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
Charishma Kaliyanda, NSW MP for Liverpool, interviews her mother Bhanu Chottera, a former Indian Government architectural draughtsperson.
Our Mother’s Day series ‘My Mum in her own words’ pays tribute to our mothers, showcasing the intergenerational bond between mother and child. Here Charishma Kaliyanda, NSW MP for Liverpool, sits down with her mother Bhanu Chottera, a former Indian Government architectural draughtsperson.
Charishma Kaliyanda: What are your strongest memories of your mum?
Bhanu Chottera: My mum, known as ‘Baby’ to all, was the example of someone who gave unconditional love, she treated all her 5 children equally – no difference between boys or girls. You could never tell when she was unhappy or concerned, she was always bubbly and charming.
She always had the answers to our problems – and never refused when any of us asked for help.
Charishma Kaliyanda: She sounds a lot like you, actually! So what’s something your mum or dad used to tell you growing up that later turned out to be true?
Bhanu Chottera: They always encouraged me to study and stand on my own feet, regardless of being a girl. Education is the one thing nobody can snatch away from you and will make sure you can put food on the table. Dad always said, regardless of the situation, don’t hide away from your problems and don’t be afraid to speak out.
Charishma with her mother and grandmother (Source: Supplied)
Charishma Kaliyanda: How about Ammachi, what is the best advice your mum ever gave you?
Bhanu Chottera: Always be financially independent, and make sure you save some money as you never know when you’ll come across a rainy day when you need it!
Charishma Kaliyanda: That is definitely practical advice that we can all use. Tell me about the day I was born.
Bhanu Chottera: I felt blessed – but it was a lot of effort, because I was in labour for almost 22 hours with you!
I was so happy because I always wanted a girl. I grew up with two sisters so, in having a daughter, I knew I would always have someone to talk to, share experiences and develop a lifelong bond with.
The entire extended family was so pleased because my sister is the eldest and she was a role model for everyone else. You were also the first female grandchild on both sides of the family, and so your Thatha called you our ‘Lakshmi’.
Charishma Kaliyanda: That’s really cute, I didn’t know that. Tell me about the world events that have had the most impact on you?
Bhanu Chottera: The first event was the 2004 Tsunami in the Indian Ocean. I had never heard the word tsunami before and didn’t know what it was until I saw the devastation created that day – so many people died, there was so much destruction and across such a large area. It made me realise that things can change in the blink of an eye, anything can happen and life is short, precious and unpredictable. It made me really think about what I wanted from my life.
The other is COVID, of course. The whole period had a huge impact on me and reinforced that nothing belongs to you, so share what you have and show care to the people around you as much as you can.
Charishma Kaliyanda: Keeping those lessons in mind, what would you say are the best decisions you made in your life?
Bhanu Chottera: The first was keeping in mind my parents’ advice and getting an education because I got my dream job working for the Indian Government’s housing department as an architectural draughtsperson. I loved my work and my lifestyle and I made some amazing friends that I am still close with today.
The second was buying a home. After coming to Australia, starting a new life from scratch here, having a home of my own was a sign that I had some roots and could stand on my feet. It made me feel like I had achieved progress and independence, and I could nurture my family (and my own garden!).
Mum on the campaign trail (Source: Supplied)
Charishma Kaliyanda: Speaking of gardens, that’s probably the biggest difference between us, you’re in your element surrounded by roses, mulch and manure and you still won’t let me forget how I accidentally killed your choko vine when I was 14! How did you feel when I told you I wanted to get into politics?
Bhanu Chottera: It was actually a shock. Coming from a different cultural background, I thought you might find it difficult to be accepted. I also saw the demands of working in politics in the media and thought it would be really challenging. At the same time, I remembered the advice I had gained from my dad, who served in the army for many years and had even fought in a World War and knew I should pass it onto my daughter. You come from a long line of fighters, so I knew you would be alright.
Charishma Kaliyanda: So how did you feel on election night when results came in that I had won? What went through your mind?
Bhanu Chottera: Which election? There have been a few!
Charishma Kaliyanda: Look, that’s a fair call.
