News about the unrest amongst the members on the serious irregularities in the running of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has been in circulation in the media and virulently so, in social media. The post of the president is a government appointment based on the recommendation of the local elected MLA.
No doubt the seriousness of this situation would have been noticed by the concerned political representative as well as the Government authorities. It is important that these alleged irregularities are put to rest with clear, upright and unambiguous action, as it reflects very poorly on the earnest intent of having set-up the academy.
Members of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy have submitted a detailed 53-point complaint to Mallikarjuna Swami, Joint Commissioner of the Kannada and Culture Department, seeking the replacement of the Academy’s president, Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah. The complaint, dated May 23, requests the government to replace the current president.
The complaint has been signed by academy members — Putharira Pappu Thimmaiah, Molekuttanda Dinu Bojappa, Kambeyanda Deena Bojanna, Napanda Ganesh, Nayandira Shivaji, Chotteyanda Sanju Kaverappa, Ponnira Gagan, Cheppudira Uthappa, Paanikuttira Kuttappa, Kondi Jammanna Balakrishna, and Nayakanda Baby Chinnappa. An additional member, Kudiyara Kaverappa, was named in the complaint but has not signed it.
The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, was established by the State Government to preserve and nurture the heritage and traditions of the Kodava community for future generations. However, the complaint alleges that the president has been acting in a dictatorial manner, ignoring the inputs of its members and behaving undemocratically. It further states that despite repeated efforts to raise these concerns with the president over the past year, has fallen on deaf ears.
According to the complaint, despite requests made during early meetings for the president to honor dignitaries like Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and others, no such steps have been taken. The complaint also criticizes the president for selecting a Chief Guest for the Kakkada Namme program (held on April 8, 2024) unilaterally, without consulting academy members. Even after being asked about this in a meeting, the president allegedly responded dismissively.
Several instances have been highlighted wherein the president ignored the collective voice of academy members, acted arbitrarily, and failed to communicate openly about program planning and guest selection. The complaint mentions events like the Kodava Balya Namme at Ammatti, the Pemmanda Okka program held at Tuchamakeri, and the Arekad Hoskeri Nadorme program, where the president acted independently, sidelining members’ responsibilities.
Office being used for political interests
The complainants also pointed out instances where the president allegedly used academy platforms for personal or political interests. They alleged that the president reportedly gave priority to guests and speakers from an organization with political leanings, despite objections from academy members. The complaint further mentions that members were not informed about the program planning for the Kodava Balya Namme and the Suntikoppa Naad Kodava Namme events, and only received invitation cards a few minutes before the program started.
Allegation of Self-Interest
The complaint also accuses the president of acting in self-interest, including printing academy invitations and books through a press associated with him. The members further claim that the president’s wife was invited as a host for an academy program and paid an honorarium. In another instance, her book was allegedly sold at the academy’s bookshop during the Suntikoppa Kodava Namme event held on March 21, despite regulations stating only academy-published books should be sold.
Additional Concerns
The complaint, containing 53 points, also highlights that nine books were printed and released during the Balya Namme program without notifying academy members. This has caused deep mistrust within the academy.
Joint Commissioner’s Intervention
The complaint was submitted on May 25, and within a few days, Joint Director of the Kannada and Culture Department, V.N. Mallikarjuna Swami, visited the academy and held meetings with the president and members. “I have asked both parties to settle their differences. However, if these issues continue and hamper the academy’s work, I will have to submit a report to the Director,” he stated.
Members emphasized that the academy can only succeed if run with trust and mutual respect, in a democratic set-up. They asserted that it is vital for the president to respect democratic processes and adhere to the action plan agreed upon for the year 2024–25. The complaint concludes by urging the concerned authorities to take appropriate action and restore democratic practices within the academy.
Care should be taken to appoint leaders with proven capabilities and knowledge to sensitive and important posts. Did the Honorary President of The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy (KKSA) undertake due care to check the credentials and professional capabilities before such an important appointment was made?
If yes, it could be termed as an error of judgement. If not, let this be an important case study of learning; on the one hand we undertake a monumental Kodavaame Balo Nadp to showcase our pride and credentials of who we are, and on the other these callous appointments reflect the voter being taken for granted. The people’s pride is at stake as The KKSA is an important institution.
Most of the members of the Kodava Sahitya Academy are small time politicians, who are not necessarily associated with Kodava culture in any form. Individual egos hamper smooth functioning of the academy & they often resort to mud slinging in public.
The President is a political appointee, and several members seem to be of the opposition. Therefore, it is always better to appoint people with merit to avoid such controversy.
The growing unrest among members of the Kodava Sahitya Academy and the community at large over serious irregularities is deeply concerning and cannot be ignored. A body that is meant to protect, promote and preserve Kodava language and culture cannot afford to lose it’s moral standing due to internal mismanagement, style of leadership or for that matter questionable leadership.
If the allegations about the president have substance, they must be investigated thoroughly and transparently. The Academy belongs to the people of Kodagu, not to individuals who misuse their position. It is time for Accountability, not Silence.
The cultural legacy of the Kodavas is too precious to be compromised by personal interests or administrative negligence. Silence from authorities will only fuel further distrust.
The Kodava Sahitya Academy must be restored to its rightful purpose: to serve the language, literature and the people of Kodagu with integrity. Let it not be forgotten that Kodavas were reputed for their discipline, honesty, zero corruption, good conduct and fairness. This image should not be tarnished.
Committe members, especially the President, should uphold the “values” of such august institutions. It is really sad and undignified to see such open allegations being made – as they say there is no smoke without fire. 🔥
Whichever Authority is responsible for this appointment – political or government body should have an honest enquiry and firmly and transparently take action against the allegations.