Monthly Archives: October 2023

Guess Who Comes Home As Doctor!

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, , , , , , , , ,

Yesterday was a memorable day for me because it was the day I was conferred with Honorary Doctorate, known in Latin as honoris causa degree. It is how a University honours those who distinguish themselves in the field of art, science, etc.

In all my life if I had got something that I valued most it was the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2008) and now the Hon. Doctorate from my own University, Mysore University from where I got my two degrees — one in Arts (BA) and another in Law (BL). Nothing else I valued by way of recognition for whatever I was considered worthy of by those who bestowed these honours on me.

There is another reason for me to feel, to use a spiritual phrase, blissful. I believe that it is not important what one receives and what he receives. What is important is who gives, what is given — no matter gold, diamond, power or honour. Great value comes only when the honour comes from a venerable Master, the benevolent Government or a reputed University. That is why, I used the phrase ‘bliss’ to describe my feeling on receiving this Doctorate. And Mysore University is more than a century-old and also my Alma Mater.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University (2003-2007) Prof. J Shashidhar Prasad, Ph.D in Physics, sent me a congratulatory message which alludes to the sentiment about the Hon. Doctorate I mentioned above. What he wrote was quite revealing and should be a guide to the present and future Vice-Chancellors of this iconic University. Since what he wrote was self-explanatory, let me reproduce it here:

Congratulations Ganapathyji,

It is heartening to hear that a leading journalist of Mysuru, who has done yeoman service to Mysuru and built brand Mysuru, is being honoured by the University of Mysore.

I fondly remember the unique moment when R.K Laxman and H.Y. Sharada Prasad were honoured in 2004 by UoM. Both of them could not attend the Convocation because of health reasons. I pleaded with His Excellency, the Governor, to honour them in Mumbai and Delhi respectively. My idea was appreciated and approved.

A grand function was arranged. Both recipients were moved by this gesture and said that their Alma Mater came to their doorsteps to honour them. I was extremely happy that University of Mysore honoured itself by honouring the veteran journalist and a cartoonist.

As the statement goes — when we honour the well-deserved, we are bestowing honour upon ourselves. That is what UoM has done now through this honoris causa to you.

Prof. Shashidhar Prasad also mentioned about the noble and sublime personal quality of the then Governor of Karnataka T.N. Chaturvedi (also Chancellor of the University) in going with him to Bombay to confer the honour on R.K. Laxman and also to Delhi to honour H.Y. Sharada Prasad (both were Mysureans).

In Bombay Times of India newspaper house, where R.K. Laxman worked as a cartoonist, had arranged the function at its hall and all the employees and friends of R.K. Laxman had gathered. Likewise at Delhi the function was organised for H.Y. Sharada Prasad at the Karnataka Bhavan.

However, the humane and nay even divine quality of the Governor T.N. Chaturvedi (eponymous name as one who has mastered four vedas) touched its acme when he agreed to arrange a special function at his Raj Bhavan to confer the Hon. Doctorate on an 85-90-year-old litterateur lady, who wrote a Mahakavya though had studied only up to primary class and deeply into social service. Her name was Mallika and her husband was the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Kadidal Manjappa.

And as I write this I remember a gift hamper received from my friend’s son Arjun Ranga of Cycle Pure Agarbathi (N.R. Ranga Rao and Sons). Not because of what gifts the hamper contained but because of the covering letter attached. Again, let the letter speak for itself:

Dear K.B. Ganapathy Uncle,

As a Mysurean, I cannot thank you enough for bringing Mysuru to our home, every evening.

Quite like the evening filter coffee from Kodagu, the Star of Mysore was another evening fix, delivered to us, strong and refreshing, from a son of Kodagu.

Your keen senses missed nothing and reported every-thing worth knowing.

One would say that the Star of Mysore is a “Local Newspaper.”

But as any Mysurean will tell you, local news means the world to us.

Thank you for bringing our world to us, for 45 years!

Hearty Congratulations on the Doctorate.

Here’s to your health, wealth and happiness!

Here’s to the ‘Star’ behind the Star of Mysore!

I pray that you shine on…

Best Wishes

—Arjun Ranga

I was touched. I am speechless and my fingers refused to move on, probably because there is nothing more to comment on it except say Thank You. So, it is. Dear Arjun, may your pure Cycle Pure Brand Agarbathi continue to spread its divine fragrance and dispel the contaminated political and social atmosphere.

