The department has taken this step following the sighting of over 40 wild elephants in the affected village of Badaga-Banangala.
The forest department has taken the responsibility of ferrying students in the department vehicles to their respective schools following increased wild elephant movement in a few villages in Kodagu, Karnataka.
As confirmed by the department sources, herds of over 40 wild elephants have been sighted camping close the village, stated a report by The New Indian Express.
Meanwhile, the villagers complained that the elephants are camping in estates instead of the forest region and demanded respite from the threat to lives due to increased elephant movement. While the department takes to the mission of chasing the elephants back to forest, the elephants return to the village and destroy plantations. The destruction of agricultural crops has become common to farmers who are suffering from several months.
Further, even the Panchayat workers are threathened by increased elephant movement and are said to be afraid to go to the office located in the conflict region. The estate labourers too are backing off from carrying out estate works due to the fear of elephants.
While the foresters have assured of a permanent solution, the children fear going to schools and colleges. And as a temporary measure, the department staff have made arrangements to ferry students in the forest vehicle to and from their respective schools and colleges.
The forest crew is also patrolling to ensure the safety of the residents, especially estate labourers.
Thithimathi RFO (Range Forest Officer) Gangadhar and others were involved in alerting labourers in elephant-sensitive zones. They are boosting the labourers to go to plantations by regularly combing these areas.
The foresters and Rapid Response Team (RRT) are jointly operating to curb the elephant movement acorss the plantations. They are ferrying students to bus stands and houses in the forest vehicle, stated The New Indian Express report.
Meanwhile, the mission of chasing the elephants back to forest will continue.
source: http://www.edexlive.com / Edex Live, TNIE / Home / by Edex Live Desk / November 18th, 2024
Dr. Padma Shekar, a native of Kodagu, a litterateur, education expert, researcher and retired Vice-Chancellor, is among 69 achievers chosen for this year’s Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.
Dr. Padma hails from Thorenur village, Kushalnagar taluk in Kodagu district. She has served as the Professor and Chairperson of Department of Studies in Jainology and Prakrit, University of Mysore, Director of Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Mysore and Chairperson of Department of Studies in Christianity, University of Mysore.
A recipient of several awards in the fields of research and literature, she is currently a resident of ‘Preeti Nilaya’, Vijayanagar Second Stage, Mysuru.
Elated by the decision of the State Government to consider her for the award, Dr. Padma Shekar said “I had been a recipient of several awards in the field of literature. Now, I have been awarded for the service rendered in the field of education, which is very close to my heart, that has brought immense joy and happiness for me.”
“I have worked in the field of education for 40 years and it was during my tenure in office that, Karnataka Sanskrit University and Department of Studies in Jainology and Prakrit, University of Mysore.
The Government has taken cognisance of all these achievements. I humbly recall all those who have nurtured my growth from a remote village to the level of a Professor.
I will especially thank former CM Dr. M. Veerappa Moily and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Government. I was born in Virajpet, Kodagu, where I spent my childhood. I was also the Chairperson of 11th District Kannada Sahitya Sammelan,” said Dr. Padma Shekar, recalling her achievements with pride.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 31st, 2024
Professor Padma Shekhar, who is originally from Torenur in Kodagu but now resides in Mysuru, was honoured with the prestigious Rajyotsava Award for her contributions in the field of education.
Before her retirement in 2019 as chancellor of Bengaluru Sanskrit University, she served in multiple roles at the University of Mysore, including as professor of Jainology and Prakrit department, director of the Centre for Women’s Studies, chairman of the department of christianity, and chief superintendent of the women’s hostel.
Besides her educational career, Padma authored numerous books and received various accolades. She supervised multiple PhD scholars. She is among the 69 recipients of this year’s Rajyotsava award.
The Karnataka govt also selected two accomplished individuals from the district for the Suvarna Mahotsava Award, as part of the Karnataka Sambhrama-50 celebration.
Kathimada Jimmy Annaiah and Nandini Basappa were chosen for their achievements in sports. Annaiah from Ponnampet was a member of the University of Mysore hockey team in 1957. He currently heads the Kiggatnad Senior Citizens Forum and promotes sports activities through social work.
