Joshna Chinappa on what it takes to gear up for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Joshna Chinappa. (File Photo)
Joshna Chinappa (35) might be looking at the most important year of her career. After returning to the top 10 world rankings earlier this year, the squash champion won a gold medal for India with Dipika Pallikal at the World Doubles Championship in Glasgow on Saturday.
Later in the year, she will head to the Commonwealth in Birmingham and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. We caught up with Chinappa to chat about everything from her intensive training regimen to pre-match rituals. Excerpts…
When someone asked you about competing against 20-year-olds in an interview recently, you said that your best physical years came after you turned 30. Tell us more. The tour is really strong right now with the girls being really fit and strong physically, so, it’s been important for me to train correctly, and look after my body, especially as I get older. I work with an amazing team in the UK on my strength and conditioning and that has helped me get a lot fitter in recent years.
2022 is a big year for you with the Commonwealth and Asian Games lined up. How do you fight nerves and keep a clear and focused headspace? I always look forward to playing in the Commonwealth and the Asian Games. It is the biggest platform for any athlete and the goal is always to win accolades for the country. The preparation for these games starts at least a year in advance. Closer to the event, I will take a couple of months off from playing tournaments just to train with my team for the 2022 games. For a sportsman, striking the right balance between mind and body is of utmost priority.
What is your training regimen? Usually, my mornings begin with a squash game on the court, followed by a fitness/gym session. In total, I dedicate around three to four hours to my training. Sundays are mostly off and spent doing things that I love.
What does your diet look like? I keep my eating habits simple. When I’m training, my diet consists of more protein, moderate amounts of carbs, fruits, veggies, and plenty of hydration. When I am playing a tournament, it is the same as training, except I eat more carbs. If I occasionally want to indulge in a cheat meal, I do like to treat myself with dark chocolate sometimes.
Is there anything you have had to give up food-wise that’s taken some will power? The hardest part is giving up junk food! I love eating rice and rasam but owing to my professional goals, I try to avoid consuming them in large quantities.
Quick three
Do you have a ritual at the beginning or end of a match? At the beginning of the match, I have to hit my first shot on the backhand side!
Best way to keep distractions at bay? For me, what works at keeping distractions at bay is that I get off social media very often. When I am in the middle of a tournament, only my coach and mom can reach me.
For young athletes with a dream to compete at the Commonwealth Games someday: what would be your best advice? Be passionate about what you do, work really hard and never give up!
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Delhi / by Express News Service / April 13th, 2022
It was in 1961 that I joined Loyola College in Chennai for my PUC. A couple of days after I joined and settled in my hostel room, there was a knock on the door. I gingerly opened the door and there stood a senior. I braced myself for a round of ragging.
“Hi, I am Somayanda Freddy Subbaiah. I am from Coorg. Welcome to Loyola,” he extended his hand. I was relieved. He then took me across to meet the other Kodavas in Loyola including his elder brother Vittal. Freddy and I became good friends and remained good friends.
Freddy Subbaiah was born in Chettali to Somayanda Appachu and Kongettira Gange in 1944. His father owned a tea estate in the Nilgiris. Subbaiah had his entire education in Tamil Nadu. He had made up his mind quite early in life to be an IAS Officer. He single-mindedly started preparations to crack the tough UPSC exam. He diligently took part in all the activities in the campus and was particularly active in the debating society.
After completing BA in Economics, he continued in Loyola for his MA. As a post-graduate student, he stood for the Presidentship of the Students’ Union of Loyola College, which was a very keenly contested one. Freddy won the prestigious election and did commendable work during his tenure. This stint would help him later in the UPSC interview.
After completing his post-graduation, Subbaiah immersed himself in preparing for the UPSC exam; and still found time to attend Madras Law College to earn a degree in Law. He was very earnest in whatever he did and was extremely hard-working.
Dr. S.A. Subbaiah receiving the Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra from the then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
Freddy wrote the UPSC examination in 1968 and qualified for the final round which was the interview in New Delhi by a panel of retired senior bureaucrats and officers from the defence services. My father, C.M. Poonacha, was the Minister for Railways at the time. I happened to be in New Delhi. Subbaiah stayed with us a couple of days ahead of the interview. He was quite satisfied with his performance at the interview.
However, when the results were announced Subbaiah narrowly missed the IAS and qualified for the IPS. The reason why he missed the IAS was the reservation policy. Though disappointed, he accepted the IPS and opted for Karnataka cadre. He was the first Kodava IPS Officer post-independence.
