Category Archives: Leaders

A vital alliance

The Ganges flowing through Uttarakhand, India

Colonel Cheppudira Muthanna discusses efforts to create a pan-Asian network of organisations to protect the nature and climate of the Himalayas.

Colonel Muthanna is a former President of IUCN Member, Coorg Wildlife Society (cws.in) and founder of the Environment and Health Foundation India

I was in the Indian Army for 24 years and served in the Himalayas for 10 years. I became very concerned about how climate change was affecting the Himalayas, especially the rivers that so many people depend upon. I realised we must act before the change in the region reaches a tipping point.

The rivers that start in the Himalayas – the Ganges and the Mekong – support hundreds of millions of people across South Asia, Southeast Asia and China, representing one-fifth of the entire human population. In many places, where the slopes have been deforested, there are more avalanches because the trees helped hold the snow. Reduced snowfall due to climate change also means the rivers have less water in them. And the tree species are changing too. The outcome is that the water security of a fifth of the world’s population is at risk.

” THE RIVERS THAT START IN THE HIMALAYAS SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE “

Cutting down drastically on the production of black carbon locally, combined with extensive forest restoration, could help stabilise the ecosystems here. Black carbon is the name given to the sooty particulate emissions released when millions of cooking stoves light up across these countries. It raises the temperature regionally, in addition to the global effect of CO2 emissions. If we can replace many stoves with more efficient ones, it will quickly reduce the amount of black carbon drifting above the Himalayas. We also need better technology for the brick kilns and road building, which are also major sources of black carbon in the region. Reforestation around urban areas could also help absorb more black carbon.

The Himalayas and the Mekong basin are contiguous and interdependent eco-regions. Therefore it is crucial to form a regional cooperation of our countries to mitigate climate change. This is the essence of the proposed HIMEK (Himalayas-Mekong) ​Alliance. There are a number of agencies in the region working on reduction of black carbon and forest restoration – but our effort must be to coordinate with them and upscale their initiatives to a regional level.

We have been supported by IUCN, which is very important because all of the relevant countries are Members of the Union. If we can initiate pilot projects in some of the countries, it can then be scaled up across the region. Everyone we have talked to approves of the idea – now we need monetary support.

by – Colonel Muthanna is a former President of IUCN Member, Coorg Wildlife Society (cws.in) and founder of the Environment and Health Foundation India

source: http://www.iucn.org / IUCN / Home> News & Events> Story / by Colonel Cheppudira Muthanna / December 13th, 2023

Dr. Padma Shekar has her roots in Kodagu

Madikeri:

Dr. Padma Shekar, a native of Kodagu, a litterateur, education expert, researcher and retired Vice-Chancellor, is among 69 achievers chosen for this year’s Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.

Dr. Padma hails from Thorenur village, Kushalnagar taluk in Kodagu district. She has served as the Professor and Chairperson of Department of Studies in Jainology and Prakrit, University of Mysore, Director of Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Mysore and Chairperson of Department of Studies in Christianity, University of Mysore.

A recipient of several awards in the fields of research and literature, she is currently a resident of ‘Preeti Nilaya’, Vijayanagar Second Stage, Mysuru.

Elated by the decision of the State Government to consider her for the award, Dr. Padma Shekar said “I had been a recipient of several awards in the field of literature. Now, I have been awarded for the service rendered in the field of education, which is very close to my heart, that has brought immense joy and happiness for me.”

“I have worked in the field of education for 40 years and it was during my tenure in office that, Karnataka Sanskrit University and Department of Studies in Jainology and Prakrit, University of Mysore.

The Government has taken cognisance of all these achievements. I humbly recall all those who have nurtured my growth from a remote village to the level of a Professor.

I will especially thank former CM Dr. M. Veerappa Moily and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Government. I was born in Virajpet, Kodagu, where I spent my childhood. I was also the Chairperson of 11th District Kannada Sahitya Sammelan,” said Dr. Padma Shekar, recalling her achievements with pride.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 31st, 2024

Codavas relentless in saving their heritage

Buttanagal (Kodagu district):

The Kodava National Council (CNC) organised a human chain demonstration at Buttanagal Junction today, highlighting the rampant misuse of the Karnataka Land Reforms Amendment Act and its devastating consequences on Kodava culture and the region’s ecology. CNC President N. U. Nachappa voiced strong opposition, condemning land grabs facilitated by loopholes in the 2020-21 amendments, impacting the Kodava heartland, including Perumbadi, Balugodu, Nangala, and Buttanagal.

