Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha conducts annual cultural contests
Mysuru:
Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha, Mysuru, conducted its annual cultural competitions on Apr. 13 at Kodagu Sahakara Sangha premises in Jayalakshmipuram.
Inaugurating the programme by lighting the traditional lamp, Kodagu Model School (Vidyashankar Layout, Sathagalli, Mysuru) Education Council Chairperson Chowrira Seethamma Kalaiah, who was the chief guest, spoke on preserving Kodava land, language, their unique attire, customs and traditions which are the real assets of Kodava community, whose population is dwindling alarmingly of late. Calling upon the parents and elders to impart knowledge on culture and tradition to their children, she felt for an urgent need to create awareness among youths on Kodava culture (Kodavame).
Kollira Bollamma Kuttappa, President, Kodagu Mahila Sangha, welcomed and presided.
K. Kavya Kuttappa, Vice-President; K. Bhavani Belliappa, Secretary; M. Jaya Muthappa, Treasurer; A. Tara Somaiah and P. Vimala Poonacha, Joint Secretaries; K. Pushpa Machaiah and K. Pushpa Nanaiah, Organising Secretaries and P. Lovely Appaiah, Kodagu Mahila Sangha Advisor, were present.
Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, former Samaja Presidents Moovera K. Kuttappa, Kekada M. Belliappa and Kattera A. Kariappa and Kodagu Sahakara Sangha President Chambanda Nanjamma were the special invitees.
The Sangha members and their children actively participated in singing, dance, pick-and-speak and drawing competitions.
Kaliyanda Renu Muthamma (Kodava songs, Pick & Speak), Anusha Kumar (Dance), Vidyashree (Singing) and Mukkaty Muthappa (Drawing) were the judges. The event concluded with prize distribution by Machanda Jaya Muthappa. Kodandera Pushpa Machaiah proposed a vote of thanks.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 24th, 2025
RAdm IB Uthaiah, took over as the Director General, Warship Design Bureau, New Delhi, from RAdm Bimal Kumar.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy in Nov 1987, RAdm IB Uthaiah is an alumnus of the Naval College of Engineering, INS Shivaji, Lonavala, and holds an M. Tech and M. Phil degree in addition. In a career spanning over 35 years, he has served the Indian Navy in various capacities; with appointments at the Warship Design Bureau, Training Academies, Naval Dockyard (Vzg), all Naval Commands and the Naval Headquarters.
On being elevated to Flag Rank, the officer has tenanted appointments as Additional Director General (Technical), Project Seabird; Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, and Chief Staff Officer (Technical), at the Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command, prior taking over his current assignment.
source: http://www.aviation-defence-universe.com / Aviation & Defence Universe / Home> Navy / February 01st, 2023
A delegation of Akhila Kodava Samaja has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding a Ministerial berth for Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who is also the Legal Advisor to the CM.
The delegation led by Akhila Kodava Samaja President Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa, met Siddaramaiah at his T.K. Layout residence in the city yesterday.
The Kodava delegates brought to the CM’s notice that, Ponnanna belongs to the linguistic minority Kodava community. He should be accommodated into the Cabinet, in view of finding solutions to the long lasting issues of the district, for development and political representation.
Following the memorandum, the CM assured to take a look into their demand.
The delegation included Vice-President of Akhila Kodava Samaja Ajjikuttira Madaiah, Hon. Secretary Tithiyanda Vijay Kumar, Treasurer Mandepanda Muthanna, Joint Secretary Nandetira Madappa, Moovera Rekha Prakash, President of Kodava Samaja Mysuru P.A. Ganapathy, Vice-President M.P. Nanaiah, Secretary K.A. Belliappa, Joint Secretary A. Diana Poovaiah and Treasurer I.G Kashiappa.
The memorandum
In the memorandum, it is stated that, during your (CM Siddaramaiah) tenure in office, ‘Kodavas’ who were wrongly mentioned as ‘Kodagaru’ in the classified categories identified by the Government was corrected, thus realising several years demand of the community. We are grateful for taking the step to solve the long pending issue in coordination and cooperation of active MLA A.S. Ponnanna.
“We are also thankful on behalf of Kodava community for facilitating the direct purchase of 7 acres of Government land, that was in the possession of Bangalore Kodava Samaja, at Hosahalli village in Yalahanka taluk, at a discounted rate, at the bidding of Ponnanna. With your swift and positive response, the Cabinet approved the decision, helping Kodava Samaja to retain the land,” states the memorandum.
