Monthly Archives: April 2016

The urban escape

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

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With a sweltering summer on the threshold, Bengalureans are eager to get packing. Idyllic beaches, trekking adventures, wildlife tours and culinary trails, the possibilities are immense.

With airfare and hotel prices set to rise, they are trying to get the best deal without breaking the bank. Tour companies and adventure groups while pointing out how holiday-goers are exploring newer destinations, spell out whats ticking and what’s not!

By all accounts, summer holidays are the perfect time to revisit childhood. Keeping that in mind, ‘F5 Escapes’, a Bangalore-based, alternate travel company, which specialises in designing and executing all-women travel experiences, is holding a ‘Mom and Kids’ Trip’ to Coorg this summer.

Explaining the concept, Malini, founder and chief travel officer, says “As children, we have all chased fireflies. There was a certain magic in those quick, shining flickering lights in the dark. Of course, with time, glaring neon lights took over our night sky. With the concept ‘Chasing the fireflies in Coorg’, moms and kids will have the opportunity to explore the rainforests of Coorg. We help relive the childhood and watch the fireflies. It is also an occasion to learn about organic cultivation and solar living. We are organising the trip on April 23 and 24. Apart from that, we are also planning day trips in May.”

For the wanderlust-struck, any chance to get away from the cacophony is a winning deal. Across the country, the options are unlimited with every nook and corner having a story to tell and every nondescript hamlet something to offer. Himachal Pradesh has been high on the list of Bengalureans for some time now, be it for adventure or for the serene locale.

“When it comes to domestic travel, Kashmir has bounced back this year to be the top trending destination for domestic travel followed by Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Ladakh,” informs Karan Anand, head, relationships, Cox & Kings. As far as overseas destinations are concerned, “Switzerland and France continue to be hot favourites this summer. A new addition this year is Russia whereas Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau are the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia among Indian travellers. Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam and Bali are offbeat lovers’ paradise,” he adds. Planning a vacation is no easy task, but for the many nomads in the city, an escape from the city has become inevitable. In fact they are happily infected by the travel bug.

“Summer has always been a popular time to travel amongst many Indians,” points out Ravish Doctor, manager- growth strategy, Skyscanner India. “Be it for a long weekend or an extended holiday, we have witnessed an increase in the number of travellers making the most of the holidays during the summer,” he says.

“From Bengaluru, there has been a steady rise in search for destinations within Southeast Asia. Much like the majority of Indians, travellers from Bengaluru also favour summer travel to more popular destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore, Bali and Kuala Lumpur.

While across the country, London and Paris continue to be the most searched destinations in Europe; in spite of the soaring temperatures, Dubai is emerging as a destination. This may be attributed to Dubai as an all-round family destination which makes it perfect for children during their summer vacations,” he says. In spite of the recent happenings in Europe, surprisingly, there is still a sizable chunk who wants to explore its picturesque locales. “Europe is the perfect holiday destination for Indian travellers who want to escape the summer heat and we are observing an upward trend for this destination. While, destinations such as France, UK, Ireland, Switzerland and Italy continue to be favourites, there are many small regions within these countries that are getting very popular such as Charmonix in France,’’ adds Karan. Clearly, this summer seems to hold plenty of choices and surprises.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Anupama Ramakrishnan / DHNS – April 05th, 2016

Coorg green cardamom to join select club

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy

It is to get the GI tag soon, says Spices Board

Fresh Impetus: H.S. Srinivas, Joint Director, Spices Board, addressing farmers at the seminar in Kodagu on Monday.
Fresh Impetus: H.S. Srinivas, Joint Director, Spices Board, addressing farmers at the seminar in Kodagu on Monday.

Appangala (Kodagu Dt.) :

Coorg green cardamom is expected to secure the geographical area indicator (GI) tag very soon as all formalities have been completed, according to Joint Director (Development), Spices Board, Sakleshpur, H.S. Srinivas, here on Monday.

He was speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of a regional seminar held at the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) here, on pepper and cardamom. It was organised by the IISR and the Spices Board. Coorg green cardamom is to join the select group of 34 crops in the State for which GI tag applications have been registered, Mr. Srinivas said. The process would be complete once the gazette notification is made soon. The tag would help the product carve out a niche for itself in the market, besides getting all priorities for its production.

He said that Indian spices export had reached an all-time high during the period April 2008 to January 2009, touching a whopping Rs. 4,500 crore. However, the contribution of pepper was slightly down, Mr. Srinivas said. As much as 475 MT of cardamom was exported, which was up by 75 MT compared to the previous year.

