Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) is “monsoon-ready” in Kodagu as it has deployed additional men and equipment in the coffee land as a part of special plan for tackling problems triggering from rains.
The rains and the landslides that occurred in 2018, 2019 and 2020 did a lot of damage to the power supply infrastructure as the devastation was widespread and the CESC incurred heavy losses following damage to the poles, transmission lines and transformers.
Learning from the past experiences, the CESC is now geared up to meet the challenges of monsoon in Kodagu which usually witnesses heavy to very heavy rains, causing power disruptions because of the damage caused to its infrastructure.
“Our men and equipment are ready to tackle contingencies and minimise hardships caused to the people by restoring disruptions at a faster pace. The past experiences helped the corporation to make preparations for tackling the hurdles posed by the monsoon,” said CESC Managing Director Jayavibhavaswamy.
He told The Hindu that the recent transformer maintenance drive helped the corporation to rectify transformer issues in Kodagu and these measures have come as a relief now since those works have to be carried out now if not done earlier.
The necessary groundwork has been done with the corporation deploying 15 additional vehicles and 75 additional gang men besides keeping ready surplus electric poles, transformers, cables and all other needs. The preparations done so far ahead of monsoon can help to attend to the challenges and deal with the inconvenience that accompanies whenever there was a damage caused to the power supply infrastructure, he added.
An order deploying 110 linemen is also being issued soon and they will be serving in Kodagu. This will help us in attending to emergencies, if any, from rain. The maintenance works done in the last three months were supportive. Steps to attend to the sagging lines, taking precautionary measures in hazardous lines and maintenance of transmission lines around the waterbodies were done.
With regard to the transmission infrastructure inside forests, the MD said the poles are taller than the trees and the damage to the poles from tree falls would be minimal. Due to tall poles, cables don’t get easily damaged when trees get uprooted during rains. It has also helped in mitigating damage from wildlife. The hitches have been cleared, he added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – June 10th, 2022
Having studied at AIISH Mysuru, Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda becomes the first Indian-American to occupy the top post.
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda is a Professor (Adjunct) at Texas Tech Health Sciences and Chief Audiology Officer at National Hearing and Balance centres in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With more than 30 years of experience, he is now the President-Elect of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and he will have a three-year term from October 1, 2022.
Hailing from Kodagu and coming from a humble background, he did his B.Sc. in Speech and Hearing from the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH – 1970 batch), then under the University of Mysore. By becoming the first person of colour to head AAA, Dr. Bopanna has become a role model for many.
Star of Mysore caught up with Dr. Bopanna, who was on a short visit to Mysuru and spoke to him about his role in AAA, Mysuru memories and his family. Excerpts:
Star of Mysore (SOM): You have a three-year term and how do you propose to take forward the programmes of American Academy of Audiology (AAA)?
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda: The American Academy of Audiology is the world’s largest professional organisation of, by and for audiologists. It is committed to advancing the science, practice and accessibility of hearing and balanced healthcare for our patients.
I am humbled and honoured to be elected by the members as the President-Elect and later the President of AAA. My role is to understand the issues and address them when I take charge. These opportunities and challenges vary from year to year. However, the Academy has set goals and agenda to further the profession and help audiologists achieve their highest potential.
SOM: You are the first Indian-American to occupy the top post of AAA. This is no mean feat and you studied at AIISH Mysuru. Do you have any fond memories of Mysuru?
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda: I do have a lot of fond memories of Mysuru. Back then Mysuru was a quaint town with excellent opportunities for scholarly work, today too I hope it’s the same. I still cherish my time in Mysuru when I used to meet friends at the corner of crossroads (Somberi Katte) and talk for hours. I also fondly remember the joy I felt riding my bicycle to the Institute from home. So Mysuru and my time in Mysuru is very much in my thoughts.
SOM: Audiology is a relatively lesser-known profession or a field of expertise in India. Do you think there is a lack of awareness? If so, what should be done to popularise it?
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda: You are absolutely correct. Audiology is lesser known. However, the field of audiology has been in existence in India for a long time. Based on my research, I see an apathy for hearing loss and corrective measures to overcome communication problems. Hearing loss and its impact are not well-acknowledged and hearing loss and its impact on humans need to be made aware.
As we know that the two major inputs to the brain are vision and hearing. We are quick to correct vision problems but are reluctant or hesitant to correct or use hearing aids. Recent research has clearly shown that an untreated hearing loss has many impacts on communication, psychological well-being, and most of all deterioration in mental functions. Hearing loss does not only affect hearing but has broader consequences like memory loss etc. I don’t know the reasons why people cancel or postpone treatments. Being out of India, I have limited knowledge of the apathy or lack of motivation of the general public to deal with hearing problems.
SOM: AIISH is doing wonderful work in audiology and the institute has grown in leaps and bounds. Your comments on this.
