The annual general body meeting of the Koyava Samaja for the year 2024–25 and the scholarship distribution programme for students were held at the Pragathi Hall in Murnad.
Vice President of Koyava Samaja and President of the Kodava-speaking Communities Federation – Dr. Mechira Subhash Nanaiah urged community members to fill in the caste column as Koyava and leave the sub-caste column blank, while marking Hindu under the religion column during the ongoing government’s educational, social, economic, and caste census, without getting confused by any misinformation.
Receiving honours and addressing the gathering, retired Army Officer and former Police Sub-Inspector Jillanda Sannu Cheeyanna said that serving in the Indian Army is a matter of great pride. He emphasized that discipline, punctuality, dedication, honesty, and patriotism are essential to achieve success. He advised the younger generation to pursue higher education and consider serving in the armed forces, as this would help them build a bright future and also enable them to rise from the ranks of soldiers to officers by utilizing available opportunities.
Retired ASI Nendumanda Prakash in his address stated that the security of the nation’s borders is as important as maintaining internal security. He said that if duties are performed sincerely within the framework of law, crimes can be effectively controlled. He expressed satisfaction that he had carried out his duties with honesty during his service and urged today’s youth to take keen interest in their studies, pursue higher education, secure good jobs in various departments, and bring pride to their parents and community.
Presiding over the meeting, Jillanda Madappa, President of the Samaja, said that the annual gathering of members strengthens mutual bonds and provides a platform to resolve any internal differences. He added that the scholarship provided through the community’s endowment fund would help children pursue better education. He also mentioned that the Samaja requires its own building and assured that steps are being taken to construct one soon with government grants on the site already purchased.
Directors Kanjangada Subbayya, Mallanda Mahesh, Mechira Harish, Thorera Nalini Aiyappa, Nendumanda Geetha Nanayya, Eeramanda Damayanthi, and Pudiyokkada Remith Sujay were present. Mechira Deepthi offered the prayer, President Jillanda Madappa welcomed the gathering, Achhapanda Dharmavathi compered the programme, and Kallira Nanayya proposed the vote of thanks.
Honorary Secretary Thorera Kashi Kariyappa presented the previous year’s report and the financial statement for 2024–25, which were approved by the house.
Students who excelled academically were felicitated with scholarships from the endowment fund: Nayamanda Tanmayi (SSLC), Mechira Shilpa and Achhapanda Prajna (PUC), and Mechira Deepthi Harish and Mechira Triveni (degree).
At the end of the programme, Dr. Mechira Subha Nanayya distributed T-shirts and extended best wishes to the sportspersons representing the Samaja in the upcoming 21 Kodava-speaking 21 communities’ Sports Meet scheduled for the end of November.
Following the meeting, various traditional Kodava games and cultural performances such as Ummattat, Malakkattat, and folk songs were held.
