The work for the Ain Mane at Dakshinachitra Museum began in June 2023 and the same is ready to be inaugurated today.
The Ain Mane established at the Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai.(Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
The Kodava Ain Mane forms the epicenter of the culture of Kodava community. The Ain Mane aka ancestral house act as curators of the Kodava traditions and culture. With an aim to introduce these traditional edifices to the world, a model of the Ain Mane will now be inaugurated at the Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai today.
Dakshinachitra is a cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyle, performing arts and craft. The museum is home to 18 traditional houses that depict the unique culture of South India. And as a 19th addition to the museum, a traditional Kodava Ain Mane has now been established at the center in Chennai and depicts the rich culture of the Kodava community.
“Our long search for an Ain Mane from Kodagu bore fruit in 2022. We acquired and dismantled the 1852 built Kodira family Ain Mane in Kodagu. The entire house was documented in detail and all the wooden elements were numbered, dismantled and transported to Dakshinachitra Museum in early 2023,” shared Rathi Vinay Jha, former secretary of the tourism department, member of the Sandooka Museum Trust and Life Trustee of Daskhinachitra Museum who headed the Kodava Ain Mane project. She was earlier involved in curating materials for the Sandooka Virtual Kodava museum.
The work for the Ain Mane at Dakshinachitra Museum began in June 2023 and the same is ready to be inaugurated today. The Ain Mane is lined with materials that exhibit the unique culture, traditions, rituals, folk culture, attire and cuisine of the Kodava community.
The project was supported by the CSR wing of Hyundai Motors and Mobis India Foundation. As confirmed by Rathi, a Kodava troupe from Kodagu will perform at Dakshinachitra today and tomorrow during the inaugural ceremony.
“The Dakshinachitra Museum managed by Madras Craft Foundation showcases ancestral homes from all the Southern States. The museum is 35 years old and they already have 18 such ancestral homes. The Kodava House will be the 19th such house. The Kodava house will showcase the culture and heritage of Kodavas and Kodagu,” she concluded.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Pragna GR / October 22nd, 2024
Scientists have developed a machine learning and cloud computing-based tool that can map landslide clusters in five minutes and simple events in just two, crucial for improving post-disaster risk and damage assessment1.
Understanding and mitigating landslides is challenging owing to the lack of spatial and temporal data. In a recent study, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi demonstrated how ML-CASCADE can be used to rapidly measure landslides using satellite data.
The semi-automatic method combines satellite data, terrain data, vegetation indices (measures of plant health), and machine learning. It uses pre- and post-event images from the Earth observation Sentinel-2 satellites, along with terrain factors, to classify areas as landslide or non-landslide. The application runs on Google Earth Engine’s cloud computing platform, allowing users to generate landslide maps instantly.
The tool’s effectiveness was demonstrated using two case studies — the Kodagu landslide in Karnataka’s Western Ghats and the Kotrupi landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Himalayas. For Kodagu, ML- CASCADE produced a precise landslide map in five minutes, which closely matched expert assessments. Similarly, the tool accurately captured the Kotrupi landslide’s extent in under a minute, matching existing manual and semi-automated methods.
ML-CASCADE’s advantages include speed, accessibility, and adaptability to varied terrain, making it suitable for low-resource settings. Its disadvantages are that, it may overestimate areas near riverbanks, and it relies on user-supplied training samples which introduces some subjectivity.
Future work could involve refining the tool’s accuracy in different terrains and integrating it with other disaster management systems.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d44151-024-00178-5
[This research highlight was partially generated using artificial intelligence and edited by a staff member of Nature India.]
References
Sharma, N. & Saharia, M. Landslides (2024).
source: http://www.nature.com / Nature India / Home> Nature> Nature India> Research Highlights> Article / Ocotober 29th, 2024
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has launched the ‘Connect Kodagu’ initiative in Madikeri, unveiling a comprehensive plan to elevate Kodagu as a prime example of sustainable tourism.
