Assns call for Balele bundh against remarks on Kodavas in book

Addressing a press meet on Wednesday, Balele Kodava Samaja President Malacheera Bose and others said owing to the examination for school children, bundh has been relaxed for educational institutions and buses.

“The reference to the attire worn by Kodava women, Kodava Goddess Cauverymathe and its culture have insulted Kodavas. It was nothing but getting vicarious pleasure by insulting Kodavas. Kodavas are peace lovers and are living harmoniously with others.”

“Macchamada family and Podamada family were responsible for the starting for Vijayalakshmi PU College. Hundreds of Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe students are pursuing their education in the college. Somanna has been serving the college since 1990 and we have not expected him to write such a cheap article. It was an attempt to disturb the peace in the society. There is a need to probe into the background for the article,” they urged.

Various organisations had demanded ban on the said book at a meeting held on January 27, February 9 and 17. It had also urged Dr J Somanna to seek apology from the Kodava community.

They said: “In this regard, we will file a complaint with DC, SP and DDPI. We are giving last chance for Somanna to seek apology. He has to prove that the remarks made in the book are not his personal and must bring out the names of those whom he has interviwed for the book.”

The book has been published without taking permission from the college Administrative Board. In this regard, a notice has been issued to him. However, he has not replied so far. Administrative Board will not help him,” said College Honourary Secretary C S Krishna Ganapathy.

Author apologises

Madikeri, dhns: “The statement by leaders that my book Dalita Lokada novu-nalivu has hurt the sentiments of Kodavas has hurt me. I had no intention of hurting the sentiments of Kodava community members. If my book has hurt the sentiments of the people, then I seek apology,” said Balele Vijayalakshmi PU College Lecturer Dr J Somanna.

He said “I have documented local people’s views. The book is being published with the assistance of Kannada and Culture department. All the remarks are not my personal views,” he clarified. I have been working in Balele Vijayalakshmi PU College since 1990 and have great respect for Kodava culture and tradition. With respect to patriotism among Kodavas who are serving for the country, I have great respect. However, I never intended to hurt their sentiments. I do not have any association with Naxal movement. Let police clarify whether I have any connection with     Naxals.”