Category Archives: Education

Olympian M.P. Ganesh, Padma Shri Awardee, Is ‘Coorg Person Of The Year-2021’

Mysore/Mysuru:

Olympian M.P. Ganesh, who captained the Indian hockey team and was honoured with the Padma Shri by President Ram Nath Kovind, is Coorg Person of the Year-2021.

Mollera Poovaiah Ganesh, hailing from Suntikoppa in Kodagu district, was selected ‘Coorg Person of the Year’ in a poll conducted by www.coorgtourisminfo.com, Kodagu’s first news portal, promoted by journalist and author P.T. Bopanna.

There may not be many such extraordinary instances of a person running away from home to join the Army ending up at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive the coveted Padma Shri. Ganesh was also conferred the Arjuna award in 1973.

Ganesh, born on July 8, 1946, was an achiever both on and off the field. Though he ran away from home without informing his parents to join the Army after writing his matriculation examination, Ganesh managed to complete his MA in English, diploma in sports coaching from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala and Ph.D in Physical Education.

Although Ganesh joined the Army to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming a football player, he failed to make it to the football team. Then he went for the hockey selection where he was successful. This goes to prove the adage that “hockey is in the blood of the Kodavas.”

Ganesh represented the Services (Defence Services) in the National Hockey Championships from 1966 to 1973.

After he found a place in the Indian hockey team in 1970, Ganesh played for India at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, finishing third. He was one of the coaches of the Indian team that won a gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.

Ganesh, a right winger, twice represented the country in the Asian Games, first in 1970 in Bangkok and then in 1974 in Tehran. He was in the Indian team that won Bronze at the first World Cup in Barcelona in 1971 and captained the team that won Silver at the next World Cup in Amsterdam in 1973.  He also played for World XI in 1972.  Ganesh last played for India in 1974, as his career was cut short following a knee injury.

His most disappointing moment probably was during the finals of the World Cup in Amsterdam when India lost to Netherlands in the finals, after missing a penalty stroke.

Ganesh had a long reign as a sports administrator. He served as Director of Sports Authority of India (South) and in 2017 took charge as the High Performance Director and CEO of the National Hockey Academy in Delhi.

He is married to Keethiyanda Prema and their only son Ayyappa passed away when he was 20 years old due to a rare medical condition.

P. Shrividya Somanna, who helped Ganesh to put together his autobiography ‘Living The Dream: My Autobiography’ told this reporter that Ganesh’s wife Prema was instrumental in motivating him to pursue his higher education.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 01st, 2022

Mangalore University to offer MA in Kodava language

The logo of Mangalore University

Mangalore University in its third Academic Council meeting (for the year 2021-22) approved the course of MA in Kodava on Friday. The curriculum and the guidelines too were approved by the council.

University Vice Chancellor Prof P S Yadapadithaya presiding over the meeting said that the course will be launched in Jnana Kaveri Post Graduation Centre in Chikka Aluvara in Kushalnagar, Field Marshal K M Cariappa College, Madikeri and Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri from the new academic year.

The curriculum was submitted by the team led by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy (KKSA) Chairperson Dr Amatanda Parvathi Appaiah. The new syllabus for the second semester of Kodava language, to be introduced at the undergraduate levels, was also approved during the meeting, said the VC.

TC process

During the meeting, Academic Council member Dr Shankar Bhat charged that an amount of Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,000 was collected from a student while issuing TC.

The vice chancellor stressed that a fee should not be a burden on the students.

“After going through the guidelines and relevant court orders in this regard, the university registrar will send a circular to the colleges,” he said and added that the exorbitant TC fee will also be referred to the fee revision committee.

The Academic Council adopted the resolutions seeking approval of the government towards the establishment of the postgraduate departments of Ancient History and Archeology, Biotechnology, Food Science and Nutrition.

The council approved the revised syllabus for BA (Honours) – Economics and BHM as per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Revised syllabi for BA (Journalism) and PhD (Physical Education) were also approved.

The council meeting also resolved to introduce uniformity in the guidelines of certificate and diploma courses offered by Mangalore University. The council also gave its approval to start co-education at the undergraduate level at St Agnes College from 2022-23. The college was set up in 1920-21 to provide education to girl children. 

The Academic Council also gave approval to St Aloysius College to launch B.Voc (Renewable Energy Management) and B.Voc (Software Development).

Affiliations

The council gave its nod for the fresh/renewal/extension/permanent and renewal of permanent affiliation to 135 private and 38 government colleges in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kodagu districts. Approval was also given towards the renewal/extension of 17 B.Ed colleges.

