Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

‘Bhoomi Puja’ For Stadium At Balugodu In Kodagu

November 10, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Sportsadmin

Virajpet:

‘Bhoomi Puja’ was performed at Balugodu Hockey Grounds in Virajpet yesterday under the aegis of Federation of Kodava Samajas for the construction of the most-desired stadium at an estimated cost of Rs. 5 crore.

Launching the work, Federation President K. Vishnu Cariappa said that the previous Government had sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for the construction of the stadium which is likely to be completed by March end next. He sought full co-operation from members and office-bearers of the Federation and the people for coming out with a full-fledged stadium.

The monthly meeting of the Federation was also held at its premises in Balugodu. A decision was taken to increase membership for the Federation. Vice-President M.T. Nanaiah, Joint Secretary K.S. Uthappa, Secretary V.S. Poovaiah, former President M.D. Belliappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 09th, 2019

She has ‘stars’ in her eyes!

November 6, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorgadmin

This pretty model-turned actress, Sanah Thimmayyah will be making her Sandalwood debut opposite Darshan in Odeya.

From the beautiful land of Coorg, which has given numerous talents and versatile personalities, comes another pretty damsel who makes her acting debut alongside Challenging Star Darshan in his next titled Odeya directed by M D Sridhar. Model turned actress Sanah Thimmayyah, who plays the role of a painter on her debut speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle, sharing her journey so far and how she bagged her dream project and all the excitement behind it and much more.

Born in Virajpet, Sanah says she is brought up in Mysuru where she did her education until graduation in commerce from Vidyashram College. “This is when I took up modelling too.

After winning a contest in modelling, I started working for the renowned Prasad Bidappa for couple of years while I was still pursuing my studies. Thereafter, my interest in jewellery designing brought me to Bengaluru. In fact, I was always crazy about movies like a typical movie buff, but with no proper guidance I was in two minds as to whether to take up acting as my career or not,” says Sanah Thimmayyah.

Eventually, Sanah explains that her love for acting drew her to theatres, which she started off with Avinash Daniel Film School from where she learnt the basics of acting and kept auditioning for several projects including commercials.

“Though I did a couple of commercials, I was striving hard for bigger and better opportunities. At this juncture, my mother, who happens to be a good friend of Darshan sir’s mother told her about my acting interest. It was she who asked me to attend the audition for the lead role in the film Odeya, for which the makers were in search of a new face and someone who could perform as well, and thus my dream turned into reality,” Sanah says.

Further, the debutant reveals that when she was told about her selection, she was over the moon and was literally ‘blank’ till she realised that it was actually happening in reality. “I could not realise what was happening for the first few days and I would just follow the instructions. The entire first schedule was more or less the same for me. And, it could not have been better with my debut under Sandesh Productions which has given several great films. I am ever grateful to the entire team of Odeya, for all their efforts and cooperation,” Sanah adds.

About Darshan, the actress shares that the challenging star is a great human being and a dedicated artiste, who is always down to earth despite being such a great star actor. “He has an amazing personality who is so special to work with. He is great both on and off screen, which is what makes him a great person. His dedication at work and humble nature is what inspired me when working alongside him,” the actress says.

While she has been listening to a few scripts for her next, she concludes sharing on how she had a wonderful time shooting for her debut venture where she along with the entire team would wait to have lunch with Darshan sir in his caravan.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Sandalwood / by ShashiPrasad SM, Deccan Chronicle / November 06th, 2019

River Rafting In Kodagu District 60 Rafts To Be Given Licence

November 5, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Sportsadmin

Madikeri:

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Annies Kanmani Joy, who chaired the White Water River Rafting review meeting at her office on Nov.1, has decided to issue licences to 60 raft operators in the district next season.

The meeting also decided to continue those who were issued licences this year based on the recommendations of a Technical Committee.

Though river rafting is popular among tourists visiting Kodagu, the District Administration had temporarily banned it in early 2018 due to allegations of irregularities and the death of a tourist.

Razi Ahmed, a 21-year-old tourist from Hyderabad, died after he was assaulted with a wooden oar by some rafting crew at Dubare Rafting Camp coming under Nanjarayapatna Gram Panchayat near Kushalnagar.

The ban was imposed in the wake of several complaints from tourists and villagers that adventure activity organisers have no expertise in river rafting and some of them are organising such events just to make money. The ban was imposed as mandatory safety measures were not followed by organisers and lives were at stake. The ban, however, was subsequently revoked.

