The new Directors of Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Jayalakshmipuram, were elected yesterday.
Among the total of 13 directors, two were reserved for women for which Nanjamma and Nirmala were elected unopposed.
For the remaining 11 posts, a total of 14 candidates had contested. Among them, K.G. Sudhir and A.A. Pemmaiah secured 88 votes each. Finally, K.G. Sudhir was elected through draw of lottery.
Others who were elected are M.K. Prakash (127 votes), Lovely Appaiah (119 votes), P.U. Girish (118 votes), M.G. Devaiah (108 votes), Byretira K. Ganapathy (108 votes), K.P. Pemmaiah (105 votes), P.K. Biddappa (96 votes), K.K. Bollamma (95 votes), K. Kavya Kuttappa (95 votes) and M.P. Belliappa (94 votes).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 23rd, 2025
In the first few months of FY25, Indian coffee exports surpassed the $1 billion mark, registering an impressive 42.65% YoY growth. India’s diverse coffee regions, high-quality beans and unique farming techniques are increasingly filling gaps traditionally dominated by Brazil, Vietnam, Ethiopia and Colombia. However, strict EU deforestation rules pose challenges for small farmers due to high compliance costs.
India is the fifth-largest coffee exporter in the world. | Image: Shutterstock
A curious question—Are you team chai or coffee?
I’m team coffee by all means! A cup of steaming hot coffee is all I need to kickstart my day!
And not just me, lately the world is waking up to Indian coffee. For context, India’s coffee industry has achieved a significant milestone, with exports surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time. Between April and November 2024, India’s coffee exports rose to a record high of $1.15 billion compared to $804.4 million during the same period last year, registering an impressive 42.65% growth.
Source: Department of Commerce
Seeing this remarkable growth, it is clear that India is redefining its traditional tea-dominated narrative by emerging as a strong global coffee exporter.
Sounds amazing, isn’t it? So, what’s brewing up India’s coffee exports?
Key markets driving growth
India exports coffee to more than 50 countries around the world. However, the major markets driving India’s coffee exports are Italy, Germany, Russia, UAE, Belgium and Turkey.
Source: Coffee Board of India
India is the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer. It is also the fifth-largest coffee exporter, exporting 403,051 tonnes of coffee between January and December 2024. On average, India exports over 70% of its production.
What is pushing India’s coffee exports?
Various reasons contribute to India becoming a key player in the global coffee market.
Firstly, major coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam are facing supply constraints due to erratic weather patterns—droughts and extreme heat—caused by climate change. With these giants struggling to meet the demands, India is creating enormous opportunities to step in and fill the gap.
Secondly, Indian coffee has a uniqueness that puts it ahead of its global competitors. It is grown using traditional techniques in natural forests. Interestingly, we are the only country in the world where coffee is grown under natural shade. Moreover, it is uniquely hand-picked without the use of machinery, naturally harvested and sun-dried. While the sun-drying method takes much longer than mechanical drying, it enhances the flavour of the beans. Besides, it is also eco-friendly as it does not contribute to carbon emissions.
Thirdly, coffee farming in other countries often involves chopping off existing vegetation, whereas in India, the forest canopy stays almost intact. This environmentally sustainable way of cultivating coffee aligns perfectly with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which prohibits coffee imports from regions that were deforested after 2020. This presents opportunities for Indian exporters.
Now you know the real reasons why Indian coffee typically commands a premium over the global benchmark!
The world looks to India for coffee
India mainly produces two varieties of coffee, Arabica and Robusta. While Arabica coffee has a mild aromatic flavour, Robusta coffee has a strong flavour on the taste buds.
FYI: India’s Robusta coffee is considered the best in the world, and its Arabica coffee is the second best, just after Columbia’s.
India primarily focuses on producing Robusta coffee, which accounts for 72% of India’s total production. Robusta coffee has a huge demand in the international markets, which is another reason for the surge in India’s coffee exports.
