Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

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

Three from Kodagu district get award this Rajyotsava

Madikeri: 

Professor Padma Shekhar, who is originally from Torenur in Kodagu but now resides in Mysuru, was honoured with the prestigious Rajyotsava Award for her contributions in the field of education.

Before her retirement in 2019 as chancellor of Bengaluru Sanskrit University, she served in multiple roles at the University of Mysore, including as professor of Jainology and Prakrit department, director of the Centre for Women’s Studies, chairman of the department of christianity, and chief superintendent of the women’s hostel.

Besides her educational career, Padma authored numerous books and received various accolades. She supervised multiple PhD  scholars. She is among the 69 recipients of this year’s Rajyotsava award.

The Karnataka govt also selected two accomplished individuals from the district for the Suvarna Mahotsava Award, as part of the Karnataka Sambhrama-50 celebration.

Kathimada Jimmy Annaiah and Nandini Basappa were chosen for their achievements in sports. Annaiah from Ponnampet was a member of the University of Mysore hockey team in 1957. He currently heads the Kiggatnad Senior Citizens Forum and promotes sports activities through social work.

Nandini, residing at Panya Estate in Suntikoppa, achieved recognition as an international basketball player. She participated in numerous national and international competitions and served in leadership positions. Her roles include vice-president of the Basketball Federation of India, Karnataka Basketball Association, and India Junior Women’s Basketball team manager. Her achievements include the Kempegowda award and State Sports awards in 2001.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra / October 31st, 2024

Atif Manna, Anitha nominated as Virajpet TMC Councillors

Mysuru:

The Karnataka Government has ordered the nomination of representatives from newly added villages to the Virajpet Town Municipal Council (TMC).

The appointments are set to take immediate effect, with prominent names being included as additional members to the Municipal body.

Among those nominated as Councillors is Atif Manna, son of late Shahul Hameed Manna, a former Councillor of Virajpet Town Municipality. Another appointee is H.B. Anitha, wife of Ahmed Wahid.

Atif Manna, who belongs to the Nawayathi community, brings with him a rich political legacy. His family has played a vital role in Virajpet’s governance for decades.

The first Nawayathi Councillor and President of Virajpet Municipality was late Janab Maani Hussain Saheb Bahadur, who served as the President for 11 years. His contributions to the region were recognised by the Coorg Government, which honoured him with the title ‘Bahadur.’

The family’s political involvement spans generations. Atif Manna’s grandfather, Meera Manna, was a Councillor for three terms and once served as Vice-President of the Municipality. His father, Shahul Hameed Manna, served two terms — once through an election and once by nomination.

Continuing this lineage, Atif Manna has now been nominated as the Councillor to represent the newly expanded areas of Virajpet TMC.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 25th, 2024

Coffee Dasara in Madikeri: Growers made aware of changes in cultivation, facilities, finance

Madikeri:

The first-ever ‘Coffee Dasara’ launched at Gandhi Maidan as part of the recently held Madikeri Dasara was a ground-breaking initiative to elevate the coffee industry and engage the farming community. This event raised awareness about the transformative changes in coffee cultivation and the various facilities available to growers.

Conceptualised by Dr. Manthar Gowda, MLA from Madikeri Constituency, the two-day event on Oct. 7 and 8 featured a diverse array of coffee enterprises and 34 departmental stalls, all dedicated to equipping growers in the district with essential information and resources.

Numerous organisations also participated, setting up stalls to offer supplementary materials and insights related to various agricultural products, including coffee, thereby fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Inaugurating the Coffee Dasara, Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy affirmed the Government’s commitment to standing by farmers to ensure the comprehensive development of all agricultural activities, particularly coffee cultivation, which serves as the backbone of Kodagu’s economy.

He noted that coffee cultivation does not fall under the purview of the Agriculture Department or the State Government. In various regions of the State, paddy cultivation is widespread, supported by reservoirs. However, water availability often decreases as crops mature, leading to difficulties for farmers, he said.

“To tackle this issue, the State Government has decided to create farm ponds (krishi honda) in command areas, which will aid farmers during water shortage. The Government plans to grant permission for the construction of 250 farm ponds in Kodagu district,” he assured.

Escaping modernisation

As the chief guest, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, stressed that no region can escape the wave of modernisation. He underscored the need for balanced development while maintaining cultural roots.

Emphasising the promotion of coffee cultivation and industry, he advocated for the establishment of local coffee brands and raising awareness about domestic coffee consumption.

Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna praised the focus on coffee cultivation during the Madikeri Dasara celebrations, expressing hope that importance of coffee would continue to be emphasised in future Dasara festivals, spreading its significance throughout State.

MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda highlighted the numerous challenges faced by coffee growers and called for support, urging Ministers not to permit the conversion of paddy fields into non-agricultural land to preserve Kodagu’s agricultural heritage.

South Indian filter coffee

Coffee Board Chairman Dinesh Devabrinda announced a plan ‘from farm to market,’ aimed at doubling coffee production over the next decade while maintaining quality.

He noted that the Government of India recognises the significance of coffee and has allocated Rs. 307 crore to the Coffee Board for the development of the coffee industry. Of this, Rs. 19 crore will be provided to coffee growers in Kodagu through various assistance schemes.

Currently, the average coffee consumption per Indian is 30 cups. If this figure can be increased to at least 60 cups, internal coffee consumption could rise from 2,50,000 tonnes to 3,50,000 tonnes, significantly benefiting farmers.

He emphasised that South Indian filter coffee is among the best globally, and the Coffee Board is actively working on initiatives to promote this filter coffee on a worldwide scale.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkata Raja, Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Narwade, former MLC Veena Achaiah, Secretary of Karnataka Planters’ Association K. Rajiv Ganapathy, President of the Coorg Planters’ Association Nanda Belliappa, General Secretary of the Women’s Coffee Awareness Society Anita Nanda, Coffee Board Member Taluru Kishore Kumar, Coffee Board member, Kodagu Congress President Dharmaraj Uthappa, former President Vinod Shivappa, General Secretary of the Madikeri Dasara Committee B.Y. Rajesh Yellappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 16th, 2024

Avid Birder’s Wildlife Message Cards-2024

Mysuru: 

Dr. S.V. Narasimhan, a family physician based at Virajpet in Kodagu district, is an avid birder, nature lover, adept at computers, Karnatak music and astronomy.

Author of Feathered Jewels of Coorg, a field-guide to 310 species of birds found in Coorg, Dr. Narasimhan is the pioneer in spreading wildlife conservation messages through his unique hand-painted Wildlife Message Cards that are sent free to individuals throughout the world to mark the Wildlife Week.

Total number of hand-painted cards made by him this year is 2,180; in 40 years, 81,595 cards. Total recipients this year including Star of Mysore – 1,236; in 40 years – 16,220 persons.

The Special Wildlife Messenger of this year is Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus). A resident bird of the Himalayan foothills of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland States of India, these birds belong to the most beautiful family of pheasants. Males about 70 cms, have a rich mix of colours on their feathers. They are found in the tropical forests of sub-Himalayan States of Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya. They are found near human settlements and have been domesticated since 7,400 years, forming the primary species of all the domesticated chicken all over the world. Omnivorous, they feed on fallen fruits, seeds, roots and tubers along with arthropods, larvae and earthworms, lizards and insects foraged with its toes.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 13th, 2024

Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament: Robin Uthappa to lead Indian team

The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament is returning for the first time since 2017. The event will feature 12 nations, competing in six-a-side matches.

FILE PHOTO: Robin Uthappa. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Robin Uthappa will lead a seven-member Indian team at Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, set to be held from November 1 to 3.

The rest of the squad includes Bharat Chipli, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami and Stuart Binny.

The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament is returning for the first time since 2017 and will be played at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground. The event will feature 12 nations, competing in six-a-side matches.

The 12 teams will be divided into four pools of three each, who will compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals. While the winners of the quarterfinals will enter the Cup semifinals, the losers of the quarterfinals will compete in the Plate semifinals.

The bottom-placed team in each pool will play the Bowl Competition.

A total of 29 matches will be played in the three-day tournament.

A Women’s Exhibition Match will also be held on the final day of the tournament to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.con / Sportstar / Home> Cricket / by Team Sportstar / October 12th, 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

Tanisha Kuppanda to play a cop in Pen Drive

Pen Drive will be directed by the seasoned filmmaker Sebastian David, who has previously helmed over fifteen films.

Actor Tanisha Kuppanda, who gained widespread recognition from her stint on Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10, is set to take on a commanding role as a police officer in the upcoming film Pen Drive. The film’s title and cast were announced recently. Pen Drive will be directed by the seasoned filmmaker Sebastian David, who has previously helmed over fifteen films. Lion R Venkatesh and Lion S Venkatesh are the producers of the film.

During a media interaction, the makers clarified that while the film is named Pen Drive, it does not draw from real-life incidents relating to the gadget. Instead, the titular technology drives the narrative. This element adds a layer of intrigue, as the pen drive will play a pivotal role in the film’s plot.

Alongside Tanisha Kuppanda, the film’s cast includes Radhika Ram, Sanjana Naidu, Archana, Renuka, Geeta, Bhagya, and Geeta Priya, among others. The film, which is currently in production, will have Nagendra Prasad scoring the music and penning the lyrics.

source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / by CE Features / July 09th, 2024