Category Archives: Records, All

KC Ganapathy: The first Kodava Yachtsman and an inspiration to his teammates!

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KC Ganapathy will pair up with Varun Thakkar to represent India in the men’s 49er event at Tokyo 2020. 

KC Ganapathy and Varun Thakkar at Tokyo Village (Courtesy: @VarunThakkar100/Twitter)

Indian sailing star KC Ganapathy not only made his country proud but also put his community — Kodava — on the sailing map of the world by making a cut in the 49er event (with crew member Varun Thakkar) for Tokyo 2020 at the Mussanah Open Championship earlier this year.

For the uninitiated, the Kodavas are a tribe from the Kodagu region of Karnataka in India, who speak the Kodava language. And the 26-year-old will be the first from his community to represent India at the Olympics.

His journey to the pinnacle of the sporting event has been challenging as after losing his father, Deepak Chengappa, it was his mother Reshma Chengappa, who ran the furniture business for his family in Chennai.

However, his achievement is also fulfilling for his grandmother Padma Prathap, a resident of Kolthodu village near Hatur in South Kodagu, as she has seen Ganapathy overcome all the odds.

“He won the Under-12 National Championship and has come a long way. I pray for his success every moment,” she told the starofmysore.com.

Incidentally, his journey is also inspiring for his Indian sailing contingent teammates, who have seen his never-say-die spirit at close quarters.

It happened so in 2020, that after being reduced to visual training for a major part of 2020 in Chennai, Ganapathy and his crew member Thakkar decided to train in South India in Rameswaram. However, the plan turned out into a disaster, as a bike accident almost reduced his chances of competing any further.

Ganapathy suffered a hairline fracture on the foot along with a soft tissue damage. But he was able to pull off the recovery in no-time, thanks to the doctors and training process he was asked to follow. His teammate Vishnu Sarvanan, a laser radial class sailor, has had a lot of respect for him ever since.

“When I got into sailing for the first time, I kind of looked up to him,” Vishnu told the New Indian Express.

Moreover, Ganapathy also worked on putting up weight to balance his boat (along with his partner), which needs a minimum of 160 kilograms on board. And from quitting school to pursue sailing on a full-time basis, Ganapathy has come a long way in pursuit of making his dreams count

When will KC Ganapathy’s campaign at Tokyo 2020 begin?

Varun Thakkar and KC Ganapathy will begin their campaign at Tokyo 2020 on July 27, Tuesday, in the men’s 49er Race 1.

source: http://www.olympics.com / Olympics.com / by Samrat Chakraborty / July 26th, 2023

Kodava community demands virtual constituency on the lines of intangible seat for Buddhists in Sikkim

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Kodagu district is one of the smallest districts in Karnataka. It was a Part ‘C’ State from 1952 to 1956. It was amalgamated with the then Mysuru State (now Karnataka) in 1956.

Guns are part of the Kodava culture in Kodagu district of Karnataka. They are used during auspicious occasions.

Members of the Kodava community, in the hill district of Kodagu, are demanding exclusive, intangible constituencies in Parliament and the Karnataka Assembly on the lines of the Sangha virtual constituency for the Buddhist monastic community in Sikkim.

The Codava National Council (CNC), a body fighting for autonomy for Kodava people, fears that the community may lose political representation after the delimitation exercise in the year 2026, since the population of the community is coming down.

Kodagu district is one of the smallest districts in Karnataka. It was a Part ‘C’ State from 1952 to 1956. It was amalgamated with the then Mysuru State (now Karnataka) in 1956.

Recently, CNC members submitted a memorandum to the President, Union Law Minister and Chief Election Commission of India seeking creation of a virtual constituency for the Kodava community.

Nandineravanda U. Nachappa, president of CNC, told The Hindu, “Indian government ratified the rights of Buddhist monastic community through the Sangha constituency, which was created in 1958.” He argued for a similar arrangement for the Kodavas, who are a unique community but are becoming numerically negligible.

What is the Sangha virtual constituency

Sangha Assembly constituency is one of the constituencies in the 32-member Assembly of Sikkim, a State in the northeast region of India.

“The Sangha constituency doesn’t exist on the map. This seat is reserved for the Buddhist monastic community of Sikkim — Buddhist monks and nuns. About 3,293 voters registered with the 111 recognized monasteries in Sikkim State are the only ones who can contest and cast their votes for the Sangha constituency seat.

