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Mysuru: In a stirring address at the Codava Students Association Union inaugural ceremony, Codava National Council(CNC) Supremo N U Nachappa underscored the significance of the Constitution in ensuring the empowerment and protection of the indigenous Kodava tribe.
The event, held at Kodava Sahakara Bhavan in Jayalaxmipuram, Mysuru, on December 10, Sunday, brought together Kodava students to discuss the challenges facing their community.
Mr Nachappa emphasized that the Constitution of India is the paramount document that guarantees democratic principles and serves as the foundation for the holistic empowerment of Kodavas. He urged the community to focus on understanding and trusting the Constitution rather than relying on extra-constitutional authorities.
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Expressing concern over external threats, Mr Nachappa cautioned against being swayed by the words of representatives from major communities who use their demographic weight to intimidate. He reassured the audience that the Constitution provides a robust framework for safeguarding the rights and identity of the Kodava people.
Mr Nachappa delved into the historical context, highlighting the 1956 merger of the Kodava State with the promise of protection and well-being for the indigenous Kodava tribe and their traditional homeland. However, he lamented that the commitments made during the merger were not honored, leading to a breach of trust and confidence—a situation he described as a large-scale constitutional breach.
He expressed grave concerns about the imminent extinction of Kodava land, language, cultural identity, and heritage markers under the governance of Vidhana Soudha. He accused the state government of violating the State Reorganization Act of 1956 and marginalizing Kodavas, leading to a bleak future for the young generation.
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The Kodava leader pointed out instances of state-sponsored anti-Codava activities, including attempts to revoke customary rights and objections to Kodavas' access to the holy pilgrimage site, Cauvery. He also criticized the government for stalling the Kodava Ethnographic study, which could have facilitated inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list, providing job and education reservations for the community.
In a poignant conclusion, Mr Nachappa highlighted the growing unemployment among Kodava youths, resulting in a large-scale exodus from the community. He called on the Kodava people to unite and actively engage with the constitutional framework to safeguard their heritage and secure a better future for generations to come.
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