Bopanna was accompanied by his family during the meeting with the CM on February 13.
Parents of tennis player Rohan Bopanna watch him being felicitated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on February 13, 2024. Bopanna became only the third Indian to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam title, taking the Australian Open crown with partner Matthew Ebden after a win over Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the final. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah felicitated tennis player Rohan Bopanna for winnig the men’s doubles Australian Open title and announced a prize of ₹50 lakh.
Bopanna was accompanied by his family during the meeting on February 13 with the CM who was accompanied by Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj S. Thangadagi, and his political secretary Govindaraju.
On social media platform X, Mr Siddaramaiah posted: “Met and congratulated Rohan Bopanna, who won the men’s doubles title of Australian Open tennis tournament and announced a prize of ₹50 lakh.”
Bopanna became only the third Indian to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam title, taking the Australian Open crown with partner Matthew Ebden after a win over Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the final.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / The Hindu Bureau / February 13th, 2024
The Kodava community came together in the heart of California’s Bay Area for the annual convention, ‘Namme by the Bay’ from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3.
The festivities commenced with an informal ‘meet the hosts’ gathering on the evening of Sept. 1 at the elegant Hotel Cabana Suites in Palo Alto, CA, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend filled with camaraderie and cultural immersion.
On Sept. 2, a pre-convention event unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of the Elliston Winery in Sunol, featuring a surprise flash mob performance. The night culminated in joyous dancing to the tunes of traditional ‘Kodava Valaga.’
While some guests embarked on an invigorating morning hike organised by local Kodava families on Sept. 2, others enjoyed a post-hike BBQ. For those eager to explore the beauty of San Francisco, an organised tour was on offer.
The main event, held on Sept. 3 at the Los Altos Community Centre, saw men donning the traditional Kodava attire ‘Kupya-chale,’ while women added a touch of Kodava elegance with colourful sarees.
The venue was transformed to capture the essence of Kodava culture, with enchanting decorations centered around the unique ‘Namme’ theme. The stage backdrop artfully depicted the essence of three prominent Kodava festivals — Kailpodh, Puthari and Cauvery Sankramana.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the ‘Baalo Paat.’ Dimpu Pasura, the event’s host, collaborated with local children to present a captivating cultural programme. Local Kodava children began with a devotional rendition of the ‘Kaveramme’ song, followed by an opening act by Chethan Bachamada and Pallavi Joyappa.
Priya Pattada extended a warm welcome, followed by a message about preserving the Kodava community from Col. (Retd.) Cheppudira P. Muthanna, who travelled from Kodagu to attend the convention.
The evening unfolded with a dance performance by local Kodava children, followed by a spirited ‘Bolakaat’ performance by the men. The highlight was a mesmerising dance by the ladies. A video message from prominent Kodavas representing the military, sports and show business played during the opening, offering their best wishes for the event’s success.
Overall, the event fostered hope and unity among the Kodava community worldwide. Looking ahead, the next convention in 2024 is eagerly anticipated in Chicago.
First-ever entrepreneur event
As part of the convention, the first ever entrepreneur event, led by Gana Pemmanda, Vikram Puttichanda and Sahana Bheemaiah Bachamada (Thamane Nambudumada), was held.
Entrepreneurs Nischay, Prithvi Biddappa Kandanda, Nischal Ammatanda, Sahana Bheemaiah and Gana Pemmanda shared glimpses of their entrepreneurial journeys, successes and learnings.
Guests had the opportunity to showcase their businesses and network within the Kodava community, with plans to maintain the momentum through a newly created North American Kodava entrepreneurs’ group, fostering collaboration.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2023
It is very humbling for me to reach these heights from the beautiful land of Coorg, says tennis stalwart Bopanna, the recipient of the Ace of Aces honour.
Great feeling: Bopanna receives the award from Viren Rasquinha, right, and L.V. Navaneeth, CEO, The Hindu Group, as Leander Paes applauds. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak
Australian Open men’s doubles champion Rohan Bopanna won the Ace of Aces award at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2024 held at the Taj Mahal Palace here on Thursday.