Increase in production

In three year’s time, cardamom production would be raised to around 15,000 hectares in Kodagu district, he said. Diseases such as ‘Katte’ and others had accounted for the destruction of cardamom crops in the district in the past. Mr. Srinivas said crop insurance too would be introduced for the commodity in the district soon.

The Spices Board was providing subsidies for cardamom re-plantation, construction of drying yards, and for digging wells and tanks, Mr. Srinivas added. The board had also opened new offices at Bhagamandala in Kodagu and Vanajoor in Hassan.

Earlier, the president of the Karnataka Planters’ Association, K.M. Nanaiah, inaugurated the regional seminar on pepper and cardamom at the IISR premises. The president of the Codagu Planters’ Association, B. Duleep Nanjappa, who was a guest, called upon the farmers who had come in good numbers to ‘help themselves’ in saving the pepper vines from disease by proper management system.

He told the farmers to follow the advise of the scientists of the IISR and the Spices Board not only for saving the plants but also to obtain higher productivity.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / March 26th, 2009

Vinay, Uthappa bag grand double at KSCA awards

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

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State skipper Vinay Kumar and right-handed batsman Robin Uthappa bagged a grand double at the Karnataka State Cricket Association annual awards ceremony on Saturday.

Uthappa won the best batsman award in Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments while Vinay picked up the best bowler’s honour in Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

D Nischal of Jawahar Sports Club, who amassed 989 runs, was adjudged the best batsman in Group I, Division tournament for Sir Mirza Ismail Shield. Anand Doddamani of Bangalore Ocassionals, who picked up 48 wickets was named the best bowler.

“I congratulate all the teams and award winners. It’s a good sign that we have completed all the league tournaments on time,” said KSCA Secretary Brijesh Patel, speaking on the occasion.

The award winners:

Ranji Trophy: Best batsman: Robin Uthappa; Best bowler: R Vinay Kumar.
Vijay Hazare One-Day: Best batsman: Manish Pandey; Best bowler: R Vinay Kumar.
Syed Mushtaq Ali T20: Best batsman: Robin Uthappa; Best bowler: KC Cariappa.

U-14 inter-school BT Ramaiah Shield (Division III): Best batsman: Jasper (Mallya Aditi International School). Best bowler: PM Dharshan (Sri Sai Ram Vidyamandir).

U-14 inter-school BT Ramaiah Shield (Division II): Best batsman: P Abheek (Vidyaniketan Public School). Best bowler: S Yashas (Vidyaniketan PS).

U-14 inter-school BT Ramaiah Shield (Division I): Best batsman: Danish Altaf (St Joseph’s Boys’ HS).

Best bowler: Shray Singh (Delhi Public School, East).
U-16 inter-school (Division III): Best batsman: M Danish (KV, Hebbal). Best bowler: Stany (Baldwin Boys).

U-16 inter-school (Division II): Best batsman: Udbhav Gaurav (Jain IRS). Best bowler: Satvik Gunda (Jain IRS).

Under-16 inter-school (Division I): Best batsman: Shubhang Hegde (Vidyaniketan School). Best bowler: Shubhang Hegde (Vidyaniketan School).
U-14 inter-zonal: Best Batsman: Gautam Dileep. Best bowler: SM Sha
manth.
U-16 inter-zonal: Best batsman: Aadarsh Prajwal. Best bowler: Shubhang Hegde.
U-19 inter-zonal: Best batsman: Nikin Jose. Best bowler: G Naveen

Under-23 inter-zonal SA Srinivasan Memorial: Best batsman: Sumanth Bharadwaj. Best bowler: Likith Bannur

Safi Darashah: Best batsman: Abishek Reddy. Best bowler: Mitrakant Yadav
Under-16 inter-club: Best batsman: Sai Prajwal (Jawahar SC). Best bowler: Rishi Bhansali (Jawahar SC).

Under-19 inter-club: Best batsman: V Abhiram (Swastic Union CC-2); Best bowler: BM Shreyas (Jawahar SC).

Under-14 inter-club: Best batsman: BN Yashwant (Swastic Union CC-2). Best bowler: Vishruth Dev (Herons CC).

Group I, Division V for JB Mallaradhya Shield: Best batsman: Vinay (Kengeri Cricketers). Best bowler: Suhas (Engrades CC).

Group I, Division IV for Metro Shield: Best batsman: Yere Goud (Visweswapuram CC-2). Best bowler: Pranav Bhatia (Dolphins).

