‘It is a tragedy that British termed freedom fighters insurgents’
It is a tragedy that British termed freedom fighters like Subedar Guddemane Appayya Gowda, Sangolli Rayanna, Bhagath Singh insurgents. The historians who failed to understand it, also termed them insurgents, said MLA K G Bopaiah.
Speaking after inaugurating Subedar Guddemane Appayya Gowda Martyrs Day organised by the district administration, Kannada and Culture Department and Karnataka Arebhashe Samskrithi mathu Sahitya Academy here on Saturday, he said there were several uprisings against the British rule prior to Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Guddemane Appayya Gowda had led an insurgency against the British.
He said that there are miscreants who try to divide the society. “Let us pledge to work towards the integrated development of the district and spread the messages of Guddemane Appayya Gowda and Field Marshal K M Cariappa.”
Kodagu district Kannada Sahitya Parishat president T P Ramesh said that those who have no knowledge about history can not create it.”
He said Appayya Gowda should not be restricted to a community. Karnataka Arebhashe Sahitya mathu Samskrithi Academy and Karnataka Kodava Academy should document the history of the district. Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Chairperson Veena Achaiah, Kodava Academy president B S Thammaiah, Madikeri CMC president Shreemathi Bangera were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri, November 01st, 2015
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and Rohan Murty, have together contributed Rs 1.5 crore towards a corpus that former students of Bengaluru’s Bishop Cottons Boys School are building for retired staff members of their school.
Murty, son of the other Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy, and Nilekani are among the scores of illustrious citizens the school has produced in its 150-year history. The alumni are confident the corpus will grow in size.
An announcement about the fund, and Nilekani’s anchor donation of Rs 50 lakh, was made by Aditya Sondhi, another old Cottonian, and Managing Trustee of General K.S.Thimayya Memorial Trust at the school on Saturday on the occasion of 11th General KSThimayya memorial lecture. (The general was a Cottonian too, and this year’s lecture was delivered by Rahul Rao, lecturer in politics at the University of London, and Rohan Murty himself.)
Murty, who has announced a cheque of Rs 1 crore, said the teachers and other staff members have given 30-40 years of their life to the service of the school and its students. “I was very touched by the initiative. And, when i heard about Nandan’s contribution, i decided i should also emulate him. I hope more people will come forward, and contribute,” Murthy said, and added, “The fund is our way of expressing our gratitude to our teachers and other staff members.”
The fund is reflective of the strong bond that exists between the school’s former students and staff in all ranks including those worked as lab assistants, attendants etc. “We thought we should provide an opportunity for ex-students to express their gratitude and affection towards the teachers and others,” said CN Kumar, a Cottonian from the 1970 batch, Nilekani’s classmate.
Kumar runs a startup consultancy called Advantage Offshore Knowledge Services, and serves on the Thimayya Memorial Trust.
In addition to annual cash rewards to retired staffers, the fund —which Kumar hopes will grow to at least Rs 5 crore — will meet expenses arising out of medical emergencies of retired staffers and the education needs of their children. Contributions to the trust are eligible for income tax exemption.
The school, which is an old Bengaluru landmark, has produced many stalwarts including former chief of naval staff Admiral Vijay Singh Shekhawat, nuclear scientist Raja Ramanna and cricketer Brijesh Patel.
On Saturday, the Trust gave away Rs 1 lakh each to retired staffers Iqbal Ahmed (NCC commandant), Channappa Gowda (Kannad Novea teacher) Antony (pantry helper) and J Martin (lab assistant).
source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / ET Home> News> Company> Corporate Trends / by K R Balasubramanyam, ET Bureau / November 23rd, 2015
Former Law Minister M.C. Nanaiah enjoying a ‘JUMBO’ ride sitting on the tusk of an elephant at the Aane Utsava held at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu yesterday.
Kushalnagar :
Former Minister M.C. Nanaiah has urged the Government to release Rs. 100 crore for overall development of Kodagu district.
Speaking after inaugurating the 61st wildlife month and elephant day celebrations at Dubare Elephant Camp, near Kushalnagar yesterday, Nanaiah asked the State Government to take Cauvery River cleaning on the lines of Ganga River cleaning taken up by the Prime Minister.
