.png)
GROUND REPORT
Ponnampet: The second day of the ‘Kodavame Balo Padayatra,’ a peace march organised by the Akhila Kodava Samaja, saw an overwhelming response as thousands of Kodavas and Kodava-speaking people walked in solidarity from Kutta to Madikeri.
The march, which began on February 2, aims to draw the government’s attention to the challenges faced by the minority Kodava community regarding its identity, existence, and security.
As the padayatra progressed, more than 15,000 community members joined in from their homes along the route, demonstrating their support for the cause, according to organisers. The march, covering a total distance of 82 km over six days, saw participants dressed in traditional Kodava attire, holding placards that symbolised their unity and rich cultural heritage.
ADVT
A poignant moment of the march was the participation of 86-year-old Bayavanda Saraswathi Poovayya from Hysodlur village, who arrived in a wheelchair to show her unwavering support. Her determination and presence inspired many and underscored the importance of the movement.
On Monday, the padayatra resumed from T. Shettigeri, covering a 16-km stretch via Hudikeri to Ponnampet. On Day 1, the march covered 14 km from Kutta to T. Shettigeri. The event, scheduled to continue until February 7, has witnessed enthusiastic participation from men, women, and children.
Adding to the cultural vibrancy, women from T. Shettigeri Kodava Samaja’s Pommakkada Koota and the Sambhrama Women’s Cultural Centre performed traditional folk dances during the march. The Machamada family also welcomed and honoured the participants at the Machamada Ainmane, reinforcing the strong bonds within the community.
Leaders of the movement emphasised that the march was a self-motivated effort to unite the Kodava and Kodava-speaking communities, setting aside past differences to focus on a collective future. The response to the event has been overwhelming, with thousands of participants demonstrating the resilience and cultural pride of the Kodava people.
To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com
Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE
Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)
Comments