‘Many stakeholders are keen to build glass skywalk bridges in Kodagu’

Detailed project report is being prepared for developing key tourist facilities in the coffee land.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja at the tourism committee meeting in Madikeri on Tuesday, January 30. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A master plan is being prepared to provide facilities at Raja Seat in Madikeri, Chelavara Waterfalls, Dubare elephant camp in Dubare, and Nisargadhama in Kushalnagar which are among the prominent tourist sites in Kodagu.

The detailed project report of the sites was being prepared, said Anita Bhaskar, Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Madikeri.

At the tourism committee meeting in Madikeri which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Ventakaraja, the Assistant Director sought the Deputy Commissioner’s permission to develop a website to provide information on the tariff of homestays that are registered with the Tourism Department besides information on the tourist facilities in the district.

The DC said tourists must get complete information on the homestays online as it will help them make advance bookings.

He suggested displaying taluk-wise information on the homestays in a website is being planned.

Hotel Owners’ Association president Nagendra Prasad suggested developing websites for promoting spiritual tourism and common tourist sites.

On the occasion, the assistant director told the meeting that many stakeholders have come forward to build a glass skywalk bridge in Kodagu, which has one such bridge near Madikeri that has become a tourist attraction.

In response, the DC said those wishing to construct glass bridges should have their land. Moreover, parking space was a must. The area should not come under eco-tourism zones and forest zones. All guidelines must be strictly followed.

Out of 4,000 homestays in Kodagu, only 1,900 are registered with the Tourism Department. The meeting was told that proposals are also being submitted for launching river rafting facilities.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India > Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 31st, 2024

Centre Approves Rs. 28 Crore For Road Works In Kodagu, Mysuru

MP Pratap Simmha meets Nitin Gadkari; seeks funds for road improvement to mitigate accidents

Mysore/Mysuru:

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha recently held a meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging approval for essential road projects in his Constituency, focused on accident zones, road safety and overall development. In a positive response, the Minister sanctioned projects worth Rs. 28 crore.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Mysuru and Kodagu, the MP conveyed his gratitude to the Minister for his swift approval. The sanctioned works, totalling Rs. 28 crore, encompass critical road development initiatives in key areas.

Details of approved works are as follows: 

Kushalnagar town, Kodagu district: Road development of length: 1.30 km; location: National Highway 275 (km: 128.150 to km: 130.150); approved Amount: Rs. 7 crore. 

Hunsur taluk, Mysuru district: Comprehensive road development of length: 7.95 km; locations: km: 161.380 to km: 163.500 (Chilkunda), km: 169.00 to km: 171.825 (Yasodharapura), km: 190.400 to km: 193.400 (Bilikere, K.R. Nagar Junction); approved amount: Rs. 15 crore. 

Hunsur taluk, Mysuru district: Road junction development of length: 1 km (171.560 km of National Highway 275); approved amount: Rs. 5 crore, roadside RCC drain construction length of 2.9 km (National Highway 275, km: 190.600 to 193.500; approved amount: Rs. 1 crore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> News> Top Stories / December 30th, 2023

Sri Krishna Temple Takes Shape In Kutta On Kodagu-Kerala Border

Mysore/Mysuru:

Sri Krishna, revered as one of the most beloved deities among Hindus in India and globally, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. In the town of Kutta, near the Kodagu-Kerala border, a unique Krishna Temple is taking shape after four decades of persistent dreams and efforts by the local community.

This temple is becoming a reality, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the residents of the region. The construction of this Krishna Temple, at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.5 crore, reflects the long-standing aspirations of the locals to establish a religious centre in this part of the region.

The generous donation of about one acre of land by a local benefactor four decades ago has been a crucial catalyst for the realisation of this dream. The temple’s construction is a collective endeavour, marked by consensus, taking everyone into confidence through several rounds of discussions.

“Our long-standing dream of constructing a temple here is now turning into reality. The temple’s construction relies on the collaboration of the local community, and we seek support from donors to accomplish our mission. It is our sincere appeal to Krishna devotees to actively participate in this collective effort,” urges Chekkera Ganapathy, President of the Sri Krishna Temple Committee.

Under the guidance of seniors, Committee members have wholeheartedly contributed substantial amounts crossing lakhs of rupees from their personal funds, actively engaging in this mission to advance the ongoing construction of the temple. The Committee is dedicated to working towards completing the construction within a predefined time-frame.

