Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday announced a financial grant of Rs. 1 crore for Chenanda Cup Hockey Festival to be held in 2026 in Kodagu district.
Unveiling the Hockey Festival’s logo at his home Office ‘Krishna’ in Bengaluru, the CM praised Kodava community’s deep-rooted association with the sport.
The 26th Chenanda Cup Hockey will be held at Napoklu from Apr. 5 to May 2, 2026.
“Kodavas mean hockey and hockey means Kodavas,” he remarked, highlighting the region’s legacy of producing national and international-level players, including Asian Games.
Siddaramaiah lauded the Kodava community for preserving its cultural identity while excelling in sports. “Kodava culture has retained its distinctiveness and continues to thrive. It is a matter of pride for our heritage. Their talent and dedication have brought immense honour to the nation,” he said. Pledging Government support, he added, “We will provide Rs. 1 crore for Chenanda Cup Hockey-2026. I will also attend the matches.”
The event was attended by office-bearers of Chenanda Cup, Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Kodagu District Minister N.S. Boseraju, Ministers Byrathi Suresh and Shivaraj Thangadgi.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / November 04th, 2025
Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa is a gifted orator and custodian of Kodava Culture. For generations the Paradanda family have been tasked with keeping the customs and traditions at the Padi Igguthappa Temple pristine and relevant. While being extremely proficient with such knowledge, his humility shows when he unhesitatingly seeks external assistance from elders in the community to validate his thoughts. Subramani does his best to elegantly recollect the customs for the Kodava community. – CLN Newsdesk.
In keeping with Kodava tradition, from the sunrise on the day of Kani Puja – which is essentially performed in Kodava households following the Teerthodbhava at TaleKaveri, the tenth sunrise marks the sacred day known as Pathalodhi, also referred to as Tholayaar Pathh. Coincidentally this event takes place a few days before the rising full moon – considered positive by the Kodavas as it signifies growth. This tenth day is therefore considered very auspicious for undertaking any good or new initiative, as it is believed that any work commenced on this day will be blessed by the Divine Force in an enduring manner. Typically piercing of ears, lagna patrike, marking the site for construction of houses, House warming… are undertaken on this date. Many Kodavas observe Karona Kodupa on this day in Okka AinManes.
A similar practice takes place in Tulunad.
At Paadi, the Paradanda family traditionally is given the responsibility of performing the Tholayaar Patth Aaradhane on Monday, 27th October 2025.
On this occasion, special poojas, Tulabhara Sevas, and Maha Poojas will be performed. An interesting aspect is that at the end of the ceremonies, after the circumambulation of the Temple, the idol of Igguthappa is brought to the South-East facing corner under the sacred (milk bearing) jackfruit tree – symbolically facing His Sister Pannangala Thamme, as well as generally considered the Gulliga Sthaana.
There are other details relating to certain agricultural practices that are of no further significance due to the advancement of veterinary science and is superficial, hence not being mentioned.
Devotees are requested to visit the Paadi Sri Igguthappa in large numbers to the Temple on this auspicious occasion. It is important to keep up with traditions that make us Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas who we are.
The Devathakka’s Prayer at Tholayaar Pathh
The prayer commences by inviting the devotees who offered Thulabara Pooja to the Deity in the morning. As a matter of interest, Thulabara is open for all, irrespective of their caste. Towards the end the Devathakka invokes Igguthappa’s blessings for the entire land of Kodagu; His kindness to influence the weather Gods from extreme weather – rain or sunshine, so that there are bountiful crops with enough water to survive comfortably; lush canopy of greenery with abundant produce in the fruit bearing trees so that even the pranipakshi, ettha kadchi and mankind can survive comfortably.
Another very important and interesting aspect of the prayer is that forgiveness is sought if any rituals or Tantra or Mantra is erred by the priest or if the chandekol maaraya missed a beat. Similar forgiveness Is sought for any errant occurrence by the person who bears the divine umbrella, the bearer of the chamara and chatri to be forgiven and last but not the least – the prayer ends with an abundant supply of oil for the sacred lamp and the padiyakki which is served as naivedhyam to the Deity.
