Mathigodu Elephant Camp has been developed at a cost of Rs 1 crore by the state government.
Mathigodu Elephant Camp near Thithimathi in the Kodagu district of Karnataka is now open for tourists, according to reports. The camp, which was earlier limited to only rearing and taming elephants, has now turned into a tourist destination. This camp is famous for sheltering elephants who were invited during the Dasara celebration in Mysuru city. One elephant named Abhimanyu from this camp acted as the leader in Dasara celebrations in 2022. He carried the 750 kg Golden Howdah alongside two female elephants. Arjuna, the eldest elephant during the celebrations, was also from Mathigodu Elephant Camp. Apart from the infamous Dubare Elephant Camp in Coord, now Mathigodu Elephant Camp is all set to showcase the daily life of elephants to tourists.
Mathigodu Elephant Camp has been developed at a cost of Rs 1 crore by the state government. As per media reports, there are currently 17 domesticated elephants in the camp. It has an elephant shelter, feeding stations, a parking facility and an information centre located within the camp. Now, tourists will be able to witness the daily life of elephants at Mathigodu Elephant Camp. The population of elephants was high in this camp, but some died due to ailing age, while others became the victim of accidents.
Last year, a 50-year-old elephant named Subramani – who was being trained in a Kraal at Mathigodu Elephant Camp in Anechowkur Wildlife Division – died of illness in 2023. She was suffering from multi-organ failure, Osteoarthritis and Septicaemia, according to the vets, who performed the post-mortem.
The Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg has been a favourite destination spot for elephant lovers for a long time. The tourists are given a chance to watch the daily lives of elephants. It includes watching them having a scrub bath in the river, rituals like oil massaging on their forehead, and tusks and other aspects of elephant grooming. After the bath, you can also witness how the tusker’s food is prepared. The Mahouts also demonstrate how elephants obey commands in Dubare Elephant Camp. The same activities or more are expected to be included in Mathigodu Elephant Camp for the tourists.
Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah has been appointed as the new President of Kodava Sahitya Academy by the State Government.
Mahesh Nachaiah, a native of Virajpet taluk, is a staunch lover of Kodava language and is the editor of Kodava weekly magazine ‘Poomale’. Apart from being a journalist, he is actively associated with many organisations. The government is yet to appoint members for the Kodava Academy
The State Government has also appointed Sadananda Mavaji, a native of Dakshina Kannada, as the President of Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruti and Sahitya Academy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 19th, 2024
In a groundbreaking development for the coffee industry, robusta coffee prices have surged past Arabica prices to reach an unprecedented all-time high, driven by global supply shortages.
Bengaluru:
In a groundbreaking development for the coffee industry, robusta coffee prices have surged past Arabica prices to reach an unprecedented all-time high, driven by global supply shortages. The farmgate price of robusta green coffee berries soared to a record ₹172 per kg in the Wayanad market, on Wednesday marking a significant increase from ₹115 per kg during the same period last year. Additionally, the spot price of Robusta Parchment coffee beans skyrocketed to an all-time high of ₹315 per kg, compared to ₹220 per kg in March 2023. Notably, in March 2022, the rates for raw fruits and parchment stood at ₹80 and ₹145 respectively.
In the Kodagu market, the price of robusta parchment surged to Rs 14,700 per 50 kg bag, setting a new milestone. This marks the first time that the price of cherry and parchment coffee has surpassed that of Arabica. Arabica cherry coffee is currently priced between 8000-8200 per 50 kg bag, while robusta commands a higher price of over 8600 -8700 rupees.
Experts attribute this remarkable surge in prices to a combination of factors, including a surge in global demand and crop failures in leading coffee exporting countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam due to extreme weather conditions. Despite challenges in yield, India’s coffee production is expected to reach 3.54 lakh tonnes, slightly up from last year’s production of 3.52 lakh tonnes, according to officials from the Coffee Board.
Former Coffee Board member, Dr. Sannuwanda Kaveerappa, predicts a further rise in robusta coffee prices, attributing it to crop destruction in Vietnam and Indonesia and the superior quality of Indian coffee compared to other regions. With Karnataka leading the way, accounting for 71% of the country’s coffee production, followed by Kerala (21%) and Tamil Nadu (5%), India remains a significant player in the global coffee market.
As coffee prices soar, it is anticipated that prices in hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops will witness an upward trend in the coming months, potentially impacting consumers. This price hike may prompt consumers to shift towards other alternatives like tea. Additionally, the rise in robusta prices may lead Arabica growers to consider transitioning to robusta cultivation due to its lower maintenance costs and rarity of borer infestation. Market analysts anticipate further increases in coffee prices in the coming days, with the possibility of maintaining stability even in the face of minor fluctuations.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Coovercolly Indresh / Hans News Service / March 28th, 2024
In the vibrant realm of event management, a brilliant new luminary is making waves amidst the picturesque backdrop of Coorg.
