Monthly Archives: June 2012

Special Moonsoon offers at Tata Coffee – Plantation Trails

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Come monsoons and it’s time to soak in the magic of the undulating estates of Tata Coffee in Coorg and Chikmagalur. The rains enhance the beauty and grandeur of plantation life at the Tata Coffee Plantation Trails. Nestled amidst the lush plantations and cradled by the verdant hills of South India, Tata Coffee’s bungalows create a romantic getaway in the rains.
Tata Coffee – Plantation trails in Chikmagalur


Mesmerizing monsoons at Coorg

Coorg, Karnataka

Come monsoons and it’s time to soak in the magic of the undulating estates of Tata Coffee in Coorg and Chikmagalur. The rains enhance the beauty and grandeur of plantation life at the Tata Coffee Plantation Trails. Nestled amidst the lush plantations and cradled by the verdant hills of South India, Tata Coffee’s bungalows create a romantic getaway in the rains.

Plantation Trails provides a peaceful refuge for those seeking solace from urban jungles. Watch the world pass by while the hours waft into wonderfully long rain-soaked days, relishing cups of steaming hot coffee and enjoying the air, heavy with the fragrance of coffee & fresh wet earth.

Contrary to perception, the monsoons add magic to Coorg & Chikmagalur; it is only during the rains that the splendor of nature is at its best. The areas surrounding Plantation Trails are rich with flora and fauna and the gushing waterfalls add extra sparkle to the exciting activities chalked out for you & your loved one.

Rain enthusiasts may soak in the moments with exclusive Plantation Tours that enhance their knowledge about India’s favourite beverage while sipping on fresh brewed coffee. Or tea, if so desired. .

For those needing an adrenaline rush, the White Water Rafting is the best bet to beat the drudgery of the city. A scoop of the monsoon with rapids such as the ‘Wicked Witch’, the ‘Big Bang’, the ‘Grasshopper’, makes white water rafting its roaring best and is undeniably an experience beyond description.

Back at the bungalow, guests are in for another treat. The butler and cook of each bungalow whip up authentic local delicacies that create harmony between hunger and heart.

A holiday at Plantation Trails during the monsoons promises an experience that will leave you enchanted. The tranquility of the luxurious bungalows characterized by plush furnishing, serene plantation views and a host of activities will surely make you come back for more.

To obtain details on the exciting offers and packages available please contact: Phone: +91 (080) 2356 0761/ 2356 0695-97 (Extension 118) Fax: +91 (080) 2356 1974/ 2334 6098 E-mail: reach.plantationtrails@tatacoffee.com Website: www.plantationtrails.net

source: http://www.indiaprwire.com / Home> Press Release> Leisure/ Travel/ Hotels offerings / India PR Wire / Karnataka, June 27th, 2012

‘Dwani’ rain effect cinema

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The first complete rain filled cinema in all the scenes of outdoor is ‘Dwani’ is all set to capture the natural rain in July and August month in Madikeri, Sakleshpur region.

Wesley Brown achieving a good name working for eight departments in ‘Modhala Minchu’ even before release has got another opportunity.

‘Dwani’ starring debutant Adarsh Kaginale a Chartered Accountant in profession and a model Ranjitha as counterpart is produced by Gurudut Kulkarni an ad company owner. Veer Samarth is scoring the music for the film.

It is a real life love story. The couple is living today. They will be introduced on the day of release of the film says producer Gurudut.

‘Dwani’ has a caption Kelistha Ilva Ninge….is the debut for Adarsh Kaginale a student of Govindas College of Surathkal who is a chartered accountant today with a qualification in acting from Adarsha Film Institute. A good looking Adarsh Kaginale learnt swimming, horse riding, stunts and dance. He has been working as chartered accountant since six years in multinational companies. He was impressed with the one line story narrated to him. He was in to various cultural activities in his college days.