Did you know? India is considered the fifth-largest producer of Robusta coffee globally.
Not just this, Robusta beans are a favourite for instant coffee manufacturers worldwide. The rising demand for instant coffee in markets like Russia and Turkey has given a significant boost to India’s instant coffee exports, which make up a third of our total exports.
Besides, supply constraints in Brazil and Vietnam have led to a sharp rise in Robusta coffee prices. The prices have touched multi-decade highs, climbing more than 60% in 2024 alone. For context, Indian Robusta is fetching a premium of nearly $300 a tonne on the London-based ICE Futures Europe market. The surge in demand and prices presents Indian coffee exporters with a unique opportunity.
There is also a bitter reality to it
While Indian coffees are making a mark globally, let’s also accept the fact that the journey is not all that smooth.
Even though global prices are rising, coffee farmers are facing higher production costs due to rising labour costs and scarcity of labour. To put things in perspective, the labour cost in India is a massive 65%, whereas in Brazil it is just 25% of the total production cost. Why you ask? Well, it’s simply because the cultivation process is manual in our country.
Another challenge is growing climate changes and erratic rainfall patterns that severely harm the quality and yield of coffee and interfere with the sun-drying process.
That’s not all!
The EUDR compliance burden is putting extra pressure on farmers who will now need costly technological upgrades and struggle with heaps of paperwork, certifications and audits to meet the compliance requirements.
Having said that, the Coffee Board of India is developing a platform to help coffee producers in India comply with EUDR. While it will take some time to roll out, we might face some time-being challenges in exporting coffee to the EU.
So yeah, there are some challenges that we need to work on before India can climb the ranks to become a top coffee-exporting country.
The bottom line
Looking at the brighter side, India’s diverse coffee regions, high-quality beans and unique production process are increasingly filling gaps traditionally dominated by Brazil, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Colombia.
By 2032, the Indian coffee market is projected to reach $1,227.47 million, which is huge!
As demand for Indian coffee increases, it’s clear that the Indian coffee industry’s future is bright and full of flavour!
Cheers team coffee!
source: http://www.upstox.com / Upstox / Home> News> Upstox Originals / by Namita Salgiya / February 22nd, 2025
The longstanding human-elephant conflict in Kodagu has intensified over the decades, with elephant attacks claiming 33 lives in recent years.
Additionally, 53 people are grappling with various issues, including permanent disabilities. Despite continuous efforts by the Forest Department, the menace of wild elephants continues to escalate.
In response, the State Government is gearing up to establish an elephant sanctuary in Kodagu, drawing inspiration from the movie ‘Gandhada Gudi.’ The initiative aims to protect elephants while reducing inconvenience to the local population.
The intention is to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of local communities for a peaceful coexistence.
To facilitate this, 2,000 hectares of land have been identified in Kodagu, as part of a broader plan covering 12,000 hectares across the State. This land will be used to relocate elephants residing in human settlements back into the forest.
The plan also involves identifying elephants responsible for crop damage and human casualties and relocating them to the sanctuary. The Government intends to provide shelter for around 200 elephants that have settled in rural areas of the district.
During a State Wildlife Board meeting in January, attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Forest Department officials and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, the relocation of rogue elephants was discussed.
The Government agreed to identify safe areas for this purpose and preparations are now underway. The sanctuary will be equipped with technology to monitor and control the elephants, preventing them from straying back into villages.
Since 2014, the Government has allocated Rs. 21 crore for repairing fences and railway barricades in the Virajpet forest range, covering Ponnampet and Virajpet taluks. This measure is part of a long-term solution to the human-elephant conflict.
Additionally, Rs. 4.72 crore have been swiftly disbursed as compensation to those affected by wild animals and Rs. 22 crore have been allocated for new railway barricades, with installation set to begin soon.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / Februaryf 23rd, 2025
Experience a culinary adventure in Coorg from February 21-28 at By the Blue, Grand Mercure Mysore.