Another friend wrote thus:

You brought laurels for small-paper-journalism with quality news. I am told R.K. Narayan, Prof. CDN, Ha.Ma. Nayak, T.S. Satyan and Prof. GTN appreciated your (our) SOM. Congratulations Dr. Ganapathy Sir. — C.P.V. Gupta

And finally, here is the last word from my good friend Dr. Bhamy V. Shenoy. The oracle speaks: Congrats on getting the Honorary Doctorate. It is tougher than getting ordinary Doctorate.

e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Top Stories> Abracadabra / by K B Ganapathy / October 19th, 2023

Crafts & Weaves Mahotsav 2023 Begins At Kushalnagar

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, , , , , , ,

B.N. Veena, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kodagu district, seen inaugurating the Crafts and Weaves Mahotsav 2023, organised at Gayathri Kalyana Mantapa on Market Road in Kushalnagar, Kodagu, yesterday morning.

R.V. Gangadharappa, Dy.SP, Kushalnagar and K.S. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Director, Handicrafts Service Centre, were present as chief guests.

The Crafts and Weaves Mahotsav, organised under the aegis of Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will be open to public between 10 am and 8.30 pm till Nov. 1.

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

Why Coorg Is So Famous For Its Coffee And Plantation

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Coorg’s long-standing tradition of cultivating coffee, and the warm hospitality of its people have rightfully earned it the title of India’s Coffee Capital.

The history of coffee in Coorg goes back to the 17th century.
The history of coffee in Coorg goes back to the 17th century.

Coorg, located in Karnataka, India, is a captivating place known for its abundant green landscapes, hilly terrain, and the delightful aroma of coffee plantations. This region, which is situated in one of India’s leading coffee-producing states, is a perfect destination for both coffee enthusiasts and nature lovers. Coorg’s long-standing tradition of cultivating coffee, its breathtaking scenery, and the warm hospitality of its people have rightfully earned it the title of India’s Coffee Capital.

In fact, when it comes to coffee production in India, the majority of it happens in the hilly areas of South Indian states, with Karnataka being the leader, responsible for 71% of the country’s coffee production, and Coorg alone contributing a significant 40% to that total.

In simple terms, the history of coffee in Coorg goes back to the 17th Century when legendary Baba Budan brought the first coffee plants to the area. He got seven coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in the Baba Budan Giri range, which marked the beginning of coffee in India. But it was during the 19th Century when the British were in charge and coffee farming in Coorg really took off. The British realized that the climate and soil in Coorg were perfect for coffee, so they started a lot of coffee plantations, and they became a big part of Coorg’s landscape.

Coorg’s coffee farms thrived because the estate owners took great care of them. They used modern techniques to grow and process coffee. Nowadays, Coorg is one of India’s biggest coffee-producing areas, and it plays a big role in India’s coffee exports. Some estates still use traditional methods to grow coffee, which keeps the original and delightful taste of this beverage alive.

Coorg’s coffee plantations focus on sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods. This means the coffee you get from there is not only tasty but also safe from pesticides and chemicals.

In the coffee-rich region of Coorg, India, which is not far from Bengaluru, during February, you’ll discover many coffee trees covered in red and green berries. Each of these berries contains two green beans inside. These beans are carefully chosen, sorted, and roasted in small batches to preserve their unique flavours and aromas, resulting in an outstanding cup of coffee.

Many of the delicious and fragrant coffee beans come from coffee plantations in Karnataka. These beans are harvested, dried, roasted, and ground to create the perfect cup of coffee you hold in your hands.

source: http://www.news18.com / News 18 / Home> Lifestyle / by Nishad Thaivalappill / October 26th, 2023

Vidya Somanna – From Cross Country Racing to creating a Running Community

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

Once, it was my dream to earn medals and show who I was. Now, I have a small community of runners with whom I believe that my dream becomes theirs too. That they believe that they can run! And they are doing it!”

In my 8th grade, I looked insane running around the school when everyone else had gone home or were studying in classrooms.

Born to a family who insisted I take up academics and forget sports, I had decided that I will be a sportsperson. I probed deeper into the aspect of “why”my dad as an Indian Hockey player himself did not support me to pursue sports. 

Then I realized it wasn’t easy. My dad was given no choice. His only road to Olympics being cut very easily by the Board member who decided to give the chance to another person to become an Olympian all because they were family members!

