Category Archives: Records, All

Sainik School salutes the ‘Pioneers’

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Fifty years after its inception, the cadets, staff and employees of Sainik School Kazhakoottam met for a reunion.

Sainik School principal Group Captain B Janardanan with Kannu Somaiah and former master N Balakrishnan Nair

Thiruvananthapuram :

Back then, the ‘65 and ‘71 wars had not yet happened, ‘Sholay’ was not even in the making and Raj Kapoor was still big-time. And in that once-upon-a-time era, a bunch of youngsters walked in to the newly-opened Sainik School at the Pangode barracks. That was then. Friday was now. But 50 years vanished in the blink of an eye at the Sainik School, Kazhakkoottam, on Friday afternoon as cadets, staff and general employees who were part of the school in 1962 met again after a gap of decades for a felicitation of the pioneers organised by the school as part of the golden jubilee celebrations.

“The school was first set up at Pangode, and by the end of 1963, it shifted to Kazhakkoottam,’’ recalled Col Balasubramaniam, the first school captain. “I’m the oldest Boy, but I don’t feel that old,’’ he quipped.

It’s really hard to imagine this army-moustached, stern-looking man with receding hair as a young boy trotting about in a school ground. But there it is. All around the Colonel are men who were part of his childhood, men who walked out of this school to become officers in the armed forces, film directors, technocrats or doctors.

“Four of the first batch, including me, joined the NDA,’’ Balasubramaniam, who is on his first visit in 48 years, said.

 Perhaps the one person who was the centre of attention on Friday was Kannu Somaiah, wife of the late Col Somaiah, the first principal of the school. Known to one and all as just ‘Mrs Somaiah,’ she was the ‘mother in residence’ back then – the first First Lady of the Sainik School. ‘’I left here in 1966,’’ said Kannu, who lives in Coorg and came down for the function with her sons, and alumni, Vinod and Anand. Vinod now lives in Singapore.

“We came down to Thiruvananthapuram in December ‘61 with father. The discipline that we got at the school holds us through,’’ said Vinod Somaiah, who is visiting his alma mater after 45 years.  Does he recognise anyone? “Oh yes!’’ Vinod says, as his gaze wanders to the school auditorium named after V K Krishna Menon, the Defence Minister who made it all possible back in 1962.

Three of masters were also present. The oldest of the three, K Madhavan Nair, the Physics master, George Joseph, the Biology master, and N Balakrishnan Nair, who taught Chemistry.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the valedictory of the golden jubilee celebrations. Minister of State for Defence Pallom Raju and Air Marshal S P Singh will be present.

Friday’s function – presided over by school principal Group Captain B Janardanan – was also followed the ‘Satish Chandran musical evening’ organised by All-India Radio.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Thiruvananthapuram / by TNIE Online Archives / May 16th, 2012

The Honest Always Stand Alone: A tribute to power-bureaucrat CG Somaiah

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During Rajiv Gandhi’s regime in 1980s, Delhi police commissioner Ved Marwah had a “security breach” as his car had reportedly intruded in the route of the visiting Russian Prime Minister. Then home minister Buta Singh almost made up his mind to suspend the senior cop, but it was one influential IAS who persuaded Singh not to punish Marwah. He was CG Somaiah who began his career as an assistant collector in Orissa only to rise up the ladder to become Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

CG Somaiah is no more. Somaiah died in Bangalore  on Monday following brief illness. Somaiah, 79, is survived by wife Indira, and one son and a daughter. Incidentally, his daughter Pria (In picture with her father) is married to Nikhil Alva, son of Congress leader and Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva.

As the home secretary of the country during Buta Singh’s regime, Somaiah played a key role not only in fighting Punjab terror, but was instrumental in clinching a deal with student leaders from Assam who were agitating against illegal Bangladeshi migrants. He also served as Central Vigilance Commissioner and had a six-year-long tenure as Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Only two months ago, Somaiah’s book titled, “The Honest Always Stand Alone”, was released in New Delhi  by former president APJ Abdul Kalam.

STANDING TALL Former President APJ Abdul Kalam releasing C.G.Somaiah’s “The Honest Always Stand Alone” / pix credit: The Hindu (July 21, 2010)

source: http://www.babusofindia.com / Babus of India / Home / posted by BOI Team / September 15th, 2010

On The Half-Tones Of Truth

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C.G. Somiah’s memoirs, in both form and content, reflect his famed qualities: uprightness and modesty.