Bhanu Chottera: The first one was a bit disappointing but I remember clearly thinking “there’s always next time, this is only the beginning”. We’ve been on a long journey, with 6 election nights in total! On election night last year though, I thought, “this is the right time”. I have seen you develop the skills and temperament to balance things and to be able to make the impact you want to on the things you are passionate about.
With mum on election night as results came in (Source: Supplied)
Charishma Kaliyanda: How about on the day I was sworn in at Parliament ?
Bhanu Chottera: That was one of the most exciting and memorable days of my life. I felt my daughter had achieved something I never thought possible. When we became Australian citizens, I remember we had the ceremony at the Liverpool Council chambers and when you were sworn in as the youngest councillor at Liverpool Council in 2016, I was blown away. To see you become a member of the NSW Parliament was a real validation of our decision to seek a new life in Australia because we wanted better opportunities for our children. You made us proud, and all the challenges and sacrifices worth it.
Charishma Kaliyanda: What do you worry about most now, regarding me?
Bhanu Chottera: Look, like every parent I always worry about your health, happiness and safety. I know the hours you work and the travel you do, as well as the stress and responsibility you take on. So I try and encourage you to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Charishma Kaliyanda: If by encourage, you mean, nag with great affection, you’re spot on! So what about your own self, what are you looking forward to?
Bhanu Chottera: I want to stay healthy as possible so I can travel, starting with Cambodia! I try and eat well, meditate, exercise and stay connected with my friends. I really enjoy being involved with charities and community work because I like helping people and I know that people have been there to support me when I needed it, so I pay it forward.
Charishma Kaliyanda: What the one lesson you want me to take forward?
Bhanu Chottera: Always listen to people, but believe in yourself and act according to what your heart is telling you.
source: http://www.indianlink.com.au / Indian Link / Home> India in Australia / by Indian Link / May 09th, 2024
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
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
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
.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
Meet Rani, a resilient woman from Heravanadu, a quaint village nestled in Kodagu’s Madikeri taluk, steeped in the rich history of Mysore’s royal legacy.
A century ago, Heravanadu’s origins were intertwined with the grandeur of Mysore’s royal legacy. The founding families arrived here at the behest of the Mysore king, tasked with caring for the royal horses. When the king eventually left, he granted them the very lands they had nurtured. Thus began the saga of Heravanadu’s small coffee planters and laborers.
Starting as laborers in the fields, they gradually transitioned to cultivating their own land, primarily focusing on coffee. Today, there are approximately 25 coffee farmers in the village, each owning plots of land ranging from 2023 square meters to 8094 square meters.
Rani HP embarked on her journey in Heravanadu as a young bride with hopes and dreams. However, tragedy struck when her husband expired, leaving her with the responsibility of raising their three children and only 8094 square meters of land.
Determined to secure a future for her family, Rani initially worked as a daily wage laborer. Seeking guidance, she turned to the Dharmasthala Sangha (SSG), where she received invaluable support from other women. With their assistance, Rani transformed her barren land into a flourishing coffee plantation over two decades of hard work and dedication.
As the coffee market evolved, so did Rani’s fortunes. From humble beginnings, she now commands a respectable price for her coffee beans, thanks to her expertise and perseverance. The turning point came when Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation spearheading the Unnati coffee project in Coorg, and ISWAR, an NGO, recognized her dedication and offered support to Heravanadu.
Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and ISWAR’s collaborative assistance were instrumental in providing specialized training, modern techniques in coffee plantations, and sustainable farming practices to Rani and her fellow farmers. As a result, Rani embodied the true essence of Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference women empowerment campaign, which aims to uplift and empower rural women farmers and entrepreneurs like her.
Recognizing her leadership qualities, Rani was appointed as a board director for the Madikeri Highlands Farmers Producers Company Limited (FPO), launched by ISWAR in Coorg.
Rani’s story epitomizes the collective strength of Heravanadu’s community. With the unwavering support of her fellow villagers and her resilience, she transformed adversity into opportunity. Today, as she tends to her coffee plantation and manages her small coffee shop, Rani stands as an inspiration, showcasing how dedication and community support can lead to success.
