Bengaluru: The Kodava community, known for its martial traditions, will hold a peace march from February 2 to 7 to raise awareness about the challenges they face, including cultural erosion and their declining presence in Kodagu (Coorg). Organized by the Federation of Kodava Samajas, the 80-km march will begin in Kutta, near the Kerala border, and end in Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu.
The community has expressed concerns about cultural marginalization, citing issues like being denied entry to temples while wearing traditional attire, as well as fears of socio-political neglect due to migration into Kodagu, particularly from neighboring states. “Kodagu is known for both its coffee and the significant contributions of the Kodava people to the military and sports. However, the migration of young people to cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru has made us vulnerable,” said Chemira Sanju Poonacha, a coffee planter residing in Bengaluru.
The Kodava population has decreased significantly from 3 lakh five decades ago to about 1.25 lakh today. Factors such as migration for education and jobs, inter-caste marriages, and voluntary birth control have contributed to this decline, with only 40% of Kodavas still living in Kodagu. This demographic shift has eroded their political influence, explained Chandapanda Prajwal Poovanna, a real estate professional.
Concerns over land purchases by outsiders for commercial purposes, leading to the displacement of local Kodavas, have also been raised. These developments threaten both the community’s cultural roots and Kodagu’s ecological balance.
Despite significant contributions to India’s military and sports, including notable figures like Field Marshal K M Cariappa and cricketer Robin Uthappa, the Kodava community’s issues remain largely neglected by both state and central governments. Cultural expert Poyyatira Raj Chengappa pointed out that the small size of the community has led to its marginalization, as it does not influence vote banks.
Advocate Bayavanda Sharath Kushalapoa has called for a special status for the Kodava community, which would protect their land, culture, and ecology from commercial exploitation. The peace march is seen as a call for urgent action to preserve Kodagu’s cultural and ecological heritage.
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