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.

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By Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa

Sandooka — the Living Museum of Kodava Culture, an informative and interactive platform for the community, the diaspora, researchers and knowledge-seekers, has been launched. One can access it on https://sandookamuseum.org/

The museum has been created with community participation and on the basis of research on existing knowledge of the history of Kodagu, traditions of the Kodava community and unique practices.

Presently, the museum boasts 54 stories categorised into nine themes: Architecture, Arts and Crafts, Community Histories, Clothes and Jewellery, Cuisine, Customs and Rituals, Festivals, Landscape, Literature and Folklore. The website also includes a glossary of commonly used Kodava terms and a list of recommended books and website resources.

Within the museum’s pages, visitors can explore a brief history of Kodagu in sections like ‘Residences of the Royals’ and the glossary. An outline map in the glossary provides context, illustrating the taluks of Kodagu, its location within Karnataka and its place in India.

The brain behind this ambitious project is Rathi Vinay Jha (Codanda), the erstwhile Chair of the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA). A retired 1967 batch IAS Officer, she served as the Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. In early 2022, IFA issued a call for proposals from multidisciplinary teams to develop the virtual museum.

Stringent scrutiny

Numerous teams from various parts of India submitted their proposals. The selection process involved the scrutiny of an esteemed jury, including Paul Abraham (Founder of Sarmaya Arts Foundation), Nick Merriman (Director of Horniman Museums and Gardens, London), Sara Ahmed (Founder of Living Waters Museum), Venu Vasudevan, IAS (former Director General of the National Museum) and Hemanth Satyanarayana (CEO, Imaginate).

Following a meticulous evaluation of presentations and interviews, a team led by art museum curator Lina Vincent emerged as the chosen one for the project. The team comprised the dynamic designer duo Upasana Nattoji Roy and Saurav Roy from SWITCH Studio. I was honoured to be invited to spearhead the Research and Coordination for Virtual Museum.

Our team came together in early 2022 and the ensuing two years have been both hectic and gratifying. Our efforts were complemented by a dedicated group handling media resources, including Aiyuda Prasad Ponnappa (videography), Clare Arni (photography), Kalpit Gaonkar (drone videography), Kunjiyanda Mahesh Appaiah aka Max Machu (videography), Chenanda Rohan Ponnaiah (videography), G.S. Bhavani (photography), Dr. Bishan Monnappa (photography) and others. Hasan Shahrukh spearheaded website development, with Samarth Gulati focusing on the front end and Gaurav Nagar on the back end. Additional support came from associates such as Nitya Devayya, Dhriti Belliappa, Nigel Gomes and Christina Dedhia.

The IFA team overseeing the project included former Executive Director Arundhati Ghosh, Executive Director Menaka Rodriguez, members Darshana Dave, Ritwika Misra and C. Suresh Kumar.

Sandooka Advisory Board, consisting of Rathi Vinay Jha, Cheppudira P. Belliappa and Hemanth Satyanarayana, provided valuable guidance. The editorial advisors, namely Dr. Boverianda Nanjamma Chinnappa, Cheppudira P. Belliappa, Dr. Kodira Monnappa Lokesh and Dr. C.C. Sowmya Dechamma, contributed expertise to the project. Recaero India Pvt. Ltd. predominantly funded the initiative, while Anuraadh, a Virajpet-based NGO, played a crucial role in supporting payments to artists, folk singers, dancers, craftsmen and facilitating media documentation.

A comprehensive repository of information

Sandooka – the Living Museum of Kodava Culture stands as a comprehensive repository of information on Kodavas. In the Kodava language, a ‘sandooka’ is referred to as ‘chandooka’, akin to a traditional wooden trunk or chest found in Indian homes.

Our documentation efforts included capturing the ‘Kail Podh’ festival of weapons at the Baduvamanda ancestral house in Kavadi, festival sports at Puliyeri village green near Ammathi, the harvest

festival ‘Puthari’ at the Padeyanda ancestral house, festival dances at Biddatanda Vaade and Kokeri Bhagwathy temple, and the annual ‘theray’ (a shaman ritual of Kodagu similar to ‘theyyam’ and ‘kola’) at the Nadikerianda ancestral house in Karada.