Urging the Government to announce a special package for Kodagu, Nanaiah stressed on the need for initiating appropriate measures for ending man-animal conflict across Malnad region, which has seen an alarming rise over the past few years.
Calling for installation of solar fencing and construction of trenches in order to prevent elephant intrusions into farm lands and human habitats, he urged the Government to move the Supreme Court for taming wild elephants, which are causing havoc across Malnad region.
The former Minister then urged the government work towards conservation of Western Ghats, preservation of forest wealth and water bodies. He also urged the Govt. to regularise the services of Dubare Elephant Camp Mahouts who have been serving for years.
Karnataka Forest Industries Development Corporation Chairman T. Eshwar, in his address, said that the Corporation has sent a proposal to the Government on setting up a mega Bamboo Industry at Kushalnagar at a cost of Rs. 100 crore. Madikeri Division DFO Yedukondalu called upon the involvement of everyone in putting an end to man- elephant conflict.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday – November 16th, 2015
The Kodava Sahitya Academy and Arebhashe Samskriti Mathu Sahitya Academy will urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to continue the exemption to possess firearms under Section 3 and 4 of the Indian Arms Act.
At a meeting convened on Wednesday, to collect public opinion on the issue, the Kodava Sahitya Academy president B S Thammaiah said that a delegation under the leadership of MP Prathap Simha would be taken to Delhi to impress upon the Home Ministry.
“The public should give their opinion on exemption to possess firearms in writing. All the written opinions will be compiled and submitted to the Central government,” he said.
Arebhashe Samskriti Haagu Sahitya Academy President Kolyada Girish said, “There are several burning issues in Kodagu. Now, the issue of exemption to possess firearms has appeared. We are not ready to lose the exemption given to us.”
Napoklu Kodava Samaja President Uthappa demanded, “Exemption to possess firearms by every person of Coorg race and every Jamma holder should be continued.”
P J Ayyappa said the circular issued by the British rules mentions the term ‘Coorg race.’ There is a need to define the term ‘race’ to make the officials and the government understand, he insisted.
Kudukuli Bharath said, “All the traditional dwellers of Kodagu come under Coorg by race. I had availed exemption to possess firearms way back in 1976.
“The exemption is not restricted to Kodavas alone. It is related to all the traditional dwellers of Kodagu. We have to protect our rights.”
Kodagu Gowda Vidya Sangha member and Advocate Dayanand concurred, “The exemption to possess firearms has been given to ‘gallant people of Coorg’, according to a circular issued by the British Commissioner Cubbon in 1861. The circular does not mention one community alone.
“The ‘Coorg race’ is not restricted to one caste or creed alone. The circular on Coorg race has been misunderstood by the officials. The exemption enjoyed by the traditional dwellers of Kodagu prior to 1976 should be continued.”
Codava Makkada Coota President Bolajjeera Ayyappa said, “Coorg, by race, is only Kodava community. There is no need to create confusion in this regard.”
List of communities
Kodava Bhashikara Sangha District President Sara Changappa said, “When K G Bopaiah was the Speaker of the Assembly, the State government had submitted a list of communities that come under ‘Coorg by race’ to the Kodagu deputy commissioner. The list includes all the traditional dwellers of Kodagu.”
Advocate Yaladaalu Manoj Bopaiah said, “The exemption given by the British regime is continued by the Central government through a circular. The exemption is not a legislation passed in the Parliament. In case the government feels that the exemption will create discrimination among communities, then it will be withdrawn. The right is not bestowed on a particular community. Instead, it is given to the residents of a geographical area. There is a need to convince the government that the exemption has been availed by the Codavas, Arebhashe Gowdas and other community members in the district.”
Legislators K G Bopaiah and Appachu Ranjan should impress upon the Home Ministry through Union Minister for Law Sadananda Gowda, he said and added, “As we do not have time, we have to act swiftly.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS, Madideri – October 15th, 2015
Prelude: In 1965, Pak under Field Marshal Ayub Khan having acquired modern aircrafts, tanks and other armament from USA, as a member of SEATO, planned to wrest J&K from India militarily. They imagined that the Indian Armed Forces were a demoralised lot after the drubbing we got from China in 1962 and political leadership had gone weak after Nehru’s death. Pakistan thought that it was a historic opportunity for them to use force against India to attain their objective.