On The Half-Tones of Truth

It is perhaps an acknowledgement of whatever fairness is left in the system that C.G. Somiah managed to make it to the top echelons of the Indian Administrative Services without ever swerving from his values and convictions.

Born in 1931, Somiah joined the IAS in 1953, beginning in Orissa and ending up in Delhi. It was from his father, a forest officer to whom he was deeply attached, that he internalised the value of honesty. Later, he forged a similar companionship with his wife, Indira, whose counsel he seeks in tricky work situations.

But one wishes he was more introspective on some of the situations he describes. His struggle against the politician-contractor nexus on tendu leaves, for instance, which he won to a limited extent, is now a more serious problem in Orissa, stained with the blood of Maoist and state violence.

There are other passages that break through these self-imposed boundaries. Returning from Koraput, after the inauguration of a chromium factory, he reflects: “On the way back we passed by the Sunabeda where once a virgin forest stood!…. Instead of the twinkling lights of the new township, my eyes could only see the ancient forest that once occupied this land with majestic trees. This is the forest that I had once helped to uproot to make way for the township.” This ambivalence of the administrator, bereft of a universally accepted vision of development, still lingers. On the other hand, his spare style ensures that there is no sensationalising of the many exciting matters of state that could certainly have turned the book into a bestseller. 

Union home secretaries always live in interesting times. Somiah’s tenure seems to have been especially so, given the demands of a young prime minister in a hurry, the delicate relationship between the then home minister Buta Singh and his deputy Arun Nehru, negotiating the mistrust between the President and the PM to avoid a constitutional disaster, the successful conduct of Operation Black Thunder and fashioning the Mizo and Gorkhaland accords. Somiah describes these from his vantage point, always careful to narrate only the facts.

What stands out is his innate decency in these difficult situations. After Operation Black Thunder and the successful flushing out of terrorists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and when his suggestion to Buta Singh and Governor Siddhartha Shankar Ray about him visiting the Golden Temple and paying his respects is overlooked, he makes the trip with his wife, which assuaged much of the perceived hurt. As home secretary, Somiah was once caught by a Delhi constable for jumping a traffic light while returning from a dinner outing with his family. He paid the fine and got away without disclosing his identity. What is not lost on the reader is that they dined at a very modest restaurant and that the Union home secretary was driving his personal Maruti.

Somiah emerges as a deeply spiritual person, proud of his Kodava heritage.  There is no pretended conflict of interest when he, as part of the home ministry, rejects the suggestion to ban the Kodava right to possess guns—he compares it with the right of the Sikhs to hold kirpans. Of course, he also wryly notes that the first time his community chose to honour him was when he had the word ‘general’ suffixed to his name as Comptroller and Auditor General of India!

Somiah is genuinely proud of his contributions even if he recounts them in a manner that would warm the hearts of accountants. On the Shah Bano case, he acknowledges that it is the flip-flop between a decision that was right in secular India and the subsequent backtracking that led to the situation spiralling out of control.

This is an unpretentious book, without any name-dropping on matters of high state policy to suggest the author was the backroom guy who made it possible. Similarly, no pontificating on governance, the staple of many boring civil service memoirs. Instead, just as he diligently worked to excel in tennis in school and later in bridge, Somiah seems to have gone about reaching the top of his profession with his fair share of tribulations, which he takes in his stride.

“C.G. Somiah…stands by what he has written and takes full responsibility for it,” says the publisher’s note. It’s a good summation of Somiah’s approach to work and life—showing the courage to stand for what one believes in.

(R. Gopalakrishnan is additional secretary to the Prime Minister)

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> Books / by R Gopalakrishnan (see above) / Outlook Web Desk / February 05th, 2022

Shiv Cariappa

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Obituary –

Codanda Shiv Cariappa, 72, passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2024, in Northampton (Boston), MA, USA.

Shiv was predeceased by his parents, Lt. Col. Codanda M. Cariappa (Carson) and Dr. Pearl Cariappa, (maiden name: Chendanda Muthama Ponappa), and his brother, Codanda Babla Cariappa.

Following the demise of his father at a young age, he attended Lawrence School in Lovedale and was raised in Chettalli Estate Kodagu by his mother while living together with his uncle and aunt, the late Mr. CP Appanna and late Mrs Seethama Appanna, his brother Babla, his cousin Chandanda Appanna Ponappa (Ponnu), and his grandmother Chendanda Muthama Ponappa.

