The bust of Deewan Ponnappa and Basaveshwara Temple in the heart of Ponnampet.
The decades-old struggle demanding taluk status to Ponnampet has been fulfilled with the Cabinet meeting deciding to accord taluk status to Ponnampet.
The countdown has begun for Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy to make an official announcement of Ponnampet and Kaveri taluks during his visit to Kodagu on Thursday.
Ponnampet in South Kodagu is a main cultural centre in the district. It was coming under the jurisdiction of Virajpet taluk so far. Barring a tahsildar’s office, all other taluk offices are situated at Ponnampet.
The court, treasury, taluk panchayat office, PWD office, offices of social welfare department, department of backward classes, horticulture, Nada Kacheri and others are situated at Ponnampet.
Villagers from Balele, Nittur, Karmadu, Kutta, Birunani, Parakatageri, Teralu had to travel 50-km to 60-km to reach taluk headquarters of Virajpet for any work.
Demanding taluk status to Ponnampet, former MLC C S Arun Machaiah, senior advocate Mathranda Appacchu, Bheemaiah, M T Cariappa, senior leaders like Pucchimada Harish Devaiah, A A Haji, M S Kushalappa had been fighting for the last 10 years. The demand for taluk status had gained momentum in the last two years.
The proposed Ponnampet taluk will include Ponnampet hobli, Balele, Srimangala, Hudikeri hobli, 21 Gram Panchayats and 49 villages.
According to the survey conducted by Horata Samithi, Ponnampet taluk will have 2,23,507 acres of geographical area including Devamacchi, Nagarahole and Brahmagiri forest.
The taluk will have more than 100 primary schools, 50 high schools, 15 PU Colleges, two polytechnic colleges, one ITI, one degree college and one post graduation centre.
Speaking to DH, Nagarika Horata Samithi member M S Kushalappa said, “The long-pending demand of the people of Ponnampet region has been fulfilled.”
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Gonikoppa / February 27th, 2019
The doe-eyed beauty who has wowed the audience in two South Indian industries, Rashmika Mandanna is now getting set for a Tamil debut…
Rashmika Mandanna
In a little more than two years, she has had six movies to her credit — three in Kannada and Telugu (each). All have been declared box office hits. She also has four more projects in her kitty among them is Yajamana, starring with Challenging Star Darshan which releases this Friday. There are also reports about her Tamil debut opposite Karthi in a yet-untitled project to be directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan.
A rare feat for an actress, she is ‘reely’ living a wonderful dream, which she says has been a “roller coaster” ride. Now, she is set on a fast forward MO to fame. True to a tattoo on one of her arms that reads “irreplaceable,” Rashmika Mandanna has achieved what many would need atleast a decade to achieve. What makes it more special, is that this pretty Coorg lass has done it in not one but two big South Indian film industries. That too simultaneously!
The beautiful actress who hails from Coorg, Rashmika speaks exclusively to Bengaluru Chronicle about her impressive two year career, her star-studded filmi journey, her most expected movie Yajamana, her die-hard fans, social causes and her little sister Shiman Mandanna and more.
“I have been living my dream for the past two years. All I ever wanted was to keep busy and do work which made me proud. And meet new people, and travel. I am glad I am doing what I wanted to. Kirik Party will always remain my most special moment,” is what Rashmika had penned when she completed her two year journey in films, ending it with a special note, thanking her huge fan following who made it even more special.
“Yes, it has been a roller coaster life on fast forward mode. I had the greatest opportunity to learn and work with some of the best and most humble personalities. About my latest Kannada film Yajamana, it is certainly not my return to Kannada after some time, because I have been busy with the film for more than a year, and due to some delays in the post production stage, the film is releasing now,” says Rashmika Mandanna.
While she has been successful in both Kannada and Telugu films, there are reports about her Kollywood (Tamil) debut which she cannot reveal more about. According to reports, it was announced on Sunday that Rashmika has been signed on for a role opposite Karthi in a yet to be titled project directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan of the Remo fame.
The film by Dream Warrior Pictures is set to go on the floors in a month or two. Currently dubbed as K19, the film will mark the first time collaboration between Karthi and Bakkiyaraj Kannan, and it’s tipped to be a film high on action and comedy.