Pak started off with a diversionary attack in Rann of Kutch and followed it up with ‘Op Gibralter’ to infiltrate a large force, led by officers into Kashmir Valley to disrupt communication, cause panic and take over the administration. Both these were not only defeated by Indian Armed Forces but they captured strategic Haji Pir Pass which was used by them for infiltration. Undaunted, they on 1st Sept. 1965, launched ‘Op Grand Slam’ with two major offensives along Chamb – Jurian and in Punjab along R. Beas to cut off J&K from the rest of India.
Mobilisation and Concentration
India lost no time in declaring Emergency and countering with ‘Op Riddle.’ My Battalion (Bn), 5 MARATHA LI had arrived in Baroda (Vadadora) a few days earlier after a long tenure in North East and was in the process of settling down, when at night on 1st Sept., we got orders to mobilise and move to Ahmedabad for further orders. As we were short of transport, we requisitioned some civil vehicles and moved out before the people of Baroda woke up.
At Ahmedabad, the GOC of 11 Inf Div. Maj. Gen. Naveen Rawlly, MC told us that our 30 Inf Bde was to carry out an offensive into Sind as a diversionary attack, in order to attract Pak reserve Division in W. Punjab and that we should move post-haste to our Concentration Area between Barmer and Gadra Road (Rajasthan). Thanks to the patriotism of the way side civil petrol stations, who supplied fuel to us merely by accepting written receipts, we were able to move non-stop and reach our destination the very next day — a distance of about 400 km; but we had to wait two more days for other units of the Bde to fetch up and prepare for the battles ahead. With just 7 years service, I was the senior most Coy Commander (C Coy) in my Bn and was the only officer in the Bde, trained in commando operations. Much was expected of me and I was confident of living up to the expectations.
Offensive commences
On 6th Sept., Brig Buppy Guha gave his orders for the capture of Gadra City, a medium sized town 5 kms inside Sind by the Bde. As per the intelligence provided by Muslim smugglers operating in the area, only Pak Rangers were operating against us and there were no regular Army in the area. The attack was to be launched next morning and my Coy was to infiltrate behind the enemy as a preliminary operation and establish a block behind Gadra City, before the attack.
My Coy was the first to cross the Sind border soon after sun set. We moved in single file with myself in front with compass in hand for navigation. We moved fast for about 14 kms to find a suitable place and by 4 am, I selected a place on track Gadra City — Kokrapara which was their nearest Railway Station close to the border. At dawn, I heard firing in Gadra City signifying that our Bde attack had started as planned. The escaping enemy could use any route in the open desert; but luckily 7 Pak soldiers walked into our ambush, unaware of our presence. We could have killed them; but they capitulated without any resistance. They were regular soldiers from Baluch Regiment and they had been in that area training in desert warfare for quite some time. This was contrary to the earlier information given by the smugglers, who were obviously pro-Pak. These were the first batch of PsOW captured by our Bde, who gave us valuable information. We treated them humanely as per Geneva Convention.
Advance towards Kokrapara and Air Attack
After the capture of Gadra City by the Bde, my Bn linked up with me and we were ordered to advance towards Kokrapara. As the track was unfit for heavy vehicles, we took only few 1 tonners to carry essential ammunition and water. As we were advancing, our column was attacked by two Pak Sabre 86 aircrafts due to which one our ammunition vehicle was blown up. From then on till the end of the war these aircrafts kept attacking us with impunity as our own IAF could not spare a single aircraft to our Sector!
By last light we reached a village called Sakarbu, with a biggish sand dune feature next to it where we firmed in. Next day, except my Coy, the rest of the Bn was withdrawn to Gadra City for its defence. Seeing us, the poor villagers of Sakarbu wanted to flee but I advised them that we were not a threat to their safety and they could lock up their houses, take their valuables and in an organised manner go towards Pak leaving behind few guards. I assured them that we had come there to meet the aggression of the Pak Army on our sacred land and we have no enmity but only goodwill towards them. I can never forget their expression of gratitude and their blessings “Kuda ap sab ko bala kare” (May God bless you all).
