Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Guess Who Comes Home As Doctor!

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, , , , , , , , ,

Yesterday was a memorable day for me because it was the day I was conferred with Honorary Doctorate, known in Latin as honoris causa degree. It is how a University honours those who distinguish themselves in the field of art, science, etc.

In all my life if I had got something that I valued most it was the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2008) and now the Hon. Doctorate from my own University, Mysore University from where I got my two degrees — one in Arts (BA) and another in Law (BL). Nothing else I valued by way of recognition for whatever I was considered worthy of by those who bestowed these honours on me.

There is another reason for me to feel, to use a spiritual phrase, blissful. I believe that it is not important what one receives and what he receives. What is important is who gives, what is given — no matter gold, diamond, power or honour. Great value comes only when the honour comes from a venerable Master, the benevolent Government or a reputed University. That is why, I used the phrase ‘bliss’ to describe my feeling on receiving this Doctorate. And Mysore University is more than a century-old and also my Alma Mater.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University (2003-2007) Prof. J Shashidhar Prasad, Ph.D in Physics, sent me a congratulatory message which alludes to the sentiment about the Hon. Doctorate I mentioned above. What he wrote was quite revealing and should be a guide to the present and future Vice-Chancellors of this iconic University. Since what he wrote was self-explanatory, let me reproduce it here:

Congratulations Ganapathyji,

It is heartening to hear that a leading journalist of Mysuru, who has done yeoman service to Mysuru and built brand Mysuru, is being honoured by the University of Mysore.

I fondly remember the unique moment when R.K Laxman and H.Y. Sharada Prasad were honoured in 2004 by UoM. Both of them could not attend the Convocation because of health reasons. I pleaded with His Excellency, the Governor, to honour them in Mumbai and Delhi respectively. My idea was appreciated and approved.

A grand function was arranged. Both recipients were moved by this gesture and said that their Alma Mater came to their doorsteps to honour them. I was extremely happy that University of Mysore honoured itself by honouring the veteran journalist and a cartoonist.

As the statement goes — when we honour the well-deserved, we are bestowing honour upon ourselves. That is what UoM has done now through this honoris causa to you.

Prof. Shashidhar Prasad also mentioned about the noble and sublime personal quality of the then Governor of Karnataka T.N. Chaturvedi (also Chancellor of the University) in going with him to Bombay to confer the honour on R.K. Laxman and also to Delhi to honour H.Y. Sharada Prasad (both were Mysureans).

In Bombay Times of India newspaper house, where R.K. Laxman worked as a cartoonist, had arranged the function at its hall and all the employees and friends of R.K. Laxman had gathered. Likewise at Delhi the function was organised for H.Y. Sharada Prasad at the Karnataka Bhavan.

However, the humane and nay even divine quality of the Governor T.N. Chaturvedi (eponymous name as one who has mastered four vedas) touched its acme when he agreed to arrange a special function at his Raj Bhavan to confer the Hon. Doctorate on an 85-90-year-old litterateur lady, who wrote a Mahakavya though had studied only up to primary class and deeply into social service. Her name was Mallika and her husband was the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Kadidal Manjappa.

And as I write this I remember a gift hamper received from my friend’s son Arjun Ranga of Cycle Pure Agarbathi (N.R. Ranga Rao and Sons). Not because of what gifts the hamper contained but because of the covering letter attached. Again, let the letter speak for itself:

Dear K.B. Ganapathy Uncle,

As a Mysurean, I cannot thank you enough for bringing Mysuru to our home, every evening.

Quite like the evening filter coffee from Kodagu, the Star of Mysore was another evening fix, delivered to us, strong and refreshing, from a son of Kodagu.

Your keen senses missed nothing and reported every-thing worth knowing.

One would say that the Star of Mysore is a “Local Newspaper.”

But as any Mysurean will tell you, local news means the world to us.

Thank you for bringing our world to us, for 45 years!

Hearty Congratulations on the Doctorate.

Here’s to your health, wealth and happiness!

Here’s to the ‘Star’ behind the Star of Mysore!

I pray that you shine on…

Best Wishes

—Arjun Ranga

I was touched. I am speechless and my fingers refused to move on, probably because there is nothing more to comment on it except say Thank You. So, it is. Dear Arjun, may your pure Cycle Pure Brand Agarbathi continue to spread its divine fragrance and dispel the contaminated political and social atmosphere.

