Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Honesty Glitters More Than Gold: Petrol Pump Staff Finds Suitcase With Jewels

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

A petrol pump attendant returned a suitcase that contained gold jewels worth more than Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh (a conservative estimate) to the actual owners. The suitcase was left on the main road by two women who had alighted a bus from Bengaluru in Kushalnagar.

On the night of Thursday (Nov. 4) at 10, a bus stopped in front of the TATA Petrol Pump in Kushalnagar amidst rain. Two women got down from the bus with bags and a black suitcase. They were waiting on the road while a car stopped in front of them. In a tearing hurry to get inside the car to escape rain, the women forgot the suitcase on the road. The car left the place moments later.

As it was closing time, H.V. Somashekar came out of his petrol pump office to close the gates after a long day. The black suitcase lying on the road amidst a drizzle caught his eye. He looked around only to see the area deserted. He did not open the suitcase; instead stood near it and called the Kushalnagar Police Station.

Dy.SP Shailendra and Circle Inspector Mahesh asked ASI Manjunath and two others to go to the spot and retrieve the suitcase, taking all precautions. They did not have any idea of what the suitcase contained and brought the same to the Police Station.

Petrol pump staff H V Somashekar

As they opened the box, they could not believe their eyes. It contained gold ornaments, all brand new. Not sure of the value of the gold, they also recovered cash worth Rs. 5,000 and two costly watches. There were some new clothes in it and the Police found a slip with a phone number.

When the Police called that number and told the woman on the other side who answered the call that they were calling from Kushalnagar Police Station, the woman immediately cut the call hearing the word ‘Police’ and switched off the mobile. The Police kept on trying but the mobile was not switched on.

However, at around midnight when the Police dialled the number, the same woman picked up the call. The Police told her about the suitcase found in front of the petrol pump. The woman till then had not realised that her black suitcase was missing and only after the call it dawned on her that she had forgotten the suitcase on the road that night. 

The woman, who identified herself as Nafisa from Bengaluru, had given her daughter in marriage to a family at Kumboor near Suntikoppa and the mother and daughter had come from Bengaluru to attend a relative’s wedding in Kushalnagar. Though they wanted to come to the Police Station at midnight, the Police refused as there were procedures to be completed. They were asked to come the next morning. Accordingly, they came to the Police Station, checked the box and found all the ornaments and other valuables intact.

Picture shows petrol pump staff H.V. Somashekar receiving the cash reward from Dy. SP Shailendra as Inspectors Mahesh and Traffic SI Chandrashekhar look on.

The mother and daughter profusely thanked the petrol pump employee Somashekar for returning the suitcase with jewels and also thanked the Police.

Somashekar told the Police that he believed in hard work and was a God-fearing man without having a desire to grab somebody else’s cash and gold. The mother-daughter duo and the Police gave Somashekar a cash award for his honesty.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / November 06th, 2021

‘Govt committed to safeguard Kannada language, land’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary and others release balloons with the colours of the Kannada flag, during the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations, at General Thimayya Stadium in Madikeri on Monday. DH Photo

The government is committed to protecting Karnataka, Kannada language, its culture and heritage, said Minister for Social Welfare and Backward Classes Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary.

He was speaking after unfurling the National Flag during the Karnataka Rajyotsava programme organised by the district administration, at General Thimayya Stadium, on Monday.

“The usage of Kannada language has grown on the internet. Kannada is being widely used in the field of commerce these days,” he said.

He said that the young generation should join hands in the overall development of Karnataka.

“The state has a rich heritage. The history of the Kannada language dates back to 2,000 years. There is a need to protect Kannada identity in the 21st century. Kannada is not a mere language and Karnataka is not a mere land. They are feelings and relationships that Kannadigas own,” he added.

Kota Srinivas Poojary further said that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has been working towards the comprehensive development of the state.

A total of 750 Gram Panchayats have been identified as Amrit Gram Panchayats and will be developed and 12 villages have been selected in Kodagu under the project. The villages are Peraje, Kunjila-Kakkabbe, Maragodu, Kedamulluru, Karmadu, Nalkeri, Titimati, Koodumangalore, Shirangala, Aigur, Haradu and Dundalli, he said.

Measures will be taken to provide drinking water, 100% segregation of solid waste, scientific treatment of wastewater, solar power in households and digital libraries in schools, he added.

The minister also said that the schools will be provided with well-equipped buildings, laboratories and toilets, under Amritha School.

Schools in Hodavada, Sampaje, Kadanga, Madapura, Doddamalte, Kodlipet, Valnur Thyagathur, Hebbale, Suntikoppa, Heggala, Ammatti, Palibetta, T Shettigeri, Titimati, Gonikoppa and Kutta have been selected under the programme, said the minister.

