Monthly Archives: January 2023

Finding the ‘Special’ in Children

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

A school in Kodagu is knitting stories of success and seeding hope in the lives of specially-abled kids.

Apart from education, students also get training in various activities like tailoring. (Photo | Express)
Apart from education, students also get training in various activities like tailoring. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

Smiling faces welcome one into the quaint ambience enveloping Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School in Madikeri. Discipline, empathy, simplicity and serenity engulf one’s senses during a visit to the school – the first institution established in Kodagu to address the needs of specially-abled kids. Kodagu Vidyalaya was set up by late Biddanda S Kushalappa. As the institution grew, Kushalappa’s son, late Biddanda Subiah (a spiritual leader), envisioned a school to address the needs of specially-abled children. Thus, Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School was founded in 1996 by BK Subiah, Meena Cariappa, and other like-minded visionaries.

Since inception, the institution has extended free, quality education to thousands of specially-abled children from across the district. “We strive for early intervention in addressing the needs of specially-abled kids in the district. The students are mostly from families with weak economic backgrounds,” explains Geetha Shridhar, the principal.

The school started its journey towards extending free education with help from benefactors and donors. Today, it receives a minimum grant from the state, alongside continued support from trustees and donors. The institution currently nurtures 61 students with special needs, who are provided an opportunity to join the mainstream. While inclusive society is still a far-fetched dream, the students here are taught to face the competitive world with finesse, confidence and creativity. Under the guidance of founders Meena Cariappa and Veena Chengappa, and Geetha Shridhar, a team of 10 special educators, including specialists trained in handling intellectual disabilities, prepare the special children to face the world.

The institution – which saw complete renovation in 2021, thanks to donations from Govind Bhat and Meenakshi Bhat Memorial Trust – currently carries an aesthetic ambience. Apart from special education by professionals, the students here grow in a tranquil atmosphere with ample space for sports activities. Hundreds from here have participated in Special Olympics and other national and international sporting events, and have also won medals.

“The institution caters to the needs of all specially-abled kids, including students with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing and speech impairments. We create awareness on the need for early intervention to address the needs of these children,” Geetha adds. Unique study plans are structured by the special educators for each individual and assistive technology is used to communicate with children with special needs. The campus also hosts a computer lab, functional kitchen, physiotherapy and sensory room, an audiology unit with audiometry chamber and vocational training centres.   

 A child’s ability is recognised by the special educators and suitable vocational training is extended. The institution has various training sections, including a stationery unit – where children learn to make notepads and other items; a catering unit – where kids learn to bake; a tailoring unit – where the students stitch cloth bags and other utilities; a phenyl manufacturing unit and a gardening section. The products made here are marketed at the school premises and at an outlet near GT Circle in Madikeri. Meanwhile, the kids are also taught to respect nature, even as they are skilled in scientific waste management.

ENCOURAGING STORIES
The Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School holds pride in turning a child into a source of inspiration. Fourteen-year-old Kalpanath joined the school in 1996. His abilities were identified by special educators, who trained him accordingly. He went on to represent India in the Special Olympics in Alaska, winning a medal for the country. Today, Kalpanath works as a special instructor in vocational training at a centre for people with special needs.

The institution promotes kids to take part in Special Olympics and a total of six students have won medals at state and national-level tournaments so far. Several students have passed the 10th grade exams too, and are placed in various private companies in areas ranging from computers, electronics to jewellery design. A first-of-its-kind in the district, the Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School has given hope, confidence and new meaning to the lives of many specially-abled children. “The institution has many other visions, which can be achieved through support from donors,” concludes Gurudath CS, a trustee. The management now aims at establishing a corpus fund to ensure a self-sustainable model, which will help create more programmes for better integration of the special children.

Product sale
In 2020, for the first time, the institution organised a sale of the products made on campus. It now plans to host this annually to raise funds and promote the talents of special kids.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 29th, 2023

Burst of flavours: The Taste of Coorg with chef Shimon Nanjappa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

The native cuisine uses products like jackfruit, bamboo shoots, wild honey, and Kachampuli vinegar along with locally-grown spices like black pepper and cardamom.

food
For representational purposes

Bengaluru : 

From traditional food to gourmet cuisine, food festivals and limited menus are excellent ways to explore the diverse gastronomic choices at restaurants in the city. They provide a great opportunity to sample a variety of new flavours while celebrating everything from regional cuisine to unique ingredients and food categories.

