Tag Archives: AS Ponnanna

Ponnanna and Manthar are like the two eyes of Kodagu; protect them

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Bengaluru :

“Instead of migrating elsewhere for jobs, people of the Coastal and Malnad regions should start businesses in your own hometowns utilizing local natural resources. To empower you, the Congress government has formulated a special Tourism Policy for the Coastal and Malnad regions,” called upon CM D. K. Shivakumar.

Shivakumar was speaking at the Kail Muhurat Jambara 2026 event held on Sunday at the Kodagu Gowda Samaja Hall in Ullal, Bengaluru.

“All of you have come from Kodagu and are residing in Bengaluru. If you forget your roots, you will not achieve success. Just as roots are essential for a tree, faith is essential for a human being. It gives me immense joy to see you all come together, building such a magnificent structure by bringing together your culture, hometown, heritage, and community. My congratulations to everyone who worked hard and encouraged this effort,” he said.

Kodagu has a rich history of valor, culture, and spirituality

“Kodagu has a history in the fields of valor, culture, and spirituality. We can never forget its history of raising heroes in every household. Mother Cauvery, who originates here, feeds us all the way to Puducherry. This time, there has been a severe drought. Even the Malnad region has lacked rainfall this year. I am anxiously waiting for the lakes and the KRS dam to fill up,” he stated.

“I have decided to conduct the Cauvery Aarti every year, and instructions have been issued to celebrate it during the Dasara festival this year as well. Kodagu district is the Kashmir of Karnataka. The entire world is attracted to this region. Preserve your heritage; it is a great human quality. In my own experience, people migrate from villages to cities for education and livelihood. If education and employment were available in the villages, you would not have come here. You are organizing yourselves and trying to do good for the village people, and you have presented several demands to me,” he said.

Build businesses in your own hometowns

“We recently held a special cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, where a separate tourism policy was formulated for the Malnad and Coastal regions. The talent of the people from this region must be recognized. People from this district have left their mark in sports and the defense sector. Educational institutions and banks were established in the Coastal region, but they have now declined. Protecting them is our duty. It has been decided to utilize the 327 km-long coastline for tourism, similar to Goa and Kerala,” he noted.

“Looking at Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar, there isn’t even a single five-star hotel. I do not wish to talk politics about why this happened. It is our desire to leave behind a meaningful contribution during our tenure. We are not permanent in politics. God gives neither blessings nor curses; He only gives opportunities. What we do with the opportunities we get is what matters,” he expressed.

“The Tirupati Temple Trust approached us asking for land to build a good temple. For that purpose, the Cabinet has decided to allot 10 acres of land in Mangaluru to the TTD Board. There are already temples like Kukke Subramanya, Kollur Mookambika, Kateel, and Dharmasthala in that region. This decision was taken to help those who cannot travel to Tirupati visit the Venkataramana temple here instead,” he said.

“Our decision regarding the Tulu language has been discussed worldwide; it is a symbol of self-respect. We have framed a special tourism policy combining the Coastal and Malnad regions. Rather than going outside for employment, this should enable the people of this region to build businesses right at their doorstep. We arrived at this decision so that you become entrepreneurs rather than remaining employees. No one can erase your coffee, spices, and culture. To protect them, an infrastructure policy has been integrated into this tourism policy. If you start a tourism-related business in this region, the repayment tenure for loans offered by banks can be extended from 5–6 years to up to 20 years. Financial strength must be provided to those starting businesses,” he explained.

Meeting with entrepreneurs in Mangaluru shortly

“I will visit Mangaluru again and sit down to hold discussions with all entrepreneurs. I invite you as well; please participate. Instead of outsiders coming and starting businesses here, set up businesses yourselves and build assets. I am making efforts to give strength to this initiative,” he informed.

Ponnanna and Manthar are like the two eyes of Kodagu; protect them

“You have shown special affection toward me, and I believe in principles over caste to take everyone along together. Victory to human values; peace to the world through righteousness. We must follow the message given by our National Poet Kuvempu in the state anthem to live with humanity without hurting anyone’s feelings. We are building our lives for the unity, integrity, and peace of the nation. Let us work together for this.

Representatives from Mysuru have submitted a memorandum regarding land, and I have instructed Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda to present this matter before the Cabinet. I will extend whatever help is possible from my end and look into the remaining demands to provide assistance,” he assured.