Bopanna received the award from fellow tennis player and Grand Slam champion, Leander Paes. “I always wished I could play doubles with Bopanna,” Paes said.
Bopanna recently became the oldest player, aged 43, to achieve the World No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles.
Wonderful athletes
“We are constantly travelling and playing tournaments, so it feels great to come here and meet all these wonderful athletes that India has produced. My goal was to win a men’s doubles Grand Slam and to reach the World No. 1 ranking. After years and years of sacrifice, I have finally realised my dream,” Bopanna said.
“It is very humbling for me to reach these heights from the beautiful land of Coorg. It was my parents who insisted that I train in an individual sport. That is when my tennis journey started, in Coorg. And now I have gone all the way across the world to win a Grand Slam in Melbourne,” Bopanna said.
He explained that his focus on adequate recovery changed the path of his career. “I started to focus on recovery at the end of 2019. My cartilages in the knee had fully worn out. I took around two or three painkillers a day. Doctor told me to try platelet-rich plasma injections. But just injections will not work; I had to do strengthening exercises. That’s when I discovered Iyengar Yoga.
“I was in extreme pain, so I gave it a try. Because of Iyengar Yoga, I can now play tennis without pain. I never thought this day will come,” Bopanna said.s
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Other Sports> SportStar Aces Award 2024 / by Ashwin Achal / February 09th, 2024
Rohan Bopanna presents his Australian Open 2024 winning racket to PM Modi
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, met tennis player Rohan Bopanna Friday. He praised Bopanna for winning the Australian Open, saying that his accomplishment makes India proud.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Glad to have met you Rohan Bopanna. Your accomplishment makes India proud and your dedication motivates several people. My best wishes for your endeavours ahead.”
Rohan Bopanna ended India’s six-year drought for the Grand Slam by clinching his maiden Australian Open 2024 title in the men’s doubles with Australia’s Matthew Ebden. Bopanna also topped the ATP rankings in doubles after reaching the final at Melbourne Park on January 24.
Meanwhile Tennis player Rohan Bopanna tweets, “I had the privilege to meet our honourable Prime Minister Modi today. This acknowledgement is very humbling & it was my honour to present the very racket that led me to become World No. 1 and the AO grand slam champion. Your grace has left me inspired & encouraged.”
The 43-year-old Bengaluru-born Bopanna became the only fourth Indian after legendary Sania Mirza, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati to clinch the Grand Slam title and top the ATP rankings in doubles. Bopanna also scripted history at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou by claiming a Gold medal in the mixed doubles with Rutuja Bhosale.
source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home / February 03rd, 2024
Unique rural wedding: Peepal tree and gooseberry sapling united in matrimony for village welfare.
A peepal tree and a gooseberry sapling being married off at Kadagadalu village of Madikeri taluk on Monday
Madikeri :
Hundreds participated in a unique wedding ceremony hosted in the rural part of Kodagu. A tree and a sapling were wedlocked in a spiritual matrimony as the residents prayed for the welfare of their village.
A peepal tree and a gooseberry sapling were married off in a ritualistic ceremony at Kadagadalu village of Madikeri taluk. The rituals were hosted for the welfare of the village under the guidance of a priest from Kasaragod district. The wedding ceremony was organized by the Botlappa Youth Association of the village.
The association was established in the village in 1993. As it completed 10 years in 2003, the members planted a peepal tree in the village premises as it was bestowed a spiritual status, the association members shared. In 2012, as per the advise of an astrologer, they carried out a thread ceremony for the peepal tree when it turned nine years old. The astrologer had also suggested that the tree be married when it turns 21 years.
It is believed that deities Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma reside within the Peepal tree, which is associated to great sacrosanct values in rural areas. While Peepal tree was personified as a groom, a saree was draped around the gooseberry sapling and ‘kanya dhana’ and other rituals were observed in par with the Hindu wedding.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / Express News Service / February 06th, 2024
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda chairing a meeting of his department in Madikeri on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday asked the district administration in Kodagu to conduct a survey of Jamma Bane land in the district. The survey was pending for many decades and the Jamma Bane landholders needed a pahani (RTC). In this connection, the authorities have to take steps for conducting the survey, he added.