Another friend wrote thus:

You brought laurels for small-paper-journalism with quality news. I am told R.K. Narayan, Prof. CDN, Ha.Ma. Nayak, T.S. Satyan and Prof. GTN appreciated your (our) SOM. Congratulations Dr. Ganapathy Sir. — C.P.V. Gupta

And finally, here is the last word from my good friend Dr. Bhamy V. Shenoy. The oracle speaks: Congrats on getting the Honorary Doctorate. It is tougher than getting ordinary Doctorate.

e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Top Stories> Abracadabra / by K B Ganapathy / October 19th, 2023

Crafts & Weaves Mahotsav 2023 Begins At Kushalnagar

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, , , , , , ,

B.N. Veena, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kodagu district, seen inaugurating the Crafts and Weaves Mahotsav 2023, organised at Gayathri Kalyana Mantapa on Market Road in Kushalnagar, Kodagu, yesterday morning.

R.V. Gangadharappa, Dy.SP, Kushalnagar and K.S. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Director, Handicrafts Service Centre, were present as chief guests.

The Crafts and Weaves Mahotsav, organised under the aegis of Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will be open to public between 10 am and 8.30 pm till Nov. 1.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> PhotoNews / October 27th, 2023

Thapaswini Poonacha gets married to Rakshath Muthanna

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

On career front, the actress is currently working on the film Gajarama, which is an action based film, has Rajavardhan in the lead role.

Thapaswini Poonacha gets married to Rakshath Muthanna | Kannada Movie News - Times of India

Actress Thapaswini Poonacha tied the knot with Rakshath Mutthanna in an intimate ceremony was attended by their family members, relatives and close friends.

The newly wed couple have shared the news on their social media page today. Congratulatory messages are pouring in for the couple as soon as they revealed about their marriage .

An excited Thapaswini by sharing a video on her Instagram page wrote, “A short glimpse of the most memorable and best moment of our life. The last three years of an absolute roller coaster with the love of my life is now more meaningful as we are married, it’s been a month now and forever to go. Love you more always. Thanks to all my dear friends and relatives for joining us and making this occasion even more beautiful .

They have got married in a traditional Kodava style.

Thapaswini Poonacha, who made her debut with romantic comedy film Harikathe Alla Girikathe, which had Rishab Shetty in the lead role, has signed her second film Gajarama, which sees her sharing screen Rajavardhan.

The actress who has taken a break from the work for her wedding is likely to resume the shoot soon.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / by TNN / July 12th, 2023

Carrying tradition forward

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri Dasara is a platform utilised by hundreds of youth to showcase their passion towards art by creating magic through mythological effigies and tableaux.

File photo of one of the tableaus for 2022 Dasara.

Madikeri :  

An electrician, a plumber, an autorickshaw driver, a civil worker, a realtor – they wear different hats on their professional front. But the harmonious love for arts unites them under the banner of ‘Madikeri Dasara’.

A unique show of art, passion, devotion, and stardom, Madikeri Dasara is a platform that is utilised by hundreds of art-loving youth, who otherwise are busy with their routine jobs. “The festivity gives us an opportunity to showcase our true passion. While we are lost in our professional world most of the year, we quit everything for two months to satisfy our craze for arts,” says Vivek Alaga, an auto driver. For the past five years, he has been taking a two-month break from riding his autorickshaw during Dasara and indulging himself in this creative therapy. In his alter ego, Vivek is an effigy sculptor, bringing into shape the Gods and demons from mythology.

Madikeri Dasara is known to be a class apart in its celebrations. The festivity that starts with the traditional karaga utsava ends with a bash of a live tableau show, put up by 10 temple committees.


On the night of Vijayadashami, Hindu mythology comes alive in stories narrated through tableaus. The celebration, however, is beyond religion, caste or class. It gives a platform for hidden artists in the city to make their name and fame.

“If we have to pursue arts, we have to look for funding. But during Madikeri Dasara, we get funds from temple committees to indulge in our passion,” says Naveen Raghavan, a realtor who becomes an art director during the festival. He has been part of the Dasara tableau work for the last 15 years. The art has evolved over the years, he says. 

