Madikeri, often referred to as the Scotland of India, is set to witness the establishment of a cutting-edge sub-regional science center and planetarium at a projected cost of approximately 12.26 crores, courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology
Bengaluru:
Madikeri, often referred to as the Scotland of India, is set to witness the establishment of a cutting-edge sub-regional science center and planetarium at a projected cost of approximately 12.26 crores, courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology. The foundation stone for this landmark project will be ceremoniously laid tomorrow by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Nestled across 3 acres of pristine land in Karnangeri village, Madikeri, the facility will feature an 8-meter dome for the construction of the planetarium. Minister of Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, NS Boseraju, highlighted Madikeri’s unique advantage of minimal light disturbance at night, making it an ideal location for observing stars and planets.
In an official statement, Minister NS Boseraju emphasized the department’s commitment to promoting science and technology, fostering scientific education, cultivating rational thinking, and raising awareness about astronomy. The initiative aims to establish science centers and planetariums across district centers in the state.
Kodagu district, with its unpolluted skies and minimal light interference, provides an exceptional environment for stargazing. Minister Boseraju likened Kodagu to other picturesque locations such as Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, Run of Kutch in Gujarat, Nile Island in Andaman and Nicobar, and Matheran in Maharashtra. The sub-regional science center and planetarium project is envisioned to ignite interest in space exploration and provide students in the district with valuable educational opportunities.
The foundation stone laying ceremony, scheduled for tomorrow, February 25, will be graced by the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Minister NS Boseraju expressed optimism about the transformative impact of this initiative on the scientific landscape of the district.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home / by Bharath Anjappa / The Hans News Service / January 24th, 2024
Bopanna is set to become the oldest tennis player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open along with his partner Matthew Ebden of Australia.
Rohan Bopanna / File
Rohan Bopanna feels that his ascent to world No. 1 in doubles rankings at the twilight of his career is perfect boost that Indian tennis needed just when it was falling off the radar.
Bopanna is set to become the oldest tennis player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open along with his partner Matthew Ebden of Australia here on Wednesday.
The 43-year-old, who had entered the tournament with a career-high ranking of world No. 3, and Ebden recorded a comfortable 6-4 7-6(5) win over sixth seeded Argentinian duo of Máximo González and Andrés Molteni in the quarterfinals that lasted an hour and 46 minutes here.
Bopanna will be crowned the new numero uno spot on Monday after the end of the tournament.
“It (the feat) means a lot not to just me but for Indian tennis also. You need something to inspire the next generation. Sumit (Nagal) also had a great Australian Open. He won a round,” Bopanna told PTI in an exclusive interview from Melbourne.
And the star player said the feat came with a lot of sacrifices.
“Extremely proud of this (world no.1 ranking in men’s doubles). It’s a special moment. Lot of sacrifices have gone into this. My coaches, family everyone. My family is travelling with me, so different feeling,” he said.
In fact, he is more happy that for the past week, Indian tennis has been in the news.
“Nothing at all was happening in Indian tennis. You (journalists) also did not have much to write about, so this has happened at the right time.” Earlier, Rajeev Ram of the USA was the oldest player to be ranked world no. 1 when he had achieve the top ranking in October 2022 at the age of 38 for the first time in his career.
Ebden, on the other hand, is set to reach the world no 2 spot.
Bopanna twice reached the US Open final but never won a men’s doubles major.
He, however, has a mixed doubles trophy at the French Open when he and his partner Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada won the crown at the 2017 French Open, defeating Anna-Lena Grönefeld and Robert Farah in the final 2–6 6–2 12–10.
But Bopanna’s desire to win a men’s doubles title at the Slam still remains unfulfilled, something which we wants to achieve before hanging up his racquet.
“That’s a personal goal (winning men’s doubles title at a Grand Slam). It’s no one else’s goal,” he said.
For the veteran, it is always one step at a time.
“When you reach second round, next you want is third round then fourth, quarters, semi-final. So, yes I have been in two Slam final and now want to win but it’s a natural. You always try to go one better,” Bopanna said about his future goal.
Bopanna, who had achieved the highest of world No. 3 for the first time in 2013, is the fourth Indian after Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza to take the world number one rank in doubles.
He also didn’t forget to acknowledge the contribution of his long-time coach Scott David of the USA in his breathtaking journey in the game.
