Tag Archives: Kodagu First

Lone landslide survivor becomes Madikeri’s pride

The tragedy took a massive toll on her mental health and she frequently nursed suicidal thoughts.

Pallavi

Madikeri :

She was a lone survivor in her family after a massive landslide razed her home in Madikeri in 2006. She was just 16 then. After years of struggle and through her grit and determination, she has now won a doctorate degree.

Before the tragedy struck, Pallavi lived with her mother and two siblings in a small house at Mangaladevi Nagar in Madikeri. Her mother Radha Bhat was a daily wager. On that fateful night, while they were sleeping, a massive landslide struck Mangaladevi Nagar, killing six people. Among the victims were Radha Bhat, Pallavi’s younger sister Jyothi, 14, and brother Abhishek, 12. Pallavi was the only surviving member.

“I was told about the death of my mother, sister and brother only a month after the tragedy. Initially, I was told that my mother and siblings were seriously injured and were being treated at a hospital in Mangaluru. Their last rites too were conducted without my knowledge. That was devastating,” Pallavi said.

The tragedy took a massive toll on her mental health and she frequently nursed suicidal thoughts. But her mother’s aspirations of her children getting a good education and speaking English kept Pallavi motivated and helped her come up in life.

“My uncle Sundar and aunt Rukmini supported me and inspired me to do well in studies. A handful of friends and a few wellwishers often visited me and kept prepping me up. My hobbies and reading motivational books too helped me overcome the challenges,” she said.

“I aimed to become independent. I had even applied for the civil services examination and Baby Mathew of Madikeri then helped me a lot. I can never forget the contributions of my school teachers, Sister Sicily and Narayan Gowda,” she said.

After the 2006 disaster, the district administration gave her a compensation of Rs 3 lakh. She used it to complete her degree course, but had to apply for a loan to pursue a masters degree in Commerce from Mangaluru University.

She has now been granted a doctorate degree for her thesis, “Bancassurance from an Indian Perspective – A comparative study between banks in Udupi & DK districts “, done under Dr Anasuya Rai’s guidance. Pallavi works as an assistant professor at Jain University.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / June 19th, 2024

Minns names Charishma Kaliyanda as new digital and customer service parliamentary secretary, NSW Australia

Charishma Kaliyanda (second from right) is NSW’s new parliamentary secretary for customer service and digital government, emergency services and youth justice. (Photo: Facebook)

NSW Premier Chris Minns has appointed lower house member Charishma Kaliyanda as the state’s new parliamentary secretary for customer service and digital government, emergency services and youth justice, replacing Anthony D’Adam, who was sacked a month ago after labelling the state’s police commissioner a liar.

Elected to Parliament in 2023, Kaliyanda’s appointment comes as Minns and NSW Labor attempt to fend off growing criticism in several parts of Western Sydney that many local members simply don’t reflect the communities in their electorates or make it to junior ministries let alone cabinet.

While there are some high-profile exceptions like Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Jihad Dib (Kaliyanda’s senior minister) and Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis, the composition of the first Minns ministry was notable for its Anglo-Celtic weighting.

Community diversity and preselection of state and federal candidates, especially from southwest and western Sydney, have become an increasing friction point across the Australian political spectrum, with Labor losing once safe seats like Fowler to local independent candidates like Dai Le after locals were sidelined for so-called captain’s picks like Kristina Keneally.

Fairfield, where Le whittled down Labor’s margins to just a couple of points as a Liberal state candidate, is somewhat of a case study in how and why migrant communities abandon major parties, with former Fairfield Labor mayor Frank Carbone also quitting his party to run for council on an independent ticket.

You can’t undo years of electoral neglect overnight, but you can make an effort to listen.

Indian diaspora is one of Australia’s fastest-growing migrant communities, now numbering close to 1 million, and the ties are strengthening.

Australia appointed its first consul-general in Bengaluru, Hilary McGeachy, in 2023, adding diplomatic muscle to the massive nation’s south, which includes the states of Karnataka and Telangana.

The capital of Karnataka is Bangalore (population 15 million), which positions itself, for better or for worse, as India’s Silicon Valley.

In an interview with Indian Link , a community publication founded in 1994, Kaliyanda says it “empowers and elevates the South Asian community in Australia, by telling their stories and unpacking their experiences in a nuanced and unbiased manner” reaffirmed her commitment to her community.

“I had thought deeply about what I will wear on my first day as an MP. I wore a blue sari from Karnataka, draped in the Kodava style, with a Waratah broach,” Kaliyanda told the community publication.

“I wanted to share that I will be bringing my whole self to this role and to the Parliament — my commitment to and love for my community in wearing the colours of NSW, and my pride in where I come from and the diversity of my community in wearing a sari specifically from where I was born and in the Kodava style.

