Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Digital libraries in Kodagu introduce Chess and board games to rural kids

Every school has a library hour and they are now being put to good use following the efforts from the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat.

TheOnline Chess Olympiad is scheduled to begin from September.

Madikeri :

Taking inspiration from the ongoing Chess Olympiad, the Karnataka state government has issued a notification to introduce the game of Chess to the students. Similarly, the rural kids of Kodagu are now indulging in the board game, which is being introduced across all the Digital Libraries in the district.

Every school has a library hour and they are now being put to good use following the efforts from the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat. “The state has issued a notification to introduce indoor board games in libraries.

Similarly, to coincide with the ongoing Chess Olympiad, Chess has been introduced in the digital libraries – which is being utilized by many rural kids,” explained Banwar Singh Meena, the CEO of ZP. He added that the digital libraries are being promoted as a social space and several indoor games including carrom and chess are being introduced.

The funds from the grama panchayat are being used to buy the required sports material and kids will have access to rubik cube, carrom, chess and even rural board games including ‘Chenna Mane’. “The concept is being introduced gradually across the libraries. The panchayat staff, librarian, PDO or anyone who knows the games is training the rural kids. These are all silent games and go hand in hand with the library decorum,” he added.

Many schools, especially in the rural parts, are now using the facilities of digital libraries to promote interest in reading and introduce the interest in board games. The kids who mostly spend their free time indulging in mobile phones, are now heading to libraries to play board games during the school’s library hour period and during their free time. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / July 31st, 2022

Mud fest in the marshes

When the monsoon turns farmlands into sludge tracts, Kodagu girds up for some thrilling rural sports.

Madikeri :

Monsoons in Kodagu are beautiful. The lushness of nature and play of the fog during the season is poetic — that’s apart from the recent calamities. And to add some thrill to the chilly wet weather, the ancestors of the land followed a unique pursuit — the ‘Kesaru Gaddhe Oota’ event or Sludge Sports. Races, football, tug-of-war… the sports are varied and taken up in slushy farmlands. Enthusiasts plunge into mud pools, unmindful of the rain and slippery earth, at one with nature. Young and old, girls and boys participate.

Kodagu is primarily an agricultural district, and the culture of the people is often intertwined with their farmlands. The important festivals of the district revolve around nature and farms — be it ‘Puthari’, ‘Kailpodh’ or ‘Tula Sankramana’. Similarly, the district is also active in sports, and what’s interesting is that the ancestors connected sports activities with farmlands, and took the entertainment level up by a notch.

Every year, between June and August, several farmlands, especially in rural areas of the district, host unique sports events. Sludgy farmlands become running tracks and hundreds take part in the event amid pouring rain and chilly weather.“All our festivals are linked to farmlands, and our ancestors also linked sports activities with the farms. Once the fields were sowed with paddy seeds, the traditional sports ‘Naati Oota’ (translating to harvest run) would be held in every village,” explained Apattira Tatu Monnappa, former president of the District Youth Club, and winner of the State Youth Award. In ancestral times, races were hosted in sludgy farmlands ploughed for paddy. 

As soon as the monsoon sets in, various organisations and associations come forward to host sports events at private farmlands. Though sludge sports in farmlands formed a part of the culture, the activities witnessed a gradual decline. “Earlier, every village hosted this activity during the cultivation season. Locally grown produce, including banana bunches, coconuts and arecanuts, were handed over as prizes to the winners. This slowly vanished as youngsters moved to cities and showed less interest in their farms,” recalled Kannikanda Subbaiah, a native of Surlabbi village.

Nevertheless, the traditions are now being revived. While the villagers themselves hosted sports activities in farmlands as a part of farming customs, they are now being organised by various organisations and associations. “While there were several sports activities during summer, events were few during the monsoon. With an aim to revive the rural sports tradition and involve youngsters in sports activities during the monsoon, we started organising ‘Kesaru Gaddhe’ annually,” explained Rafeque Tuchamakeri, founder-president of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ponnampet Nisarga. The organisation has been hosting the event for the past six years at a private farmland in Bittangala.

