Abhay Singh and Joshna Chinappa with their reward for emerging on top in the 78th senior National squash championships in Chennai on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Joshna Chinappa kept her date with destiny by bagging a record 19th women’s title while Abhay Singh won his maiden crown in the HCL-78th senior National squash championships here on Saturday.
Joshna, seeded No. 1, overcame a strong challenge from Anahat Singh, the second seed, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 in the final, with assured court-coverage and precise shot execution. Abhay, the men’s top seed, powered past S. Velavan (5/8) 11-13, 11-7, 11-6,11-4 in the summit clash.
A composed Joshna attacked with power and used her vast experience to deceive the 14-year-old. In all three games, the 36-year-old took a sizeable lead only to find Anahat come back strongly.
Anahat fought for every point, showing her skills on the forecourt and backcourt with delicate drops, forehand and backhand winners. But Joshna was too good on the day.
“She played a fearless game and handled the pressure well. I remembered my first finals against Vaidehi Reddy, in the 2000 Nationals here, as a 14-year-old. It feels great,” said Joshna, who was resting for four months after suffering a knee injury and took the decision to play only days prior to the Nationals.
Velavan, playing in his first final, did well to save four game points to win the first game against Abhay. But the 24-year-old, who had won three PSA titles this year, came back strongly, pushing his State-mate to both sides of court and finishing the points with backhand crosscourt placements and forehand flourishes.
“Winning the Nationals was a dream for me and winning it in my first final is great. It is certainly my biggest win and very special,” said Abhay.
K. P. Karthikeyan, Member Secretary, SDAT, gave away the prizes.
The results (finals): Men: Abhay Singh (TN) bt S. Velavan (TN) 11-13, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4.
A large number of Kodava families attended the Kodava Convention organised by Kodavas residing in Mysuru at Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar here recently.
The objective of the Convention was to discuss and deliberate various burning issues and problems concerning Kodavas and Kodagu.
Former Principal of Cauvery College in Gonokoppa, South Kodagu, Prof. Ittira Biddappa, who was the main speaker of the evening, narrated the history of Kodagu. He also mentioned various services rendered and sacrifices made by Kodava community in nation-building. He also remembered the gallant and valiant combatant men and officers of Armed forces and Para-military personnel.
Cheppudira Arun Machaiah, International Karate Master and a social worker, called upon Kodava community to protect their own interest in Kodagu. He urged the gathering to be cautious regarding the political atmosphere in Kodagu and to choose the best political leaders for Kodagu.
Former Additional Advocate General and Advocate Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, who was the chief guest, appealed to the Kodavas to unite themselves to protect the legacies left behind by their ancestors.
Ponnanna also briefed about various issues concerned with Jamma land, the difficulty in getting their name recorded in Record of Rights and RTC by all those who left Kodagu long ago to other districts, other States or joined the Armed Forces and Para-military forces.
He reiterated that the land tenure in Kodagu is entirely different from other States. If Kodavas cannot succeed to include themselves and their children in the 9th column/ RTC in the share of Jamma land belonging to them, then the future generation of Kodavas would lose their identity as Kodavas which would be a disaster.
He also spoke at length regarding a writ petition filed by a person in the Supreme Court questioning the exemption given to Jamma land owners and Kodavas by race to possess guns as per Indian Arms Act.
Regarding the increasing human-animal conflict in Kodagu, the Advocate expressed concern over tigers attacking and killing humans and the troubles faced by people with more than 200 resident elephants in coffee estates posing threat to the life and property of owners and workers constantly. He also highlighted the inability of the present Karnataka Government and Forest Department to minimise the human-animal conflict in Kodagu.
The Convention concluded with an interaction session. Chenanda Raghu Uthappa compered.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 13th, 2023
The parasitoid can be released across estates during the summer months, which is the breeding time of the mealybugs.
Madikeri :
Coffee plantations are prone to several diseases and the attack from mealybug pests is among the major reasons for crop loss across estates. However, the Coffee Research Sub Station (CRSS) in Chettalli of Kodagu district has come up with a unique and organic way to fight this pest. Leptomastix Dactylopii, a parasitoid, has been developed at the station that will be effective in culling the mealybugs in the most ecofriendly way. “Mealybugs are major pests affecting coffee and they cause considerable crop loss,” explained Dr Manjunath Reddy, Entomologist at CRSS.
