Codava Community Seeks Exclusive Constituencies and ST Status Amid Concerns Over Delimitation

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), , , , , , , , ,

HIGHLIGHTS

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

‘Kodava Ballya Namme’ festival celebrates community’s culture, rituals, language

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

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

Coffee Board launches GI-tagged, single-serve drip bags

Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Records, All

We are planning to sell coffee online to popularise and promote GI-tagged coffee and make them accessible to consumers across the country, says Coffee Board Secretary and CEO K.G. Jagadeesha.

The GI-tagged coffee drip bags are designed for simplicity and effortless brewing, says the Coffee Board. | Photo Credit: special arrangement

The Coffee Board on Friday (March 29, 2025) introduced premium GI-tagged single-serve coffee drip bags to strengthen the domestic consumption of pure coffee in the country.

These GI-tagged coffee drip bags are designed for simplicity and effortless brewing and require just hot water and no equipment, said Coffee Board Secretary and CEO K.G. Jagadeesha at a media conference. “Only boiled water and a mug are required to brew a quality cup of pure black coffee,” he said.

Each drip coffee pouch contains five GI-tagged Arabica coffee varieties: Coorg Arabica, Chikmagalur Arabica, Bababudangiri Arabica, Araku Valley Arabica and the Monsooned Malabar Arabica coffee.

According to Mr. Jagadeesha, the drip bags being marketed under the India Coffee brand will be made available across all e-commerce platforms. “We are planning to sell coffee online to popularise and promote GI-tagged coffee and make them accessible to consumers across the country,’‘ he added.

Coffee Board also simultaneously launched Indian speciality coffee like GI-tagged Monsooned Malabar Arabica Coffee and Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold Arabica Coffee. Monsoon Malabar, he said, is the only monsoon coffee (where harvested coffee seeds are exposed to the monsoon rain and winds) in the world, Mr. Jagasheesha added.

Coffee culture

Coffee Board chairman M.J. Dinesh said the Board has been taking initiatives such as Kaapi Shastra, Barista Skills training, and participation in domestic exhibitions to promote coffee culture and thereby drive pure coffee consumption.

“Coffee farmers and entrepreneurs are getting training from the conception stage to the product stage. Even private coffee players can benefit from this training and start focusing on promoting GI-tagged pure coffees of India,’‘ said Coffee Board officials.

Under Atal Innovation Vision, the Coffee Board has been offering training to various coffee farmers and coffee entrepreneurs. Some 68 coffee startups, including over 20 start-ups in Karnataka, have come up under this scheme.

As per CRISIL estimates, India’s current coffee consumption is estimated at 95,000 tonnes.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities > Bengaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / March 29th, 2025

India’s coffee production next year will be higher than last two years’: Coffee Board

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News

Bengaluru’s coffee production outlook, global prices, and the importance of value addition in the industry discussed by Coffee Board officials.

Coffee Board Secretary and CEO KG Jagadeesha said nature played a critical role in coffee farming and if plantations get 6-7 months without a dry spell, next year’s yield would be substantially higher than the last two years. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Bengaluru India’s coffee production for the crop year ending in March 2025 is likely to be 3.52 lakh metric tonnes, while the yield for next year is expected to be much higher than last two years’ yield as most plantations have already received adequate blossom showers helping a healthy berry setting, said Coffee Board CEO and Secretary, K.G Jagadeesha.

However, he said, nature played a critical role in coffee farming and if plantations get 6-7 months without a dry spell, next year’s yield would be substantially higher than the last two years.

He further said the board was currently in the process of wrapping up harvest (which just concluded) volumes data for the current year and preparing a production outlook for next year based on post blossom-shower assessment conducted on plantations across the country.

Global coffee prices to remain high for a year: ICO

Quoting International Coffee Organisation (ICO), Mr. Jagadeesha said, global coffee prices were likely to remain high for one more year as most major producing countries were facing drastic climatic changes.

“The current coffee prices may hold for one more year with marginal growth, however may not double or treble as they did a couple of years ago for arabica and robusta, respectively. I just attended the ICO meeting and this is the sense I am getting regarding prices,” he said.

Globally, coffee prices remained too low for 10 years, before they started climbing last two years ago.

