Category Archives: Amazing Feats

A vital alliance

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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

Kodagu villagers build footbridge with Walnut trees after 2 years of government neglect

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After two years of waiting for a collapsed bridge to be rebuilt, Mavinahalla villagers in Kodagu constructed a makeshift footbridge from walnut trees due to government inaction. The temporary solution eases their commute but doesn’t address the ongoing issue during rainy seasons.

After two long years of waiting and petitioning for a collapsed bridge to be rebuilt, the residents of Mavinahalla village in Kodagu took matters into their own hands. Tired of government inaction, the villagers gathered walnut trees and constructed a footbridge themselves, a makeshift solution to the ongoing problem.

The bridge, which connected Mavinahalla village to the main road between Kushalanagar and Somwarpet, collapsed two years ago due to heavy rains.

Despite numerous requests to local authorities and elected representatives, including former MLA Appachhu Ranjan and newly elected MLA Mantar Gowda, the bridge remains unrepaired. This has caused significant hardship for the village’s residents, especially those who rely on the bridge for daily commutes.

To reach Mavinahalla village, residents must now take a detour from the Kushalanagar-Somwarpet highway to Yadavanadi, and from there, navigate the Harangi route—a journey that has added several kilometres to their daily travels. The collapsed bridge was the shortest route, with a direct path to Yadavanadi only one and a half kilometres away. Without it, villagers, including school and college students, are forced to walk an extra three kilometres each way.

For the past two years, the people of Mavinahalla have been left with no choice but to navigate the longer, more difficult route. Those with their vehicles have found it easier to manage, but the many poor families in the village, who do not have access to personal transportation, have struggled. Frustrated and unable to continue walking the extra distance daily, the villagers pooled their resources, purchased walnut trees, and built a footbridge themselves.

The makeshift bridge has provided some relief, but it is not a permanent solution. Ranjith, a resident, expressed his frustration: “We have been asking for the bridge to be rebuilt for two years. We met with Appachhu Ranjan and now with Mantar Gowda, but no one has taken any action. We had no choice but to build this bridge ourselves, but it’s only a temporary fix. When the rains come, the stream washes it away.”

Lalatha, another resident, echoed this sentiment: “We’ve told the authorities about our situation so many times, but no one listens. The footbridge is just a band-aid on a bigger problem.”

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Newsable Asianet / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykumar Patil / August 30th, 2024

Dr. Padma Shekar has her roots in Kodagu

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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

8th edition of Barefoot Marathon on Sunday-Dec. 8

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Kodagu:

The 8th edition of Barefoot Marathon will be held on Dec. 8 (Sunday).

The event, which is a fund-raiser for The Coorg Wellness Foundation, set up for the wellness of people, wildlife and ecology of Kodagu, will be flagged from Tata Coffee Sports Grounds at Pollibetta, at 6 am.

Bib distribution will be done Dec. 7 between 11 am to 1 pm. 

To volunteer, contact Varun on Mob: 96868-55539 and for accommodation, call Ricky Monappa on Mob: 96323-38111.

For registration, interested may log on to https://youtoocanrun.com/races/the-barefoot-marathon-8th-december-2024/

The Marathon will be held in five categories — Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run, 5K Run and 1.5K Run.

The registration fee for all categories is Rs. 1,000 which includes brunch and T-shirt.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News (headline edited) / November 04th, 2024

Karanang Kodpo – Homage to ancestors by the Kodavas

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Kodagu is deep- rooted in the culture of the past, the glorious past.

The traditions, the idealsand the institutions of the past are inherited by us as a rich legacy. It is not just the abundant natural beauty that makes Kodagu a distinct place. It’s people- the Kodavas with discrete culture and heritage boost the glory of this land. This is the season of the year, where Kodavas in Kodagu district perform the annual ritual “KARANANG KODPO“ held in memory of their ancestors.

Amidst the misty hills and lush coffee plantations of Kodagu, the indigenous community of Kodavas honour “GURU KARONA” the first ancestor as their protector and guide. With Guru karona as their guardian, they walk the path of their ancestors, connecting to the very soul of their land. 

