Kodavas should unite, appeals Nanaiah

Speaking at various sports competitions held as part of Kail poldh festival and inauguration of kitchen at Kodava Samaja on Monday, he said political parties are giving representation to every community. There is a need to get political power for Kodavas to get the facilities from the government.

He said government has failed to protect the interest of Kodagu. Though the district has incurred a loss of Rs 75 crore owing to the heavy rains which lashed the district in the month of July, government has released only 5 crore. Coffee growers who have incurred loss due to heavy rains in 2007 are yet to get the compensation.

Nanaiah said “the proposal of creating 10 new small states including Kodagu is before the government. The issue of creation of Kodagu state is left to the people of the district.”

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has assured to release Rs 2 crore towards setting up of Kodava cultural centre at Balugod in Virajpet. There is a need to lay a ground for the Kodava hockey tournament, he added.

Bangalore Kodava Samaja President Berera Shambu Ayyanna said “Kodavas are a small community. However, the lifestyles of Kodavas are unique. Inter-caste marriages are on rise in Bangalore. The culture and traditions of Kodava community are used according to one’s whims and fancy.”

Donors Palekanda and Muddappa inaugurated the new kitchen. Kodava Samaja Secretary Mandeda Ravi Uthappa also spoke. Virajpet Kodava Samaja former president Nayada Vasu Nanjappa was felicitated. Kodava Samaja Vice-President Nellamakkada Belliappa and others were present.