Aborted raid on Dali
A day later, my Coy too was pulled back to Gadra City to carry out a raid on Dali, which was a known enemy position in the interior. I was allotted trained camels from Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC later converted into BSF) to carry 3 inch mortars and MMGs with ammunition and water. We moved cross-country away from the track to avoid air attacks. Enemy aircrafts did overfly, but could not notice us as our camels just sat down and froze like well-trained soldiers! This was my first experience with camels — they could move on the desert in the scorching heat without water for days. When we were in the striking distance of Dali and planning the raid at night, I had an urgent message to call off the raid and rush back to Gadra City to deal with a serious situation !
Clearing of Pak Road Block at Khadin
When I returned to Gadra City, I was told that an enemy motorised column was successful in entering Indian territory and capturing a RAC Post at Khadin which was half-way between Gadra Road, our nearest Indian Railway Station and Munabao, where the old defunct Railway line entered Pak territory. They had effectively cut off 3 GUARDS and B Coy from my Bn which were operating in Munabao. A squadron-less two troops of tanks from Skinners Horse (Sherman Tanks) under Maj. Chopra was to join us, to clear the enemy block at Khadin. We moved piggy back on the tanks. It was agreed between us that when we contact the enemy, we would jump off from the tanks, move on a flank to assault, while the tanks would take hull down position to give us covering fire. Unfortunately, four of the tanks got bogged down in the sand and we had to march on foot.
Only late in the evening, we contacted the enemy, who fired their mortars, 106 RCL (Anti tank) and MMGs at us from a high ground astride the track behind the Khadin village. A few thatched huts in the village were burning due to Pak fire and in the dark their tracer bullets were flying all over our heads. It was a spectacular sight to behold as though we were witnessing a Diwali extravaganza, even though the situation was grim with one of my jawan lying wounded due to the shelling. Due to darkness, the three tanks which managed to reach the area were useless, as they did not have night fighting capability. However, their mere presence could have scared the enemy.
We carried out aggressive patrolling on the flanks at night due to which the enemy got panicky and fled in the cover of darkness with their vehicles. Their vehicles had balloon tyres to move on the desert unlike ours. My company occupied the post without opposition by midnight. In the morning, Maj. Chopra without my knowledge, informed the Brigade from his wireless set that we had succeeded in clearing the road block and he was getting back to retrieve his tanks.
As for me, we had not yet accomplished the mission fully as the enemy had withdrawn only up to Sakarbu height, which was previously held by us and directing artillery fire on us. We had to evict them from there to ensure that route to Munabao was safe. So, I requested my Bn to send me mortars and MMGs for attack on them next night and myself took a small patrol towards Sakarbu using sand dunes as cover, to plan attack. Strangely, I saw and heard them scooting from there too during mid-day. After ensuring the position was abandoned by them, I used my initiative, in the absence of communication failure with the Bde, to handover Khadin Post to RAC personnel who were in hiding not far away during Pak occupation and had rejoined us after it was recaptured by us.
Thereafter, I moved my Company to occupy Sakarbu, which was tactically more important for us. The route to Munabao was thus opened and it was now safer. Next day, the Bde sent a coy of 1 Garh Rif to relieve my Coy at Sakarbu and was called back to Gadra City. I thought it was to give us time to rest and recoup but alas it was not to be!
My last Mission: When I reached Gadra City, our new Bde Cdr, Brig. Summanwar complimented me for my Coy’s action at Khadin and Sakarbu but said that he had sent composite force with 17 MADRAS, a part of my Bn under my CO and a Coy of 1 Garh Rifs, inland towards Dali to capture more areas. They had captured Jasse ke Par, Dali and Pirani ki Par; but as there was a complete breakdown of communication with them, he was anxious to know about the situation on that front. He, therefore, wanted me to take a strong patrol mounted on 1 ton vehicles with mors and MMGs to bring back correct information, so that he could plan further operation.
I had Capt. Sardesai from my Bn to assist me as my second in command. It took the whole night to get the ASC vehicles and patrol ready. We could set out only in the morning with me in the lead vehicle and Capt. Desai in the last. We had to move dispersed due to the threat of air attack. As I was nearing Dali, I could hear a lot of firing there which made me move faster than the speed of my convoy behind. From a higher ground, I descended on a flatter area which was being overlooked by a high sand dune short of Dali.