A major concern raised was the ongoing encroachment by external investors, corporate entities, and resort mafias, who are allegedly exploiting fertile agricultural lands and jeopardising the tributaries of the sacred River Cauvery.

Siddaur’s historic BBTC coffee estates, spanning 2,400 acres, are now under threat of urban conversion by powerful external interests. According to CNC, these exploitative developments are destroying green landscapes, contaminating water resources, and undermining Kodava heritage, including sacred spaces like “Mand” and village deities.

Nachappa highlighted a significant case in Nangala, where a businessman from Andhra Pradesh has reportedly acquired 50 acres and plans to construct a massive resort, scaring local residents and threatening essential water catchments. The CNC President also alleged that a prominent Parliament member from South India is using unaccounted wealth to fund real estate acquisitions in Kodava Land, aiming to establish economic corridors and mega-cities at the expense of local communities. Substantial donations are being made to prestigious Kodava clubs to suppress opposition.

The CNC argues that external economic forces are transforming Kodava Land into a playground for urban expansion, negatively affecting agriculture, forest resources, and water systems. The council warns of severe demographic shifts if unchecked migration occurs, with outsiders obtaining local IDs through fraudulent means and becoming beneficiaries of government schemes, thereby destabilising the area’s social fabric.

The CNC further accused resort developers of manipulating regulations to degrade the environment, drawing a direct link to large-scale deforestation and ecological harm. Comparisons were made to Wayanad, Kerala, where similar activities have led to catastrophic landslides and flooding. Nachappa reiterated that only Scheduled Tribe status and self-determination rights for Kodavas can curb the destruction and protect their land.

Echoing the sentiment, CNC members protested against luxury estates and villa projects that are obliterating traditional Kodava home-stay practices and disrespecting the local way of life. The council pointed out the selective application of environmental laws, which are lenient on powerful resort owners but stringent on Kodava farmers. Highlighting corrupt practices, CNC claimed that resort mafias, aided by local and state political support, are destabilising the region.

The protest ended with an urgent call for unity among Kodavas to resist these land reforms and preserve the natural and cultural wealth of Kodava Land.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by M Raghuram / Hans News Service / November 06th, 2024

Anitha Nanda: The call of coffee

Anitha Nanda Appanervanda, a 61-year-old coffee farmer from Coorg, Karnataka, stands as a symbol of determination, sustainability, and empowerment. Over the course of her 22-year journey, Anitha has not only established a successful coffee farm but has also transformed the lives of hundreds of women in her community, fostering a culture of eco-friendly farming practices.

A passion for farming rooted in childhood

Born and raised in Bengaluru, Anitha’s passion for farming took root in her childhood. Every school vacation, she would visit her grandfather’s coffee estate in Coorg, a place that quickly became her second home. The vast expanse of coffee plants, the rich biodiversity, and the sense of peace found in the hills left an indelible mark on her young mind. “From those early days, I knew I wanted to return to the hills and be part of coffee farming,” she fondly recalls. This deep connection to the land paved the way for her lifelong dedication to sustainable agriculture.

Her dream started to take shape after she married Nanda Belliappa, a fellow coffee farmer from Coorg. Together, they took over the family-owned Surya Kiran Estate, where Anitha embarked on her mission to blend her passion for farming with eco-friendly practices.

Despite her enthusiasm, the road to success was not easy. In the early years, Anitha and her husband faced numerous challenges. Coffee farming requires patience, and the couple struggled to produce good harvests from their robusta coffee plants. “It took almost 10 years before we saw good yields,” she shares, highlighting the perseverance and dedication it took to build the farm.

Their breakthrough came when they adopted intercropping techniques, blending coffee cultivation with black pepper. This method not only boosted productivity but also contributed to a more sustainable farming system. Today, they cultivate 110 acres of robusta and 40 acres of arabica coffee, a testament to their hard work and commitment to innovation in farming.