Ponnanna, with his development works backed by progressive thinking, has emerged as a popular MLA among Kodavas. Till the year 1956, Kodagu (earlier Coorg) was a C- State, but its growth was stunted after merging the erstwhile State with Mysore State (that later became Karnataka). The number of Assembly Constituencies was reduced to two from three and the Kodavas continue to be deprived of higher positions both politically and in bureaucracy, with our men being pushed to the corner for whatsoever reasons. It has been two decades since neither of the Kodava community leaders have been inducted into the Ministry, the Kodava Samaja leaders said.
In fact, it is true that, the people of Kodagu region are still reeling under the threat of flood, landslide and natural calamity during rainy season. Most of the villages are still out of bounds for the lack of roads and some of the roads are worn out, making them unfit for vehicle movement at ease.
The district from where originates River Cauvery, the lifeline of people of the region, supplying the drinking water to Bengaluru, Mysuru and neighbouring Tamil Nadu, is also an eco-sensitive region. It is only if MLA like A.S. Ponnanna, a native of Kodagu is given due representation in the Cabinet, he has the capacity to safeguard the identity of the district. Nothing would be a bigger gift than the Ministry for Ponnanna, who is aware of people’s pulse, representing myriad culture and the sensitive issues plaguing the district.
Taking all these points into cognisance, yourself (Siddaramaiah) hailed as a beacon of hope for minorities and backward classes, should consider the demand of Akhila Kodava Samaja, the umbrella organisation of Kodava community, represented by leaders from various places, to accommodate A.S. Ponnanna into the Cabinet, urges Kodava Samaja in its demand to CM.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 26th, 2025
A ₹12-crore project for the scientific disposal of legacy waste in Madikeri, Kushalnagar, and Virajpet in Kodagu district was launched on Friday.
An official statement here noted that MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda and MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar launched the project taken up under the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan scheme at Subramanyanagar on the outskirts of Madikeri.
Mr. Gowda said that approximately 1.52 lakh tonnes of legacy waste, including around 76,636 tonnes from Madikeri, have been taken up for bioremediation under the project at Madikeri, Kushalnagar, and Virajpet.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yaduveer said the Central funding for the disposal of solid waste under the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan scheme amounts to 50% of the project cost.
Madikeri Urban Development Authority chairman Rajesh Yellappa, city municipal council member Appanna, former president of Madikeri city municipal corporation Anitha Poovaiah, commissioner of the city municipal corporation H.R. Ramesh, and others were present.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / April 12th, 2025
The Codava National Council (CNC) organised a human chain demonstration in Birunani on Monday, urging the Union Government to address their long-standing demands.
Madikeri :
The Codava National Council (CNC) organised a human chain demonstration in Birunani on Monday, urging the Union Government to address their long-standing demands. The primary demand is the creation of exclusive Codava constituencies for the Assembly and Parliament to ensure adequate representation of the community within their traditional homeland.
The CNC expressed concerns that the ongoing delimitation process may overlook the interests of the Codava community. Leaders fear that political influences could result in the merging of Codavaland with neighbouring areas, undermining the representation of the indigenous Codavas.
The CNC has put forward two proposals: carving out dedicated Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies in Codavaland and creating exclusive representative bodies for the Codava community, similar to the Sangha Constituency for the Buddhist monastic community in Sikkim.
The CNC also reiterated its demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status under the Indian Constitution, highlighting the community’s distinct identity, culture, and history. The demand is anchored in Articles 244 and 371, along with provisions in the Sixth and Eighth Schedules, which recognise and protect tribal communities and languages.
The CNC argues that this misrepresentation has led to a gradual erosion of the community’s identity, describing it as a violation of international conventions on indigenous rights.
A writ petition filed by former Member of Parliament Dr. Subramanian Swamy in the Karnataka High Court seeks adjudication of the Codavas’ demands. The CNC is also advocating for recognition of Codavas under international frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The CNC has called for the restitution of ancestral lands that were taken over by various rulers, including the Keladi dynasty, British authorities, and subsequent governments.
The CNC remains firm in its demand for recognition as a distinct indigenous community and continues to engage with constitutional and legal avenues to secure their rights. The human chain event at Birunani marked the latest step in the community’s long-standing struggle for recognition and justice.