Finally, in Kodava culture.. there is no overbearing influence of mantra and tantra when praying before nellakki bolcha in kodava thakk. This equates us as “one” (equal in stature) in all our prayers – even our Guru Karonas and the Gods are addressed in first person. Significantly the Gurukarona’s image is etched in the first step of Namaskara Mantap where the Devathakka stands and prays to the Deity. The stark simplicity and rustic yet sophisticated nature of our customs is remarkable and it is our duty to understand, practice and nurture it for future generations.
source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles / by Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa / October 25th, 2025
The Codava National Council (CNC) marked “Pathalodhi”, the auspicious 10th day after Talacauvery’s holy water emergence, with poignant ceremonies at Mullusoge War Memorials, Madikeri Fort, and Naalnaad Palace in Kodagu.
Under Chairman N.U. Nachappa Codava, the events on October 26, celebrated Codava martial valour and lamented over two centuries of royal tyranny that decimated the indigenous Animistic tribe from 1633 to 1834.
Mullusoge, along the Cauvery near Kushalnagar, hosted tributes to Codava warriors who thwarted Hyder Ali and Tipu’s assaults more than 32 times, preserving Codavaland’s independence. Meedhi offerings exalted these protectors against Mysore aggression.
At Madikeri Fort (9:30 AM), the CNC mourned 40,000+ Codavas slaughtered inside, with 842 clans extinguished by Tipu and Rajas. The fort’s 201-year dark era saw Chaadi Siddi (spy)-executed beheadings for trivial defiance, epitomised by Tipu’s Devattparamb betrayal massacre. Oblations prayed for victims’ repose and CNC’s success in securing ST status and self-rule.
Naalnaad Palace in Yevakapadi (12:30 PM) saw floral honours for clans wiped out by Keladhi/Paaleri rulers. Abductions for royal gratification led to infants’ live burials in “Nagaari Kund”; resisters like Puliyanda Karicha were elephant-dragged to death. Kaapala mercenaries from Malabar enforced decapitations. Masti Venkatesha Iyengar’s “Chikavira Rajendra” immortalises this savagery, the CNC highlighted.
Post-1947 governance inherited this persecution, the CNC charged, exploiting Codava loyalty before erasure. Calling for atonement, it demanded GOI and GOK enact ST listing, 6th Schedule autonomy, “Gun-Thok” safeguards under Articles 25–26, and a unique 2026–27 census identifier for the non-caste, Animistic Codavas.
Participants with Nachappa were Chambanda Janath, Nandetira Ravi Subbaiah, Thennira Mina, Areyada Girish, Puttichanda Don Devaiah, Apparanda Viju, Apparanda Prasad, Nandineravanda Bopanna, Apparanda Prakash, Apparanda Vivek, Mekerira Babbu, Areyada Savan, Kupadhira Rani Monnapa, and Kupadhira Monnappa, uniting in solemn remembrance.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / October 26th, 2025
Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad presiding over a meeting in Madikeri on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad on Thursday directed representatives of labour unions, homestay and hotel associations, and other organisations to ensure that workers are paid minimum wages without fail and warned of strict action in case complaints are received.
Chairing a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, the Minister emphasised the need to create awareness among workers about government schemes, including health insurance, and stressed safety measures in homestays and hotels, such as installation of CCTVs and compulsory collection of guest details.
On the issue of registration, licensing, and renewal of homestays in Kodagu, the Minister said discussions would be held with the Tourism, Urban Development, and Panchayat Raj Ministers. He suggested that associations appoint a PRO or a liaison officer to coordinate registration and renewal processes, adding that pending applications could be cleared during the quarterly KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) meetings.
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda, who was present at the meeting, said that a delegation would soon meet Tourism and other Ministers after the conclusion of the Dasara festival. Tourism officials informed that nearly 230 applications are pending in the district.
During the meeting, labour union leaders drew attention to shortage of labour inspectors, continuation of the traditional bonded-labour system, and difficulties faced by plantation workers. Responding, the Minister assured that joint inspections involving Revenue, Labour, Police, Panchayat Raj, and other departments would be conducted if specific cases were reported.
The Minister said that payment of minimum wages is mandatory and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of unorganised workers.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 18th, 2025
Shot across stunning locations in Madikeri, the song from Peter has been simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
A still from Sundari Sundari
Peter is about creating hope, says director Sukesh Shetty, describing his upcoming sensitive crime drama that blends love, action, and local traditions. “We made sure the film meets expectations, and we worked as one team. About 50 per cent of the shooting was done in the rain. Music had to be a highlight, so Ritvik Muralidhar worked on a song that could become a trend,” Sukesh added, speaking on the sidelines of the recent launch of the film’s first song, ‘Sundari Sundari’.