The vice chancellor observed that in many colleges the permitted intake of students recommended by the university’s Local Inspection Committees (LIC) was much lesser than the intake proposed by the principals of colleges.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / December 17th, 2021

Post Graduate Diploma in Coffee Quality Management at Coffee Board: Apply by Dec 1

coffee

Coffee Board, No.1, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru-560 001 has invited applications for admission to the Post Graduate Diploma in Coffee Quality Management (PGDCQM) for the academic year 2021-22, instituted to support the requirements of the Indian coffee industry for trained personnel with the specific knowledge and skills required to function as coffee tasters.

Course content include Coffee cultivation practices, Post-harvest management and practices, Coffee Quality Evaluation, Roasting and brewing techniques, Marketing and Trade, Quality assurance systems (Theory and Practical sessions).

The course duration is 12 months in 3 trimesters conducted in English. Free accommodation will be provided only during the first trimester at CCRI, Balehonnur, Chikmagalur.

Admissions open to candidates from open category and preference is given to those sponsored by coffee industry. Selection will be based on academic record, personal interview and sensory evaluation test.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects namely Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioscience, Food Technology, Food Science, Environmental science or a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural sciences.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.indiacoffee.org or collected personally from Coffee Board, Bangalore.

Filled in application form along with a NEFT transfer details for Rs.1500/- payable to Coffee Board Account No. 64015049024, State Bank of India, IFSC – SBIN0040022, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru should reach ‘Divisional Head, Coffee Quality (I/c) Coffee Board, No.1, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru-560 001’ latest by  1st December 2021.

Foreign students admitted under open and sponsored categories should be well versed in the English language. Their admission is subject to the cclearance of Govt. of India.

Interview and selection will be held on 10th December 2021.

Course Fee is Rs.2,50,000/-. SC/ST applicants submitting caste certificate along with the application will get concession of 50% in course fee.

www.indiacoffee.org

source: http://www.english.mathrubhumi.com / Mathrubhumi / Home> English Education> News & Updates / November 28th, 2021

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Reunion brings back fond memories for alumni

The alumni of Nelaji High School at the reunion programme in Nelaji.

The alumni of Nelaji High School who had studied here 41 years ago organised a reunion programme and reminisced the ‘good old days’ spent at their alma mater.

They shared their experiences of leading a professional life and remembered their classmates who are no longer with them. 

Alumni who are working abroad also joined the reunion through a virtual platform. 

The alumni were the 1979-80 batch of class 10 students. They had formed a group and organised a reunion.

Edikeri Radha commenced the reunion programme and other alumni spoke about their education and professional works. Some of them were felicitated for reaching great heights in their life.

As many as 26 people attended the event physically, while two persons attended it virtually. They also took a decision to help needy people.

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

12 GPs in Kodagu to get ‘Amrith’ benefits

Minister in charge of Kodagu district Kota Srinivas Poojary and others at the Kannada Rajyothsava celebrations in Madikeri on Monday.   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Labs, libraries for 15 govt. schools: Minister

Minister in charge of Kodagu district Kota Srinivas Poojary on Monday said each household in the limits of 12 gram panchayats in Kodagu will be getting drinking water, 100 per cent segregation and collection of solid wastes, scientific handling of sewage generated daily besides the installation of solar projects and setting up of digital libraries in the respective villages.

All these works will be done as part of ‘Amrith’ Grama Panchayat programme which has been announced in the State identifying 750 GPs as part of platinum jubilee celebrations of Independence. The 12 GPs in Kodagu are Peraje, Kunchila-Kakkabbe, Maragodu, Kedamullur, Karmad, Nalkeri, Thithimathi, Koodumangaluru, Shirangala, Igooru, Haradooru and Dundalli, the Minister said in his speech during the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations in Madikeri.

As part of the 75th independence daycelebrations, the State government has announced 13 special programmes and they include Amrith gram panchayat, Amrith rural housing scheme, Amrith farmer producer organisations, Amrith Nirmala Nagara, Amrith anganwadi centres, Amrith self-help micro enterprises, Amrith community development programme, Amrith health infrastructure upgrade programme, Amrith skill training programme, Amrith startup programme, and Amrith sports adoption programme.

As part of Amrith Rural Housing scheme which is being implemented in the district, housing will be provided to the homeless persons who will be identified in the 12 GPs in the coming days.

The Minister said farmers, fishermen and weavers will get financial support as the government has launched Amrith farmer producer organisations. Each organisation will get a sum of ₹30 lakh in a span of three years. Amrith Nirmala Nagar scheme has also been launched in the district where programmes will be taken up for maintaining hygiene in the limits of local bodies.