On the skyline I noticed some figures. I saw through my binoculars to find that they were wearing Khaki uniform — they were unmistakably Pakistanis! The best I could do was to halt my convoy at higher ground left behind and take up a defence. So, I instructed the driver to reverse the vehicle and I got down to have a better look at the enemy. Just then, they fired artillery at us and unfortunately one shell fragment hit my right leg and it started bleeding. Nk Shinde, who was with me while helping me back into the vehicle, saw an enemy jeep mounted with 106 RCL less than 70 yds away and he fired at it with his rifle. The enemy crew, obviously scared, reversed into a depression, fortunately never to raise their heads again.
As I got back into my vehicle, we saw another enemy MMG mounted jeep trying to encircle us from a flank; but we managed to escape by driving fast back to the higher ground, where Capt. Sardesai was waiting for me. Fortunately, my wound was not life-threatening. While my wound was being bandaged to stop the bleeding, I could discuss the situation with Capt. Sardesai. We decided to deploy the patrol into a defensive position. I planned to get back to Gadra City to personally brief the Bde Cdr and attend to my wound.
After thanking Nk Shinde (without whose help, unmindful of his own safety, I would not have been alive today!) and dictating a situation report to be sent to the Bde, I left for Gadra City and reached there at night. Brig. Summanwar personally met me in the vehicle. After explaining what had happened, I recommended that a stronger reinforcement should be sent to help our beleaguered force at Dali and beyond. He discussed this with the Div. Cdr. and instructed 2IC of my Bn, Col. Sable to take the balance of my Bn with additional troops to stabilise the situation. It was nice of the Bde Cdr to take personal interest to arrange a hot dinner for me and evacuate me in an ambulance.
Cease Fire and After
While being evacuated, I was informed that night on 23rd Sept., India had declared unilateral cease fire. After two weeks of hospitalisation at Ahmedabad MH to tend to my wound, I was given a month’s sick leave to go home to Madikeri, where my parents were anxiously waiting for me. However, with the permission of my father, who had served in Burma as an Army Doctor during World War II, I voluntarily got back to my Bn at Gadra City, 15 days before my leave was to expire.
Taking advantage of the unilateral declaration of cease fire, Pak wilfully had tried to grab some unoccupied area of ours in Rajasthan, which led to skirmishes and casualties on both sides. By the time I returned, the situation had stabilised. Our Bde had achieved its objective, against heavy odds by capturing large area in Sind, which came in handy during the negotiation which followed after Tashkent Agreement. My CO, Col. Rattan Singh was designated to attend a flag meeting with Pak to finalise the plan for vacating the captured areas by us. He took me with him and he was pleasantly surprised to find that his counterpart, the Pak Col. was an old course-mate of his at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun! After recognising, they hugged each other and the meeting ended amicably!
By a coincidence, my Coy which was to enter first into Pak territory was also the last to vacate it. In this senseless war, where there were no winners or losers, the loss of Lt. Ronald Serrao, our Intelligence Officer, who was killed at Dali after the Cease Fire and our gallant JCOs and men, was too overwhelming.
After the war, my Bn moved to Jodhpur where our Bde became a part of newly raised 12 Inf Div, which was to specialise in Desert Warfare. Under the new GOC, Maj. Gen. Satinder Singh, we trained hard and developed concepts peculiar to desert warfare, which paid us handsome dividends during the 1971 War with Pak.
Conclusion
In this war, we learnt how not to wage a war! My Bde was launched into battle poorly equipped and trained in desert warfare without any air support. Battalions are meant to fight as a homogeneous whole; but we were frequently split into coys and pls columns and mixed up with other bns deep into the desert without administrative backing. This was a major flaw in the conduct of war at Bde level. Yet, we achieved more than what was expected of us.
In sum, the 1965 War, which Pak imposed on us ended in a stalemate but taught secular India never to trust our religiously indoctrinated neighbour. In 1971, we did better mainly because of the powerful personality of our then Army Chief, Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, who had a direct access to the Prime Minister bypassing bureaucrats in the Ministry of Defence but emerging India can no longer depend upon such personalities. We should take institutional measures backed by appropriate allotment of finances to safeguard our internal and external security.