Shiv Cariappa worked as a journalist for the international Christian Science Monitor newspaper in Boston, MA. Later, Shiv became a Senior Loss Prevention Analyst for the Staples Corporate headquarters in Framingham (Boston), MA. In this position, Shiv was responsible for investigative crime, particularly fraud, intervention and prevention for all Staples stores throughout the US.

Shiv is survived by his community of loving friends and family, including former wife and close friend Ellen Loos, his sister-in-law Victoria Cariappa, his aunt GM Codanda Vani; cousins Peggy Pratap Sunil, Arathi Muddaiah, Kandrathanda Harini Kariappa, Chedrimada Beena Somaya, Pattamada Seetha Kuttappa, Pattamada Kavita Muthana,Deep Chinnappa, Sumitha Somiah, the Chendanda family, Kongetira Gayathri Belliappa, Codanda Ashit, Codanda Chinnappa; and Ponnu Appana’s former wife Vipul Ponappa with their two grown children Gauri Ponappa and Sasha Ponappa.

Shiv will be deeply missed.

A public gathering to celebrate Shiv’s life will be held at Leverett Crafts & Arts Center, 13 Montague Rd., Leverett, MA. 01054 this coming Saturday, February 17, 1:00-4:00.

source: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com / MetroWest Daily News / Home> Life Story / February 15th, 2024 ( published in MetroWest Daily News, Milford Daily News)

Club Mahindra Madikeri recognised as India’s ‘First Triple Net Zero’

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , ,

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) recognised the resort, acknowledging the resort’s net zero energy, net zero water, and zero waste to landfill.

Club Mahindra Madikeri was recognised as India’s first triple net-zero-rated resort by the esteemed Indian Green Building Council. The triple net zero acknowledges net zero energy, net zero water, and zero waste to landfill. The rating sets a benchmark on par with international standards, thus making Club Mahindra Madikeri achieve a significant milestone in sustainable hospitality.

More about net zero certifications:

  • Net zero energy: This indicates the resort generates as much energy as it consumes. The resort makes optimum utilisation of solar energy and energy-efficient infrastructure, reducing its carbon footprint.
  • Net zero water: This is a remarkable achievement in water management. It promotes water conservation and security. Club Mahindra’s water conservation initiatives demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices. Measures include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving fixtures.
  • Zero waste to landfill: TÜV SÜD certified the resort for net zero waste in FY23. Comprehensive waste management practices, including segregation at source, composting, recycling, and other measures, help Club Mahindra achieve this.

The resort nestled in the picturesque region of Coorg, Karnataka, is a beacon of luxury, comfort, and responsible tourism, thus contributing to preserving the planet. The resort blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings, supporting local plants and animals, covering a vast area of 126464.26 square metres, with buildings occupying just 22257.7 square metres. By incorporating dense vegetation, insulated roofs, and using local materials, the resort has reduced the surrounding temperature by approximately 3°C. The resort adopts several other energy-saving initiatives, such as motion sensor-controlled washrooms, regulated geysers, timer-controlled external lights, heat pumps, and BLDC fans, which have resulted in an impressive energy performance index of 74.4 kW per m² per year, surpassing the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s benchmark of 313 kW per m² per year. Moreover, over 70% of the water is recycled and reused for operational purposes at the resort, further emphasising the resort’s commitment to sustainability.

Additionally, under the Mahindra Hariyali project, thousands of trees have been planted, enriching the region’s natural habitat and attracting diverse bird species. This initiative fosters a thriving ecosystem, enhancing the visitor experience with its biodiversity.

Julian Ayers, Chief Resort Officer of Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited, said, “At Mahindra, we recognise the crucial importance of advocacy and partnerships in driving the swift shift towards a sustainable future. Our journey towards a greener future began in 2008. Since then, we’ve embraced a ‘Planet Positive’ approach to sustainability. We’re committed to making our operations eco-friendly, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint, and revitalising nature. Our unwavering commitment to habitat protection and biodiversity at Madikeri has earned us recognition and honour from the IGBC, reflecting our steadfast dedication. We embrace a global responsibility to safeguard diverse ecosystems and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. As part of Mahindra Holidays’ sustainability journey, we’re committed to innovating and inspiring change within our operations and beyond.”

Mahindra Holidays is India’s first hospitality company to join the global campaign RE100 and EP100. To achieve its zero-energy goal, Club Mahindra implemented an 804-kW solar rooftop photovoltaic plant and solar carports in parking areas. In water conservation efforts, over 70% of water is recycled and reused, with natural streams diverted to a 380 kL capacity pond and 14 rainwater harvesting pits constructed within the resort premises. For zero waste, the resort utilises a bio-digester to convert food waste into biogas, reducing waste, and LPG costs.

