Category Archives: Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022))

KSYWM Inaugural Cup 2024 Hockey Tournament

The Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru (KSYWM) has organised KSYWM Inaugural Cup 2024 Hockey Tournament on Mar. 3 (Sunday) at Chamundi Vihar Stadium in city.

Featuring eight men’s hockey teams from Mysuru, Kodagu and Bengaluru, the tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of hockey talent.

Also, an exciting women’s exhibition match is lined up to highlight their remarkable skills.

Dedicated to fostering the love for hockey within the Kodava community, this tournament serves as a unifying event and igniting a passion for the sport among the younger generation, says a press release from KSYWM.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / February 29th, 2024

Unity and Progress: Kodagu Gowda Samaja Elects New Leadership in Mysuru

Discover the new leadership team elected at the Annual General Body Meeting of Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Mysuru, signaling a promising future for the community.

Unity and Progress: Kodagu Gowda Samaja Elects New Leadership in Mysuru
Unity and Progress: Kodagu Gowda Samaja Elects New Leadership in Mysuru

 In the heart of Mysuru, a significant gathering took place that not only celebrated the rich heritage of the Kodagu Gowda community but also marked the beginning of a new chapter. The Kodagu Gowda Samaja, nestled in Railway Layout, Vijayanagar 2nd Stage, recently convened its Annual General Body Meeting, a beacon of unity and progress for its members. The meeting was more than a mere assembly; it was a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to collective prosperity.

A New Dawn of Leadership

The highlight of the event was the unanimous election of a new set of office-bearers, poised to steer the Samaja through 2023-24 and 2024-25. Kombarana Basappa emerged as the President, a figure of considerable esteem within the community. Alongside him, Kudupaje Dr. Chandrashekar was elected Vice-President, with Ponnetti Nanda taking on the role of Honorary Secretary. The team was rounded off with Nadumane S. Chengappa as Joint Secretary and Naduvatteera G. Lakshmana as Treasurer. Directors such as Pattada Shivakumar and Hosur G. Raghava, among others, were also elected, each bringing their unique skills and vision to the table.

Community at the Core

The meeting, presided over by the outgoing Samaja President Thotambylu Manohar, was not just about elections. It served as a platform for reflection, celebration, and planning. The leadership transition signifies more than a change of guards; it embodies the community’s aspiration for growth and unity. The elected members, each with their distinct background and expertise, underscore the community’s diverse yet cohesive nature.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

As the Kodagu Gowda Samaja embarks on this new journey under its freshly elected leadership, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among its members. The community, with its deep-rooted traditions and forward-looking outlook, stands on the cusp of a transformative era. The leadership’s vision for the future, coupled with the collective will of its members, promises to usher in a period of unparalleled growth and unity.

In essence, the recent Annual General Body Meeting of the Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Mysuru was more than a procedural event; it was a celebration of heritage, a reaffirmation of unity, and a step towards a promising future. With a new leadership team at the helm, the community looks set to navigate the challenges of the modern world while staying true to its rich cultural legacy.

source: http://www.bnnbreaking.com / BNN / Home> India> Local News / by Rafia Tasleem / February 26th, 2024

Over 500 Attend Annual Kodava Bay Area Convention In California

California’s Bay Area:

The Kodava community came together in the heart of California’s Bay Area for the annual convention, ‘Namme by the Bay’ from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3.

The festivities commenced with an informal ‘meet the hosts’ gathering on the evening of Sept.  1 at the elegant Hotel Cabana Suites in Palo Alto, CA, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend filled with camaraderie and cultural immersion.

On Sept. 2, a pre-convention event unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of the Elliston Winery in Sunol, featuring a surprise flash mob performance. The night culminated in joyous dancing to the tunes of traditional ‘Kodava Valaga.’

While some guests embarked on an invigorating morning hike organised by local Kodava families on Sept. 2, others enjoyed a post-hike BBQ. For those eager to explore the beauty of San Francisco, an organised tour was on offer.

The main event, held on Sept. 3 at the Los Altos Community Centre, saw men donning the traditional Kodava attire ‘Kupya-chale,’ while women added a touch of Kodava elegance with colourful sarees.

