Being the one at the vanguard of the movement seeking the restoration of statehood for Coorg i.e. re-establishment of the identity which it had lost for a short period in the magnificent history of Coorg now the most neglected part of Karnataka, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your elevation to the most enviable post what you are today.

            Indeed, the otherwise gubernatorial job has enriched itself while you accepted the offer was made to you and I believe that you certainly would enliven the top job besides asserting the unlimited powers invested in it.

            I take courage to travel a bit beyond the purview of routine common placer congratulatory letter. Without any hesitation, I take you to the very genesis of our movement. Until the evening of 1 November, 1956 Coorg was a ‘C’ type state and our land enjoyed every thing what any normal thinking human individual would have had contemplated. Besides being affluent, culturally Coorg was the finest piece of human society. More than anything, honesty and integrity played a pivotal role in our life until the sunset for Coorg. No sooner Coorg became merged with the state of Mysore, later adopted a new nomenclature as Karnataka, the very atmosphere in Coorg has changed, dishonesty made inroads into our society and we have lost everything, say our cultural base, economic resources, bounties of nature and our chivalry; and we became mortgaged to the never grateful Karnataka.

            The word’Coorg’/’Codagu’ emanates from the word ‘Codava’. The most distinctive class of people, Codavas, formed the major part of the populace; naturally the place is named after our race. Codavas belong to a totally non-religious, but materialistic race for embedded in agricultural foundation. We have had around one thousand two hundred, or a bit more, individual families with distinctive family/clans names. We spread in 45 nad’s (divided for safe administrative units i.e. cluster villages) family elders used to be the aldermen of the village. There was a Raja and his Diwans were the actual people at the helm of state affairs. As in Kashmir, an alien was our King and Codavas used to be the subjects. Every Family had one family Anemone, family house, which in actual fact; and practice, used to be the power centre of every Cadaver family and it still is our sanctum sanctorum. We never worshipped any false Gods, but our ancestors to whom our adoration goes; and the kamala on right front of Ainemane is believed to the final repository where all the departed souls of each respective family converge into.

            Even in weddings, we have our own method. The bridal “Pathak” will be tied around the neck of the daughter to be given in marriage by none other than mother and Mangala Sutra has no place unlike Hindus. Yet again unlike Hindus pork is the piece de meal in ceremonies and festivities. Gun is a necessary weapon in our private armoury. If we lay down our farming implements on Kailpold day, we celebrate the first harvest under the name of puthari. We have our distinctive cermonial, marital at once, and women don head gears. We are cosmopolitan in our behaviour.

            With this background we are fighting for the re-emergence of our own state, land and culture. The state being the one of Coorg, the land is Codava Land and Culture is Codavaame during the past eleven years continually and we have adopted Gandhian methods. In order to amplify our demand, we have held two mass rallies at the national capital, two at Bangalore and innumerable such congregations in Coorg as well.

            The one encouraging result of our incessant agitation came in the form of a recommendation by the Constitution review Commission headed by Justice M.N. Venkatachalaiah for the establishment of Coorg Development Council, and Central University for Coorg under Article 371 of our Constitution. (Ref:- Chapter 8 Union-state relations-8.23 1 of CRC report) Despite this, we lack political backing. Only recently on 31st July 2002, the BJP leadership in the Karnataka State assembly speaking for the region of Hyderabad Karnataka met the Union Home Minister L K Advani in order to demand a separate development Council Under Article 371 of constitution still remains to be dormant feature.

            If I may be permitted to cite one more example for the step motherly attitude of the Centre and State Governments, I would like to remind you the fact that Central Government is keen to implement the Kuruksethra resolution passed by the R S S on 29th June 2002 to divded Jammu and Kashmir into four separate mini states on the basis of ethnic, religious and communal factors.

1. “Five Hindu –dominated districts of Jammu should be made separate state.

2. A Union territory be carved out by areas northeast of the Jhelum river in Kashmir valley for settling Hindus there.

3. Ladakh be give the status of the Union territory for Buddhists.

4. Kashmir Valley-Srinagar state for Muslims.

            (The BJP’s fore runner the Bharathiya Jana sangh founder Dr. Shyam Prasad Mukerjee had waged a struggle for the integration of the state with the Indian Union) If the governments boast of one nation and one culture, no explanation comes forth regarding such a decision, but the very same Government tries to suppress Codava demands for separate entity. The behaviour of the Government of Karnataka and the Government of India negates the concept of unity in diversity and pluralistic fabric of society as enshrined in the constitution of India and also as exemplified in the charter of united Nations. It is very pertinent here that, India being a signatory to the declarations of International human rights covenants now it is time that people at the helm of affairs do some heart searching in relations to the hopes and aspiration of the Codavas.

            Our core principles are 1. Codavas should be recognized as the significantly infinitesimal racial minority. 2. Recognition of 45 nad’s as their traditional and indivisible home land, and the consequential recognition of the Codavas right to internal self-determination we mean “the right of our people to decide” their own political destiny”, it can also apply to autonomy and self- governance i.e. autonomous Codava Land. Internal governing systems with self-determination were in operation in many countries, and were existed even in ancient India. 3. Constitutional special guarantee for Codavas Land, language, culture heritage, economic and political freedom.

            Therefore may I be permitted to request you sir, to delve deep into the question of Codavas as does an eminent scientist of your caliber and please see that Codavas and Coorg get justice. May I further request you to visit Coorg at your earliest and try to gage the authenticity of our claim all by yourself personally. You will like the beautiful landscapes, resplendent cultural heritage, the people and every thing in Coorg.

            If your goodself considers this my act of writing a letter to be replica of my audacity, well, I welcome it. I am addressing a renowned professor and with a sense a deep respect for a teacher, I am doing this.

Our Demands are

1. Autonomous Codava Home Land with the fortyfive traditional Naads, i.e., ancient administrative units, with a compact distinctive area wherein which codavas reside since ages.

2. A recognition to the effect that Codava Race is a minority nationality.

3. Inclusion of Codava Takk (Language) in the eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution.

4. Right to internal self-determination.

5. Constitutional special guarantee for our land, language, culture, heritage economic and political freedom.

            When we turn around, we watch Nagas have reached their desired goal after more than half a century of struggle. Starting from the days before India attained Independence from the British the Naga National Council (NNC)- The premier Naga Nationalist group that took shape under the legendary A Z Phizo, Nagas step by step have reached to a stage what they are today. It is fact that Nagas tried for creation of a separate sovereign Nation, in the process they even raised Naga Federal Government and Naga Federal Army. Being the oldest secessionist movement in the history of mankind, Nagas even opened consulates in many foreign countries and they virtually were a threat to the sovereignity of India. The persons whom the Government of India. It has been a banned organization all the time. What more, the government of India has accepted the claim of Nagas that they have separate nationality, their own identity and have right to exist a separate entity, except perhaps the sovereignty.

            Take for instance the case of Bodos. The Perpetually banned organization Bodo liberation Tigers whose chief claim to establish separate Bodo Land, of course by taking recourse to terrorism, are near the point where they wanted. Our government readied itself to grant a territorial Council and include Bodo Language in the Eight Schedule of Indian Constitution.

            The history of Ladakhis is no different. Already there is ladakh Budhist Autonomous Council and now the formation of Kargil Hill Development Council is on the anvil. It is a matter of time the ladakhis are to be treated as Hill tribes irrespective of caste, creed, religion and social Status.

            The Government of India is likely to constitute a high power Committee to study about the inclusion of Maithily, Bhojpuri, Santhali,Dogri,Ladakhi, Bhuthia and Tulu languages in the Eighth schedule of our Constitution. We welcome the move and we appreciate the intention behind such moves.

            The one question what occurs now is why there is step brotherly treatment for Codavas. Are we not fit enough to be treated on par with such entities. One single comparative study proves that we Codavas are unique in every sense. We do not have any religion. We have no Gods as do Hindus. We are racial in existence. We have our own racial behaviour. Our type of worship is also racial in all respects. The Aine Mane, the clannish family home, is our temple. The kanni kombare and Nellakki Nadubaade within the precincts of Aine Mane are our sanctum sanctorums. The frontal embellishments of Aine Mane on the right side is kaimaada, on the left a Mand and on the south Placed is our Thootngala, the burial place, are our sacred spots. We have but two festivals, “Kailpod and Puthari” and they are yet to be treated on par with the festivals of other religious groups. The language we speak is Codava Thakk. Even though Codava Thakk is still a long living spoken language within a compact area of Coorg and the majority of inhabitants, our language is yet to find a place in our Constitution. There are nearly about one thousand two hundred Codava Clannish families and Gurukaronas (ancestors) are our Gods.

            With an object of achieving our desired goals we have organized innumerable public rallies including two worthy of mentioning rallies at New Delhi, two at Bangalore, street corner meetings and seminars and have done all these things in a peaceful Gandhian manner. If the Government of India were to respect militant agitations, as are mentioned above, why not a purely peaceful agitation like that of ours be taken into consideration?

            India being a pluralistic society with a flexible and evolving Constitution Government of India has accepted the demands of the above groups, but is yet to take into consideration of our demands.

            We rightfully deserve the same. Your goodself being the head of Indian state and our Constitution, it is your right to promulgate a suitable ordinance towards such an end without ever waiting for the legislation.

           Therefore I request you to carry out the needful and respond to the long felt need of Codavas. We Codavas will always remain grateful to you.

            Failure of successive government to respond to the struggle for “Codava Home Land” and constitutional special Guarantee – Boycott of elections to Loksabha and Assembly by Codavas in the manner of our strong resistance to the apartheid practices – A prior intimations.

           Way back in the year 1991 this organization took its birth with a solitary object of attaining a self esteemed autonomous Home Land for Codavas situated in the South West region of Karnataka. This exactly is the heart Land where Codava civilization flourished, where the very notion of Codavame bloomed, where Codava culture took shape and everything what is Codava world is nurtured in from ages and it is history that we have come a long way steadfastly nurturing the belief that we could certainly succeed in carving out the Codava Land which by all standards could easily be recognized just now.