Committee Vice-President Theethira Naren Balakrishna expressed the Committee’s goal to complete the temple construction by March 2024. He emphasised the absence of a beautiful religious centre in the region, motivating the Committee to take the initiative in building the Sri Krishna Temple.

This endeavour aims to provide devotees in the area with the soon-to-be-realised opportunity for the darshan of Sri Krishna. The responsibility of constructing the temple has been entrusted to skilled sculptors from Karkala.

Committee Secretary Chodumada Shareen Subbaiah highlighted the democratic process in selecting the office-bearers by the people of Kutta. She appealed to locals and residents in the surrounding areas to join hands in this sacred  undertaking.

Grants have been generously provided by former Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, current Virajpet MLA  A.S. Ponnanna and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha for the construction of the Sri Krishna Temple. All 17 members of the Committee are working collaboratively to ensure the successful realisation of this project.

Shareen Subbaiah emphasised the implementation of a thorough audit system to track and manage donations effectively. She urged devotees of Krishna to contribute towards the temple’s construction.

In addition to the key office-bearers, the other Committee members and Directors who are diligently supervising the progress of the Sri Krishna Temple’s construction are Treasurer D. Ravi, Directors Theethira Kushalappa, Machamada Subramani, Theethira Theertha Manjunath, Kattera Ramesh, Machamada Kashi Cariappa, Dhyan Darshan, Chandra Kuttan, Prashanth, Johnson, Ajjikuttira Bopanna and Mukkatira Naveen.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> News / January 06th, 2024

Who are Rohan Bopanna’s parents M.G. Bopanna and Mallika Bopanna?

The 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna is the fourth Indian to win a Grand Slam title.

Rohan Bopanna (extreme left) with his family (Via Rohan Bopanna Instagram)

Rohan Bopanna is a professional tennis player from India. Born on 4th March 1980, Bopanna went on to become the oldest World No.1. The 43-year-old specializes mainly in doubles.

Throughout his career, Rohan Bopanna had tasted major success in the doubles division. He has won 24 ATP doubles titles. However, he is still to win a men’s doubles title in the Major Grand Slam. His best performance in the men’s double in Grand Slam came at the US Open in 2010 and 2023 when he reached the finals of the competition.

Bopanna has also reached the semis of the Grand Slams thrice at the Wimbledon and once at the French Open. However, he has won a mixed doubles title at the French Open in 2017 with partner Gabriela Dabrowski. He is the fourth Indian to win a major title.

Who are Rohan Bopanna’s parents?

Rohan Bopanna was born on 4th March 1980 to M.G. Bopanna and Mallika Bopanna. By profession, his father is a coffee planter, and he was the one who inspired his son to choose an individual sport. Bopanna, in turn tried various sports and at the age of 19 chose to play tennis. His father also built a tennis court in his hometown Coorg for Bopanna.

Rohan Bopanna with his parents (Image via Zee India)

His mother, Mallika Bopanna, is a homemaker. More details about his mother are not available in the public.

Where do Rohan Bopanna’s parents live?

Bopanna’s father and mother live in their coffee estate in Coorg, Karnataka. Bopanna himself had his primary education from there. Later on, he shifted to Bangalore to complete his higher education at the Jain University in Bangalore.

Rohan Bopanna (image via Hindustan Times)

What did Rohan Bopanna’s parents do for a living?

Bopanna’s father is a coffee planter by profession and owns a coffee estate in their hometown of Coorg, which is the primary source of income for them. His mother is a homemaker.

Rohan Bopanna (image via tennis majors

What is the estimated net worth of Rohan Bopanna’s parents?

The 43-year-old himself earns a handsome sum of $3.2 million per year through various tournaments and sponsorship deals. However, no such info is available for his parents.

As the 43-year-old creates history at the Australian open, let's take a look at the parents of the veteran Indian player.
Rohan Bopanna (image via India Today)

FAQs

Q. Who is the wife of Rohan Bopanna?

Supriya Annaiah is the wife of Rohan Bopanna

Q. How many Grand Slam titles has Bopanna won?

Bopanna has won one French Open title in the Mixed doubles division.Q. Where was Bopanna born?

Bopanna was born in Bangalore, Karnataka.

