Madikeri: Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy president Ulliada Dotty Poovaiah on Tuesday denied neglecting a particular Kodava-speaking group. She refuted the allegation that she had discriminated against that group with regard to the affairs of the activities of the academy. Any Kodava-speaking community member was welcome to be part of the academy activities, she said.

She was referring to charges made by the Heggade community in Kodagu, which had accused the aAcademy of neglecting it, especially with regard to nomination and their involvement in the proposed World Kodava Convention slated from December 23 to 25. The academy had been functioning in a secular manner for the growth of Kodava language, literature, culture, and folklore. Communities such as "Kembattis" and "Kudiyas" were involved in the activities. Members of the Gowda community took part enthusiastically in certain places of the district. The "Kunji Balo" programme, involving students in schools, was aimed at propagating the Kodava culture.

Nomination

Accusing certain people of misleading the Heggade community and spreading a canard to defame the academy, Ms. Poovaiah said the State Government had the powers to nominate three members to the academy after the constitution of the main body. If no Heggade member was chosen two years ago (when this body came into being), it was not the fault of the academy. She enjoyed the support of the people and all members of the academy, she said. Whatever might be the result, the academy would go ahead with the World Kodava Convention.

Kodava was a caste as also a language. It was unfortunate that some people inimical to the interests of the academy were attempting to bring disharmony among all Kodava-speaking groups in Kodagu for flimsy reasons, Ms. Poovaiah alleged. The Academy had written to the Heggade community in the past requesting its members to attend meetings to discuss and chalk out programmes with regard to the convention. But its suggestion was turned down, she said. They could still attend the June 19 meeting scheduled to be held here.

Over 50,000 people, including those living abroad, would be attending the three-day convention, she said. The convention was organised for the first time ever. Many Kodavas living abroad had been contacted through email.

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