Category Archives: Education

Sainik School salutes the ‘Pioneers’

Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , ,

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

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

Kodagu Model School Fetes Rural SSLC Topper

Education, , , , , , , , , , , ,

M. Deepali Gowda, a student of Kodagu Model School, Vidyashankar Layout, Mysuru, who emerged school topper and also a topper among rural schools in Mysuru district in the SSLC exams by securing 614/625 marks, was felicitated by the school management recently.

Kodagu Model School, run by Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysuru East, has secured cent percent results in SSLC this year.

Deepali Gowda is seen with Association President Puliyanda S. Devaiah, Committee Member Mollera Kavitha Appanna, Association Secretary Kademada M. Belliappa, Kodagu Model School Education Council Chairperson Chowrira K. Seethamma and Association Treasurer Coluvanda M. Chengappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / May 16th, 2024

Cmde. Rajesh Sharma Inspects Sainik School Kodagu

Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Education, , , , , , , , , , ,

Kushalnagar:

The Annual Inspection by Sainik Schools Society was carried out at the Sainik School Kodagu on Apr. 23 by Cmde. Rajesh K. Sharma, the Inspecting Officer, Sainik Schools Society, New Delhi.

The Officer, at the helm of affairs of Ministry of Defence, is taking care of all the 33 Sainik Schools and the newly opened Sainik Schools under PPP mode functioning under the aegis of Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence.

On his arrival, Cmde Rajesh Sharma was welcomed by Col. Amar Jeet Singh, Principal, Sainik School Kodagu. The Inspecting Officer offered his tributes to the war heroes by laying wreath at the ‘Wall of Heroes.’

The Officer was welcomed with a guard of honour and a special Assembly was conducted. The new Prefectorial body of Sainik School Kodagu for the year 2024-25 took oath during the Investiture Ceremony.

The Officer conferred rank badges to meritorious cadets. Cadet Aditya Kumar took charge as School’s Cadet Captain. The School Appointments took a solemn oath to uphold the school motto of valour, determination and honesty in high esteem and discharge their duties to the best of their ability and trust bestowed on them.

Cdt. Deepti and team presented a welcome dance while welcome song was presented by Cdt. Raman and team.

In his address, the Inspecting Officer encouraged the cadets to embrace open-mindedness, ambition, humility and approachability. He emphasised the importance of the newly appointed cadets leading by example and acting as role models for their peers.

Cmde. Sharma urged the cadets to explore and embrace local art forms to preserve the region’s rich heritage.

During his visit the Officer inspected the utilisation of government funds and the ongoing projects in the school. He also reviewed various academic and training activities including sports, games activities and facilities, horse riding arena, skating rink etc.

The school’s contribution in terms of number of cadets entering into NDA and preparation towards UPSC – NDA examination were also reviewed. Cadets’ academic performance in Class X and XII CBSE examinations were appreciated by the Inspecting Officer.

Wg. Cdr. P. Prakash Rao, Administrative Officer, Sqn. Ldr. Manpreet Singh, Vice-Principal, Senior Master, Staff Members, NCC and PI Staff and cadets were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 28th, 2024

Kodagu girl wins Nat’l Abacus Title

Amazing Feats, Education, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , ,

Madikeri:

A Kodagu girl has won a national level abacus championship in Delhi.

Kodandera Nushkka, 6, the daughter of Kavya and Vikram Kuttaiah is the winner.

She won the championship in a contest in which 3,200 children from across India had participated. She is being trained at Brainobrain Madikeri centre, which is headed by Mapangada Kavitha Karumbaiah.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / August 26th, 2024

All India Sainik Schools Intra Group Football Competition Held At Sainik School Kodagu

Education, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Kushalnagar:

The All India Sainik Schools Intra Group (Group H) Football Competition for the year 2024-25, which commenced at Sainik School Kodagu on Apr. 9, culminated on Apr. 13.

 This marked the third edition of the National-level Sports Meet hosted by the School.

The closing ceremony was attended by Wg. Cdr. P. Prakash Rao, Officiating Principal of Sainik School Kodagu, as chief guest.

In all, four Sainik Schools from the South Zone of India participated in the event: Sainik School Kazhakootam (Kerala), Sainik School Amaravathinagar (Tamil Nadu), Sainik School Kalikeri (Andhra Pradesh) and the host Sainik School Kodagu.

In his address, Wg. Cdr. Prakash Rao congratulated all the participating teams for their exemplary display of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

He encouraged the participants to carry forward the values of sportsmanship, integrity and camaraderie, which defines the very essence of any sports.

The closing ceremony featured an elegant march-past by cadets from the participating schools. Cadet Sharanabasu, the proposed School Appointment of Sainik School Kodagu, administered the oath to the team captains and their respective teammates and also led the parade.

