Tag Archives: Ponnampet

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on  Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

Curbing human-wildlife conflict: ‘Gandhada Gudi’ model elephant sanctuary in Kodagu on cards

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

Madikeri:

The longstanding human-elephant conflict in Kodagu has intensified over the decades, with elephant attacks claiming 33 lives in recent years.

Additionally, 53 people are grappling with various issues, including permanent disabilities. Despite continuous efforts by the Forest Department, the menace of wild elephants continues to escalate.

In response, the State Government is gearing up to establish an elephant sanctuary in Kodagu, drawing inspiration from the movie ‘Gandhada Gudi.’ The initiative aims to protect elephants while reducing inconvenience to the local population.

The intention is to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of local communities for a peaceful coexistence.

To facilitate this, 2,000 hectares of land have been identified in Kodagu, as part of a broader plan covering 12,000 hectares across the State. This land will be used to relocate elephants residing in human settlements back into the forest.

The plan also involves identifying elephants responsible for crop damage and human casualties and relocating them to the sanctuary. The Government intends to provide shelter for around 200 elephants that have settled in rural areas of the district.

During a State Wildlife Board meeting in January, attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Forest Department officials and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, the relocation of rogue elephants was discussed.

The Government agreed to identify safe areas for this purpose and preparations are now underway. The sanctuary will be equipped with technology to monitor and control the elephants, preventing them from straying back into villages.

Since 2014, the Government has allocated Rs. 21 crore for repairing fences and railway barricades in the Virajpet forest range, covering Ponnampet and Virajpet taluks. This measure is part of a long-term solution to the human-elephant conflict.

Additionally, Rs. 4.72 crore have been swiftly disbursed as compensation to those affected by wild animals and Rs. 22 crore have been allocated for new railway barricades, with installation set to begin soon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / Februaryf 23rd, 2025

Coorg Institute PU College hosts Science Quiz

Education, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ponnampet (Kodagu):

Marking National Mathematics Day, Coorg Institute Pre-University College (CIPUC) had organised a Science Quiz contest for high school students recently at the College premises in Halligattu, Ponnampet.

The first two prize winners were Sri Rama Trust Napoklu High School (Rs. 3,000 cash and a silver coin) and St. Anne’s High School, Virajpet (Rs. 2,000 cash and silver coin). Consolation prize of Rs. 500 each was presented to Lions High School, Kalathmadu, Coorg Public School, Gonikoppa and St. Anthony’s High School, Ponnampet.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Fathima Cariappa advised the students to achieve their goals with confidence as the word ‘Impossible’ includes ‘Possible’ also.

Kodava Education Society Secretary C.P. Rakesh Poovaiah presided. College Principal Dr. Rohini Thimmaiah and CIT Principal Dr. Mahabaleshwarappa were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 14th, 2018

Prizes galore in District-level Cultural Meet and Sports

Education, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

The following students of Coorg Institute Pre-University College (CIPUC) in Halligattu, Ponnampet, have swooped 13 prizes and topped Kodagu in the District-level Cultural Meet organised by PU Board at Junior College in Madikeri recently.

II PUC: H.R. Minchu – 2nd prize in Monoacting; Shraddha Shastry – 2nd prize in Folk Song; N. Chetna Vivek – 3rd prize in Light Music; T.S. Aparna Bharadwaj – 2nd prize in Devotional Song; Chaincy Rai – 3rd prize in  English Debate.

I PUC: M.B. Donvi Dechamma – 3rd prize in Monoacting; K.N. Pushya Poovamma – 3rd prize in Light Music; T.U. Mahitha – 1st prize in Folk Song; C.S. Devika – 2nd prize in Devotional Song;  Aman Appachu – 1st prize in English Essay; A. Shivani Madappa – 3rd prize in Kannada Debate; N. Pranamya Kalappa – 1st prize in English Debate and P.P. Lipthi – 3rd in Pick and Speak.  

A group photo of CIPUC students who excelled in sports and games.

Sports: CIPUC students have also  excelled in Sports during the academic year 2019-20.

District-level: Milan Muthanna – Shotput; T.L. Bhuvan Bopanna – Discus Throw, Hammer Throw; Ashika Bojamma – Hammer Throw; Neelamma – Cross Country;  Shashank – Cross Country; M.S Charan – Shotput; B.S. Dhyan Medappa – Chess.

State-level: K.T. Chondamma – Chess, Athletics and Cross Country; K.S. Yashas – Handball; N.R. Prajna Bojamma – Football; T.L. Bhuvan Bopanna – Discus Throw, Hammer Throw; Jnanesh – Karate. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 28th, 2019

Tree Surveys On Private Lands In Kodagu Irk Coffee Growers

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, , , , , ,

Madikeri:

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

Two Female Officers From Kodagu To Lead R-Day Contingents

Amazing Feats, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kushalnagar:

At this year’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, the focus will shift towards celebrating ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) and achievers at ‘Kartavya Path.’ The opening spectacle will feature a hundred talented women artists playing traditional Indian instruments. This marks departure from previous displays, which heavily emphasised military prowess, aligns with the themes of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat Loktantra Matrika” (India, mother of democracy). Notably, the emphasis on women empowerment and achievements takes precedence without diminishing the showcasing of military might.

