The roof of the Old Fort main building is on the verge of collapse in Madikeri.
The lack of basic amenities is haunting several tourists places in Kodagu district. The Madikeri Fort, referred to as ‘Palace’ situated on the heart of the city, should have attracted a large number of tourists. However, the crumbling structure is disappointing tourists.
The roof of the fort is on the verge of collapse. The walls have not seen whitewash or paint for several years. The rooms, where soldiers were staying during the king’s reign, have collapsed completely. Weeds have covered the fort premises.
With the damage to the roof, rainwater enters the fort. Plastic sheets have been used to protect it from rainwater. With this, the history of Madikeri fort will soon disappear.
Historians have expressed concern over the lack of maintenance by the Archaeological Department. They fear that a few remaining traces of history will soon enter the pages of the history.
Haleri ruler Mudduraja built a mud fort and palace in the 17th century. Later, Tipu Sultan rebuilt it using stones and renamed it as Jaffarabad. In 1790, Dodda Veerarajendra conquered the fort. In 1834, the fort came under the reign of the British.
The palace that was built by Linga Raja Wodeyar II houses government offices. With the increase in the density of people, the palace is in a deplorable condition. The Zilla Panchayat office, MLA’s office, Agriculture Department, district library, court complex and Bala Mandira are functioning from the palace itself.
Chandan, a tourist, said “Hundreds of vehicles visit the fort premises daily. Due to the pressure, the fort is losing its identity. Without any maintenance, the huge doors are losing charm. The visitors have also disfigured a few of the carvings. Even the cannons are not preserved. We are disappointed by watching this fort.”
An officer said, “We fear to work here during monsoon. The Zilla Panchayat and the court complex will be shifted shortly.”
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Naina J A / DH News Service / November 13th, 2018
The decorative lamp posts on the road leading to Raja Seat in Madikeri.
The installation of decorative lamp posts has been completed on the road leading to Raja Seat in Madikeri. The heritage-design streetlights will light-up the streets during Deepavali.
The Urban Development Authority had taken up the work of installation of decorative lamp posts from Muthanna Circle to Raja Seat at an estimate cost of Rs 20 lakh.
The move is expected to attract more tourists.
The lamp posts, brought from Indore, are made up of cast iron with corrosion-resistant material to protect it from all kinds of corrosion. As a result, the streetlight poles will not get rusted. The poles will have 250 MHz bulbs,” said Urban Development Authority former chairman Chummi Devaiah.
The CMC had spent lakhs of rupees for installing solar lamps on the road leading to Raja Seat. However, the solar batteries were stolen by the thieves and the streetlights stopped functioning. Even the streetlight poles went missing. Now, keeping in mind the safety, decorative lamp posts are being installed.
The residents said that quality electricity poles and streetlights should be installed in different parts of the CMC jurisdiction. The solar lamps are defunct at Indira Nagar, Chamundeshwari Nagar, Gowli Beedi, Mahadevapete Road, Man’s Compound and Rani Pete Roads.
Chandan Rao, a resident of Gowlibeedi, said, “The CMC should take up the maintenance of streetlights before the onset of monsoon. All the electricity lines were damaged in the rain which lashed in August. As a result, majority of the streetlights are not functioning. The CMC should wake up and take up the restoration works.”
Indira Nagar resident Ranjitha said, “Due to the lack of streetlights on the road leading to Raja Seat and Nehru Mantapa, miscreants were creating problems for visitors during evening hours. Fearing it, many women were not taking the route for walking. The streetlights should also be installed at Nehru Mantapa.”
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Districts / by Adithya KA / DH News Service / Madikeri – November 04th, 2018
Paarane will be the first ever Kodava language film to compete in international film festivals.
Kodava’s movie Paarane’s first look poster and teaser will be released by the director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, of Sexy Durga fame, today. This is yet another film that digs into identity crisis in the border area of Karnataka and Kerala. It is an experimental film by Shreelesh S Nair, who is a Keralite currently residing in Bengaluru.