While a substantial population of Kodavas still resides in Kodagu, tens of thousands have migrated to places like Mysuru and Bengaluru. Additionally, Kodava diaspora is seen outside Karnataka in  various parts of India and extending to international locations such as Singapore, the Middle East, Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia and the Americas.

To maintain cultural connections, Kodavas have established regional Kootas or Associations, where members gather annually, often during festivals. Kodava Samajas in villages, towns and cities organise Kodava weddings and other social events.

However, the Kodava diaspora faces challenges in preserving their native language and culture. As generations pass, certain traditions risk fading away. Recognising this need for preservation, Sandooka – the Living Museum of Kodava Culture acts as a bridge, documenting and safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations worldwide.

Cherishing our legacy

Kodavas are a small community with a vibrant heritage and unique traditions. Kodagu and the Kodavas have always raised the curiosity of not just our own people but of scholars and visitors across the world. Today, with access to technology we can send a message across to our diaspora and the world about our land and its culture. Sandooka – the Living Museum of Kodava Culture is a repository of such online information on Kodava heritage. Let us cherish our legacy and celebrate our achievements. — Rathi Vinay Jha (Codanda), erstwhile Chair of the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA)

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Revenue Minister assures speedy land transfer

Bengaluru: In a significant development, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has committed to expeditiously transferring the necessary land for the construction of an airstrip in Kodagu District to the District Administration.

This assurance followed a meeting held yesterday at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, presided over by Krishna Byre Gowda and attended by Kodagu District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju.

The Kodagu District Administration conducted a comprehensive land survey for the proposed airstrip near Kushalnagar. Initially, a 49.5-acre plot near Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, bordering Basavanathoor village, was identified in the first survey.

However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed it insufficient, prompting a re-survey. The second survey identified over 130 acres of land at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, within the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, addressing the need for additional space.

Minister Boseraju, addressing reporters post-meeting, noted that issues related to the Revenue Department were brought to his attention during the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Kodagu a few days ago. He stated, “The meeting with the Revenue Minister aimed to find solutions to these problems.”

Expressing satisfaction, Minister Boseraju affirmed, “The Revenue Minister’s positive response to the land transfer for the airstrip instils confidence in the timely resolution of the highlighted issues.”

The meeting also delved into acquiring necessary grants and permissions for constructing a mini Vidhana Soudha and an administration building in newly established taluks. Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, along with various officers, attended the meeting.

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Bengaluru: A 19-year-old student, who was pursuing his engineering course, committed suicide by shooting himself with his father’s gun at his house in Bhavani Nagar, Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Vishu Uthappa, a native of Kodagu, who was pursuing his first year BE course at RR College in Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru.

Vishu’s father Thammapaiah works as a gunman at NICE Company and when Thammapaiah had gone out of the house, Vishu shot himself on his chest with his father’s gun.

Vishu later called his father and told him that he would not commit mistakes in future and wept bitterly. Shocked over this, Thammapaiah rushed to the house only to see his son lying in a pool of blood and rushed him to a hospital, where the doctors said that he had died in a few minutes after shooting himself.

Peenya Police have registered a case.

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Accused hailed from Uttar Pradesh; Killing took place for Rs. 12,000 near Hunsur APMC Yard

Hunsur/ Madikeri: In a significant breakthrough, Hunsur Police have solved the recent murder case of Vinu Changappa, an estate owner in Kodagu, who was murdered near the APMC Yard in Hunsur. Investigations have revealed that 52-year-old Changappa was murdered by his friend for money.

The accused, identified as Satish Dubey of Uttar Pradesh, a friend of Changappa, currently running a business in Bengaluru, has been arrested and Dubey has confessed to committing the murder for financial gain.

The dead body was recovered near the Hunsur APMC Yard and a cement block was used to crush Changappa’s head. 

Changappa, a divorcee, owned Shanthi Villa Estate at Yediyur in Pollibetta, Virajpet taluk. After separating from his wife, Changappa had leased out his estate and lived in a  PG accommodation at Gandhinagar in Bengaluru. 

Leading a solitary life, Changappa developed a friendship with Satish Dubey, who often accompanied him on travels and occasionally drove Changappa’s car. Satish Dubey, facing significant losses in a security business, gained Changappa’s trust over time due to the latter’s wealth.

