Category Archives: Education

Passes UPSC Exam

Mysuru:

Punith Kuttaiah Mukkatira of Kodagu has cleared this year’s  UPSC competitive exam by securing 501st rank.

He is the son of Mukkatira Prakash Belliappa and Jamuna (Baduvanda) of Devanageri village near Ammathi in Kodagu.  

A student of Good Shepherd Convent  and Coorg Public School (COPS), Gonikoppal, he completed his Mechanical Engineering from R.V. College, Bengaluru.

He had secured 8th rank in  UPSC for the post of Central Armed Police Force last year.  

Punith was guided by Dr. Pemmaiah Kottangada.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 02nd, 2017

D.Litt Conferred On Founder Of National Academy School

Mysore/Mysuru: 

Appaneravanda Shanthi Achapa, Founder and Chairperson of National Academy School (CBSE), Athur near Gonikoppa, Kodagu, has been conferred the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree by the University of Central America for her ‘accomplishments in the public life in promoting education for establishing a just and equitable society.’

She has the credit of introducing the first Play School called Little Birds Play School in Kodagu in the year 1988, starting Teeny Weeny Kindergarten section in the year 1997 and National Academy School in 2001.

Shanthi Achapa has created an educational environment that stands as a strong pillar of society. Her helpful nature has led hundreds and thousands of people over the years to approach her with their concerns and also redeem solutions to their concerns and problems.

Promoting women empowerment and empowering children with special needs as a crux to her life agenda, she has nurtured a generation of strong and empowered individuals. Her social activities and charity initiatives have been appreciated by many people over the years.

For the past 40 years, she has contributed her services, both financial and professional, to charity work in Mysuru and Bengaluru. Her caring nature and her strong will to help various sections of society have led her to initiate various social and socio-economic activities to uplift people in need.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 09th, 2023

Life of writer Appachha for students mooted

‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, restored work of renowned Kodava writer, released.

Life of writer Appachha for students mooted
Dignitaries release Appaneravanda Appachha’s ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’ in Madikeri on Saturday. DH photo

Writer Bacharaniyanda Appanna has said that a chapter on the life of Kodava writer Appaneravanda Appachha should be included in school syllabus.

At a book release programme organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy here, Appanna said Appachha laid foundation for literary activities in Kodagu.

Lauding the initiative of the academy to document the achievements of the writer in the form of a book, Appanna said such initiatives will bust the myth that the district still lags behind in literary field. Though most of the works are being  brought out in Kodava, lack of adequate publicity has become an impediment in reaching literary lovers, he observed.

Study materials

Lauding Appachha as ‘Kalidasa of Kodagu’, Appanna said it is evident with most of the poems, plays and also theatre songs penned. The available study materials will help younger generation in getting a glimpse of the writer and his achievements, he noted.

Appachha’s works date back to over a century and he has written four plays in Kodava. One among them, ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, was facing extinction, but for the timely initiative of the academy. The work has got a new lease of life, he said.

Registrar of Kodava Cultural Study Centre, Mangaluru University, Kodeera Lokesh said, “Though the love for the land among locals is on the decline, there are very few who feel proud and also patriotic, speaking in awe about the contribution to defence forces in the country.”

The youths should take initiative in studying culture and tradition of the land. The academy is playing a key role in conserving the culture, by judiciously using funds provided from the government, he added.

Additional Deputy Commissioner M Sathish Kumar stressed on documentation of history related to Kodagu for history lovers. The available historical documents in the record room at deputy commissioner’s office can be digitised for the benefit of next generation, he suggested.

Works released

Researcher Biddanda Rekha Chinnappa’s book on ‘Swatantrya Poorva Kodagina Rajakeeya Parisiti (Politics in Kodagu During Pre-Independence Era), researcher Kambeyanda Deena Bojanna’s ‘Kodagina Mand Mane Kymada Mandgala Srimantha Parampare (The Rich History of Traditional Kodava Houses), Macchamada Gopi Seethamma’s ‘Neethi Joppe’ and journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Utthappa’s ‘Appaneravanda Appaccha Kavi Jeevanacharitre (Biography of the Writer) and  Sirigandha Srinivasmurthy’s CD on ‘Kodava Bhashikara Samagra Dakaleekarana’ were released. Akademy chairman Biddatanda S Thammaiah, Madikeri Urban Development Authority Chairman Chummi Devaiah, writer Nagesh Kalur, deputy director (retd) S I Bhavikatti were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Amp> Story> Content> 627810 / by DHNS / August 13th, 2017

Biodiversity expert calls for collating rainfall data from farmers

C.G. Kushalappa, scientist and retired dean of College of Forestry in Ponnampet. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Expressing concern over the change in rainfall pattern and temperature in Kodagu, an expert well versed with the hilly district’s ecosystem has suggested that the government should ask research centres to collate rainfall data from farmers’ rain gauges to study the impact of climate change on the district’s ecosystem as well as catchment area of river Cauvery. 

