Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Organisations demand repair of Hindu crematorium in Meenpete

Members of various organisations submit a memorandum to Town Panchayat chief officer Chandra Kumar.

Members of various organisations urged the Town Panchayat to repair the Hindu crematorium in Meenpete. 

The members of the Muthappa Temple Committee, Onam Celebration Committee, Hindu Malayali Association and SNDP unit of Virajpet submitted a memorandum to Town Panchayat executive officer Chandra Kumar.

Onam Celebration Committee secretary C R Babu said that the cremation chamber is in a deplorable condition. It is difficult to conduct cremations at the crematorium.

Legal action should be initiated against those who stole iron equipment from the crematorium, he demanded. 

Muthappa Temple Committee member C R Sajeevan said that the crematorium in the past was managed by the temple committee. Now, it is maintained by the Town Panchayat.

The emergency works should be taken up immediately. Steps should be initiated to take up a cleanliness drive at least once a month at the crematorium, he added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Virajpet / December 07th, 2021

Annual General Body Meetings

The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) and get-together function of Sree Igguthappa Kodava Kshemabhivrudhi Sangha, Hebbal, will be held on Dec. 12 at 9.30 am at Gurumane Hall, Kodava Samaja Mysore, Vijayanagara 1st Stage, in city.

Sangha President Malachira M. Ponnappa will preside.

Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Jayalakshmipuram, will hold its AGM (2020-2021) at the Sangha premises on Dec. 19 at 10.30 am.

Sangha President A.C. Nanjamma will preside.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / December 05th, 2021

Now, General Thimayya Museum to showcase models of ships, submarine sent by Indian Navy

While artillery and models from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force were present in large numbers, the museum had just a ship anchor to represent the Indian Navy.

The life-size model of a Navy ship being installed at the museum (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The General Thimayya Museum, which has become the pride of Kodagu, will soon have more exhibits installed – this time with support from the Indian Navy. Steps are being taken to install these models at the museum and they are likely to be unfurled to the world on December 13 by high-ranking officials from the Indian Navy.

The General Thimayya Museum in Madikeri was inaugurated by the President of India in February this year. The museum not only narrates the life story of General Thimayya, but is home to models of many types of artillery and military hardware from the Indian armed forces. While artillery and models from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force were present in large numbers, the museum had just a ship anchor to represent the Indian Navy. The General Thimayya and FMKM Cariappa Forum, who are the main hands behind raising the museum, were keen on availing artillery from the Indian Navy.

Incidentally, Rear Admiral Ichettira Uthaiah recently visited the General Thimayya Museum. He is the nephew of Col. (retired) KC Subbaiah who is the president of the General Thimayya and FMKM Cariappa Forum. “During the Rear Admiral’s visit, Col. Subbaiah asked Uthaiah to stand between an Army tank and MiG aircraft models installed outside the museum and wondered why a Navy ship was missing,” narrated Major (retired) Nanda Nanjappa, convener of the forum.

After Rear Admiral Uthaiah’s return to Delhi, he readied a life-size model of a new ship (whose name will be revealed during the inauguration) and has now delivered it to the museum. Along with the 24-feet-long and six-feet-wide life-size model of the ship, a model of a submarine, a model of INS Khukri (that took part in the 1971 operations) and a naval cannon have been sent by the Indian Navy to the museum. “Representatives from the Navy will be arriving and the artillery will be erected at the museum the way the Navy wants,” he explained.

Further, these are likely to be unfurled to the world on December 13 and Vice Admiral Biswajit Das Gupta who is the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command will take part in the inaugural ceremony alongside Rear Admiral Uthaiah and the forum members. “We are in talks with the Kodagu DC to give us the dates and final plans will be made after talks with Lt Gen (retired) PC Thimmayya,” confirmed Major (retired) Nanjappa.  

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Pragna G R, Express News Service / November 30th, 2021

General K.S. Thimayya’s Grandson Visits Sunny Side

More memorabilia of the General to find place in the Museum

Madikeri:

‘Sunny Side’, General K.S. Thimayya’s house in Madikeri that has been converted into a Museum and a War Memorial, was dedicated to the nation in February this year by President Ram Nath Kovind. The place attracts a steady stream of visitors including tourists, Defence personnel and the local residents.

On Friday, the celebrated General’s grandson Kongetira Belliappa visited the Museum that is located on G.T. Road in Madikeri. Belliappa is the son of Thimayya’s daughter Mireille, who married Maj. Gen. Kongetira M. Chengappa.

General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 in the crucial years leading up to the conflict with China in 1962. Impressed with the way the Museum has been designed and maintained, Belliappa said that the place can be further improved with more memorabilia of the General.

Going around the Museum, he saw his grandfather’s photos and other artefacts. He recollected the service of General Thimayya who was known as the ‘Soldier’s General.’ “The family will strive to include more photos and items of relevance of the General and make it available to the public so that many more can get inspired to join the Armed Forces,” he told reporters after the visit.

Some of the photographs portrayed the legendary General’s brilliant strategies and daring that have set the standard for professional soldiering and leadership. Belliappa appreciated the collection of photographs, artefacts and other items related to the Indian Army at the Museum.