Funeral in Kodagu

On Dec. 19, Changappa had to come to Pollibetta for the funeral of his sister’s husband and both Satish Dubey and Changappa travelled in a taxi, driven by Dubey. After attending the funeral, Changappa was on his way to Bengaluru along with Dubey and they decided to take a break in Hunsur and leave that place after freshening up.

Accordingly, they entered D.L. Bar in Hunsur and after bathing, they sat for a drink. Meanwhile, they had booked a room in Satish Dubey’s name. After a couple of drinks, Satish Dubey told Changappa that he had to leave Hunsur urgently as his daughter was unwell, while Changappa opted to stay and leave the next day.

Dubey had observed that Changappa was carrying  Rs. 12,000 in cash and conspired to take away the cash. With this intention, Dubey invited Changappa for a stroll around Hunsur town. Changappa, who was drunk, blindly trusted his friend and readily agreed, Police said.

Crime with cement block

As they neared the Devaraj Urs statue near the Bhavani Cement Factory, Dubey pushed intoxicated Changappa by the side of the road. Dubey had strategically chosen the spot for its abundance of cement blocks. 

Changappa fell by the side of the road as Dubey pushed him. Using this opportunity, Dubey picked up a big cement block and allegedly crushed Changappa’s head. Later, Dubey searched Changappa’s pockets and allegedly stole the Rs. 12,000 cash. He quietly moved from the place and reached Bengaluru in a bus.

During interrogation, Dubey admitted to picking up a cement brick and using it to fatally assault Changappa after he fell. The accused has been remanded to judicial custody.

Initially booked as an Unidentified Death Report (UDR), the Police, aided by CCTV footage and the address proof provided by Dubey during lodge booking, successfully identified and apprehended the suspect.

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5-kg lemon stuns farmers, public in Pollibetta, Kodagu

Siddapur: Heavy with fruits, the lemon tree in the property of Mookonda Viju Subramani at Pollibetta in Kodagu district looked as if it was drooping. The fruits, initially a vibrant green, later transformed into a striking yellow, hanging delicately like miniature Chinese lanterns. The sheer size of the lemons initially deceived Subramani, leading him to believe they were something extraordinary.

However, as the fruits matured, turning fully yellow and ripe, the taste betrayed their unassuming identity — they were simply giant lemons. Each fruit weighed an astonishing five kilograms, shattering expectations for the typical size of citrus fruits.

Viju Subramani, a former Zilla Panchayat Member and dedicated social worker, made the surprising discovery while caring for his coffee plants. Nestled among plants standing at a height of about six feet, the citrus fruits ranged from standard sizes to an extraordinary 5 kg.

Subramani had initially purchased lemons from a market in Mysuru four years ago, planting one unused fruit in his backyard amidst the coffee plants. The fruit eventually gave rise to two plants and he later relocated them to an area near his estate where organic manure had accumulated. To his amazement, the plant eventually bore these oversized lemons.

For three years, the plant remained dormant, showing no signs of flowering or fruiting, leaving Subramani perplexed about its identity. Recently, however, the plant blossomed with jasmine-like flowers, followed by the emergence of small pods that eventually developed into the impressive 5-kg lemons.

Known locally as ‘Gaja Nimbe,’ this rare lemon variety boasts adaptability to different climates and is typically found in countries like Italy and Europe. Characterised by its egg-shaped form and small seeds, the fruit and its thick peel is often used in juice and pickle-making. ‘Gaja Nimbe’ is also known for its medicinal properties.

Subramani, known for his environmental initiatives and social service, has cultivated various fruit trees on his coffee plantation, adhering to sustainable practices. He harvests only what is necessary, leaving the surplus for local animals and birds.

A recipient of numerous awards for his unique organic farming techniques and contributions to the environment and society, the oversized lemons grown on Subramani’s land stand as a testament to the fertility of the region’s soil. In a generous gesture, he has donated these giant lemons to local temples, spreading the unique bounty.