I remember hiding all my 200+ medals in a trunk in my room upstairs and lying to my relatives that I did not take up sports at all!

The back story of this this being:
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There was to be a cross country race for districts that I decided I would participate in. I practiced in the early mornings despite the fact that animals lurked in the forest where my house was located at the time in Coorg, Karnataka. Unbelievably, my practice paid off, I won the race.


I got selected for coaching camp for the state meet and I won individuals for Karnataka, being the first for my school. For the first time, Team Karnataka won a bronze in womens 4*100m relay nationals’ that I was a part of. It was a moment of pride indeed!

Due to an ardent stress to pursue my education and forget sport, I was put in a college with no athletic tracks. I remember being told, “sports is not for the girls, only the boys”. I took the opportunity to start a college athletics team & called ourselves “No playground athletes” and ran about in football court, sometimes working out on the basketball bleachers and sometimes even in the throw ball court! Some of us got selected for All India Athletics meet and running besides legends like Tintu Luka etc was a fortunate one. 

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Besides this, seeing a few good players in Handball, Hockey and despite having no proper grounds, courts to play, a team was formed for both sports and we went on to become university winners.

When my dad showed his Men’s Hockey cup for zonal level under his captaincy in a university, I took a vow to get a women’s cup as well to sit right next to his in the college library.

And it all paid off! Now our university officially has a hockey, handball and athletics team. I suffered from the drawbacks of a ligament tear for a year but that did not stop me from realising my dreams to pursue my sport passionately!

Very soon recovering from a ligament tear, being 3rd in TCS 10k for Decathlon, this is a start and Decathlon Sports India has given me an opportunity to make a strong running community in Koramangala, Bangalore!

Once, it was a dream to earn the medals and show who I was. Now, I have a small community of runners with whom I believe that my dream becomes theirs too. That they believe that they can run! And they are doing it!”

source: http://www.blog.decathlon.in / Decathlon Blog / Home> Browse Topics / by Shrividya Somanna / March 02nd, 2021

Who is Vidwath Kaverappa, the young Indian pace sensation?

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

Kaverappa made his debut for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 last year.

Vidwath Kaverappa | via Twitter

He might be a novice on the Indian domestic cricket circuit, but Vidwath Kaverappa is already making heads turn. The 24-year-old right-arm pacer was adjudged player of the match – he took seven wickets in the first innings – in South Zone’s win against West Zone in the final of the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy. His wickets in the final included India internationals Cheteshwar Pujara and Suryakumar Yadav. He was also named player of the series, for his 15 wickets.

Kaverappa made his debut for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 last year, and got his first wicket in the match against Puducherry. He followed it up with three wickets against Uttar Pradesh. In the Maharaja Trophy T20 (formerly called Karnataka Premier League), his team Gulbarga Mystics emerged as champions, with Kaverappa taking 17 wickets.

The defining moment, though, came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2022, where he came second on the bowling charts, with 18 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.36. He continued his good form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (17 wickets) and the Ranji Trophy 2022-23, where he took 30 wickets in eight matches.

He was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 20 lakh in the IPL auction.

Early years

Kaverappa hails from a humble family in Coorg, Karnataka. He loved basketball and football as a child. But, it was in handball he represented Karnataka. Cricket came into his life at 10, and he decided to pursue it professionally after high school. Bangalore presented him with the necessary exposure and opportunities. He started out as an all-rounder and played for clubs like BEL Sports Club and South End Sports Club, under the guidance of Samuel J. Muthu. However, it was his bowling that caught the eye of the selectors, thus earning him a spot in the Under-19 and Under-23 Karnataka teams.

With a smooth run-up and a quick release, Kaverappa has been able to extract swing and bounce in equal measure. It has stood him in good stead in the ongoing Deodhar Trophy, too, having taken nine wickets so far – the top wicket-taker – for South Zone.

The lanky pacer understands that it’s still early days. “I am learning from every game. Since it’s the beginning of my career, I should learn as much as possible to take my state or any other team to a higher level.”

source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> News> Sport / by Uma S. / August 01st, 2023

Thapaswini Poonacha gets married to Rakshath Muthanna

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

On career front, the actress is currently working on the film Gajarama, which is an action based film, has Rajavardhan in the lead role.