After Kirik Party in Kannada, she was paired opposite both the Golden Star and the Power Star, and now she takes another challenging role in her stride, alongside Challenging Star Darshan in Yajamana, which is directed by composer-turned-director V Harikrishna, and is produced by the popular Shylaja Nag.
“The character of Kaveri, I portray in Yajamana is loud with a lot of energy. During the shooting of the film, I would feel so exhausted at the end of the day, but all that hard work reflects onscreen as well. Moreover, with such a chilled co-star like Darshan Sir, who cares for others along with a dedicated team, it was all worth it. Yajamana is one movie which I am pinning great hopes on. I essay a completely different character from my previous roles,” she adds. Juggling between Kannada and Telugu, the actress feels that travelling is the only downside in her dual industry stint though, she adds, “For an artist who is doing three movies a year in one language, it cannot be hard to do it in two different languages. Though I had some grasp of Malayalam growing up with friends who spoke the language, I had no clue about Telugu,” she reveals. She adds, “I could not even say how are you in Telugu. Now, I can converse in Telugu very easily.”
Rashmika is very active on social media and has been very vocal in support of her huge fan following. “If I could meet every fan, and invite them my home for dinner, I would do so. It is their love and support which makes my journey so special and if anybody talks bad about them, I get annoyed, hence my straight replies to those who speak negatively about my fans,” she explains.
The actress has also been standing up for social causes. “Now that I have the access to do my bit, I am more than happy to extend support. So much of negativity has been around lately. We all can understand if it is a natural calamity but when innocent lives are lost, what is the purpose of all this when we cannot stand in solidarity for such brave hearts who make supreme sacrifices,” Rashmika says of the tragic Pulwama attack.
An important critic in her life is her little sister Shiman Mandanna. “Yes, she gauges all my work. I can easily guess when she doesn’t like it. She has been my biggest critic, which I miss a lot at times. She takes my case and keeps a close watch on what I am up to. She is more like my ‘elder sister.’ A don and a cute rowdy,” she wraps up.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Sandalwood / by Shashi Prasad SM / Deccan Chronicle / February 27th, 2019
An aerial view of the newly constructed houses at Basavanahalli rehabilitation site near Kushalnagar.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will hand over 300 houses built at Basavanahalli and Byadagotta in Somwarpet taluk to Diddalli evacuees on February 28.
Speaking during a meeting at the DC’s office, Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy said that the chief minister will also break the ground for various development works taken up at a cost of Rs 142 crore and will inaugurate other completed projects on the occasion. The facilities will be distributed to the beneficiaries under various government schemes, he added.
The title deeds of the houses will be handed over by the chief minister to the Diddalli evacuees symbolically, she said.
She also directed the PWD, Panchayat Raj, CESC, rural drinking water and sanitation, NHAI, revenue and other departments to submit fund utilisation certificate to the district administration, in connection with the expenditure of funds released by the government towards natural calamity relief in Kodagu.
Zilla Panchayat CEO K Lakshmi Priya and assistant commissioner T Javaregowda were present.
528 families to be rehabilitated
Nirmiti Kendra Executive Engineer R J Sachin said that out of the 528 houses planned in two villages Basavanahalli and Byadagotta in Somwarpet taluk. The construction of 300 houses has already been completed and they are ready to be occupied.
About 174 sites on 6.45-acre land at Basavanahalli and 354 sites 8-acre land at Byadagotta have been developed to construct the houses. Each site is of 30 x 40 feet measurement. Electricity connection has been provided to 300 houses. Each house has been built at a cost of Rs 3.90 lakh. Out of the total budget, the government has released a grant of Rs 14 crore so far. Nirmiti Kendra has carried out the work on the construction of the houses, he said.
The Diddalli evacuees, who have been provided with temporary rehabilitation on Byadagotta, have urged the government to speed up the work. The construction work of 228 houses are still incomplete, they said.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / February 25th, 2019
Vh1 Supersonic 2019 wrapped up with a bang and has left the audience with immense memories. The makers had truly put in a lot of efforts, which were shown in the festival as it was absolutely lit and organized. Well, we at Radioandmusic spoke to Nikhil Chinappa who has been associated with Vh1 Supersonic since its launch in 2013. His company Submerge has been known to bring several DJ’s across the world to festivals in India. Nikhil Chinappa has played a major role in curating and creating the festival.
