The rare plant can be found in a coffee plantation on the church grounds of the British-built CSI in Pallikunnu near Kuttikkanam.
The 150-year-old coffee plant on the church grounds of Pallikkunnu CSI church in Idukki. | Photo Credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY
Those who visit the premises of the British-built Church of South India (CSI), in Pallikunnu near Kuttikkanam in the Idukki district, can see a coffee plantation on the church grounds. It is believed that the British planted coffee on the land owned by the church, which is over 150 years old, during the early period of the plantation industry in Peerumade.
The Church Missionary Society (CMS) constructed the cross-shaped church in 1869 on a 15-acre plot of land gifted by the then ruler of erstwhile Travancore. According to church authorities, the church plans to preserve the historically valued coffee plant in Pallikkunnu.
Pallikkunu St. George CSI Church Vicar Fr. Liju Abraham said that the plant is situated among a group of coffee plants on the church property. “Earlier, the church authorities contacted the Coffee Board officials to ensure the protection of the plant. Two years ago, the Coffee Board officials visited the church, inspected the plant, and assured support for its preservation. But the initiative came to a standstill after we failed to get a certificate from the church. The church aims to secure government support for the initiative,” said Fr. Abraham.
CSI East Kerala Diocese public relations officer Viju P. Chacko said, “The church needs to separate the 150-year-old plant from the group of coffee plants and create a special passage for visitors to view the rare plant. The plant could serve as a window for visitors into the plantation culture of Peerumade,” noted Mr. Chacko.
Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) district coordinator Ashwathi V.S. said that the KSBB can ensure the preservation of biodiversity-rich trees or plants through the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) in any area. “The concerned panchayat biodiversity management committee needs to submit a report to the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) in this regard.” Additionally, Ms. Ashwathi recommended that the church authorities submit a letter expressing their willingness to preserve the plant.
Interestingly, during the initial period of the plantation industry in Idukki, coffee plants were the crop of choice. The book Above Heron’s Pool by Heather Lovatt and Peter de Jong, describing the plantation history in Peerumade and Vandiperiyar, sheds light on the change. “In 1875, a leaf disease caused significant damage to the coffee plants, prompting the planters to switch to growing tea instead. The book further states that Thengakal, near Peerumade, once achieved the highest coffee yield in southern India, producing two tonnes of cured coffee per acre,” said the book.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by Sandeep Vellaram / December 29th, 2024
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who also serves as the Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Somwarpet MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar have called for peace between communities in Kodagu following tensions at the Maha Mrithyunjaya Temple in Kattemad village on Dec. 27.
The incident occurred when over 20 Kodava community members, including women in traditional attire, were prevented from entering the Temple wearing traditional dresses by individuals from another community, claiming to represent the Temple Management Board.
Reports suggest that individuals demanded Kodavas either remove their traditional attire or leave the Temple premises. The altercation occurred on the final day of the festival at the Mrithyunjaya Temple. It was claimed that the Temple’s by-laws prohibit traditional attire, a contention that Kodava community members vehemently disputed.
The Police intervened to defuse the situation. Both groups filed complaints and counter-complaints at the Madikeri Rural Police Station. Footage of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, has drawn widespread criticism for causing disrespect to the Kodava community in their homeland.
MLA Ponnanna called upon everyone to uphold peace and harmony. “I appeal to the Temple management to revoke this by-law and allow traditional attire from all communities. Historically, traditional attire has been a vital part of the district’s cultural heritage, embraced by various communities,” he said.
MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda also expressed his surprise over the incident, noting that Kodagu is known for its communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among communities. He urged all parties to maintain peace and ensure that the situation does not escalate.
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar strongly condemned the incident and denounced acts of mutual hatred and disruptions to societal peace, emphasising that such incidents should never happen. He called for addressing differences through dialogue and fostering a harmonious environment.
In response to the incident, various organisations have announced plans for a massive march titled ‘Kodava Nadige Kattemadu Kade’ soon.
Virajpet Kodava Samaja’s Honorary Secretary Maletira Srinivas accused certain politically motivated individuals of attempting to strip the Kodava community of their rights and insulting Kodava women.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / December 29th, 2024
A dwindling population, dilution of tradition, and diminishing national presence have fuelled urgency within the Kodava community in Bengaluru and the neighbouring Kodagu region.
