Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Michelin Star Chef Gordon Ramsay In Kodagu To Film Kodava Cuisine

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion

Celebrated Restaurateur is on a culinary adventure featuring native chefs and dishes of Malabar, Kodagu regions

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Madikeri:

Imagine Kadumbutt Pandi Curry, Akki Otti, Baimbale Curry and other popular Kodava cuisines prominently figuring in the Michelin-starred restaurants in the dining capitals of New York, Dubai and London. Going by the looks of it, this will be a reality very soon, attested by none other than Gordon Ramsay, the International Chef, Restaurateur and Television Personality.

Ramsay is in Kodagu shooting for a documentary on Kodava cuisine, which is expected to feature native chefs from Kodagu. He is staying at the plush Tamara Resort, Kabbinakad Estate at Yavakapadi village near Kakkabe, North Kodagu.

Before arriving in Kodagu, the British chef, whose restaurants have been awarded 16 Michelin Stars in total, was spotted at Muzhappilangad Beach and The Malabar Beach Resort in Kannur on Monday where he was filming the making of Malabar cuisine including Ghee Rice, Ari Pathiri (rice roti), Kallummakaya (Mussels) Fry and Thalassery Biriyani. After the Malabar shoot, he came to Kodagu on Monday evening, reports said.

Gordon Ramsay owns two posh restaurants in Dubai and is touring select parts in South India including Malabar region and Kodagu to film a segment of his National Geographic show ‘Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted.’

Several native chefs and their dishes will feature in the documentary aimed at acquainting his fans with food from around the globe. Ramsay even posted an Instagram story about his culinary adventure in Kerala. The culinary adventure series shows Ramsay travelling to remote locations to engross himself in indigenous cuisine and learn more about the same through local chefs. The series is expected to provide a boost to Malabar and Kodava cuisine and native chefs.

“For me, ‘Uncharted’ was diving into those unknown secrets, away from the touristy parts and embedding myself in that community. I’ve spent the last two decades with the most amazing ingredients arriving on my doorstep, so to turn that in reverse and to go to the source is incredible,” he posted on social media.

‘Uncharted’ Season 1 which premiered on July 21, 2019, on the National Geographic Network saw Ramsay’s adventures in Peru, New Zealand, Morocco, Hawaii, Laos and Alaska. Previously, Ramsay had featured in the television series ‘Gordon’s Great Escape’ wherein he embarked on a culinary adventure in India and Asia.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 31st, 2020

Matrimonial Meet At Kodagu Gowda Samaja

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Kodagu Gowda Samaja, Vijayanagar, has organised a matrimonial meet of Arebhashe Gowda brides and grooms on Mar. 22 from 9.30 am at the Samaja premises in city.

Widows, widowers and divorcees belonging to the community can also participate.

For details, contact Mob: 70280-22533 or 94804-43039 or 74111-16496, according to a press release.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / March 12th, 2020

Nikhil Chinapa’s Net Worth Will Make Your Jaw Drop; Read Details

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

Nikhil Chinapa is a well-known face in the television and music industry. As being a DJ and a Host here’s taking a look at Nikhil Chinapa’s net worth.

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Nikhil Chinapa is a well-known personality in the television industry. Nikhil Chinapa rose to fame as he won the coveted title of MTV VJ Hunt in the year 1999. He then went on to work as a host and judge in several films including MTV Select, India’s Got Talent 2, Roadies and many more. And with all the years of hard work, here’s taking a look at Nihil Chinapa’s net worth.

Nikhil Chinapa’s net worth

According to reports, Nikhil Chinapa is estimated to have a whopping net worth of approximately $ 5 million (as of 2019) and charges Rs. 9 lakh per episode. It is reported that the Nikhil Chinapa’s income source is from his work as a DJ and a host. The 46-year-old actor is also reported to have a successful career.

Apart from his career as a host, Nikhil Chinapa is also a well-known DJ in India. He has been a DJ for several events and is also reported to be an influence among the youth. Nikhil developed his interest in music in his college days and used to play at various functions to earn some pocket money.

