This article is dedicated to all the old teachers of Kodagu who have got us thus far !.
There was a time in Kodagu when almost all the Primary and High school Teachers were Kodavas – and many of them stoic, but much respected women. It was not unusual for the wives of planters to take up teaching in their neighborhood schools. For that matter they encouraged their kinsfolk to donate a few acres of land and build schools – which eventually have become the government schools dotted all across Kodagu.
This incredible custom benefitted the Kodava Community at large in many ways:
- A disciplined and well brought up household, with the right values of hard work and associated Kodavaame.
- Respect within the community thereby endorsing the leadership stature that Kodavas enjoyed in an inclusive society.
An anecdotal story of how the Kakkabe High School came into being is worth repeating. Apparanda Appaiah, Anjaparavanda Subramani and Apparanda Muthappa were childhood friends whose relationship cemented with age. Their secret hideout was a spot called Murake Pole where they quaffed their homemade local brew – batha sarai with delicious barbecued meat. On one such occasion the Education Officer for Kodagu happened to visit and declared that he would happily clear the setting up of a local school if the three friends were willing to start one. Appaiah donated 4 acres and his petite wife Dotty teacher became the headmistress. Appaiah used to teach many subjects pro bono. Such are the legends of many schools started in Kodagu with the largesse and commitment to build communities.
Many of the extraordinary teachers inclue such teachers include;
- Biddatanda Ponnappa Ajja – former Principal of Field Marshal Cariappa College in Madikeri.
- Bacharanianda Ranu and Appanna Ajja – who were closely involved with the Kudige Teachers Training Institute and are teachers to the day – especially on everything to do with Kodava language and culture.
- Devanira Appayya Master – a graduate from Madras Presidency College and held the Head Master’s post at Ammathi Middle School for 22 years.
- Kambiranda Muthanna Master – a graduate of Madras Christian College. He was Headmaster of Somwarpet School for over two decades.
- Biddanda Ahalya Achaiah – who taught at High School at Madikeri and went on to become Joint Director of Education.
- Kulletira B Somaiah – a soft spoken genius in Sciences and taught Mathematics with panache; also became a Jt. Director.
- Paruvangada N Devaiah – Senior Education Officer
- Many lifelong Women teachers : Monnanda P Gowramma (Madikeri); Baddira P Muthamma (Chettalli/Virajpet); Chottemanda B Kalamma (Virajpet/Ponnampet); Pemmanda Ponnamma; Bellathanda C Parvathi; and the list is endless…..
- Also, there are some distinguished teachers who are recipients of national awards that include Devanira Appayya, Pattada Uthaiah, Bacharanianda Chengappa, Pattada Uthappa and Bollera Chengappa.
Sadly this great service that the Kodavas proudly provided has trickled to single digits. Consequently the quality of education in the government schools has dropped and many are teetering on closure. Fortunately some private institutions like KALS and COPS in Gonikoppal which has become an educational hub are thriving. Other exceptions like Coorg Institute of Technology Ponnampet, Ankur School in Napoklu … such a small sprinkling compared to neighbouring Malnad Region that has innumerable Universities of higher learning. The few Kodava teachers who are associated with private institutions like Iychettira Gayathri Machaiah and Apparanda Suman Ganapathy have shown exemplary commitment as teachers, while also providing high quality education and upbringing of their children at home – showing that children needn’t be sent outside Kodagu, for good quality education.
The loss of preeminence in this noble profession has cost the community dearly with children going out to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore – seldom returning to their roots and resultant loss of culture. Concerted efforts have to be put in by the community to start Private Educational Institutions of higher learning, along with improved Healthcare, Skills training for small scale entrepreneurial activity – to make living in our beloved homeland attractive for all within the community.
I studied at Modern Primary School Maragodu in 1970’s. My first standard teacher Ballachanda Seethamma, second standard Baduvanda Poovaiah Master and third standard teacher always used to sleep in the class, luckily he’s not a Kodava, fourth standard Ammatanda Appaiah Master, sixth standard Ballachanda Somanna master, he made me children’s day president. 8th & 9th I had many Kodava teachers @ junior college madikeri they are Monnanda Monnamma, Aramanamada Jaaji ponnamma, Almanda Bojamma, seethamma, Mohanangi, Kaliyanda Saraswathi, Erappa, Pattada Karumbaiah, Nanjappa and in 10th only one Kodava PT teacher Hottengada Narayana. I am so lucky to have all these teachers in my life. They used to teach very well. My mother used to mention her teachers name Kotera Somanna master and Chenada Muthanna Master.
My mother was a teacher in Bellur school..
