logo
Codava National Council to Host Seminar on Geo-Political Autonomy and Tribal Rights in Kodagu

Codava National Council to Host Seminar on Geo-Political Autonomy and Tribal Rights in Kodagu

Hans India13-06-2025
Madikeri: In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar this week highlighting its 35-year-long peaceful movement for the political, cultural, and territorial rights of the Codava people.
Speaking to Hand India President of the CNC NU Nachappa, the seminar will address CNC's core demands, including the creation of a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution — akin to the autonomous councils in the Northeast and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The organisation is also seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Codavas, whom it identifies as a distinct animistic, mono-ethnic indigenous community.
The keynote speaker for the event is Vikram Hegde, a constitutional lawyer practising in the Supreme Court, who has previously represented the CNC in the landmark Codava Gun Rights case. His lecture will delve into constitutional provisions for regional autonomy, linguistic rights, and the protection of customary practices — subjects he also teaches as a visiting faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
Among the other issues to be discussed at the seminar are:
Restoration of hereditary land rights lost during the rule of the Keladhi dynasty and British colonial administration.
Inclusion of Codava Thakk in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution to preserve the community's language.
Continuation of exemptions under the Indian Arms Act, which currently allow Codavas to carry traditional firearms as part of their religious and cultural identity — similar to the Kirpan exemption for Sikhs.
Protection of Codava cultural and historical sites, customary laws, and their ecological lifelines, particularly the Cauvery river basin.
Political representation, including demands for reserved seats in legislative bodies, modelled after the unique 'Sangha' constituency for Buddhist monks in Sikkim.
'The CNC's movement has always been peaceful, rooted in constitutional advocacy,' said CNC founder and president N.U. Nachappa Codava. 'Our goal is to secure the rightful identity, autonomy, and dignity of the Codava people — not only within India's democratic framework but also under international conventions on indigenous rights.'
The CNC is currently pursuing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks legal recognition of Codavaland's claim for geo-political autonomy, arguing that their demands are both constitutionally viable and historically justified.
Joining Hegde at the seminar will be his wife, Hima Lawrance also a Supreme Court lawyer, qualified to practice in both India and New York.
The event is expected to draw academics, legal experts, regional leaders, and community stakeholders from across Karnataka, as discussions around regional autonomy and tribal classification continue to gain traction in India's federal structure
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

India-UK Deal, ‘Chai Pe Charcha', Cricket & EPL: PM Modi's Day Out With Starmer At Chequers
India-UK Deal, ‘Chai Pe Charcha', Cricket & EPL: PM Modi's Day Out With Starmer At Chequers

News18

time14 minutes ago

  • News18

India-UK Deal, ‘Chai Pe Charcha', Cricket & EPL: PM Modi's Day Out With Starmer At Chequers

Curated By : Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: July 24, 2025, 21:46 IST Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have a cup of tea during a business showcase event at Chequers near Aylesbury, England. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met at Chequers, the British PM's country residence, on Thursday for a business showcase event where the two leaders formally concluded the long-awaited India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The deal was signed after a high-level delegation meeting attended by top officials from both sides led by the respective prime ministers. The moment was marked by a casual yet symbolic tea break at a stall named 'Amala Chai," where PM Modi and UK PM Starmer were seen enjoying a cup of tea together. Shortly after the interaction, PM Modi shared photos from the event on X, writing: ''Chai Pe Charcha' with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties! @Keir_Starmer." The gathering at Chequers also featured an interaction with players from the Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs, highlighting the role of sport in building people-to-people connections. India and the UK are connected by a shared passion for cricket. At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I interacted with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations. Also gave my young friends a bat signed… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025 'India and the UK are connected by a shared passion for cricket," Prime Minister Modi said. 'At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I interacted with players… Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations. Also gave my young friends a bat signed by the Indian cricket team which won the T20 World Cup." The tea and cricket-themed diplomacy followed the formal announcement of the FTA, a deal described as a milestone by both governments. Swipe Left For Next Video View all Modi said the agreement would enhance Indian exports in sectors such as textiles, footwear, gems, jewellery and seafood, while enabling Indian consumers to access British products like medical devices and aerospace components more affordably. He added that the deal would 'create new job opportunities" and benefit 'India's youth, farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs." Starmer called the FTA 'the most significant deal the UK has signed since leaving the EU," saying it would 'boost wages, raise living standards and put more money in the pockets of working people." He also said the agreement sends a clear message that 'the UK is open for business". Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More view comments News world India-UK Deal, 'Chai Pe Charcha', Cricket & EPL: PM Modi's Day Out With Starmer At Chequers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Lost in translation: PM Modi says ‘don't bother' as translator struggles at presser with UK's Starmer
Lost in translation: PM Modi says ‘don't bother' as translator struggles at presser with UK's Starmer

