The inaugural Day of The Walkathon belonged to the discipline, organisation, pride, the hospitality of the villagers enroute, the patience and appreciation of the Police – all in all an endearing testament to Kodavaame showcased as best as it can be done. All the participants can feel justifiably proud of the program as it happened during the day!
The number of participants were 6000+ per Police estimates – the organizers fathom it could be more. Many Kodavas had actually taken time off from their work in cities to express their solidarity as Kodavas. This wonderful practice should extend to participating in the celebrations of important festivals like Puthari at their respective AinManes.
The Police were particularly appreciative of the quiet and peaceful march – devoid of the usual sloganeering, loud music and disruption of traffic normally associated with such programs. No untoward incident took place. The day began and ended with a brief address by the President of The Akhila Kodava Samaja who reiterated the objective of the Padyatra.
The spontaneous hospitality of all the villagers enroute from Kutta via Srimangala to T Shettagiri was a sight to behold. The participants were welcomed with traditional lit lamps, refreshments and soft drinks – alleviating the stress on need for refreshments, especially on the water carrier, that was anyway provided for the march.
It was heartening to note that there was an earnest attempt to collect all the garbage – plastic water bottles especially. Proper arrangements were made for a standby Ambulance, mobile toilet for Ladies and Seniors, a Bus for those who were tired to relax and pick up enough strength to resume their march.
We had the opportunity to catch up with the much relieved, self-effacing and replete with humility organizers of the event. They were deservingly satisfied with the manner of the proceedings and after a swift SWOT analysis reviewed arrangements for the next day, headed back to their homes for a well deserved rest.
The day indeed belonged to the showcasing of Kodavaame and the peaceful manner in which everything was conducted. May their endeavours grow from strength to strength and eventually result in peace reigning in Kodagu, as it has always been.
Proud to be a born Hindu from Kodagu & proud to be a Amma kodava……
Our culture our pride……
Jai Shree Ram……
Jai Hanuman……
This march for peace by the Kodava Bhashikas respects individual choices. Kodavaame has served all the people of Kodagu with peaceful coexistence and the Amma Kodavas that I have interacted with participate in all Kodava festivals, including holding Thakka positions in local temples. Jai Kodavaame!