It is high time that the unbroken legacies set by our first Prime Minister, to appoint Defence Ministers who lack basic knowledge of Military, have a Ministry of Defence wholly staffed by bureaucrats who enjoy all authority without responsibility and not integrating the three Services, namely, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force under one Chief of Defence Staff to fight future wars should be ended. I do sincerely hope that our politicians and influential sections of our people, who as a rule never send their sons into the Armed Forces, realise their responsibility towards the Nation and take positive steps.
Jai Hind.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Saturday – October 10th, 2015
Decides to submit memorandum to the Centre to retain the status.
A resolution was passed to submit a memorandum to the Centre, seeking to maintain the existing status on firearm rights enjoyed by Kodavas and Jamma land holders at the zilla panchayat general meeting convened by Zilla Panchayat president Chodumada Sharine Subbaiah at Old Fort Hall in Madikeri on Thursday.
Raising the issue, member Shanteyanda Ravi Kushalappa said that the Kodavas and Jamma land holders have been using rifles from generations. But, an appeal filed in the court, against the exemption rights has hurt the sentiments of people, she said.
Zilla Pancahayat president said that a report will be submitted to the Union Home Ministry, seeking the retention.
ZP former president B Shivappa said, the ration cards are being cancelled in many villages in Somvarpet expressing discontent over the move.
World Food Day
Sharine Subbaiah said that all department officials strive towards the meaningful observation of ‘World Food Day’ and towards creating awareness against the wastage of food, especially in the hostels in the districts.
Member Kaddi Sundar pointed out that the roofs of anganwadi buildings in Moornadu are leaking and demanded that the buildings A child has succumbed to death recently , due to a road accident and road widening is the need of the hour in the area, he said.
Zilla Pancahyat vice president Beena Bollamma said that the protective walls along Madikeri-Bhagamandala road are on the verge of collapse and directed the Public Works Department officials to take immediate measures, in the wake of upcoming Tula Sankramana at Talacauvery.
DCF Yedakundulu said that the government has released Rs 5.5 crore towards the control of wild elephant menace and elephant trenches have been dug and solar fences have been erected in the reserve forest.
The meet decided to form three teams in three taluks to inspect the afforestation work by the Forest Department. Meanwhile, Kodandera Bond Ganapathy urged the Forest Department to provide the names of the locations where saplings have been planted.
The DCF replied that the information will be provided according to the New Forest Act.
Bond Ganapathu also told the members to provide information on the work of drinking water projects worth Rs 25 lakh in each ZP limits. The list of works should be submitted by the respective zilla panchayat members, towards the action plan.
Members Biddanda Usha Devamma, Indira, Babbira Saraswathi, M S Venkatesh, Boppanda Bollamma Nanaiah, Venkappa Poojary, Geeta and Mani Nanjappa were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, October 09th, 2015
Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director of India Today was today elected the President of Editors Guild of India while chief editor of online daily ‘The Citizen’, Seema Mustafa was elected as the treasurer.
Prakash Dube, Group Editor, Dainik Bhaskar was elected as the General Secretary.
The new office bearers were elected at the general body meeting today, a statement by the Guild said.
source: http://www.ptinews.com / Press Trust of India / Home> National / New Delhi – September 26th, 2015
Mandya MP C.S. Puttaraju is seen addressing the gathering at the valedictory of ‘Jabhoomi Baalo-2015’ padayatra at Kodava Samaja in Bengaluru yesterday.
Bengaluru :
Rajya Sabha member from Bengaluru, Kupendra Reddy, has promised Rs. 10 lakh for conservation of Kodagu mandhs and revival of paddy cultivation across Kodagu district, said Mandya MP C.S. Puttaraju at the valedictory of ‘Jabhoomi Baalo-2015’ padayatra at Kodava Samaja in Vasanthnagar here yesterday.
Puttaraju said that he was authorised to announce this by MP Kupendra Reddy, who is currently in USA, on his behalf.
Stating that Reddy has announced Rs. 10 lakh for UKO’s cause as the first instalment, Puttaraju said Reddy has promised more funds for UKO’s various plans.
Stating that the people of Mandya were always indebted to river Cauvery, which originates in Kodagu, Puttaraju assured of extending all support for the protection of Kodava land, culture and its environment.
UKO Convenor Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, in his address, said that the funds provided by Kupendra Reddy will be utilised for conservation of Kodagu mandhs and other programmes. He also said that Puttaraju has handed over Rs. 10 lakh grant to UKO as the first instalment as promised by Reddy.
Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Chairperson Shantheyanda Veena Achaiah, former MLC Cheppudira Arun Machaiah, Kodagu District Congress President Biddatanda T. Pradeep, former Kodagu District BJP President Machimada M. Ravindra, Federation of Kodava Samajas President Mallengada Dada Belliappa, Bengaluru Kodava Samaja President Mandeda Ravi Uthappa, Vice-President Mukkatira Vani Nanaiah, Secretary Chennapanda Subbaiah, actress Prajwal Poovaiah, Madikeri Kodava Samaja President Moovera Shambu Pemmaiah, Ponnampet Kodava Samaja Secretary Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah, Kodava Sahitya Academy President Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, UKO office-bearers and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Generla News / Monday – October 05th, 2015
One morning, I came to a place, known as Kakot Parambu, near the town of Virajpet. Parambu, meaning a holy meadow in the Kodava language, is known for its scenic beauty.
The green landscape stretches over a hillock within a gateway and is visible from the road. Before it stands a school ground and a ceremony hall. At one side within the precincts is a small shrine dedicated to Chavundi (Chamundi), while on the other side is the Kakot Achchayya Temple.
Legend has it that Kakot Achchayya and his sister Kakot Akkavva walked to this place in the ancient times. Kakot Achchayya, also known as Kombu Meeshe (horn moustache) Achchayya, had a manservant called Kari Kotta to attend to them.
They settled down here and a Mahadeva Temple was built for them. Over the years, the Kakot Achchayya Temple came to be known as the Kala Bhairaveshwara Temple.
The Kala Bhairaveshwara Temple has a horse figure representing the kshetrapala, guardian of the region, overlooking it. Behind this temple is the shrine of the kodi beera (war hero). This smaller shrine is dedicated to an ancestor of the Mandetira family who had died a violent death. He is represented by a rock placed upon a platform. To the side of the main shrine is a large tree upon a platform called the Kariyappa Sthana.
Beyond that is the shrine of Akkavva, known as Akkavva Sthana, which has a well near it. Before the Akkavva shrine is a tree with the small figure of a crane under it. Beside this tree is a temple pond which also has a similar crane figurine by its steps.
The Mandetira family is the Deva Takka of the temple. Deva Takka family members are responsible for the management of the temple. According to their family tree, the earliest known Mandetira ancestor is one Bogayya. His son Achchunna was the brother-in-law of Utta Nayaka of Kadnur, a very powerful chieftain in the 1780s. Achchunna went to Tulunad (Dakshina Kannada) and sent an archak (priest) called Sankana from that land.
Sankana and his descendants, the Kukkemane family, thereafter served as the priests of the Kakot Temple. Achchunna never returned. A memorial was built for him there at Kodapada village in Dakshina Kannada. During times of strife and conflict, Achchunna’s son Medayya was beheaded by a king. A memorial, called the Kodi Bira Sthana, was built for him at the place behind the temple where his head fell. Medayya’s young son Subbayya was the last remaining member of his family.
His widowed mother, who was from the Iychettira family, raised him. Upon coming of age, Subbayya joined the Raja’s government and was given his family property. A painting, which shows him paying the Raja his respects, was commissioned in 1805.
Subbayya remained in the government of the Kodagu Rajas for a long while, serving under Dodda Vira Rajendra, Devammaji, Linga Rajendra and Chikka Vira Rajendra. When the British took over the administration of Kodagu in 1834, the native officers were all retained. Unlike his father Medayya who had antagonised the ruling power of his times, Subbayya had remained loyal to the Rajas and later to the British, under whom he came to earn a medallion and pension for three generations. He later retired as parupatyagara, a senior government official.
Much of the family history has been documented by the clan members. The Mandetira, the Kukkemane, the Nellamakkada and a number of other families have helped renovate the temple over generations. Every year, ceremonial dances are held in the Kakot Parambu mand. In 2007, the Mandetira family organised the annual Kodava Hockey tournament.