Group I, Division III for Sri Nassur Memorial Shield: Best batsman: KV Darshan (Friend XI). Best bowler: Latif Patel (City Cricketers).

Group I, Division II: Best Batsman: B Tanu (Jayanagar Colts). Best Bowler: Vinu Prasad (Swastic Union 2).

Group I, Division I: Best Batsman: D Nischal (Jawahar SC (1)). Best Bowler: Anand Doddamani (Bangalore Occasionals).

YS Ramaswamy Memorial: Best Batsman: Sadiq Kirmani (Malleswaram Gymkhana). Best Bowler: B Naveen (FUCC).

KSCA Inter-club T20 for Group I: Best Batsman: CM Gautam (Swastic Union). Best Bowler: Dikanshu Negi (Jawans CC).

Group II, Division III: Best Batsman: Keerthi (BWSSB). Best Bowler: Kemparaju Gowda (ITI SC).

Group II, Division II: Best Bats
man: Nihar Shilar (BEML RC). Best Bowler: IG Anil (RBI).
Special Tournament for Zonal Champions and top teams of Group I: Winners: Swastic Union CC (2).

Inter-collegiate Women’s Tournament: Best Batswoman: Pooja Panchal. Best Bowler: G Divya. Winners: Jain College.

Inter-zonal U-19 Women’s Tournament: Best Batswoman: Sanjana Batni. Best Bowler: Harshitha Jha.

Women: U-16: Best batswoman: Vrinda Dinesh; Best bowler: Shreyanka Patil.
U-19: Best batswoman: Shubha Satish; Best bowler: C Prathyusha.
U-23: Best batswoman: G Divya; Best bowler: C Prathyusha.

Senior women (one-day): Best batswoman: Karuna Jain; Best bowler: C Prathyusha.
Senior women (T20): Best batswoman: G Divya; Best bowler: Akanksha Kohli.
Boys: U-14: Best batsman: Prithvi Sadanand; Best bowler: M Shamanth.
Men: U-16. (Vijay Merchant Trophy): Best batsman: Sudhanshu Sonkar; Shubhang Hegde.

U-19 (Vinoo Mankad Trophy): Best batsman: B.R. Sharath; Best bowler: Vyshak V.
U-19 (Cooch Behar): Best batsman: BR Sharath & Sujith Gowda; Best bowler: Likith Bannur.

U-23 (C K Nayudu): Best batsman: D Nischal; Best bowler: Prasidh Krishna.
U-25 (P S Ram Mohan Rao Trophy): Best batsman: K N Bharath; Best bowler: Mitrakanth Yadav.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports / DHNS, Bengaluru – April 03rd, 2016

Celebrity Speaks …: From Cricket field to Big Boss house

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

Aiyappa has proved his mettle…

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Neravanda Chetticha Aiyappa, also known as N.C. Aiyappa, is popular among cricketers in the State. Having made his Ranji debut in 2001-02 season against Haryana, this talented cricketer became popular in every household, thanks to ‘Bigg Boss,’ the Kannada reality show which was broadcast in one of the private television channels. Aiyappa, who gained steady popularity, stayed inside the Bigg Boss House for 92 days and was considered by many to emerge victorious. Unfortunately, he had come out of the house after being eliminated on the 93rd day. ‘Star of Mysore’ caught up with N.C. Aiyappa, who is in Mysuru to participate in the ongoing V. Prabhakar Memorial T20 Tournament. Excerpts….

by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Star of Mysore (SOM): What do you have to say about Bigg Boss?

N.C. Aiyappa (NC): It was a good experience. I received a call overnight that I have been selected to participate in the reality show. I had no idea what to do. After discussing with my mother and close friends, I gave my nod to enter the house as a contestant. It was just like entering the cricket field as a night watchman and scoring 92 runs!

SOM: Could you share your experience inside the House?

NC: Among the contestants, I had only met Rehman, Chandan and Pooja Gandhi prior to entering the house and the rest were totally strangers. Basically, it was a good journey during which I learnt how to live with new people.

SOM: What is the one important thing that you have learnt in the Bigg Boss House?

NC: As I said early, the entire 92-day was a new experience. The important thing I learnt in the house was to be self-dependent. Me being a person with a little lazy attitude, the house taught me to follow the set of rules and regulations which was framed for all the contestants, else face the consequences. The contestants were divided into three groups and each one had the work assigned to them which helps one to work in a team and build confidence. Me being a sportsperson and having experience in working with various teams, I did my work sincerely as a result of which I stayed for 92 days inside the house. A few participants were hesitant to do the task assigned to them but as the day progressed they did they jobs well.