“I am probably fifty world number one of coach Scott David. It’s a proud moment for him also. I switched to doubles in 2010 and since then I have been with him only,” Bopanna said.
Bopanna and Ebden have been one of the most consistent pairs on the tour over the last 12 months. The duo reached the final of US Open 2023, their best result so far in Grand Slams.
En route the semifinals here, the second seeded Bopanna and Ebden, had to over come two close contests in the first and third rounds to book their place in the semifinals.
Their first hurdle came in the opening round against wildcards James Duckworth and Marc Polmans of Australia, whom Bopanna and Ebden defeated 6-7(5) 6-4 6-7(2).
Their next steep challenge came in the third round where they overcame 14th seeds Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands and Croatian Nikola Mektić 7-6(8) 7-6(4).
And Bopanna attributed the ability to finish close matches to his experience on the circuit.
“Experience is a great factor in getting those wins. Ever since, I started focussing only on doubles in 2010, it has taken me 13-14 years to reach this. I have been a journeyman,” said Bopanna, who will take over the top position from USA’s Austin Krajicek, who and his Croatian partner Ivan Dodig lost in the second round.
The Indo-Australian pair will play unseeded Tomas Machac of Czech Republic and Chinese Zhizhen Zhang in the semi-finals.
His former Davis Cup teammates Mahesh Bhupathi and Somdev Devvarman termed it as one of the greatest stories in Indian sport.
“Rohan Bopanna getting to World Number 1 today after 20 years on tour in my opinion is one of the greatest stories in Indian Sport!!!,” Bhupathi wrote on ‘X’.
“Bops first told me he was contemplating retirement 5 years ago, then 4 years ago, then 3 years ago…Moral of the story is…. Who cares… He’s number 1! Couldn’t be happier for the Bopanna family! rohanbopanna is the best story in indian sport,” Devvarman wrote.
Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Sports / by PTI, New Delhi / January 24th, 2024
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.(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
District secretary has told officials to prepare proposals for essential works and submit them during the CM’s visit; measures to be taken for securing ‘GI’ tag for Coorg honey.
Siddaramaiah | Photo Credit: File Photo
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be visiting Kodagu on January 25 to participate in the launch of various development works.
In view of the visit, district officials have been asked to prepare proposals for works that are essential for the district, and submit the reports. In this connection, secretary in-charge of Kodagu district N.V. Prasad held a meeting with officials in Madikeri on Saturday. He also reviewed the progress of various development works.
Mr. Prasad asked the officials to prepare a proposal for establishing a law college in Kodagu as the district currently lacks one.
Under a programme, law graduates belonging to SC/STs will get a financial assistance of ₹10,000 a month for a period of two years. However, no graduates from Kodagu are available for availing the benefit, said Social Welfare Department Deputy Director Shekar. The official brought this to the notice of the Secretary.
When District Surgeon Nanjundaiah said there is no college for physiotherapy courses in Kodagu, the secretary asked him to submit a proposal.
During his visit, Mr. Siddaramaiah will inaugurate a KSRTC depot in Kushalnagar and also launch various development works. The heads of various departments shared details on the programmes scheduled in their respective departments that are going to be launched. Indira canteens will also be launched.
An official from ITDP said Kodagu has 11 ashram schools, nine hostels, one Morarji Desai School and one Eklavya Model School. In total, 1,500 students are studying in these schools. After SSLC, a hostel for the students under ITDP was necessary, he added.
Honne Gowda’s suggestion was considered by the secretary who asked him to submit a proposal in this regard.
He also sought land for landless tribals in every GP.
The deputy director of the Department of Horticulture was asked to explore the possibilities of securing a GI tag for honey that is marketed under the name ‘Coorg Honey’. It’s an initiative of the farmers’ consortium and the matter will be discussed with the group, the DD told the meeting.
The district secretary also collected details on the progress of the guarantee schemes, including Shakti, and others.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / January 21st, 2024
B. Nanjamma Chinnappa inaugurating the Mysuru Literary Festival organised by Mysore Literary Association on Sunday. Prof. K.C. Beliappa, founder president of the Association and others are present. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
The ancestral homes of Kodava clans known as Ainmanes are on the brink and only 30% of such homes that are known to exist or have been documented, have survived, said statistician and writer B. Nanjamma Chinnappa, in Mysuru on Saturday.
