A large silent protest was recently organized in Madikeri by members of the Arebhashe Gowda community, demanding strict legal action against individuals making derogatory statements about the community and creating unrest in Kodagu district.
The protest was led by various Gowda organizations, including the Kodagu Gowda Yuva Vedike, Gowda Yuvaka Sangha, Gowda Youth Association of Kushalanagar, and Kodagu Gowda Mahila Okkoota. The demonstration began with floral tributes to the statues of Subedar Guddemane Appaiah Gowda, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, and a portrait of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu.
The silent march proceeded towards the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner’s office without any slogans, though participants carried placards bearing messages such as “Gowda Community’s Walk of Pride.” Men and women dressed in traditional attire led the peaceful procession, which stretched approximately 1.5 kilometers and included thousands of participants from various parts of Kodagu, as well as from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Periyapatna, Hunsur, Sulya, and Chembu.
They drew attention through various messages including “We belong to the community that first sacrificed for the country’s independence’, ‘Kempe Gowda for Bengaluru, Kedambadi Ramaiah Gowda for Mangaluru, Appaiah Gowda for Madikeri’, and ‘Ban the organization disrupting the unity of Kodagu’s people’.
Placards displayed messages such as:
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“Kodagu is not the property of one community, but the shared heritage of all.”
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“We represent the legacy of indigenous agriculture.”
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“Our heritage is rooted not only in attire, but in culture and ancestry.”
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“We were among the first to sacrifice for India’s independence.”
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“Kempe Gowda for Bengaluru, Ramaiah Gowda for Mangaluru, Appaiah Gowda for Madikeri.”
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“Ban organizations disrupting Kodagu’s communal harmony.”
The protest culminated at Gandhi Maidan, where leaders submitted a memorandum to Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Dr. Venkat Raja, demanding a ban on the Codava National Council (CNC). Protesters alleged that CNC President N.U. Nachappa and his associates had made inflammatory and abusive remarks labeling the Arebhashe Gowda community as immigrants.
Kodagu Gowda Samajas Union President Surthale Somanna clarified that the protest was not directed against any particular caste or community but specifically against an individual and organization that insulted the Arebhase Gowda community. He demanded that legal action be taken against Nachappa and his supporters, and that the CNC be banned for allegedly disrupting communal harmony in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Venkat Raja assured the delegation that the administration would examine the matter and take appropriate legal action.
Kodagu Gowda Youth Forum President Panattale Jagadish Mandappa, Secretary Pudianeravana Rishit Madaiah, Legal Advisor Kombarana Roshan Ganapathy, Kushalanagar Gowda Youth Association President Kodagana Harsha, Kodagu Gowda Silver Women Federation President Ame Damayanti, Vice President Baithadaka Janakiyappa, office bearers of district and outer district Gowda societies, members participated in protest.