Thapaswini Poonacha gets married to Rakshath Muthanna | Kannada Movie News - Times of India

Actress Thapaswini Poonacha tied the knot with Rakshath Mutthanna in an intimate ceremony was attended by their family members, relatives and close friends.

The newly wed couple have shared the news on their social media page today. Congratulatory messages are pouring in for the couple as soon as they revealed about their marriage .

An excited Thapaswini by sharing a video on her Instagram page wrote, “A short glimpse of the most memorable and best moment of our life. The last three years of an absolute roller coaster with the love of my life is now more meaningful as we are married, it’s been a month now and forever to go. Love you more always. Thanks to all my dear friends and relatives for joining us and making this occasion even more beautiful .

They have got married in a traditional Kodava style.

Thapaswini Poonacha, who made her debut with romantic comedy film Harikathe Alla Girikathe, which had Rishab Shetty in the lead role, has signed her second film Gajarama, which sees her sharing screen Rajavardhan.

The actress who has taken a break from the work for her wedding is likely to resume the shoot soon.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / by TNN / July 12th, 2023

Tanmay Bhatt & Devaiah Bopanna launch a new content studio called Moonshot

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Moonshot

Moonshot went live with their new campaign for Subway featuring Viswanathan Anand; the founders simultaneously announced the initiation of their content studio, which offers advertising services, on LinkedIn.

Tanmay Bhatt and Devaiah Bopanna have come together to launch their content studio, Moonshot.

Hailing from the popular comedy group AIB, which in one of the first batches of content creators that ventured into branded content, both founders have since had a close connection to the advertising industry.

As a part of his advertising creds, Tanmay Bhatt has worked on scripts for some of the most highly engaged marketing campaigns, including Great for the Good ft. Rahul Dravid for CRED; and The War of Fair Prices ft. Karan Johar & Peyush Bansal for Lenskart. He has also worked independently on several other projects, often with co-writers such as Bopanna.

Devaiah Bopanna started his career as a copywriter in Ogilvy India, then moved on to work with DDB Mudra and Lowe Lintas, & more. He later moved to AIB, and most recently led creative work on IPL campaigns for CRED, Disney+ Hotstar, and smallcase. He has also had a stint with All Things Small, as a Chief Content Officer, producing multi-format non-fiction content.

The latest work for Subway by Moonshot is written by Bopanna, Bhat, Puneet Chadha, and Deep Joshi, and developed in collaboration with Mayur Hola, CMO, Culinary Brands.

The content studio was also the creative collaborator for the recent campaign by Meesho featuring Deepika Padukone, Ram Charan, Trisha, and Ranveer Singh.

source: http://www.socialsamosa.com / Social Samosa / Home> Industry Update / by Paawan Sunam / July 11th, 2023

Carrying tradition forward

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri Dasara is a platform utilised by hundreds of youth to showcase their passion towards art by creating magic through mythological effigies and tableaux.

File photo of one of the tableaus for 2022 Dasara.

Madikeri :  

An electrician, a plumber, an autorickshaw driver, a civil worker, a realtor – they wear different hats on their professional front. But the harmonious love for arts unites them under the banner of ‘Madikeri Dasara’.

A unique show of art, passion, devotion, and stardom, Madikeri Dasara is a platform that is utilised by hundreds of art-loving youth, who otherwise are busy with their routine jobs. “The festivity gives us an opportunity to showcase our true passion. While we are lost in our professional world most of the year, we quit everything for two months to satisfy our craze for arts,” says Vivek Alaga, an auto driver. For the past five years, he has been taking a two-month break from riding his autorickshaw during Dasara and indulging himself in this creative therapy. In his alter ego, Vivek is an effigy sculptor, bringing into shape the Gods and demons from mythology.

Madikeri Dasara is known to be a class apart in its celebrations. The festivity that starts with the traditional karaga utsava ends with a bash of a live tableau show, put up by 10 temple committees.


On the night of Vijayadashami, Hindu mythology comes alive in stories narrated through tableaus. The celebration, however, is beyond religion, caste or class. It gives a platform for hidden artists in the city to make their name and fame.

“If we have to pursue arts, we have to look for funding. But during Madikeri Dasara, we get funds from temple committees to indulge in our passion,” says Naveen Raghavan, a realtor who becomes an art director during the festival. He has been part of the Dasara tableau work for the last 15 years. The art has evolved over the years, he says. 