She was speaking at the 5th edition of the Mysuru Literary Festival organised by the Mysore Literary Association at the Maharaja’s College Centenary Hall.
It is reckoned that there are about 1700 okkas or patrilineal clans and Ms. Nanjamma Chinnappa and her husband had studied and documented 800 Ainmanes besides photographing them about 20 years ago.
She said different clans among Kodavas had their ancestral house which was a meeting point and was central to the Kodava culture but was fast disappearing. Ainmanes were beautiful structures akin to Totti Mane with pillars and courtyard open to sky with woodwork rendered by carpenters from Kerala, she said.
Ms. Nanjamma Chinnappa said they uploaded their documentation of Ainmanes on a website and the directory is complete with the status of each of these ancestral homes.
She also explained how various aspects of Kodava culture and traditions including folk songs, were compiled and documented by her grandfather Nadikerianda Chinnappa in 1924 in a book titled ‘’Pattole Palame’’ and she and her husband went about translating them into English.
During the field work Ms. Nanjamma Chinnappa and her husband travelled extensively, met senior citizens to get a grasp of certain words that had gone out of vogue and came across these Ainmanes that were subsequently documented.
She said her grandfather realised that English would dominate the future and the local culture could be obliterated if not documented for posterity and compiled the traditions and culture of Kodavas and published it in 1924. The Ms. Nanjamma Chinappa translated the Pattole Palame into English.
On a positive note Ms. Nanjamma Chinnappa said today the youngsters take pride in their Kodava culture though some of the traditions have changed with the passage of time. However, she struck a note of caution about the Kodava language itself and said only about 2 lakh people speak the language and the UNESCO in 2009 had classified it as among ‘’vulnerable’’.
Prof. K.C. Belliappa, founder president of the Association and former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, and others were present.
Other speakers included Prof. R. Indira, sociologist, N. Manu Chakravarthy, cultural critic, Prof. H.S. Shivaprakash, poet and playwright etc.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 21st, 2024
Kodagu’s rich oral tradition was used to hand down the history, culture and social practices of the people. From the book The Vanishing Kodavas (Eminence Designs, Rs 7,500). Text by Kaveri Ponnapa. Four dudipatkaras (bards) sing the history of the clans
A new book chronicles the cultural history of an enigmatic hill people.
The Kodavas, an agricultural and martial hill community known for their oral cultural traditions, are thought to have migrated to and established themselves in the Western Ghats region of Kodagu.
Despite numerous theories about their origins, none have been conclusively proven.
Organised into patrilineal descent groups, they engaged in agriculture and warfare. They were governed by local chieftains who pledged allegiance to various larger kingdoms during their early history.
Later, a dynasty of Lingayat kings, supported by a council of chieftains, assumed control. In her book “The Vanishing Kodavas”, Kaveri Ponnapa chronicles her observations on field excursions throughout Kodagu, meticulously recording village festivals across several cycles, actively engaging in and observing ancestor propitiations, as well as documenting the significant life events within the community.
The Coorg valley is also referred to as the Scotland of India for it’s ethereal beautyIn the area of Coorg (Kodagu), terracotta tradition may be traced from the Megalithic period. A few terracotta figurines are known from the dolmen site of Moribetta (Cole 1868 and 1869)The person performing ‘bhuta kola’, a traditional dance wears special makeup, jewellery and costumes. He dances to very unique tunes of musicIn the olden days, a simple white length of cloth, tied around the head was worn as a headdress, or mande tuni as referred to in the Coorg dialect. On ceremonial occasions, this was replaced by a cream and gold mande tuniPariyakali harks back to the days when war was a constant reality in Kodava life and men were expected to display their fitness and prowess on many social occasionsAlong with the Saree, Coorgee women wear a piece of cloth on their head similar to the saree known as ‘the vastra’, and they adorn themselves with gold beaded jewellery to add to the beautiful attireThe ‘Kodava costume’ for men is called ‘Kupya’ which is a collar less half sleeve knee length jacket secured at waist with a maroon sash with gold embroidery called as ‘Chela’ and a knife is tucked into the ‘Chela’ that is referred to as ‘a peechekatti’ which represents their culturePuthari, Kodagu’s annual harvest celebration, is the most important festival across Kodagu, a landmark in the agricultural and social calendar
source: http://www.outlooktraveller.com / Outlook Traveller / Home> India / by OT Staff / January 20th, 2024
MLA A.S. Ponnanna after launching the Koosina Mane at Thithimathi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Women enrolled under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Kodagu need not have to worry about the safety and medical care of their children when they go out for work. For, a child care center has come up at Thithimathi in Virajpet taluk where the children would be looked after by the caregivers.
