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The Hindu
5 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
A pillar and a peak that are held most sacred by the Irula tribe
In a lesser known part of Kil Kotagiri in the picturesque Nilgiris, a singular spire rises above the surrounding terrain. Measuring over 400 feet, the spire, known as Rangaswami Pillar, is worshipped by the Irula tribe as a deity. The rock formation, along with the Rangaswami Peak nearby, is one of the most sacred of sites for this indigenous adivasi community. The Rangaswami Peak hosts the annual harvest festival of c in May and June every year. It is attended by the Irulas from surrounding regions; but more recently, it has become popular among non-adivasi members too. The five-week festival ends with a special worship performed only by the Irula community. P. Kannan, an Irula from Kotagiri, told The Hindu that he had heard tales of the cultural significance of the Rangaswami Peak and Pillar from his elders. He said the Irulas celebrate the harvest from their 'millet land' in May and June. 'They will perform pujas for five weeks praying to the deity to ensure another good harvest and good spell of rain in the coming year,' he said. Scaling the peak He added that according to adivasi folklore, a particular head of cattle made its way to the peak leaving behind the rest of the herd, leading to the site being worshipped over thousands of years. Writing in his Encyclopaedia of the Nilgiri Hills, anthropologist Paul Hockings says the Rangaswami Peak is the 'holiest mountain' of the Irulas and 'perhaps the seat of the original, indigenous worship of a mountain god'. He says the name of the god worshipped here is Ranga or Ranganada. Other members of the community highlight the lore surrounding the main idol at the site, which had allegedly been broken by a foreigner during his visit to the site. 'It is said he died soon after he reached his home country,' an elderly member said. 'Several conclusions may be drawn from a visit to the Rangaswami Peak. First, it shows, as do other aspects of the Irula religion, a Vaishnava-Saiva syncretism developed around an indigenous Irula deity.' Mr. Hockings goes on to add that the peak is important for other communities too. 'Third... there is the relationship between the Kotas and the Irulas, as suggested by Richard Wolf. He mentions a legend in which the Nilgiri 'god' revealed himself to a Kota and an Irula walking together. Both the Kotas and the Irulas began to worship the Nilgiri god at the same spot until some quarrel separated them: the Irulas began worship on Rangaswami Peak and the Kotas near their village.' The Rangaswami Pillar, located close to the peak, was the site of an air crash in 1950, in which noted statistician Abraham Wald and 19 others died. 'The air crash enhanced the magical aura of the pillar's divinity,' says Czech Indologist Kamil V. Zvelebil. Photographic records S. Udhayakumar, Director (in-charge), Tribal Research Center, Udhagamandalam, said the site was of interest to researchers. 'The Tribal Research Center, on the State government's orders, has completed the video and photographic records of all six of the Nilgiris' adivasi communities, and is set to publish them soon,' he told The Hindu. The exercise will ensure the preservation of the culture, customs, habits, and sacred sites of the Irulas as well as other adivasis in the Nilgiris. With the growing popularity of the temple atop the Rangaswami Peak, activists have become concerned about the impact of temple tourism. K. Mahendran, an adivasi rights activist, said adivasi temples across the Nilgiris are being increasingly patronised by non-adivasi groups. 'While it is still impossible for non-adivasis to worship at the temples belonging to some groups such as the Todas and the Kotas, it should be a matter of concern that this interest in the temples of the Irulas and the Kurumbas could lead to the indigenous people's traditions and culture — inextricably linked with these temples — becoming diluted over time,' he said. Activists also voiced concern over potential damage to the environment in the area around the Rangaswami Peak due to temple tourism. Officials of the Forest Department said the path to the temple cuts through a reserve forest, and is open only during the festival season. 'Strict rules are also in place to prevent littering and minimise disturbance to the wildlife,' an official said.