Q. What is Bopanna’s daughter’s name?

Rohan Bopanna’s daughter’s name is Tridha Bopanna.

source: http://www.firstsportz.com / First Sportz / Home> Tennis / by Soumik Bhatacharya / edited by Nikhil Sonmali / January 27th, 2024

Behind Rohan Bopanna’s Australian Open success, game changing advice from wife Supriya Annaiah

Rohan Bopanna reveals his wife’s advice amid struggles before winning the Australian Open doubles title.

India's Rohan Bopanna poses with his family after victory against Italy's Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori(AFP)
India’s Rohan Bopanna poses with his family after victory against Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori(AFP)

How much do you know about Rohan Bopanna?

The veteran Indian tennis player is the oldest male Grand Slam winner in the Open era. He achieved the feat by winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title on Saturday. The 43-year-old Indian and his doubles partner Matthew Ebden outclassed the Italian duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6(0) 7-5 to rewrite history in the first Grand Slam of the 2024 season.

The newly-crowned world number one in doubles, Bopanna is showing no signs of slowing down. He is playing the best tennis of his life at the age of 43.

Interestingly, Bopanna was busy shattering records in the build-up to the Australian Open. He became the oldest men’s player to seal an ATP Masters 1000 title. He made it to two Grand Slam finals and featured in the ATP Finals. He also claimed a gold medal at the Asian Games before finishing the season as world No. 3 in men’s doubles.

Bopanna almost quit tennis in 2019

Before Bopanna made headlines with the Australian Open, there was a time when he was contemplating retirement. The cartilage in his knees had wore out, and his mobility was not great. Bopanna went five months without winning a match forcing him to almost call time on his career in 2019. With critics convinced that he was past his prime, Bopanna invested heavily in his fitness to spark a sensational turnaround.

Advice Rohan Bopanna got from wife Supriya Annaiah

His physio travelled with him on tour. Thanks to ‘Iyengar Yoga’ during the pandemic break, a rejuvenated Bopanna started playing pain-free tennis – a sport which gave him everything. Speaking to ESPN ahead of the Australian Open final, Bopanna opened up about having no cartilage on his knees. Bopanna also recollected a game-changing advice he received from his wife Supriya Annaiah.

‘When you change limitations to opportunities’

“My wife said it beautifully one day, ‘when you change limitations to opportunities, everything changes.’ We are always told at 25 this has to happen, by 30 this has to happen, at 40 this will happen. It’s a thing which is told to us constantly, whether it is sport or life, whether it is marriage, having kids, whatever it may be. But when you change that into opportunities, then the limitations go away,” Bopanna recalled.

Know more about oldest man to win a Grand Slam title

At 43 years and 329 days, Bopanna has become the oldest to win a men’s doubles major in the Open era. He will officially become the oldest to be ranked No. 1 in men’s doubles on Monday. He is the third Indian to win a Grand Slam doubles title after Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. Reflecting on his incredible journey, Bopanna revealed that he had messaged his wife about bidding farewell to tennis.

“Five years ago, I sent my wife a video message where I said I would call it a day, because I wasn’t winning matches. I went five months without winning a match, I thought that would be the end of my journey. But my perseverance kept me going and really changed so many things. I found a wonderful partner to get me to all the laurels,” Bopanna said.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Sports> Tennis News / by HT Sports Desk / January 28th, 2024

Devotees collect Cauvery water for Tamil Nadu temple from Karnataka

he women devotees carried the water in pots, which will be transported to the temple in TN.
The women devotees carried the water in pots, which will be transported to the temple in TN. (Photo Express)

Madikeri:

Over 350 devotees from Tamil Nadu arrived at Talacauvery to collect holy Cauvery water for ‘Bramhakalashotsava’ of a temple. The collected water will be used for the renovation of a 16th century Shiva temple in Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu. Avinashi Lingeshwarar temple also called as Karunaiyaaththall temple is the 16th century temple in Tirupur. The history mentions that the temple was built during the Chola Dynasty and it is today maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu.

The temple is undergoing renovation at a cost of `25 crore even as the temple committee has planned special rituals during the ceremony. Arunachalam, one of the members of the temple renovation committee, confirmed, “The ‘Kumba Abhisheka’ ritual will be held at the temple next month and only the holy water from Talacauvery will be used during the Bramhakalashotsava.” He, alongside over 350 devotees, visited Talacauvery to collect holy water. The women devotees carried the water in pots, which will be transported to the temple in TN. Devotees offered prayers at Talacauvery and left with the holy water that will be used at ancient Shiva temple.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express/ Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 29th, 2024

125th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Cariappa celebrated

Floral offerings were made to the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa in Mysuru on Sunday, to mark his 125th birth anniversary. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

The 125th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa was also celebrated in Mysuru and Kodagu, on Sunday.

