Monthly Archives: December 2013

HIDDEN 100 : Musings on a monastery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, World Opinion

Nimdroling Monstery./ Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu
Nimdroling Monstery./ Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu

Nikhil Varma finds peace at the Nimdroling Monastery set against hills and gardens at Bylakuppe

Take a turn off the dusty highway that connects Mysore to the hills of Coorg and you will find yourself on a small pathway leading to the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe. The two km trek to the Nimdroling Monastery and the monastic college makes you feel like you are in Tibet. Buddhist monks clad in saffron robes and tourists zip past in autorickshaws and cars.

A monk. / Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu
A monk. / Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu

The massive monastery was established by Pema Norbu Rinpoche on land that was granted to Tibetan exiles by the Indian Government. Locals say it was consecrated and bequeathed the name by the Dalai Lama. Apart from the monastery, the settlement boasts of monastic colleges, a small recreational facility and a guesthouse.

The story of this settlement began in 1959, when the Dalai Lama fled to India seeking political asylum. Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister agreed to provide assistance to the refugees. Lugsung Samdupling, one of the oldest Tibetan settlements was created in 1961 at Bylakuppe. The massive rainbow arch-like structure and the golden spires of the monastery are imposing and visible from a distance. The monastery houses nearly 5,000 monks and nuns and is renowned as an important centre for Buddhism. The path to the monastery leads one through a beautiful garden, surrounded by the living quarters of the monks. Inside the monastery, are beautiful statues of the Buddha Padmasambhava, Buddha Amitayus and Buddha Shakyamuni. The Padmasambhava is also known as the Second Buddha and is believed to have played a vital role in the spread of Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan. The Amitayus are celestial buddhas known for longevity. Beautiful murals depicting the life of the Buddha are seen on the walls. Another standout feature of is the prayer wheels situated on one end of the monastery that borders paddy fields. It is believed that rotating the prayer wheels brings good luck and prosperity.

A souvenir shop./ Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu
A souvenir shop./ Photo: Ajay Ghatage / The Hindu

On the other side of the monastery, small stores sell Tibetan memorabilia. There are also stalls that sell piping hot momos, which taste delightful with a range of Tibetan homemade sauces. You could also sample some hot Tibetan breads called thupkas. Surrounded by the misty hills of Coorg, meditating in these monasteries could transports one to the land of snow-peaked mountains.

Getting there

Bylakuppe is a five hour bus ride from Bangalore and is located near the town of Kushalnagar. Taking an auto rickshaw to the settlement from Kushalnagar is the easiest way to reach the settlements.

Where to stay

The settlement is fairly small and most tourists stay in Kushalnagar. You could stay in the monastery guesthouse for a small fee.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metroplus> Travel> Hidden 100 / by Nikhil Varma / June 06th, 2013

‘Huthari’, harvest festival observed across Kodagu

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature

Celebration began at Igguthappa temple

‘Huthari’ festival was observed with grandeur and traditional fervour in Kodagu district on Sunday.

The Huthari celebrations began at the Igguthappa temple and ‘prasadam’ was distributed. Sheaves of paddy were taken from the temple to mark the beginning of the festival in the district.

Later, people in the district visited paddy fields in a procession in their traditional attire and harvested the crop after offering prayer. Before harvesting, they shouted slogans ‘Poli Polio deva’ and fired three times in the air and burst crackers.

Kolata

Members of Pandeera family, Kodava Samaja and Sri Omkareshwara temple organised ‘Huthari’ kolata as a part of Huthari festival at Old Fort premises in Madikeri on Monday.
Bettageri Pandeera family members presented Kolata and ‘Bolakat,’ on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Pandeera family member Monnappa said that kolata has been performed from the time immemorial. There is a need to continue the tradition. Huthari festival brings all the family member together for celebrations. New year

Lt General (retd) B C Nanda said that Huthari festival is new year for the Kodavas.

