Tag Archives: Coorg

At the Golden Temple in Coorg: Where I learned the grammar of silence

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

The Golden Temple at Coorg, better known as Namdroling Monastery, is a centre of Tibetan culture in South India.

The Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple at Coorg | Nitin SJ Asariparambil

When I first got to know about solo travelling, I was just a college student pursuing my higher studies in English literature. Back then, travelling alone to my college, 30 kilometres away from my house, was, in itself, a big leap; there was no scope for solo travel to an unknown place.

So I quietly and shamelessly brooded over the very romantic and challenging idea of solo travel for the time being, keeping my fingers crossed. But solo travel was always on my bucket list of wishes.

And I finally got to travel solo! The destination was the Golden Temple at Coorg, in Karnataka, better known as Namdroling Monastery, where I could find and feel the vibrant tapestry of Tibetan culture.

A few months after my marriage, my husband and I headed to Coorg. From Mysore to the resort at Coorg, we enjoyed the lush greenery of coffee plantations and sandalwood forests. As I sipped on a hot cup of Madikeri special coffee served in the evening at the resort garden, I hesitantly revealed my hidden desire for solo travel to my husband.

After listening to me, we discussed and came to a consensus. He suggested I head to the Golden temple situated nearby, where I can reach safely, spend time, relax my inner self and reflect on the spiritual and metaphysical absurdities and enigmatic realities of human life. Oh, that sounded crazy and philosophically heavy, but I somehow managed to reach there the early morning the next day.

While travelling in the taxi to the Golden Temple, I did not forget to research and arm myself with some information regarding its history and cultural significance. His Holiness the 3rd Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche laid the foundation stone of the monastery in the year 1963.

His Holiness Dalai Lama visited there to consecrate it and bestowed the name Namdroling. Located in Bylakuppe of the Mysore district of Karnataka, it is the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Wow! What a perfect place to go solo.

At the gate of the monastery, I stood like another statue, excited and embarrassed. I never expected such a divine radiance and silence lingering there. A well-maintained, well-landscaped place. It had a kind of special emotional connect even to the first visitors, I felt.

While standing at the gate, I got a feeling that the real world had ended outside the gate, and inside, it was another surreal world. The celebration of colours was evident in the paintings and architecture, and I was allured by its charm. There, I noticed the big picture of His Highness Penor Rinpoche, who is said to be an incarnation of Vimalamitra, an 8th-century.

The centre of attraction was the calmness in the surroundings. Though there were visitors wandering here and there, all were keeping silent, or better yet, they might be talking to themselves like they had never done before.

The Smiling Buddha statue warmly greets us, and we human beings feel so small in front of this 60-foot statue. At a glance, we get a bitter self-realisation that we are only this much, ripped of our petty ego and superiority complex.

The tranquillity entraps you, making you wonder if reached some kind of enlightenment. The beautiful interiors of the temple, with its shimmering gold and dark red colour palates, par excellence, and the meditative silence, were infectious.

I remember the curios and wall hangings were there for sale in the outlet; though not cheap, it was a worthy buy for its uniqueness. I still have with me an antique wind chime I bought from a monk, safely hung on the balcony of my flat. Every time I listen to its delicate musical notes, an ancient silence touches me, and I breathe in a kind of pristineness.

The memories of my first solo trip still remain fresh in my mind, and the Golden Temple was an ideal choice, with no regret. Yes, there are certain places where we can experience loneliness and estrangement. Being alone in a crowd is enough to get that absolute feeling, because the true communication between the self and the universe finds its grammar only in loneliness, I feel…

Riya Joy, the writer, works at the Malayala Manorama in Kochi.

source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> News> Tourism / by Riya Joy / February 02nd, 2025

Record prices bring joy to coffee farmers

Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, , , , , ,

On Friday, the farm gate price of raw Robusta coffee berries in Wayanad market rises to a record ₹251 a kg, a significant increase from ₹171 a kg during the same period last year.

A farmer at Meenangadi in Wayanad district drying coffee berries. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Robusta coffee farmers in south India are celebrating a bountiful harvest season, with prices reaching new heights. On Friday, the farm gate price of raw Robusta coffee berries in Wayanad market soared to a record ₹251 a kg, a significant increase from ₹171 a kg during the same period last year. This time in 2022, the price was even lower at ₹80 a kg.

Though the harvest is almost over, a shortfall in supply has contributed to the surge in prices, according to market sources. Many farmers are opting to hold onto their produce, anticipating even higher prices in the coming days. Concurrently, the spot price for Robusta coffee beans has risen to ₹450 a kg.

Sources say a sharp decline in Robusta coffee production in Brazil, a leading coffee producer, due to drought-like conditions is also driving up the prices. Reports indicate that Brazil’s coffee stock has plummeted to below two million bags (60 kg each) this year, down from nearly 5.5 million bags last year.

