Rohan Bopanna presents his Australian Open 2024 winning racket to PM Modi
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, met tennis player Rohan Bopanna Friday. He praised Bopanna for winning the Australian Open, saying that his accomplishment makes India proud.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Glad to have met you Rohan Bopanna. Your accomplishment makes India proud and your dedication motivates several people. My best wishes for your endeavours ahead.”
Rohan Bopanna ended India’s six-year drought for the Grand Slam by clinching his maiden Australian Open 2024 title in the men’s doubles with Australia’s Matthew Ebden. Bopanna also topped the ATP rankings in doubles after reaching the final at Melbourne Park on January 24.
Meanwhile Tennis player Rohan Bopanna tweets, “I had the privilege to meet our honourable Prime Minister Modi today. This acknowledgement is very humbling & it was my honour to present the very racket that led me to become World No. 1 and the AO grand slam champion. Your grace has left me inspired & encouraged.”
The 43-year-old Bengaluru-born Bopanna became the only fourth Indian after legendary Sania Mirza, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati to clinch the Grand Slam title and top the ATP rankings in doubles. Bopanna also scripted history at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou by claiming a Gold medal in the mixed doubles with Rutuja Bhosale.
source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home / February 03rd, 2024
Prepare to be captivated by the upcoming fantasy thriller, ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona,’ promising an edge-of-the-seat experience
Prepare to be captivated by the upcoming fantasy thriller, ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona,’ promising an edge-of-the-seat experience. Renowned actress Varsha Bollamma, who is seen as female lead in the film alongside Sundeep Kishan, recently shared insights into the project, building excitement ahead of its worldwide release on February 16. Directed by VI Anand and produced by Rajesh Danda under the banner of Comedy Movies, ‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona’ boasts a magical and adventurous narrative. The film stars Sandeep Kishan in a lead role, supported by the talented actresses Kavya Thapar and Varsha Bollamma as heroines. Co-produced by Balaji Gutta, the film is proudly presented by Anil Sunkara on AK Entertainments.
Varsha Bollamma expressed her enthusiasm for joining the project, recalling how the director, VI Anand, narrated a story that felt refreshingly new and unique. She was intrigued by the unconventional storyline and the unexplored character dynamics, leading her to eagerly accept the role of Bhumi, a tribal girl with self-education, courage, and strength.In describing her character, Varsha shared that Bhumi, the tribal girl, exudes innocence while displaying remarkable courage and resilience. Having grown up in a hill station herself, Varsha found a personal connection to the character’s affinity with nature, making the role all the more relatable.
Working alongside Sandeep Kishan, Varsha commended her co-star’s warmth and respect for everyone on set. She praised him as a kind and considerate co-star, contributing to a positive working environment. Varsha’s decision to take on the role was influenced by her admiration for VI Anand’s previous work, particularly the movie ‘Where are you going, little one?’. Excited about the project, she was thrilled to learn that her name was specifically chosen for the role of Bhumi, solidifying her commitment to the film.
‘Ooru Peru Bhairavakona’ promises to be an exhilarating entertainer, offering a thrilling experience with supernatural elements. Varsha assured the audience of an enjoyable ride filled with suspense and a powerful message. As she praised the producers at AK Entertainments for their passion for comedy movies and their commitment to delivering a grand production, Varsha concluded the conference by reaffirming her dedication to prioritizing impactful roles, irrespective of their length. With the film’s release just around the corner, anticipation continues to build for this magical adventure.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> Entertainment> Tollywood / by Hans News Service / February 07th, 2024
Unique rural wedding: Peepal tree and gooseberry sapling united in matrimony for village welfare.
A peepal tree and a gooseberry sapling being married off at Kadagadalu village of Madikeri taluk on Monday
Madikeri :
Hundreds participated in a unique wedding ceremony hosted in the rural part of Kodagu. A tree and a sapling were wedlocked in a spiritual matrimony as the residents prayed for the welfare of their village.
A peepal tree and a gooseberry sapling were married off in a ritualistic ceremony at Kadagadalu village of Madikeri taluk. The rituals were hosted for the welfare of the village under the guidance of a priest from Kasaragod district. The wedding ceremony was organized by the Botlappa Youth Association of the village.