At the Thok Namme (Gun Carnival), organised by the Codava National Council, a Kodava group fighting for recognition of its unique identity and homeland | Photo: By special arrangement
Bengaluru:
The lunch was a celebration of Kodava pride, heritage, and culture. Two batches of guests at The House of Kodavas in Bengaluru savoured shredded pork on akki-totti (rice rotis), mutton mince-filled ghee rice, and a vast menu of traditional Kodava cuisine like otti-pandi curry and beimbale (bamboo shoot), each given a contemporary twist. Even the table mats served as a dossier of sorts, detailing aspects of Kodava culture.
The Bengaluru restaurant is an initiative to “keep the [Kodava] clan together”. A dwindling population, dilution of tradition, and diminishing national presence have fuelled urgency within the Kodava community in Bengaluru and the neighbouring Kodagu region. Initiatives like the House of Kodavas seek to create a community-focused social and business network akin to those of the Parsis or Jains.
“We Kodava say that we are a clan of warriors and need to support each other. But I would definitely say we are lacking in this,” said entrepreneur Kallichanda Revathi, 43, who helped conceptualise The House of Kodavas initiative.
From community organisations to social media, Kodavas are using various platforms to infuse a sense of togetherness and align it with economic interests. The annual gun festival, field hockey tournament, and return to the Kodava script Lipi are all part of a concerted attempt to revive Kodava identity and raise awareness about the “existential crisis” facing this endangered ethnolinguistic minority group from southern Karnataka.
“Serving Kodava cuisine like a normal restaurant will make no difference to our business. This is about serving the same dish differently to help us get noticed. This will help Kodava entrepreneurs,” said Kalengada Bopanna who runs Umbak Entha, a cloud kitchen, and one of four entrepreneurs who organised the lunch.
Photo: @thehouseofkodavas | Instagram
But the enthusiasm attached to flaunting one’s Kodava lineage has not translated into practice, said elders of the community like N U Nachappa, the president of the Codava National Council, a group fighting for recognition of its unique identity and homeland. Over the years, Nachappa has made representations to every high office in the country as well as the United Nations to secure due recognition and protection for the Kodava community.
“Kodavas are literate but not educated. Our problem is that we have no political instinct. There is no assertion of our cause. And this allows everyone to take us for a ride,” he said.
‘Festival of guns’
Around 50 people gathered in an open field at a private resort in Ballamberi village on Wednesday morning to celebrate the 14th annual ‘Thok Namme’ (gun festival). The women wore the full Kodava saree style and attire, and most men sported long handlebar moustaches, looking regal. The event began with an offering of prayers to guns, followed by shooting competitions for men, women, and children.
Kodavas have the freedom to possess weapons, a right dating back to the 1830s when the British exempted them from the Indian Arms Act for their contribution to the fight against Tipu Sultan. Though not part of any traditional festival, the CNC created the event to instill Kodava pride, revive ancient customary practices, and keep the movement active and thriving.
A Kodava woman at the Thok Namme (Gun Carnival) | Photo: By special arrangement
Photo: By special arrangement
Kodavas have made a name for themselves in sports, especially hockey, and for their service to the army. Field Marshal KM Cariappa and General KS Thimayya, along with athletes like Ashwini Ponnappa, have become icons not only in their respective fields but also as symbols of Kodava pride and resilience.
Unlike several other micro-groups that do not enjoy the same social capital, the Kodavas have evolved as one of the more successful and progressive communities. Their customs are distinct from other communities anywhere in the country. However, scholars and historians say that distinctiveness is eroding.
“The bigger threat to Kodava’s way of life is from within India, with more people adopting Hindu and brahminical practices,” said professor CC Sowmya Dechamma from the Centre for Comparative Literature at the University of Hyderabad.
During colonial rule, Kodavas were enumerated as a separate race until the 1941 census when they were merged under the Hindu religion.
Traditional Kodava marriages, for instance, do not have priests conducting rituals. It is the duty of the elders to conduct the ceremonies.
“We are nature and ancestor worshippers. But now, we are conducting Homas (sacred pyre) where Brahmin priests ask us to throw rice we grow into the fire. This is absurd,” said a Kodagu-based author and academic, who did not want to be named.
People who spoke to ThePrint added that this religious appropriation has also turned Kodava into a bastion of right-wing ideologies.
“This merging of [our] unique identity with that of mainstream Hindus has led to blind support [for] political parties that subscribe to such beliefs,” said Nachappa. He added that there is no incentive for political parties to take their demands seriously.