The Taste of Coorg at The Park, Bangalore celebrates the rich Kodava food with visiting guest chef Shimon Nanjappa.

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is renowned for its hearty micro cuisine strongly inspired by local agriculture and traditional cooking techniques. The native cuisine uses products like jackfruit, bamboo shoots, wild honey, and Kachampuli vinegar along with locally-grown spices like black pepper and cardamom.

Chef Shimon’s home kitchen in Madikeri offers authentic local food based on sustainable food practices which she will recreate at this food festival together with the hotel’s executive chef Arvind Kumar. A few of the dishes available a-la-carte are the sigdi meen barthad (prawn), kummu nallamallu fry (mushroom), koli soup (chicken), koli kari (chicken), kori yerchi nallamallu fry (lamb), pandi curry (pork), kadambuttu (steamed rice dumpling), akki roti (rice flour flatbread) and tarkari palav, all accompanied with a variety of homemade pickles and chutneys. You can round off this soul-satisfying meal with bella paputtu and cardamom custard desserts. This is ongoing until February 5.

To commemorate Republic Day, Shangri-La Bengaluru along with plant-based protein brand Evolved, and conscious retail store and farm-to-table restaurant chain Go Native, have curated a locally-inspired vegetarian afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge. This Rooted In Nature Hi-Chai brings to mind the long-gone chai nashta evening custom, in which families would gather each evening to enjoy tea, coffee, and savouries. Aloo patta sprout chaatlets, quinoa kerai vada with chutney, ghee roast plant meat samosa, and plant protein masala puffs are just a few of the delectable items on the menu.

Diners can also enjoy Mysore pak cheesecake, thinnai halwa tarts, and Coorg coffee mousse on choux paired with unlimited servings of masala chai, filter kaapi, sulaimani chai masala shikanji, or kokum cooler. This is ongoing through April.

On the other hand, foodies are in for a scrumptious pizza treat at Alba in JW Marriott Bengaluru. The La Pizzeria Limited Edition menu is served by the hotel’s chefs at the Italian fine dining establishment, and it truly embraces our love for this Italian delicacy. Giving a fresh twist, the pizzas will be topped with international flavours like the exotic 

Lebanese lamb shish kebab pizza, Japanese Teriyaki pizza, the unique sambal prawn pizza, or even the Indian paneer tikka pizza. Naturally, each of these wood-fired delicacies is hand-tossed with a choice of a modern New York-style base or a traditional Neapolitan base. This is ongoing until February 12.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Aslam Gafoor, Express News Service / January 30th, 2023

Umbak Entha: Teaching Kodava Thak to children online

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

With an aim to promote use of the mother tongue among children settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative.

online teaching

Madikeri :

With an aim to promote the use of the mother tongue among children settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative. ‘Umbak Entha’ will soon extend ‘Kodava Thak’ (Kodava language) lessons to children from the community, even as a few adults have signed up to learn their mother tongue.

“My nephew and niece who stay in Dubai often visit Kodagu. However, they did not know how to speak their mother tongue and this caused some communication gaps with the grandparents. I started teaching them the Kodava language and now, we look forward to extending this facility to many others who face the same situation,” explained Kalengada Bopanna, the founder of the ‘Umbak Entha’ online forum.

While he and his wife, Shilpa Bopanna, often posted content on food blogging on the online site, it took a new turn recently and will extend Kodava language lessons. 

With a minimal charge, children aged between 5 and 15 can enrol for online lessons and learn their mother tongue. From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will circle around basic knowledge of the language. 

“A total of 31 students have already registered for the classes that will begin on February 4. Most of the students registered for the classes are from the US, the UK and Hong Kong. Others from Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also registered,” he shared.

Alongside teaching Kodava Thak, the online classes will have one session focusing on teaching ‘paddathis’ or rituals of the Kodava community. “The online classes will be held once a week for an hour or so. However, during the fourth week, we will take a class on the rituals and culture of the Kodava community,” he confirmed. 

