Codava National Council (CNC) President N.U. Nachappa emphasized that the protection of Codavaland rests with the indigenous Kodava people. Speaking at the 6th Public Awareness Human Chain program in Ponnampet, he advocated for a separate code and column for the Kodavas in the national census and caste survey. Nachappa stated that only by doing this can the Kodavas’ rights, heritage, and culture be preserved. The inclusion of a separate code will enable the Kodavas to secure constitutional rights, geographical autonomy, and special status akin to the “Sangha” constituency for Buddhist monks in Sikkim.
He warned that the increasing spread of resort and urbanization threatens Kodagu’s heritage and stressed the urgent need for Kodavas to unite and defend their ancestral land and heritage. Nachappa called for:
A separate code and column for the Kodavas in the 2025 26 national population and caste census.
Special status for Codavaland and its inclusion in the constitutional framework.
The listing of Kodavas as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
The return of ancestral and hereditary properties lost due to historical injustices.
He emphasized that the census is vital for ensuring the Kodavas’ right to self determination and preserving their unique culture, heritage, and identity.
Awareness in Napoklu:
The next Human Chain Awareness event will be held in Napoklu on July 7, continuing CNC’s campaign across Kodagu.