After intensive training in National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, and at the National Police Academy, Mount Abu, Subbaiah got his maiden posting as probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police at Belgaum, in January 1970. That was the beginning of an illustrious career.
Freddy Subbaiah proved his mettle at every posting he held. After serving as ASP at Yadgir, he was soon promoted and posted as Superintendent of Police at Kolar Gold Fields (KGF). At KGF, he endeared himself to the people with his prompt addressing of any issue that cropped up. When he was transferred to Tumkur as the SP in 1973, there was widespread disappointment at KGF for losing one of the best Police Officers the district had seen.
After two years in Tumkur, Subbaiah was transferred to Mysore as the SP, which is one of the prestigious postings for young IPS Officers. His sincere, prompt, dedicated and diplomatic handling of Law and Order issues were highly appreciated, not only by the people, but also by his seniors and political bosses. It was during his tenure at Mysore that Subbaiah tied the knot with Sumathi, daughter of Muckatira Aiyappa from Byrambada village, in 1976.
Subbaiah was highly knowledgeable and very well read. After joining the IPS, he was keen on contributing to the intelligence and security issues of the nation. His seniors recognised his treasure trove of knowledge and his abilities and recommended him for a deputation to the Central Government. In 1979, Subbaiah joined as an Officer in the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) under the Cabinet Secretariat. He served the organisation with great distinction for 17 long years.
Subbaiah surprised his family and colleagues when he earned a doctorate degree in Economics from University of Mysore in 1983. While he was totally involved in his job, he still found the time to pursue his Ph.D. Despite his busy schedule, he made time for his family. Sumathi ably supported him and together they raised their two sons Bopanna and Mandanna with all parental care.
His dedicated work impressed everyone. In 1984, Subbaiah was appointed as the First Secretary at the Indian High Commission, Singapore. His next posting in 1988 was a coveted one at Geneva with dual assignment as Consular General of the Indian Mission as well as the Indian Representative to the UN at Geneva. He served in this position till 1991 and had the opportunity to visit several countries.
On his return to headquarters in New Delhi, he was involved in sensitive assignments such as the Shah Commission, Jain Commission, ISRO spy case and the Bofors probe. While on overseas assignments, he closely followed the activities of the LTTE and gave valuable intelligence inputs to the Government.
Freddy’s achievements and his immense contribution to the nation as an Officer in RAW reached the highest echelons of the administration. In recognition of his yeomen service, he was awarded the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service followed by the Medal for Distinguished Service. He was the first recipient of the Asadharan Suraksha Seva Praman Patra, the highest award for outstanding contribution within RAW. He received the award from Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
In 1996, Subbaiah decided to return to Karnataka, though RAW was reluctant to let go of an outstanding officer in the department. With his seniority and experience, he was appointed as IGP – Intelligence. A year later, in February 1997, he was promoted as Additional Director General of Police. Subbaiah was on course to occupy the DGP’s post in the State.
I kept in touch with Subbaiah and met him in Tumkur, Mysore, Bangalore and at Geneva. My wife and I had dropped in at his residence in Indiranagar a few months before tragedy struck on that fateful day, 10th April 1997. Subbaiah went out for his morning walk and suddenly collapsed. Before any medical aid could be given, he passed away. It was shocking beyond words for his family, colleagues, friends, and the political leadership. He was aged just 52 and had many more milestones to cross in the years ahead.
Several articles appeared in national and local newspapers by those who knew Subbaiah well. Everyone uniformly expressed high accolades for Dr. S.A. Subbaiah as he was officially known. One of the most succinct and insightful comments was from the Cabinet Secretary while forwarding a note to the Prime Minister on the outstanding work by Subbaiah to the nation. This was quoted by RAW Officer B. Raman, who retired as Additional Secretary:
“What a pity the nation cannot be told of this Officer’s outstanding achievements.”
Subbaiah was involved in highly sensitive intelligence operations. He never discussed details of his work even with close family and friends. Undoubtedly, Subbaiah would have taken part in assignments as daring as those carried out by NSA Ajit Doval.
Subbaiah would have certainly been the DGP of Karnataka and would have eventually headed one of the premier Investigating or Intelligence agencies of the nation. Despite holding high-ranking positions, he remained simple and unassuming.
Subbaiah’s untimely demise this day 25 years ago was an irreparable loss to his family, the Kodava community and the nation at large.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by C.P. Belliappa / April 10th, 2022
It is quite natural for small children to develop an affinity towards their toys or toy vehicles. Unlike other children of his age, this boy never thought of buying toy vehicles from shops. He created his own toy vehicles and had fun. At that young age itself, he would wish if he could manufacture his own vehicles.