My Uncle was a Master Addanda Krishna Cariappa Ponnampet
My Uncle Kattera Medu..Retd Prinicipal
Such an interesting article, with thoughtful comments – very insightful and enjoyable reading material.
My parents moved to Kodagu/Gonikoppal in 1920-30s. My primary schooling was undertaken under a thatched roof small building with Maneyapanda Cariappa as the Headmaster. We then had to go through Secondary school before passing an entrance test to be eligible to attend High School in Ponnampet. We used to walk the 6kms one way to school daily! Higher learning was out of the question.
One cannot imagine now the transformation of Gonikoppal as an Education Hub for Kodagu – hats off to KALS, COPS and CIT – all private initiatives that have served the community well.
So when we had our children, they attended school at St Anne’s Virajpet and had to go to Mysore and Mangalore for higher studies.
The point I am making is that there is a dire need for Degree and Post graduate colleges in Kodagu – if it’s a citizens’ initiative or private enterprise, all the better. There seems to be a yawning gap between the extraordinary foresight of distinguished Kodava elderly statesmen who moved heaven and earth to get English education in place and the somewhat inexplicable absence of private institutions for undergraduate education.
In our time we could somehow manage to get jobs with a matriculation qualification. The competition is so stiff now that a basic degree is a must with English medium – especially if the student is looking for a job in the private sector.
Happy festival to all the readers. Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of my time at St. Joseph’s Convent, where my sisters and I also studied in Madikeri. The memories compelled me to reconnect with them, as our shared experiences in that small town have had a lasting impact on our lives. My nephew continued the family tradition by attending the same school. I fondly remember teachers like Roopa Kaveri, who taught English and biology, and Jayasheela, as well as my college lecturer, Rekha Kalaiah, who later became the principal. Their guidance shaped our paths and contributed greatly to our success. While there are many more influential figures, I will refrain from naming everyone here. My siblings and I, having been educated in this humble town, have all gone on to achieve respectable positions in our respective fields, proving that we are no less than those from larger cities. Proudly, I say Jai Ho to our beloved Madikeri.
1. I studied in rural schools and graduated from a rural college with average grades. My grades were below minimum cut off required for admission to Post graduation courses.
2. I was not aware as to what job should I take up after completing my BSc. I could not built up any job oriented skills. My English language and communication were also not very fluent.
3. I was neither comfortable with mingling with strangers, nor did I have money and guts to start any business.
4. Most of my classmates were also in the same line. Future was uncertain for many of us.
Then the following few events changed my life for good;
A. I shifted to Bangalore from my village. My cousins helped in getting a job in private Company and provided me shelter.
B. While on the job I took training in communication and prepared Strongly for Government service exams.
C. Initially I did not pass any exams.
D. But after 1 years I passed exams and failed in interviews.
E. After 1 more years I got selected to the posts of Sub-Inspector and in CAG office. I chose CAG and joined at UDC level post.
F. During my service, I passed 2 departmental exams and got promoted as group B officer and subsequently Group I officer.
G. Later after serving 25 years I took VRS from my job. Subsequently I started training students for competitive exams for joining Government service jobs. It is going on successfully.
Looking back on ups and downs in my career these observations I made; I started focusing on my career only after graduation. Had I focused on career-oriented capacity building in my school or college, I could build a better career or could scale upto another level.
H. Comparing my performance with my other classmates and friends many had scored better marks than me. Some even had better knowledge and skills. But career wise very few are placed better than me.
Now I have few questions for you to give feedback back:
1. Is it not better to prepare for a career in school/ college days for students to excel in life?
2. If you feel so- Have you started providing orientation/ training for your child/ grandchild towards a better future career?
3. If you want to know more about how and when to provide such orientation/ training, feel free to call me at 9845013053. – Prathvi Uthaiah
4. Thanks for your time. Wish you good day
Feels so good to read this article and reminisce on the stalwart teachers kodagu had in the past. Yes luckily Kodagu was blessed with some wonderful teachers who really made a difference to one whole generation. Having said this, sadly off late TEACHING as a profession has taken a backbench and relegated to a place at the bottom of the pyramid. As of today Kodagu urgently needs a good PU AND DEGREE COLLEGE as this is having the biggest vacuum in our education system.
Bacharanianda Appanna, fondly known as Appanna Sir, was a cornerstone of the Social Studies department at Somwarpet Government High School. He was my teacher during my high school days from 1988 through the 1990s. As a teacher, he shaped the minds of countless students, leaving a lasting impact with his dedication, passion, and approachable nature.
Appanna Sir’s teaching style was unique and engaging, making history, civics, and geography not just subjects but vivid stories that resonated with his students. His ability to break down complex concepts into simple, relatable lessons set him apart from others. Students would eagerly wait for his classes, where learning was both fun and intellectually stimulating.