Koosina Mane, where the kids are taken care of, was inaugurated on Thursday.
MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna who inaugurated the child care center said the facility will be helpful to the children of those engaged in MGNREGA works. The center looks after children aged between 6 months and three years by the caretakers. The Thithimati villagers need to make best use of the facility, he said.
The growth of children was key in particular age groups and Koosina Mane will be helpful for the children’s growth as they are taken proper care by the experienced staff, he added.
Koosina Mane has come up in 12 Gram Panchayats in Kodagu and a committee headed by the Zilla Panchayat CEO was monitoring the functioning of Koosina Mane.
The ‘Koosina Mane’ scheme was announced in the budget by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio. The government has proposed to open nearly 4,000 child homes for the benefit of working mothers enrolled under MGNREGA.
The government announced the scheme in the budget intending to provide medical care, nutrition, and safety to the children of women from rural areas enrolled under the MGNREGA. The caretakers of the children at Koosina Mane will be paid a sum of ₹316 a day under the scheme. The women will be financially empowered since 100 days of employment is assured under the scheme.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 18th, 2024
In Kodagu, this performance is called theray. The performer readies himself with a colourful costume, (often red) and intricately done facial makeup along with head and neck accessories. Sometimes he wears a mask during the act.
Kuliya theray in Kadiathur village. Credit: Aiyuda Prasad Ponnappa
In southwestern India, the belief in gods and spirits ritually possessing a ceremonial performer who behaves as an oracle is common. Spirit worship is prevalent in Tulunadu (Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod), Kodagu and North Malabar. A performer in face paint and colourful costume invokes a deity or spirit into themself and then prances around, reminiscent of a Yakshagana or Kathakali dance performance.
This sort of ritualistic dance ceremony is known as kola or nema in Karnataka (especially in Tulunadu) and as theyyam in Kerala. The Tulu-speaking people in the Mangaluru region also call the practice bhuta aradhana, meaning spirit worship.
In Kodagu, this performance is called theray. The performer readies himself with a colourful costume, (often red) and intricately done facial makeup along with head and neck accessories. Sometimes he wears a mask during the act. There are members of a few communities from Kerala now settled in Kodagu (such as the Maleya, Banna or Panika), who perform theray.
Usually, one person who sings accompanies the performer, and another holds a wooden fire torch. During the ritual movements, the performer holds a mirror to his face and sometimes sits on a stool.
When a Kodava, or a Kodava speaker, is possessed, speaks as an oracle, and does not wear the theray costume and mask, he is called a thiralekaara and the performance is called a thirale.
Chaundi theray in Heravanad. Credit: Aiyuda Prasad Ponnappa
Popular deities like Chaundi (Chamundi) and her brother Vishnu Murthy are invoked during these performances. Vishnu Murthy represents a form of Narasimha, the half-man and half-lion.
During a Chaundi theray, the performer wears a long grass skirt and is dragged through a heap of burning coal. It was believed that this performance had the power to save devotees from smallpox and other diseases. The costume is painstakingly crafted with coconut fronds, making the appearance of the performer both subtle and dramatic.
There are also the five companion gods such as Kala Bhairava, Karibala, the young mischievous boy Kuttichatha, the comical girl Nuchchute and Kuliya. Pashana Murthy is another spirit-deity worshipped in Kodagu. Sometimes, a deity named Thotha is invoked before other performances. These are gods associated with the Malabar region who have been adopted into the spiritual pantheon of Kodagu.
Distinct deities
Interestingly, there are at least two animal spirits peculiar to Kodagu. There is the ‘Yeth theray’, where a bovine spirit is called upon and the ‘Nari puda theray’ where a tiger’s spirit is invoked. These are similar to the Panjurli boar spirit-related rituals of Dakshina Kannada, which are also performed in parts of Kodagu.
