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Madikeri: Codava National Council (CNC) marked Karnataka's State Reorganisation Day with a peaceful "Codava Sathyagraha" at the District Commissioner’s office in Madikeri. CNC President N.U. Nachappa led the protest, demanding geo-political autonomy for Kodagu and the recognition of Codavas' cultural heritage and rights.
The CNC’s ten-point charter highlighted key demands, starting with the call for a commission, as recommended by economist Subramanian Swamy, to explore Kodagu’s autonomy under India’s Constitution. “Codavas seek internal self-determination akin to other autonomous regions, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to their land, traditions, and language,” Nachappa said.
Among their demands is the constitutional recognition of Codava Thakk language, inclusion in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list, and legal protection for their ritualistic right to bear arms under Articles 25 and 26, similar to Sikhs' right to the kirpan.
The council called for recognition of the Codava people as a distinct race under Indian law and requested parliamentary representation, as was historically granted during the Constituent Assembly’s formation.
"The continuous demographic shifts, resource exploitation, and exclusion from governance erode our heritage and identity," CNC members asserted. The council highlighted environmental impacts, such as deforestation and drought, attributing these to government policies that have adversely affected the Codava homeland.
The CNC presented its memorandum to local officials, urging justice and cultural preservation. Participants took an oath in solidarity and dispersed following the national anthem.
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