Monthly Archives: November 2017

In misty Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, World Opinion

We recently decided to travel to Madikeri and surrounding areas with our relatives Uday Kumar and Bharathi.

They had arranged our stay in a resort surrounded by thick forest.

How did we go?
We left Bengaluru on Friday morning by car. Our main destination was Madikeri and Kodagu but we touched other places along the way.

What did we do?
We took the NH 275 and our first halt was at Kokkare Bellur. We observed some pelicans perched on a few trees. Our next halt was Balmuri waters, the manmade bund over Kaveri river. The water and scenery were good but the surrounding was spoilt by the heavy flow of tourists. It was a brief stopover and we soon left Balmuri.

We entered Nagarahole National Park and headed towards Virajpete. Virajpet is a small town tucked inside forested area, hills and coffee plantations. We stopped for tea and headed to Club Mahindra Virajpet, located inside a forest at a distance of 13 km from Virajpet. The road passed through coffee plantations and entered a forested area, wherein the resort is built.

On looking through the window of our cottage, I found that the flower and fruits of a wild banana growing in reverse direction! The flower and fruits were growing upwards, which was interesting. I also took a photograph of a wild orchid flower growing on an old arecanut tree trunk just outside the cottage.

Next morning we headed to Nalknad Palace, which was a hiding place for Chikkaveerajendra, the last king of Kodagu who was arrested by British East India Company in 1834. To reach the place, we had to manoeuvre several steep curves through coffee plantations and forests and after passing Kakkabe, we reached Nalknad Palace. The renovated building is a Mangalore tiled structure with four secret dark rooms where the Raja used to keep fugitives and his opponents. The wall paintings on Nalkand Palace are also interesting. After his arrest, he was deported to Vellore at first, then to Varanasi by the British and ‘Coorg Nest’ was the building where he was kept along with his wives and assistants. Nalknad palace was the last hideout for Chikkaveerarajendra, who was arrested by the British on the charges of atrocity he committed in his kingdom.

Located high in the mountains, the Nalknad Palace is a very interesting place to see. There are several homestays and resorts near Nalknad Palace, all tucked inside several forest nooks. On returning from Nalknad, we went to Iguthappa Temple, which is nearby. The recently-renovated temple is located on a small hillock and is frequently visited by the Kodava people.

After spending about thirty minutes there, we headed to Abbey Falls. The view of the falls is a sight to behold. We returned to Madikeri and the first thing we did was to find a good place for lunch. After lunch, we roamed in Madikeri Fort which is still in good condition. It is interesting to observe that the Palace of Madikeri Raja is still being used as offices of Government of Karnataka. The old church at the entrance of the fort is converted to an archaeological museum.

At 5 pm we visited Onkareshwara Temple, which looks good with its reflection in the temple pond located just in front of the temple. At around 6 pm, we went to see Raja Seat. The sunset from Raja Seat is a colourful affair with the evening rays filling up the entire valley below, as the spot is located on the edge of a mountain.

Next morning, we headed towards Dubare Elephant camp. Dubare is located on the banks of Kaveri river and Government of Karnataka is managing an elephant training camp. River rafting is something one should experience.

After spending an hour in Dubare, we went towards Bylakuppe, which is near Kushalnagar and Bylakuppe is a well-known Tibetan settlement. The settlers were hardworking and earned livelihood by cultivating forest lands and woollen business. They built a colourful Golden Temple as per Tibetan architecture. The mythological drawings depict the stories as per Tibetan tradition and makes a interesting sight. After spending some time in this Buddhist temple complex, we had lunch at Kushalanagar and headed towards Bengaluru.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Shashidharan Halady / November 29th, 2017

Get a whiff of coffee at GES

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Coffee News
The stall set up by Coffee Board at the GES venue where Araku Coffee grown in the eastern ghats is also on display.
The stall set up by Coffee Board at the GES venue where Araku Coffee grown in the eastern ghats is also on display.

Coffee Board sets up stall to promote regional flavours

Coffee Board, a Government of India enterprise, has put up a stall at GES venue to promote various regional flavours of coffee mostly grown in the western ghats.

Though India is the sixth largest producer of coffee that’s mostly exported to Europe, not many outside Europe are aware of it. “This is our opportunity to promote Indian coffee among the global audience at GES,” says Raghuramulu, Director, Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Board.

