The innovative, interactive film has been selected as part of the Let’s Spook Cannes event. The film stars Varsha Bollamma in the lead role.
Varsha Bollamma-starrer Iruvam has been developed by ManMar Games.
The bilingual film Iruvam, made in both Tamil and English, has been selected as one of the four entries worldwide for the Let’s Spook Cannes event as part of the Cannes Film Festival . The film, which sees Varsha Bollamma as the lead, is innovative because it’s interactive.
Varsha excited for Cannes
Industry tracker Ramesh Bala made the announcement of the film’s selection on his X (formerly Twitter), writing, “.@Manmargames innovative project @iruvam_ManMar has been officially selected for the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival’s “Let’s Spook Cannes” event. A Landmark Indian Entry in the World’s Premier Film Festival #Iruvam starring @VarshaBollamma.” An excited Varsha re-tweeted the post, writing, “Super super super excited for this one!!! Eeeeeeeeepppp!!!!”
About Iruvam
Iruvam is an interactive film that blurs the line between film and gaming. The innovative full motion video (FMV) will offer a narrative where the viewers’ choices will impact the film’s storylines and the outcome, which will offer numerous endings. The description sounds similar to Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Directed by Manoj Annadurai, who is known for the independent English film Get Happy, the film will feature Sidhu Kumaresan, Shanmathi and Bala Guru.The film will be unveiled at Cannes between May 17-20 and will be subsequently released on a mobile platform.
Upcoming work
Varsha was recently seen in the Telugu film Ooru Peru Bhairavakona with Sundeep Kishan and is yet to announce her upcoming projects. The actor, who debuted with the 2015 film Sathuran got fame when she starred in Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha’s 2018 film 96. She debuted in Malayalam the same year with Kalyanam. In 2020 she debuted in Telugu with Choosi Choodangaane, which also starred Shiva Kandukuri, and in Kannada with Mane Number 13 the same year. She has since acted in films like Jaanu, Middle Class Melodies and Akka Kuruvi.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / by HT Entertainment Desk / May 08th, 2024
Tree surveys on private lands and coffee plantations in Kodagu District, initiated by the Forest Department following the directives from higher authorities, have faced opposition from farmers and coffee growers in the region.
Recently, Forest Department officials visited certain coffee plantations in Valnoor and Tyagathur villages, informing villagers that they were there to conduct surveys of trees on private lands and plantations, citing regulations under Section 133 of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969.
Officials stated that they were acting upon orders from Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) for Forest Conservation and were surveying estates and lands in Valnoor and Tyagathur. However, farmers and plantation owners objected to this action and raised their concerns.
The villagers strongly reprimanded the Forest Department’s field staff for accompanying officials to document trees on private and Jamma tenure lands. They accused the Congress government of pursuing a policy of appeasement by authorising one-sided tree survey operations without prior notification to land-owners.
Expressing their discontent, they informed the officers that villagers have been safeguarding trees for generations, demonstrating greater competence in this regard compared to the Forest Department. They alleged that after conducting tree recording activities on private lands, the trees would be subsequently felled and sold to fund the guarantees announced by the Congress Government.
The villagers asserted that they would not allow tree-recording activities in the village under any circumstances. In response, Bhaskar, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of the Madikeri Division, stated that according to Section 133 of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969, a directive was issued on Jan. 24 from the Central Office of the Forest Department to record and list trees growing on private lands.
“We have instructed officials to adhere to the prescribed procedure, and tree recording has been conducted in certain areas accordingly. However, objections have been raised by farmers in certain regions. Reports detailing the situation will be submitted to higher authorities,” he added.
“This is a Statewide survey, and it is being conducted across all districts. As it is currently summer, officials have commenced fire prevention activities. Concurrently, tree recording activities are also underway,” stated Jagannath, the DCF of Virajpet Division. He further mentioned that tree recording is being conducted on lands within Virajpet division and in Ponnampet.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 07th, 2024
Now, travelling to holy places Talacauvery andBhagamandala becomes hassle-free.
In what is considered a significant relief for travellers and residents, commuting to holy places like Talacauvery and Bhagamandala will now be hassle-free as the authorities have opened the Bhagamandala flyover — Kodagu’s first flyover project — for public use.
