Tag Archives: Kodava Valaga

Over 500 Attend Annual Kodava Bay Area Convention In California

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

California’s Bay Area:

The Kodava community came together in the heart of California’s Bay Area for the annual convention, ‘Namme by the Bay’ from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3.

The festivities commenced with an informal ‘meet the hosts’ gathering on the evening of Sept.  1 at the elegant Hotel Cabana Suites in Palo Alto, CA, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend filled with camaraderie and cultural immersion.

On Sept. 2, a pre-convention event unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of the Elliston Winery in Sunol, featuring a surprise flash mob performance. The night culminated in joyous dancing to the tunes of traditional ‘Kodava Valaga.’

While some guests embarked on an invigorating morning hike organised by local Kodava families on Sept. 2, others enjoyed a post-hike BBQ. For those eager to explore the beauty of San Francisco, an organised tour was on offer.

The main event, held on Sept. 3 at the Los Altos Community Centre, saw men donning the traditional Kodava attire ‘Kupya-chale,’ while women added a touch of Kodava elegance with colourful sarees.

The venue was transformed to capture the essence of Kodava culture, with enchanting decorations centered around the unique ‘Namme’ theme. The stage backdrop artfully depicted the essence of three prominent Kodava festivals — Kailpodh, Puthari and Cauvery Sankramana.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the ‘Baalo Paat.’ Dimpu Pasura, the event’s host, collaborated with local children to present a captivating cultural programme. Local Kodava children began with a devotional rendition of the ‘Kaveramme’ song, followed by an opening act by Chethan Bachamada and Pallavi Joyappa.

Priya Pattada extended a warm welcome, followed by a message about preserving the Kodava community from Col. (Retd.) Cheppudira P. Muthanna, who travelled from Kodagu to attend the convention.

The evening unfolded with a dance performance by local Kodava children, followed by a spirited ‘Bolakaat’ performance by the men. The highlight was a mesmerising dance by the ladies. A video message from prominent Kodavas representing the military, sports and show business played during the opening, offering their best wishes for the event’s success.

Overall, the event fostered hope and unity among the Kodava community worldwide. Looking ahead, the next convention in 2024 is eagerly anticipated in Chicago.

First-ever entrepreneur event

As part of the convention, the first ever entrepreneur event, led by Gana Pemmanda, Vikram Puttichanda and Sahana Bheemaiah Bachamada (Thamane Nambudumada), was held. 

Entrepreneurs Nischay, Prithvi Biddappa Kandanda, Nischal Ammatanda, Sahana Bheemaiah and Gana Pemmanda shared glimpses of their entrepreneurial journeys, successes and learnings. 

Guests had the opportunity to showcase their businesses and network within the Kodava community, with plans to maintain the momentum through a newly created North American Kodava entrepreneurs’ group, fostering collaboration.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2023

40 from J&K on study tour to Ponnampet panchayat in Karnataka

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, , , , , , , , ,

The Ponnampet GP had recently presented a national-level seminar on good governance.

Elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat interacting with children in Ponnampet panchayat.
Elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat interacting with children in Ponnampet panchayat.(Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

Elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj have visited the Ponnampet Grama Panchayat to study the administrative process. Over 40 representatives from J&K learnt about various schemes and project works implemented at Ponnampet.

The Ponnampet GP had recently presented a national-level seminar on good governance. The Ponnampet panchayat is noted for its good administrative approaches even as several innovative plans are in place to involve the residents and carry out development works. The panchayat’s success story has reached the national level and a total of 42 elected representatives from various panchayats of J&K visited Ponnampet.

The elected representatives were warmly welcomed to Ponnampet with the traditional Kodava valaga procession. The various initiatives of the panchayat including the ‘Makkala Grama Sabhe’ (children’s panchayat), scientific waste segregation, digital library, presence in social media, conversion of landfill into a public park and other innovative works were explained to the representatives through a PPT presentation.

The representatives also visited the digital library and open library even as they interacted with the Karnataka Public School students to learn about the panchayat’s child-friendly approach.

The local cuisines, art, folktales and other cultures were also explained to the representatives. They also learnt about honey extraction, coffee plantation and other subjects that are unique to Kodagu. PDO Puttaraju, President Girija V and others were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 23rd, 2024

War Memorial Unveiled At T. Shettigeri In Kodagu

Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna promises to raise the problems of Ex-Servicemen with State Government

Mysore/Mysuru:

A new War Memorial was recently inaugurated at T. Shettigeri village in South Kodagu by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who also serves as the Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister. The purpose of this memorial is to honour the martyrs and pay tribute to the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

One remarkable aspect of this memorial is that it was funded entirely by the T. Shettigeri Ex-Servicemen Association, which comprises 450 retired soldiers. Erecting a War Memorial had long been a cherished dream of this Association. The Association has also made significant contributions to society, including providing financial assistance to those in need and offering aid during natural disasters.

The marble War Memorial was constructed at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh, with a substantial portion of the construction expenses being generously donated by Kaibulira Parvathi Bopaiah. She contributed Rs. 3 lakh for the memorial in memory of her late husband, a former havildar who settled in T. Shettigeri after his service  in the Army.

The day of the War Memorial’s inauguration in T. Shettigeri was marked by a festive atmosphere. The event commenced with performances by the Police Band and Kodava Valaga, followed by full honours rendered by the Police and Ex-Servicemen — in their full attire with medals — to the memorial. Many retired officers and personnel participated in the event, offering their salutes to this significant tribute on the Armed Forces’ land.’

Following the unveiling of the memorial, the guests were welcomed in the traditional Kodava manner by colourfully dressed Kodava women at the T. Shettigeri Kodava Samaja. The stage event was presided over by the Association President  Kattera Vishwanath.

During his address, MLA Ponnanna emphasised the crucial role of soldiers in safeguarding the nation. He praised their selfless dedication to the country’s well-being and the preservation of peace and harmony. He underscored the importance of the newly established War Memorial as a significant milestone in commemorating the sacrifices and struggles of these brave soldiers.

In response to the Association’s demand that many retired Ex-Servicemen are often denied benefits by successive governments, including land sanction, MLA Ponnanna pledged to advocate for their rights and raise the issue with the Government.

Appachangada P. Motaiah, the Association’s Joint Secretary, shed light on the challenges faced by most Ex-Servicemen, who often lack support from various quarters. He appealed to MLA Ponnanna to stand in solidarity with retired Defence personnel.

As a gesture of appreciation, several retired Defence personnel, donors and individuals who have made notable contributions to society were felicitated on behalf of the Association.

Among those honoured were Kaibulira Parvathi Bopaiah, Chattangada Punyavathi Chinnappa, Veteran Sergeant, advocate and Honorary Advisor to the T. Shettigeri Ex-Servicemen Association Mandetira N. Subramani, Machchamada Madappa, Uluvangada Ganapathy and Changulanda Ashwini Satish.

Special invitees included Kodagu District Sainik Association President Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Bachamanda Cariappa, former Kodagu District Sainik Association Secretary Maj. (Retd.) Odiyanda Chingappa and Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kuppanda Nanjappa, a Veer Chakra holder, who shared their experiences and daring operations during their service in the Armed Forces.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 10th, 2023