Meet Sampath, a dynamic entrepreneur whose debut onto the scene promises to captivate clients with an unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier services. Driven with a deep passion for crafting unforgettable moments, Sampath brings a fresh perspective to every occasion, drawing inspiration from Coorg’s natural splendor.
With an unwavering dedication to excellence, Sampath’s enterprise promises a flawless innovation and precise focus on intricacies. From conceptualization to execution, his team stands ready to transform any occasion into a stunning masterpiece. Drawing inspiration from Coorg’s rich cultural heritage, Sampath aims to infuse each event with a unique charm that reflects the region’s hospitality and warmth.
Clients can anticipate a seamless and stress-free event planning experience, as Sampath guarantees his innovative approach with a commitment to delivering beyond expectations. As the scene is set for exciting projects, Sampath shines as a brilliant young talent in the event management Industry , ready to redefine the standards of luxury and sophistication.
Subko, a brand known for its premium coffee, baked goods, and bean-to-bar chocolate, has secured a significant investment round of $10 million.
Subko, a Mumbai-based brand known for its specialty coffee, craft-baked goods, and bean-to-bar chocolate, has secured a significant investment of $10 million. Leading the round is renowned investor and co-founder of Zerodha, Nikhil Kamath, valuing the company at approximately $34 million post-money.
Kamath is also an investor in Third Wave Coffee.
Subko competes with several players including Third Wave Coffee, Slay Coffee, Blue Tokai, Sleepy Owl Coffee, Hatti Kaapi, and Rage Coffee.
The latest funding round highlights Subko’s growing appeal. The company’s focus on celebrating South Asian culture through its products, coupled with its design-driven experiential approach, has attracted a diverse range of investors.These include the Blume Founders Fund, The Gauri Khan Family Trust, Priya & John Abraham, Sangita Jindal, Srinivas & Pallavi Dempo, The Mehta International Mauritius Limited Group etc.
The funds will fuel Subko’s expansion plans. Key areas of focus include:
Building a strong team
Developing innovative customer experiences through technology
Investing in research and development for new products and design
Strengthening farm-level infrastructure for specialty coffee and cacao beans
Launching ready-to-drink coffee products
Subko also plans a strategic rollout of flagship experience cafes with different formats. These cafes will be carefully curated and launched in select Indian cities and potentially even global capitals. The aim is to showcase South Asian craftsmanship and the region’s exceptional agricultural resources.”Nikhil’s participation is a testament to our brand’s potential,” said Rahul Reddy, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Subko. He emphasizes Kamath’s alignment with Subko’s mission: empowering homegrown Indian brands and navigating the complexities of the consumer market.
“I am deeply impressed by Subko’s commitment to showcasing the finest Indian craftsmanship on a global platform. It is paramount that a distinctive Indian brand like Subko leads the way in delivering our unique, curated experiences to the world. My journey with Subko, transitioning from a customer to an investor, has given me unique insights into the brand’s evolution and potential. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing the brand’s narrative unfold and flourish in the coming years,” said Nikhil Kamat.
Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters and Craft Bakehouse is a coffee roastery, bakehouse, and experiential cafe concept in Mumbai that focuses on the Indian subcontinent’s origin stories across a variety direct-to farmer sourcing efforts.
“Zerodha founders just doubled down on coffee in a big way..Nikhil Kamath already had a small stake in Third Wave Coffee, which is sort of the leading challenger brand competing with Starbucks India today. And now, a firm fully owned by the two brothers (NKSquared) has acquired a massive 25% stake in a smaller competitor.With the existing investment in Third Wave Coffee, the Kamaths would have surely gotten much insights about the functioning and the potentila of the space,” said Jayant Mudhra of Dexter Capital Advisors.
Subko sources specialty coffee, fine cacao, and wheat, directly from farmers and emphasizes hyper-traceability, which involves tracking and documenting every step in the supply chain, including recent block-chain enabled coffee and pioneering direct tipping systems for coffee farmers.
The brand works in direct trade relationships with coffee estates and smallholder farmers harvesting and processing coffee and cacao, roasting and transforming the agricultural produce into fine specialty finished goods, and along with its bakehouse, showcases the products in flagship cafes and ‘mini’ pop up stores in addition to shipping products pan-India, and globally.
source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business-Standard / Home> Companies> News / by Sunaina Chadha, New Delhi / March 26th, 2024
The Indian Air Force(IAF) is gearing up to showcase a breathtaking spectacle with a flypast featuring 51 aircraft during the Republic Day (R-Day) celebrations on Jan. 26 in New Delhi. This impressive lineup includes 29 fighter aircraft, 8 transport planes, 13 helicopters and one heritage aircraft.
Adding to the significance of the event, 15 women pilots of IAF will take command of various aircrafts during the flypast, contributing to the display of prowess and skill. Notably, among these accomplished women pilots is the extraordinary talent from Mysuru, Coluvanda Punya Nanjappa, hailing from Kodagu.