Beyond academics, he was known for his genuine care and concern for each student. His words of encouragement and wisdom extended beyond the classroom, shaping not only the academic but also the moral and personal growth of his pupils. Many students recall his guidance during crucial moments in their lives, remembering him as not just a teacher but a mentor who cared deeply for their success and well-being. I wish him good health and happy retired life ahead.
When Kodagu was responsible for its own administration, be it under the Haleri Rajahs or the British and later as a Part C State, there was arguably more focus on the development of the region as compared with post the unpopular merger with then Mysore State in 1956.
Education was given utmost priority by the then Kodava Leaders – for instance the delegation petitioned Lord Elgin in 1862 seeking the setting up of formal schools to teach English and Kannada. Credit to Reverend Richter for his support and becoming the first Principal of Central High School and later the creation of Kodava Education Fund which became the Coorg Education Fund, blessed by the then Coorg Government. The first President was Kodira Uthappa, Kongetira Appaiah was Secretary and Pandanda Nanjappa Treasurer.
Post 1956, the erstwhile pioneering foresight and impetus for growth has considerably reduced. Kodagu has received step motherly treatment as it was far advanced when compared to other districts of Karnataka. Mangalore, Udupi, Karkala – all of Malnad region surged ahead with many outstanding institutions of Higher Learning being set up while Kodagu stagnated. The time has come to create new Colleges and Institutions of Higher Learning to arrest the migration of our youngsters to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore – they seldom return.
Private enterprise is required. Surely the same foresight demonstrated by our elders a century ago can be recreated. Coorg Education Fund could have taken the lead – but it hasn’t. Kodavas have excelled in every field across the world – perhaps a few of them can get together, sans the usual politicisation of every issue, to address this immediate need for the District.
Endearing article. Kodavas must be so proud to be part of this tradition!
This article brings back to me an avalanche of memories. My first school was St Anne’s in Virajpet – historic in many ways as the primary school was set up during the period of 1841-1850. The church itself came into existence as a refuge to Christians who had escaped from Tipu, by Dodda Veerarajendra at Virajpet. The Raja ordered the building of a church in 1792 and granted land and funds for the construction. In 1868, the structure was dismantled, and, in its place, the existing church was built.
Dodda Veerarajendra gifted a gold crown, a brass lamp, and an ornamental brass box to the church. Only the brass lamp, known locally as ‘kuthu bolucha’, is still in the church. The inscription ‘V’ in Kannada for Veerarajendra and the words – ‘Nalaknad Aramane’ are etched on the lamp.
Back to education – the Headmaster was Mookavanda Poovaiah and my teacher was the HM’s daughter Indira (married to Neravanda family). Two other lady teachers were sisters – Bollu and Meena. All of them dedicated and committed to their profession.
Education in the rural interior areas was sparse. My father, Poonacha started the Mayanamada Mandaiah Government High School at T Shettagiri by donating land and the initial capital. The school continues to be popular with about 25 students to a class.
Another classic example of Kodava families promoting education for the community in several rural areas of Kodagu.
Happy Habba to all CLN readers and Kodavas. This post brought back memories of the close ties that the two communities had in the days gone by, cemented by the richness and knowledge shared by exceptional Teachers.
It turns out that Devanira Appayya Master was my Grandfather’s colleague.
My Amma mentioned that probably he was also my Grand Pa’s teacher!
Very valid, Coorg needs a good degree college too.
Education is a priceless intangible asset. We used to walk miles under a more unforgiving weather to reach school – because we were taught to value education.
This article reminds me of the importance that our parents generation gave to get education – boys and girls equally. After all, it is the lady of the house who inculcated life skills to the children – and it’s a bonus when your mother is a teacher!
Nostalgia – pure nostalgia when I showed this article to my parents. Of course in those days the opportunity for school education was limited to the neighborhood schools. However both parents always felt they got excellent education as they were taught mostly by Kodava teachers who were passionate about their vocation and felt responsible for their wards. Some of lady teachers at Parane High School were Biddanda Kamala, Balyatanda Sharada, Saijini and Sunanda.
Sadly all this has changed with most Government Schools being taught by other community teachers. Also it has become fashionable for the children to be educated in Bangalore and Mysore – with the lady moving with the children in the name of providing education. This affects the quality of exposure to Kodava culture, lack of focus on the plantation as the planter rushes every weekend to the family – an escalating degeneration of life for the Kodava who feels sorry to be left behind in Coorg.
Institutions like COPS and KALS have been singularly responsible for reversing this trend. This should now extend to higher education too.