Her legacy extends to her son, Raghu, who now manages her plantation and household. Inspired by his mother’s perseverance, Raghu actively participates in the affairs of the FPO, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication passed down through generations.
source: http://www.businessnewsthisweek.com / Business News This Week / Home> Business / by Mansi )Praharaj / June 14th, 2024
This pop-up at the Marriott had more than just the popular pandi curry or Coorgi pork curry. Drawing inspiration from yesteryear and her grandmothers’ kitchen in Coorg, home chef Smitha Kuttayya has made it her mission to keep Coorgi cooking traditions alive.
In a world where fast food and standardised meals dominate, the value of traditional recipes and cooking methods with a focus on sustainability often seems overshadowed. Yet, for home chef Smitha Kuttayya, these traditions are more than just culinary practices; they are a bridge to the past, a way of preserving memories and cultural identity.
A native of Kodagu now residing in Chennai for 24 years, Chef Kuttayya has excelled in multiple roles throughout her career.
She is a celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer, a compelling writer, a dedicated teacher, an engaging storyteller, a successful entrepreneur, and a passionate home chef.
Each of these roles reflects her commitment to preserving her heritage while enriching her community with diverse talents. She has been a vibrant part of Chennai’s culinary landscape for over a decade and draws deep inspiration from her roots in Coorg and her grandmothers, who not only passed on their skills and recipes but also greatly influenced her passion for baking and cooking, which reflects in her brand, the Global Theeni.
Her journey from a humble baker to a champion of Coorg cuisine reflects a deep commitment to preserving culinary heritage while adapting to modern ecological needs. Drawing inspiration from yesteryear and her grandmothers’ kitchen in Coorg, Chef Kuttayya has made it her mission to keep these traditions alive. “In our family, cooking was always more than just a task—it was a form of storytelling,” she reflects. This storytelling aspect was evident in her recent Coorg cuisine pop-up at the Marriott Hotel Whitefield in Bengaluru, where Smitha Kuttayya showcased traditional Kodava dishes that included seasonal produce and were prepared adhering to sustainable practices.
Traditional Cuisines In A Modern World
Traditional recipes, she believes, are more than just instructions for making food; they are a tapestry of memories, methods, and values passed down through generations. “These recipes are a bridge to our past,” she says. “They connect us to our ancestors and their way of life, which is why they carry such unique and irreplaceable flavours.” This pop-up at the Marriott had more than just the popular pandi curry (Coorgi pork curry). The buffet had a wide array of dishes like the koli barthad (chicken fry), fish fry (mackarel marinated in spices and kachampuli vinegar), mutton pulav, Kodava chicken curry, and, of course, the pandi curry.
That’s not all. The vegetarians also had a wide selection of dishes that could confuse a Kodava too, as the community is well-known for their non-vegetarian fare. There was raw banana fry, which was made with the same marinade that was used for the fish fry. The baimbale curry or the bamboo shoot curry paired beautifully with the paaputtu (coarse rice semolina cake).
The seasonal kaad maange pajji, the bollari gravy (mangalore cucumber gravy), and the raw jackfruit pulav were a total hit among the diners. For her, maintaining traditional methods means adhering to the authentic ways of preparing and cooking dishes, even when modern shortcuts are available. “In Coorg cuisine, for instance, we don’t use tomatoes in our traditional recipes,” she explains. “We rely on natural souring agents like kachampuli (vinegar made from a fruit called Panapuli) or tamarind, which have been used for generations.”
Local Ingredients: The Heart Of Authenticity
Central to Chef Kuttayya’s approach is her unwavering commitment to local ingredients. For her, these ingredients, like wild mangoes, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, jackfruit, honey, jaggery, etc., are not merely components of a dish but symbols of a region’s cultural and ecological identity. “Local sourcing respects the origin and community, ensuring that what we prepare is a true reflection of our heritage,” she explains.
This philosophy aligns perfectly with her aim to offer an authentic culinary experience. In Chennai, where she has spent a significant part of her career, Chef Kuttayya found a unique demand for traditional Coorg cuisine. “Initially, people in Chennai didn’t have easy access to Coorg dishes like pandi curry, mange pajji, etc., unlike in Bangalore, where the Kodava presence is greater,” she notes. This gap led her to introduce Coorg dishes to a broader audience, not just the Coorg community but also Tamil locals eager to explore new flavours.