With these remarkable achievements, Club Mahindra continues its steadfast journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation. By doing so, it provides its members with unparalleled access to some of the most breathtaking and exotic destinations both in India and across the globe.

source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> Operations / by Staff Writer – Hotelier India / June 07th, 2024

It was the most rewarding journey: Shubra on becoming a certified yoga instructor

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , ,

Actor Shubra Aiyappa went off the grid for a month to achieve her wellness dreams.

Shubra Aiyappa receives her certificate after a month of rigorous training

Actor Shubra Aiyappa recently decided to become a certified yoga instructor. Sharing her motivation around this step, she says, “I’ve been practising yoga for a few years now. The benefits of the practice drove me to go deep into it. This was definitely the most rewarding and transformative journey of my life.”

Despite the benefits, becoming a yoga instructor wasn’t an easy stint for the Thimayya & Thimayya (2022)actor. To work on her yoga practice, Aiyappa decided to cut off from the world for a month to join a yoga school in Mysuru. “We weren’t allowed to have our phones except for an hour during the day,” the 33-year-old actor shares, adding, “For the first few days, I couldn’t take this rigorous routine. I had some breakdowns and I kept asking why I chose to do this to myself. But, as time went on, I got used to it.”

In addition to the challenges at the school, Aiyappa admits she was terrified to put her acting on hold for a month. “There’s always an itch which makes you feel you’re missing a call or a scene that can change your life — It was really difficult for me to let that go. I was afraid I’d become irrelevant if I wasn’t active on social media. But that’s never the case. It was all about setting boundaries. I even put a film I’m currently doing on hold for this course,” the Prathinidhi (2014) actor quips.

The actor, now a certified yoga instructor, is happy to impart knowledge about the mind-and-body practice to her family and friends. Ask if she’s ready to take it professionally, she shares, “Teaching it professionally is not on the cards yet. I’ve always wanted to do something in the wellness space. While I don’t know how I’d execute it, I have some ongoing plans,” she signs off.

source: hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Aayushi Parekh / March 06th, 2024

Discover the flavors of Kodava cuisine at Momo Cafe

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road invites you to a culinary journey through the hills of Coorg at their much-awaited Kodava Food Festival. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Karnataka, Coorg’s cuisine is a vibrant reflection of the region’s cultural richness and natural abundance.

Chefs Sugandha Rajappa and Rajani Kariappa, along with Executive Chef Vijay Bhandari, have meticulously crafted a menu that highlights the authentic tastes of Coorg. Their expertise is showcased in every dish, where traditional recipes meet contemporary flair, promising a delightful dining experience.

Treat yourself to a variety of Coorg’s signature dishes, such as the delicious Pandi Curry, Kodava Kummu Curry, Paputtu, and much more.

Each dish, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, captures the essence of Coorg’s rich culinary heritage. The festival guarantees a sensory feast, with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients taking center stage.

Gather with family, friends, or fellow food enthusiasts and visit Momo cafe to experience the essence of Coorg and create cherished dining memories.

For more details and reservations, please contact: +91 95136 53156 or 9513688331.

Where : Momo cafe , Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road

When:  4-8th June

Lunch :  12:30 – 3:30 PM

Dinner :  7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Price :  2200 INR plus taxes.

source: http://www.apnnews.com / APN News / Home> Life Style> Food & Beverages / June 07th, 2024

Five-Day Barista Training Workshop

Barista Championship (wef. July 28th, 2022), Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Education, Records, All, , ,

The five-day Barista training workshop, organised by the Coffee Quality Division of Coffee Board of India in collaboration with CFTRI, Mysuru, will be held from June 24 to 28 at the BioNEST Incubation Centre at CFTRI premises in city.

Training in brewing coffee, cupping, manual brewing, signature beverage, introduction to green coffee etc., will be conducted.

Those who undergo the training successfully will be provided certificates.

For details and registration, call Mob: 94821-57878 or e-mail: baristatraining.coffeeboard@gmail.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / June 04th, 2024

Cheppudira Arun Machaiah Appointed As Joint Chief Of Karate India Organisation (KIO)

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Former MLC and International Karate expert from Kodagu, Cheppudira Arun Machaiah has been appointed as the new Joint Chairman of the Technical Commission of Karate India Organisation (KIO).