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda: AIISH is a great institute. I had the opportunity to visit the institute a few days back and I was stunned by the clinical facilities, research work, and innovative projects. I was humbled by the warm welcome extended by the Director, Dr. M. Pushpavathi. The Institute that I remember has changed a lot, and changed for the better. I am so proud to say that I graduated from this premier institution.
SOM: You are from Kodagu, a small district, how did you get to where you are now professionally?
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda: Like many Indians in the 80s, I stepped foot in the USA with a dream. I was born to late Pulianda Kamakshi and late Ballachanda Belliappa. My dream began when I graduated with a B.Sc. degree from AIISH and a love for Wild West through John Wayne movies. On the way to the Wild West, I did a two-year stint as a specialist of Speech and Hearing at the Al Sabah Hospital in Kuwait, finally ending up at the University of Texas, Dallas, where I earned a Ph.D in Auditory Neuroscience, the study of hearing and the brain which at that time had not been explored very much.
SOM: Tell us about your initial days in the US.
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda: I was recruited by Purdue University, Indiana, as an up-and-coming academician. While at Purdue I pioneered clinical procedures for practising audiologists, authored two books that are used as educational material in many audiology programmes and many professional/scientific articles that received acclaim in the hearing industry.
I returned to India after 10 years in the USA in 1990 and got married to Kambeyanda Naina Muthappa and then I moved to the University of New Mexico as an Associate Professor of Audiology.
SOM: Tell us how you got involved with American Academy of Audiology and the business side of audiology?
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda: During my tenure at the University of New Mexico, I became actively involved with the American Academy of Audiology. I was the first foreign-born audiologist in the USA, the first Indian to be elected to the Board of Directors of the AAA, and served as President of the New Mexico Speech-Hearing Association and on the Senate of the University of New Mexico.
After seven more years of teaching at the University of New Mexico, I gave up a guaranteed job to venture into yet another phase in my life — clinical practice. With the help of my wife, who is a Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur, I opened my first clinic in July of 2003 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The first year was a challenge, but after that, by God’s grace, I’ve never had to look back. Another seven years later I had the opportunity to purchase a group of clinics in Arizona and Texas. My wife says seven is my magic number. I had 16 clinics in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. My wife and I owned and ran the clinics together.
SOM: Tell us about your family and do you feel you achieved your American dream?
Dr. Bopanna Ballachanda: I have a wonderful son and a daughter, Tanek Ballachanda and Jyothi Ballachanda. Tanek is a mechanical engineer working for a space programme in Seattle, Washington State while Jyothi is studying to become a pastry chef.
Have I achieved my American dream? Life is a journey of fascinating dreams that evolve, I don’t think I’m even halfway there. It’s been a lot of hard work, and it was never about the money, but about pushing myself beyond. In that sense, I think I have a sense of fulfilment.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / June 09th, 2022
The Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Coorg Institute ofTechnology (CIT), Ponnampet, conducted a five-day hands-on workshop on “PCB Design using KiCAD” to students from May 23 to 27 to help them achieve success in their academic environment by applying these skills into practice.
The resource person was Jay Kishan Singh, Embedded System & IIoT Engineer, New Delhi.
Hon. Secretary of Kodava Education Society C.P. Rakesh Poovaiah and Mukesh Kumar, Director of RCPL (Outreach partner of E&ICT Academy, IIT Kanpur) inaugurated the workshop. Dr. M. Basavaraj, Dr. S.S. Divakara of Department of ECE and the staff members of the Department were present.
The workshop aimed at bringing students to get familiarised with PCB layout making tool “KiCad” that can be used in their future projects. Participants were taken to hands-on session on KiCad software.
The resource person was appreciated by Dr. M.C. Kariappa, Hon. Vice-President, Kodava Education Society, during the valedictory function.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 08th, 2022
Seventy five families who had lost their houses to the devastating flood that hit Kodagu in August 2018, were allotted new houses as part of the rehabilitation programme of the Government.
The allotment was made through draw of lottery by the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner B.C.Satish on Wednesday. The new houses have been constructed near the office of the Regional Transport Authority.
The DC said in the first phase of the rehabilitation, 35 families whose house was completely destroyed in the flood, were rehabilitated and provided with new houses in Karnageri while 383 houses were constructed in Jambooru near Madapura. Similarly 80 houses were constructed in Madenadu and 22 houses in Biligeri and 140 houses were constructed in Gaalibeedu.
In all, 66o houses were constructed in three phases and allotted to the beneficiaries while the remaining 75 families are being rehabilitated now. The process will be completed by the end of the month and the district official website http://kodagu.nic.in has published the details of beneficiaries complete with the house number allotted to them. Mr.Satish said Infosys Foundation funded the construction of houses at Jambooru.
