Tag Archives: Kodagu First

Mysuru woman conquers Mount Elbrus in Russia

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Jammada Preeth Appaiah, a resident of Bannimantap, Mysuru, reached the summit of Mount Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Russia and Europe, on Aug. 17. She completed the climb in 7 hours and 20 minutes, starting at midnight and reaching the peak at 7.20 am. She was part of 11-member expedition team.

Preeth is the second person from Kodagu to achieve this feat, following Tekkada Bhavani from Peroor, Napoklu. In March 2023, Preeth also scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet).

Mount Elbrus, an extinct volcano standing at 5,642 metres (18,510 feet) above sea level, is located deep within the Caucasus range near the Georgia border. This range, which includes 14 of Europe’s highest mountains, spans 700 miles and is home to the tenth-most prominent peak in the world.

Situated in the southern Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, Mount Elbrus is the highest peak of the Caucasus Mountains. Although part of the Caucasus Range, which straddles Asia and Europe, most geographers classify it as the tallest peak in Europe.

Speaking to Star of Mysore over the phone, Preeth Appaiah shared details of her journey to conquer Mount Elbrus. She departed from Mysuru on Aug. 9, arriving in Russia on Aug. 10. On Aug. 11, she undertook an acclimatisation trek to a mountain rich in Molybdenum, standing at 4,120 metres (13,515 feet).

Following this initial trek, Preeth travelled to Elbrus village and completed two more days of acclimatisation walks to Pastukhov Rocks. The final summit push for Mount Elbrus began around midnight, with Preeth reaching the peak by 7.20 am on Aug. 17.

Biting Cold

“Mount Elbrus is fraught with hidden death traps, with temperatures plummeting to minus 35 to minus 40 degrees. The Arctic wind is extremely dangerous and despite wearing five layers of clothing and climbing gear, the cold was unbearable. The mountain is riddled with crevices and craters that can easily be camouflaged by snow in bad weather. We couldn’t summit for two days due to the weather, so we finally made the ascent on Aug. 17,” Preeth recounted.

After successfully scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, Preeth was determined to conquer Mount Elbrus as part of her goal to climb all seven summits — the highest mountains on each continent.

Preeth Appaiah is a home-maker, married to advocate Jammada M. Aiyanna in Mysuru. The couple has two sons, Pratham Poonacha and Aryan Kuttappa. Preeth is the daughter of late Hon. Captain Kunjiyanda Appaiah and Gowramma. Her brother, Kunjiyanda Machaiah (Machu), is a wildlife photographer.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 20th, 2024

Top Indian editor to talk on ’elections and media’ today in Colombo at SLIMFA forum

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India Today Editor  / Raj Chengappa

A top award winning Indian journalist Raj Chengappa will deliver a talk on elections and the media at a forum organised by the Sri Lanka India Media Friendship Association (SLIMFA) today at 9.30 a.m. at the Taj Samudra, Colombo.

Chengappa, who is India Today Group Editorial Director (Publishing) and India Today magazine Editor, will share experiences from the recent Indian elections. 

Given the recently concluded General Elections in India, and the upcoming Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka, the topic for the keynote is ‘Indian Election 2024 and Media’. 

Raj has varied interests and is a specialist in political analysis, foreign affairs, national security, nuclear weapons, the environment and development. He also does a weekly podcast and YouTube show for India Today called Nothing But The Truth. 

His keynote will be followed by panel discussion comprising a Sri Lankan journalist, columnist and an election observer further sharing perspectives on the role of media in elections. 

The panellists are People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (Paffrel) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchie, international award-winning investigative journalist, senior editor, trainer, researcher, and rights advocate Dilrukshi Handunnetti, experienced serial entrepreneur, former corporate senior executive, columnist, and public speaker Saliya Weerakoon. 

