Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asserted that “If we have to bring equality in the society, shouldn’t we give a chance to those who are deprived of opportunities and are economically weaker? We have to give them priority in our programmes.”
1.75 lakh teachers will act as enumerators and each teacher will survey 120 to 150 houses in 15 days. The survey from September 22 to October 7 will take place with an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore.
Ostensibly the most important need for such a survey is that this is a socio-educational, economic and ‘job’ survey.
It is in this context that CLN had put forth a leading Anthropologist’s hypothesis that minority communities like Kodavas need precise idea as to their numbers, the average household size, the types of households they have, the sex ratio, their population in different age-cohorts, or the birth rate/fertility among them, education, livelihood and so on. Unless such data is made available, how can the Community liaise with the Centre, State and District Administration to formulate plans to preserve Kodava Culture and rejuvenate declining numbers.
Social media posts have been virulently active within the community the past few days, in connection with the survey and the elections being held held in Kodava Samaja, Bangalore. Some of them have been worryingly distasteful and not in keeping within the tenets of civility and what Kodavaame represents. CLN reached out to senior members of the community, including leaders, planters and participants of the soul stirring Kodavaame Balo Nadp (KBN). Their simple statement was that the disciplined, responsible and “inclusive participation” was all about unity in strength for reasserting Kodava identity, without any political involvement. It was a PEOPLES MOVEMENT.
A quick recap – Clearly the People want PEACE and HARMONY, without external influences from outside of the District. The march proved that the ordinary people of all communities want to distance themselves from organizations with an aggressive stance to divide communities that have been living together as ONE from time immemorial.
The sea of traditionally dressed Kodavas showcasing the best of their cultural heritage, was a visual treat. Call it an accident-of-birth, but if one was born a Kodava – this occasion would have been a proud moment – peaceful, disciplined, positive-minded, genial march from Mekeri to Madikeri. There was purposeful unity in every step taken with quiet dignity and determination to protect our inheritance and identity – most of all Kodavaame – the Kodava way of life. Speaking to elderly Avvayya’s and Ajja’s who determinedly made their appearance on many legs of the Walkathon – they glowed with pride basking in the glory of the determined participation by Kodavas from rank and file.
The Kodavas were provoked in every possible manner over the past couple of decades. Statues desecrated, unwanted attempts to impose dress restrictions, questioning of origins and more. There could not have been a more fitting reply with the Peace March from Kutta to Madikeri. This much-needed path breaking Walkathon unified Kodavas in a manner never done before. It was historic, unprecedented and a showcasing of Kodava culture at its best.
Therefore, when the Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) President’s opinion was sought regarding the Census, he merely referred to the status of Kodavas being recorded as such in 1931 Census, before being inexplicably subsumed and included as Hindu in 1941. Apparently there was a totally unwarranted ugly fracas at the AKS meeting in Virajpet the day before, with strong political leanings, which was uncalled for. The President quite correctly maintains that non-profit service oriented Organizations involved in serving the Kodava Community should not have politicians nor political overtones in the running of their operations. The Community’s interest must always take priority. Similarly, the proceedings of the days prior to Kodava Samaja, Bangalore’s elections were also not in keeping with this tenet.
Senior lawyers shared their thoughts and stated that at times like this, it is important to understand how other similar communities in places like Goa, Ladakh, North Eastern States, etc address similar sensitive issues. They very diligently record themselves as the community they belong to and collect appropriate data that enables them to take the right decisions for the future. For starters, people residing in Kodagu should seek/gather details of taxes collected from the district and correlate what proportion was reinvested for the development and creating infrastructure. It is well known that after the somewhat controversial merger of Coorg with then Mysore State, development activity – be it roads, power, environment, higher education, healthcare, job creation and promotion of MSME, management of tourism on responsible basis…. are found wanting. The Political Parties’ agendas are controlled by their respective State and Central High Commands. The voice of the electorate is best heard when real community representatives participate in the development agenda for their district on a partnership basis.
Let’s hope we have the collective wisdom, compassion and patience to understand that the correlation between caste and economic opportunity is no longer as absolute as it used to be. Secularism in the Indian Constitution is a cornerstone of the country’s democratic framework, ensuring the harmonious coexistence of its diverse religious communities. Rooted in the principles of equality, freedom, and justice, secularism prevents the state from favoring any religion while safeguarding the right of individuals to practice, profess, and propagate their faith. The concept, enshrined in the Preamble and various constitutional provisions such as Articles 25 to 28, underscores India’s commitment to religious neutrality. By promoting equal respect for all religions, the Indian Constitution fosters social harmony, protects minority rights, and upholds the fundamental principle of non-discrimination in public policies and governance.
This article has been compiled with inputs from a vast number of people that include Elders, Kodava Bashikas, Planters, Lawyers, Traders, Kodava Samaja representatives, Ex-Servicemen, Professionals, Sportspersons, Educationists, Medical Professionals, HomeStay Operators, Restaurateurs.