On the work front

Nikhil Chinapa is currently judging Roadies Revolution alongside Neha Dhupia, Prince Narula and Raftaar. The show is currently having its auditions and is airing on MTV. Every year Roadies comes up with a theme for their season and this year’s theme for Roadies is spreading awareness and bringing a revolution in the society. And as per reports, it is expected from every judge to raise awareness on at least one topic as a part of their agenda.

Although fans love watching the auditions of Roadies Revolution, the recent episode has created a lot of buzz on the internet as netizens are not liking Nikhil Chinapa and Neha Dhupia’s behaviour towards the contestants on the show.

DISCLAIMER | The above information is sourced from various websites/ media reports. The website does not guarantee 100% accuracy of the figures.

source: http://www.republicworld.com / Republic / Home> Entertainment News> Television News / by Brandon Fernandes / Mumbai, March 14th, 2020

‘My Coorg Chronicles’

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

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The book ‘My Coorg Chronicles’ traces the journalistic journey of P.T. Bopanna, his foray into writing books, his activism and importantly his efforts to chronicle various facets of Kodagu district in Karnataka.

Bopanna has been covering and chronicling Kodagu for nearly four decades. Besides reporting on the district’s affairs, he has brought out a number of books on this unique region, developed a string of Kodagu-centric websites and produced a documentary video on the land.

His online campaign ‘Repair Hunsur-Gonikoppal Road’ was a significant victory for the people over Government indifference.

He has written extensively to convince policy-makers on the need to retain the Arms Exemption given to the residents of Kodagu to possess firearms.

One of the most popular initiatives launched by Bopanna is the ‘Coorg Person of the Year’ title to recognise outstanding achievers and create role models for the community.

The book discusses the religious beliefs of Kodavas (Coorgs) and also spells out of a political road map for Kodagu.

The foreword for the book has been written by P.M. Belliappa, IAS (Retd). The ‘afterword’ has been written by well-known researchers Boverianda Nanjamma and Chinnappa.

The book has colourful photographs, illustrations and a caricature of Bopanna by cartoonist Ponnappa.

Published by Rolling Stone Publications, the book is priced Rs. 100 per copy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / March 15th, 2020

Gulshan Devaiah getting into character

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

Gulshan Devaiah never ceases to surprise his fans. His newest offering Afsos, a black comedy, has put the actor back in the spotlight.

Gulshan Devaiah with Anjali Patil in a still from Afsos
Gulshan Devaiah with Anjali Patil in a still from Afsos

Devaiah plays the role of Nakul, a writer, who keeps attempting suicide but fails at dying.

So he hires a shooter to kill him.

However, the writer decides to live.

But his shooter Upadhyay never leaves her job incomplete. What follows is a crazy cat-and-mouse chase between Nakul and his shooter.

Talking about why he agreed to play the role of such a confused character, Devaiah says, “I really like the three writers, Anirban Dasgupta, Dibya Chatterjee and Sourav Ghosh. I like their energy and their work. They had the right team in place. I also thought it was interesting to play a loser like Nakul Krishna, who is a failed writer. At the same time, it was challenging because although the protagonist is a loser, we had to keep the audience interested in the story.”

This isn’t the first time the actor has picked an unusual script and character. Devaiah played the roles of twin brothers – one good and one evil – in the film Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota.

“When I am interested in a character it becomes a part of my life. I am constantly thinking about it. I just tap into my imagination and let things come through. Be it book readings, discussions with the director or writer, or just random ideation. Sometimes if I get an idea while watching a film,” he says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Hindi / by Ayesha Tabassum / Express News Service / March 14th, 2020

Shining a spotlight on Kodagu culture

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

After multiple books on the subject, author PT Bopanna has penned yet another paperback on Kodagu, this time chronicling his journey of documenting the region.

Pic: Shriram BN
Pic: Shriram BN

After multiple books on the subject, author PT Bopanna has penned yet another paperback on Kodagu, this time chronicling his journey of documenting the region. Having written his first book on Kodagu in 2006, Bopanna soon realised there was no stopping him. But what is prompting this 69-year-old to relentlessly preserve information related to the place?