The DC directed the officials of Public Works Department (PWD), Fire and Emergency Services, Tourism and other Departments to conduct surprise spot inspections and assess the number of rafters operating at various rafting in the district.

A few members of the River Rafting Committee raised objections over the delay in issue of Fitness Certificates for boats following which the DC said that the certificates will be issued within a day from next year.

Tourism Department representatives were instructed to issue an advisory on the terms and conditions necessary to operate rafting including fixing of prices. The DC warned the guides of initiating legal action if they are found levying higher rates.

She instructed the Assistant Director of Tourism Department to issue press release and give publicity about the information pertaining to necessary guidelines. The DC also instructed the officials to put up a board containing the prescribed rates for rafting at Dubare and Barapole for the benefit of tourists.

Superintendent of Police Dr. Suman D. Pennekar instructed the officials to implement the rules that are in force at Barapole at Dubare too. Assistant Commissioner T. Javaregowda, PWD Executive Engineer Ibrahim, District Fire Officer P. Chandan, Tourism Department Assistant Director Raghavendra, River Rafting Committee Members Ritesh, Vishwa, Manjunath and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 04th, 2019

After rain damage, Kodagu’s historical Nalknad Palace is crying for attention

November 4, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

A portion of Nalknad Palace in Kodagu district collapsed a few weeks ago following torrential rains. | Photo Credit: M.T. Shiva Kumar

There is no sign of restoration work being taken up by the ASI.

Nalknad Palace, at the foot of the dense Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Kodagu district, once stood as a symbol of elegance, architecture and style. Today, it is crying for protection.

The two-storeyed building with historical significance, which is also known as Naalnaad Aramane, was built between 1792 and 1794 AD to commemorate the victory of Haleri king Dodda Veera Rajendra over Tipu Sultan. It has precious murals, pillars, various wooden carvings, dark rooms [or hiding rooms], secret passages, bathrooms and galleries of the 18th and 19th centuries.

A portion of the palace collapsed a few weeks ago following torrential rains. There is no sign of restoration works being undertaken, according to sources in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). An ASI source said repair work can be taken up only after the rains subside fully. As such, the chance of miscreants damaging the precious artefacts and structures at the palace is high, as the lone caretaker leaves after closing time (6 p.m.).

Hiding place
According to the ASI, Dodda Veera Rajendra decided to construct the palace at Yavakapadi at the foot of Tadiandamol as the place was thickly wooded. Although he won a battle against Tipu, he was still under the threat of enemy troupes. The legendary ruler saw the need for constructing an elegant structure with safety features in the dense forest area to use as a hiding place. Thus, Nalknad Palace was built, according to a history lecturer in Hunsur.

A sign put up outside the palace gives brief details of the building, including that Dodda Veera Rajendra built it to protect his family from enemies.

He married again in 1796 to Mahadevamma at the same palace and lived there until she died in 1807. An elegant wedding mantap, constructed for his marriage, still exists there and is the cynosure of all eyes arriving at the palace.

It was also the hiding place and last residence of Chikka Veera Rajendra before he surrendered to the British in 1834 AD.

The palace was a rendezvous point for miscreants till a few years ago, before the ASI took it under its wing. Later, the palace was restored. Unfortunately, irreparable damage has been caused to the murals and paintings on the walls, according to ASI sources.

The Haleri kings might have left precious artefacts at the palace when they deposed to the British. Sources say the artefacts might have been shifted elsewhere or stolen.

According to the visitor register, footfall at the palace is sometimes nil and at other times reasonable.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by M. T. Shiva Kumar / Mandya – November 04th, 2019

Centre Extends Gun Licence Exemption To Kodavas Till 2029

November 3, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

New Delhi:

The Centre has decided to continue the British-era rule of exempting Kodavas and Jamma land holders in Kodagu district from obtaining licence for firearms such as pistols, revolvers and double-barrelled shotguns. The exemption has been given for 10 years, till 2029.

Kodavas worship weapons and guns are part and parcel of every festival and ceremony — be it birth or death — and the decision has been taken considering the cultural and religious sensitivities of the community. “Those who have been given the exemption are every person of Kodagu by race and every Jamma land tenure holder in Kodagu,” according to a Home Ministry notification.

