The Coorg Person of the Year 2024′ has been awarded to retired IAS officer Vinay Jha has in recognition of her proactive role in promoting the Kodava culture.
Rathi (Codanda), who hails from,Kodagu, had initiated several projects to conserve the local culture and the martial traditions of the community, known for its contributions to Defence and Sports fields.
The selection was made on the basis of a poll conducted through news and tourism portal www.coorg- tourisminfo.com
Even while she was in the service of the central government, Rathi was instrumental in sanctioning the Kodava Heritage Centre in 2004. But sadly, the project is yet to be completed due to the lackadaisical attitude of the successive governments. It was at the instance of Rathi, a model of the ‘Kodava Ainmane’ (ancestral house) was inaugurated in October last year at the ‘Dakshinachitra’ Museum near Chennai.