“Kodavas want a similar seat in both the Karnataka Assembly and in Parliament so that we get our own representation since our population is now down to only 70,000 people,” Mr Nachappa explained.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah BP / July 15th, 2023

‘Happy to move on from Davis Cup,’ says Rohan Bopanna

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City’s tennis ace Rohan Bopanna and his wife Supriya Annaiah talk about his successful stint at Wimbledon ’23, maintaining a high level in sport and his final appearance at the Davis Cup.

Bengaluru : 

While it is undoubtedly true that Indian tennis ace Rohan Bopanna is in the twilight years of his sporting career, a quick look at his recent achievements denotes he is still far from being finished. The 43-year-old, in the recently-concluded Wimbledon, reached as far as the semi-finals in the doubles category with his partner Australia’s Matthew Ebden.

Getting to the final four of a major at his age is pretty unprecedented. But the laurels don’t end there. Bopanna also rose to no 7 in the ATP rankings for doubles, the first time he reached the number since 2013. Bopanna says the experience at Wimbledon was ‘fantastic’.

“Especially since last year, I did miss Wimbledon. They did not have any ranking points last year, so I decided to skip the event. It’s one of the events which I think every tennis player wants to play. It’s a mecca of our sport. And Matt (Ebden) and I had a pretty successful season so far. We had some tough matches in the beginning, and I think fighting through that was a tremendous achievement for us,” shares the Bengalurean.

Regarding making it into the top 10 rankings, Bopanna elaborates, “It’s really good to be back in the top 10. Especially with the way I’ve been playing. I think the Grand Slams make that difference. You can achieve big points in major events like Grand Slams and Masters. This year, that’s what we have done. And I think it has really shown the difference,” he says.

The pressure of maintaining a high level in sport gets harder as you age, and support from loved ones is crucial. Supriya Annaiah, Bopanna’s wife and a practising psychologist, explains, “I don’t work with him as a psychologist. Ethically, I can’t and personally don’t cross that boundary. Each athlete’s needs and requirements from their spouse varies.

So when I started travelling with him on the tennis tour 12 years ago, it meant understanding his world from scratch, but it was also very freeing – to be able to customise our partnership to pay attention to his needs and performance, while I get to honour my needs and individuality too.” She adds, “Tennis is a sport that demands a lot out of an athlete on and off the court to be at a particular level – I’ve witnessed Rohan go through the grind of it.

So when I cheer for him on and off the court, it is equally (sometimes more) for the man he is behind what he does professionally.” Annaiah believes that the need for an athlete to maintain their mental health is pertinent now, but there isn’t much awareness around it in India when it comes to sport psychology. “There are courses that are being offered, and professionals are being churned out in India.

However, in sport, there isn’t enough awareness and practice in a place where physical health is given attention at par with mental health despite knowing that both go hand in hand. Athletes need to know that they don’t need to reach a tipping point to seek help,” says Annaiah. This year, unfortunately, is the final time Bopanna will play in the Davis Cup in September, a tournament he has been playing since 2002.

“One of the main reasons I decided to stop playing Davis Cup is because I know, this is one place where if I stop, another Indian will be able to take my place. It’s been a long career representing India in the Davis Cup, over 20 years. So, I’m very happy to move on and am very happy that I can bow out of the cup in India,” concludes Bopanna, adding that the one thing that helped him was to have short-term goals.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Tunir Biswas / Express News Service / July 29th, 2023

Madikeri to get critical care center on KIMS campus

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MP urges CM to release an additional sum of ₹70 crore for the 450-bed teaching hospital of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences.

Pratap Simha, MP, at the meeting on KIMS in Madikeri on Friday. Deputy Commissioner Venkatraja is also seen. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha on Friday urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to release an additional sum of ₹70 crore for the completion of a 450-bed teaching hospital for Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Madikeri. A sum of ₹100 crore had been released for the hospital project and additional funds are essential for completing the works, he added.

Earlier, the MP held a meeting with the officials and doctors of KIMS on establishing a critical care center on the KIMS premises in Madikeri. The proposed center has been estimated to cost₹29 crore, he said.

Engineer Rajesh told the meeting that the critical care center has been proposed on 45-cent land on the KIMS campus and the tender process had also been done. He said the general wards of the teaching hospital of the KIMS are likely to be completed by November. The works need additional funds for completion, he said, adding that the critical care center will be completed in the next 15 months.