Savor authentic flavors crafted by Chef Pradip Kumar Pani.
Spice up your evenings by taking a culinary adventure through the heart of coorg from 21st-28th of February at By the Blue, at Grand Mercure Mysore.
Explore the symphony of authentic flavors and aromas of the cuisine with every bite, with dishes artfully curated by Chef Pradip Kumar Pani and his team.
Savour the rich culinary heritage of Kodava cuisine through a menu meticulously crafted to incorporate the bold and earthy flavours of the specialties of the region. Revel in a range of divine dishes, beginning with the tangy and refreshing Kachampuli cooler, a perfect introduction to the unique tastes of Coorg.
Continue your exploration with the crispy, flavorful Coorgi Koli Fry, a local favourite, and then indulge in the slow-cooked Pork Apndi Curry, a rich and aromatic dish served with the traditional kadambutu. Every dish is a testament to the region’s culinary artistry, promising a delightful Coorgi dinner in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
What: Coorg Food Festival at Grand Mercure Mysore
Where: By the Blue, Grand Mercure Mysore
When: 21st-28th February, 2025 (7pm-11pm Dinner)
source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Hotel Listicles> Hotel / by Hospibuz / February 20th, 2025
Lee Seong-ho, the Ambassador of South Korea in India, and other top diplomats on Friday visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park in Delhi Cantonment, fondly recalling the contribution of Indian forces during the Korean War of 1950-53.
During their visit to the park, a symbol of strong ties between India and South Korea, the officials also paid tribute to late General K S Thimayya, a celebrated soldier who led the Indian contingent as Chairman of Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) in Korea headed by India.
“Ambassador Lee Seong-ho and his team visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park on the 21st of February and paid homage to General Thimayya, who headed a UN unit dealing with the repatriation of prisoners after the Korean War,” the South Korean Embassy in India posted on X.
“We also recalled that India sent the largest number of medical personnel during the Korean War. Remembering the enduring friendship between Korea and India, the Korean Embassy will do our best to further develop our Special Strategic Partnership.” the post further added.
India’s First Indo-Korean Friendship Park was jointly inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Korean counterpart Suh Wook in March 2021.
The park, spotlighting India’s contributions as part of 21 countries which participated in Korean war 1950-53 under the aegis of the United Nations, was developed in joint consultation with India’s Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Indian Army, Delhi Cantonment Board, Embassy of Korea and Korean War Veterans Association of India.
Spread across a green area of six acres, the park has an imposing handshake artifact standing tall at the entrance bearing flags of India and South Korea besides a larger than life statue of General Thimayya.
South Koreans still remember General Thimayya, who was awarded a Padma Bhushan for his service in Korea, with gratitude and affection. General Thimayya also served as the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) after the armistice and contributed to resolving the humanitarian issues arising out of the War.
India played an important role in the Korean peninsula after Korea’s independence in 1945, sending an army medical unit – the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance comprising 627 medical personnel, commanded by Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj – during the Korean War as part of the UN Command. The unit treated about 220,000 patients. During the Korean War (1950-53), both warring sides accepted a UN resolution sponsored by India and the ceasefire was declared on July 27, 1953.
India-South Korea diplomatic relations were elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015 during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seoul.
Source: IANS
source: http://www.socianews.xyz / Social News XYZ / Home> Diplomacy / by Gopi / February 21st, 2025
As part of area expansion, scientists conducted a survey in the district and are likely to recommend coffee cultivation there, Manjunath said during a KDP meeting chaired by District in Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Coffee beans. (Image for representation)Credit: iStock Photo
Mangaluru:
Horticulture department Deputy Director Manjunath said that scientists from Central Coffee Research Institute will submit a feasibility report on cultivating Robusta coffee in high altitude areas in Sullia, Belthangady taluks shortly.
A few farmers in Dakshina Kannada district have been cultivating coffee.