The event, first by the newly formed Sri Lanka India Media Friendship Association, is part of the Bharat Sri Lanka Maithri Week from 12-18 August 2024 commemorating India’s 78th Independence Day. Strategic partners of the forum are Taj Samudra, Colombo and SriLankan Airlines.

Raj was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 1991-92, a Stimson Centre Fellow on Security Affairs in Washington DC in 1995 and a Harry Brittain Fellow (partly at London and Oxford University) in 1985. He has won numerous national awards including the Statesman Award for Rural Reporting (1987), the Prem Bhatia Award for Political Analysis (1998), Karnataka’s Rajyotsava Award 2002, National Award for Rural Reporting (2019), the Haldi Ghati Award (2020), Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Feature Writing (2024) and the ENBA and India Audio and Music awards for the Best Show Host for Nothing But the Truth (2024). 

source: http://www.ft.lk / Daily FT / Home / August 17th, 2024

Karnataka High Court upholds amendment to Land Revenue Act on Kodavas’ land rights

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Bengaluru:

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

The Karnataka High Court upheld the amendment brought to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, regarding the entry of names of all family members of Kodava families in land records as occupants of the land, including Jamma Bane land.

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

Noting that there is no violation of law in bringing the amendment, Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by Brigadier Maletira A Devaiah (retired) and others, questioning the legality of the amendment in terms of Section 20(2) of the Karnataka Land Revenue (III) Amendment Act 2011.

By way of amendment, the names of all members of the family would be entered into Column 9 of the RTC to recognise the rights of the entire family with respect of property owned, including Jamma Bane land.

The High Court directed the Kodagu district administration to issue a circular giving clarity and stating in detail the due process for entering names of joint family landowners into revenue records in terms of the amendment.

The petitioners have contended that the customary law of Kodavas restricts them from alienating the joint family property and there is no individual right for any member of the family in the joint family property.

The state, by way of the impugned amendment, has done away with the culture of Kodavas, thereby violating Article 51-A(f) of the Constitution, they claimed.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 03rd, 2024

Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa announces retirement after playing her ‘last Olympics‘

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Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa announces retirement after playing her ‘last Olympics‘.

Ashwini Ponnappa of India in action during the Group C match with Tanisha Crasto of India against Angela Yu of Australia and Setyana Mapasa of Australia. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Indian badminton stalwart Ashwini Ponnappa on July 30 broke down in tears, announcing she played her last Olympics after she and her partner Tanisha Crasto suffered their third straight loss in the women’s doubles competition of the Paris Games.

Ashwini and Tanisha lost to Australia’s Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu 15-21 10-21 in their final Group C game on Tuesday. They ended their campaign after losing all their three group matches.

“This will be my last, but Tanisha has a long way to go,” said 34-year-old Ashwini, who was playing in her third Olympics, when asked whether she hopes to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“It takes a toll emotionally and mentally, I can’t go through this again. It is not easy, you can take all these if you are a little younger. Having played for so long, I can’t take it anymore,” she said while trying to hold back tears.

Ashwini, who had won her first national title in 2001, had formed a formidable and history scripting women’s pair with Jwala Gutta, who played till 2017.

They had won many international medals, including a gold medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and bronze at the Uber Cup (2014 and 2016) and the Asian Championships (2014).

In 2011, they scripted history by becoming the first Indian pair to win a medal — a bronze — at the World Championships. That was their biggest prize in their careers. The Jwala-Ashwini pair was consistently ranked among the top 20 in the world and reached 10th spot at one time.

Ashwini and Jwala played in two Olympics together (in 2012 and 2016) but could not go beyond the initial stage.

“We wanted to get a win today. As much as we would have liked the outcome to be different and better, the biggest takeaway I and Tanisha had is we had quite a journey, getting to in the Olympics. It has not been easy,” said Ashwini.

Tanisha also could not control her emotions and she sobbed inconsolably.