In Mysuru, it was organised under the joint auspices of Kodava Samaja and other organisations and people from different walks of life and organisations paid tributes to Field Marshal Cariappa and made floral offerings to his statue off the JLB Road.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harish Gowda paid tributes to Field Marshal Cariappa and described Kodagu as the land of generals and soldiers who have served the country.

MLA T.S. Srivatsa said that the Cariappa used to visit army camps and institutions to inspire the youngsters and the soldiers even after retirement. Former Mayor Ravikumar urged the government to celebrate Field Marshal Cariappa’s birth anniversary at the State-level. Members of the Kodava Samaj and other organisations including Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club, Kodava Samaj Sports and Cultural Club, and others were present.

In Madikeri, Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa (retd.), son of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa led in paying tributes.

Nanda Cariappa rued that the new generation of youth was not swayed or inspired by the armed forces or their sacrifices to the nation but was influenced by film stars, cricketers and corrupt politicians.

The sacrifices and the contribution of the soldiers in safeguarding the nation, and their exploits should be made known to the youngsters in the present times, he added.

Col. B.G.V. Kumar (retd.), head of D. Chennamma Educational Institution, recalled the valour and contribution of Field Marshal Cariappa towards the cause of the nation. He recalled that Field Marshal Cariappa also contributed to the education of the economically weaker section of the society.

Ex-servicemen, NCC, police, students and staff of Kodagu Vidyalaya and others took part in the commemoration event and rendered patriotic songs to mark the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu/ Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 28th, 2024

Rohan Bopanna, 43, becomes oldest Grand Slam champion with Australian Open doubles triumph

Rohan Bopanna wins maiden men’s doubles Grand Slam title just days after being assured of becoming No. 1 in ATP men’s doubles ranking.

India's Rohan Bopanna and Australia's Matthew Ebden celebrate with the trophy after winning the men's doubles final against Italy's Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori(REUTERS)
India’s Rohan Bopanna and Australia’s Matthew Ebden celebrate with the trophy after winning the men’s doubles final against Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori(REUTERS)

Rohan Bopanna on Saturday became the oldest-ever player to win a Grand Slam after he and Matthew Ebden beat the Italian pair of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6(0), 7-5 in the 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles final. The 43-year old Bopanna beat the record of Jean-Julien Rojer, who lifted the French Open men’s doubles trophy in 2022 with Marcelo Arevola at the age of 40.

For Bopanna and Ebden, it was their maiden title together. They lost in the US Open final last year. This was Bopanna’s first Grand Slam doubles triumph after 60 attempts — another record. The India great’s only previous Grand Slam win was at the 2017 French Open in mixed doubles, with Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski.

For Ebden, this is his second men’s Grand Salm doubles title. He won his first at Wimbledon in 2022 with fellow Australian Max Purcell.

In 16 previous appearances at the Australian Open, Bopanna’s best was third round appeaances, which he managed six times, the last in 2018. He had since been knocked out in opening rounds, including with Ebden in 2023.

En route to winning the doubles title, Bopanna was assured of the No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles on Monday after winning his quarter-final match, making him the oldest player ever to hold the top spot for the first time.

The final, despite the straight-set win, was a hard-fought battle. There was only one break of serve, when Bopanna and Ebden broke Vavassori at love in the 11th game of the second set.

Bopanna and Ebden looked for an early breakthrough in the contest against an unseeded pair and created break point opportunities in back-to-back games, but were denied on both occasions as the opening set headed to a tie-break. The Indo-Aussie pair didn’t lose a tie-braker all fortnight, which included two super tie-breaks, and the record remained intact as they won all seven points on offer to take a one-set lead.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Sports> Tennis News / by HT Sports Desk / January 27th, 2024

Two sportspersons from Kodagu to be honoured with Padma Shri

With the announcement of Padma Shri to two natives of Kodagu, the district takes pride in the same as two among the seven Padma Shri awardees in sports field are from here.