Adding to the significance, two outstanding female officers from Kodagu will shine in the 2024 Republic Day Parade. Captain Sharanya Rao will lead the Army Wing of the Tri-Service Contingent of Women, marching proudly along the ‘Kartavya Path,’ while Punya Ponnamma will command the All-India NCC Women’s Contingent.

Sharanya Rao hails from Kukkloor village near Virajpet and is the daughter of Harish Rao, Manager of Bittangala Golf Club and Mythili Rao, a lecturer at SMS College. After completing her schooling at St. Anne’s School, she did her PUC in Cauvery College. She completed her Mechanical Engineering at Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT), Ponnampet and did her MSW in Alva’s College, Moodbidri. At present, she is serving as Captain in Kargil Sector, Jammu and Kashmir.

Capt. Sharanya Rao, an all-rounder who excelled in both academic and sports, was awarded Best Outgoing Student of CIT Award in 2018. She marked her academic excellence by being one amongst the University topper and her sports excellence by representing the University in handball and women’s hockey event.

“I am the Supernumerary Officer and will be leading the Army component of the Tri-Services contingent. It is a proud moment because, for the first time in history, a Tri-Services contingent would be marching,” she said.

Punya Ponnamma is from Madikeri and is the daughter of Circle Police Inspector Anoop Madappa and Vinita Dechamma, a lecturer at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College. As an NCC cadet, she has participated in several camps and displayed excellent performance. She is currently pursuing third year law studies at Christ University, Bengaluru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 24th, 2024

40 from J&K on study tour to Ponnampet panchayat in Karnataka

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, , , , , , , , ,

The Ponnampet GP had recently presented a national-level seminar on good governance.

Elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat interacting with children in Ponnampet panchayat.
Elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat interacting with children in Ponnampet panchayat.(Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

Elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj have visited the Ponnampet Grama Panchayat to study the administrative process. Over 40 representatives from J&K learnt about various schemes and project works implemented at Ponnampet.

The Ponnampet GP had recently presented a national-level seminar on good governance. The Ponnampet panchayat is noted for its good administrative approaches even as several innovative plans are in place to involve the residents and carry out development works. The panchayat’s success story has reached the national level and a total of 42 elected representatives from various panchayats of J&K visited Ponnampet.

The elected representatives were warmly welcomed to Ponnampet with the traditional Kodava valaga procession. The various initiatives of the panchayat including the ‘Makkala Grama Sabhe’ (children’s panchayat), scientific waste segregation, digital library, presence in social media, conversion of landfill into a public park and other innovative works were explained to the representatives through a PPT presentation.

The representatives also visited the digital library and open library even as they interacted with the Karnataka Public School students to learn about the panchayat’s child-friendly approach.

The local cuisines, art, folktales and other cultures were also explained to the representatives. They also learnt about honey extraction, coffee plantation and other subjects that are unique to Kodagu. PDO Puttaraju, President Girija V and others were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 23rd, 2024

When spirit of nature and animals comes alive

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It narrates the ancestral connection with the elements of nature and recounts mythological tales.

Madikeri : 

Rhythmic and upbeat songs fill the air across the villages of South Kodagu during summer. Dressed in bright and colourful attire, villagers dance to the rhythm of nature and mythology while visiting each house – marking the celebration of the unique festival ‘Bodu Namme’ aka ‘Bedu Habba’. People dress as brightly coloured tigers in body paint and slush smeared hay, as bamboo horses and elephants… to an outsider, it seems like a mass fancy dress event.

However, this unique festival of the indigenous tribes of Kodagu is much more than fun and frolic. It narrates the ancestral connection with the elements of nature and recounts mythological tales.

Following the ‘Cauvery Theerthodbhava’ (gushing of river Cauvery at Talacauvery) festival in October, the ‘Bodu Namme’ is kindled at the Kunda Hills near Ponnampet in South Kodagu. Rituals are offered at the Ishwara Temple in the village, marking the beginning of the ‘Bodu’ festive season. Post the first ‘Bodu Namme’, several other villages in South Kodagu celebrate the festival after the Kodava New Year (in April) and each village narrates its rich folkloric culture. The festival is linked to the folklore of Ishwara and Bhadrakali.