Ranjitha Gowda took part in reality shows of Suvarana channel, worked as model and now working for an NGO is debut actress in ‘Dwani’.

source: http://www.supergoodmovies.com / Home> News> Kannada Movie News / June 26th, 2012

Nucleus of cultural conservation

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment


Growing reach: The Kodava Samaja in Vasantnagar is at the centre of efforts to keep the community’s traditions alive. Photo: Bhagya Prakash K. / The Hindu
Almost coinciding with the centenary celebrations of the Bangalore Kodava Samaja last year, the Bureau of Economics and Statistics revealed population figures of Kodavas (Coorgs/Coorgis if you will), immediately giving rise to widespread doomsday theories.

If the statistics are to be believed, in 2011, there were around only 1.25 lakh Kodavas all over the world. Thereafter, stories published in newspapers went as far as to say that by 2030, the entire community would be wiped out.

MISLEADING METHODS?

P.S. Appaiah, retired professor of sociology, who is also penning a book on the history of Kodavas, disputed these claims, questioning the method of collection of figures. “It seems as if members of Kodava Samajas have been counted for the purpose of statistics; but, that excludes children below 18 years of age,” he reasoned. “Similarly, Kodava women, if not men, who have married outside the community, may not have been considered.”

However, he admitted that the numbers were declining. “Post-1950, especially 1975 onwards, the one to two children per family policy became popular. At the same time, many Kodavas started migrating to cities, several of them landing lucrative jobs in public sector units. They also followed the family planning policy more strictly.”

PRIDE IN PRESERVATION

Whether it’s because of these alarming figures being propagated in popular media or simply reverence and pride for their culture — the community is after all celebrated, perhaps stereotypically, for their strong presence in sports, particularly hockey, and the armed forces — many Kodavas, particularly those living away from Kodagu, are particular about keeping their tradition alive.

The Bangalore Kodava Samaja at Vasantnagar, perhaps the most active of the samajas across the country, is at the nucleus of this effort at conservation. In fact, flanked by Thimmaiah Road and Cariappa Road (named after General Thimmaiah and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa), the area seems to be the centre of Kodava pride.

Early migrants from Kodagu in Bangalore established the Coorg Association in 1911. Beginning with 15 members, the association was renamed as Kodava Samaja as more members were added.

Initially, the samaja is said to have functioned from private houses or public places. In 1959, the maharaja of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar donated an acre of land to Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, who in turn handed it over to the samaja. The Kodava Samaja was registered in 1961.

ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION

Sudha Muthanna, from the samaja’s cultural committee, explained the methods engaged in making youngsters part of it. “The training imparted to children in various traditional dance and art forms is done at the level of the sanghas. There are about 35 area-wise sanghas that are actively teaching youngsters traditional art forms such as ummathat and bolkat,” she said.

MORE THAN A CHOULTRY

This is not where the role of the Kodava Samaja ends. From starting out as a wedding choultry, which strictly adheres to the community rules of marriage and its rituals, the samaja has branched out to several other areas.

K.B. Jaya Chinnappa, secretary of the Bangalore samaja listed out the other functions of the organisation, which includes running two educational institutions — Cauvery school and college — under the Kodava Samaja Education Society, a death fund for members, medical and education fund (under which scholarships are given to meritorious children), a proactive sports and recreation club, and a youth wing, among others. For the future, it wants to bring more Kodavas residing in the city under its ambit.

“Of the 40,000-odd Kodavas living in Bangalore, only around 14,000 are members,” Chinnappa said. “We want to ensure that at least 25,000 of them are members of the samaja.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / By K.C. Deepika / June 27th, 2012

Courting a sporty summer

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports


All eyes this Olympics will be on Bengaluru hudugi and badminton ace Ashwini Ponnappa. Humility and girl-next-door qualities are what best describe her. Currently training in Hyderabad, Ashwini spends seven hours a day getting her act together. The 22-year-old’s affair with the racquet started when she was eight-years-old. She says, “The pressure I put on myself is more than what people put on me. Here is something I really enjoy and I just go on court and have fun.”

This passionate tennis pro’s parents and brother will be travelling with her to London. About her trip to London she says, “I am looking forward to going to the mega event and doing well. I would also like to catch other matches, particularly tennis and the athletics 100 metre dash. If we get some free time, we can go out and explore London.”