India should focus on premiumisation in coffee

Highlighting the importance of value addition in coffee, Mr. Jagadeesha said, some 70% of Indian coffee were exported as green beans which meant the country has been losing out on premiums.

“We are producing the best quality coffee in the world and selling it as green beans in the global markets and someone else is blending, value adding and forking out premiums. This situation has to change by increasing our focus on value addition to fetch premium prices in the global markets. Some of our growers have already started focusing on value add and premiumisation, but the trend has to become industry-wide,’‘ he insisted.

According to Mr. Jagdeesha, post covid, there is a spurt in coffee consumption globally and this trend has been quite evident in India as well.

Coffee Board Chairman M.J. Dinesh said additional strengthening of the domestic market was required to protect coffee growers in the wake of any international price fluctuations.

“A robust domestic market will provide a shield to the coffee growers against the volatile international coffee prices. It will also encourage entrepreneurship and boost employment opportunities and bring in overall improvement in the coffee value chain. Such a scenario will act as a buffer for Indian coffee,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business / by MIni Tejaswi / March 29th, 2025

Celebrating Kodava Traditions

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kodava Sahitya Akademi to host ‘Kodava Balya Namme’ at Ammathi on Mar. 29, 30

The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Akademi in association with Kannada and Culture Department and Ammathi Kodava Samaja will be hosting the ‘Kodava Balya Namme,’ a lively celebration that highlights the rich heritage of Kodava folk music and dance at the Kodava Samaja premises in Ammathi on Mar. 29 and 30.

Parade of Colours and Tradition

The event will kick off with a colourful parade, featuring ceremonial attire, vaalaga and dudikott music and dance. The tone for a weekend of excitement and cultural revelry will be set by this procession.

Stage for Folk Artistes

The ‘Kodava Balya Namme’ will feature a range of cultural competitions, including folk singing and dancing. Talented troupes of folk singers and dancers from across Karnataka will come together for the Namme, to display their talents and vie with one another for top honours on a shared platform. The Akademi’s dedication to preserving and promoting Kodava culture is demonstrated by this event.

Literary Delights

Book lovers will be excited to know that the festival will also include book releases, showcasing the literary accomplishments of Kodava authors. Also, poetry recitations will provide the celebrations with cultural elegance and refinement.

Exhibition and Seminary Sessions

An exhibition of heritage artefacts will provide a glimpse into Kodava history and customs. There will be discussion sessions, featuring expert panels and thought-provoking themes pertaining to the Kodava culture and identity, as well.

Celebrating Successes

Additionally, the Akademi will honour the achievements of successful individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective domains. These deserving people will get honorary prizes in recognition of their contributions.

Music and Dance Extravaganza

The strains of folk music and the vivid colours of ceremonial attire will fill the Samaja over the course of two days. A variety of acts, such as folk songs, dances and other cultural presentations, will be included in the competitions.

Cultural Events and Performances

The initial parade will be inaugurated in the morning on the 29th of March in Ammathi and will be from Hosur junction to the Kodava Samaja. Later, there will be a release of newly published books. Various song and dance competitions will be inaugurated the same day. That day there will also be a heritage items exhibition, a discussion session and a poetry recitation session.

The next morning there will be another discussion session. The final event of the second day is the distribution of the Akademi’s honorary prizes to achievers and for new books.

Join the Festivities

Various dignitaries, such as State Ministers, the Mysuru-Kodagu MP, MLAs and MLC and the DC, and accomplished individuals have been invited as guests. Former Presidents of the Kodava Sahitya Akademi, the Presidents of the various Kodava Samajas and the Kodava Bhasika (speakers) organisations have also been invited.

Regardless of whether you are a culture enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is sure to be a memorable celebration of Kodava heritage.

The ‘Kodava Balya Namme’ promises to be unforgettable with music, dance, literature and cultural richness. Mark your calendars for March 29th and 30th and immerse yourself in the celebrations at Ammathi Kodava Samaja in Kodagu. Kodava Sahitya Akademi to host ‘Kodava Balya Namme’ at Ammathi on Mar. 29, 30.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa / March 28th, 2025

Muddanda Hockey Festival from tomorrow

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion

Kodava family hockey tournament celebrates silver jubilee

Madikeri:

Stage is set for the premier Kodava Family Hockey Festival which begins at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds from tomorrow.