I felt compelled to share a truncated part of my post that I made when the Kattemad incident took place:
My family has lived in Kodagu for over 100 years – more than 3 generations. I have studied and my best friends through school and college are Kodavas who have welcomed me to their homes, festivals and celebrations and treated me as a fellow Kodava. I have visited over 25 AineManes as a guest during Puthari, Keilpodh and various Ur Nammes – I speak the language fluently and therefore it is not surprising to be asked – ninga daada!
So my general reply is that I feel like a Kodava while being able to belong to my community. Kodavas are very hospitable and inclusive by nature – the history of Kodagu is replete with many examples of legendary hospitality.
So the purpose of this communication is merely to state that being Kodava is a privilege and not an apology. You’ve had access to education well before most communities did in this country. Use this well and combine in it the hard work ethic that your fore fathers obviously did, with the added touch of leading an “inclusive” way of life. The participation by other communities, especially Kodava Bashikas in the Kodavaame Balo Nadp are a testimonial to the past leadership wider community traits of Kodavas. Take stock of what is required to retain this glorious inheritance and may Kodavaame exist for all time to come!
Reading and listening to this confusing narrative loosely and irresponsibly circulated on social media without any intervention, makes us – the older generation wonder whether we should bring back the tenets of Thakkamme, at our Okkas, Ur, Keri, Nad, where meaningful communication on behalf of the Kodava community takes place.
We are born Kodavas, lived with all the ways of life that makes us Kodavas, sang our songs as dudipaatkaras and danced in our sacred AineMane, mandh and Temples. Our GuruKarona gets the place of preeminence above anyone else and our lighting of the lamp at the Nellakibode and KaniKombre and Kaimada is what we do first, before we go to temples. Sadly we find our dances and songs are being sung in far away places like Bangalore and Chennai; worse as cultural entertainment in resorts. This must STOP immediately. We must follow all the strict norms of RESPONSIBLE TOURISM where our culture is not diminished/insulted, environment protected, tourism be restricted to manageable numbers in a manner where the local residents benefit and so on. We don’t need Five Star Resorts – there is no benefit for locals.
Now that does not in any way diminish the fact that we pray at our revered temples – in fact it is about time we took back the management of TaleKaveri and Igguthappa which we wrongfully taken over by the Muzrai Department. Earlier, all collections, including offerings of Rice, were distributed for consumption by devotees – including at less prosperous temples. There is no access to what happens at our two major temples once Muzrai has taken over and it is a well known fact that the rice and other offerings are sold to shopkeepers in Nearby towns. The financial surplus can be used for Higher Education as is the case with most other communities with proper checks and balances.
The information collected from the survey should be widely circulated for each community. The residents of Kodagu should KNOW how much revenue is generated in this district and what proportion is spent here for the development in infrastructure like better roads, power, environment and so on. Right now the politicians behave like they are dispensing favours by “allocating” our own money!!
Summary – do we not know that we are Kodava? Even after 75 years of independence, the government has provided free education, ration, and priority benefits for the reserved categories, yet the same demands continue. The best way forward is to consider everyone as equal one general category with caste and religion remaining personal matters within one’s own home.
The residents of Kodagu, not just the Kodavas, should ask the District Administration for the Budget, priorities and actual spend each year as an outcome of the Survey.
For example – how much money is spent by the Government and through Private Collections for Dussehra. Could this be used more productively to improve the roads and infrastructure? Unfortunately, there is a mindset to refurbish good temples and build new ones. The critical need of the hour is Higher Education, improved Healthcare and micro enterprises. THIS IS WHAT WE NEED FOR KODAGU – NOT WHAT RELIGION to ENTER And other inane matters.
HARD WORK ALWAYS WINS!
Frankly I haven’t seen such confusion by any community regarding a socio-economic Survey that should in reality be providing data (if that is made available to the public) that could be useful if collected on a “community” basis.
In Mangalore, Udupi and for that matter amongst the Bunt community – we rely entirely on education, entrepreneurial activity and most importantly HARD WORK. All of our families have one amongst us staying back at home base and the rest find jobs or businesses to run. But there is one hallmark – we get back home every year for family functions. It is no different in Kodagu too – but alarmingly land is being sold in Kodagu to people from outside the district – for that matter the State – to people who have no stake in your sacred land. Imagine what efforts it must have taken your ancestors to clear the wild jungle, over generations, to create that precious arable wetlands and plantations.
Last but not the least, we have a very strong Bunts Sangha across the country and the world. We encourage our women work to work too and provide working Women’s Accommodation – especially in places like Mumbai. The Community needs to come together, behave and act as ONE with one voice. Of course we have our disagreements and problems too, but always a quick intervention and positive outcome takes place.
