An 18-member team from National Defence College, New Delhi visited Gen. Thimayya Memorial Museum at Madikeri in Kodagu district on Wednesday.
The team was led by Air Vice-Marshal Tejbir Singh who said that the museum is a source of inspiration for present and future military leaders and eulogised Gen.Thimayya’s role in strengthening the defence forces.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 01st, 2023
Tourist footfall at Raja Seat in Madikeri has risen with the top tourist destination and one of the most visited sites in Kodagu hosting a flower show since Friday.
The flower show concludes on February 6.
Nearly 20 species of flowers and about 12,000 plants are part of the show with special floral decorations.
The highlights of the show include varieties of exhibits created in flowers, bonsai plants and others.
The Principal Secretary, Horticulture, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, visited the flower show with Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish on Saturday.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 04th, 2023
A quick look at the day that was for Kolkata.
To commemorate the distinguished services rendered by General KS Thimayya, Padma Bhushan, DSO, a commemorative postage stamp and the first day cover were issued by the Department of Posts and Army Postal Service Corps at Fort William, Kolkata on February 4, 2023.
Lt General RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, and Col of the Kumaon & Naga Regiments and Kumaon Scouts unveiled the stamp and signed the First Day Cover in the presence of prominent dignitaries, veterans, senior serving Army officers and the present and Ex-Commanding Officers of 4 & 8 Kumaon, the battalions where General KS Thimayya had served.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> My Kolkata > News / by Kolkata Web Desk (edited) pix 2 of 4 / February 04th, 2023
Featuring works of artists Amit Srivastava and Duhita Samaiyar, the exhibition will go on till February 5
“Classical realism portrays how human beings naturally see the world. Different (art) movements will come and go; there will be contemporary takes on it so that realism can be used to document what’s happening in our times. But the genre itself will never lose relevance – it will never go away,” said artist Amit Srivastava. We spoke to him at MKF Museum of Art in Bengaluru. The Delhi-based artist was in town for the exhibition Realism Revisited, which is featuring some of his paintings along with the works of Coorg-based artist Duhita Samaiyar.
“…it’s what the canvas does to you”
Apart from their shared passion for classical realism, the artists share one more commonality – both of them started pursuing art as a full-time career later in life. For instance, an IIT-Delhi alumnus, Amit had a successful career in IT before he quit it in pursuit of his long-standing passion for the arts. He then studied under master painter Anthony Ryder at The Ryder Studio in the US. According to Amit, the most profound learning he received there was when Anthony Rhyder told him, “It’s not what you do to the canvas, it’s what the canvas does to you.”
Taking cues, Amit now has developed a body of work that can be described as a synthesis of “careful observation and classical painting techniques,” based on his belief that when one pays enough attention to something, it opens up to them.
Amit’s works showcased at the ongoing exhibition bears testimony to that. Seemingly mundane objects like teapots and wine bottles find their way as recurring motifs in his still-life paintings. But little nuances like the play of light on the objects would suggest a painter with an observant eye and patient mind.
“Teapots, wine bottles…these are things I am very close to because I am a very tea-and-coffee person,” the artist smiled and said. Speaking further about the exhibition, he said, “This is a very refreshing exhibition for people in Bengaluru because it’s a different take on realism. From academicians and accomplished artists to collectors and students, this exhibition is something that must be seen.”
“…when you paint from life, you understand the special relationships among objects”
On the other hand, Duhita only started pursuing art as a full-time career at the age of 45. A graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Duhita had a rewarding career as a fashion designer. It was only in 2015 that she decided to use her natural flair for arts and enrolled in The Florence Academy of Art. Since her graduation in 2018, she based her art on the observation of nature and universal themes – which had, by then, disappeared from contemporary art schools.
One can see similar themes portrayed in her works at the gallery. Even still images featuring antique objects — like old copper vessels — carry an element of nature like an egg. When asked whether she is trying to put any particular message consistently through most of her works, the artist spoke about championing environmentalism.
One of her still-life images displayed at the exhibition — called the Antique Brass and Benares Silk — features an azure silk cloth coming out of a brass vessel as if it is ‘pouring’ the cloth. The artist let us in on the story of its creation. “The vessel you see was the kind of vessel Indians used to carry water in, long ago; the silk cloth was representative of water. During the time, a lot of thoughts around water conservation were going on in my mind… and about how marine life is dying.” The painting also depicts a candle that has gone off, symbolising that we are running out of time in conserving and regenerating natural resources.