           Whether you have heard of Codava land, nomenclatured as Codagu, The extraordinary landscapes, being administered with 45 traditional unitary Naads in ancient times and perhaps the only respective one thousand and odd clans and their respective sanctum Sanctorums called Ainemanes and our own folklore, not to mention the fact we have had a unique land tenure system and rituals special only to Codavas. The other extraordinary feature of Codavas is that we do not follow any religion or cult, but we worship our Guru Karona, i.e., originals patriarch of each of our clans. Besides being martial in feature, every Codava is rooted to the mother earth. The defense of the bounds of our country could have ended up in the total fiasco without Codava Soldiers. Even though we have been agitating, though of Course peacefully adopting Gandhian methods, with a solitary wish of seeing an autonomous Codava Home Land, inclusion of Codava Thakk (Language) in the 8th Schedule of our Constitution, Constitutional special guarantee for our land, language cultural heritage together with Economic and political freedom, universal recognition for Codava minority nationality and right to internal self-determination, the successive Governments, have turned deaf ears and are behaving as though there exists no such demand or agitation. It is a known fact that the interests of Codava homeland have been unscrupulously trampled upon by the successive union and state governments. The so called elected representatives of the region regardless of their affiliations, in order to safe guard their personal interests and prove themselves to be morst popular ones, have shamelessly acted sub servient to their respective overlords and in the transactions have treacherously depised Codavas all these years. Our organization only has attempted to rekindle the irrepressible wish inherent in Codavas an dwe have successfully tried to educate every Codava to know about the constitutional Guarantees. This perhaps is the result of the ignorance and lack of political will and lack of constitutional knowledge of our elected representatives the successive Governments have taken such a thing to our disadvantage.

           We are construed to inform you that governments both central and state, have all long done such things so as to make Codavas a clean forgot through their bureaucrats starting from the deputy commissioner to lowest of the rung by attempting to obliterate and erase the very memory of Codavame, Codava heritage and all such things which are connected with the only non religious racial minority called Codavas. Corruption every where and in every fact of the life in this district under the governance of the both union and state governments, has ruined Codavas and we are being treated as apartheid. A Codava from a remote colony will have to spend his hard earned money in order to go to the Governmental offices and get done even a small revenue matter and he will have a shell out stupendous sums and the concerned officials, lesser said the better about the pathetic condition of our poor Codava Farmers, ex-servicemen, their respective widows and their dependents, they are living a dead life, consequent to the ruthless behaviour of successive governmental officialdom and politicians a time has reached to such an extent that a Codava is turned away in humaly on the ground that no reservation of any sort is made touching Codavas regarding the facilities and benefits that are open to all other citizens. For example, a resident of exclusive Codava Hamlet or village will have to go without any facility extended to reserved classes simply on the ground that no reservation are made to Codavas. This is a great tragedy.

           The process of the ethnic cleansing has resulted in forcing out Codava youths from employment systematically by the successive governments. Now a situation been created to the effect that a Codava youth leaves his home land on account of the inability. Nay refusal, of the authorities to provide him/her with a job.

           Eventhough there are about 1 and ½ to 2 lakhs of Codavas by race living elsewhere, we number about 1 to 1.20 Lakhs in our own Home Land, a majority of them are below the poverty line, and each of us has been expressing his willingness to unify for the purpose of attaining all the individual rights and liberties inherent in them and guaranteed under the Constitution of India, we the indigenous people are being disregarded, disrespected, ignored and eliminated. In consonance with the purpose for which our organization has taken shape, we have been placing before the union and state governments, our demands ever since the year 1991 and I am happy that the exceptionally largely attended public rallies have been held in the year 1993,1996,1997,1999,2001,2002,2003 in Madikeri, in the year 1998 & 2000 at Delhi and in the year 1999 & 2001 in Bangalore and other places elsewhere in the region and every time the participants therein vehemently supported the move in unison. The exuberant support for the attainment of Codava Home Land and the rhythmic loud cry that has been expressed by each of the participants in all these mammothly attend public rallies still reverberate in my mind and I here by produce for your kind perusal the facsimile replicas of the declarations passed and adopted by us. It pains me to inform you that no governments. Not even a single Bureaucrat or politician showed any interest or inquisitiveness, leave alone respond to our demands, but not even a mutual talk was held across the table all these years to know about our legitimate demands. As such we have taken this to be an insolent insult towards us perhaps this sort of indifference towards us is mainly on account of our having adopted Gandhian methods.

           Now we have taken a decisive step to forge ahead our demands but, in a different manner. We are ready to express our opposition to the calculated hat redness of the government and dictators elected through Democratic process by unequivocally and unilaterally boycotting the ensuing elections and such other elections to be held in future until our demands are granted. No doubt by keeping ourselves aloof from elections, some one will get elected, but we shall never accept such a one to be our elected representative. Therefore, we here by take this opportunity to keep you informed of our wish to boycott all ensuing elections until such a day when we will be a self respected autonomous Codava home Land with constitutional special guarantees as are afore mentioned. Truth is hard and we shall embrace it.

            It may amount carrying coals to New Castles if again we harp on explaining about the genesis, growth and continuation of the Jamma Malais in Coorg. An estimated seven thousand and more acres of land that are being continuously held and cultivated by forty two individual families from time immemorial and the same have been classified as hereditary Jamma Malai tenure. All the literature concerning Jamma Malais suggest an undeniable deduction to effect that are privately owned but still the government has been trying to avoid such an eventuality. Even though we have been remitting assessment in relation thereto very regularly, the government stealthily has transferred all the Jamma Malais to the Forest department in the year 1965 and thereafter the revenue is being collected by the Forest Department. We might have submitted innumerable representation touching Jamma Malais hitherto to the Government, but no action so far has been taken, nor any one has evinced any interest thereto.

            Therefore we have thought of intensifying our insistence for absolute rights over the Jamma Malais and our demands are as follows: Demands

1. Pass necessary legislation conferring absolute rights over Jamma Malais in favour of respective holders thereof.

2. Retransfer the affairs and records in relation to all Jamma Malais from Forest Department to revenue Department.

3. Since there are no motorable approach paths directly from within the bounds of coorg and ore so as we are under the obligation of reaching the respective Jamma Malais from kerala, we demand that proper motorable roads should be laid at places wherever there are footpath/narrow link paths within the District, better always that the necessary funds may be allocated either from prime Minister’s Gramma Sadak Yojna or and from Zilla Panchayath. We demand that the needed funds in relation there to be allocated during the current budget year itself.

4. A regular counter be opened in the office of the Deputy conservator of Forests, Virajpet in order to deal in the matters concerning Jamma Malais until such day when the same is transferred to Revenue Department. Unless such a things is arranged immediately on a temporary basis, the holders will undergo irretrievable loss and hardship.

5. Just now the holders of jamma Malais are forced to travel to Makutta and Mundrote in order to present their papers to the forest Department and it necessarily is a tedious job. In order to avoid the same, offices may be opened at Napok, Kakkabe, Cheyandane and Virajpet, the townships within the regions of Jamma Malais. Since the Jamma Malais are spread from Nelaji to peggal a opening up of offices in relations to the Jamma Malais, at least on sandy Days, would help the holders a lot. The assessment may be directed to be collected at such points, so the matters relation to Jamma Malais.

6. Maintenance, Management and development of Jamma Malais require the needed structures to be built within such Jamma Malais. As such no impediments or obstructions of any description be caused in putting up such structures and the utilization of tree growth for the purposes.

7. Proper support has to be made in order to cultivate water resistant plants shrubs and forest growth in order to conserve the water facility within the bounds of Jamma Malais.

           Here we remind the nation of an undeniable hard truth that the notion of Republic in India is incomplete without the traces of “Codava Land” and the Indian Republic will have its golden era the day when the “Codava Land” blossoms. In order to achieve such an end we hold this sathyagriha to reiterate and re-insist the Government to act positively to the Codava demands.

            In compliance with the decision taken by Codava National Assembly i.e Codava Parliament (The Codava Temporal Spiritual Legislature) on 10th December 2008 coinciding with World Human Rights Day.

           Codava and Codavathis after having conducted a “Sathyagriha” today on 26th January, 2009 on the eve of Republic Day at D.C.’s office, Fort, Madikeri to highlight and mark the solidarity for Codava Land have chosen to present this memorandum which may kindly be accepted and acted upon and the demands are as hereunder:

          Despite our having submitted memorandums after memorandums to all the concerned and that even our having met in congregations at Delhi, Bangalore and elsewhere in the process of our relentless efforts towards the desired goal, the Government consistently has been showing cold shoulder and has been trying to dampen all our enthusiasm to enjoy the fruits of our labour, i.e. the establishment of our own dear Codava Land, while Government of Karnataka generally is known to have supported the disruptive anti-national forces i.e. Maoists and Naxalites, by allowing such elements infiltrate into the organizations what are normally recognized as that of Dalits, Budakatrtu Krishikas, Progressive thinkers, Labour mafias and Kannada chauvinists better said little about the ones who identify themselves as front ranking and God sent Sahithis and literary men intended only to eliminate, obliterate and ethnic cleansing of Codava race and all that what is Codava. Should the Government fail or refuse to consider our long felt demands, it pains us to inform all the concerned that Codava race would be constrained to tap at the doors of the UNITED NATIONS.

         We are duty bound to bring to your kind notice the theme expounded in Article 51 (a) of Indian Constitution which without mincing words directs the Governments and larger section of the society to protect, promote and help the development of composite cultural existence and the heritage of subaltern groups and their individual separate identities to go a little further we may insist saying that any single act of violation of such a direction as contemplated in the said provisions of constitutional law shall be treated as war crimes under the charter of United Nations.

          It is a known fact that repressive and meaningless legislations and draconian laws in order to de-link Codavas from our own lands and has been trying encroach up on our own properties by such ruthless anti national elements one way or other, try to harass Codavas forcing them to face unwarranted and unethical prosecutions.

          It is a tragedy that the reckless persecution meted out to Codavas for centuries by alien Rajas has been continued by the democratically constituted Governments successively and without any remarks even this day. The rapacious and tyrannical behaviour against Codavas by the Government of Karnataka shall be called a stop to.

          The Government must know that it is committing a heinous crime while it attempts to eliminate the most ancient Codava tribe and its heritage from their own soil.

          India being the largest ethnic diversity in the world and Karnataka being a heterogeneous state, the atrocious ad rapacious behaviour of Government of Karnataka in particular and the Union Government in general amounts to the violation of human rights as contemplated in the charter of United Nations. Unless the Government responses positively to the pulse of Codavas, it shall be a certainty that we take the matter to the world body. As such we hereby unanimously resolve to do the needful towards such a directions should the matter comes to that pass.