Vh1 Supersonic 2019, held in Pune enthralled visitors, while we spoke to Nikhil Chinappa on how the festival has been treating him. He expressed, “It is exhausting, but it has been a lot of fun. It is really good to see the hard work the super crew has put into the festival as to see it come to life and to see the artists come here and fans come here and enjoy the festival and the vibe around it, this is why we do it.”
On being asked about Vh1 Supersonic’s area of focus, Chinappa replies, “Focus has always been the same i.e. to create a festival, which when over will have people walk away, but thinking, when next Vh1 Supersonic would come around. So, this is exactly the focus and the end goal.”
When asked about Vh1 Supersonic 2020, he reveals, “We have started working on Vh1 Supersonic 2020 a month ago. We are already talking about the artists, we are planning to have. We will be trying something new thing next year to actually see how people respond to it and will expand on it and would do those on a larger scale next year. Next year the line-up will be new. We always try and bring new artists. So, we are always thinking about future projects and festivals that’s really exciting for us. I feel as a team it does motivate us to do better.”
source: http://www.radioandmusic.com / R and M / Home> Editorial> News / February 25th, 2019
Tributes were paid in Madikeri on Friday to the martyrs of Pulwama.
Members of various organisations, political parties and ex-servicemen in Madikeri condemned the fidayeen attack on paramilitary CRPF personnel at Pulwama.
After garlanding the statue of Field Marshal K M Cariappa, a condolence meeting was held. The participants sang patriotic songs.
Senior writer Shobha Subbaiah said, “Martyrs should have a rebirth in the country to serve the country. All the help should be provided to the family of those martyred.”
Retired Air Marshal K C Cariappa said, “It is a cowardly act to attack soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cabinet ministers should take stern action to ensure that such attacks do not occur in the country. An alert on the attack was issued one week ago. Unfortunately, the fidayeen attack has occurred.”
He said, “It is our duty to instil confidence in the family of the deceased.”
Senior journalist Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa said, “The attack has raised concern on the internal security of the country. There is a need to act against anti-nationals inside the country.”
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service – Madikeri / February 15th, 2019
‘Candy Flip’ starring Kalki Koechlin and Gulshan Devaiah was premiered on Netflix yesterday. The film directed by Shahnawaz NK is based in Goa and talks about the drug menace that has plagued the state and various other parts of the country.
Speaking about the film, Kalki says, “The youth is increasingly getting into the habit of taking drugs. Hiding this issue is the wrong way to deal with it. Youngsters need to know what kinds of drugs are out there and what happens when you take them. Education about this abuse is important.”
Produced by Surendra K Hegde and Balasubramanyam TC under their banner 23 Entertainment, also stars Prashant Prakash, Prakash Raj and Valeriya Polyanychko in pivotal roles. “We are happy that the film is taken by Netflix. A platform like this will help the film reach out to a wider audience. We had made the film keeping the cause in mind and if the film helps to promote the cause of drug abuse, we are more than happy,” producer Surendra K Hegde said.
source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home / by FPJ Bureau / February 16th, 2019
Senior teachers were felicitated during the centenary celebrations of Government Model Higher Primary School in Titimati on Sunday
Government schools celebrating centenary is a matter of pride, said MLA K G Bopaiah.
He was speaking after releasing ‘Shatadarshini’ souvenir during the centenary celebrations of Government Model Higher Primary School in Titimati on Sunday.
The parents and students should shed the inferiority complex about government schools. One should remember that those who have studied in government schools have made it to the top posts, he added.
Former ministers Suma Vasant and M M Belliappa were the alumni of the school, he said and added that the students should utilise the facilities provided to them at government schools.
Centenary Committee honorary president, school alumni and former minister Suma Vasant said that the government schools are catering to the needs of students from rural areas.
Get together
Alumni of the school had a get together during the centenary of the school. Senior teachers were felicitated on the occasion.
School alumni who were present during the occasion comprised of international sportsperson Paruvanda C Suguna Ponnappa, ISRO scientist Ashok, DFO Karunakar, physician Dr Sannuvanda Kaverappa, philanthropist Bachamada Chetan, former national hockey player Cheppudira Cariappa, Indian Navy Commander (retd) C M Bellyappa and Titimati Gram Panchayat president H E Shivakumar.