Mr. Simha told the officials to send the proposal on a critical care center to the government for the funds. MRI equipment for the teaching hospital and the mother and child hospital for Kodagu has become essential for improving public healthcare services, he added.

The hospital doctors and staff told the MP about the need for constructing quarters for the KIMS staff. In reply, the MP said suitable land for the staff quarters will be provided.

The concerned engineers told the meeting that the land on Murnad Road belonged to the KIMS and the same land parcel can be used for building KIMS’ staff quarters.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / July 28th, 2023

Cabinet Okays Mention Of ‘Kodava/Kodavaru’ In Caste Certificate Instead Of ‘Kodagaru

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Bengaluru:

Fulfilling a long-pending demand of Kodavas, the Karnataka Cabinet, which met here on Thursday, agreed to mention as ‘Kodava/Kodavaru’ in the Caste Certificate, instead of ‘Kodagaru,’ who are currently listed in the 3a Category.

Announcing this after the Cabinet meeting here yesterday, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil said the State Government has accepted the recommendations made by the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission to use the words ‘Kodava’, ‘Kodavaru’, instead of ‘Kodagaru’ in the list of Backward Classes and issue a notification in this regard.

The Commission, after a thorough study, in 2005 and 2010, had recommended the Government to use ‘Kodava’ and ‘Kodavaru’ in Kannada and  ‘Codava’, ‘Codavaru’ in English, instead of ‘Kodagaru’ in the 3a Category list.

The Karnataka High Court, on Dec.16, 2021, had directed the Government to use the name ‘Kodava’, Kodavaru’ as suggested by the Backward Classes Commission. Justice Krishna S. Dixit had passed the order while allowing a petition filed by Codava National Council (CNC).

The Court then had also cautioned the Government of imposing a heavy cost in the next level of legal battle if it does not comply with the order within an outer limit of three months.

CNC’s effort pays off

The Cabinet decision on Thursday is a victory of sorts for CNC and its President N.U. Nachappa, who had fought over the issue for over a decade.

With the change of Government in the State, Nachappa and other CNC members had met Chief Minister Siddharamaiah recently under the leadership of Virajpet MLA  and Advocate A.S. Ponnanna and reiterated the demand for mentioning ‘Kodavaru’ in the Caste Certificate. Nachappa had argued that in the past, it was mentioned as ‘Kodagaru’ in the Caste Certificate, which had an impact on the cultural and social values of the Kodavas.

He further maintained that the CNC had appealed to the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission Secretary to bring in changes in the Caste Certificate issued under Category 3a.

Now, CM Siddharamaiah, responding to the plea, brought the issue before the Cabinet yesterday, which approved using the term ‘Kodava’, ‘Kodavaru’ in the Caste Certificate instead of ‘Kodagaru.’

The Cabinet decision has also called the bluff of former BJP MLAs of Kodagu, who had turned away from their responsibility regarding the issue for years. When confronted over the issue, the former MLAs in the past had constantly argued that the matter does not come under the purview of the State Government and it is the Centre which has to do it.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / July 28th, 2023

Kodagu native secures sixth rank in LLB

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Kodagu native secures sixth rank in LLB

Mysuru: 

Nithish PV, a native of Kodagu, has bagged sixth rank in the five-year LLB course (Kannada medium) in the state.

Karnataka State Law University, Hubballi, has announced the tentative list of rank holders.

A student of Vidyavardhaka Law College, Nithish wrote exams in Kannada language and scored 51.28 % marks.

He hails from Abbur Katte village in Somwarpet taluk.

He is the son of farmer couple PD Vijay and MS Shobha, said senior advocate S Lokesh, under whom Nithish is currently receiving hands-on training in Mysuru.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / July 27th, 2023

Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated in Mysuru, Kodagu

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Kargil Diwas being observed in Mysuru on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

Kargil Vijay Diwas marking India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war was celebrated in the city on Wednesday and tributes paid to those who were martyred in the war.

The district unit of the Akhil Karnataka Ex-servicemen’s Association along with Rotary Club of Heritage Mysore, held a programme which was attended by MLC C.N. Manje Gowda.

