Tag Archives: Napoklu

Kodagu’s First Flyover Opens For Public Use

Now, travelling to holy places Talacauvery and Bhagamandala becomes hassle-free.

In what is considered a significant relief for travellers and residents, commuting to holy places like Talacauvery and Bhagamandala will now be hassle-free as the authorities have opened the Bhagamandala flyover — Kodagu’s first flyover project — for public use.

The State Government had allocated Rs. 28 crore for the project, which was executed by Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL). With the completion of the flyover, villagers surrounding Bhagamandala and Talacauvery can now travel with ease, even during heavy rainfall, without fearing floods. However, there has been no official inauguration due to the Model Code of Conduct, which  remains in effect until June 4.

No fear of floods

During the rainy season, Brahmagiri Hills, Talacauvery, Korangala, Cherangala, Bhagamandala and surrounding areas experience heavy rainfall, leading to an overflow of water at Triveni Sangama, the confluence of the Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi rivers. 

This overflow often disrupts vehicular movement on Madikeri-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Ayyangeri-Napoklu roads. Additionally, heavy rains sometimes result in the isolation of Bhagamandala, effectively turning the town into an island for many days. 

The flooded roads render them impassable for vehicles, causing significant inconvenience for residents who struggle to access essential items and groceries. School children are unable to attend classes due to the flooded roads, exacerbating the situation. The completion of the flyover has alleviated these challenges, bringing much-needed relief to the residents of Bhagamandala and surrounding areas.

880 metres-long flyover

The newly-constructed flyover serves as a vital link between the Bhagamandala entrance gate and Talacauvery road, providing connectivity to Napoklu as well. Spanning 880 metres in length, it comprises 36 pillars and includes a 200-metre connecting road with underground drainage (UGD) facilities. 

Designed to accommodate vehicles weighing over 60 tonnes, the authorities have set a speed limit of 40 kmph. Streetlights have been installed along with rainwater drainage pipelines and the painting works have been completed.

Causes for delay

Despite receiving approval from the Siddaramaiah-led Government in 2018, the project faced delays due to challenges such as land acquisition, relocation of electric poles and tree removal by the Forest Department. The floods and COVID-19 lockdown further contributed to the sluggish progress of the project.

The flyover construction has been finished ahead of this rainy season. Vehicles of various types and sizes can now traverse the flyover smoothly, ensuring a hassle-free journey for those  heading towards Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Napoklu, said Harinarayana, Flyover Project Director.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / May 06th, 2024

Kodagu-origin woman Charishma Kaliyanda elected member of Australian parliament

Charishma Kaliyanda has been elected as parliament member for Liverpool.

Madikeri :

At a time when people of Indian origin are making a mark — right from the corporate head honchos to politicians — a young woman with roots in Kodagu has been elected to the Australian parliament. Charishma Kaliyanda has been elected as the Labor member of Parliament for Liverpool.

Charishma was dressed in traditional Kodava attire while taking oath of office, drawing praise. “So excited to officially be sworn in as part of the 58th Parliament with some amazing colleagues. I’m honoured to represent my amazing community of Liverpool, and can’t wait to raise our challenges and celebrate our wins in this Parliament! The colours I wear today represent the official colours of NSW and I wear a Mysore silk sari, made in Karnataka (where I was born). I wear my sari in the Kodava style to honour my family heritage. Can you spot the Waratah brooch?! ????”, she posted on Facebook.

ಆಸ್ಟ್ರೇಲಿಯಾ ಸಂಸದೆಯಾದ ಕೊಡಗಿನ ...

Charishma traces her roots to Napoklu in Madikeri taluk.

On her Linkedin profile, she has has described herself thus: “As a registered occupational therapist and elected representative, I am passionate about working with individuals and communities to fulfil their potential and engage in the activities they want. I have over 10 years of experience working with young people, particularly in the university sector. Currently, I work closely with students and staff to build capacity in mental health and wellbeing at UNSW, in order to help deliver their Mental Health Strategy 2025. I build relationships with various internal and external stakeholders to facilitate access to and awareness of help for students experiencing distress at UNSW”.

source: http://www.english.publictv.in / Public TV (English) / Home> Karnataka> Latest> Main Post> States / by admin / May 11th, 2023

Hockey festival celebration of heritage and sport for Kodava community in Karnataka

The Kodava community organises the inter-family hockey tournament every year where Kodava players from over 300 families come together to play.

