The function to commemorate the grant of 7 Acres of Land by the Government of Karnataka took place yesterday at the Vasanthnagar premises of the Samaja. The stage was power packed with luminaries from the Government and also a clear acknowledgment of A S Ponnanna’s standing with all his senior colleagues, especially the CM himself.
CLN Newsdesk attended the function and the occasion was to emphasise the enormous support given to Kodagu and its people by the Congress Government. A summary of the address by the CM, DyCM and our MLA is provided below:
The proceedings commenced with customary welcome to the dignitaries by the Management Committee. Thereafter the Chief Minister took time to address the Kodavas who had eagerly been waiting to hear the CM speak. He began by unequivocally praising Mr. Ponnanna and singling him out for a bright and promising Political Future.
He called for the community to support him and that he would become an asset to the state. He stated that he is already a valuable asset to the Kodava community.
He emphasised that even though the Kodava community is small in number, relatively speaking, no one else matches their service to the nation. Kodavas lead in culture and discipline. Their contributions to the military, national security, sports, and politics are immense.
He praised A.K. Subbaiah and M.C. Nanaiah as great parliamentarians who were firebrands who spoke for the people in the legislature. Ponnanna too possesses all the qualities of a firebrand leader, he added.
The CM has instructed the Revenue Minister that when any community asks for land, it should be given at just 10% of the guidance value. The same has been done for the Kodava community as well, he said.
We are all Indians and Kannadigas. Kodavas, who are at the forefront of national defence, are not involved in caste or religious divisions. They respect and consider everyone as fellow Indians, he said.
Mr Siddaramiah emphasised that the Congress party treats everyone equally and considers people of all castes and religions as Indian citizens.
Let caste and religion remain private matters at home. But outside, we are all one — we are Indians, he appealed.
The CM promised that the Cabinet would discuss and decide on naming a metro station after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa.
Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar spoke and said, Kodavas are like precious gems and ornaments to the country. They carry out any responsibility with discipline. They have created history in law, defence, and sports. They have shown true patriotism and made contributions to India’s independence. Their history and tradition should never be forgotten. He stated that the government has recognized the sacrifices of Kodavas and allotted land accordingly.
The Dy CM continued that the Congress government has always worked with a full heart. We must strengthen Congress in Kodagu and aim to elect two MLAs in the future as well.
Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, the Chief Minister’s legal advisor and MLA from Virajpet, thanked CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and all cabinet ministers for their support.
He said, The Kodava community despite being small in number and stretched financially, they have given immense service to the country. Our government has made a huge contribution to the community, and that should never be forgotten. Though small in number, Kodavas have made great contributions to national service. They are known for honesty and dedication. Kodavas efficiently handle every task entrusted to them. I am committed to sincerely serving the people and developing my constituency. I am working for the development of all communities. We should never forget our history. The Congress government has given so much to the Kodava people, and we must always remember it.
Present on the occasion were Ministers K.J. George, Byrathi Suresh, Krishna Byre Gowda, MLAs Dr. Manthar Gowda and Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, the President and Vice President of the Bengaluru Kodava Samaja, the executive board members, and Mrs. Kanchan Ponnanna, wife of MLA Ajjikuttira Ponnanna.
Kodavas celebrating 7 acres land acquisition by Bangalore Kodava Samaja juxtaposed with several Kodavas having sold thousands(in total) of acres in their ancestral homeland….is something that should make us think.
When we as a community celebrate land acquisition outside of homeland, it is time for retrospection of dilution of landholdings in our Homeland. Understand that its easier said than done.
At the end it is each individual’s personal finance planning/situational needs which drives divestment, the same cannot be judged by others.
1972’s first Kodava language movie “Naada man Naada Kool” needs a re-release.
Just a humble thought!
What you say is absolutely right and resonates with the views of most Kodavas.
Many elders have pointed out that it is sad to think that Jamma lands held onto for several generations, under more trying circumstances, are now sold through ingenious means.
Buyers from Andhra seem to have appropriated these sacred lands and worse get clearance for making resorts in such ecologically sensitive areas with impunity. This is the difficult travesty to digest.
The suggestion to broadcast Naada Mann Naada Kool is excellent. The elders talk about this with great reverence and fondness. Apparently, the Director of the film gave complete freedom to the Kodava actors to speak their lines as they deemed fit!!
The Government, which has shown its commitment to preserving culture and tradition by granting seven acres of land to the Kodava Samaja at a highly concessional rate, considering the sacrifice of the community, is highly commendable.
However, the event originally intended to celebrate the grant took on a distinctly political overtone. Multiple political leaders and MLAs were in attendance, shifting the focus from a community celebration to a platform of political scoring of points. It was disappointing that the event felt more like a Congress led platform than a neutral cultural celebration. Predictably the BJP has taken exception to the one-sided representation of credit taken for the land grant!
Isn’t the need of the hour for strengthening the parent body in Kodagu – the Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) to manage the Community Affairs in Kodagu a more pressing requirement? Don’t we need such grants in our district rather than in a city like Bengaluru – if possible in all the important locations in Kodagu?
I would go one step further and add that what Kodagu needs is a platform of expression and execution of a common agenda that protects the identity of the Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas. We need to proactively take the initiative to improve education, healthcare, care for elders, skills development (promote dignity of labour), create jobs and undertake entrepreneurial activity.
Combine this with responsible tourism and preserving the sacred landscape free from garbage, with associated steps for regeneration of the water table and resources – these activities should take centre stage.
1. There was much excitement yesterday at the Kodava Samaja in Vasanthnagar, Bangalore to commemorate the grant of 7 acres by the Government of Karnataka. The heavy weight politicians arrived after 6 PM – a proverbial delay to a program listed as commencing at 4 pm. The venue was packed to the hilt by 3 pm itself, but were kept entertained by an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd.
2. The function was definitely a feather 🪶 in the cap 🧢 of the popular South Kodagu MLA A S Ponnanna. Even the CM singled him out for praise and urged the Kodavas to support him in his promising political career.
3. The entire tone of the event was one of the Congress Party’s benevolence in looking after Kodagu and Kodavas. But let me ask a sincere question of all Political Parties and Politicians who have “ruled” Kodagu post the merger with the then Mysore State in 1956, has there been any real development in the District in the past 68+ years?
4. It is ironic that the Kodava Samajas in Bangalore and Mysore are flourishing, relatively speaking, compared to the parent entity The Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS). It is a sad reflection on the entire community to see the abysmal state of disrepair of the AKS premises in Virajpet. Rather than seek the largesse from any political party, should we not take a leaf and lead from the soul-stirring success of the Kodavaame Balo Nadp and recreate/re-energize an organisation and infrastructure befitting the stature of our community – within Kodagu?