          In furtherance of the demands all along this organization has been making Sathagrihas by Codavas and Codavathis in order to further demand the inclusion of and the need to establishment of Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) to Codava Land comprising of 45 ancient traditional Codava Naads along with the Darjeeling Gorkha Land Bill under the VI schedule of our constitution which has already been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee. We request the Union Government to refer Codava Land matter also to the same Parliamentary Standing Committee to deal along with the Gorkha Land Bill. In this regard to further pressurize the Government, sathyagrihas have already been held at Panchayath levels within the Codava Land area and massive public rallies, sathyagriha, seminars in Codagu, Mysore, Bangalore and New Delhi on several occasions. It may not be an out of place act if we recall the fact that we have been holding public meetings in all villages of Codava Land in Codagu and village sojourn (Grama Vasthavya) at Mand and Ainmane (i.e the most scared sanctorum of Codavas) in order to generate enthusiasm within amongst Codava Populace with a solitary intention of achieving resurgence of Codava civilization, psyche and Codavaism, besides our having been addressing innumerable memorandums to the Governments, both the Union and state.

            with full-fledged autonomy i.e. Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) encompassed with 45 ancient traditional Codava Naads on par with Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in Sovereign Republic of India, Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) in people’s Republic of China and Kurdisthan Autonomous Region (KAR) in Arab Republic of Iraq. Which will ensure constitutional protection to Codava Race i.e. political autonomy, physical protection and financial security, over all development of Codava’s. Once autonomy granted to Codava Land the state of Karnataka is understood to lose its power to enforce any enactment unless full concurrence is given by Codava Autonomous Region and the Codava Autonomous Land shall have power and rights to enact law pertaining to the region with the consent of and concurrence of the Governor only. In other words the establishment of Codava Land i.e. Codava Autonomous Region presupposes legislative, executive and judiciary powers to us. Crisply said it is a state within the state. We are advancing our demands for establishment of Codava Autonomous Region only on the direction as are enshrined in the charter of United Nations and the promise that may be gauged from VI schedule of our constitution.

• We dedicate to rewrite the magnificent history of Codavas that has been effaced and enliven the unique and independent identity we nurtured from ages now that is lost. Codavas should be recognized as significantly infinitesimal distinct minority nationality. Recognition of 45 Naads as their traditional and indivisible homeland, recognition of Codavas right to internal self-determination- we mean the right of our people to decide their own political destiny. It can also apply to autonomy and self Governance – i.e. Autonomous Codava Land.
  
  
• Effective arrangements should be made to safeguard the interest of minority Codava ethno-linguistic nationality living outside Codava Land. So that they do nor fall prey to any discrimination.

1. Ethno linguistic tribal minority national status for Codavas under article 340, 342 of our constitution and extend reservation facilities in the field of education, employment and financial on the lines of other tribals of our nation.


• 2. Constitutional special guarantee for our land tenure and customary personnel laws on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states of India under article 370 and 371 of the constitution of India. This clause will guarantees us i.e. except alienation the entire supremacy over all the lands of Jamma tenure shall rest with hereditary traditional holders thereof. We seek constitutional protection to our land and customary personal laws as done to the demands of Nagas and Mijos under article 371A and 371C of our constitution respectively and political reservation on the lines of the one extended to the people of Sikkim under the provision of 371F of our constitution by the parliament. Codavas do deserve such a treatment and this perhaps is the most appropriate line.
  
  
• 3. The ministry of HRD should establish Central University for World “Codavalogy” at “Codava Kund”on the lines of North-Eastern Hill University, Alighar Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, ancient Nalanda and Thakshila Universities, proposed world Sikh University at Fathegarh Sahib and the Universities of Grenada and Corodova of the yore.
  
  
• 4. Codava language being a ancient, rich and living spoken language must be included in the VIII schedule of our constitution, Codava language should be implemented as a administrative language under article 350B of the constitution of India on par with Konkani language of the state.
  
  
• 5. Exemption under Indian Arms Act sec.3 to hold firearms to Codava by race should continue without any hindrance forever and ever after. This statutory guarantee should be incorporated in the manner of constitutional guarantee which may be treated as our customary personal laws.

            Codavas and Codavathis hailing from within the bounds of 45 ancient exclusive Codava Naads (cluster villages) i.e. traditional Codava habitation which eventually would form the nucleus of the proposed “Codava Land” have reached Madikeri today i.e. on 26th January, 2009 on the eve of “Republic Day” only in order to participate in a “Sathyagraha” congregation and expressed their solidarity for Codava Land and Codava ethos. And now we are presenting this Memorandum to Her Excellency The Hon’ble President of India, The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, The Hon’ble Union Minister for Home Affairs, His Excellency The Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka and to the Hon’ble Minister for Home Affairs, State of Karnataka through The Hon’ble Deputy Commissioner, Codagu at Madikeri. Therefore, we hopefully beseech you to be good enough to look into the matter with a judicious perspective and please do the needful so that our aims are reaches its logical end.

P.S.:-

Replicas of this memorandum are being sent to Mr. Ban-Ki-Moon, His Excellency The Hon’ble Secretary General; United Nations Organizations, New York, and to Her Excellency Ms. Irene Jubaida Khan, The Hon’ble Secretary General, Amnesty International, London as a matter of gesture.

To:

14.7.2009

           It is with the sense of satisfaction I address this letter with a solitary intention of clarifying the stand we had taken some 18 years ago when we sphere headed the movement of freedom for Kodagu and I ruefully recollect the things what I have uttered and the pain and pangs myself and all my family have underwent the ferocious opposition and stumbling blocks that my companions have forced to face from some self centered Codava Individuals calling themselves to be god sent leaders of Codava race, but in actual reality who have frustrated the Codava interest in all spheres of their activities and the unflinching dedication what myself and my companions with which we have struggled without any fear or favour or profit of any description.

            This movement was a freedom struggle of Codagu and its people call it as a nation state, provincial state or Codava Autonomous Region i.e. Codava Land or whatever you may feel like understanding, our intention was carving out of separate politico administrative unit on the basis of our unique identity of this region within the frame work of Indian constitution. State would requires as many as three criteria (1) irrespective of Caste, creed and communal classification it should be a cohesive demand (2) Administrative convenience (3) Economic viability. This district is habitated by all migrant caste and communities the largest being Vokkaliga/Gowdas and the aboriginal inhabitants i.e. indigenous Codavas formed the tiniest group should our claim were to be accepted, the members of Gowda /Vokkaliga community would have been the prime beneficiaries but unfortunately the entire community rose in opposition for reason best known only to them, they took all the available opportunity to detract me and my organization, the reason being Gowdas are the largest communal group in Karnataka in general and old Mysore region in particular both having developed mutual family bondage, religious affinity and socio-cultural integrity and the people at the helm of affairs never wanted their group to be divided and such a group here never wanted to de-link itself from their larger counter parts in Karnataka. Added to it the people with such an ideology doubted my leadership and my personal character solely for the reason that I am a Codava. I regret to inform you that the ones who detract have succeeded in getting the resolution passed three times in the meeting of ZP and twice each in all the Taluk Panchayath against the legitimate demands for statehood. The vehement with which the larger sectarian group of Karnataka and their counter parts in Kodagu if given an opportunity will prove themselves to be more akin to the things what the descendents of those protestants who have joined with British King Henry the II which they oppose the independent nationhood for Catholics of Northern Ireland and the migrant Kukis from Burma are doing against local Nagas and their demand, and instances are many including the things what Mohajeers do against Sindhi demand in Pakistan and what Jews do against Palestinian Arabs independent state hood demand and the things what the migrated Han Chinese are doing with the native Tibetan freedom demand we do not want to expatiate any more, it is for you to assess and understand the sectarian terrorism perpetrated by so called Vokkaliga chauvinist against Codavas during those days of statehood struggle.

           Since major community which would have had benefited most consequent upon the creation of the separate state of Codagu agitated against all our moves and further that since we have felt that Codava race would never be benefited should the dream of our attaining statehood. We had no other go but to deviate and evolve our freedom struggle with regard to “Codava land” comprising of 45 ancient Codava Naads i.e. the prime traditional habitation of Codava race from (Marenad to Surlabi nad) under the VI schedule of our constitution on the lines Darjeeling Gorkha Land, Tibetan Autonomous Region and Kurdisthan Autonomous Region. I am happy that our 18 years struggle has been reckoned with while the media only recently carried a news about the proposals of creating 10 new states including Coorg before the Union Government.

          I for certain know that it is the result of our unflinching the straight forwardness and relentless struggle coupled with honesty of purpose and my sincerity to the very imagination that has caused the proposal we placed before the Union Government now. One must know that we have held innumerable rallies, conferences, seminars and sathyagrihas at different places including New Delhi, my meeting with the unquestioned Jharkand Leader Sibu Sorain and Bodo land MP Sri. S.K. Biswamuthairy and late Mr. Vazhappadi Ramamurthy who have raised our question on the floor of the Parliament which in actual fact gave a rousing reception for our movement. No doubt we have changed ambiance of our demands so as to evolve as “Codava land”, and it is in tune with constitutional provision guarantying support to any national minority group habitating within a compact region within the area of major sects. Codavas do qualify for being called a national minority group normally living within the region of this District and logically this region fit only to be christened as “Codava Land” with regional autonomy under the VI schedule of our constitution, so that Codavas by race will have a domineering say. The Union Government must know that “Codava Land is flowering fruition of Codava race and without protecting, projecting, developing Codava ethos the carving out of Codagu a separate state would be incomplete. As such we request the Union Government to try to look into the entire aspect afresh with a redefined perspective so as to create separate “Codava land” and never a state of Codagu. I request the Union Government to modulate its wish to identify and treat the movement which we gave a start to some 18 years ago has been struggling for the cherished desires and identify the evolution it has attained and the new dimension the movement cherishes. It has been the very same when we started and lived until this day. Instead statehood we demand Codava Autonomous Region for Codava land with members of Codava race being the prime actors. Even Article 51 (a) of our constitution and UN Charter direct the major community in any given state to protect preserve and promote the interest of national minority community. Here the case in hand is Vokkaligas and Lingayaths constitute major communities of Karnataka and it is their duty and responsibility to bring into action the directions as are enshrined in the UN charter and constitution of India regarding Codavas by race.

         Codavas also must try to look through their vision of “Codava Land” which perhaps is most beneficial and feasible strategically, logistically and tactically to Codavas in general for ever and ever after until sun and moon exists. Believe us we started this freedom struggle with sincerity and singular hope of attaining independence. Even now we stand for that only. Our whole existence is very same singularity and sincerity without ever shaking myself for a fraction of a second. One must remember that Nachappa never opted to receive any benefit or ever aspire to acquire accolades, power or decorations all these years. My (his) life has been dedicated to Codava race and “Codava Land”. At this juncture I am forced to recollect an adage ‘Victory’ has a hundred fathers, but defeat is an orphan” Even though we refuse to pass scurrilous comments against the ones who nowadays are making much hue and cry about the demand for statehood to Codagu except saying that all those individuals are known turn coats opportunity seekers and power mongers who have succeeded by grabbing all the benefits by being in power or near to the sources of power in Karnataka are once again looked to be at it, but this time at the expense of Codavas. I request and advise Codavas to be never to be gullible at least this time we only request Codavas to be firm in their demand for freedom and my organization CNC is all out to support and stand for Codava race. I shall be ready and willing to take “Codava Land” mission even to the UNO if it reaches to such an extent. Try not to be confused by the so called pseudo leaders. Future generation will never excuse us should we fail to protect, preserve and promote Codava ethos, Codava environment, heritage and onslaught against Codava identity. Hence “Codava Land” is paramount important for Codavas but not statehood. Codava land ensures special reservation in all spheres i.e. physical protection, political freedom, financial security and special constitutional guarantee for our land and language.