The therays take place annually or once every few years. Very often, they are organised by a person who made a vow to do it in exchange for divine grace. Few clans (like Nadikerianda, Iychettira, Bollepanda, etc) arrange these events in their ainmanes (ancestral homes). Most villages conduct therays in their village yards.
Kaliat Ajjappa
Kuliya theray in Kadiathur village. Credit: Aiyuda Prasad Ponnappa
Another spirit invoked during the therays is that of Ajjappa, who is widely regarded as a local hero. His mention can be found in the Manual of Coorg (1870), where Reverend G Richter mentions ‘Kalyatanda Ponnappa, or simply Kaliat-Achchappa’ of Naalnaad. He is remembered in folk songs, and worshipped by the people of Coorg.
Ponnappa was much admired for his marksmanship and feared for his prowess in occult magic. His popularity grew and soon, he became the leader of Naalnaad. The legend goes that Karnayya, the head of the neighbouring region, was raising a secret army against the Haleri dynasty’s king at that time. Karnayya wanted Ponnappa to join forces with him. But Ponnappa refused and acknowledged the Haleri king as his overlord.
Alerted to Karnayya’s plans, the king assigned Ponnappa the task of countering him. Ponnappa was given the king’s weapons and an army of 500 men. He was able to counter Karnayya successfully.
But eventually, Karnayya tricked his way into drugging and cornering Ponnappa. The hero managed to fight off his enemies, despite being outnumbered. It is believed that Ponnappa invoked the ten spirits of the netherworld in the battle. However, he was mortally wounded by the arrows.
Despite his injuries, he limped and dragged himself to the nearby shrine. He remained there for some days where he later breathed his last. The place where he died is revered as a sacred spot even to this day.
The king pursued Karnayya relentlessly and finally defeated and killed him.
This period can be dated to the time of Vira Raja’s reign (circa 1600), when some of the Kodagu Nayakas, such as Karnayya, were subjugated and put to death. From that time onwards, the Haleri dynasty was firmly established in Kodagu.
Kaarana (ancestral spirit) theray of Mandaneravanda clan in Palur village. Photos by Aiyuda Prasad Ponnappa
It was after his death that Kalyatanda Ponnappa was called Kaliat Achchappa or Kaliat Ajjappa. In Kodagu, there are several shrines dedicated to this folk hero. One of the most famous among them is his samadhi (memorial) near the temple of Makki Makki Sarthavu. This spot is claimed to be the place where he passed away.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Mookonda Kushalappa / January 18th, 2024
Whenever a soldier of my country died in war or peace, I always felt a tad diminished as a citizen of this country. That was how I felt this morning on hearing the news of passing away of Maj. Gen. C.K. Karumbaya SM, (retd.) in city. He belonged to Kodava community of Codanda family and was known by his pet name Keshu. I knew him from my College days in Madikeri, Kodagu, where he was three years senior to me and was in NCC. He was aged 87 when he faded away from amongst us. It is truly said, ‘A soldier never dies, he simply fades away.’
As for me, his memory will linger in my mind for the reason that I was in close and constant touch with him when he came to Mysuru to settle down after retirement in early 90s. In his personality, manner of conduct and character, he was a man cut out by destiny to serve the country where the utmost sacrifice is required — ready to give life, like a true patriot.
As with his men in uniform wherever he was posted, so also after his retirement, he remained a people’s guide and leader with so much of human feelings and concern in his thought and heart. As for courage and selflessness, he was like Julius Caesar of the dim past known for his bravery. Caesar’s military prowess was known when he conquered Gaul (now France) and his selflessness at the time he fought and won the Civil War in Rome against his rival Pompey.
It may sound pompous and improper to compare Gen. C.K. Karumbaya aka Keshu to the legendary Julius Caesar. But I was just drawing a parallel in respect of certain higher qualities by which a man must live by and lead a life not only for oneself but also for others. Let me illustrate these qualities of a braveheart that Gen. Karumbaya was by giving examples.