“During ancestral times, sporting events on farmlands were part of agriculture activity. Rural sports brought together the entire village, and it was a means of relaxation before the tedious work began. With  farmlands now being abandoned and the interest in agriculture vanishing, rural sports have become a means of reviving both agriculture and sports. The associations and organisations now aim to introduce agricultural activities through these sports events,” opined Tatu.

Sports activities now draw a large number of youngsters into the farmlands and have become events that residents look forward to. “Not many youngsters are interested in agriculture. To introduce agriculture and invoke interest in farmlan­ds, sports activities in the farmlands were being held from ancestral times. While sports is a means of entertainment, it has also become a medium to introduce farming among kids. Interest in sports is, in turn, helping develop interest in agriculture,” concluded Shashi Somaiah, a sports journalist and resident of Madikeri.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / July 31st, 2022

‘Get acquainted with Kodava tradition’

Kodava Education Society Joint Secretary Chiriyapanda Raja Nanjappa inaugurates ‘Kodavame Padipu’ programme at CIT PU College in Ponnampet on Wednesday. Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairperson Dr Parvathi Appaiah, Academy member Dr Mullengada Revathi

People are busy in agricultural activities during the month of Kakkada and also it keeps raining during the month. Hence, our ancestors imposed restrictions on holding auspicious programmes during Kakkada month, opined Kodava Sahitya Academy member Dr Mullengada Revathi Poovaiah.

Speaking during ‘Kodavame Padipu’ programme, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, at Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT) in Ponnampet on Wednesday, she said that the youth should understand the reasons behind the religious rituals. “Our elders gave a lot of importance to indigenous food and used them during the rainy season. They planned their food according to the seasons,” Revathi added.

Inaugurating the programme, Kodava Education Society Joint Secretary Chiriyapanda Raja Nanjappa said it is believed that the Kodava tribe was present during the origination of River Cauvery and called upon the present generation to get acquainted with the local tradition and culture.

He further said, “The Jamma land is not government land. It is inherited by Kodavas from generations. Also, the gun is used for religious rituals in Kodava culture. However, our ancestors did not use a gun for fighting. Gun rights of Kodavas should be preserved, he added.

During the programme, the resource persons spoke on the importance of ‘Kakkada Padinett’, ‘Kakkada Tingalra Pudume’, ‘Kodava Namme’ and ‘Kodava Takk’.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairperson Dr Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah, member Padinjaranda Prabhukumar, CIT PU College Principal Dr Sannuvanda Rohini Thimmaiah, Thookbolak Kala Sahitya Vedike convener Madhosh Poovaiah and others were present.

Students of CIT PU College watched the programme online.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / DHNS, Kodagu / August 14th, 2020

‘Nadi Utsava to create awareness on protection of rivers’

DC calls upon various organisations to help make the festival a success.

Deputy Commissioner Dr B C Sateesha chairs a preparatory meeting on Nadi Utsava at his office in Madikeri on Monday. DH Photo

Nadi Utsava will be held as a part of the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence in the district, said Deputy Commissioner Dr B C Sateesha.

The festival is directed towards spreading awareness on the protection of rivers, river banks and cleanliness, he said.

He was speaking during a preparatory meeting held at his office in Madikeri on Monday.

The deputy commissioner called upon various organisations to join hands with the district administration in making the Utsava successful.

Kaveri Neeravari Nigama Ltd engineer Nagesh said that the Nadi Utsava will be held on December 17 and 18.

The inaugural function will be held in Talakaveri on December 17 afternoon and the programme will be held in Kushalnagar on December 18.

A motorbike rally will be held from Talakaveri to Bhagamandala to create awareness about cleanliness. Later, a programme directed towards creating awareness on the protection of rivers will be held at Triveni Sangama.

Also, a cleanliness camp and Deepotsava are planned as a part of Nadi Utsava, he added.

Nagesh further said that a formal stage function will be held on December 18. The Nadi Utsava Jagruthi rally will be taken out from the Kaveri statue to the Ayyappa Swamy Temple.