“She (Ashwini) has been my biggest support here. We had wanted a better result and held out heads high. She motivated me every time.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport / by PTI / July 31st, 2024

Ramakrishna Vidyashala alumnus awarded Sword of Honour and President’s Gold Medal

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Cholanda Varun Ganapathy, an alumnus of Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, Mysuru, has been awarded the Sword of Honour and President’s Gold Medal after being adjudged the Best All Round Cadet and standing First in Overall Order of Merit respectively at the Passing Out Course (SS-110) held at Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai recently.

He secured AIR 14 (All India Ranking) in the merit list of candidates to secure admission to OTA, Chennai, for Course Serial SSC (NT) – 110. His training commenced in Oct.2019 and on successful completion of training is commissioned as a Lieutenant.  

Varun, an alumnus of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bengaluru (up to Cl VII/2008), Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, Mysuru (PUC/2014) and Sir M. Visveswaraya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (BE in Mechanical Engineering) had always been focused on joining the Armed Forces. To fulfil this ambition, he appeared for NDA, AFCAT and CDS examinations at various stages clearing these exams seven times. He also appeared in various SSBs, clearing it thrice. 

 After he secured admission to OTA for Course Serial SSC (NT) – 110, he was also selected for Air Force in Jan. 2020 having cleared AFCAT exam and SSB.

 Varun Ganapathy’s success must be attributed to his determination and perseverance which was bolstered by his parents and mentors. He relentlessly pursued his dream to join the Armed Forces and went about his preparation in a very methodical manner. He kept himself updated about various entrance exams and the different syllabus for each exam. His preparation included personality development and physical fitness. 

He also attended classes at Bangalore School for Civil Services under Dr. Arjun Bopanna for UPSC and KPSC exams. On being selected to join OTA, Chennai in SS-110 course, Varun was appointed as Academy Cadet Adjutant and was awarded Sword of Honour for being Best All Round Cadet and Gold Medal for being First in Order of Merit. He was commissioned into 2 Special Forces on Nov. 21, 2020. 

Varun joins the following elite rank of Kodava Officers who topped their courses: Col. Pattada N. Thimmaiah – IMA Sword; Lt. Gen. Pattachervanda C. Thimmaiah – IMA Sword; Sqn. Ldr. Mallengada B. Chittiappa – NDA Gold and Lt. Cdr. Mukkatira Suraj Aiyappa – Naval Academy Sword and Gold.

Varun is the proud son of Cholanda Poovaiah (Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta, Chikkaballapura District) and Dharini Poovaiah (Manavattira, Nelaji), originally from Kalmotte, Virapet, Kodagu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 23rd, 2020

Codagu Agritech launches Biocapsules for agriculture

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Mysuru:

Codagu Agritech at Kudlur in Kushalnagar has come out with Biocapsules for agriculture to provide beneficial bacteria and biocontrol agents to enhance growth, root production, nutrient mobilisation and better yield.

Disclosing this at a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here on Saturday  Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Codagu Agritech said that the biocapsule is the world’s first technology where biocontrol agents like Trichoderma and good bacteria are delivered in capsule form which is convenient as one capsule is equivalent to one kg or litre of formulation and handling is easy along with cost effectiveness.

She further said that the biocapsule technology is researched and patented by Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode, Kerala, invented by former IISR Director Dr. Anand Raj.

Dr. Chaitra added that MP Pratap Simha had launched the biocapsules at IISR in Appangala near Madikeri last year.

Continuing, Dr. Chaitra said that Codagu Agritech is the first and only licensed commercial manufacturer of biocapsules with a wide market base in Kodagu, Chikkamagalur and gaining momentum in Maharashtra and a few other States with positive response from farmers.

She added that the biocapsules also protect crops from soil-borne pathogens and it is eco-friendly, easy to store and handle, with a long shelf-life of one year at room temperature and can be applied through drip irrigation.

She further said that the biocapsules are available in two forms — Trichocap (pure formulation of Trichoderma) and Powercap (combination of three plant growth-promoting bacteria strains).

