Diya Bheemaiah, 9th std. student of Pragathi Elite Public School, Bogadi, won 3rd place in Doubles in All India Ranking Badminton Tournament held at Goa.
She is Karnataka No. 1 in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles U-15 category. ICSE School Games State-level U-17 winner, she is selected for ICSE Nationals.
Coached by B.P. Bheemaiah and Aroon Pemmaiah, she was feted by Sports Park Management and 93.5 Red FM team recently.
She is seen with (from left) RJ Deepak, RJ Punith, RJ Sunil, RJ Rashmi, RJ Sahana, B.V. Raghav, S. Srikanth and M.R. Sudheendra.
Diya Bheemaiah, 9th std. student of Pragathi Elite Public School, Bogadi, won 3rd place in Doubles in All India Ranking Badminton Tournament held at Goa.
She is Karnataka No. 1 in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles U-15 category. ICSE School Games State-level U-17 winner, she is selected for ICSE Nationals.
Coached by B.P. Bheemaiah and Aroon Pemmaiah, she was feted by Sports Park Management and 93.5 Red FM team recently.
She is seen with (from left) RJ Deepak, RJ Punith, RJ Sunil, RJ Rashmi, RJ Sahana, B.V. Raghav, S. Srikanth and M.R. Sudheendra.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / August 25th, 2022
The Kodavas are a small ethnic group mostly found in the coffee growing region of Kodagu and are known for their contributions to the Indian armed forces, sports and various other fields.
The Kodava Samaj in Kodagu district on Sunday banned the serving of liquor during the afternoon hours of any weddings as it goes against the ethnic group’s culture. (Representative Photo/HT)
The Kodava Samaj in Kodagu district on Sunday banned the serving of liquor during the afternoon hours of any weddings as it goes against the ethnic group’s culture.
“The resolution was taken today (Sunday) by the management body of the samaj and there will be restrictions for consuming liquor during Ganga puja of a marriage. After the puja, if they found consuming liquor the samaj would impose a fine of ₹25,000,” Kalimada Motaiah, the president of the Kodava Samaj, told HT on Sunday.
The statements come almost a year after it made headlines nationally after imposing restrictions on cutting of cake, opening of champagne, not allowing bridegrooms to sport beards and brides not to let their hair loose during the ceremony.
The statement adds to the increasing trend of restricting activities by so-called custodians of culture across several regions in the country in the name of “preserving and protecting” traditions.
The Kodavas are a small ethnic group mostly found in the coffee growing region of Kodagu and are known for their contributions to the Indian armed forces, sports and various other fields.
The community has a distinct culture from other parts of Karnataka or southern India.
Ponnampet is a small town in Kodagu district. Kodagu has several such Kodava samajas which often represent the people living in the specific region and is restricted to members of the community even though some of these venues are let out for weddings and events of other communities as well.
Though considered a progressive community, there have been increasing restrictions on various issues as many elders believe that their distinct identity is being compromised by the actions of youngsters and those who live outside which is not in tune with their heritage.
In 2020, the Balele Kodava samaja has decided not to allow inter caste marriages.
The Kodavas fear that marrying outside the community is leading to a rapid decline in their population, which is among the smallest ethnic groups in the country. There have been instances where Kodavas have objected to the wearing of traditional Kodava attire by those marrying outside the community.
In 2019, the Ammathi Kodava Samaja in the district has taken a decision to ban serving liquor during Ganga puja ceremony, held as part of Kodava weddings. And those breaking this rule will have to pay a fine of ₹25,000 to the Samaja.
“The decisions are being taken to preserve the original culture as youngsters in the community are attracted to western lifestyles. Young Kodava women, particularly girls, migrate to cities for education and employment and end up marrying a person from another caste. This attitude reduces the number of Kodavas who are struggling for survival,” Chaaammatiraaa Praveen Uthappa, president of the Akhila Kodava Samaja’s youth wing.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Cities> Bengaluru News / by Coovercolly Indresh, Kodagu / September 18th, 2022
Today is the birthday of two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ashwini Ponnappa. She was born on this day in 1989. Ashwini is the first Indian woman badminton player to win a medal in the doubles category of the World Badminton Championships with her doubles partner. Since childhood, she started taking interest in badminton.
Ashwini’s mother inspired her to play badminton at the age of two and a half and got admission in the academy. It is difficult for her to say when the passion for the game was born in Ashwini Ponnappa as she joined it at a very young age. The Indian badminton player has won many medals in the doubles category in her career. This includes two gold, two silver and one bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games. Apart from this, she has won four gold medals in the South Asian Games.
Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta won the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Born on September 18, 1989, in Bangalore, Ashwini Ponnappa recognized her talent and started making a career in badminton from an early age. Ashwini Ponnappa, a specialist in doubles badminton, had her first win at the national level in 2004 at the national championships in the sub-junior girls’ doubles category.
source: http://www.english.newstracklive.com / News Track / Home> Trending / by Laxman Chaurasiya / September 18th, 2022
Ganesh, the son of producer Bellamkonda Suresh, who makes his debut with the family entertainer, celebrates his birthday today .
Swathimuthyam
Swathimuthyam, the family entertainer starring Ganesh and Varsha Bollamma in lead roles is the underdog among all the Dasara releases on October 5. Directed by debutant Lakshman K Krishna, the film is bankrolled by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under the leading banner Sithara Entertainments. Mahathi Swara Sagar scores the music for the film, whose teaser trailer was launched today, commemorating the birthday of the lead actor Ganesh.
In the special birthday glimpse, the soon-to-be married couple, played by Ganesh and Varsha Bollamma, is in the middle of an interesting conversation. While an innocent Ganesh attempts to say something to his fiancé, she questions him in return, if he has any problem. He brushes aside any such problems. After a series of incidents, the girl even tells him ‘I think I know why you have been single all your life.’ The chemistry between the lead pair warrants your attention.
The family entertainer has all the ingredients to make for an ideal festive release – romance, family drama and memorable music. This is the debut project for Ganesh, son of producer Bellamkonda Suresh and brother to Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas. Naresh, Rao Ramesh, Subbaraju, Vennela Kishore, Harshavardhan, Pammi Sai, Sapthagiri, Goparaju Ramana, Siva Narayana, Pragathi, Surekha Vani, Sunaina, Divya Sripada are also part of the cast.
Nee Chaaredu Kalle and Dum Dum Dum are the two songs from the film that have already been launched. Suryaa cranks the camera for the film which is edited by Navin Nooli and has art direction by Avinash Kolla. PDV Prasad is the presenter. The banner’s other major release this year is Sir/Vaathi, actor Dhanush’s first straight Telugu film helmed by Venky Atluri. Samyuktha Menon is cast as the female lead in the same.
source: http://ottplay.com / OTTplay / Home> News / by Srivasthan Nadadhur / September 14th, 2022
Exclusive interview with writer Kaveri Ponnapa By Sujata Rajpal
Kaveri Ponnapa, the author of The Vanishing Kodavas (published in 2013), is the first writer to bring out a scholarly researched work on the history of Kodavas and their fast vanishing culture and traditions. She is also an independent writer on food, art and culture. Kaveri Ponnapa was in Mysuru recently to unveil the special display section at Ramsons Bombe Mane. Sujata Rajpal spoke to her in an exclusive interview for Star of Mysore.—Ed
Star of Mysore (SOM): What inspired you to write ‘The Vanishing Kodavas’?
Kaveri Ponnapa (KP): I shifted to Bangalore twenty-five years ago. Since then, I have been frequently visiting Coorg where I have strong roots. It gave me an opportunity to observe various aspects of its culture which were hitherto unknown to me. It was engaging as well as engrossing to meet new people, visit ancestral homes, attend village festivals and participate in the rituals. I also observed that this culture that I am so proud of, is fast disappearing. It is especially true for the younger generations, who are not aware about Kodavas’ rich cultural heritage. With a background in Social Anthropology — my Master’s Dissertation at SOAS was on aspects of Kodava culture — I saw the importance of documenting various aspects of our culture before they disappeared completely. This is happening to small cultures across the world.
SOM: You took 15 years to write this book. What made you keep going for so long?
KP: This book required an enormous amount of field work, travelling, learning, unlearning, participating in festivals, observing rituals and much more. I had to make multiple trips to the villages to familiarise myself with the ethos fully. The research material had to be collated and presented in a coherent way as the study had to make sense to the readers. The book has about 340 photographs of people, places and the socio-cultural activities. They are intended to provide visual documentation of our culture.
I had estimated it would take me four-five years to finish the book, but it took fifteen years as I needed to be satisfied with my work. I had to do justice to the custodians of our culture who were feeding me the inputs. My community’s faith in me kept me going for a decade and a half. When the book was ready and I presented it to the elders of the villages, they were unanimous in their opinion about the impact the work would have especially on the younger generation.
