Monthly Archives: April 2017

306 teams vie for top honours in Kodava family hockey festival

April 25, 2017Amazing Feats, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, World Opinionadmin

As many as 306 teams have enrolled for the prestigious Kodava family hockey tournament scheduled to begin here on Monday. With Biddatanda family hosting this edition of the annual tournament, the event is named Biddatanda Hockey Namme-2017.

The hockey festival, in its 21st year, promises to a treat for hockey buffs with a record number of teams are vying for the top prize. The tournament has produced fine talents over the years some of whom have made the cut into state and national teams. The matches will be played at three grounds – two at Gen Thimayya Stadium at Cheriyaparambu, and at Govt PU College ground.

Grounds Committee chairman B B Belyappa said, “Final touches are being given to the grounds to make them match-ready at a cost of Rs 16 lakh. The 27-day tournament is being organised at a cost of Rs 1.6 crore.”

Thunder showers, in the recent past, in the run up to the competition have delayed the preparations. With rain taking a break on Saturday, the groundsmen took up the last-minute preparations to make the grounds ready for the matches, starting on Monday.

For the first time in the history of the tournament, a metal gallery has been erected for the benefit of the spectators. The organisers have also made necessary arrangements like mats, sound system, lighting, media gallery at a cost of Rs 33.50 lakh.

As many as waterproof make-shift food stalls have been set up at the grounds. Safety measures are also in place with shade nets covering the banks of Cauvery river to prevent people from venturing into water and contaminating the same.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha had promised Rs 30 lakh from his MPLAD funds for the tournament but released only Rs 20 lakh. Zilla Panchayat is also expected to chip in with Rs 4 lakh for building a check wall.

MLC Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah has sanctioned Rs 5 lakh. Legislators K G Bopaiah and MLC Suneel Subramani too have promised funds.

Hockey India, Hockey Karnataka, Hockey Kodagu and Umpire Association have extended their support to the event. President of Umpire Association Katumaniyanda Umesh has taken over the mantle of supervising the matches.

According to technical director of Biddatanda Hockey Namme B S Thammaiah, seating facilities have been made for 20,000 people. It includes 4,000 seats for VIPs. Parking facilities have been made on 15 acres of land.

Hockey Olympian Anjaparavanda B Subbaiah will inaugurate the tournament on April 17 at 10.30 am. Founder of Hockey Namme, Pandanda M Kuttappa, will be the chief guest, while Prof B C Ponnappa of Biddatanda clan will preside over the inaugural function.

Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa, Forest Minister B Ramanath Rai, former minister M C Nanaiah, MP Prathap Simha, MLAs K G Bopaiah and Appachu Ranjan, MLCs Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah and Suneel Subramani, SP P Rajendra Prasad, president of Kodagu Hockey Association Pykera Kalaiah and Muliya Prasad from Muliya Foundation are also expected to attend the inaugural session.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service / Napoklu – April 16th, 2017

Biddatanda Hockey Namme 2017 fixtures released

April 25, 2017Records, All, Sportsadmin

Sampath of Biddatanda Hockey Namme technical committee, ground committee president Biddatanda Belliappa and Kodava Sahitya Academy president B S Thammaiah release the fixtures of the tournament at Madikeri Press Club on Tuesday.

The fixtures of Biddatanda Hockey Namme 2017 were released at Madikeri Press Club on Tuesday. The tournament will be held at General Thimmaiah Stadium at Napoklu Cheriyaparambu from April 17.

Speaking after releasing the fixtures, Kodava Sahitya Academy president B S Thammaiah said that the fixtures released are official and matches will be held based on these fixtures.

The inaugural session will be held between 11 am and 12.30 pm on April 17, he said.

He said that the Rest of India and Coorg Regiment of Indian Army will play inaugural exhibition match between 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm. The majority of people in Kodagu are not aware of Coorg Regiment in Indian Army. Hence, to introduce the regiment to the people, the exhibition match is being organised, he said.

The Rest of India hockey team will be led by Indian Hockey player Raghunath. The inaugural session will have Army band and Kodava dance, Thammaiah said.The tournament will have 18 to 24 matches everyday.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, April 12th, 2017

Making coorgis aware of their culture via music

April 25, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorgadmin

Bengaluru :

Bouncing back with his second music album Nangukodava 2, after a successful prequel Nangukodava 1, Mandepanda Niron aims to raise the level of cultural awareness of the Coorgi community through music. He states that his album holds its distinction in representation of all aspects of the culture.

