Monthly Archives: August 2020

The Tamara Coorg ranked No.1 Romantic Hotel in India

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, World Opinion

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The Tamara Coorg has once again been ranked #1 on Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards List of Top 10 Romantic Hotels in India for the year 2020.

Tripadvisor is the world’s largest travel platform and the Travelers’ Choice Awards is considered one amongst the most prestigious in the travel industry as it is rated by the travelers themselves. This coveted award program celebrates travelers’ favorite hotels, restaurants and airlines around the world, honoring unique businesses every year. The Tamara Coorg has also been ranked #16 on the list of Top 25 luxury hotels in India while The Tamara Kodai launched in 2018 has also made it to the list and has been ranked #20 amongst the Top 25 luxury hotels in India.

The Tamara Coorg is a luxury experience nestled in the heart of the hills, where you can rediscover the joy of being in nature; where your quest for serenity ends. The Tamara Coorg spans 180 acres where you will experience nature and luxury at its best as you wake up to the breathtaking view and the calming silence of the hills, disturbed only by the chirping birds and the rustle of leaves. The unique nature based experiences at The Tamara Coorg includes Forest Therapy, Trekking, Plantation Tours, Blossom to Brew, Bird Watching amongst others.

The exquisite cottages at The Tamara Coorg are designed to provide guests with a rustic, luxurious space to unwind, and enjoy an unmatched view of the hills in the distance, while suspended in nature. Relaxation gets even better at the award-winning spa and wellness centre, The Elevation Spa. It offers signature spa treatments, while the fitness centre includes a steam & sauna, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a Yoga Temple

Ms. Shruti Shibulal, CEO and Director, Tamara Leisure Experiences Pvt. Ltd, said “We are very proud that The Tamara Coorg has been voted #1 in the Best Romantic Hotels in India category for the year 2020. To have the public recognize us for our commitment to providing unforgettable experiences is very meaningful. This recognition is dedicated to our team who are our biggest asset and who have worked passionately to ensure our guests receive warm, personalized and memorable service”.

Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best and Travelers’ Choice winners are calculated based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in 2019 from travelers and diners around the world on Tripadvisor. The awards take into account the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings specific to each award category. The hallmark of winners continues to be remarkable service and quality experiences for travelers and diners.

Winners are calculated based on the quality and quantity of the millions of reviews, opinions and ratings collected on Tripadvisor in 2019, prior to the pandemic. With over 8.7 million businesses listed on Tripadvisor, these awards are a testament to the service and quality that winners consistently provide to their guests.

source: http://www.voyagersworld.in / Voyager’s World / Home> Hospitality / by Voyager’s World Bureau / August 07th, 2020

Having right mindset important for Team India in next 1 year, says Raghunath

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Bengaluru :

The Indian men’s hockey team must treat the next one year as a countdown to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, feels former drag-flick specialist VR Raghunath.

“I think the team must take this period as a one year countdown, and forget everything that’s happened in the last 6-8 months. It is time to start afresh,” said Raghunath.

The former defender, who was part of some of India’s finest victories including the 2014 Asian Games gold medal and FIH Champions Trophy silver medal in 2016, further said that the six-week break would have helped the players recharge.

“The six-week break was ideal for the players to return to the national camp feeling fresh. The Indian team’s fitness is top class and they will continue to build on this plus point the next one year but having the right mindset in their approach and staying mentally positive will be very important,” he said.

Putting things into perspective, Raghunath explained, “How the players cope mentally in this new scenario, how they approach every day mentally and once they start training and playing matches, how they will cope with the pressure and the results will matter a lot.

“Usually in the lead up to the Olympics, the last 6-8 months pass by really fast and the team must be absolutely prepared physically and mentally.”

Commenting about the team’s defence, Raghunath said India’s current backline can challenge the best teams in the world.

“They are very experienced and the current set of defenders have about 50-80 caps together. They know each other very well and I don’t see them having any problems even when they are put in a tough match-situation against any top team in the world,” said the Coorg-lad who continues to actively take part in domestic hockey.