A bike rally of nearly 150 persons was taken out in the city to mark the occasion and it was flagged off Col. R.R. Menon, Commandant, NCC Group Head Quarters, Mysuru and the rally passed through the main thoroughfares of the city. There was also a function at a choultry where ex-servicemen from the city who took part in the Kargil war were also felicitated. MLA T.S. Srivatsa, Ex-servicemen association president K.P. Diwakar and others were present.

Members of Yuva Bharat also celebrated Kargil Vijay Diwas at Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa Circle.

In the neighbouring district of Kodagu, Kargil Diwas was attended by a large number of ex-servicemen and their family members besides the general public. The main event was held at General Thimayya Memorial Museum in Madikeri and district in charge Minister N.S. Boseraju paid tributes to the martyrs. Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda said that all efforts would be made to build a community hall which has been a long-pending demand of the ex-servicemen in the district.

The MLA said there were more than 5,000 ex-servicemen in the district and hence a community hall was imperative. He said the sacrifices of the soldiers who died fighting for the country has to be recalled and Kargil Diwas was one such occasion. An ex-serviceman Girish Kiggalu was felicitated on the occasion and he recalled how the Indian soldiers overcame the Pakistani army and inflicted a defeat on the enemy forces.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / July 26th, 2023

KRS breaches 100-ft mark, thanks to copious rain in Kodagu; Kabini inching closer to attaining full reservoir level

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A file photo of the Krishnaraja Sagar in Mandya district.

The water level in the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) across the Cauvery breached the 100-ft mark on Tuesday morning and attained 102.35 ft by night owing to heavy rain in the catchment area of the river for the last few days. Meanwhile, water level in the Kabini reservoir in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district is nearing the full reservoir level.

The southwest monsoon, which was weak in Kodagu during June and a greater part of July, gained traction during the last few days consequent to which heavy to very heavy rain lashed the district, bridging the deficient significantly.

This also helped increase the volume of the inflow and enabled the KRS to cross the 100-ft mark, which seemed unlikely till a few days ago. The reservoir level was 91.24 ft on Saturday.

While the reservoir level has crossed the 100-ft mark as against the full reservoir level of 124.8 ft, the live storage in the dam increased from 16.69 tmcft on Saturday to 22.81 tmcft on Tuesday, an increase in the storage by 6.12 tmcft in less than three days. But it is pertinent to note that this is only 46% of the dam’s gross capacity of 49.45 tmcft.

Inflow and outflow

The inflow was at the rate of 48,025 cusecs on Tuesday morning and increased to 49,280 cusecs at night, according to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) and the outflow was at 5,449 cusecs. The current trend of increased inflow into the KRS may last so long as Kodagu receives copious rain coupled with an increase in the discharge from the Harangi where the outflow was hovering around the rate of 30,000 cusecs on Monday, dropped to 20,000 cusecs on Tuesday afternoon and further declined to 13,000 cusecs by evening.

The forecast

The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Gonikoappal, which is the District Agro Meteorological Unit of Kodagu, has forecast rainfall from 41.6 mm in Somwarpet to 60.9 mm in Madikeri and 59.9 mm in Virajpet, on Wednesday. But from Thursday onwards, the forecast indicates that the rain will abate and the three taluks are expected to receive between 8.7 mm and 14.7 mm rainfall on Thursday and 1.5 mm and 3.1 mm on Friday with a further decline by Saturday.  Consequently, the rate of inflow into the Harangi and the KRS in the downstream will also abate.

Kabini nearing FRL

The Kabini reservoir at Beechanahalli in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district is inching closer to attaining the full reservoir level of 2,284 feet.

This is due to heavy inflow consequent to rain in the catchment area of the river in Wayanad, Kerala, in the upstream region. The rate of inflow was 25,485 cusecs and the water level was 2,281.27 ft on Tuesday. The authorities have announced that the outflow from the dam was stepped up from the rate of 15,000 cusecs to 20,000 cusecs and said the Bidarahalli bridge could be partially submerged.

Kabini is the first reservoir that tends to get filled up as early as late June or in the first week of July during monsoon but this year scanty rain resulted in poor inflow into the reservoir. The gross storage capacity of the reservoir is 19.52 tmcft against which the live storage on Tuesday was 17.79 tmc ft.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / byThe Hindu Bureau / July 25th, 2023

Brik Oven and Food Lover Company Unite for a Breakfast Sandwich Pop-Up, Benefitting the Coorg Wellness Foundation

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Bangalore : 

Brik Oven, the renowned Bangalore-based pizzeria is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Nikki Ponappa, golf coach and founder-the Food Lover Company, for a special breakfast sandwich pop-up event. This partnership aims to support the Coorg Wellness Foundation, with all proceeds from the event going towards the charitable organization. 

