Category Archives: Education

Karnataka 2nd PU commerce topper Ananya K.A. says changed question paper pattern helped save time

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The new pattern has more number of multiple choice questions compared to the earlier examinations.

M. Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri offering sweets to Ananya K.A., who topped the commerce stream in the second PU exams in Karnataka. The results were announced on April 21, 2023.

Ananya K.A., topper in the commerce stream of the second pre-university examination, said that the new pattern of the PU exam helped save time in answering the questions.

Ms. Ananya had prepared well for the new pattern that had more number of multiple choice questions compared to the earlier examinations. “I was better prepared,” she told The Hindu.

Ms. Ananya hails from Kushalnagar in Kodagu district. She is the eldest of two daughters of ex-serviceman K. Ashok and government school teacher G. Nalini. She was a student of Adichunchungiri School in Hassan up to class 10. She joined Alva’s Pre-University College, Moodbidri, in Dakshina Kannada district, two years ago under the free education scheme of Alva’s Education Foundation for sportspersons.

“I am a volleyball player. But due to an injury, I had to discontinue sports and concentrate on academics this year,” she told The Hindu.

As she has been staying in a sports hostel since class 8 in Hassan, it was not difficult for her to stay away from her family, in Moodbidri.

She is now preparing for the company secretary entrance examination scheduled on May 1.

Congratulating Ms. Ananya for securing 600/600 marks, M. Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri said this is first time that a commerce student has secured 100% marks in the examination. Mr. Alva said the foundation will continue to offer free education to youngsters with a talent for sports, cultural activities or academics.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / April 21st, 2023

At 79, Padma Shri Ummathat Ki Rani is busy pushing for a Kodava ‘lipi’

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Rani’s entire career has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the folk dance form, Ummathat, of the Kodava tradition.

Rani Machaiah (seated) was felicitated at a function in Madikeri on Thursday, 26 January. (Supplied)
Rani Machaiah (seated) was felicitated at a function in Madikeri on Thursday 26 Jan (supplied)

The news came as mellifluous as the song that accompanies Ummathat, the traditional dance form of Kodagu.

Rani Machaiah — better known as Ummathat Ki Rani  — was at her home in Madikeri when she received the news of the nation honouring her with Padma Shri.

Congratulatory calls have been flooding her from relatives, friends, well-wishers, and most importantly, from her large number of students since Wednesday, 25 January.

“A train of thoughts crossed my mind,” the 79-year-old shared her experience with South First. “I have worked for around 50 years, promoting this traditional dance form.”

She has been leading Ummathat since 1984 and she had trained over 10,000 students.

Rani recalled taking her students to different states to showcase the dance form. “Ummathat is performed by a troupe of 20 — two will be singing and the other eighteen will dance to narrate a story,” she explained.

“This dance form is similar to the traditional ones of every other state,” she added.

Creating masters

Rani doesn’t dance anymore. But she still teaches students to master the art form. She had trained several batches of students.

Padma Shri Rani Machaiah. (Supplied)
Padma Shri Rani Machaiah. (Supplied)

“Once they get married, they leave and a new batch joins. Girls of any age can join the troupe,” Rani said.

Her students had performed in Lakshadweep, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and several places across Karnataka.

“We get invitations from various places and institutions from all over the country and we perform our traditional Ummathat there,” Rani, who has dedicated herself to preserving and promoting the traditional dance form, said.

Rani was born in 1943 in Siddapura in the Kodagu district. Her husband, the late Machaiah, was an advocate, who passed away when she was 65.

Her son, Sathish Machaiah, 55, is a software engineer in Bengaluru. Rani’s daughter, Saritha Devaiah, is a homemaker in Kodagu. Her husband Devaiah owns a plantation.

When asked about her inspiration to take up Ummathat, Rani said it was personal interest.

Now, a lipi

Rani is the chairperson of Kaveri Kalavrunda Sangha, an organisation she founded. She is the recipient of the Rajyotsava Award and many other honours.

She was a former president of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and at present, she is encouraging groups of Kodavas working on designing a lipi — alphabet or script — for the Kodava language to preserve its literature since the language doesn’t have a lipi now (traditionally, Kodavas use the Thirke script, which is an abugida).