Also, the Amrita Anganwadi Kendra Scheme has been implemented to develop the basic facilities in anganwadi buildings. A grant of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to each anganwadi. It has been decided to upgrade 25 anganwadis in the district, said Kota Srinivas Poojary.

“An amount of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to self-help groups, under Amrita Swasahaya Kiru Udyama Yojane and 60 Stree Shakti self-help groups are selected in the district,” said the minister.

Covid warriors were felicitated on the occasion.

MLC Veena Achaiah, CMC president Anita Poovaiah, Deputy Commissioner Dr B C Sateesha, Superintendent of Police Kshama Mishra and Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhanwar Singh Meena were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 01st, 2021

People celebrate festival of lights in Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)
The Government Lower Primary School in Mulluru celebrates an eco-friendly Deepavali. DH Photo

Amid the rising prices, people in the district celebrated Deepavali, the festival of lights.

Generally, the Northern part of Kodagu celebrates the festival in a grand way. In Southern Kodagu, Deepavali is celebrated in selected areas.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, people were seen purchasing various items such as earthen lamps and flowers. However, flowers cost dearer to the people.

There was a great demand for chrysanthemum and marigold flowers, at Chowki, General Thimayya Circle and at Mahadevpet Road.

Veterans say that the festival of lights coincides with the harvesting season of monsoon crops. However, the festive spirit has been dampened by rain this time.

Less demand for flowers

Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, people did not celebrate the festival in a grand manner, in Somwarpet.

The religious rituals were observed in a simple manner. The farming fraternity was worried due to the loss of crops owing to continuous rainfall. Few people were seen in the shops.

Kamala, a flower vendor, said that she had sourced the flowers from Konanuru for sale. But, there was not much demand for the flowers.

Ashok, another flower vendor, said that he is likely to suffer losses as the chrysanthemum and marigold cannot be preserved for more than a day and will perish.

There was no business on the day of ‘Trayodashi’, he said.

Eco-friendly Deepavali

Children from Government Lower Primary School in Mulluru village observed an eco-friendly Deepavali, under the guidance of teacher C S Satish.

The students also coined the slogan ‘Pataki Tyajisona, Pustaka Kollona’ (let us shun firecrackers and buy books), on the occasion.

C S Satish said that students can utilise the money planned to buy fireworks for purchasing books and reading them. They can also circulate the books among themselves.

The smoke from the fireworks causes trouble for small children, heart patients and animals, he added.

Students also lit earthen lamps on the occasion.

Green firecrackers

Environment officers and the Pollution Control Board have requested people to burst fewer firecrackers to avoid pollution.

Bursting firecrackers is banned between 10 pm and 6 am. Only green firecrackers which emit less than 125 decibels can be used as per the orders issued by the Supreme Court, said environment officer G R Ganeshan.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 03rd, 2021

Kodavas remember ‘Appu’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Puneeth Rajkumar

Admirers of Puneeth Rajkumar remembered their association with the demised actor, as the news of his passing came in.

Last month, Puneeth had come to Anekadu, for the filming of ‘James’.

Several years ago, a fight scene of his film ‘Jockey’ was held in Anekadu in Kushalnagar. A young ‘Appu’ had accompanied his father, thespian late Dr Rajkumar during the shooting of the film ‘Girikanye’ in Kodagu, the people recall.

As his admirers say, Puneeth liked the climate of Kodagu very much.

A young lady from Kodagu had taken part in a show hosted by him on a private TV channel. Puneeth surprised his fans by dancing to the tunes of the traditional ‘Kodava Valaga’ during the episode.

MP Pratap Simha, recollecting his memories with Puneeth, said that the latter had visited his house.

He was a down to earth person. A great humanitarian gone too soon, the MP said.

Also, Pratap, along with MP Tejaswi Surya had taken part in a TV show and had an opportunity to spend time with Puneeth and his elder brother Raghavendra Rajkumar.

Before starting the shoot, Puneeth touched the feet of Raghavendra, seeking blessings, said Pratap.

“Puneeth was a great artiste and contributed immensely to the Kannada film industry. His demise has shocked the movie fans. May God give strength to his family members, relatives and admirers,” said Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / october 29th, 2021

In Tears, Actor Harshika Poonacha Speaks of Times with ‘Appu’ Puneeth Rajkumar

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

Harshika Poonacha, Kannada film actor, met ‘power star’ Puneeth Rajkumar when she was 16. She recalls Puneeth’s humanity, kindness and more in an exclusive interview with The Quint. On set and off, Puneeth was a superstar who was good to all those whom he came across, Harshika says, recalling specific events in their acting lives together.

