Kannada actors Bhuvann and Harshika Poonacha start free oxygen auto rickshaw services amid COVID crisis

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technology

Actors Bhuvann Ponnanna and Harshika Poonacha are again back with their social welfare works and this time have started free oxygen service through auto-rickshaws to the needy.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Actor Bhuvann Ponnanna runs Bhuvanam Foundation which is into social welfare activities
  • Actress Harshika Poonach has joined her hands with Bhuvann for this social cause
  • Health minister of Karnataka state has inaugurated the free oxygen service initiated by the actor
Free oxygen service from Bhuvanam Foundation owner and actor  |  Photo Credit: Twitter

Bengaluru is going through its most difficult time as the devastating second wave of Covid-19 has created a lot of trouble for the city by targeting the people on daily basis.

As a matter of fact, the city is facing a shortage of oxygen as the demand for it has been increased tremendously in the last 15 days. Those who are infected with the virus and are facing breathing issues are requesting authorities for the supply of oxygen. But, due to the high demand, it has become challenging for the local authorities to arrange for it.

Meantime, several eminent personalities, political leaders, generous industrialists from the city are trying their best to provide oxygen for the needy. Even film personalities are coming forward to do their bit.

In one such instance, the Kannada actors Bhuvann Ponnanna and Harshika Poonacha have started free oxygen supply service to the needy through bus and auto-rickshaw loaded with oxygen cylinders.

The service has been named “Oxygen Express” and it was inaugurated today by the state health minister Dr. K Sudhakar in Bengaluru. The whole initiative is being funded by the Bhuvanam Foundation run by the actor Bhuvann who was also a participant in the reality show of Kannada Bigg Boss Season 4 hosted by Sudeep.   

Appreciating the initiative taken by both Bhuvann and Harshika Poonacha the state health minister has also tweeted in his official Twitter account.

Harshika has also replied to the minister’s tweet by tweeting, “Honourable Health Minister Dr. @mla_sudhakar sir inaugurated our projects #Shwasa and #Bhandawa from @BhuvanamF today Thankyou so much for honoring us with your presence sir  #BhuvanamFoundation The Religion of Love and Kindness”.

This is not the first time for Bhuvann to carry out social welfare works for the people, he had helped the people during the flood time in Karnataka in 2019 too. Also just a few days back the actor had distributed thousands of food kits to the poor.

It can be remembered that a few days back Bhuvann had started a helpline to help those who are suffering from Covid and are in need of emergency help. He had given his private number for the cause and started receiving thousands of calls in a day. He then hired some people and made a team that is serving the people.

The golden-hearted actor Bhuvann Ponnanna has entered the Kannada film industry by appearing in a guest role in Just Maath Maathalli starring Sudeep in the lead role. He then appeared in negative shades in a couple of movies before participating in the Kannada Bigg Boss reality show.

Images Credit: Dr. K Sudhakar/Twitter

source: http://www.timesnownews.com / Times Now News / Home> News> Entertainment News > Kannada Cinema News/ byTimes Now Digital / May 14th, 2021

Now, a 30-bed centre in Kodagu to treat COVID-19 patients free of cost

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

“The facility will have 15 beds with pipelined oxygen, five beds with oxygen concentrators and 10 beds with Bipap machines (a type of ventilator),” said Venkat Chekuri, joint secretary of Karuna Trust.

The COVID care centre in Kodagu (Photo | Special arrangement)

Madikeri :

A 30-bed Dedicated Covid Healthcare Centre (DCHC) will be inaugurated at a private hospital in Gonikoppal to provide improved treatment to COVID patients free of cost. The DCHC has been established following efforts by the Karuna Trust – a charitable trust that has enabled integrated rural development.

The facility will start functioning from May 15 at Lopamudra Private Hospital in Gonikoppal. “The facility will have 15 beds with pipelined oxygen, five beds with oxygen concentrators and 10 beds with Bipap machines (a type of ventilator),” explained Venkat Chekuri, joint secretary of Karuna Trust.

He explained that the facility has seen the light of day following efforts from Kodava Koota members in the US, Concerned Citizens of Coorg organization members and members of Kodava Samaj who have raised funds alongside Karuna Turst to establish the DCHC. The centre will have a pharmacy and lab facility and will be a high dependency unit.

“The centre will treat moderate COVID patients who will be referred by the district administration. The centre will provide free treatment to the patients alongside three meals a day and snacks. The administration of Kodagu alongside DC Charulata Somal has offered complete support and the ambulance facility to the centre is being provided by the district administration. The administration has also assured to provide hassle-free oxygen supply to the centre from Mysuru,” explained Venkat. He further added that a 200-litre oxygen unit will shortly be installed at the centre by the trust.  