“Kodagu has a practice of almost all the farmers keeping rain gauges in their estates and maintaining daily rainfall data for several decades. The government should ask reputed research centres to get such data from farmers to assess the impact of climate change,” says C.G. Kushalappa, former dean of College of Forestry, Ponnampet and an expert on Kodagu’s ecosystem. 

“The need of the hour is to study and understand the patterns related to impact of climate change on different areas of Kodagu through micro-level data,” he says. This is because the impact of climate change varies in different areas within the small district. Analysis of rainfall data from 110 farmers had showed a pattern of rainfall going below 50% of average two times once in 12 years.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by B S Satish Kumar / October 29th, 2023

Guess Who Comes Home As Doctor!

Yesterday was a memorable day for me because it was the day I was conferred with Honorary Doctorate, known in Latin as honoris causa degree. It is how a University honours those who distinguish themselves in the field of art, science, etc.

In all my life if I had got something that I valued most it was the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2008) and now the Hon. Doctorate from my own University, Mysore University from where I got my two degrees — one in Arts (BA) and another in Law (BL). Nothing else I valued by way of recognition for whatever I was considered worthy of by those who bestowed these honours on me.

There is another reason for me to feel, to use a spiritual phrase, blissful. I believe that it is not important what one receives and what he receives. What is important is who gives, what is given — no matter gold, diamond, power or honour. Great value comes only when the honour comes from a venerable Master, the benevolent Government or a reputed University. That is why, I used the phrase ‘bliss’ to describe my feeling on receiving this Doctorate. And Mysore University is more than a century-old and also my Alma Mater.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University (2003-2007) Prof. J Shashidhar Prasad, Ph.D in Physics, sent me a congratulatory message which alludes to the sentiment about the Hon. Doctorate I mentioned above. What he wrote was quite revealing and should be a guide to the present and future Vice-Chancellors of this iconic University. Since what he wrote was self-explanatory, let me reproduce it here:

Congratulations Ganapathyji,

It is heartening to hear that a leading journalist of Mysuru, who has done yeoman service to Mysuru and built brand Mysuru, is being honoured by the University of Mysore.

I fondly remember the unique moment when R.K Laxman and H.Y. Sharada Prasad were honoured in 2004 by UoM. Both of them could not attend the Convocation because of health reasons. I pleaded with His Excellency, the Governor, to honour them in Mumbai and Delhi respectively. My idea was appreciated and approved.

A grand function was arranged. Both recipients were moved by this gesture and said that their Alma Mater came to their doorsteps to honour them. I was extremely happy that University of Mysore honoured itself by honouring the veteran journalist and a cartoonist.

As the statement goes — when we honour the well-deserved, we are bestowing honour upon ourselves. That is what UoM has done now through this honoris causa to you.

Prof. Shashidhar Prasad also mentioned about the noble and sublime personal quality of the then Governor of Karnataka T.N. Chaturvedi (also Chancellor of the University) in going with him to Bombay to confer the honour on R.K. Laxman and also to Delhi to honour H.Y. Sharada Prasad (both were Mysureans).

In Bombay Times of India newspaper house, where R.K. Laxman worked as a cartoonist, had arranged the function at its hall and all the employees and friends of R.K. Laxman had gathered. Likewise at Delhi the function was organised for H.Y. Sharada Prasad at the Karnataka Bhavan.

However, the humane and nay even divine quality of the Governor T.N. Chaturvedi (eponymous name as one who has mastered four vedas) touched its acme when he agreed to arrange a special function at his Raj Bhavan to confer the Hon. Doctorate on an 85-90-year-old litterateur lady, who wrote a Mahakavya though had studied only up to primary class and deeply into social service. Her name was Mallika and her husband was the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Kadidal Manjappa.

And as I write this I remember a gift hamper received from my friend’s son Arjun Ranga of Cycle Pure Agarbathi (N.R. Ranga Rao and Sons). Not because of what gifts the hamper contained but because of the covering letter attached. Again, let the letter speak for itself:

Dear K.B. Ganapathy Uncle,

As a Mysurean, I cannot thank you enough for bringing Mysuru to our home, every evening.

