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KODAVA MARCH GAINS: TIME FOR KODAVAS (COORGS) TO SEEK CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION  

By P.T. Bopanna

After the massive success of the great Kodava march in February seeking Constitutional protection, it is time to explore how to get Constitutional safeguards for the community hailing from Kodagu district (Coorg) in Karnataka.

The 84-km “Kodavame Balo Padayatra” spearheaded by Akhila Kodava Samaja, Virajpet, proved for the first time that despite their differences, the Kodava community can come together for protecting its interests.

In the wake of the phenomenal demonstration of Kodava unity, it is time to gear up for the next level – Constitutional protection.

My understanding of the law is that the Kodava community is entitled to seek recognition for the community as a cultural or ethnic minority.

Article 29 (1) in The Constitution of India states: “Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.”

Though Kodavas are Hindus by religion, their culture is unique. The community mainly believes in ancestor and nature worship. There is no caste system and Brahmin priests have no role in their religious practices.

Kodavas have their own language (Kodava Thakk) and their customs, dress, festivals are different from other south Indian cultures.

Because of their martial tradition, the community enjoys gun licence exemption as their culture involves worship of arms.

Based on the success of the great February march, the Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) can be asked to take the lead in seeking constitutional guarantees.

The AKS can involve various Kodava bodies and also the CNC headed by N.U. Nachappa. And also leaders of the Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga which played a pivotal role in the past to safeguard Kodava interests. Bangalore Kodava Samaja should be kept in the loop as they have the resources to rope in top lawyers to represent their case in Delhi and Bengaluru.

Besides, the Kodava leaders can also start working seriously to get official status for Kodava language by pushing for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This will help the community to set up linguistic minority educational institutions.

Another important area is to get Constitutional safeguard for Jamma lands and restrict its sale to outsiders. The existing safeguards need to be further strengthened.