Anitha’s approach to farming is deeply rooted in her desire to protect the environment. Situated in the biodiversity-rich region of Coorg, her coffee estate is more than just a farm – it is a sanctuary for wildlife. Her coffee plants grow under the protective canopy of rainforest trees, a practice known as shade-grown coffee farming. This method helps maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem, providing shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

“We must protect this land from climate change and global warming,” she asserts, emphasising the role that sustainable practices play in preserving the environment for future generations. Anitha’s farm has been awarded Rainforest Alliance Certification, recognising her dedication to eco-friendly farming.

While she remains deeply connected to traditional farming methods, Anitha is not afraid to embrace modern technology when it benefits the farm. She uses machines for irrigation and weeding, which helps reduce labour and improve efficiency. However, the core of her farming philosophy remains grounded in traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.

Anitha’s success is not just about coffee. She has diversified her farm by growing black pepper and areca nuts, a strategy that has made her farm more resilient and sustainable. This diversification has allowed her to reduce dependency on a single crop and has opened up new streams of income for her family.

Empowering women and building a community

Anitha’s contributions go far beyond her own farm. As an active member of Biota Coffee FPC and the secretary of the Codagu Women’s Coffee Awareness Body (CWCAB), she has empowered around 400 women in her community. This group, which was founded in 2002 during a time when coffee prices were low, has provided women with the support they need to embrace eco-friendly farming practices and achieve fair prices for their crops.

For Anitha, farming is not just a livelihood – it’s a community effort. Through CWCAB, she has helped women coffee farmers promote sustainable farming and spread awareness about the benefits of coffee. Each year, on International Coffee Day, they celebrate by giving away free coffee to locals and tourists, a gesture that symbolises their pride in the hard work that goes into every cup.

Anitha’s dedication to sustainable farming has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) for her pioneering work in intercropping black pepper with coffee. “It was a proud moment,” she recalls, noting that it validated the years of effort she had poured into her farm.

Despite her success, Anitha continues to innovate and learn. She has recently taken up beekeeping, recognising the crucial role bees play in pollination and the overall health of her farm. This new venture is another example of her commitment to maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Coffee Farming: A source of Income and Sustainability

Sustainable farming has proven to be both environmentally and financially rewarding for Anitha. She cultivates robusta coffee, which has been particularly profitable in recent years. Producing around 19-20 bags per acre, she earns Rs. 10,000 per bag, while her arabica parchment fetches a higher price at Rs. 16,000 per bag. This strong financial return is a direct result of her commitment to eco-friendly practices.

While she does use some fertilisers, Anitha avoids harmful chemicals, focusing instead on maintaining native trees and enhancing soil health. Her approach blends the best of traditional and modern farming methods, ensuring that her land remains fertile and productive for generations to come.

A legacy of passion and purpose

Anitha Nanda’s journey from city life to becoming a successful coffee farmer in Coorg is a testament to her passion for the land and her determination to create a better future for her community. Through her sustainable farming practices, she has not only preserved Coorg’s rich biodiversity but has also empowered hundreds of women to take control of their livelihoods.

For Anitha, coffee is not just a crop – it’s a legacy, a connection to her roots, and a vision for a sustainable future. Her story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, care for the environment, and a strong community, anything is possible.

source: http://www.theorganicmagazine.com / The Organic Magazine / Home / by Tanishq Verma

Thousands stand witness to Cauvery Tula Sankramana at Talacauvery

The chants of ‘Jai Jai Maatha, Cauvery Maatha’ and other devotional callings filled the morning air at Talacauvery and the rituals were led by priest Prashanth Achar and others.

Devotees taking part in the Cauvery Tula Sankramana. (Photo | ENS)

Madikeri :

The chants ‘Ukki Baa Cauvery’ broke the morning mist at Talacauvery as the sacrosanct event of Cauvery Tula Sankramana was witnessed by thousands of devotees.

The holy water gushed out from the ‘Kundike’ at 7.41 am, a minute later than the predicted time. Rituals followed the holy event and the temple towns of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery flourished with devotion on Thursday.

The chants of ‘Jai Jai Maatha, Cauvery Maatha’ and other devotional callings filled the morning air at Talacauvery and the rituals were led by priest Prashanth Achar and others.

