CNC stages Codava Satyagraha on International Women’s Day in Madikeri

Members of the Codava National Council (CNC) staged a “Codava Satyagraha” near the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Madikeri on March 8.

Madikeri: Members of the Codava National Council (CNC) staged a “Codava Satyagraha” near the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Madikeri on March 8, marking International Women’s Day 2026, and submitted a memorandum to the Union and State governments seeking political and constitutional empowerment for Codava women.

The memorandum, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Executive Director of UN Women, was submitted through the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner.

CNC president N.U. Nachappa said the protest aimed to highlight the need to safeguard the rights and identity of the “minuscule indigenous mono-ethnic Codava community” and ensure greater empowerment of Codava women in line with the International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”

Among the key demands raised by the organisation were an internal quota for Codava women within the proposed 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies, allocation of five acres of land for Codava women farmers, and special political representation for the community. The CNC also called for expediting gun exemption certificates for Codava women under the Indian Arms Act, welfare schemes for Codava brides and pregnant women, and three days of paid menstrual leave for women.

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The memorandum further sought a separate code for Codavas in the 2027 National Population Census to ensure accurate population enumeration and recognition of the community.

The organisation also demanded action against a Hampi University scholar for allegedly distorting Codava history and circulating defamatory material about Codava women and cultural icons.

Participants at the event included several members of the Codava community, and the programme concluded with an oath-taking ceremony and the singing of the national anthem.

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