The Codava National Council (CNC) organized the 16th Kodava Human Chain Awareness Program at Ammathi in Ummat Nadu, led by CNC President N.U. Nachappa.
During the program, Nachappa emphasized that the Kodava people’s geo-political autonomy, inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list, special representation in Parliament and the Legislative Assembly-similar to the “Sangh” constituency of Sikkim-and the preservation of Kodava ancestral land rights and religious culture (Tok-Gun) depend on recognition of their distinct ethnic and animistic identity in the national census.
He stated that during the 16th National Census to be conducted in 2026-27, a separate column and code should be introduced for the indigenous Kodava community. Such recognition would form the basis for future constituency delimitation and help establish the Kodavas’ political empowerment and right to self-determination, while safeguarding their cultural and religious heritage.
Nachappa explained that earlier censuses from 1871-72 to 1931 recorded the Kodavas as a non-religious, non-caste community, acknowledging their independent identity. However, subsequent censuses merged the Kodavas into larger religious or caste categories, eroding their identity and rights.
He elaborated that the Kodavas follow an animistic faith rooted in nature worship-revering Bhudevi (Mother Earth), Jaladevi (River Kaveri), Vanadevi (Forest Goddess), Parvata Devi (Mountain Goddess), Surya-Chandra (Sun and Moon), Guru-Karona (ancestral spirits), and performing unique rituals including Tok-Gan worship and Pandikari Bojana.
Drawing parallels with other animistic communities such as the Yazidis of the Middle East, the Kalash of the Hindu Kush, and the Santals of India-recognized by UNESCO-Nachappa stressed that the Kodavas too are an ancient tribe deserving constitutional protection and recognition of their faith.
He demanded that Kodagu, or Codava Land, be granted geo-political autonomy, Kodavas be included in the ST list, and the Tok-Gan rights of the Kodava religious culture be preserved. He urged the creation of a special Kodava constituency during the 2026-27 constituency re-demarcation process.
Nachappa also warned against attempts to settle outsiders and refugees in Kodagu for political gain, which could threaten the demographic and cultural fabric of the region. He advocated a regulated “guest worker” policy, under which migrant laborers could work seasonally but return to their native places after completing their employment.
Expressing concern over widespread land conversions in Kodagu, including in former BBTC areas such as the Elkil coffee plantation, Nachappa criticized political and administrative corruption leading to unregulated resort and township development that harms the environment.
The next, 17th Kodava Human Chain will be held in Srimangala. So far, such awareness programs have been organized in Birunani, T. Shettigeri, Kadanga, Kakkabbe, Balele, Pennampete, Madapura, Suntikoppa, Siddapur, Napoklu, Gonikoppa, Virajpet, Murnad, Cherambane, and Chettalli.
Many prominent Kodava community members participated, and the event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana.