Seasonality And Innovation
A profound respect for seasonality guides Chef Kuttayya’s menu planning. She emphasises the use of ingredients at their seasonal peak to enhance flavour and ensure ecological balance. “Seasonal cooking supports local agriculture and ensures that what we eat is both delicious and sustainable,” she asserts. By aligning her cooking with the natural rhythms of the seasons, she fosters a deeper connection between the food and its source. “Most of our special ingredients are available only during the monsoon,” she explains. “We adapt our menu to make the most of these ingredients when they are freshest and most flavourful.”
Her wisdom of traditional cooking and baking with seasonal ingredients, intricately woven with sustainable practices, has evolved her style of cooking over the years. This time around, she presented a few dishes that could qualify as modern Kodava cuisine, like the coffee-infused chilly chicken dish, the monkey oranges and bird’s eye chilli sauce from her farm, or the coffee mayonnaise made with avocado and coffee, which was a pairing for one of the meat tarters. In her buffet, there was neer dose paired with organic jaggery and coconut, which is a classic combination. But during her pop-up tour at Marriott, she introduced neer dose alongside figs and bird’s eye chilli preserve that she prepared herself from the figs that grew plenty at her home.
While preserving tradition, Chef Kuttayya also embraces evolution in her culinary practices. She believes that traditional dishes can evolve while maintaining their core essence, making them appealing to contemporary tastes. “It’s about balancing tradition with innovation,” she notes. “You can introduce new flavours and techniques without losing the soul of the dish.” Her innovative takes include adapting traditional Coorg dishes with locally available ingredients when necessary. “Innovation doesn’t mean discarding tradition; it means enhancing it,” she asserts.
Sustainability In Tradition
The sustainable practices inherent in traditional cooking are another aspect that Chef Kuttayya values highly. “Traditional cooking relies on local, seasonal ingredients and minimal waste practices, showcasing a way of life that modern kitchens can learn from,” she states. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint but also supports local agriculture and ecosystems, making it a model for sustainable cooking in today’s world. This dedication extends to her personal cooking practices as well.
“Every vegetable or meat that we use for cooking, I make sure it is completely utilised. Nothing goes to waste and if there is something that can’t be used, it always composts. That’s a farmer’s way. We barely use oil in our cooking. When it is meat, especially, it cooks in its own fat. I do not waste anything and there is no other way that I can do it. “I buy only organic ingredients and test everything myself. I don’t even delegate it to the help in the house,” she says with a smile.
“I’m very particular about my ingredients and the way I prepare my dishes,” she notes. “Whether it’s a pop-up event or a one-on-one cooking class, I ensure that the methods and ingredients reflect the true essence of traditional cuisine.” Her commitment to sustainability extends beyond the kitchen to her packaging choices. “I use only tin and tiffin boxes for packaging, avoiding plastic entirely; even the baking sheets I use are organic,” she says. “It may cost more, but it aligns with my values of sustainability and respect for the environment.
source: http://www.slurrp.com / Slurrp / Home> Article / by Meghana Dayananand / June 13th, 2024
Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David is among some famous paintings that are commonly seen in Army Messes
The portraits, paintings and caricatures commonly seen in the messes across arms
“His eyes were brown, dark brown.”
That was a detail missing from the image I had received on my phone; it was a pencil drawing.
“His moustache would cover the upper lip,” said the next message. “Couldn’t see the shape. So, only the eyes are left.”
I looked at the picture again. A handsome man in his military uniform, two stars and an Ashoka emblem on each shoulder, surrounded by a buff passe-partout, sporting a mustachio markedly niftier than my memory of it. His name tag read: C T Somaiah.
Colonel C T Somaiah
I was on WhatsApp with his wife, Indra, discussing his portrait for this article. She is a naturally indulgent person and, at seventy-four, has perfected the art of generosity. Notwithstanding the questionable shape of the facial hair, she said she liked the sketch. “It brings out the essence, somehow.”
The sketch was a memento, presented to the late Colonel Somaiah by one of the two Air Defence regiments he commanded. It was a replica of his likeness that hangs in its Rogues’ Gallery.