Nandini, residing at Panya Estate in Suntikoppa, achieved recognition as an international basketball player. She participated in numerous national and international competitions and served in leadership positions. Her roles include vice-president of the Basketball Federation of India, Karnataka Basketball Association, and India Junior Women’s Basketball team manager. Her achievements include the Kempegowda award and State Sports awards in 2001.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra / October 31st, 2024
The Annual Kail-Poldh Festival Get-together of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, will be held on Sept. 8 (Sunday) at 10 am at Samaja premises in Vijayanagar 1st Stage here.
The day-long programme from 10 am to 5 pm comprises Ayudha Puja, Sports and Games, Lucky Dip, Honouring eminent Kodavas and distribution of Scholarship to meritorious children.
Scholarships: In all, 44 scholarships will be awarded to Kodava students who have studied in Mysuru and passed the respective examinations. Children of Samaja members are eligible for scholarships irrespective of their place of study and Kodava students who have studied in Mysuru are also eligible.
Details of Scholarship:
Highest scorers in final exams of 7th Std., SSLC, SSLC (English), SSLC (CBSE), SSLC (Economically Weaker Section); PUC, B.A, B.Com, B.Sc. (Computer Science / Maths), BBM, MBA, Law, M.A., M.Com, M.Sc., (PEM/CBZ); B.E., B.E.(Mech), B.E. (Arch), B.E. (Computer Science), BDS, MBBS, B.Sc./M.Sc. (Ag), Diploma in Commercial (Secretarial) Practice, Best sports students in PUC I and II year; CBSE XI and XII and ICSE XI and XII, SSLC (CBSE), highest marks in Science; Post-Graduation in Medicine, MD or MS;
Achievers in sports at State-level; Graduation in Home Science or Hotel Management; Highest marks in SSLC for Kodava Police Family, representing University of Mysore, Kodava Samaja Members highest marks in B.Ed.
Applications for scholarship and honouring of eminent Kodavas for their achievements in various fields should be sent to the Hon. Secretary, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, along with copies of relevant marks card and certificates before Aug. 31 by 5 pm.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / August 28th, 2024
Dr Geetha Kariappa is a professor of English and a published author of four best-seller novels on Amazon. Her stories straddle Kodagu and its lifestyle as she weaves narratives which examine the condition of man and woman in a conventional society, with a humanistic perspective. She has penned numerous poems, short stories and articles in national and international journals.
This poem was inspired by the story of ‘Girl with the Diary’ written by Dr Geetha Kariappa, which narrates the saga of bravery and integrity of a teenager Kia who honours the dying wish of a mystery lady. She sets out on a precarious journey of discovery, as she is drawn into a web of intriguing clues, hinting at a long-forgotten crime, into the mist-clad land of Coorg. The exciting story takes her into the charming town of Madikeri and the coffee estate, Devkunj. It narrates the tale of the undying love of a man, a woman and his land.
“An excerpt from the novel, “Girl with the Diary”
The 100-acre estate was spread out before us in a sea of coffee blossoms. The fragrant land, heady with perfume, steaming gently in the sun, hugged the swell and curve of the land. A stately bungalow stood at the head of the winding gravel drive. Nearby were paddy wetlands with paddy and a few acres with native ginger. The undulating swathes of coffee bushes in well-manicured grooves interspersed with neat rows of shade trees, orange, jackfruit and silver oak, created a charming appearance of a jungle, securing its borders. Pepper vines twined about the trunk of shade trees which arched over cardamom, almond and vanilla bushes. The glittering estate pond lay at a short distance from where frogs croaked from the damp grass and winged insects skimmed over the coffee blooms. At the horizon, the bluish mist of the mountains, crested with clouds, looked picturesque.”
Travel note: The town of Madikeri nestled in the Brahmagiri hills of Western ghats in Karnataka, originally known as Muddurajanakeri, translates into “the city of Mudduraja,”, while paying homage to the Haleri kings who once ruled these lands. This picturesque hill station stands proudly among the world’s eight most remarkable centres of biological diversity. UNESCO recognises its ecological importance, and the town is a designated World Heritage Site. Madikeri is a hot travel destination because of its cool climate and resemblance to the Scottish countryside.
MADIKERI, IN MEMORY
In the core of Coorg, where Western Ghats cradle the sky,
Rests Madikeri, whose charm we cannot deny.
Sung by poets in nostalgic ragas,
Of misty hills soaked in yearning stanzas,
Where every syllable is a nostalgic saga.
Just as the monsoon arrives in the plains,
Madikeri, you wear the bridal veil of rains.
Clouds caress your coffee blossoms,
coaxing them into white celestial blooms.
