Emphasising that intellectual progress of any community is possible only when culture and tradition go hand in hand, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy President Ajjinikanda C. Mahesh Nachaiah said that sustaining cultural continuity through academic engagement should be the life philosophy of every individual. He was speaking while presiding over the Kudiya Cultural Namme-2026, organised at the Yavakapady Community Bhavan in collaboration with the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and the NalnadPoomaleKudiya Cultural Committee.
Mahesh Nachaiah said that Kodava culture stands out distinctly in India as the community has progressed in all fields. He observed that the growth of the 23 communities that follow the Kodava language, literature and culture has been possible because they regard Kodava culture as a guiding light in life and uphold strong cultural values.
“Kodava culture is not merely a ritualistic practice; it is a way of life,” he said, urging all communities following Kodava traditions to remain connected to their culture, language and literature wherever they may reside.
Referring to the Kudava community, identified as Maale Kudiya or PoomaleKudiyain Kodagu, he said that the community has contributed significantly to Kodava culture, language and folklore since ancient times. Though the Mala Kudiya population is comparatively small, it is commendable that the community has embraced Kodava customs and traditions and has lived in harmony with other communities.
Explaining the essence of culture, Mahesh Nachaiah said that culture flourishes where there is language, and that all indigenous communities of Kodagu have traditionally upheld the principle of Athithi Devo Bhava (guest is divine). He also highlighted the importance of PattolePalame, authored by Nadikeriyanda Chinnappa, noting that the work has played a crucial role in preserving Kodava community life, culture and language.
He further stated that Kodava indigenous communities have historically worshipped nature. The Kudiya community identifies itself as MaleKudiya or PoomaleKudiya, and he stressed the need for the community to introduce and project its identity more prominently to the outside world.
The programme was inaugurated by ninety-year-old Kuinalamale Seethamma Karumbaiah by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Padinaranda G. Ayyappa, President of the Kodava Thakk Janangakarada Okkoota, said that the survival or extinction of any community depends on the love and respect it shows towards its language and culture. He pointed out that the government has entrusted the present Academy President with the significant responsibility of working towards the inclusion of the Kodava language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and called upon all communities to extend their cooperation. “Recognition of the Kodava language will lead to recognition for everyone,” he said.
Prominent Kudiya leader Muthappa, speaking on the occasion, said that for language, culture and tradition to take root in the minds of individuals, the home must be the first school. He stressed that mothers should teach their children the Kodava language and culture from an early age. Children should also be taught the importance of work and responsibility during their formative years, he said, adding that a strong foundation would allow the entire culture to flourish and shine.
He further stated that culture can grow for future generations only when it is nurtured at home. He explained that there are three categories among the Kudiyas – Adikeymale Kudiya, Temale Kudiya and PoomaleKudiya, and noted that the Poomale Kudiya community follows Kodava customs and traditions.
On the occasion, individuals who have contributed to preserving and promoting Kudiya culture by learning and teaching Kodava customs and folklore were felicitated with shawls, garlands, certificates and mementos. Those honoured included Balopat artist Nerathokada Ramesh of Galibeed, folk artist Padiyamale Ganesh Bidappa of Yavakapady, senior folk artists KuinalamalePoonachha of Yavakapady and Kolindamale M. Raja, young folk artist Kipparemale Pushpa Machayya of Tora village, and young folk artist Nerathokada Radhika of Galibeed.
Presenting a paper on “KodagraDevaneleKudiya Community”, former Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy member Kolindamale K. Bopaiah said that there are currently 35 families among the Kudiya community of Kodaga (Poo) Mala, with an estimated population of around two thousand. He said that the Kudiyars have been serving in various devanelas since the establishment of Pannangalathamme and appealed to the Academy President to organise a district-level Kudiya cultural event.
During the poetry session, Kaddaniyanda Vandana Chinnappa, Anjaparavanda Ranjan Muthappa and Movera Rekha Prakash recited poems and were appreciated.
Kolat and Urtikott dance performances were presented by teams from Galibeed and Yavakapady.
Academy members KudiyarKaaverappa and Mollekuttada Dinu Bojappa were present at the programme, which was conducted by academy members Kambeyanda Deena Bojanna, Kondijammana M. Balakrishna, Ponnira U. Gagan, Cheppudira S. Uthappa, Chotteyanda Sanju Kaverappa and Napanda C. Ganesh.
Former Kakkabe G P President Kalianda Sampan Ayyappa, Marandoda Panchayat member Choyamadanda Harish, elders Bachamanda Raja Poovanna, Kunjila-Kakkabe Gram Panchayat President Shilpa, senior folk artist Kolindamale A. Chinnappa, Kodimanianda Bopaiah, Aarthokkada Mahesh, Mithun Ranjith, Kopattimale Mahesh, Airira Raina Kariappa, Kaniyara Nanaiah, KabbemaleLolavathi and others were present on the dais. Girija and her team offered prayers at the beginning of the programme. Kudiyara Bharat Devaiah compered the event and proposed the vote of thanks.