On a concluding note, the artist also shared notes on the techniques of her craft and how painting from life makes a work of art more interesting. “When you paint from a photograph, the image is very flat. But when you paint from life, you get a sense of depth, a sense of all the special relationships among the objects, and how the effects of atmosphere diffuse edges.”
The artists also spilled beans on the future of artists in a world filled with AI-driven art tools, their upcoming projects, and much more. To catch up, listen to the exclusive two-part series of interviews to be out soon on Spotify and YouTube!
Till February 5, 11 am onwards. At Lavelle Road. Details: +919019276294.
E-mail: prattusa@newindianexpress.com
Twitter: @MallikPrattusa
source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / Indulge Express , The New Indian Express / Home> Culture> Art / by Prattusa Mallik / February 03rd, 2023
Mysore/Mysuru:
The 20th Annual Sathyanarayaswamy Puja and Annual Meeting of Ramakrishnanagar ‘I’ Block Kodava Welfare Association and adjoining residents was held recently under the Chairmanship of Kodandera Puspha Machaiah at Shree Ganapathy Temple in Ramakrishnanagar.
Puja rituals were performed by Kadiyamada Kariappa couple.
Advisory Committee Members Dr. Kodira A. Kushalappa, Kattera A. Nanaiah, Maletira Ganapathy – Vice-President, Kenjangada Cariappa – Secretary and Codanda Swagath – Joint Secretary/ Treasurer were present on the occasion along with about 50 Kodava families.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 01st, 2023
A school in Kodagu is knitting stories of success and seeding hope in the lives of specially-abled kids.
Madikeri :
Smiling faces welcome one into the quaint ambience enveloping Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School in Madikeri. Discipline, empathy, simplicity and serenity engulf one’s senses during a visit to the school – the first institution established in Kodagu to address the needs of specially-abled kids. Kodagu Vidyalaya was set up by late Biddanda S Kushalappa. As the institution grew, Kushalappa’s son, late Biddanda Subiah (a spiritual leader), envisioned a school to address the needs of specially-abled children. Thus, Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School was founded in 1996 by BK Subiah, Meena Cariappa, and other like-minded visionaries.
Since inception, the institution has extended free, quality education to thousands of specially-abled children from across the district. “We strive for early intervention in addressing the needs of specially-abled kids in the district. The students are mostly from families with weak economic backgrounds,” explains Geetha Shridhar, the principal.
The school started its journey towards extending free education with help from benefactors and donors. Today, it receives a minimum grant from the state, alongside continued support from trustees and donors. The institution currently nurtures 61 students with special needs, who are provided an opportunity to join the mainstream. While inclusive society is still a far-fetched dream, the students here are taught to face the competitive world with finesse, confidence and creativity. Under the guidance of founders Meena Cariappa and Veena Chengappa, and Geetha Shridhar, a team of 10 special educators, including specialists trained in handling intellectual disabilities, prepare the special children to face the world.
The institution – which saw complete renovation in 2021, thanks to donations from Govind Bhat and Meenakshi Bhat Memorial Trust – currently carries an aesthetic ambience. Apart from special education by professionals, the students here grow in a tranquil atmosphere with ample space for sports activities. Hundreds from here have participated in Special Olympics and other national and international sporting events, and have also won medals.
“The institution caters to the needs of all specially-abled kids, including students with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing and speech impairments. We create awareness on the need for early intervention to address the needs of these children,” Geetha adds. Unique study plans are structured by the special educators for each individual and assistive technology is used to communicate with children with special needs. The campus also hosts a computer lab, functional kitchen, physiotherapy and sensory room, an audiology unit with audiometry chamber and vocational training centres.
A child’s ability is recognised by the special educators and suitable vocational training is extended. The institution has various training sections, including a stationery unit – where children learn to make notepads and other items; a catering unit – where kids learn to bake; a tailoring unit – where the students stitch cloth bags and other utilities; a phenyl manufacturing unit and a gardening section. The products made here are marketed at the school premises and at an outlet near GT Circle in Madikeri. Meanwhile, the kids are also taught to respect nature, even as they are skilled in scientific waste management.
ENCOURAGING STORIES
The Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School holds pride in turning a child into a source of inspiration. Fourteen-year-old Kalpanath joined the school in 1996. His abilities were identified by special educators, who trained him accordingly. He went on to represent India in the Special Olympics in Alaska, winning a medal for the country. Today, Kalpanath works as a special instructor in vocational training at a centre for people with special needs.
