Welcome to Coorg Education Fund
Education is the base for knowledge and enlightenment – for knowledge is light in life. It is also said “Amruththanthu Vidya”, meaning knowledge is Nectar and hence the motto of Coorg Education Fund is “Inspiring Young Minds“.
(Standing, left to right): Codanda Kuttia, Apparanda Boppanna, Corvanda Nanjappa, Coluvanda Appanna and Kullatria Chengappa.
(Seated, left to right): Cheppudira Thimayya, Apparanda Mandana, Manayapanda Belliappa (Asst. Commissioner, Coorg), Biddanda Bopanna and Mukatiera Mandanna.
Coorg (Kodagu) and the Coorgs (Kodavas) have a recorded history dating back to the 10th century. In the 19th century, as English became one of the official languages of administration in Coorg, Kodava chiefs recognized the importance of educating their children in English. They understood that proficiency and learning in the language would enable future generations to communicate more effectively and compete on equal terms with their British counterparts.
There is a saying in Kodava folklore – “Arivavane Periyava” – which literally means “a learned person is a superior one”.
A letter sent in Oct 1862 by L.Bowring, Chief Commissioner of Coorg to the Viceroy, and Governor General of India reads –
“It has probably rarely happened in India that a whole race has come forward in this manner, putting aside traditional prejudices to meet half way, the earnest wish of their Rulers, that they should educate themselves”.
The Report on Education (1834–1882) records the significant contribution of Coluvanda Cariappa, who championed the cause of education among the Coorgs and was a pioneering advocate of female education in Coorg:
“No one had taken up female education with so much zeal and sincerity, or had contributed so much money to it. He had built the girls’ boarding house at Mercara at his own expense. Holding the opinion that the wife should be a fit and equal companion of the husband, he wished that, in time to come, the educated Coorgs should be blessed with educated wives.”
History
Coorg, Land of Kodavas or Coorgs has a history of British rule. During their stay in Coorg, the British vested unique privileges for the community and strove hard to promote education which gave the Kodavas a head start in education.
Membership
There are five categories of Members of the Coorg Education Fund by which an individual or an institution may subscribe to.
Management
Continuing the format established in 1954, the Managing Committee selects the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
Beneficiaries
During the 150 years since it’s inception, the Fund has benefited thousands of young Kodava boys and girls.