Through this initiative, KSTDC aims to promote eco-friendly travel practices, enhance visitor facilities, and preserve the natural beauty of the Kodagu district, a region renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The program gathered local tourism organizations and district officials to discuss actionable steps to ensure a responsible tourism approach that aligns with the needs of both the environment and the visitors.
Among the key measures discussed were upgrades to tourist amenities, tighter control over unauthorized wine production, and collaborative efforts with health and law enforcement agencies to ensure quality standards for local products. KSTDC’s vision is to build a cohesive tourism ecosystem where environmental stewardship is balanced with visitor satisfaction, creating a memorable and responsible experience for all who visit Kodagu.
Kodagu’s popularity as a destination for solo travelers and wellness enthusiasts has been steadily growing, thanks to its peaceful ambiance and potential for health-oriented tourism. To add cultural depth to visitors’ experiences, the initiative includes plans to convert historic local homes into unique lodging options, drawing inspiration from similar projects in North India. Infrastructure enhancements were also highlighted, with the proposed addition of essential facilities such as restrooms and small retail outlets at intervals along key highways to support visitor needs.
As part of its forward-looking strategy, KSTDC and the Kodagu administration are set to release a coffee table book showcasing the district’s many attractions, from scenic spots to cultural landmarks. Additionally, a tourism app is under development, designed to provide tourists with easy access to information on local sites, activities, and services. The initiative has already garnered strong backing from regional tourism associations, which view ‘Connect Kodagu’ as a landmark effort to position Kodagu as a sustainable and culturally enriching destination in India.
Through the ‘Connect Kodagu’ initiative, KSTDC is setting a precedent in the tourism industry by not only addressing current challenges but also proactively planning for the future. By focusing on environmental preservation, cultural authenticity, and infrastructure development, KSTDC aims to create a tourism model that other regions in India could follow. This program underscores the importance of sustainable tourism in fostering economic growth while protecting the region’s ecological and cultural wealth.
source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Trave and Tour World / Home> India Travel News / October 29th, 2024
Firefly by the River is run by a pair of well-travelled, fun-loving sexagenarians who bring their taste for the slow life to this spot in the woods.
In the sleepy Madalapura village of Coorg, on the banks of Harangi river, lies Firefly by the River—Nina and Captain Prio Chaubey’s labour of love. Initially, it was a single cottage with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a large verandah, enough to serve as a second home for the couple and their loved ones. The Bengaluru–based couple had found this spot when they went scouting for a place to spend their retired life. On this site by the tributary of the Kaveri, Prio and his fishing buddies would spend their weekends, patiently waiting for the elusive mahseer to come for the bait. Gradually, friends of friends and their families started calling in to check if they could come. Soon, Nina and Prio found themselves adding new rooms, and the result is now a homestay in Coorg where you can enjoy the riverside life.
Firefly by the River
About the homestay in Coorg
Firefly by the River
Think waking up in a villa sitting in the middle of coffee and pepper estates, paddy fields, orchards, bamboo groves and coconut, cinnamon and betel palm trees. Named after the thousands of luminescent fireflies that are spotted in Coorg in the month of April, the property has a total of five tastefully-done double rooms designed by the hosts themselves and built using local labour. “We always wanted a space that was not glitzy or luxurious but an extension of our home and the natural surroundings. We wanted the homestay to be a reflection of our personalities. Prio, with his artistic bent, was able to quickly execute our ideas,” says Nina Chaube. The two superior and two deluxe rooms are set as two independent cottages and the garden room comes with its own private entrance. Boasting rustic design elements and warm, earthy colours, all rooms are spacious and well-appointed with luxury mattresses and super soft duvets, a writing desk and a closet made of wood. The attached bathrooms have a shower with running hot and cold water 24×7. Tea/coffee sachets, an electric kettle and mineral water are part of the basic comforts.
Firefly by the River
Sit-out areas come with a variety of comfortable seating and offer picturesque views, especially during the mornings when the sun rays filter through the trees, painting them in a golden glow. No televisions in the room ensure you spend quality time bonding with yourself and your folks. Rooms do have Wi-Fi though.