A very relevant and timely article. The upcoming socio- economic survey is important for minority communities like the Kodavas who need authentic data to safeguard their identity, culture and future. Unless the numbers and realities are properly enumerated, it becomes difficult for the community to present its concerns before the Government.
The success of Kodavame Balo Nadpu has shown that Kodavas can come together as one voice to protect and preserve their heritage. In this context it is important to extend full support to the Akhila Kodava Samaja which has been working as best as they can to respect Kodava interests at various levels. Such Surveys provide a strong foundation to frame meaningful policies for the future…hopefully with participation by the Residents with the District Administration.
Kodagu’s infrastructure is creaking with pathetic roads and abysmal power availability. A major concern is the worrisome uncontrolled spurt in tourism that has NO SEMBLANCE with the concept of RESPONSIBLE TOURISM. There has to be a concerted effort to control the rampaging numbers which can be the death of everything that Kodagu and Kodavas stand for.
I find this entire debate somewhat perplexing. This is purportedly an socio-economic survey. If there were any jobs – they’re taken (of course, apparently there are tens of thousands of Teachers/Professors jobs that are vacant).
The State Government is bankrupt thanks to the “freebie” schemes and just for the record – it is all tax payers money (including the people receiving the freebies).
So instead of ruing upon what needs to be done, work hard, get educated, find jobs or engage in micro enterprises that other communities like Bunts and Moplahs undertake. Don’t display this ENTITLED attitude that we possess in abundance.
The article rightly emphasises:
People residing in Kodagu should seek/gather details of taxes collected from the district and correlate what proportion was reinvested for the development and creating infrastructure. It is well known that after the somewhat controversial merger of Coorg with then Mysore State, development activity – be it roads, power, environment, higher education, healthcare, job creation and promotion of MSME, management of tourism on responsible basis has been found wanting.
I found it very disturbing to see the unwanted, vicious, damaging and scurrilous comments being circulated on social media. Where was the news for such distasteful communication? What value did it provide other than disgracing the hard fought unity within the community after the sacred Walkathon?
What we need in Kodagu is proper understanding of our culture, more jobs and enterprise, less celebrations and Nammes at a drop of the hat and MOST IMPORTANTLY – THE ETHIC OF HARD WORK that is sadly lacking together.
In the days gone by, we rolled up our sleeves and worked for our family’s well-being and that of the community. We went back for all the important festivals and would not tolerate statements like treat the Kodava Samaja as your AineMane?
Our GuruKarona got prime importance and we always went and took the blessings of our ancestors by lighting the lamp at the Nellakkibode and KaniKombre. Everything else was secondary. Where is the need for any confusion? We prayed in our village temples, at Igguthappa and Talekaveri for many centuries. We danced in our white kupyas at all the festivals together with all Kodava Bashikas. What was the issue? We provided inclusive leadership, fairness and carried everyone alongwith us. That is what made us TRUE KODAVAS!
When I see images of senior citizens even in their 80s and 90s participating in the March for Unity and Identity, it makes you think how cavalier we are in appreciating the inheritance of Kodavaame. The below picture was one of the most inspirational images of the March leaving no doubt that we are Kodava, above all 🙏🏼
The article is very well written. I find it balanced and the approach is one of of peaceful rapprochement with a problem solving attitude. This is really the need of the hour.
The success of the Kodavaame Balo Nadp has been very well referenced to reassert the fact that protecting our Kodava identity is critical. All support must be given to The Akhila Kodava Samaja as the preeminent organization to create a much needed platform to present a coordinated demand or request for all issues relating to the community.
The virulent inappropriate social media posts must be curbed as most of the views are biased and out of place. It has to come from self imposed maturity and a consultative approach before uploading such comments.
Another, apt, brilliant and timely editorial by CLN like always.
Yes this so called census has triggered a chain reaction among kodavas in social media. This infact, I should say has opened up the Pandoras Box as far as our community and religion are concerned. The community is at cross roads and clearly divided regarding the choice of our religion with many saying we are HINDUS but Majority saying we are a separate religion KODAVA as we don’t practice any of the Hindu rituals or practices. Sadly politics has again crept into this issue too and fractured the otherwise private issue of Religion. For me personally, Wedding, Funeral and Religion are one’s extremely private issue best left to individuals to decide what they want. Politics should never enter one’s religious faith under any circumstance.
The recently held Kodavaame Baalo Nadp from Kutta to Madikeri was to assert our community’s Unity and Identity sinking all political leanings which set KODAVAS APART for the disciplined way we conducted the KB Nadp. Before this happened the general perception among all Kodavas was that the community won’t unite for a cause and will not get on to the roads. But this one event changed this whole PERCEPTION totally and KODAVAS and Bashikas SIMPLY got together when the community was threatened by devious forces trying to break our unity and divide for political gain.
I only sincerely hope good sense prevails regarding this sensitive issue of RELIGION in the oncoming Census and KODAVAS who are a very unique and distinct community comes out unscathed and untouched by politics.