Ovalshaped, soft-bodied insects, the mealybugs are a threat to the pepper vines and other fruit trees in the estates too. The bugs breed during summer and cause immense damage to the crops during monsoon. “The bugs are covered with white mealy wax, making it tough to eradicate them.
Leptomastix Dactylopii (left); File photo of a mealybug-infested coffee plant
They suck a large amount of sap from leaves and stems with the help of piercing mouthparts, depriving plants of essential nutrients,” he explained. There has been an increased buildup of the mealybugs in the estates and the wild in recent times and Dr Manjunath analysed that this might be due to the abiotic changes in climate and environment. While there are a few chemical sprays to fight the mealybugs, they have been proven ineffective as these bugs infest the estates during the monsoon. However, the CRSS has come up with the most organic way to fight these bugs.
The substation has reared Leptomastix Dactylopii, a parasitoid that attacks and hunts mealybugs. “Female parasitoids lay eggs on the third instar (a lifecycle stage) and young adult mealybugs. A single parasitoid emerges from one mealybug. The parasitoid larvae eat the mealybug from the inside out. After 20-30 days, a young adult parasitoid emerges through a hole on the top-end of the dead mealybug,” he detailed.
A female parasitoid lays 300- 400 eggs,which develop into adult parasitoids in 20-30 days. These adult parasitoids have a lifespan of 2-3 weeks. The Leptomastix Dactylopii can be left in coffee estates that suffer from mealybug infestation and 1,000 Leptomastix Dactylopii are required to be released per acre of estate.
The parasitoid can be released across estates during the summer months, which is the breeding time of the mealybugs. The parasitoids are available at the entomology department at the CRSS in Chettalli and they are priced at Rs 250 per 1,000 parasitoids. This method is seen as the most economical and organic way to fight the mealybugs that infest both Robusta and Arabica varieties of coffee plants.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / January 25th, 2023
In the village of Bilugunda in Kodagu district is a Bhadra-Kaali temple. At the centre of its annual festival, is the ‘kudure’ procession — a group of Kodavas centred around a boy wearing a hollow frame with the head and body of a horse. During this festival, an oracle called Airira Devani accompanies the procession, as his father Boju used to in the past.
‘Kodava’ is both the name of a caste and a language. Around twenty castes of Kodagu, besides the Kodavas, speak the language. The Airi are one of them. Airira is the most common family name among this community.
According to researchers Boverianda Nanjamma and Chinnappa, the Airi were once skilled artisans, often either achari (carpenters), thatta (goldsmiths) or kolla (ironsmiths) by profession.
Central to the Airi community and Kodagu is the local mythology built around six gods and a goddess. Igguthappa is the chief among these siblings. Pannangalathamme, the younger sister of Igguthappa, has three main temples dedicated to her in the villages of Yavakapadi, Kedamallur and Armeri.
The Pannangalatamme temple gateway in Armeri
Near the Armeri Pannangalathamme temple lives an Airi family. Kaveriappa, an elder of the family, was my guide. He led me from the temple to his ainmane in Ettmani hamlet. It is an old, two-storeyed house with a red-tiled roof and in need of maintenance.
The front yard is roughly paved with large stones. The veranda has traditional wooden pillars rising from a low wall and a plank used as a seat between the pillars. Inside the house, there are pictures of various Hindu gods on the wall.
Treasure chests
This family in Armeri is called Mookairira. The word ‘Mooka’ means ‘eldest’ in Old Dravidian. The family got its name because they were the elder of two branches of an Airi clan. The younger branch was called ‘Ele’ (younger) Airira.
A Sandooka made by the Airis of Armeri
The Mookairira clan used to make sandookas and troughs for the kings and lords of Kodagu. Sandookas are wooden boxes used to store jewellery, documents, and other objects. It has a hinged lid, and is called a chandooka in Kodava. The family showed me an old one in their possession which had several small compartments inside.
A sandooka is a treasure trove, used to store precious objects which invoke feelings of nostalgia, fondness, attachment and joy in its owner. Common in the old houses of the Kodavas, they were a symbol of family, heritage and inheritance.