“When I was in difficult times, all of you stood by me in support, praying and fighting for me. As I always say, efforts may fail, but prayers never fail. You all expressed the desire for this D. K. Shivakumar to be around for a longer time to serve the state. I will govern without compromising your feelings, thoughts, and respect. This D. K. Shivakumar is a son of your household. Protect me as you would protect your own children. There are two MLAs here—Manthar and Ponnanna—who are like the two eyes of Kodagu district. Give them strength too. They are active, young, and working with honesty. Some people feel envious of their growth. There is no cure for envy. Those who are strong and perform well will always have critics and enemies,” he said.

Protect your voting rights

“If we are stronger, we will have more enemies; if we are less strong, fewer enemies; if we aren’t strong at all, there will be no enemies. Envy exists toward those who work actively. Therefore, you must protect these two MLAs. Protecting them is equivalent to protecting me and giving me strength. Protect your votes. You are seeing it yourselves—we are fighting day and night to safeguard your right to vote. Now, the Election Commission has directed that no names should be removed from the voter list unnecessarily.

“Let them revise the names of those having more than one vote or those who have passed away. But the rights of genuine, eligible voters must be protected. The right to vote is the right to life; it is the power granted by the Constitution,” he said.

Celebrating Dasara differently this time

“You have celebrated Ayudha Puja with great joy, and we will accord the respect due to the history and Gowda heritage of Kodagu. You are preserving both agricultural and cultural traditions. Our culture is the asset of our nation. We are trying to celebrate Dasara differently this time—troops from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy should participate in the Dasara procession to honor the soldiers who have served the nation. Artists from various regions, the film industry, and all communities should be included, and we are moving forward to conduct the event with discipline,” he stated.

I am with you, stand with us
“Ambassadors from several nations and Chief Ministers of other states have been invited to this tradition that has been carried forward since the era of the Maharajas. Opportunities have also been provided for your traditions and culture in the procession. This D. K. Shivakumar will be with you on all occasions. Utilize me as much as you can. May good things happen to you. I am with you; stay with us,” he assured.

source: http://www.megamedianews.com / MegaMedia News / Home> Regional News / by Editor / October 05th, 2026

Kodavas must unite to fight for their rights: MLA AS Ponnanna

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He was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Kodava Summit organized by the Connecting Kodavas Trust organization in Madikeri on Friday.

Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. (Photo | Twitter, @ASPonnanna)
Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. (Photo | Twitter, @ASPonnanna)

Madikeri :

“The Kodava community must unite to fight for the rights. Our ancestors fought to protect our land and culture. Let this fight continue. But fight for your rights and do not mock other communities or religions. Love every community,” called out Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Kodava Summit organized by the Connecting Kodavas Trust organization in Madikeri on Friday.

Ponnanna appreciated the efforts of the trust in bringing the community together. He urged the trust to lay a foundation for the rightful voicing of the communities’ needs and said, “Let there be resolutions formed in this summit on what our rights are and what needs to be done to preserve the community. I will extend my full support to attain these resolutions,” he assured.

He opined that political maturity is needed amongst the community to attain support for the fight towards rights. He highlighted that the land problems concerning Jamma land, preservation of gun rights and ethnographic studies are the issues that must be fought unitedly under a strong leadership. He urged for the preservation of the land, nature, culture and relationships.

MLC Shantharam Budna Siddi, who was present as the chief guest, urged the youth to come forward to work for the society. He assured to extend his support in the legislature for the ST tag fight of the Kodavas.

Chethan Singhai, Chief Consultant of the National Curriculum-Ministry of Education, urged the community to focus on education and appreciate the values of culture. He called out to the community to focus on locality that he said is largely rooted in values.

Human activist Rashmi Samath called out to the youngsters to come back to their roots.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 30th, 2023

Kodava community celebrates unique gun carnival ‘Thok Namme’

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Women from the Kodava community showcase their shooting skills at ‘Thok Namme’. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

On Monday, December 18, hundreds of Kodavas in the Kodagu district came together for a unique get together called “Thok Namme” (Gun Carnival), emphasising the cultural significance of the gun in their tradition.

On the occasion of the United Nations World Minorities Rights Day, the Codava National Council (CNC) organised the 14th Annual Public Gun Carnival in the district. Kodavas, during their festivals, engage in the worship of firearms.