The institution promotes kids to take part in Special Olympics and a total of six students have won medals at state and national-level tournaments so far. Several students have passed the 10th grade exams too, and are placed in various private companies in areas ranging from computers, electronics to jewellery design. A first-of-its-kind in the district, the Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School has given hope, confidence and new meaning to the lives of many specially-abled children. “The institution has many other visions, which can be achieved through support from donors,” concludes Gurudath CS, a trustee. The management now aims at establishing a corpus fund to ensure a self-sustainable model, which will help create more programmes for better integration of the special children.
Product sale
In 2020, for the first time, the institution organised a sale of the products made on campus. It now plans to host this annually to raise funds and promote the talents of special kids.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 29th, 2023
The native cuisine uses products like jackfruit, bamboo shoots, wild honey, and Kachampuli vinegar along with locally-grown spices like black pepper and cardamom.
Bengaluru :
From traditional food to gourmet cuisine, food festivals and limited menus are excellent ways to explore the diverse gastronomic choices at restaurants in the city. They provide a great opportunity to sample a variety of new flavours while celebrating everything from regional cuisine to unique ingredients and food categories.
The Taste of Coorg at The Park, Bangalore celebrates the rich Kodava food with visiting guest chef Shimon Nanjappa.
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is renowned for its hearty micro cuisine strongly inspired by local agriculture and traditional cooking techniques. The native cuisine uses products like jackfruit, bamboo shoots, wild honey, and Kachampuli vinegar along with locally-grown spices like black pepper and cardamom.
Chef Shimon’s home kitchen in Madikeri offers authentic local food based on sustainable food practices which she will recreate at this food festival together with the hotel’s executive chef Arvind Kumar. A few of the dishes available a-la-carte are the sigdi meen barthad (prawn), kummu nallamallu fry (mushroom), koli soup (chicken), koli kari (chicken), kori yerchi nallamallu fry (lamb), pandi curry (pork), kadambuttu (steamed rice dumpling), akki roti (rice flour flatbread) and tarkari palav, all accompanied with a variety of homemade pickles and chutneys. You can round off this soul-satisfying meal with bella paputtu and cardamom custard desserts. This is ongoing until February 5.
To commemorate Republic Day, Shangri-La Bengaluru along with plant-based protein brand Evolved, and conscious retail store and farm-to-table restaurant chain Go Native, have curated a locally-inspired vegetarian afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge. This Rooted In Nature Hi-Chai brings to mind the long-gone chai nashta evening custom, in which families would gather each evening to enjoy tea, coffee, and savouries. Aloo patta sprout chaatlets, quinoa kerai vada with chutney, ghee roast plant meat samosa, and plant protein masala puffs are just a few of the delectable items on the menu.
Diners can also enjoy Mysore pak cheesecake, thinnai halwa tarts, and Coorg coffee mousse on choux paired with unlimited servings of masala chai, filter kaapi, sulaimani chai masala shikanji, or kokum cooler. This is ongoing through April.
On the other hand, foodies are in for a scrumptious pizza treat at Alba in JW Marriott Bengaluru. The La Pizzeria Limited Edition menu is served by the hotel’s chefs at the Italian fine dining establishment, and it truly embraces our love for this Italian delicacy. Giving a fresh twist, the pizzas will be topped with international flavours like the exotic
Lebanese lamb shish kebab pizza, Japanese Teriyaki pizza, the unique sambal prawn pizza, or even the Indian paneer tikka pizza. Naturally, each of these wood-fired delicacies is hand-tossed with a choice of a modern New York-style base or a traditional Neapolitan base. This is ongoing until February 12.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Aslam Gafoor, Express News Service / January 30th, 2023
With an aim to promote use of the mother tongue among children settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative.
Madikeri :
With an aim to promote the use of the mother tongue among children settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative. ‘Umbak Entha’ will soon extend ‘Kodava Thak’ (Kodava language) lessons to children from the community, even as a few adults have signed up to learn their mother tongue.
“My nephew and niece who stay in Dubai often visit Kodagu. However, they did not know how to speak their mother tongue and this caused some communication gaps with the grandparents. I started teaching them the Kodava language and now, we look forward to extending this facility to many others who face the same situation,” explained Kalengada Bopanna, the founder of the ‘Umbak Entha’ online forum.
