An Open Letter To M S Sathyu Over His Remark On Kodavas

I am writing this open letter to Mr M S Sathyu pertaining to his remark on Kodava community. Speaking at a function relating to social justice a movie director named M S Sathyu said “Kodavas are not Indians nor are they Hindus, they hailed from SOME Asian country who eventually came down and settled here. They never worshipped Hindu gods nor followed Hindu culture” He went on to add “Tippu didn’t convert Kodavas to Islam nor wage war against Kodavas, Because Kodavas are not Muslims” Despite the fact that his statement didn’t make any sense to me I would still want to respond to his remark, not because I want to prove Mr M S Sathyu wrong, It’s become quite evident in democratic India to target Hindus, especially if the community is a minority. Kodavas history dates back to era when many religion didn’t even exist. Kodava history is document unlike others. From the lame remark Mr M S Sathyu made it is quite evident that he has absolutely no knowledge about Indian history.  I Hope Mr M S Sathyu understands that the entire Indian civilization is based on Aryan and Dravidian migration which basically means every human migrated from all over the world before they settled down in one particular region.

All the self-proclaimed intellectuals like M S Sathyu who question the origin of Kodavas must understand that Hindu ancient literature (Kaveri Purana of Skanda Purana) state that Chandra Varma, a Chandravanshi Kshatriya (lunar dynasty warrior) and son of the Emperor of Matsya Desha (the Fish Country), was the ancestor of the Kodavas. Kodava’s are the original inhabitants of the Kodava Land, The Kaveri Purana derived from Skanda Purana clearly states the reason about why kodava women’s tradition way of wearing saree is different from the entire south india. The existence of Igguthappa temple dates back to 1153 and the History itself claims Kodavas existed centuries before this temple was built. The earliest text titled Skanda Purana likely existed by the 6th-century which basically means Kodavas existed even before 6^th century. Kodavas were tribes and who lived in dense forest worshipping nature and they still continue to practice it which is the core of Hindu ideology. The Rig Veda clearly states about worshipping nature. We are ancestor worshippers whom we call Guru. Kodavas believe Guru will protect them from every odds which again is documented in Vedas. On what moral grounds do you say Kodavas are not Hindus ? We have adored and practiced Hindutva from time immemorial. Goddess Cavery and Igguthappa are Hindu Gods Mr Director. Your statement defending Tippu pertaining to Kodava genocide only exposed your respect for another Hindu, Every sentence, every word you said at the event only makes me wonder if you were out of your sense, Genocide of Kodavas has more proofs than the number of movies or play you can ever direct, so to keep it very simple do read my article “The blood Bath of Kodavas” (http://macthimmaiah.blogspot.in/2015/11/the-blood-bath-of-kodavas.html ) When you say Kodavas are not Indians you must understand Kodava community produced India’s first field marshal, Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimmaiah were Kodavas and their contribution to this nation cannot be gauged. Considering we are the world’s second least populated race without a minority status the community has produced the best of Army mens and sports personality and someone like you don’t even qualify to raise questions about the warrior race. The community has made enough contribution towards nation building. Kodavas are among the highest tax payers in the country. Your speech at the private function only shows your desperate attempt to please certain section of the society by targeting kodavas and it is we who should be questioning about love towards nation knowing the fact that you didn’t want ban to be imposed on Pakistani actors after URI attack since for you the career of a Pakistani actors means more than life of a Indian soldier . We are more Hindu than you could ever imagine, We are more Indian then you will ever be. I can only sympathise with your ignorance and pity your knowledge Mr M S Sathyu. I suggest you spend your left over time reading history and gain some knowledge before you be branded a joke. A community which always stood proud of their identity don’t vow explanation to anyone. The nation and its history knows Who and What Kodavas are, the facts don’t change just because a movie director says so.
Mac Thimmaiah