Quite like the evening filter coffee from Kodagu, the Star of Mysore was another evening fix, delivered to us, strong and refreshing, from a son of Kodagu.

Your keen senses missed nothing and reported every-thing worth knowing.

One would say that the Star of Mysore is a “Local Newspaper.”

But as any Mysurean will tell you, local news means the world to us.

Thank you for bringing our world to us, for 45 years!

Hearty Congratulations on the Doctorate.

Here’s to your health, wealth and happiness!

Here’s to the ‘Star’ behind the Star of Mysore!

I pray that you shine on…

Best Wishes

—Arjun Ranga

I was touched. I am speechless and my fingers refused to move on, probably because there is nothing more to comment on it except say Thank You. So, it is. Dear Arjun, may your pure Cycle Pure Brand Agarbathi continue to spread its divine fragrance and dispel the contaminated political and social atmosphere.

Another friend wrote thus:

You brought laurels for small-paper-journalism with quality news. I am told R.K. Narayan, Prof. CDN, Ha.Ma. Nayak, T.S. Satyan and Prof. GTN appreciated your (our) SOM. Congratulations Dr. Ganapathy Sir. — C.P.V. Gupta

And finally, here is the last word from my good friend Dr. Bhamy V. Shenoy. The oracle speaks: Congrats on getting the Honorary Doctorate. It is tougher than getting ordinary Doctorate.

e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Top Stories> Abracadabra / by K B Ganapathy / October 19th, 2023

Former President Of Akhila Kodava Samaja Mathanda Monnappa Passes Away

Madikeri: 

Mathanda Monnappa, the former President of Akhila Kodava Samaja, breathed his last at the age of 76 yesterday afternoon at his son’s residence in Bengaluru.

He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters and a multitude of relatives and friends. His mortal remains were placed for public viewing at his residence in Kedamullur Tora in Virajpet taluk until 12 noon today. Subsequently, the last rites were scheduled to be conducted at the family’s burial grounds in Bollumadu later in the afternoon, as per family sources.

Monnappa, a native of Bollumadu village, was born in 1948 to Mathanda C. Chengappa and Lilli Chengappa of Kedamullur Tora village. He was a stalwart and a visionary who founded the Akhila Kodava Samaja in 1973, and diligently served as its President for nearly half a century until he voluntarily relinquished the post in 2022. 

His dedication to the Kodava community was further evident through the establishment of the Akhila Kodava Samaja Pommakkada Parishat and Akhila Kodava Samaja Youth Wing. He actively championed the cause of Kodagu and the Kodava community.

Moreover, his illustrious contributions extended to serving as the President of the Talacauvery Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti and Talacauvery Jeernoddhara Samiti. His philanthropic spirit shone through his brainchild, the annasantarpana (mass feeding) held on Tula Sankramana Day annually. 

His multifaceted involvement also extended to various other organisations, including his role as the President of Beppanad Kodava Samaja. He held the position of a member of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, was the Honorary President of Kodava Samaja Okkoota and served as the Founder Director of CIT (Coorg Institute of Technology), Ponnampet.

Monnappa was an active participant in the movements concerning Jamma Baane and Kodava gun licence issues. Due to declining health, Monnappa had been residing at his son’s residence in Bengaluru for the past few years, where he breathed his last on Saturday.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 22nd, 2023

Kavery Muthanna Represents India As A Golf Official At Asian Games

Mukkatira Kavery Muthanna, a resident of Mysuru, is currently serving as a member of the officiating team in the game of golf at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, which are taking place in Hangzhou, China.

She holds a role in the Technical Rules Official team, which consists of 24 referees from various countries. The official rounds are scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the West Lake Golf Course in Hangzhou, featuring 121 players.

Kavery Muthanna is well-qualified, having completed the Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) under the R&A. (R&A is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.)

She has actively officiated various amateur and women’s professional golf tournaments in India, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her experience also extends to her role as a Rules Official at the 36th National Games in 2022, held in Ahmedabad.

In addition to her involvement in golf and sports officiating, Kavery Muthanna is part of the Kavery Education Trust in Virajpet and serves as its Chairperson. She is married to Mukkatira Manju Muthanna and is the daughter of Guddanda Kanthy and Nanda Ganapathy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / September 28th, 2023

Puttur: St Philomena College student selected for Indian Army through Agnipath programme

An aspiring student from IIBBA, St Philomena College, Len Biddappa, has achieved a remarkable feat by being selected for the Indian Army through the Agnipath programme, a Scheme approved by Government of India.