Speaking to The Hindu, CNC president Nandineravanda U. Nachappa said, “This is the only such gun carnival in the country, observed annually by members of the Kodava community. It aims to raise awareness about the legislative rights of Kodavas to possess a gun.” The gun carnival event included a collective gun worship ceremony during which guns were adorned with flowers and worshiped. Subsequently, shooting competitions were organized for children, women, and men.

Women from the community enthusiastically took part in the event, showcasing their shooting skills by hitting a coconut hung several yards away. Speaking to The Hindu, Kaliyanda Meena Prakash said, “Equality between men and women is a cherished aspect of our community. Kodava women actively participate in various shooting competitions held throughout the district. Our goal is to train and pass on shooting skills to the younger generation.”

“The guns have a prominent position in the lives of Kodava Kshatra tribals and are being worshiped at the Nellakkiyadi, which is an important place for the tribals,” Mr. Nachappa explained. Senior Congress leader and MLC B.K. Hariprasad, and Virajpet MLA and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s legal advisor A.S. Ponnanna participated at the event.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B.P. / December 19th, 2023

Gruha Jyothi launched in Kodagu; all guarantees to be implemented by December

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As many as 1.30 lakh people have enrolled under the scheme and have already availed the benefit worth ₹2.90 crore, says Minister in charge of district .

Minister in charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju speaking after launching the Gruha Jyothi scheme in Madikeri on Tuesday, August 15. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

The Gruha Jyothi scheme was formally launched in Kodagu on Tuesday, August 15. Inaugurating the scheme, which is one of the guarantees of the Congress government, in Madikeri, Minister in charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju said 1.30 lakh people have enrolled under the scheme, availing benefits to the tune of ₹2.90 crore.

The Minister said the government would be spending a sum of ₹60,000 crore on the guarantees and all guarantees announced by the government will be implemented by December.

Amidst the spiraling prices of essential commodities, the guarantees would be able to bring some succor to the poor people, he opined.

Virajpet MLA and Legal Advisor to Chief Minister A.S. Ponnanna said the guarantees would help to empower the people and added that the Shakti scheme – the guarantee of free bus rides for women – has strengthened the transport corporations. “The empty buses are now running full,” he added.

He said the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has kept its promises even though the Centre refused to give rice for distribution under Anna Bhagya scheme. However, the government decided to pay money equivalent to five kg of rice. The guarantees will help to economically empower the people, he added.

Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda said 1.30 lakh out of 1.68 lakh eligible beneficiaries have enrolled under the Gruha Jyothi scheme. He told the officials to ensure that other eligible beneficiaries enroll under the scheme at the earliest so that they could also avail the benefits.

Describing the Congress government “pro-poor”, he expressed confidence that there won’t be any mismanagement under the free power scheme and added that the bill will be generated if the consumption crossed 200 units.

The MLA urged the Minister to put on hold the request from 30 staff of the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) for transfer from Kodagu.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau, Mysuru / August 15tj, 2023

Possessing wildlife items with ancestral history not a crime: Karnataka MLA

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Member of legislative assembly (MLA) and chief minister Siddarmaiah’s legal advisor, AS Ponnanna on Tuesday stated that possessing wildlife products with ancestral connections should not an offence.

MLA AS Ponnanna stresses importance of recognising the historical importance of heritage items. (Facebook/ AS Ponnanna)
MLA AS Ponnanna stresses importance of recognising the historical importance of heritage items. (Facebook/ AS Ponnanna)

Member of legislative assembly (MLA) and chief minister Siddarmaiah’s legal advisor, AS Ponnanna on Tuesday said that possessing wildlife products with ancestral connections should not be an offence.

Ponnanna’s statement came in reference to the stay order issued by the state high court in response to a notice served to Rajya Sabha member and actor Jaggesh by forest officials.’

Speaking to reporters in Madikeri on Tuesday, Ponnanna said that the forest ministry should instruct forest officers not to take any action against those who possess wildlife products until the high court delivers its verdict.

Ponnanna stressed the importance of recognising the cultural and historical significance of heritage items and expressed his belief that it is not appropriate to initiate legal proceedings against those who possess such items. “There is a need for forest officials to have a comprehensive understanding of the wildlife protection laws and urged the government to provide clear guidance to these officers,” he said.