Is Sullia being pitched to be an assembly segment of Mysuru-Kodagu LS constituency?
In another development, DV Sadananda Gowda (former MP) and Shobha Karandlaje, representing Bengaluru North LS constituency, have been alleged to have brought pressure on the central government to annexe Sullia Assembly constituency, which is currently one of the eight assembly segments in Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, to be a part of the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency. The Codavas point out that this move will further strengthen the Vokkaliga dominance in the Kodagu district and will worsen the Codava community’s representation in the Karnataka assembly. “This is in a preliminary stage, and in the coming days we will further investigate the effects of the inclusion of the Sullia Assembly constituency into the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency.”
source: http://www/thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by The Hans India, Hans News Service / March 31t, 2025
Virajpet MLA AS Ponanna said, on Kodava’s gun rights, that they do not need a license to possess guns as the gun culture has been passed on from generations.
Awards were honoured to several achievers from the community and the fest witnessed participation from several dignitaries. Photo | Express
Madikeri :
The two-day ‘Kodava Ballya Namme’ festival organised by the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy at the Ammathi Kodava Samaja highlighted the need to protect Kodava culture and rituals. The event emphasised the need to protect the Kodava language, rights and livelihood.
The Kodava Samaja wore a festive look as hundreds from the community, dressed in the traditional Kodava attire, took part in the event. The programme began with a ritualistic procession.
The formal function was inaugurated by Virajpet MLA AS Ponanna. “It is commendable that the Kodava Sahitya Academy has contributed to the development of Kodava language and literature by organising the ‘Ballya Namme’. Efforts will be made to provide government support to promote the Academy. The contribution made by the Kodava community to the country is immense. In this regard, it is imperative to work hard for the survival of the community and everyone should be responsible for the protection of the language, country and race,” opined Ponanna.
He explained that using a gun as part of the festivities is the community’s culture. “We do not need a license to possess guns as the gun culture has been passed on from generations,” he added. He called on the community to promote the culture without hating other communities or cultures.
The need to promote the Kodava language for the preservation of the community’s culture was highlighted by K Subramani, the president of the Federation of the Kodava Samajas.
During the cultural seminar hosted as part of the fest, speaker M Rekha Prakash said that the increased influence from the west is affecting the culture of the community. She called on the parents to instill respect for the culture and language among the children.
The close relation between Kodava culture and agriculture was explained by progressive farmer S Ganesh Thimmaiah. He urged the growers and farmers to implement organic farming and avoid chemical fertilisers to help lead a healthy living. He highlighted the need to take up animal husbandry, bee keeping and fishery to earn good profits. He urged the parents to take children to the farmlands and introduce paddy cultivation to them.
Several programmes that promoted the community’s culture were hosted as part of the event. Awards were honoured to several achievers from the community and the fest witnessed participation from several dignitaries.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 31st, 2025
The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.
Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.
Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.
He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.
Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.
Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.
Umpire training
Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.
Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.
Kreeda Jyothi
Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.
The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.
It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.
To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.
The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.
Matrimonial meet
The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.
An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.
Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.
Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025
He joined the INA at the age of 17. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.
Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at the National War Memorial at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. Photo: X/@adgpi
Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), celebrated his 99th birthday on Thursday (March 13, 2025) by laying wreaths at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path.
The wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Army was attended by senior military personnel and the public. “Today’s wreath-laying ceremony not only honours the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for India’s freedom but also serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing journey to break free from colonial legacies while upholding the spirit of their sacrifice,” an officer said.
Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: ANI
Lt. Pillai was born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan township of Rangoon district in Burma (now Myanmar). His father hailed from the Sivaganga region in Tamil Nadu. He joined the Indian Independence League as a civilian in 1942 under Rash Behari Bose. When Netaji arrived in Singapore, Lt. Pillai formally enlisted in the INA, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.
After receiving his commission from the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer, according Army officials.
Serving as a recruiting officer and fundraiser, he mobilised support for the INA across 32 locations in Burma, including Hanthawaddy, Sawbwagale, Ywadanshe, Swryan, Yangon, and Mayongone. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.
Later, he served in the administrative branch at the INA headquarters in Rangoon under Major General K. P. Thimayya (elder brother of former Army chief General K.S. Thimayya). He was officially recognised as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on August 1, 1980.
On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated him on the occasion of Parakram Diwas at the Red Fort.
