Rashmika Mandanna will be next seen in Telugu film Pushpa. (Photo: rashmika_mandanna/Instagram)
All along the way, Akash Tripathi kept asking people for directions to Rashmika Mandanna’s residence. People grew suspicious and informed the police.
A star-struck fan of actor Rashmika Mandanna travelled all the way from Telangana to Kodagu in Karnataka, a distance of over 900 kms, to meet her but had to return after police convinced him to do so.
Akash Tripathi from Telangana is a die-hard fan of Mandanna. Wanting to see her, Tripathi used Google search to reach her and he took a train to Mysuru, then a cargo auto to Muggula near Virajpet in Kodagu, the home district of the actor.
All along the way, he kept asking people for directions to the actor’s residence. People grew suspicious and informed the police.
Soon, the police stopped Tripathi and told him to go back to Telangana as Kodagu was under lockdown. The fan also got to know that he cannot see the actor as she was away in Mumbai for a film shoot, the police said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Telugu / by PTI, Madikeri / June 24th, 2021
Lieutenant General Channira Bansi Ponnappa, AVSM (Ati Vishisht Seva Medal) has been appointed as 11th Corps Commander. He took charge at Jalandhar in Punjab recently.
With this appointment, the hilly Kodagu district, which has a long and illustrious history of courageous top Defence Officers, for which it is known as the ‘Land of Army Generals’, has added one more feather to its cap.
Till now, Lieutenant General Bansi Ponnappa was the Chief of Staff Northern Command at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir. At present, there are two Corps Commanders serving in the Indian Army from Kodagu District.
While Lieutenant General Bansi Ponnappa is 11th Corps Commander at Jalandhar, Lieutenant General Codanda P. Cariappa is First Corps Commander at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.
Bansi Ponnappa hails from Nangala village near Bittangala in Virajpet taluk and is the son of Channira Ponnappa and Meera (Konerira, Virajpet Boikeri). He is married to Nitya Medappa (Keethiyanda). His son Nishanth is serving the Indian Navy as an officer and daughter Sunaina is studying in Bengaluru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 04th, 2020
Under threat of collapse due to incessant rains and possible landslides, the Kodagu DC Office is being protected with a 40-ft concrete retaining wall. But the works have started only now though the project was formally sanctioned long back and works on making pre-cast concrete slabs began in February this year.
Now the works have begun amidst heavy rains and a small portion of the wall has been built. The steep gradient on which the DC Office stands has been covered tightly with plastic sheets so that mud does not fall while undertaking the works. Rs. 5 crore is being spent on the project.
The District Administrative Office (DC Office) is located on a steep gradient along the Madikeri-Mangaluru Road and was built at a cost of Rs. 14.43 crore. It was inaugurated in November 2014 and last year, all the offices located in the DC Office Complex were shifted and they operated from the Office of City Municipal Council.
Officials requesting anonymity told Star of Mysore that the works were delayed because of COVID second wave and the tendering too got delayed though the project was sanctioned long back. The Geologists from Geological Survey of India (GSI) who conducted a study of the steep gradient on top of which the DC Office is located, had recommended the District Administration to construct a retaining wall to prevent any landslides.
The wall will be 140 meters in length and the height varies from 30 to 40 feet. The contractors are using soil nailing and pre-casting method to build the sturdy wall. In this technology, iron rods are inserted into the walls up to two to three feet inside and two to three feet outside and then the wall will be built with pre-cast concrete material.
“Works have started now and we will continue the wall construction work till July first week and will stop the work if it rains incessantly. We have a project completion time till December or January 2022,” officials said.
Mock drill
As the threat perception is high due to a couple of landslides that have occurred on the Madikeri-Mangaluru Road and following instances of road caving in and cracking open, a mock drill was conducted at the DC office last Friday where employees were evacuated.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services Department conducted the mock drill where drills including evacuating the injured or the trapped were demonstrated and practiced. Ladders were placed on the outer walls of the building and ropes were used to demonstrate the preparedness in case of emergencies.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 21st, 2021
Lieutenant CommanderSuraj Aiyappa of the Indian Navy has made our country proud by winning the highest number of Awards this year and the highest ever accoladed to an Indian Officer, at the Naval Staff Course of the U.S. Naval War College.
Notably, Suraj has been awarded the Second Place in the national-level Secretary of Defense National Strategy Essay Competition across all Military Institutions in the US, joining a rare and elite group of International Officers to have achieved this feat.
In addition, Suraj has also been awarded two prestigious Writing Awards (First Position), including the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Counter-terrorism Prize and the Naval Staff College International Essay Award at the U.S. Naval War College.
Suraj is also the only International Officer this year and the first Indian Officer to earn a Graduate Certificate in Ethics and Emerging Military Technologies from the U.S. Naval War College. He has graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies.
Suraj is the son of Lt. Col. Mukkatira A. Kariappa, SM (Retd.) and Saraswathy Kariappa (Thamane – Annalamada), who are residing at Sena Vihar (A.W.H.O.), Bengaluru.