Kodavas are the only community in India who are exempted from obtaining arms licences. “The arms or ammunition carried or possessed by any person being from Kodagu by race and every Jamma tenure holder in Kodagu and herein exempted while residing or travelling outside the district of Kodagu shall not exceed one rifle with 100 rounds of ammunition for the same and one smooth bore breech or muzzle-loading gun with 500 cartridges or the equivalent in leaden shot and gunpowder,” the notification said citing conditions of the exemption.

Case in High Court

Kodavas have been getting the exemption of obtaining arms licence since the British era and the Centre has provided exemption in the rules issued under the Arms Act, officials said. However, Captain (Retd.) Yaladalu K. Chethan, son of Yaladalu D. Keshavananda filed a Writ Petition in the Karnataka High Court on Jan. 8, 2018.

Chethan questioned the exemption granted by the Government of India to a certain class of people in the district in obtaining licence to possess firearms under Section 3 and 4 of the Indian Arms Act, 1959.

In his petition, (WP No. 1386/2018), Chethan, a resident of R.T. Nagar in Bengaluru, claimed that the continuation of the exemption, granted to some class of persons by the British Government in pre-Independent India in furtherance of their divide-and-rule policy, was unconstitutional, as it was based on irrational, fictitious and discriminatory grounds, such as race and ancestral land tenure.

Centre’s stand

Responding to the notice issued by the High Court, the advocate representing the Centre had informed the Court that a committee had been constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the Arms Act, including notification granting exemption to people of Kodagu. After receiving comments from all stakeholders, the Centre has now extended the exemption for 10 years.

Bengaluru Kodava Samaja, Akhila Kodava Samaja and Federation of Kodava Samajas backed the move to convince the Home Ministry on retaining and extending the exemption. Prominent persons from Kodagu in New Delhi and Bengaluru including Machimanda Thamoo Cariappa, Maneyappanda Pavan Ganapathy, Palecanda Nanju Nanjappa, Ithichanda M. Devaiah, Annalamada Sunil Achaiah, Mukkatira T. Nanaiah and Maletira Dhyan Chinnappa played a key role and also worked to retain this provision.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 02nd, 2019

‘Include a lesson on Appaiah Gowda in syllabus’

November 2, 2019Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Tributes were paid at Guddemane Appaiah Gowda Memorial in Old Fort, Madikeri, on Friday.

The 182nd commemoration day of freedom fighter and martyr Subedar Guddemane Appaiah Gowda was jointly organised by district administration, Department of Kannada and Culture and Guddemane Appaiah Gowda Memorial Monitoring Committee, in Madikeri on Friday.

Dignitaries paid floral tributes to the statue of Appaiah Gowda at Field Marshal Cariappa Circle. Later, a silent procession was taken out till Old Fort.

Tributes were also paid at Subedar Guddemane Appaiah Gowda memorial, where he was hanged. Women sang ‘Lavani’ songs depicting the life and achievements of Appaiah Gowda.

District Congress Committee President K K Manjunath said that Guddemane Appaiah Gowda bravely fought against the British to save the people of Kodagu.

“Nobody can change history. One should not make efforts to misinterpret history. Instead, one should lead lives with peace and cordiality,” he added.

Advocate Vidyadhar said that more and more people need to know about the greatness of Appaiah Gowda, who laid down his life during the freedom struggle.

Karnataka Arebhashe and Literary Academy President Lakshminarayana Kajegadde said that a lesson on Guddemane Appaiah Gowda should be included in school curriculum. He fought against the British even before the Sepoy Mutiny, he added.

MLA K G Bopaiah, MLC Veena Achaiah, Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy, Superintendent of Police Dr Suman D Pennekar and others were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Madikeri / November 01st, 2019

Subramanian Swamy asks Yediyurappa to initiate ‘Codava Development Council’

October 30, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy (File photo: PTI)

___________________________________

– Swamy said that it was about a year ago that he had the discussion
with BJP leaders to set up a development council for the ethnic
group in Karnataka

– The ethnic race can be found at Kodagu, a a rich coffee- and
pepper-growing district of the southern state
_________________________________

Bengaluru:

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday wrote to the Karnataka government requesting it to grant an autonomous development council for the Kodavas, a small race native to Kodagu, a rich coffee- and pepper-growing district in the southern part of the state.