There were some works pertaining to electricity supply, UGD and water that was pending but the allotment letter will be issued to the beneficiaries in due course by the officials of the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation.
source: http://www.thehindu.com/ The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – June 01st, 2022
The Palekanda brothers recently took part in the Pan India Master Games held in Bengaluru and won three gold medals and two silver medals
Palekanda P Bopaiah (94) and Palekanda Beliappa (85)
Madikeri :
Age is just a number. This has been proved right by two brothers of Kodagu who are making their district and state proud by actively participating in various sports championships held for senior citizens across the country. Palekanda P Bopaiah (94) and Palekanda Beliappa (85), residents of Kuttandi village in Kodagu district, have now set their eyes on participating in track and field championships to be held in in Sydney and Japan next year.
The Palekanda brothers recently took part in the Pan India Master Games held in Bengaluru and won three gold medals and two silver medals. By taking part in javelin throw, relay race, 1,500 metre running race, walkathon, 100 metre run, the two brothers call themselves all-rounders.
“Both of us stay together in our village. I have been passionate about sports from the time I was a kid and my schoolmates could never match my speed in athletic events when I was a young boy. My elder brother is a retired Army man. Both of us decided to resume our participation in sports field over three years ago and we haven’t looked back since,” said Beliappa.
The brothers have also set up a Master Games Association for senior citizens in Kodagu and are working out the modalities to enable senior citizens to become its members.“My first participation in sports championship as a senior citizen was at Vadodara. I won the third place in the National Masters Game. Ever since, I ensure that I take part in all championships that are held for senior citizens across the country. Both my brother and I are now looking forward to taking part in the athletic championships scheduled to be held in Sydney and Japan next year ,” he added. However, the duo needs at least Rs 2 to 3 lakh fund to take part in the international championship and are eagerly looking forward to sponsorship.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Express News Service / June 03rd, 2022
Picture : Mechanda S. Bopanna, Hon. Secretary, KSCSC; Kotrangada Pemmaiah, President, Sri Tala Cauvery Samskrithika Sangha; Alemada Ponnanna, Committee Member, KSCSC; Meederira Prakash, Joint Secretary, KSCSC; Mechanda Sashi Ponnappa, President, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru; Kuttimada D. Muthappa, President, KSCSC; Maletira U. Subbaiah, Corporator (chief guest); Iychanda Ashwath Chengappa, Vice-President, KSCSC; Aramanamada Ponnanna, Treasurer, KSCSC; Mundotira Kavin, Iychettira Dilip Kumar, Ayyalapanda Pattu Pemmaiah, Committee Members, KSCSC, Players and Team Management of Sree Tala Cauvery Samskrithika Sangha.
Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club (KSCSC), Mysuru, had conducted Palengada Raja Poovaiah Memorial Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament and Veterans Cricket match in city recently.
The tournament was sponsored by Palengada Leelavathi Poovaiah and Veterans tournament was sponsored by Maletira U. Subbaiah.
Sree Tala Cauvery Kodava Samskrithika Sangha, Hootagalli and Sree Igguthappa Kodava Kshemabhivrudhi Sangha, Hebbal, were the winners and runners respectively.
Picture shows Mechanda S. Bopanna, Hon. Secretary, KSCSC; Kotrangada Pemmaiah, President, Sri Tala Cauvery Samskrithika Sangha; Alemada Ponnanna, Committee Member, KSCSC; Meederira Prakash, Joint Secretary, KSCSC; Mechanda Sashi Ponnappa, President, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru; Kuttimada D. Muthappa, President, KSCSC; Maletira U. Subbaiah, Corporator (chief guest); Iychanda Ashwath Chengappa, Vice-President, KSCSC; Aramanamada Ponnanna, Treasurer, KSCSC; Mundotira Kavin, Iychettira Dilip Kumar, Ayyalapanda Pattu Pemmaiah, Committee Members, KSCSC, Players and Team Management of Sree Tala Cauvery Samskrithika Sangha.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 02nd, 2022
A file photo of Brijesh Kalappa outside the Supreme Court in New Delhi | Photo Credit: V. Sudershan
Supreme Court advocate Brijesh Kalappa had joined the Congress in 1997. His mentor former Union minister Kapil Sibal quit the Congress recently and is contesting the Rajya Sabha elections with the support of the Samajwadi Party
In a setback to the Congress in Karnataka ahead of its two-day Chitan Shivir that starts on June 2, Supreme Court advocate Brijesh Kalappa resigned from the primary membership of the party.
Mr Kalappa had joined the Congress in 1997. He quit the party saying he has been ‘lacking in passion’ in the recent past. His mentor former Union minister Kapil Sibal quit the Congress recently and is contesting the Rajya Sabha elections with the support of the Samajwadi Party.