Talking about the intent of the song, Ritvik says, “Our goal was to make the song feel original in every language, using all live instruments. The credit goes to the entire team. Three more songs will be released soon.”
The visuals of the song feature Rajesh Dhruva and Raviksha Shetty in a romantic sequence, with lyrics by Nagarjun Sharma, and sung by Kapil Kapilan and Sunidhi Ganesh. Shot across stunning locations in Madikeri, the song has been simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
Actor Rajesh Dhruva, who stars in the film, described the journey as special: “Sukesh wanted something extraordinary, and producers Ravi Hiremath and Rakesh Hegde supported the vision. Every note of Sundari Sundari lands on your heart. It’s the kind of song that will stay on everyone’s playlist.”
Peter is a sensitive crime drama rooted in tradition, highlighting the Chende Mela — a 300-year-old drum ensemble integral to Kerala’s cultural performances such as Yakshagana and Bhutakola. The film promises an immersive theatre experience, bringing this centuries-old folk rhythm to life on screen.
Produced under the Vruddhi Studios banner, the ensemble cast includes Janvi Rayala, Pratima Nayak, Raghu Pandeshwar, and Ram Nadagouda, with cinematography by Guruprasad Narnad, collection by Naveen Shetty, and art direction by Devaraj Kala.
source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / b y A Sharadhaa / September 13th, 2025
MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda has sanctioned a grant of ₹3 lakh from the MLA Local Area Development Fund for the development of the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and its surrounding park in Madikeri.
During their visit to Madikeri on Tuesday, Tennira Maina, district president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organisation, and Mandira Sada Muddappa, nominated member of the Madikeri City Municipal Council, submitted an estimate for the proposed development works. Responding to their proposal, Dr. Gowda announced the grant.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gowda said that Field Marshal Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya were exceptional military leaders and it is the duty of every Indian to honour their contributions.
The MLA said that he would continue to extend full support to all programmes and initiatives associated with these great leaders.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / October 28th, 2025
The Bungalow 1934 is a 91-year-old family home where traditional Kodava cooking and hospitality are the order of the day.
On a hilltop in Coorg, sandwiched between a coffee estate and the Brahmagiri range, Bungalow 1934 is Amrith Thimmaiah’s home and a living chronicle of Kodava culture.
In 1934, Ketolira Diwan Bahadur Chengappa built a home in the typical Kodava-British style of bungalows, set against the backdrop of the Ballyatra hill. When Chengappa became the first Chief Commissioner of Coorg in 1943, the home became the venue for lavish parties for state guests and British officials.
In 2010, the fourth-generation of the family, Amrith Thimmaiah, and his parents Gappu and Fancy Ganapathi, opened their 91-year-old family home as a heritage homestay.
View of Bungalow 1934 set against the Ballyatra Hill / Amrith Thimmaiah
About the homestay
The Bungalow is located in Yavakapadi village, roughly 30km from Virajpet and Madikeri. There are sweeping valley views, as well as a clear view of the Igguthappa temple, a deeply significant site for Kodavas who visit the deity for a bountiful harvest.
Bedrooms at the Bungalow 1934 / Amrith Thimmaiah
With mud walls, pillars, and beams, the home is a true depiction of Coorg ‘s ainmané or ancestral homes, where vaastu dictates aspects like where the owner’s room should be located (in the kubéra moolé, or south west direction). A sprawling fig tree stands out front, and you enter into a pillared, elevated open veranda where, traditionally, Kodava families gathered for tea, family meetings or an evening drink.
The hall in the Bungalow 1934, with old plates passed from generations in Amrith’s family / Amrith Thimmaiah
Peppered with antiques and with mosaic tile floors, the main bungalow features living spaces, a large common dining area, a room where Amrith stays, and four guest bedrooms. An annexe beside the main bungalow houses two more guest bedrooms. The six spacious rooms are rustic and cosy , with blue tiles, beamed ceilings, in-built fireplaces, and four poster beds. Large windows offer ample sunlight and views of the mountains. When the temperature drops in these misty mountains, there are plenty of fireplaces across the home and porches to curl up with some homegrown coffee.