The western ghats is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world and coffee is grown as an integrated crop and in shade, Mr. Raghuramulu said. It is a way of rejuvenating greenery in the eastern ghats known for Podu cultivation. The income of tribals started going up after coffee plantation was promoted in Araku and Chintapalli areas in Visakha Agency, he added.

At the summit, Araku Coffee grown in the eastern ghats is also on display.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – November 28th, 2017

Coffee Board to promote entrepreneurship

Business & Economy, Coffee News

Coffee winning the hearts of North Indians too

A stall put up by the Coffee Board to showcase different varieties of Indian coffee at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) being held in Hyderabad on Tuesday. (Photo: G Naga Sridhar)
A stall put up by the Coffee Board to showcase different varieties of Indian coffee at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) being held in Hyderabad on Tuesday. (Photo: G Naga Sridhar)

Hyderabad :

The Coffee Board will be promoting entrepreneurship with a dual purpose of pushing self-businesses as well as coffee consumption.

Speaking to BusinessLine on the sidelines of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) which began here on Tuesday, Y Raghuramulu, Central Coffee Research Institute, said 34 entrepreneurs had successfully launched their businesses in the last one-and-a-half years.

According to B J Ashwin Kumar, Research Chair & Consultant (Promotion), Coffee Board, about 700 were trained in various aspects of coffee business so far.

“The advantage in business of coffee is that it will not need huge capital. One can take it off with even Rs. 1 lakh,” he said.

Steady growth in consumption

Consumption of coffee has been steadily growing at about 5 to 6 per cent per annum, Raghuramulu said.

He added: “While South India has been a predominant market, of late the number of coffee lovers in the North has been growing.”

About 3.25 lakh tonnes of coffee is produced by India. ” Efforts are to push coffee exports from India with a focus on special varieties,” he added.

Europe is a major destination for Indian shade-grown coffee followed by the US.

Domestic consumption is about 1 lakh tonnes which includes few imported varieties from countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Economy> Agri Business> Global Entrepreneurial Summit / by G. Naga Sridhar / Hyderabad – November 28th, 2017

Bopanna: Indian players will benefit from more Challengers

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Speaking after an unveiling of his portrait at the KSLTA in honour of his French Open mixed doubles victory, Bopanna said last week’s tournament in Pune and the ongoing one here proved that Indian players can step up if they get to play more Challenger events.

Rohan Bopanna and his wife Supriya Annaiah at the unveiling of life size photograph of the doubles player in honour of his mixed doubles Grand Slam victory at the French Open 2017. - V. SREENIVASA MURTHY
Rohan Bopanna and his wife Supriya Annaiah at the unveiling of life size photograph of the doubles player in honour of his mixed doubles Grand Slam victory at the French Open 2017. – V. SREENIVASA MURTHY

India’s No.1 doubles player Rohan Bopanna believes nothing can prevent Indian players from stepping things up if they have access to more Challenger events. Speaking after an unveiling of his portrait at the KSLTA in honour of his French Open mixed doubles victory, Bopanna said last week’s tournament in Pune and the ongoing one here proved that.

“At Pune there were two Indians in the final and here we are seeing Sumit Nagal and Yuki Bhambri play so well. Yuki has a great chance to be in the top 100 again. So the more Challengers we have in India, the better. If each State can have a Challenger and a Future then definitely we will produce a lot more players.”

Reflecting on his own season during which he won four titles and finished runner-up thrice even while playing with multiple partners, Bopanna said: “The key thing I learned especially with the partner changes was to completely focus on my game and not really worry about who I was partnering…to focus on my strengths and the way I play.”

In spite of forging a successful partnership with Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas, he will pair up with Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin for the upcoming season.

“The challenge that I had with Cuevas this year was that we didn’t really practice much. He played singles so we only played matches. So I decided to find someone who was focused on doubles.”

Bopanna has played before with Roger-Vasselin before – most recently at Wimbledon 2017 – and with a fair amount of success.

“I always like to choose someone who gives me the chance to play my game freely. He doesn’t have any major weapons but he is a solid returner. And he helps me a lot at the net. He gives me the freedom to be aggressive.”

source: http://www.sportstarlive.com / SportStar Live / Home> Tennis / by N. Sudarshan / Bengaluru – November 24th, 2017

‘Rakshith and I will be working together’

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

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has just completed shooting for ‘Anjani Putra’ with Puneeth and ‘Chamak’ with Ganesh.