A cultural procession was taken out prior to the formal programme. A variety of programmes were held on the occasion.
Philanthropist Bachamada Chetan inaugurated an open-air auditorium built at a cost of Rs 7.5 lakh.
Centenary Committee working president Cheppudira Ramakrishna, school headmistress H M Parvati, ZP member R Pankaja, block education officer Srishaila and senior teacher Ittira Mandanna were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Gonikoppa / February 24th, 2019
It was in 1836 that twenty-five-year-old Rev. Hermann Moegling, a German missionary from the Basel Mission, arrived in Mangalore. Christianity was already popular on the west coast of India. He founded the Basel Evangelical Mission Seminary, which became a hub of learning of not only religion but also Indian languages and culture.
Moegling, a linguist, was fluent in English, Sanskrit and Persian, besides his native German. He started learning Kannada and soon became proficient in the language. The credit for starting the first newspaper in Kannada “Mangaluru Samachara” goes to Rev. Moegling. The maiden issue of this newspaper was brought out on 1st July 1843. This eventful day is still being aptly celebrated as ‘Kannada Press Day.’ Rev. Moegling went on to translate several Kannada classics to German and vice-versa. Basel Evangelical Mission Seminary started by him in Mangalore continues under the new name Karnataka Theological College. Rev. Moegling laid the foundation for Mangalore becoming a centre for education.
In 1852, Rev. Moegling was preparing to leave for Germany for medical treatment when he had an unexpected visitor from Coorg — a man named Alamanda Somayya. The tall, impressive looking man was dressed as a sanyasi. He requested Rev. Moegling to accept him into the Christian fold. He offered his land in Coorg for construction of a church. Rev. Moegling was quite taken up with Somayya’s resolve.
Believing this to be a divine intervention, Rev. Moegling cancelled his trip. He moved to Coorg in 1853 along with his wife and adopted spiritual son Rev. Anandarao Kaundinya. Alamanda Somayya was baptised on 6th January 1853 and was christened Stephanas Somayya. Rev. Moegling built a house and a modest church on Somayya’s land in Armeri village.
Lt. Col. Mark Cubbon was the Chief Commissioner of Coorg at the time, and he encouraged Rev. Moegling to establish the first Protestant church and a school in Madikeri in 1855. Another notable personality in the field of education in Coorg was Rev. Georg Richter, also from the Basel Mission in Germany. He was brought to Coorg by Rev. Moegling in April 1856 and was given charge of running the school. Rev. Richter spent most of his life in promoting education in Coorg and was the first Principal of Central School in Madikeri, which was started in 1869. He later took charge as Inspector of Schools. His book, “Gazetteer of Coorg” published in 1870 is a comprehensive recording of social, cultural, historical and geographical aspects of Coorg. Rev. Richter’s wife, Armella, taught needlework to Coorg girls.
In a recent book by Albert Frenz (Stuttgart), titled “Georg Richter: His Work in Kodagu on the Basis of Official Reports” gives us an insight into Rev. Richter’s journey to India, and how he landed in Coorg and spent 38 years here except for an 18-month furlough in Germany.
The British administration granted 97 acres of land in Siddapur to Rev. Moegling to establish a church and to support a Christian settlement with a coffee estate. The work on this ambitious project started in 1857. Even though Rev. Moegling had his hands full with preaching the Gospel and opening the coffee plantation, he found time to author two books on Coorg. One in German, “Das Kurgland” details his evangelical work in Coorg. The other, written in English, titled “Coorg Memoirs” is one of the first in-depth study of history of Coorg.
Rev. Anandarao Kaundinya ably assisted his mentor. The new settlement was named Anandapura or ‘region of happiness.’ Rev. Moegling found Coorg to be an ideal place to live and called it his second country. In 1860, Rev. Moegling left for Germany to be with his ailing wife. He himself was in poor health. To his great disappointment, his illness did not permit him to return to Coorg. He died in 1881.
