A.S. Ponnanna, Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA, speaking at the “AipaniAaime Pinna Kali Paipoti” program held recently at the Biddatanda family farm in Napoklu, urged the youth to continue the agricultural practices, culture, art, and traditions preserved by the ancestors of Kodagu. The program was organized by the Department of Kannada and Culture, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Biddatanda Family, Nalku Nadu Planters Club Association, and Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Association.
He emphasized that Kodagu’s people have relied on agriculture since ancient times and, along with farming, have nurtured and preserved their language, art, and cultural heritage. These must be passed on to future generations. He stressed that preserving and developing customs, traditions, and art is a collective responsibility.
“The literature, culture, and art of Kodava-speaking people are exemplary and respected worldwide. The Kodava culture is admired at both national and international levels. It is the duty of all Kodava-speaking people to preserve and develop it,” he said.
Ponnanna pointed out that although the nation’s population has risen to 1.4 billion, the Kodava-speaking population continues to decline. However, he praised the community’s achievements in diverse fields, including sports, highlighting that ChanduraPoovanna from the district has recently been selected for the Indian main hockey team after many years.
He assured that the government would extend full support to the academy and encouraged collective efforts to organize quality programs.
On the occasion, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy President Ajjnikanda C. Mahesh Nachaiah noted that 21 indigenous Kodava-speaking tribes worship agricultural land. He stressed the importance of preserving inherited traditions related to land, gardens, and homes, as well as continuing the worship of CauveriSankramana and Bhumitai. He called for joint efforts to maintain the agricultural system and promote the welfare of the Kodava-speaking community.
The event was attended by Gram Panchayat President Vanajakshi Renukesh, Nalknadu Planters Club Association President Bachammanda Lava Chinnappa, Napoklu Coffee Planter Biddatanda Jeevan Thimmaiah, Biddatanda Family President Cariappa, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Former President Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, and several farmers, academy members, and community leaders.
The sports competitions organized by the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy at the Biddatanda family farm featured enthusiastic participation from students of about 13 schools and colleges in the Napoklu region. Events included the planting race, paddy picking, and other contests. Elders also took part in a coconut shooting competition, during which MLA A.S. Ponnanna attracted attention by successfully shooting a coconut.
Member Napanda C. Ganesh welcomed the gathering. Cheppudira S. Uthappa offered the prayer. Maletira Srinivas served as the program narrator, and Ponnira U. Gagan delivered the vote of thanks.
