Youth Awareness Needed to Prevent Human-Elephant Conflict – Prof. B. Raghav
The Codava Makkada Coota released its 117th book, Kodagal Aane-Malava Panangal, authored by Cheekapoovanda Shwethan Changappa, at the Patrika Bhavan, Madikeri. The release coincided with the birthday celebration of the organisation’s founding president Bollajira B. Ayyappa. The event was presided over by Prof. B. Raghav, Principal of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College, Madikeri, and President of Kodagu Press Club Bollajira B. Ayyappa.
Prof. Raghav observed that human-elephant conflict has become increasingly serious in recent years, harming both humans and elephants. He stressed the need to create awareness among youth and to understand underlying causes such as forest destruction, timber lobbies, food scarcity, human encroachment, excessive tourism, and waste mismanagement. He called upon youth to take greater interest in environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
In praising the book, Prof. Raghav said it offers a detailed analysis of human-elephant interactions, tracing elephants’ usefulness from ancient to colonial times. He added that nine students who completed their Kodava MA degree at F.M.K.M. Cariappa College have become writers, contributing to the growth of Kodava literature, culture, and traditions.
Senior litterateur Bacharaniyanda P. Appanna said readers should critically analyse books and bring errors to the attention of authors, which would improve quality and encourage writers. He stressed the importance of proofreading and accuracy before publishing, noting that Kodagal Aane-Malava Panangal is a valuable research-based contribution that should be read by environmentalists and animal lovers.
Author Cheekapoovanda Shwethan Changappa said it is incorrect to claim that elephants are entering human settlements, as humans have encroached upon elephants’ habitats. She emphasised that elephants, revered as forms of Lord Ganesha, are not at fault, but are suffering due to human mistakes. She also mentioned innovative ideas, including honey cultivation in farms, as a possible measure to deter elephants.
Codava Makkada Coota President Bollajira B. Ayyappa remarked that human greed and misuse of the environment are causing wild elephant conflicts. He recalled that in earlier times, forests in Kodagu were protected through Devarakadus and Gomalas, and that traditional Kodava festivals such as Kakkada, Kail Pold, Puttari, and Kaveri Tirthodbhava were all environmentally conscious. He lamented that modern pressures such as resorts, homestays, and land conversions have increased conflicts.
He praised Kodagal Aane-Malava Panangal as an excellent work, the result of six months of dedicated research, and announced that it would be distributed to all farmers in the district. He also said the Coota will support the translation of quality works into Kannada to broaden their reach. Cheekapoovanda Mithun Changappa, coordinator and grower at Gyanodaya School, said the conflict between farmers and wildlife has caused immense crop and human loss, which prompted the author to write the book in consultation with the Forest Department.
The Codava Makkada Coota, which has been encouraging literature and organising cultural programmes for the past 12 years, has released 117 books so far – a remarkable achievement. The event was attended by Ittira Sarojini Poovaiah, retired manager of the Town Cooperative Bank, along with several well-wishers and members of the community.
