Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Chorus To Accord Third Language Status For ‘Kodava Thakk’ Grows

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To help the inclusion of language in Eighth Schedule of Constitution

Mysore/Mysuru:

Stating that the demand for third language status for ‘Kodava Thakk’ (language) is being considered at the Government level, Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah observed that such a status will help include the language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

He was speaking after inaugurating  the seminar on “Inclusion of Kodava Language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution” and a book release programme jointly organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Kodava Samaja, Mysuru at Kodava Samaja auditorium in Vijayanagar First Stage here this morning.

Observing that those who left Kodagu district to settle elsewhere must not forget their native land and  mother-tongue, Bopaiah, who is also a former Assembly Speaker, said that natives of Kodagu, especially the youths, should take pride in Kodava language and culture wherever they stay.

Stressing on the need for saving Kodava language and culture for generations to come, the MLA assured that he will extend all support for inclusion of the language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He also called for a much organised and united effort for pursuing the cause with the Government.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairperson Dr. Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah said that Kodava language must be declared as the third language in Karnataka and a resolution must be passed in the Assembly.

Noting that Kodava is a Dravida language having its own culture, identity and history, Parvathi Appaiah regretted that the language has not been included in the Eighth Schedule despite meeting all the requirements. 

“The primary reason for this is the small numerical strength of the community and lack of political power. When former Bengaluru Mayor Prema Cariappa was a Rajya Sabha member, she had taken up the cause. But after her term ended, no one pursued the cause,” she noted.

She said that the Academy has been collecting and collating all available records in support of the demand for inclusion of the language in the Eighth Schedule. Stating that Mangalore University is already offering certificate and diploma courses in Kodava language, she said that the Academy is making efforts to teach Kodava language to PG students.

Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, Editor of ‘Poomale’ weekly, who delivered a talk on the seminar topic, said that though Kodava is a language spoken by a small group of people, it has succeeded in retaining its importance and significance, besides its own identity.

Contending that Kodava language has found mention even in mythology, he said that Kodavas are a population which grew and prospered in Cauvery valley civilisation. Asserting that Kodava has its own place in Indian folklore, he opined that the influence of Kodava language began to wane after Kodagu was merged with Karnataka. Noting that there are 22 official languages in the Eighth Schedule, he said that the Government must not delay in the inclusion of the language, considering the fact that the language has its own identity.

Four books that were released are: ‘Meedi Beppo’ by Ithichanda Ramesh Uthappa, ‘Nallame’  authored by Monnanda Shobha Subbaiah, ‘Ponnrantha Thakk’ authored by Chotteyanadamada Lalitha Cariappa and ‘Sampoorna Mahabharata – Chod Chodya’ by Bachamanda Gowramma Madammaiah.

Karnataka Western Ghats Conservation Task Force Chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Dr. R. Chalpathi of Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK), Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Kekada M. Belliappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 20th, 2021

Devatparambu martyrs remembered

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Codava National Council members pay tributes to the martyrs of Devatparambu.

On the commemoration of the genocide of the Kodava people by Tipu Sultan, tributes were paid to the martyrs at Devatparambu by Codava National Council (CNC).

‘Bott Kutva’ and ‘Naivedya’ was offered to the souls, by the CNC members.

CNC president N U Nachappa said that Devatparambu, the place where the Kodava people were killed, should be declared as a national memorial.

CNC leaders Kaliyanda Prakash, Lt Col B M Parvathi, Pattamada Kusha, Mandapanda Suraj, Mandapanda Manoj, Chiyabera Satish, Sullimada Sutan, Alamanda Jai, Bollarapanda Machaiah, Karavanda Sarasu, Areyada Girish, Katumaniyanda Umesh and Kaliyanda Subbaiah were present.

‘Award tribal status’

Codava National Commission has submitted a memorandum, urging National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to place the demand before the government, to award tribal status to the Kodavas.

The CNC also urged the commission to collect the data on the origin of the Kodava community, in order to safeguard the interests of the Kodava people.

A study in this regard which was initiated earlier was not carried out properly. The study should be conducted again, they said.

Nachappa expressed his concern about the diminishing population of the Kodava community.

There is a need to protect the community, he said.

“Kodava people are eligible for the tribal status, as per the recommendations by Lokur Committee report. Kodavas have their own language, food, culture, civilisation, mode of worship and folklore. They are also dwelling amidst forests and hilly regions.

The delegation was led by the CNC, comprised of High Court advocate Lakkavalli Manjunath, Kaliyanda Prakash, Lt Col B M Parvathi, Alamanda Jai and others.

NCST member and former MP Anant Naik, commission secretary Tawang Singh and officials were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 19th, 2021

Rural girl makes her mark in the world of art

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S R Akshata’s artworks are adorning the walls of govt schools, offices.

A talented girl from a remote rural area in Kodagu district is now been becoming famous in the region, through her artistic skills.