Brik Oven’s sourdough, meticulously fermented for 48 hours, will be generously packed with the most delicious fillings. The menu will be showcasing a range of breakfast sandwiches including scrumptious Burrata and Mozzarella cheeses and bread made in-house at Brik Oven. Drawing inspiration from the coffee heartland, the sandwich spread will feature an authentic Coorg delicacy as well, directly sourced from the estates of Coorg – the Pandi Curry. The offering will also include Veg, Vegan, Prawn and Brik Oven’s own Roast Chicken and Ham varieties, paired with fresh seasonal fruits for a harmony of flavours. 

Brik Oven and the Food Lover Company aim to create a memorable culinary experience for attendees while supporting a noble cause, a commitment to building a community and giving back to the Coorg Wellness Foundation. The Food Lover Company has made significant contributions to the foundation’s initiatives, including the construction of homes and the provision of higher education for children in Coorg.

Drop in at Brik Oven and dig into these mouth-watering sandwiches. Follow @brikovenblr on Instagram for more updates!

●  WHEN: 30th July 2023 

●  WHERE: Brik Oven Indiranagar

●  TIMINGS: 8:00am – 11:30 am

●  PRICE: INR 500/- onwards plus tax 

●  CONTACT: +91 98809 55129

●  LOCATION: 872/a, 80 Feet Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560038   

source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Buzzzing Now> Food Business News / July 25th, 2023

Akhilesh Yadav Takes Time Off To Visit Kodagu, Mysuru

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After Opposition alliance meeting in Bengaluru…

Stays at a resort in Galibeedu, visits General Thimayya Museum at Madikeri and Suttur Mutt in Mysuru

Madikeri/Mysuru:

After attending the Opposition unity meeting at Taj West End, Bengaluru, on July 18, former Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav headed to Kodagu to stay at Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg in Monnangeri village, near Galibeedu.

Interacting with a few resort staff and the guests for a few moments, Akhilesh said that he had come to Kodagu a couple of times when he was a student at Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) (now JSS Science and Technology University) and had visited Madikeri to witness the night-long Dasara procession.

Before heading to Kodagu, Akhilesh had a stopover in Mandya where he rested at a private hotel and he met his old friends and classmates.

After his night’s stay in Kodagu, the Samajwadi Party leader took time yesterday morning to visit General Thimayya Museum at Madikeri which celebrates the life of former Army Chief General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya, housing a variety of antique weaponry and war relics.

Welcoming the former UP CM, Museum Manager Subedar Major Gowdanda Thimmaiah, took him around the Museum and explained to him how ‘Sunny Side,’ the erstwhile ancestral house of General Thimayya, who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961, has been renovated and converted into the Museum.

Accompanied by party National Spokesperson Rajendra Chowdhuri, Akhilesh Yadav went to every section of the Museum and was curious to know the tradition of warriors and how the Kodagu district became a nurturing place for Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, General Thimayya and other numerous Lieutenant Generals, Brigadiers, Majors and the other Defence Services officers.

The Kodagu Police had provided tight security to the visiting VIP and media persons were not allowed inside the Museum during his visit. Only one camera person was allowed to click photos. Here too, Akhilesh spoke about his warm association with Madikeri and Mysuru.

“I studied in a Military School and read about General Thimayya. I recently came to know about this historic and well-maintained Museum and I had made up my mind to visit Madikeri. I bow to the celebrated General and the soil of Kodagu,” he said.

Picture shows Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji blessing the Samajwadi Party leader during his visit to Suttur Mutt at the foot of Chamundi Hill in city.

Akhilesh returned to Mysuru where he caught up with a few of his friends and classmates. At SJCE, between 1990 and 1994, Akhilesh studied Civil Engineering before proceeding to Australia for MS in Environmental Engineering.

His classmate Dashrath Rai and others accompanied Akhilesh to Suttur Mutt where the former UP CM took the blessings of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji. The Swamiji felicitated Akhilesh and presented a memento.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / July 209th, 2023