The Azad Hind Fauj was formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Netaji on October 21, 1943. United by the war cry “Chalo Delhi,” the INA aimed to secure India’s complete independence from British rule.
Several volunteers, soldiers, and overseas Indians — from regions as far as Malaya and Burma — joined the force. Lt Pillai’s life story embodies the courage and unity that defined the INA, another officer added.
In 2021, on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji, Lt. Pillai was awarded a silver medal for his role in the INA and India’s Independence movement.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed worldwide on March 8, the Codava National Council (CNC), under the leadership of its President, N U Nachappa, submitted an appeal advocating for the empowerment of Kodava women. The appeal was presented in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, urging the authorities to take necessary actions.
At 10:30 AM on Saturday, the Kodava National Council submitted a memorandum through the district administration to the United Nations Secretary-General, the Director of the United Nations Global Women’s Empowerment Agency, the UNESCO Director-General, the President and Prime Minister of India, and the Union Home Minister.
Under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment”, the CNC emphasised the necessity of ensuring true recognition and honour for Kodava women. An official communique from the CNC stated, “Kodava women have selflessly contributed to the Kodava clan’s structure, valour, humanistic approach, and strong familial bonds. The Government of India, the Government of Karnataka, and the people of this nation must recognise and adopt the values ingrained in Kodava women. If these values are embraced and implemented nationwide, there will be no oppression against women, and atrocities and subjugation can be eliminated. Kodava women are symbols of independence, intelligence, and generosity. However, due to their political subordination, they have been sidelined from India’s political establishment.”
The press release further stated, “After India gained political independence with its new Constitution, Kodava women lacked knowledge of their political and constitutional rights. Other communities should adopt the exemplary values of Kodava women, just as Kodava women should adopt political awareness from other communities. The government must now implement an effective strategy to empower both Kodava women and women across the country. Due to a lack of awareness regarding international conventions, fundamental rights, and human rights development, Kodava women have been unable to empower themselves through state welfare programs or effectively present their plight to relevant authorities. Hence, the United Nations and the Government of India must immediately grant them political and constitutional rights and power.”
This appeal underscores the urgency of government action in recognising and empowering Kodava women, ensuring their rightful place in India’s political, economic, and social landscape said Nachappa.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by The Hans News Service / March 08th, 2025
Lee Seong-ho, the Ambassador of South Korea in India, and other top diplomats on Friday visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park in Delhi Cantonment, fondly recalling the contribution of Indian forces during the Korean War of 1950-53.
During their visit to the park, a symbol of strong ties between India and South Korea, the officials also paid tribute to late General K S Thimayya, a celebrated soldier who led the Indian contingent as Chairman of Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) in Korea headed by India.
“Ambassador Lee Seong-ho and his team visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park on the 21st of February and paid homage to General Thimayya, who headed a UN unit dealing with the repatriation of prisoners after the Korean War,” the South Korean Embassy in India posted on X.
“We also recalled that India sent the largest number of medical personnel during the Korean War. Remembering the enduring friendship between Korea and India, the Korean Embassy will do our best to further develop our Special Strategic Partnership.” the post further added.
India’s First Indo-Korean Friendship Park was jointly inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Korean counterpart Suh Wook in March 2021.
The park, spotlighting India’s contributions as part of 21 countries which participated in Korean war 1950-53 under the aegis of the United Nations, was developed in joint consultation with India’s Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Indian Army, Delhi Cantonment Board, Embassy of Korea and Korean War Veterans Association of India.
Spread across a green area of six acres, the park has an imposing handshake artifact standing tall at the entrance bearing flags of India and South Korea besides a larger than life statue of General Thimayya.
South Koreans still remember General Thimayya, who was awarded a Padma Bhushan for his service in Korea, with gratitude and affection. General Thimayya also served as the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) after the armistice and contributed to resolving the humanitarian issues arising out of the War.
India played an important role in the Korean peninsula after Korea’s independence in 1945, sending an army medical unit – the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance comprising 627 medical personnel, commanded by Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj – during the Korean War as part of the UN Command. The unit treated about 220,000 patients. During the Korean War (1950-53), both warring sides accepted a UN resolution sponsored by India and the ceasefire was declared on July 27, 1953.
India-South Korea diplomatic relations were elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015 during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seoul.
Source: IANS
source: http://www.socianews.xyz / Social News XYZ / Home> Diplomacy / by Gopi / February 21st, 2025
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