Kodagu natives-sportspersons, Rohan Bopanna and Kuttanda Joshna Chinappa
Kodagu natives-sportspersons, Rohan Bopanna and Kuttanda Joshna Chinappa

Madikeri :

It is a pride moment for Kodagu as two natives from the district will be conferred with the Padma Shri award. Rohan Bopanna, who emerged as World No.1 in International Men’s Doubles tennis two days ago and Joshna Chinappa, International Squash player, will receive the award from President Droupadi Murmu.

A native of Garaganduru of Madapur in Kodagu, Machanda Rohan Bopanna is the son of Bopanna and Mallika. He rose to the world’s number one ranking after his stupendous performance in the men’s doubles at the Grand Slam Australian Open. He also holds the record of being the oldest World No. 1 player. Teaming up with Australian player Mathew Ebden, 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna will play the finals at the Australian Open today.

“Rohan has emerged as a world-class player through various levels of achievement in the field of tennis. The hard work put in by Rohan for this is unimaginable and it is a prideful movement for the family,” shared Rohan’s father MG Bopanna. Rohan was honored by the state with Ekalavya Award in 2005.

Kuttanda Joshna Chinappa, another native of the district, is the daughter of Anjan Chinappa. Aged 37, she has won several gold medals in squash including at the World Squash Doubles Championship, South Asian Games, Asian Individual Squash Championship and Common Wealth Games. Now settled in Tamil Nadu, Joshna’s tryst with squash began at a very young age.

Taking part at the Republic Day celebration at Gonikoppal on Friday, Joshna spoke with the media persons and shared, “I started to play squash after I received encouragement from my parents. The encouragement that I received as a child has helped me evolve in the game. I take pride in playing for the nation.” She thanked all her coaches and trainers for her achievement.

With the announcement of Padma Shri to two natives of Kodagu, the district takes pride in the same as two among the seven Padma Shri awardees in sports field are from here.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Other / by Express News Service / January 26th, 2024

Republic Day Flower Show At Raja’s Seat In Madikeri

Paadi Igguthappa Temple to bloom in 5 lakh flowers 

Madikeri:

A vibrant Fruit and Flower Show is scheduled to take place at the renowned tourist destination Raja’s Seat in Madikeri from Jan. 26 to 28 as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The Kodagu Horticulture Department is actively engaged in necessary preparations.

The Raja’s Seat garden will be adorned with a total of 20 varieties comprising 15,000 flowering plants, including chrysanthemum, salvia, orchids, daisies, marigold, zinnia, dianthus, vinca rosea, or Madagascar Periwinkle, Cockscomb, and dahlia, all meticulously grown in pots and trays.

The main attraction of this year’s show will be Kodagu’s ancient temple Sri Paadi Igguthappa Temple, located at Kakkabbe. The 15-feet-tall floral replica with length and width of 48 feet and 28 feet respectively will be designed using roses, chrysanthemums and orchids. Over five lakh flowers will be used to create the model.

In celebration of Republic Day, the event will feature impressive models depicting soldiers, cannons, and various exhibits showcasing the prowess of the country’s Armed Forces. Additionally, butterfly wings, balloons, and mushroom models will captivate visitors. For children, there will be special attractions featuring popular cartoon characters like Chhota Bheem, Barbie Doll, Spider-Man, and Bat-Man crafted from an assortment of vibrant flowers.

A total of 13 diverse exhibits have been meticulously planned, utilising over 8 lakh flowers to bring these models to life. Within the garden premises, an array of decorative flower pots will be artistically arranged, forming a breathtaking display of fruits and flowers.

This year, Republic Day coincides with the fourth Saturday and Sunday public holidays, leading to an anticipated significant influx of both tourists and locals. The event promises to be a delightful experience for all who attend, with the vibrant floral displays and creative exhibits adding a touch of magic to the celebration.

In addition to the flower-adorned artefacts and creatively arranged photo frames, a designated selfie zone is under construction to enhance the visitor experience. Furthermore, the event will pay tribute to distinguished personalities from diverse fields through unique artworks crafted from fruits and vegetables, adding a distinctive touch to the exhibition.

Enthusiasts can also anticipate the inclusion of ornamental plants, including bonsai and ikebana flower arrangements, contributing to the overall visual appeal of the exhibition. With these diverse elements, the event promises to provide a captivating and visually enriching experience for all attendees.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /January 25th, 2024