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa are currently number 14 in the world ranking in the women’s doubles category, after their victory at the 2010 Common Wealth Games and the World Championship last year. “I like listening and learning from Jwala. When we travel together, after the game we go shopping and discover places,” says Ashwini.

Ashwini admits she misses Bengaluru, but loves Hyderabad just as much. She says, “It’s a really nice place and the lifestyle is very different. The roads are really good in Hyderabad. Bengaluru is where my friends and cousins are and I really miss them.” She admits to being a spoilt child at home. She says, “After a game, it is nice to come home and talk to my family and get their opinion. I’ve never had to diet but with mom ensuring I eat healthy, I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Ashwini owes her success to her parents and coaches. She says, “I owe it to the coaches who have put in hard work to get me where I am. My folks sacrificed a lot and often took time off work for me.” Every sports person inspires this ambitious girl. “I tend to learn from everyone, for instance, I love how Roger Federer keeps his emotions within,” she says.

Her simplicity is so overwhelming that 10 minutes into the conversation, you get a feeling of chatting with a close friend. After the Olympics, she is looking forward to going on a long overdue holiday with friends. She says, “I love going out with my friends. I also like lazing around at home, watching TV and reading books. I watch movies when I am touring.” A romantic at heart, Ashwini adds, “I love romantic films and books. Once I have a really good book in hand, nothing can move me.”

About her frequent visits to Bengaluru, this girl with a sweet tooth says, “When I come I don’t even get time to breathe. I meet everyone and don’t miss out on the hot chocolate fudge at Corner House, Frescos, the Mississippi Mud pie at Shezan and all of Bengaluru’s other amazing dessert places.” After four years of staying in Hyderabad, Ashwini’s family is moving back to Bengaluru this August. She says, “I’m not sure where I’ll train.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Khushali P. Madhwani , DC / June 27th, 2012

Bhupathi & Bopanna cruise to victory

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports


India’s Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles event at the Wimbledon here today. File photo. / The Hindu
Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles, defeating Uruguay’s Marcel Felder and Tunisia’sMalek Jaziri 6-0, 7-6(1), 6-2 in an hour and 36 minutes.

The Indians couldn’t have begun better: the first set featured 17 minutes of solid serves, angled returns, from Bopanna in the deuce court and Bhupathi in the ad court, and sharp volley exchanges. Especially impressive was the co-ordination in movement.

Felder and Jaziri, who didn’t know what hit them, were able to push the seventh seeds to a breaker in the second set, even endangering Bopanna’s serve in the fifth game.

But Bhupathi and Bopanna recovered to get the job done. “We really worked hard these past six months to get where we are, very pleased, and we’re hoping to continue our good form here and doing well this week,” said Bopanna.

Understandably there were questions about the incidents surroundingthe selection of India’s representatives to the Olympics.

Not true

“You know things couldn’t have got uglier for us in Indian tennis the last week,” said Bhupathi. “Everyone seems to think that I’m the one manipulating and pulling the strings for all these extremely individual and successful tennis players like Rohan and Sania. It’s not true.”

Bhupathi said he understood Sania Mirza’s criticism of the system,including him. “I obviously sympathise with Sania,” he said, before addressing Mirza’s comment about Bhupathi sacrificing his commitment to her. “As far as I am concerned, I am committed to her. We’re playing here, and if we get a chance to, we’ll play the Olympics.”

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sport> Tennis / by Special Correspondent / London, June 27th, 2012

Luxury Hotels in Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri offers tourists with varied accommodation options that range from budget to luxury resorts to homely homestays. Among the numerous budget accommodations in Madikeri are Hotel Mayura Valley View, Roxel Inn Hallery Estate, Solitaire Exotica Resort and Spa, Kechitti House, Prasanthi Resort, Sri Vinayaka Lodge, Hotel Chitra, Popular Residency, The Mercara Inn, Hotel Hilltown and Hotel Fort View. These budget Madikeri Hotels provide basic amenities along with food to all its guests.