Additionally, the coffee market in Vietnam, another key Robusta producer, has been temporarily closed due to lunar holidays, further tightening supply.

The dearth of rainfall is the major concern of farmers now, especially small-scale coffee farmers, as irrigation facilities are out of their reach. Many farmers living on forest fringes are also grappling with increased wildlife crop raids, posing additional challenges.

In a related development, the price of Arabica coffee seeds has also reached an all-time high at an auction held in Bengaluru, fetching ₹605 a kg, up from ₹456 a kg during the same period last year.

According to the Coffee Board of India’s Post Blossom Estimate, the total coffee production in India for the 2023-2024 fiscal is projected at 3,74,200 tonnes, including 2,61,200 tonnes of Robusta coffee, of which Wayanad contributes 61,050 tonnes.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by E M Manoj, Kalpeta / January 31st, 2025

Sky Force: Kodava people condemn misrepresentation of Squadron Leader A B Devayya in Hindi movie

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some section of Kodava community have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The bronze statue of Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya

Madikeri:

The issue of portraying the character of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya, as a Tamilian in the Hindi movie ‘Sky Force’, directed by Sandeep Kewlani has drawn the ire of people from Kodagu.

The move by the filmmakers has been criticised on social media. Tweeting about Ajjamada B Devayya, the people opined that even though the movie is based on him, his character has been misrepresented. 

Some have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The film was released on January 24 and is said to be inspired by the life of Ajjamada B Devayya and by his role in destroying a Pak aircraft during the Indo-Pak war in 1965. He was martyred during the fight. 

Speaking to DH, Codava Makkada Coota president and publisher Bollajira B Aiyappa said that the real name of the patriot should have been used for the lead character in the film. Even though the character’s name is changed, the identity of him being Kodava should have been shown. The change of his identity as a Tamilian has hurt the sentiments of Kodavas. Kodagu has given Field Marshals, Generals and Squadron leaders to the country, he said.

Ajjamada  B Devayya./ File Photo

“The movie makers had come to Kodagu to collect information about A B Devayya. The opening and closing credits of the movie have made a mention about the story being based on A B Devayya’s life, he said.

He further stated that a book has been published about Ajjamada B Devayya – ‘1965 ra Yuddha Hagu Kodagina Mahavira’.

The Coota has been observing his commemoration on September 7 every year at A B Devayya Circle in Madikeri where the statue is situated. The statue is erected and is being maintained by Codava Makkada Coota, Aiyappa added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Ashwani Kumar N K R / January 30th, 2025

Madikeri commemorates Sarvodaya Day with solemn tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes

Amazing Feats, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri :

Sarvodaya Day was observed in Madikeri by the district administration, Kannada and Culture Department, Municipal Council, and Sarvodaya Samiti on Thursday.

The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, which were kept in the district treasury of the city’s District Administration Building, were taken out to allow people to pay their homage.

Led by the district administration and Sarvodaya Samiti members, the ashes of Gandhi were taken out through the main road of Mangeria Muthanna and General Thimayya Circle and placed at Gandhi Mantapa in the Gandhi Maidan.

The reserve police force also paid tribute to Gandhi by firing three rounds and observing silence.

A religious prayer was part of the event where messages were read by heads of different religions.

After the state tributes and a moment of silence, Gandhi’s ashes were taken back to the district treasury in a procession.

DC Venkat Raja, SP K Ramarajan, and Sarvodaya Samiti President Ambekallu Kushalappa were present.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra / TNN / January 30th, 2025

126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa: Tributes pour in for the first Indian Commander-in-Chief

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

On the 126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, tributes poured in from across the nation this morning, honouring the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

The Indian Army took to ‘X’ on January 28, writing, “Remembering the Legend…On his 126th Birth Anniversary, the Indian Army pays homage to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, OBE.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared his respect, posting, “Remembering First Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army Field Marshal Sir Kodandera ‘Kipper’ Madappa Cariappa.”

In Mysuru, as part of the celebrations, floral tributes were offered to the statue of the Field Marshal at the Circle named after him on JLB Road.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda emphasised that the name of Field Marshal Cariappa, whose contributions to the country’s defence are immeasurable, should be honoured as long as the Sun and Moon exist.

Stating that the annual commemoration of the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary is a fitting tribute, he highlighted that Field Marshal Cariappa was known for his discipline, dedication and determination.

The MLA also mentioned that the Mysuru Kodava Samaja had previously proposed the installation of a statue of another Kodagu warrior, General K.S. Thimayya. He announced that work has now begun on the statue, which will be installed at the Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar, with funds allocated from his Legislator’s fund.

