Monthly Archives: March 2013

Work on PG Centre in Kodagu in progress: VC

Education

MadikeriKF25mar2013Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof T C Shivashankaramurthy has said that the PG Centre at Chiikkaluvara will be started from the next academic year. The PG Centre might become a university in the future.

Speaking at ‘Savinenapu’ programme organised by the Alumni Association of Field Marshal K M Cariappa in Madikeri on Sunday, he said that higher education is not given prominence in the country. To help the students, Mangalore University is setting up its PG Centre in Kodagu. The work on the PG Centre is in progress and the classes are likely to be commenced either in the month of June or July.

The programme was inaugurated by the first batch student Kettoleera Subbaiah. College Principal Prof B C Ponnappa said that several students who had passed out from the college have excelled in life.

Alumni Association President N A Appayya said that the Association has around 350 members. The Association wants to enrol atleast 1,000 members. The University should help the College to get a state-of-the art stadium and a swimming pool. MLC M C Nanaiah, retired principal Pushpa Kuttanna who were also the alumni of the college were present. Alumni M P Chinnappa who had retired as a judge, ex servicemen Puttichanda Ganapathy and D A Dhananjay and Prof M D Nanjunda who had won best teacher award wer

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS , Madikeri / March 24th, 2013

Champion for CLEAN sport

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leaders, Records, All, Sports

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Athlete Ashwini Nachappa
Olympian athlete, actress, educationist, social worker… Ashwini Nachappa has donned many roles with élan. In a freewheeling chat with SOORAJ RAJMOHAN she touches on her career and the future of Indian athletics

Huge crowds turned out to watch Indian athletics some three decades ago. For the circuit not only had world-class runners like P.T. Usha and Shiny Wilson, there were also some very pretty girls on the track.

And Ashwini Nachappa was the most glamorous girl around. Hailed as India’s Flo-Jo, after the beautiful American Olympic champion Florence-Griffith Joyner, the girl from Kodagu became a sensation when she shocked P.T. Usha at the Open Nationals at New Delhi and the International Invitational Permit Meet in 1991. But Olympian and Asian star Ashwini Nachappa not only stood out on the track. She turned out to be a versatile woman, for she went on to become an actress and later settled into the role of an educationist and an advocate for clean sport.

Ashwini carries her many achievements with quiet pride and composure, rather than being weighed down by the recognition and fanfare that comes with it. Looking rather fashionably chic in a bright pink top and jeans, she answers questions with a smile, but with conviction.

THE BEGINNINGS

Ashwini grins mischievously as she recalls her beginnings as an athlete, “I started out when my family moved to Bangalore. There was a stadium opposite our house and my mother decided it would be safer for my sister and myself to play there than on the roads. It was there that I met Mohinder Singh Gill, who used to bribe me with nutrient sweets for every lap I completed. So you could say that it was nutrient sweets that started me off!”

A sweet start then (pun intended), but was it all smooth sailing? In a nation where a large section of women is yet to get their due, what was it like being a woman athlete in the 80s? Ashwini believes it was the outlook of her parents that paved the way for her smooth progress. “My parents were very supportive throughout my career. They never raised any issues whatsoever and my mother used to be in the stands to watch me, right till the day I retired,” she says with pride.

After bidding goodbye to professional athletics, she dabbled in acting, working on five Telugu movies including the hugely successful Ínspector Ashwini, which saw her don the role of a cop. Her college education also helped her build a successful corporate career, which she eventually left to take up greater causes, providing education and sports training, and propagating clean sport.

Despite being a part of the glory days of Indian athletics, she believes there is much to be done to improve the state of the sport today. “Nowadays the interest of parents and children has shifted more towards education and sport has suffered as a result. In fact, there are some schools opening now that do not even have a playground!”, she says with an appalled look, before continuing, “we need more facilities for athletes from the grassroots level, they require physical as well as mental training.”

SPORT AND EDUCATION

It is this desire to take education and sport forward hand-in-hand that has prompted Ashwini to start her own school. The institution, Karaumbiah’s Academy for Learning and Sports (KALS) is an ICSE school located in Coorg that houses on its premises ‘Áshwini’s Sports Foundation’, an academy that provides training in various sporting disciplines such as athletics, hockey and swimming, with golf and air pistol training facilities on the way. On the education front, KALS provides schooling from kindergarten to Class XII. Ashwini believes that encouraging community sports and building a following outside cities is important in encouraging youngsters to take up sports, a philosophy she is trying to employ with the Coorg hockey scene.