The trust will bear the rent charges for the place provided at the private hospital and will have doctors and nurses appointed by the trust itself. “Dr Sudarshan, the founding member of the trust, is guiding the entire project. Also, Dr Gautham Subbaiah, assistant professor at the University of Florida – who has treated over 1000 COVID patients in the US – will guide local doctors in treating the patients. Experts from the University of Florida will review the ground work at the centre,” added Venkat.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / May 14th, 2021

Nominated As Mysore University Syndicate Member

Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All

Mysore/Mysuru: 

M.B. Gappanna of Kavadi village in Ammathi, Virajpet taluk, Kodagu, has been nominated as Syndicate Member of University of Mysore by the Chancellor, who is also the Governor of Karnataka. 

As per the notification issued from the Office of the Governor, the term of office shall be for a period of three years with effect from Oct. 3, 2020. 

A MBA graduate from Mangalore University, Machimanda Gappanna has been an activist working for progressive causes and was the President of All College Students Union of Mangalore University.

He has the experience of working in the corporate world in various capacities and has been associated with several service organisations like Rotary, where he has been the Director of Youth Service. He is passionate about helping people at the grassroot level and interested in finding innovative solutions to support rural employment.

Gappanna is involved with several NGOs motivating youth for self employment and skill development.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 06th, 2021

Obituary – Palecanda Yogesh

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Palecanda Yogesh (49), owner of Bhagavathi Bus Service, passed away on Thursday night at Virajpet, Kodagu. He was also running a cold storage and a medical shop in the town.

He leaves behind his mother, wife, two children and a host of relatives and friends.

Cremation took place at Kodava Samaja crematorium in Virajpet yesterday, according to family sources.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / May 08th, 2021

Hand-Stamping Of All Visitors Resumes In Kodagu

Records, All

Mysore/Mysuru:

Like in the first wave of COVID-19, the Kodagu District Administration has resumed stamping the hands of all those who are entering the district from various check-posts with indelible ink.

This comes in the wake of Kodagu — that lacks even medium-scale medical infrastructure — witnessing on an average of more than 600 COVID-positive cases every day. Also, identifying the infection pattern, the District authorities have realised that the killer virus is primarily spread by people who are arriving in the district in hordes following the lockdown announcement. 

All the travellers from other bordering districts — Mysuru, Hassan, Mangaluru and Kerala — through Anechowkur Gate near Hunsur, Koppa Gate near Kushalnagar, Kodlipet Gate near Somwarpet, Sampaje Gate near Madikeri, Kutta Gate (from Tholpetty) and Karike check-post near Bhagamandala are being hand-stamped and they are being told to be in home-quarantine for 14 days. 

“HOME QUARANTINED,” reads the hand stamp, along with the date it was given to determine when their 14-day isolation ends. Before they enter the check-posts, their addresses, phone numbers, Gram Panchayat jurisdiction, purpose of visit is recorded and the same is conveyed to the respective Gram Panchayats so that the home isolated visitors are constantly monitored. 

The process of hand-stamping began in Kodagu on May 6 and the daily list is updated to the respective Panchayat Development Officer. 

Health officials said only those with negative certificates are allowed from Kerala. As a result, the movement of goods vehicles between the two States has come down drastically. Virajpet Tahsildar Yoganand said that with the rise in COVID cases, the surveillance has been strengthened.

As many as 12 personnel from the Revenue, Health, Police and Forest Departments are working in shifts at Makutta check-post. CCTV cameras have been installed at the check-posts,  he added. 

All the vehicles are being checked at the Hipligate check-post on the Kodagu-Hassan border. Check-posts have been set up at Shanthapura and Kodlipet to check the vehicles from Hassan entering the district. Barricades have been placed near the check-posts. These check-posts operate round-the-clock.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /May 10th, 2021

Karnataka: Kodagu crematorium cries for revamp as COVID death toll rises

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Kodagu was among the first districts to report COVID cases and had sought the help of volunteers, especially for the cremation and burial of COVID victims.

Madikeri :

“When we started this service a year ago, we did not know it would become so severe. We are stressed and emotionally drained. But we cannot abandon it now,” said a volunteer from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which is involved in conducting the last rites of COVID victims in Kodagu.

It was among the first districts to report COVID cases and had sought the help of volunteers, especially for the cremation and burial of COVID victims. Over 100 volunteers came forward from Popular Front of India, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Seva Bharathi.

While the district rarely reported COVID deaths last year, it is seeing an average of six deaths per day over the last one month, the highest being 16 on a single day. The designated crematorium for COVID victims in Madikeri is equipped to raise only three pyres at a time.