The association was established in the village in 1993. As it completed 10 years in 2003, the members planted a peepal tree in the village premises as it was bestowed a spiritual status, the association members shared. In 2012, as per the advise of an astrologer, they carried out a thread ceremony for the peepal tree when it turned nine years old. The astrologer had also suggested that the tree be married when it turns 21 years.
It is believed that deities Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma reside within the Peepal tree, which is associated to great sacrosanct values in rural areas. While Peepal tree was personified as a groom, a saree was draped around the gooseberry sapling and ‘kanya dhana’ and other rituals were observed in par with the Hindu wedding.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / Express News Service / February 06th, 2024
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda chairing a meeting of his department in Madikeri on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday asked the district administration in Kodagu to conduct a survey of Jamma Bane land in the district. The survey was pending for many decades and the Jamma Bane landholders needed a pahani (RTC). In this connection, the authorities have to take steps for conducting the survey, he added.
The Minister was speaking during a meeting in Madikeri in connection with various issues concerning the Revenue Department. The Revenue Department related works were also reviewed by the Minister.
Since the Jamma Bane land holders do not have RTCs, they were not getting loans from banks and also facilities from the government. The people engaged in farming need to be given the RTCs. Therefore, the survey work has to be taken up, the Minister told the officers in categorical terms.
As many as 25,000 people in Kodagu are engaged in agriculture in Jamma Bane land. The land was in the name of one person in the land holder’s family. Others in the family also needed RTCs. So, survey of the land holds the key, the Minister argued.
If there was any dispute in connection with the land, the survey can be taken up directly of the respective land. The matter can be placed in the gram sabha and a solution can be found with the help of the local villagers, Mr. Gowda suggested.
The Minister said the Jamma Bane land survey has to be taken up on a war-footing, and added that the tahsildar and the assistant director of land records have to expedite the work, roping in additional surveyors for the tasks.
The Minister said the latest gadgets will be provided for the survey work. The licenced surveyors can be used for the task. The work has to be completed at the earliest, the Minister told the district administration.
A report can be prepared (after the survey) for addressing any issue over the land. Thereafter, an order from the government will be issued for issuing the RTCs, Mr. Gowda said.
A permanent solution has to be found to the issue as the government was committed to providing additional surveyors and the gadgets for completing the survey work.
He advised the officers to overcome the opinion that the Revenue Department and the Land Records Department were different. This is a joint survey which needs to be done by both the departments, Mr. Gowda asked.
The tahsildars, deputy tahsildars, village accountants, revenue officers, assistant commissioners and all in the department have to work as a team and get the survey done. The government hoped to extend facilities to Kodagu farmers and sanction relief. In this regard, the problems need to be addressed at the earliest.
The first instalment of crop loss relief has to be given to farmers in the district. If any names are missing, they will be incorporated and relief will be extended to them too.
The Minister told the authorities not to mismanage the drought funds and drinking water needs to be provided to all the households during summer.
MLAs Mantar Gowda and A.S. Ponnana were present.
Deputy Directors of Land Records Srinivas said Kodagu has 24 licensed surveyors besides 15 government surveyors.
Tahsildar Praveen Kumar said there have been disputes with regard to the Jamma Bane land. While the cases are being settled in some places, the parties are not coming forward in some places for settling the disputes.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 05th, 2024
Legendary Ammanda Vasu Uthaiah was considered by many as a pioneer in promoting hockey across Coorg and subsequently Karnataka.
AS Uthaiah / Credit: Special arrangement
Bengaluru:
Legendary Ammanda Vasu Uthaiah, who passed away at 83 after following a brief illness on Thursday, was considered by many as a pioneer in promoting hockey across Coorg and subsequently Karnataka.
Hailing from Virajpet, a town in Kodagu, Uthaiah carved a niche for himself in the competition-heavy Indian national hockey team from the late 1960s to 1970s. It was no mean feat by Uthaiah, a stylish player who excelled in the left half back position, amid intense competition for places.
Uthaiah, a recipient of Dusshera Puraskara Koda and the Silver Jubilee award of Karnataka, was a part of the 1970 Asian Games squad that won silver, but missed out on making the cut for the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Uthaiah also played for Madras Engineer Group and Centre hockey team for close to one and a half decades, playing almost all the First Grade hockey tournaments in the country.
He later turned up for the BEML Bangalore hockey team, winning a couple of KSHA Super Division titles.
Karnataka Hockey president AB Subbaiah spoke about the impact Uthaiah’s contributions had in kick-starting a hockey revolution in Coorg and Karnataka.
