The most-awaited Kodava feature film ‘Kallakere-Maadevi’ will be screened at Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar I Stage, Mysuru, on Feb. 25 and 26 (Saturday and Sunday).
This first-ever mythological movie, which has seen 36 shows in Kodagu (Kokeri, Virajpet and Napokulu), is produced by Pattada Reena Prakash under the banner of P&G Creations and directed by Baleyada Pratish Poovaiah and Acheyada Gagan Ganapathy; Story, script and dialogue by Ammanichanda Praveen Chengappa.
There will be four shows on both days at 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are available at the Samaja premises. For details contact Mob: 96326-06913 or 98806-00240.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 24th, 2023
The Kodavas have a unique culture and history rooted in martial traditions, and have made significant contributions to the Indian Armed Forces. Defence and aerospace analyst Girish Linganna explains
The Kodavas, a small warrior community from the Coorg district in southern India, have a long-standing tradition of serving in the Indian armed forces. This is due to a number of factors, including their martial culture, sense of duty and loyalty to the country, and the prestige and honour associated with military service in their community.
The Roots of Warrior Culture
The Kodavas are an ethnic group with a distinct culture and language. They have been living in the Western Ghats region for centuries, with a history dating back to even before 1100 AD. They have a martial culture, and the men are trained in the use of traditional weapons such as the odi katti (traditional Coorgi sword). They have a rich history of military service, with many Kodavas having served in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
In fact, Coorg is the only district in India to have produced all the ranking officers in the Indian army, despite having a population of just over 1.5 lakh. Coorg was once a state and had its own chief minister. Four diwans served the Mysore maharajas; many held the commander-in-chief position even pre-independence during Mysore rajas’ rule.
Dedication to Duty: The Kodavas in the Indian Army
The Kodavas have a strong tradition of serving in the Indian armed forces, driven by their martial culture, sense of duty, and desire to protect and defend their country. Many come from families with a history of military service, and it is not uncommon for multiple generations of a family to have served in the armed forces. There are even Kodava couples who have served together in the Indian armed forces. They are also known for their physical fitness and discipline, which makes them well-suited for military service.
In addition, serving in the armed forces is often seen as a way for Kodavas to protect and defend their country, and many view it as a matter of great pride and honour. As a result, many Kodavas are willing to make significant sacrifices, including leaving their families and communities to serve in the armed forces.
Bravery in the Face of Danger: Kodavas in Action
The Kodavas have a rich history of military service and have played a significant role in defending the country in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions. They have been known for their bravery and dedication in the face of danger.
One of the most notable Kodavas to have served in the Indian Armed Forces is Field Marshal K M Cariappa, who was the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army. He played a key role in the integration of the Indian states after independence and was honoured with the Order of the British Empire and the Legion of Merit.
Another notable Kodava is Lieutenant General K S Thimayya, who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Distinguished Service Order. Other notable Kodavas who have served in the Indian Armed Forces include Brigadier B K Ponnappa, who fought in World War II and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Lieutenant General B K Krishnan, who served as the Director-General of Military Training and the Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, Lieutenant General P K Dewan, who served as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff and the Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, and Major General K S Chandrashekar, who served as the General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s Southern Command.
In conclusion, the Kodavas have a unique culture and history rooted in martial traditions and have made significant contributions to the Indian Armed Forces. Their sense of duty and loyalty drives their dedication to the military to the country and their desire to protect and defend their country.
They have a rich history of military service and have played a significant role in defending India. The Kodavas of Coorg are a shining example of bravery, honour, and sacrifice, and their service to the nation should be revered and celebrated.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> India News / by Team Newsable / February 21st, 2023
Minister for Social Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary speaking at a programme in Bittangala village of Virajpet in Kodagu district on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Minister for Social Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary said the BJP government in the State was in favour of implementing the Sadashiva Commission report on internal reservation.
According to a statement here, Mr. Poojary made clear the government’s stand on internal reservation while speaking at a programme in Bittangala village of Virajpet in Kodagu district on Sunday.
Mr Poojary said he will hold another round of discussion with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the issue while stating that there was a need for the government to give voice to the voiceless sections of the society.