The State Government had allocated Rs. 28 crore for the project, which was executed by Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL). With the completion of the flyover, villagers surrounding Bhagamandala and Talacauvery can now travel with ease, even during heavy rainfall, without fearing floods. However, there has been no official inauguration due to the Model Code of Conduct, which remains in effect until June 4.
No fear of floods
During the rainy season, Brahmagiri Hills, Talacauvery, Korangala, Cherangala, Bhagamandala and surrounding areas experience heavy rainfall, leading to an overflow of water at Triveni Sangama, the confluence of the Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi rivers.
This overflow often disrupts vehicular movement on Madikeri-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Ayyangeri-Napoklu roads. Additionally, heavy rains sometimes result in the isolation of Bhagamandala, effectively turning the town into an island for many days.
The flooded roads render them impassable for vehicles, causing significant inconvenience for residents who struggle to access essential items and groceries. School children are unable to attend classes due to the flooded roads, exacerbating the situation. The completion of the flyover has alleviated these challenges, bringing much-needed relief to the residents of Bhagamandala and surrounding areas.
880 metres-long flyover
The newly-constructed flyover serves as a vital link between the Bhagamandala entrance gate and Talacauvery road, providing connectivity to Napoklu as well. Spanning 880 metres in length, it comprises 36 pillars and includes a 200-metre connecting road with underground drainage (UGD) facilities.
Designed to accommodate vehicles weighing over 60 tonnes, the authorities have set a speed limit of 40 kmph. Streetlights have been installed along with rainwater drainage pipelines and the painting works have been completed.
Causes for delay
Despite receiving approval from the Siddaramaiah-led Government in 2018, the project faced delays due to challenges such as land acquisition, relocation of electric poles and tree removal by the Forest Department. The floods and COVID-19 lockdown further contributed to the sluggish progress of the project.
The flyover construction has been finished ahead of this rainy season. Vehicles of various types and sizes can now traverse the flyover smoothly, ensuring a hassle-free journey for those heading towards Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Napoklu, said Harinarayana, Flyover Project Director.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / May 06th, 2024
India’s High Range Coffee Curing is poised to become the first farm verified by the Rainforest Alliance to ship EUDR–ready coffee beans to Europe later this month.
The coffee farm partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to meet the necessary compliance requirements of the regulation.
Established in 1995, High Range Coffee Curing is located in the Periyapatna and Kushalnagar Coorg districts among 142 hectares of tropical forests and is known for its quality beans.
The farm supplies coffee to leading global coffee brands, roasters and traders in India, including Nestle, Unileverr, E-Com Commodities, Olam, Continental Coffee, Louis Dreyfus Company, Vidya Coffee and Allanasons.
EUDR-Ready Coffee
Zaidan M Saly, director of High Range Coffee Curing stated, “Implementing EUDR [EU Deforestation Regulation] posed significant challenges for our team, but with the invaluable guidance from Rainforest Alliance representatives in our region, we overcame them and gained confidence in the process.
“Their expertise made the seemingly daunting task entirely feasible, facilitating a smooth and successful implementation, which now not only guarantees adherence to EUDR regulations but also sparked a revolution in our approach to traceability.”
Rainforest Alliance certification enables coffee and cocoa farmers to opt in for EUDR-aligned criteria.
This allows companies to source from these farms, track ingredients along their supply chains, and leverage farm data to demonstrate compliance with the regulation’s deforestation risk assessment and mitigation requirements by the deadline, at no additional cost.
‘Sustainable Practices’
Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead at the Rainforest Alliance stated, “The EUDR represents an important step forward to shift the global coffee sector towards more sustainable practices.
“Yet, many smallholder coffee farmers need support to align with the requirements, including traceability, deforestation risk mapping, local laws, and practical and technical guidance on key environmental practices.”
The Rainforest Alliance has urged the EU Commission not to dilute or delay the legislation or postpone its deadline in response to calls from some companies and governments.
It has also called on companies not to scale back purchases from smallholder coffee farmers, but rather support them in meeting the deadline of this legislation.