“It will look somewhat similar to Kannada and it will have phonetics and extra words that are used in the Kodava language in Kannada lipi,” Rani said.

source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / South First / Home> Karnataka / by Bellie Thomas / January 27th, 2023

Kodava Students Association Gets New Office-Bearers

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Mysore/Mysuru:

The following are the new office-bearers of Kodava Students Association (KSA), Mysuru:  Iychettira Bheemaiah – President; Maletira Laksh Dechamma – Vice-President; Ponnappa Bepadiyanda – Secretary; Iychettira Bhumika  –  Joint Secretary; Karun Karera – Treasurer; Viharika Appaneravanda – Joint Treasurer and Gowthami Kokkalemada – Cultural Leader.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 31st, 2023

Vice-Chancellors appointed for seven new universities

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The State government, on Monday, issued orders appointing Vice-Chancellors for the newly established Universities of Chamarajanagar, Bidar, Haveri, Hassan, Kodagu, Koppal, and Bagalkot.

The names of the newly appointed V-Cs are Dr. B.K. Ravi (Koppal University, Dr. Ashok Sangappa Alur (Kodagu University), Dr. M.R. Gangadhar (Chamarajanagar University), Dr. Anand Sharad Deshpande (Bagalkot University), Dr. B.S. Biradar (Bidar University), Dr. Suresh H. (Haveri University) and Dr. T.C. Taranath, (Hassan University).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home / by The Hindu Bureau / March 20th, 2023

Mysuru Excels In Kodagu Inter-School Athletic Championships

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In order to motivate budding athletes, Olympian Ashwini Nachappa’s Sports Academy had organised the Track and Field Championship event for kids under 12, 14 and 16 years at KALS Grounds in Kaikeri, Gonikoppal, on Feb. 7.

Students from various schools in Kodagu, Mysuru, Bengaluru and Mandya participated in the event.

The following students from Mysuru district, coached by Puneeth of Mysore University, have secured a total of 3 Gold, 5 Silver and 8 Bronze medals:

Girls Category

U-16: Charvi – Bronze in 600m; U-14: Ishana Devaiah Pykera (Excel Public School) – Gold in 600m and Silver in 200m; H. Saha (St. Joseph’s School) – Bronze in 600m; U-12: Nischitha Gowda (Vijaya Vittala School) – Bronze in 600m and 100m.

Boys Category

U-16: M.N. Vipul (Sadvidya High School) – Gold in 100m and in 200m along with Individual Championship; Madhu – Silver in 100m and 200m; Kishan – Bronze in 800m; U-14: Ayish – Silver in 200m; Ishaan – Bronze in 100m; U-12: Chiranth – Silver in 600m; Adithya, Shireesh – Bronze in 600m.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 21st, 2023

Govt. in favour of Sadashiva Commission report on internal reservation, says Minister

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Minister for Social Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary speaking at a programme in Bittangala village of Virajpet in Kodagu district on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Minister for Social Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary said the BJP government in the State was in favour of implementing the Sadashiva Commission report on internal reservation.

According to a statement here, Mr. Poojary made clear the government’s stand on internal reservation while speaking at a programme in Bittangala village of Virajpet in Kodagu district on Sunday.

Mr Poojary said he will hold another round of discussion with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the issue while stating that there was a need for the government to give voice to the voiceless sections of the society.

The Sadashiva Commission has looked into the decades-old demand for internal reservation of the 101 castes that comprised the Scheduled Castes.

Even though internal reservation has become a complicated issue, Mr. Poojary said the government was in favour of ensuring social justice to the communities that had been deprived of government benefits.

The government will be ordering a study on genealogy of all native Kodava communities at a cost of ₹25 lakh and the task will be entrusted to either the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute in Mysuru or the Kannada University in Hampi.

Also, Mr Poojary said the government will be releasing a grant of ₹5 crore for the development of ‘Ainmane’ or ancestral houses of the native Kodagu community that play an important role in preserving the architectural heritage of Kodavas and the community’s culture.

The BJP government’s emphasis on language and culture becomes clear when people working for the good of the society even behind the scenes in rural areas are recognised for the prestigious Padma awards, Mr. Poojary said.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Professor of History from Kannada University in Hampi Vijay Poonacha Thambanda said the government should ensure political and social justice to all communities speaking Kodava language by bringing in internal reservation.

Apart from demanding the inclusion of Kodava language in the 8 th Schedule, he sought the post of Chairperson in the Kodava Sahitya Academy for persons from smaller communities that spoke the Kodava language.

Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and BJP MLA K.G. Bopaiah also spoke on the occasion.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / February 19th, 2023

Finding the ‘Special’ in Children

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A school in Kodagu is knitting stories of success and seeding hope in the lives of specially-abled kids.

Apart from education, students also get training in various activities like tailoring. (Photo | Express)
Apart from education, students also get training in various activities like tailoring. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

Smiling faces welcome one into the quaint ambience enveloping Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School in Madikeri. Discipline, empathy, simplicity and serenity engulf one’s senses during a visit to the school – the first institution established in Kodagu to address the needs of specially-abled kids. Kodagu Vidyalaya was set up by late Biddanda S Kushalappa. As the institution grew, Kushalappa’s son, late Biddanda Subiah (a spiritual leader), envisioned a school to address the needs of specially-abled children. Thus, Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School was founded in 1996 by BK Subiah, Meena Cariappa, and other like-minded visionaries.