Our ancestors are as much a part of us as we are part of them. Karanang kodpo is an occasion for kodava usually after the changrandhi, to invoke the ancestors, offer them sweet, meat, liquor, take their blessings and the families rejoice followed by a feast. 

All auspicious ceremonies and works of Kodavas were usually done during this time because Kodavas did not have temple culture and kept Brahmins away as we Kodavas adore ancestral worship and venerate our man of yester year “Guru karona”.

Karanangkodpo is an important annual observance where offerings are made to a clan’s ancestors. The food and drink habits of deceased members of the family are remembered. Accordingly, offerings are made to the dead.  The Karona, or the dead patriarch, is prayed to. Offerings of food and drink made to Gods and ancestors are called “Meedhi”. Kodava cultural traditions and practices were transmitted orally from generation to generation.

In olden days, all the members if an “okka” lived together in their ” Ainmane” or ancestral home. While many of these Ainmanes have been rebuilt, the traditional ones that are still standing are 150 to 200 years old. Today even if they do not live in the Ainmane, members of an okka gather to celebrate festivals and traditional ceremonies. The Karona, the first Ancestor or founder of the okka is revered as a God. Kodavas consider their Ancestors as their guiding spirit and their elders as their living guides. As a mark of respect, younger people touch the feet of their elders when they meet during auspicious occasions.  Elders invoke their ancestors when they bless those who touch their feet.

The cultural heritage of the Kodavas is a priceless legacy passed down from generation to generation. Every legacy followed strengthens our collective voice, fostering unity and resilience.

Together we strive for an empowered kodava community that stands proud, preserving our roots and shaping a future rooted in our unique traditions.

Sadly, with the passage of time our culture has been ambushed by modernization.

Currently conserving our rich heritage to let our future generations know who truly are, is of surmount importance. Every nook and corner of our Ainmane act as a silent reminder into our colourful past.

An architectural aspect which as stood the tests of time are our Ainmanes. Homes to the native communities of Kodagu, these Ainmanes stand as a silent testimony of our story. 

Let’s join hands, in conserving the little that remains of ancestors and their impressions left on the phase of earth.

Because Ainmanes are a matter of pride and the soul of kodava rituals and their revival provides a surety to Kodavas customs and legacy. As traditions passes on from generation to the next it is a duty of every Kodavas to maintain the sanctity of their places of worship.

source: http://www.clnnews.in / Coffee Land News / Home> Articles / by Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah / October 25th, 2024

Diya Bhemaiah of Kodagu wins one silver and one bronze medal in National Badminton

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In the recently held 36th Sub-Junior Yonex Sunrise National Badminton Tournament at Chennai, Boppanda Diya Bhimaiah of Kodagu has won silver medal in doubles.

Diya, the state’s top ranked player, represented Karnataka in under-17 singles, doubles and mixed doubles.  Diya Bhemaiah was defeated in the quarter finals by the unbeaten Tanvi Patri who emerged as the champion. 

Diya is a student of Vidyashram College, Mysore.  Diya has achieved commendable results in the three categories which she participated in.

She is training under Medura Arun Pemmaiah and Boppanda Bhimaiah at Sports Park, Mysore.

source: http://www.clnnews.in / Coffee Land News / Home> Sports / by CLN Staff / November 01st, 2024

Outstanding performance by Madikeri Centre in the National Level Brainobrain Abacus Competition

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In the recently held National Level Brainobrain Abacus Competition, held at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai over 8200 children, from all over India participated.

Madikeri centre headed by Mapangada Kavitha Karumbaiah participated with 23 children and eventually won 14 Champion Trophies, 8 Gold Topper Medals and 1 Silver Topper Medal, getting a 100% result.

Kavitha Karumbaiah attributed the entire credit to the children, who performed in those 3 minutes and the parents, who took the initiative to take the children to Chennai in spite of heavy rains and flood alerts.