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• 15-member gang came in three cars during wee hours
• Victim and his friend were on way to native after selling jewellery in Mysuru

Gonikoppa (Kodagu): A gang of 15 dacoits robbed a contractor from Kerala of Rs. 50 lakh after allegedly kidnapping him and his friend, in his car at Devarapura near Gonikoppa, Ponnampet taluk, Kodagu district yesterday, before abandoning them and fleeing from the spot.

K. Shamjad, aged 38 years, a contractor and resident of Kodakkad, Tirurangadi taluk, Malappuram district, Kerala, is the victim. Afnu, a student and resident of Adarur Panchayat limits, Kozhikode, Kerala, was with Shamjad in the car at the time of the incident. 

Shamjad and Afnu had come driving all the way to Mysuru on Friday (Dec. 8), where the former sold his jewellery at a shop on Ashoka Road. They were travelling back to Kerala yesterday in their car, when they slowed down near Devarapura, noticing a lorry that had broken down on the road at about 3 am. To their shock, three cars came from nowhere and a gang of about 10 to 15 people waylaid their vehicle and threatened them to part with the money.

When the duo denied carrying cash on hand, they allegedly assaulted and kidnapped them in their (victims) car. They also assaulted them on the move, before pushing them out and driving away with their car along with Rs. 50 lakh cash.

As it was pitch dark, the victims couldn’t identify the place where they were abandoned and walked up to a distance of one-and-a-half kms before reaching the main road.

They got a lift in a newspaper van at 4 am and reached Virajpet Police Station.

As Devarapura where the crime took place falls under Gonikoppa Police Station limits, Virajpet Police themselves took Shamjad and Afnu to Gonikoppa, where they lodged a complaint, as stated by Shamjad.

Acting on the complaint, Gonikoppa Police swung into action and succeeded in tracing their car which had been lifted by the dacoits to Kolathodu village in between Gonikoppa and Virajpet, but was damaged by the perpetrators.

DIGP (Southern Range) Dr. M.B. Boralingaiah and Kodagu Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Ramarajan visited the spot.

According to SP Ramarajan, a special team has been constituted under his leadership, including Addl. SP and DySP, three Inspectors and seven Sub-Inspectors, to trace the dacoits.

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Kushalnagar: A Temple that was submerged after the construction of the picturesque Chikklihole Reservoir in Kushalnagar Taluk of Kodagu district has emerged from the waters, thanks to the dry spell and the failure of monsoon. People are coming to see the Temple in hordes and the place has become a picnic spot and a weekend getaway.

The Shiva Temple, constructed in 1983, has become accessible to people after 40 years.  In April 2017 too, the Temple was visible for a brief period but was soon covered in water as it rained in June that year. This time, however, people have a chance to see the Temple till the next normal monsoon which is scheduled to start in June 2024.

The Temple, located right in the middle of the Chikklihole Reservoir is visible along with the sanctum sanctorum and the pillars on the sides. There is a small well that was used as a source of water for the Temple before the Reservoir was constructed. Apart from the Shiva Temple, there are structures dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Nandi.

Clear warning, say residents

The re-emergence of the Temple six months before the onset of monsoon season is causing concern among locals about the potential implications and raising anticipation of a looming water crisis. This situation suggests a possible worsening of the water scarcity issue within the Cauvery basin. Usually, in December, the water inside the Chikklihole Reservoir does not dry up like it has happened this year. The current circumstances serve as a clear warning, say the residents.

Unfortunately, this year, due to inadequate rainfall in Kodagu, the Cauvery River did not flow vigorously, resulting in a water shortage in the Reservoir. The Chiklihole Reservoir, constructed for irrigation and agricultural purposes, saw water flowing into it in the initial months and excess water was discharged. As a result, the Reservoir lost its storage capacity as it did not rain beyond the initial months. 

Thousands of farmers depend on the Chikklihole Dam for irrigation in the villages of  Kushalanagar, Rangasamudra, Chikka Bettageri and Dodda Bettageri, Nanjarayapatana, Virupakshapura, Rasoolpura, Bollur, Basavanahalli and Guddehosur.

Even in hot summers these years, there was rarely a situation like the submerged Shiva Temple emerging from the waters. This year, however, the dam has become dry, exposing the structures beneath it.