Festivals play a vital role in conserving the culture and traditions of the region. Kodava Samaja president Moovera Subbaiah, Vice President Mandepanda Rathan Kuttaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Napoklu-Madikeri, DHNS , December 16th, 2013

Kodagu’s first IPS lady officer joins IRS

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Preeth Ganapathy is seen breaking the pot with a Karate chop.
Preeth Ganapathy is seen breaking the pot with a Karate chop.

by P.T. Bopanna

Kodagu, Dec. 23- Preeth Ganapathy, the first woman IPS officer from Kodagu, who successfully completed her training at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad, has resigned from the IPS and opted to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

According to family sources, Preeth decided to opt for the IRS as this would enable her to work in Karnataka and stay close to her family. Preeth had to work in northern India, if she had continued in the IPS because she was allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre.

Following her decision to join the IRS, Preeth will have to undergo one more year of training at Nagpur. Preeth had secured the first rank in Computer Science and engineering examination conducted by the Vishveshvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka.

Preeth completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science at R.V College of Engineering in the year 2008.

Preeth is the daughter of Mookonda K Ganapathy and Gowri Ganapathy who hail from Bilugunda Village of Ammathi in Kodagu.

M.K. Ganapathy had retired as a Superintendent of Police in Bangalore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / December 23rd, 2013

Tributes paid to war hero Devayya

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and others offering floral tributes to the portrait of Ajjamada Devayya at the Circle named after him in Madikeri on Saturday.
Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and others offering floral tributes to the portrait of Ajjamada Devayya at the Circle named after him in Madikeri on Saturday.

Rich tributes were paid to late Squadron Leader Ajjamada B. Devayya, a Kodava hero who showed exemplary courage to shoot down a Pakistani Supersonic F104 aircraft in the 1965 war under adverse conditions, at the Circle named after him at the private bus stand in Madikeri on Saturday. Sq. Ldr. Devayya carried out the attack on this day in 1965 to lay down his life for the nation.

Garland

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, Ajjamada family members, officials, and guests garlanded the portrait of Devayya in the morning to remember the heroics of the war veteran with Mr. Bopaiah promising to find a suitable location to set up a statue in the city in honour of Devayya for upholding military traditions of Kodagu.

Sq. Ldr. Devayya was born on 24 Dec 1932. He was the only one among the members of the strike force who sacrificed his life for the nation after carrying out the task of attacking the Sargodha airfield in Pakistan on September 7, 1965.

This was revealed in a book written by English journalist John Fricker, after he was party to the description of an episode by the then Flight Lieutenant, Amjad Hussain, of Pakistan.

The private bus-stand circle in Madikeri was named after the war hero on September 7, 2009.

Sq. Ldr. Devayya was conferred with the Maha Vir Chakra for his illustrious service to the nation posthumously which was received by his wife Sundari from the President of India.

Delay

Though the State government sanctioned Rs. 5 lakh for setting up a statue of Devayya, the project was being delayed over a court order, he said. Efforts were on to talk to Bal Bhavan authorities to secure land to set up the statue of Devayya, he said. Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari, Ajjamada family members Karumbaiah, Katti Mandaiah, ex-servicemen, officials of Department of Sainik and Resettlement Board, Madikeri, were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Madikeri – September 08th, 2013

Campaigning intensifies in Madikeri

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Ninety three candidates who are in fray for 23 wards of the CMC are busy campaigning. All are seen wooing the voters in every ward.
MadikeriKF22dec2013
As soon as the list of candidates were announced, Congress, BJP and JD(S) have started their campaign. Those aspirants who failed to get the tickets are contesting as rebel candidates.

Majority of the candidates had visited houses to campaign on Saturday and Sunday. With 50 per cent reservation for women, out of 23 wards, 12 wards are reserved for women. As many as 46 women candidates are in fray.

The total population of Madikeri CMC limits is 33,281, of which 24,325 are voters. This includes 11,934 male and 12,391 female voters. The polling will be held on December 22.

With the model poll conduct in force, a control room has been opened in the election officer’s office, to deal with violation of model code of conduct. Anyone found violating the model code of conduct can dial 08272-229228 for filing complaints. The control room will function round the clock.