“While a majority of those who have registered are kids, we also have four adults, who will join us in learning their mother tongue. The classes on the language will be taught by homemakers who are well-versed in the language. For classes on rituals, guest lecturers from within the district will be appointed,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 30th, 2023

Online forum to teach Kodava language to promote mother tongue

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will focus on the fundamentals of the language.

Kodava language

Madikeri : 

With an aim to promote the mother tongue among kids settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative. ‘Umbak Entha’, an online platform will soon extend ‘Kodava Takk’ (Kodava language) lessons to the community kids even as a few adults have signed up to learn their mother tongue.

“My nephew and niece who stay in Dubai often visit Kodagu. However, they did not know how to speak their mother tongue and this caused a bit of a communication gap with the grandparents. I started teaching them the Kodava language and now we look forward to extending this facility to many others who face the same situation,” said Kalengada Bopanna, the founder of the ‘Umbak Entha’ online forum.

While he and his wife Shilpa Bopanna often posted on food blogging at the online site, it took a new turn recently and will extend Kodava language lessons.

With a minimal price charge, kids aged between 5 and 15 can enrol for these classes to learn their mother tongue. From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will focus on the fundamentals of the language.

“A total of 31 students have already registered for the classes that will begin from February 4. Most of the students registered for the classes are from the US, UK and Hong Kong. Others from Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also registered,” he explained.

Further, alongside teaching the ‘Kodava takk’, the online classes will have one session that will focus on teaching ‘paddathis’ or rituals of the Kodava community. “The online classes will be held once a week for an hour or one and a half hours. However, during the fourth week, we will take a class on the rituals and culture of the Kodava community,” he confirmed.

While the majority of registrations are from, they also have four adults including a 52-year-old, who will join us in learning their mother tongue. The classes on the language will be taught by homemakers who are well-versed in the language. And for the classes on rituals, guest lecturers from within the district will be appointed.

“The ‘paddathi’ classes can teach one anything including the unique style of draping a saree or wearing the Kupya Chale. While we have planned the course for a duration of three months, we are yet to take further decisions,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 29th, 2023

Amrita Rural Housing project will extend shelter to the homeless in Kodagu: BC Nagesh

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

“Amrita Raitha Producers’ Organizations are being set up to promote the production and sale of products by farmers, weavers and fishermen.”

District in-charge minister BC Nagesh at the Republic Day celebration in Madikeri.
District in-charge minister BC Nagesh at the Republic Day celebration in Madikeri. (Photo | EPS)

Madikeri : 

“A total of 12 Gram Panchayats of Kodagu district are being identified as Amrita Gram Panchayats and under development. Amrita Rural Housing Scheme is being implemented in the district to identify the homeless and provide housing to all,” confirmed BC Nagesh, the Kodagu district in-charge minister. He was speaking after hoisting the Indian Flag during the Republic Day celebrations at the District General Thimayya Grounds in Madikeri.

He spoke about the history of the country and recalled the contributions of leaders in constituting the Indian Constitution. He at large spoke about the achievements of the Modi-led government. He explained that the farmers are being extended with special schemes to promote their lifestyle.

“Amrita Raitha Producers’ Organizations are being set up to promote the production and sale of products by farmers, weavers and fishermen. These institutes will be given a grant of Rs 30 lakh each over a period of three years. The current government has implemented many schemes for the Kodagu district. In this regard, the establishment of a separate university in Chikka Aluvara of Kushalnagar has been approved,” he said.

Padma Shri awardee Rani Machaiah being felicitated at the Republic Day ceremony in Madikeri. (Photo | EPS)

He detailed the various infrastructure development plans that were recently undertaken in the district including the establishment of the new Court building.

“The foundation stone for the construction of the Integrated Tribal Development Planning Department will be completed at a cost of Rs 198 lakh in the district. A mini planetarium will be coming up at a cost of Rs 5 crore and a science centre at Rs 4 crore. A proposal has been submitted for the construction of Mahatma Gandhi Park on 30 cents of land at Gandhi Maidan,” he confirmed.

He added that Rs 209.98 lakh in total has been transferred to 5,189 students under Chief Minister Raitha Vidya Nidhi Yojana. He confirmed that an action plan has been drawn to conduct relief work of the various rain-damaged roads and bridges across the district. He stated that Rs 133.26 crore has been released to 46,099 farmers in the district for this year’s crop loss under the NDRF scheme.