Since inception, the institution has extended free, quality education to thousands of specially-abled children from across the district. “We strive for early intervention in addressing the needs of specially-abled kids in the district. The students are mostly from families with weak economic backgrounds,” explains Geetha Shridhar, the principal.

The school started its journey towards extending free education with help from benefactors and donors. Today, it receives a minimum grant from the state, alongside continued support from trustees and donors. The institution currently nurtures 61 students with special needs, who are provided an opportunity to join the mainstream. While inclusive society is still a far-fetched dream, the students here are taught to face the competitive world with finesse, confidence and creativity. Under the guidance of founders Meena Cariappa and Veena Chengappa, and Geetha Shridhar, a team of 10 special educators, including specialists trained in handling intellectual disabilities, prepare the special children to face the world.

The institution – which saw complete renovation in 2021, thanks to donations from Govind Bhat and Meenakshi Bhat Memorial Trust – currently carries an aesthetic ambience. Apart from special education by professionals, the students here grow in a tranquil atmosphere with ample space for sports activities. Hundreds from here have participated in Special Olympics and other national and international sporting events, and have also won medals.

“The institution caters to the needs of all specially-abled kids, including students with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing and speech impairments. We create awareness on the need for early intervention to address the needs of these children,” Geetha adds. Unique study plans are structured by the special educators for each individual and assistive technology is used to communicate with children with special needs. The campus also hosts a computer lab, functional kitchen, physiotherapy and sensory room, an audiology unit with audiometry chamber and vocational training centres.   

 A child’s ability is recognised by the special educators and suitable vocational training is extended. The institution has various training sections, including a stationery unit – where children learn to make notepads and other items; a catering unit – where kids learn to bake; a tailoring unit – where the students stitch cloth bags and other utilities; a phenyl manufacturing unit and a gardening section. The products made here are marketed at the school premises and at an outlet near GT Circle in Madikeri. Meanwhile, the kids are also taught to respect nature, even as they are skilled in scientific waste management.

ENCOURAGING STORIES
The Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School holds pride in turning a child into a source of inspiration. Fourteen-year-old Kalpanath joined the school in 1996. His abilities were identified by special educators, who trained him accordingly. He went on to represent India in the Special Olympics in Alaska, winning a medal for the country. Today, Kalpanath works as a special instructor in vocational training at a centre for people with special needs.

The institution promotes kids to take part in Special Olympics and a total of six students have won medals at state and national-level tournaments so far. Several students have passed the 10th grade exams too, and are placed in various private companies in areas ranging from computers, electronics to jewellery design. A first-of-its-kind in the district, the Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School has given hope, confidence and new meaning to the lives of many specially-abled children. “The institution has many other visions, which can be achieved through support from donors,” concludes Gurudath CS, a trustee. The management now aims at establishing a corpus fund to ensure a self-sustainable model, which will help create more programmes for better integration of the special children.

Product sale
In 2020, for the first time, the institution organised a sale of the products made on campus. It now plans to host this annually to raise funds and promote the talents of special kids.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 29th, 2023

Umbak Entha: Teaching Kodava Thak to children online

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With an aim to promote use of the mother tongue among children settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative.

online teaching

Madikeri :

With an aim to promote the use of the mother tongue among children settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative. ‘Umbak Entha’ will soon extend ‘Kodava Thak’ (Kodava language) lessons to children from the community, even as a few adults have signed up to learn their mother tongue.

“My nephew and niece who stay in Dubai often visit Kodagu. However, they did not know how to speak their mother tongue and this caused some communication gaps with the grandparents. I started teaching them the Kodava language and now, we look forward to extending this facility to many others who face the same situation,” explained Kalengada Bopanna, the founder of the ‘Umbak Entha’ online forum.

While he and his wife, Shilpa Bopanna, often posted content on food blogging on the online site, it took a new turn recently and will extend Kodava language lessons. 

With a minimal charge, children aged between 5 and 15 can enrol for online lessons and learn their mother tongue. From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will circle around basic knowledge of the language. 

“A total of 31 students have already registered for the classes that will begin on February 4. Most of the students registered for the classes are from the US, the UK and Hong Kong. Others from Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also registered,” he shared.

Alongside teaching Kodava Thak, the online classes will have one session focusing on teaching ‘paddathis’ or rituals of the Kodava community. “The online classes will be held once a week for an hour or so. However, during the fourth week, we will take a class on the rituals and culture of the Kodava community,” he confirmed. 