Candidates in fray

Ward 1—Igguda Shivakumari (BJP), M Divya Nanjappa (Congress), P M Shailaja (JD(S), A Keerthi (independent), P U Gangappa (independent). Ward 2—N Anotha Poovaiah (BJP), K B Kavitha Kaveramma (Congress), K Yogitha Niranjan (JD(S), Flora Crasta (SPDI). Ward 3—D R Geethanjali (JD(S), B R Savitha (BJP), Sunitha Sampath Kannanda (Congress), Haseena Nooruddin (SDPI), T S Sridevi (independent). Ward4— N P Ameena (JD(S), B S Shubha (BJP), Suraba Abrar (Congress), Neema Adarsh (SDPI), Prameela (independent). Ward 5—Mahesh Jaini (BJP), Mathew K Epan (Cong), B Rajesh Yalla (JD(S), M Krishnaraju (SP), K G Peter (SDPI). Ward 6—P Kalavathi (BJP), Tujusam (Con), Salma M B (JD(S), Nafeesa (SDPI). Ward 7—H R Parvathi (JD(S), H N Sharada (BJP), Sheshamma (JD(S). Ward 8—K M Ganesh (Cong), H Manjunath (JD(S), Monthi Ganesh (BJP), M A Fajalulla (SDPI), K T Baby Mathew (independent), B Harish ( independent). Ward 9— M K Lakshmi (BJP), K A Swarnalatha (Cong). Ward 10—A S Prakash (Cong), Muneer Ahammed (JD(S), Subramani Umesh (BJP), A Khaleel (independent). Ward 11—Prathibha Arun Shetty (BJP), Yaladalu Bhavani Kenchappa (JD(S), Shrimathi Bangera (Cong), Bharathi Ramesh (independent). Ward 12—Chandravathi (BJP), B S Jaya (JD(S), Julekabi (Cong). Ward 13—C G hangappa (Con), P D Ponnappa (BJP), O N Babu (independent), G M Sathish Pai (independent). Ward 14—L Gopalakrishna (Cong), T S Prasad (BJP), K K Yashwanth Kumar (JD(S). Ward 15—H M Nandakumar (Cong), H R Ravi (JD (S), H B Vijayakumar (BJP), H A Ravikumar (independent), S R Shashikiran (independent), S C Sathish (independent).Ward 16—Kaveramma Somanna (Cong), Pattada Saritha Vinod Machaiah (JD(S), Minaj Praveen (BJP), K D Vimala (independent). Ward 17— B D Pushpaveni (BJP), V R Radhika (JD(S), Veenakshi K (Cong). Ward 18— P T Unnikrishnan (BJP), Umesh (JD(S), Naveen Kushalappa M (Cong), R Ramu, Imanuel( independent). Ward 19—K U Ashraf (JD(S), K S Ramesh (BJP), M V Likhesh (Cong), P G Manjunath (independent). Ward 20—Anitha Raj (Cong), N Kannika (BJP), Sangeetha Prasanna (JD(S). Ward 21— N S Dinesh Kumar (JD(S), A C Devaiah (Cong), Dharmapala (BJP). Ward 22—T M Ayyappa (Cong), Sayyed Yusuf (BJP), P M Salaiman (JD(S), Ameen Mohinis (SDPI), M A Muneer Machar (independent), K M Chethan (independent). Ward 23— Abdul Razak (Cong), B S Prashanth Kumar (BJP), M H Basheer Ahammed (JD(S), K Jameer (SDPI), H P Harish (independent).

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, December 15th, 2013

Wadiyar never wanted to be a fashion designer: Prasad Bidapa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

I first met His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar just before his 50th birthday (10 years ago) when he involved me in a special project that he was passionate about. He was keen on reviving the silk industry of Karnataka. His intention, however, was never to become a fashion designer. He was a heritage textile revivalist and that was the only thing what he was trying to do. At that point, he was disturbed with the fact that Karnataka, which has been known for its silk yarn for generations, was losing its lustre in terms of quality as well as interest. He wanted to ensure the continuity of the grandeur of the yarn, and that is when he came up with his first collection of designer saris that we helped showcase at the Mysore Palace on his 50th birthday. His deep knowledge of culture and heritage brought in an interesting mix of tradition and modern design.

