Amid community worries, Kodava Samaja celebrates centenary

The community has seen a steady decline in its population — from 1.75 lakh in 1992 to around 1.25 lakh in the 2011 Census. Photo: K. Murali Kumar

A lot may have been done to uplift the Kodavas by the Kodava Samaja Bangalore since it came into being 100 years ago, yet members agree there is still a lot more work to be done.

A prime agenda for the organisation is the establishment of the Kodavaland Autonomous Region, under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, protection of the Kodava language under the Eighth Schedule and implementation of reservation for the community, all of which would help its financial and political security.

Poor representation

“Currently, there is only one Member of Parliament for Mysore and Kodagu districts. Because of this we don't get any representation for our problems,” president of the samaja C.M. Subbaiah told presspersons on Wednesday.

He faulted lack of representation of the Kodavas for the poor development in the region — of transportation, power supply, road network, educational and healthcare systems. “Of the thousands of crores of revenue and taxes we give now, only around 20 per cent is spent on Coorg,” said Mr. Subbaiah.

Migration

With the absence of industries in the region and the fragmentation of land, many are forced to leave agriculture and traditional livelihoods and migrate to the city for employment, he said. The community is also beleaguered by a steady decline in its population — from 1.75 lakh in 1992 to 1.5 lakh in 2001 and around 1.25 lakh in the 2011 Census, said Mr. Subbaiah.

Considering all this, the Kodava Samaja Bangalore has been crucial in the preservation of the culture in the city, and setting up educational institutions and sports complexes for the benefit of the community in the city.

To mark the centenary of the organisation — which was set up in 1911 — a grand display of Kodava pride will be on in the city starting November 11. Governor H.R. Bhardwaj will be the guest of honour on the second day, while November 13 will see the participation of Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda in the function held in Palace Grounds.

The three days will also feature interactions with officials and scientists about the various problems of the Kodagu region including agriculture, education and language.