How it began
Niron began his career in music production in 2008 with community musical performances and programmes. In 2010, he began his collaboration with C J Anil, who is the co-owner of the production house in Banashankari, Bengaluru.

In the same year, Niron began composing remixes to retro music such as Chalthe Chalthe, Mere Sapnon ki Rani and Neele Neele Ambar Par. His love for his community coupled with his passion for music led him to begin the project of Nangukodava ( We Coorgis) where he invested nearly `5-6 lakhs and availed no financial gain.

Niron gave Udapanda Vimala, a teacher at Cauvery high school a platform to display her talent by giving her the opportunity to write the lyrics for his first album Nangukodava 1.

She also wrote most of the songs of the second album except for two songs — Kodava mangala and Selfie — which were written by Niron

The Process
Awareness and improvisation of culture are key to Niron’s mission. However he faced difficulties in bringing forth his ideology as he had no financial aid and self-funded the cause.

He received no support as there were ego clashes and attitudinal differences amongst the people. Despite the struggle he managed to process the sequel to his first album where he includes all facets of daily life through his songs ( Iguthappa Swamy – Relation to their God , Jeevamanna -life and philosophy, Ponhputtaraj, Selfie – a modern relation for the youth, Yelama Ponnamma – a proposal for marriage).

Future Prospects
His passionate endeavours towards his community have brought him acclamation and praise. His initial target was to raise the cultural banner of his community amongst the members itself, he now decides to move the boundary further by reaching a nationwide platform.

He hopes his music will reach the cinema through A grade movies and gain popularity in other languages as well. He plans to work with advertisements and promotional agencies to add credibility to his already eminent profile.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Erica Cyril / Express News Service / April 12th, 2017

Arunachal Festival of Speed: Amanpreet in lead

April 25, 2017Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sportsadmin

Amanpreet Ahluwalia proved he’s a master of short turns and deft handling as he finished first in the autocross, or the Super Special Stages.

With the breathtakingly beautiful Dirang valley for inspiration, National autocross champion Amanpreet Ahluwalia jump into the lead on the first day in the fourth edition of the JK Tyre Arunachal Festival of Speed here on Saturday.

He proved he’s a master of short turns and deft handling as he finished first in the autocross, or the Super Special Stages as it’s called here.

However, the championship suffered a huge setback after quite a few big names pulled out. Seven-time Desert Storm winner Sunny Sidhu pulled out citing engine issues. Joining him were ten-time Raid de Himalaya champion Suresh Rana and newly-crowned India Baja champion, Gaurav Chiripal. Both withdrew citing different reasons.

Organisers said Gaurav was stuck in Dubai due to personal issues while Rana’s car’s front axle was damaged. Another prominent rallyist Raj Singh Rathore, too, withdrew.

The hero of the day was Amanpreet. Driving a Maruti Gypsy, Amanpreet tackled the slippery grass track at the L’Opon Stadium to delight the locals, who had gathered in moderate numbers to watch the action-packed event. He needed just 2minutes and 09 seconds to complete the zig-zagging course.

“It was fun racing on this tricky course,” Amanpreet, a veteran rallyist from Delhi, said. “We are happy that we have taken the early lead. There is still a long way to go and we hope to drive on this momentum through the weekend,” he added.

The top seeded racer among those in classified cars here, K. M. Bopaiah from Coorg, had to settle for the second place in his 1600cc Polo. Delhi’s Sandeep Sharma finished third. In the autocross and sprint cars for local talent, Babit Lyngdoh shot into the lead, winning both his rounds.

The provisional results

1. Amanpreet Ahluwalia & navigator Ajay Kumar(02:09), 2. K.M. Bopaiah & Gagan Karumbaiah (02:12), 3. Sandeep Sharma & Prathap Thakur (02:13), 4. Ewellson Cyngdoh & Rijop M Sangma (02:14).

source: http://www.sportsalive.com / Sports Star / Home> India / by K. Keerthivasan / Dirang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh) / April 15th, 2017

Karnataka government to verify disputed land in Kodagu

April 11, 2017Agriculture, Business & Economy, Leaders, Records, Alladmin

Bengaluru :

The state government on Tuesday took a decision to survey the disputed forest land, wherein the Jenu Kuruba tribals of Diddahalli had gone on an agitation, in Madikeri, Kodagu.

After an hour long meeting with chief minister Siddaramaiah, forest minister B Ramanath Rai, social welfare minister H Anjaneya, revenue minister Kagodu Thimmappa said the government has decided to verify the land records of Diddahalli before taking a final decision.