To:

17.7.2009

            MINUTES OF THE RESOLUTION PASSED AND ADOPTED IN THE MONSOON SESSION OF CODAVA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY I.E. CODAVA PARLIAMENT (The Codava August Chamber i.e. Codava temporal spiritual legislature) chaired by its Chairman, Sri. N.U. NACHAPPA CODAVA and attended by members from all the 45 ancient Codava traditional naads congregated at Capitol Village, Madikeri this day on 16.7.2009.

            The proceedings of the session started with the invocation and massive singing of dirge to Karonas and offering meedi to Codava Guru i.e. Codava Adam and to all the Codava Karonas of the clans .

            Resolution No.1: Resolved to condole the death of Codavas during the period between the last session and this day and all the participants stood up in silence in reverence to the departed souls.

          Resolution No.2: Resolved with the proposals known to be placed before the Union Government in relation to the demand for the constitution of new states including Codagu we hereby resolved to rechristen the struggle for freedom of Codagu as “Codava Land” movement and resolved to request all the Codavas to identify themselves with the movement without any fear, doubt or hesitation. No doubt India gained independence in the year 1947 only to attain infancy with the democracy giving unto ourselves the constitution of India and during its infancy we have had three stages of Governance as Part ‘A’, Part ‘B’, and part ‘C’ states, Codagu/Coorg being a ‘C’ state with the entire demographic mosaic having been laid with Codavas as its foundation and nerve centre with Codavas main role of political, social and economic activities including governance. With the democracy evolving itself to its mature stage and so the evolution of constitutional variations stage by stage (from 1952 to 2009 more than 115 amendments and enactments took place), we Codavas have virtually have lost our existence as a political force and entity with the discontinuation of ‘C’ type states resulting in amalgamation of state of Codagu in to the state of Vishala Mysore, now Karnataka, as per the State reorganization Act 1956 under the 7th amendment of the constitution, not to mention the fact that the larger communal sections in general, Vokkaligas and Lingayaths in particular of the society in the state craft continuously having attempted ethnic cleansing of Codavas in order to eliminate the very existence, nay the remembrance and identity of Codava race and resultant influx of persons of larger community from old Mysore Region and neighbouring states by the active connivance and blessings of chauvinistic Kannada state leaders have undermined Codavas and have even succeeded in causing Kannadization/ homogenization of Codagu. With the changes in the state craft and the governance there evolved three types of managements of states first it is full pledged Provincial state ( total 28 states) second Union territories (total 7) and the third being Autonomous Region under the VI schedule of our constitution- the self governing Autonomous Regions governed by any given national minority section habitating in any given compact area of any larger state. Eg: Darjeeling Gorkha land, DGHC, regions in the Banks of Brahmaputhra River in Assam with Bodo land i.e. Bodo Territorial council under the VI schedule of our constitution. Now that the constitutional changes having been made to incorporate the provisions for the establishment and development of Autonomous regions it is for we Codavas to grab the god sent opportunity to re-unite ourselves as before and pressurize the government to consider our legitimate cause, so that what we have lost when the C type politico administrative units were erased from the book of constitution to be replaced by the creation of Autonomous region and regain our social, cultural ethnic, political, environmental and administrative activities under the banner of separate Codava Land Autonomous Region we have been pressing for. As such Codavas are advised not to cling up on a unwarranted separate state as do some misguided totally ruthless pseudo leaders and we hereby warn the entire Codava race of the danger of such a thing by all standard this organization having taken its birth some 18 years ago and has been striving single handedly for the resurgence, development and benefits of Codava race applicable under the VI schedule Article 370, 371, 51 (a), 350 (b) and VIII & schedule of our constitution. It is a painful matter to mention about the shameless attitude some self proclaimed leaders of the community trying to distract, mislead and misguide the people especially Codavas and Government.

          This organization being the conscience keeper and the singular mouth piece of the voice of Codavas, it is always safer in the interest of Codavas to project this organization to be as the sole politico cultural and socio-political movement of Codavas and inform the Government that we are one with it.

          We as the prime and only socio-political and politico cultural representative body of Codavas hereby reiterate the contents of all the memorandums, representations and applications submitted by CNC to the Government until this day and we hereby resolved to mark the copy thereof to the Government together with the text of the paper presented by the renowned and highly respected political scientist, Prof: Dr. Balveer Arora of Jawaharalal University, New Delhi.

          Resolution No.III:

Resolved to hold as many meetings, public functions, seminars and peaceful sathyagrihas in Codava Land, Bangalore, New Delhi and UNO, in the shape of Aine Mane Meetings and congregations at respective clannish family and meetings of all the concerned in the Union Government and State Government for the noble cause of Codava Land. Initial time table being (1) 26th July, 10 O’clock meeting at Chowrira Aine Mane, (2) 3rd August 10 O’clock Kakkada Padnett program at Capitol Village. (3) 18th August World Indigenous People Day, Sathyagriha at Cubbon Park, Bangalore at 9.30 a.m. and submitting Memorandum to Hon’ble Governor and CM. (4) 1st September, Public Kailpodu celebration at Madikeri, (5) 1st November Program at New Delhi, submitting Memorandums to UNO & Government of India.

          WARNING TO THE CONCERN:

Resolved that India being a largest ethnic diversity nation in the world and Karnataka being a renowned heterogeneous state. It always is judicious to recognize Codava existence and despite this should the concerned continue their hatred policy towards Codava race, it would be but proper that we will be constrained to amplify our grouse at world bodies.

To:

16.7.2009

            Codava Land – with full-fledged autonomy i.e. Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) encompassed with 45 ancient traditional Codava Naads on par with Darjeeling Ghoorka Hill Council (DGHC) in Sovereign Republic of India, Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) in people’s Republic of China and Kurdisthan Autonomous Region (KAR) in Arab Republic of Iraq. Which will ensure constitutional protection to Codava Race i.e. political autonomy, physical protection and financial security, over all development of Codava’s. Once autonomy granted to Codava Land the state of Karnataka is understood to lose its power to enforce any enactment unless full concurrence is given by Codava Autonomous Region and the Codava Autonomous Land shall have power and rights to enact law pertaining to the region with the consent of and concurrence of the Governor only. In other words the establishment of Codava Land i.e. Codava Autonomous Region presupposes legislative, executive and judiciary powers to us. Crisply said it is a state within the state. We are advancing our demands for establishment of Codava Autonomous Region only on the direction as are enshrined in the charter of United Nations and the promise that may be gauged from 6th schedule & 51 (a) of our constitution.

a) We dedicate to rewrite the magnificent history of Codavas that has been effaced and enliven the unique and independent identity we nurtured from ages now that is lost. Codavas should be recognized as significantly infinitesimal distinct minority nationality. Recognition of 45 Naads as their traditional and indivisible homeland, recognition of Codavas right to internal self-determination- we mean the right of our people to decide their own political destiny. It can also apply to autonomy and self Governance – i.e. Autonomous Codava Land.

b) Effective arrangements should be made to safeguard the interest of minority Codava ethno-linguistic nationality living outside Codava Land. So that they do nor fall prey to any discrimination.

            OUR OTHER DEMANDS ARE:

1. Ethno linguistic minority tribal national status for Codavas under article 340, 342 of our constitution and extend reservation facilities in the field of education, employment and financial on the lines of other tribals of our nation.

2. Constitutional special guarantee for our land tenure and customary personnel laws on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states of India under article 370 and 371 of the constitution of India. This clause will guarantees us i.e. except alienation the entire supremacy over all the lands of Jamma tenure shall rest with hereditary traditional holders thereof. We seek constitutional protection to our land and customary personal laws as done to the demands of Naga’s and Mijo’s under article 371A and 371C of our constitution respectively and political reservation on the lines of the one extended to the people of Sikkim under the provision of 371F of our constitution by the parliament. Codava’s do deserve such a treatment and this perhaps is the most appropriate line.

3. The ministry of HRD should establish Central University for World “Codavalogy” on the lines of North-Eastern Hill University, Alighar Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, ancient Nalanda and Thakshila Universities, proposed world Sikh University at Fathegarh Sahib and the Universities of Grenada and Corodova of the yore.

4. Codava language being an ancient, rich and living spoken language must be included in the 8th schedule of our constitution, Codava language should be implemented as a administrative language under article 350B of the constitution of India on par with Konkani language of the state.

5. Exemption under Indian Arms Act sec.3 to hold firearms to Codava by race should continue without any hindrance forever and ever after. This statutory guarantee should be incorporated in the manner of constitutional guarantee which may be treated as our customary personal laws.

            Gun a Codava right: not to curtail this right during the ensuing elections

Reiterate a time tested fact that the gun has been an integral part of Codava belief, ethos and psyche and as such to force the Government, especially the Election Commission and electoral officers, not to insist for the depositing of guns touching Codavas as is done in relation to other non Codavas. Holding of a gun without the necessity of any license by Codavas is a customary law and has been respected in article 51 (a) of Indian Constitution. The said provision of law reaffirms its commitment to respect, preserve and protect the interest of subaltern group and to maintain the composite cultural identity of every such group. Any attempts to control and efface the right to hold gun by Codavas during the ensuing Lok Sabha election period will certainly amounts to violation of the practice of religious freedom as enshrined in the articles 25 and 26 of our constitution. Any attempt to curtail such a right amounts to the subversion of accepted beliefs and existence of Codava folk legal systems. In order to respect and preserve the Codava sentiments, the condition that guns should be deposited by the holders with the police should be discarded in relation to Codavas and Codavas should be exempted from such a requirement during all elections.

          DIRECTION TO DEPOSIT GUNS IN THE ENSUING ELECTIONS is an insult to Codava race. One disturbing rather disgraceful may also be correct, feature of the authorities concerned is insisting Codavas holding guns under exemption clause of the Arms Act also to deposit their respective fire arms with the police on the arrival of election. The exemption clause in fact is the customary personal law of every born Codava and the Government; Say the election commission should never insist the holders of exemption certificate i.e Codavas to deposit their respective guns with the police at the time of election. After all gun is one of the heritage religious insignia of every clan of Codavas by race and it is not for nothing we adore it in our Nellakki Nadubade the accepted sanctorum of Codava house hold. We request the election commission to recall, recant and withdraw such a restrictive clause from the directions so as not to endanger Codava rights. It also is a known fact that Codava has become a total non entity in his own mother land on account of the untiring mischief played by the Government of Karnataka, through its internal colonialism should a Codava aspires to own a piece of land in Codagu all the concerned of the Governmental organs and to chuvanistic Kannadigas have always tried to avoid such a thing by subjecting him to all sorts of harassment and threats, besides having succeeded in limiting to a negligible ratio the Codava representation in the electoral bodies and so in the governmental appointments deliberately having failed to extend the benefits of reservation to Codavas.