Unfortunately, sandooka-makers are now on the decline. The Mookairira, like others in their community, have switched over to agriculture for a living.
Kaveriappa got his family members Sujay and Kiran to help him explain things to me. “We were originally from the Vishwakarma caste. We brought our family goddess Cheerambe with us and established her nearby. Every year, around April 25, we offer her paal-pann (cow’s milk and fruits),” Kaveriappa explained.
They were given to hunting in the past. A large odikaththi war knife, probably made and used by their forefathers, was displayed on a yellow plastic stool. Like the Kodavas, the family worships their Guru Kaarana (principal ancestors) and offers them food and drink during an annual ceremony. They showed five small metal plates with crude human figures in relief on them, representing their deceased relatives.
Small metal plates with the images of the deceased family members
The periphery of their settlements was lined with stone piles. They had two small stone troughs in their garden. There was an old bent stone post in the yard. A pair of old stone posts and a lane with stone steps which led down to the fields were nearby. There was a large stone trough in their fields. It was said that this was made for the elephant of Uththa Nayaka, a Kodava ruler from Armeri.
Kiran, a Class 9 student, led me across the fields to a stone quarry nearby. This must have been the place where the family procured stone for making troughs and other objects in the past. The quarry forms a depression in a hillock and hence holds a large pool of water.
The family reportedly used to make traditional knives, and woodwork in ainmanes, temples, forts, and palaces. They were also employed as goldsmiths and carpenters by the kings. Largely forgotten, these skills are no longer being learnt by the family descendants and their community. But there are people from across castes making some of these articles nowadays.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum> Spectrum Top Stories / by Mookanda Kushalappa / February 08th, 2023
The annual general body meeting of Kodagu district bunts association was held on February 5 at Cavuery hall in the city.
Entrepreneur B D Jagadeesh Rai was elected as the new president of the association unanimously. V Ravindra Rai, entrepreneur of Kushalnagar was unanimously chosen as the chief secretary.
Vice president B K Ravindra Rai gave details of assests of association and trust. He also said that some members are spreading false propaganda with regards to the assets of the association. There is no truth in those statements. Accurate records of the assets are with the association and anyone can verify the same anytime.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravindra said, “We have got together after many years. Former president and secretary and conveying false information to the people. Some have declared association by themselves. Earlier, they did not even show interest to call the meeting of administrative committee.”
New president Jagadeesh Rai said, “There will not be any chaos in future. All works needed for the community will be carried out. Bunts bhavan is required for the community. It will be done during my tenure. Office bearers of the association will be elected soon.”
Virajpete Ratnakara Shetty, who declared himself as the president of the association without anyone’s consent and made derogatory video on social media about the community was rusticated from the association for indefinite period.
Many gave proposals with regards to the development of the association.
Secretary Harish Rai read the report. Treasurer B N Ratnakara Rai presented financial report. Honorary president B B Aithappa Rai did the introductory speech.
Balakrishna Rai welcomed the gathering. Kishore Rai Kattalekadu compered the event. Hita Yogesh Shetty offered prayers and rendered vote of thanks.
source:http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home / Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (MS) / February 10th, 2023
The pallu is neatly tucked over the shoulder and saree pleats are pushed backwards, the above style of saree draping is Coorg style of adorning saree.
The above style reflects the unusually beautiful culture of Coorg.
__________
Coorgi saree hails form the neighbouring state of Karnataka and it is very popular across the globe for its unique draping style.
While wearing the saree in this style, pallu is neatly tucked over the shoulder and saree pleats are pushed backwards, this one is also called Kodagu style saree or kodava Attire.
Along with this saree, women of Coor wear a piece of cloth which looks similar to the saree on their head, called vastra.
Origin
The origin of Coorgi saree is associated with a mythological tale of the great sage Agasthya and his wife Cauvery. The legend has it, that Cauvery transformed self in a river so that, she can serve people. The sage Agasthya tried his best to stop his wife from transforming herself into a river in the process her saree pleats were pushed back. It was from that time that women from Coorg wear saris in this manner.
Why Coorg women prefer this style?