It feels wonderful when people walk up to me and say kind words in appreciation of this cultural study. Young people in particular, tell me how much they have learnt about our culture, how proud they are to own the book and how it has helped them connect back to the land: it’s the best compliment for a writer.
I am currently working on the second edition of this book, but I am unable to say how much more time it would take; it is work in progress. It’s heartening that people who own a copy now want a book for their children and grandchildren. The first one is a collector’s copy, the next will probably be a less lavish, more affordable paperback.
I would love to get the book translated into Kodava language so that more people have access to this work, but it would be quite a challenge to find a translator who is passionate and committed.
SOM: What challenges did you face in writing this voluminous book?
KP: When I started work on this book, I didn’t know a single person in the villages. I had to approach complete strangers to get inputs. I am so grateful that every door that I knocked at opened. In Coorg, every few kms, there is a variation in speech, traditions, customs and rituals; collating that information itself was a challenge. Many festivals in Coorg are celebrated on the same day and it was not possible to attend all together, so I had to leave some for the following year. In many cases, permission had to be taken for taking photographs as photography was not permitted for some sacred ceremonies. I had to be extremely patient. Things took time, but ultimately everything flowed smoothly.
SOM: Do you have any tips for aspiring writers who would want to write about their communities?
KP: I would urge aspiring writers to begin from the grassroots. It’s important to go to the basics to learn about one’s culture. One must be a keen observer in the field. Prepare to be surprised, to learn and to unlearn. The study must have citations and an accurate bibliography of books that you have actually read and referred to, to lend credibility to the work. Academic research is only as good as the latest research. One should be prepared to incorporate the latest findings as today’s research may not be relevant tomorrow. Also, reading feeds writing, so read as much as you can.
Writer Kaveri Ponnapa with Sujata Rajpal.
SOM: How did you get interested in writing on food, specially?
KP: Cooking is my passion. Some of the finest prose in English literature is writings on food. I began to write articles on food much before my debut book was published. My writing on food and wine is published in leading magazines and newspapers in the country.
SOM: What are your impressions about Mysuru?
KP: I come to Mysuru as often as possible. Every time I visit this beautiful city, I am enamoured by its people, their simplicity, its architecture, the food and its heritage. The walking tours, the magnificent Devaraja Market, First Rajkumari Palace in Manasagangothri, the beautiful collection of paintings at Ramsons, the small pockets of culture here and there which connect you to your past — everything is spectacular about Mysuru. Mysuru is known for its handlooms. L. Kadaiah’s Silk House on Sayyaji Road is my favourite saree shop as it has lovely collection of handloom sarees. I always carry something with me from Guru Sweets. I love the city and its people who are so very gracious, courteous and generous. If I have even half a chance I would live here.
SOM: How did you get interested in Dasara dolls?
KP: I have been a lover of handicrafts and handlooms all my life; I have seen dolls of different regions. Rajasthan has Gangaur, a festival of dolls. It is by chance that I am here to inaugurate Bombe Mane. Two months ago, when I visited Mysuru, I happened to go to Ramsons painting gallery and met its owner R.G. Singh there. He asked me to visit again in September for Bombe Mane. I was not sure if it would be possible for me to come to Mysuru so soon, but things fell in place and I am here. Ramsons art gallery is doing a phenomenal job of reviving art through exhibitions and sale of handicrafts. Bombe Mane is a great platform to tell age old stories.
SOM: Have you watched Mysore Dasara festival?
KP: It was thirty years ago when I made a trip to Mysore to watch the famous Dasara festival. My aunt took me to a friend’s house whose balcony opened into the road from where the procession had to pass. From that balcony, I watched the entire procession. What a magnificent sight it was! The beautiful memories were made for life. That was the only time I watched the Mysore Dasara as now it is too crowded. The ideal would be to have vantage points to watch the procession. Despite the crowds, the involvement of public in festival celebrations is heart-warming.
SOM: How did you get interested in cooking?
KP: Cooking is my passion. I have been interested in cooking for a very long time. The seeds of this passion were sown by my grandmother who was a fabulous cook. Be it pickle, jam, traditional Coorg food, she was an expert in everything. At that time, I was not so much interested in cooking, but I was intrigued by its ingredients; I would ask grandma so many questions about cooking that she would have to chase me out so that she could cook in peace.
In recent years, I have trained chefs from ITC, Taj and have had successful food festivals. Cooking is fundamental to life, it is meditative and relaxing as one needs to observe keenly, be very attentive, and use all the senses. And, of course, there is no price to the joy of feeding people and seeing a satisfied smile after a meal. Kodava (Coorg) cuisine is my favourite cuisine. I can have that every day. The dishes are rooted in the land, exotic and seasonal.
