Shanthalli is a hobli situated in the Push-pagiri region near Mallalli. It falls on the border of Kodagu-Hassan- Dakshina Kannada. In a district where liquor is an integral part of cultural traditions, this north Kodagu hobli is quite an exception.

It has not had a liquor shop in its limits for decades, holding on to the Gandhian dream of a liquor-free society. It has a population of 9,245, with women outweighing men by far. During the 1960-70s, a few of the villagers would indulge in brewing country liquor. But the village development committee imposed heavy fines to deter them. The excise department booked village shopkeepers who would sell liquor on the sly. And now, as far as anybody can remember, the last conversation about a liquor shop in the hobli occurred ten years ago.

The gram panchayat refused to furnish a no objection certificate (NOC).

Shanthalli is quite close to Bisle Ghat, Mallalli Falls, Pushpagiri hills. Manda-lpatti Hills, near Madikeri, are just 22 kilometres away.

Naturally, the region attracts many tourists. While many home-stays have come up in the region, owners have made their peace with the gram panchayat’s decision to bar liquor shops or bars from the hobli. Almost 80 per cent of the largely agrarian population belongs to the Vokkaliga Gowda community. For how long they can protect their corner of earth remains to be seen.

But for now, the hobli is an inspiring example to the rest of the nation.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> News> States / by Coovercolly Indresh, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / April 23rd, 2018