He further highlighted that young dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh has matured as a player and with good support from senior compatriot Rupinder Pal Singh, India can produce lethal PC attack.

“Having two top dragflickers who can play full match is an advantage for India. Both Harmanpreet and Rupinder are equally good and they have completely different execution and qualities.

“Having various options and combinations in drag flick is always good. Plus, India has good options in Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas who can be great support when one of the two top flickers are having a rough day,” opined Raghunath.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Sports / by IANS / August 06th, 2020

The Joshna Chinappa interview | ‘It’s exciting to be back on court’

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

The World No 10 in squash, who resumed practice at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai on Monday after more than four months.

Indian squash star Joshna Chinappa (File | PTI)
Indian squash star Joshna Chinappa (File | PTI)

Chennai :

Joshna Chinappa heaved a sigh of relief when the Tamil Nadu government announced last week that athletes can train at the stadiums.

The World No 10 in squash, who resumed practice at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai on Monday after more than four months, feels it’s important not to burn out in order to get back in shape too quickly.

In an interview with The New Indian Express, the 33-year-old opens up on finding purpose in training, staying focussed for the 2022 Commonwealth and Asian Games and the role of her sports psychologist during these difficult times. Excerpts:

How different was the training this time?
Having access to the academy and squash court is a relief. Right now, we are training solo. It’s just one of us on the court hitting the ball. In the last four months, everything was shut. Predominantly, my training was only at home, basic fitness training. It’s exciting to be back on the court.

Is there a sense of fear or paranoia even though in Chennai there are signs of things improving?
It (fear) is always there at the back of your mind and we should not take things like wearing a mask and sanitising your hands for granted. I just try and remember these because it’s easy to forget once you train in a public place. It’s about being more aware. But I know when I go to play, it’s a safe and secure environment.

How is your body responding to this increase in training load?
Doing fitness is different from playing. My body is pretty bruised up (laughs). It is slowly getting used to it. But I just feel, in another few days or in a week’s time, I should be able to play a bit more fluently. I think I need two weeks of consistent practice and strength training to get back into rhythm.

What are the challenges of starting afresh?
For me, it’s about finding the purpose of training right now. (And decide) Should I push myself hard or keep my fitness at a good level or play squash as much as I can. It’s important not to burn out when I train hard every day. But there is no tournament in sight currently. The challenge is in figuring out how to train correctly and efficiently so that I can look after my body and when the Tour does start, I will still be fresh to play for a few years.

You said a month ago, there was no motivation to train…
I believe things will start again, if not this year, at least by January. For me, Commonwealth Games (CWG) and Asian Games have always been the biggest motivation for the last few years. I’ve a plan to train and compete at the 2022 CWG and Asiad. It’s important to keep training and stay focussed.

Did having a sports psychologist help you get through this phase?
Having a sports psychologist has played a huge role in my game. I’ve worked with someone for the last 10 years. He is also a squash player, so he understands my game. For me, there are two people that I trust with my game – my coach and psychologist (both based in the UK). It’s nice to have someone to speak to, to bounce ideas off and to keep your perspective as positive as possible. Especially, during times like this when things are challenging, mentally.

When do you think Indian players will be okay with taking part in events abroad?
Right now, things are looking hard. Travel is not sorted out. Our Tour is trying to put together something from September or October onwards. But again, nothing is confirmed. Things are changing every couple of weeks. I personally don’t feel like competing till October or November, if at all. Some tournaments have been cancelled. It’s a little grey.

Do you see tournaments happening in India this year?
I actually asked the federation about this. They are keen to start something when things get better. As I said, it’s all about how the situation is – travel, quarantine period and safety measures have to be considered. All it takes is one person to stop the tournament completely, be it domestic or international. It’s important to try and wait a little bit. Let people first get back to training. Hopefully, when the situation gets better, we can start off with low-key domestic tournaments.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport> Others / by Srinidhi PR / Express News Service / August 05th, 2020

Trouble brewing: India losing Italian coffee market to Uganda

Coffee News, World Opinion

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There’s more trouble brewing for Indian coffee exporters, who are not just facing a slump in overall demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but also staring at a loss of share in Italy, their largest export market, to exporters from Uganda.