The Kodava Hockey Namme (festival) will be held from March 30 to April 28 in Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

For the Kodava community of the small, hilly district of Kodagu in Karnataka, now scattered across the globe, it’s time to return to their roots for an event that’s deeply ingrained in their cultural fabric — the Kodava Hockey Namme (festival). This annual extravaganza brings together families from far and wide to celebrate their love for hockey and their shared heritage.

Organised in the small town of Napoklu, 21 km away from the district headquarters of Madikeri, this festival is no ordinary affair. Recognised as one of the largest field hockey tournaments globally, it has earned a place in the Limca Book of Records.

This year, the excitement is soaring as the Kundyolanda family takes the reins, transforming it into the ‘Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival’. The year’s event will be held from March 30 to April 28.

Fostering community spirit

The Kodava community organises the inter-family hockey tournament every year where players from over 300 local families come together to play. The sporting event has no bar on age or gender. The only rule of forming a team is that all members must be from the same family.

Dinesh Cariappa, convenor of the Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival (KHC), said, “This year, we aim to set a new milestone by hosting the largest field hockey tournament yet. It’s not just about the sport. It’s about fostering community spirit and giving back to our people.”

The organisers have introduced a range of initiatives this year, encompassing career guidance sessions, motivational speeches by experts across different domains, all geared towards empowering the youth. Additionally, free health check-ups, discussions on wealth management, and talks covering diverse topics such as defense, aviation, and agriculture have been arranged for attendees.

Ramesh Muddaiah, president of Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival, said, “We are hopeful that the Karnataka Government will extend its support to the hockey festival, just as it has done for previous editions of the event. Government backing would bolster our efforts to make this carnival a grand success.”

Food festival to cultural extravaganza

With 360 families slated to participate, the enthusiasm is palpable. The carnival promises much more than just hockey matches. A food festival showcasing Kodava delicacies and also other cuisine, matrimonial initiatives, and cultural events celebrating the rich heritage of the community are all part of the extravaganza.

“There are plans for educational sessions on traditional Kodava folk songs, popularly known as Baloo Paat, ensuring the preservation of cultural traditions. Apart from these, two marathons — 5 km and 10 km — are scheduled, selfie points dotted across the venue to capture memorable moments, creating lasting memories for attendees,” Mr. Cariappa said.

The carnival kicks off with much fanfare on March 30 with an inaugural match between the Indian Navy team and the Coorg 11 team. It sets the stage for a month-long celebration of sport, culture, and camaraderie.

Kodava Hockey Festival has come a long way

The late Pandanda Kuttappa started the concept of the Kodava family hockey tournament, which later evolved into a significant sporting event and festival. “Mr. Kuttappa initiated the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament in 1997, organised by the Pandanda family initially, with the belief that harnessing the inherent affection Kodavas have for hockey could foster unity among families and the community,” Mr. Cariappa explained.

From the last one decade, the tournament has emerged as a platform for the community members to discuss trade and business interests, besides scouting for marital alliances, according to Mr. Muddaiah. “In the first tournament, which was organised in 1997, nearly 60 teams took part. The format of the tournament was such that every year, one of the Kodava families had to host the event. Now, over 300 families participate involving 3,000 hockey players,” he added.

Preparation for the 2024 edition is underway at the Napoklu General Thimayya Ground, one of the town’s three mud grounds. Temporary bleachers surround the ground to accommodate approximately 30,000 spectators. Various amenities, including galleries, lighting, speakers, and display boards, have been installed.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshab Devaiah B / March 22nd, 2024

Karnataka skier from 900-m altitude village wins three golds on 4,000m high slopes of Gulmarg

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda won gold by topping the 10-km Nordic ski competition, 1.6-km sprint and 5-km sprint

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda from Napoklu village in Karnataka’s Kodagu district won three golds in the Khelo India Winter Games on February 25, 2024. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda, from Napoklu village in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, glides over snow slopes the way fish take to water. The athlete, born in a village only 900 m above sea level, won three golds by competing on the snow slopes at an altitude of 4,000 m in the Khelo India Winter Games here on Sunday.

The lean girl from the plains near the Cauvery in Karnataka has sparkled in the winter games with her stunning ski skills. She won gold by topping the 10-km Nordic ski competition, 1.6-km sprint and 5-km sprint. 

“It’s all about pursuing your passion. A girl from Karnataka winning winter sports in Kashmir is enough to talk about my passion. We have no snow in Karnataka. I have to work harder than those who compete from the Himalayan States,” Ms. Nanjunda said.

