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Suttur, September 2, 2026: As part of World Coconut Day 2026, observed under the theme “Coconut in Times of Uncertainty: Securing Food, Energy and Livelihood,” a programme on “Coconut-based Integrated Farming: From Intercropping to Value Addition” was organised at ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur, on September 2.

The programme was jointly organised by ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur; the Institute of Agricultural Technologists, Mysuru; and Shobhit Nanjegowda Farm, Kennalu, with the objective of creating awareness among farmers about scientific coconut cultivation, intercropping, integrated crop management, value addition, processing and marketing.

Scientific Management and Value Addition Essential for Sustainable Income: Dr. Hanchimani

Inaugurating the programme, Dr. Hanchimani, Dean, College of Horticulture, Mysuru, said that coconut is one of the most important horticultural crops in the world and a major economic crop in India, Karnataka and Mysuru district.

He observed that coconut is not merely a cash crop for farmers but also an important source of nutrients for the human body. Various coconut-based products make a significant contribution to food, fuel and livelihood security, he said.

Dr. Hanchimani stressed that farmers should aim to earn a continuous and sustainable income from coconut cultivation through scientific management and value addition. In the present context of climate change, erratic rainfall and drought, stabilising the productivity of coconut plantations and farmers’ income has become increasingly important.

He said that intercropping and value addition have a vital role in improving the profitability of coconut plantations. Depending on local conditions, farmers can cultivate crops such as banana, cocoa, vegetables, spices and flower crops as intercrops in coconut gardens. This enables efficient utilisation of land, water and sunlight while providing farmers with additional sources of income.

Instead of selling coconuts only as raw produce, farmers can enhance their returns by processing them into coconut oil, coconut chips and other value-added products and marketing them effectively, he said. He therefore advised farmers to give equal priority to processing, value addition and market linkages, along with coconut production.

Good Management in the Initial Years Determines Long-Term Productivity: Dr. Gyanesh B. N.

Presiding over the programme, Dr. Gyanesh B. N., Senior Scientist and Head, said farmers should first assess the availability of water in their coconut plantations.

He stressed that proper management during the initial stages of a coconut plantation is crucial and that priority should be given to adequate irrigation, nutrient management, weed control, and pest and disease management.

“If coconut plants are managed scientifically during their initial years, they establish well, grow vigorously and provide good yields and a steady income in the later years,” he said.

Dr. Gyanesh added that intercropping in coconut plantations offers considerable scope for enhancing farmers’ income. Crops such as cardamom, avocado and black pepper can provide attractive returns when cultivated under suitable conditions.

However, he advised that intercrops should be selected carefully based on the availability of water, soil characteristics, light intensity and local climatic conditions.

He further said that selection of high-quality seedlings, proper spacing, scientific nutrient management and water conservation are important factors in achieving higher productivity and income.

To maintain soil health in coconut plantations, farmers should give priority to the use of organic manures, biofertilisers and biopesticides, he said. By adopting environmentally friendly and integrated crop management practices, farmers can ensure sustainable production over the long term. He also recommended the adoption of precision agriculture wherever feasible.

Technical Sessions and Practical Training

During the programme, Dr. Siddappa provided technical information to farmers on “Coconut-based Intercropping and Integrated Crop Management in Coconut.” He explained scientific approaches to utilising the space and resources available in coconut plantations through suitable intercropping systems.

Mr. Nagesh Babu of Nisarga Naturals, Tumakuru, conducted practical training on coconut value addition, processing and marketing. He explained the production and processing of coconut oil, chips and other value-added products, along with available market opportunities and the additional income farmers can generate through processing.

Dr. Ramegowda provided information on the major pests affecting coconut and their integrated management, helping farmers understand measures for effective and sustainable pest control.

Mr. Chandrashekhar of Nanjegowda Farm briefed the farmers on the availability of coconut seedlings and nursery management technologies.

Farmer–Scientist Interaction

A farmer–scientist interaction was also held as part of the programme. Dr. Ravindra of the Institute of Agricultural Technologists, Mysuru; Dr. Vinay G. M.; Dr. Prasad Y. P.; Dr. Deepak; Smt. Divya H. V.; and Mr. Shamraj, scientists from KVK, participated in the interaction.