“I did struggle with it because there wasn’t really a playbook for what to do and what was expected but I was encouraged to “be myself”, and so I wanted to share my authentic self with our broader community.”

Asked who gave her the best advice for the first time in the bear pit, Kaliyanda told IndianLink: “two Labor Party colleagues, Jihad Dib and Sophie Cotsis, who were very supportive and full of advice.”

“There’s a lot to learn, so take it slow and ask questions as much as you can, Jihad told me,” Kaliyanda said.

Take it slow? That just changed. Welcome to the ministry.

source: http://www.themandarin.com.au / The Mandarin / Home> Careers / by Julian Bajkowski (headline edited) / June 17th, 2024

Kodagu Woman At Mount Everest Base Camp

Madikeri:

A woman from Kodagu has made history by reaching the Mount Everest Base Camp. Dr. Latha, a 57-yearold gynaecologist working in Bengaluru, participated in the trek to the Everest Kodagu woman at Mount Everest Base Camp Base Camp and successfully reached the first phase target of 18,514 feet.

Dr. Latha, a native of Badubanahalli near Alur Siddapura in Somwarpet Taluk, Kodagu, has brought great honour to her region through this remarkable achievement. She is the daughter of the late Mallappa.

With a keen interest in sports and trekking, Dr. Latha had a deep desire to conquer Mount Everest. She underwent rigorous training for six months with a Nepal-based company, running up to 10 kilometres daily and climbing small mountains to build stamina.

Dr. Latha was selected to climb the world’s highest peak during the April 28 to May 11 schedule, where several teams from India were participating. Among them, there were eight individuals aged between 30 and 40.

“Every day, we used to climb 10 to 15 kilometres and then rest. Only three members from our team, including me, could reach that Base Camp,” she said.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 01st, 2024

Coorgi Ghee Rice Recipe

How to make Coorgi Ghee Rice

Coorgi Ghee Rice Recipe 

This is a one-pot rice dish, which is made with ghee, onion and whole spices like cinnamon, clove and cardamom- These whole spices give a distinct flavour to the rice.

Ingredients of Coorgi Ghee Rice

  • 1 Cup long grain rice
  • 1 large onion, thinely sliced
  • 2 tsp garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • Ghee and oil, as needed
  • Salt, as per taste
  • sugar
  • Water

How to Make Coorgi Ghee Rice Heat ghee and oil in a pan. Take both half-and-half

  1. .Heat ghee and oil in a pan. Take both half-and-half

2. Add cinnamon, cardamom and cloves and let it splutter

3. Add onion and saute until translucent in colour

4. Add ginger and garlic and saute until the raw smell diminishes

5. Add the rice, salt and sugar and mix well for 1 minute

6. Add water till a bit above the rice level.

7. Cover the lid and cook it on medium to low flame.

8. Once done, serve hot with sides of your choice.

source: http://www.foood.ndtv.com / NDTV Food / Home> Recipes> Main

The Honest Always Stand Alone: A tribute to power-bureaucrat CG Somaiah

During Rajiv Gandhi’s regime in 1980s, Delhi police commissioner Ved Marwah had a “security breach” as his car had reportedly intruded in the route of the visiting Russian Prime Minister. Then home minister Buta Singh almost made up his mind to suspend the senior cop, but it was one influential IAS who persuaded Singh not to punish Marwah. He was CG Somaiah who began his career as an assistant collector in Orissa only to rise up the ladder to become Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

CG Somaiah is no more. Somaiah died in Bangalore  on Monday following brief illness. Somaiah, 79, is survived by wife Indira, and one son and a daughter. Incidentally, his daughter Pria (In picture with her father) is married to Nikhil Alva, son of Congress leader and Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva.

As the home secretary of the country during Buta Singh’s regime, Somaiah played a key role not only in fighting Punjab terror, but was instrumental in clinching a deal with student leaders from Assam who were agitating against illegal Bangladeshi migrants. He also served as Central Vigilance Commissioner and had a six-year-long tenure as Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Only two months ago, Somaiah’s book titled, “The Honest Always Stand Alone”, was released in New Delhi  by former president APJ Abdul Kalam.

STANDING TALL Former President APJ Abdul Kalam releasing C.G.Somaiah’s “The Honest Always Stand Alone” / pix credit: The Hindu (July 21, 2010)

source: http://www.babusofindia.com / Babus of India / Home / posted by BOI Team / September 15th, 2010

Shiv Cariappa

Obituary

Codanda Shiv Cariappa, 72, passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2024, in Northampton (Boston), MA, USA.

Shiv was predeceased by his parents, Lt. Col. Codanda M. Cariappa (Carson) and Dr. Pearl Cariappa, (maiden name: Chendanda Muthama Ponappa), and his brother, Codanda Babla Cariappa.