It would appear that her academic ventures are reaping benefits, with the best sportspersons from her school now being offered college seats by reputed institutions. “Though sport is what I have always been associated with, education is also necessary. I have been able to have a successful career outside sport because I was fortunate enough to have a college education. Many of the people I used to compete with and against have not been so fortunate, and that’s why I decided to start a combined school and sports academy,” she explains.

Now that the school is up and running, she has turned her attention to promoting clean sport. She is a founding member of Clean Sports India, an organisation that aims to facilitate better management of Olympic sports in India and discourage drug use among athletes. The initiative has seen her join hands with athletes like Mercy Kuttan and Vandana Rao to help uphold the integrity of sport in the country.

Between being a former Olympian and movie star as well as an educationist and full time mom, Ashwini Nachappa has her hands full. But her vision is as clear as ever as she focuses on nurturing talent and putting India on the sports and athletics map in a big way. If the poise with which she juggles all the facets of her life is anything to go by, the athletes of the next generation can relax a little in the knowledge that they are in safe hands.

For those interested to know more about KALS, contact: Asha Thomas Fenn, Corporate Consultant and Academic Advisor. Mob: +91 9446801600. Email: asha_1960@hotmail.com

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> Features> Metroplus / by Sooraj Rajmohan / March 24th, 2013

Harshika signs her first special number

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

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Actress Harshika Poonacha, who is a favourite for stage shows and dance performances iat award ceremonies, has landed her first special dance number. The actress will be grooving to a song set to tune by Arjun Janya in the upcoming film Case No 18/9.

“I’ve gained confidence in my dancing abilities after the many stage shows I’ve done in the recent past. I cannot wait to dance to this song. It is a disco number,” says Harshika. The film, which is the remake of the Tamil hit Vazhakku Enn 18/9, features Shweta Pandit, Sindhu Loknath and Niranjan in the lead roles. While the original didn’t have any special song sequence, director Mahesh Rao has said that he has tweaked the script to include the song.

“I have never made a special appearance in a dance number for any film before this. It was after listening to the song that I was convinced to accept the offer,” says Harshika, who coincidentally happened to act in director Mahesh’s Murali Meets Meera, where her cameo won a lot of applause.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Regional> Entertainment> Kannada /by Sunayana Suresh, TNN / March 18th, 2013

Widening of roads in Ponnampet begins

Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

ponnampetKF24mar2013Ponnampet in South Kodagu, known as cultural town, is all set for a facelift. But, it has some negative effects as buildings — some of which are centuries old — are being demolished for widening of roads.

The town, which so far had narrow roads, is now getting wider roads. Several houses and shops are being demolished — either completely or partially.

Ponnampet town was built in 1845 by Madaiah in memory of Cheppudira Ponnappa, who was the Dewan during the regime of Raja Chikkaveera Rajendra. Mahatma Gandhi visited the town once during the freedom struggle. Ramakrishna Girani, Ramakrishna Sharadashrama and government primary and high schools were built during the British era.

Although the town has seen development in various phases, it has maintained its beauty and serenity. In fact, it is considered as the cleanest town in South Kodagu. With the town connecting to the Mysore-Manandavadi road between, and due to thousands of students studying in several educational institutions here, the narrow roads had become a problem.
Realising this, the public works department took up the task of widening the roads. As Basaveshwara temple, situated in the heart of the town, could not be demolished, considering the religious sentiments of people, the houses nearby are being demolished.

The road widening works have resulted in severe drinking water problem as the pipes have been either damaged or removed. Along with the gram panchayat, Ponnampet Golden Jaycee is supplying drinking water to citizens through tankers.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / by Gonikoppa (Kodagu Dist) / DH News Service / March 18th, 2013

B.G. Chengappa gets ‘Namma Bengaluru’ award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

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B. G. Chengappa, Director, Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services, who received Namma Bengaluru award recently, is seen with Lexicographer Prof. G. Venkatasubbaiah and others.

Mysore, Mar. 18 :
Namma Bengaluru Prathishtana presented Namma Bengaluru Awards 2012 for 11 achievers in 9 divisions at a ceremony held in Bangalore recently.

The awards were presented by Lexicographer Prof. G. Venkatasubbaiah.

Bachettira Ganapathy Chengappa, Director, Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services, is among the awardees.