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Anil Kumble nominated as Forest department ambassador: Khandre
Bengaluru: Renowned sportsperson and former cricketer Anil Kumble will be nominated as the Forest and Wildlife Ambassador, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwara B Khandre said. Speaking at a press conference at the Vidhana Soudha Conference Hall on the occasion of completing 2 years since he took oath as a minister, he said that Anil Kumble, who has previously served as the Vice-President of the Karnataka Wildlife Board, is of world-class fame and will create awareness among the public about forest conservation, forest development, tree conservation and wildlife conservation. Anil Kumble has immense concern for wildlife. He has a love for forests. Hence, he has agreed to become an ambassador without receiving any remuneration, Eshwara Khandre clarified. The government has decided to save and develop the breathing spaces in Bangalore and has decided to build another huge park on 153 acres of Madappanahalli near Yelahanka, he said. Lalbagh in Bangalore was built during the time of Hyder Ali, Cubbon Park was built during the British era. Even after a century, another huge park has not been built in Bangalore. Therefore, he said that the 153 acres of land that he gave to the Karnataka Forest Development Corporation for cultivating Nilgiri after becoming the Forest Minister will be taken back to the Forest Department on June 2 and a park will be built there. The world is facing the effects of global warming and climate change. During this period, increasing the green cover is the responsibility of the Forest Conservation and Management Department. In the last 2 years, about 8848 Vanamahotsava have been held, about 8.5 crore saplings have been planted and nurtured in forest areas, roadsides and government land. He gave details that a total of 120975 hectares of plantations, 25 new arboretums and 35 God's forests have been constructed in the years 2023-24 and 2024-25. Eshwar Khandre also said that in the last 2 years, a total of 3.70 crore saplings have been distributed to farmers for planting in their own fields and for planting in other fields. Land is precious in Bengaluru city. Forest land has been encroached here for decades, and in the two years since he became the minister, he said that he has cleared 128 acres of forest land worth about Rs 4000 crore. There is a rare grassland in Heeraghatta in Bengaluru city. It is a breeding ground for hundreds of species of birds, and there was a struggle for decades to save such a beautiful environment. He said that after he became the minister, despite many pressures, he declared 5678 acres of the Greater Heeraghatta Protected Grassland to protect the rare grassland around Hesaraghatta Lake. In the last 2 years, 6251.31 acres of forest worth crores of rupees have been cleared in 1205 encroachment cases. He said that encroachment clearance is a continuous process. There was a demand to start a leopard safari in Bannerghatta National Park, which is located near Bangalore, and he launched it after becoming a minister, and it has become a centre of attraction. He said that the number of tourists visiting the park has increased. As per the recommendations of the district level committees, an area of 3,30,186.93 hectares has been notified as protected forest or deemed forest as per specific sectoral norms. Eshwar Khandre said that since the land identified in this way includes a government office, hospital, and patta land, a request has been made to the Supreme Court and a committee has been formed to revise and submit it, he said. Now is the last chance, and it has been decided to provide compensation by providing alternative land to the area that has already been submitted to the Supreme Court as a protected forest, while maintaining the area of the protected area at 3,30,186.93 hectares. He said that this work is in progress. The central government-owned HMT has been completely banned from selling 444 acres of forest land worth about Rs 14,300 crore to many organizations, including real estate companies. It has been decided to take back this forest land and keep it as a park, and a legal battle has been fought for this, the Forest Minister said.
India Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Anil Kumble appointed Karnataka forest ambassador, no pay for passion role
Former cricketer Anil Kumble has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the Karnataka Forest and Wildlife Department, Minister Eshwar B Khandre announced on Tuesday. The former Indian cricket captain, a native of Karnataka, is known not only for his achievements on the field but also for his longstanding commitment to wildlife Minister Khandre stated that Kumble brings valuable experience to the role, having previously served as the vice-president of the Karnataka Wildlife Board. Equating Kumble's rare bowling feat of taking 10 wickets in a single Test innings to his zeal for wildlife conservation, Khandre said: 'Anil Kumble has an immense concern for wildlife. He loves forests. Hence, he has agreed to become an ambassador without receiving any remuneration.' advertisement'He is passionate about wildlife. In order to spread the message globally about protecting wildlife, he has agreed to become the ambassador of Karnataka Forest and Wildlife after we requested him,' the Minister said, adding Kumble, with his world-class fame, would help create awareness among the public about forest conservation, forest development, tree preservation, and wildlife conservation. The announcement coincided with Khandre completing two years as Forest Minister. Marking the occasion, he shared a summary of the department's achievements and upcoming the last two years, the Minister said, around 8,848 'Vanamahotsavas' have been held, and approximately 8.5 crore saplings have been planted and nurtured across forest areas, roadsides, and government land. Between the years 2023-24 and 2024-25, a total of 1,20,975 hectares of plantations, 25 new arboretums, and 35 forests have been developed, he also noted that 3.70 crore saplings have been distributed to farmers to plant in their fields and other areas during the same further announced plans to build a new major urban park in Bengaluru. 