Video Producer: Nikhila Henry

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

Harshika Poonacha, Kannada actor, who has acted with ‘power star’ Puneeth Rajkumar asked, “Who isn’t a fan of Puneeth Rajkumar?’

In an interview with The Quint, the actor narrated the times she spent with Rajkumar. Puneeth Rajkumar was a warm and kind person who was equally good to all around him, on set and off, Poonacha said.

“He was a legendary actor from the Rajkumar family. But he never showed that. He was humble, nice and genuine,” Poonacha told The Quint.

The First Time They Met

Poonacha met Rajkumar when she was a young actor aged 16.

“I acted with him in the early stage of my career. I was already a huge fan of his. I had an amazing experience working with him.”

Harishika Poonacha, Kannada Actor

Rajkumar told her that it was “good that she got into films when young”. “When you are young, you tend to listen to people and learn a lot of things. You will go a long way, he told me,” she said.

Everyday there used to be hundreds of people who come to pose for photographs with Rajkumar. “He used to be so patient with all of them, with the same smile. He told me he did it because he became a star because of the fans,” Poonacha said.

‘I Fell for His Real Personality’

Poonacha narrated a specific instance when Rajkumar was extremely caring. During an action sequence that depicted them being buried alive, Rajkumar told her to hold her breath. “When the shot got over, he first removed mud from my face, even before he wiped his face. I fell for the real person behind the star,” Poonacha said.

“I have learnt a lot from him. The way to love people. And all with that smile which lights up the whole place.”

Harshika Poonacha, Kannada Actor

Rajkumar was kind to children and the elderly. He used to be caring of older, lesser known actors who populate the Kannada film world, she said

‘Kind to New Comers’

Poonacha said that Rajkumar was extremely kind to her when she was an upcoming actor. He was kind to everyone who was trying to make it in the film industry, she recalled.

Poonacha had acted with him in Kannada film Jackie (2010).

“With just one film, he became a part of my life.”

source: http://www.thequint.com / The Quint / Home> Entertainment / by Pratiba Raman / October 31st, 2021

Winners Of Dasara And Rajyotsava – Kavya Puraskar And Katha Puraskar

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Mysore/Mysuru:

A total of 24 poets including four Horanadu Kannadigas and a specially abled have been selected for State-level Dasara and Rajyotsava Kavya Puraskar in the State-level Poetry Contest organised by Akhila Bharatiya Kannada Sahitya haagu Samskrutika Parishat and Gramantara Buddhijeevigala Balaga.

They are as follows:

Horanadu Kannadigas Category:

Seema Kulkarni (Malaysia), S. Nalina Prasad (Mumbai), Ramana Shetty Renjal (Maharashtra) and Divakar   Ballal (Kasargod).

Poetess Category:

Renuka Kodaganji (Bengaluru), Leela-kumari Todikyana (Kodagu), Vasanta Surendranath (Magadi), Divyaja (Bengaluru), Asif Begaum (Kolar), P. Veena (Harihar), Dr. Gurudevi Hulleppanavar Mutt (Belagavi), Indira Shetty (Mysuru) and Nandana P. Shetty     (Dakshina Kannada).

Poets Category:

K. Raveesh M.C. Halli (Chikkamagalur), Pradeep Soranagadde (Shivamogga), Raghuveer Mahalingapura (Bagalkot), D.M. Bhatta Kulave (Uttara Kannada), Dr. K.C. Chandrapakash (Tumakuru), K.T. Adarsh Kappadur (Shivamogga), D.P. Chikkanna (Mandya), M. Shivanna (Hassan) and B. Vijaykumar (Udupi).

Specially Abled Poets:

Poornima Hanumantappa Badigeri (Hassan).

Senior writer and columnist from Belagavi Y.M. Menasinakai and senior writer and social worker from Hassan Jayashri D. Krishna were the jury.

P.A. Meghashree from Kasargod has been selected for the State-level Kavya Puraskar given by Balaga President and journalist Dr. Berya Ramakumar and H.N. Savita couple in the name of their son late B.R. Ullas.

Katha Puraskar

A total of 13 members including two Horanadu Kannadigas and a specially abled have been selected for Dr. K. Shivaram Karanth Katha Puraskar in the State-level Story Contest organised as part of the 120th birth anniversary of Jnanapith Awardee Dr. K. Shivaram Karanth.

Horanadu Kannadigas:

Karunakara S. Shetty (Maharashtra) and Sharada A. Anchan (Navi Mumbai).