The venue was transformed to capture the essence of Kodava culture, with enchanting decorations centered around the unique ‘Namme’ theme. The stage backdrop artfully depicted the essence of three prominent Kodava festivals — Kailpodh, Puthari and Cauvery Sankramana.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the ‘Baalo Paat.’ Dimpu Pasura, the event’s host, collaborated with local children to present a captivating cultural programme. Local Kodava children began with a devotional rendition of the ‘Kaveramme’ song, followed by an opening act by Chethan Bachamada and Pallavi Joyappa.

Priya Pattada extended a warm welcome, followed by a message about preserving the Kodava community from Col. (Retd.) Cheppudira P. Muthanna, who travelled from Kodagu to attend the convention.

The evening unfolded with a dance performance by local Kodava children, followed by a spirited ‘Bolakaat’ performance by the men. The highlight was a mesmerising dance by the ladies. A video message from prominent Kodavas representing the military, sports and show business played during the opening, offering their best wishes for the event’s success.

Overall, the event fostered hope and unity among the Kodava community worldwide. Looking ahead, the next convention in 2024 is eagerly anticipated in Chicago.

First-ever entrepreneur event

As part of the convention, the first ever entrepreneur event, led by Gana Pemmanda, Vikram Puttichanda and Sahana Bheemaiah Bachamada (Thamane Nambudumada), was held. 

Entrepreneurs Nischay, Prithvi Biddappa Kandanda, Nischal Ammatanda, Sahana Bheemaiah and Gana Pemmanda shared glimpses of their entrepreneurial journeys, successes and learnings. 

Guests had the opportunity to showcase their businesses and network within the Kodava community, with plans to maintain the momentum through a newly created North American Kodava entrepreneurs’ group, fostering collaboration.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2023

Valedictory Of Inter-Kodava Assn. Tennis Ball Cricket

The valedictory of Kannambira N. Girish Kushalappa Memorial Inter-Kodava Association Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament for Mysuru Kodavas and Veterans Cricket Match has been organised at University Hostel Ground in Manasagangothri here at 3.30 pm on Jan. 15, under the aegis of Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru.

Palandira K. Somanna, President, Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Souhardha Sahakari Niyamitha Sangha, Mysuru, will be the chief guest.

Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, President, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru and Kannambira Neeta Kushalappa (wife of late Kannambira N. Girish Kushalappa), sponsor of Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament, will be the guests of honour.

Kuttimada D. Muthappa, President, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru, will preside.  

Earlier at 2 pm, an Exhibition Cricket Match by veterans (sponsored by Mrs. & Mr. Palandira K. Somanna) will be held at the same venue, according to a press release.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / January 14th, 2024

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

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

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

Madikeri :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inauguration Of Kodagu Gowda Samaja’s New Auditorium

Kodagu Gowda Samaja President Thotambylaya E. Manohar said that the new auditorium of Kodagu Gowda Samaja at Vijayanagar Railway Layout in the city will be inaugurated on Dec. 23 at 9.30 am.

Addressing media persons at Pathrakarthara Bhavan in city yesterday, Manohar said the auditorium built on the top of the existing building will be inaugurated by Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer Dr. Sri Nirmalananda-natha Swamiji and Adhi-chunchanagiri Mutt, Mysuru branch’s Someshwaranatha Swamiji. Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha, MLA K. Harishgowda, former MLAs L. Nagendra and Vasu, President of Kodagu Gowda Samaja Okkoota Soorthale R. Somanna,  former Corporator K.V. Sridhar and others  will participate.

Kodagu Gowda Samaja Vice-President Kuyyamudi B. Ramappa, Honorary Secretary Kuntikana S. Ganapathy, Assistant Secretary Kaleramma M. Nanaiah, Directors Naduvettira G. Lakshmana and Kombarana U. Basappa were present at the press meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / December 20th, 2023

MLA A.S. Ponnanna Inaugurates Annual Get-Together Of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association

Mysore/Mysuru:

The annual get-together of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East, was held at its premises in Vidyashankara Nagar in Mysuru yesterday.

Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.

Association President Puliyanda S. Devaiah presided. Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy was the special invitee.