“While a majority of those who have registered are kids, we also have four adults, who will join us in learning their mother tongue. The classes on the language will be taught by homemakers who are well-versed in the language. For classes on rituals, guest lecturers from within the district will be appointed,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 30th, 2023

Online forum to teach Kodava language to promote mother tongue

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From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will focus on the fundamentals of the language.

Kodava language

Madikeri : 

With an aim to promote the mother tongue among kids settled outside Kodagu, an online platform in the district has come up with a unique initiative. ‘Umbak Entha’, an online platform will soon extend ‘Kodava Takk’ (Kodava language) lessons to the community kids even as a few adults have signed up to learn their mother tongue.

“My nephew and niece who stay in Dubai often visit Kodagu. However, they did not know how to speak their mother tongue and this caused a bit of a communication gap with the grandparents. I started teaching them the Kodava language and now we look forward to extending this facility to many others who face the same situation,” said Kalengada Bopanna, the founder of the ‘Umbak Entha’ online forum.

While he and his wife Shilpa Bopanna often posted on food blogging at the online site, it took a new turn recently and will extend Kodava language lessons.

With a minimal price charge, kids aged between 5 and 15 can enrol for these classes to learn their mother tongue. From basic Kodava words to numbers, the first month of the class will focus on the fundamentals of the language.

“A total of 31 students have already registered for the classes that will begin from February 4. Most of the students registered for the classes are from the US, UK and Hong Kong. Others from Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also registered,” he explained.

Further, alongside teaching the ‘Kodava takk’, the online classes will have one session that will focus on teaching ‘paddathis’ or rituals of the Kodava community. “The online classes will be held once a week for an hour or one and a half hours. However, during the fourth week, we will take a class on the rituals and culture of the Kodava community,” he confirmed.

While the majority of registrations are from, they also have four adults including a 52-year-old, who will join us in learning their mother tongue. The classes on the language will be taught by homemakers who are well-versed in the language. And for the classes on rituals, guest lecturers from within the district will be appointed.

“The ‘paddathi’ classes can teach one anything including the unique style of draping a saree or wearing the Kupya Chale. While we have planned the course for a duration of three months, we are yet to take further decisions,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 29th, 2023

Celebrity Education: Rashmika Mandanna Completed Graduation in Psychology, Journalism

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Rashmika won the Clean & Clear Fresh Face contest in 2014

Rashmika Mandanna completed her early schooling from Coorg Public School in Kodagu. Rashmika finished her higher secondary from Mysore Institute of Commerce and Arts, Mysore.

Rashmika Mandanna, who started her career with the Kannada film Kirik Party (2016), has emerged as one of the most popular and sought-after pan-Indian actors. Rashmika Mandanna who works predominantly in Telugu and Kannada films besides a few Hindi and Tamil films is often considered ‘The National Crush’. Let us know her educational qualification and how she climbed the ladder to success.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATION

Rashmika Mandanna was born on April 5, 1996, to Suman and Madan Mandanna in Virajpet, a town in Kodagu district of Karnataka. She completed her early schooling at Coorg Public School in Kodagu. Rashmika finished her higher secondary at Mysore Institute of Commerce and Arts, Mysore.

The Kannadiga actress is the perfect blend of beauty and brains. She studied for a bachelor’s degree in psychology, journalism, and English literature at the MS Ramaiah College of Arts, Science, and Commerce in Bangalore.

STARTED WITH MODELING

Rashmika was inclined towards acting from a very young age. In 2014, she won the Clean & Clear Fresh Face contest and became the brand ambassador of Clean & Clear. Subsequently, she started taking up modeling assignments.

Her life changed after she won La Mode Bangalore’s Top Model Hunt 2015, Season 2. Impressed by her beauty the makers of Kirik Party cast her as the female lead for the film. Released in 2016, Kirik Party became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of that year. Rashmika’s performance received praise for her performance in the movie.

ACTING CAREER

In 2017, Rashmika appeared in two Kannada films Anjani Putra and Chamak. In 2018, she starred in Geetha Govindam opposite Vijay Deverakonda, which was also wildly successful. She made her Telugu debut in 2018 with the romantic drama Chalo. In 2020, Rashmika bagged her debut Tamil film Sultan.

Mandanna met Rakshit Shetty on the sets of her film Kirik Party and fell in love with him. The duo got engaged on July 3, 2017. However, in September 2018 the couple mutually called off their engagement citing compatibility issues.

source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> News>Education & Careers Desk / by Damini Solanki / by news18.com / January 19th, 2023