The issue at hand pertains to the use of wildlife products traditionally employed by the people of Kodagu for generations. Ponnanna mentioned that he intends to meet with the chief minister and engage in discussions aimed at providing relief through the state government.

The ongoing legal actions taken by the forest department against individuals who possess wildlife products have instilled fear among hundreds of residents in Kodagu district. Given that the district is a hilly region known for its abundant wildlife and was once encouraged for hunting during the British colonial period, wildlife protection laws were only established in 1972. Prior to that, hundreds of landowners in Kodagu proudly displayed wildlife antlers and skins in their homes as a status symbol, he said.

In Kodagu, people showcased wildlife antlers and skins in their homes as a status symbol. “As I have possessed deer antlers for more than a century, I did not declare them with the forest department,” a coffee grower from Ponnampet in Kodagu told HT on condition of anonymity. He suggested that the state government should provide one more opportunity for individuals to declare their possession of wildlife products.

“The state government should act in accordance with the law. No concessions should be granted to anyone, nor should the possession of wildlife products be allowed,” wildlife expert KM Chinnappa told HT. He warned that if the government permits such practices, hunting could make a resurgence. Chinnappa emphasized the need to change our habits and strictly follow the law, which is enforced for the benefit of the people.

“We will not file suo moto cases or conduct checks in houses in Kodagu,” Madikeri DCF H Bhaskar told HT. He explained that the state government had previously given people a chance to declare their possession of wildlife products until 2003. Whether the state offers another chance for declaration or not, he added, it would be considered an offence.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru News / by Coovrcolly Indresh, Mysuru / November 01st, 2023

Jayalakshmi Kodava Association Felicitates MLA A.S. Ponnanna

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Annual get-together event honours two accomplished authors, student achievers from the community

Mysore/Mysuru:

The 18th annual get-together of the Jayalakshmi Kodava Association was held recently at the Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysuru. Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna was the chief guest.

MLA Ponnanna was honoured with a custom-made marquetry art piece depicting Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery. Accepting the felicitation, Ponnanna spoke at length about the challenges in Kodagu and his plans for resolving them through active intervention and cooperation from all Kodavas and the people of his Constituency.

The event began with an invocation by Pandiyanda Anil Cariappa. President Ballyanda Uthappa extended a warm welcome to all attendees and presided over the event. During the ceremony, the Association paid their respects to two departed members. They also introduced new members who joined the Association between Aug. 14, 2022 and Aug. 27, 2023.

In a significant decision, the previous year’s committee will continue to function for the years 2023-2024, with Ballyanda P. Uthappa as President, Pandiyanda Girish as Vice-President, Jammada Ganesh Ayanna as Secretary and Mukkatira A. Somaiah as Treasurer.

Two accomplished authors within the community were honoured. Dr. Latha Muthanna received recognition for her third book, ‘The Jail and Other Tales,’ while Dr. Geetha Cariappa Chonira was applauded for her second English storybook ‘Girl with the Diary’ (A Tale from Kodagu).

The achievements of young members were also celebrated. Mukkatira Dia Ponnappa, daughter of Dr. Avinash Ponnappa and Nisha, an 8th-grade student, was acknowledged for her selection to participate in a week-long international debate workshop at Cornell University, New York. The workshop aims to refine oratory skills.

Another young talent, M.J. Devanshi, daughter of Mallangada N. Jayprakash and Swetha, a 7th-grade student, was recognised for her accomplishments in air rifle shooting competitions.

President Ballyanda Uthappa discussed various issues for the betterment of the Association and encouraged members to actively participate, both during good and challenging times. Treasurer Mukkatira Somaiah presented the accounts for the year 2022-2023, which were approved by the general body.

Jammada Ganesh Ayanna introduced the MLA. The event was conducted by Mukkatira Somaiah, with assistance from Codanda Chitra Medappa. A vote of thanks was proposed by Pandiyanda U. Girish. The programme ended with a sumptuous Kodava traditional dinner, fostering wonderful fellowship among all attendees.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 03rd, 2023

Glass Bridge In Kodagu Offers Thrilling Encounter With Nature

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Among the multiple famed tourist attractions in the hill station of Kodagu — a captivating destination for travellers from far and wide throughout the year — is a new must-visit place, a brand-new glass skywalk bridge.