“After a detailed discussion, the government has decided to verify the land records of Diddahalli on whether the land is forest land or revenue land. If we verify the land records as being forest land, then we will make all efforts to provide them suitable rehabilitation area with amenities. But if the land records show that it is revenue land, then within eight days we will ensure that they have the title deeds for that land,” said Thimmappa.

The revenue minister said he will be personally camping in Kodagu on April 16 or 17 for resolving the issue.

Thimmappa said the deliberation was held with all stakeholders and that valuable inputs were shared on the case from all parties.
“The government is keen on resolving the issue and we will try to do it at the earliest,” he said.

In December 2016, the Jenu Kurubas of Madikeri who were working in the nearby coffee plantations had been agitating against the eviction by forest department and local police citing it was forest land.
Later that month, the Bettale Seve (nude protest) by a tribal woman in Diddahalli and the alleged insensitivity shown by cops in trying to disrupt the protest held by members of Jenu Kuruba (a tribe) had drawn sympathy from several quarters.

This being the last year before elections, this looter government will do anything to get the votes.

The Diddahalli faceoff had put the government in a spot, with members of civil society strongly criticizing the move.

On Monday, former MLC A K Subbaiah who spoke on behalf of the civil society, which has been seeking respite for the agitators, welcomed the government decision and expressed his hope that the state will give justice to the tribals.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Bangalore News / by Sandeep Moudgal / TNN / April 11th, 2017

MTV Roadies Rising Episode 9th April 2017 Video, Nikhil Chinappa’s Gang Wins First Task

April 11, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorgadmin

MTV Roadies Rising Episode 9th April 2017 Video, Nikhil Chinappa’s Gang Wins First Task :- The stunt based reality show MTV Roadies Rising journey kick-started from last week which is having good feedback from audiences. In the show, there are the gang leaders including, Rannvijay Singh Singha, Prince Narula, Neha Dhupia and Nikhil Chinappa and those stars are having rocking feedback at the show.

Now at the show, the gang leaders are having the new challenge in front of them to identify their warriors behind the masks. And all the warriors will be wearing the mask on their face so it is for the gang leaders it will be tough to search the warriors.

MTV Roadies Rising Episode 9th April 2017 Video
The gang leaders and the team are needed to use their brains only to defeat the teammates who were seen doing competition with them. The team also said that the other gang’s warrior is needed to search the perfect gang warriors and they need to compete with them in the task.

As the task started, the gang leaders were shocked to see the each of their, participates were using their brains and they were also seen defeating each of them. Nikhil identified the male dancing feet, Neha guessed the jersey number. Rannvijay guessed a gang and they were seen performing their task at the Goa.

Nikhil Chinappa’s Gang Wins First Task
After the participants’ perform the task, the final results were announced and the masks people were also got revealed. Prince made the most number of wrong guesses at the place of Jahangir so it was tough for his team to announce the gang leaders. So the task of the team announced and the teams got divided where there were two groups.

But now there is a big twist and as per this twist the winner of the challenge will announce who will rule the gang and the members who will perform well will get immunity too so that they won’t be evict either they will be coming at the bottom line.

The game started and the correctly guessed gang members the water comes out from a pipe with water from a pond using buckets. The team 2 had to stop them from successfully filling the pipes.

But when Divya from the Ranvijay’s team failed to perform well she got dumped which irked Ranvijay as he doesn’t want to lose someone from his team.

Prabjot leant against the barricades and it seems like advantage for them. 4 members performed for Nikhil’s team and the Nikhil’s team won the challenge. Due to Neha’s team did not perform well so she had an argument with Nikhil as Nikhil’s team perform well.

The performance of Neha’s gang was very disappointing also and Prince team also face disqualification as his team did not perform up to the mark. Nikhil’s gang won the game and he thanked Karan Kundra as it was actually Karan select them to be the perfect one.

Before the episode came to an end, a new twist was announced that now the gang leaders and their team won’t leave in the five-star hotels, rather they will be staying in the jungle at the tank as now the challenges of the Roadies will be the more difficult one.

source: http://www.dekhnews.com / Dekh News / Home / by Chitra Home Chowdhury / April 09th, 2017

Coffee farmer in Wokha is brewing a tasteful future

April 9, 2017Coffee Newsadmin

Phanbem Kithan, a coffee farmer from Wokha village, collects ripe coffee beans at his farm.