Chengappa is a native of Kiggal village in Murnad, Kodagu.

Chengappa joined the Fire and Emergency as Fire Station Officer after graduating in Science from the Bangalore University.

Chengappa was conferred the Namma Bengaluru award in recognition of his services to the Department for modernising using latest technology and taking up several developmental activities.

Among the other awardees was P. Manivannan, Managing Director, Bescom, who previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Mysore and Bangalore City Police Division.

Namma Bengaluru is an initiative of MP Rajeev Chandrashekar which is working towards making Bangalore a model city.

Namma Bengaluru Prathishtana aims to be the voice of the people that needs to be heard in order for Bangalore to become a global city.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / March 18th, 2013

Now, Hindi remake of South film ‘Vennila Kabadi’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

The trend of South remakes in Hindi film industry is growing stronger. The latest addition to the list is the upcoming film Badlapur Boys.

It’s a remake of the Tamil blockbuster Vennila Kabadi, which was directed by Susindran in 2009. A Muthu has acquired the remake rights of the Tamil film and is producing the film in association with Salim Tanvar under the banner of Karam Entertainment. The film stars Nishan Nanaiah and Saranya Mohan in the leading roles.
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Nishan Nanaiah and Saranya Mohan

Muthu, a renowned Bollywood editor who has worked in more than 50 films like Sadak, Deewana, Balwan, Raja Babu, Judwa, Ziddi, Haseena Maan Jayegi. He’s turning producing with Badlapur Boys.

Muthu states, “I am very happy with the way the film is shaping up and the debut director Sailesh Verma is doing an excellent job. The film stars Nishan who was last seen as Peter in Bejoy Nambiar’s David and Saranya who is a big star down south. She was also part of the original Tamil film.”

This film marks Saranya’s B-Town debut. “We are leaving no stones unturned for this project as we have got some of the best on board for this project. Sachin Gupta, Sameer Tandon and Raju Sardar are the music director while the lyrics are by Sameer Anjan.

Background music is by Monty Sharma and Sharat Chandra is the creative producer,” adds Muthu. Monty and Sharat were also involved with the Shahid-Sonam starrer Mausam.

Badlapur Boys deals with a plot of social family romantic drama with sports as a backdrop. “It’s a very simple film and people who have dreams of being successful will surely connect with the subject,” says Nishan.

source: http://www.mid-day.com / Home> Entertainment / Mumbai, March 12th, 2013

Investors discuss land conversion, power woes

Business & Economy

MadikeriKF22mar2013The follow-up meeting of the Kodagu investors conclave that was held in last December, was convened at Balbhavan in Madikeri.

The investors discussed various issues like land conversion, electricity problem, various regulations laid down by the Environmental Pollution Board etc.

Addressing the participants, District Industrial Centre Joint Director Varadaraju said that the progress report of the investors is reviewed every week and actions will be taken to find suitable solution to the problems.

He assured of directing all the officers to co-operate with the investors.

State Forest Industry Development Board President M B Devaiah said that organising the conclave will help to provide employment opportunities to the youth, hence it will help to retain the youth power.

District Chamber of Commerce President G Chidwilas expressed happiness over the investment of Rs 4,000 crore from 375 investors that was pooled in the conclave that was organised in December.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri, March 22nd, 2013

Coffee can reduce car crash risk – research

Coffee News, Science & Technology

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Researchers linked drinking coffee to stay awake with a 63 per cent lower crash risk. Photo / Thinkstock\

Drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee significantly protects against crash risk for long-distance commercial drivers, new research suggests.

But University of Otago professor Jennie Connor warned that caffeine, while effective for short amounts of time, was not a solution to fatigue.

The research, published in the British Medical Journal, was undertaken in Australia between 2008 and 2011.

It compared 530 long-distance heavy vehicle drivers who crashed their vehicle on a long distance trip in the preceding 12 months, with 517 such drivers who had not crashed.

Researchers linked drinking coffee to stay awake with a 63 per cent lower crash risk.

“Long-distance commercial drivers who consume caffeinated substances such as coffee or energy drinks, to stay awake while driving, are significantly less likely to crash than those who do not, even though they drive longer distances and sleep less,” researchers said.

More than 40 per cent of drivers reported consuming substances containing caffeine for the sole purpose of staying awake.

Lead researcher Lisa Sharwood, from Sydney University, said the study suggested drivers were adapting their behaviour to manage fatigue.