This year’s ‘Muddanda Hockey Namme’ also marks the 25th edition of the tournament. A total of 396 teams have registered to take part in the tournament compared to 360 teams in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest. The tournament will be inaugurated by Legal Advisor to Chief Minister and MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds at 12 noon. Prior to the inaugural event, a traditional Kodava rally will be held from Gen. K.S. Thimayya Circle in the town till the College grounds.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, District Minister N.S. Boseraju, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, MLC Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa, Ajuna Awardee Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah and Madikeri Kodava Samaja President Manduvanda P. Muthappa will be chief guests. Deputy Commissioner Venkatraja, SP K. Ramarajan and Kodagu University Vice-Chancellor Ashok Sangappa Alura will be the guests.

The inaugural ceremony will also feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

This year matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and at Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families. The marathon was flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Leela Kuttappa, wife of Pandanda Kuttappa, the Founder of Kodava Family Hockey Tournament, on Mar. 25 at the Ainmane of Pandanda family in Karada village.

The Kreeda Jyothi has passed through the ancestral houses of Cheppudira, Alamenganda, Kallichanda, Machamada, Chekkera, Maneyapanda, Kuppanda, Nellamakkada, Mandepanda, Thathanda, Mandetira, Muddanda, Iychettira, Ballachanda, Biddanda among others.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 40 women’s teams have registered and more entries are expected before Apr. 10 deadline. The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri.

Tournament organisers have announced Rs. 5 lakh cash reward and a trophy for the winners of Muddanda Hockey Fest. Runners will receive Rs. 3 lakh cash reward along with a trophy and the losing teams in semi-finals will receive Rs. 1 lakh cash along with trophies.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 27th, 2025

Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation gets FCRA licence

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New Delhi :

Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation has been granted the FCRA licence by the Ministry of Home Affairs, officials said on Wednesday.

The foundation applied for a licence under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 and the home ministry accorded it as the organisation fulfilled all necessary requirements, they said.

The FCRA licence is mandatory for any organisation to receive foreign funding.

Tennis icon Rohan Bopanna founded the academy, The Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA), in Bengaluru.

Established in March 2016, the RBTA offers access to a progressive tennis coaching programme.

According to its website, the RBTA’s focus is on encouraging all-round sports development of young athletes.

With professional coaches overseeing the programme and special inputs from globally qualified fitness trainers, the RBTA introduces a balanced curriculum — with equal emphasis on fitness and sports skills for young children looking to play tennis, it says.

Bopanna, the founder and mentor of RBTA, became only the fourth Indian after Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza to win a grand slam. PTI ACB ACB KSS KSS

This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> Sports / by PTI / March 26th, 2025

Mysurean emerges Champion at Trump International Golf

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

The 24-year-old Mysurean, Drishti Karumbaya, who emerged the Ladies’ Golf Champion at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach County, Florida, celebrated her victory with the 78-year-old US President Donald Trump, who won the Men’s Golf Championship.

“I just won the Golf Club Championship, probably my last, at Trump International Golf Club, in Palm Beach County, Florida,” Trump wrote on social media on Sunday afternoon.

Drishti, daughter of Dentist Dr. P.G. Karumbaya (Palachanda Chethan) and Swetha Karumbaya (Kandrathanda), residents of Yadavagiri in Mysuru, is working as a Golf Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a member of Trump International Golf Club.

An alumnus of St. Joseph’s Central School and NPS International in Vijayanagar, Mysuru, she is a double major in Sociology and Human Development from California State University.

Having initiated into golfing when she was 9 years old at JWGC, Mysuru, Drishti had a Career Best Ranking of #5 in the U-13 category in India, was the runner-up in the Wester India Ladies & Junior Girls Championship in 2014, winner of the CGL Indian Gold Union South Zone Event by 11 strokes in 2015 and winner of the Prestige Golfshire IGU South Zone Junior Championship in 2016. She has also won various Championships representing  California State University.

At the Trump International Golf Club Championship, Drishti won Stableford on day-1 and Matchplay on day-2 and 3.