Suraj’s elder sister Pooja Kariappa is Head – Human Resources at Vascon Engineers Limited, Pune.
Suraj is married to Dr. Yamuna (Thamane-Maneyapanda) who is a Dentist by profession.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 14th, 2021
77 places have been identified as prone to landslide and flood based on experts’ advice and previous years’ data
Even as the monsoon turned active in Kodagu district, 2,868 families living in areas identified as vulnerable to flood and landslide are expected to be evacuated to relief centres by July 15.
The officers in charge of evacuation are in touch with the families who are being persuaded to leave their houses in ‘risk zones’ as a safety measure.
Seventy-seven places in towns and villages have been identified as sensitive and prone to landslide and flood based on experts’ advice and also previous years’ data. Accordingly, steps are being taken to ensure the safety of dwellers.
“The families will be shifted out from the sensitive zones by July 15. The nodal officers have been instructed to ensure their safe relocation at the earliest,” said Deputy Commissioner Charulatha Somal on Saturday.
Besides, 618 cattle from the risk zones would also be evacuated. Measures had been taken for establishing 17 animal shelters, she said.
A 20-member NDRF team is camping in Kodagu. Four teams each of the Fire and Police Departments dedicated for rescue operations are also ready. In addition, civil society groups and volunteers have come forward to offer their services.
The gram panchayats in the risk zones have set up local teams for rescue and relief works.
The highway connecting Mangaluru to Madikeri has been identified as a ‘sensitive’ road based on previous years’ data (the road was damaged by landslides). The Kodagu district administration has banned movement of heavy goods transport vehicles, barring those supplying essentials in view of rains.
Ms. Somal said the onus is on the PWD to reduce the risk with necessary and timely interventions, she added.
The current spell of rains has already damaged electrical poles in certain areas. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) is already on the task of restoring supply, and replacing damaged lines and poles.
As the rescue operations may need more earthmovers, steps have been taken to hire machines in addition to those available with the PWD and RDPR.
“We need to be prepared to deploy more such machines for rescue operations,” she said.
Ms. Somal said the authorities of Harangi dam near Kushalnagar have been asked to be on alert and ensure that the 2018 episode was not repeated. The problems faced earlier may not recur since silt has been removed, the DC added. Unexpected and excessive release of water from the dam had led to floods. Areas close to the Cauvery river in Kushalnagar town were flooded.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – June 19th, 2021
No one flew like Milkha Singh. We all have heard about ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh but how many of us have heard about Kunjiyanda Aiyanna from Kodagu district who had defeated Milkha Singh?
Aiyanna had trounced the Flying Sikh in a 100-metre race in 1951. While Aiyanna had clocked 10.69 seconds, Milkha Singh clocked 10.75 seconds. Who better than Aiyanna could understand the importance of 0.06 seconds?
Aiyanna represented Karnataka in the National-level 100 mts. He has a credit of winning over Milkha Singh several times at National-level Meets and held the record for 100 mts for some period, unbeaten. Aiyanna never got recognition for his achievement and his name was hidden in the annals of history.
His feat came to light only after the news of Milkha Singh passing away flashed across the media yesterday. By evening, Aiyanna became a known name in many Kodava families. Hailing from Kavadi Village at Ammathi in Kodagu district, Aiyanna was born on Aug. 2, 1929 to Kunjiyanda Chinnappa and Seethavva (Macharanda).
He joined the Indian Army and served the Artillery Division. As he was a sprinter, his commanding officers recognised his talent and began training him amidst his Army duties. Aiyanna proved to be a true sportsperson and honed his skills to reach his defining moment that came in the form of National-level 100 mts. He sprinted to glory and defeated people who later rose to be legends. But Aiyanna remained in obscurity.
Kunjiyanda Aiyanna in the first place and Milkha Singh second.
Aiyanna married Gowri (Palachanda), sister of P.M. Kalappa who served as Additional Superintendent of Police in Kodagu. The couple had two sons and a daughter — Anitha, Anil Belliappa and Arun Thammaiah. After serving the Army, Aiyanna worked for Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The unsung hero passed away in 1995 at an age of 65.
Speaking to SOM this morning, Arun said that his father used to speak a lot about his achievements. “He used to tell us about how he struggled hard in athletics at a time when sports was considered a least priority in India and at a time when there were not even basic facilities for sportspersons. He told us about how people from South India were called ‘Madrasis’ and were looked down upon by sportspersons from North,” Arun said.
“The discrimination was clear and my father had to remain in obscurity. No one recognised him and despite this, he gave a stellar performance on tracks,” Arun, who studied in Bengaluru Sports Hostel, said. Arun runs a wedding management firm in Kodagu while his brother Anil works for BEML, Bengaluru.
The 100-metre race in 1951 where Aiyanna trounced Milkha Singh.
Aiyanna’s brother 84-year-old Kunjiyanda Poovaiah is a resident of Gokulam in Mysuru and he was also an athlete who has participated in National Meets. “I had been to Delhi along with my brother a couple of times and since my brother was a sprinter, I did not pursue running much,” he said.“I am glad that my brother has been recognised at least now,” he added.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 10th, 2021
The demand for Coorg oranges, also known as Coorg mandarin, has dipped in the State owing to lockdown. Mandarin was almost wiped out in the district due to diseases a couple of decades ago.