Indian coffees are facing stiff competition from low-cost producer Uganda in the Italian market, which they have been dominating for over past three decades now. Italy accounts for about a fifth of India’s coffee exports.

Indian coffees in Italy are largely sold in the premium segment, such as in cafes and coffee bars. Brazil, the largest coffee producer, dominates the Italian market with half the market share, followed by India, which has a share of around 20 per cent, and other major producers such as Vietnam and Uganda.

“The Ugandans are trying to get as much as possible in the Italian market in the current scenario and that’s a big worry for us,” said Ramesh Rajah, President of the Coffee Exporters Association.

The Ugandan robustas, which are comparable to the Indian variety in terms or quality, are priced cheaper by at least $200 per tonne or about 20 per cent, which is attracting buyers’ interest in Italy, he said.

“During normal circumstances, consumers want quality and are willing to pay more. As the Italian economy is facing a tough times due to the pandemic, consumers are starting to look for better-value coffee. They now see Uganda, which is 20 per cent cheaper than India, as a good value proposition. Vietnam is even cheaper but because of taste and other factors, it is mainly sold commercial packaged coffee segment and not in the premium segment of Italy. The premium segment got more affected during the pandemic than the commercial coffees and is hitting us the most,” Rajah said.

Shipments drop 27%
Coffee shipments to Italy in the first half of calendar 2020 have dropped 27 per cent at 36,547 tonnes, compared to 50,513 tonnes in the same period last year. The arabica shipment to Italy was 14 per cent lower at 4,774 tonnes (5,577 tonnes), while robusta exports took a major beating as shipments were lower by 27 per cent at 31,134 tonnes (42,658 tonnes). During the same period, total coffee exports from India were down 16 per cent in volume terms and value at 1.78 lakh tonnes (2.11 l t) and $404 million ($482 m) respectively.

“For the unwashed robustas, India is facing competition from lower-priced origins like Uganda. Although the Indian quality is sought after, importers do consider more price-efficient coffees. This is more evident under the current Covid-19 circumstances, where more competitively priced coffees are likely to find favour with buyers,” said Anil Ravindran, Partner at RV Commodities, an exporter in Bengaluru.

In fact, the Ugandans are trying to regain their market share in Italy from the India exporters, to whom they had lost market share about three decades earlier. “We took the market 30 years ago, and they are trying to come back now,” Rajah said.

Logistical challenges
Indian exporters had displaced the Ugandans in Italy as the land-locked African producer had faced logistical challenges in shipping out its coffees then. “We never tried to undercut others when we gained the market in Italy. Our selling proposition was reasonable price and reliable supplies throughout the year and our coffees are better prepared and have less imperfections. We gave better products and started getting premiums. As the customers started getting used to our coffees, the premiums started going up,” Rajah said.

So, it is these premiums that are proving to be a challenge for the exporters in retaining their markets. Though the quantum of premium has come down, the Indian robustas still attract a higher price over the London terminal (LIFFE). At present, the Indian robusta cherry is attracting a premium of $500-$600 per tonne over the LIFFE, while a buyer in Italy can get Ugandan coffee at $250-300 above the terminal price. “We are seen as unreliable now as our premiums are too high. Losing the market to Ugandans will have a long-term impact,” Rajah said.

Further, Indian exporters are finding it difficult to match Ugandan prices as that would mean having to source cheap and reduce the prices, which would hurt the growers’ realisations at the back-end. This, when growers are already reeling under the impact of multi-year low prices.

Rajah said the Government should step in and immediately support the exporters to defend their markets, either by increasing the incentive under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) to 5 per cent, or implementing the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme at the earliest, while ensuring credit facility at reduced interest rates.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Agri-Business / by Vishwanath Kulkarni / July 09th, 2020

Harangi Dam Full: Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan Offers ‘Bagina’

Agriculture, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All

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Kushalnagar:

Following copious rains across Kodagu district, the Harangi reservoir is almost full. The dam is two feet short of reaching its maximum level of 2,859 feet at 2,857 feet this morning.

