Category Archives: Education

New Discovery By Kodagu-Born Dr. Jagadeesh Moodera And Team At MIT

May 5, 2020Amazing Feats, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinionadmin

Quantum Physics deals with the behaviour of subatomic particles and is arguably the most complex branch of Theoretical Physics. I do not profess to understand this highly abstract subject but know that classical laws of Physics fail at quantum levels.

It boggles the mind when told that a subatomic particle exists simultaneously at two different spots. One location could be on your table and the other on the surface of Jupiter!

English Physicist Paul Dirac theoretically proved way back in 1930s that fundamental particles known as fermions should have a counterpart somewhere in the universe with an opposite charge – known as anti-particle.

Complicated. Difficult to fathom. I fail to comprehend. Based on this theory it is theoretically possible to have ‘teleportation’ that are portrayed in science fiction movies and books.

Coorg-born Physicist Dr. Jagadeesh S. Moodera has been a scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 1981. He has several path-breaking research papers to his credit. My wife and I had the good fortune of a guided tour of his laboratory at MIT during our visit to Boston to attend the Kodava Convention-2019, in September last year.

Dr. Jagadeesh explained the intricacies of the experiments that he and his team were involved in. It was fascinating to see a huge setup with myriad tubes, probes, cables and instruments in order to create a 100% vacuum in a space of about 2 cubic centimetres.

Part of the experiment was conducted in this small space which was absolutely contamination free. There was another setup equally complicated where a space was created for the experiment which was free of any kind of vibration – not even that created by the traffic in the streets distance away, or footsteps of students in the nearby corridors. In addition, this space is cooled to -273 degree centigrade (that’s as close as one could get to -273.15 degree centigrade which is absolute zero). The experiments were conducted under these ideal conditions and usually between 10 pm and 6 am when chances of vibration were the least.

The experiment Dr. Jagadeesh and his colleagues have been working on since 2012 was to discover what Italian Theoretical Physicist Eltore Majorana, extending on Paul Dirac’s theory, had postulated in 1937 that there should be some subatomic particles that are indistinguishable from their anti-particle.

Scientists have been looking for these particles named Majorana fermions. Many theories have emerged over the years. Theoretical Physicists at MIT and elsewhere predicted that Majorana fermions may exist on solids such as gold under certain conditions. Dr. Jagadeesh and his team were on a mission to discover the existence of the elusive Majorana fermion.

The experiment, extremely complicated, needed many long hours in the laboratory. Dr. Jagadeesh explained how the delicate research was carried out at nano-particle level and observed through Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM). STM is capable of ‘feeling’ the presence of atoms and molecules. 3mm x 3mm was the size of the surface on which the experiment was carried out, consisting of nano-wires of gold, grown on superconducting material: Vanadium.

MIT News dated 10th April 2020 has announced the successful sighting of the mysterious Majorana fermion by Dr. Jagadeesh Moodera and team. This is a major breakthrough. In Dr. Jagadeesh’s words ‘We have shown they are there, and stable, and easily scalable.’ Please visit webpage: http://news.mit.edu/2020/first-majorana-fermion-metal-quantum-computing-0410

The finding that Majorana fermions are scalable and could be made into qubits (individual computational units) is spectacular. These qubits could be used to build the most powerful and error free quantum computers. This will be a step closer to the phenomenon known as Singularity, which predicts that by the year 2042 AD there will be computers that will have computing power of all the human brains put together!

Once Singularity is achieved, humans need not invent anything further. Solutions to the most complex problems will be arrived at within seconds. If we had these computers today, a remedy for the current Covid-19 would have been found in a jiffy!

Dr. Jagadeesh’s wife Dr. Geetha Berera is a senior lecturer in MIT and we had an opportunity to visit her laboratory as well. The couple are totally dedicated to academics and research. Every year they visit Coorg and conduct a Quiz programme for school students. They are in the process of starting a school in Coorg under their organisation – CREATE Gurukula Trust – focusing on encouraging young minds in research activities. Meritorious students at Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT) are recipients of annual scholarships and awards instituted by Dr. Jagadeesh and Dr. Geetha. Dr. Jagadeesh and Dr. Geetha are eminent role models for young Kodavas to emulate.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / May 04th, 2020

Mysuru-Based Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith Appointed As Deputy Lieutenant Of West Yorkshire County In UK

April 4, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinionadmin

Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith, who hails from Mysuru, was conferred the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for her contribution in the field of Arts and Museums.