SOM: Are Kodavas really vanishing and is there a way to prevent it?
KP: It doesn’t refer to the numbers as such, but the culture is eroding primarily because of tourism, migration, change in policies relating to land holdings etc. It depends completely on the younger generations if they can sustain the culture and follow traditions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Sujata Rajpal / September 12th, 2022
The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Kodagu Sahakara Sangha for the year 2021-22 will be held at the Sangha premises in Jayalakshmipuram on Sept.25 at 10.30 am. Sangha President A.C. Nanjamma will preside.
On the occasion, the children of Sangha members who have excelled in the 2021-22 examinations by scoring high marks will be felicitated.
Puliyanda A. Devaiah Memorial Prize will be presented to a top-scorer in SSLC and II PUC; late Ittira Kariappa and late Parvathi Kariappa scholarship to SSLC (CBSE) topper; late Mallangada Lali Ganapathy Memorial Prize to BBM and BCA topper; late Munjandira Chimmi Uthaiah Memorial Prize to a 7th std. topper; late Dasanda C. Thammaiah Memorial Prize to BA topper; late Vallanda P. Muthanna Memorial Prize to MA, M.Com or M.Sc topper.
Sangha’s scholarship to meritorious students in BE, M.A English Literature, II PUC Kannada and English.
Eligible students may send a copy of their marks card along with application to the Sangha Secretary before Sept. 20, according to a press release from Sangha Executive Director Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / September 11th, 2022
The first book of poetry by acclaimed curator, writer and speaker Dr Nima Poovaya-Smith celebrates her profound curiosity about wild cats.
Dr Nima Poovaya-Smith OBE is a prominent figure in the cultural, academic and public sectors, well known for her work on transcultural and post-colonial South Asian museum collections in Bradford and multidisciplinary arts projects across the region and beyond. Less well known is her affinity with cats of all persuasions, wild or domestic.
The Wild Cats Compendium, Poovaya-Smith’s first solo collection of illustrated poetry, will be launched at Ilkley Literature Festival on 13 October 2022.
The Compendium is first and foremost a love letter to all felines large and small. Legends and fables of the cat world, as well as their often bleak, everyday lives is explored by Poovaya-Smith, in this collection of 45 poems. There is the reed or jungle cat who may have once dined with the Crown Prince of an Egyptian Pharoah and ended up interred with him; an ocelot gifted to Salvador Dali who tried unsuccessfully to run away and the smallest feline in Southern Africa – the black-footed cat – which eats almost a fifth of its body weight night after night.
Environmentalist Benjamin Lascelles, who has written the End piece comments that Compendium “captures the essence of the many species brilliantly and highlights the many threats they face. The geographic, conservation and threat references are meticulously researched and powerfully conveyed.”
Nima Poovaya-Smith says: “I have always taken a deep interest in cats. Wild or domestic, they are some of nature’s most charismatic creatures. I am enthralled by the facts and fables that surround them. I am certainly not the first, nor will I be the last, to find these animals so captivating. Across the world, we have had a special relationship with the feline species for thousands of years. They have been celebrated in literature and art as well as music and dance. I found particular delight in gleaning more information about lesser-known small cats. Each one is characterful enough to hold its own with the bigger, more iconic cats. The more I learned, the more enigmatic and fascinating they became. I hope that the emotions I experienced exploring the feline world – joy and a deep sense of loss – will resonate with all readers.”
Writer, historian, journalist and author of Victoria and Abdul, Shrabani Basu in her Foreword to The Wild Cats Compendium states: “Nima Poovaya-Smith takes us into the myth and magic of the cat world. Through her beautiful poems, we get a glimpse into their lives as pampered pets or solitary creatures. She questions, probes, and enlightens us, not just about the tiger or the lion, but also about some of the lesser-known species of the cat family. A cat, they say, has nine lives. Poovaya-Smith’s forty-five poems give them many more.”
The different species of cat in Compendium are each accompanied by images – twenty-eight of which are new works by seven different artists. There are also some earlier works by contemporary artists and six historic Illustrations from the 19th century.
source: http://www.ilkleygazette.com / ILKLEY GAZETTE / Home> Local News> UK News / by Claire Lomax / September 09th, 2022
A capacity building programme for Kodagu coffee growers was organised by the Federation of Indian Export organisation in Madikeri.
A capacity building programme for Kodagu coffee growers was organised by the Federation of Indian Export organisation in Madikeri.