Members of the Kodava community in Karnataka | Photo: By special arrangement
‘Separate race’
Nachappa and the CNC have been fighting for the Kodavas to be granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. A section of community members cite the declining population as justification for this measure. The 2011 census indicates that the number of Kodavas decreased from around 1.5 lakh to around 1.25 lakh. According to Nachappa, the numbers are inflated.
Coorg, as it was formerly called, was a state for six years between 1950 and 1956 but was later absorbed into Karnataka, merging its identity. This continues to rankle community members, who are now seeking new ways to establish a separate identity.
Efforts to preserve Kodava distinctiveness include popularising the Kodava script, ‘Lipi’. Though not officially recognised by the Karnataka government, a growing number of Kodavas have started using it on signboards for temples and commercial establishments.
These efforts received a boost when folk dancer Rani Machaiah was honoured with a Padma Shri last year for her contribution to preserving Ummathat, the traditional Kodava dance, since 1984. As the former president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, she has encouraged Kodavas to promote the Lipi.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Shri to Iymudiyanda Rani Machaiah for popularising the Ummathat dance art of Kodagu | Photo: @rashtrapatibhvn | X
Getting recognition as a ‘linguistic minority’ or ‘indigenous minority’ could help protect Kodavas from being marginalised and possibly reclaim land that was ‘illegally’ taken from them. This push for ST status is one step towards that goal.
“There is a constant assertion that Kodavas have lineage associated with Alexander, the Macedonian ruler. But this is to hammer the narrative to de-link Kodavas from asserting their rights to reclaim land that was forcefully taken from us,” Nachappa said.
Despite past government efforts, surveys to address the issue have failed to take off. ST status remains contentious even within the Kodava community. In 2016, the Siddaramaiah-led government halted an ethnographic and socio-economic survey of the community to assess their qualification for tribal status. This was after former MLC AK Subbaiah intervened, claiming the survey was anti-national and that Kodavas could not be compared to tribes like the Hakki Pikki.
Even now, there are tensions over whether Kodavas should be classified as a race or a tribe.
“These so-called progressive people acted as representatives of the community and said they did not want it [the ST status] since they were a prosperous people,” said a senior advocate and political leader who requested anonymity. “Most of the rich in Kodagu are big companies and people from other states who own large coffee plantations, while Kodava land holdings continue to fall sharply.”
On the other hand, a Kodagu-based author and academic argued that Kodavas “parroting” the ST demand fail to grasp its limitations.
“The very definition of Tribal is people who live in inaccessible and remote regions. We are very well educated and prosperous. By trying to get a tribal status, we are denying the same to Yeravas, Kurubas, and other communities who worked as labourers to help us get this prosperity,” the author said.
‘Carrots and sticks’
In April 2024, Guinness World Records officially recognised the 24th edition of the ‘Kodava Hockey Namme ’ as the largest field hockey tournament. This edition featured 4,834 players and 360 teams, hosted by the Kundyoloanda family as part of a month-long tournament.
This event has become central to Kodava culture, reconnecting family members scattered across Karnataka, India, and the world.
Kodava Samajas in major Karnataka cities organise cultural and sporting events, arrange marriages, provide support during funerals, and act as lobby groups to engage with the administration, keeping the community connected to its roots.
Members of the Kodava community in Karnataka | Photo: By special arrangement
Photo: By special arrangement
Other initiatives by Kodava Samajas and WhatsApp groups fuel a sense of community engagement among younger generations, who show reluctance toward having more children. In one Kodava-centric WhatsApp group, the admin recently conducted a snap poll asking, “Is pre-marriage counseling essential for Kodava Youths?” The answer was a resounding yes.
“Whether it’s marriage, naming ceremony, etc it was a collective affair. As the financial status improved, one by one [people] started building houses away from the Aiyn mane (clan house), it became a divided family and Western culture took over,” one user posted on behalf of her uncle.
She added that many were selling property to settle in Mysuru and Bengaluru, calling this shift a “man made tragedy” that was irreversible.
Such sentiments are common, with declining population narratives fuelling anxieties on various platforms.
Kabilira Harish from the T Shettigere Kodava Samaj offers a simpler explanation for the dwindling population.
“The previous generation had 8-9 children and this reduced to a maximum of three among us. Now, couples are happy with one child or don’t want to have any at all. This is a cause for alarm,” he told ThePrint.
To counter this, the T Shettigere Kodava Samaj announced incentives for Kodava couples, offering Rs 50,000 to families having a third child.
“We are not saying this money will help the family overcome any hurdles or settle the child for life…it’s only ‘Protsaha dana’ (encouragement),” said the 73-year-old.
He added that the association has sufficient funds and donors willing to support this initiative.