The Sadashiva Commission has looked into the decades-old demand for internal reservation of the 101 castes that comprised the Scheduled Castes.
Even though internal reservation has become a complicated issue, Mr. Poojary said the government was in favour of ensuring social justice to the communities that had been deprived of government benefits.
The government will be ordering a study on genealogy of all native Kodava communities at a cost of ₹25 lakh and the task will be entrusted to either the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute in Mysuru or the Kannada University in Hampi.
Also, Mr Poojary said the government will be releasing a grant of ₹5 crore for the development of ‘Ainmane’ or ancestral houses of the native Kodagu community that play an important role in preserving the architectural heritage of Kodavas and the community’s culture.
The BJP government’s emphasis on language and culture becomes clear when people working for the good of the society even behind the scenes in rural areas are recognised for the prestigious Padma awards, Mr. Poojary said.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Professor of History from Kannada University in Hampi Vijay Poonacha Thambanda said the government should ensure political and social justice to all communities speaking Kodava language by bringing in internal reservation.
Apart from demanding the inclusion of Kodava language in the 8 th Schedule, he sought the post of Chairperson in the Kodava Sahitya Academy for persons from smaller communities that spoke the Kodava language.
Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and BJP MLA K.G. Bopaiah also spoke on the occasion.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / February 19th, 2023
All of 37, Mayur Subbaiah, once a part of India’s medal-winning hockey team, now takes pride in working for the South Western Railways as Deputy Chief Inspector. He was a vital cog in Indian hockey as a drag specialist and an expert in penalty corner conversion.
Mayur might not have been born under a lucky star as the most sought-after Indian hockey player, but he has made his mark in the Indian Hockey arena and his love for the game and sense of duty keeps him going. He continues his passion for the game and does not miss a chance to wield the hockey stick and wants to do something worthwhile for his home district of Kodagu, the cradle of hockey.
Born to Bollajira Jaya Subbaiah and Rathi Subbaiah at Balaji village in South Kodagu on 18.7.1986, Mayur did his primary at Lions School, Gonikoppal from 1990 to 1995 and later went to Bangalore to join Junior Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre in 1996 for hockey selection and he was the youngest and talented player.
He did his schooling at St. Joseph’s Indian High School from Seventh to Tenth Standard and played for several School, District, State and National-level School games. His position in the game was right half and back. Coach Manohar Katige recognised Mayur’s talent and game skills and motivated him. “I hold him in great respect and fondly recall the memories of Manohar Sir who groomed me,” Mayur reveals.
Making the mark very young
“I used to dream of playing for the Karnataka Team and later on Indian Team. I was the youngest player in the school team and many seniors and my coach encouraged me and I had a chance to play for the senior SAI Team in my ninth standard itself. I worked hard and got selected for senior SAI team in 2000 and was a regular player for that team,” he says.
“I saw many senior players on the SAI campus and my inspiration was Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah, the former Indian hockey goalkeeper and coach. His passion, confidence and positive attitude further motivated me and I had a deep desire of wearing the Indian jersey. At SAI, I saw many Indian top players play like Dhanraj Pillai, Ashish Ballal, Sabu Varkey, Prabhjot Singh and Baljit Singh in action and that was inspirational,” he recalls.
Mayur has played for several Sub-Junior Karnataka, Junior Karnataka and Senior Karnataka hockey teams and he was a specialist in drag-flick. He has played multiple nationals in all categories Under-16, Under-19 and Senior National. He was a part of the Sub-Junior India team in Singapore in 1999 and emerged winners, played for Junior Indian Hockey Team Under-21 match in Dhaka in 2004 and was in the World Cup Under-21 in Chennai.
Lost out due to political lobbying
Though he had a vast experience in playing, Mayur could not play much for India due to political lobbying. “I was best in the ground and was the best in drag-flick and dribbling and no one could match my skills. Still, the selectors preferred some other players over me and this demotivated me. But I managed to make my mark in Indian hockey, despite the politics played by the selectors to include their family members in the national team. If I had support then at my peak, I would have been an ex-Olympian now,” Mayur says with a wry smile.