Mist twirls with the mountains, and rivers swell in volumes.
In this watery symphony, your beauty eternally booms.
Madikeri, you perch on verdant hills,
like sentinels defending rugged sills.
Your winding roads like ballads,
Keep unearthing hidden waterfalls.
The moist air- fragrant coffee and eucalyptus,
hold out the sacred contract of paradise.
When the sun rises, spilling gold over rooftops,
ignites Madikeri, of charming landscapes.
This mist-kissed charm remains a poet’s muse,
Sparking the mindscape, waiting for poetries to bloom.
At the head of winding gravel, a colonial bungalow stands,
Its veranda, a sanctuary for weary souls.
Devkunj—an estate cradled in emerald arms,
Houses within, an angel of secret and balms.
The undulating coffee bushes,
Clustered in ivory blooms like uplifting hymns,
And Sandalwood, Teak bow to her gracious whims,
As she steps forth, with graceful limbs.
In the garden, a child dances with mud pies,
encompassing the valley with her dimpled smiles.
Rubber ducks sail in a pool, and paper boats get adrift,
A puppy chases its tail, and chicks run abreast.
Mother Angel bends to kiss the curly locks,
Her love, unmeasured, boundless, all pain blocks.
Her eyes, holding profound stories of storms,
Those were weathered, and now only becalms.
His gaze of reverence, of remembrance,
Of her quiet strength and youthful stance,
Of her love, blooming, riveting like rare fragrance.
She is the heartbeat, the keeper of Devkunj,
She, the symbol, the nurturing spirit of motherhood,
tending to man, child and his fertile land.
Walking in his dreams through whispering wood,
Where the cicadas hum, and the silver oaks stand guard.
Here, time slows, and the tree in melancholy, sighs.
Where the land conspires, papery leaves rustle,
whispering of brave lore of kings and queens,
as it unfurls dreams and of true love applauds.
source: http://www.interviewtimes.net / Interview Times / Home> National> National Times> Odisha> The Leading Story / by Subhechcha Ganguly / July 08th, 2024
In a stellar display of speed and agility, students of Coorg Public School (COPS) made their mark at the CISCE Regional Athletics Meet 2024, hosted by KA324 Indian Public School, Bengaluru.
K.C. Sukanth Gowda, a Class 8 student, stole the show with his impressive performances, clinching gold medals in the 100m and 200m events in the Under-14 category and a silver medal in the 400m event.
Sukanth’s remarkable achievements earned him the Individual Championship title in the Under-14 boys’ category.
The Coorg Public School team, comprising 12 participants, including 4 girls and 8 boys, showcased their teamwork and dedication, ultimately winning the Overall Championship in the Under-14 boys’ category.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / August 21st, 2024
Cholanda Varun Ganapathy, an alumnus of Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, Mysuru, has been awarded the Sword of Honour and President’s Gold Medal after being adjudged the Best All Round Cadet and standing First in Overall Order of Merit respectively at the Passing Out Course (SS-110) held at Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai recently.
He secured AIR 14 (All India Ranking) in the merit list of candidates to secure admission to OTA, Chennai, for Course Serial SSC (NT) – 110. His training commenced in Oct.2019 and on successful completion of training is commissioned as a Lieutenant.
Varun, an alumnus of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bengaluru (up to Cl VII/2008), Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, Mysuru (PUC/2014) and Sir M. Visveswaraya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (BE in Mechanical Engineering) had always been focused on joining the Armed Forces. To fulfil this ambition, he appeared for NDA, AFCAT and CDS examinations at various stages clearing these exams seven times. He also appeared in various SSBs, clearing it thrice.
After he secured admission to OTA for Course Serial SSC (NT) – 110, he was also selected for Air Force in Jan. 2020 having cleared AFCAT exam and SSB.
Varun Ganapathy’s success must be attributed to his determination and perseverance which was bolstered by his parents and mentors. He relentlessly pursued his dream to join the Armed Forces and went about his preparation in a very methodical manner. He kept himself updated about various entrance exams and the different syllabus for each exam. His preparation included personality development and physical fitness.
He also attended classes at Bangalore School for Civil Services under Dr. Arjun Bopanna for UPSC and KPSC exams. On being selected to join OTA, Chennai in SS-110 course, Varun was appointed as Academy Cadet Adjutant and was awarded Sword of Honour for being Best All Round Cadet and Gold Medal for being First in Order of Merit. He was commissioned into 2 Special Forces on Nov. 21, 2020.