Passionate about mountains, Ms. Nanjunda was formally introduced to mountains when she summited Mt. Rudegera in Uttarakhand as a National Cadet Corps member in 2014. One year later in 2015, she worked through the freezing winter months for a basic course at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, and managed to summit Renok peak.

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda from Napoklu village in Karnataka’s Kodagu district won three golds in the Khelo India Winter Games on February 25, 2024. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“I work on my endurance at home by running every day. My physical activities puzzle my neighbours and friends at times. It does not stop me,” she said.

Ms. Nanjunda awaits the whole year for the winter months to visit Kashmir and hit the ski slopes. “Skiing makes me feel happy. Gulmarg is the best ski destination. I keep waiting for winter months to be here, as the place has the best slopes,” Ms. Nanjunda said.

International instructor certificate

She became a student of the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM&WS), Pahalgam, Kashmir, in 2019 and received an international instructor certificate in skiing in 2019. In 2020, she became a ski instructor with JIM&WS.

“Principal and the instructor at JIM&WS encouraged me to participate as a cross-country skier. I have participated in all the four editions of the Khelo India Winter games. I am happy that Karnataka has emerged as the number two State in the games this year,” Ms. Nanjunda said.

She is now preparing for the Asian Championship and Olympics. “I desire to represent India in the Olympics in 2026. India has never qualified for cross-country skiing,” she added.

The winter games in Kashmir are proving to be the platform for women, even from non-snow States of the country, to dream big in these sports. From mere four girls participating in the first edition of the winter games in Gulmarg, the number has risen to 20 this year.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by Peerzada Ashiq / February 25th, 2024

Karnataka High Court asks Kodagu DC to consider shooter’s plea for more guns, ammo

The application had been kept pending for three years instead of seven days as specified by law, he stated in the plea.

High court of Karnataka.
High court of Karnataka.(Photo | Nagaraja Gadekal, EPS)

Bengaluru :

The Karnataka High Court directed the Kodagu deputy commissioner to consider the application filed by K Sajan Aiyappa, a well-known shooter, seeking grant for four more arms and 25,000 ammunition to practice his sport. It also ordered the DC to pass appropriate orders as per law.

Aiyappa (54), a resident of Kolkeri village in Napoklu, had filed the plea at the high court against the act of the DC, who kept his application dated September 21, 2020. The application had been kept pending for three years instead of seven days as specified by law, he stated in the plea.

On December 28, 2022, the DC issued a notice to Aiyappa, stating that he has not divulged the minimum qualifying marks to be a renowned shooter and it should be submitted within 15 days. The petitioner’s counsel submitted that Aiyappa, being a renowned shooter, is entitled to possess 10 Arms as per the Arms Act, 1959 and Rules framed there under. He now has three arms, and had applied for four additional arms. The DC and SP are dodging the issue on one pretext or the other, he alleged.

“The DC or the Competent Authority is required to dispose of an application made by any holder of Arms licence to add or delete Arms in terms of schedule 5 of Rule 40, within an outer limit of seven days. Contrary to it, the DC has held on to the application for three long years, which is blatantly contrary to the statute,” said Justice M Nagaprasannam, quashing the final notice dated December 28, 2022 issued by the DC.

The petitioner claimed that he has participated in shooting events at national and state level and he is a life member of the National Rifle Association of India.

He argued that he would come within the definition of a ‘Renowned Shooter’ in terms of the Arms Rules, 2016. The government advocate contended that the petitioner can possess only two arms.

The court said the petitioner is well within the statutory claim made for possession of four more arms, the court added. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / January 30th, 2024

Kuppanda team wins Kodava hockey cup title in Madikeri

Nearly a month after the Kodava hockey tournament started at Napoklu in Kodagu district, the finals were held on Sunday.

The Kuppanda family team beat 3-time champion Kulletira team by a margin of 4-2 goals in the shoot out. Kuppanda became champion for the first time in the 23rd edition of the hockey tournament.

Kuppanda team wins Kodava hockey cup title in Madikeri

Madikeri :

Nearly a month after the Kodava hockey tournament started at Napoklu in Kodagu district, the finals were held on Sunday. The Kuppanda family team beat 3-time champion Kulletira team by a margin of 4-2 goals in the shoot out. Kuppanda became champion for the first time in the 23rd edition of the hockey tournament.

Kulletira had won the tournaments in 1998, 1999 and 2002.

It entered finals for the first time since 16 years, while for the Kuppanda team it was their first shot at the title.