Before the crest gates were opened, Madikeri MLA M.P. Appachu Ranjan offered ‘Bagina’ to River Cauvery after performing puja to the statue of River Cauvery located at the base of the reservoir this morning.

Executive Engineer Rajendra, Harangi Reservoir Assistant Engineer Nagaraju and other BJP leaders were present on the occasion.

This reservoir is the main source of water for KRS dam in Mandya district. Irrigation Department Executive Engineer Rajendra said that water from the Harangi reservoir is now being released into the river.

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Following heavy flow in recent days, water is also being released into irrigation canals.

The right bank cannals feeding irrigated lands in Hunsur and KR Nagar taluks of Mysuru district are getting 1,500 cusecs of water every day while 400 cusecs of water is being released to left-bank canals feeding lands towards Hassan district. The inflowing water is much clear compared to last year.

Experts opine that this is probably due to growth of vegetation at the areas of landslides, which had caused heavy damage in the region, last year.

Harangi Dam provides irrigation facility to thousands of acres of farmland in Periyapattana, Hunsur and KR Nagar of Mysuru district, Arkalgud taluk of Hassan district and Kodagu district.

The Harangi Dam can hold 8.5 TMC of water.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 31st, 2020

Five-time MLA Appachu Ranjan stakes claim for ministerial berth

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

Five-time MLA Appachu Ranjan on Friday said he too is an aspirant for a berth in the Chief Minister B.S. Yeddiyurappa-led BJP Ministry in the State.

Speaking to reporters after offering bagina at Harangi reservoir in Kodagu district, Mr. Ranjan, who represents Madikeri Assembly constituency, said he is among the senior MLAs of the BJP in the State and hence is aspiring for a ministerial berth.

However, he said the party high command will be taking a decision in the regard. Mr. Ranjan had served as Minister for Youth Services and Sports during the regime of Jagadish Shettar as Chief Minister.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – July 31st, 2020

India to see good coffee output this year: planters

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), World Opinion

Rainfall to be the deciding factor

If rains do not play spoilsport, India’s coffee production this year will be in the range of 3,20,000 tonnes to 340,000 tonnes, according to planters.

This is far better than the last two flood-hit years, when production was way below 3,00,000 tonnes.

As of now, coffee plantations have received only 30% of the rain, including the blossom showers in March and the showers in the following months. Rainfall during August and September will be the deciding factor as excessive rains can lead to floods, landslides, wet-footing (coffee plants standing in water and decaying) and berry-shedding.

“This year’s crop is expected to be much better than last two years,” said Bose Mandanna, a major planter in Kodagu and a former Coffee Board member.

“We have received some rain at the time of spike formation and flowering. Another 50-60% of well-distributed rains are needed for best berry development, spring cultivation and recharging of water tables. If all goes well we will have a bigger crop this year.’’

Ramesh Rajah, President, Coffee Exporters Association said, “The next two to three months will decide the future. We can’t afford to face another year of huge losses.’’

Due to excessive rains, flooding and water logging, the country’s coffee production was below the annual average of 300,000 tonnes in 2018 and 2019. In the current crop year, the planters expect a 40% increase in coffee production, with Robusta at 2,40,000 tonnes and Arabica at around 100,000 tonnes. The Coffee Board’s crop estimate will come out in September/post-monsoon.

Meanwhile, the labour shortage has become even more acute as a large population of workers returned home in the wake of the pandemic.

“We need to have more workers returning by harvest time in December. Labour situation has always been bad and Covid-19 has made it worse. Due to shortage of labour a lot of our operations are on hold,’’ said KPA chairman Shirish Vijayendra.

Harvesting of Arabica will commence in December, while Robusta harvest will be spread across January and February.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business / by Mini Tejaswi / August 01st, 2020

Arebase: A dialect rooted in cultural harmony

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

Karnataka teems with different versions of Kannada. There are more than 30 dialects of the language, which contribute to the linguistic richness of present-day Karnataka.