As part of area expansion, scientists conducted a survey in the district and are likely to recommend coffee cultivation there, Manjunath said during a KDP meeting chaired by District in Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Once the report is submitted, they will seek funds from the Coffee Board under area expansion to cultivate coffee.
“About 2000 acres of areca plantations in 10 villages including Aranthodu, Thodikana have been affected by yellow leaf disease. As an alternative, coffee can be promoted once the final report on the feasibility of cultivation is submitted,” he added.
Guarantee scheme implementation authority district president Bharath Mundodi raised the issue of yellow leaf disease and leaf spot diseases and said that though officials have been emphasising on research to find a solution for past 30 years, no concrete steps have been taken to contain the disease.
Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya also urged the government to announce a package for cultivating alternative crops to those whose areca plantations were affected by yellow leaf disease.
Counselling mandatory
Following an increase in drug addiction cases, MLC Dr Dhananjaya Sarji said that there is a need to counsel students in hostels on the ill effects of drugs abuse.
Psychiatric and clinical counselling is essential for students. It can be taken up as a pilot project in the district as there are many educational institutions and hostels in the district, he said.
Dhananjaya said students staying in hostels suffer from ringworm disease. Thus a visit to hostels by a dermatologist atleast twice in a year should be made mandatory.
In addition, he also urged the minister to direct health department to conduct counselling by gynecologists’ for adolescent girl students on personal hygiene.
Vehicular overpass
When MLC Ivan D’Souza sought the status of ongoing works in the Nanthoor area, DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said that tender for vehicular overpass was given in 2022.
But the estimate had not included funds for utility shifting. The issue of shifting Miyawaki urban forest near Padua High School is pending.
NHAI officials said that there are issues pertaining to the Kudupu-Bikarnakatte stretch. Many are demanding enhancement in compensation.
About 80 per cent of the land acquisition has been completed for four-laning of the stretch from Bikarnakatte to Moodbidri
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Naina J A, DHNS / February 17th, 2025
The sharp rise on February 11 was attributed to severe crop losses in Brazil and Vietnam — world’s leading coffee producers — due to adverse weather conditions.
The sharp rise on February 11 was attributed to severe crop losses in Brazil and Vietnam — world’s leading coffee producers — due to adverse weather conditions. (Shutterstock)
Bengaluru:
Coffee prices in Karnataka’s Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru markets that recently surged to historic levels was driven by a global supply crunch, according to officials familiar with the matter. Arabica Parchment, a premium coffee variety, soared to ₹29,600 per 50 kg bag in Chikkamagaluru, while Kodagu recorded an even higher price of ₹29,800, marking an unprecedented peak.
The sharp rise on February 11 was attributed to severe crop losses in Brazil and Vietnam — world’s leading coffee producers — due to adverse weather conditions. Experts predicted that recovery will take at least five to eight years, as new coffee plants require time to mature and yield produce.
“Coffee prices are heavily influenced by weather conditions, and it’s impossible to assume that current prices will remain steady,” Coffee Board president Dinesh Devavrinda told HT. He advised growers, particularly those with outstanding bank loans, to capitalise on the price surge by opting for the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, which covers the principal amount up to ₹5 lakh.
India produces approximately 365,000 tonnes of coffee annually, with 70% of the yield exported to European markets. Karnataka is the country’s largest coffee producer, accounting for 70% of national output, with Kodagu alone contributing 32%. The state has 246,000 hectares of coffee estates, yielding 220,000 tonnes annually, while Kodagu, spanning 4,102 square kilometers, produces around 120,000 tonnes from 110,000 hectares of estates.
At the beginning of the year, coffee prices were volatile, but a steep upward trend emerged over the past 10 days, with daily price hikes ranging between ₹500 and ₹1,000 per bag. On January 1, Arabica Parchment was priced at ₹17,000 per 50 kg bag but by the end of the month, it rose to ₹23,500. Other coffee varieties also saw significant increases: Robusta Parchment reached ₹24,500, Arabica Cherry was sold at ₹17,000, and Robusta Cherry hit ₹13,500 in Kodagu markets.