Following the demise of his father at a young age, he attended Lawrence School in Lovedale and was raised in Chettalli Estate Kodagu by his mother while living together with his uncle and aunt, the late Mr. CP Appanna and late Mrs Seethama Appanna, his brother Babla, his cousin Chandanda Appanna Ponappa (Ponnu), and his grandmother Chendanda Muthama Ponappa.

Shiv Cariappa worked as a journalist for the international Christian Science Monitor newspaper in Boston, MA. Later, Shiv became a Senior Loss Prevention Analyst for the Staples Corporate headquarters in Framingham (Boston), MA. In this position, Shiv was responsible for investigative crime, particularly fraud, intervention and prevention for all Staples stores throughout the US.

Shiv is survived by his community of loving friends and family, including former wife and close friend Ellen Loos, his sister-in-law Victoria Cariappa, his aunt GM Codanda Vani; cousins Peggy Pratap Sunil, Arathi Muddaiah, Kandrathanda Harini Kariappa, Chedrimada Beena Somaya, Pattamada Seetha Kuttappa, Pattamada Kavita Muthana,Deep Chinnappa, Sumitha Somiah, the Chendanda family, Kongetira Gayathri Belliappa, Codanda Ashit, Codanda Chinnappa; and Ponnu Appana’s former wife Vipul Ponappa with their two grown children Gauri Ponappa and Sasha Ponappa.

Shiv will be deeply missed.

A public gathering to celebrate Shiv’s life will be held at Leverett Crafts & Arts Center, 13 Montague Rd., Leverett, MA. 01054 this coming Saturday, February 17, 1:00-4:00.

source: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com / MetroWest Daily News / Home> Life Story / February 15th, 2024 ( published in MetroWest Daily News, Milford Daily News)

It was the most rewarding journey: Shubra on becoming a certified yoga instructor

Actor Shubra Aiyappa went off the grid for a month to achieve her wellness dreams.

Shubra Aiyappa receives her certificate after a month of rigorous training

Actor Shubra Aiyappa recently decided to become a certified yoga instructor. Sharing her motivation around this step, she says, “I’ve been practising yoga for a few years now. The benefits of the practice drove me to go deep into it. This was definitely the most rewarding and transformative journey of my life.”

Despite the benefits, becoming a yoga instructor wasn’t an easy stint for the Thimayya & Thimayya (2022)actor. To work on her yoga practice, Aiyappa decided to cut off from the world for a month to join a yoga school in Mysuru. “We weren’t allowed to have our phones except for an hour during the day,” the 33-year-old actor shares, adding, “For the first few days, I couldn’t take this rigorous routine. I had some breakdowns and I kept asking why I chose to do this to myself. But, as time went on, I got used to it.”

In addition to the challenges at the school, Aiyappa admits she was terrified to put her acting on hold for a month. “There’s always an itch which makes you feel you’re missing a call or a scene that can change your life — It was really difficult for me to let that go. I was afraid I’d become irrelevant if I wasn’t active on social media. But that’s never the case. It was all about setting boundaries. I even put a film I’m currently doing on hold for this course,” the Prathinidhi (2014) actor quips.

The actor, now a certified yoga instructor, is happy to impart knowledge about the mind-and-body practice to her family and friends. Ask if she’s ready to take it professionally, she shares, “Teaching it professionally is not on the cards yet. I’ve always wanted to do something in the wellness space. While I don’t know how I’d execute it, I have some ongoing plans,” she signs off.

source: hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Aayushi Parekh / March 06th, 2024

Discover the flavors of Kodava cuisine at Momo Cafe

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road invites you to a culinary journey through the hills of Coorg at their much-awaited Kodava Food Festival. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Karnataka, Coorg’s cuisine is a vibrant reflection of the region’s cultural richness and natural abundance.

Chefs Sugandha Rajappa and Rajani Kariappa, along with Executive Chef Vijay Bhandari, have meticulously crafted a menu that highlights the authentic tastes of Coorg. Their expertise is showcased in every dish, where traditional recipes meet contemporary flair, promising a delightful dining experience.

Treat yourself to a variety of Coorg’s signature dishes, such as the delicious Pandi Curry, Kodava Kummu Curry, Paputtu, and much more.

Each dish, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, captures the essence of Coorg’s rich culinary heritage. The festival guarantees a sensory feast, with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients taking center stage.

Gather with family, friends, or fellow food enthusiasts and visit Momo cafe to experience the essence of Coorg and create cherished dining memories.

For more details and reservations, please contact: +91 95136 53156 or 9513688331.

Where : Momo cafe , Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road

When:  4-8th June

Lunch :  12:30 – 3:30 PM

Dinner :  7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Price :  2200 INR plus taxes.

source: http://www.apnnews.com / APN News / Home> Life Style> Food & Beverages / June 07th, 2024

Cheppudira Arun Machaiah Appointed As Joint Chief Of Karate India Organisation (KIO)

Former MLC and International Karate expert from Kodagu, Cheppudira Arun Machaiah has been appointed as the new Joint Chairman of the Technical Commission of Karate India Organisation (KIO).