Amrith school scheme entails funding of ₹10 lakh to each identified school for developing buildings, labs, libraries, toilets and other facilities. The 15 schools identified in Kodagu are at Hodawada, Sampaje, Kadanga, Madapura, Kodlipet, Walnoor, Thagattur, Hebbale, Suntikoppa, Heggala, Pollibetta, B. Shettigeri, Thithimathi, Gonikoppa and Kutta.

In Kodagu, 25 anganwadi centres will be upgraded with each one of them getting a sum of ₹1 lakh under Amrith Anganawadi scheme.

The Minister said the government is committed to protecting Kannada and the culture of the land and expressed happiness that the use of Kannada language in digital mediums has been on the rise. Karnataka is rich in culture and tradition, he said, calling upon the youth to be part of the overall development of Karnataka.

He also called upon the people to adopt Kannada in their lives, showing interest in the language, literature, culture and art of the land, and become successors of the rich tradition of the land.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correpondent / Mysuru – November 01st, 2021

Winners Of U-19 State Mixed Doubles Championship

Jade Anil and Kishal Ganapathi won the U-19 State Mixed Doubles Badminton Championship beating National Champions Suhas and Janani at Raichur meet held between Oct. 4 and 8.

They will now represent Karnataka at the National Juniors Championship to be held at Guwahati in December 2021.

Jade is the daughter of Anil Kumar and Cauvery while Kishal is the son of Iychanda Ashwath and Bindu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / October 26th, 2021

Kodava Samaja Scholarship: Entries Invited

Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, has invited entries for scholarship-2021.

In all, 42 scholarships will be awarded to meritorious children of Samaja members and Kodava students who have studied in Mysuru.

Details of Scholarship:

Highest scorers in final exam of 7th Std., SSLC (English), SSLC (CBSE), SSLC (Economically Weaker Section), PUC, BA, B.Com., B.Sc. (Computer Science/Maths), BBM, MBA, Law, MA, M.Com., M.Sc., (PCM/CBZ); BE, BE(Mech), BE (Arch), BE (Computer Science), BDS, MBBS, B.Sc./M.Sc. (Ag.), Diploma in Commercial (Secretarial) Practice, Best sports students in PUC; CBSE XI & XII and ICSE I & II; SSLC (CBSE) Highest marks in Science; PG 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, Mysuru, Sportsperson in Kodava Police Family representing University of Mysore, Kodava Samaja members. 

Applications for scholarship and honouring of eminent members of Samaja for their achievements in various fields should be sent to Hon. Secretary, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, to reach before Nov. 10 by 5 pm along with Xerox copies of relevant Marks Card, Certificates, family name and Phone number.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / October 23rd, 2021

Musings On Annual Report Of An Education Fund

A couple of days back I received the Annual Report of the Coorg Education Fund, Madikeri, Kodagu, like in the past few years. Though I hardly go through it, it is a reminder that I am a Life Member of this Fund.  I don’t even remember when and how I became a Life Member. Let it be.

However, my first connect with this Fund was probably in 1957-58 when I was a student in Madikeri First Grade College, as it was known then. For some reason, may be connected with sports, I was to have a blue-blazer but I did not have the courage to ask my father. A classmate told me that I could approach, with an application, the Coorg Education Fund, the Office of which was in Madikeri itself. Looking back, I guess the  procedure to get the money, a sort of loan, was rather simple. And I got the required Rs. 150 and the blazer which I wore with a sense of pride — walking around like a cockerel! Of course, I forgot about the loan and in time the blazer too. 

Many years passed. I was in Mumbai as a journalist and I received a letter from my father saying the Coorg Education Fund had sent me (or him) a notice claiming refund of the amount. Mercifully, he also mentioned that he had settled that account in full. After all, it was a question of his prestige in the society. He did not, however, forget to write that I had taken that money without his knowledge.

Time passed, nearly 20 years. I returned to Mysuru, the border district of Coorg, as the Publisher and Editor of this newspaper and the sister publication Mysuru Mithra. Simultaneously, I was also writing books in English and Kannada as a pastime. One book was about Coorg and the efforts of Protestant Christians to convert the local Kodavas — a historical fiction titled ‘The Cross and the Coorgs.’

Surprisingly, the Fund decided to honour me for my effort at its Annual Meeting. Aware that I owe no money to the Fund borrowed while a student, I agreed to attend. I don’t know if I donated any a money but surely I must have become a Life Member. Otherwise how would I get the invite for the Annual Meeting.