While he was in the Army, during the Bangladesh War of 1971, then Maj. Karumbaya took over the command of 5th Maratha LI (5th Royals Battalion) when the Commanding Officer of the 5th Royals was wounded in the Battle of Elangi. Maj. Karumbaya acquitted himself so well under challenging circumstances that his Divisional Commander promised to present him with a bottle of Scotch if Maj. Karumbaya succeeded in capturing Magura in the South of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Writing in Star of Mysore, dated 16th December, 2014, about the Victory Day of Bangladesh War, Karumbaya mentions about this episode and how he also won the bottle of Scotch his Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. K.S. Brar had promised. Apparently, the bottle was never emptied and Karumbaya wrote: ‘This bottle of premium Scotch continues to be displayed with much pride in the Officers’ Mess till today.’
Let us hope the bottle remains there when Gen. Karumbaya will not be there to see it anymore. This incident is indeed a testimony to his courage and the confidence his superiors had in his military competence. Except for impairment of hearing due to a blast injury he suffered during Bangladesh War, he lived a healthy life till some months before his end came today.
Gen. Karumbaya was in Kargil, J&K, where he introduced sporting activities for local youths, himself participating. He told me the youths were good and very friendly. About politicians of his days there, he had a different take. Politicians were Janus-faced, he said. One senior politician who ruled J&K during a visit to his camp had whispered to his ears to mix Vodka to the soft drink Fanta at lunch!
Though he could have lived in city in greater comfort, he chose to live in a village farm on Bogadi Road in the midst of a coconut grove. However, his concern for the common man and the common cause of the community did not diminish unlike many inactive social activists who issue press statements using photo-ops, like arm-chair NGOs. He always led a protest movement or public demonstration for a public cause from the front which was why in the 90s and even later we could see Maj. Gen. Karumbaya standing tall among the groups of protestors. He was a member of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), Mysore Lok Swaraj Andolan (MLSA), Elder Citizens Council, a member of Mysore Sports Club, JW Golf Club and Mysore Kodava Samaja.
Understandably, the presence of the General in these organisations and clubs made a difference. He was not the one who would countenance any wrong doing in the administration of these organisations and clubs nor would he compromise on principles. Such people often become thorns in the soles of those who have a different agenda. No wonder he dragged an office-bearer of Mysore Lok Swaraj Andolan (also a senior Defence Officer) as a Convenor of MLSA to Court and won the case.
He was taking active part in MGP, headed by Bhamy V. Shenoy. It was around 1993-94 and the MGP had taken up the cause of protecting the People’s Park where the Government and the MCC had decided to construct a public library (which has now become a fait accompli) in a sinister barter deal with a builder who offered to construct the library pro bono in exchange for land facing the main road for him to construct shopping complexes.
This proposal had the blessings of Corporation Council and the matter had gone to the Court as PIL by MGP. Much heat was generated as a result between the contending parties. One day Bhamy Shenoy, the Convenor of MGP, received a letter from the then Mayor’s Office of the City Corporation stating if the matter was pursued he would be murdered. When Shenoy mentioned this to Maj. Gen. Karumbaya, he was naturally upset and even angry. According to Shenoy, who shared this information with me this morning, the General put on his army gear and appeared before the Mayor in full army uniform taking him to task. Since the Mayor did not deny the charge, it was assumed the intimidating letter was indeed sent.
Bhamy Shenoy said that he had no prior information about the General’s decision to confront the Mayor in this manner. All that I can say is that Maj. Gen. C.K. Karumbaya, SM (retd.) was indeed a braveheart as much as a kind human being that one should always be in one’s life. After all, one cannot be a hero always in life but one can always be a good human being. And he was one.
RIP Keshu
e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Abracadabra…Abracadabra> Columns> Top Stories / by K B Ganapathy / January 04th, 2024
The valedictory of Kannambira N. Girish Kushalappa Memorial Inter-Kodava Association Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament for Mysuru Kodavas and Veterans Cricket Match has been organised at University Hostel Ground in Manasagangothri here at 3.30 pm on Jan. 15, under the aegis of Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru.
Palandira K. Somanna, President, Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Souhardha Sahakari Niyamitha Sangha, Mysuru, will be the chief guest.
Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, President, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru and Kannambira Neeta Kushalappa (wife of late Kannambira N. Girish Kushalappa), sponsor of Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament, will be the guests of honour.
Kuttimada D. Muthappa, President, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru, will preside.
Earlier at 2 pm, an Exhibition Cricket Match by veterans (sponsored by Mrs. & Mr. Palandira K. Somanna) will be held at the same venue, according to a press release.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / January 14th, 2024
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