In ‘Anjani Putra’ she plays a lively character, while ‘Chamak’ will see her slip into the role of a homemaker.

The actor says that she had the freedom to improvise and make contributions to the script in both the projects.

Rashmika has her hands full at the moment but doesn’t want to lose any opportunity to work on experimental subjects.

She talks to Nina C George about her journey so far.
What’s your role in ‘Chamak’?
I play Ganesh’s wife in the movie. It is unlike the roles that I have worked on before.

What is the movie about?
The story traces the life of a young married couple living in a city. The film delves into the challenges and pressures faced by young couples. It also takes a look at how important one’s
attitude is when confronted with problems.

What made you accept ‘Anjani Putra’?
I liked the way my character is positioned in the film. My onscreen name is Geetha. I could easily relate to the childish ways and lively nature of the character.

The audio of ‘Anjani Putra’ has just been released. Tell us about it.

Two of our songs have been shot on the streets of UK. That was a brilliant experience. Each song has a different feel to it.
Puneeth is a good dancer. Was it tough to match steps with him?
More than matching steps, I was overwhelmed by seeing how helpful Puneeth is. He takes you along with him and is supportive of his co-stars. It is fun when big stars help you at every step.

How was your experience of acting with Puneeth and Ganesh?
It is interesting to watch how established actors go about their job. How they handle their characters and what they do to get under the skin of the character is in itself a learning
process. I treasure the time spent with them.

Are you under pressure to prove yourself as an actor?
I am not under any pressure because I like to work at my own pace. I am fortunate to have bagged projects with Puneeth and Ganesh this early in my career and I know that it is going to be tough going forward. But that doesn’t make me nervous. It has only made me a stronger person.

Will we see you work with Rakshith Shetty anytime soon?
Yes, Rakshith and I will be working together in the future. It is now doubly exciting to work with him because we are very comfortable in each other’s company.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Nina C. George / DH News Service / Bengaluru – November 26th, 2017

Support to be extended to CNC for autonomous status

About Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
Rajya Sabha Member Subramanian Swamy was taken out in a procession during Codava National Council Day in Madikeri on Sunday.
Rajya Sabha Member Subramanian Swamy was taken out in a procession during Codava National Council Day in Madikeri on Sunday.

Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy promised to extend his support to the issue of autonomous and union territory status to the Kodava land and tribal status to Kodavas.

“The support that I had extended for Telangana will be extended to the Kodavas too,” he said.

He was speaking at the Codava National Council Day organised by Codava National Council here on Sunday.

“Owing to long struggle, Telangana was separated from Andhra Pradesh. Similar struggle was held in Uttarakhand. Kodagu will get autonomous status in future,” he predicted.

“Kodavas are not demanding a separate country like Pakistan. They are demanding constitutional rights. The demand for separate state or a union territory is not wrong,” Swamy said.

Black money
“Black money from different parts of the country is reaching Kodagu.

Those who are involved in corruption are purchasing properties in Kodagu district. Former Union minister P Chidambaram, even multinational companies own properties in Kodagu,” he said.

Stating that the BJP is not engaged in vote bank politics, he said that no Muslim candidate was fielded by the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. In spite of it, the BJP won the election, he pointed out.

“In the name of labourers, several illegal migrants have entered the district. They have availed of Aadhaar and ration card facilities as well,” he said.

CNC president N U Nachappa was present during the ceremony.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service / Madikeri – November 26th, 2017

Mutt gets back 193-acre land

Business & Economy, Records, All

The land dispute between Chowreera family and Kannada Mutt in Ammathi Bettageri of Virajpet taluk ended with the authorities handing over the land documents to the Mutt on Saturday.

The family had taken a 193-acre land on lease.

Over a period of time, the family claimed that the said land belongs to them. The dispute eventually entered the court.

Based on the Supreme Court’s judgement, the Virajpet Tahsildar R Govindaraj handed over the documents to the Mutt.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Siddapura – DH News Service / November 26th, 2017

Love coffee? Head to Bengaluru this December

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Coffee News

The fourth Coffee Santhe is here

Coffee nerds, rejoice! The fourth edition of India’s unique coffee festival—Coffee Santhe—is back from December 1-3. The event—which will be held at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru—will showcase coffee in all its forms—beans, roasted and ground—from estates around India.