Drishti’s younger brother Dhruv Bopanna is also a pro-golfer in Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 19th, 2025

Fragrant Trails and White Blossoms: Three Places to Stay This Coffee Season

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The coffee blossom season in Karnataka is a vibrant spectacle to watch, but a fleeting experience much like the cherry blossom season in Japan. Its coffee trail runs from Coorg to Chikmagalur, and the landscape is transformed by white, almost jasmine-like blossoms that spread across estates, releasing a sweet perfume into the air. While these fragrant blooms last only a short time, their beauty leaves a lasting impression. Here are three resorts in Karnataka, where you can stroll through lush estates and witness the almost magical transformation of these blossoms turning into coffee berries.

Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg 

Staying at this resort in the middle of the coffee blossom season will help you experience almost 300 acres of a sea of delicate white blooms. During this brief, magical time, the resort transforms into a serene paradise, where luxury meets nature. The estate’s luxurious villas and infinity pools provide the perfect vantage point to soak in this breathtaking spectacle. I highly recommend strolling through this mist-laden paradise while indulging in a freshly brewed cup of estate-grown coffee.

The IBNII, Coorg

The IBNII, Coorg, is set on a serene, 120-acre former coffee estate in the hills of Madikeri, offering a calming retreat surrounded by lakes, mist, and lush greenery. Tucked amidst Coorg’s lush landscapes, The IBNII becomes a peaceful sanctuary during the coffee blossom season. Spanning 125 acres of mist-covered coffee plantations, the air is fragrant with the scent of blooming coffee flowers, signalling the beginning of the coffee cycle. This perfect blend of nature and luxury invites couples seeking romance or those wishing to unwind in tranquil surroundings.

The Serai Chikmagalur 

At Serai Chikmagalur, the coffee blossom season brings an enchanting experience, offering guests a rare glimpse of nature’s beauty. Surrounded by vast coffee plantations, the resort enhances the magic of the season by blending luxury with the aromatic charm of blooming coffee trees. The resort’s serene atmosphere celebrates nature and luxury in harmony, making this time at The Serai unforgettable for nature and coffee enthusiasts alike.

source: http://www.voyagersworld.com / Voyager’s World / Home> 2025> Karnataka Tourism / by VW Bureau / March 25th, 2025

Seventh Coffee Santhe in Bengaluru supports women in coffee plantations

Coffee News, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

WCAI Secretary Poornima Jairaj highlighted how farmers are expanding beyond cultivation into roasting, retail, and cafe ownership, bridging the gap from farm to cup.

People check a stall at the Coffee Santhe at Freedom Park.Photo | Express, Allen Egenuse J

Bengaluru :

From mocha pots to unique flavours like masala apple-flavoured coffee decoction, the seventh edition of ‘Coffee Santhe’ blended traditional coffee flavours with emerging coffee trends at Freedom Park over the weekend.

Organised by the Bengaluru-based Women’s Coffee Alliance – India (WCAI), the three-day event concluded on Sunday and featured stalls offering flavoured coffee powders, coffee beans from Coorg and Chikkamagaluru, floral-infused brews, and other specialty coffee products that have been gaining traction on social media.

The annual event is WCAI’s main fundraising initiative, aimed at supporting women working in coffee plantations. The funds raised go toward ongoing projects that focus on women and child healthcare, education for girls, nutrition support, skill development, and elder care. The funds help address both the physical and mental well-being of workers.

WCAI Secretary Poornima Jairaj highlighted how farmers are expanding beyond cultivation into roasting, retail, and cafe ownership, bridging the gap from farm to cup.

She also noted the growing trend of home brewing, with more consumers preferring freshly ground beans.

“To showcase this, multiple stalls at the event are dedicated to displaying coffee beans from various plantations, helping consumers understand the coffee brewing process,” she said.

The WCAI, on Sunday, also hosted finals of the Women Stars Brewer Championship featuring participants from coffee chains and home brewers across India, competing for the title of ‘Woman Coffee Brewing Star’ and the finals of the Robusta Brewing Skills Championship which aimed at showcasing the rich flavours of the Robusta bean.

Tricho Cards to protect crops without chemical pesticides

A stall by Krishi Sai Ekatha Private Limited displaying ‘Tricho Cards’ was the centre of attraction at the event. These eco-friendly cards, priced at Rs 200 each, are embedded with “Trichogramma” wasp eggs – a natural pest control solution. Trichogramma are tiny, beneficial insects that destroy the eggs of harmful crop pests like caterpillars and borers before they hatch

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Rishita Khanna / March 24th, 2025