Swamy said that it was about a year ago that he had the discussion to set up a development council for the ethnic group in Karnataka with BJP leaders like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and the late Anant Kumar.

“Shri Anant Kumar then said that if the council is not being separated from Karnataka, he would welcome the Codava Development Council with certain financial autonomy,” Swamy said in his letter. Using the colonial spelling, Coorg and Codava, to refer to the ethnic group, Swamy’s request reflects the sentiments of a section of Kodava’s, who have long since demanded a special status and a separate state.

The district that measures over 4,100 square kilometers and known for its coffee and spices growing regions spread across hilly terrains, has a population of over 5.54 lakhs and according to the 2011 census. The people of this race have excelled in the armed forces and in the field of sports, especially hockey among other areas.

“I think it will be good if you now take up this matter with the centre and see that this idea of Development Council as asked for by the Codavas is implemented at the earliest,” Swamy said.

Though there have been earlier proposals to include Kodava’s into the list of Scheduled Tribes and other categories of special status, this has not yet been implemented. Swamy mentioned the contribution of Kodavas in the Indian armed forces. The first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army was Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and was conferred the rank of Field Marshal on 28 April 1986. General K.S. Thimayya was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954 and took over as Chief of the Indian Army on 07 May 1957. There have been several people from this district who have joined the army. Swamy goes on to say that the race has been exploited by politicians with black money purchasing their coffee estates.

Currently, the Kalyana-Karnataka (formerly known as Hyderabad-Karnataka) region has been accorded special status to help overcome the regional disparity as these parts are home to some of the most backward regions in the country.

source: http://www.livemint.com / LiveMint / Home> Explore / by Sharan Poovanna / October 29th, 2019

‘Americano helped Americans win war’

October 30, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Coffee News, World Opinionadmin

Rahul Kamath, a man from the world of advertising and a newly converted lover of coffee, sat back in his chair.

Bengaluru :

When Rahul first developed an extreme love of coffee, he had not imagined even remotely where this affair would lead him. It had only been a year but this obsession had marked a sudden, clean and dramatic shift from his long-standing penchant for elaichi chai.

When his colleague Srinivasan, the accountant who sat in the cubicle next to his, commented on this change, Rahul was quick to respond, ‘It is elaichi chai that I’ve been having since my college days. How long can one keep drinking the same thick, inky stuff? Coffee, on the other hand, is so seductive and cool, man. Good coffee is like delicious, lingering sex, you know?’

Srinivasan, a nearly celibate Tamil Brahmin from Trichy [also called Tiruchi or Tiruchirappalli], did not like these casual mentions of sex in the office. However, well aware that Rahul was in an expansive mood, one where he would go on and on about assorted and inane things, Srinivasan persevered with the conversation, probably for the sake of friendship. It was only when it became quite likely that more graphic descriptions would follow to further illustrate what was already an inappropriate comparison that he thought it best to walk back to his cubicle. Shaking his head, he buried himself in the safety of his accounting ledgers where coffee and lingering sex thankfully made no appearances.

Rahul Kamath, a man from the world of advertising and a newly converted lover of coffee, sat back in his chair. He brushed back his thick black hair, stared into space and then closed his eyes. This almost always helped him think. Why did Srini go away so quickly? Rahul could never understand people who first initiated a conversation and then withdrew inexplicably. Unfortunately, there are plenty of such people in our offices these days—shallow guys with thick spectacles and a bucketload of grand degrees, most of them unable to hold a conversation for more than a few minutes. Let it go, let it go, Rahul, it is not worth the thought. Only a nice hot cup of freshly brewed black coffee was worth his time now; some lovely Americano would allow him to think and rise above the usual rut that was office civility.

Rahul took off for Red Horse Café, his favourite coffee place. It was small, cozy and warm, and just ten minutes away if one walked briskly. Just the thought of a steaming cup of Americano had geared him up for some thinking. He had read somewhere that Americano literally meant American coffee though it had actually originated in Italy. This nugget of information had intrigued him until he found an unconfirmed story suggesting that the name owed itself to American soldiers fighting in Italy during World War II. They used hot water to dilute the strong Italian espresso to produce the sort of coffee they drank at home. The Italians must have been aghast. But he doubted if anyone cared; after all Americano helped the Americans win the war.