Kuppanda and Kulletira scored one goal each in the stipulated time period. Then they were given a shoot out opportunity which resulted in the Kuppanda team win the match by 4-2 goals. Kuppanda Somaiah scored a goal for his team in the 16th minute of play while Kulletira Avinash equalised the score for his team in the 22nd minute.

Kuppanda team received Rs 3 lakh cash and a trophy. Satisfied with the runners-up title, Kulletia team got two lakhs and a trophy. The winners will also get a rolling trophy given by the Kodava Hockey Academy. A cultural programme was organised before the final tournament. Kodava traditional dances were performed in the middle of the field , and many hockey fans from the district and outside the district took part, Kodava family members witnessed this exciting match in Napoklu in the scorching sun.

The 24th year of hockey is planned in 2024 by the Kundyolanda family team.

The main guests on the occasion were Pandanda Leela Kuttappa wife of the Kodava hockey founder late Pandanda Kuttappa, Air Marshal Baltikalanda U Chengappa, Kuttanda Sudhin Mandanna of Kaig Group, former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pilley, Olympian Cheppudira S Poonacha, Triple Olympian Zafar Iqbal, Olympian Anjaparavanda B Subbaiah, Cheranda Kishen, Ajjikuttira Kanchan Ponnanna and others.

Appachettolanda Mittu Erappa presided. Kodava Hockey Academy president Pandnada K Bopanna inaugurated. Convener of the tournament Appachettolanda Manu Muthappa was present.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra, TNN / April 10th, 2023


Centenarian Seetavva Ganapathy celebrates 100th birthday

Centenarian Seetavva Ganapathy celebrates 100th birthday
Seetavva Ganapathy is flanked by her family members, during her 100th birthday celebrations, on Sunday.

Ketolira Seetavva Ganapathy from Naladi village in Kakkabbe near Napoklu, celebrated her 100th birthday at Muttavva auditorium, on Sunday.

During a fun-filled ceremony, Seetavva was flanked by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives.

Seetavva is the youngest of the five children of Mepadiyanda Mandanna and Subbavva of Karada village. She was born in 1920. She was married to Ketolira Ganapathy of Naladi village in 1941.

Seetavva Ganapathy has nine children – five boys and four girls.

Her husband Ganapathy passed away at the age of 45 and since then, Seetavva raised her children, carrying the mantle of responsibilities on her shoulders.

There are 67 members in her family, including children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Seetavva’s son Appanna and grandson Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna spoke on the occasion.

Centenarian Seetavva wished good health and prosperity to all people.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / DHNS / December 07th, 2020

Obituary: Col. Madeyanda C. Appanna (Rtd.)

Retired Col. Madeyanda C. Appanna (Rajappa), son of late M. K. Chengappa and a resident of KHB Colony, Hootagalli, Mysuru, passed away yesterday. A native of Ballamavati in Napoklu, Kodagu, he was 80.

He leaves behind his wife, two sons and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were performed at Muktidhama in Vijayanagar 4th Stage this noon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / April 02nd, 2023

Kodava Development Corporation Soon: CM

Bommai inaugurates Appachattolanda Cup Kodava Hockey Festival at Napoklu

Madikeri:

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that Kodava Development Corporation, a long-pending demand of the people of the district, will be a reality soon.

“I will issue an order on the setting up of the Kodava Development Corporation at the earliest,” he said after inaugurating the Kodava family hockey tournament hosted by the Appachattolanda family at General Thimayya Stadium in Cheriyaparambu of Napoklu last evening.

“Kodavas are physically strong and protect the nation. The Government is committed to the welfare and growth of the Kodava community and the Kodava Community Development Corporation that will strive exclusively for the overall development of the unique Kodava community has been a long-pending demand from the community and steps would be taken to realise it,” he added.

Picture shows former Indian Team hockey coaches M.P. Ganesh and A.B. Subbaiah greeting the players.

Heaping praises on the concept of a family hockey tournament, the CM said that the concept is wonderful and unique and brings Kodava families under one roof. “Kodava families are well-knit families. At a time when relationships are waning, the tourney has helped bring together families. Families should be united and relationships should bring together the people,” he said. “This is a special tournament as it is organised by the Kodava families. These families enjoy a good relationship, and family bond and the heritage of the Kodava community is being promoted through the game of hockey. The culture, tradition, and practices of the Kodavas unite all. Their attire and food are special,” he added.

“It is happy to note that this tournament is going on for the last 23 years. Families must unite and relationships must prosper. This is the culture of India. This kind of tournament is not seen anywhere in the world. Hence, the State Government has released Rs. 1 crore for the tournament,” Bommai said.