Recently, Nima was bestowed with another unique honour. She has been appointed as one of the Deputy Lieutenants (DL) of West Yorkshire County in the United Kingdom (UK).

Deputy Lieutenants assist the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out his role as the Queen’s representative. Historically, the duty of the Lord-Lieutenant used to be in organising the county’s militia! In 1871, the Lieutenant’s responsibility over the local militia was removed.

Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith with the insignia of Office of Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

The current Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire is Sir Ed Anderson. The responsibilities of the Lieutenancy includes making arrangements for Royal visits to the county and for hosting those visits; representing the Monarch at a wide range of events across West Yorkshire; presenting British Empire Medals and other awards; advising on submissions for honours nominations; submitting nominations for Royal Garden Parties; and maintaining close links with regional armed forces. He is assisted by the Vice-Lord-Lieutenant, the Clerk to the Lieutenancy and a team of Deputy Lieutenants.

Nima’s father Ammanichanda Poovaya and mother Biddanda Muthie Poovaya (my mother’s sister) were in Belgaum for many years and that’s where she and her siblings had their early education. The family settled in Mysuru and Nima earned her Ph.D in English literature from the University of Mysore under the mentorship of well-known academician Prof. C.D. Narasimhaiah (late). She was also a student of Prof U.R. Ananthamurthy (late).

In 1981 Nima went to the University of Leeds, UK, on a scholarship for post-doctoral studies. Nima is married to Paul Smith, who besides being a Sociologist specialising in the Sociology of Knowledge, is an authority on the Theosophical Society founded by Colonel Olcott and Madame Blavatsky.

Dr. Nima Poovaya-Smith with her nephew Dr. Kodimanianda Ajit Belliappa in front of Yinka Shonibare’s acclaimed piece The Wanderer that she was instrumental in purchasing for Bradford Museums and Galleries in 2007.

Nima has been actively involved in collecting art and in curating museums. One of her assignments was collecting rare textiles for Cartwright Hall Museum, Bradford. Various noteworthy collections are currently being celebrated at the ‘2 Temple Place’ Gallery in London (till 19th April 2020). Seven top women collectors of textiles for public collections are being showcased and Nima’s contemporary South Asian collection is one of them.

For more details visit website: https://twotempleplace.org/exhibitions/unbound/

Nima is the Founder-Director of Alchemy Anew, an organisation involved in confluence of cultures. Currently, she is the Senior Visiting Research Fellow, School of Fine Arts, History of Arts and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / April 04th, 2020

New bldg of govt school inaugurated in Jodupala

March 11, 2020Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

MLA K G Bopaiah inaugurated the new building of Government Higher Primary School in Jodupala in Madikeri taluk on Saturday.(Below) Students take partin the programme. DH Photos

The new building of Government Higher Primary School was inaugurated by MLA K G Bopaiah at Jodupala in Madikeri taluk on Saturday.

Jodupala was badly affected by the previous floods. The old school building was damaged in the natural calamity. The new building, comprising three classrooms, was constructed at a cost of Rs 24 lakh.

Inaugurating the programme, Bopaiah said that the teachers should pay special attention to rebuild the future of the students, who lost their houses during the floods.

The students too, should put special efforts and dedication to acquire education and make their teachers and parents proud, he added.

“Parents should pay special attention to the education of girls, especially in rural areas. Girls should be encouraged to acquire higher education by utilising government schemes. It is important to provide moral education to all students,’’ he said.

The MLA said that he would make sincere efforts to open a high school in the government primary school in Jodupala.

Bopaiah added that additional grants would be sought from the government to repair all government schools that were damaged in the floods.

Zilla Panchayat member Yaladalu Padmavathi, Taluk Panchayt President Tekkade Shobha Mohan, Vice President Kodapalu Gappu Ganapathy, School Development and Monitoring Committee President Madhava and school Headteacher Damayanti were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / March 07th, 2020

‘Introduce Arebhashe culture among schoolchildren’

February 25, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorgadmin

Women offer coconut oil to the earth as a part of 'Keddasa' ritual. — Women offer coconut oil to the earth as a part of ‘Keddasa’ ritual.

The culture and tradition of Arebhashe should be introduced among children during their schooling, Kodagu Zilla Panchayat President B A Harish said.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Arebhashe Siri Samskrithi and Keddasa Gauji Samskrithika Jambara’ organised by Karnataka Arebhashe Samskrithi and Sahitya Academy, in association with Bhagawan Sangha-Urubailu and Swami Vivekananda Yuvaka Mandala, at Government Primary School in Koodadka near Chembu village on Sunday.

