Kodavame Baalo – From South to North. What did we prove?

As I sit to pen in my column, this write- up is not a usual one. Today I write this column with a sense of pride. Pride at being born a kodavathi. That very pride and discipline that does not balk at laying down their lives for this nation.  When that very pride is harmed, what does the warrior race do? The blood that has patriotism running in their veins is the very blood that will pump up to protect their own existence. Rise up. We did and how? We did not take up arms and show aggression. We showed up in large numbers, walked with dignity and pride in a six long days of padayatra, walked with simplicity and elegance, walked with dignified gait of true kodava warriors. We did not scream or yell. That is not us. We marched peacefully and conserved our energy to walk with positivity. We turned up in large numbers in our true kodava sense in our typical traditional attire of Kuppiya Chale and mandethuni, kodava thipodiya and Vastra. What a colourful sight was that!

As I walked together from Kutta to Madikeri, I was filled with a sense of pride and a sense of relief that we are risen …risen to show not just Kodagu but the rest of the country. What a meaningful and mindful way of marching! We the Kodavas marched in large numbers to assert our unity and fight for our rightful recognition as an age old indigenous tribe of this land. Despite our immense contributions to the nation, serving in the armed forces, excelling in sports, preserving a rich cultural heritage, pioneering in agriculture, shaping the media, our community has been systematically ignored by the government. As a micro – minority we have given far more to this country than our numbers suggest. Yet today we find ourselves battling for survival. Our traditions, dress code and unique identity are under threat.

This was not just a fight for recognition, it is a fight to protect our heritage, our way of life and the future of our next generations.  United in spirit and purpose, we marched forward, proud Kodavas, defenders of our land, our culture and our legacy.

The march aimed to draw the government’s attention to the challenges faced by the minority kodava community regarding its identity, existence and security. As padayatra progressed more than 15, 000 Kodavas and kodava language speaking community members joined in from their homes each day, demonstrating their support for the cause. The march covering a total distance of 82 kms over 6 days, saw participants dressed in traditional kodava attire,  holding placards that symbolised the unity and rich cultural heritage.

The poignant moment of the march was the participation of 86 year old Bayavanda Saraswati from Hysodlur village who arrived in a wheel chair to show her unwavering support. Her determination and presence inspired many as the peace march became ageless.

We walked for our rights from south to north reverberating with the spirit of togetherness through a single voice that celebrates our pride. Our Kodavas.

So proud to have taken part in the March. It was incredible to see a sea of Kodavas young and old, men and women marching together with unity and hope for the better future. Almost every kilometre local villagers welcomed with Thaiyathakki Bolcha, the volunteers rushed with water, cut fruits, soft drinks, butter milk etc displaying the most famous kodava hospitality. The waste bins were instantly collected throughout the rally, packed and sent for recycling. This showcased the true spirit of Kodavas, who not only prioritize cleanliness but also take proactive steps to protect our environment.

And in the final day, immersing in the feeling of kodavame, sharing the pride of being with the tribe and purposefully pivoting towards our cause, was an exhilarating experience. As I marched on 7th February the final day, from Kaggodlu to Madikeri I thought our culture, rituals, attire, and rights needs to stay with us. This is our pride. This is our culture. These are our roots. As a warrior tribe, our culture is meaningful for us whichever part of the globe we have embraced as home. The walk stood as a historic reminder of an indigenous tribe united, fighting for our rights, existence and proving once and for all. It was once in a lifetime opportunity of such a magnitude! We have lost count and it was tsunami of Kodavas and kodava language speaking communities making history.

It was not a fight against any religion, it was a solidarity march for peace, identity and to preserve the culture that has served Kodagu well from time immemorial.  It wasn’t just about tradition or attire, it was about standing together as a community and an example of the unity that exists in us and so it is high time we stop saying that we have no unity among us. While showing our strength without hurting anyone, we were all so disciplined too. Throughout the march we never created problems in the traffic, and we were all so dignified and well co – ordinated and never broke the rules. We are truly an example for all.

Many kudos to the makers of this march as we proceeded silently without shouting, without slogans today we are definitely soaked in the positivity.

Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah