Mysuru: ‘Kodava Veera Janangada Antaratma Part-1’, written by Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa, was released recently at the Kodava Samaja in Ponnampet. The event was organised by Jabbhoomi Charitable Trust.

Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna released the book and stressed the need for Kodavas to preserve their inherited customs and values without being influenced by external forces.

The book focuses on the uniqueness and nuances of Kodava culture and seeks to highlight the importance of preserving traditional values.

It also attempts to challenge colonial historical narratives through researched accounts, references and documentation of Kodagu’s oral traditions.

The author examines the underlying meanings of various Kodava customs, heritage and regional practices, besides highlighting the spiritual and cultural ties the community has historically maintained with its ‘Guru Karonas’.

Speaking after releasing the book, Ponnanna said Kodavas should never forget their authentic traditions and practices. He appreciated the author’s efforts in preparing the comprehensive volume and said documentation was vital to the community’s ongoing demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list.

Jabbhoomi Trust’s Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah said the book was the outcome of more than two years of collecting records and historical material relating to Kodava attire, rituals and traditions.

“This is the first step in recording our culture in a way that allows us to proudly claim it as our own,” he said.

Author Ramesh Uthappa said the book was an effort to pass Kodava practices on to the next generation by documenting what he had learnt from elders. He said the work avoided distorted history and instead presented factual accounts of Kodava life. “Such works will play a crucial role in legally documenting Kodava rights and existence,” he said.

The author also interacted with the audience and explained various aspects of the book, citing examples of the uniqueness and nuances of Kodava culture.