“We can arrange two pyres on the cemented structure and the third on the temporary setup that has been arranged with the increase in COVID deaths. When there are more than three deaths, we have to wait for nearly three to four hours for all the three bodies to burn completely. We then collect the ashes and hand them over to relatives,” a volunteer said.

“We dispose of our PPE kits, sanitise ourselves and then go back to the Madikeri COVID Hospital to collect the remaining bodies. We repeat the same process. When there are more deaths, most of our day is spent at the crematorium,” they added.

Volunteers of VHP and Bajrang Dal have conducted the last rites of 101 victims, and they do selfless service as they don’t accept any monetary donations. “But I request the district administration to provide us with health insurance. If anything happens to us tomorrow, at least our families can survive with the insurance money. Social service alone has been a part of most of our lives. Also, if the government can expand and improve the crematorium, it would reduce a lot of our stress,” a volunteer said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / May 10th, 2021

Take Measures To Increase Oxygen Bed Capacity In Kodagu District

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All
Minister Somanna inspects Virajpet Govt. Hospital

Minister Somanna inspects Virajpet Govt. Hospital

Madikeri:

Kodagu District in-Charge Minister V. Somanna said that all measures will be taken for increasing oxygen bed capacity in the district in the wake of rising COVID cases.

He was presiding over a review meeting on COVID Control and treatment measures at the ZP Hall here on Thursday.

Pointing out that there are plans to increase the number of oxygen beds in the district by 250, including 50 in Somwarpet, 20 in Pollibetta, 20 in Kutta and a good number in Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital, Somanna said that all Corona warriors and persons aged over 45 years should get compulsorily vaccinated for their own health and well-being.

Noting that several organisations such as Rotary, Lions and Chamber of Commerce have come forward for joining hands with the District Administration, he directed the authorities to take measures for refilling the 13 KL Oxygen tank at the District COVID Hospital. He also asked the authorities to ensure timely vaccine and oxygen supplies to the district in accordance with the demand.

Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan expressed concern over rising number of COVID deaths in the district. Noting that there are complaints that Doctors and Nursing Staff were complacent in taking care of patients, he urged the authorities to ensure proper food and boiled drinking water to all patients at COVID Hospital.

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah wanted the authorities to ensure that people above 60 years of age are vaccinated in the district. He also asked them to ensure that second dose is given to all the vaccinated.

MLC Veena Achaiah suggested to install CCTV cameras at ICU wards of COVID Hospital.

Another MLC Sunil Subramani said that the staff of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) were doing a good job and they should continue with their good work, without giving scope for any complacency.

MP Pratap Simha said that the District has been provided with a 13 KL oxygen tank and the authorities should submit daily updates of oxygen requirement and use. Instructing the authorities to ensure that there is no oxygen shortage at any point of time, he said that there is every possibility that the deadly virus may peak in the coming days and the authorities should brace up themselves by augmenting oxygen capacity and number of oxygen beds.

Kodagu District in-Charge Secretary V. Anbukumar  told the meeting that the oxygen bed capacity at the Medical College Hospital will be increased to 150 in phases.

DC Charulatha Somal said that 130 oxygen cylinders have been handed over to the DHO through the Tahsildars of three taluks in the district. Also, measures have been taken to take custody of all oxygen cylinders  available at Kushalnagar Industrial Area after discussing with the owners of industries, she added.

KIMS Director Dr. Cariappa, Superintendent Dr. Lokesh, RCH Officer Dr. Gopinath and Dr. Anand spoke about the measures taken for COVID management and control in the district.

SP Kshama Mishra, Additional DC Raju Mogaveera, In-Charge Assistant Commissioner Srinivas and other officials were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /May 08th, 2021

This Coorg coffee cultivator wants to grab a slice of India’s packaged coffee market

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

Launched 3 years ago, Levista is eyeing expansion in south India, Mumbai and Delhi

S. Shriram, vice-president-sales and marketing at Levista

Coorg in Karnataka, is among the foremost coffee growing regions in India. SLN, a three-decade old coffee plantation company in the region is now aiming to grab a slice of the Rs 2,200-crore annual packaged coffee market, which is dominated by big players like Nestle (Nescafe), Hindustan Unilever (Bru) and Tata Coffee.

SLN launched its own brand of coffee called Levista three years ago and has ever since expanded to 40,000 retail outlets, predominantly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It has now set its sights on expanding across other markets, starting with the rest of south India.

“Of the Rs 2,200 crore market annually, over 80 per cent of the coffee consumption happens in the five southern states and Union territories. Therefore, we aim to reach a significant market share here rather than being sparsely spread all over the place,”  S. Shriram, vice-president sales and marketing at Levista, told THE WEEK.

“At the moment, we have a deep presence in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. We launched our coffee in Goa in February and business is growing steadily. We will be entering the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana market by Sankranti and will penetrate deeper in there. Kerala will follow next.”