Kohima (EMN):

55-year-old Phanbem Kithan, a progressive farmer from Wokha village, in Wokha district, has been growing coffee for the past 15 years. He tried his hands at coffee plantation in 2002. Since then, he has devoted his life to growing the crop. The harvest from his crops has been increasing with each passing year.

The coffee kiosk set up by the Land Resources department at the Hornbill Festival in 2016 at Kisama, and one which was the main attraction of locals and tourists alike, was supplied by Kithan.

The farmer credits his success to the Coffee Board of India (CBI) which he said has been with him at every step of his journey in growing coffee. The journey had not been easy in the initial period of his venture. However, the logistic support and assistance rendered by the CBI has enabled him to extend his plantation every year.

Today, in an area of 6.5 hectares, Kithan has 30,000 coffee plants of Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee. He said to be expecting a harvest of 1, 000 kilograms of coffee this year; it will generate an income of possibly Rs. 1, 60, 000.

Kithan has undergone about 14 training events in various parts of India. He also won the ‘Best Nursery Maintenance’ award of the Coffee Board of India for 2014-2015; he was awarded with a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 20,000.

The CBI, he said, is highly appreciative of the coffee from Wokha as the ‘best quality and organic’ although some improvements are still required to improving the colour of the coffee. He said also that there was no problem in marketing–the produce is sent directly to the coffee board.

To encourage farmers to take up coffee plantation, Kithan has set up a nursery, since 2009, with the assistance from the CBI for maintenance. Saplings are distributed to interested farmers after inspection and after ‘analyzing’ their ‘dedication,’ he said.

Offering advice from his expertise, Kithan said that a good and healthy sapling with at least 5-12 leaves can last for about 100 years, which should begin from the nursery itself. He expressed confidence that Wokha would be covered by coffee plantations in a few years time, and that the district would be able to yield 2-3 truckloads of coffee every year.

Stating that there was no loss in growing coffee, Kithan hoped that the state of Nagaland would take up the crop. The land is blessed with highly favourable climatic conditions and the soil type is suited for production of coffee.

With the expertise that he has gained over the years, Phanbem Kithan is more than willing to assist and share his knowledge with anyone who is interested in taking up coffee plantation.

It was informed that the department of Land Resources had distributed 13.40 lakh coffee seedlings to farmers covering an area of 670 hectares. Coffee plantation in the state has been developed by the department in collaboration with the CBI. 920 hectares have been developed spreading over the eleven districts of the state.

The department has also prepared a five-year plan for development of coffee in Nagaland covering an area of 5000 hectares across the state by 2019-2020; 10,000 households have been identified for this plan and will be implemented in convergence with the board.

According to the plan, the land to be used for coffee plantation is 917 hectares during 2016-2017; 1190 hectares during 2017-2018; 1710 hectares during 2018-2019; 953 hectares during 2019-2020.

Taking advantage of tree species, including plantation crops developed through watershed programmes, coffee being a shade-loving crop has shown easy acceptance by the rural community as either main or subsidiary crop.

Unlike decades ago when farmers stopped coffee plantation due to lack of marketing avenues, it is hoped that the department working on marketing strategies will encourage more farmers to grow coffee. Another prospect is that Nagaland would emerge to produce quality organic coffee for export and local consumption.

During a visit to the state in 2016, Dr Pieter Vermuelen, a coffee expert from South Africa, commented that Nagaland had the potential to developing a sustainable economy through exporting coffee.

source: http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com / Eastern Mirror / Home> Top News> Current Article / by Akono Tsukru / April 04th, 2017

Robin Uthappa (Kolkata Knight Riders)

April 9, 2017Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sportsadmin

Robin Uthappa is known for his hard-hitting batting and his hunger for big sixes. He is a talented stroke-maker, an outstanding fielder, a reliable wicketkeeper and can even bowl slow medium pace.

About

DOB November 11, 1985
Batting style Right Handed
Bowling style Right-arm medium

Bio

Robin Venu Uthappa had a dream One Day International debut in final match of the English tour of India in April 2006. He scored a well compiled 86 as an opening batsman before being dismissed run out. Uthappa first grabbed eyeballs after a good show in the 2005 Challenger Series playing for India-B against India-A. He played an important role in India’s win at the 2007 ICC World Twenty20. He finished the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season as the highest run scorer that season. Uthappa entered Indian Premier League in 2008 after being bought by Mumbai Indian. He later shifted to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009, Pune Warriors in 2011, and finally to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. He currently plays for Karnataka in domestic cricket and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.