Len Biddappa, son of Nishant C M and Nalini, hails from the village of Nalvathoklu in Virajpet.

Educational journey of Len Biddappa has been one of dedication and hard work.

He completed his primary schooling at the Rotary School of Virajpet, followed by his high school education at Saint Ann’s English Medium High School. He continued his academic pursuit and completed his pre-university studies at Sai Shankar College in Ponnampet. Later he joined prestigious St Philomena College, Puttur for his BBA degree with a great enthusiasm.

Dr Anthony Prakash Monteiro, the principal of the college, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Len Biddappa and expressed his appreciation for the role of Agnipath programme in nurturing the aspirations of the youth in serving the nation. He also emphasized the crucial role played by the youth in safeguarding the motherland and took pride in Len Biddappa’s selection as an Agni-Veer. Len Biddappa thanked the principal and the college for the support forming him to reach the goal he aspired for.

Eighteen year old Len Biddappa is set to embark on his training journey, which begins on September 26, symbolizing his commitment to serving the nation. During this momentous occasion, Prof Ganesh Bhat, Dr AP Radha Krishna, the vice principals, Dr Radhakrishna, the head of the department of BBA, assistant professors Prashant Rai, Pushpa and PRO Bharathi S. Rai were present along with the students of IIBBA to offer their good wishes.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Campus Beat / by Media Release / September 26th, 2023

Science Expo: Kodagu Model School Distributes Prizes

Mysore/Mysuru:

The two-day science exhibition, organised by Kodagu Model School of Sri Kavery Kodava Association (Mysuru East) at its premises in Vidyashankar Layout concluded yesterday.

Corporator Rajini Annaiah distributed prizes to the winners at the valedictory function held at Smt. Padanda Cheethamma auditorium at the School.

Winners

7th and 8th std. category:

First prize : Vijaya Vitala School (Gyroscopic transport model); Second – Vijaya Vitala School (Ambitious vehicle model).

9th and 10th std:

First prize – Vidya Jyothi School (Vikram Lander model); Second – SNS School (Free electric generator model). Students of Kodagu Model School bagged special prizes in both categories.

Speaking after distributing the prizes, Corporator Rajini Annaiah said that all the models which were displayed at the expo were attractive and added that this type of science expos would help in the development of knowledge among students.

Pointing out that excellent environment and best education is provided for students at this School, the Corporator suggested the School management to start PU education too.

Kodagu Model School Chairperson C.K. Seethamma, who too spoke said that the science exhibition was a success and advised the students to develop scientific attitude and logical thinking.

Sri Kavery Kodava Association (Mysuru East) Vice-President P.K. Bopaiah, Secretary K.M. Belliappa, Treasurer C.M. Chengappa, School Administrator Cauvery, students and parents were present on the occasion.

source: http:/www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 25th, 2023

Two-Day Science Fair At Kodagu Model School From Tomorrow

Mysore/Mysuru: 

Kodagu Model School, Mysuru, promoted by Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysore East, has organised a Science Fair on Sept. 23 and 24 (Saturday and Sunday) at its campus in Vidyashankar-nagar, Mysuru.

This Science Fair will provide a platform for young minds to foster creativity, innovation and scientific temperament. It will  be an interactive forum where students can showcase their scientific prowess, exchange ideas and stimulate interest in the mysteries of science by displaying the science working models.

Vikram Muthanna, Managing Editor, Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, will inaugurate the Fair on Sept. 23 at 10 am along with S. Praveen Kumar, Deputy CEO & Head Education – Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and Puliyanda S. Devaiah,  President of Kodagu Model School.

Later, there will be a talk on the topic “What after completing grade 10 & 12?” by Shankar Bellur, Academic Coach for Career Guidance, at 2.30 pm. Parents and students of classes 9 to 12 can benefit from the session.

On Sept. 24 at 10 am, a live workshop on ‘Foldscope – An innovative way of preparing paper microscope’ for students of classes 8 to 10 will be conducted by Kollegala Sharma, retired Chief Scientist from CSIR -Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru. This workshop will be conducted for parents’ along with their children.

Science Fair is open to all. Parents and students interested to participate in Career Guidance and Foldscope Live workshop may register their names on Mob: 63636-47704 or 98453-04360.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 22nd, 2023