Indian Express

time14 minutes ago

  • Indian Express

Lost in translation: PM Modi says ‘don't bother' as translator struggles at presser with UK's Starmer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer shared a light-hearted moment when a translator appeared to struggle while translating a sentence from English to Hindi during the signing of the landmark free trade agreement (FTA) on Thursday in the UK. The incident happened when both the leaders were addressing the press, a translator began hesitating mid-sentence while translating Starmer's remarks about the 'historic' trade deal. 'Sorry…' she said, fumbling for words, speaking hesitantly about the trade deal benefitting consumers in the UK. Noticing her discomfort, PM Modi quickly stepped in: 'Don't bother… we can use English words in between. Don't worry about it.' The translator thanked him, clearly relieved. 'Sorry, His Excellency… I've lost the speech,' she added. Both leaders smiled and offered comfort. 'Yeah… no problem,' Modi said, while Starmer offered to repeat himself. 'I think we understand each other well,' he added with a grin. #WATCH | 'Don't bother, we can use English words in between. Don't worry about it,' says PM Narendra Modi candidly as translations for questions and answers were made at their press statement and the journalists' questions that followed. 'I think we understand each other well,'… — ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2025 The trade deal, signed in London, is the UK's biggest post-Brexit agreement and one of India's most significant in recent years. It will remove British tariffs on 95 per cent of Indian farm and food items — such as turmeric, pepper, cardamom, mango pulp and pickles — boosting profits for Indian farmers and helping both countries' manufacturing and tech sectors. Lauding the trade deal, PM Modi said in a post on X: 'A new chapter begins today in the India-UK economic partnership! The signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reflects our shared commitment to enhancing trade, driving inclusive growth and creating opportunities for farmers, women, youth, MSMEs, and professionals.' Starmer also wrote, 'A landmark deal with India means jobs, investment and growth here in the UK. It creates thousands of British jobs, unlocks new opportunities for businesses and puts money in the pockets of working people. That's our Plan for Change in action.'

PM Modi interacts with young cricketers at Chequers Estate during UK visit, gifts bat signed by WC-winning Indian team
PM Modi interacts with young cricketers at Chequers Estate during UK visit, gifts bat signed by WC-winning Indian team

Mint

time14 minutes ago

  • Mint

PM Modi interacts with young cricketers at Chequers Estate during UK visit, gifts bat signed by WC-winning Indian team

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with young cricketers at Chequers Estate on Thursday during his visit to the United Kingdom. PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to the UK. With his British counterpart Keir Starmer by his side, Modi interacted with the budding cricketers at the Buckingham Street Cricket Hub in London. Both Modi and Starmer interacted with the young kids and also exchanged India and England jerseys. PM Modi also gifted a bat signed by the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning Indian team to the young cricketers. 'India and the UK are connected by a shared passion for cricket. At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I interacted with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs,' wrote PM Modi on X. 'Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations. Also gave my young friends a bat signed by the Indian cricket team which won the T20 World Cup. @Keir_Starmer,' he added. Not just meeting the young cricketers, Modi also described the India-UK ties using the cricket metaphor. "For both of us, cricket is not a game but a passion and also a great metaphor for our partnership. There may be swing and a miss at times, but we play with a straight bat. We are committed to building high-sourcing and solid partnerships," Modi said in a joint press briefing with Starmer in Aylesbury, shortly after the two leaders formally concluded the long-awaited India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Meanwhile, India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which starts next year and will see 99 per cent of Indian exports enter the United Kingdom duty-free, while reducing tariffs on British products such as cars and whisky. The deal, which comes days ahead of the US moratorium on higher tariffs coming to an end, aims to double the USD 56 billion trade between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies by 2030. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Jonathan Reynolds signed the agreement at a ceremony in UK Prime Minister's country residence Chequers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store