Gamboa added, “We are also piloting a deforestation risk assessment offering for companies buying non-certified coffee and cocoa, which we plan to roll out more widely later this year.
“With this offering, we aim to support more companies in their journey to compliance, but more importantly, to also reach non-certified farmers so their products can still be sold on the EU market.”
source: http://www.esmmagazine.com / ESM- European Supermarket Magazine / Home> Supply Chain / by Dayeeta Das (headline edited) / May 06th, 2024
A.B. Malathi Alankaliya (67), a poet, writer, retired employee of State Bank of Mysore (SBM) and a resident of Bhargavi Nagar, passed away in the early hours of today in city.
A native of Somwarpet in Kodagu, she leaves behind her husband K.R. Bhandari, a retired Bank official, son Canara Bank Officer Oshan and a host of relatives and friends. Malathi is the younger sister of senior writer and poet of Kodagu Shivadevi Avaneeshchandra.
Last rites were held at Muktidhama in Vijayanagar 4th Stage in Mysuru today.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore/ Home> Obiturary / April 30th, 2024
From family legacy to Harvard education, Mishthi Aggarwal blends tradition with innovation in specialty coffee, shaping India’s coffee future.
Mishthi is shaping the future of coffee, one cup at a time. (Image: DC)
Mishthi Aggarwal, the visionary behind 93˚ Coffee Roasters, is not just brewing coffee; she’s cultivating a movement. Inspired by her family’s entrepreneurial lineage and fueled by a profound passion for coffee, Mishthi is on a mission to redefine India’s coffee culture. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, she shares insights into her journey, from the influence of her family’s legacy to her commitment to sustainability and innovation. Here’s a peek into the story behind 93˚ Coffee Roasters and how Mishthi is shaping the future of coffee, one cup at a time.
What inspired you to venture into the coffee industry, and how did your family’s entrepreneurial background influence your decision?
I am proud to belong to the 4th generation of the esteemed Bikanervala Family, so business and entrepreneurship was in my blood. Being from a joint family, I was raised in an atmosphere where business was discussed all the time. Inspired by my family’s legacy and driven by a passion for food and beverages, particularly my love for coffee is what influenced me to start 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. I entered the coffee industry with the goal of taking Indian-grown specialty coffee to unprecedented heights.
As a certified Q grader and authorized SCA trainer, how do you ensure the quality and authenticity of your coffee blends?
As the only female specialty coffee roaster in India, certified Q grader, and authorized SCA trainer; the quality of coffee that we serve is of supreme concern to me and my team. We maintain a high standard of quality checks at all stages – right from sourcing the best quality beans directly from coffee growers, milling them and up to the final brewing stage. Our roastery is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and tools, allowing us to have complete control on every aspect of the roasting process, thus delivering coffee that is authentically brewed and is the best in quality.
93 Degrees Coffee Roasters is committed to sustainability and transparency. Can you elaborate on your relationships with coffee growers and the measures you take to support them?
We have kept our commitment towards sustainability and transparency as the core of our business. By focusing on sustainability, we have been able to build the most amazing network with coffee growers. Our commitment to sustainability goes much beyond just sourcing the best quality beans; it means building enduring partnerships with local farmers. By engaging directly with estates, also we ensure fair trade practices and support sustainable farming methods. This collaboration has not only helped us in sourcing the best quality coffee beans but has also allowed us to give back to the society and contribute to the well-being of the coffee-growing communities.
How do you balance your academic pursuits at Harvard University with the demands of running a coffee business?
Having managed my academic pursuits at Harvard University while simultaneously leading 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters through meticulous scheduling, delegation, and strategic planning, I ensured both areas received the attention they deserved. By dedicating specific time to studying, attending classes, and overseeing business operations, I maintained a balance between academia and entrepreneurship. Delegating tasks within the company and fostering open communication with my team enabled me to remain informed about business developments while focusing on my studies. My dedication to effective prioritization, adaptability to changing circumstances, and commitment to self-care underscored my passion for both education and the coffee industry. Now that I have completed my studies, I can devote even more time and attention to my business.
What drives your passion for coffee, and how do you aim to redefine the coffee-drinking experience in India?