Mayur was upgraded to the senior SAI camp at the young age of 17. “Len Aiyappa taught me the drag-flick (penalty corner conversion). It involves a player crouching down low next to the ball. It is then picked up by the shaft of the hockey stick and pushed along the ground, while the stick acts like a sling. This helps accelerate the ball. These penalty corners are always taken by a specialist player, known as the drag-flicker. I am proud to say that drag-flick always falls upon the shoulders of someone who is proficient,” Mayur says with confidence.
Camp with commandos
A memorable experience was his time in the National Security Guard (NSG) 45-day Army fitness camp in Manesar with senior Indian hockey team probables where Mayur had the opportunity to play with Dhanraj Pillay, Jugraj, Dilip Tirkey, Ignace Tirkey and many more senior players. This was to make the players mentally tough and increase their endurance levels. “I got an A-1 certificate at the camp,” he adds.
“Being at Senior SAI, I was even playing for the Air India team, Bombay. Bombay was part of the Air India team and I got a job at South Central Railway (Secunderabad) when I was just 18 years and two months. I got through in talent quota and was directly appointed by the Railway Board, New Delhi in 2005 and was the youngest sportsperson of Railway Sports Promotion Board,” he recalls.
Contribution in the Railways teams
As the youngest employee in the Railways, playing for South Central Railway, he gained more experience and laurels and entered the Indian Railways Hockey Teams. Mayur played in All-India tournaments and Senior National Hockey tournaments to win several medals.
“I got the Best Player of the Year Award from the Railway Board. In 2007, I got a call from the Indian Hockey Federation for the Indian National Camp for Olympic Qualifiers Camp and Asia Cup. I got selected for the Asia Cup held in Chennai in 2007 and continued my hockey journey in the Indian Railways and South Central Railway. After playing many All-India tournaments and winning several medals, I got transferred from South Central Railway to South Western Railways,” he says.
“The South Western Railways is the nearest station to my native Kodagu. From 2012 to 2019, I played for this Division and had a successful hockey career for over 22 years. I am now concentrating on my duty as Deputy Chief Inspector. I have received many awards like the DRM Award, PCCM Award and even the GM Award. The motivation provided by the Railway administration helps me keep my dreams alive and every day is a learning experience. Whatever I am today is because of the Indian Railways,” he says.
On future plans, Mayur wants to give back to society. “I want to extend a helping hand to my village, my town, my land and my community which have brought me so much name and fame,” he signs off.
Words of praise from the mentor
“We have had drag-flickers in the team but they are not well-versed in other areas, but Mayur Subbaiah is exceptional. He has the uncanny ability to play in all areas, under any circumstance. If he is provided with a chance in the senior team, he will definitely make a world of difference. I coached Mayur when he was representing SAI and he does not lack in any area because he has got strong basics coming from SAI. His dedication to learning more in the game is tremendous. He has got the passion, is consistent, aggressive, hard-working and has the game.”
[Two-time Olympian and former Indian Goalkeeper Anjaparavanda B. Subbaiah said this about Mayur Subbaiah to a sports magazine]
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by B.C. Thimmaiah / February 16th, 2023
Abhay Singh and Joshna Chinappa with their reward for emerging on top in the 78th senior National squash championships in Chennai on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Joshna Chinappa kept her date with destiny by bagging a record 19th women’s title while Abhay Singh won his maiden crown in the HCL-78th senior National squash championships here on Saturday.
Joshna, seeded No. 1, overcame a strong challenge from Anahat Singh, the second seed, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 in the final, with assured court-coverage and precise shot execution. Abhay, the men’s top seed, powered past S. Velavan (5/8) 11-13, 11-7, 11-6,11-4 in the summit clash.
A composed Joshna attacked with power and used her vast experience to deceive the 14-year-old. In all three games, the 36-year-old took a sizeable lead only to find Anahat come back strongly.
Anahat fought for every point, showing her skills on the forecourt and backcourt with delicate drops, forehand and backhand winners. But Joshna was too good on the day.
“She played a fearless game and handled the pressure well. I remembered my first finals against Vaidehi Reddy, in the 2000 Nationals here, as a 14-year-old. It feels great,” said Joshna, who was resting for four months after suffering a knee injury and took the decision to play only days prior to the Nationals.
