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The Kodava community, though often regarded as an elite group, has its share of underprivileged families who struggle to afford essential needs such as medical care, education, and more, just like other communities in society. This is why we founded 'Kodavaame,' say members of Team Kodavaame, who are tirelessly working to uplift and support their community.
Team Kodavaame, a multi-faceted NGO working for the betterment of the community, was officially registered as a trust in 2010. Since then, it has grown into an integral force in supporting the disadvantaged sections of the community. The current working committee, led by Udiyanda Roshan Somanna, includes a diverse and dedicated team of members: Bariyanda Sunil Karumbaiah, Ballimada Mohan Devaiah, Machamada Lala Kuttappa, Ammanichanda Chethan Chinnappa, Mechuvanda Chethan Bheemaiah, Maletira Seethamma Vivek, Mathranda Priyanka Somanna, Kokkalera Dharani Somanna, Uluvangada Gayana Amith, Ammanichanda Darshan, Mathranda Dechamma, and Keekira Ashitha Ponnanna, all guided by Kandrathanda Dr. Kaveriappa.
In recognition of their tireless efforts, the members of Team Kodavaame were felicitated by the Kodava Samaja in Bengaluru on Sunday, September 8, on the occasion of Kailpoldh Festival. The honour was presented by the chief guest, Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor, Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna.
Helping Hands Over Praying Lips
One of the core philosophies driving Team Kodavaame is encapsulated in the age-old saying: “Helping Hands are Better than Praying Lips.” According to Udiyanda Roshan Somanna, this belief is at the heart of the team’s efforts to provide tangible, immediate support to the Kodava community. Authentic information sharing is seen as essential, and initially, Team Kodavaame reached out to 4,860 individuals via SMS. As technology evolved, so did the team’s approach. Today, they manage 153 active WhatsApp groups that keep the community informed about everything from local news and achievements in education and sports to fundraisers for medical assistance, job alerts, and more.
The group’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that all information shared is verified, building trust among its members. Thanks to the support of professionals working across various sectors, the team has successfully provided job placements to over 650 candidates worldwide.
Supporting the Community During Disasters and Medical Emergencies
One of the most significant examples of Team Kodavaame's impact came in 2018, during the catastrophic landslides in Kodagu. In coordination with the Bengaluru Kodava Samaja and an army of volunteers, the team worked tirelessly to collect and deliver 72 truckloads of essential supplies to the affected areas. Beyond food and basic necessities, the team also raised significant financial aid for those impacted, demonstrating the power of community action during times of crisis.
In the realm of healthcare, Ballimada Mohan Devaiah highlights how the team has become a pioneer in providing support to Kodava families during medical emergencies. Over 150 patients have received assistance, allowing them to access life-saving treatments at significantly reduced costs. Kodavaame has cultivated relationships with hospitals and doctors, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care while saving over a crore of rupees in total medical expenses.
The organization operates transparently, with regular crowd-funding efforts to raise money for those in need. Every rupee collected is accounted for, with detailed financial records made available to the public. The combination of grassroots fundraising, strong relationships with healthcare providers, and a robust network of volunteers has allowed Team Kodavaame to provide substantial medical assistance to those who need it most.
Credo Medical Centre (Coorg Diagnostic Centre) in Gonikoppal and Iksha Superspeciality Eye Hospital in Madikeri have recognized the team’s efforts, offering discounted services to underprivileged patients referred by Kodavaame.
Blood Donations to Mental Health Support
Another crucial aspect of the team’s work is its blood donation initiative, which has saved countless lives during medical emergencies. A dedicated WhatsApp group, administered by Mapangada Preethni Cariappa and Muckatira Pemmaiah, coordinates blood donations across Karnataka. With an average of one unit of blood donated every day, this initiative has become a vital resource for families in need. The administrators not only organize donations but also provide regular updates to the group once the requirement has been met, ensuring seamless coordination.
Beyond healthcare, the team has also played a crucial role in reuniting families with missing persons and preventing suicides. Ammanichanda Chethan Chinnappa recalls how the team’s efforts have helped trace missing individuals quickly and, in some cases, brought families back from the brink of despair. In a few instances, Kodavaame has even prevented suicides by intervening at critical moments, providing financial and emotional support to those in desperate situations.
Preserving Kodava Culture
Recognizing the importance of preserving the rich heritage of the Kodava community, Team Kodavaame established the Tribal Culture Study Centre under the leadership of Kandrathanda Dr. Kaveriappa. The Centre is dedicated to gathering and documenting authentic information about the history, language, customs, food habits, folk songs, dances, and more of the Kodava people. Through a series of seminars and lectures led by scholars and experts, the Centre is working towards creating a comprehensive Compendium of Kodava Culture, which will be an invaluable resource for future generations.
This initiative also extends to digital platforms, with a YouTube channel showcasing the world-renowned Kodava culture. The team conducts both theoretical and practical classes on Kodava customs, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their roots.
Environmental Conservation
Long before environmental conservation became a widespread concern, Team Kodavaame took proactive steps to protect Kodagu’s forests. Eight years ago, the group initiated an afforestation drive, focusing on planting native fruit-bearing trees within designated forest zones. With the support of forest officials and volunteers, tens of thousands of saplings have been planted, ensuring that the wildlife in Kodagu has access to natural food sources.
Additionally, the team has been involved in producing and distributing seed balls, which have been scattered throughout the forests of Kodagu, promoting sustainable reforestation efforts.
The Team Behind the Scenes
The success of Team Kodavaame would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of its members. Technical support for the team’s seminars, YouTube recordings, and day-to-day activities is provided by a group of dedicated families, including Ammanichanda Chetan Chinnappa, Mechuvanda Chethan Bheemaiah, Mathranda Priyanka Somanna, and many others. They handle everything from organizing events to live streaming and video editing, ensuring that Kodavaame’s message reaches a global audience.
Financial Transparency
Despite their extensive work, Team Kodavaame does not actively solicit donations to run its operations. However, with the increasing need for financial support in the areas of health and education, the team now welcomes public funding. Donors receive detailed statements showing exactly how their contributions are used, and the organization is proud to issue 80(G) tax rebate certificates to income-tax-paying donors.
A Trilingual Dictionary
One of the latest achievements of the Tribal Culture Study Centre is the publication of the Moopaje Nigant, a trilingual dictionary compiled by Machamada Lala Kuttappa. This dictionary is designed to make it easier for individuals to learn Kodava Thakk and better understand the meanings and usage of various words.
Looking Ahead
As Team Kodavaame continues to grow, its members remain committed to their mission of supporting the Kodava community. With a clear focus on teamwork and collaboration, the organization looks forward to expanding its reach and offering more services to those in need. Under the leadership of Udiyanda Roshan Somanna, the team has brought many volunteers on board, each given the freedom to contribute in their own way. Together, they are ensuring that Kodavaame remains a beacon of hope for the community.
In the words of its members: "We are proud to work for the noble causes of our community, and we believe that with teamwork, anything is possible."
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