Harish said that the land was considered to be divine and the custom of offering coconut oil to land is observed as a part of Keddasa ritual. “Such customs signify the importance of nature and therefore, it should be passed on to future generations,” he added.

Karnataka Arebhashe Samskrithi and Sahitya Academy President Lakshminarayana Kajegadde expressed his concern over the poor use of Arebhashe language.

Folklore scholar Sundar Kenaje said that on the day of Keddasa, the eldest daughter of the house offers coconut oil to the earth and performs pooja. Similar customs are practiced across coastal districts, he said.

Intellects Hosur Chandrashekhar and Sheelavathi spoke on various rituals practiced as part of Arebhashe culture.

Cultural programmes were held on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Ashwani Kumar NKR / DHNS, Madikeri / February 16th, 2020

ZP resolves to review sport school students’ selection list

February 24, 2020Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Sportsadmin

Zilla Panchayat President B A Harish, Vice President Lokeshwari Gopal and CEO K Lakshmipriya take part in the general body meeting of Kodagu Zilla Panchayat in Madikeri on Wednesday. DH photo

Zilla Panchayat members on Wednesday alleged that the selection of students for the sports school at Ponnampet in Virajpet taluk has not been done in a transparent manner.

Following pandemonium in the general body meeting of the Zilla Panchayat on the issue, Zilla Panchayat president B A Harish intervened and said the selection process can be withheld if found it is not fair. However, it was resolved to review the selection list.

Earlier, JD(S) member C P Puttaraju demanded a probe into the selection process. Responding to his demand, Health and Education Standing Committee chairman N T Kiran Cariappa said that 165 students took part in the selection. Among them, 15 boys and four girls have been selected. The selection was done by experienced coaches. The students selected during the last year have won several medals, he said.

Pointing out that there were students from Somwarpet as well, he said, “The selection cannot be limited to a specific taluk. It depends on the calibre of the students”.

As soon as the meeting began, member Bananda Pratyu said that the farmers are in distress. The market rates of coffee and pepper have fallen. Therefore, the Zilla Panchayat should pass a resolution to propose to the government to completely waive the loans availed by farmers, Pratyu said.

When the Zilla Panchayat president insisted on sticking to the agenda of the meeting, Pratyu and K P Chandrakala protested in front of his seat. The impromptu protest led to an exchange of words between Congress and BJP members.

Pratyu alleged that the farmers do not get even one hour of power supply at Balele, Kutta, Ponnampet and surrounding regions.

Member Shivu Madappa urged the Zilla Panchayat to repair the faulty power line to provide free electricity up to 10 hp, to the farmers, as assured by the government.

CESC executive engineer Somashekhar said that the problem is due to overloading. The issue will be rectified soon. To the reply by the official, the members warned of staging a protest in front of the CESC office if the electric line is not repaired within three days.

The Zilla Panchayat president directed the official to repair the electric line soon.

To an issue raised by member Suneetha, DDPI P Machado said that special classes are being conducted for SSLC students. The students staying in the school at night are provided food. “Preparatory examinations are being conducted to ensure best results in the final examination”, he added.

Zilla Panchayat Vice President Lokeshwari Gopal and CEO K Lakshmi Priya were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / February 19th, 2020

Famous Alumni Of A Century-Old School

February 18, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Educational institutions were first started in Kodagu after the British takeover in 1834. People took to education most enthusiastically. In 1909, St. Joseph’s Convent was founded by Catholic nuns in Madikeri. It was primarily for girls, but boys were allowed till 7th standard. I recently came across a remarkable group photograph taken in 1911, of the students at the time, along with the European nuns who ran the school. The school catered to both boarders and day-scholars.

This school offered better quality education to children of those locals who aspired to see their chldren well prepared to take advantage of lucrative jobs and career opportunities under the colonial dispensation. This school saw generations of students, especially women, pursue higher education and excel at a time when women were not much involved outside the traditional family responsibilities.

One family in this frame, frozen in time, has members who went on to become famous during the 1930s to 1950s. They are the seven daughters and one son of the first lawyer from Kodagu — Codanda D. Poovaiah. After school, six of his daughters pursued higher education outside Kodagu. The sisters excelled in various fields and soon came to be known as the ‘Poovaiah Sisters of Coorg.’ One of them, Rohini, was the first lady from Kodagu to acquire a degree. She later became the Principal of Crosswaithe College, a well-known institution in Allahabad. She was familiar with the Nehru family and had a brief role in the education of a young Indira Gandhi. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1973. Another sister, Ashlesha, was one of the first lady doctors from Kodagu. Yet another sister, Swati, did her Nursing degree and later went on a scholarship to Columbia University in 1948 for further studies.