According to market analysts, the absence of buffer stock this year has further aggravated the supply shortage, pushing prices to record highs.
Rajiv Kushalappa, managing director of Leonflix Fintech Ventures Pvt Ltd, a Bengaluru-based coffee export firm, pointed to the impact of global shortages. “Thousands of coffee estates have been destroyed in Brazil and Vietnam, leading to a severe supply crunch in the international market. With no buffer stock available this year, prices have skyrocketed and are likely to remain high for some time,” he said.
For coffee growers, the soaring prices offer much-needed financial relief. “This is the first time I am getting such record prices. Growers have long struggled with high production costs, disease outbreaks, and labour shortages. Arabica coffee estates require significant manpower, and labor costs have risen due to shortages. These higher prices will help growers maintain their estates,” Sannuvanda Kaverappa, a grower from Napoklu in Madikeri, said.
Kodagu, nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is India’s largest coffee-producing region, contributing nearly 32% of the country’s total output. The district, spanning 4,102 square kilometers, is home to vast coffee estates spread across 1.1 lakh hectares. Known for its rich biodiversity and hilly terrain, Kodagu primarily cultivates Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties. Coffee farming, introduced by British planters in the 19th century, remains the backbone of the local economy, with thousands of small and large growers dependent on it. The region’s coffee is highly sought after in international markets, with 70% of India’s coffee production being exported.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Coovercolly Indresh / February 18th, 2025
Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Mysuru, will be holding its election to Managing Committee for a five-year term at its premises in Jayalakshmipuram on Feb. 22 from 9 am to 4 pm, according to Returning Officer K.L. Savitha.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / February 17th, 2025
It’s well-known that the British morphed Kodagu into Coorg and Madikeri into Mercara. The origin of the original name Kodagu is not very clear. It is said that Kodagu is a derivative of the ancient name Krodadesha. It could well be that the name Kodagu came from the word ‘Kodi’ denoting its high perch on the Western Ghats.
Madikeri, which was founded by Mudduraja in 1681, was named after the founder as Muddurajakeri. We are also told that Madikeri might have derived from the word ‘madi’, meaning clean. The place was once known for being neat and tidy. Recently Madikeri was ranked fifth in the country for having the best air quality.
There was a time in Coorg’s history when Ammathi was known as Colepet. This was sometime in the 1860s. The present-day Ammathi was part of Ammathinad, and this area was slowly developing from a ‘vonti-angadi’ (one shop) to a ‘multi-angadi.’
The name Colepet was given in honour of one of the popular British Superintendents of Coorg — Captain Robert A. Cole, known for his book ‘An Elementary Grammar of the Coorg Language’. Somewhere along the line, Colepet got named Ammathi.
At the time of the British takeover of Coorg, there was a busy hamlet in the southern part of Coorg known as Balelesanthe. Banana leaf was an important commodity then and Balelesanthe was the centre of this trade.
In 1866, Chepudira Madayya used his influence and renamed Balelesanthe as Ponnampet in honour of his illustrious father, Dewan Chepudira Ponnappa (my great-great-great grandfather). Ponnampet is now a busy hub of commerce and higher education. Recently, this erstwhile hamlet got elevated as a Taluk.
Santhe or the weekly market day, was very important during those bygone days. Quite a few places in Coorg got their name after the weekly ‘shandy day.’ So, we have Shanivarasanthe and Somwarpet. There existed a Sukravarasanthe, which was the present-day marketplace in Madikeri. The name Sukravarasanthe is no longer in vogue, but Madikeri continues to have its shandy day on Fridays.
The ruling family of the Lingayat Rajas named a few of the places. Virajpet, as we know, is the town founded by Dodda Veerarajendra in 1792. He also named Mahadevapet in Mercara after one of his favourite queens Mahadevamma.
