Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC) celebrated its 34th Annual Codava National Day on Constitution Day, 26 November 2024, at Capitol Village, near Madikeri. This significant occasion reaffirmed the CNC’s dedication to preserving Codava heritage, ensuring indigenous rights, and achieving political recognition for the Codava people.
Participants from across Codavaland and the diaspora gathered in a show of unity, adopting resolutions aimed at safeguarding their cultural identity and advocating for constitutional protection.
A Legacy of Resilience and Unity
In his address, CNC President N.U. Nachappa articulated the Codava people’s aspirations for recognition under the Indian Constitution, drawing parallels with other indigenous communities globally. According to a release by CNC, the resolutions adopted emphasised:
Cultural Heritage: Protecting Codava language, traditions, and folklore.
Indigenous Rights: Recognition as an indigenous people with rightful claims to ancestral lands.
Community Solidarity: Strengthening bonds among the Codava diaspora.
“The congregation pledged to uphold these goals, drawing inspiration from the Codava ethos encapsulated in their Nine Sacred Traits,” stated release.
Preserving Codava Identity
The CNC highlighted the importance of Codava traditions, rooted in unique cultural markers such as the sacred River Cauvery, ancestral lands (Devakaad), and the Codava Thakk language. Codava customs, from Kailpoud (weapon worship) to Puthari (harvest festival), were underscored as vital to the community’s spiritual and cultural continuity.
“Codava heritage reflects a profound connection with nature, resonating with constitutional principles like Article 51A(f), which calls for conserving the environment and natural heritage,” release stated.
Constitutional and International Recognition
The CNC reiterated its demands for constitutional safeguards, citing Articles 25, 26, and 347 for cultural and religious rights, and inclusion of Codava Thakk in the 8th Schedule. “These measures aim to protect Codava customs, such as the sacramental right to bear arms, akin to Sikh traditions,” CNC release stated.
Internationally, the CNC seeks recognition under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the preservation of Codava folklore as intangible cultural heritage under UNESCO.
Demands for Justice and Equity
According to release, CNC’s demands extend beyond cultural preservation to include:
Autonomy: Establishment of a geo-political region under the 6th Schedule.
Land Rights: Restoration of Codava ancestral lands confiscated during colonial rule.
Environmental Protection: Recognition of the Cauvery River as a living entity.
Representation: Creation of exclusive parliamentary constituencies for Codava voices.
“These demands reflect grievances stemming from the 1956 merger of Coorg with Karnataka, which the CNC alleges marginalised the Codava community and eroded its traditional rights,” release added.
The event concluded with a solemn oath to uphold Codava heritage and aspirations for political autonomy. Participants sang the national anthem, reaffirming their commitment to India’s sovereignty while advocating for equity and justice.
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