Director of World Shitorio Karate Council and President of All India Shitorio Karate Organisation, Arun is the first Kannadiga to achieve the highest post of KIO.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

LS polls 2024: Kodagu records over 70% voter turnout

From nearly 6.30 am, voters started to queue outside their respective polling stations with much enthusiasm to practice their duty.

Voters from all sections of the society enthusiastically took part in the festival of democracy and cast their votes.Photo | EPS

Madikeri :

Smooth polling was recorded across Kodagu and the district recorded a voter turnout of 70.58% at 5pm.

Voters from all sections of the society enthusiastically took part in the festival of democracy and cast their votes. The district had special polling booths even as foresters guarded the booths located in wildlife conflict zones.

The minor glitches in EVMs were sorted out during the mock voting process held in all polling booths from 6 am to 7 am. From nearly 6.30 am, voters started to queue outside their respective polling stations with much enthusiasm to practice their duty.

A total of 23 special polling booths including Sakhi and Model booths were set up across the district. At Maldare, Nagarahole, Hebbale, Malambi, Heruru and CB Halli, tribal themed polling stations were set up to woo the increased population of tribes.

The tribes in large groups participated in the electoral process enthusiastically. The Sakhi polling stations were decked up in polling centers that had increased women voters even as Kodagu ADC Veena BN opted to vote from one of the Sakhi polling booths in Madikeri. Model polling centers with improved facilities also wooed the voters.

However, the officers on election duty at the interior village of Vanachal were made to suffer for some time due to the unavailability of drinking water.

Nevertheless, the voters of the center helped the officers and arranged for a drinking water facility. In Wildlife conflict zones including regions across Siddapura, Kushalnagar and Virajpet, a Range Forest Officer alongside a Rapid Response Team equipped with weapons were deployed to ensure the safety of the voters. Armed Forces from Gujarat guarded the naxal sensitive booths across the district including at Karike and Sampaje areas.

A tragic incident was, however, reported at a polling station in B Shettigeri of South Kodagu. Manohar (58), a traditional drummer who played the ‘chande’ instrument, died of a heart attack outside the polling station.

Sources confirmed that he waited in the queue and cast his vote. However, he collapsed outside the polling center after he suffered a heart attack and died.

MADIKERI: Smooth polling was recorded across Kodagu and the district recorded a voter turnout of 70.58% at 5pm.

Voters from all sections of the society enthusiastically took part in the festival of democracy and cast their votes. The district had special polling booths even as foresters guarded the booths located in wildlife conflict zones.

The minor glitches in EVMs were sorted out during the mock voting process held in all polling booths from 6 am to 7 am. From nearly 6.30 am, voters started to queue outside their respective polling stations with much enthusiasm to practice their duty.

A total of 23 special polling booths including Sakhi and Model booths were set up across the district. At Maldare, Nagarahole, Hebbale, Malambi, Heruru and CB Halli, tribal themed polling stations were set up to woo the increased population of tribes.

The tribes in large groups participated in the electoral process enthusiastically. The Sakhi polling stations were decked up in polling centers that had increased women voters even as Kodagu ADC Veena BN opted to vote from one of the Sakhi polling booths in Madikeri. Model polling centers with improved facilities also wooed the voters.

However, the officers on election duty at the interior village of Vanachal were made to suffer for some time due to the unavailability of drinking water.

Nevertheless, the voters of the center helped the officers and arranged for a drinking water facility. In Wildlife conflict zones including regions across Siddapura, Kushalnagar and Virajpet, a Range Forest Officer alongside a Rapid Response Team equipped with weapons were deployed to ensure the safety of the voters. Armed Forces from Gujarat guarded the naxal sensitive booths across the district including at Karike and Sampaje areas.

A tragic incident was, however, reported at a polling station in B Shettigeri of South Kodagu. Manohar (58), a traditional drummer who played the ‘chande’ instrument, died of a heart attack outside the polling station.

Sources confirmed that he waited in the queue and cast his vote. However, he collapsed outside the polling center after he suffered a heart attack and died.

Outside a polling centre in Madikeri, the officials forcefully shut down shops that were located within 200 meters from the St Michael School polling station. However, DC Venkat Raja intervened and withdrew the closing down order. He, however, cautioned the shopkeepers not to allow campaigning from political parties at the shops.

Venkat Raja, SP K Ramarajan and CEO Varnit Negi cast their votes at the taluk office in Madikeri and later visited the Raja Seat tourist spot to urge residents to go vote. While most of the tourist centers were open in the district, the Dubare Camp was shut for tourist visits as this was turned into a polling station for the tribal voters.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / April 26th, 2024