In a surprise move, a programme was held ahead of Women’s Day by the Women’s Wing Pommakkada Parishat of Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) to felicitate Bacharanianda Appanna and Ranu for their contribution to Kodava Language and Culture.
Speaking on the occasion, The President of the AKS, Pardanda Subramani Kaveriappa heaped well deserved praise on Appanna Ajja and Ranu Acca as being the most authoritative Encyclopedia on Kodava Language and Culture. Despite not getting adequate credit by those who “borrow” their wisdom and pass it off as their own, they share their knowledge freely with the sole intent of spreading authenticity in a world where many self-styled “experts” hand out reams of new found discourses. Expertise gets developed with years of study, counter verification and not mere replication of unverified data.
Appanna Ajja has been regularly contributing to CLN and his series on Education and his early years of childhood were most well received by CLN readers. Their place in Kodava Language Studies and Culture is irreplaceable – they were instrumental in setting up the syllabus and curriculum for Kodava Studies in Madikeri for the undergraduate studies. Their enthusiasm and motivation is an example of passion and dedication for all Kodavas to emulate.
Appanna Ajja has a treasure chest of hidden jewels/achievements – or let us say not well known to the public at large. He was closely associated with legendary scholar Dr I M Muthanna who has written many books on Kodagu. Further they developed a script for Kodava Thakk that was actually taught in many Government Schools. Recently they were invited as Kodava Language experts to Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysore to suggest a script for Kodava Thakk.
Most amazing couple. They helped build, Field Marshal Cariappa General Thimayya Forum from it’s very first meeting. Helped popularise life story of Thimayya of India by Humphrey Evans by translating the same to Kodava thakk. He has written a beautiful poem regarding General Thimayya’s life and has sung it during one of Thimayya’s birthday celebrations. He is Kodagu’s most authentic Google.
With an awakening interest that we are seeing about Kodava culture from the Kodavas themselves, these are the like couples and torch bearers we should felicitate more often and be heard in larger gatherings. Their contribution will truly hold meaning when most of us will undestand and talk the Kodava ideology like an everyday affair. Truly blessed to have born in this community.
Amazing Appanna Ajja and Ranu Akka – both have served the community in many ways – foremost as Teachers, Custodians and Authorities of Kodava Culture and always ready to share their knowledge. The community salutes their dedication and passion in all that they do.
Delighted to see this news on the really deserving recognition of this venerable lifetime Teacher couple. In Japan, they have a concept of National Treasures – this elderly couple fall in that category. They may not have won the National and State Awards – but they have certainly earned themselves the title of Treasures of the Kodava Community 👏🏻👏🏻