Kavirajamarga, the earliest available work on rhetoric, grammar and poetics in Kannada, from the 9th century CE, speaks of the two major dialectic divisions of Kannada: Dakshina and Uttara. Sri Vijaya, the author of Kavirajamarga alludes to many varieties of Kannada, hinted at by the use of the phrase “Kannadangal”.

Today, traditional linguists broadly classify Kannada into four geographical regions: Mysuru, Mangaluru, Dharwad and Kalaburagi Kannada. In these regions, various communities use a specific dialect as their mother tongue, whether it is Halakki Kannada, Havyaka Kannada, Kota Kannada, Rama Kshatriya Kannada, Badaga Kannada (spoken by the Badaga community in the Nilgiri region in Tamil Nadu) or even Arebase.

Arebase is a dialect of Kannada spoken by the Gowda community in the Kodagu and Sullia regions of Dakshina Kannada, and also in the eastern parts of Kerala’s Kasaragod district.

Arebase is also known as ‘‘Gowda Kannada”, a term first coined by the late Prof Mariappa Bhat, a renowned Kannada scholar.

In 15th century CE, the Gowdas from the ‘Aiguru Seeme’ of Hassan district migrated and settled down in different regions of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu. However, over the centuries, those who settled amidst the Tulu-speaking communities in Puttur, Belthangady, Karkala, Vitla of Dakshina Kannada adopted the culture of Tulu Nadu, picking up the local language and worshipping deities in the tradition of ‘Daivaradhana’ of coastal Karnataka. In Kodagu, they picked up aspects of Kodava culture.

Purusha bhootha, the Kannada speaking deity of Arebase communities. Photos by Lokesha Kunchadka
Purusha bhootha, the Kannada speaking deity of Arebase communities. Photos by Lokesha Kunchadka

However, the community also developed its own distinct identity, preserved through its language. For instance, the community worships the daivas (spirits) in Arebase.

Arebase shows differences in phonetics, syntax and morphology when compared with standard Kannada. Some of the vowels not present in the Kannada alphabet are considered phonetic in Arebase. The meaning of a word also changes with a change in pronunciation, an aspect of Arebase that is difficult to capture using standard Kannada font.

There are three major variations within Arebase: Subrahmanya, Peraje/Sampaje and Madikeri/Bhagamandala Arebase.

In literature and theatre

Today, there are earnest efforts to ensure the representation of this dialect in literature and theatre. Prof Kodi Kushalappa Gowda, who was a Kannada professor in Madras University, has written Ramayana in Arebase called Manasa Ramayana. Academician K R Gangadhar had prepared a lexicon for Arebase. Then there are Dr Purushothama Bilimale — who has studied the Gowda community, Dr Vishvanatha Badikana — who studied the folk tales of the language, Dr Poovappa Kaniyuru, A K Himakara, Sanjeeva Kudpaje, Kaveramma and Vidyadhara Baddadka who are prominent writers, poets and scholars in Arebase.

Lokesh Urubailu is a young theatre artist who directs Arebase dramas like Mayaka. ‘Mudupu’ is a popular monthly magazine in Arebase run by Vinod Mudugadde.

“Most of the minor languages like Arebase have been restricted to specific communities or caste. These languages should come out of that frame. All the minor languages in India which have been listed in 2011 census should be empowered. India should develop a proper language policy for that,” says Dr Purushothama Bilimale, Professor of Kannada and Kannada Language Chair at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

However, it would be a mistake to limit this dialect to a particular caste; in Sullia, for instance, almost all the merchants communicate in Arebase.

The best example of this exchange of cultures, perhaps comes from a Yakshagana Prasanga written in Arebase by Kepu Ajala, who is a non-Gowda.

The World Arebase Literary Meet (virtual) scheduled on August 3 is expected to give a push to language enhancement and cultural exchange.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum> Spectrum Top Stories / by DHNS / August 01st, 2020