“He (Uthaiah) can be considered as Coorg’s first established hockey player to have played a major tournament and inspired the next generation of players,” Subbaiah said.
“From what I have understood after speaking to Uthaiah’s contemporaries, he was a very skilled player with a never-say-die attitude. A good tackler, and someone with a calm head,” Subbaiah added.
“As a person, he used to guide and support us and share his pearls of wisdom, and was very passionate about hockey and players coming up from Coorg and Karnataka.
“Even after his retirement, he would actively organise tournaments and headed the Kodava Samaj Sports Committee,” Subbaiah revealed.
Uthaiah is survived by a son and a daughter.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Sathvik Bharadwaj / February 02nd, 2024
An exclusive interview with Mishthi Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, a new age coffee brand revolutionising the coffee drinking experience of the country.
In the vibrant world of coffee, where tradition meets innovation, one name stands out as a beacon of a new age coffee revolution – Mishthi Aggarwal, the Chief Executive Officer at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters.
With a passion for quality and a vision to redefine the coffee-drinking experience, Mishthi has steered the brand towards unparalleled heights. Her journey is not only a testament to entrepreneurial spirit but also a celebration of transforming a daily ritual into an extraordinary affair.
As we sit down with Mishthi, we delve into the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her and 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters into a force to be reckoned with in the coffee industry.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to enter the coffee industry?
Mishthi Aggarwal: I was raised in New Delhi within a close-knit joint family, proud to be the 4th generation of the esteemed Bikanervala Family. Following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of my grandfather, I draw valuable business counsel from family members.
Inspired by their legacy and driven by a passion for the food and beverages industry, I entered the coffee industry with the goal of taking Indian-grown specialty coffee to unprecedented heights. The support and mentorship from my family have been instrumental in shaping my journey.
How would you describe the unique selling points or philosophy behind 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters?
Mishthi Aggarwal: 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters is dedicated to elevating the Indian coffee experience. We collaborate closely with various establishments, including restaurants, cafés, hotels, bakeries, corporates, institutions, and travel agencies.
Being the only female specialty coffee roaster in India who is certified as a Q Grader and an authorised SCA trainer. Our philosophy revolves around quality, expertise, and inclusivity. We strive to bring a unique blend of Indian-grown specialty coffee to a diverse audience, emphasising both tradition and innovation.
As a young coffee roaster, what innovations or unique approaches do you bring to the coffee roasting process?
Mishthi Aggarwal: My commitment to innovation is reflected in being a certified Q Grader and an SCA trainer, and I continue to learn more within my domain with a humble mindset. Embracing technology and modern management practices, I integrate traditional coffee roasting techniques with a contemporary touch.
This approach allows us to maintain the authenticity of Indian coffee while introducing new flavour profiles. Our focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing is also a key aspect of our innovative approach.
How does 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters strive to enhance the overall coffee-drinking experience for consumers?
Mishthi Aggarwal: We prioritise the entire coffee-drinking experience, from sourcing premium and specialty beans to the brewing process. By collaborating with diverse partners, we aim to make specialty coffee more accessible.
Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity ensures that consumers not only enjoy a superior cup of coffee but also contribute to the positive impact on the coffee industry by engaging in sustainability friendly practices.
What challenges have you faced as a young CEO in the coffee industry, and how have you overcome them?
Mishthi Aggarwal: As a young CEO, navigating industry dynamics and earning trust posed multitude initial challenges. Leveraging my family’s wisdom and seeking mentorship helped overcome these hurdles. Additionally, continuous learning and networking have been crucial.
Building a strong team and fostering a culture of innovation and resilience have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and driving the company forward.
How do you stay updated on the latest coffee industry trends, and how does 93 Degrees adapt to these changes?
Mishthi Aggarwal: Actively participating in industry events, such as being a member of the national coffee board and serving as a jury member in prestigious championships, keeps me well-informed. Regularly engaging with the global coffee community, attending conferences, and continuous education help us stay ahead of trends.
This proactive approach enables 93 Degrees to adapt swiftly, ensuring our offerings remain relevant and cutting-edge. Further, as an avid foodie and traveller, I frequently indulge myself in vacations surrounding multiple cups of coffee, food and other beverages.
This, I believe, has also helped me stay in touch and know more about what’s happening in different countries and cities.
