Fri Sep 26 08:54:36 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, formatted as a news report:
**The Hindu: Karnataka Caste Survey Divides Kodava Community Over Identity**
**Bengaluru, September 26, 2025** – A social and educational survey (caste survey) conducted by the Karnataka government has ignited a debate within the Kodava community regarding their religious identity. The survey, intended to assess the social and economic status of various communities in the state, asks respondents to declare their caste, language, and religion.
The crux of the issue lies in whether Kodavas should identify as Hindu or declare a separate “Kodava” faith. A faction of community leaders, including Akhila Kodava Samaja President Paradanda Subramani Kaverappa, are advocating for “Kodava” to be recorded across all three categories. They argue that Kodavas are a distinct tribal group with unique cultural practices that risk being diluted if subsumed within the larger Hindu population. Kaverappa emphasized that before the 1941 census, Kodavas were classified as a rare and distinct tribal group and that Kodavas do not follow caste divisions, sects, or a formalized religion. He also noted the dwindling population of Kodavas making it more vital to maintain a separate classification.
“Before the 1941 census, Kodavas were classified as a rare and distinct tribal group. Kodavas do not follow caste divisions, sects, or a formalised religion,” he argued.
Conversely, another group of leaders urges Kodavas to continue identifying as Hindu. They point to the strong influence of Hindu traditions on Kodava culture, including the worship of deities and the celebration of festivals. A. Manu Muthappa, former president of the Napoklu Kodava Samaja, stated, “Our culture reflects Hindu traditions be it the worship of Naga and Aiyappa deities in our homes and villages or the celebration of festivals like Tula Sankramana and Puthari, which follow Hindu customs.”
Mohan Devaiah, a resident of Ponnampet, reported that many Kodava families are holding discussions in their ancestral homes to decide how to answer the religion question.
The Codava National Council (CNC) is actively campaigning for Kodavas to identify solely as “Kodava” to ensure cultural survival and legal recognition. CNC president Nandineravanda U. Nachappa stated, “This is about cultural survival and legal recognition. Only when the government documents us as Kodava across all categories can we preserve our uniqueness.”
Karnataka Backward Classes Commission Chairperson Madhusudan Naik attempted to downplay the significance of the religion column, stating that the commission’s evaluation will be based on broader categories. “We will not be evaluating on the basis of religion and information is being sought under a broader category,” he had said.
Despite the debate, community leaders emphasize that the choice ultimately rests with each individual and family. The survey is intended to reflect the current social and economic situation of communities, with no compulsion to identify one way or another.
The survey is ongoing, and its results are expected to provide valuable insights into the diverse communities within Karnataka.
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