The Ainmane, the ancestral home of the clan, has a wooden portico and entrance wall. A family tree of the Mandetiras is displayed by the entrance. The beautiful but small and old painting depicting the Kodagu Raja Dodda Vira Rajendra and Mandetira Subbayya is within a wooden frame placed on the wall behind the hanging prayer lamp. The kaimada, a private shrine built in remembrance of clan ancestors, and a sanctuary for el koot murthy (seven spirit-deities) are located nearby.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements / by M P Nitin Kushalappa / September 29th, 2015
‘Jabhoomi Baalo-2015’ Talacauvery-Bengaluru padayatra leaves city
Mysuru :
“Kodavas should also get the same status and facilities accorded to Parsi community,” opined Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha.
He was speaking at a programme organised at Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar first stage here to mark the arrival of ‘Jabhoomi Baalo-2015’ Talacauvery-Bengaluru padayatra in the city yesterday.
Noting that the Parsi community, a minority community having less population, is playing a key role in the country’s economy and industrial sector, the MP said that many Parsi achievers such as renowned scientist Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and senior advocate Fali S.Nariman have brought honour to the country.
“The Union Government, taking note of the dwindling number of Parsis, has come up with ‘Jiyo Parsi’ campaign for the survival of the community. Likewise, the Government should come forward to save the Kodava community, which has given two Generals, 28 Lieutenant Generals, 5 Hockey Captains and other greats in different fields,” he said and added that he would urge the Union Government to extend the status and facilities accorded to Parsi community to the Kodava community as well.
Noting that Kodagu is a distinct district known for its rich forest cover, culture and geographical features, he said that Kodava culture, land and language was a unique one and the government should take appropriate measures for preserving this.
The MP also stressed for unity among Kodavas to get all due government facilities.
United Kodava Organisation (UKO) Convenor Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, in his address, said that the Talacauvery-Bengaluru padayatra, which was launched at Talacauvery on Sept. 18, has been undertaken to draw the attention of State and Union Governments towards their 18-point charter of demands aimed at development of Kodagu district and survival of Kodava race.
The demands include: Bringing a new law on the Kerala-model to check conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural purposes; Subsidy of Rs. 10,000 per acre for growing paddy; Suitable amendment for replacing Paisari with ‘Takkamaye’ in Section 6 of revenue land schedule; Stop forced eviction of small coffee growers; Drop the Union government’s move to facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in coffee cultivation and Legalisation (Sakrama) of lands encroached for growing coffee.
As the padayatra reached Hinkal junction on Hunsur road yesterday, the office-bearers of Mysuru Kodava Samaja joined it and marched along with UKO members to Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar I Stage where a stage programme was held later.
The padayatra team, which stayed overnight at the Samaja, resumed its march this morning. The team will stay for the night at Baburayana Koppalu in Srirangapatna taluk on Mysuru-Benglauru road. The padayatra will culminate in Bengaluru on Oct.4.
Karnataka Pradesh Hotel Owners Association President M. Rajendra, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K.Kuttappa, Vice-President Balyamanda M. Nanaiah, Hon. Secretary Mandira P. Kalaiah, former President Mechanda M. Karumbaiah, former Secretary Kekada M. Belliappa and others were present.
Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah compered the programme.
MLC rues vanishing of Kodava race: MLC G. Madhusudan has regretted the dwindling number of Kodavas in their homeland, which gave hundreds of great warriors to the country.
He was speaking at a programme organised at Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar here yesterday, marking the arrival of ‘Jabhoomi Baalo-2015’ padayatra to the city.
Appealing the Kodavas not to undergo family planning for the sake of survival of patriotic fervour in the country, Madhusudan expressed concern over the increasing tribe of selfish and anti-development families.
Stating that the migration of Kodava families to cities has resulted in Kodavas losing touch with their rich culture, the MLC called upon all Kodavas to stay in their homeland and strive for enriching the Kodava culture besides reviving the spirit of patriotism.
Noting that Kodagu district geographically resembles Shivalinga figure, the MLC said Kodagu is covered by rich forests and receives heavy rainfall.
Pointing out that Kodagu is the birth place of Cauvery river, which flows through Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar districts and Tamil Nadu before joining the sea, the MLC said that the river is the lifeline for crores of people. He called upon the expatriate Kodava families to return to Kodagu and strive for Kodagu to regain its past glory.
He also declared that he would extend full support for the ongoing agitation to demand development of Kodagu district and assured that he would raise issues concerning Kodagu district in the Legislative Council.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / September 28th, 2015
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