The Kaveri river flows through this region and is a very sacred river to the Kodagas who call themselves children of Kaveri. Madikeri is popular for its many sightseeing options that include the Rajah seat, Abbey Falls, Omkareshwara temple, Madikeri Fort and many more. The Madikeri Fort is the most prominent one among Madikeri’s chief attractions. This fort houses a museum, a district prison and the popular Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple.

Madikeri is hemmed by misty hills through which many a waterfall tumble down flowing through the dense forests as merry streams.

Madikeri is the capital town of Coorg district, one of the most visited tourist destination in the state of Karnataka. Enveloped in lush green vegetation, this town is also known by the name Mercara.

Abbey Falls a beautiful waterfall here is another popular attraction of Madikeri. For families with young children, a visit to the Dubare Elephant camp is a must. The camp provides wildlife safari on elephants, which is enjoyed by all. A unique opportunity to spend some time with elephants is also offered here wherein visitors can join in bathing elephants, feeding them and even petting the young elephants.

Raja’s Seat is another popular tourist spot here that provides a panoramic view of the valleys down below and the mountains high up above. Tourists flock to this place during sunset time to witness the scene of the sun setting amidst the beautiful mountains.

Madikeri has two resorts, too, Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley and Heritage Resort both of which provide tourists with luxury accommodations in the midst of this green haven. These Madikeri hotels provide guests with luxury amenities such as here bar/lounge business centre, fitness centre, free parking, kitchenette, restaurant, room service, swimming pool and wheelchair access.

Madikeri Hotels also include a number of homestays such as Dhanush Homestay, Ajantha Homestay, La Emilia Homestay, Serenity Homestay, Aarti Homestay, Jungle Trails Homestay, Malma Homestay, Misty Heights Homestay, Chirpy Haven Homestay, Coorg Trekkers Paradise Homestay, Dhyan’s Den Homestay, Alpen Glow Homestay, Ganga Homestay, SilverLine Homestay and Ananda Nilaya Homestay. These homestays provide a perfect stay for families with small children or elderly since the atmosphere is homely and the food is prepared fresh without excessive oil or other artificial flavours.

source: http://www.xiaomax.com / Home> Travel & Leisure / by Mike Jimmy / June 24th, 2012

Coffee Board of India

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

The Coffee Board was founded in 1942 to provide support to local coffee growers. In 1995, the institution withdrew from marketing operations, once the industry became self-sufficient.

Now it focuses on research, development, quality control and market promotion. It advises the government on matters relating to the industry.

The board also provides diploma courses in coffee quality management and holds the Indian Barista Championship to encourage baristas from across the country.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Features> Neighbourhood / June 28th, 2012

Sajan Bopanna advances

Sports

Sajan Bopanna won both his group matches to advance to the round-of-32 in the men’s State-ranking 8-ball pool tournament here on Wednesday.

In the women’s event, defending champion R. Umadevi Nagaraj retained her crown while Judy Walia won second place in the event contested by four cueists.

The results:

Men: Group M: Sajan Bopanna bt S. Dhawat 5-0; Sufian Ahmed bt S. Dhawat 5-1; Sajan Bopanna bt Sufian Ahmed 5-3.

Group N: R. Santosh bt Vybhav Goel 5-1.

Michael Rebello bt Vybhav Goel 5-0; R. Santosh bt Michael Rebello 5-0.

Group O: Joginder Singh bt L. Nagaraj 5-3; L. Nagaraj bt Manav Saraf 5-0; Joginder Singh bt Manav Saraf 5-0.

Group P: H.E. Anand bt Madhu Nambiar 5-3.

Karl Alphonso bt Madhu Nambiar 5-2; H.E. Anand bt Karl Alphonso 5-2.

Women: R. Umadevi Nagaraj bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-0; Judy Walia bt Indira Gowda 4-3; R.

Umadevi Nagaraj bt Judy Walia 4-0; Indira Gowda bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-2.