(Srikantadatta Wadiyar )
(Srikantadatta Wadiyar )

I still remember that beautiful collection in which he included the motif of the iconic Gandaberunda as part of his design. It was the first element of his weaves. Over the years of my association with His Highness, I believe it was his wife Pramoda Devi who was his muse in many ways. He held her opinions on all matters extremely high, and he was almost excited about seeking her opinion — especially about his designs.

His Highness had this kindness about him that one would assume was not even expected of a Maharaja. He had this emotional connect with the people he met — including the staff of the Palace, which is truly inspiring. He was such a learned man and his knowledge on music and textile was impeccable. Our meetings would usually take place at his study, where he would be seated on the ground as opposed to his plush cushioned chairs. His doctors had advised him to do so. He was always surrounded by music CDs, books and art. He kept himself updated on all current affairs and would, in fact, read 10 different newspapers from cover to cover every day. He was well informed on just about everything — from politics and sports to the art forms.

I would say he was also extremely health-conscious right through the years I knew him. There was this time when we had travelled to Ooty for the shoot of his catalogue. We had around 20 models with us, and we had to walk up a hill. The first person to reach the top was the Maharaja, and he had jokingly commented, ‘Your models can’t keep up with me’. He had a fabulous sense of humour and would often have us all in splits. I can still hear his rumbling laugh as he saw and helped us see the funny side of just about everything. Even at his palace, he was often seen walking briskly in his gardens. He was always conscious about what he ate, his kitchen staff would prepare his meals in portions with great care, taking into account his health requirements.

I met him less than a month ago for the last time at David Hill. I was urging him to drop by at one of our shows as he had become so busy with all his other commitments, including the recently concluded Dasara festivities in Mysore. He had said, ‘Just give me a call on the day of the show, if I am up to it, I will definitely drop by’. It is hard to imagine that we have lost one of the warmest icons of Karnataka’s history. It is a huge loss for the people of Mysore, Bangalore as well as the rest of the State. I will always remember him with lots and lots of affection.

The Maharaja’s Rajkumar connect

The late scion of the Mysore dynasty, Srikantadatta Wadiyar, had a filmi connection and that too, with the first family of Kannada cinema — the Rajkumars. The Maharaja has graced the muhurats of three of Shivarajkumar’s films — Santa, Mylari and Shiva — and even sounded the clap board on each of these occasions.

According to a source, Wadiyar shared a good bond with the Rajkumar family and spoke often about the late actor and his films. He also liked Shivarajkumar and so, when he was invited to do the honours of sounding the clap board for Shivanna’s films, he readily agreed. Apparently, it was producer KP Srikanth who got the Maharaja to join the muhurats each time.

Shivarajkumar, who was deeply saddened by the Maharaja’s demise on Tuesday, told us that he held great respect for the royal family. “The Maharaja used to talk a lot about cinema and cricket during our casual discussions. We would even watch cricket matches together at the Chinnaswamy stadium,” says the actor.
— Contributed by Mahesh H

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada> Mysore Palace / by Kavya Christopher, TNN / December 12th, 2013

Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa duo keen to make the most of it

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Ashwini Ponnappa
Ashwini Ponnappa

When it comes to doubles in Indian badminton, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa are expected to rule the roost. The pair reunited after the Indian Badminton League (IBL) and will grace the Cricket Club of India courts for the Tata Open India International Challenge on Thursday.

The only worry for Ponnappa is that they did not get enough tournaments together. “Though I am very excited to play with Jwala, we have not had enough matches to practice. We only played a couple of games (Bitburger Open, Germany),” she said. “Tata Open will provide us that opportunity. We will know where we stand and what needs to be worked on.”

The 24-year-old Ponnappa praised Gutta for the way she handled herself during the recent tough times. “Out of the two games we played after getting back, one was before what Jwala went through. But she’s a strong girl,” she said. One positive aspect was their co-ordination during the Bitburg Open. “We were actually surprised. Even without practice, we could judge our movements.We realised that the fire was still there. It felt good,” said Ponnappa.