Hemaraju, Aravind and Vivek with the model of Mahishi

Massive effigies of deities and demons are placed on two to three tractors with sound and light systems during the tableau parade. Naveen is among the artists who script, design, sculpt, and plan 20-minute shows. While the final show is short-lived, the efforts and results are long-lasting. “We start working on the tableau nearly three months before the Dasara,” shares Sandeep, another art-smitten realtor. He says the work during the Dasara is like therapy after work and they (a team of over 20 artists from a single temple committee) spend time together for nearly three months to put out their best creative talents. For the upcoming Dasara, they got the idea for a 20-foot tableau, depicting a demon, from one of the mythological stories. He says, “We first decide the characters for the story. The script and dialogues are written and we sketch the characters on paper first. The effigies are then molded and decorated, which are later welded onto open tractors. Backed with background lighting and sound, we manually set the effigies on motion according to the story narration.” 

Several artists have been part of this creative pursuit since childhood. “I was in Class six when I and a team of boys joined two bicycles to build a platform to carry a Ganesha idol for the immersion during Ganesha Chaturthi,” says Manjunath, who recognises himself as an artist even as he works as a plumber and an electrician. He designs the creative backdrops on tableaus and also carves effigies. His earnings from this passion covers his expenses, he adds. “I will be known to people through my art and this will be a good add-on to my resume for my passion to take full shape,” he says. Despite the usual hardships and not earning big money, they take pride in what they do, as they feel recognised.

What started as still, paper mold effigies have now evolved into foam-made creations that move as per the narrative of the mythology. “It is similar to directing a movie. We take a lot of effort and put in loads of creativity to stage a show,” opines Sandeep. No one is a trained artist and it is only through experience that they have taught themselves to be unique. “When people call out my name, they know my work. The tableaus that I have been a part of have won prizes,” proudly recalls Hemaraju, a civil worker who has been a part of Madikeri Dasara for over two decades. 

“This year, we are doing a story that has Mahishi (the she-buffalo demoness in Hindu mythology) in it. She must have the face of a buffalo and her character must come alive. We will have to design her palace in her own world that is very different from ours. While mythology forms the base of our story, our imagination comes alive during the narration,” he says. Several of these artists have been connected to a single temple committee for decades and this loyalty pushes them to work hard. 

The tableaus are judged on the day of the event and the prizes won stay close to the hearts of these artists. “No one does it for money. It is to fulfil our passion and to earn a name in society,” says Hemaraju.

Teja, Aravind, Sunil… There are a hundred other boys who emerge as artists during Dasara and this passion has passed on as high school-going children Prathvik, Vikyath, Amith, Rohan, and Sushanth are now working at tableau workshops. “We like to help in the creative bit after school. We are learning to carry the tradition forward,” they share.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / October 08th, 2023

Culture on Film: Kodava cinema playing a major role in chronicling history, culture and life of Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , ,

The uniqueness of the Kodava community has garnered appreciation globally, even as the films aim at preserving its culture.

Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa
Director Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa

Madikeri :

Kodagu is beautiful and bountiful. The district is blessed with nature and culture, preserved and honoured by its people for generations. In recent times, cinema has taken the centre stage to bring the life and times of Kodavas on screen. Despite a dearth of cinema halls or multiplexes in Kodagu, Kodava cinema is evolving with 29 films made in the regional language till now. Parallel to the big screen and censor-certified films, youngsters are also venturing into short filmmaking in the Kodava language, highlighting the culture, attire and traditions of the community.

It was in 1972 that the first Kodava film – Nada Mann Nada Kool (My Land, My Food) – was released, marking the inception of a new era in regional cinema. “Mandara Poo, Naa Bynda Poo, Ponn Ra Manas… several such films came later and Kodava cinema grew in tandem with the Tulu film industry. But it was always non-Kodavas who directed Kodava films during the initial years,” explains V Nanaiah, former president of the Virajpet Kodava Samaj, who has acted in over 10 Kodava films.

While Kodava cinema goes back five decades, it was only a decade ago that its films began to be directed by those from the community. “Filmmakers of Kodava movies in the early 70s were not locals. This was evident in a majority of early cinema as the Kodava language was not used in its original form,” recalls Nanaiah. While most actors were Kodavas, the direction still lacked the real touch.