Interestingly the film is made in Kodava, a language which is rarely explored.
The film is titled after a village named Paarane located in Kodagu, and the story is based on the struggles of existence and identity faced by the people,” says the debutant. “Paarane explores the land and culture of the region, and has people revolting against the invaders who try to encroach on their native land to safeguard their motherland. This is the theme of my story,” explains Shreelesh.
Interestingly, this film is made with a shoestring budget of Rs 3.5 lakh and has non actors in its cast. The cinema was shot without a written script. “We considered the actors from the same village Paarane, and filmed around Coorg district, which has sync sound and mise en scene,” says the director.
Director is thrilled to know that Paraane has been nominated for a couple of festivals. “A Kodava langauge film making it to film festivals, which is first time in India, has definitely excited the team. It has been nominated at Indonesia Film Festival and a small festival to be held in Berlin,” he mentions.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by Express News Service / November 08th, 2018
The Saanvi girl, who became an overnight sensation in Tollywood, has been finalised for Dhruva Sarja-starrer Pogaru. Actress Rashmika Mandanna. (Photo | Facebook)
I am open to working in any language film as long as the script is strong,” Rashmika Mandanna had said in an earlier interview with City Express. And now, looks like a meaty story has come her way, with Rashmika having signed her next Kannada film.
The Saanvi girl, who became an overnight sensation in Tollywood, has been finalised for Dhruva Sarja-starrer Pogaru. Our sources further tell us that she will be paired opposite the Bharjari hero in Nanda Kishore’s directorial, which is being produced by Gangadhar. The school portions were shot with Dhruva in the first schedule, after which the makers took some time off to work on the script. That’s when Dhruva’s uncle Arjun Sarja took up writing the story.
Even as the prep work was in progress, the team was taking time to finalise the right heroine. Going by the script, they were keen to cast Rashmika, who they felt would fit the bill. In fact, Rashmika and Nanda have been in discussions ever since the latter was worked on a project with Dhruva.
The first-time pairing of Dhruva, Rashmika, and Nanda is something to watch out for.While Dhruva is currently concentrating on Pogaru, the teaser of which released on October 6 (the actor’s birthday), the second schedule of the film will start from November 20. Rashmika, who will be completing the pending song shoot for Darshan-starrer Yajamana, is said to joining the Pogaru team. The Chamak heroine will now be juggling between her Telugu film, Dear Comrade, starring Vijay Devarakonda, and this Kannada project.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by A Sharadhaa / Express News Service / November 05th, 2018
Kendra Kannada Sahitya Salaha Samiti Member and senior theatre personality Addanda C. Cariappa and his wife Anitha Cariappa, a theatre artiste, were conferred ‘Dakshina Kesari’ award by MP Pratap Simha at the Kannada Rajyotsava programme organised by Lions Club of Mysore South at Golf Club in city yesterday.
Speaking on the occasion, Pratap Simha recalled Addanda Cariappa’s role in his (Simha) victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Recalling that thousands of Kodavas had thanked him for his article in State-level newspaper opposing veteran writer Ko. Channabasappa’s alleged derogatory articles on the community ahead of the 2014 LS polls.
Pointing out that Kodavas played a key-role in his victory in the 2014 LS polls, he opined that Addanda Cariappa’s strategy helped him a lot in winning the elections. Noting that Addanda Cariappa and his wife Anitha were greatly influenced by Appachha Kavi, the MP said that the couple has been spreading Kodava culture across the country.
Recalling the gallantry of Kodavas, he said that 26 Kodavas had gained top positions in the Indian Army till now and there were many Kodavas serving the Army in lower ranks.
Observing that Kodavas have made a mark in almost every field, the MP recounted how Kodavas starred off Tipu Sultan’s attack on Kodagu.
Highlighting the contributions of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar for the development of Mysuru, Simha said that it would not be wrong to say that Kannada has survived because of the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru.