Kaveri Nadi Jagruthi Vedike president Chandramohan said that the organisations in 23 Gram Panchayat limits and a Town Panchayat limit in Bhagamandala to Shirangala should take part in the Nadi Utsava. Information should be provided to the organisation by the administration.

Leader Monti Ganesh requested the organisers to ensure precautionary measures against Covid-19.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat district president M P Keshava Kamath called upon the youth to take part in the Utsava in large numbers.

Kodagu Gowda Samaja Federation president Surthale Somanna said that importance should be given to the cleanliness campaign in the Gram Panchayats in the Kaveri river basin.

All people should come together for the good cause of protecting the Kaveri river, he added.

During the meeting, it was decided to form sub-committees of Nadi Utsava.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy chairperson Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah, Karnataka Arebhashe Cultural and Literary Academy chairman Lakshminarayana Kajegadde, leaders M B Devaiah and Talakaveri-Bhagamandala temple executive officer Krishnappa were present, among others.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / December 06th, 2021

New Team For Igguthappa Kodava Assn

A group photo of the new office-bearers of Sri Igguthappa  Kodava  Association, Vivekananda Nagar, Mysuru. President: Moodera P. Belliappa, Vice-President: Nellamakkada Kaverappa, Joint Secretary: Porangada Somaiah,  Hon. Secretary / Treasurer: Anjanda Kumari; Committee Members: Saddumudira Kalappa, Chottangada Belliappa, Kuttetira Suresh, Appachettolanda Beena Erappa, Chottekalapanda Prema Uthaiah and Kademada Harish Poovaiah.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / March 16th, 2017

‘Appacha Kavi’s residence should be developed as memorial’

Kodava Samaja, Napoklu, president Appachettolanda Manu Muttappa inaugurates the 153rd birth anniversary celebrations of Appacha Kavi, organised at Appacha Kavi auditorium in Kodava Samaja, Napoklu.

The Ainmane, traditional house of Haradasa Appacha Kavi, the first poet of Kodagu, should be developed into a memorial, said Appachettolanda Manu Muttappa, president of Napoklu Kodava Samaja.

He was speaking during the 153rd birth anniversary celebrations of Appacha Kavi, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Napoklu Kodava Samaja, at Appacha Kavi auditorium, on Tuesday.

Manu Muttappa said that along with the residences of great poets and writers, their native places should also be developed.

“There is a need to introduce Appacha Kavi’s works to the present generation. Appacha Kavi had great knowledge of Kannada and Sanskrit. An education officer called Raghunatha Raya inspired Appacha Kavi to create literary works in the Kodava language, he said.

Speaking on Appacha Kavi, Rangayana, Mysuru, director Addanda Cariappa said that Appacha Kavi should be awarded the ‘Karnataka Ratna’ award.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy chairperson Dr Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah, Academy registrar Ajjikuttira Girish, Appaneravanda Ainmane Development Committee president Appaneravanda Chummi Devaiah, Appaneravanda Ramu and Dr Manoj were present.

‘Ummattat’ and other cultural programmes were held on the occasion.

Folklore scholar Bottolanda Kashi Achaiah sang songs composed by Appacha Kavi.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Napoklu / September 21st, 2022

Karnataka Arrabashe Culture and Sahitya Academy: Honorary Award announced to three IV News

Karnataka Arrabashe Culture and Sahitya Akademi has announced the Honorary Award for the year 2021.

Tukaram Enekallu of Kadaba, P.G. of Sullya. Chandira Basappa of Ambekal, Madikeri will be honored with the award, Lakshminarayan Kazegadde, president of the academy said in the announcement.

Tukaram
Tukaram Enekallu of Kadaba taluk is a retired Director of College Physical Education by profession. In 1992, Subrahmanya K.S.S. “Kusuma Saranga” stage unit was established in the college and produced 26 plays in 23 years. In addition, many rural talents have been brought to modern theater and given theater education. Alumni of Kusuma Saranga Ranga Troupe have been selected for the prestigious “Ninasam” organization due to their immense contribution. Maha Mai, Chitrapata, Harinabhisaran, Sirisampi plays produced under his leadership have received state level awards. He was honored by the Karnataka State Drama Academy in 2010. Recently, he has also won the DK District CGK Ranga Award.