SOM: Did you go inside the House with a plan because everybody inside wanted to win?

NC: It’s true that everybody went with an intention of winning the show. All 15 contestants have different strategies and you never know who is thinking what. Though I had no strategies, I was able to execute my plans through which I was able to win the confidence of my fellow contestants. I believe that one should live his normal life in such shows and not change his attitude just to win the game. The contestants should live their stardom outside the house and be one among the others inside the house. Of course, one or the other person has to get eliminated every week. There are times when a few deserving get eliminated early but it is the nature of the game and the one who wins should be considered as the deserving contestant.

SOM: You seemed to be close to Pooja Gandhi and later turned your loyalty to Gautami, which I guess resulted in small fights inside the House. What do you have to say about it?

NC: There was nothing like misunderstanding. Both, Pooja and Gautami have been good friends to me. We shared a good chemistry with each other. When you are inside the house you have to make friends with everyone. I was close to Anand and Chandan except for Shruthi, whom I had only seen on big screens. As far as Pooja and Gautami are concerned, I have known them much before Bigg Boss happened.

SOM: Among the tasks in the Bigg Boss House, which was the toughest according to you?

NC: I have done a lot of tasks inside the house. But the toughest among them was the one which I did along with Pooja Gandhi wherein we had to stand on a chair for 15 hours and it turned tougher when we were asked to kneel down on the same bench. I have to thank Pooja for lending support throughout the task. I only told her that we should win the task at any cost especially against strong contenders like Kitty and Chandan. If fact, she displayed her woman- power by lifting 92 tyres. When it comes to task, she (Pooja) is amazing apart from being a wonderful person.

SOM: There have been talks that the entire Bigg Boss show is scripted. Is it true?

NC: No way. We were just living a life inside the house and did the tasks that were assigned to us by Bigg Boss. Things about the show being scripted are far from truth.

SOM: Did you think you would stay for 92 days in the House?

NC: Never. I had thought I would stay inside the house for a maximum of two weeks and later participate in the Mangalore Premiere League. But, I stayed inside the house for a longer duration than I thought. In fact, the Mangaluru franchise owner had tried contacting me till Dec. 14 thinking that I would join the team but it was not to be.

SOM: What are your future plans? Are you looking at a few more reality shows?

NC: Right now I am enjoying my cricket. But, I have kept myself open for new things. Be it reality shows or movies, I am ready for it .

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / April 01st, 2016

Movie Review: Re

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

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Director: Sunil Kumar Desai
Cast: Ramesh Aravind, Sumana, Harshika Poonacha, Anant Nag, Loknath and Sharath Lohithashwa

Director Sunil Kumar Desai, who has given big hits like Sparsha, Nishkarsha and Nammora Mandara Hoove, has selected a different kind of a story this time with Re, which takes place entirely in a house which he has converted into a world of spirits.

Armed with a good script, the director has tried to keep the entertainment in focus with good dialogue and crisp narration. But the only question is that of the story’s relevance, as it takes us back by two decades.

The entire story revolves around Paapu (Ramesh Aravind) who comes to a city in search of a job in a channel and lands in `Preethi Nilaya’ where he experiences the world of spirits. To his surprise he finds his grandfather, great grandfather and great-great-grandfather in the form of spirits due to a curse.

As expected, they can’t speak and see him, but Paapu can hear what they say, even though he can’t see them. As per an astrologer, they can get rid of their present circumstances only if Paapu marries a girl called Preethi (Sumana), who is an MD in a company. They take the help of a tech-geek, who also lives in the house as a spirit due to a curse, which makes him walk naked around the house.

But the twist to the story here is Paaru (Harshika Poonacha), who works with Paapu’s channel and is in love with him. Her father is in charge of the house where Paapu stayed. Whom will Paapu select? Will the spirits get rid of their present circumstances?

The narration is a mix of drama, sentiment, comedy and romance. While Ramesh Aravind has done an excellent job as Paapu, Harshika and Sumana are equally good.

But it is Anant Nag who steals the show with excellent dialogue delivery, body language and expressions, impressing us with a different role.

G S Bhaskar’s cinematography is impressive too.

Unfortunately, Hamsalekha’s music is strictly average.

source: http://www.filmfare.com / Filmfare.com / Home> Movie Review / by G S Kumar, Entertainment Editor (Kannada) / Tuesday – March 08th, 2016