This year the meeting is on 30.10.2021 and with its President Koothanda P. Uthappa, at the helm, it is going to be a great year of noble service as in the past. By the way Koothanda P. Uthappa has been steering this ship of Fund for the past 21 years with great elan. No wonder the corpus fund for the year 2020 was Rs. 9,05,68,877 as against Rs. 61,13,935 in 2000-2001. A quantum leap indeed and multiple three-cheers to K.P. Uthappa and his team. And the greater glory is that as on 11.9.2021 the corpus is Rs. 11,82,14,382. Should one say more? Funds are in safe hands and as per  Report, appropriated  properly for the noble service of supporting the cause of education among the community.

Another person who was the President of the Fund for the longest period so far was Chendanda P. Appanna (Appi), a big planter whom I had seen and spoken to. He was the President from 1974 to 1997, 23 years. May be, K.P. Uthappa will in the next three years beat the record of Appanna. And we can look forward for a treasury flush with a few more crores.

As I remember, some members of the community had made a request to the Coorg Education Fund to establish a Medical College in Kodagu with its corpus fund of a few crores  as the initial capital etc. But the idea was not accepted by the then President. I guess, in retrospect, it was a good decision by the President and the Fund is pursuing the objective of its Founders most honestly with passion even after 158 years.

The genesis of this Fund was in the Mercara School Endowment Education Fund started in the year 1863. The British were ruling Kodagu at the time after dislodging the King Chikkaveera Rajendra in 1834.

This Fund was created by 11 noblemen of Kodagu, all Kodavas, at a time when concern for Education was not a priority in the country generally. That Fund was rechristened, I imagine, in the year 1916 as Coorg Education Fund and has been rendering its service to the community since then.

I know K.P. Uthappa since over a decade because of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) which he was heading in Kodagu and I was the Vice-Chairman of BVB Mysuru. I found him to be a good speaker, always touching upon matters spiritual, metaphysical and holy scriptures. No wonder of all the Annual General Body Report I receive, of the few Associations and Organisations I am a member, ONLY the Report of this Fund is different from others. Apart from matters pertaining to the Agenda of the meeting as per the law, the Report has writings relating to ethics, morals and noble acts of service to mankind. Well, if the President is a person of K.P. Uthappa’s thinking about life and service, apparently steeped in spiritual consciousness, I figure, that it is inevitable such writings too must form part of such Annual Reports. And so it is here.

He has given the vision of Coorg Education Fund in the following words:

“The progress of any community in society depends on the education of their children. It is, therefore, our endeavour that all boys and girls should become graduates, doctors, engineers, CAs and excel in other professions.”

“It is such a vision that can serve the society, the community and the country at large.”

It is obvious there is a patriotic, nationalistic fervour in this precept prescribed by the President of the Fund. I think this dose of discourse is needed so that we may not despair despite challenges. Of the moral lessons and some quotable quotes, let me reproduce here one interesting episode connected to Winston Churchill:

Masonic contribution

The poor Scottish farmer’s name was Fleming. One day, while working in the field, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby marshy land (bog). He dropped his tools and ran to the marshy land.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as father of the boy farmer Fleming had saved. “I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.”

“No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel. “Is that your son?” the nobleman asked.

“Yes,” the farmer replied proudly.

“I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.” And that he did.

Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son, who was saved from the marshy land, was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time?

Penicillin.

Who was the nobleman?

Lord Randolp Churchill.

Who was his son?

Sir Winston Churchill.

[Both Winston and Alexander were Freemasons]

‘Let noble thoughts come to us from every side,’  a verse from Rigveda, is the motto of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB). Indeed, K.P. Uthappa is much influenced by the ideals of BVB.

[voice@starofmysore.com] 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Abracadabra / by K.B.Ganapathy / October 18th, 2021

Rural girl makes her mark in the world of art

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

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) P.C. Thimmaiah Visits Kodagu Model School

Mysore/Mysuru: 

Lt. Gen. (retd.) Pattacheruvanda C. Thimmaiah visited Kodagu Model School at Vidyashankar Layout in Sathagalli here yesterday.

Lt. Gen. (retd.) Thimmaiah, now a resident of Mysuru, is also a member of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East, which runs the School.

The former Army Officer was very much impressed by the progress of the school over the years. Expressing happiness about the infrastructural set up, he lauded the School’s achievements in a short period.

During his visit, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Thimmaiah discussed with the School authorities on what more was needed to be done for taking the Institution to greater heights and such other issues.

He suggested making Feeder Schools across the country as Sainik Schools, setting up of NCC units and increasing sporting activities in Schools. He also assured to come up with more useful suggestions whenever required on further development of Kodagu Model School.

The School Management members, staff and others accompanied him during his visit.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2021