HUTTARI HOLIDAY ON 26TH;

Madikeri November 23, 2007

The government has declared official holiday on 26th at Kodagu to celebrate Huttari festival.

Deputy Commissioner K.R.Niranjan has said that all government schools and offices, also Banks will remain closed on the above date.

ZP CHIEF GETS ‘KRISHIKA PANDITH’ AWARD;

Chairperson of the Zilla Panchayath, Deergakeshi Shivanna has received ‘Krishika Pandith’ award from the government.

The award was distributed by the central minister M.V.Rajashekaran, recently at Gandhi Agricultuaral Science centre at Bangalore.

The award instituted by the University of Agriculture, Bangalore was given to two progressive farmers from Kodagu, including Deergakeshi Shivanna. Biddanda Dilip Nanjappa of Hathur has also received the award. The recognition came as the above farmers have successfully implemented ways and means prescribed by the scientists in farming.

Scientist Dr.Premnath, Chief finance secretary Srinivas Murthy, Chief secretary from agriculture and horticulture department, Chancellor Chengappa and others were present on the dais.

AC PROMISES ROAD REPAIR;

Assistant Commissioner Akram Pasha yesterday met the protestors at Virajpet and said that action would be initiated to release fund for the road repair.

Road action committee had begun an indefinite strike since day before yesterday before Tahasildars office urging immediate release of funds for the work. Perumbadi – Makutta road is in a dilapidated condition and repeated plea from motorists and public had fallen on deaf ears. A Rasta rokho was also held recently and cases were registered against public and yet roads remain the same.

Akram Pasha and Tahasildar Shwetha spoke to the agitators and promised that rupees ten lakh, earmarked for the repair would be released immediately and request for the additional funds will also be requested.

The agitation was withdrawn after the promise.

Earlier, former minister Suma Vasanth had also met the agitators and extended support for their demand.

ENGLAND GAL DONATES AMBULANCE TO MADIKERI;

Followed by a bitter turn of events and action, a citizen from Briton, Lena Liambe donated an ambulance vehicle to Madikeri.

In a touching function held at Madikeri yesterday evening, the Ambulance key was handed over to the managing trustee of David Lord Trust, Nanda through the chief guest B.G.Anantha Shayana.

Lena donated the vehicle in memory of her fiancé David Lord, who died at Madikeri during a trip on this February.

Lena and David planned a seven months trip to India, Thailand and other countries from this February. They arrived at Goa, visited Mangalore and came to Madikeri in the month of February.

They went out on a trekking with a guide here. After a walk of four kilometers, David complained of breathlessness. He collapsed before anyone could realize, what was up. Someone went to get the Ambulance and took hours to return with it. He had to be carried to the road since they were in the middle of forest. Lena told this correspondent that the Ambulane vehicle was nothing more than an empty jeep!

He was declared dead, before they reached Hospital. Their seven weeks journey ended within two weeks. Lena returned to England with the dead body of her fiancée. She was shell shocked. Yet, she recovered from the grief and decided that something has to done at a place where David died.

She developed contact here with tourist guide Nanda. He said that an ambulance vehicle is the need of the hour here. Lena opened a web site and invited internet users to donate liberally for the cause. She organized shows, party and road race to raise fund in different parts of England. Within a span of nine months, she could raise rupees nine lakh needed for the vehicle and she returned with it.

Handing over the key, Lena said that her mission to assist Madikeri in whatever way possible would continue. She has also donated 20 beds and bags to Balmandir and organized free eggs to the inmates, permanently on every Saturday.

Church father Elisa Kumar addressed the gathering and appreciated the noble service rendered by Lena. B.G.Anantha Shayana spoke on the occasion and said that Lena is a model for others to understand that a human can do wonders with grit and determination.

Nada announced that the Ambulance will run free of cost for the benefit of poor within ten kilometers. It will be provided at a reasonable rate to others, he said.

Lena and her friend Christina were honored on the occasion.