On the occasion, MLA Ponnanna felicitated Senior Members of the Association for their services to the causes of community, institutions, education and in general — Kuppanda M. Achaiah, Manipanda A. Muthanna and Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Founder-Editor Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, who received Hon. Doctorate from University of Mysore recently.

Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East,  runs an educational institution — The Kodagu Model School — from LKG to X Standard at Vidyashankara Nagar here.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 04th, 2023

Get-Together Of Sri Kaveri Kodava Assn. Tomorrow

The annual get-together of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East, will be held at its premises at No. 4, Kaveri Road, Vidyashankaranagar, Mysuru, tomorrow (Dec. 3) at 10 am.

 Association President Puliyanda S. Devaiah will preside. Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna will be the chief guest. Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda

A. Ganapathy will be the special invitee.

Association Senior Members Kuppanda M. Achaiah and Maniyapanda A. Muthanna will be felicitated on the occasion.

Also, Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Founder-Editor K.B. Ganapathy, who received Hon. Doctorate from University of Mysore recently, will be honoured as a special achiever.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / December 02nd, 2023

Kodavas Celebrate Paithande Namme

Mysuru:

Hundreds of Kodava community members assembled at the Mysuru Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar First Stage yesterday evening to witness a unique tradition of Kodava Paithande Namme.

The event, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Madikeri and Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association, Mysuru, was inaugurated by Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) It was presided over by Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, the Chairman of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy.

In the past, Kodava society had a practice of honouring mothers who gave birth to ten or more children and they used to be respectfully adored as a great mother. Such mothers used to be honoured in a public function ‘Mangala’ (marriage ceremony) called ‘Paithandekkalapa’ or ‘Paithande Namme.’

The age-old tradition was introduced to the audience along with the rituals practiced during Paithande Namme.  According to the organisers, the event was organised to recall the traditions that are rarely practiced now or are on the verge of extinction.

Apart from Paithande Namme, traditional dances including Bolakaat, Ummathat and Kathiyat were performed. The main attraction of the evening was, however, the mock show of Narimangala (wedding of a hunted tiger), a custom unique to Kodavas where the hunter of a tiger is wedded to the soul of the animal. The ritual was performed complete with traditional dresses, swords, guns, bands and other paraphernalia.

Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) is seen inaugurating Kodava ‘Paithande Namme’ at Mysuru Kodava Samaja yesterday evening along with President of Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association Ballachanda D. Subbaiah and Chairman of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Biddatanda S. Thammaiah. Others seen are (from left) former President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa, Chairman of Sree Cauvery Education Council Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s former Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa, Superintendent of Police (retired), Directorate of Civil Enforcement-Mysuru Aramanamada K. Suresh and retired Police Officer Ballyamanda M. Nanaiah.

Minority Status :

Along with these traditional performances, the event was also a platform for  chief guests to speak about the welfare of Kodavas. In his inaugural address, Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) said that the Kodava Sahitya Academy was doing good work to preserve Kodava traditions within Kodagu district and  also outside.

“We Kodavas do not have facilities like reservation as we are economically and educationally forward. But it is imperative for us to obtain minority status as enshrined in the Indian Constitution,” he said and called upon the community to stay united and fight for minority status. He suggested Kodavas to have one organisation to fight for recognitions and welfare of the community.

Political Representation :

In his address, Superintendent of Police (retired), Directorate of Civil Enforcement Mysuru Aramanamada K. Suresh opined that Kodavas must have a political representation. “We are a small community and we should ensure that we have representation in the Legislative Assembly and Council. This will give the much-needed political power to the community,” he said

“As Kodavas are educationally forward, the youths must take up competitive examinations and make a place for themselves in the upper echelons of the government,” he added.

Vanishing Traditions :

Speaking on vanishing Kodava culture and traditions, Keethiyanda Kavya Kuttappa said that the unique traditional Kodava attire which people wore on all occasions earlier has become rare now. “This is because Kodavas blindly ape Western culture. Unfortunately, some Kodavas think speaking Kodava language is improper,” she said.

“Many Kodavas have migrated to cities in search of employment and they have forgotten the customs and traditions. They don’t even go to their roots in Kodagu and this is the reason why traditions are being forgotten,” she opined. In a fervent plea to parents, Kavya said that it was their responsibility to ensure that their children dress well when they attend community and public functions.

