Preserve Ancestral Lands, Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah Urges at Buttangala Paddy Field Festival

Buttangala: Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, President of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, emphasized the importance of preserving ancestral lands during the closing ceremony of the "Bael Pani" paddy field festival held on Sunday August 11. Addressing a gathering as the chief guest, Nachaiah urged the Kodava community to protect their ancestral properties, stressing that such lands are vital to the preservation of Kodava culture and heritage.

“The right to sell our ancestor’s property does not belong to us,” Nachaiah said. “We must preserve and protect these lands to safeguard Kodagu’s future. This land was not freely acquired; it was earned through the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors. Even during the era of the kings, Kodava people fought valiantly to defend this land. Our responsibility is to honor their legacy by protecting this soil with self-respect.”

The "Bael Pani," organized in collaboration with Jabhoomi Charitable Trust and other local organizations, is a celebration of paddy field sports and the Kodava way of life. Nachaiah highlighted that such events serve as a reminder of the intrinsic connection between the Kodava people and their land. “Our goal is to instill in our children an understanding of the importance of this land and water. This celebration is not just about sports; it is about reinforcing our bond with the earth,” he added.

Chotakmada Rajiv Bopaiah, convenor of Jabhoomi Charitable Trust, echoed Nachaiah's sentiments during the closing ceremony. He underscored that rice cultivation is integral to Kodava culture and serves as a foundation for their festivals. “There is no question of profit or loss in rice cultivation; it is our culture. This event helps us appreciate the deep connection between our festivals and paddy cultivation,” Bopaiah said.

Bopaiah also addressed the ongoing issue of land conversion in Buttangala, where paddy fields are being repurposed for other uses. “The main reason for organizing this program here is to highlight the impact of land conversion in this area. Our team is working to raise awareness among Kodavas living in other places and is actively campaigning to preserve Kodagu’s land,” he noted.

At the festival, winners of various competitions were awarded prize money, certificates, and trophies.

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