Women Writers:

Divya Jagadish (Bengaluru), Sahana Kantabailu (Kodagu), S.L. Varalakshmi Manjunath (Nanjangud), B.R. Nagaratna (Mysuru), Hanchettira Fansy Muttanna (Kodagu) and Prof. Vidyareddy (Belagavi).

Men Writers:

K.G. Bhadrannanavar (Tumakuru), Y.M. Raghunandan (Mysuru), B. Kantappa (Bhadravati) and S.G. Shivashankar (Mysuru).

Specially Abled Writers:

Bandihole Manjunath (Mandya).

Senior writer couple from Mysuru – K. Ramesh and Dr. S. Sudha and senior writer and columnist from Mumbai Dr. G.D. Joshi were the jury.

Both Kavya Puraskar and Katha Puraskar will be presented to the winners during the Sahityotsava to be held in the month of November, according to a press release.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 25th, 2021

‘Encourage children to read books’

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
El Rang’, a collection of stories by Uluvangada Kaveri Udaya, was released during a programme at Patrika Bhavana in Madikeri on Tuesday.

‘El Rang’, a collection of stories authored by Uluvangada Kaveri Udaya was released by social worker Pemmadiyanda Venu Appanna and Kannada, Kodava film producer Kottukattira Yashoda Cariappa, during a programme organised by Kodava Makkada Koota, on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yashoda Cariappa said that children should be encouraged to read books. This will give a boost to literature.

As people are spending time on social media most of the time, the habit of reading is decreasing. Parents should inculcate the habit of reading among their children, she said.

She also lauded the efforts of Kodava Makkada Koota which has published 51 books.

Venu Appanna said that literature needs to thrive in Kodagu. Writers in the district need encouragement.

Kodava Makkada Koota secretary Puttarira Karun Kalaiah said that the Kodava Makkada Koota has been organising various programmes since 2013 and has played a major role in installing the statue of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Devaiah.

Literary works in different languages are being brought out by the Koota, he said.

Presiding over the programme, Kodava Makkada Koota president Bollajira B Ayyappa said that the Koota has published literary works in Kodava, Kannada, English and Hindi languages.

“El Rang’ is the 51st work. Out of the 50 books, five books have been awarded by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and movies have been made based on two published works, he added.

Kodava Makkada Koota advisor Kulletira Ajith Nanaiah and writer Uluvangada Kaveri Udaya also spoke on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 26th, 2021

Karnataka: Vishnu idols from 12th, 13th centuries in Kodagu museum

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World Opinion
Rare Collection

Madikeri :

Idols of Lord Vishnu dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries are among the latest additions to the Kodagu District Museum on the premises of Madikeri Fort.

Museum curator Rekha said there are more than a thousand rare antiques at the museum.

Appealing to residents of Kodagu to hand over any rare historic idols they may stumble upon in their villages,, she said, “Many villagers have discarded many such ancient idols and artistic figures in rivers. When they find broken  idols, they believe it brings bad luck and throw it away. Such monuments are valuable even if they are broken.

If they are confused, they can contact me for any guidance.”

The museum also houses the Kodava Odikathi, shaped in the form of the letter ‘V’, and the sickle, which is shown to the visitors.

“In 1975, Field Marshal Cariappa donated many valuable artefacts. We have kept them in a gallery. Many of these artefacts were made from plaster in Morocco. The museum also has many attractive items that date back to the days when Kodagu was ruled by various kings,” Rekha added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City News> Mysuru News / TNN / October 24th, 2021

Kodava film receives appreciation

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

Kodava film ‘Nadapeda Asha’ was screened at Kodava Samaja in Cherambane. 

The film is directed by Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa.

Kodava Samaja Cherambane president Bacharaniyanda Dinesh Ganapathi stressed that there is a need to support the growth of the Kodava language and its culture. 

The movie ‘Nadapeda Asha’ has come out well, he said.

Kodava Samaja former president Kuttetira Mani Kunhappa, Kottukathira Sabu Thimmayya and others also spoke about the movie.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 20th, 2021

37 Coorg Medium Regiment Celebrates Cauvery Sankramana

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

The Officers and ladies of 37 Coorg Medium Regiment (situated in forward army base in Western Sector) celebrate all Kodava festivals by following the customs and traditions of Kodavas.

Incidentally, there is no Kodava Officer in the Regiment at present.

Picture source: Veteran Sergeant of IAF Mandetira N. Subramani, Hon. Advisor, Kodagu Ex-servicemen Welfare Association, Mysore East

The above group photo of the 37 Coorg Medium Regiment Officers and ladies, all attired in traditional Kodava dress (men in kupya, chele, peeche kathi and women in Kodava podiya or Coorgi style saree), was taken on Oct.17 on the occasion of Cauvery Sankramana.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / October 19th, 2021