Excerpted from An Extreme Love Of Coffee by Harish Bhat, with permission from Penguin Random House India.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / October 30th, 2019

Madikeri Fort, Palace Restoration

October 29, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, Alladmin

High Court orders contempt petition against officials

Bengaluru:

The Karnataka High Court has expressed its displeasure over the neglect of the historic Madikeri Fort and has directed the Government Advocate to register a Contempt of Court Case against officials for not obeying Court directives.

The Court was hearing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by J.S. Virupakshaiah, a retired IAS Officer and a resident of Somwarpet. The petitioner contended 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 fungus.

The government is running its offices on the Palace premises and despite this the monuments are neglected with no action plan initiated by the officials. The petitioner had prayed before the Court to issue directions to the Government to vacate its offices and hand over the monuments to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to maintain it.

Saving the monuments

The petitioner had said that the Government officials under the Zilla Panchayat had been functioning from the old Palace for many years. There are also offices of two MLAs and MLCs of Kodagu. A request was made to the ASI to take measures to preserve the Palace. The Government office buildings should be vacated first in order to take up the repair work. It was therefore inevitable to approach the Court, he contended. Also, there is an urgent need to save the historic monuments as incessant rains were causing harm to the structures.

Virupakshaiah said that the District Administration had promised to hand over the Palace by October end, to take up a temporary makeover. There is, however, no use of temporary work. In order to inspect the present condition of the Palace and the Fort, the officials from the ASI visited the Fort premises and have submitted a report to the Court on the matter, he added.

Roof Collapse

The petitioner told the Court that in January this year, the roof of the Palace in the Fort premises suddenly collapsed. The walls of the Palace are discoloured and the soldiers’ quarters have totally collapsed. The leaking roof of the main building was covered with plastic sheets as a temporary measure.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Krishnakumar noted that despite the Court order to shift the Government offices by Oct. 30, nothing has been done so far. Upset at the officers’ attitude, the High Court has directed the Government advocate to name the officials and file a Contempt of Court Case against them. The High Court has now posted the hearing to Oct. 31.

Glorious history

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.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner’s office too was housed in the same building. However, it was shifted to the present building four years ago.

The offices of the Agriculture Department, District Library, Court complex and Balamandira are functioning in the Old Fort premises.

The officials said that if the entire Palace is handed over to the ASI, the Central Government will release funds.

Offices must be shifted before Oct. 31: DC

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy has directed the Assistant Director of Land Records to shift the Government offices from the Old Fort to the new building of Zilla Panchayat, before Oct. 31 as per the High Court orders.

After shifting, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will take up renovation works of the historic monuments. Officials from the ASI visited the Fort premises and inspected the condition of the Old Fort building. The team of officials also furnished a report to the Court, on the probable steps towards the repair of the building. Following the same, the officials from various Government Departments agreed to vacate their offices.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 27th, 2019

DC for shifting of offices from Madikeri Fort

October 28, 2019Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy has directed the assistant director of land records to shift the government offices from the Old Fort to the new building of Zilla Panchayat, before October 31, as per the court orders.

The Madikeri Fort, also known as Old Fort.

The orders by the deputy commissioner have come in the wake of the High Court direction towards taking up renovation work of the historic establishment. The work will be carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Annies Kanmani Joy said that the district administration had promised the Department of Archaeology of handing over the old building by October end.

As there are government offices inside the Old Fort, the department could not carry out the restoration work of the building. Also, there were demands to shift the government offices to the newly built Zilla Panchayat building.

As per the directions issued by the High Court, officials from the ASI visited the fort premises and inspected the condition of the Old Fort building.

The team of officials also furnished a report to the court, on the probable steps towards the repair of the building. Following the same, the officials from various government departments had agreed to vacate their offices.

While the repair work was going on in January, the roof of the palace in the Fort premises had suddenly collapsed.

The walls of the palace are discoloured and the soldiers’ quarters have totally collapsed.

The leaking roof of the main building was covered with plastic sheets as a temporary measure.

Glorious history

Mudduraja, a ruler of Haleri dynasty, had built the fort in the 17th century.

Tipu Sultan rebuilt the fort using stones later.

The fort was acquired by Dodda Veera Rajendra in 1790 and later came under the rule of British in 1834.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / October 23rd, 2019

Kodagu First

a Celebration. Positive News, Facts & Achievements about Kodagu, Coorgs and the People of Kodagu – here at Home and Overseas