Kodava Journalists – Pioneers and Voices of the Community

Introduction

Journalism has played an important role in documenting society, recording events, sharing information and giving a voice to communities. Kodavas have contributed to this field through journalism across different periods, working in print, broadcast and other forms of media.

The history of journalism in Kodagu is also part of the larger story of the community’s social and public life. From the early efforts to establish a newspaper in Coorg to the contributions of journalists in later generations, these individuals have helped bring local events, issues and perspectives to a wider audience.

The First Newspaper of Kodagu – Kodagu

The establishment of the weekly Kodagu marked a significant milestone in the history of journalism in Kodagu (Coorg). Regarded as the first newspaper of the region, Kodagu was initiated through the efforts of Maneyapanda Muthanna, President of the Coorg Zamindari Association, along with other office-bearers of the Association.

The Government of India’s historical record places the launch of the weekly in 1920. Other historical accounts record that its first issue appeared on 3 June 1921, printed in Mysore and published from Madikeri. These dates are best presented separately: 1920 as the recorded year of its launch or establishment, and 3 June 1921 as the date of its first issue.

The initiative to establish Kodagu reflects the early efforts to create a publication that could serve the region and provide a platform for information and public discussion. Its place in the history of Kodagu journalism deserves to be remembered as part of the community’s heritage.

Kodavas in Journalism

Over the years, members of the Kodava community have entered different areas of journalism and media. Their work has included reporting, writing, editing and communicating developments to the public.

Journalists play an important role in recording contemporary history. Through their reporting and documentation, they preserve accounts of people, places, institutions and events that may otherwise remain unrecorded. The contributions of Kodava journalists form part of the community’s wider record of achievement.

list of Kodava journalists

By Okka

1. Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa
2. Ajjinikanda Pramila Nachaiah
3. Annira Harish Madappa
4. Bachamada Ḍevaiah Gaṇapati
5. Bacharaniyanda Anu Cariappa
6. Baduvanda Vicky Nanjappa
7. Ballachanda Darshan Devaiah
8. Balladichanda C Nanjappa
9. Biddatanda Deepak thimmaiah
10. Bollajira B Aiyappa
11. Boppanda Jeffry Aiyappa
12. Chammatira Praveen Uthappa
13. Cheranda Kishan
14. Chendrimada Meera Appaiah
15. Cheppudira P Belliappa
16. Chettangada Ravi Subbaiah
17. Iynanda Bopanna
18. Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa
19. Kalyatanda B Ganapathy
20. Kalyatanda Vikram Muthanna
21. Kanathanda Manu Aiyappa
22. Kangira Bopanna
23. Kiriyamada Raj Kushalappa
24. Kullettira Ajith Nanaiah
25. Kuppanda Dattathri
26. Machimada Somanna
27. Mandaneravanda Ugha Devaiah
28. Manipanda Santosh Thimmaiah
29. Manyepanda Aiyappa Ponnappa
30. Muckatira Gautham Machaiah
31. Mullengada Madhoosh Pooviah
32. Nayada Deepak Bopanna
33. Palachanda  Bancy Kalappa
34. Palanganda Bopanna
35. Palayanda Partha Chinnappa
36. Putharira Kalaiah
37. Sannuvanda Kishore Nachappa
38. Ulliyada Dotty Poovaiah
39. Ulliyada M Poovaiah

This list is a work in progress. Members of the community are invited to share details of Kodava journalists who may not yet be included.Information about former and present journalists, their Okka names, professional contributions, publications and photographs will help make this directory more comprehensive.

By documenting these individuals, we preserve an important part of Kodava history for future generations.