It is made of tempered glass panels or flooring that provide visitors with a thrilling experience of walking above ground level, often offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape

The glass skywalk bridge in the district is the second such attraction in South India, the first one being at Wayanad in Kerala at 900 Kandi Eco Park. This remarkable Glass Skywalk Bridge of Kodagu is nestled amidst the forests and hills of the Western Ghats, attracting tourists like a magnet.

The bridge, standing approximately 78 feet tall, with a length of about 32 metres and a width of 2 metres, has been attracting tourists to the ‘Pappy’s Bridge of Coorg’ at Udoth Motte near Madikeri on the Madikeri-Bhagamandala Road. This bridge, with a capacity to support around 5 tonnes, can accommodate up to 40 to 50 individuals at once, providing them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Through its stunning natural beauty, the tourism sector in Kodagu has successfully garnered global attention and the newly added glass skywalk bridge further enhances this tourism initiative.

Situated amidst the lush green hills, the bridge offers a breathtaking view. Standing and gazing from the bridge not only evokes a sense of fear but also provides an exhilarating experience. The surrounding hills seem to reach out and beckon, their peaks adorned with greenery.

Looking down from the top feels as if the sky is within reach and stepping on the glass, while enjoying the beauty of nature, brings joy to the visitors. While the natural beauty of Kodagu with its umpteen viewpoints has enchanted the tourists, the bridge, amidst the greenery of the hills stands this remarkable creation, skilfully erected by engineers.

Walking on the transparent glass surface, amidst the verdant nature, offers a thrilling experience that takes it to the next level. The facility, allowing tourists to indulge in the beauty of nature, was recently inaugurated by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna who also walked along the bridge.

He appreciated the significant contribution of the local community to this tourism initiative and noted that the facility holds significance as a unique attraction in the region, surpassing even the famous glass bridge in Wayanad.

He said that the facility will contribute to the Kodagu district’s development as a nature-friendly tourist destination, without causing any harm to the environment. He also mentioned that the implementation of this unique project will lead to an increase in the number of tourists visiting the district.

Fake image

Yet again an image claiming that cracks had developed on the glass bridge went viral and the video generated panic among tourists. Later it was found to be stable and the photo was confirmed to be fake.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles, Top Stories / July 17th, 2023

Events – June 11: ‘CLOSET’

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Inauguration of Palash Bidappa’s Designer Boutique ‘CLOSET’.

Actress Harshika Poonacha chief guest, MLAs Anil Chikkamadu, A.S. Ponnanna, K. Harishgowa and G.D. Harish Gowda and Corporator Bhagya Madesh guests of honour, ‘CLOSET,’ G3, Damden Centrum, Gokulam Main Road, V.V. Mohalla,  Mysuru ,10.30 am.G D Harish

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Events Tomorrow / June 10th, 2023

For the first time since 2004, Congress wins in Kodagu district

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Congress candidates AS Ponnanna and Mantar Gowda won from Virajpet and Madikeri constituencies, defeating the sitting BJP MLAs with a considerable margin.

AS Ponnanna
Facebook / AS Ponnanna

For the first time in nearly two decades, Congress managed to win an Assembly election in Kodagu district of Karnataka, breaking the BJP’s run of wins in the hilly district. Congress candidate AS Ponnanna, a former Additional Advocate General in the Karnataka High Court, defeated KG Bopaiah of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Virajpet constituency of Kodagu district. In the same district, another Congress candidate Mantar Gowda, son of former Karnataka minister A Manju, defeated BJP’s Appachu Ranjan in the Madikeri constituency.

In 2004, BA Jeevijaya of the Congress had won from the erstwhile Somwarpet constituency in Kodagu district. However, in the last three elections held in 2008, 2013 and 2018, KG Bopaiah and Appachhu Ranjan had won from the two constituencies in the district — Virajpet and Madikeri. This time, the two Congress leaders defeated the sitting MLAs by a margin of over 4000 votes each.

The incumbent Virajpet MLA KG Bopaiah had triggered a controversy in the run up to the election, when he claimed that a win for the Congress would lead to celebrations of Tipu Jayanti returning in the state. AS Ponnanna maintained a studied silence on the issue and urged the BJP leader to speak about development.

The Congress party has emerged victorious in the recently concluded elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly, having won 132 seats and leading in four more constituencies as of 7.30 pm on Saturday, May 13, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> News / by TNM Staff / May 4th, 2023