Varun joins the following elite rank of Kodava Officers who topped their courses: Col. Pattada N. Thimmaiah – IMA Sword; Lt. Gen. Pattachervanda C. Thimmaiah – IMA Sword; Sqn. Ldr. Mallengada B. Chittiappa – NDA Gold and Lt. Cdr. Mukkatira Suraj Aiyappa – Naval Academy Sword and Gold.
Varun is the proud son of Cholanda Poovaiah (Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta, Chikkaballapura District) and Dharini Poovaiah (Manavattira, Nelaji), originally from Kalmotte, Virapet, Kodagu.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 23rd, 2020
Marking National Mathematics Day, Coorg Institute Pre-University College (CIPUC) had organised a Science Quiz contest for high school students recently at the College premises in Halligattu, Ponnampet.
The first two prize winners were Sri Rama Trust Napoklu High School (Rs. 3,000 cash and a silver coin) and St. Anne’s High School, Virajpet (Rs. 2,000 cash and silver coin). Consolation prize of Rs. 500 each was presented to Lions High School, Kalathmadu, Coorg Public School, Gonikoppa and St. Anthony’s High School, Ponnampet.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Fathima Cariappa advised the students to achieve their goals with confidence as the word ‘Impossible’ includes ‘Possible’ also.
Kodava Education Society Secretary C.P. Rakesh Poovaiah presided. College Principal Dr. Rohini Thimmaiah and CIT Principal Dr. Mahabaleshwarappa were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 14th, 2018
‘Enclave,’ the 18th College Day celebration of Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT), run by Kodava Education Society (KES), will be held at its campus in Halligattu, Ponnampet, South Kodagu, on May 13 at 10.30 am.
MP Pratap Simha and Maj. Gen. (retd.) K. Arjun Muthanna, SM, will be the chief guests. Dr. Deepak Poola Chandrashekar, Cloud Solution architect, IBM, Bengaluru and B. Akshaya Bojamma, Data Quality Analyst, Apple Care, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia, will be the guests of honour. The event will be presided over by C.P. Belliappa, Hon. President, KES.
International Conference
CIT has also organised an ‘International Conference on Emerging Trends in Science and Engineering (ICETSE-2017)’ on May 11 and 12 at its campus in Ponnampet. The Conference will be inaugurated on May 11 at 10 am. KES Co-opted Director Dr. J. Ponnamma Machaiah will be the guest of honour. KES President C.P. Belliappa will preside. Bhandari Srinivas Institute of Technology (Telangana) Principal Dr. V.S. Giridhar Akula will deliver the keynote address.
The valedictory will be held on May 12 at 2 pm. Dr. D.H. Manjaiah, Department of Computer Science, Mangalore University, Dr. C.P. Rakesh Poovaiah, Secretary, KES and C.M. Raja Nanjappa, Jt. Secretary, KES will be the special guests. Dr. M.C. Kariappa, Vice-President, KES, will preside. Dr. P. Mahabaleshwarappa, Principal, CIT, will be the Conference Convenor. C. Nanjan Biddappa, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, CIT, will be the Conference Co-ordinator.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 08th, 2017
The following students of Coorg Institute Pre-University College (CIPUC) in Halligattu, Ponnampet, have swooped 13 prizes and topped Kodagu in the District-level Cultural Meet organised by PU Board at Junior College in Madikeri recently.
II PUC: H.R. Minchu – 2nd prize in Monoacting; Shraddha Shastry – 2nd prize in Folk Song; N. Chetna Vivek – 3rd prize in Light Music; T.S. Aparna Bharadwaj – 2nd prize in Devotional Song; Chaincy Rai – 3rd prize in English Debate.
I PUC: M.B. Donvi Dechamma – 3rd prize in Monoacting; K.N. Pushya Poovamma – 3rd prize in Light Music; T.U. Mahitha – 1st prize in Folk Song; C.S. Devika – 2nd prize in Devotional Song; Aman Appachu – 1st prize in English Essay; A. Shivani Madappa – 3rd prize in Kannada Debate; N. Pranamya Kalappa – 1st prize in English Debate and P.P. Lipthi – 3rd in Pick and Speak.
A group photo of CIPUC students who excelled in sports and games.
Sports: CIPUC students have also excelled in Sports during the academic year 2019-20.