She will pilot the MiG-29 fighter jet, contributing to a captivating formation that will undoubtedly fill the hearts of the people in Mysuru and Kodagu with immense pride. Punya Nanjappa’s achievement represents a remarkable moment, highlighting the strides made by women in IAF and adding to the grandeur of R-Day celebrations.
Punya Nanjappa stands out as a fighter pilot, a remarkable distinction for a woman with roots in Kodagu, a region known for its deep association with defence forces.
Punya is the daughter of Coluvanda Anuradha Nanjappa, who served as a teacher at St. Joseph’s Central School, Vijayanagar and late Coluvanda P. Bala Nanjappa, who held the position of Manager at Prabha Theatre. The family hails from Chambebellur in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district.
Punya’s educational journey took her through St. Joseph’s Central School in Vijayanagar for her schooling, Vijaya Vittala PU College in Saraswathipuram for her PUC and NIE, Mysuru, where she pursued her engineering degree.
Desire to join NDA
Despite her strong desire to enter the National Defence Academy (NDA), she faced an obstacle as, at that time, the NDA was not open for women. Unfortunately, her dream of joining the NDA remained unfulfilled. However, the circumstances have changed now and women can enrol in NDA.
Nursing the ambition of becoming a pilot in the IAF, Punya Nanjappa’s unwavering ambition to join the elite force was ignited during an Air Show at the renowned Mysuru Dasara festival where she witnessed the captivating displays of prowess in the skies. In pursuit of this dream, Punya enrolled in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), laying the foundation for her journey towards becoming a pilot.
Tough test cleared
Following her academic pursuits, she took on the challenge of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), a gateway for officer recruitment in the Flying Branch (Short Service Commission only). It is a nationwide examination with 3.5 lakh participants. Out of the 1,000 shortlisted candidates, Punya Nanjappa secured her place among the 135 selected individuals, marking a triumphant step towards her dream.
Subsequently, she took part in the IAF Service Selection Board Exam in Mysuru where 160 candidates from various States participated. Amidst stiff competition, Punya Nanjappa emerged as the sole candidate selected for piloting responsibilities. Passing the AFCAT in 2018, she later cleared the interview and medical test and was selected as a trainee pilot.
Undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Telangana, Punya Nanjappa has now become a proud fighter pilot in the IAF, entrusted with the responsibility of flying the MiG-29 fighter jet during the Republic Day (R-Day)celebrations.
On Jan. 26, Punya Nanjappa will be the sole fighter pilot from Karnataka, soaring through the skies with her skilled piloting of the jet. This accomplishment not only brings pride to the State of Karnataka but also specifically to Mysuru and Kodagu.
The significance of this momentous occasion will be heightened as it will be witnessed by key dignitaries including President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of India’s Defence Forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s 2024 Republic Day guest, French President Emmanuel Macron.
The event is poised to be a remarkable showcase of India’s military prowess, featuring impressive displays by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
Flying MiG-29 an unparalleled experience: Punya Nanjappa
My dream of many years is finally coming true and I couldn’t be happier to fly a MiG-29 fighter jet this Republic Day on Jan. 26. Sitting in the cockpit of a MiG-29 is an unparalleled experience and it brings me immense pride to be part of this extraordinary moment of India’s defence showcase, Punya Nanjappa told Star of Mysore.
Fulfilling my long-standing aspiration to fly an IAF fighter jet on Republic Day is a dream realised and I am overjoyed. My mother, too, shares in the pride of this accomplishment. I have conducted the rehearsals for the flight thrice, ensuring a flawless and awe-inspiring display, she said.
This Republic Day, with a significant focus on women’s empowerment by the Centre, numerous opportunities have opened up for women, myself included. Being part of this historic event underscores the strides made in empowering women and breaking barriers. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to this momentous occasion and showcase the capabilities of women in the Indian Air Force, Punya added.
No greater joy for a mother than this
There is no greater joy for a mother than this. What brings more happiness to a mother? I am absolutely thrilled that my daughter has been presented with this incredible opportunity. India has extended more opportunities to women on this Republic Day, to exhibit their strength and capabilities.
My daughter has faced numerous challenges to reach this point and even in the face of her father’s passing away, she remained resilient and did not succumb to the pain.
The aspiration to join the Indian Air Force had been ingrained in her from the very beginning and she was upset to leave me alone. But her passion to serve the country prevailed. I am filled with immense pride to see her fly the MiG-29.—Anuradha Nanjappa, Punya Nanjappa’s mother
Her journey has been far from easy
Punya Nanjappa is the embodiment of hard work and dedication. Despite the profound sorrow of losing her father, she stayed resolute in pursuing her aspirations and achieving her goals. This accomplishment is not just a source of pride for Mysuru but for Karnataka and Kodagu. Her journey has been far from easy, marked by relentless effort and a strong resolve to attain her objectives. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is rewarded.—Rtn. A.N. Aiyanna, Past President, Rotary Midtown
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / by Bapu Lingaraj Urs / January 04th, 2024
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