Nanjarayapatna is another place named after a member of the ruling family. The Triveni Sangama at Bhagamandala got its name after the deity Bhagandeswara. The southernmost town, Kutta, is named after the forest goddess Kuttadamma. The closest settlement to Siddeshwara betta got the name Siddapur, a bustling town now.
Present-day Kushalnagar was apparently named by Hyder Ali. It was while he camped here that he received news of his son Tipu’s first military victory in another battle zone. However, Kushalnagar was renamed Frazerpet in honour of Lt. Col. J.A. Frazer who successfully secured Coorg for the British East India Company in 1834.
Stewart (Stuart) Hill near Raja’s Seat in Madikeri is named after Col. Stewart, one of the leading British officers who took part in the annexation of Coorg.
Murnad got its name from being the meeting place of three ‘naads’ and Nalknad is a conglomeration of four ‘naads’. Likewise, Nalkeri is the centre of four villages. Murkal has a landmark of three boulders. And Arvathokkalu is a hamlet of sixty ‘okkas’ or families. Likewise, there is Nalvathokkalu and Napoklu.
Sometime during the 1870s, the British administration opened a new housing colony named Ranipet near the rapidly growing town of Mercara. The name Ranipet was in honour of Queen Victoria.
Quite a few places in Coorg derived their name after the commodities they were famous for. We thus have Sunti-coppal (Ginger village), Goni-coppal (Goni is woven hessian used for making sacks), Balele (Banana leaf), Chettalli (village famous for beans) and Meenpet (fish market near Virajpet). Incidentally, Chettalli used to be popularly known as ‘Tenth Mile’ during British days since it was 10 miles from Madikeri.
We have a place named Bavali, which probably had a large rookery of bats. The place Kadanga is named after the famous defensive ‘kadangas’ (trenches) dug by the nayakas who ruled Kodagu before the Haleri dynasty.
However, I am not quite sure if the place Kurchi is known for making chairs. And then, if one had an axe to grind, I guess they went to Kodlipet!
During Tipu Sultan’s occupation of Madikeri, he rebuilt the Fort and renamed the area Jaffarabad. Dodda Veerarajendra recaptured the town in 1790, and mercifully, the fair name of Madikeri was restored.
‘Coorg’ has become an attractive and highly recognisable brand name. So, we have schools, colleges, homestays and resorts that retain the name Coorg. There are several local products such as coffee, spices, honey and wine prefixing the name Coorg.
I wish the town closest to where I live — Gonikoppal — had a better name. Several years ago, a young nephew of mine who was visiting us for the first time thought the name was ‘Gopigopal’. Now, ‘Gopigopal’ would be a much better-sounding name for a swaggering town that has the exaggerated moniker — Texas of Coorg.
[This anecdote is an updated version of the one in my book “Tale of A Tiger’s Tail & Other Yarns from Coorg”]
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / by C.P. Belliappa / February 17th, 2025
Kodavas and the Arebhashe Gowdas are two prominent communities in Kodagu, Karnataka.
On February 2, thousands of Kodava men and women in traditional attire took out ‘Kodavaame Baalo’, an 82km, six-day peace march led by the Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) in Kodagu, Karnataka. They did so to reassert their distinct identity and to draw attention to the social, religious and political challenges their community faces.
The trigger for the march was a temple entry row that has pitted two prominent communities in Kodagu―the Kodavas and the Arebhashe Gowdas―against each other.
The newly built Sri Mrutyunjaya (Shiva) temple, in Kattemadu village near Madikeri town, is the epicentre of the dispute. On December 27, when some Kodavas turned up for the annual festival in their traditional attire, some Arebhashe Gowdas stopped them from entering the temple. The “common dress code” as per the bylaw did not allow Kodava attire.
The situation escalated with both sides sticking to their guns. They filed separate complaints and announced massive jaathras (marches) in protest, forcing the district administration to intervene and impose prohibitory orders around the temple. The Arebhashe Gowdas held a massive rally in Madikeri, which the Kodavas followed up with their march from Kutta to Madikeri. The run-up to the two marches was marked by a social media war with both sides uploading provocative videos and posts.