          Codava Thakk on the brink of extinction: UNESCO report: A cause for concern- cause being totally negligence of by government of Karnataka Resolved to enlighten the Governments regarding the report dated 20.2.2009 released by UNESCO the cultural body of United Nations Organizations stating that as many as 196 languages in India are on the brink of total extinction and undoubtedly Codava thakk is one and the Government solely is responsible for the disgrace to Codava Language. In its vehements to support Kannada chauvinists the Government of Karnataka successfully has attempted to discard Codava thakk. One disparity what comes to our knowledge is that respect accorded to Konkani language by Government of Karnataka while it failed to treat Codava Thakk in the weans. As though to render a death blow to Codava ethos the Government periodically has been attempted to cause homogenizing of Codava people with Kannadigas. This has to be called a stop to at once and withdraw the circular making the study of Kannada only but instead implement the essence of article 350 (B) of the constitution of India in relation to Codava thakk.

          Despite of our having submitted innumerable representations and memorandums regarding the inclusion of Codava thakk in the VIII schedule of our constitution. The Government of Karnataka sent delegations in order to make hue and cry regarding the assigning the classical status to Kannada language but unfortunately has deliberately failed to insist for the inclusion of Codava thakk in the VIII schedule of our constitution.

          Codava language in danger point: It is a known fact that the Codavas are being recklessly discriminated and the entire Codava race is being denied of all the opportunities open to us, needless to add that the government is understood to be firm in its attempt to eliminate the very continuation of Codava race and the ruse they seem to adopt in order to cause ethnic cleansing towards such an end under the guise of homogenization, needless to add that our heritage marks are being obliterated one after another unless we Codavas stick to our faith and oppose any such move with a determinate foundation, such a day is not that far the Codava race will soon become a chapter in the school books to speak about such a thing. A few examples that we may quote touching the proposition, the government has nearly succeeded in erasing the existence of Codava thakk from the Governmental records and its concerted attempts to remove the traces of Codava cultural heritage marks. One more example what we proposed to bring to the knowledge of the general public is that in a report that saw its publication on 20.2.2009 the UNESCO unmistakably has found it proper to mention Codava thakk being one of the 196 languages on the brink of total extinction in order to obviate the impending danger posed by the respective governments, especially the one in Karnataka failing or refusing to promote, protect and preserve the dying languages by as contemplated in article 350B of our constitution. Karnataka being a known heterogeneous state and India is a nation with a largest ethnic diversity in the world, it is the duty of the Government of Karnataka and so the legitimate responsibility of the Government of India to protect, promote and preserve the minority Codava language. Watching every behaviour of the components of the Government of Karnataka and the larger section of the state one may presume that the Government of Karnataka is at its Operation Elimination of Codava Thakk in order to achieve its un spelt desire to extinguish the very notion of Codava race altogether. A Government which successfully as pressurized the Government of India to treat the Kannada language as one of the classical languages, has been attempting to remove the traces of Codava language. In reality the Government of Karnataka should have pressurize the Union Government not only be included Codava language in the 8th schedule of our constitution but ought also to have forced the Union Government also to give classical status to Codava thakk on par with Kannada. If only the Government of Karnataka steps ahead towards the implementation of the report dated 20 Feb, 2009 of the UNESCO at once, we have every reason to suspect its bonafides.

          Call to boycott ensuing Lok Sabha elections:

Even while the main subject i.e. ensuing Lok Sabha elections, was discussed and all the members present vehemently expressed their resentment to wards the attitude and dishonesty of the elected members for the simple reason that the recognition what Codavas ought to have received has not been touched by the politicians and people representatives of every hue and colour is intolerable. As it is each of the participants expressed ire about the governments for the same as such the members present unanimously resolved to boycott the election unless and until any given national political parties undertake in writing to support the Codava cause and acceptable political solution touching Codavas and also to openly support the demands this organization stands for.

          Codavas are being treated as non citizens - a decision to boycott ensuing Lok Sabha Election: With such a background we have decided to boycott ensuing election despite the fact that we know it is our legitimate duty and rights to cast our votes under a belief that and also our duty and birth right to express our resistance by resorting to election boycott. Please be it known that we will continue to boycott elections until such a day when all our demands are met and politically settled. Has not our elected representatives boycotted any given move of the ruling party on the floor of the parliament/Assembly and yet continued to be a member of such elected bodies?. Despite such boycotts have turned futile. After all boycott is one method of opposing any bad move and the question of victory or vanquisher does not arise. Our boycott will always tarnish the image of the people representatives who tried to eliminate and cause forgetting of the Codava race. Let not the Government think that economic packages, developmental programmes, Gadi Utsavas, Codava, Kannada, Tulu, Utsavas in Codagu and the like as are in vogue which in essence are intended only to satisfy sections of people in the manner of eye wash are not permanent solutions to Codava struggle and we shall never ask for such things. Our demands are based on permanent footings and may not self indulgent and self centered a few Codava individuals who in essence are the traitors to Codava national identity be not recognized as spokes persons of Codava race.

We take courage to believe that you would take serious notice of the things mentioned above and respond positively to our demands at your earliest.

To:

7.3.2009

            Even while the main subject i.e. ensuing Lok Sabha elections, was discussed and all the members present vehemently expressed their resentment to wards the attitude and dishonesty of the elected members for the simple reason that the recognition what Codavas ought to have received has not been touched by the politicians and people representatives of every hue and colour is intolerable. As it is each of the participants expressed ire about the governments for the same as such the members present unanimously resolved to boycott the election unless and until any given national political parties undertake in writing to support the Codava cause and acceptable political solution touching Codavas and also to openly support the demands this organization stands for.
Our Demands are:

            Codava Land – with full-fledged autonomy i.e. Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) encompassed with 45 ancient traditional Codava Naads on par with Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in Sovereign Republic of India, Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) in people’s Republic of China and Kurdisthan Autonomous Region (KAR) in Arab Republic of Iraq. Which will ensure constitutional protection to Codava Race i.e. political autonomy, physical protection and financial security, over all development of Codava’s.

a) We dedicate to rewrite the magnificent history of Codavas that has been effaced and enliven the unique and independent identity we nurtured from ages now that is lost. Codavas should be recognized as significantly infinitesimal distinct minority nationality. Recognition of 45 Naads as their traditional and indivisible homeland, recognition of Codavas right to internal self-determination- we mean the right of our people to decide their own political destiny. It can also apply to autonomy and self Governance – i.e. Autonomous Codava Land.

b) Effective arrangements should be made to safeguard the interest of minority Codava ethno-linguistic nationality living outside Codava Land. So that they do nor fall prey to any discrimination.

            OUR OTHER DEMANDS ARE: 1. Ethno linguistic tribal minority national status for Codavas under article 340, 342 of our constitution and extend reservation facilities in the field of education, employment and financial on the lines of other tribals of our nation.

2. Constitutional special guarantee for our land tenure and customary personnel laws on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states of India under article 370 and 371 of the constitution of India. This clause will guarantees us i.e. except alienation the entire supremacy over all the lands of Jamma tenure shall rest with hereditary traditional holders thereof. We seek constitutional protection to our land and customary personal laws as done to the demands of Nagas and Mijos under article 371A and 371C of our constitution respectively and political reservation on the lines of the one extended to the people of Sikkim under the provision of 371F of our constitution by the parliament. Codavas do deserve such a treatment and this perhaps is the most appropriate line.

3. The ministry of HRD should establish Central University for World “Codavalogy” at “Codava Kund”on the lines of North-Eastern Hill University, Alighar Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, ancient Nalanda and Thakshila Universities, proposed world Sikh University at Fathegarh Sahib.

4. Codava language being a ancient, rich and living spoken language must be included in the VIII schedule of our constitution, Codava language should be implemented as a administrative language under article 350B of the constitution of India on par with Konkani language of the state.

5. Exemption under Indian Arms Act sec.3 to hold firearms to Codava by race should continue without any hindrance forever and ever after. This statutory guarantee should be incorporated in the manner of constitutional guarantee which may be treated as our customary personal laws.

          Resolution No.2 : Gun a Codava right: not to curtail this right during the ensuing elections Reiterate a time tested fact that the gun has been an integral part of Codava belief, ethos and psyche and as such to force the Government, especially the Election Commission and electoral officers, not to insist for the depositing of guns touching Codavas as is done in relation to other non Codavas. Holding of a gun without the necessity of any license by Codavas is a customary law and has been respected in article 51 (a) of Indian Constitution. The said provision of law reaffirms its commitment to respect, preserve and protect the interest of subaltern group and to maintain the composite cultural identity of every such group. Any attempts to control and efface the right to hold gun by Codavas during the ensuing Lok Sabha election period will certainly amounts to violation of the practice of religious freedom as enshrined in the articles 25 and 26 of our constitution. Any attempt to curtail such a right amounts to the subversion of accepted beliefs and existence of Codava folk legal systems. In order to respect and preserve the Codava sentiments, the condition that guns should be deposited by the holders with the police should be discarded in relation to Codavas and Codavas should be exempted from such a requirement during all elections.

          Resolution No.3: Codava Thakk on the brink of extinction: UNESCO report: A cause for concern- cause being totally negligence of by government of Karnataka. Resolved to enlighten the Governments regarding the report dated 20.2.2009 released by UNESCO the cultural body of United Nations Organizations stating that as many as 196 languages in India are on the brink of total extinction and undoubtedly Codava thakk is one and the Government solely is responsible for the disgrace to Codava Language. In its vehements to support Kannada chauvinists the Government of Karnataka successfully has attempted to discard Codava thakk. One disparity what comes to our knowledge is that respect accorded to Konkani language by Government of Karnataka while it failed to treat Codava Thakk in the weans. As though to render a death blow to Codava ethos the Government periodically has been attempted to cause homogenizing of Codava people with Kannadigas. This has to be called a stop to at once and withdraw the circular making the study of Kannada only but instead implement the essence of article 350 (B) of the constitution of India in relation to Codava thakk.

         Despite of our having submitted innumerable representations and memorandums regarding the inclusion of Codava thakk in the VIII schedule of our constitution. The Government of Karnataka sent delegations in order to make hue and cry regarding the assigning the classical status to Kannada language but unfortunately has deliberately failed to insist for the inclusion of Codava thakk in the VIII schedule of our constitution.

          Resolution No.IV: Sathyagriha at Bangalore.

Resolved to stage a sathyagriha in order to high light our demands on 21 March 2009 coinciding the observance of International day for the elimination of racial discrimination at Gandhi Square, Bangalore.

Resolution No. VI: Resolved to hold a torch light programme coinciding Edmyar the Codava New year Day on 14 April 2009 in Madikeri.