The experts responded to various questions raised by farmers and provided technical guidance on coconut cultivation, intercropping, crop management, soil health, pest and disease management, value addition and related issues.

More than 120 farmers, including members of the Institute of Agricultural Technologists, KVK staff and coconut growers, participated in the programme and benefited from the technical sessions and interaction.

The programme concluded with the message that farmers can achieve stable and higher incomes even amid climate uncertainty by adopting good management practices during the early stages of coconut cultivation, scientific intercropping, the use of organic inputs, and value addition and processing of coconut products.

Suttur, September 1, 2026: “Life is a wonderful school, and for those who have the willingness to learn, even the smallest experiences can offer valuable lessons,” said Prof. H. B. Devanna, while delivering a discourse on the 21st day of the Shravan Month discourse series at Suttur Srikshetra on September 1.

Addressing devotees and spiritual seekers, Prof. Devanna said that many people enter and leave our lives, but not everyone who comes into our lives necessarily intends good for us. Every day brings new lessons, he observed, adding that life has no prescribed textbooks. Instead, our experiences themselves become the books from which we learn.

He emphasised the importance of continuous learning throughout life. “There are situations in which elders learn from the young, the young learn from elders, and men learn from women. When the need and the right time arise, a person must be prepared to learn from everyone and everything,” he said. He also stressed the need to listen patiently and wi

Suttur, September 1, 2026: Suttur JSS High School has won the first prize for its annual issue, Suttur Siri, for the year 2024–25.

The competition was organised by JSS Mahavidyapeetha with the objective of encouraging affiliated institutions to bring out high-quality annual publications. As part of the initiative, the best annual issues published by various institutions are recognised with cash prizes, awards and mementos.

The award was presented recently during the 111th Jayanti Mahotsav of His Holiness Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, held at Sri Suttur Math, Suttur.

In the divine presence of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, Shri Raghu, Deputy Secretary to the Chief Minister’s Office, presented the first prize to Suttur JSS High School.

Headmasters Shri G. Shivamallu and Shri M. Gu. Basavanna received the award on behalf of the school.

Suttur, August 31, 2026: “We should become like jaggery and sugar to the poor, weak and helpless by extending compassion and support to them,” said H. B. Devanna, while delivering a discourse on the 20th day of the Shravana Month discourse series at Suttur Srikshetra on August 31.

Speaking on the importance of compassion and service, Devanna said that everyone should make an effort to help the helpless, poor and vulnerable and resolve their difficulties to the extent possible. Giving them hope and confidence to face life makes one’s own life meaningful, he observed.

He stressed that charity should always be extended to those who genuinely deserve and need it. “Giving to the undeserving or to those who are already affluent serves little purpose. If we wish to experience true satisfaction in life, we must rise above distinctions of caste, colour, gender and other forms of discrimination and embrace humanity,” he said.

Devanna urged people to live harmoniously with everyone without being overwhelmed by the contradictions and challenges of life. He said the happiness and fulfilment that come from working hard, overcoming difficulties and progressing in life are beyond description. However, circumstances can change suddenly, and even a person leading a comfortable life may be reduced to hardship.

“Difficulties are a part of everyone’s life. When adversity strikes, we should not lose heart. Instead, we must develop the courage and determination to face challenges and continue moving forward,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of love and responsibility towards one’s family, Devanna said that before aspiring to become an influential or prominent person in society, one should first spread the fragrance of love, like a pure jasmine flower, among the family members who place their trust in them.

Illustrating the power of unwavering devotion, he narrated the story of Ohilayya, a devotee of Lord Someshwara of Saurashtra. The Lord, who watches over and protects His devotees, tested Ohilayya’s devotion. Pleased with his sincere and pure devotion, Lord Parameshwara blessed Ohilayya and invited him into His divine presence, Devanna said.

Shri B. S. Shivamallappa, Shri H. L. Mahesh, Shri Shivamallappa and devotees of the Ganigashettar Samaj rendered service during the programme.