The closing parade was followed by prize distribution. Sainik School Kalikiri, Kazhakootam and Amaravathinagar won the Champion’s Trophy in the respective Group.

Cdt. M.G. Deekshitha of Sainik School Kalikiri, Cdt. Krishnakant of Sainik School Kazhakootam and Cdt. M.P. Deepak of Sainik School Amaravathinagar were adjudged as the best players in their respective category.

On the occasion N. Vibin Kumar, Senior Master, Team Managers of participant schools, staff members, NCC, PI staff and the cadets of Sainik School Kodagu were present.

Inaugural ceremony: Col. Amar Jeet Singh, Principal of Sainik School Kodagu, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony on Apr. 9.

In his address, Col. Singh highlighted the significance of rigorous training and persistent efforts in fostering true sportsmanship, particularly for those aspiring to pursue careers in sports.

He commended Sainik Schools for being bastions of discipline, excellence and holistic development, emphasising their role in instilling values of leadership, teamwork and perseverance among cadets.

The chief guest applauded the cadets for demonstrating exceptional team spirit, a fundamental requirement for success in any sporting event, especially football. He encouraged the participating cadets to play with passion, integrity and respect for their opponents, embodying the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play.

 Cultural performances included a welcome song by Cadet Raman Kumar and his team, a Khartal performance by Cadet Lohith Kumar and his team and a rendition on the ‘Daf’ by Cadet Amit and his team.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / April 16th, 2024

Kodagu Records 92.13%

Amazing Feats, Education, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri:

Though Kodagu bettered its performance by recording a pass percentage of 92.13, it slipped to fifth position in the District wise rankings of II PUC results. Last year, Kodagu had bagged third spot in district wise rankings, while recording a pass percentage of 90.55 which is nearly 2 percent less as compared to the previous year.

A total of 4,576 students had appeared, out of which 4,216 students have passed.

In Science, A. Diana Naveen (592 marks out of 600) of St. Michael’s PU College, Madikeri, came the topper in Kodagu. She was followed by D.P. Jeevan (588 marks) of the same college who came second and H.R. Sinchana (588) of Coorg Institute PU College, Ponnampet and M.M. Kaveramma of Vidyaniketan PU College, Gonikoppa, shared third spot.

In Commerce, Charishma Johnson (591)  of Vidyniketan PU College, Gonikoppal, was the  topper in the district, while K.K. Rashmitha (589) of Sarva Daivatha College, Gonikoppa, came second. I. Bindu (588 marks) of St. Anthony College, Ponnampet  and Jhuveria P. Zudd of Marques PU College, Madikeri, shared third place.

In Arts stream, S.Hemavathi (574 marks) of St. Joseph’s PU College, Madikeri, was the topper, while S. Srinanda of the same college came second securing 573 marks and P.I. Sapna of Ikra PU College, Siddapaura came third with 572 marks.

Mother and daughter pass out together

Meanwhile, a mother and her daughter of Kodagu district created a record of sorts by passing out second PUC in the same exam this year.

Rinisha, daughter of electrical contractor T.K. Surendra and M.U. Babyrani couple of Kudlur Chettalli in Kushalnagar taluk, had appeared for the second PU exam in Science along with her mother Babyrani.

While Rinisha was a student of Vidyaniketan PU College in Gonikoppal, her mother had appeared for the exam as a private student at Nellihudikeri Junior College in Arts stream.

While Rinisha passed out in flying colours by securing 570 marks out of 600 in Science stream, Babyrani passed out in first class in Arts stream by scoring 388 out of 600 marks.

Babyrani had last appeared for SSLC exam 25 years ago and this year, she appeared for the second PU exam, due to persistence of her daughter Rinisha and passed out in first class.

Thus, Wednesday marked as an important day in the life of Rinisha as well as her mother Babyrani, as they achieved academic success, passing out second PU with good results.

Rinisha, who was delighted with her mother’s performance, said she was more happy at her mother’s success than her own high marks in second PUC.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 11th, 2024

Former VC Prof. K.C. Belliappa To Release KBG’s Book ‘Life And Times’ On Aug. 6

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, , , , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru: 

Prof. K.C. Belliappa, former Vice-Chancellor, Central University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, will release the book Life and Times authored by K.B. Ganapathy (KBG), Founder-Editor, Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra at  a programme organised by Samvahana, Mysuru, at Rani Bahadur Auditorium, Hunsur Road in city on Aug. 6 (Sunday) at 11 am.

Prof. K.S. Rangappa, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore, will preside

Prof. C. Naganna, Retd. Professor, University of Mysore, will speak on the book.

Dr. M.R. Ravi, IAS,  Managing Director, Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), Bengaluru, will be the chief guest.

Author K.B. Ganapathy and Publisher D.N. Lokappa of Samvahana Publications, will be present at the event.

On the occasion, the book (soft bound), priced at Rs. 350, will be sold at discount price of Rs. 200 at the venue.

