GLOBAL KODAVA SAMMELAN DURING DECEMBER;

Madikeri April 5, 2007

The state Kodava Academy has decided to hold a global Kodava Sammelan at Madikeri during December this year.

The academy chairperson Dotty Poovaiah yesterday held a special meeting and decided to conduct sammelan for three days from 23rd December.

Presidents of different Kodava Samajas and other members present in the meeting stated that the Sammelan should focus mainly on the culture, life and heritage of Kodavas. Fourteen different committees were formed during the meeting to take up responsibilities.

A section of the members present suggested that the sammelan be held at Gonicoppa since influence of Kerala is spreading in South Kodagu. However, the majority decided on Madikeri as the town has accessibility and inflow of tourists. It was also suggested that the sammelan should aim beyond caste, creed and language.

The meeting decided to request for funds from state and central governments. The state government will be requested to release rupees one crore. Dotty Poovaiah stated that the Kannada and Culture Minister Mahadeva Prasad have already agreed to release rupees ten lakh and fresh appeals would be submitted for more fund. She also added that the sammela will pressurize government to bring Kodava language in the eighth schedule.

President of the Madikeri Kodava samaj, Suresh Chengappa was nominated as the president of welcome committee. President of the Akila Kodava samaj, matanda Monnappa, president of the Bangalore Kodava Samaj, Berera Shambu Aiyanna were taken to finance committee.

The sub committees will include a member of the academy and Dotty Poovaiah will lead as the president.

Bottolanda Kashi invoked.Umesh kechamaiah welcomed the gathering.Kalimada Motaiah compered and Kaliyanda sabu Aiyanna proposed vote of thanks.