P.G. Ambekal
PG Ambekal (Puttanna Gowda Ambekal) of Paylar, Amara Mutnur village, Sulya taluk, graduated with MA, BED, was a teacher in Chettalli High School, Kodagu district, and settled in Bangalore after retirement. His works are Tabli Manha-anthology in Arabic, Goode Chaguttu-Jompe of Arabic dramas, Ninna Premada Pariya-anthology in Kannada, Avaravara Kanni-anthology in Arabic (in print). Kodagu Mate in Arrabish, Goudadoni and Hingara are well known to the Arrabish community for writing several Arrabish articles in the newspaper. Acted in several plays. Several school students have also been brought to the stage. He was honored for his achievements in the field of literature in the 2nd Semi-Language Literature Conference held at Alur-Siddapur of Somwarpet Taluk.

Chandira K. Basappa
Chandira K. of Kokeri village. Basappana is a resident of Napoklu in Madikeri taluk. Chosen for the award for achievement in the field of culture. After serving as a Subedar in the Indian Land Army after Excelsior, he retired and currently resides in Mysore.

He is also a Sobane singer who has composed works in Arabic including Sri Mate Kaveri Suprabhata in Arabic, Sripadi Iggutappa Deva Suprabhata, Composition of God’s Names in Arabic.

source: http://www.irshivideos.com / IV News / Home> Latest News / edited / July 26th, 2022

Gulshan Devaiah to star in ‘Duranga’ based on Korean show ‘Flower of Evil’

Mumbai:

Bollywood actor Gulshan Devaiah is all set to star in the upcoming romantic thriller OTT series ‘Duranga’ along with actress Drashti Dhami. The series is an official adaptation of the Korean show named ‘Flower of Evil’ and has been directed by Pradeep Sarkar and Aijaz Khan.

The series chronicles the love story of Sammit (played by Gulshan Devaiah) and Ira (played by Drashti Dhami), that unfolds in three different timelines. Hiding a twisted past, Sammit maintains the facade of a perfect husband to his Inspector wife – Ira. With a series of twists and turns, Ira begins investigating multiple gory copycat murders by the suspected accomplice of a psychopathic serial killer Bala, twenty years after his suicide.

‘Duranga’ has been produced by Goldie Behl and Shradha Singh and will soon bow down on OTT platform ZEE5.

Talking about the series, Goldie, producer at Rose Audio Visuals, said in a statement: “At Rose Audio Visuals we have always been committed to producing quality, out of the box content which is also entertaining. ‘Duranga’ is a step forward in that direction.”

“It is a special subject because it explores the concept of marriage but through a unique twisted lens, something you have never seen before. The unusual pairing of Drashti Dhami and Gulshan Devaiah has worked very well for us. Their characters in the show come from very varied, distinct backgrounds and they both have divulged completely into it.”

The 9-episode series also stars Rajesh Khattar, Divya Sheth, Zakir Hussain, Barkha Bisht, Abhijit Khandkekar and Hera Mishra in prominent roles.

As the case unfolds, it leads Drashti’s character to some shocking revelations about her husband. The story will show how the protagonists wade through constant problems, despite which, they stand tall.

“‘Duranga’ primarily deals with the subject of how well you know your partner and then explores the story further. We may believe that we know our partner really well, but do we really? That’s what Duranga will explore and answer. Very excited to present the show and we hope the audience totally resonates with it the way we did,” Goldie further mentioned.

–IANS

source: http://www.newsroomodisha.com / Newsroom Odisha / Home> Entertainment / by Newsroom Odhisha / July 25th, 2022

Brahmagiri Kodava Association AGM And Get-Together Held

Mysore/Mysuru:

Members of Brahmagiri Kodava Association (BKA), Mysuru,  conducted its AGM and get-together function at Kodava Samaja premises in city on Sunday.

Association President Nayakanda Prakash, while addressing the gathering, appealed to them to put across their suggestions to the Association office-bearers to bring bonhomie belongingness among members and serve the society.

He also called upon the members to take part in various activities of the Association.