The roads leading to Bhagamandala and Talacauvery were flooded with devotees from midnight hours even as hundreds of devotees dressed in traditional Kodava attire marched barefoot to the temple from Bhagamandala.

A few devotees even carried out ‘padayatra’ from Virajpet and the temple towns were witness to the endless devotions from thousands of devotees. While the astrologers predicted the holy gushing of water to take place at 7.40 am, the same was witnessed a minute later. Hundreds took a dip in the holy water even as arrangements were in place to distribute the holy water to the gathered devotees.

Alongside the arrangements extended by the district administration and police department, several volunteers and other organizations joined in to ensure smooth ongoing of the activities during the festivity.

Increased security was deployed by the police department. Under the leadership of SP K Ramarajan, four DySPs, 12 Inspectors, 32 PSIs, 350 constables, two KSRP, four DAR staff and others extended security to the devotees.

Mass feeding to the devotees was extended by Kodagu Ekikarana Members. Apart from the traffic jam, all necessary arrangements were made to ensure smooth visits of the devotees.

Several dignitaries including district in-charge minister Boseraju, MLAs AS Ponnanna, Dr Mantar Gowda, DC Venkat Raja and others were present during the sacrosanct event. 

source: http://www.newindianexpess.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 17th, 2024

A piece of History gleaned from an Eye Hospital in Kodagu

Yesterday I travelled to Kushalnagar in Kodagu to see a friend in an eye hospital, “Lopamudra Eye Care,” who was undergoing a procedure for cataract. While in the waiting area, I noticed a number of framed certificates, citations, testimonials and photographs about the doctor. Being a private, personal hospital, such displays are expected and understandable.

However, what interested me was a couple of framed displays that seemed unique and modestly appropriate for a doctor who is a native Kodava and the hospital is in Kodagu.

I took the photographs of some of these displays to study them later. There was a photograph of a native Kodava of the early 20th century in his ethnic ceremonial attire (see picture). He is the grandfather of Dr. M.M. Ponnappa of Lopamudra Eye Care. He was honoured by the British Masters of the Colonial days with the title Rao Bahadur. So, he is Rao Bahadur Mukkatira Aiyappa. Could be, his grandson, this doctor Dr. M.M. Ponnappa, is so proud of his grandfather, he chose to honour his memory by hanging his photograph in the front office area.

And, again most appropriately, the legend of this legendary coffee planter and a philanthropist of those days (who had, no doubt, cultivated the company of the British Officers in Kodagu) as written in a newspaper was also displayed. The text details about the great gifts of this Kodava man. Curiously the news must have originated from Karachi (now in Pakistan) and taken from the newspaper ‘The Madras Mail’ (which was published by the British from Madras, now Chennai).

Reading its contents I was thrilled. Let me reproduce it:

The Madras Mail

Pluck Office, Karachi

M. Mukkatira Iyappah

Devanageri Virarajendrapet

Virarajendrapet is now embellished with a clock tower, erected in front of the post office.

The foundation stone of the building was laid by Sir Hugh Daly, the Chief Commissioner of Coorg on 5th February, 1914, when he visited the town, during his tour in Coorg. It is the gift of Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah, a successful coffee planter in commemoration of the coronation of the King-Emperor at Delhi. lt has already proven to be a boon to the public.

Mr. R.K Ellis, I.C.S., the District Magistrate of Coorg, performed the opening ceremony on the  16th of January and handed over the building to Virarajendrapet municipality.

Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah has also gifted the outpatient block of the civil hospital of Gonikoppal and an inspection bungalow of Fraserpet (now Kushalnagara) which has immensely benefited the people and district administration of Coorg.

Those who visit Virajpet in South Kodagu could not miss to see the famous Clock Tower at the junction of three roads in the busy down-town area built in red-brick. By the way, history records the location of the Clock Tower was selected (in 1914) for the reason that it was the place where General Abercromby, the General who marched with his troops from Malabar via Kodagu (to reinforce the British and allied forces fighting Tipu Sultan in May 1799 at Srirangapatna), met the Maharaja of Kodagu Virarajendra Wadeyar and signed a peace treaty. The Kodagu Raja founded the city Virarajendrapet to commemorate the occasion.