However, Revathi, a Kodava community member, noted that many Kodava children do not recognise their Kodava classmates at school, which adds to the widening generational gap.
While this incentive serves as the carrot, others use the stick. In 2021, Chotakmada Rajiv Bopaiah, president of the Ponnampet Kodava Samaj, banned cake cutting, champagne popping, and other ‘westernised’ practices and celebrations.
The Samaj also prohibits grooms from sporting beards and requires brides to wear their hair tied with a ‘Vastra’ during weddings.
Ironically, while Kodavas pride themselves on being polished and fluent in English, they resist ‘westernisation’.
“I don’t think this does anything except show our anxieties out in the open,” said Dechamma.
(Edited by Prashant)
source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> Ground Reports> The Fine Print / by Sharan Poovanna / December 26th, 2024
Many planters are seeing uneven ripening because of multiple rains and multiple blossoms.
A file photo of coffee beans in an estate in Kodagu district (Coorg) of Karnataka. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
Coffee planters are a confused lot this year. On the one hand, coffee prices have hit a record high. On the other, vagaries of the weather through 2023 and 2024 have resulted in erratic ripening and a dip in yield this season. The Coffee Board is estimating an average 15% loss this season due to this.
Coffee is harvested between December and February.
Rain pattern
“We are estimating more than 15% loss in yield, mostly in Karnataka, because in other coffee growing regions such as Andhra Pradesh and the North East, they receive the northeast monsoon. This time, the southwest monsoon, which covers Karnataka, was heavier and not uniform,” said K.G. Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board, adding that the exact figures will be clearer after the post blossom survey in March-April.
The heavy rain was localised. Some regions received rain well into November. Yield is expected to be hit in the three main coffee districts — Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan.
Explaining further, he said, “Last year, there was rain during November-December. Then this year again in January there was rain. Blossom showers during February-March is ideal. If it rains earlier, then uneven berry formation and ripening are observed. We expect a modest production of 3.5 lakh metric tonnes compared to 3.6 lakh metric tonnes last year.”
Naj Chengappa, a planter from Devarapura, south Kodagu, said, “Many planters are seeing uneven ripening because of multiple rains and multiple blossoms. In one coffee tree, we are seeing ripe, green and dried ones. Droppings (of berries) were also observed in high rainfall areas.”
This comes as bad news for planters as coffee prices have hit record highs owing to supply side disruptions in Brazil and Vietnam. “We get no clear information from them on restoration. So, the price may be high till that is restored,” Mr. Jagadeesha said.
Climate resilience
The Coffee Board has urged planters to adhere to best practices to shield themselves from weather variations.
“This year, there was heavy rain. Those who have invested in water conservation will have stored this water and used it for better yield. We have also started the research on climate resilient varieties. We recommend maintaining high carbon content, organic mulching, mixing organic and chemical fertilisers, good shade management and water conservation,” Mr. Jagadeesha said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sci-Tech> Agriculture / by K C Deepika / December 25th, 2024
Paul John Indian Caffeine Company , renowned for its premium Indian coffee blends, is set to showcase its artisanal coffee offerings at The Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, NV, from January 19-21, 2025. Known for its meticulously crafted coffee blends, Paul John Indian Caffeine Company sources coffee beans directly from the lush plantations of South India and expertly roasts them in the United States, delivering an unparalleled global coffee experience.
Highlighted at the show will be the brand’s signature coffee blends, such as its best selling Smell of Rain and the nostalgic Indian Peaberry. These offerings celebrate the uniqueness of Indian coffee, producing the highest quality specialty grade arabica coffee from shade-grown select beans. Attendees can explore gift-ready options complete with a line of brass filters and traditional accessories that capture the essence of authentic Indian coffee brewing.
“We’re excited to bring the vibrant flavors of Indian coffee to the forefront of the global coffee industry,” says Shonali Paul, Founder of Paul John Indian Caffeine Company. “Our blends are a testament to India’s rich coffee heritage, offering both authenticity and modern craftsmanship.”
The Paul John Indian Caffeine Company is one of very few brands on the market specializing in Indian coffee. It produces the highest quality coffee from select beans that are expertly sourced predominantly from the luscious estates of Coorg and Chikkamagalur in Karnataka, India. Shade-grown Indian coffee beans develop a strong and robust flavor, due to their slow growth and maturation process — which allows them to have a highly complex flavor profile and low acidic content.