Before visiting the Museum, Belliappa met Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Dr. B.C. Satish and held a detailed discussion with him on how to improve the Museum. The DC assured that the District Administration would extend all help to make the Museum more accessible and to include more and more artefacts.

Deputy Director of Kannada and Culture Department K.T. Darshan, Manajooru Majunath, a relative of General Thimayya Kambiranda Nithin Ganapathy and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 28th, 2021

The real picture

Shot in Kodagu, this short film that is winning several international awards, throws light on the fight against sexual abuse.

Bengaluru :

Three characters, 15 minutes and one message…that’s One Right Kick, a Kannada short film that has won 12 international awards in the category of Best Film on Women. Directed by Balachander Muthappa, the short film features Simhika PV, daughter of PV Shashikanth, former Karnataka Ranji cricket team head coach, as one of the lead roles, along with artistes Ramesh Patil and Mohan Kumar.

The film is based on the awakening of the power of self-defence within women who are victims of sexual abuse. Shot in Kodagu’s Somwarpet, the short film is based on the first spark of fear faced by any woman or girl across the globe. According to the director, the film narrates a story of a young innocent carefree girl who is subject to bad touch. Following an untoward incident which she is unable to express to her family or friends, there is a ‘simple survival technique’ that is choreographed to overcome fear and instill courage.

So far, One Right Kick has bagged awards at the Singapore International Short Film Festival, Indo-French International Film Festival, International Motion Picture Festival of India, Turkey Golden Wolf Film Festival, among others. According to director Muthappa, One Right Kick is the only Kannada film presented this year that will be screened at Pinewood Studio in the UK till December 13.

Simhika, who is a trained actor from Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares, says, “Every parent is concerned when their girl child travels in public transport. When they experience any untoward incident, a girl cannot open up to society for help. This film breaks away from that and shows how a girl can muster the courage to fight back against such anti-social elements.”

She adds that essaying the role of a victim of sexual abuse was challenging. “Throughout the film, I had to express disappointment and fear and my expressions had to overpower dialogues,” says Simhika, who will be going to the US to pursue film studies at the New York Film Academy.

The film also carries very little scope for dialogues and deals with body movements and expressions. The “uneasy silence” throughout the film also symbolises how society still stays quiet on issues of sexual abuse, claims the director.

“We want this message to transcend borders. This film gives a different dimension on how to deal with sexual abuse in a public place using an unusual defence technique that target’s the criminal’s sensitive organ (sic),” says Muthappa, who also adds the film also deals with, fear, courage and survival. One Right Kick is expected to stream on an OTT platform for the first time in December.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / November 28th, 2021

Media Captain 12 team champions in cricket tournament

Media Captain 12 team champions in cricket tournament
Media Captain 12 team champions in cricket tournament

HIGHLIGHTS

The Media Captain 12 team emerged champions in Kodagu Press Club Premier League Cricket Tournament held here on Sunday.

Madikeri:

The Media Captain 12 team emerged champions in Kodagu Press Club Premier League Cricket Tournament held here on Sunday.

The team beat Kodagu Live 24 Eagles team by 6 runs without loss of wickets.

Eight teams participated in the tournament.

Media Captain 12 Team Leader A S Mustafa secured Man of the Match, Best Batsman, Highest runs Awards. While Ismail Kandakare secured Best Bowler, Best Fielder Award, Hemanth Kumar secured Highest Runner in the tournament award. Emerging player Prajwal Rajendra won the Special Prize. Chenna Naik secured Best Wicket Keeper Award and Prajna Rajendra won Best Woman Player award.

The prize was distributed at a function held on Sunday night under the chairmanship of Kodagu Press Club president Ajjamada RameshKuttappa.

First prize donor EuphoriazCompany Founder Andy Anand,CEO Oscar Ritchie Charles, and Kodagu District Journalists Association President BR Savita Rai were present.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / November 29th, 2021

Authorities moot ‘Greater’ Raja Seat in Madikeri

The Kodagu district administration on Friday conducted a meeting to develop Raja Seat, which is a popular tourist attraction in Madikeri.

Deputy Commissioner B.C.Satish instructed the officials to prepare a blueprint to develop the existing place into a ‘Greater’ Raja Seat.

He directed the Horticulture Department to take up the repair of the musical fountain which is defunct, on a priority basis. Similar instructions were issued to restore the functioning of the toy train.

The Coorg Village which has already been inaugurted, should start functioning immediately, said the Deputy Commissioner while the offiicals suggested the installation of a high mast lamp in the vicinity.

It was also decided to organise a Coffee Mela to coincide with Christmas when the town and the district is visited by hordes of tourists, apart from conducting cultural programmes during holidays.

Incidentally, the previous round of development works carried out by the authorities had come under flak from conservationists on the grounds that the place was being concretised and its beauty being eroded.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – November 26th, 2021

‘Accord tribal status to Kodavas’

CNC president N U Nachappa speaks during the 31st Kodava National Day programme in Madikeri

The demands of Kodavas will get recognition only if the Kodava language is saved, said Hampi University professor Methi. 