The hockey festival is being held from Mar. 18 to Apr. 9 on three grounds and a record 336 families or teams have registered for it. This is the 23rd edition of the event which had a four-year break from 2018 onwards owing to natural calamities in the district followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the tournament began with a grand procession. Besides this year’s participants, the family teams which have participated in the tournament in the previous years also took part in the procession. Heads of the family teams gave the green signal for the hockey festival by firing 23 rounds of gunshots in the air.

The idea of a family tournament to bring together different Kodava families was conceived by the late Pandanda Kuttappa, popular as Kuttani, and the first edition was held in 1997 and has since then grown into a major event. The first exhibition match was held between the 37th Coorg Field Regiment and Kodava Academy-11. The second exhibition match was held between Indian Junior Hockey team and Karnataka team consisting of Olympian players from Kodagu.

The CM was felicitated by handing over a silver hockey stick and silver ‘odikathi’ on the occasion. Bommai was dressed in Kodava attire, complete with ‘Kupiya-chele’, ‘peechekathi’ and ‘mandethuni’. Several cultural programmes were performed.

Minister S.T. Somashekar, MLAs K.G. Bopaiah, Appachu Ranjan, MP Pratap Simha, MLC Suja Kushalappa, former MLC Veena Achaiah, DC Dr. B.C. Satish, SP Ramarajan, ZP CEO Akash, ADC Nanjundegowda, CCF B. Niranjan Murthy, Kodava Hockey Academy Director Cheeyanda Satya, Hockey Festival Convener Appachattolanda Manu Muthappa, Appachattolanda family Pattedara Erappa, ex-Advocate General and Congress leader A.S. Ponnanna, Bangalore Kodava Samaja President M.T. Nanaiah, Padmashri Rani Machaiah, former hockey coaches M.P. Ganesh and A.B. Subbaiah were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 19th, 2023

23rd Kodava Hockey Festival From March 20

Hosts Appachettolanda family expecting participation of more than 350 teams

Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey or ‘Hockey Namme’ is back with a bang after a gap of four years. This time, the tournament will be hosted by the Appachettolanda family from March 20 to April 10, 2023 at Napoklu village in Kodagu.

“After 2018, the hockey festival did not see the light of the day due to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be organising the 23rd annual ‘Hockey Namme’ in 2023 in a grand manner. The fest will be held at Napoklu General Thimayya Ground and more than 350 Kodava families are likely to take part in the tournament,” said Appachettolanda Manu Muthappa, the President of the Hockey Festival Committee.

Addressing a press conference in Madikeri recently, he said that in the last hockey tournament held in 2018, a total of 333 Kodava families participated in the Kulletria Cup Hockey and this time, they were expecting the participation of more than 350 families.

The festival is being conducted under the aegis of Kodava Hockey Academy.

It may be mentioned here that to prepare the family teams for the upcoming hockey festival, the Kodava Hockey Academy had organised the first Pandanda M. Kuttappa Memorial Cup rink hockey festival, in memory of the founder of the Academy and the hockey festival. It was organised from Oct. 27 to Nov. 6 at Ponnampet Turf Ground and a total of 114 teams had participated.

The logo of the Appachettolanda Cup family tournament was unveiled in Bengaluru recently by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai where a delegation of the family had called on the CM. Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah, MLC Suja Kushalappa and the tournament-organising family members were present.

“The CM has assured us that a Rs. 1 crore grant will be released for the hockey festival for the first time and the CM has consented to inaugurate the tournament on March 20. In all, Rs. 1.50 crore will be spent for the festival and the remaining Rs. 50 lakh will be pooled-in by the family members and collected from donors. We are planning to invite and felicitate a host of national and international hockey players who have made the Kodagu district proud and hockey champions from all communities will be honoured,” Manu Muthappa said.

In all, three grounds will be utilised for the hockey festival and they will be also used as a back-up in case it rains. Kodava Hockey Academy President Pandanda Bopanna, who is the son of late Pandanda Kuttappa, will be one of the guests in the inaugural event. “It was his father who launched the first Kodava Family Hockey Tournament in 1997 and was organised by the Pandanda family, Manu Muthappa noted.

Secretary of the Hockey Festival Committee Appachettolanda Vasanth Muthappa, members Appachettolanda Harish Somaiah, Appachettolanda Ravi Monnappa, Appachettolanda Janath Kumar and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 13th, 2022