S R Akshata, an artist from Navagrama village in Kodlipet Gram Panchayat limits in Shanivarasanthe, has been pursuing her passion while doing her regular studies.

Artworks created by her have adorned the walls of government schools and offices, drawing everybody’s attention.

Akshata is the daughter of wood sculptor Ramesh and Kavita.

She developed an interest in drawing since her primary school days. However, she could not carry it out seriously until she joined Morarji Desai Residential School in Aluru Siddapura.

Art teacher D P Satish identified her talent, encouraged her and honed her skills.

She was so much involved in arts that she chose to carry out her degree education in art, in Mahalasa School of Visual Arts in Mangaluru.

Currently, she is in the second year of her degree. She has been mastering pencil art, poster colour art, 3-D art, pencil shading, acrylic art and so on.

In a humble gesture, during holidays, she spreads her knowledge to the students of government schools by teaching them drawing and painting.

She also creates artworks for the schools. The initiative was taken by ‘Nammura Kalakaliya Vedike’ set up by D P Satish, of which she is a part.

Apart from teaching art to the students, she also contributed her own artworks to the schools in Navagrama and surrounding villages. 

Her artworks are now adorning the walls of five schools, a Gram Panchayat and three libraries.

Teacher D P Satish said that her talent should be appreciated in the state and the nation.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Shanivarasanthe / October 10th, 2021

Avid Birder’s Wildlife Message Cards-2021

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Mysore/Mysuru: 

Dr. S.V. Narasimhan

Dr. S.V. Narasimhan, a family physician based at Virajpet in Kodagu, is an avid birder, nature lover, adept at computers, Karnatak music and astronomy.

Author of Feathered Jewels of Coorg, a field-guide to 310 species of birds found in Coorg, Dr. Narasimhan is the pioneer in spreading wildlife conservation messages through his unique hand-painted Wildlife Message Cards that are sent free to individuals throughout the world to mark Wildlife Week (Oct. 2 to 8).

Total number of hand-painted cards made by him this year is 2,630; in 37 years, 75,285 cards.

Total recipients this year including Star of Mysore – 1,284; in 37 years — 13,387 persons.

The Special Wildlife Messenger this year is Rufous Woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus) which is a medium sized, brown coloured bird, with short beak and a short strong tail. Male birds have a red patch under the eyes. They feed on insects, ants and flower nectar. Their call is a sharp nasal, three-note, Knk-Knk-Knk. The most surprising fact is that they make their nest within the carton nests of Crematogaster ants and the young also feed on the eggs and larvae of the ants!

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 11th, 2021

Samaja supports demand for Kodava devpt corporation

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Members and office-bearers of UCO and Kodava Samaja conduct a meeting in Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet.

Ponnampet Kodava Samaja will extend its support to the United Codava Organisation (UCO) in the fight towards the formation of Kodava community development corporation, said Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet, president Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah.

During a meeting held in Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet, he said that the demand of UCO is timely. The corporation, if established, will help in the strengthening of the Kodava community and claim its rights.

UCO president Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa said that even though there is an opinion that the Kodava people are financially well off, they are ignored when it comes to social and political representation.

“When a separate development corporation is formed for Vokkaligas who are listed under the 3 A category, why not form a development corporation for Kodavas who are listed under the same category?” he asked.

Kodava Samaja secretary Ponnimada Suresh, treasurer Mookalera Lakshmana, directors Mallamada Prabhu Poonacha, Cheppudira Rakesh Devaiah, Bopanna, Roopa Uttappa, Mandechandra Dinesh Chityappa, Mookalamada Arasu Nanjappa, Addanda Sunil and UCO member Kallichanda Robin Subbaiah were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Gonikoppa / October 10th, 2021

‘Parva Play Is Being Performed Despite Lack Of Funds’

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Stating that Rangayana is incurring an expenditure of Rs. 48,000 to present every show of acclaimed writer Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa’s popular play ‘Parva’, Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa said that the ticket for the play is priced at Rs. 250 per head, with each show recording a collection of about Rs. 25,000.

Addressing a press meet at Rangayana here on Monday, Cariappa said that the Government had released Rs. 50 lakh for staging of ‘Parva’. However, Rangayana incurred an additional expenditure of Rs. 8.07 lakh, he said clarifying that costume designer Prasad Bidappa did not receive any remuneration. However, the money spent on his assistants has been accounted as remuneration, Cariappa said and added that more than 4,500 people have watched the play which has so far seen 14 shows. 

Continuing, Cariappa said that with the performance of each show of ‘Parva’, the Rangayana is losing Rs. 23,000, with the collection being only Rs. 25,000, However, the loss is being made up with the utilisation of annual grant provided by the Government for different Rangayana activities, he added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 06th, 2021

Madikeri Dasara from today

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Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal inspects the arrangements at Pampinakere for the Madikeri Dasara

The Madikeri Dasara will be launched at Pampinakere in Mahadevapete at 5 pm on Thursday.