Hemaraju, Aravind and Vivek with the model of Mahishi

Massive effigies of deities and demons are placed on two to three tractors with sound and light systems during the tableau parade. Naveen is among the artists who script, design, sculpt, and plan 20-minute shows. While the final show is short-lived, the efforts and results are long-lasting. “We start working on the tableau nearly three months before the Dasara,” shares Sandeep, another art-smitten realtor. He says the work during the Dasara is like therapy after work and they (a team of over 20 artists from a single temple committee) spend time together for nearly three months to put out their best creative talents. For the upcoming Dasara, they got the idea for a 20-foot tableau, depicting a demon, from one of the mythological stories. He says, “We first decide the characters for the story. The script and dialogues are written and we sketch the characters on paper first. The effigies are then molded and decorated, which are later welded onto open tractors. Backed with background lighting and sound, we manually set the effigies on motion according to the story narration.” 

Several artists have been part of this creative pursuit since childhood. “I was in Class six when I and a team of boys joined two bicycles to build a platform to carry a Ganesha idol for the immersion during Ganesha Chaturthi,” says Manjunath, who recognises himself as an artist even as he works as a plumber and an electrician. He designs the creative backdrops on tableaus and also carves effigies. His earnings from this passion covers his expenses, he adds. “I will be known to people through my art and this will be a good add-on to my resume for my passion to take full shape,” he says. Despite the usual hardships and not earning big money, they take pride in what they do, as they feel recognised.

What started as still, paper mold effigies have now evolved into foam-made creations that move as per the narrative of the mythology. “It is similar to directing a movie. We take a lot of effort and put in loads of creativity to stage a show,” opines Sandeep. No one is a trained artist and it is only through experience that they have taught themselves to be unique. “When people call out my name, they know my work. The tableaus that I have been a part of have won prizes,” proudly recalls Hemaraju, a civil worker who has been a part of Madikeri Dasara for over two decades. 

“This year, we are doing a story that has Mahishi (the she-buffalo demoness in Hindu mythology) in it. She must have the face of a buffalo and her character must come alive. We will have to design her palace in her own world that is very different from ours. While mythology forms the base of our story, our imagination comes alive during the narration,” he says. Several of these artists have been connected to a single temple committee for decades and this loyalty pushes them to work hard. 

The tableaus are judged on the day of the event and the prizes won stay close to the hearts of these artists. “No one does it for money. It is to fulfil our passion and to earn a name in society,” says Hemaraju.

Teja, Aravind, Sunil… There are a hundred other boys who emerge as artists during Dasara and this passion has passed on as high school-going children Prathvik, Vikyath, Amith, Rohan, and Sushanth are now working at tableau workshops. “We like to help in the creative bit after school. We are learning to carry the tradition forward,” they share.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / October 08th, 2023

Culture on Film: Kodava cinema playing a major role in chronicling history, culture and life of Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , ,

The uniqueness of the Kodava community has garnered appreciation globally, even as the films aim at preserving its culture.

Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa
Director Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa

Madikeri :

Kodagu is beautiful and bountiful. The district is blessed with nature and culture, preserved and honoured by its people for generations. In recent times, cinema has taken the centre stage to bring the life and times of Kodavas on screen. Despite a dearth of cinema halls or multiplexes in Kodagu, Kodava cinema is evolving with 29 films made in the regional language till now. Parallel to the big screen and censor-certified films, youngsters are also venturing into short filmmaking in the Kodava language, highlighting the culture, attire and traditions of the community.

It was in 1972 that the first Kodava film – Nada Mann Nada Kool (My Land, My Food) – was released, marking the inception of a new era in regional cinema. “Mandara Poo, Naa Bynda Poo, Ponn Ra Manas… several such films came later and Kodava cinema grew in tandem with the Tulu film industry. But it was always non-Kodavas who directed Kodava films during the initial years,” explains V Nanaiah, former president of the Virajpet Kodava Samaj, who has acted in over 10 Kodava films.

While Kodava cinema goes back five decades, it was only a decade ago that its films began to be directed by those from the community. “Filmmakers of Kodava movies in the early 70s were not locals. This was evident in a majority of early cinema as the Kodava language was not used in its original form,” recalls Nanaiah. While most actors were Kodavas, the direction still lacked the real touch.