Are there any upcoming products or initiatives that consumers can look forward to?
Mishthi Aggarwal: We are constantly exploring new collaborations and product innovations. Keep an eye out for exciting partnerships and limited-edition releases that showcase the diversity and richness of Indian specialty coffee. Our commitment to pushing boundaries in flavour profiles and sustainable practices will continue to drive our upcoming initiatives.
For young entrepreneurs looking to enter the coffee industry, what advice would you offer based on your own experiences?
Mishthi Aggarwal: Embrace your passion and be open to continuous learning. Seek mentorship from experienced individuals in the industry, and don’t shy away from challenges. Build a strong support network, stay true to your values, and be adaptable to change. The coffee industry is dynamic, so staying informed and fostering a spirit of innovation will be key to success.
Is there anything else you would like to share about 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters or your journey as the CEO?
Mishthi Aggarwal: Our journey is a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. We are dedicated to creating a positive impact on the coffee industry and invite everyone to join us on this flavorful adventure. The support of our partners, customers, and the incredible team at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters has been instrumental in our success.
What is your success tip for women entrepreneurs?
Mishthi Aggarwal: For women entrepreneurs, my tip would be to embrace your uniqueness and leverage it as a strength. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.
Be resilient, stay true to your vision, and continue breaking barriers in your chosen industry. Your perspective and contributions are invaluable, and your success paves the way for others.
In the rich tapestry of the coffee industry, Mishthi Aggarwal’s narrative unfolds as a captivating saga of determination, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. As Chief Executive Officer at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, she has not only redefined the brand but has also left an indelible mark on the coffee culture of the country.
Mishthi’s insights during this interview have provided a glimpse into the strategic brilliance and passion that fuel the brand’s success. As we conclude our conversation, it’s evident that Mishthi’s leadership has not only shaped the trajectory of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters but has also significantly contributed to elevating the coffee-drinking experience for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
The story of Mishthi Aggarwal and 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters is undoubtedly one of inspiration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in every cup.
source: http://www.sugermint.com / Suger Mint / Success Stories
The SHRC team interacting with members of the Yarava community at Balugodu hamlet in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairman L. Narayanaswamy has expressed anguish over the living conditions of the Yarava community members at Balugodu hamlet in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district.
SHRC has also directed the officials in Kodagu to ensure that basic amenities are extended and a progress report submitted to them. A progress review will be held in 20 days and the officials have been instructed to provide drinking water through tankers with immediate effect to the Balugodu hamlet.
Speaking in Virajpet after paying a visit to the hamlet on Wednesday, Mr. Narayanaswamy said that India boasts of success in Chandrayaan and is among the top five economies in terms of GDP ranking. But there are people who live in dire poverty devoid of basic amenities, lack of housing, electricity and connectivity which makes one wonder whether India was really developing, he said.
He said one has to introspect and question oneself about the prevailing system given the fact that there are Adivasi communities devoid of site, housing, drinking water facilities, electricity, anganwadi or school.
He directed the officials to ensure that the Yaravas in Balugodu hamlet are provided with basic civic amenities. ‘’Those who are part of the system and in the government enjoy all amenities but those outside it are deprived of basic amenities and is a matter of sorrow’’, said Mr. Narayanaswamy. The Yaravas are economically impoverished and extending all amenities to them by the local authorities should be the first priority, he added, pointing out that not even 5% of the government benefits have percolated to them.
SHRC member S.K. Vantigodi said the living conditions of Yaravas in Balugodu was deplorable and it was a clear case of human rights violation and exploitation.
T. Sham Bhatt, who is also a member of SHRC said government benefits have not reached the people of Balugodu and called upon the officials to take note and act upon it.
During their visit to the hamlet, the SHRC team apprised itself of the living conditions of the Yaravas and rued that they were living in tents devoid of basic amenities. The people of the hamlet bemoaned that they were living in such conditions exposed to vagaries of nature including heavy rains and severe cold. Besides, there was threat of snakes and hence sought concrete houses. A local resident said that 5 kg of rice being supplied by the government was not adequate and they get a square meal a day only when there was work in coffee plantations.
Later, the commission received grievances from the public and people sought for the immediate repair of Morarji Desai Residential School. It also inquired into cases pertaining to human rights violation in the taluk.
Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, ZP CEO Varnit Negi, Superintendent of Police K. Ramrajan and others were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com/ The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 31st, 2024
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
