Koraga community needs revolution within: Mohan Alva

For the welfare of Koraga community there should be a silent revolution within the community.

The people should know about the importance of health and education, and they should eradicate poverty, said Alva’s Education Institution Chairman Dr Mohan Alva.

Speaking at the State-level Adivasi Koragara Kala Mela and Yuva Jana Utsava- 2015 organised by Koragajja Seva Trust at Mangala Jyoti, Vamanjoor here on Sunday, he said that there are 16,792 Koraga families have been identified in the state. Parents in the community should motivate their children to get education. Unhealthy habits may prove costly for poor families.

Meanwhile, Mohan Alva hailed Koraga community members who have pursued Ph.D and students who are studying MBBS. He offered free seats for Koraga community students in Alva’s education institution, he said.

‘Live with self respect’
Dr Mohan Alva condemned using ‘Dolu’ (music band of Koragas) for ‘Ajalu Paddati’ (a blind belief which is allegedly being followed using Koragas), but the art of beating ‘Dolu’, which is an asset of Koragas should be upgraded and it should not be snatched by others.

“If anyone invites you, go and perform the art with self-respect. Don’t perform under a tree, but be confident. Police advice to keep Koraga teams from processions, but they should be included as they are part of society. There are around 100 ‘Dolu’ teams in the district. I want to honour all Koraga art troupes in the Alva’s premises and organise a fest of Koraga Dolu,” he said.

Cultural fest
As a part of programme, cultural teams from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Kasargod participated in cultural procession from Sri Rama Bhajana Mandir to the programme venue and presented their show. The passion and zeal of ‘Dolu’ artists enthralled the onlookers.

Speaking to media persons, Sri Koraga Taniya Kala Vedike, Maravante President Shekhar Maravante said that along with participation in cultural events, their 15-member team, along with Hubashika Koragara Yuva Kala Vedike, Barkuru and Sri Mahatma Jyoti Bhapule Yuva Vedike, Byndoor organise awareness programmes on education and health for Koragas.

Meanwhile, he said: “‘Dolu’ is nothing to do with ‘Ajalu paddatit. Even dalit organisations have failed to convince the matter to police. Instead of inviting band sets from other parts of the state, give opportunity to us.”  International Monk Society Chamrajanagar Secretary Bhante Bhodhi Datta Nalanda Buddhavihara, Member of Legislative Assembly Mohiuddin Bava, AVSS President Ramanna were present.