Three of the Poovaiah sisters with their dance guru Jailal. / Picture right shows Chonira B Muthamma, first lady IFS Officer.

The three younger sisters — Sita, Chitra and Lata — became renowned Kathak dancers and were much sought-after not only for their performances all over India, but also to direct dances in Hindi movies. All sisters took part in the freedom movement. Chitra and Lata defied prohibitory orders during the ‘Quit India’ movement. They were jailed for 2 weeks. Sita went on to earn a Ph.D in Arts from Bombay University and became the first Kodava lady to get a Doctorate degree. My father, C.M. Poonacha, was a freedom fighter and knew the family well. I had the privilege of being invited to their home on Malabar Hill in Bombay in 1968. Except for Ashlesha, all the sisters were spinsters.

On a personal note, my wife’s grandmother is one of the little girls sitting in the front row. She later married Pemmanda K. Monnappa who had the unique distinction of being the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in three Southern States. He was the Police Chief who headed the Government action in quelling the Razakars revolt in Hyderabad. He was the first IGP (equivalent to DGP now), of the newly formed Karnataka State in 1956.

My sister’s future father-in-law is one of the little boys sitting in the front row. Interestingly, his future mother-in-law is also in the same frame! This iconic, over a century-old photograph, has many stories to tell.

Over the years several girls who had their early education in this school went on the achieve in various fields. Konganda Accamma, who passed out of this school in the 1920s, joined Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi. She was one of the first Kodava women to earn a MBBS degree. She headed the Vanivilas Women and Children’s Hospital for several years.

One of the most distinguished alumna of this school is C.B. Muthamma, who was the first woman to qualify for the Indian Foreign Service in 1949. She also has the distinction of being the first lady Ambassador from the IFS cadre. Muthamma had to face gender discrimination while in service. She fought against the Government and went to the Supreme Court in 1979. The Apex Court passed a judgement in her favour which paved the way for other women civil servants from being discriminated against. She authored a book titled ‘Slain by the System’ in 2003. Muthamma’s classmate was Jajie Mandanna, who was an MLC and a well-known consumer activist. I am told they fiercely fought for the top rank in their class!

St. Joseph’s is now a co-ed school and continues to provide quality education.

___________________

About the author:
C. P. Belliappa, born in 1946, is a Chemical Engineer. He is currently settled in Coorg. He is known for his writings on issues pertaining to Coorg. Four of his books — Tale of A Tiger’s Tail & other Yarns from Coorg, Nuggets from Coorg History, Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg, and Tongue of the Slip, have been published by Rupa Publications. He currently serves as President, Coorg Institute of Technology, Ponnampet, South Kodagu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / February 16th, 2020

Workshop On Business Research Methodology Held

February 5, 2020Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leadersadmin

Mysore/Mysuru:

Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions, Kuvempunagar, conducted a one-day University-level workshop on “Business Research Methodology” at the College auditorium in city recently.

University of Mysore (UoM) Registrar (Evaluation) Prof. K. Mahadevan inaugurated the workshop. UoM Commerce Faculty Dr. K. Nagendra Babu was the guest of honour. Institutions Chairman M.K.Kuttappa presided.

The workshop was conducted in three sessions. First session was handled by Dr. R. Jagadeesh, Professor and Head, Department of Studies in Business Administration (MBA), SBRR Mahajana First Grade College (PG Wing), Mysuru; 2nd session by Dr. B. Mahadevappa, Professor of Commerce, Post Graduate Centre, Hemagangothri, UoM and 3rd session by Dr. S.J. Manjunath, Faculty, B.N. Bahadur Institute of Management Sciences, UoM.

The workshop had 300 participants including academicians, research scholars, PG and UG students.

Institution Hon. Treasurer M.B. Aiyappa, Vice-Chairman M.M. Ponnappa, Special Advisor Prof. K.C. Belliappa, Kodava Samaja President K.M. Belliappa and Cauvery First Grade College Principal K.M. Padvamavathi were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 03rd, 2020

Govt women’s first grade college to get own building

February 2, 2020Education, Records, Alladmin

The land levelled to construct the women’s first grade college in Madikeri.

The government women’s first grade college in Madikeri will finally get its own building. The work on levelling the land for the construction of the building has commenced.

The college was started five years ago in the district headquarters and was functioning from Yuva Bhavana building of the Jilla Yuva Okkuta.