The programme commenced with a mass prayer. A large number of devotees and spiritual seekers participated in the discourse.

Suttur, August 30, 2026: “Our speech should always be moderate, gentle and pleasing, without hurting others or putting ourselves in difficulty,” said Prof. H. B. Devanna of JSS College, Mysuru, while delivering a discourse on the 19th day of the Shravan Month discourse series at Suttur Srikshetra on August 30.

Speaking on the significance and power of words, Prof. Devanna said that the words we speak should never cause pain to others. At the same time, they should not create problems for the person speaking. Referring to the saying that speech should be like pulling a hair out of butter, he observed that even a harsh truth should be conveyed in such a pleasant and thoughtful manner that the listener is able to accept it. “Speaking the truth in a way that pleases and convinces the listener is itself an art,” he said.

He noted that the words of a Guru have the power to transform lives. Many disciples have changed their way of life after listening to the teachings of their Guru, while thousands of people have undergone a change of heart after witnessing the Guru’s words and actions.

Quoting the wisdom of the omniscient poet Sarvajna, Prof. Devanna said that both laughter and hatred can arise from speech. He also recalled the words of the Sharanas, who advised that speech should be as beautiful and well-strung as a necklace of pearls. History, he said, provides several examples to show that harsh and improper words have never brought lasting good to anyone.

Illustrating the transformative power of words, he narrated the story of Bhojaraja. Bhoja lost his father during childhood, following which his relative Munja sent him into the forest with butchers, ordering them to kill him. However, captivated by Bhoja’s beauty and innocence, the butchers spared his life and left him in the forest. Bhoja later wrote and sent a letter to Munja. After reading it, Munja underwent a change of heart, summoned Bhoja back from the forest and crowned him king.

Prof. Devanna also narrated the story of Shweta, who was known in the world as a virtuous man. After listening to the teachings of Rambha, a gem collector, Shweta became a devotee of Lord Shiva and began worshipping Shiva. He further narrated the story of a Guru devotee who was freed from the difficulties and hardships he had faced, highlighting the importance of devotion and spiritual guidance.

Sri Shadakshari, along with teachers Sri N. Sambhava, Ku. N. S. Savita and Smt. Shivalingamma, and his children, rendered service during the programme.

The programme commenced with a mass prayer. A large number of devotees and spiritual seekers participated in the discourse.

Vaishnavi, a Class 7 student of JSS Residential School, Suttur, won first prize in both Kata and Kumite at the National Level Karate Championship – Independence Day Cup 2026, organised by the Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate School at Chamundi Vihara Stadium, Mysuru. The school management, Headmaster and staff congratulated her on the achievement.

Suttur, August 29, 2026: A Guru feels truly fulfilled when a disciple assimilates the knowledge received from the Guru and uses it for the welfare of society, said Sri H.B. Devanna, Professor, JSS College, Mysuru.

He was delivering a discourse on the 18th day of the Shravanamasa programme at Suttur Srikshetra on August 29. As part of the 111th Jayanti celebrations of His Holiness Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivaratri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, he spoke on ‘Shivaratri Rajendra Kathanam’, a poetic work composed by poet P. Basavanna.

Sri Devanna said that a disciple should grow to such heights that he eventually surpasses the Guru. When a disciple makes the Guru’s teachings his own and puts them into practice for the betterment of society, it brings immense satisfaction to the Guru.

Speaking about Dr. Sri Shivaratri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, the 23rd Jagadguru of Suttur Srimath, he said that the Mahaswamy was regarded as a divine incarnation. From a very young age, Rajendra Mahaswamiji possessed a spiritual ou

Suttur, August 28, 2026: Satsang is a divine path that takes a person from the darkness of ignorance towards the light of knowledge, peace and wisdom, said Sri H.B. Devanna while delivering a discourse on the 17th day of the Shravanamasa programme at Suttur Srikshetra on August 28.

Sri Devanna said that negative thoughts, ego and misconceptions keep the mind in darkness. The company of good people and listening to noble thoughts help remove this darkness and kindle the light of knowledge within.