In his letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Mr Kalappa said: “I have been representing the party in Hindi, English and Kannada TV channels (since the UPA years in 2013) for almost a decade, and have clocked 6,497 debates. Besides, the party has been regularly assigning political work to me, which I have performed to the best of my satisfaction. Regarding TV debates, I have done my very best at all times and have never ever appeared without adequate preparation for any debate. Even at the worst of times for the party in the aftermath of 2014 and 2019 debacles, I have never felt enervated, and lacking in energy and enthusiasm.”
“But, in the recent past, I have been finding myself lacking in passion, while my own performance has been listless and perfunctory.
“It is under these circumstances that I am left with little option but to resign from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress, and to end an association that began in 1997.”
Mr Kalappa thanked Ms Gandhi for offering several opportunities in the party and in his home State of Karnataka.
Mr Kalappa served as the legal adviser to the Government of Karnataka with rank of Minister when the Congress was in power under the leadership of Siddaramaiah.
Mr. Kalappa’s resignation comes days after Kannada actor and former MLC Mukhyamantri Chandru resigned from the primary membership of the Congress after being denied a nomination to the Legislative Council.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / Bengaluru – June 01st, 2022
MLA Appachu Ranjan and KSIIDC MD M.R. Ravi during the inspection of land for building a heliport, near Kushalnagar on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Seaplane operations can be launched at Harangi, says official
The State Government has proposed to develop an airstrip and a heliport near Kushalnagar for the benefit of tourists visiting Kodagu, one of the major hill stations in South India.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had announced in his recent budget to develop heliports at three places, including one in Kodagu. In this connection, a team of officials led by Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) Managing Director M.R. Ravi, accompanied by Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan, inspected the land where the facility has been proposed near the Sainik School at Kudige village.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Ravi said 49 acres of government land was available near Kushalnagar and it was identified for developing an airstrip. “Since no land was available for developing the heliport at Madikeri, which was the first choice, we thought of developing the airstrip as well as the heliport on the 49-acre plot near Kushalnagar. We need just 5 acres for the heliport and the rest can be developed as an airstrip which can be used for the landing and takeoff of the 20-seater planes,” Mr. Ravi said.
Seaplane operations
Mr. Ravi said plans are afoot for launching the operations of seaplanes in Kodagu in a bid to boost tourism since the infrastructure for their operations was available at Harangi. “If everything goes as planned, seaplanes can land on and take off from Harangi waters. This can help improve connectivity to tourists who can afford such a trip. This can benefit adventure tourism for which Kodagu is considered one of the key destinations.”
Mr. Ranjan said the officials from the Airport Authority of India had visited Kushalnagar in connection with the proposed launch of airstrip operations. However, it did not materialise though the land for the same was identified.
Kodagu needs air connectivity as over 25,000 tourists descend on the hill station during weekends, registering 100 percent occupancy of hotels, resorts and home stays. The air connectivity can further boost tourism and the heliport is one such plan proposed by the government for which all support will be extended, he added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – May 30th, 2022
Pa Gopalakrishna Memorial Award 2018 for ‘Best Rural Reporting’ was presented to Journalist Imtiaz Shah Tumbe at Patrika Bhavan.
His article on Kodagu natural calamity, published in Vartha Bharati, was selected for the award.
Shah, a sub-editor in Vartha Bharati, said he had stepped into the field of journalism without any proper background. He said his parent organisation had honed his skills and provided him with an opportunity. “I feel privileged to receive the award.”
Dakshina Kannada District Information and Public Relations Senior Assistant Director K Rohini presented the award to Shah.
Speaking on the occasion, Rohini said the family members of veteran journalist late Pa Gopalakrishna, who had instituted the award, had set an example for others.
DK District Working Journalists’ Association Srinivas Indaje presided over the programme. Secretary Ibrahim Adkasthala, Mangaluru Press Club President Annu Mangaluru, Patrika Bhavan Trust President K Ananda Shetty, Pa Go’s spouse Savitri and senior journalist Manohar Prasad were present.
source: http://www.megamedianews.com / MegaMedia News / Home / March 02nd, 2019
C K Kaveri from Ballamavati village has been contributing to the growth of Kannada literature in her own way, being in a rural area.
Kaveri is a prolific reader, writer, and also agriculturist. She holds an MCom degree from the University of Mysore.
Starting from 1985, hundreds of her writeups and short stories have been published in various newspapers, magazines and also online platforms.
She uses the pen name ‘Vanu Vasantha’. Her first article was published in ‘Vanitha’, a Kannada monthly magazine. She has brought out a new collection of stories titled ‘Darpana’. She also contributes stories for ‘Pratilipi’, an online platform.
Along with her literary works, she has been encouraging women from rural areas to create their own literary works.
As a teacher in a private school, she has also encouraged a number of students towards penning literary works. Along with Kannada, she has been writing in the Kodava language as well.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com /Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Napoklu / October 31st, 2021
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