gained recognition to be a coffee extraordinaire and has immensely contributed to the growth of speciality coffee in India. In his 21 years of extensive learning experience, Khurana has consulted several Indian and international brands in coffee that have successfully launched. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer at his company – KAAPI Solutions, Khurana is also the President of the United Coffee Association of India. Having won the global rendition of NBC, Khurana has had a long-standing association with the decade-old championship. He has been an esteemed jury member at the championship for over 10 long years.

Commenting on this association, Vikram Khurana, Founder and CEO of KAAPI Solutions, added, “Coffee is a language itself. We at KAAPI Solutions are so excited to give voice to this language at the latest National Barista Championship 2022. It will be exhilarating to see the best of the best unite to celebrate our common love for the beverage. We are also thankful to the Coffee Board of India and the Specialty Coffee Association of India for organising an event that honours and celebrates the best coffee talent within our country. I wish good luck and success to all the participating candidates. May you brew the perfect blend and awaken the inner maestro with yourself.”

Celebrating the association with KAAPI Solutions, DM Purnesh, the President of Specialty Coffee Association of India, said, “We have been successfully conducting NBC due to constant support we receive from Kaapi Solutions team run by Vikram Khurana. They have been providing financial support as well as providing coffee machines and helping in installing and giving technical support for the last many years. We wholeheartedly welcome Kaapi Solutions once again for the 20th edition of the National Barista Championship.

We wish all the best for all the participants of NBC 2022″.

KAAPI Solutions is one of India’s leading suppliers of imported coffee machines. The company has grown to become a market leader within the industry. Beyond having the best network of coffee machines across the globe, KAAPI Solutions is also the exclusive partner for Astoria, a brand for premium coffee machines in India. Tempesta by Storm Barista Attitude, part of Astoria, is also known to sponsor the World Barista Championship between 2022-2025.

Dedicated to the pure science of making the perfect blend of speciality coffee, these coffee machines have revolutionised the coffee culture in India. The term ‘Specialty coffee’ or ‘Speciality coffee’ is used to refer to coffee that is graded 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by a certified coffee taster (SCAA). Speciality coffees are coffees at their peak and are different to other coffee because speciality coffee has been grown at the perfect altitude, at the correct time of the year, in the best soil, and then picked at just the right time. All this translates into some of the most exciting and tasty coffee in the world.

A pioneer in coffee technologies, KAAPI Solutions serves as one of the world’s leading suppliers of imported coffee machines. The firm recognises and effectively bridges the gap between efficient and aesthetic coffee equipment within India and enhances the skills needed to relish an authentic cup of coffee.

Their services go beyond supplying the finest coffee machines across the globe. Apart from this, they also provide state-of-the-art espresso equipment and conduct award-winning barista training.

KAAPI Solutions has a 360-degree approach to Consultation, Service, Training and Education. They believe in providing comprehensive assistance to help one’s business thrive.

This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)

source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> ANI Press Releases / ANI PR / July 26th, 2022

Coffee land expects new law to usher in holistic changes

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Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill is expected to be tabled in the ongoing session of Parliament

Planters’ unions in Karnataka are hopeful that the new legislation on coffee, expected to be tabled in the ongoing session of the Parliament, will usher in much-needed changes in the 80-year-old Coffee Act guiding the industry now. Karnataka is the biggest producer of coffee in India.

The Coffee (Promotion and Development) Bill, 2022, is aimed at promoting holistic development of the country’s coffee industry. It is expected to do away with the existing 80-year-old set of regulations on the commodity, focus on coffee research, domestic marketing of the commodity, creation of drought-tolerant, disease-resistant and better yielding varieties of coffee, among other things.

Special varieties

Planters’ unions told The Hindu that the new law should help focus on development of special and specialty coffee brands and blends and pay attention to a premium variety of coffee, Arabica.

Bose Mandanna, former Vice-Chairman, Coffee Board, and also the owner of Subramanya Estate at Sunticoppa, said that the old set of regulations have been around for too long while the industry has transformed.

All leading coffee associations, including Karnataka Planters’ Association, Coorg Coffee Association, Karnataka Growers’ Federation, United Planters’ Association of Southern India (Upasi), the apex body for plantations and other industry stakeholders, have already submitted their recommendations to the Coffee Board and Ministry of Commerce.

Value chain

“A revised regulation with its holistic provisions aimed at promotion and development of the entire value chain of coffee and enabling ease of doing business is beneficial to all stakeholders and to the general public,’‘ said Shirish Vijayendra, former chairman, Karnataka Planters’ Association.

According to H.T. Pramod, former chairman KPA and Managing Director of Malnad Planters’ Coffee Curing Works, and also a planter from Chikkamagaluru, said, “We want to see more new varieties coming into plantations and expect better interaction and working together with planters and researchers.”

On the backburner

Another planter who does not want to be identified said, “Coffee Board, way back in the 1990s, under the leadership of the then chairman Lakshmi Venkatachalam, had prepared the draft of a replacement of the existing Coffee Act. It was a comprehensive draft done in three years. We submitted it to the Ministry of Commerce, but sadly, several governments sat over it in the last several decades.’‘

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Mini Tejaswi / Bengaluru – July 26th, 2022