By the time he finished school and entered college, his desire to manufacture vehicles grew by leaps and bounds.His ITI education supported his aspirations. He has made several vehicles and sold them. His vehicles have a uniqueness or fingerprint of his own.
The prodigious boy is Akash, a resident of Biligeri village near Madikeri. After completing MMV in the ITI, he started to work for some vehicle manufacturers. As the urge to manufacture his own vehicles catapulted into a passion, he left his job and returned home.
Initially he began with bikes and also cars which could be pedaled. He then fixed engines to them and succeeded in making indigenuous vehicles. In the past few years, he has forayed into manufacture of bikes, agricultural machinery, various equipment and also other vehicles.
Another unique skill he has is custom making the vehicles as per the client’s desire by procuring spare parts of different makes and assembling them at home. He has also sold bikes without gears and scooters with gear. So he could rightfully be called the Frankenstien of automobiles.
Akash has now made a unique bike that also grabs eyeballs. .So far he was making fuel driven vehicles. Now he has manufactured vehicles which run on a battery. The bikes and small cars made by him ideally suit the requirements of resorts and homestays in Kodagu district. Therefore, owners of some resorts have purchased their custom made vehicles from him.
He has immense interest in making agricultural machinery. Machines which dry cardamoms and pepper, those which separate chilli from their stalks etc. He has also made four trolleys that can carry different weights, and sold them. Some organizations which have noticed his achievements, have come forward to help him. They are thinking of providing him with a showroom so that this rural talent gets recognition in the outside world.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (SP) / February 23rd, 2022
NGO Swastha Centre is training people with disabilities in beekeeping, giving them a source of income & sense of independence.
The establishment of the beekeeping society will ensure sustainable and inclusive living, says Arathy Somaiah, director, Swastha Institution | EXPRESS
Madikeri :
In the misty hill country of Kodagu, the bee offers hope. Apiculture has been one of the main economic activities of the region, known for its coffee, pepper and tourism, while Coorg honey is said to be rich in medicinal properties.
Tapping into the ancient activity of bee-rearing, the Swastha Centre for Special Education and Rehabilitation in Kodagu is striving to establish a sustainable society for persons with disabilities, especially in the rural areas of the district. Started in the year 2003, Swastha Institution is managed by The Coorg Foundation Trust.
While educating students with special abilities has been the focus of the institution, it is also involved in providing vocational training to enable the rehabilitation of children. In a country where a day is observed each year to promote the wellness and rights of persons with disabilities, it can be challenging to create an inclusive environment for them, and keep it going too.
The community-based rehabilitation initiative of the institution is empowering many persons with disabilities (PwD) in the rural parts of Kodagu. What is unique is that the institution has introduced beekeeping and is training them in the vocation, said to be the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
“Receiving support from the Horticulture department, the institution first trained 25 students in beekeeping in 2017,” explained Arathy Somaiah, director of the institution. Though the students were trained in the vocation, opportunities to earn from it were bleak. Hence, the institution looked to establish an agrarian system to create opportunities for self-employment, which also promotes economic growth.
“The institution sought help from NABARD, and the 25 students were further trained for three years. Beehive boxes were handed over to them, and the first bee harvest was sold last year. The students earned incentives and have now set up beehive boxes in their homes,” said Arathy. To ensure that the students don’t face any challenges in beekeeping at home, the institution extended training to their parents too. Persons with disabilities were identified across Karike, Bhagamandala, Sampaje and Madenadu villages, trained in beekeeping and given beehive boxes.
“There is a government scheme where beehive boxes are provided at subsidised rates if residents provide RTC documents of the land. Through this scheme, beehive boxes were given to them, and they were trained by the horticulture department,” explained Arathy. The harvest from the community rearing in the district was collected by the institution; it was processed, purified and bottled at the Research and Development sector of Tata Coffee.
“The honey extracted and processed is free of adulteration, and marketed under the Swastha label. The profits are paid to the bee rearers. A trained staffer from the institution visits the rural areas once a month to help them handle the work of beekeeping, and helps them in the cleaning process. Once the harvest is ready, they help them extract and collect the honey. They have the option to market the harvest through Swastha or any other means,” she shared.