Rogues’ Gallery. The term carries not-so-reputable connotations. Traditionally, it stood for a collection of mugshots of criminals, used by the police to identify suspects. The name is also familiar to DC fans: a group of supervillains that Batman has had to face over the years.
But the Rogues’ Gallery I am writing about features heroes.
In a military setting, it is meant to highlight the Commanding Officers, a.k.a. Tigers, of a unit. A set of portraits, typically photographs, is displayed in the office of the incumbent CO. Another set of pictures may be found in the Officers’ Mess.
The very nature of a Rogues’ Gallery evokes esprit de corps. The greatest binding force in the Army is unit cohesion, and the two institutions by which we can gauge discipline and standard are the Quarter Guard and the Officers’ Mess. The Quarter Guard is where the guidon — a flag or symbol used to represent the unit — is housed, and is the most important establishment in the unit lines. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the Mess.
Wedded to the Olive Green — a book considered to be the vade mecum for Army wives in India — has this to say: “As an institution, it has a great influence on an officer’s life… The customs and etiquettes, which are observed, are essential for fostering pride in the Service.”
The Mess, however, is one of the most misrepresented elements of Army life in popular culture, especially cinema. The glamour — the uniforms, the legends, the mythology — proves too much to resist, and filmmakers end up depicting a fantasy world with ballroom dances and designer gowns.
Some of the films guilty of such distortion are Hum (1991), Sainik (1993), Pukar (2000), Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (2004)…the list is long. Even sensible directors like Vishal Bhardwaj and Mani Ratnam couldn’t help going over the top in 7 Khoon Maaf (2011) and Kaatru Veliyidai (2017), respectively. Films that fare much better on the authenticity scale are Prahaar (1991) and Lakshya (2004); we could add Govind Nihalani’s Vijeta (1982) to this list, but it is an Air Force film, not an Army one.
Caricatures
So, what makes an Officer’s Mess “real”?
“The Mess should be martial,” said Kuki Bawa, one of the most pukka Army ladies I know. “It must have a lot of wood, brass, and, of course, silver. Maybe some leather as well.” Jutimala Thakur, another accomplished memsahib, added vintage paintings to the list.
Some famous paintings that are commonly seen in Messes across arms are Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David, Collision of Moorish Horsemen by Eugène Delacroix, and The Combat of the Giaour and Hassan, also by Eugène Delacroix.
Then there are paintings that are specific to a battalion or regiment. “No Bengal Sappers Mess is complete without The Storming of Ghuznee Fort,” said Shabana Chowdhury Ali. As a First Lady, she has a significant role to play in matters of Mess décor. “Sensibilities are changing,” she explained. “A lot of the artwork in our Mess comes from travels of officers and veterans.”
Collision of Moorish Horsemen by Eugène Delacroix
The Combat of the Giaour and Hassan by Eugène Delacroix
Most such paintings are reproduced at Mhow, Meerut, and Kolhapur, according to artist and fauji wife Monika Tomar Saroch.
Monika was commissioned by her husband’s unit to make thirteen portraits for its Golden Jubilee of Raising. She was given oil portraits as a reference, and she replicated them in pen-and-ink. It took her about a week to complete each picture.
“What do you keep in mind while making these portraits?”
“For me, the character has to come out,” she replied. “How he was as a CO.”
Illustrator Maryam Hasan Ahmad said she looks for the most defining feature of a person. “Also, I have to be very particular about the uniform. I cannot go wrong with hard-earned medals.”
Maryam was a new bride when she saw a Rogues’ Gallery for the first time eighteen years ago. “It was a dream of mine to make my husband’s pencil sketch when and if he took over command. And my dream did come true, Alhamdolillah!”
Maryam has since made portraits for many regiments, also experimenting with canvas prints.
The bar in an Officers’ Mess is where one can see more such inventiveness. At one Mess, I saw caricatures, complete with playful captions: The Connoisseur, The Meditator, Scholar Warrior, Top Gun… The Commanding Officer wanted something quirky for that space.
