Madikeri: The Connecting Kodavas initiative, which aims at preserving the rich heritage and history of the Kodava community, will present the information gathered during ‘Okkame – Takkame: 2026′, scheduled for Feb 2026 in Virajpet.Under the leadership of Shanteyanda Niran Nachappa, Connecting Kodavas, with young individuals, has been working tirelessly since 2017 to compile a comprehensive record of the community’s history. The project encompasses a wide array of aspects, including demographic details, historical property records, marriage customs, military service, sports achievements, cultural practices, and agricultural traditions. The team meticulously gathered information by visiting various regions, ensuring that no detail was overlooked. This effort is particularly significant given the challenges faced by govt bodies in undertaking such extensive documentation. The Okkame–Takkame event aims to present the information in multiple formats, including a book, a website, and multimedia documents, making it accessible to the wider community. The organisation has spent Rs 15 lakh on the project, underscoring their commitment to preserving Kodava legacy, the NGO stated. The project involved extensive research, with documents sourced from various locations, including Chennai and London, to provide a comprehensive historical context. The initiative also seeks to address the current challenges faced by the community. The Connecting Kodavas team conducted three surveys to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information. With two phases completed, the final phase is under way, focusing on verifying and finalising the collected data. This meticulous approach aims to create a permanent record of the Kodava heritage, safeguarding it for posterity.Shanteyanda Niran Nachappa called for the cooperation of the Kodava community in this monumental task, emphasising the importance of preserving their unique cultural identity.