The author, who is also a journalist, has been reporting on the region for nearly four decades now and realised he had access to a huge repository of knowledge on the place. “There wasn’t much documentation on Kodagu after the British left. So I started making websites and videos that spoke about the culture there, its food, jewellery, news related to it and more,” says Bopanna, whose latest book is a 76-page book called My Coorg Chronicles.

The journey began in 2005, when this self-described atheist and rationalist read a daily astrology prediction that said starting a website would do him good. This gave birth to a website on Kodagu that put together information on the place and eventually grew into multiple websites, social media groups and books. “Today, I have about 20,000 members across different Facebook groups on Kodagu food, news, jewellery and more,” says Bopanna. Attempts to stray away from the topic of Kodagu led to a book on coffee (grown widely in the region), which also won a Gourmand Award.

The biggest challenge the sexagenarian faced was adapting to new mediums. Calling himself a “technologically-challenged” person, he recalls how getting used to video was initially difficult. Now used to it, he hopes to influence more and more youngsters to show an interest in Kodagu culture. Speaking of changes that he seen over years, he rues how the joint family system is no longer prevalent, while the agrarian community seems to be getting diluted too. “The younger generation needs to be more aware,” he says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / March 14th, 2020

In the age of nuclear families, Kodava Keris aim to preserve, pass on culture

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

With urbanisation and changing social structures, nuclear families, which were intrinsic in preserving tradition and rituals, have replaced joint families.

Women and a child don traditional attire at a Keri function
Women and a child don traditional attire at a Keri function

Madikeri :

With urbanisation and changing social structures, nuclear families, which were intrinsic in preserving tradition and rituals, have replaced joint families. To ensure their culture is not lost, various Kodava families in Kodagu district have joined together under one ‘keri’ (colony).

“The concept of ‘keri’ – synonymous with area or colony – started in Bengaluru among the Kodava community. The concept was adopted in the district too, with the first keri being formed 27 years ago,” says Kayapanda Shashi Somaiah, a resident of Madikeri.

As Kodava families started to move to cities from their native villages, the culture of the community was at stake. To prevent this, the keri concept was introduced in towns of Kodagu, including Madikeri, Virajpet and Ponnampet. “There are a total of 12 keris in Madikeri town. Cauvery Keri was among the first to be established in Madikeri. ‘Dechur Keri’ was established in 1998 and is one of the largest compared to other keris,” explains Madeyanda Ravi Kunjiappa, president of Dechur Keri.

He adds that this keri has over 300 members and an annual meeting is held after Puthari festival, which sees the coming together of all members. Talking about the purpose of a keri, Shashi Somaiah explains, “For instance, if a death takes place in a Kodava family, members may not be acquainted with the rituals that need to be followed. That is when the keri becomes a second family of sorts.

Before relatives arrive from far off places, keri members who stay in the same area come together to help with the rituals.” Keris have a president and directors who are elected by the members once in three years. Emergency funds too are collected. Shashi says, “Death funds are handed over by the keri trust to family members.” The community also bonds over other matters during keri meetings.

“When people from the same community gather under one roof, talks pertaining to marriage also take place. There are instances where two people have been matched during keri functions,” says Ravi Kunjiappa.

Ravi adds, “During annual meetings, children who have achieved in academics or sports are recognised and felicitated. Similarly, elders who have achieved in government services or youngsters who have excelled in various fields will be felicitated and encouraged. Communities get to share their triumphs and trials.” Apart from being a support system, these keris also help in preserving Kodava culture. “The annual meeting becomes a platform for various cultural activities. Youngsters and children are required to take part in this cultural extravaganza. Children get trained by elders in ‘kolata’, ‘umathat’ and various other cultural activities,” says Ravi.