Firefly by the River
However, the hammocks placed under the trees by the riverside remain the highlight of the property. “Our vision was to help people, especially those living in cramped apartments of chaotic cities, get a taste of a home in the outdoors. Our homestay is where you feel inspired to read, paint, write, cultivate hobbies, plant a tree and appreciate farm life. You are reminded of the fact that eggs and milk come from hens and cows and not from supermarkets,” says Nina Chaube.
And, of course, there is free-flowing love and cuddles from resident dogs—Husky and Leo. They never fail to give you a warm welcome every time you’re back after a wander around Coorg.
The hosts
Well-travelled, fun-loving sexagenarians, Prio and Nina have mingled with people from different parts of the world and always have interesting tales to tell their guests. Prio, who has studied in the UK and Australia, is an ex-master mariner with the Merchant Navy. As a child, Prio spent a lot of time on his father’s farm in Hunsur, a city in the Mysore district. During his school holidays, he would often go fishing and camping with his parents. Growing up on farms, Prio has a deep love for the outdoors. He is an avid angler and bird watcher besides being a talented musician, painter and sculptor. If Prio is around during your visit to the homestay, don’t miss sitting with him around a bonfire. He will regale you with his angling stories while strumming his guitar.
Hosts Prio and Nina / Firefly by the River
Nina, who has spent over 25 years in the luxury hotel industry, is an image consultant and a soft-skills trainer. Her passions lie in travel, food, wine and people. Nina and Prio have beautifully combined their talents and exposure to offer the guests an experience to remember.
The food
At the centre of the property, there is a common area where all meals are served. Yet again, the space is elegantly designed around a well and a little waterfall. You can hear the therapeutic sound of water as you dine. Every evening, they set up a bonfire here.
South Indian home-style breakfast / Firefly by the River
Nina believes that food is a huge part of a holiday and personally looks into the daily food menu, ensuring it is customised as per the guests’ tastes and preferences. Rithvik, the property manager and a local from Coorg, loves experimenting with his grandma’s recipes, giving them his own delicious twist. His South Indian chutney, sambar and fruit custard are a favourite with the guests.
No two meals are identical and everything is prepared from freshest, local ingredients. Since Coorg, also known as Kodagu, has its own unique cuisine, the hosts have put ample effort into gathering recipes from the kitchens of local families. Staff hired from a nearby village cook all the food incorporating local spice mixes.
Expect a home-style breakfast with South Indian delicacies like idlis and dosas, along with fresh milk, bread, fruits, juices, cornflakes and more. There is also organic honey from the region which you can take back home. Sample their melt-in-mouth Coorg-style River Pomfret, Pandi Curry (Coorg-style spicy pork curry), Akki Roti (flatbread made with rice flour, spices, herbs and vegetables), Coorgi pumpkin and vegetables, seasonal bamboo shoot curry, wild mango curry, kuru bean curry and Coorgi mutton pulao. Nool Puttu (rice noodles) with vegetable stew and kadambuttu (steamed rice balls) with chicken curry are other local specialties served here.
How to spend 48 hours at Firefly by the River, Coorg
Firefly by the River
While this homestay is the best place to master the art of doing nothing and simply revel in the beauty of the surroundings, there’s no dearth of places to visit and things to do in and around the property.
Go for a walk around the property premises and look for lemon grass, exotic Thai ginger, kaffir lime trees and Australian fig trees that are thoughtfully planted by the hosts.
If you’re a bird watcher, there are plenty of birds to spot in the area.
A coracle ride on the Harangi river is a great way to spend a morning at the homestay.
The resort staff can facilitate the same for you minus any additional charge. Offering the coracle experience to the guests is their way of supporting the local fishermen. You can tip the boatman an amount you like.
The hosts are happy to help you with hyperlocal experiences like coffee plantation tours, angling trips and more. Bylakuppe in Coorg is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India and worth a half-day tour. Spend a few minutes meditating at the stunning Namdroling Monastery, also referred to as Golden Temple, and finish with an authentic Tibetan lunch at Potala kitchen and cafe.