Kitchen at the Bungalow 1934 / Amrith Thimmaiah
The home is surrounded by rosewood, jackfruit and mango trees, and the grounds lead into the 70-acre Green Acres coffee estate. Arabica and Robusta coffee plants grow under a light canopy of Silver Oak, Cedar, and Benteak, dotted with pepper vines and cardamom plants. The buzz of cicadas and birdsong fill the air. Birders will be able to spot hornbills, white-bellied treepies, and the crow pheasant or the chombuka, considered lucky by the Kodavas.
About the hosts
Amrith at the BBQ lunch spread by the stream / Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith is a rally driver by profession and a passionate host at the homestay, managing bookings personally (the homestay is not listed on any booking platforms), helping with logistics and recommendations. Guests usually come through word of mouth or as repeat visitors, and bookings are confirmed only for days a family member is present at the homestay. Staff leaves and village festivals are respected, and no bookings are made during this time.
Fancy Ganapathi making Noolputt (steamed rice noodles) with Subbu, Krishna, Chethan & Pavithra / Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith’s mother, Fancy Ganapathi, is a powerhouse who oversees the food at the homestay. The former lecturer of Kannada literature is a horticulturalist by passion, and a catalyst in forming the 700-member Nature’s Best Food Cluster in Kodagu. The organisation trains grassroot level farmers and enables them to sell their products at outlets in Coorg. “At the Bungalow, I love to share recipes with guests and if someone wants to purchase local produce, I ensure the cluster family provides their products,” she says. Gappu Ganapathi, Amrith’s father, is the backbone of the bungalow and manages the entire coffee plantation.
The Bungalow has 8 to 10 staff members, whose families have been associated with the Ketolira family for generations. Janaki Saraswati, the cook, used to be Amrith’s nanny and was taught heirloom recipes by Amrith’s grandmother.
The food
Frozen Mulberry Crush / Amrith Thimmaiah
Koli Chuttadh (Chicken woodfire roasted) with bird’s eye chilies and lime / Amrith Thimmaiah
Food at the homestay stays true to any traditional Kodava home, with classic local dishes like khaima undae (mutton keema balls), kori erachi pulao (mutton pulao), pandhi curry and otti (pork curry with rice flatbread). Buffet style meals served in the dining area are generous and take into account dietary preferences. There are numerous vegetarian options within the gamut of Coorg cuisine, featuring seasonal produce like kaaké thopp (black nightshade leaves), kumm curry (mushroom), and kaad maangé curry, a tangy, sweet curry made with Coorg wild mangoes.
Fancy ensures that all dishes are served in the traditional Kodava style: baimbalé with otti (tender bamboo shoot curry with rice flat bread) served with ghee is a common Coorg breakfast; rice cakes or putt with meat curry; chutneys or pajjis made from seasonal produce.
Pomfret Fish Grilled / Amrith Thimmaiah
Onak Meen Barthadh (Dried Fish fry) / Amrith Thimmaiah
She also makes fruit wine and chocolates, and her mulberry and pomegranate wines are a hot favourite. This year, she has started to make oil and tea out of the rosemary growing in her small garden. The pathaya or granary on the homestay premises houses the products she makes, and make for perfect souvenirs to take home.
Amrith Thimmaiah
Amrith Thimmaiah
At dusk, Amrith has a house rule: he will host a typical Coorg-style barbeque for guests. Meat is roasted the traditional way over an open wood fire, mixed with finely chopped bird’s eye chili and the juice of bitter lime, to serve up Coorg’s favourite starter, pork chuddals. The family and staff tell stories by the fire, while you can sip cocktails under a star-studded sky with the lights of Madikeri town in the distance.
How to spend 48 hrs at The Bungalow 1934
Sparko at Charandi Polé / Amrith Thimmaiah
The homestay offers plenty of cosy nooks to read, write and while away the hours, but if you want to venture out, Amrith organizes treks to Thadiandamol peak and Chelavara Waterfalls. For those interested, Fancy conducts workshops for chocolate, wine, or jam making (4 people minimum, Rs5,000 per person). Sparko, the family dog, may take you down to a stream a short walk from the bungalow, where you can enjoy a barbeque picnic lunch by the stream.
Amrith Thimmaiah
Take a leisurely 2km walk or a guided plantation tour with Gappu at the coffee estate. Gappu and Fancy live in a home close by, with fish ponds, a cow shed, a coffee drying and storage area, and are happy to invite you over with advance notice.