You can have all your burning questions answered–the coolest blends you can make, how to best pair your coffee-based beverages with your food, and find out about all the weird and wonderful strains of coffee you had no idea about. There will also be a Brewmaster championship where the best women baristas across the country will go up against each other. The winner will get the chance to train under some of the world’s best coffee specialists.

Women baristas showcase their brewing skills in front of an international panel of judges
Women baristas showcase their brewing skills in front of an international panel of judges

This is the only event of its kind in India and the idea is to draw attention to the industry and the people who bring you your morning cup of joe. Organised by the Women’s Coffee Alliance, a group that works to ensure that the women that work on the coffee estates benefit from the coffee trade. The organisation helps raise money to educate the daughters of the women who work in the coffee fields in Bababudan, Chikmagalur, Coorg, Biligiris and Sakleshpur, provides food to supplement their diet and health insurance to the women working in the plantations. It also conducts regular health camps on site.

It’s time to wake up and smell more than just the coffee.

For more information call: +91 9900217029 / +91 9886577132

source: http://www.cntraveller.in / Conde Naste Traveller / Home> India> Food & Drink / by Raj Aditya Chaudhuri / November 22nd, 2017

Karnataka : To save River Cauvery, Kodagu students send a scroll to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

A group of children in Kodagu have written — rather drawn — to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to protect river Cauvery which is under threat because of unplanned development activities. Instead of the usual way of writing a letter, the children opted for a scroll which has a series of paintings which depict the current state of the river.
ScrollKF25nov2017

Meena Cariappa, a social worker associated with the Opportunity School in Madikeri and wife of Air Marshal Cariappa (rtd), told Bangalore Mirror, “it is a scary situation the way river Cauvery is facing. While environment activists are working towards protecting the river, the children of Kodagu have joined hands in this mission and have attempted to draw the attention of the prime minister himself.”

She says if PM can look into the issue, the river can be a role model for the entire country itself.

She said, “Apart from a tweet to the Prime Minister’s Office, we have sent a six-ft–long scroll to the Prime Minister’s residence, hoping that he would look at it and there could be some change. There are many things happening in the name of development which is destroying the river, the lifeline of South India.”

The scroll reads: Respected Prime Minister, Please Save the Cauvery. We can see it dying and it won’t be there when we grow up. Only you can save it. There is a photograph of the Cauvery flowing in the centre. There are two photographs of the river on either side — one stating ‘what you had’ and another ‘what we get’. The entire text is handwritten on a recycled paper. It has pictures of about 100 students, though nearly 1,000 kids participated.”

“We have sent this scroll to the Prime Minister’s residence as part of Children’s Day celebration. We are hopeful that that he will respond to the students’ request. We are waiting,” Meena said.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> News> State / by Deepthi Sanjiv, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / November 23rd, 2017

Little scientists showcase talents at Children’s Science Congress

Uncategorized
Students showcase their talents at the Childrens science Congress.
Students showcase their talents at the Childrens science Congress.

The district-level 25th Children’s Science Congress was organised by the departments of Science and Technology and Education at Rotary Children’s Science Centre here on Wednesday.

The Science Congress was meant for primary and High School students. The students presented project reports on ‘sustainable development through Science and Technology’ based on local issues.

The topics included natural resources, cleanliness and hygiene, agriculture, environmental conservation and waste management.

Inaugurating the convention, District Scouts and Guides Patron K T Mathew called upon students to develop a scientific temper. He added that students should know about the research, inventions and achievements of veteran scientists.

State Pollution Control Board Regional Office Environment Officer G R Ganeshan, Rotary Misty Hills president H T Anil and Vijnana Parishat district committee Secretary T G Premkumar also spoke.

10 best teams in the district-level will take part in the state-level Science Congress to be held in Mysuru from November 29 to December 1. The first 30 teams getting selected in the state-level will be eligible to take part in the National Children’s Science Congress to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat between December 27 and 31.

District Committee Vice President M E Mohiddin, Kodagu Vidyalaya Bharatiya Vidya Bhavana, Madikeri, Principal E Shrinivasan and Education Coordinator G Shreeharsha were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service / Madikeri – November 22nd, 2017