These skills are then put to test in the form of inter-keri competitions organised in each township once in three years. While inter-keri events have been organised in Madikeri six times, Virajpet town saw its first event this year. “Each keri takes turns to organise this function, which aims to unite Kodava families from different keris. The aim is to promote Kodava culture among the younger generation. This is the best way to teach our children about our traditions,” says Madanda Latha Somaiah, a member of Dechur keri.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna G R , Express News Service / March 15th, 2020

Complete Madikeri Fort Renovation By April 18: High Court Tells Archaeology Department

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

MadikeriFort01KF11mar2020

Bengaluru/Madikeri:

The Karnataka High Court has directed the Archaeology Department (Archaeological Survey of India) to complete Madikeri Fort Palace renovation works by April 18. A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Ashok passed the order while hearing a PIL filed by J.S. Virupakshaiah, a retired IAS officer from Kodagu.

Archaeology Department officer Shivakant Vajpayee had submitted an affidavit saying that the tender for renovation works of Madikeri Fort Palace has been invited and roof-tile laying and other works will be taken up at a cost of Rs. 53 lakh. However, N. Ravindranath Kamath, the Advocate representing Virupakshaiah took objection saying that though the High Court had directed the Government and the Department to take up renovation works in August last year, the Department has ignored the order.

Arguing that the building is on the verge of collapse, Kamath prayed the Court for issuing directions to start works at the earliest. Following arguments and counter-arguments, the High Court Bench directed the Archaeology Department to complete renovation works by April 18 and submit an affidavit to this effect on April 20.

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Fund release

It may be recalled here that the State Government has given administrative approval to repair the historic Madikeri Fort at a cost of Rs. 8.20 crore. Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy submitted a proposal to the Government to restore the landmark structure at an estimated cost of Rs. 8,20,45,674.

All these years, several Government offices functioned from the Fort premises and despite this, no official took interest in repairing the structure which is in a dilapidated state. Finally, following strictures from the Karnataka High Court, the District Administration acted and has even taken steps to shift the Government offices to other buildings to help the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carry out restoration works.

The ASI is in-charge of the Fort. Retired IAS Officer J.S. Virupakshaiah filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) contending that the Fort and Palace premises are heritage sites, dating back to more than three centuries. They are neglected and the exterior walls of the Palace are infected with mold (fungus).

The history of the Old Fort dates back to the 17th century AD. It was built by King Mudduraja of Haleri dynasty. Tipu Sultan rebuilt the Fort with stone. The Palace was built by Lingaraja Wadiyar II in 1812. The Fort was acquired by Dodda Veera Rajendra in 1790 and later came under the rule of British in 1834.

Kodagu DC Annies Kanmani Joy inspecting the Fort renovation works.
Kodagu DC Annies Kanmani Joy inspecting the Fort renovation works.

DC inspects Fort

Meanwhile, last week, Kodagu DC Annies Kanmani Joy visited the Fort and inspected the renovation work of the Fort and its ceiling being undertaken by the Archaeology Department. She directed the authorities to complete the renovation works in two months.

Speaking to reporters, the DC said that as the first instalment, the Government has released Rs. 40 lakh of the Rs. 54 lakh. The Revenue Department has sanctioned Rs. 8 crore for the renovation project and a request will be sent to the Government to release an additional Rs. 2 crore, she added.

Paltry sum

But in the High Court, Advocate Ravindranath Kamath contended that Rs. 8,20,45,674 was too little an amount to restore the Fort. “Most Government offices in Madikeri functioned from the Fort premises since 1920. As such, the Government has saved more than Rs. 300 crore as rent. The official machinery did not realise this and continued to neglect the Fort without realising the value of the historical structure,” he argued.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 09th, 2020

In Neglect The Warriors Rest

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

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Sad saga of forsaken tombs of British Officers, Soldiers in Madikeri

Madikeri:

Centuries ago, the battlefields of Coorg (Kodagu) thundered with their war cry as they took on marauding armies of the invaders. The British had their own army in Kodagu with thousands of soldiers and officers assisting the Empire to rule the tiny district and also safeguard its borders from marauders.