To:

9.8.2009

            While acknowledging with gratitude for having granted us an audience facilitating us to enlighten you about the long felt need of Codavas by race and our relentless struggle for the establishment of “Codava Land” with autonomous powers to be carved out comprising of ancient 45 traditional Codava Naads (cluster villages) i.e. the prime habitation of Codava race within the Kodagu district of Karnataka, wherein habitate Codavas in large numbers. It is needless on our part to explain in detail once again about the importance of the establishment of “Codava land” on the lines of Darjeeling Gorkha Land in west Bengal and Bodo land territorial council in upper Assam. During the past over 18 years and it is needless on our part to suggest that a time now has come that it is incumbent on the part of the Government to consider our demand positively.

            After all Codavas by race are a people inhabitating within a specified territorial extent in Coorg District of Karnataka, we have our own cultural heritage, a language definitely never a derivative of any classical languages being spoken in South India, our clannish system of social order, family structure and customary personal laws coupled with unique individual personal appearance.

            Unmistakably Codava race is by far a vanishing group of people traditionally having been residing within a compact region of Codagu; the christening of the district being a derivative of the name of the Codava race.

            Before concluding we would like to inform you that the repressive rule of the larger section of Karnataka state has caused irreparable loss and damage to the very existence of Codava race, needless to add that it has been result of continued process of deliberate elimination of Codava race by the Government of Karnataka. We are just now are aliens in our own mother land and we are being discarded by calculated implementation of homogenization (cultural genocide) with a solitary intention of effacing the very semblance of Codava by race. We have not many in governmental organization and our aspirations have become a wild cry.

            With such a background this organization took its birth some 18 years ago with an avowed aim of unifying Codavas and bringing them together within our own ancient traditional mother soil; let it not be mistaken that we are keen to go separate, but our ultimate desire is to re-fix our roots to our own land the way Bodos and Gorkhas have done. It may not be an affront on our part if we may be permitted to remind you that the question of extending the constitutional guarantee under the 6th schedule of our constitution to Gorkhas of Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal towards the assigning of greater autonomy has been assigned to the parliamentary standing committee is in the process of final consideration. So is it not better you try to include our demand? Codavas by far are classified to be a National minority along side with the Gorkha land question so that our demands would be taken into consideration early.

            Enclosed herewith are the replicas of the detailed memorandums and representations we have submitted to the government of India during the past several weeks and so the learned paper presented by Prof. Dr. Balveer Arora the renowned Political Scientist of J.N.U. New Delhi, buttressing our legitimate demands for your kind perusal. We only request you to be kind enough to look into our demands with a judicious perspective and please see that the “Codava Land Autonomous Region” under the VI schedule of our constitution becomes a reality at its earliest. At this juncture we would like to remind you of the fact that ours is a peaceful movement and every Codava living is a participant in it.

            We have plans to hold a demonstration in New Delhi on 1 Nov 2009 in furtherance of our cherished demands.

           We Codavas deserve a permanent political settlement within the framework of our constitution through appropriate mechanism and measures.

            Please know that no less personalities like Padma Bhooshan, Prof. Dr. T.K. Ooman the renowned social scientist of our nation and eminent Political Scientist of India Prof. Dr. Balveer Arora of JNU too have shown interest in the subject and they are keen supporters of Codava Struggle.

To:

16.08.09

            In the tune with our 18 years old un-interruped struggle for the establishment of “Codava Land” i.e.Codava Autonomous Region on the lines of Darjeeling Gorkha land under the 6th schedule of our constitution within the district of Codagu in Karnataka and to grant ethno-linguistic minority tribal status to Codava’s under article 340 and 342 of our constitution. Constitutional special guarantee for land , language ,and customery persinal laws etc., to the whole Codava race.

            We have scheduled to hold a half day satyagraha the partcipaants being enthusiastic codavas and codavathi’s in full codava costume drawn from various corners of codagu district to mark “World Indegenious People’s day” on 18 August 2009 at Gandhi Square, cubbon park,Bangalore starting from 10am to 1.30pm followed by submission of memorandum’s to his excellency the Hon’ble Governor of karnataka, Hon’ble Chief Minister of karnataka and Hon’ble Home Minister Govt.of karnataka.

           Therefore, we request you to be kind enough to depute your authorized correspondents, reporters , photo and videographers to the occasion and we request you to be good enough to give us wide coverage of the same.

To:

            After having watched Independence day celebrations these past several years in codagu we feel that we have every reason to believe that the Indipendence day however much forcefully Government seeks to celebrate,it has no relavence as regards Codavas are concerned. In other words the Government has scrupulously forgotten the fact the idealogies of father of the Nation Mahathmagandhi and founding father of the constitution Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and other great freedom fighters have not been brought in to action with regard to Codavas are concernd. The Governments deliberatly has faild to follow the insistence of Mahathma to the effect that the support extended to the Minority groups of India (i.e Ethnic , Lingustic , National and Religios ) by major comminities be treated as the preference extended to the humanity as a whole , and so the words of Dr.Ambedkar the political protection to be given to the minority groups are missing, but with regard to codavas are concerned such a fact is lie unless Codava intrests are protected constitutionally and unless the demand for constitution of “Codava land” together with ethono-linguistic minority national tribal status to Codavas and Constitutional special guarantee to our land , language ,Customary personal laws are guaranteed the celebrations of indipendence day in Codagu as no meaning. In order to see the full blooming of indian Indipendence such a thing is essential.

            May we be permitted to take leave to present this memorandum as always we have been doing the immediate previous years touching our long pending demands for the Creation of Autonomous Codava Land etc. etc., and we have here with enclosed the true replicas of all such memorandums communications and papers in relation there to previously for your kind perusal and the needful action.

            We only request you to do some heart searching in the matter and please see that our demands are considered favourably without any further delay.

            You may know that the establishment of a well defined Codava Land shall be the one and only apropriate remedy and paramount solution at the moment. Please see that this ancient Codava race is preserved by creating Codava Autonomous Region which shall be in other words an politico administrative powers.

            We Codavas deserve a permanent political settlement within the frame work of our constitution through appropriate machanism and measures.

            Please know that no less personalities like Padmabhushana Prof.Dr.T.K.Oommen, the renowned social scientist of our nation and eminent political scientist of India Prof.Dr.Balveer Arora of JNU(Jawaharlal Nehru University) too have shown Interest in the Subject and they are keen supporters of Codava Struggle.

14/08/2009

           After having wactched Indipendence day celebrating these past several years in codagu we feel that we have every reason to believe that the Indipendence day however much forcefully Government seeks to celebrate,it has no relavence as regards Codavas are concerned.

            In other words the Government has scrupulously forgotten the fact the idealogies of father of the Nation Mahathmagandhi and founding father of the constitution Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and other great freedom fighters have not been brought in to action with regard Codavas are concernd. The Governments deliberatly has faild to follow the insitence of Mahathma to the effect that the support extended to the Minority groups of India (i.e Ethnic , Lingustic , National and Religios ) By Major comminities be treated as prefarence extended to the humanity as a whole , and so the words of Dr.Ambedkar the political protection to be given to the minority groups are missing , but with regard to codavas are concerned such a fact is live.unless Codava intrests are protected constitutionally and un less the demand for constitution of “Codava land” together with ethono- linguistic minority National tribal status to Codavas and Constitutional special guarantee to our land , language ,Customary personal laws are guranteed the celebrations of indipendence day in Codagu as no meaning. In order to see the full blooming of indian Indipendence such a thing is essencial .CELEBRATIONS OF INDIAN INDIPENDENCE DAY WITHOUT “CODAVA LAND” NO MEANING – A TOKEN SATHYAGRAHA FOR - on 15th August 2009 at Fort Premises Madikeri time being 11.30 A.M , participent Codava and Codavathis will be in Codava traditional Costume. A memorendom will be Submitted on the occassion .

            We are happy to inform you that we have sheduled to hold Meetings tuching “Codava Land” ,triabl status and other allied Subjects on 16th August 2009 Sunday at Napanda Ainmane of Garwale Village ,on 23rd August 2009 at Parvangada Ain Mane of Besagur Village and on 6th September 2009 at Biddatanda Ainmane of bidatanda Vaade of Napoklu time shedule for above all meetings Morning 10.00 clock.

To:

18-08-2009
Camp- Bangalore

            Without any second say our movement is designed only to invite the attention of all the concerned to our relentless struggle to rejuvinate and enliven an ancient living culture at once tribal and a martial civilization on the brink of its gradual extinction on account of the step brotherly treatment being meted out to it by the governmental set up and the tribe we propose to say about is Codava race originating and living within a compact region of 45 ageless cluster of villages being identified as Naads within Codagu (Coorg) District of southwest Karnataka on the banks of river Cauvery the life line of south India. Besides being martial, Codavas or strictly rooted to mother earth. The very appearance, stature and built of any Codava is different from all others in the society. Even though an Eerie culture Codava race has attained its own glamour, grandeur and esteem besides being almost every one being nearly inclining towards literacy . Even though Codavas do have all the qualifications to be treated and classified as prime Ethno national tribal minority, Concequent upon the deleberate negligence of governmental authorities; Could it be possible the once who actually are active in the governance of the state craft ? on account of their being the members of the larger communities, Codavas have been forgotten to last straw and what remains with Codavas is only their personnal physique coulpled with inherent social behavior fit only to be inducted in to military services. Except perhaps a few among the Codavas have risen to the position in all sphears of social and national structure. The reason simply has been the calculated negligence; may be on account of the innate Jealousy the ruling class foster against the growth of Codavas.

            It is with such a bleak and blurred backdrop this organisation i.e., Codava National Council(CNC) came into being some 18 year ago and has been forging ahead inch by inch towards the cherished goal of unifying Codavas the other wise disintegrated Codavas into one single formidable unit and that unit we have named as ‘Codava Land’ needless to add that we have been trying to refurbish our unique indigenous character at once Codava. The aboriginal indigenous Codava existence and Codava character just at once needs to be identified at the government level as a unique ancient infinitesimaly very small tribal group of linguo ethnicity and the compact area where in which Codavas habitate from the misty past should be constituted as “Codava Land” and constitutional special protection to our land, language and time tested customary personnal laws and economic & political freedom and if only such a thing becomes a reality Codavas will certainly breath freely as a determinate class of human individuals. A permanent political solution to Codavas by race amounts to subside the longest Codava unrest for national identity and right to internal political self - determination is the only remedy and paramount important.

            Enclosed here with are the replicas of memorandums, representations and valuable papers presented and formost leaders of social thinking are enclosed here with for your kind consideration and the need ful action at the earliest. We need your blessings.

            After having held a peaceful sathyagraha by Codavas and Codavathis in traditional and customary costumes drawn from different parts of the region to be designated as “Codava Land” to Commemorate the “World indigenous peoples day ” at Bangalore have knocked at your doors only in order to present this memorandum. And request that our legitimate demands are judiciously desposed off.