Nevertheless, Kodava cinema evolved post-2015. The ninth Kodava film – Talang Neer (also directed by a non-Kodava director, Gopi Peenya) became a revolutionary flick. It highlighted the existential crisis of the community and the language was used in its true form. “Our cinema evolved with technology. Until 2015, Kodava movies never recorded much commercial success. Talang Neer was the first film shown to the public. It was a super hit as the director trusted the actors and gave them the freedom to write dialogues in the Kodava dialect. The movie also won a state award,” he adds. From here on, Kodava cinema gained prominence, and Kodava Samajas became hubs that promoted regional cinema by screening these movies. Cinema also began to archive the culture, tradition, practices, attire and food of the community.

“In all, 29 Kodava films have been made so far, among which three have not applied for censor certificates. There was a lot of internal politics behind the making of regional movies earlier. However, all that has changed and new movies in the Kodava language are made every year, despite challenges,” opines Kottukathira Prakash Cariappa, who has directed over five Kodava films. An ex-armyman with a passion for cinema and acting, he takes pride in promoting Kodava cinema at international film festivals.

Baake Mane, directed by Prakash, is among the first Kodava films to be screened at the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), even as Naada Peda Asha, a film based on writer Nagesh Kalur’s novel, won 72 awards in various festivals.

“Our films are receiving an overwhelming response in festivals. However, the industry lacks support and encouragement in Kodagu,” he opines. While a few films have recorded good public shows across Kodagu, fewer locals watch them. “During the screening of Naada Peda Asha at BIFFes, a Japanese viewer met the filmmaker and congratulated him for the cinematography and storyline. However, locals who speak the language hesitate to watch these films. Apart from making a Kodava film, creators also have to put in their efforts to exhibit their works,” says Nanaiah.

But that has not stopped artists from creating Kodava films. The uniqueness of the Kodava community has garnered appreciation globally, even as the films aim at preserving its culture. The subsidies extended to the Kodava regional cinema have made it possible for filmmakers and actors to keep doing better, as Prakash says, “Kodava films portray the culture of the Kodava community and help preserve its language. The community’s tryst with the Army, its unique attire, rituals, etc… I want to present them to the world. We receive subsidies and even funds through film festivals, which are invested into making new films. While we feel encouraged if people watch our films, I look forward to creating new films every year.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR , Express News Service / September 24th, 2023

“For Kodavas, hockey is a sport that runs in the blood,” – CB Poovanna traces rise from family team ahead of Sultan of Johor Cup

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
CB Poovanna has excelled as a midfielder in the junior setup
CB Poovanna has excelled as a midfielder in the junior setup

CB Poovanna, a debutant in the victorious outfit that created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, is now eager to help his team defend the title in Malaysia.

Passionate, eloquent, and analytical with a mature head on young shoulders, the 21-year-old from Kodagu feels blessed to have practised alongside Coorg-based veterans like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa during his formative years.

Over the course of an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, the young midfielder traces his hockey journey back to the time when he dreamt of making it to the family team in Coorg while also looking back at the Johor Bahru win last year.

“In our Kodava community, hockey is a sport that runs in our blood. Everybody in our community plays hockey. My dad and brother used to play hockey. Having observed them on the pitch, I too wanted to play the game,” Chandura Boby Poovanna stated.

I started holding a hockey stick when I was in third grade. My first dream was to play for the family team. Within the family, there were a lot of hockey players. As a small kid, it isn’t possible for make it to the family team as there a lot of elder players,” he explained.

Being granted admission to track and field athlete Ashwini Nachappa’s KALS (Karaumbiah’s Academy for Learning and Sports) was a game changer for the young hockey aspirant who got to rub shoulders with the best in the business.

“When I was in the fifth grade, I was first allowed to wear the family jersey. I kept playing hockey for the sheer love of the game until there was a selection that happened at KALS,” CB Poovanna stated.

“My mum took me there for the selection. It was a three-day selection process and I was taken into the school on the basis of my performance there. There was a bond according to which I had to play for the school for three years after which I would be sent to SAI (Sports Authority of India),” he revealed.

The rise was evident as CB Poovanna earned a spot in the Hockey Bangalore team after having been selected by SAI but decided to train harder after failing to make the next grade.

An eventual place in the Hockey Karnataka squad led to Poovanna realising his dream after being selected in the team headed to Johor Bahru.