The website of the company www.codaguagritech.com was launched by Dr. P.G. Chengappa, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture Sciences, Bengaluru.

Dr. B.C. Nanjappa was also present at the press meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 17th, 2017

BOOK : Enabling Military to Military Cooperation as a Foreign Policy Tool

Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, , , , , , , , ,

Author: Colonel K A Muthanna

There are various facets of international defence and military cooperation as part of the larger defence diplomacy and security cooperation, which can be employed to create a peaceful security environment.

It is an institutional means of engaging foreign militaries and Defence Ministries which could weather political upheavals while affording many means of developing mutual understanding, leading to trust, reduction of threats and conflict prevention. These go a long way in impacting on the defence and security, and economic and social development of a nation.

In this context, it is interesting to comprehend the conduct of international defence and military cooperation of other countries and then in that light, analyse the Indian approach.

source: amazon.in

Touching The Sky

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More power to those who dream with their eyes open, navigate through every challenge and eventually emerge as winners.

Flt Lt Punya Nanjappa, Indian Air Force

Nari Shakti being the theme of India’s 75th Republic Day celebration, the grand parade on Kartavya Path, in the heart of the National Capital, New Delhi, displayed a spectacular combination of military feat and cultural vibrancy on January 26, 2024.

IAF showcased a breath-taking performance with a flypast featuring 51 aircraft during the Republic Day celebrations. This impressive line-up included 29 fighter aircraft, 8 transport planes, 13 helicopters, and one heritage aircraft. When 51 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircrafts zoomed over the Kartavya Path, piloting one of the fighter jets in the flypast was a young woman pilot from Mysuru. Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT) Punya Nanjappa was piloting the MiG-29 fighter and was among the eight female pilots who flew in various formations at the Republic Day parade. It was indeed a proud moment for India.

Breaking barriers is nothing new for Punya Nanjappa. She was the only girl in her batch training with 40 male cadets and the only female cadet from Karnataka to be selected as a trainee pilot for the flying branch training at the Air Force Academy, becoming the second woman from the state of Karnataka to be a fighter jet pilot after Meghana Shanbough from Chikkamagalur to do so. The training for cadets who are selected for the flying branch is divided into three stages. Punya completed Stage 1 training at the academy in Dundigal and was selected to join the fighter stream. Commissioned into the IAF in December 2020, FLT LT Punya is from the No. 47 Squadron of the IAF.

“ Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT) Punya Nanjappa was piloting the MiG-29 fighter and was among the eight female pilots who flew in various formations at the Republic Day parade. It was indeed a proud moment for India”

The sky is literally the limit! While choosing a career path, not many students are able to pursue their dreams and turn them into reality. Mysuru-based Coluvanda Punya Nanjappa is one such dreamer who followed her childhood passion to be a fighter jet pilot and worked hard towards achieving it. Not only is it a personal and professional achievement for Punya, but a social one too, a rare distinction for a woman who has her roots in Kodagu, a land of many ‘defence personnel’. Though the district basks in the glory of producing a Field Marshal, a General, and innumerable Lieutenant Generals, Brigadiers, and Majors in the Indian Army and their equal ranks in the Navy and the Air Force, for the first time a woman fighter pilot emerged from the tiny district.

Punya is the daughter of Coluvanda Anuradha Nanjappa, who served as a teacher at St. Joseph’s Central School, Vijayanagar, and the late Coluvanda P. Bala Nanjappa, who held the position of manager at Prabha Theatre. Though the family hails from a small district, they encouraged their daughter to aim high and achieve through hard work and courage.