Velavan, playing in his first final, did well to save four game points to win the first game against Abhay. But the 24-year-old, who had won three PSA titles this year, came back strongly, pushing his State-mate to both sides of court and finishing the points with backhand crosscourt placements and forehand flourishes.
“Winning the Nationals was a dream for me and winning it in my first final is great. It is certainly my biggest win and very special,” said Abhay.
K. P. Karthikeyan, Member Secretary, SDAT, gave away the prizes.
The results (finals): Men: Abhay Singh (TN) bt S. Velavan (TN) 11-13, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4.
A large number of Kodava families attended the Kodava Convention organised by Kodavas residing in Mysuru at Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar here recently.
The objective of the Convention was to discuss and deliberate various burning issues and problems concerning Kodavas and Kodagu.
Former Principal of Cauvery College in Gonokoppa, South Kodagu, Prof. Ittira Biddappa, who was the main speaker of the evening, narrated the history of Kodagu. He also mentioned various services rendered and sacrifices made by Kodava community in nation-building. He also remembered the gallant and valiant combatant men and officers of Armed forces and Para-military personnel.
Cheppudira Arun Machaiah, International Karate Master and a social worker, called upon Kodava community to protect their own interest in Kodagu. He urged the gathering to be cautious regarding the political atmosphere in Kodagu and to choose the best political leaders for Kodagu.
Former Additional Advocate General and Advocate Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, who was the chief guest, appealed to the Kodavas to unite themselves to protect the legacies left behind by their ancestors.
Ponnanna also briefed about various issues concerned with Jamma land, the difficulty in getting their name recorded in Record of Rights and RTC by all those who left Kodagu long ago to other districts, other States or joined the Armed Forces and Para-military forces.
He reiterated that the land tenure in Kodagu is entirely different from other States. If Kodavas cannot succeed to include themselves and their children in the 9th column/ RTC in the share of Jamma land belonging to them, then the future generation of Kodavas would lose their identity as Kodavas which would be a disaster.
He also spoke at length regarding a writ petition filed by a person in the Supreme Court questioning the exemption given to Jamma land owners and Kodavas by race to possess guns as per Indian Arms Act.
Regarding the increasing human-animal conflict in Kodagu, the Advocate expressed concern over tigers attacking and killing humans and the troubles faced by people with more than 200 resident elephants in coffee estates posing threat to the life and property of owners and workers constantly. He also highlighted the inability of the present Karnataka Government and Forest Department to minimise the human-animal conflict in Kodagu.
The Convention concluded with an interaction session. Chenanda Raghu Uthappa compered.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 13th, 2023
In the village of Bilugunda in Kodagu district is a Bhadra-Kaali temple. At the centre of its annual festival, is the ‘kudure’ procession — a group of Kodavas centred around a boy wearing a hollow frame with the head and body of a horse. During this festival, an oracle called Airira Devani accompanies the procession, as his father Boju used to in the past.
‘Kodava’ is both the name of a caste and a language. Around twenty castes of Kodagu, besides the Kodavas, speak the language. The Airi are one of them. Airira is the most common family name among this community.
According to researchers Boverianda Nanjamma and Chinnappa, the Airi were once skilled artisans, often either achari (carpenters), thatta (goldsmiths) or kolla (ironsmiths) by profession.
Central to the Airi community and Kodagu is the local mythology built around six gods and a goddess. Igguthappa is the chief among these siblings. Pannangalathamme, the younger sister of Igguthappa, has three main temples dedicated to her in the villages of Yavakapadi, Kedamallur and Armeri.
The Pannangalatamme temple gateway in Armeri
Near the Armeri Pannangalathamme temple lives an Airi family. Kaveriappa, an elder of the family, was my guide. He led me from the temple to his ainmane in Ettmani hamlet. It is an old, two-storeyed house with a red-tiled roof and in need of maintenance.
The front yard is roughly paved with large stones. The veranda has traditional wooden pillars rising from a low wall and a plank used as a seat between the pillars. Inside the house, there are pictures of various Hindu gods on the wall.