One of three reason, the fable of Sage Agasthya and his consort Cauvery is an inspiration for the women in Coorg to drape their saris in Kodagu style. Another main reason for them to wear their sari is, they feel comfortable and make it convenient for them to move around in the hilly slopes of the area and even climb trees.
The Kodagu style draping is unique
The above style reflects the unusually beautiful culture of Coorg. The pleats of the sari, which are usually in the front in other saree, here, they are tucked at the backside of the waist. Similarly, the pallu of the saree too is draped from rear to front tucked neatly over the shoulder. These look apt when work in lustrous fabrics such as silk, satin or cotton for crisp pleating.
Originally, coton fabric was used to tie the above style of saree. But, when the British people annexed Coorg, they brought numerous changes to the Coorgi sari and the style of stitching. The blouse or jacket, which is worn beneath the sari also witnessed few changes from time to time and even the neckline changed and band collar and high neckline was introduced. Fabrics such as velvet and satin and silk were also experimented with.
The coorgi sari is coupled with blouse or jacket that is available in different styles. A veil or vastra (head scarf) is added in case of a bride. There is a petticoat along with another undergarment of calf length, which is usually made using cotton wool, Coorg being usually cold.
Be it a small celebration to one own’s wedding, kodava attire is worn by every women with great pride.
These sarees are made using different kind of fabrics, which make them ideal for every season or occasion. Mostly wedding attire, the brides in Coorg wear a red colored Kodagu style saree made with golden dots and she combines it with a red blouse and a red head scarf . Accessorized well with tradtional gold jewelry and shoes and socks. The kodava attire is unique on its own.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> Life & Style> Fashion / by Mary Sagaya / Hans News Service / February 07th, 2023
Puthari Othorme Koota of Pombolak Kodava Koota, Vijayanagar 4th Stage, was held recently at Kodava Samaja here.
Mundottira Jaya Chengappa, President of Pombolak Kodava Koota, welcomed. Hon. Secretary Chottanda Chengappa read the report of various activities undertaken by the Koota.
Sponsors’ list was read by Joint Secretary Guddanda Rashmi Uday.
Kullachanda Vinutha Kesari, Treasurer, presented income and expenses of the Koota.
Boppanda Appaji, Mallengada Sharan Somaiah, Mullanda Vinu, Theetharamada Dr. Devaki, Thithira Beena, Sports Secretary Adikera Sajan Kariappa and area representative of Kodava Samaja Ammanda Somaiah were the dignitaries on the dais.
Thathira Bheemaiah, Vice-President, proposed a vote of thanks.
The entire programme was anchored by Kullachanda Sahana Kesari. Kodava traditional dances were the highlight of the function.
The members actively participated in all the activities.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 06th, 2023
An 18-member team from National Defence College, New Delhi visited Gen. Thimayya Memorial Museum at Madikeri in Kodagu district on Wednesday.
The team was led by Air Vice-Marshal Tejbir Singh who said that the museum is a source of inspiration for present and future military leaders and eulogised Gen.Thimayya’s role in strengthening the defence forces.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 01st, 2023
Tourist footfall at Raja Seat in Madikeri has risen with the top tourist destination and one of the most visited sites in Kodagu hosting a flower show since Friday.
The flower show concludes on February 6.
Nearly 20 species of flowers and about 12,000 plants are part of the show with special floral decorations.
The highlights of the show include varieties of exhibits created in flowers, bonsai plants and others.
The Principal Secretary, Horticulture, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, visited the flower show with Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish on Saturday.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 04th, 2023
To commemorate the distinguished services rendered by General KS Thimayya, Padma Bhushan, DSO, a commemorative postage stamp and the first day cover were issued by the Department of Posts and Army Postal Service Corps at Fort William, Kolkata on February 4, 2023.
Lt General RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, and Col of the Kumaon & Naga Regiments and Kumaon Scouts unveiled the stamp and signed the First Day Cover in the presence of prominent dignitaries, veterans, senior serving Army officers and the present and Ex-Commanding Officers of 4 & 8 Kumaon, the battalions where General KS Thimayya had served.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> My Kolkata > News / by Kolkata Web Desk (edited) pix 2 of 4 / February 04th, 2023
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