Punya Nanjappa’s achievement represents a remarkable moment, highlighting the strides made by women in the IAF and representing women-power, equity and equal ownership in every walk of life with their male counterparts.

source: http://www.outlook.com / Outlook / Home> Brand Studio / by Outlook Bureau / March 08th, 2024

Army Major from city saves over 100 lives in flood-hit Gujarat, Rajasthan

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Mysuru:

An Army Major from Mysuru has done exemplary work during flood rescue operations in Gujarat and Rajasthan. He is Ballachanda Maj. Akshay Thimmaiah, son of Ballachanda Sudha Bopanna and Ballachanda Prakash Bopanna, residents of Kuvempunagar in city. Maj. Akshay Thimmaiah is married to Mundanda Nidhi Ponnamma.

Following incessant rains in Gujarat, joint teams from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force have saved hundreds of lives and have rescued scores of people in flood-ravaged villages in Surendranagar district. Torrential rains in Gujarat have resulted in several deaths as well. The Gujarat Relief Department has confirmed 61 rain-related deaths in the State so far. Some parts of Rajasthan — especially those bordering the Northern Gujarat district of Banaskantha — too have seen heavy rainfall.

According to a report published in Dainik Bhaskar newspaper, on the night of July 25, Major Akshay Thimmaiah, along with two jawans from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), saved the lives of 17 children, 12 women and 6 men who were stranded in Alethi village, near Sanchore in Gujarat due to bursting of Narmada Canal, causing flash floods.  Maj. Akshay Thimmaiah saved the children after swimming and wading through 4-5 ft of flood waters for over 2.5 km. He showed courage in reaching the village and getting the civilians to safety despite rising water level.

Flood rescue team of 8 Cavalry Battalion under Maj. Akshay Thimmaiah saved the lives of over 100 people in Guda Malani, Rajasthan, in a daring night-long operation. The rescue operation was completed in 3 hours with water levels at 12-20 ft which had risen due to flood waters in Luni River. A total of 45 children, 32 women and 23 men were rescued and evacuated to safer areas.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 29th, 2017

President Kovind witnesses Kodagu firm’s Biocapsule Technology

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Mysuru:

 Dr. Chaitra Narayan, Co-founder of Codagu Agritech, Kushalnagar, Kodagu district, was selected as one of the 17 Start-Up entrepreneurs among 150 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes for a presentation of ‘Biocapsule Technology’ before President Ram Nath Kovind.

The event was held at Rashtrapathi Bhavan as part of Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship between Mar.19 and 23, 2018. The programme was conducted by the President’s Secretariat in association with National Innovation Foundation and Department of Science and Technology.

At the event in Delhi, Dr. Chaitra Narayan demonstrated the concept of ‘Biocapsule Technology’ to the President and a host of science and technology leaders and heads of research institutions.

Codagu Agritech is the only commercial manufacturer of ‘Biocapsules – Trichocap’ (encapsulated formulation of Trichoderma harzianum) and Powercap (encapsulated formulation of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria – PGPR).

This is the world’s first patented technology that has been developed by ICAR – IISR (Indian Institute of Spices Research), Kozhikode. These Biocapsules are extensively recommended for all plantation (pepper, ginger, cardamom etc.) and horticulture (fruits and vegetables) crops.

Farmer feedback in the past two years have proven that Biocapsules efficiently increase the yield, control soil-borne diseases and act as an efficient plant growth promoter.

According to Dr. Chaitra, the main advantage of this technology is that farmers can use a single capsule instead of 1 kg or 1 litre of Trichoderma or PGPR. There is a reduction of cost by 10 times and also with a guarantee of best quality product with a longer shelf life of one year.These Biocapsules can be easily used by dissolving one capsule in 100 litres of clean water.

“We want to make a difference in eco-friendly sustainable  agriculture. Due to extensive usage of chemical fertilisers, soil health has been drastically damaged in most cultivable lands. We want to promote eco-friendly solutions to farming community to take agriculture to next level by making latest innovations in chemical-free solutions,” she said.

Codagu Agritech was started in June 2016 by Dr. B.C. Nanjappa of Kodagu and Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Mysuru. While Dr. Nanjappa is a well-known environmentalist in Kodagu, Dr. Chaitra Narayan holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 30th, 2018