Treasure chests
This family in Armeri is called Mookairira. The word ‘Mooka’ means ‘eldest’ in Old Dravidian. The family got its name because they were the elder of two branches of an Airi clan. The younger branch was called ‘Ele’ (younger) Airira.
A Sandooka made by the Airis of Armeri
The Mookairira clan used to make sandookas and troughs for the kings and lords of Kodagu. Sandookas are wooden boxes used to store jewellery, documents, and other objects. It has a hinged lid, and is called a chandooka in Kodava. The family showed me an old one in their possession which had several small compartments inside.
A sandooka is a treasure trove, used to store precious objects which invoke feelings of nostalgia, fondness, attachment and joy in its owner. Common in the old houses of the Kodavas, they were a symbol of family, heritage and inheritance.
Unfortunately, sandooka-makers are now on the decline. The Mookairira, like others in their community, have switched over to agriculture for a living.
Kaveriappa got his family members Sujay and Kiran to help him explain things to me. “We were originally from the Vishwakarma caste. We brought our family goddess Cheerambe with us and established her nearby. Every year, around April 25, we offer her paal-pann (cow’s milk and fruits),” Kaveriappa explained.
They were given to hunting in the past. A large odikaththi war knife, probably made and used by their forefathers, was displayed on a yellow plastic stool. Like the Kodavas, the family worships their Guru Kaarana (principal ancestors) and offers them food and drink during an annual ceremony. They showed five small metal plates with crude human figures in relief on them, representing their deceased relatives.
Small metal plates with the images of the deceased family members
The periphery of their settlements was lined with stone piles. They had two small stone troughs in their garden. There was an old bent stone post in the yard. A pair of old stone posts and a lane with stone steps which led down to the fields were nearby. There was a large stone trough in their fields. It was said that this was made for the elephant of Uththa Nayaka, a Kodava ruler from Armeri.
Kiran, a Class 9 student, led me across the fields to a stone quarry nearby. This must have been the place where the family procured stone for making troughs and other objects in the past. The quarry forms a depression in a hillock and hence holds a large pool of water.
The family reportedly used to make traditional knives, and woodwork in ainmanes, temples, forts, and palaces. They were also employed as goldsmiths and carpenters by the kings. Largely forgotten, these skills are no longer being learnt by the family descendants and their community. But there are people from across castes making some of these articles nowadays.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum> Spectrum Top Stories / by Mookanda Kushalappa / February 08th, 2023
Puthari Othorme Koota of Pombolak Kodava Koota, Vijayanagar 4th Stage, was held recently at Kodava Samaja here.
Mundottira Jaya Chengappa, President of Pombolak Kodava Koota, welcomed. Hon. Secretary Chottanda Chengappa read the report of various activities undertaken by the Koota.
Sponsors’ list was read by Joint Secretary Guddanda Rashmi Uday.
Kullachanda Vinutha Kesari, Treasurer, presented income and expenses of the Koota.
Boppanda Appaji, Mallengada Sharan Somaiah, Mullanda Vinu, Theetharamada Dr. Devaki, Thithira Beena, Sports Secretary Adikera Sajan Kariappa and area representative of Kodava Samaja Ammanda Somaiah were the dignitaries on the dais.
Thathira Bheemaiah, Vice-President, proposed a vote of thanks.
The entire programme was anchored by Kullachanda Sahana Kesari. Kodava traditional dances were the highlight of the function.
The members actively participated in all the activities.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 06th, 2023
An 18-member team from National Defence College, New Delhi visited Gen. Thimayya Memorial Museum at Madikeri in Kodagu district on Wednesday.
The team was led by Air Vice-Marshal Tejbir Singh who said that the museum is a source of inspiration for present and future military leaders and eulogised Gen.Thimayya’s role in strengthening the defence forces.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 01st, 2023
Tourist footfall at Raja Seat in Madikeri has risen with the top tourist destination and one of the most visited sites in Kodagu hosting a flower show since Friday.
The flower show concludes on February 6.
Nearly 20 species of flowers and about 12,000 plants are part of the show with special floral decorations.
The highlights of the show include varieties of exhibits created in flowers, bonsai plants and others.
The Principal Secretary, Horticulture, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, visited the flower show with Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish on Saturday.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 04th, 2023
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