After discussions during AGM  on utilisation of available  corpus of the Association, it was decided that the final decision would be taken in due course  by the office-bearers and Committee Members, keeping in view the best interest of members and their School and College going children.

Children of members of BKA were felicitated with cash awards for securing distinction/ highest marks in SSLC and PUC during the academic year 2021-2022.

Games were organised separately for ladies and children and prizes were distributed by elderly members.

Mallamada Devaiah, Secretary, read out the activities of the previous year. Mandetira Shakunthala read out the Accounts.

Pandiyanda Pradeep welcomed. Thirodira Dev proposed a vote of thanks. Chananda Jyothi compered the programme.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 26th, 2022

Rafting Thrill Draws Tourists To Rapids At Dubare, Barapole

Kushalnagar:

Adventure lovers who have been pining to get some adrenaline rush are heading towards Dubare and Barapole in Kodagu district for whitewater river rafting and rappelling in the rapids. Rafting in the Cauvery and at Barapole is an exhilarating experience. Rafting usually starts once the inflow into the Cauvery and Barapole increases and the level rises. A raft is a rubberised, inflatable boat with different carrying capacities.

A 7-kilometre journey at Dubare will take about one-and-a-half hours while it is shorter but adventurous at Barapole’s 4.5-km rafting. The tranquil water may be a deceitful thing along the course of the Cauvery and Barapole as one hits the rapids (a section of the river where the water moves very fast particularly over or bisecting the rocks).

If one is tired of their mundane schedule and wants to try something adventurous with friends then river rafting is one of the perfect and thrilling options that one can opt for. The thrill, however, is not without a certain amount of risk. However, the risks are what enhance the river rafting experience for many adrenaline junkies.

Rapid adventure

At Dubare, rafters will get to experience two rapids and swimming is allowed at two places. Barapole has more than nine Class 2 Class 4 rapids and is set on the banks of the Kithu Kakathu River (KKR). The river is a turbulent one all along its route as it flows through the Brahmagiri hills to the Arabian Sea via Kerala.

While June to the end of September is the ‘whitewater’ season, October to December or January is a ‘stillwater’ season. After which, the water level depletes. Whitewater is formed in a rapid when a river’s gradient changes enough to generate so much turbulence that air is trapped within the water. This forms an unstable current that froths, making the water appear opaque and white. Stillwater is part of a stream where no water current is visible.

The response for rafting is pretty good with over 2,000 rafters during weekends and over 250 rafters daily. At Dubare, there are 70 rafts and 70 guides while Barapole has 9 rafts and 9 guides. Soon, 10 more rafts will be added to the existing fleet at Dubare as there is a huge demand.

Safety is of paramount importance here and all the guides are well trained. Life jackets are worn by all the rafters and the guide and at Dubare, each life jacket can withstand a weight of 180 kgs and there is little chance of drowning. Rafting at Dubare costs Rs. 600 per person and Rs. 1,200 at Barapole. Each raft can carry six rafters and one guide.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Pavan of Coorg Water Rafting Sports and Adventures, Barapole, said that the response is good. “Only those who are passionate about rafting and adventure come here and we have many regulars. It is quite challenging and tests the adventure spirit,” he said.

Barapole

Need changing room for ladies

C.L. Vishwa, raft owner and former President of Dubare Rafters Association, said that they desperately need a changing room at Dubare for ladies and girls and also there is a need to establish a drinking water facility.

“If the District Administration wants to attract more tourists to Dubare, then a hanging bridge is a must for tourists to reach the Elephant Camp from one side of the Cauvery river. Unfortunately, the tourist-friendly project has been shelved by officers without a vision,” he added.

Rules and regulations

The Kodagu District Administration has came out with a 23-point formula to ensure safety. The operators must secure permission from the Departments of Police, Forests, Fire Force and Tourism, and employ trained guards to accompany the rafters. Every one of them should have ID cards issued by Tourism Department and should be trained in first-aid methods. Smoking and drinking is prohibited during rafting. Rafters should also obtain permission from the Karnataka Inland Water Transport Department.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / July 24th, 2022