The puja will be offered to four Karagas in the presence of elected representatives. Later, the Karagas will be taken out in a procession. Only 25 people can accompany each Karaga.

Owing to Covid-19, the Karaga procession was not held last year. Only 10 persons can accompany Karaga during the house visits this year.

Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal and CMC Commissioner Ramadas visited Pampinakere and inspected the arrangements for Dasara.

A few shops have been decked up ahead of Dasara celebrations in Madikeri. However, poets meet, sports meet and cultural programmes will not be held for Dasara.

Even Gonikoppa Dasara will also be launched on Thursday.

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

Security stepped up at Nagarahole Tiger Reserve: MLA

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)
The new welcome arch of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.

Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah inaugurated the outpost and new welcome arch of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, built at a cost of Rs 9 lakh, on the occasion of the 67th Wildlife Week on Sunday.

He said that the security has been upgraded with the new facility, so as to prevent the trespassing of people into the reserve forest. CCTV cameras have also been installed at the entrance.

Bopaiah also directed the forest department officials to take necessary measures to provide accessibility to fodder and water for elephants, bison and other herbivorous animals.

Saplings that provide fodder for such animals should be planted inside the forest area, he said.

“This will prevent the wild animals sneaking into human habitations, in search of food. Steps should also be taken to prevent the harm caused to the agriculturists living near the forests,” he added.

The MLA also inaugurated two safari tempo taxis for the benefit of visitors at Nagarahole. He also went on a safari in the new vehicle.

State Western Ghats Task Force chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve director D Mahesh Kumar, Nagarahole wildlife sub division ACF K P Gopal, Hunsur forest division ACF Satish and others were present.

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

International Coffee Day observed at Raja Seat

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Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal sips coffee at Raja Seat on Friday, on the occasion of International Coffee Day

Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal said that the International Coffee Day celebrated in Kodagu, highlights the hard work of coffee growers, which is behind the taste of coffee.

She was speaking during the International Coffee Day programme observed by Rotary Misty Hills, at Raja Seat, on Friday.

The deputy commissioner added, “I got to know about every detail of coffee cultivation after I was posted to Kodagu. The dedication and effort by coffee growers in producing the best quality of coffee is commendable.”

Rotary Misty Hills president Anitha Poovaiah said that more than 1,500 visitors at Raja Seat were served coffee on account of International Coffee Day.

Rotary Deputy Governor H T Anil said that the quantity of coffee powder used by a person in India is 4 to 5 kg per year whereas, in a foreign country, a person uses 15 kg of coffee powder annually.

Therefore, there is a need to increase the usage of coffee in India, he added.

Misty Hills project director Devanira Tilak also spoke on the occasion.

Madikeri CMC commissioner Ramdas, horticulture department deputy director Sridhar, senior assistant director Pramod, Coffee Board deputy director Shivakumar Swamy and others were present.

‘Coffee export’

Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha distributed free coffee at various places in Madikeri on account of International Coffee Day. 

The Coffee Day observed at Tadka House on Raja Seat Road was inaugurated by Kodava Samaja president K S Devaiah.

When the coffee industry was in distress women had started a unit to instil confidence in coffee growers in the district. The sangha has been promoting coffee consumption, said K S Devaiah.

Women have been actively engaged in managing coffee plantations and the industry. Kodagu’s coffee is known for its taste, he said. 

Kodagu Coffee Growers’ Cooperative Society president M B Devaiah said the society is the largest coffee cooperative in Asia.

It is now mulling about exporting coffee and requires financial assistance from the government for exports, he added. 

Advocate Pasura Preetham said the International Coffee Day is being observed since 2015. 

Dr Mohan Appaji said that the consumption of coffee by those above 40 years is good for health. 

Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha president Chitra Subbaiah, general secretary Anitha Nanda and others were present. 

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

‘Short films should propagate social messages’

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Short films ‘Kodi Mova’ and ‘Nambike’, which won the first and second prizes in the short film competition, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, were screened at Patrika Bhavan in Madikeri recently.

The programme was held under the aegis of the Kodagu Press Club.

The short film ‘Kodi Mova’ is directed and produced by Gopal Somaiah and ‘Nambike’ is directed and produced by Bollajira B Ayyappa.

Actor Roopesh Nanaiah said that even though the short films are made with less budget and are of less duration, their message can be equally strong as those of the mainstream films.

“Generally, people watch movies for entertainment. However, most of the movies that we watch are eventually forgotten. The movies that we remember forever have a good social message in them,” he said and stressed that the short films too, should propagate social messages.

He appreciated both the award-winning short films and said more focus should be given to the technical aspects.

Actor Neravanda Umesh felt that all the entries to the short film festival should have been screened.

The competition should be held every year so that the talents get opportunities, he said.

Kodagu Press Club president Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa was present.

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