Regretting that Mysuru remained backward because of the vested interests of some politicians, he said that although Mysuru had earned a big name in Tourism, it lacked in terms of development and this was because of the vested interests of a few politicians.
Highlighting his achievements as an MP, Pratap Simha said that expansion of Naganahalli Railway Station, Development of Mysore Airport in Mandakalli, promotion of Industries and many other works were among his contributions to Mysuru-Kodagu LS Constituency.
Addanda Cariappa, in his address, observed that an organised struggle holds key for saving Kannada from the onslaught of other languages.
Pointing out that there is a general feeling that the Kannada Development Authority, which is supposed to promote Kannada across the State, had restricted itself to Vidhana Soudha, he criticised the Government’s move to celebrate certain unnecessary Jayantis.
He also lashed out at the Government for showing disinterest for celebrating the Jayanti of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who has contributed immensely for the development of the State.
Noting that he was delighted to be conferred ‘Dakshina Kesari’ award, he said that the conferment of the award had added more responsibility on him for taking up the cause of Kannada.
Lions Club of Mysore South President K.K. Mohan, MP Pratap Simha’s wife Arpita Simha, Ln. Nagaraj V. Bairy, Ln. G.S. Santosh, Ln. M. Tataji and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 05th, 2018
The State Government has declared a holiday to Kodagu district on Nov.24 on account of Huthri Festival.
The holiday will be applicable only to Kodagu district and has been granted by Dr. B.S. Manjunath, Under Secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 05th, 2018
Coffee is indisputably one of the most favourite and widely consumed beverages in the world. It is estimated that more than 200 crore cups of coffee are consumed by people around the globe on a daily basis. The coffee plants originated in the African continent, and Arabica and Robusta are the most commonly grown varieties.
The tale of coffee
There are many legendary accounts related to the origin of the coffee. The most popular among them is the tale of Kaldi, the Ethiopian shepherd, who noted how his goats have become excited and active after eating the leaves of a plant which bore red shiny seeds. He took the leaves and seeds of this plant to the nearby monastery to know more about it. It is said that the monk at the monastery brewed a special drink using the seeds brought by the shepherd. After drinking the concoction, the monk discovered that he could indulge in his works with renewed energy and remain wake at night to offer prayers. So many believe that the first cup of coffee was brewed in an Ethiopian monastery by a monk.
It was in a 9th century document that coffee was mentioned for the first time. Crassus, a Persian apothecary has written about a drink called bunchum. It was noted that bunchum was brewed from a fruit called bun, which means coffee beans in the Ethiopian language. Historians thus surmise that Craussus had mentioned about coffee brewed from coffee beans. In the meantime, Arab merchants had begun cultivating coffee plants in Yemen, which were brought from Ethiopia. Their coffee cultivation was based on the hilly areas in the south western parts of Yemen. This coffee variant, known as Arabica, had reached almost all the Arab countries as well.
Turkish brew
Ozdemir Pasha, the Turkish Ottoman governor of Yemen had taken tons of coffee to Istanbul. He, in fact, is credited for introducing coffee to Turkey. It was the Turkish people who brewed the coffee, for the first time, in the way in which it is consumed today. They roasted the coffee seeds, ground it to fine powder and then mixed in hot water to make the beverage. As per the historical records, the Ottoman emperor Suleiman had created a special title called the ‘chief coffee maker,’ and the person who bore that title enjoyed a special position in his royal court as well. It was during the reign of the Ottoman Empire that coffee reached various parts of the world and became one of the most prominent drinks.
Unique flavour
In this image taken on May 13, 2013, glasses of cold-brewed iced coffee for summer are shown served on a tray in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
By the 17th century, coffee had become popular in Europe and North America. When Britain imposed tea tax in America in 1773, the Americans resorted to coffee. The Arab merchants tried to retain their dominance in coffee export when the demand increased significantly in Europe and America. They had exported only roasted coffee beans or the seeds which were boiled in water, to prevent the cultivation of coffee in other parts of the world.