The Publisher can be contacted on Mob: 99026-39593 or 95354-61948.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 04th, 2023

Coffee as career? Centre of Excellence proposed in Bengaluru

Coffee News, Education, , , , , , ,

To promote capacity building in this niche field, the Coffee Board has sent a proposal to the govt to establish a ‘Centre of Excellence for Coffee’ in Bengaluru.

Image used for representational purposes only.
Image used for representational purposes only.

Bengaluru :

With coffee doing well on global price charts, there is an increasing demand for more skilled labour. To promote capacity building in this niche field, the Coffee Board of India has sent a proposal to the government to establish a ‘Centre of Excellence for Coffee’ in Bengaluru. Currently, the board has limited seats for its programmes and aims to introduce newer short-term courses for coffee enthusiasts.

Board Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Dr KG Jagadeesha said, “We run a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Coffee Quality Management (PGDCQM), which is highly sought after. It is run in the Coffee Quality Division in Bengaluru and students also visit the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) in Chikkamagaluru for three months. Students get industry experiences such as visiting cafes, understanding roasteries and understanding the packaging and promotion. However, we can take only 15 individuals and the applications that come in are more than 500.”

The applicants are thoroughly reviewed based on sensory evaluation, interview and academic records and should have a bachelor’s degree in botany, zoology, food sciences, bioscience or agricultural sciences. The proposal submitted to the government is part of the five-year budgetary renewal during which the board lists down its vision and plans for the next term.

“The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) proposal entails an exclusive centre for coffee and various skilling and upskilling programmes,” Jagadeesha said.

‘Will train 5K grads to make espresso’

“Even these 15 people who pass PG Diploma are placed in multinational companies within days and some even go to the Middle East with promising career opportunities. We need more seats as the market is expanding,” Jagadeesha explained. The board is awaiting approval and has also requested for a new facility to hold classes for at least 100 select students.

It is also looking at several upskilling initiatives in the next five years and training around one lakh women from rural areas and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to make coffees the right way.

“We are also going to train 5,000 graduates on how to make espresso coffee and help them explore the opportunities in the coffee business,” the CEO said.

There is a severe shortage of baristas in the industry. Coffee Board has also introduced a programme of training 1,000 baristas in the next three years and has already trained 150 so far, he added.

The short-term course for coffee enthusiasts, called the ‘Kaapi Shashtra’, for the year is tentatively scheduled for March 18-22 (exclusive batches) and interested individuals can keep a watch on the website. The main objective of the programme is to impart skills related to latest technologies in coffee roasting.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Puran Choudhary / February 12th, 2024

Digital library carves new hope for cleaning staff in Kodagu

Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , ,

The need to shift to a better job urged Bhavani, a cleaner at the panchayat, to try and apply for the 10th board exams.

Bhavani at the library in Kodagu. (Photo| Express)

Madikeri : 

A digital library in a rural part of Kodagu is helping shape a new life for a panchayat cleaning staff.

Bhavani HD (48), who never had the luxury to attend school, has now completed 10th grade after receiving help at the digital library even as she hopes for a promotion in her 12-year-old career.

A resident of Maldare village in Virajpet taluk, Bhavani hails from a poor family. She did not enjoy the right to attend school during her childhood and started off earning a living by working as a daily wager.

She then applied to work at the Maldare Grama Panchayat and has been working as the cleaning staff there for the past 12 years. She is shortly to be deployed as a civic worker who has to collect and dispose of garbage.

“I cannot lift heavy weights. I have undergone five surgeries including tubal ligation, uterus, piles, appendix, and a leg surgery. I requested a different job profile due to my illness and the then PDO had suggested that I could have applied for an attendee post at the panchayat if I had passed 10th grade,” shared Bhavani.

The need to shift to a better job urged Bhavani to try and apply for the 10th board exams.

“My dream of attaining an attendee post led me to the digital library at the panchayat. I obtained support from the library supervisor Sujitha,” Bhavani said. 

“From the Grama Digi Vikas portal, I helped download the study materials for Bhavani. The study materials are easy to understand and they are in the form of videos. Bhavani visited the library every day and studied for the board exams,” shared Sujitha KV, the library supervisor who learned about the ordeal of Bhavani and stepped in to help. 

For three months, Bhavani spent a few hours every day studying at the library. She wrote the board exams in March last year.

“But I passed only in Kannada. However, by god’s grace, I cleared all the subjects during the supplementary examination,” explained Bhavani.

Following this success, Bhavani is now confident of availing the attendee post.

However, Bhavani has a long fight before she gets to her dream post at the panchayat, as several panchayat members have failed to see her efforts and are demanding a male candidate for the attendee post over Bhavani.

While her hard work led her towards completing the 10th grade, it has not yet paid off due to the unprecedented developments at the panchayat.   

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 03rd, 2023