'Lalbagh in Bengaluru was built during the time of Hyder Ali, Cubbon Park was built during the British era. Even after a century, another large park has not been built in Bengaluru. Therefore, after I became the Forest Minister, the 153 acres of land that had been given to the Karnataka Forest Development Corporation for growing Nilgiri will be taken back by the Forest Department on June 2, and a park will be built there,' Khandre added that the foundation stone for the new park at Madappanahalli, near Yelahanka, will be laid within two Minister also expressed concern about long-standing encroachments on forest land in Bengaluru. Over the past two years, he said, the department had cleared encroachments on 128 acres of forest land, whose market value is estimated at around Rs 4,000 further alleged that the central government-owned Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) has been barred from selling 444 acres of forest land, worth about Rs 14,300 crore, to real estate developers and other entities. 'It has been decided to reclaim this forest land and preserve it as a park, and a legal battle has been launched. A petition is currently being heard in the Supreme Court,' he said. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Time of India
27-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Anil Kumble to be named Forest and Wildlife ambassador: Karnataka minister
Former cricketer Anil Kumble will be nominated as the Forest and Wildlife Ambassador , Forest, Biology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre said on Tuesday. Addressing reporters, Khandre said Anil Kumble, who previously served as Vice-President of the Karnataka Wildlife Board, is of world-class fame and will help create awareness among the public about forest conservation , forest development, tree preservation, and wildlife conservation . "Anil Kumble has an immense concern for wildlife. He loves forests. Hence, he has agreed to become an ambassador without receiving any remuneration," Khandre said. As Tuesday marked his two years as Forest Minister, Khandre also shared a glimpse of his achievements and future plans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Public Speaking Course for Children Planet Spark Book Now Undo Khandre said that in the last two years, about 8,848 'vanamahotsavas' have been held, and approximately 8.5 crore saplings have been planted and nurtured in forest areas, along roadsides, and on government land. In the years 2023-24 and 2024-25, a total of 1,20,975 hectares of plantations, 25 new arboretums, and 35 forests have been developed, he added. Live Events Khandre also said that in the last two years, a total of 3.70 crore saplings have been distributed to farmers for planting in their own fields and elsewhere. The minister said the state government has decided to build another major park on 153 acres in Madappanahalli near Yelahanka. "Lalbagh in Bengaluru was built during the time of Hyder Ali; Cubbon Park was built during the British era. Even after a century, another large park has not been built in Bengaluru. Therefore, after I became the Forest Minister, the 153 acres of land that had been given to the Karnataka Forest Development Corporation for growing Nilgiri will be taken back by the Forest Department on June 2, and a park will be built there," he said. The foundation stone for the park will be laid in two months, Khandre told reporters. The minister expressed concern that forest land in Bengaluru has been encroached upon for decades. In the last two years, 128 acres of encroached forest land have been cleared. According to him, the market value of the cleared land is around Rs 4,000 crore. Khandre alleged that the central government-owned HMT has been completely barred from selling 444 acres of forest land-worth about Rs 14,300 crore, that it holds to various organisations, including real estate companies. "It has been decided to reclaim this forest land and preserve it as a park, and a legal battle has been launched. A petition is currently being heard in the Supreme Court," he said.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chai pe charcha goes global: India marks 'International Tea Day' at UN
India's permanent mission to the United Nations hosted a special event on Wednesday to mark , focusing on how tea contributes to economic empowerment, employment, and sustainable development goals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Themed 'Tea for livelihoods, tea for SDGs,' the programme drew diplomats, UN officials, and representatives from other major tea-producing countries. India's UN ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said the country's tea industry is more than a source of trade and taste—it is a foundation for rural jobs and women's empowerment. 'From Assam to Darjeeling and Nilgiris, tea has become a major part of our economic story,' Harish said, adding that the industry supports over 10 million livelihoods and directly employs 1.5 million people, most of them women. However, he also pointed out growing challenges such as climate change, input costs, and market uncertainty that affect especially small-scale farmers, who produce over 60 percent of the world's tea. Harish called for innovation and policy reform to protect these communities and improve working conditions. He introduced India's 2022 launch of the Tocklai sustainability certification and spoke of emerging technologies being used to modernise tea production. These include AI-based weather forecasts, drone crop monitoring, and blockchain tracking systems. Speakers from China, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the UN's food and agriculture organisation stressed the need for climate-smart practices, better financing, and inclusive trade models. They highlighted how smallholder farmers remain vulnerable despite being central to the global tea supply. The event ended with a curated tea tasting, where guests sampled different Indian teas—Darjeeling, Masala chai, Assam, and Nilgiri. The United Nations general assembly declared May 21 as international tea day in 2019, based on a proposal first put forward by India at the FAO's intergovernmental group on Tea back in October 2015.