My love for coffee started when I traveled across the globe and got the taste of amazing coffee varieties. India, despite being a major coffee growing country does not have a great coffee culture, except maybe in South India. Since then I have been driven by a desire to contribute to the coffee industry’s evolution in the country. I want to revolutionize the coffee-drinking experience by offering a variety of specially curated coffee. We integrate traditional coffee roasting techniques with a contemporary touch. This allows us to maintain the authenticity of Indian coffee while introducing new flavor profiles.
As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, how do you draw upon your family’s legacy while carving your own path in the industry?
Growing up in a Marwari business class household and being the fourth generation of the Bikanervala Family, I have always been in the thick of business discussions. Very early on in life, I imbibed the qualities of diligence, entrepreneurship, and tradition. These influences shaped my approach to business, guiding me to blend heritage with innovation in every aspect of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. These values lay the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey.
How do you stay updated on global coffee trends and incorporate them into your business strategy?
It is important that we stay tuned to the latest trends in industry, and hence we actively participate in industry events. We are a member of the National Coffee Board and serve as jury members in prestigious championships. We are constantly engaging with the global coffee community through conferences and global meets. This has helped us stay ahead of times when it comes to understanding global trends and making constant efforts to stay relevant through innovations.
What’s the story behind the name 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, and what significance does the temperature hold in your roasting process?
The name 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters signifies the standard set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) for the ideal brewing temperature for cupping water. For us, it symbolizes not just a numerical value, but a commitment to excellence and specialty coffee in India. We aspire to elevate Indian coffee to meet this standard of quality and consistency, offering exceptional coffee experiences. Our aim is to establish a benchmark for other brands and companies, inspiring them to uphold similar standards of excellence in the industry. Temperature plays an important role in the roasting process. At 93˚ Coffee Roasters, we have the best top-grade technology. We are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and tools that allows us to precisely control every aspect of the roasting process. It is very important that the temperature modulation is correct along with airflow management. We ensure that each bean is roasted to perfection, resulting in consistent specialty coffee. Also, we are one of the rare brands in the country to ensure that our coffee stays specialty by storing the green coffee in temperature and humidity controlled facilities.
Can you share some insights into your bespoke blends and innovative brews?
What inspires your creations? 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters believes in bringing to its customers the best specialty coffee always. And to stay ahead of all, we believe in constant innovation which is a result of the in-depth research and development process at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters . We constantly explore new blends, roast profiles, and try new processing methods at the farm level to push the boundaries of traditional coffee experiences. The inspiration to offer our customers an exciting journey of discovery with every sip is what has led us to foster a culture of innovation and creativity.
How do you envision the future of India’s coffee culture, and what role does 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters play in shaping it?
I feel proud to say that the Indian customers are now more open to try specialty coffee. They want to explore and expand their drinking habit. There is a growing culture of going out for coffee and catching up with friends over coffee, and this trend is very encouraging. Here 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters has a big role to play. We offer a wide variety of specialty coffee and make it readily available to them through cafes, roasters and through strategic partnerships. Through continued innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters is set to transform the future of coffee culture, one cup at a time.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Food and Recipes / by Reshmi AR / May 03rd, 2024
In a heartwarming move aimed at empowering underprivileged children, India’s leading tennis player, Rohan Bopanna, has selected 25 promising youngsters from remote regions of Majuli Island and Bongaigaon in Assam to receive comprehensive tennis training.
This collaborative effort between the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA) and Kamal India Foundation UK seeks to provide extensive support to children aged between 9 and 11.
Following a rigorous assessment process, which saw around 300 children showcasing their skills and fitness, Bopanna personally handpicked the final 25 players for inclusion in the program.
The selected candidates will be relocated to Bengaluru, where they will benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure, a world-class tennis curriculum, and guidance from experienced coaching staff.
Additionally, boarding and lodging facilities within the school campus, along with educational support, will be provided.
Notably, Bopanna himself will offer mentorship and guidance at RBTA.
When asked about the specific selection of players from Assam, Bopanna cited a request from a sponsor.
“One of the reasons was that a donor wanted kids to be selected from the North East. We thought why not? It does not matter which part of the country kids come from; it is an incredible opportunity,” he stated.
Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership with Kamal India Foundation UK, Bopanna emphasized the aim to nurture athletic talents while empowering children with education and life skills essential for their future.
At 44 years old, Bopanna, who recently attained the top ranking on the ATP Tour, remains committed to the program’s expansion.
“Out of 300, we got 25. Now these will remain. The plan is to support them till the 10th or 12th standard. We keep adding more kids to the program. Every year we will have players from different regions,” he affirmed.
As, Padma Shri, Rohan Bopanna prepares to compete at the Paris Games, his initiative stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring young athletes, promising a brighter future for underprivileged children through the transformative power of sport and education.
source: http://www.northeasttoday.in / Northeast Today / Home> Assam> Featured> Northeast> Sports / by NET Web Desk / May 03rd, 2024
Earns Guinness World Record for largest field hockey tournament
The annual Kodava family hockey tournament, hosted this year by the Kundyolanda family, has made history by earning itself a Guinness World Record for being the largest field hockey tournament.
Originating in 1996 with just 60 teams, the festival has grown exponentially, boasting 360 teams participating this year with over 4,200 players, including men, women and children of all ages.
The achievement of this Guinness World Record is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Kodava Hockey Academy, which has elevated the Kodava hockey tournament to a global level.
The certificate from the Guinness Records Society was presented by Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator and spokesperson for Guinness World Records based in London to Pandanda K. Bopanna, President of the Kodava Hockey Academy.
This year’s tournament also featured various activities such as a food fair, financial literacy camp, health care camp and marathon, organised by the Kodava families, which garnered widespread attention.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 29th, 2024
The 24th Edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival 2024, organised by the Kundyolanda Family under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy, concluded its month-long (Mar. 30 to Apr. 28) Hockey Carnival at the General Thimayya Ground at Napoklu Karnataka Public School in Kodagu district last evening.
The registration of 360 teams marked a historic milestone in the tournament’s history, setting a new record for participation.
This year’s tournament witnessed the Chendanda family emerging as champions. In a thrilling match between Nellamakkada and Chendanda, Chendanda clinched victory in a nail-biting tiebreaker, with a final score of 8-7.
The Chendanda team has now earned the prestigious title of Kodava Family Hockey Champions for the third time.
Team Nellamakkada, which settled for runners-up position, seen displaying the trophy and the cheque for Rs. 3,00,000.
Somaiah from Nellamakkada was bestowed with the Man of the Match award. The goal scorers for Chendanda were Nikkin Thimmaiah in the 30th and 38th minutes, while Rohan scored for Nellamakkada in the 44th minute and Mac in the 54th minute.
The Kulletira family secured third place in the tournament by defeating the Kuppanda (Kaikeri) team with a score of 3-2. This match was also decided through a tiebreaker.
The victorious Chendanda team was awarded the rolling trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 4 lakh, while the runners-up, the Nellamakkada team, received a trophy along with Rs. 3 lakh in cash. The third-place holder, the Kulletira team, was awarded Rs. 2 lakh in cash, and the fourth-place team, Kuppanda, received a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
Last evening, a crowd of over 30,000 witnessed the thrilling finale, packing the gallery to its brim. Hockey enthusiasts from across Kodagu as well as from places like Mysuru and Bengaluru stood under the hot sun to witness the matches.
Despite the searing heat, their enthusiasm remained undeterred. Originating in 1997 from the visionary insight of the late Pandanda Kuttappa, affectionately known as Kuttani, a former State league referee, the Kodava Hockey Festival has evolved from its humble beginnings with 60 teams to become a grand event managed under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy.
Following the grand finale and prize distribution ceremony, traditional Kodava music filled the air and the crowd, including men, women and children adorned in traditional attire, danced to the beats, bringing the tournament to an exciting close.
The Kodava Hockey Family Cup has transformed the tradition of families coming together to play hockey into a vibrant celebration akin to a festival.
For the past 24 years, not only the Kodava community but the entire district’s diverse populace, hockey enthusiasts and sports aficionados have eagerly awaited the unfolding of the Kodava Hockey Family Cup.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 29th, 2024
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