The occasion was graced by Anand Subramanian (MD Brainobrain International); Arul Subramanian (Director Technical); all the Master Franchisees of various States, Franchisees and Faculties

The Champion Tropies were won by Kanisha Sunith Kumar; Nilah J. Tharakan; Pariksha A.L.; Pavani K. Kunder ; Aradhya K.C.; Ayden J. Tharakan;  Charvi Dechamma S.A.; Drupad P. Manikoth; Livya Sunith Kumar; Yaanvi Bojamma M.P.; Aluf A.R.; George Matthew ; Naman M.Gowda; Mia Arun;

The Gold Topper Medals were won by Kushan Devappa Y.D.; Joanna Madtha; Tiya Kishor; Ronith Ganapathi A.S.; Aaron Albert; Raivath Patel N.R.; Gaanavi Gangamma C.V.; and Adith Gautham K.

The Silver Topper Medal was won by Alfa A.R.

source: http://www.clnnews.in / Coffee Land News / Home> Events / by CLN Staff / November 01st, 2024

Three from Kodagu district get award this Rajyotsava

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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

An 1852 Kodava house to open at DakshinaChitra Museum in Chennai on Oct. 23

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Mysuru:

DakshinaChitra, the living-history museum and a project of Madras Craft Foundation, is set to unveil its 19th addition — a meticulously restored 1852 Kodava house from Coorg (Kodagu).

Located at DakshinaChitra Museum on East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chengalpet district, Tamil Nadu, the house will officially open on Oct. 23 at 11.30 am, with Ju Seong Kyu, the Managing Director of Mobis India Foundation (the CSR arm of Hyundai Mobis) presiding over the event.

The Kodavas, a unique community known for their distinct customs, heritage, attire and cuisine, will have these aspects vividly showcased within the house.

Kodagu, nestled in the Western Ghats, is renowned for its rich, forested, mountainous terrain, and the Kodavas have long been its protectors, safeguarding its wildlife and biodiversity for centuries.

A dedicated exhibition on the Western Ghats will highlight the global importance of conserving these biodiversity hotspots. Kodava music and dance, a cherished part of the community’s culture, will also be showcased.

A Kodava troupe from Kodagu will perform on both Oct. 23 and 24 to celebrate the house’s inauguration.

The Kodava House exhibition has been curated by Gigi Scaria, while the Western Ghats exhibition has been curated by Shekar Dattatri and Saravana Kumar.

Contributions from Sandooka: The Living Museum of Kodava Culture, founded by retired IAS Officer Rathi Vinay Jha of the Codanda family, enrich the display with images, content and videos. She is also the Life Trustee of the Madras Craft Foundation. 

The construction of the Kodava house and the exhibition has been entirely supported by Mobis India Foundation. The opening ceremony will conclude with a traditional Kodava folk performance.

Rathi Vinay Jha and Founder of Madras Craft Foundation and DakshinaChitra Museum Dr. Deborah Thiagarajan will address the gathering. Head of CSV Strategy Team, HQ Mobis Lee Chang Jun and Kim Kyung Jin from the CSV Strategy Team, HQ Mobis will be present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 20th, 2024

Kodagu finally gets MRI scanning facility

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Madikeri:

In a significant advancement for the healthcare needs of Kodagu District, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine was inaugurated in Madikeri on Sunday, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the local community.

This state-of-the-art facility is now operational at the teaching hospital of the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS).

Minister for Medical Education Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil inaugurated the facility, alongside Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

Previously, residents of Kodagu had to travel to Mysuru, Bengaluru or Mangaluru to access MRI services, as no such diagnostic facility was available in any Government or private medical centre within the district.

The introduction of the MRI scanning facility at the teaching hospital will enable patients to receive crucial diagnostics right in Madikeri, streamlining their access to necessary medical treatment based on the reports generated.

Minister Patil said that this installation will significantly enhance the ability of patients to undergo essential MRI diagnostic tests locally. He also assured the establishment of a cardiac centre at the District Hospital in Madikeri under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, emphasising the need for improved healthcare facilities in the hilly terrain of Kodagu.

The MRI equipment, initially sanctioned for another location, was relocated to Madikeri due to persistent advocacy from MLA Manthar Gowda. Additionally, Minister Patil confirmed that a proposal for Rs. 60 crore has been submitted to the State Government for the construction of a new building at the District Hospital, which is expected to receive approval soon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 03rd, 2024