Padma Shri awardee from Kodagu, Rani Machaiah was honoured at the event on Thursday. MLA Appachu Ranjan, DC Dr BC Sateesha, SP MA Aiyappa and others were present during the ceremony.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Services / January 26th, 2023

Madikeri’s Raja Seat blooms vibrantly, gears up for Flower Show

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All

The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department.

Raja Seat gearing up for the annual Flower Show event to take place from February 3 to February 6
Raja Seat gearing up for the annual Flower Show event to take place from February 3 to February 6. (Photo | EPS)

The historic mortar at the Raja Seat in Madikeri is blossoming in vibrant colours and happily stepping into the spring season. While greenery covered most parts of the park, it is now filled with brightly coloured, blossomed plants. The iconic tourist destination is now decking up for the annual Flower Show event, which will be held from February 3 to February 6.   

The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department. The flower show will be inaugurated at 4 pm on February 3 with an entry fee of Rs 20.

“Raja Seat is getting ready to host the flower show, with almost 10,000 to 12,000 flowering plants already being set out at the venue,” confirmed Dr BC Sateesha, the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate. Around 15 to 20 varieties of flowering plants including petunia, canna, salbia, chrysanthemum, marigold, zinnia, calendula, phlox and daliya have been seeded in the park’s garden and are already blossoming in vibrant colours.

Furthermore, the venue will have historical structures of Kodagu decorated in flowers, including the iconic Nalknad Palace. The event will also create awareness of voting where the ballot unit, VV Pat, control unit, etc. will be recreated using flowers. From cardboard cutouts of superheroes to well-known leaders, everything will be decorated with flowers along with bonsai and anthurium that will deck up the entire venue. 

The event will also provide a platform for the farmers to exhibit their unique products, which will be judged for the competition. A total of 60 shops will be established at the Gandhi Maidan (a few meters away from Raja Seat)consisting of various outlets from various government departments and private partners.

Alongside the flower show, a Wine Utsav will also be hosted which will exhibit both homemade as well as wines from the Wine Board that will be available for tasting activity. The event is seen as a boost to the tourism sector as Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh has been funded. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 27th, 2023

Viral: Fan calls Rohan Bopanna’s wife ‘Most Beautiful Woman’, tennis star reply wins hearts

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Following the game, a fan called Bopanna’s wife as the “most beautiful woman” on Twitter. Bopanna replied, “I agree,” to the viral tweet.

Viral: Fan calls Rohan Bopanna's wife 'Most Beautiful Woman', tennis star reply wins hearts

Tennis players Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza, both from India, lost in the Friday mixed-doubles final of the Australian Open. Rafael Matos and Luisa Stefani of Brazil defeated Bopanna and Sania in straight sets (6-7, 2-6) at Rod Laver Arena. Sania’s Grand Slam career came to an end with the game as well. For Sania’s final match, her family, including her son Izhaan, was present at Melbourne Park. Bopanna’s wife and children were also seen supporting the Indian duo.

Following the game, a fan called Bopanna’s wife as the “most beautiful woman” on Twitter. Bopanna replied, “I agree,” to the viral tweet. 

Isn’t it the cutest reply ever? Well, netizens agreed as they flooded the comment section with heartfelt reactions. Take a look here:

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Viral / by DNA Web Team / January 29th, 2023

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Remembered

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World Opinion

Mysore/Mysuru:

Today, Jan. 28 in Indian and World History is celebrated, observed and remembered for various reasons and one of them is the birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. 

The Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club celebrated the 124th birth anniversary at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle (Metropole Circle) in the city this morning. The statue of the celebrated supreme commander was decked up for the occasion.

MLAs L. Nagendra and G.T. Devegowda, MLC C.N. Manjegowda, Mayor Shivakumar, MUDA Chairman Yashaswi S. Somashekar and ex-Mayor M.J. Ravikumar were the chief guests.

Field Marshal Cariappa was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on Jan. 15, 1949. Army Day is celebrated on that day every year. He had adopted the slogan ‘Jai Hind’, which means ‘Victory to India’”.