There is a Kodava saying  – ‘Kundathl Bottl Nhenda Kudure, Paranamanil Alunja Kudre’ – that states that the horse (made of bamboo) that was raised in the Kunda Hills marking the beginning of ‘Bodu Namme’ will be sacrificed at Paranamani, ending the annual festivity. “At Paranamani, the festival is about the story of deity Ishwara and demon Basmasura. Three horses and two elephants made of bamboo collected from the sacred grove in the village are worshipped and later sacrificed,” explained Raghu Machaiah, a resident of Paranamani.

Mythological stories connected to each village are unique, he says. “The different costumes in which the villagers dress up during the festival depict the different forms of Lord Ishwara.” Another story links ‘Bodu Namme’ to the story of the deity Bhadrakali. “In the deity’s ferocious avatar, no one could calm her down. To appease her, devotees worship her in different attire. Tiger, hay costumes, cross-dressing by men of the village are ways to placate the goddess,” narrate Parvathi Chengappa and Kundranda Sannu Pemmaiah of Aimangala village.

Villages in South Kodagu –  Chembebelluru, Aimangala, Parana, Kavadi, Bilugunda, Nalvathoklu, Kutandhi, and Aarji – observe the festival. “Natives here are indigenous and Ishwara worshippers,” explained Parvathi. As was inevitable, modernity touched the tradition of outlandish dressing. Politicians, famous and infamous personalities, film actors, comedians, and mafia kingpins have found their way into the festival of appeasing Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Ishwara. During the festival, people visit every home across the village to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Apart from the fascinating fusion of colours, the festival also stresses the protection of nature with many restrictions, including a ban on cutting trees during the celebrations. “The history of ‘Bodu Namme’ dates back to ancestral times, and the rituals and culture of this festival have stood the test of time. While it looks exciting, there is a religious aspect to the festival. In an era of rapid urbanisation, the festival unites villagers and speaks of love, trust and harmony,” opined Shashi Somaiah, a resident of Madikeri.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / May 22nd, 2022

‘ANVESHANE-2’ Project Expo Contest At CIT On Dec. 15

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

Ponnampet:

A unique project exhibition titled, ANVESHANE-2, aimed at inculcating scientific and research bent of mind among students leading to new perspectives, will be held at the Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT) here on Dec. 15.

The competitions would be held in three different groups. Students from SSLC, PUC and Diploma Engineering are eligible to participate in the event.

SSLC students can come up with projects relating to Science and Environmental Science and the winners of first three places will take home a cash prize of Rs. 8,000, Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 4,000 respectively.

Subjects for PU students for coming up with the projects relate to the streams of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. There are two cash awards in each of the category with the winner eligible to get Rs. 10,000 and the runner-up getting Rs. 6,000.

In the Diploma Engineering category, projects are related to the fields of Computer Science & Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electronics & Communication Engineering. Cash award would be given in each of the categories. Winner will get Rs. 10,000 while runner-up will take home a sum of Rs. 6,000. A maximum of three teams are eligible to take part in the competitions with a maximum of four students in a team.

Students interested should register names before Dec. 5 in the google form issued to Colleges for registrations.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 03rd, 2023

Kodagu Athlete Breaks National Record; Qualifies For Asiad

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Theetharamada Sinchal Kaveramma shattered the national record in the 400-metre hurdle and met the qualifying mark for the Asiad (Asian Games), during the 62nd Inter-State Athletics Championships in Odisha.

Notably, she broke the national record, crossing the finish line in a thrilling photo-finish with a time of 56.76 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 57.02 seconds. This remarkable achievement also stands as Sinchal’s personal best time. She clinched the silver medal in the 400-metre hurdles event and a bronze medal in mixed relay.

The recently concluded National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, held at the Kalinga Stadium at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, served as a selection trial for both the delayed Asian Games in Hangzhou, scheduled for September, and the upcoming World Championships in Hungary.

Numerous top-tier athletes travelled to Bhubaneswar with the aim of securing their spots in the Asian Games later this year. Sinchal is among the 65 athletes representing 27 disciplines who persevered through scorching heatwaves to meet the Asiad qualification standard.

Sinchal receives training from Bollanda Vikram Aiyappa and Pramila Aiyappa in Bengaluru. Speaking to Star of Mysore, she attributed her record-breaking performance to her coaches and family, expressing her full dedication to them.

Sinchal has already commenced her preparations for the main Asian Games, scheduled to take place from Sept. 15 in Bangkok.

Sinchal is the daughter of Theetharamada M. Ravi and Rashmi (Kuppanda), residents of Nalloor village near Ponnampet. Her grandparents are Theetharamada Mudappa and Chondamma of Nalloor, as well as Kuppanda C. Thimmaiah and Muthakki of Nalvathoklu.

Sinchal completed her primary education at Lions Primary School in Gonikoppa and attended high school at Alvas English Medium High School in Moodbidri. She pursued her pre-university course at Alvas PU College and is currently in her final year of B.Com studies at Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College in Bengaluru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /June 21st, 202