The second day commenced from T.Shettigeri Kodava Samaja with traditional prayers and a brief address by the local Kodava Samaja President wishing all the participants a peaceful journey. The procession passed by a welcoming Machamada family at their Ainmane, took a deviation to Moondhnad, Tavalageri Mandh and made their onward journey.
The most telling and inspirational appearance of 86 year old Bayavonda Saraswathi Awaya on a wheel chair this morning conveyed the very essence of why the Kodavas were showcasing their pride in their culture and what it means to be a Kodava. Identity is critical for every human being and for the Kodavas even more so, given the relatively small numbers. The Kodava way of life is what defined the name of our sacred land and over millennia the Kodava Bashikas upheld the culture, traditions, language and celebrations based on mutual respect, identity and shared values. Most of the communities living here have a family name linked to their Okka (AinMane), their village (Ur), Keri …. thereby making the Desha. The unfortunate decline of the strength of Thakkame is reflecting in the breakdown of discipline, the importance of interdependence between communities and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking to the organizers of the Walkathon they reminded us that in the good old days, people walked long distances for work, pilgrimage to Talekaveri, Igguthappa temple – children used to walk to school from from places like Mukkodlu, Hamiyala , Mutlu and Garwale in the not so distant past. In days gone by, people walked long distances even for weddings and the duddipaatkaras updated their songs based on what they experienced on the way. Hospitality came naturally to the Kodavas and everyone found shelter and food without exception. This was evident by what was witnessed over the past two days where refreshments were offered to all participants spontaneously.
The other major highlight for the day was red carpet welcome at the Thuppanani, Beloor Junction, leading to Hudikeri, Kodava Samaja where lunch was served. After a brief interaction with Theethira family, they were welcomed by the Kodava Mappile Alira family who expressed complete support for the event and its objective. The video says it all. This is an extremely important validation of why the inclusive Kodava way of life has stood the test of time in our beloved land.
Further, the Kodava Mappiles had made arrangements for a grand reception and welcome at Mappilethod. The camaraderie brought back warm memories with local elders supporting the cause.
The Editor of CLN has been receiving many calls and messages from Kodavas all over the district seeking details on how and where they could join this peaceful walk. Of particular significance was the enthusiastic enquiry by Air Marshal (Retd) K C Nanda Cariappa (son of Field Marshal K M Cariappa) wanting to join the walk as he was appreciative of the disciplined and peaceful march by the community. He urged all ex-Servicemen to participate with vigour and showcase Kodavamme in its truest sense.
As we move on to Day 3, the organisers face a major but happy dilemma. The number of participants have far exceeded any number that was anticipated – and yet refreshments, food and good cheer has never been in shortage. All the Kodavas have risen to the occasion with their best behaviour and natural traits of hospitality. The participation in the walk from Ponnampet through Gonikoppal to Bittangala is likely to be bigger in numbers compared to the first two days – may peace and calm sustain the Walkathon to its destination. Conspicuously, it was correct not have any guns in the peaceful Walkathon and as a mark of respect to the cause, all retail liquor shops on route were shut.
Last but not the least….. praise for the self-effacing quiet leadership of this program. Being an effective leader is not easy. When the leaders are efficient, sincere with exemplary work ethics, empathetic, encouraging and equitable to his co-workers, he can motivate and get the best work quality from the entire team. Real leaders do not grab the mike and seek centre stage. They do not ask for their names to be printed in media – print or social media. They work with selfless service and not for any measure of self aggrandisement. It was reassuring to see no politicians in sight. From what we know the team is not large and yet they have everyone from within the community participating with full ownership. We hope and pray that the next few days will unfold with equal peace and success, building up for the grand finale at Madikeri. The numbers should exceed the Finals of the recently held exemplary Family Hockey Festival.