The Minister was speaking during a meeting in Madikeri in connection with various issues concerning the Revenue Department. The Revenue Department related works were also reviewed by the Minister.
Since the Jamma Bane land holders do not have RTCs, they were not getting loans from banks and also facilities from the government. The people engaged in farming need to be given the RTCs. Therefore, the survey work has to be taken up, the Minister told the officers in categorical terms.
As many as 25,000 people in Kodagu are engaged in agriculture in Jamma Bane land. The land was in the name of one person in the land holder’s family. Others in the family also needed RTCs. So, survey of the land holds the key, the Minister argued.
If there was any dispute in connection with the land, the survey can be taken up directly of the respective land. The matter can be placed in the gram sabha and a solution can be found with the help of the local villagers, Mr. Gowda suggested.
The Minister said the Jamma Bane land survey has to be taken up on a war-footing, and added that the tahsildar and the assistant director of land records have to expedite the work, roping in additional surveyors for the tasks.
The Minister said the latest gadgets will be provided for the survey work. The licenced surveyors can be used for the task. The work has to be completed at the earliest, the Minister told the district administration.
A report can be prepared (after the survey) for addressing any issue over the land. Thereafter, an order from the government will be issued for issuing the RTCs, Mr. Gowda said.
A permanent solution has to be found to the issue as the government was committed to providing additional surveyors and the gadgets for completing the survey work.
He advised the officers to overcome the opinion that the Revenue Department and the Land Records Department were different. This is a joint survey which needs to be done by both the departments, Mr. Gowda asked.
The tahsildars, deputy tahsildars, village accountants, revenue officers, assistant commissioners and all in the department have to work as a team and get the survey done. The government hoped to extend facilities to Kodagu farmers and sanction relief. In this regard, the problems need to be addressed at the earliest.
The first instalment of crop loss relief has to be given to farmers in the district. If any names are missing, they will be incorporated and relief will be extended to them too.
The Minister told the authorities not to mismanage the drought funds and drinking water needs to be provided to all the households during summer.
MLAs Mantar Gowda and A.S. Ponnana were present.
Deputy Directors of Land Records Srinivas said Kodagu has 24 licensed surveyors besides 15 government surveyors.
Tahsildar Praveen Kumar said there have been disputes with regard to the Jamma Bane land. While the cases are being settled in some places, the parties are not coming forward in some places for settling the disputes.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 05th, 2024
Legendary Ammanda Vasu Uthaiah was considered by many as a pioneer in promoting hockey across Coorg and subsequently Karnataka.
AS Uthaiah / Credit: Special arrangement
Bengaluru:
Legendary Ammanda Vasu Uthaiah, who passed away at 83 after following a brief illness on Thursday, was considered by many as a pioneer in promoting hockey across Coorg and subsequently Karnataka.
Hailing from Virajpet, a town in Kodagu, Uthaiah carved a niche for himself in the competition-heavy Indian national hockey team from the late 1960s to 1970s. It was no mean feat by Uthaiah, a stylish player who excelled in the left half back position, amid intense competition for places.
Uthaiah, a recipient of Dusshera Puraskara Koda and the Silver Jubilee award of Karnataka, was a part of the 1970 Asian Games squad that won silver, but missed out on making the cut for the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Uthaiah also played for Madras Engineer Group and Centre hockey team for close to one and a half decades, playing almost all the First Grade hockey tournaments in the country.
He later turned up for the BEML Bangalore hockey team, winning a couple of KSHA Super Division titles.
Karnataka Hockey president AB Subbaiah spoke about the impact Uthaiah’s contributions had in kick-starting a hockey revolution in Coorg and Karnataka.
“He (Uthaiah) can be considered as Coorg’s first established hockey player to have played a major tournament and inspired the next generation of players,” Subbaiah said.
“From what I have understood after speaking to Uthaiah’s contemporaries, he was a very skilled player with a never-say-die attitude. A good tackler, and someone with a calm head,” Subbaiah added.
“As a person, he used to guide and support us and share his pearls of wisdom, and was very passionate about hockey and players coming up from Coorg and Karnataka.