While the beekeeping initiative is running successfully, the institution is looking at providing them with holistic training. It aims to identify persons with disabilities in all the taluks, and establish a ‘Beekeeping Society of Persons with Disabilities’ soon in the district. The institution also plans to train them to plant bee-friendly trees and shrubs in rural areas. Kodagu has a large number of massive bee-nesting trees.
“The establishment of the beekeeping society will ensure sustainable and inclusive living. It will help generate self-employment, rural employment and economic growth,” concluded Arathy.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Pragna GR, Express News Service / April 10th, 2022
The Allana Group, one of India’s largest exporters of Coffee today announced its foray into the Indian domestic market to meet the burgeoning demand in the brewed beverage business. The Group has been a pioneer in the green bean exports since the year 1987 and aims to introduce international grade coffees to the Indian consumers.
Curating the finest beans with its in-house quality control, the group will remain focused on a B2B supply to domestic players as well as startups. The group will set up a state-of-the-art roast and ground coffee unit in Karnataka and distribute in all major cities of India. Further, the group will also invest in roaster and instant coffee machines and cater to industrial customers and cafes.
The Allana group exports on an average 25000 tons of green coffee beans per annum with an advanced facility having the capacity to cure 30000 tons. India’s coffee market has witnessed an exponential growth with a CAGR of 10% over the last five years. Allana Group’s foray into the domestic coffee market will address the rising demand, catering to the capsule market in addition to special coffees and also cater to the medium to high end commercial sector.
Commenting on the foray Mr. M. P. Devaiah, Business Head – Coffee, Allana Group said, “Allana has been at the forefront of the green bean coffee business in India. Our strong network in sourcing the finest beans as well as our inhouse quality control differentiate and bring out the uniqueness in our coffee. Our introduction into the domestic market will aim to cater to true coffee aficionados and deliver a premium experience.”
Asim Allana, a sixth-generation member of the Allana Group promoter family said, “Coffee over the years has become a mainstream consumer drink especially amongst the vibrant young generation in India. Our foray into the domestic coffee market is our commitment to provide one of the highest grades of coffee to our consumers. Being a veteran player in the industry, our extensive experience and expertise in the food business along with our world class infrastructure, we aim to create a superior and healthy domestic coffee market in India.”
With its over three decades of expertise in the coffee business, Allana Group has been acknowledged and conferred with awards as the largest over all exporters of green coffee beans by the Coffee Board of India. The group exports all grades of washed and un-washed Arabicas and Robustas as well as Monsooned Coffees.
Further the Company continues to be one of India’s largest exporters of Specialty Coffee, thus catering to the needs of all types of buyers, be it specialty coffee, single estate coffee or commercial coffee particularly in Europe.
source: http://www.apnnews.com / APN News / Home / April 07th, 2022
Manu, a 48-year-old man, was brought to Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru on Mar. 30, 2022 at 12.32 pm from CSI Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, in a critical condition. Initial CT scan showed brain stem infarct. He was shifted to ICU immediately for life support and intensive care.
On Mar. 27, Manu suffered a stroke and was rushed to the nearby hospital by his relatives as his wife and son were at Bengaluru. Manu’s family immediately rushed to Somwarpet and took him to Madikeri followed by Hassan for further treatment on Mar. 28. The next day when his condition worsened, he was referred to Mysuru at a tertiary care centre for treatment.
Manu hailed from Somwarpet in Kodagu and had recently moved to Bengaluru with family.
Manu was kept on life support for two days while he was in a very critical state. On the third day, Apr. 1 at 9.30 pm he was declared brain dead due to brain stem failure as per the hospital protocol stipulated by the Transplant of Human Organs Act 1994 by panellist doctors at Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, which is now a Licensed Centre for Multi-organ Transplant (OTC).
Manu was healthy before this incident and further tests confirmed his eligibility for organ donation. After his family was counselled for organ donation, the deceased patient’s wife and son came forward to donate his organs. As per organ donation protocols, officials from Jeeva Sarthakathe initiated the process of organ recipients waiting list. At around 2 am on Apr. 2, Manu’s organs (2 Kidneys, Liver, Heart Valves and Corneas) were harvested with cross clamp done at 5.03 am at Apollo BGS Hospitals.
“India is struggling with acute shortage of organs for transplantation. It is estimated that more than a million people suffer with end stage organ failure, but only a handful of 3,500 transplants are performed annually. At least 15 patients die every day waiting for organs and every 10 minutes a new name is added to this waiting list,” said N.G. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice-President & Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru.
Stating that donors like Manu have turned to be a beacon of hope giving a new lease of life for the wait-listed patients, he also lauded the efforts of Jeeva Sarthakathe team for being in the forefront in achieving and carrying out sustained deceased donor transplantation activities and educating the public on organ donation.