While he and his wife, Shilpa Bopanna, often posted content on food blogging on the online site, it took a new turn recently and will extend Kodava language lessons.
With a minimal charge, children aged between 5 and 15 can enrol for online lessons and learn their mother tongue. From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will circle around basic knowledge of the language.
“A total of 31 students have already registered for the classes that will begin on February 4. Most of the students registered for the classes are from the US, the UK and Hong Kong. Others from Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also registered,” he shared.
Alongside teaching Kodava Thak, the online classes will have one session focusing on teaching ‘paddathis’ or rituals of the Kodava community. “The online classes will be held once a week for an hour or so. However, during the fourth week, we will take a class on the rituals and culture of the Kodava community,” he confirmed.
“While a majority of those who have registered are kids, we also have four adults, who will join us in learning their mother tongue. The classes on the language will be taught by homemakers who are well-versed in the language. For classes on rituals, guest lecturers from within the district will be appointed,” he said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 30th, 2023
From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will focus on the fundamentals of the language.
Madikeri :
With an aim to promote the mother tongue among kids settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative. ‘Umbak Entha’, an online platform will soon extend ‘Kodava Takk’ (Kodava language) lessons to the community kids even as a few adults have signed up to learn their mother tongue.
“My nephew and niece who stay in Dubai often visit Kodagu. However, they did not know how to speak their mother tongue and this caused a bit of a communication gap with the grandparents. I started teaching them the Kodava language and now we look forward to extending this facility to many others who face the same situation,” said Kalengada Bopanna, the founder of the ‘Umbak Entha’ online forum.
While he and his wife Shilpa Bopanna often posted on food blogging at the online site, it took a new turn recently and will extend Kodava language lessons.
With a minimal price charge, kids aged between 5 and 15 can enrol for these classes to learn their mother tongue. From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will focus on the fundamentals of the language.
“A total of 31 students have already registered for the classes that will begin from February 4. Most of the students registered for the classes are from the US, UK and Hong Kong. Others from Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also registered,” he explained.
Further, alongside teaching the ‘Kodava takk’, the online classes will have one session that will focus on teaching ‘paddathis’ or rituals of the Kodava community. “The online classes will be held once a week for an hour or one and a half hours. However, during the fourth week, we will take a class on the rituals and culture of the Kodava community,” he confirmed.
While the majority of registrations are from, they also have four adults including a 52-year-old, who will join us in learning their mother tongue. The classes on the language will be taught by homemakers who are well-versed in the language. And for the classes on rituals, guest lecturers from within the district will be appointed.
“The ‘paddathi’ classes can teach one anything including the unique style of draping a saree or wearing the Kupya Chale. While we have planned the course for a duration of three months, we are yet to take further decisions,” he said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 29th, 2023
The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department.
The historic mortar at the Raja Seat in Madikeri is blossoming in vibrant colours and happily stepping into the spring season. While greenery covered most parts of the park, it is now filled with brightly coloured, blossomed plants. The iconic tourist destination is now decking up for the annual Flower Show event, which will be held from February 3 to February 6.
The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department. The flower show will be inaugurated at 4 pm on February 3 with an entry fee of Rs 20.
“Raja Seat is getting ready to host the flower show, with almost 10,000 to 12,000 flowering plants already being set out at the venue,” confirmed Dr BC Sateesha, the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate. Around 15 to 20 varieties of flowering plants including petunia, canna, salbia, chrysanthemum, marigold, zinnia, calendula, phlox and daliya have been seeded in the park’s garden and are already blossoming in vibrant colours.
Furthermore, the venue will have historical structures of Kodagu decorated in flowers, including the iconic Nalknad Palace. The event will also create awareness of voting where the ballot unit, VV Pat, control unit, etc. will be recreated using flowers. From cardboard cutouts of superheroes to well-known leaders, everything will be decorated with flowers along with bonsai and anthurium that will deck up the entire venue.
The event will also provide a platform for the farmers to exhibit their unique products, which will be judged for the competition. A total of 60 shops will be established at the Gandhi Maidan (a few meters away from Raja Seat)consisting of various outlets from various government departments and private partners.
Alongside the flower show, a Wine Utsav will also be hosted which will exhibit both homemade as well as wines from the Wine Board that will be available for tasting activity. The event is seen as a boost to the tourism sector as Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh has been funded.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 27th, 2023