Be that as it may, the Clock Tower was a gift of Mr. Mukkatira Iyappah (Aiyappa) in commemoration of the coronation of the King-Emperor at Delhi. The opening ceremony of the Clock Tower was held on 16th January (1915), just one year after its foundation was laid.

Iyappah had also gifted an Outpatient Block of Government Hospital at Gonikoppal and an Inspection Bungalow of then Fraserpet, now Kushalnagar.

It is said, what one gives often goes round and round and comes back multi-fold to the giver — or to his progeny. The same seems to have happened to Dr. M.M. Ponnappa and his brother Dr. M.M. Amrit Nanaiah, who is running the Lopamudra Medical Centre in Gonikoppal.

It is inscrutable that both these brothers are today successfully running their hospitals, one in Gonikoppal and another in Kushalnagar, the towns where their grandfather Aiyappa had generously built two valuable facilities for the good of the public. Vedic values and Sanatana Dharma are seen working in a mysteriously subtle way as reward for Mukkatira Aiyappa’s selfless service to his fellow men. Let it be.

But as I scanned the wall, I noticed two boards with closely written text which read like pedagogy and a lesson in morals. Let me produce them here for the benefit of those who are on the path of virtuous and even spiritual life:

Keep it simple

Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.

Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.

Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets.

Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.

Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.  (Well, I guess I have followed this advice by visiting this hospital !)

Forgive quickly. Life is short.

Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million dollar ideas sometimes strike  at 3 am (I agree, I do follow this even to this night!).

Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.

Count your blessings.

Wave at the children on a school bus.

Remember that 80 percent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.

Don’t expect life to be fair…

Have a firm handshake.

Look people in the eye.

Keep Secrets.

Never give up on anybody.  Miracles happen everyday.

Avoid sarcastic remarks.

Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 percent of all your happiness or misery.

When playing games with children, let them win.

Be romantic. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.

Be a good loser for your loved ones. Be a good winner of Hearts.

When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.

Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.

And finally, a board with some information from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) with penal sections. I’m sure Dr. Javeed Nayeem, our weekly columnist, Over a Cup of Evening Tea, who was the President of MAHAN, an Association of Doctors and Hospitals, to protect themselves from the vandals, will love this.

Yes, protection to doctors    and hospitals from people who attack them for different reasons, are there in the law books. But, in our too liberal a Democracy these laws are more often subverted, sabotaged and violated with impunity rather than enforced. Hence, this reminder of IPC to the patients. Examples are many, but the recent one is in the rape and murder of a duty doctor at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.

e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> abracadabra / by G.B. Ganapathy / October 10th, 2024

61-Year-Old Karnataka Woman Farmer Empowers 400 Women with a Vision for Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Coffee Farming

Anitha Nanda, a coffee farmer from Coorg, blends 22 years of farming expertise with sustainable practices on her 150-acre estate. With strong community involvement, she has empowered around 400 women and helped preserve Coorg’s rich biodiversity.

Anitha Nanda Appanervanda is her coffee farm

Coffee farming is more than just growing beans—it’s the source of livelihood for around 2,50,000 coffee growers across India. As of 2024, India ranks sixth in the world for coffee production, with Karnataka being the top coffee-producing state. One of the most beautiful areas in Karnataka is Coorg (Kodagu), where  Anitha Nanda Appanervanda lives, a woman who has turned her love for coffee into a lifelong journey. With a passion for farming and a dedication to sustainability, she has become a successful coffee farmer, making a big impact on her community.

A Childhood Love for Farming

Born and raised in Bangalore, Anitha’s interest in farming started during her childhood. She spent every vacation at her grandfather’s coffee estate in Coorg, where she fell in love with the land. “I knew from those early days that I wanted to return to the hills and be part of coffee farming,” she shares.

After marrying Nanda Belliappa, a coffee farmer from Coorg, her dream became a reality. Together, they managed Surya Kiran Estate, a family-owned coffee plantation.