But the days of the dynasty and the royals are long gone but their remnants — in the form of tombs — are still found in many parts of the district. And unfortunately, these tombs are neglected with no maintenance and weed growth around them.

At Mahadevpet in Madikeri town there is a Gaddige — royal graveyard — built in the Indo-Saracenic style. On the rectangular base, there is a large dome and four turrets. Two Kings of Kodagu (Doddaveera Rajendra and Lingarajendra) and their queens have been buried in the two larger identical structures. The third smaller one has the remains of the Chief Preceptor (Rudrappa) of the Kings.

Beside these three tombs, at a little distance away but within the same enclosure are the tombs of father and son Biddanda Bopanna and Biddanda Somayya. They had served Kodagu and its Kings as Army Generals. While these structures have been maintained (though not very well) by the Kodagu District Archaeology Department, a couple of tombs of British Officers are lying in a pathetic state behind Industrial Training Institute near Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College.

White marble stone tombs

While some of the tombs are made out of white marble stones that were shining years ago with inscriptions and names on them, other tombs are made in the shape of stone pyramids. Some of the tombs have been dug up by treasure-hunters who were hoping to unearth gold or other valuables buried deep under. Also, some of the tombstones have gone under earth with only a small portion showing up.

Unfortunately, some of the white marble slabs of the tombs have been taken away by people and have been used as steps outside their houses after putting cement on the inscriptions and retaining only the outer white marble frame after polishing them.

Years of neglect

Most of the tombstones have been aesthetically carved and many warriors and their Commanders are buried inside. Some of the names inscribed on top of the tombstones have been covered by hardened fungus due to years of neglect and vagaries of weather. The inscriptions include the name of the deceased officer and the person who built the tomb.

Among the tombs, one tomb belongs to a son of a Lieutenant General who died when he was just 18 years old. Another tomb has the names of four members of one family. However, the cause of death is not known — if they died separately or together. But the name of the person who built the tomb has been carved and it says he is from Bengaluru. This shows that special interest was taken to build this tomb and a person was specially summoned from Bengaluru for the purpose.

Cause of death lost forever

These tombs were carved after 1805 AD and sport different years on them. Except names, there are no other details available on the tombs and as such, the reasons behind their deaths have been lost forever.

Records say that these tombs were earlier located at the place where the present Raja’s Seat stands. These tombs were discovered in the pre-independence era and at that time, Raja’s Seat was on the outskirts of Madikeri town and this may be the reason for the tombs to be built in the vicinity of Raja’s Seat.

Originally near Raja’s Seat

After independence when plans were chalked out for Madikeri’s development including the beautification of Raja’s Seat which was at an elevated place, the tombs were shifted behind Industrial Training Institute. Then, Raja’s Seat came within the jurisdiction of Madikeri town and it was developed into a tourist place.

After the tombs were shifted behind Industrial Training Institute, a protective compound wall was built around them. Over the year, the wall has collapsed and treasure seekers have dug up many graves. Wild weeds and green growth have covered the area and they have grown up to almost 20 feet.

There are no records whatsoever regarding the dead officers. Whether they died naturally or whether they were killed by local kings and chieftains is not known and this may be a good subject of research.

If at all the officers were killed during the freedom struggle, a new chapter on Kodagu’s freedom struggle is set to be written in history books.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / by Prasad Sampigekatte / March 10th, 2020

Foundation Stone Laid For Old Age Home

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

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Former MLA M.K. Somashekar, yesterday, performed guddali puja to lay the foundation stone for the Home for the Aged (Old age home) being constructed by Sri Cauvery Kodagu Mahila Sangha at Srirampura as Sri Cauvery Kodagu Mahila Sangha Founder-President and Building Committee Member Parvathi Cariappa, former President D. Sarasu Nanaiah, Jt. Secretary K. Bollamma Kuttappa, P. Vimala Poonacha, Organising Secretaries K. Bhavani Belliappa and T. Veena Devaiah, Roopesh, IT Cell City President Neeral and others look on.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / March 02nd, 2020