Virajpet: When Karnataka is on the cusp of Assembly polls, Social Welfare Department and Backward Classes Minister Kota Srinivasa Poojari has stated that Rs. 5 crore will be released for the development of ‘Ain Mane’ (ancestral houses) in Kodagu and also, Rs.25 lakh will be released for the genealogical study of 18 Kodava language natives.
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating ‘Othorme Koota’ (get-together) and an exhibition at a gathering of 18 Kodava-speaking groups organised by the Kodagu Heggade Community Organisation and Kodava-Speaking Communities Association recently at Kodagu Heggade Community Hall in Bittangala. The issue of ‘Ain Mane’ is an emotional one for Kodavas and the community has been critical of successive State Governments for doing nothing to protect the ancient tradition and ancestral houses. Dejected by lack of Government grants, many families have contributed money, resources and time on their own to restore many ‘Ain Manes’ at their native villages.