Indian coffee of different varieties grown in diverse regions was the theme of a “Mann Ki Baat” address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides the traditional areas like Karnataka (Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan), Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, he talked about the North-East as the new frontier of coffee cultivation.
Prime Minister also talked about the revolutionary effect of coffee plantation on the living of the people, especially tribal farmers and women, by giving the example of Koraput coffee which not only revived the degraded forest but also ensured the income of the people. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry added that Indian coffee is a highly export-oriented product, as 70% of the production is going to more than 120 countries, resulting in a $1.80 billion revenue in 2024-25.
Indian coffee exports have been on a dramatic rise over the last three years, in fact, the value of exports has gone up from $1.29 billion in 2023-24 to $1.81 billion in 2024-25. The increase is more than 40%, and it is solely due to the increased global demand for both raw and value-added coffee products like roasted and instant coffee. India is the seventh-largest coffee producer, and the coffee plantations cover 4.9 lakh hectares while the production is 3.63 lakh metric tonnes.
Demand for the Indian coffee in the international markets is primarily due to the introduction of specialty tribal coffees like Koraput and Araku, which have started to command premium prices. These coffees attract highly selective international markets that put quality, sustainability, and traceability at the forefront.
The Coffee Board’s intervention in the form of support to farmers and new market linkages has not only raised the farmer’s income but also their living standards, especially in the tribal communities. In India, the culture of coffee consumption has grown significantly in the last 4-5 years. Average coffee consumption increased step by step from 1,180 thousand 60-kg bags in 2020 to roughly 1,235 thousand bags in 2022.
The change in consumer behaviour, caused mainly by millennials and GenZ, has made the coffee consumption gradually comparable with the traditionally dominant tea consumption. The demographic change combined with the advent of specialty coffee chains like Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee, and the extension of internationally recognised brands such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks is driving a dynamic coffee market growth that is expected to continue for the next 10 years at a CAGR of around 7.5%.Merchants and startups in the Indian coffee industry have created a culture around specialty coffee focusing on domestic bean sourcing and the generation of higher consumer awareness.
Specialty coffee brands in India have attracted a substantial amount of funding from global investors such as Verlinvest, who sees India becoming not only a major coffee-consuming country but also a hub for coffee exports. In addition to ready-to-drink coffee beverages and urban café culture, the Indian coffee market has deepened in terms of variety and has more potential consumers to target.
Beyond economic metrics, the coffee sector has delivered significant environmental benefits. Koraput coffee has helped restore degraded forest land, reduced soil erosion, and provided tribal farmers with steady cash income in place of subsistence farming. This sustainable approach aligns with global trends favoring environmentally responsible sourcing, further enhancing Indian coffee’s international appeal.
In conclusion, the points of Prime Minister Modi about Indian coffee going global are supported by solid facts: the rapidly growing and diversifying coffee farming landscape, robust export performance, changing domestic consumption pattern, and the rise of new premium coffee brands. With the backing of government schemes, eco-friendly farming methods, and rising foreign demand, Indian coffee is set to realise further market penetration, higher farmer incomes, and improved global standing over the next ten years.
source: http://www.thepamphlet.in / The Pamphlet / Home> Economy> Opinion / by Surabhi Singh / October 28th, 2025
And one such way, followed traditionally and scientifically, is consumption of dishes made from a highly medicinal plant.
Dishes prepared from bamboo shoot are also the highlight of ‘Kakkada padinent’ I Prajna GR
Madikeri :
Monsoon in Kodagu is synonymous with chilly weather due to continuous rainfall. While the traditional houses in the district are equipped with fireplaces to warm up the ambience, the people of Kodagu follow certain indigenous ways to stabilise the body temperature. And one such way, followed traditionally and scientifically, is consumption of dishes made from a highly medicinal plant, locally known as ‘Maddu thoppu’ (medicinal leaves). And this festival of leaves was celebrated on August 3.
With scientific name ‘Justicia Wynaadensis’, ‘Maddu thoppu’ grows abundantly as a bushy shrub in the humid tropical belts of Kodagu. “In 1921, botanist J S Gamble, former official of the forest department, had recorded the abundance of this plant in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats – from South Canara, Kodagu to Wayanad, Eastern Nilgiris and South Malabar,” says Ulliyada Daty Poovaiah, ex-president of Kodava Academy.
