Madikeri: A high-level consultative committee was formed here on Saturday at a meeting convened by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy as part of the preparations for the World Kodava Convention (Vishwa Kodava Mela) to be held here from December 23 to 25.

The meeting was presided over by president of the academy Ulliada Dotty Poovaiah. The president of the academy, former presidents, and the president of the Federation of Kodava Samajas would be members of the committee.

This committee would act as the patron body and guide all activities relating to the convention, Ms. Poovaiah said in the meeting.

Besides, a main working body comprising members of 15 sub-committees was also announced to ensure smooth conduct of the convention. Presidents and representatives of various units of Kodava Samaja, Iri Samaja, Amma Kodava Samaja, Kodava-Madivala Samaja, and Kudiya Samaja attended the meeting.

It was decided to invite all former Ministers and legislators from the district to be part of the reception committee. Kodavas and Kodava enthusiasts living abroad and Kodava cultural troupes from abroad and across the country would be invited to perform during the three days of the convention, she said.

Competitions in cultural programmes, sports and games would be organised and winners would be given prizes and certificates. Twenty Kodava books would be released on the occasion along with a souvenir to commemorate the event. Cultural processions would be the main attraction, she said.

Sixty people would be honoured for their contribution to various fields, Ms. Poovaiah said.

Bottolanda Kashi Achaiah, member of the academy, rendered invocation, while Naliyammanda Umesh Kechamaiah welcomed the gathering. Kalimada Motaiah read a report and Titira Rekha Vasant proposed a vote of thanks.

Denies charges

Meanwhile, in a statement issued here on Friday, Ms. Poovaiah, denied allegations by a group of Kodava-speaking people that non-Kodavas, who spoke Kodava, had been ignored in terms of academy membership and activities related to it. The Kudiya and Kembatti communities had participates in the "Aat Paat" (dance and music) programme earlier, she said.

The academy was training students from all communities and was involving them in the "Kunji Balo" programme, Ms. Poovaiah said.

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