Director of World Shitorio Karate Council and President of All India Shitorio Karate Organisation, Arun is the first Kannadiga to achieve the highest post of KIO.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

LS polls 2024: Kodagu records over 70% voter turnout

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From nearly 6.30 am, voters started to queue outside their respective polling stations with much enthusiasm to practice their duty.

Voters from all sections of the society enthusiastically took part in the festival of democracy and cast their votes.Photo | EPS

Madikeri :

Smooth polling was recorded across Kodagu and the district recorded a voter turnout of 70.58% at 5pm.

Voters from all sections of the society enthusiastically took part in the festival of democracy and cast their votes. The district had special polling booths even as foresters guarded the booths located in wildlife conflict zones.

The minor glitches in EVMs were sorted out during the mock voting process held in all polling booths from 6 am to 7 am. From nearly 6.30 am, voters started to queue outside their respective polling stations with much enthusiasm to practice their duty.

A total of 23 special polling booths including Sakhi and Model booths were set up across the district. At Maldare, Nagarahole, Hebbale, Malambi, Heruru and CB Halli, tribal themed polling stations were set up to woo the increased population of tribes.

The tribes in large groups participated in the electoral process enthusiastically. The Sakhi polling stations were decked up in polling centers that had increased women voters even as Kodagu ADC Veena BN opted to vote from one of the Sakhi polling booths in Madikeri. Model polling centers with improved facilities also wooed the voters.

However, the officers on election duty at the interior village of Vanachal were made to suffer for some time due to the unavailability of drinking water.

Nevertheless, the voters of the center helped the officers and arranged for a drinking water facility. In Wildlife conflict zones including regions across Siddapura, Kushalnagar and Virajpet, a Range Forest Officer alongside a Rapid Response Team equipped with weapons were deployed to ensure the safety of the voters. Armed Forces from Gujarat guarded the naxal sensitive booths across the district including at Karike and Sampaje areas.

A tragic incident was, however, reported at a polling station in B Shettigeri of South Kodagu. Manohar (58), a traditional drummer who played the ‘chande’ instrument, died of a heart attack outside the polling station.

Sources confirmed that he waited in the queue and cast his vote. However, he collapsed outside the polling center after he suffered a heart attack and died.

MADIKERI: Smooth polling was recorded across Kodagu and the district recorded a voter turnout of 70.58% at 5pm.

Voters from all sections of the society enthusiastically took part in the festival of democracy and cast their votes. The district had special polling booths even as foresters guarded the booths located in wildlife conflict zones.

The minor glitches in EVMs were sorted out during the mock voting process held in all polling booths from 6 am to 7 am. From nearly 6.30 am, voters started to queue outside their respective polling stations with much enthusiasm to practice their duty.

A total of 23 special polling booths including Sakhi and Model booths were set up across the district. At Maldare, Nagarahole, Hebbale, Malambi, Heruru and CB Halli, tribal themed polling stations were set up to woo the increased population of tribes.

The tribes in large groups participated in the electoral process enthusiastically. The Sakhi polling stations were decked up in polling centers that had increased women voters even as Kodagu ADC Veena BN opted to vote from one of the Sakhi polling booths in Madikeri. Model polling centers with improved facilities also wooed the voters.

However, the officers on election duty at the interior village of Vanachal were made to suffer for some time due to the unavailability of drinking water.

Nevertheless, the voters of the center helped the officers and arranged for a drinking water facility. In Wildlife conflict zones including regions across Siddapura, Kushalnagar and Virajpet, a Range Forest Officer alongside a Rapid Response Team equipped with weapons were deployed to ensure the safety of the voters. Armed Forces from Gujarat guarded the naxal sensitive booths across the district including at Karike and Sampaje areas.

A tragic incident was, however, reported at a polling station in B Shettigeri of South Kodagu. Manohar (58), a traditional drummer who played the ‘chande’ instrument, died of a heart attack outside the polling station.

Sources confirmed that he waited in the queue and cast his vote. However, he collapsed outside the polling center after he suffered a heart attack and died.

Outside a polling centre in Madikeri, the officials forcefully shut down shops that were located within 200 meters from the St Michael School polling station. However, DC Venkat Raja intervened and withdrew the closing down order. He, however, cautioned the shopkeepers not to allow campaigning from political parties at the shops.

Venkat Raja, SP K Ramarajan and CEO Varnit Negi cast their votes at the taluk office in Madikeri and later visited the Raja Seat tourist spot to urge residents to go vote. While most of the tourist centers were open in the district, the Dubare Camp was shut for tourist visits as this was turned into a polling station for the tribal voters.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / April 26th, 2024