“Even after his retirement, he would actively organise tournaments and headed the Kodava Samaj Sports Committee,” Subbaiah revealed.
Uthaiah is survived by a son and a daughter.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Sathvik Bharadwaj / February 02nd, 2024
The SHRC team interacting with members of the Yarava community at Balugodu hamlet in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairman L. Narayanaswamy has expressed anguish over the living conditions of the Yarava community members at Balugodu hamlet in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district.
SHRC has also directed the officials in Kodagu to ensure that basic amenities are extended and a progress report submitted to them. A progress review will be held in 20 days and the officials have been instructed to provide drinking water through tankers with immediate effect to the Balugodu hamlet.
Speaking in Virajpet after paying a visit to the hamlet on Wednesday, Mr. Narayanaswamy said that India boasts of success in Chandrayaan and is among the top five economies in terms of GDP ranking. But there are people who live in dire poverty devoid of basic amenities, lack of housing, electricity and connectivity which makes one wonder whether India was really developing, he said.
He said one has to introspect and question oneself about the prevailing system given the fact that there are Adivasi communities devoid of site, housing, drinking water facilities, electricity, anganwadi or school.
He directed the officials to ensure that the Yaravas in Balugodu hamlet are provided with basic civic amenities. ‘’Those who are part of the system and in the government enjoy all amenities but those outside it are deprived of basic amenities and is a matter of sorrow’’, said Mr. Narayanaswamy. The Yaravas are economically impoverished and extending all amenities to them by the local authorities should be the first priority, he added, pointing out that not even 5% of the government benefits have percolated to them.
SHRC member S.K. Vantigodi said the living conditions of Yaravas in Balugodu was deplorable and it was a clear case of human rights violation and exploitation.
T. Sham Bhatt, who is also a member of SHRC said government benefits have not reached the people of Balugodu and called upon the officials to take note and act upon it.
During their visit to the hamlet, the SHRC team apprised itself of the living conditions of the Yaravas and rued that they were living in tents devoid of basic amenities. The people of the hamlet bemoaned that they were living in such conditions exposed to vagaries of nature including heavy rains and severe cold. Besides, there was threat of snakes and hence sought concrete houses. A local resident said that 5 kg of rice being supplied by the government was not adequate and they get a square meal a day only when there was work in coffee plantations.
Later, the commission received grievances from the public and people sought for the immediate repair of Morarji Desai Residential School. It also inquired into cases pertaining to human rights violation in the taluk.
Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, ZP CEO Varnit Negi, Superintendent of Police K. Ramrajan and others were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com/ The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 31st, 2024
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.(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
Detailed project report is being prepared for developing key tourist facilities in the coffee land.
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja at the tourism committee meeting in Madikeri on Tuesday, January 30. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A master plan is being prepared to provide facilities at Raja Seat in Madikeri, Chelavara Waterfalls, Dubare elephant camp in Dubare, and Nisargadhama in Kushalnagar which are among the prominent tourist sites in Kodagu.
The detailed project report of the sites was being prepared, said Anita Bhaskar, Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Madikeri.
At the tourism committee meeting in Madikeri which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Ventakaraja, the Assistant Director sought the Deputy Commissioner’s permission to develop a website to provide information on the tariff of homestays that are registered with the Tourism Department besides information on the tourist facilities in the district.
The DC said tourists must get complete information on the homestays online as it will help them make advance bookings.
He suggested displaying taluk-wise information on the homestays in a website is being planned.
Hotel Owners’ Association president Nagendra Prasad suggested developing websites for promoting spiritual tourism and common tourist sites.
On the occasion, the assistant director told the meeting that many stakeholders have come forward to build a glass skywalk bridge in Kodagu, which has one such bridge near Madikeri that has become a tourist attraction.
In response, the DC said those wishing to construct glass bridges should have their land. Moreover, parking space was a must. The area should not come under eco-tourism zones and forest zones. All guidelines must be strictly followed.
Out of 4,000 homestays in Kodagu, only 1,900 are registered with the Tourism Department. The meeting was told that proposals are also being submitted for launching river rafting facilities.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India > Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 31st, 2024
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