Image
@Uthappask

“I started training harder and hit the gym on rest days after failing to progress from a core group of 60 players which was trimmed down to 30. COVID interrupted my progress for a bit before which I played for Hockey Karnataka,” he said while pausing to recall the precise details.

“Four players were finally selected from a group of 30 ahead of the Sultan of Johor Cup last year. I had realised a part of my dream,” CB Poovanna declared.

“At SAI, we played against an ex-India XI which boasted names like SV Sunil” – CB Poovanna describes the Coorg pedigree

SV Sunil (right) alongside fellow striker Mandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh
SV Sunil (right) alongside fellow striker Mandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh

Some of India’s best hockey talent has been nurtured in Coorg which boasts of having produced a host of legendary names. Unsurprisingly, Poovanna describes with an unmistakable sense of pride what it meant for him to have rubbed shoulders with the former India internationals.

“At the SAI campus, we used to play matches against an ex-India XI which boasted of players like SV Sunil and Arjun Halappa. You also had other greats from Coorg like SK Uthappa, VR Raghunath, Nikkin Thimmaiah, and Nithin Thimmaiah,” he stated reeling off the names effortlessly.

“I consider myself lucky to have played over three years of hockey with them. Aside from playing matches alongside them, we also used to ask them a lot of game-based questions about tactics,” Poovanna said.

The Karnataka player also recalled fellow midfielder and “exceptional” Bangalore boy Mohammed Raheel coming over to Coorg while still in school to play a tournament there. Raheel donned India colours under the tutelage of Graham Reid last year.

“I first met Raheel when I was in the sixth or seventh grade. My family had once called Raheel and a few other players to come over to play our family tournament in Coorg,” said CB Poovanna shedding light on the memories.

“Raheel was exceptional back then as well. He had great speed even on a gravel ground. He was an idol for me also because he plays as a midfielder,” the youngster added.

“CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach” – CB Poovanna

CB Poovanna was all praise for coach CR Kumar
CB Poovanna was all praise for coach CR Kumar

Several Indian players in the men’s and women’s camp have been tutored by veteran hockey coach CR Kumar who is now in charge of the junior boys. CB Poovanna was all praise for the committed coach who helped shape his career.

“CR Kumar has been exceptional as a coach. He is committed and totally into the sport,” said Raheel with an air of reverence. “He has shaped me from being who I was to who I am right now.”

Headed to Johor Bahru to defend India’s title at the 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup, CB Poovanna cannot help reminiscing about the glory of his debut international tournament victory.

“The 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup was my first international tournament. It was a really new experience, wearing the India jersey for the first time,” he stated.

A scintillating 5-5 draw against Great Britain witnessed Poovanna scoring a 7th-minute equalizer after the opposition had taken the lead in the opening minute of play.

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“It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us” – CB Poovanna turns the clock back in the big final against Australia

Six goals were scored in a frantic final quarter with the Indian boys finding the back of the net four times before taking on Australia in the big final.

“The match against Great Britain was pretty intense with one side taking the lead and the other cancelling it out,” recalled Poovanna. “Scoring the equalising goal helped motivate the rest of the team and that is when we all started pepping each other up.”

CB Poovanna opined that Australia’s equalising goal against India wasn’t legitimate but goes on to describe the pulsating shootout during which the Indians achieved victory.

“The pressure and intensity of the final is different. We scored the opening goal and Australia equalised but the goal wasn’t legitimate. There was actually a foul which happened in their circle which led to a goal in our circle. At the junior level, we do not have video referrals and hence were unable to challenge the goal,” he said.

“Both teams pressured each other for the ball and finally it led to the shootout which was going one way and then the next. Finally Mohit Shashikumar (the goalkeeper) made a great save after which we scored and won the tournament. It felt as if the hard work really paid off for us,” CB Poovanna affirmed.

The 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup begins on October 27 with the Indians facing Pakistan in their Pool B opener. Malaysia and New Zealand are also in Pool B while Australia, Great Britain, Germany, and South Africa find themselves in Pool A.

Will defending the title add to the pressure for captain Uttam Singh and co.?

“Not in the least,” shoots back CB Poovanna unhesitatingly. “The pressure will be on the opposition, for us being defending champions is a big motivation.

The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on November 4 at Johor Bahru.

source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / Sports Keeda / Home> Field Hockey / by Subhashish Majumdar / October 23rd, 2023