Challenges and Success in Coffee Farming

Coffee farming presented significant challenges for Anitha and her husband in the beginning. Initially, they struggled to achieve a good harvest, but their dedication to sustainable practices led them to adopt intercropping techniques, blending coffee cultivation with black pepper to boost productivity. Anitha recalls, “It took almost 10 years before we saw good yields from our robusta coffee plants.” Their patience and hard work paid off, as they now cultivate 110 acres of robusta and 40 acres of arabica coffee.

For Anitha, farming is beyond merely producing coffee; it’s a commitment to protect the environment for future generations. Her farm is situated in Coorg, a region rich in biodiversity, where coffee is grown under the protective canopy of rainforest trees. “Our shade-grown coffee farms provide shelter for birds, insects, and wildlife, helping to maintain the natural balance of our ecosystem. We must protect this land from climate change and global warming,” she emphasizes. This dedication to sustainability has earned Anitha’s estate Rainforest Alliance Certification.

Anitha Nanda addressing audience about black pepper cultivation

Anitha encourages fellow farmers to embrace sustainable practices that safeguard the environment while also ensuring stable incomes. “We need to secure fair prices, but we should never harm the land that sustains us,” she asserts. Although her farming methods are primarily organic, she does use some fertilizers. “I avoid harmful chemicals and focus on natural methods. I maintain native trees and utilize weeding machines to enhance soil health and preserve the environment,” she explains. 

Blending Tradition with Modern Technology

While they rely on traditional farming methods, Anitha and her husband have also introduced some modern techniques to make their work easier. “We use machines for irrigation and weeding where we can. But for the most part, we stick to the old ways that work well for us,” she explains.

In addition to coffee, they have also planted pepper and areca in some parts of their land, which helps them diversify and make the farm more sustainable.

Coffee Farming: A Source of Income and Community Support

The money they earn from coffee farming can vary depending on market prices, but Anitha says that robusta coffee has been very profitable in recent years. “Our costs are about Rs. 70,000 per acre for robusta and Rs. 1 lakh for arabica, but with high coffee prices, it’s worth it.” She produces 19-20 bags per acre of Robusta, with the current price for Robusta cherry being Rs.10,000 per bag, bringing in strong financial returns through her sustainable farming practices. Additionally, her Arabica parchment yields 6-7 bags per acre, fetching a price of Rs.16,000, further boosting her income.

Beyond farming, Anitha is an active member of Biota Coffee FPC, an Indian producer organization, and she serves as the secretary of the Codagu Women’s Coffee Awareness Body (CWCAB). This group, started in 2002, helps women coffee farmers promote eco-friendly farming practices and spread awareness about the benefits of drinking coffee. “We started this group when coffee prices were very low. Now we have 400 members who support each other and promote coffee.”

Anitha Nanda with her co-farmers in her coffee farm

Recognition for Sustainable Farming Practices

In 2020, Anitha was recognized for her efforts to promote sustainable farming. She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) for her work in intercropping black pepper with coffee. “It was a proud moment for me, showing that all our hard work towards sustainable farming was being appreciated,” she says.

Important Role of Women in Farming

Anitha believes that women bring a unique strength to farming. “Women are detail-oriented and care deeply for the land, plants, and the workers who help us. Our connection with the farm and the community makes a big difference,” she explains.

Since 2016, Anitha’s group, CWCAB, has celebrated International Coffee Day every year on October 1 by giving away free coffee to locals and tourists in Coorg. “It’s our way of sharing the love for coffee and celebrating the hard work that goes into every cup,” she says proudly.

Learning and Evolving: The Role of Beekeeping

Even after 22 years as a coffee farmer, Anitha continues to learn and innovate. Recently, she took up beekeeping, understanding its vital role in pollination and the overall health of her farm. 

Anitha Nanda pursuing her bee keeping passion

Journey of Passion and Purpose

Anitha Nanda’s journey from city life to becoming a successful coffee farmer is a story of passion, hard work, and dedication. Her love for coffee farming, combined with her commitment to sustainable practices, has not only benefited her own farm but also her community.

For Anitha, coffee is more than just a crop—it’s a connection to her roots, and a legacy she hopes to pass on to future generations. Her story is a reminder that with determination, care for the land, and a strong community, anything is possible.

source: http://www.krishijagran.com / Krishi Jagran / Home> Success Story / by Shreetu Singh / October 01st, 2024

AXISCADES appoints Lt Gen C P Cariappa and Rajendra Moholkar as Independent Directors

The new Board members will play a pivotal role in implementing the company’s strategic plans for the future and strengthening the corporate governance.