            Action may be taken to direct the concern to incorporate the word “Codava” instead of the word “Coorgi or Kodagaru” columns specified for mentioning about the Caste of the individual whose biodata are recorded by Census workers and all other Governmental entries. Action may also be taken specifically to mention as “Codava whenever such a thing is deemed necessary so that the existence of Codavas by race will find a place in all govermental records in the next periodic General Census i.e., in 2011 so far nothing of that sort has been carried out. Due to such a deliberate negligence Codavas virtually have become a non existent group of people in the governmental records

1. Codava Land – with full fledged autonomy i.e., Codava Autonoous Region (CAR) encompassed with 45 ancient traditional Codava Naads on par with Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DJHC) in Sovereign Republic of India, Tebetan Autonomous Region (TAR) in people’s Republic of China and Khurdisthan Autonomous Region (KAR) in Arab Republic of Iraq. Which will ensure constitutional protection to Codava Race i.e. political autonomy, physical protection and financial security, over all development of Codavas. Once autonomy granted to Codava Land the state of Krnataka is understood to lose its power to enforce any enactment unless full concurrence is given by Codava Autonomous Region and the Codava Autonomous Land shall have power and rights to enact law pertaining to the region with the consent of and concurrence of the governor only. In other words the establishment of Codava Land i.e., Codava Autonomous Region presupposes legislative, executive and judiciary powers to us. Crisply said it is a state with in the state. We are advancing our demands for establishment of Codava Autonomous Region only on the direction as are enshrined in the charter of united Nations and the promise that may be gauged from 6th schedule of our constitution. Rights and entitlements of recognition of identity under article 51A in the chapter on Fundamental Duties was underscored. It says, Inter alia, that it shall be the duty of every citizen of india “ To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture” The Historical ceation of a composite Karnataka state was recalled in this context.

a) We dedicate to rewrite the magnificent history of Codavas that has been effaced and enliven the unique and independent identity we nurtured from ages now that is lost. Codavas should be recognized as significantly infinitesimal distinct minority nationality. Recognition of 45 Naads as their traditional and indivisible homeland, recongnition of Codavas right to internal self-determination- we mean the right of our people to decide their own political destiny. It can aslo apply to autonomy and self Governance – i.e., Autonomous Codava Land.

b) Effective arrangements should be made safeguard the interest of minority Codava ethno-linguistic nationality living outside Codava Land. So that they do not fall prey to any discrimination.

1. Ethno linguistic minority tribal national status for Codavas under article 340, 342 of our constitution and extend reservation facilities in the field of education, employment and financial on the lines of other tribals of our nation.

2. Constitutional special guarantee for our land tenure and customary personnel laws on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states of India under article 370 and 371 of the constitution of India. This clause will guarantees us i.e.,except alienation the entire supremacy over all the lands of Jamma tenureshall rest with hereditary traditional holders thereof. We seek constitutional protection to our land and customary personal laws as done to the demands of Naga’s and Mijo’s under article 371A and 371 C of our constitution respectively and political reservation on the lines of the one extended to the people of Sikkim under the provision of 371F of our constitution by the parliament. Codava’s do deserve such a treatment and this perhaps is the most appropriate line.

3. The ministry of HRD should establish Central University for World”Codavalogy” on the lines of North-Eastern Hill University, Alighar Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, ancient Nalanda, Saranath and Thakshila Universities of the yore and proposed world Sikh University of Fathegarh Sahib.

4. Codava language is an ancient, rich and living spoken language must be included in the 8th schedule of our constitution, Codava language should be implemented as a administrative language under article 350 B of the constitution of India on par with Konkani Language of the state

5. Exemption undian Arms Act sec.3to hold firearms to Codava by race should continue without any hindrance forever and ever after. This statutory guarantee should be incorporated in the manner of constitutional guarantee which may be treated as our customary personal laws.

            This paper addresses, in the first part, the constitutional dimensions of the social and cultural rights of the Codavas, in the context of the statutory safeguards available to special minority groups within the framework of India’s federal polity and pluralistic democracy. In the second part, we look at some of the institutional initiatives that have been taken to respond to similar demands, and the developmental dimensions underlying the demand for recognition of identity. This includes educational and employment opportunities and the possibilities open to the Codavas for human resource development. In the third and concluding part, we look at some of the next steps required to achieve the objectives which the movements for Codava autonomy seek to attain.

            Let us first explore the possibilities for obtaining greater space and voice for the Codavas in the public sphere through the constitutional and institutional mechanisms available. Further, we explore ways of enhancing the protection and promotion of Codava identity and securing greater and more effective participation in the socio-economic and political life of the composite state of Karnataka, which is itself committed to protecting and preserving its rich cultural diversity.

            A Memorandum with these objectives was presented to Justice M.N. Venkatachalaiah, Chairman of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution, on 21st November 2000. The Commission took a positive view of these demands and made a set of concrete recommendations which unfortunately remain unimplemented. We will discuss these and other points for action in the third part, when we look at the unfinished agenda of protecting and promoting Codava identity.

The Codava National Assembly

The Memorandum adopted unanimously at the New Delhi meeting of Codava autonomy activists on 8th October 2004 was a major statement of the objectives of the Codava Movement, which is now nearly twenty years old. This was followed by the constitution and inauguration of the Codava Peoples’ National Assembly at Capitol Village on 1st September 2005. This was a landmark development in the evolution of the popular movement of the Codavas, which has a long history and has undergone many phases of active mobilisation and non-violent struggle over the years.

            The Codava National Assembly has succeeded in organising the representation of the 45 Nads that constitute the land of the Codavas, in accordance with their traditions and customs. It has adopted unanimously resolutions which spell out very clearly their demands for autonomy and recognition of identity, in the form of a Codava Land Autonomous Region. However, a systematic exposition of the customary laws that require special protection would be necessary if protection is sought under article 371 of the Constitution. Codava scholars need to generate the requisite material to substantiate the claims of their community for different types of recognition, protection and safeguards. This item of the agenda will no doubt be discussed thoroughly so that a consensus can be built up. The Codava National Assembly can perform a valuable role in building this consensus.

            Article 371 of the Constitution provides for the protection of distinctive identities requiring special provisions, notably the protection of customary laws and distinctive religious or social practices. Such protection has been given to the Nagas (371A), to the people of the hill areas of Manipur (371C) and the Mizos (371G). The inclusion of the Codavas as a distinctive people with their own specific customary laws and social or religious practices could form the object of a separate clause under Article 371 on similar lines.

Identity of the Codavas

            The right and entitlement to recognition of identity is incorporated in Article 51A of the Constitution dealing with Fundamental Duties. “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India “to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture”. The historical creation, in 1956, of a composite Karnataka State as part of the reorganisation of states of the Indian Union needs to be recalled in this context. The Codavas have been concerned about the erosion of their distinctive linguistic and cultural heritage because of the steady influx of populations belonging to other communities into Kodagu district after the merger of the erstwhile Part C Coorg State into the new composite state of Karnataka. This merger has been seen to have an adverse impact on their distinctive identity. While earlier the Codavas referred to themselves as a distinctive race and/or nationality, a more accurate description of the Codava people would be in terms of a linguistic and cultural community with distinctive tribal characteristics.

Educational and Cultural Rights:

            It is necessary to keep in view that economic growth and economic power in the contemporary world is increasingly derived from the knowledge economy, and access to skills through education is of crucial importance for the advancement of any community.

Article 29(1)             of the Constitution provides, under Cultural and Educational Rights: “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.”

            There are two other articles which deserve particular attention in this context, as they flow directly from these rights and aim to give them substance. Article 15 provides for prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Of particular relevance is article 15 (4), which specifically enables the State “in making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes”.

            The second article which is also relevant is Article 16, which relates to equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. Here again, in clauses (4) and (4A), which enable the State to make provisions “for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the State, is not adequately represented in the services under the State.” The same enabling power has been extended in clause 4(A) for promotions in the case of scheduled castes and tribes.

            What are the lessons that can be learnt from the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Model? Is it to viewed, twenty years after it was created, as a palliative or a remedy to the problem of identity recognition and autonomy demands? The historical background of this movement is very instructive.

            The origins of the experiment were in the response of the West Bengal and the Union government to a situation where the autonomy movement was gaining in strength and popularity. Tripartite negotiations resulted in an agreement, which was given effect to through legislation by the West Bengal Assembly. The Govt of West Bengal attempted to make this model work, but for a variety of reasons the progress was neither consistent nor smooth. The autonomy movement was revived in the form of an agitation and a second round of tripartite negotiations resulted in an agreement to bring the areas under the DGHC under the 6th schedule of the Constitution

            The Constitution 107th Amendment Bill 2007 was introduced in the 14th Lok Sabha along with Constitution 6th Schedule Amendment Bill by the UPA I government in consultation with the Government of West Bengal. These Bills were intended to enable additional powers to be conferred on the DGHC in matters relating to land, revenue and forests. These Bills were referred to a Parliamentary Committee for in-depth consideration, and were later put in abeyance due to the changed situation on the ground. These Bills finally lapsed with the dissolution of the 14th Lok Sabha in April 2009.

            A new movement, the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) had in the meanwhile emerged, and it demanded additional territories to be added to the areas to be covered, as well as the transfer of more powers. The issue remains unresolved and the latest round of tripartite talks has reportedly resulted in an agreement to abolish the DGHC itself and bury the proposal to extend Sixth Schedule status to the region. Whether this is a prelude to enhanced autonomy arrangements for the region remains to be seen.

            The lessons to be drawn from what was initially viewed as a promising experiment in sub-state autonomy are complex. However the basic idea to confer additional powers to the Council, partly through the extension of the 6th Schedule, was a major initiative which could provide the basis for dealing with similar demands for sub-state autonomy in other states. The Government of Karnataka needs to study the initiatives taken by the Government of West Bengal and by the Government of India, and to evaluate whether they are capable of meeting the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Codavas.

            The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution headed by Justice Venkatachelliah specifically recognised the distinctive Codava identity and recommended inter alia the establishment of a Central University in Kodagu, which would develop as a Centre for Codava studies in addition to providing education in other areas.

            It is important to pursue this idea at two levels: (a) The establishment of a Central Kodagu University, (CKU) with all the traditional departments, as well as innovative skill-development institutes to incorporate a strong component of vocational training in the undergraduate programmes of the University. This would create opportunities for Codava youth, by equipping them with the skills necessary for new growth sectors, as traditional avenues of employment and livelihood shrink. Education is the key to growth, and the education of girls and participation of women in economic activity is particularly important for the development of the Codava community as a whole.

            (b) An Institute for Advanced Codava Studies, which could serve as a repository for existing documentation and a resource centre for advanced studies and research. Besides providing a forum for bringing together scholars and knowledgeable persons, such an Institute would provide the necessary support for the further development of the language and the literature of the Codavas in their mother tongue. Given the importance of the martial tradition in Codava culture, it could in addition have a Special Centre of Military Sciences and a Museum of Military History, in addition to the Special Centre for Codava Language, Literature and Culture Studies.