Madikeri:
The demand for Coorg oranges, also known as Coorg mandarin, has dipped in the State owing to lockdown. Mandarin was almost wiped out in the district due to diseases a couple of decades ago. However, this variety of orange is being grown in many coffee estates, fetching a sizeable income to growers. It is being grown as a mixed crop in coffee estates along with pepper twice a year in December and June.
Grown in eight thousand hectares, this tiny district produces nearly 30 thousand metric tonnes of mandarin.
Many coffee estates have bountiful mandarin crop, but no buyers due to lockdown. Normally, coffee growers lease orange crop to Kerala-based traders. But this season there are hardly any buyers. The crop is mostly exported to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and other parts of Karnataka.
Though Nagapur organges have good market in the State, with good taste and aroma, Coorg variety has its own customer base. Speaking to The Hans India on Friday, a mandarin grower, Ponnachettira Suresh Subbaiah , a native of Ibnivalamudi near Madikeri, said that he has been growing the orange crop for decades, but has never faced such a situation. He said he used to export oranges to Calicut market. But this season, he sees no hope of good market for his produce. Subbaiah who grows mandarin crop in his 12-acre estate, has incurred losses this time.
There are no takers locally also as tourism has come to a standstill. The district which witnesses at least 4-5 thousand tourists daily in normal time is badly hit by lockdown and Covid restrictions.
Though production is increasing year by year in district, the demand for mandarin variety of oranges is discouraging.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Coovercooly Indresh / Hans News Service / June 18th, 2021
A team of medical professionals has come forward to assess the concerns around the impending third wave.
Madikeri :
The Kodagu district administration is prepping up for the predicted third wave of coronavirus even as the Covid positivity rate has gradually decreased below five percent. Keeping this in mind, the Paediatric wing of the district Covid hospital is being enhanced with suitable medical equipment and requests in this regard have been forwarded to the state government.
Somal also revealed that a team of medical professionals has come forward to assess the concerns around the impending third wave.
Dr Cariappa, Dean of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed that the paediatric ventilator facility is being increased to 40 from current seven at the district hospital.
A new oxygen generator unit will soon be installed at the KIMS campus. District superintendent of KIMS confirmed that the nursing staff will be trained to handle the paediatric cases.
According to the official data, nine paediatric positive cases have been reported in Kodagu till date.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / June 17th, 2021
He is an active legend, although sometimes it is difficult for us to locate these stars in the stunt circuit.
The Indian tennis player, who reached the quarterfinals at this last Roland Garros with Franko Skugor, left Paris with a special record: 400 wins in modality.
Another step in the legendary career of the 38-year-old tennis player.
This week, in the grass of Halle, he already had time to add the 401.
source: http://www.explica.com / Explica.co / Home> Tennis / by Explica.co / June 15th, 2021
Mushrooms or toadstools are found mostly during the monsoon season especially when thunder and lightning strikes the landscape
Madikeri:
It is that time of the year when many edible mushrooms grow in the wild in the hilly district of Kodagu, making it a mushroom-lovers’ dream destination.
Mushrooms or toadstools are found mostly during the monsoon season especially when thunder and lightning strikes the landscape. As soon as the first showers hit the dry earth, residents and families, who are familiar with the areas where usually mushrooms grow, head there to reap the annual harvest — where the dormant spores lie from the previous year. And the person who sees it first, it’s all his.
A particular mushroom that evokes interest this time is the ‘Aland Kumm’ in Kodava language. Its scientific name is ‘Agaricus bisporus’, an edible basidiomycete mushroom, native to grasslands in Europe and North America. It has two colour states while immature — white and brown.
A high-fibre content food product, these mushrooms usually rise near paddy fields and sometimes seen under dense cover of coffee estates. ‘Aland Kumm’ is prepared as curry using coconut masala or as masala fry too.
The other well-known variety is ‘Kode Kumm’ (umbrella mushroom) with scientific name ‘Termitomyces clypeatus’ (solitary, grows in soil and also on termite mounds) and ‘Nuchchi Kumm’ (Termitomyces microcarpus). The cluster of this mushroom is usually spread all throughout the location in specks of white. While the ‘Kode Kumm’ is usually salted and toasted on a raw flame in the fireplace, the others are prepared as curry to consume them with rice rotis.
Interestingly, according to an on-going research, lightning makes mushrooms more plentiful. The research is based on a Japanese traditional knowledge where they welcome storms over their fields based on the belief that lightning strikes provoke plentiful harvests of mushrooms. A research is being conducted by scientists in northern Japan where they are bombarding a variety of mushrooms in lab-based garden plots with artificially induced lightning to see if electricity actually makes the fungi multiply.
The results show that lightning-strength jolts of electricity can more than double the yield of certain mushroom species compared with conventional cultivation methods.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 14th, 2021
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