Coach John doubts Gutta’s commitment
Coach Tom John believed that both Gutta and his ward Ponnappa need to realise that they have to get back to the top 15-20 in the world. He also questioned Gutta’s commitment. “Jwala’s commitment is an issue. She has many other talents she might want to pursue – music and films. She has to decide as you cannot do all other things and also play badminton. If Jwala is serious and gets professional training, nobody can stop her. You have to be fit and move around the court,” he said.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Sport> Report / by Wriddhaayan Bhattacharya / Place:Mumbai, Agency:DNA / Thursday – December 12th, 2013

‘Kodagu climate suitable for growing vegetables’

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Nature

Scientist from Indian Horticulture Research Institute Dr A T Sadashiva has said that the climate in Kodagu is conducive for growing vegetables.

Speaking at a session held at agriculture technology week organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gonikpppa on Wednesday, he said that after the harvest of paddy, about 35,000 hectare of land will be left as it is. Vegetables can be cultivated in the paddy field after the harvest.

He further said that Indian Horticulture Research Institute has brought out sachets of improvised seeds of different varieties of vegetables.

Steps will be taken to make these seeds available at all places, he said and added that these vegetables could be grown in kitchen garden and also on earthen pots, he said.
Senior scientist T S Aghora said that 96 varieties have been developed in 23 vegetables. Best varieties are available in tomato, chilly, cucumber, pumpkin and beans.

A beans variety called ‘Arka Sharat’ is considered as the best variety. Vegetables like cabbage, red chilly and red carrots which are grown in Ooty can also be grown in Kodagu.

District Horticulture department Deputy Director S N Sudhindra said that the department will bear 50 per cent of the expenditure of the farmers for growing vegetables. A subsidy of Rs 13,000 per acre is available under Krishi Vikas Yojana, he said.

He further said that a subsidy of Rs 1,500 per bee hive wil be provided for the apiculturists.

A honey park will be developed at Bhagamandala to encourage apiculture.
Scientists Dr S S Hebbar, Dr Shrinivas Rao, Progressive farmer C P Sathish from Somwarpet, Gonikoppa Krishi Vigyan Kendra Director Dr P C Tripathi and others were present.

An exhibition on food products and agriculture equipment was held on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Gonikoppa – DHNS, December 11th, 2013

Tennis player Rohan Bopanna and wife Supriya celebrate their Platinum Day

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

Bangalore:

India’s ace Tennis player Rohan Bopanna and wife Supriya Bopanna today celebrated their Platinum Day of Love and unveiled the season’s Platinum Love Bands – Endless Love range by C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons.
Rohan Bopanna said, “I think for me it was love at first sight, from the day we met every moment spent with Supriya, is for me, a moment I cherish.”

Tennis player Rohan Bopanna and wife Supriya
Tennis player Rohan Bopanna and wife Supriya

Supriya Bopanna says, “Today, pledging our love on this platform takes me back to the day Rohan swept me off my feet and proposed to me. Exchanging these beautiful platinum emblems of eternal love, reinstates my faith that our relationship will grow from strength to strength and like these elegant and classic love bands will last forever.”

source: http://www.frontierindia.net/ Frontier India / Home> India> Entertainment> Fashion / by (FINN) Frontier India News Network / December 11th, 2013

Students can watch B3 for free

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

The makers of the Kannada film B3 have announced a novel scheme for students. The first 50 students who come to watch the film at Nartaki theatre between Monday and Thursday will get free entry. Other students who produce their ID cards will get up to 50% off on their tickets.

(Harshika Poonacha )
(Harshika Poonacha )

Actress Harshika Poonacha, who stars in the film that also features Srikanth, is promoting this scheme in a big way by sending messages to all her contacts. In the message, she also claims that the film has crossed the collection of most top stars, which makes one wonder this is free offer is a celebration of sorts.

Harshika’s message also says, “Along with this, each one will get an assured surprise gift from the B3 team. Inform all your friends and just hit the theatres right now. We aren’t responsible if you get caught bunking classes.”

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Film / by Anjali Muthanna, TNN / December 11th, 2013