Visit the Paul John Indian Caffeine Company at Booth Number 3815B to experience these unique blends and learn more about the brand’s commitment to quality artisanal coffee. Wholesale pricing at 50% off of retail pricing for orders placed at the show, plus additional special show discounts.
About Paul John Indian Caffeine Caffeine Company Paul John Indian Caffeine Company is a Tampa-based brand specializing in premium Indian coffee founded by 28-year-old Shonali Paul. Every blend of Paul John Caffeine is inspired by Shonali’s childhood memories in India. With beans sourced directly from South India and roasted locally in the United States, the company brings the authentic flavors of Indian coffee to homes nationwide.
Specialty Food Association
136 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor / New York, NY 10016
source: http://www.specialityfood.com / Speciality Food Association (SFA) / Home> Member Press Releases / December 23rd, 2024
The river Cauvery, which is the lifeline of Karnataka, has a special temple dedicated to her in her birthplace Talakaveri in Coorg.
Photo Courtesy: Bindu Gopal Rao
Driving along the stunning coffee-laden landscape of Coorg morphs from green into a thick blanket of fog as you near Talakaveri, located adjacent to the Brahmagiri Hills. Interestingly, the fog is only present here, and as you drive away, the landscape is clear!
Photo Courtesy: Bindu Gopal Rao
The uphill winding road takes you to the place swamped with a complex of temples accessible by a broad flight of stairs that is invariably covered with fog. It is believed to be the birthplace of the river Cauvery, the lifeline of Karnataka’s water source. Locals believe that the river originated from the hair of Lord Shiva, flowing forth to nourish the land. The temple here is beautifully serene and the fog adds a mystic aura as you go among the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesha. In the middle sits a water tank, believed to be the Cauvery. Most people who pay obeisance here also carry home some of the holy water. “The Cauvery River, and by extension, Talakaveri, hold immense cultural, religious, and economic significance for the Kodava people, the indigenous community of Kodagu. The Cauvery River is an integral part of Kodava’s identity and culture. It is often mentioned in local folklore, songs, and literature,” says KD Bopanna Kaliyatanda, a native of Talakaveri.
More than a River
Photo Courtesy: Bindu Gopal Rao
For the Coorgis, the river is much more than that; it is an emotion. It is woven into the rites, rituals, and stories that every Kodava (a person from Coorg) has heard through generations, inspiring and guiding the community for centuries. Punyaa Poonacha Boppanda from Coorg says, “Cauvery-amme (Mother Cauvery), the river of my ancestors, has always been the heart of my home- Coorg. For us, she is more than just a river, she is the source of life. We Kodavas pray to three main Gods: our ancestors, Ighuthappa (the God of rice), and Cauvery. From a young age, we were taught to respect and honour Her. Even today, I visit Her every year without fail.”
But Boppanda admits that a lot has changed over the years. “The Cauvery I remember, full of life and flowing strong, has started to fade. She isn’t as vibrant and abundant as She once was. While the bond I have with Cauvery remains unbroken, Her fragile state serves as a reminder that we must nurture Her, as She once nurtured us.”
The Spring of Life
Photo Courtesy: Bindu Gopal Rao
The river is also worshipped by all Coorgis, and on October 17 every year, you can visit a stunning sight when Cauvery rises in the form of a spring, marking Tula Sankramana. The festivities typically include a ceremonial bath in the waters of the Cauvery River, believed to cleanse the soul and bring blessings. Prayers and offerings are made to the river goddess, seeking her blessings and protection. Traditional Kodava dances, music, and folk art are showcased, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. A grand community feast is held, where people come together to share food and celebrate the occasion. A procession is taken out, carrying sacred idols and symbols, symbolising the river’s journey. Dhanya Podanolana Shrinivas — who lives in Kopatti, 10 kilometres from Talakaveri — says, “To me, the name itself is known to be a sacred place. Talakaveri has been a source of life to each one of us, be it for agriculture coffee estates or our survival. On Tula Sankramana wherever we are, we prepare dosa by fermenting rice batter and preparing delicacies that are special only for the day.”
Changing Vistas
Photo Courtesy: Bindu Gopal Rao
While Talakaveri and the Cauvery River have played a crucial role in the lives of the Kodava people for centuries, the region has undergone significant changes over the years. The rapid pace of development and urbanisation has led to concerns about environmental degradation and pollution of the river. Deforestation, industrialisation, and climate change have posed challenges to the river’s health. Over the years, however, the landscape and the river itself have changed.