On the occasion, a book “Kodira Poomale” written by Uluvangada Cauvery Uday was released by former BBMP Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna and Academy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah.

A CD that was brought out in 1985 on “Kodava Baalopaat” sung by late Napanda Thimmaiah and team from Garvale village in Kodagu was released by Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa. The original CD was brought out by Thammu Poovaiah and Ambika of Nada Lahari, Madikeri.

Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy felicitated the President of Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association Ballachanda D. Subbaiah. A book and CD sale was also organised.

Kodava MLA Candidate:

Concurring with Aramanamada K. Suresh on political representation to Kodavas, businessman and former BBMP Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna (in pic) regretted that Kodavas were dominated by other communities in Kodagu, their homeland. He appealed the community members to elect a Kodava candidate to the Assembly irrespective of the political party.

He also advised Kodavas not to sell their properties in Kodagu to others but instead sell them within the community if it is inevitable. He called upon them to support Kodava youth who have set up businesses in Kodagu and outside.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /July 13th, 2017

Puthari Namme: Harvest Festival Celebrated In Traditional Grandeur

Youth Wing of Mysuru Kodava Samaja inaugurated

Mysore/Mysuru:

‘Puthari Namme,’ the harvest festival of Kodagu, symbolising the first harvest of the paddy crop, was celebrated in a grand and traditional manner last evening at the Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar First Stage here.

The festivities showcased a diverse array of Kodava cultural events, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the gathered audience.

Hundreds of Kodava community members including men, women and children had gathered at the Kodava Samaja and took home the paddy crop (kadiru), chanting “Poli Poli Deva” and prayed to Lord Igguthappa and Goddess Cauvery and welcomed the Dhanya Lakshmi to their homes. 

The highlight of the event was the cultural performances by young community members who have spent hours and days learning the traditional Kodava dances and songs. Their performance received loud applause from the community members and the boys and girls have been saddled with continuing the tradition of this small community that is facing the onslaught of modernisation.

The members of Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Vijayanagar Railway Layout, Mysuru, during the celebrations.

The performances featured captivating dances like ‘Ummathaat’, ‘Bolakaat’,  ‘Puthari Kolata,’ ‘Kathiyaat,’ ‘Baalopaat,’ ‘Pareyakali’ and ‘Taalipaat’.

Notably, a new Youth Wing of the Mysuru Kodava Samaja was inaugurated and Katera Vedik Uthaiah has been nominated as its President. The other  members of the team will be announced soon.

Commencing with a puja dedicated to the deities Lord Igguthappa and Goddess Cauvery, the festival progressed with a symbolic harvesting of the paddy crop (kadiru) and ceremonial firing into the air.

 Kodava men donned their traditional attire of ‘kupya-chele,’ ‘peechekathi,’ and ‘mande-tuni,’ while women adorned themselves in the customary red sarees and ‘vasthra.’

As an integral part of the festivities, special ‘tambittu’ made from fried ‘kusubalakki’ mixed with ripe banana, was distributed to all the members.

Mysuru Kodava Samaja teams that have won various prizes in hockey matches and other cultural performances at Federation of Kodava Samajas, Balugodu, were honoured.

Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Hon. Secretary Ketolira Ravi Belliappa, Treasurer Ittira Kashiappa, Joint Secretary Ajjikuttira Diana Poovaiah, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa, office-bearers and committee members were present on the occasion.

A group photo of the members of the newly constituted Youth Wing of Mysuru Kodava Samaja with Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy and others.

The harvest festival was also celebrated at Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Vijayanagar Railway Layout, Mysuru.

Simultaneously, ‘Puthari Namme’ was celebrated in grandeur across Kodagu district yesterday.

The festival commenced with the ‘Nere Kattu’ performance at Kakkabbe’s Paadi Sri Igguthappa Temple at 7.30 pm. Subsequent celebrations were held across Kodagu district.

Though the festival concluded yesterday, the celebrations are set to continue for a week in rural areas of Kodagu and during this extended period, traditional ‘Puthari Kolata’ will take centre stage, accompanied by various other dance forms at the designated ‘Mandh’ in villages.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / November 28th, 2023