Following a request by MLA Appachu Ranjan, the state government has sanctioned a piece of land behind Gowda Samaja in Madikeri. The two-floor building will come up on a 70-cent site, said sources from Collegiate Education.

The authorities have been searching for suitable land for the college building for the last five years. Owing to a stay order from the Supreme Court, the land identified near Dasavala Road could not be utilised.

The land identified at Karnangeri was damaged in the natural calamity. Finally, it was decided to use the land earmarked for the construction of quarters for the Department of Public Instruction deputy director, said college principal D J Javarappa.

He said the college building is likely to be made available in 2021 academic year. A sum of Rs 4 crore has been released for the building. As many as 200 students in degree college and 400 students in composite college are pursuing their studies.

The new college building will have classrooms on each floor. In addition, it will have a library and parking on the ground floor. The first floor of the building will house arts stream and the second floor will be earmarked for the commerce department.

The government is also mulling over construction of a composite college building near Field Marshal Cariappa Auditorium near Junior College premises. About 60 cents of land has been identified for the purpose.

Jilla Yuva Okkuta President P P Sukumar said that with the functioning of the college from its building has affected activities of the Okkuta.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> News> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DHNS, Madikeri / February 02nd, 2020

‘Kids Fiesta’ Celebrated With Joie De Vivre

January 31, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Educationadmin

Gonikoppal:

Coorg Public School, Gonikoppal, recently celebrated its ‘Kids Fiesta’ with joie de vivre.

Monnanda Shobha Subbaiah, former Chairperson of Kannada Sahitya Sammelana and District Commissioner for Guides, was the chief guest of the event. School Principal Dr. Benny Kuriakose presided.

Pre-Primary Academic Coordinator Ramya Nanjappa highlighted the spectacular achievement made by the students in myriad fields. A resplendent display of cultural programme ranging from fluid and vibrant dances, melodious choirs, creative costume fair and power-packed action song left the audience spell-bound.

A special musical feast presented by the sitarist enthralled the audience. The school’s band mesmerised the gathering with the scintillating display of trumpets and drums.

Sharth House won the ‘Cock Trophy’ instituted for excellence in various House activities.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 28th, 2020

Tremendous response to PV Quiz in Kodagu

January 19, 2020Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Educationadmin

SP Suman D Pennekar distributes trophy to Amoghavarsha and Deepak Raj, who won the first place and entered the grand finale, in the Prajavani Quiz competition held at Maithri Community hall in Madikeri. DDPI P S Macchado, Quiz Master Sacchin Deshpande looks

The excitement and enthusiasm was quite palpable among the students who participated in the quiz competition, organised by Prajavani and Deccan Herald, in association with Deeksha, at Maithri Community Hall in Madikeri on Friday.

The students, who participated in the competition, witnessed spontaneous replies from the top six teams to the questions of the quiz master.

The registration for the competition commenced at 8.30 am and the preliminary round began at 10 am.

Quiz Master Sacchin Deshpande conducted the quiz. As the questions appeared on the screen, some students answered them with a smiling face while others discussed their partners before answering them.

After the preliminary round, six teams were selected for the final round, which was indeed filled with excitement. It had five categories—question and answer, right or wrong, photography, audio and visual round and rapid round.

There were a few questions related to Huthari festival and also on Kodagu district. When all the six teams failed to answer a question, it was passed on to the audience, some of whom answered a few questions and won prizes.

Three teams from Coorg Public School in Gonikoppa were selected for the final round of regional-level contest. There was stiff competition among them. One of the teams, who could not answer in the rapid round had to be satisfied with fourth position.

Deepak Raj and Amoghavarsha of Coorg Public School, who answered with utmost care in the rapid round, won the first place, while Manjuprasad and Bopanna of the same school won the second place.

Hariprasad and Tushar of Shanthinikethana School won the third place.

There was tremendous response to the quiz as many students from border areas of Kodagu district also came to take part in the competition.

Inaugurating the quiz competition, MLC Sunil Subramani expressed happiness of organising the quiz competition in the district. In the competitive world, the students have to face competitive exams for employment. The students should prepare themselves for the exams, he added.

Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar and DDPI P S Macchado distributed prizes.

Prajavani had identified young achievers on account of New Year and were honoured on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Naina J A, DHNS – Madikeri / January 18th, 2020

Kodagu First

a Celebration. Positive News, Facts & Achievements about Kodagu, Coorgs and the People of Kodagu – here at Home and Overseas