Nevertheless, Kodava cinema evolved post-2015. The ninth Kodava film – Talang Neer (also directed by a non-Kodava director, Gopi Peenya) became a revolutionary flick. It highlighted the existential crisis of the community and the language was used in its true form. “Our cinema evolved with technology. Until 2015, Kodava movies never recorded much commercial success. Talang Neer was the first film shown to the public. It was a super hit as the director trusted the actors and gave them the freedom to write dialogues in the Kodava dialect. The movie also won a state award,” he adds. From here on, Kodava cinema gained prominence, and Kodava Samajas became hubs that promoted regional cinema by screening these movies. Cinema also began to archive the culture, tradition, practices, attire and food of the community.

“In all, 29 Kodava films have been made so far, among which three have not applied for censor certificates. There was a lot of internal politics behind the making of regional movies earlier. However, all that has changed and new movies in the Kodava language are made every year, despite challenges,” opines Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa, who has directed over five Kodava films. An ex-armyman with a passion for cinema and acting, he takes pride in promoting Kodava cinema at international film festivals.

Baake Mane, directed by Prakash, is among the first Kodava films to be screened at the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), even as Naada Peda Asha, a film based on writer Nagesh Kalur’s novel, won 72 awards in various festivals.

“Our films are receiving an overwhelming response in festivals. However, the industry lacks support and encouragement in Kodagu,” he opines. While a few films have recorded good public shows across Kodagu, fewer locals watch them. “During the screening of Naada Peda Asha at BIFFes, a Japanese viewer met the filmmaker and congratulated him for the cinematography and storyline. However, locals who speak the language hesitate to watch these films. Apart from making a Kodava film, creators also have to put in their efforts to exhibit their works,” says Nanaiah.

But that has not stopped artists from creating Kodava films. The uniqueness of the Kodava community has garnered appreciation globally, even as the films aim at preserving its culture. The subsidies extended to the Kodava regional cinema have made it possible for filmmakers and actors to keep doing better, as Prakash says, “Kodava films portray the culture of the Kodava community and help preserve its language. The community’s tryst with the Army, its unique attire, rituals, etc… I want to present them to the world. We receive subsidies and even funds through film festivals, which are invested into making new films. While we feel encouraged if people watch our films, I look forward to creating new films every year.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR , Express News Service / September 24th, 2023

New Team Of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , ,

Ponjanda A. Ganapathy (centre), the newly-elected President of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, for the year 2023-2025, is seen with (from left) Ajjikuttira Diana Poovaiah – Joint Secretary, Ketolira A. Belliappa – Hon. Secretary, Machimada P. Nanaiah – Vice-President and Ittira G. Kashiappa – Hon. Treasurer.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / October 20th, 2023

Padayatra From Bhagamandala

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Madikeri: 

Reinstating a tradition that had been followed for generations and interrupted at times, traditionally dressed Kodava men and women, with the women carrying ‘Thaliyathakki Bolcha’ (a brass plate with rice and a traditional lamp), walked barefoot from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in a Padayatra, singing praises to the Goddess. 

They gathered at the Sri Bhagandeshwara Swamy Temple in Bhagamandala and walked to Talacauvery. The procession was led by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, actors Bhuvan Ponnanna and Harshika Poonacha.

Various Kodava organisations, including the United Kodava Organisation, Kodava Riders Club, Akhila Kodava Samaja Youth Wing, and members of numerous Kodava associations, participated in the Padayatra.

Notable figures such as Kodagu District Minister N.S. Boseraju, MP Pratap Simha, MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Superintendent of Police Ramarajan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Varnith Negi, Temple ‘Thakka Mukhyasta’ Kodi Motaiah, Balladka Appaji and other village elders were present.

At the confluence of Triveni Sangama in Bhagamandala, rituals such as ‘Pinda Pradana’ (offering) and ‘Keshamundana’ (tonsure), along with other traditional pujas, were conducted. Free KSRTC bus services were provided for devotees traveling from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery.

Early morning refreshments and afternoon lunch and prasadam were arranged for all devotees by Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga and other voluntary organisations.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 18th, 2023

Sankramana At Kodava Samaja

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), ,

Kodava Samaja, Mysore, will be celebrating Cauvery Sankramana Festival in   the  Samaja premises at Vijayanagar 1st Stage in city on Oct.18.

Kani Puja will be performed at 10.30 am. Holy water (Theertha) will be distributed to all the devotees present on the occasion. Light refreshments is also arranged for devotees, according to a press release from the Samaja Hon. Secretary K.A. Belliappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / October 16th, 2023

Minister offers pooja at Bhagamandala ahead of Cauvery Teerthodhbhava

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , , , ,

HIGHLIGHTS

The district administration has made all the preparations to host annual Cauvery Tula Sankramana to be held on Tuesday at 1.27 am at Tala cauvery , the birth place of river Cauvery.