He was speaking during the 31st Kodava National Day programme organised by Codava National Council (CNC) on Saturday. 

“As per the previous population census, Kodavas have been considered as a traditional tribal community. There is a need to work towards the Kodava language. Further work on the Kodava language will help in including the language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution. The Kodava language should be nurtured,’ he said. 

The influence of other languages including Kannada is seen in the Kodava language. The Kodava should come forward politically. There is a need to give priority to the study of Kodava art and literature, he added.

The genealogy study of Kodavas should be conducted effectively, he demanded.

Senior advocate Palachanda Brijesh Kalappa lauded the fight of the CNC in conserving Kodava culture and the community.

“The Kodavas should be accorded tribal status. The elected representatives should bring the demands of the Kodavas to the notice of the government,” he added. 

Budakattu Sangharsha Samiti president Lakkavalli Manjunath alleged that the genealogy study of Kodavas is not carried out effectively. The mistakes in the study should be brought to the notice of the concerned. 

CNC president N U Nachappa said, “The CNC has been protecting the land and culture of Kodavas. Ours is a justifiable demand. The culture and tradition of the land should be passed on to the future generations.” 

The CNC has urged the government to consider Kodavas as tribals and accord ST tag for the Kodavas under Schedule 340 and 342 of the Constitution, he said.

‘Autonomous Codava land’ should be announced. The Kodava language should be included in the eighth schedule of the Constitution and Kodava culture should be included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO, he added. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 27th, 2021

From Skanda Ashok to Swetha Changappa; Kannada celebs who have their roots in Coorg

​Kannada celebs who have their roots in Coorg

Coorg, which is also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ or the ‘Coffee Land’. A lot of Kannada TV stars indeed have their roots back in the Coffee land. They might have settled in the urban city, but their love for their hometown is certainly immense. Here is a list of a few popular Kannada celebs who have their roots in Coorg.

02/13 – Swetha Changappa

Swetha is a highly popular actress who hails from Coorg. Swetha is undoubtedly the pride of her motherland when it comes to the achiever’s list.

03/13 – Skanda Ashok

Skanda indeed is one of the proud coffee planters from Kodagu. Skanda enjoys working in his estate whenever he is on a vacation. He is also a frequent visitor to his native.

04/13 – ​ Ashita Chandrappa

She might be a popular face of Kannada television but not many know that Ashita is also a proud Kodavati. Although she has been residing in Bengaluru for a long time now, Ashita’s connection with her native can never be ignored.

05/13 – ​Bharath Bopanna

This handsome hunk has his roots back in Coorg. Bharath might be a modern city lad, but he never fails to respect his culture and tradition.

06/13​ – Harshika Poonaccha

She is indeed a proud Kodavati. Besides being a popular actress, Harshika’s contribution to the people of Coorg during the time of natural calamities is worth a mention. The actress would indeed visit the affected areas to know their needs.

07/13​ – Bhuvan Ponnanna

Bhuvan is a proud Kodava and never hesitates to flaunt it. Bhuvan’s contribution to his hometown is immense. The actor, along with his bestie Harishika, helped the needy Kodavas when they were kept as refugees due to landslides and floods.

08/13​ – Gagan Chinappa

This Kodava has become a household name as Inspector Rajeev of Mangala Gowri Maduve. Having completed his education in his native, Gagan shifted to bengaluru only for the sake of his occupation.

09/13- Krishi Thapanda

Krishi is yet another popular actress from the coffee land. She is often seen sporting the Kodava drape saree. Krishi’s love for her culture is immense.

10/13 – Tarak Ponnappa

This highly talented actor also hails from the ‘Scotland of India’. Tarak even had a typical Kodava-style marriage recently.

11/13​ – Dev Devaiah

Dev has been born and brought up in Coorg. He also owns a coffee estate in Coorg and loves spending time there. That’s not all, Dev also loves involves himself in estate work.

12/13​ – Mr and Mrs Aiyappa

Actress Anu and former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Aiyappa are also from the land of coffee. The couple has their family residing in Coorg and often spends time with their cousins and other family members.

13/13​ – Rashmitha Changappa

As her name suggests, Rashmitha also hails from the Kodagu district. The actress often visits her native whenever there is no shoot scheduled. Rashmitha loves to spend time there.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India – E Times / Home> News> TV> News> Karnataka / timesofindia.com / November 25th, 2021

Huthari Kolata enthrals villagers

Kolata was held at Oor Mand as a part of the Huthari festival in various parts of Napoklu. 

After the rituals at Tavoor, Tannimani, Cherangala and Korangala temples, people performed traditional Kolata.

The villagers performed Huthari Kolata at Kolmand.

Huthari Kolata was performed by villagers at Mand in Peroor. In the past, Kolata was held for four days. Now, it is restricted to two days, said a villager, Appacchira Hary. 

Huthari Kolata will be held on Tuesday at Noorambada Mand in Biddatanda Vade of Napoklu.

Prior to the Kolata at Noorambada Mand, Kapala Nrithya and Kombu Kott Valaga will be held at the Mand.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Napoklu / November 22nd, 2021