“The natural beauty is under pressure due to growing tourism and environmental shifts. Forest cover in the region has reduced, and rainfall patterns have become less predictable, impacting the water levels of the Kaveri. In recent decades, the increased human activity around Talakaveri, especially during pilgrimages has also led to pollution and a strain on the ecosystem. Despite these changes, the river continues to be a focal point for our identity, even as we balance the old ways with the modern world,” concludes Ria Belliappa, Founder of Juny’s Bakehouse and a proud Kodava.
Fact File on Talakaveri
How to reach: Kannur International Airport is the nearest airport about 120 kilometres away. By road, you can reach Talakaveri from Bengaluru in under five hours.
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where to stay: Madikeri is located about 43 kilometres away from Talakaveri. The small town has several hotels across budgets.
Good to know: A strict dress code is in place that requires all devotees to be fully covered while visiting this place.
Do More: When you visit Talakaveri, stop by the Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple in Bhagamandala about 8 kilometres away. See the Triveni Sangama, said to be the meeting point of the rivers Cauvery, Kannike and mythical Sujyoti.
Note: The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
source: http://www.travelandleisureasia.com / Travel and Leisure Asia / Home> Destinations / by Bindu Gopal Rao / December 23rd, 2024
The country is celebrating the 75th year of our Republic and also the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India. There was also a debate in the Parliament on the “Glorious Journey of 75 Years of The Constitution of India” which was initiated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Dec. 13.
As part of celebrating 75th anniversary of the Constitution, a first-of-its-kind museum was established at the OP Jindal Global University (JGU) in Sonipat, Haryana. The museum has a collection of memorabilia documents, photographs and artwork related to the history of India in general and drafting of the Constitution of India in particular.
The museum was inaugurated on Nov. 26, 2024 declared as Constitution Day. On the occasion, the museum authorities invited the descendants of the Framers of the Constitution to participate in the event at the Jindal Global University.
Coorg, now known as Kodagu, was a kingdom and later came under the rule of the British. After independence, Coorg was also represented in the Constituent Assembly.
C.M. Poonacha, former Chief Minister of Kodagu, was in the Constituent Assembly as a representative of Kodagu.
As children of C.M. Poonacha, the Museum authorities invited C.P. Belliappa and his sister Dr. Kavery Poonacha Nambisan to represent their father who was a Member of the Constituent Assembly and was one of the signatories to the Constitution.
C.M. Poonacha was probably one of the youngest members at age 36 to sign the national document — The Constitution of India.
It is noteworthy that the busts of 300 signatories to the Constitution are on display in the museum. Among them is naturally that of C.M. Poonacha (see picture). The museum has an AI generated image of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Father of Constitution of India, which allows visitors to ask questions which Dr. Ambedkar answers.
The farmers opposed the move of the governments in declaring the C and D cultivated land as Reserve Forest.
Over 3000 farmers from across the district flowed into the city to host the massive protest.
Madikeri :
Madikeri was engulfed in white and green as thousands of farmers across Kodagu took to the streets to voice their anguish against the state and central governments.
Led by the Somwarpet Raitha Horata Samithi with support from numerous other organizations, the farmers opposed the move of the governments in declaring the C and D cultivated land as Reserve Forest.
Wearing green shawls and showing off their mighty power, thousands of farmers walked in protest and shouted slogans against the government. The slogans ‘Our land, Our right’, ‘Officers in AC Room and Farmers on the streets’ echoed clearly across the city as they demanded the government to withdraw the policy of declaring C and D cultivated land as forest regions.
Following the massive protest rally across the city, the farmers gathered at Gandhi Maidan and a formal meeting was addressed by the farmer leaders.
“The problem with the C and D land is not new. From during the framing of forest law, farmers are faced with the C and D land threats. The forest department is causing trouble for the farmers. We are ready to sacrifice our lives if justice is not served,” spoke K Manu Somaiah, the district president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha.
The other farmer leaders who addressed the gathering urged for the farmers to unite and fight for their rights.
The farmers garnered support from all the political parties as leaders from BJP, Congress and JD(S) joined in the protest demanding justice for the farmers. The party leaders shared that the problems faced by the farmers of Kodagu was a burning issue and required support irrespective of the political differences.
Former MLA Appachu Ranjan confirmed that the political leaders from all the parties will unite to oppose the implementation of Kasthurirangan and Gadgil reports.
Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda, MLC Suja Kushalappa, former MLA KG Bopaiah, Congress district president Dharmaja Uthappa and other political leaders took part in the protest rally. Over 3000 farmers from across the district flowed into the city to host the massive protest.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 20th, 2024
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