Don’t miss taking in the bird’s eye views of Coorg’s lush green hills and forests from Raja’s Seat in Madikeri. When here, treat yourself to a sweet-spicy pineapple chaat from one of the street vendors. And then, there is always the hammock by the river to retire to.
source: http://www.cntraveller.in / Conde Naste Traveller / Home> Hotels & Homestays / by Shikha Shah / October 28th, 2024
The Karnataka Government has ordered the nomination of representatives from newly added villages to the Virajpet Town Municipal Council (TMC).
The appointments are set to take immediate effect, with prominent names being included as additional members to the Municipal body.
Among those nominated as Councillors is Atif Manna, son of late Shahul Hameed Manna, a former Councillor of Virajpet Town Municipality. Another appointee is H.B. Anitha, wife of Ahmed Wahid.
Atif Manna, who belongs to the Nawayathi community, brings with him a rich political legacy. His family has played a vital role in Virajpet’s governance for decades.
The first Nawayathi Councillor and President of Virajpet Municipality was late Janab Maani Hussain Saheb Bahadur, who served as the President for 11 years. His contributions to the region were recognised by the Coorg Government, which honoured him with the title ‘Bahadur.’
The family’s political involvement spans generations. Atif Manna’s grandfather, Meera Manna, was a Councillor for three terms and once served as Vice-President of the Municipality. His father, Shahul Hameed Manna, served two terms — once through an election and once by nomination.
Continuing this lineage, Atif Manna has now been nominated as the Councillor to represent the newly expanded areas of Virajpet TMC.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 25th, 2024
The 24th Annual Get-together and Annual Meeting of Ramakrishnanagar I-Block Kodava Welfare Association, Mysuru, was held recently under the Chairmanship of Kodandera Puspha Machaiah at Kodagu Sahakara Sangha in Jayalakshmiopuram.
The Meeting began with invocation by Mundiyolanda Nanda.
Secretary of the Association Kenjangada Kariappa welcomed.
On the occasion, the Association felicitated Kotrangada Jaji Aiyamma for the service she rendered to the community; Deyanda Ganesh Kariappa for the service rendered in the Indian Army and also for the community.
Top scorers in Class 10 CBSE 2024 exams and Degree students were also feted with cash prize.
Annual Report of the Association was presented by Treasurer Kotrangada Appanna. Maletira Ganapathy, Vice President, proposed the vote of thanks.
Kattera A. Nanaiah, Advisor, Codanda Swagath, Joint Secretary and all other Committee Members were present.
The entire programme was compered by Kotrangada Shruthy Ashwath.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 26th, 2024
In the district, there are 26 elephants in Dubare, six in Harangi, and 11 in Mathigodu camps. Among these, only three female elephants are in Dubare and two in Mattigodu.
Representative image showing an elephant./ Credit: iStock Photo
Madikeri:
The number of female elephants in the elephant camps of Kodagu district is significantly low, leading to conflicts among male elephants.
In the district, there are 26 elephants in Dubare, six in Harangi, and 11 in Mathigodu camps. Among these, only three female elephants are in Dubare and two in Mattigodu.
Of the three female elephants in Dubare, two are aged, and one is a calf. Similarly, both female elephants in Mattigodu are calves. There are no female elephants in Harangi.
“This is causing daily fights and conflicts among the male elephants. Mahouts and caretakers are struggling to control these elephants. There is an urgent need for strong female elephants,” a mahout, who wished to remain anonymous, told ‘Prajavani’.
“Just on Sunday, a fight broke out between Dhananjay and Kanjan, causing concern not only among tourists but also among forest officials. If there were enough capable female elephants for the existing males, such fights and conflicts would not occur,” a forest official stated.
“In the camps of Mysuru district, female elephants are also rare. However, there are relatively more female elephants in Bannerghatta, and a proposal was previously made to send some from there to the camps in Kodagu, but it has not been fruitful,” said the forest official, who wished to remain anonymous.
Responding to this, veterinarian B C Chettiyappa stated “It is true that female elephants are needed. However, just having female elephants does not ensure that all male elephants will behave. Elephants in musth need to be carefully and separately managed,” he stated.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Ashwani Kumar N K R / October 25th, 2024
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