“The Kodava community will not take part in any peace process initiated by the district administration till the police identify and arrest those who attacked Kodavas and attempted to restrict their cultural attire at the temple,” said the memorandum submitted by the AKS to Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja.
Said AKS member J. Ganesh Aiyanna: “A few years before the Mrutyunjaya temple incident, we were prevented from entering Talacauvery during ‘Teerthodbhava’ (annual sacred event at the place where the Cauvery is believed to originate) for wearing our traditional attire. We will not tolerate the assault on our tradition and cultural identity.”
Harsha Kodagana, member of the Arebhashe Samaja, said they were just following the rules. “The temple was built at a cost of around 06 crore, which was collected from devotees belonging to all communities. The 43-member temple committee (which includes nine Kodava members) passed a bylaw with 13 points, including the common dress code. This is meant to build a sense of equality among all communities. Some committee members stopped those wearing the Kodava attire as it violated the bylaw. The temple priest was attacked. We want the police to take suo motu action against people posting derogatory posts on social media and making casteist slurs.”
The Kodavas, however, claim that this is not an isolated case. “Some people from a particular community have belittled our icons Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya, who are India’s war heroes,” said Aiyanna. “The Kodava community has a long tradition of serving the Indian armed forces. People have also petitioned the courts to curb our gun rights but the court has restored it till 2029. The gun is revered in a Kodava family as it is an integral part of all our customs. We announce the birth of a baby boy with gunshots, and baby girl by beating brass plates. We have never used these weapons for violent purposes. We are nature and ancestor worshippers and are not involved in any politics. But the assault on our culture is growing.”
The memorandum submitted to the deputy commissioner said that the government must ensure a safe atmosphere for Kodavas to practise their traditions on their own land. It also urged the government to take steps to facilitate Kodava community participation in the Talacauvery rituals, extend constitutional protection for Kodava land, culture, traditions, religious practices and social security, and to curb “political oppression” by dominant communities.
The district administration has sought a report from the temple committee, but notably, the elected representatives―Congress MLAs A.S. Ponnanna (Virajpet) and Mantar Gowda (Madikeri), and BJP MP from Mysore-Kodagu Yaduveer Wadiyar―have kept a safe distance from the controversy.
Interestingly, when it comes to elections, the two communities have supported candidates without caste considerations. Previously, BJP leader Appachu Ranjan, a Kodava, had won the Gowda-dominated Madikeri assembly seat three times, while fellow party member K.G. Bopaiah, a Gowda, had won the Kodava-dominated Virajpet assembly seat thrice.
The temple entry episode is the latest incident that could galvanise the Kodavas, who for long have feared losing their identity. The 1.5 lakh-strong population has been dwindling; there has been fragmentation of families because of migration for education and employment, and inter-caste marriages. The community, under the banner of the Codava National Council, has been resisting the change in demography, loss of land and the alienation of the younger Kodavas from their language and culture. The long list of the council’s demands includes geo-political autonomy, inclusion in the scheduled tribe list, exemption from the Arms Act, inclusion of Kodava language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, recognition of river Cauvery as a living entity, UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage tag, inner line permit system to prevent demographic changes, and greater representation of Kodavas in Parliament.
The influx of people from outside, commercial exploitation of forests for tourism and massive infrastructure projects have resulted in water scarcity, landslides and floods, say locals. The people of Kodagu include Kodava, Arebhashe Gowda and 21 other Kodava-speaking communities who have lived in harmony despite the many challenges.
“After the backlash by Kodavas over Tipu Jayanti celebrations, the Congress government was forced to stop it,” said a local leader who did not want to be named. “But now, some vested interest groups are playing mischief to divide the Hindu community.”
source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> The Week / by Prathima Nandakumar / February 16th, 2025
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