The organs donated are as follows:
Sl. no
Organs Donated
Recipient Hospital
1.
Liver
Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru
2.
One single kidney
Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru
3.
One single kidney
Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru
4.
Heart valves
NH Hospital, Bengaluru
5.
Corneas
Lions Eye Bank, Mysuru
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 07th, 2022
Stand Up Rahul is a romantic comedy entertainer drama which is directed By Santo Mohan Veeranki. Raj Tarun and Varsha Bollamma are playing the lead roles whereas Vennela Kishore, Murali Sharma, and many others are seen in supporting roles. Aha Video confirmed that Stand Up Rahul is streaming now on Aha!
The film Stand Up Rahul which was released on 18 March 2022 in theaters, is now premiering on aha from 8th April 2022. It is a romantic comedy about a reluctant start up employee who does not stand up for anything in the life, finally finding true love and learning to stand up for his parents, for his passion for stand-up comedy and for his love.
The film has the music by Sweekar Agasthi while cinematography is handled by Sreeraj Raveendran and editing by Ravi Teja Girijalla. Stand Up Rahul is produced by Nandkumar Abbineni and Bharath Maguluri under the banner of Dream Town Productions and High Five Pictures.
The streaming platform Aha Video recent releases were DJ Tillu, Telugu Indian Idol, Sebastian, Hey Jude, The American Dream, Qubool Hai?, Bheemla Nayak, Most Eligible Bachelor, Chef Mantra, Alludu Garu Bhamakalapam, Anubhavinchu Raja, Arjuna Phalguna, Lakshya, Senapathi, 3 Roses, Manchi Rojuloachaie, Romantic, Sarkaar, , and Christmas Thatha.
source: http://www.tollywood.net / Tollywood.net / Home> News / by Tollywood Desk / April 08th, 2022
City girl Kallichanda Poorna Poovamma, a first year Law student at National Law School, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, was adjudged the Best Student Advocate in the Surana & Surana National Corporate Law Moot Court competition held recently at jss law College in Mysuru.
Students from about 26 top Law Colleges including nine National Law Schools from all over India participated in the contest.
An alumnus of St. Joseph’s Central School and Sankalpa pu college, Poorna is the daughter of Kallichanda Mudduraj, an Executive at jk tyre and Anu (Kuttanda), residents of Vijayanagar 4th Stage here.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 15th, 2019
Since the area has many kids from the backward classes and tribal community, classes on computers have become a boon to these kids.
A Gram Panchayat member in Kodagu district has taken the unique initiative of educating tribal kids with computer knowledge.
The computer classes are held once a week at the digital library in the village and witnesses enthusiastic participation from the kids. “Every panchayat makes plans for the development of the roads and other infrastructure work. However, I looked forward to doing something for the rural kids,” shared Mukkatira Ritesh Biddappa, Grama Panchayat member of K Badaga village.
With the support from the Panchayat PDO and other members, he drew a plan to start computer classes for the kids from economically backward classes in the area. “The panchayat is equipped with a digital library and the classes began here two weeks ago. I take classes on computer basics every Saturday,” he explained.
Since the area has many kids from the backward classes and tribal community, classes on computers have become a boon to these kids. Currently, Ritesh is taking classes for sixth and seventh grade government school students in the village. “After six months of basic training, I will involve another batch of students and this will continue,” he confirmed.
While Ritesh was working in a finance company in a city, he moved back to his hometown to do some social service. “Grama Panchayats must not be constrained to just infrastructure work. There are several other initiatives that can be thought through, keeping in mind the needs of the people,” concluded Ritesh.
source: http://www.edexlive.com / The New Indian Express, Edex Live / Home> News / by N Dhamotharan, Edex Live / April 04th, 2022
Senior Police Officer M.A. Aiyappa took charge as the new Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Mysuru district here yesterday.
A native of Gonikoppa in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district, Mukkatira A. Aiyappa replaces N. Rudramuni, who has been posted to the DG&IGP’s office at Bengaluru.
Aiyappa, an ex-serviceman, had served the Indian Army as a Short Service Commissioned Officer for seven years before joining the State Police force as Dy.SP in 2012. After his appointment, he had served at Tumakuru, Bhatkal and a few other places and also in the State Intelligence, Bengaluru.
Prior to his appointment as Mysuru ASP, he was serving as Chief Vigilance Officer of Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) in Bengaluru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 08th, 2018
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