Kodagu’s contributions recalled

Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa pointed out that Kodagu is likely the only district in the country where almost every household has at least one member serving in the country’s defence forces. He also lauded Field Marshal Cariappa for his pivotal role in shaping the post-independence Indian Army, as well as his involvement in Iran’s army structure. Srivatsa added that Cariappa also had a deep love for sports and music.

MLC C.N. Manjegowda stressed the importance of celebrating the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary, encouraging youths to draw inspiration from his legacy and consider joining the army.

Manjegowda, an ex-serviceman, urged the Government to ensure that Field Marshal Cariappa’s birth anniversary is celebrated as prominently as those of other great personalities.

City BJP President and former MLA L. Nagendra highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Deepavali every year with the Armed Forces at the country’s borders. He noted the renaming of Metropole Circle as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle in recognition of the late Commander’s accomplishments and called for it to be referred to by its new name.

Former Mayor M.J. Ravikumar suggested that the busy junction at the Circle be made safer by constructing a shelter that covers the entire area to prevent accidents from speeding vehicles. He also called for further development of the Circle.

Former Mayor Srikantaiah, former Corporators Maletira U. Subbaiah and Prameela Bharath, Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Mukkatira C. Ashok, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Abhimaani Balaga President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and community leaders were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / January 28th, 2025

Kodava Community Plans 80-Km Peace March to Protect Cultural Identity

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

HIGHLIGHTS

The Kodava community in Karnataka will hold an 80-km peace march to highlight cultural erosion, identity concerns, and ecological challenges in  Kodagu.

Kodava Community Plans 80-Km Peace March to Protect Cultural Identity

The Kodava community, an indigenous group in Karnataka known for its unique traditions and martial heritage, has announced an 80-kilometer peace march from February 2 to 7. Organized by the Federation of Kodava Samajas, the march will begin in Kutta, near the Kerala border, and conclude in Madikeri, Kodagu’s district headquarters.

The initiative aims to draw attention to the community’s dwindling population and threats to its cultural identity. According to reports, the Kodava community has been raising concerns over cultural erosion, socio-political neglect, and restrictions on traditional practices.

The Kodava population, once estimated at 300,000, has declined to approximately 125,000. Speaking to The Times of India, Chandapanda Prajwal Poovanna, a real estate professional, highlighted the demographic shift. “Only 40% of Kodavas continue to reside in Kodagu, leading to a loss of political representation and influence,” he said.

The community has also voiced concerns about the increasing sale of ancestral land to outsiders. Wealthy buyers, including politicians and businesspeople from Karnataka and neighboring states, are reportedly converting plantations into commercial establishments.

“Many Kodavas are forced to sell their properties and migrate due to economic pressures. This not only threatens our cultural roots but also disrupts Kodagu’s ecological balance,” Theethramada Satish Bopanna told The Times of India.

Despite their small numbers, the Kodavas have made significant contributions to India’s armed forces and sports. Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General K S Thimayya are among the community’s most celebrated military leaders. Sports icons like hockey player M P Ganesh, cricketer Robin Uthappa, badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa, and tennis player Rohan Bopanna also hail from the region.

“Even with such contributions, the state and central governments often overlook our concerns because we are a small community that does not significantly impact vote banks,” cultural expert Poyyatira Raj Chengappa told The Times of India.

The Kodava community has been advocating for special status to protect their cultural and ecological heritage.

Bayavanda Sharath Kushalapoa, secretary of SVG Kodava Sangha, highlighted the importance of such measures. “Special status would prevent outsiders from purchasing land for commercial purposes and help conserve Kodagu’s distinct culture and environment,” he said.

Organizers have called for widespread participation to highlight the urgency of their cause. Kodava Community Plans 80-Km Peace March to Protect Cultural Identity

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Sowmya Sangam / Hans News Service / January 28th, 2025

When Field Marshal KM Cariappa ticked off Nehru for not replying to his letters

Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , ,

On the 125th birth anniversary of K M Cariappa, here’s a look at one of his letters to Jawaharlal Nehru.

After his retirement, Field Marshal (then General) Cariappa served as the high commissioner of India to Australia and New Zealand from 1953 to 1956 and after completing this tenure he settled in Madikeri in Coorg. (Source: Express Archives)

Field Marshal K M Cariappa , the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army, wrote a series of letters to then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru with several suggestions — from the Kashmir issue to the setting up of a National Defence College.

After his retirement, Field Marshal (then General) Cariappa served as the high commissioner of India to Australia and New Zealand from 1953 to 1956 and after completing this tenure he settled in Madikeri in Coorg.

On the 125th birth anniversary of K M Cariappa on January 28, here is a look at one of his letters to Jawaharlal Nehru.