           In order to achieve these objectives, a certain number of steps are necessary for the recognition by the public authorities of the distinctiveness of Codava identity, so that necessary public policy measures can be taken to give effect to an inclusive policy in their favour. The Codavas would thus gain their rightful place in the composite state of Karnataka.

The importance of the Census

            It is important to gather reliable statistical data on the number of persons who actually claim Codava Thakk as their mother tongue and ancestor worship (Karona) as their religion. It is, therefore important that appropriate instructions are given by the Census Commissioner well before the next general census due in 2011 so that both these markers of identity are properly recorded. The Codavas will need to be made aware that unless they themselves claim these as distinctive markers of their identity, the efforts to seek and gain institutional recognition will not find adequate support in policy making circles.

In addition, the following five steps could be considered for priority action in order to achieve the objectives outlined above:

            (a) The Government of Karnataka, notably its department of Social Welfare, could be approached and petitioned for expediting their action regarding the recommendation of tribal status for the Codavas. The State government should again be persuaded to take the measures required to give concrete shape to the recognition of tribal status of the Codavas. Though progress through this channel has been slow, it is important to keep up the persuasive efforts, as the cooperation of the Government of Karnataka is indispensable for further progress in conjunction with the Union Government.

            (b) The Government of Karnataka should also be approached for recognising the demands of the Codavas as legitimately coming under the purview of articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution. This would enable the adoption of concrete public policy measures which would make a difference to the opportunities for education and employment available to the Codavas. The other demand which is pending is for recognition as an Autonomous Region, on the lines of autonomy solutions worked out for the Gorkhas in West Bengal and the Bodos in Assam. Though these solutions are still being worked out, it is important to include the Codava autonomy demands in the search for solutions.

            (c) A memorandum spelling out the demands of the Codavas could be submitted to the Second Commission on Centre State Relations, appointed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs under the UPA-I government, under the chairmanship of Justice Punchhi. In the absence of a separate commission to consider the reorganisation of states, the Punchhi Commission will also need to look into the problems of specific regions within states which have a distinctive identity and make special provisions for them. The grievances of these regions often escalate into Centre-State issues and need to be addressed. Two such recent examples are the Darjeeling and Bundelkhand regions. Ultimately, when autonomy issues degenerate and become threats to public order, the Union Home Ministry is inevitably drawn into it.

            The Commission should be asked to recommend the need for recognition of special status of the Codavas and recommend suitable institutional mechanisms for the protection of their identity and interests.

            (d) The Special Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, which is an office serviced by the Union Home Ministry but established under Article 350B of the Constitution, could also be approached regarding the problems faced by the Codavas in preserving their identity and in protecting their interests.

            (e) The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India could also be approached for support under the programme for endangered languages. It needs to also be approached for the creation of the Central University referred to earlier. Under the new education policy of the UPA II government, there is a renewed emphasis on the skill development initiative.

            It is of paramount importance to stress that all these objectives can be achieved through peaceful means, ideally with the help and support of the Government of Karnataka and with the intervention where necessary of the Union Government. All of them fall within the framework of the Indian Constitution, which is remarkable in the possibilities it offers to recognise identities and make institutional arrangements for the advancement of these communities. The National Assembly of the Codava people has been meeting from time to time to give voice to these demands and to maintain a sustained mobilisation in order to obtain a sympathetic consideration from the State and Central Governments.

To:

19-08-2009

            We are glad to announce that a deligation of Codava and Codavathis drawn from all corners of Codagu (Coorg) have met his excellency the Hon’ble Governor in an audience after squating in a peaceful & dignified sathyagraha in order to commemorate world indigenous peoples day on 18th August 2009 and our main purpose of holding the sathyagraha was to highlight our long standing demand for the establishment of “Autonomous Codava land” together with extending Constitutional guarantees to Codavas by race besides classifying Codavas as an ethnolinguistic national tribal minority.

            We are happy to announce that his excellency was kind enough to receive us and listen our grouse patiently and assured us that he would do the needfull what he could in the circumstances so as to benefit Codavas in general. His excellency was so happy and pleased that he even announced and made assurances that he would act as our ambassador in order to keep the union government and the state government as well informed about the necessity of creating autonomous Codava land after having conversed with us for over an hour. His excellency’s secretary Smt. Sharada Subrahmanyam was present during the audience all along.

Press release

28-01-2009

Dear Sir,
Sub :- Demanding Codava Land –9th Year Annual Public Kailpoud Celebarations & Vehicular procession at Madikeri.

Sub:     UNESCO Heritage List – List submitted by the Government of Karnataka- Codava by race of Kodagu district of State of Karnataka- Heritage Tag to- regarding- any action short of establishment of Autonomous Codava Land would hardly retain, preserve, protect and exemplify Codava cultural Heritage and a mere compact disc (CD) would amount to the mockery of the subject in hand- preservation of Codava cultural Heritage can only be done by establishing autonomous Codava Land and with constitutional guarantees- a direction to that effect is sought for. It requires a political will to protect the interest of Codava cultural heritage as a national minority and only then the notion of pluralistic cultural diversion and our nation with largest ethnic diversity in the world gaining momentum.

The state Government has forwarded Codava culture in Kodagu to the centre to be placed before UNESCO under “Intangible cultural Heritage scheme” and with much gratitude we welcome such decision and inviting your kind attention to the subject referred to above, may we be permitted to bring a few more particulars which otherwise would explain the foundation for Codava culture to be classified as a Heritage matter and they are as follows:

1. Codavas historically are a racial national minority group habitating within the limits of 45 ancient traditional Codava naads (cluster villages) in Kodagu district or south western Karnataka.
2. As a racial they are, Codavas also are a martial class coupled with agrarian background rooted to earth. Codavas have their own language is independent of any other language or languages in India and the same has been a living spoken language by Codavas and every Codava however much dizzy height he or she might have scaled preference to converse in Codava Thakk with other Codavas wherever they are. Many a great author has penned literary matters in Codava language.
3. Even the list of 196 endangered languages in India as identified by the UNESCO, Codava language is one according to the report published on 20 Feb 2009. Unless proper measures are taken just now, even the UNESCO spells out a fear that Codava language will soon be erased from the human memories. The primary and most important method to protect, preserve, promote and propagate Codava Thakk is to include the same in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution and both central and state Governments should conceive such measures as may be deemed fit proper to enliven the soon to be forgotten Codava language.
4. Every individual Codava clans i.e. Okka/Khadans of Codavas as its own independent clannish Ainmanes which in reality are the epicenters of Codava cultural activities besides being the sanctum sanctorum and the temporal seat of Codava society. Every such Aine manes has Kanni Kombare, and Nellakki Nadubade being the sole repository of the souls of the every unknown forefather of each Codava clan in the manner of Karona. In short Guru is the sole God head of Codava culture and Karonas are every clannish okkas temporal head.- (Guru & Karona) Every Ainmane has a Kaimada, independently of Nellakki Nadubade being the repository of all departed Codava souls.
5. One other Heritage marker connected with Nellakki Nadubade, Kanni Kombare and Kaimada. Ever Cluster of Villages i.e Naads has a Mandh which in other word is the designated arena where Codava cultural activities, including functions and Codava festivals, folklore drama & dance theatre, folklore games stadium and Nyayapeeta (seat of justice) of any Codava naads.
6. Besides the things mentioned above there are Thootngala, kyakola, and Machnicad, the three varieties of grave yards of every Codava clannish Okka. If the Thootngala is the crematorium of Codavas, Kyakola is the burial place and the Machnicad is the place where any Codava daughter dies while being a pregnant one in her parental home.
7. Added to these things Codavas do have festivals like Edmyar 1, (Codava New year), Kakkada Padnett, Kail Pold, Puthari and Karonang Kodpo ceremony. Each intertwined with agricultural and martial qualities.
8. There are about 840 clannish Ainmanes which essentially are the heritage markers of Codava culture. Each clannish Codava family is identified with its ainmane. Ainmane is the chief heritage monument of Codava cultural heritage.
Unfortunately the epithetic attitude of Govt. of Karnataka has lead at least half of Ainmanes to ruinations and the deliberate misfeasance of the Governmental authorities will cause the total destruction of Ainmanes and thereby what could be the remnants of Codava heritage will soon become a non existent factor.
9. One other disturbing feature is that Govt. of Karnataka has been encroaching upon the lands earmarked as Mandh for its own evil purposes, but strictly in an attempt at ethnic cleansing forcibly and effaced the demographic mosaic of Codava heritage.
10. The other poignant thing is that the Government of Karnataka deliberately has failed or refused to recognize Codava national festivals and the like signifying the atrocious ethnic hegemony of Kannadigas.
11. The Government of Karnataka looked to be is keen to wipe out the exemption clause in the Indian Arms Act section 3 & 4 empowering every member of Codava Minority Race hold fire arms without the necessity of having Arms License. Such an exemption is at another landmark necessity of Codava identity and heritage.
Unless proper actions are initiated to recompense the Codava clans for the deliberate or otherwise destruction of ainemanes, inclusion of Codava Language in the 8th schedule of Indian constitution extend the constitution guarantee under Article 340 & 342 treating Codavas having belong to a ethno linguistic tribal minority and protect our lands under article 370 and 371 of our constitution besides establishing Codava land under the 6th schedule of our constitution as autonomous region the heritage markers of Codava culture would soon become a thing of a distant past. Let not Codava culture and Codava heritage remained in a compact disc (CD) let it become a formidable reality and let the Codava psyche be vivified. It is the duty of the major communities of the any given state and state craft to protect the composite cultural group and subaltern languages as enshrined in article 51 A of the constitution of India as well as UN charter please see that the needful is done in order to save Codava race and Codava cultural heritage from total destruction, especially consequent upon the diabolic and nauseating attitude of Government of Karnataka.

            Annexure A news under caption of Codavas, Soligas may get UNESCO HERITAGE TAG as published in Times of India dated 3 Sep, 2009 at page 5.

To:                                                                                                                                             9.9.09
The Inspector of Police
Madikeri Town Station
Madikeri.

We are holding a peaceful sathyagriha on 11th September 2009 in order to attract the attention of all the concerned regarding the restrictions intended to cause obstruction to the rights of holding of arms by Codavas by race without the necessity of obtaining a license under Indian Arms section 3 and 4 at Deputy Commissioner’s office, Madikeri at 10.30 a.m.
All the participant Codava and Codavathis would be in traditional Codava costumes and no untoward act would be caused in any manner.
A memorandum will be presented to the Governments through D.C after Sathyagriha.
Therefore, we request you to do the needful regarding Bandobasth.