“This may seem effective in enhancing their alertness, but it should be considered carefully in the context of a safe and healthy fatigue management strategy. Energy drinks and coffee certainly don’t replace the need for sleep,” she said.

That notion was shared by Professor Connor, head of preventive and social medicine at the Dunedin School of Medicine.

She had previously researched driver sleepiness and crashes in New Zealand, and said although caffeine was one of the most widely used substances by drivers to stay alert, its effect was short-lived.

“It has to be a substantial amount of caffeine to make a difference to alertness – about two cups of good coffee – and it wears off fairly quickly, after about 45 minutes. To make a significant difference to your ability to drive when sleepy, you need more than a cup of coffee.”

Drowsy drivers were impaired, like drunk drivers, even if they did not fall asleep at the wheel.

“That is to some extent reversible by caffeine for a short period of time. It will provide you with a little bit of extra alertness but it’s not the answer because an hour later you’re back in the same situation,” Professor Connor said.

source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz / The New Zealand Herald / Home> Life & Style> by Rosie Manins of the Otago Daily Times / Thursday, March 21st, 2013

Greek coffee may be the potion of long life

Coffee News

London , MAR 19:

A daily cup of boiled Greek coffee may hold the secret to long life and good health, scientists say.

In a new study published in journal Vascular Medicine, researchers looked at the elderly inhabitants of Ikaria, the Greek island, which boasts the highest rates of longevity in the world.

Researchers who investigated cardiovascular health believe that a cup of boiled Greek coffee holds the clue to the elderly islanders’ good health.

Only 0.1 per cent of Europeans live to be over 90, yet on the Greek island of Ikaria, the figure is 1 per cent. This is recognised as one of the highest longevity rates anywhere — and the islanders tend to live out their longer lives in good health.

Gerasimos Siasos, a medical doctor and professor at the University of Athens Medical School, Greece set out with his team to find out whether the elderly population’s coffee drinking had an effect on their health.

In particular, the researchers investigated links between coffee-drinking habits and the subjects’ endothelial function.

The endothelium is a layer of cells that lines blood vessels, which is affected both by ageing and by lifestyle habits (such as smoking).

The team homed in on coffee because recent studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may slightly reduce the risks of coronary heart disease, and that it may also have a positive impact on several aspects of endothelial health.

From a sample of 673 Ikarians aged over 65 who lived on the island permanently, the researchers randomly selected 71 men and 71 women to take part in the study.

Medical staff used health checks (for high blood pressure, diabetes, etc) and questionnaires to get more detail on the participants’ medical health, lifestyles and coffee drinking, in addition to testing their endothelial function.

The researchers investigated all types of coffee taken by participants — but interestingly more than 87 per cent of those in the study consumed boiled, Greek coffee daily.

More importantly, subjects consuming mainly boiled Greek coffee had better endothelial function than those who consumed other types of coffee.

Even in those with high blood pressure, boiled Greek coffee consumption was associated with improved endothelial function, without worrying impacts on blood pressure.

“Boiled Greek type of coffee, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and contains only a moderate amount of caffeine, seems to gather benefits compared to other coffee beverages,” Siasos concluded.

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> News> Science / by PTI / London, March 19th, 2013

Applications invited for scholarships

Education

Mysore:
KKGS Sandhya Somasekhar Seva Trust in Hosaholalu, K R Pet taluk, Mandya district, has invited applications from Kuruhina Shetty students from Mandya, Mysore, Hassan, Kodagu and Chikmagalur districts for scholarships.

A press note from president of the trust G Somasekhar states that 100 students, pursuing higher education (above PUC), will get scholarships. Students from economically backward families belonging to all weaver communities like Devanga, Padmashali, Pattasali, Sakulasali and Togataveera can apply.

The applications should reach the trust before April 5. Contact 9448048028.

College management fest

Basudev Somani College, Mysore, is organising a one-day management festival ‘Connaissance’ for commerce and management students on March 19 and cultural festival on March 20. According to a press release from principal S R Ramesh, the festivals would serve as a platform for students to exhibit their talent, creativity and skills.

Basket ball summer camp

Pro-Tec Association is holding its annual basket ball summer camps at J K Grounds, Opposite City Railway Station, in Mysore. The six-week camp comprises two batches — evening batch from March 25 and morning batch from April 1. Contact 9845951971, 9886037771.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Districet / Mysore, Tuesday, March 19th, 2013