However, the Dutch, French, and the Portuguese had begun coffee cultivation at their various colonies around the globe. The Dutch had cultivated coffee in South East Asia, while the French had coffee plantations in the Caribbean islands. The Portuguese, too, had large plantations in their South American colony, Brazil. By the 1830’s Brazil became the largest exporter of coffee in the world, and still continues its leading position in coffee export followed by Vietnam and Colombia. Robusta coffee which originated in the central and western Africa is largely grown in Vietnam.
Coffee in India
It was Baba Budan, a Sufi monk who is believed to have smuggled coffee out of the Yemenese harbour town Mocha to India, while returned from a pilgrimage to Mecca. There are many portraits of Baba Budan in which he is portrayed as smuggling 7 coffee seeds by hiding them under his long beard or strapping them onto his chest. It is said that Baba Budan, who was a resident of the Chandragiri hills in Chikmanglur, Karnataka, had grown those coffee seeds here in 1670. Today, these hills are known as the Baba Budan hills. In 1870, the first first coffee plantation in India was set up near the Baba Budan hills. J H Jolly, who was the manager of the Parry and Company, had requested the king of Mysore to allot 40 acres of land for coffee cultivation. Later, the coffee reached other places in south India like Wayanadunand Nilgiri.
Indian special
Though the British had tried to cultivate coffee in India, it wasn’t as successful in the beginning.They had faced a backlash when the Arabica variety was affected by the coffee rust disease. However, in the 19th century the British had managed to grow coffee in more than 3 lakh hectares of land. In the initial stages, the coffee plantations were opened mainly in places like Mysore and Coorg, and the Robusta variety was grown here. Later they began to cultivate S795 variety of the Arabica coffee which was immune to the coffee rust disease.
In the mid 19th century, India emerged as a leading exporter of coffee. But the market crashed due to the severe financial constraints which arose during the world wars. To effectively tackle this a coffee cess committee was formed in 1935. As per their recommendations, Indian coffee house outlets were opened in 1940. It was during this time that the renowned Indian filter coffee emerged.The filter coffee prepared by mixing roasted coffee beans, chicory, milk, and sugar became instantly in popular in South India. The Coffee Board of India was formed in 1945 to regulate the coffee exports exports and to aid the small scale coffee cultivators.
The Indian Coffee House
In the 1950’s, the Coffee Board of India decided to shut down the India coffee house outlets opened during the British era, and to terminate the labourers who worked at these outlets. However, the labourers, led by the charismatic communist leader A K Gopalan, formed the India Coffee Board Workers’ Cooperative Society on 19 August 1957 at Bangalore. The first outlet of the Indian Coffee House was thus opened, in the same year, in Delhi. The next year, the Indian Coffee House was opened in Thrissur, making it the first outlet in Kerala. More outlets of the iconic Indian Coffee House were opened at various places like Thalassery, Lucknow, Nagpur, Jabalpur, Mumbai, Calcutta, Pune, and Tamil Nadu.
Expensive brew
It is in the south Indian states that coffee is cultivated in abundance. Karnataka produces 71% of the total coffee production while Kerala has 21% and Tamil Nadu produces 5%. The Indian coffee is in great demand around the globe as coffee here is mostly grown in mixed farming, getting ample shade under the cardamom, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon crops. The Indian Monsoon coffee has a distinct flavour and aroma. There are coffee plantations in states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and many north eastern states as well.
The unique coffee produced by the tribal people of the Araku valley in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most famous organic coffee brands in the world. The Araku brand of coffee has achieved an international honour by winning the Prix Epicerie Award 2018. It is for the first time that an Indian coffee brand has won this prestigious award. The brand which sells 100% authentic Arabica coffee now has an outlet in Paris as well. Five different varieties of Araku coffee are sold at this outlet, and the premium coffee variant costs up to Rs 7000 per kilogram.
source: http://www.food.manoramaonline.com / OnManorama / Home> Food> Foodie / by M Muhammmad Shafi / November 02nd, 2018
Actress-models Shubra Aiyappa and Diva Dhawan, who will be featured in Kingfisher Calendar 2019, say that shooting for it was a truly memorable experience. Commenting on her experience shooting for the Kingfisher calendar, Shubra said, “Being a part of this year’s Kingfisher calendar campaign was indeed a one of a kind experience. I was quite nervous in the beginning as this is my first swimsuit shoot, however the whole journey was a lot of fun. Working with a crew, who have been shooting the Kingfisher calendar for more than a decade was truly an unforgettable moment.