The initiative was hosted under the flagship of the ministry of commerce with support from the state agriculture department.
Experienced coffee growers of the district attended the event.
The need for the promotion of international coffee trade was highlighted during the programme. The facilitators sensitised the entrepreneurs, farmers and exporters on the potential of exporting coffee and spices from the district.
The various trade opportunities in the international market, the role of various agencies, the role of free trade agreements and various other schemes under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade were explained to the growers in detail.
A total of 75 participants comprising farmers, farmer produce organisations and entrepreneurs took part in the session.
Lokesh HD, ITS, Jt. DGFT Bengaluru was the chief guest of the event. Babu Reddy DR, DD of Coffee Board spoke on coffee exports and GI Coffee. The role of banking, industrial policy, Indian trade portal and schemes under spices board were highlighted during the session.
Shabhana M Sheikh, JD of district agriculture department was also present .
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by TNN / September 08th, 2022
The fest will likely be organized using nearly Rs 1.50 crore funds and the family has sent a proposal to the state requesting sanctioning of Rs One crore funds.
For representational purposes (Photo | PTI)
The iconic Kodava Hockey Namme will take place next year following a break of four years. The same was confirmed in a press conference by the Appachettolanda Family on Tuesday.
“After 2018, the hockey fest did not see the light of the day due to natural disasters and pandemic situations. However, the 23rd annual fest will be hosted in 2023 in a grandeur manner. The fest will be held at Napoklu General Thimayya Ground. Over 350 Kodava families are likely to take part in the tournament,” confirmed Appachettolanda Manu Muthappa, the president of the hockey fest.
The hockey tournament will begin on February 20 and will go on till March 6. The website and the logo will be released on 2nd October at Napoklu Kodava Samaj. The fest will likely be organized using nearly Rs 1.50 crore funds and the family has sent a proposal to the state requesting sanctioning of Rs One crore funds. The press conference was headed by the Appachettolanda family patted Mittu Erappa and other family members.
‘Kodava Hockey Namme’ has been organized in the district for 22 years. However, the event was cancelled in 2018 due to floods and a pandemic situation. The 2023 event will be the 23rd year of the hockey fest. The hockey tournament played among the Kodava community has gained international fame as the tournament has broken the ‘Limca Book of Records’ and ‘Guinness World Record’ for the highest number of team participation.
The 2018 Kulletria Cup Hockey saw participation from 333 Kodava families. It was in 1997 that the first Kodava family hockey tournament was played and was organized by the Pandanda family. The game started off with international rules and standards and it continues to provide a stage for youngsters and seniors alike to unravel their passion for hockey.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / September 06th, 2022
‘We started shooting on my birthday and I met Amitabh Bachchan sir for the first time then’
Rashmika Mandanna is a complete entertainment package and her fans couldn’t be any more excited about her upcoming lineups making it to the theatres. Today, the trailer of her most awaited film Goodbye starring Amitabh Bachchan was released! While the trailer looks very promising and the bond between Rashmika Mandana and Amitabh Bachchan was surreal, a clip of her talking about BIG B in a media interaction has been making rounds on the internet.
The actress can be seen talking about how she first met the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and how they slowly developed an endearing relationship during the shooting of GoodBye. Rashmika said, “We started shooting on my birthday and I met him for the first time then. I remember this day very clearly as I was waiting for him since I wanted to say hey. While I was standing in the corner, he crossed me and he went away”.
As Rashmika flashed a big smile and went on to introduce her, the actor seemed to have been lost in his thoughts. About which, the actress says “I wanted to introduce myself but of course, sir was busy thinking about the scene and what to do and not to do”. The actress later went in, and quickly introduced herself, as she took some nervous breath “Hey sir, I am Rashmika and I will be playing your daughter”, then found her exit.
Now while Rashmika and Mr. Bachchan shared a bond that was growing slowly with Amitabh Bachchan. One fine day Rashmika finds herself to be out of words when BIG B tweeted about her. About which the actress says “One day I entered the sets and everybody was like “Did you check your tweeter?’ and when I did, I saw that Bachchan sir had posted a picture saying “Pushpa”.
While Rashmika seems to be unstoppable with the kind of project she has been doing lately, she had also quoted that “I am living my dream of working with two icons of Indian cinema”
Meanwhile, the actress will also be seen in Pushpa 2 along with Allu Arjun and Animal with Ranbir Kapoor.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Entertainment / by The Telegraph Bureau, Mumbai / September 06th, 2022
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