One of the endearing aspects of the Kodava Hockey Festival is the wholehearted involvement of the community in all aspects of the conduct of the event.
The players of the Coorg XI and Indian Navy were guided to the Hockey field by the children of Ankur Public School – the only CBSE affiliated institution in Napoklu and reputedly amongst the best in the district. The involvement of the parents and teachers in this seemingly simple participation in a community event is an excellent example of teaching children at a young and impressionable age the need to participate in community events. The Children were elegantly turned out in traditional attire – girls in Sarees/vastra and boys in Kupya.
This is the essence of the spirit of what happens at Kodava festivals and celebrations – for example at the time of preparations for the Puthari Namme when people from an Ur, Keri and finally Nad practice and dance at their respective mandh.
A brief background about the school – primarily founded by Mrs Ratna Chermanna with unstinted support of Mr Raja Chermanna in 2001 with just 3 children, the strength has grown to 350+. The school has proudly completed 25 years since inception and has become a household name in and around Napoklu for imparting quality education, inculcating values, skills and most importantly rooted in the culture of the community.
Like sports, Education has always been a priority for the Kodavas with the foresight of our venerable ancestors having set up the Mercara High School in 1855 with Rev. G. Richter as the first Principal. In his wisdom and vision he realised that the best way to kindle young minds for education was to provide financial support to needy and deserving students. In 1863, Kodava Education Fund was set up which was eventually renamed as The Coorg Education Fund in 1954.
There is a saying in Kodava folklore – “Arivavane Periyava”– which literally means – “a learned person is a superior one”. All elders who have benefited from this glorious education will also recall the legendary Kodava school teachers who have sadly dwindled. Perhaps this is an important time for a resurgence in taking up the teaching profession as a natural extension to being a planter. After all, most of the government aided schools have been built on land that was generously donated by Kodava families (listed in https://kodavaclan.com/kodaguheritage/schools-government/).
Institutions like Ankur Public School should get all the encouragement and support from the community for the selfless service in imparting quality education beyond academics, active participation in sports and environment related activities.
The school has an attractive Children’s Band that will be performing at the semi-finals of the Hockey Festival. Go out and cheer them during the Hockey Festival!