MLA Nagendra recalled the dedicated and committed service of the Field Marshal and described him as the true patriot. “His time sense, patriotism, dedication, punctuality and discipline are worth emulating. Field Marshal Cariappa was instrumental in preventing many foreign invasions,” he said. G.T. Devegowda and Manjegowda also spoke.

Mayor Shivakumar too recalled the services of the disciplined Commander-in-Chief and hailed Kodagu that has produced and is still producing stalwarts who made India proud. “His distinguished military career spanned almost three decades. The Mysuru City Corporation will take steps to further beautify the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle so that it becomes a landmark and a visual attraction,” he assured.

Yashaswi Somashekar noted that the MUDA has received an application for a site from the Kodava Ex-Servicemen Association. “We will discuss the issue at the MUDA meeting on Feb. 4 and decide on the allotment,” he said.

Corporators M.U. Subbaiah, Rangaswamy, Ravindra and Pramila Bharat, Vidya Vikas Educational Trust Secretary Kaveesh Gowda, Kodava Samaja President Mechanda Shashi Ponnappa, Vice-President Malachira Ponnappa, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa,  Fans Club President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 23rd, 2023

They are all my sons: What Field Marshal K M Cariappa told Ayub Khan

Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

Field Marshal K M Cariappa the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army was responsible for eradicating caste and creed from the Indian Army. He remains one of India’s bravest sons.

New Delhi :

January 28 2023 marks the 124th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

When it comes to Field Marshal K M Cariappa, there are many stories. Prior to becoming the Army Chief, FM Carrriappa led the Indian forces on the western front during the India-Pakistan War of 1947. He played a major role in recapturing Drass, Kargil and Zojila.

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa

Another fine achievement of FM Cariappa was that he kept politics away from the Indian Army. He also introduced inclusivity by doing away with caste and creed. In this regard, he raised the Brigade of The Guards in 1949.

The soldiers were his sons: This story will go on to show how important the nation and soldiers were for Field Marshal K M Cariappa. It was 1965, the last day of the war between India and Pakistan. FM Cariappa’s son, then Squadron Leader K C Cariappa of the Indian Air Force was flying near the border, when his plane was shot down. He was taken prisoner by the Pakistan Army.

At that time, Cariappa was a retired General of the Indian Army. He was conferred the title of Field Marshal in the year 1986.

When K C Cariappa was being interrogated, he only revealed his name, rank and unit number. That is when the jail guards rushed to his cell to ask if he was the son of K M Cariappa.

K C Cariappa recalled (https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/when-i-was-a-prisoner-of-war-in-pakistan/295045), he gave his name, rank and number. I was asked if I was related to General Cariappa. I feigned a faint because of the pain, or maybe I did pass out. The next thing I knew was that I was lying on the back of a jeep and was being questioned by a Brigadier.

After he confirmed that he is the son of General Cariappa, the news reached up to Ayub Khan who at that time was the military leader of Pakistan. Khan announced on radio that K C Cariappa had been captured by his forces and that he was in safe custody.

Khan offered to release K C Cariappa because he is the son of General Cariappa. He even ordered the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to personally meet with General Cariappa and brief him about his health.

General Cariappa declined the offer by saying all soldiers were his sons, and all of them should be looked after well by Pakistan.

K C Cariappa revealed years after his release that his dad was a man of high principles. For him his son and all other soldiers were the same. I was released with all others even though Ayub Khan was his junior and was close to him. Despite that he refused to get me released Air Marshal (retd) K C Cariappa.

source: http://www.oneindia.com / One India / Home> News> India / by One India Correspondent / January 28th, 2023

124th Birth Anniversary Of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa

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Mysore/Mysuru: 

Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club, will celebrate the 124th birth anniversary of  Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle (Metropole Circle) in city tomorrow (Jan.28) at 8.30 am.

MP Pratap Simha, MLAs L. Nagendra and G.T. Devegowda, Mayor Shivakumar, former MLA Vasu, MCDCC Bank President G.D. Harish Gowda, Ex-Mayors M.J. Ravikumar and H.N. Srikantaiah will be the chief guests.

Corporators M. U. Subbaiah and Pramila Bharat, Samaja President Mechanda Shashi Ponnappa, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa and Fans Club President Nayakanda Thimmaiah will be present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 27th, 2023