Judy Walia bt Bhanumathi Mendon 4-1; R. Umadevi Nagaraj bt Indira Gowda 4-3.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Sports> National / Bangalore, June 28th, 2012

Ashwini Ponnappa

Leaders, Records, All, Sports

KEY FACTS
Full Name: Ashwini Ponnappa
Height: 5’5″
Born: 18 September, 1989 (22 years)
Country: India
Sports: Badminton
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About Ashwini Ponnappa

Ashwini Ponnappa is one of India’s leading badminton players in the women’s doubles category. She is known to represent India in the doubles’ category with Jwala Gutta. In 2010, she earned accolades and fame when she won the gold medal in the women’s doubles category partnering Gutta, in the Commonwealth Games.

Ashwini Ponnappa Medal Record

2006: Gold – South Asian Games
2009: Won – National Badminton Championships (Women’s Doubles)
2010: Gold – South Asian Games (Mixed Doubles)
2010: Gold – Commonwealth Games (Women’s Doubles)
2010: Silver – Commonwealth Games (Mixed Team Event)

Ponnappa won the National Badminton Championships title twice in doubles event in 2006 and 2007. She also won gold medal partnering India’s V Diju at the 2010 South Asian Games in the mixed doubles event.

Ponnappa again teamed up with Gutta to win the bronze medal at the World Badminton Championships in 2011. It was a significant event in Ponnappa’s life as it was her first semifinal of a key tournament.
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source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / TOI Home> Olympics 2012> Team India> Ashwini Ponnappa / June 29th, 2012

Rs. 5-crore for development of Bhagamandala, Talacauvery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Imposition of dress code for those visiting the two temples sought

Cauvery Neeravari Nigama has released Rs. 5 crore for the development of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery pilgrim centres in Kodagu, according to information received here on Friday.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly K.G. Bopaiah, who presided over a meeting to chalk-out programmes for the development of these pilgrim centres at Bhagamandala on Thursday, told the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee headed by Manu Muthappa to have a long-term plan and utilise funds effectively.

Work should not affect the originality or sanctity of the temples in both places, he said.

Mr. Bopaiah elicited views of members of the Bhagamandala gram panchayat, prominent citizens of the district, including president of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Ravi Kushalappa.

He asked chief architect of the Public Works Department Udaya to prepare a blueprint for the development of the two pilgrim centres in tune with the religious sentiments of the people.

Objection

There had been an objection by the auditors to the renovation of the temples using nigama funds earlier, he said. Funds should not be diverted for temple renovations any longer.

Instead, funds must be utilised for work such as construction of a yatri nivas, food distribution choultry, construction of retaining wall, and removing silt from Triveni Sangama at Bhagamandala, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Dress code for pilgrims could be introduced at the twin pilgrim centres henceforth to maintain the sanctity of the temples, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Demand

This followed a demand by some prominent citizens from Bhagamandala and other places of Kodagu.

According a source, people, including women, could not visit the temples scantily dressed.

Mr. Bopaiah said the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee would take a decision in this regard.

Mr. Kushalappa said that Bhagamandala and Talacauvery should remain as pilgrim centres and not as picnic spots.

New road

Mr. Bopaiah said NABARD had provided Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery. Besides, the road from Karada to Bhagamandala would be developed for which tenders had been invited.

The height of the bridge across Napoklu-Bhagamandala road would be raised.

Mr. Muthappa said Rs. 80 lakh would be provided for the “anna santarpane kendra” (free food distribution centre) in Bhagamandala. The committee would identify a site for its construction soon.

Steps would be taken to video record the jewellery of Bhagamanadala and Talacauvery temples through the Department of Endowments (Muzrai).

Development plans at Bhagamandala, included protecting the sanctity of Triveni Sangama, quarters for priests and staff of the committee, development of the spot where devotees offered “pinda”, and entrance arch, among others.

Plan

There was a plan to relocate the meat stalls and non-vegetarian hotels to the periphery of Bhagamandala town for which the committee would seek people’s cooperation, Mr. Muthappa said.

In-charge Deputy Commissioner K.M. Chandre Gowda, Superintendent of Police Manjunath Annigeri, and Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat Anjanappa attended the meeting.

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PWD chief architect told to prepare a blueprint
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Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery
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source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Mysore, June 30th, 2012