Satsang also helps control negative qualities such as lust, anger and greed and develops a sattvic nature. In an atmosphere filled with positive and noble thoughts, the mind becomes peaceful and happy. Just as a small lamp can illuminate a dark room, satsang fills a person with hope and renewed strength during the hardships and struggles of life.

Speaking about Guru Bhakti, Sri Devanna referred to the ideal of a Shiva devotee celebrated in the Guru Bhakta tradition and Vachana literature. He said t

Suttur, August 27, 2026: Speech should bring minds together, and people should communicate with one another with love, kindness and humility, said Sri H.B. Devanna while delivering a discourse on the 16th day of the Shravanamasa programme at Suttur Srikshetra on August 27.

Referring to the teachings of Basavanna, Sri Devanna said that gentle and compassionate speech is itself equivalent to prayer and penance. Words spoken with love, without arrogance and without hurting others, are more meaningful than mere chanting or austerities. Good thoughts and noble actions are more important than outward displays of worship and penance.

He said that every difficult experience in life can lead to positive change. Just as dawn follows the darkness of night, hardships prepare people for a better future. Difficult times make a person mentally stronger and teach the wisdom needed to face future challenges. Just as the value of light is understood because of darkness, success and happiness become more mean

Suttur, August 23, 2026: A positive perspective becomes a guiding force in life and helps individuals face difficulties with greater strength and peace of mind, said Shri H.B. Devanna while delivering a discourse on the 12th day of Shravana month at Suttur Srikshetra on August 23.

He said that the world around us appears according to the way we perceive and think about it. When the emotions of the mind are pure, the entire creation appears beautiful. The external world may remain unchanged, but our thoughts can change, and good thoughts have the power to make life beautiful.

He observed that if hatred is replaced with love, everything appears more meaningful and beautiful. There is poetry, beauty and a message for meaningful living in every aspect of life, but recognising it depends upon one’s perspective. He said that creation is shaped by vision and that when problems are viewed positively, they cease to remain merely problems and instead become opportunities.

Shri Devanna said that accepting situations with a positive attitude brings peace to life. Positive thoughts provide peace to the mind, increase the strength to face difficulties and help develop the quality of seeing goodness in everyone.

Referring to the devotion, spiritual power and miracles of Shivasharana Musuti Chowdaiah, he said these have been described in Basavaraja Vijayakavya by Shadakshadev. Musuti Chowdaiah was engaged in agriculture and slave labour by profession.

Narrating one episode from Chowdaiah’s life, Shri Devanna said that while engaged in slave labour, he is believed to have brought a dead bull back to life through the power of his devotion to Shiva. Remembering the name of Shiva, applying sacred Vibhuti and making a solemn vow, Chowdaiah demonstrated that even death must surrender before the devotion of a true devotee.

He further narrated that on one occasion, while Chowdaiah was going out to see a devotee of Shiva, a young girl died prematurely, leaving her relatives immersed in grief. On witnessing their sorrow, Musuti Chowdaiah declared that there is no downfall for the devotees of Shiva and that death has no hold at the feet of a true devotee. He then offered a unique prayer to Mahadeva and, through the influence of his Shiva Yoga, is said to have restored the girl to life.

Shri Devanna said that this miracle illustrated the depth of Chowdaiah’s devotion and the power of devotion. On another occasion, when some people wished to test Chowdaiah’s devotion to Shiva, he demonstrated Shiva consciousness even in an inanimate object. An inanimate doll was brought before him, and he declared that Shiva is present in every living being and in every object in creation. Placing his hand on the doll, he recited the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra, after which the doll is said to have come to life and begun to move.

He said that the miracles associated with Chowdaiah were not merely demonstrations of supernatural power, but symbols of surrender, devotion and unwavering faith in Shiva.

Smt. Mamata and Shri S. M. Jayaprasad, Smt. Sarvamangala and Shri H. P. Shivaprasad, Smt. K. Usha Pandit and Shri Mallikarjuna Pandit, and Smt. P. Shailaja and Shri G. M. Prakash rendered service during the programme.

The programme began with a mass prayer. Devotees and spiritual seekers participated in the discourse.