The work at Anandapura continued under Rev. Moegling’s disciple and another fellow German missionary Rev. Ferdinand Kittel. An Indologist and a polyglot, Rev. Kittel first came to India in 1853 and in time became a renowned scholar in Kannada. He too translated some of Kannada classics to German and wrote several books and poems in Kannada.
His most famous work is the first Kannada-English dictionary consisting of 70,000 words which he painstakingly compiled and published in 1894. It was while in Coorg that he started perfecting his proficiency in Kannada. He continued Rev. Moegling’s initiative in the field of education. Rev. Kittel also wrote a book on Kannada grammar. He was a regular contributor to Mangaluru Samachara. His work took him, besides Mangalore, to Dharwad as well. In recognition of his contribution to Kannada, an impressive statue of Rev. Kittel stands prominently on M.G. Road, Bangalore. Further, a Kittel Science College and a Kittel Arts College, have been established in Dharwad. There is talk of starting a University in Rev. Kittel’s name. That would be a fitting tribute to this great champion of Kannada.
One of the major hurdles faced at the Anandapura settlement was malaria, which the Europeans referred to as the ‘Coorg Fever.’ There were many deaths and gradually this scourge affected the project adversely. Anandapura coffee estate was subsequently taken-over by British planters who had shifted to Coorg from Sri Lanka. The coffee estate grew in extent and is now a part of Tata Coffee Limited. It still retains the name: Anandapura Estate.
Gabriel and Hanna Alamanda
These three Germans were pioneers in promoting education in Coorg. However, their hope of making Kodavas embrace Christianity did not find favour beyond Somayya and his family. Reproduced is a rare photograph of Alamanda Somayya’s son Gabriel and daughter Hanna, taken by Rev. Richter in 1862.
About the author: C.P. Belliappa
C. P. Belliappa, born in 1946, is a Chemical Engineer. He is currently settled in Coorg. He is known for his writings on issues pertaining to Coorg. Four of his books — Tale of A Tiger’s Tail & other Yarns from Coorg, Nuggets from Coorg History, Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg, and Tongue of the Slip, have been published by Rupa Publications.
He currently serves as President, Coorg Institute of Technology, Ponnampet, South Kodagu.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / February 24th, 2019
Uthappa also thanked Nayar for helping him during the injury period.
Robin Uthappa. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Kolkata Knight Riders fans would have heaved a sigh of relief after seeing their star man Robin Uthappa return to action after a long injury lay off. Uthappa had not played competitive cricket since October last year as he was sidelined with an ankle injury. Consequently, he missed Saurashtra’s stunning march to the final of the Ranji Trophy where their batting let them down. He later underwent surgery in England and was advised rest for two weeks.
He made his much-awaited return to action on Thursday (February 21) and hit the ground running straight away. The two-time IPL-winning star played a crucial knock of 46 to help Saurashtra pile up 188 for 3 in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy-opener against Railways. But unfortunately, it was a comeback to forget for Uthappa as Railway won the game by five wickets. But while the result did not go in his team’s favour, Uthappa is in a good place as far as his fitness is concerned.
In order to recover fully from the injury, Robin Uthappa had travelled to Mumbai to train at the KKR Academy. He was very well assisted by former Mumbai stalwart Abhishek Nayar, the head coach and mentor of the Academy. “I am in a good place right now. Well honestly, it has been a learning curve for me – going through the injury, and then, the surgery,” Uthappa was quoted as saying by the KKR website.
The right-handed batsman went on to open up about his problematic ankle, saying, “It was impeding the flexibility and movement around my ankle, and I have had it for the last three or four years. Immediately after the surgery, the range of movements around my ankle was almost twice as much as (it was) before the surgery even happened. So I am really happy to get it out of the way. I am happy to be back to playing cricket.”
Praise for Nayar:
Robin Uthappa had a word of praise for Nayar, saying that the latter’s approach has worked well for him. “As I have batted more balls, and spent more time here in the middle, I’ve actually felt I have gotten better and better and better,” he said.
“Every day that I have spent at the KKR academy camp – I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. (Nayar’s approach) is definitely out of the box, and something that seems to be working for me very well,” added Uthappa whose last international appearance came during India’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2015.
Knight Riders, meanwhile, will be hoping that their vice-captain hits the top gear ahead of the season as they eye their third IPL title. The two-time champions will open their IPL 2019 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on March 24.