A former CO — who wants to be identified simply as “a senior veteran who had the privilege of leading his regiment” — said that whatever the occasion or constraints, a Mess should be grand enough to make a visitor’s jaw drop. “But a Mess is not a five-star hotel. And it certainly isn’t a boudoir with floral curtains and valances.” He reiterated that the Mess is one of the bedrocks of a unit, and its folklore and traditions must be carefully documented.
Portraits made by illustrator Maryam Hasan Ahmad
During his tenure as a CO, he had enlisted the skills of a gifted soldier to sketch a picture of his predecessor. He had also commissioned two portraits in oils to commemorate the achievements of unit officers.
One of those paintings features a much-admired officer who was awarded the Sena Medal as a young Major. I wrote to his son, a high school student with a strong sense of history, to ask him how he feels when he sees that portrait.
“I am really glad that the unit duly honours its gallantry awardees,” replied Raunaq Singh Bawa. “It is also very heartening to see his portrait alongside the other Tigers of the unit. I feel really proud.”
As I scrolled on my phone to download Colonel Somaiah’s image, I wondered if his wife felt the same way. Mrs. Somaiah called before I could tap on Save.
“You know, Sahana?” she revealed, “This is the only picture of his that I have kept on display. Sometimes, when I am alone, I like to just stand there and gaze at him. I see only his eyes. They talk to me.”
source: http://www.thepunchmagazine.com / The Punch Magazine / Home> Non Fiction – Essay / by Sahana Ahmed / September 30th, 2020
Fifty years after its inception, the cadets, staff and employees of Sainik School Kazhakoottam met for a reunion.
Sainik School principal Group Captain B Janardanan with Kannu Somaiah and former master N Balakrishnan Nair
Thiruvananthapuram :
Back then, the ‘65 and ‘71 wars had not yet happened, ‘Sholay’ was not even in the making and Raj Kapoor was still big-time. And in that once-upon-a-time era, a bunch of youngsters walked in to the newly-opened Sainik School at the Pangode barracks. That was then. Friday was now. But 50 years vanished in the blink of an eye at the Sainik School, Kazhakkoottam, on Friday afternoon as cadets, staff and general employees who were part of the school in 1962 met again after a gap of decades for a felicitation of the pioneers organised by the school as part of the golden jubilee celebrations.
“The school was first set up at Pangode, and by the end of 1963, it shifted to Kazhakkoottam,’’ recalled Col Balasubramaniam, the first school captain. “I’m the oldest Boy, but I don’t feel that old,’’ he quipped.
It’s really hard to imagine this army-moustached, stern-looking man with receding hair as a young boy trotting about in a school ground. But there it is. All around the Colonel are men who were part of his childhood, men who walked out of this school to become officers in the armed forces, film directors, technocrats or doctors.
“Four of the first batch, including me, joined the NDA,’’ Balasubramaniam, who is on his first visit in 48 years, said.
Perhaps the one person who was the centre of attention on Friday was Kannu Somaiah, wife of the late Col Somaiah, the first principal of the school. Known to one and all as just ‘Mrs Somaiah,’ she was the ‘mother in residence’ back then – the first First Lady of the Sainik School. ‘’I left here in 1966,’’ said Kannu, who lives in Coorg and came down for the function with her sons, and alumni, Vinod and Anand. Vinod now lives in Singapore.
“We came down to Thiruvananthapuram in December ‘61 with father. The discipline that we got at the school holds us through,’’ said Vinod Somaiah, who is visiting his alma mater after 45 years. Does he recognise anyone? “Oh yes!’’ Vinod says, as his gaze wanders to the school auditorium named after V K Krishna Menon, the Defence Minister who made it all possible back in 1962.
Three of masters were also present. The oldest of the three, K Madhavan Nair, the Physics master, George Joseph, the Biology master, and N Balakrishnan Nair, who taught Chemistry.
On Saturday, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the valedictory of the golden jubilee celebrations. Minister of State for Defence Pallom Raju and Air Marshal S P Singh will be present.
Friday’s function – presided over by school principal Group Captain B Janardanan – was also followed the ‘Satish Chandran musical evening’ organised by All-India Radio.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Thiruvananthapuram / by TNIE Online Archives / May 16th, 2012
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
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