Minister offers pooja at Bhagamandala ahead of Cauvery Teerthodhbhava

Madikeri:

The district administration has made all the preparations to host annual Cauvery Tula Sankramana to be held on Tuesday at 1.27 am at Tala cauvery , the birth place of river Cauvery. The special rituals and preparations taking place at Talakaveri and Bhagamandala since the 27th of September. District In-charge Minister Bosaraju visited Talacauvery and Bhagandala to review the arrangements. His visit included a special pooja at the Bhagandeshwara temple in Bhagamandala ,marking the beginning of the traditional lighting of the lamp (Nanda Deepa), which will remain lit for the next month.

The Nanda Deepa, which is traditionally lit on this occasion, will continue to burn until next month. This year, the festival occurs late at night, and both the district administration and the government have been diligently working to ensure all necessary preparations are in place to facilitate the event. Minister N.S. Bosaraju expressed his confidence in the smooth execution of the J teertodhbhava. He also reviewed preparations at the Bhagandeshwar Temple and Talacauvery shrines. The preparations are in full swing at Bhagamandala, and the Talacauvery temples in anticipation of the holy Teerthodhbhava celebration. Minister Bosaraju was accompanied by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna during the inspection. Deputy commissioner Venkat Raja briefed the minister on the construction of a stage for cultural and religious programs, the establishment of barricades for convinience of devotees and other necessary arrangements. The focus is on ensuring that devotees have a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.

The minister assured that proper facilities and arrangements, such as food distribution, medical assistance, and ambulance services, will be provided to make the event safe and comfortable for devotees. In terms of security, there will be a significant police presence, under the leadership of SP , one ASP , two Deputy Superintendents, nine Inspectors, 15 Sub-Inspectors, 30 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 350 head constables, and other police personnel, including Home Guards, ensuring the safety of the event. KSRTC Depot Manager Mehbooba Ali said that additional buses will be deployed on the Madikeri- Talacauvery routes to meet the transportation needs of the devotees. According to sources nearly 50 thousand crowd would witness Teerthodhbhava. The devotees from Chennai, Tamil Nadu would also visit the shrine along with devotees from various districts of state.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Hans News Service / October 17th, 2023

Sacred ritual honouring Cauvery aims at protecting river ecosystem

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

‘Cauvery Maha Aarathi’ , an initiative started in 2010 to create awareness, will complete 150 months of continuing rituals to the river this month.

A sacred ritual, as part of the ‘Cauvery Maha Aarathi’, at Kushalnagar in Kodagu district. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri : 

The looming water scarcity and the need to protect rivers are evident from the ongoing Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It was over 12 years ago that a few organisations from across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu urged residents to preserve and protect River Cauvery from its birthplace in Talacauvery to Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu. ‘Cauvery Maha Aarathi’, an initiative started in 2010 to create awareness, will complete 150 months of continuing rituals to the river this month.

The ritual has also spread to the banks of the river at Ramanathapura in Hassan district. “Seers and a few citizens from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu visit Talacauvery every year and start off the ‘yatra’ towards Poompuhar. They visit all the important places located by the banks of Cauvery from Kodagu to Tamil Nadu, and spread awareness amongst the public to protect the river,” he added. The ‘yatra’ will be carried out by a group of seers this year to coincide with the 150th full moon day, and the Cauvery Maha Arathi ritual will be held on October 20.

“Cauvery was offered puja on the full moon day for the 149th month on September 29. The ritualistic puja is a sacrosanct reminder to everyone to protect and prevent pollution of the river. If the Cauvery is not protected, the water crisis will worsen, and we want to create awareness about the same,” explained Chandramohan, a member of the Cauvery Maha Arathi team and convenor of the Cauvery Swachata Andolana forum.

The 149th puja was performed on the banks of the Cauvery at Kushalnagar and the event highlighted the need to look at the river as sacred in order to protect her. “For the past 12 years, we have been creating awareness among locals and tourists against river pollution. A few renowned seers suggested that we start something similar to Ganga Aarathi and the initiative began,” he said, adding that apart from the ritual puja on every full moon, a ‘yatra’ from Talacauvery to Poompuhar is also held annually. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress. com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 02nd, 2023