The day began with anything close to 4000 Kodavas assembling at the Ponnampet Kodava Samaja. The sea of the enthusiastic and eager faces was a sight to behold – the pride, commitment and solidarity with the cause was a once-in-lifetime experience to behold. People of all age groups could be seen helping one another get ready, tidying up their traditional attire, head gear and check vastras. After their traditional invocation ceremonies they set out in earnest towards Gonikoppal.
What is really important to note is that the entire programme was a leap of faith on the community’s resolve to make this possible. Budgets for an event of this magnitude was hard to draw up given the uncertainty of the numbers who would actually turn up on the day. Commitments were made for various costs like the mobile toilet, ambulances, resting facilities for the elders in an accompanying bus, meals, refreshments – based on the belief that resources would happen. The entire event is one conceived and implemented By the People, For the People for a common cause – Preserve Kodava Culture which needed to be secure for the Kodava Bashikas and others with a supportive mindset and to live in peaceful harmony. Conspicuous by their absence, politicians did not make an appearance. This was not necessarily the case with the earlier submission made to the District Administration where external political influence was evident.
The walk to Gonikoppal was relatively swift with generous refreshments provided en route by the public at large. The entry into Gonikoppal was dramatic and the town and participants behaved exceptionally well without any traffic disruptions.
The journey through the town was joyous – with many stops for impromptu showering of flower petals, generous hosting of refreshments and juices and dignified dancing to the irresistible beat of a good Valaga. At this stage, the number of participants had swelled to over 10,000. There was the customary garlanding of the statutes of Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimmaiah on the periphery of Cauvery College.
Lunch was hosted at Kaikeri, by the the villagers and KALS school. Speaking with the organizers of the lunch – the numbers far exceeded any rational planning. Over 3500 participants were provided lunch – the initial numbers were planned at 500, moving to 2000 and during the day to leading to lunch for 3500! An incredible collective effort founded on teamwork, faith and the blessings of the local deity.
The events later on was amongst the most significant of the march. Post a brief welcome by the Kannangala Jamma Mapilas where an excited Mandamada Mohammed expressed total solidarity with the march, The Heggade Samaja welcomed everyone with a traditional lighting of the lamp and hosted a generous high tea with snacks.
The President of The Akhila Kodava Samaja thanked the President of the Heggade Samaja Padanjaranda Aiyappa (a well established lawyer) for their support and participation. Also present was the President of Kodava Bashika Samaja Machari Subhash Nanaiah (prominent practicing Dentist) representing 21 communities. Everyone conducted the proceedings with exemplary bonhomie and support for one another – wishing the ongoing PEACE MARCH to Madikeri success.
These interactions and acts of a common purpose and agenda bodes well for the future of Kodagu where the essence of Kodavamme is valued and practiced by all Kodava Bashikas and other residents who have chosen to take up residency in Kodagu.
The Police force deeply appreciated and congratulated the participants for the extraordinary discipline, goodwill, consideration for the outside commuter vehicles and sense of purpose. They expressed continued support for the rest of the Walkathon. The Organizers met the District Administration in the evening to plan for the arrangements in Madikeri on Friday, 7th February. There is likely to be a mammoth gathering in support of the Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas. The underlying message being Peace, Harmony and Well-being for All on the basic principles of Kodavamme which has served the Desha well for centuries.
Speaking to the Organizers, the tremendous wholehearted participation and involvement by all the villages en route; the palpable excitement of participants in the journey ahead bodes well for the steadfast unity and purpose of the March to Madikeri. The peaceful intent has been re-emphasised at each stage and the inclusive nature was a joyous revelation for them. Their chant in unison of Kodavaame Balo rings through the air and reverberates across the countryside. Everyone wishes them well deserved prayers, goodwill and all round support for the continuing journey.