“The calendar has been shot in some stunning locations across the globe, but this year’s destination Sardinia was indeed a wanderlust paradise. We shot some stunning swimwear in some gorgeous locations and are still recovering from the Sardinian after-effect. There was never a dull moment or a time where I didn’t feel comfortable, only vibes I felt were the Good Times. Looking forward to the years Kingfisher Calendar.”
Diva Dhawan also shared her thoughts on being part of this year’s calendar shoot. “Being a part of the Kingfisher calendar was truly a great experience indeed, as it celebrates Indian women and beauty in all forms. I think it’s nice to be part of something that has been around for so long because everyone in the team has been working together for years. The Kingfisher calendar truly was a memorable experience,” she said.
Kingfisher, The King of Good Times, has the calendar featuring four top models shot by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar.
The other two ladies who will be part of the calendar are beauty queen from Orissa Sushrii Mishraa and Hayley Parr from the United Kingdom. Sardinia, a gem of an island in the Mediterranean Sea, will form the breathtaking backdrop for the Kingfisher calendar 2019.
The Kingfisher calendar has featured stars like Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Nargis Fakhri, Liza Hayden over the years.
source: http://www.freepressjournal.com / Free Press Journal / Home / by IANS / October 31st, 2018
A view of the defunct musical fountain at Raja Seat.
Deputy Commissioner P I Sreevidya directed officials from Horticulture department to organise the flower and fruit show at Raja Seat in Madikeri in the first week of January.
Speaking at a meeting on the development of Raja Seat and Gadduge park on Monday, she said that flower show will be organised to attract tourists to the district. The repair of musical fountain and toy train at Raja Seat will also take place, at the at the earliest.
She said that staff should be deployed for the maintenance of Raja Seat and Gadduge, and emphasis should be laid on its cleanliness.
Stating that there are several parks in the district, she said she had been receiving complaints on lack of maintenance of parks. The parks should have enough lights and CCTV cameras must be installed, during the event.
Horticulture department Deputy Director Chandrashekar, Senior Assistant Director Devaki, CMC Commissioner M L Ramesh and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Naina JA / DH News Service, Madikeri / October 31st, 2018
The seventh day of Dasara Yuva Sambhrama held at the Open Air Theatre in Manasagangothri here last evening saw the participating students sending out messages on Water Conservation, Save Kodagu and Swachh Bharat through their songs and dance.
While the students of Government Arts, Commerce and PG College, Hassan, gave a message on conservation of environment and water, the students of Virajpet First Grade College presented a dance drama for the song ‘Janana-Janana Yarado Papa, Marana-Marana Yarado Shaapa.’ The students later highlighted the devastation caused by floods and landslides in Kodagu and gave messages on the importance of forest conservation.
The students of Jnanadeepa First Grade College danced to the song ‘Mysuru Dasara Yeshtondu Sundara’ which received appreciation from the audience. JSS Women’s College students of Chamarajanagar, all dressed in green, walked up on the stage and highlighted the importance of conserving, protecting and planting trees besides sending out messages on conservation of forests.
Messages such as women empowerment by students of Devaraja Girls Government PU College, Indira Gandhi Government FGC, Sagar, on Kannada and Culture, Madikeri’s Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College students on Freedom Struggle and Mangaluru’s Dr. P. Dayananda Pai-Dr. P. Satish Pai FGC students sent out a message on Swachh Bharat through their dance.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 07th, 2018
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