AXISCADES Technologies Ltd., a leading end to end technology and engineering solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Lt Gen Codanda Poovaiah Cariappa (Retd) and Mr. Rajendra Moholkar as Independent Directors to the Company’s Board of Directors.

The new Board members will play a pivotal role in implementing the company’s strategic plans for the future and strengthening the corporate governance. Lt Gen Cariappa and Rajendra Moholkar join the Board with over 40 years of experience, following their extensive stints with the Indian Army and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) respectively. 

Lt Gen C P Cariappa

Lt Gen Cariappa’s strategic expertise spans key strategic roles, including Military Secretary to the President of India, Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Army Staff and Master General Sustenance, where he oversaw the sustenance of 12 lakh Indian Army troops. 

Rajendra Moholkar

Rajendra Moholkar joins the AXISCADES Board following his extensive career with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as Company Secretary. His experience also includes leadership roles at TCS e-Serve Limited, Citigroup global Services Limited and ICICI Securities and Finance Co. Ltd   and also senior level positions across leading organizations such as Raymond group, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Blaze Advertising. 

source: http://www.autocarpro.in / Autocar Professional / Home> News / by Autocar Pro News Desk / September 19th, 2024

Kodavas seek MP’s support for long-pending demands

Mysuru:

The United Kodava Organisation (UKO) has formally appealed to Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar to address the long-standing demands of the Kodava  ethnic community.

This appeal follows a meeting of the UKO delegation led by President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa with the MP in Mysuru on Friday.

Yaduveer assured the delegation of his unwavering support. He committed to advancing the community’s concerns with dedication, promising to navigate the necessary processes to achieve a positive and effective resolution.

The delegation, which included notable dignitaries such as former Education Minister of Karnataka and current MLC Adagur H. Vishwanath, played a crucial role in highlighting the community’s needs. Vishwanathprovided valuable insights into the issues and stressed the urgency of addressing them.

Three primary demands

• Inclusion of Kodava community in the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBC) to ensure equitable opportunities in education, employment and governance.

• Inclusion of Kodava Language in Central Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) and Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing (ASMITA) Projects to preserve and promote Kodava thakk, which is on the brink of extinction.

• Inclusion of Kodava Language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution to recognise and protect the linguistic and cultural identity of the Kodava community.

The delegation emphasised the historical struggles of the Kodava community since Kodagu’s integration with Karnataka in 1956.

They argued that these demands are crucial for the preservation of Kodava language and culture and for gaining access to enhanced educational and employment opportunities through OBC status. Constitutional recognition of the Kodava language would further solidify its protection and promotion.

The UKO delegation comprised Cheppudira Suju Karumbaiah, Kallichanda Robin Subbaiah, Nellamakkada Jeffrey Madaiah, Ajnikanda Suraj Thimmaiah, Machamada Ramesh, Boliyangada Bopanna, Pudiyokkada Dinesh, Machanada Aruna Somaiah, Theethimada Bose Aiyappa, Ponjanda Giri, Chiriyapanda Vishu Kalappa, Kotrangada Pemmaiah, Cheppudira Prathima Karumbaiah, Kallichanda Deena Uthappa, Bollachettira Myna Kalappa and Kokkalemada Rathi Kushalappa. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 02nd, 2024

Home Minister calls on Mittoo Chengappa

Madikeri:

Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar called on senior Congress leader Mittoo Chengappa at his residence in Kushalnagar on Thursday, 16th May 2024.

Earlier, Dr. Parameshwar had gone to Kumbaragadige village near Mutlu in Somwarpet, Kodagu district, where he met the family of U.S. Meena, a minor girl who was recently beheaded by a man. The Minister inquired about Mittoo Chengappa’s health and reminisced about old memories as Congress activists and wished him good health before leaving.

Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, former MLC Veena Achaiah, KPCC General Secretary K.P. Chandrakala, Congress youth leader N. Madhu and other prominent leaders were present with the Minister during his visit to Chengappa’s residence.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 18th, 2024