150-year-old Temple

The Shiva Temple was built 150 years ago by the Magdoor family, hailing from Kerala. The family migrated from the neighbouring region and were indulging in agriculture for a living. As the place had a special significance due to its spiritual nature, astrologers from Kerala were invited there. On the advice of the ‘thanthri’, the Temple was constructed with regular pujas and a grand Mahashivarathri and temple fair that used to be attended by thousands of people.

The Chikklihole Dam was built in 1983 when R. Gundu Rao was the CM to store and supply 0.18 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water. When the Temple was submerged, the Government, honouring religious sentiments, ordered an alternative Temple to be built nearby. Many channels were constructed to take the water to the fields of tail-end farmers. 

In 1993, the descendants of the Magdoor family constructed another Temple of Lord Vishwanatha nearby and consecrated the main idol of Lord Shiva from the old submerged Temple in it. The Vishwanatha Temple of Magdoor went on to become famous.

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Madikeri: Three of a family including a 10-year-old girl from Kerala were allegedly found dead at a homestay in Kaggodlu, Madikeri taluk in Kodagu district yesterday.

The deceased have been identified as Vinod Babu (40), his wife Jiby Abraham (35) and their daughter. The couple is suspected to have killed their daughter, before taking their own lives by hanging, the Police said.

The couple had booked the homestay online from Tamil Nadu and checked into the place, along with their daughter, on Friday evening. They had come in a posh car bearing registration number KL-28-F-0093.

They were scheduled to check-out on Saturday at 10 am, but remained locked inside their room.

Anand, the Manager of the accommodation, knocked on their room door, but there was no reply from inside. He peeped through the window to see the couple hanging, with their daughter lying on the cot.

The Manager informed Madikeri Rural Police about the incident, who rushed to the spot. They later informed their family members about the incident.

According to the death note purportedly written by the couple in Malayalam, they have stated  “We ourselves are responsible for our death, due to financial constraints.” They had also written the cell phone numbers of some of their relatives on the death note, stated Police.

Sniffer dog and forensic experts inspected the spot.

The bodies will be handed over to their relatives after post-mortem this afternoon.

Madikeri Rural Police have registered a murder case and two suicide cases in relation to the incident.

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Villagers are harassed as local officers lack understanding of local issues, traditions

Mysore/Mysuru: Residents of remote villages in Kodagu are facing challenges in completing their routine official work due to lack of knowledge among many village and taluk-level officers regarding the district’s social equations and the pattern of land documents.

Recently, residents of K. Badaga village in South Kodagu expressed their discontent over a Caste Certificate matter involving a Village Accountant who came to K. Badaga village in South Kodagu from Arsikere in Hassan on transfer.

A.P. Motaiah, the Joint Secretary of T. Shettigeri Ex-Servicemen Association, informed Star of Mysore that K. Nachappa and his wife, members of the Kodava community, visited the Panchayat Office to seek a Caste Certificate identifying the lady as ‘Kodava’ to facilitate obtaining a gun licence for her.

Harshith Nayak, the Village Accountant, transferred to K. Badaga six months back, allegedly refused to issue the Caste Certificate, asserting that the lady needed to prove her Kodava community affiliation despite her marriage to a Kodava. He told the lady that she had come from Kerala and not a Kodava.

Disheartened by the Village Accountant’s behaviour, Nachappa shared the incident with friends and community members. On Dec. 5, over 15 to 20 villagers visited the Panchayat Office to address the matter.

The issue was brought to the attention of Srimangala Deputy Tahsildar Akkamma and Revenue Inspector Poonacha alleging that Harshith Nayak had misbehaved and insulted                                                  the couple. 

They advised Nayak to treat villagers courteously and clarified that as per regulations, Nachappa’s wife was entitled to a gun licence, and the Village Accountant was obliged to recommend the issuance of the Caste Certificate.

When the villagers demanded the suspension of the Village Accountant, Akkamma and Poonacha urged restraint, assuring that such incidents would not recur. The matter was later brought to the notice of the Tashildar and Harshith Nayak was instructed to rectify his behaviour.

Residents pointed out that officers and staff unfamiliar with Kodagu and its communities are appointed at Panchayat levels, where much of the local Government work takes place. They suggested that while higher-ranking officers may come from outside the district, the Government should consciously appoint persons with local knowledge to grassroots positions to prevent such incidents.

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