The company has the markets of Mumbai and Delhi-National Capital Region on the radar, too, however, it has not finalised a launch date yet, added Shriram.

Levista is also available on online platforms, including Amazon and it is also scaling up on other e-commerce platforms to reach a wider audience.

“Players like Big Basket have also aided our brand coverage, as has Flipkart. We have been recently on boarded through Udaan that reaches small retailers as well as hyperlocal players MilkBasket,” said Shriram.

While south India has a strong tradition of filter coffee, the rest of the country has largely been a tea drinking market. However, things have started changing with penetration of cafes like Cafe Coffee Day and Starbucks in the last decade. International coffee brands like Lavazza are also expanding in the country, buoyed by rising coffee consumption here.

“There is a huge scope for us to grow. The coffee market has been growing steadily. Out of home coffee consumption through cafes has already hit a pan-India presence and thanks to this familiarity, more new consumers are sipping coffee at home, through packaged coffee,” noted Shriram.

Levista’s parent SLN currently has a capacity upwards of 50,000 metric tonne per annum, and Shriram says the company will be able to produce enough coffee for the domestic market as well as for exports.

Talking of exports, the brand is already present in Singapore, Malaysia, Middle East, Maldives and Sri Lanka, reaching out to the south Indian consumers in these markets. The company intends to have a larger international presence next year, added Shriram.

source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> News> Business / by Nachiket Kelkar / November 20th, 2020

SP Launches Emergency Response Vehicles

Business & Economy, Records, All

Madikeri: 

Kodagu SP Khsama Mishra launched 7 ‘Emergency Rapid Response’ vehicles at the District Parade Grounds here yesterday.

Speaking after flagging off the vehicles, Kshama Mishra said that Emergency Rapid Response vehicles are meant for the benefit of public. Pointing out that the public can call the National Helpline No.112  in case of emergencies or any crisis or criticality, she said that ERSS (Emergency Response Support System) Helpline -112 service is an ambitious initiative of the Government of India.

Noting that the earlier Police Helpline No.100 and Fire Emergency Helpline No.101, have been merged with 112 Helpline number, she said that the people of Kodagu can call 112 in case of accidents, crimes, rescue, natural disasters, illegal and unlawful activities etc., 

Explaining the working of the helpline, the SP said that this service will respond quickly to emergency and frantic calls made by the public from anywhere in the district.

Dy.SP Dinesh Kumar, DSB Inspector Medappa, City Police Inspector Anup Madappa, Rural Police Inspector Ravikiran, Reserve Police Inspector Rachaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 05th, 2021

Virtual Museum Of Kodava Heritage

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Sir,

The year gone by will not be forgotten for a long time to come. A year that turned the world upside down. Travel and hospitality sectors which provide most employment were crippled beyond belief. The pandemic has changed the very nature of tourism and travel for ever. Their worlds will never be the same again. Words like hybrid and virtual have come in to the lexicon of tourism. This is the new reality.

Monuments, cultural heritage sites and famous museums across the world have gone ‘hybrid’ to provide online guided tours through their sites and galleries to millions who are unable to travel anymore. In India, Government has announced that many of the country’s UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites and major museums will prepare to provide online access.

Technology not only makes this possible but has opened the magical doors to the creation of virtual museums that are only limited by imagination!

In this brave new world, India Foundation for the Arts (IFA)  — www.indiaifa.org  — has come forward to invite proposals from multi-disciplinary teams for the creation of a Virtual Museum to showcase Kodava Heritage and Culture. The virtual museum will be an interactive online space for the rich and thriving heritage of Kodavas offering a glimpse into their history, customs and cultural practices. IFA has an enviable record of supporting path-breaking initiatives in the field of art and culture.

The exciting prospect of this museum of cultural heritage of a proud warrior people has  become possible by a CSR grant from Recaero India Pvt. Ltd., which is a pioneer in the field of aerospace engineering. This grant will clearly need to be supplemented with generous donations as the project progresses.

For a project of this kind to be successful, we need to access tangible resources like photographs, video clips of marriages, folk dances and observance of rituals, jewellery and objects which are unique to the Kodava way of life. The design team would also require to reach out to members of the community for intangible resources like accounts of social rituals and customs of Kodavas that may have been lost in antiquity. We, therefore, request  members of the community to volunteer to provide the resource requirement and any other support.

The Project Coordinator in IFA Darshana can be reached at: darshana@indiaifa.org. I can be reached on: rathicodanda.kodavaheritage@gmail.com

— Rathi Vinay Jha, Chair, India Foundation for the Arts (IFA)

Bengaluru

29.4.2021

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Voice of the Reader / May 05th, 2021