The Walking Assassin

Robin Uthappa has been nicknamed ‘The Walking Assassin’ for his tactic of charging the bowler. Uthappa, part of the Indian team that won the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007, made hi ODI debut in 2006 but from July 2008 to June 2014 was not picked in the ODI team. In the IPL format, he has been playing for Kolkata Knight Riders since 2014 and has been a consistent run-getter for the team.

Batting Statistics

Matches 135
Innings 130
Not outs 15
Runs 3390
Average 29.47
Strike rate 128.65
Highest score 83* v Royal Challengers Bangalore
Hundreds 0
Fifties 17
Balls faced 2635
Fours 341
Sixes 104

Fielding Statistics

Catches 66
Stumpings 26
Run outs 7

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Timesofindia.com / Home> Cricket> IPL> Player Profiles / Aoril 15th, 2017

Davis Cup: Leander Paes Dropped From India Squad, Rohan Bopanna To Play

April 7, 2017Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sportsadmin

The Indian Davis Cup team’s non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi dropped Leander Paes from the squad against Uzbekistan, opting for Rohan Bopanna instead.

Leander Paes’ glittering career as a Davis Cup player might be in its last stages after he was dropped from the Indian Davis Cup squad to play Asia-Oceania tie with Uzbekistan, to be played at the KSLTA Stadium in Bengaluru from April 7. Indian non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi went with Rohan Bopanna as the sole doubles specialist for the tie.Bhupathi had left both Paes and Bopanna out of the probables when he shortlisted names for the team a couple of days ago, and on Thursday, he opted for the latter.

Indian were already without the services of the injured Yuki Bhambri. He had been named in the original probable’s squad along with Ramkumar Ramanathan, Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Sriram Balaji.

Bopanna and Balaji will feature in the doubles match against Farrukh Dustov and Sanjar Fayziev. Bopanna is ranked 23rd in the world — 34 spots above Paes.

Ramkumar Ramanathan will now spearhead India’s singles challenge in place of injured Yuki Bhambri.

Ramanathan will face Temur Ismailov in the first singles rubber tomorrow. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who replaced the injured Bhambri, will then take on Fayziev in the second singles rubber.

In the reverse singles on Sunday, Ramanathan will face Fayziev and Gunneswaran will play the final rubber against Ismai.

Paes, who made his Davis Cup debut against Japan in 1990 at Jaipur, has been dropped from the Davis Cup team on form for the first time in 27 years.

Paes is also in the cusp of creating a Davis Cup history. Paes is currently locked at 42 with Italian legend Nico Pietrangeli and is one win away from the record for most doubles wins in Davis Cup history.

(With inputs from Suprita Das and PTI)

source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV / Sports Home> Tennis> News / edited by Jaideep Ghosh / April 06th, 2017

Army recruitment rally in Madikeri to be held from May 29 to June 2

April 7, 2017Business & Economy, Uncategorizedadmin

Army recruitment rally will be held at the district stadium here from May 29 to June 2.
Addressing media here on Wednesday, Col Jaideep Sharma of recruitment division (Karnataka and Kerala), said, the rally is open for the eligible candidates from Kodagu, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts, Kolar, Tumakuru, Ramanagaram, Chikkaballapur, Ballari and Chitradurga districts. Those in the age-group of 17 years and six months and 23 years are eligible to take part.

During the rally, the candidates will be considered for the posts of soldier general duty, steno, storehouse keeper technical, soldier technical, attender, assistant, tradesman (dresser, decorator, steward and carpenter).Inerested candidates may enrol their names on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in and download the ID card 10 days ahead of the rally. The enrolment has started from March 30.

Explaining about the recruitment procedure, Sharma said, in the initial stage physical tests will be conducted where the candidates have to run a distance of 1,600 metres. It will be followed by pull-ups, medical examination. The doctors from Bengaluru will examine the candidates for any medical disorders. If the experts rule out any problems, the candidates will be allowed to take written exams to be conducted on the last Sunday in the month of July and August.

The candidates, belonging to the family of ex-servicemen and serving personnel, should submit a certificate that they had not obtained any facilities during recruitment rallies conducted in the past. The candidates from NCC background will get bonus marks during the written exams. No cellphones and wrist watches are allowed during exams. Food and water should not be taken inside the hall.

Those having natural moles below knee will be considered for the rally. The candidates wi-th tatoos on any part of the body are not allowed. The recruitment process will be conducted in a transparent manner.

In-charge Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal, Department of Sainik Welfare and Re-settlement Joint Director Geetha M Shetty were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, April 06th, 2017

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