With slender stems and hunter green leaves, they grow like an army of soldiers at places where there is scanty sunlight. They earn special status during ‘Aashada masa’ in the Hindu calendar, also known as ‘Kakkada masa’ in Kodava calendar. This month begins on July 17 and ends on August 16. “The ‘Kakkada’ month is considered inauspicious and no important ceremonies or celebrations take place during this one month,” says historian Bacharaniyanda Appanna.
While tradition says that this month is inauspicious, there is a reason behind it. This monsoon month demands complete attention in the paddy fields and since Kodagu is an agriculture-based district, every household involved themselves in agricultural activities and there was no time for any other kind of celebrations,” explains Daty.
And the continuous work on farmlands in cold weather demanded one to be fit, which is when ‘Maddu thoppu’ came into attaining special status during this inauspicious season. ‘The presence of numerous phyto components lends credence to the use of the plant as a medicinal herb by the local community,” states Dr Latha D in a study conducted on this medicinal plant. With anti-microbial effects, they fight various pathogens that spread widely during the monsoons. “While Justicia Wynaadensis has high medicinal value and is used widely in Ayurveda medicine, the plant attaining maximum medicinal value on the 18th day of ‘Aashada’ month is more of a belief,” explains Ayurveda doctor Udayashankar.
And hence the people of Kodagu religiously follow the ritual of plucking the leaves of ‘Maddu thoppu’ on the 18th day of ‘Kakkada’ and indulge in a variety of elaborate cuisines. “The plant is believed to give 18 types of medicines during this month and a variety of dishes including ‘Maddu thoppu halva’ and ‘Maddu thoppu’ porridge are prepared using pure, traditionally extracted honey. (The plant is believed to lose its medicinal components one by one after the 18th day).
Along with this, a variety of dishes are prepared from country chicken, colocasia leaves, bamboo shoot, crabs, jackfruit and are laid alongside paddy-arrack, which are all believed to stabilise the body heat during chilly monsoons,” explains Daty. This marks the celebrations of ‘Aati padinent’ (padinent translating into 18th day in Kodava language), which falls on August 3 every year. While the presence of Justicia Wynaadensis in the backyards of houses is reducing after urbanisation, they are still widely present on the peaks in the district.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / August 05th, 2018
In the past two years, admissions have increased significantly, and from the current academic year, the school has started recording 100% attendance.
Chennangi Government Primary School, located in a tribal settlement in South Kodagu, has introduced a unique concept called Dinnakondu Karyakram, a special programme held every day.(Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
In a heartening initiative aimed at ensuring 100% attendance among tribal students, a government school in Kodagu has taken an extraordinary approach.
Chennangi Government Primary School, located in a tribal settlement in South Kodagu, has introduced a unique concept called Dinnakondu Karyakram, a special programme held every day, which has now made school a fun and welcoming space for all its students. The result: students who once refused to attend classes are now turning up enthusiastically each day.
The school currently has 52 students, all from tribal families. While government schools across the state are allegedly witnessing a sharp fall in admissions due to various issues, this institution is seeing a positive shift. In the past two years, admissions have increased significantly, and from the current academic year, the school has started recording 100% attendance.
“Several tribal students stayed away from the institution. When their parents left for daily wage work, these students sat at home. However, we conducted a survey before the start of this academic year and have ensured that all the children from the tribal colony attend classes at the institution,” shared Susha K K, the headmistress of the institution.
Over five students who had previously discontinued schooling have now returned and are attending classes without hesitation. Last year, the school had introduced Thingaligondu Karyakrama (a special programme every month), where students were encouraged to exhibit their talents through various performances. However, despite this, some students still remained absent.
This prompted the school to implement a new daily programme. As soon as students arrive at the school each morning, they are engaged in various fun activities ranging from yoga, singing, dancing, craft, and literature, to unique games.
“This has resulted in all the students attending classes without fail. To encourage them further, we have started a YouTube channel and we regularly upload the talent shows of the students onto the channel. It is like an incentive to these students, as the entire village watches and celebrates them after watching the YouTube channel,” the headmistress shared.
Admissions have gone up from 39 students to 52 in the past two years. Some students who had even taken transfer certificates were allegedly convinced by the headmistress to return. In addition, the school management conducted awareness meetings with parents, urging them to ensure their children attend school regularly to build a better future.
Despite facing an acute shortage of teaching staff and deteriorating infrastructure, the school management is doing its best to provide quality education to the tribal students.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / August 07th, 2025
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