In his letter dated April 14, 1960, a plain-speaking Cariappa expressed his annoyance to Nehru for not replying to two of his letters. “Since we last met on 16th January at Bangalore I have written to you two letters on matters which I thought and still think are of some importance. Taking you at your own word I have always written and talked to you quite frankly, without beating around the bush with no ulterior motives or political ambitions of any kind whatsoever. I know what a very busy person you are. But I did expect at least a line or two In reply to those letters. Have I said anything, traitorous or unpatriotic? At any time that you should so totally ignore the matters. I have written to you. Panditji, I never expected this of you. This is indeed a sad and tragic ‘discovery’ for me. I am afraid, I cause and create unhappiness to myself By being too much of an idealist,” wrote Cariappa.

Cariappa then went on to raise three issues in his letter which he had mentioned on previous occasions to Nehru. He referred to the urgent need to look into the morale of officers in the Army, and also opposed the setting up of a National Defence College citing expenses and administrative issues about it.

Field Marshal Cariappa also emphasised to Nehru the need to reach out to the then president of Pakistan Ayub Khan and solve the Kashmir issue, saying that it should not be left pending for future generations. “Panditji please do this in your lifetime. We cannot live forever and we cannot hold office forever. Ayub will be prepared to discuss things with you if you show your desire to thrash out the matter between you two. Please let India and Pakistan settle the 12-year-old matter between themselves. This will then secure a more permanent feeling of goodwill between the two countries than if it were left to someone else — third party to settle it for us,” he said.

Urging Nehru to give “a kind and charitable thought” to his suggestions, Cariappa ended the letter by asking Nehru not to dismiss his suggestions by saying “yet another irresponsible thing from one who is mental”.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Chandigarh / by Man Aman Singh Chhina / January 28th, 2025

Obituary: Lt. Col. Kulletira B. Appanna

Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

Lt. Col. Kulletira B. Appanna (retd.), a resident of No. 537, 14th Main, B-Block, 3rd Stage, Vijayanagar, Mysuru, passed away yesterday. He was 89.

He leaves behind his wife Sarasu Appanna (Sannuvanda, Mayamudi) and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at Muktidhama in Vijayanagar 4th Stage here this afternoon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / January 11th, 2025

CM grants Rs. 1 cr. to Kundyolanda hockey tourney organisers

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

Bengaluru:  

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah handed over a cheque for Rs. 1 crore to the Kundyolanda family, organisers of the 2024 Kodava Hockey Festival, during a ceremony held here on Thursday.

The funds, allocated from the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, underscore the government’s commitment to promoting the unique sporting tradition of the Kodava community in Kodagu.

The event was attended by Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, MP Ajay Maken, Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Chief Secretary to the Government Shalini Rajneesh, and Additional Chief Secretary to the CM and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance L.K. Atheeq.

Highlighting the cultural and sporting significance of the festival, CM Siddaramaiah praised the Kodava hockey tournament, which entered the Guinness World Record last year as the largest field hockey event.

The 2024 edition saw participation from 360 teams and 4,800 players, showcasing the unmatched passion of the Kodava community for hockey.

“Hockey is deeply rooted in Kodava culture, and it is a matter of pride that the tournament has gained global recognition. As the birthplace of hockey legends like Dhyan Chand, India must nurture this sport alongside cricket. The State Government remains steadfast in its support for elevating the Kodava Hockey Festival to greater heights,” Siddaramaiah stated.

The Kodava family hockey tournament, a hallmark of the Kodagu district, has been organised annually for over two decades. It began in 1997 with just 60 teams and has grown into a mega-event with international attention.

Many Kodavas have gone on to represent India in national hockey teams, further cementing the community’s association with the sport. CM Siddaramaiah expressed his hope for the tradition to flourish and promised continued support to sustain the festival’s legacy.

It may be recalled in Aug. 2024, Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, Ajay Maken, speaking in the Rajya Sabha, had highlighted that the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament 2024 had earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records — a remarkable achievement accomplished without any support from the Union Government, though the State Government had fully backed the event. This, he had argued, underscores the urgent need for the Centre’s involvement in such significant sporting events.

He had also called upon the Centre to provide financial assistance for the Annual Kodava Family Hockey Tournament.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 13th, 2025

Madikeri Crowned Cleanest City in India: A Proud Achievement for Karnataka

Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , ,

In a recent cleanliness survey conducted across 50 cities in Karnataka by a private organization, Madikeri has emerged as the cleanest city in India.

Leading in Clean Air and Sanitation
Already renowned for having the cleanest air in the country, Kodagu district’s Madikeri has now added another feather to its cap with this prestigious recognition. The achievement is largely credited to the tireless efforts of the city’s sanitation and civic workers, whose dedication has made this milestone possible.

A Call for Citizen Responsibility
Social activists have emphasized that maintaining Madikeri’s status as a clean city and preserving its pristine air is a collective responsibility. Citizens are urged to actively participate in cleanliness initiatives to ensure the city continues to shine as an example for others to follow.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / January 10th, 2025