The Hindu : Cities / Chennai : The story of Ariya Gowda

The Hindu : Cities / Chennai : The story of Ariya Gowda

The story of Ariya Gowda

by Sriram V [The Hindu - Chennai, May 1, 2012]

Ari Gowder was President of the Backward Classes League and leaned towards the Justice Party

The chances of anyone travelling down Ariya Gowda Road in West Mambalam, and stopping to wonder about the identity of the man who gave the thoroughfare its name, are slim.

For when you are on Ariya Gowda Road, you are focused on getting out of the road alive, given its traffic.

He was not Ariya Gowda. He was HB Ari Gowder, a great visionary and leader of the Badaga community of the Nilgiris. And his life, as gleaned from various sources, including a 1935 Who's Who and the internet, makes for interesting reading. Rao Bahadur Hubbathalai J Bellie Gowder, made his fortune in laying the tracks of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which was completed in 1908.

His wealth made him a leading member of his community, and his clansmen came to him for advice on several issues. Bellie Gowder founded a free school in his native village, Hubbathalai, an institution that still functions. He passed away in 1935. Bellie Gowder's son, Ari, was born in 1893. His father ensured that he was educated in the modern sense and he graduated from Madras Christian College.

Though he was to consider himself a contractor and a planter, it was in politics and social uplift that Ari Gowder was to make a mark. In 1923, he became the first Badaga to be elected to the Madras Legislative Council of which he was a member until 1934. In the 1940s, he was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly.

When the Rajaji government introduced Prohibition in 1937, he led the challenge of enforcing it in the Nilgiris, of which area he was also the first non-official to become District Board President. Ari Gowder was also active in the Scouts Movement. Another contribution of his was the establishment of the Nilgiris Cooperative Marketing Society, which eliminated the stranglehold middlemen had over the simple mountain people.

He was also a Director of the Badaga Land Mortgage Bank. While the sympathies of most of his community lay with the Congress, Ari Gowder, given that he was President of the Backward Classes League, leaned more towards the Justice Party, which was active till the 1930s. That probably explains the road in Mambalam being named after him.

Neighbouring Theyagaroya Nagar or T Nagar, developed in the 1920s when the Justice Party was in power and most of the roads, parks and streets there are named after its leaders.

Legend also has it that a large chunk of land adjoining the Mambalam Railway Station was his, which he donated for developmental work. Like his father, Ari Gowder too received the title of Rao Bahadur from the British Government, in 1943.

In 1946, Ari Gowder was defeated in the Assembly elections. But in 1952 he contested successfully as an independent. He was to remain an independent for the rest of his career.

He passed away in 1971. How did Ari Gowder Road morph into Ariya Gowda Road? And should it not be just Ari Road?

 The Hindu : Cities / Chennai : The story of Ariya Gowda.

Let us call ourselves as Badagas speaking Badaga/Badagu

Naren (vijayarajnaren@gmail.com) has sent me the following email through a comment and raised a very important issue of urgent nature :

Sir, Thank you for a such wonderful site. Though a regular reader of this site, I have yet to comment on such wonderful  info in these blogs.

It is evident that caste enumeration is conducted now in Tamil Nadu. Each and every caste is trying to mobilize and clarify nature of the sub-sects of their caste during enumeration. Is there any awareness created in the community in respect of how to answer the caste enumeration. Is it necessary for Badagas to state their sub sect like Haruva, Badaga, Thorraya during the enumeration?

I hope you will create the awareness in the above aspect.

Thank you very much Naren.

Since the 1981 census Badagas are not shown as a separate community but have been clubbed with 'Kannada Speaking groups'. This, to say the least, is - atrocious. Badaga is a separate and unique community with rich language and 'richer' rituals, customs and traditions.

Now is the chance for us to proudly say that we are Badagas (Badagar) and our mother tongue is Badaga ( Badagu). The other important issue about sub sect :- our history has quite a few instances where we, as a community, divided ourselves into Odaya,Haruva, Badaga, Kanakka, Adikari,Thoraya etc and created a lot of bad blood. (I am surprised, though, to learn that Thorayas are given the MBC classification while Badagas come under BC,) let all those who speak Badaga (Badagu) be considered as Badagas (Badagar).

I have just spoken to the  General Secretary and Treasurer of the Coonoor Badaga Welfare Association about this and have been promised that they have already put out ads in local TV and soon in the news papers to request all Badagas to give, when the caste census is taken, their cast as BADAGAR and mother tongue [language] as BADAGU when the caste enumeration is undertaken. This applies to all  Badagas wherever they reside, be it in the hattis, towns or cities.

So, all you  Proud Badagas out there, please ensure that we give our identity [caste/'jathi'] as BADAGA(r) and Languge spoken as BADAGU/Badaga

- Wg Cdr JP

Badaga language - 'sha - ஷ ' and 'zha - ழ' ?

Recently I had the pleasure of receiving  Anandha Raju [inventor of Badaga Anandha script] with his charming wife and children at our place and had a pow wow on Badaga, the great language.. Anandha feels that there is no 'sh -ஷ ' sound in Badaga Maathu [language].

I disagree. What about barasha (year) - பரஷ, baashay (language) - பாஷே, Kashta (difficulty) ௦ கஷ்ட , nashta (loss) - நஷ்ட  and ishta (wish) - இஷ்ட ?

Another 'sound' of interest is 'zha - ழ' - the only word that comes to mind is 'eizhu'- (seven) -இழ்ழு .

What do you think?

Badaga Kola [Clan]

Pratheepan Raju posted this info in FB [http://www.facebook.com/groups/badagas/doc/430310926984904/]

This is a work of Late Thyagi. K.P.Raju Gowder of KADASOLAI Village who was Author of the local Nilgiri magazine called "ARAAICH [Araachi?]" in which he had published 13 issues.
The Badaga community, like several communities of India is formed of different Clans(KOLA) affiliated to different Totems.

The various clans and their totems are as follows:
1. Forefathers of Solur Group - NAGA (COBRA)
2. Forefathers of Thoodagur Group - ANEY (ELEPHANT)
3. Forefathers of Doddur Group - MARI (GODDESS MARI)
4. Forefathers of Sinnakunnur - Kethi - Kundha Group - KASTURI (MUSK DEER)
5. Forefathers of Hebbanadu - Halhattane - Thangadu Group - MANIKKA (CARBUNCLE STONE)
Forefathers of Meekeri - Ithalar - Balakola Group - MANIKKA (CARBUNCLE STONE)
Forefathers of Horanally - Porthy Group - MANIKKA (CARBUNCLE STONE)
Forefathers of Bembatti - Belida Group - MANIKKA (CARBUNCLE STONE)
Forefathers of Kasoley-Mandhanai Group - MANIKKA (CARBUNCLE STONE)
Forefathers of Jakkanarai Group - MANIKKA (CARBUNCLE STONE)
Forefathers of Kateri Ajjur Group - MANIKKA (CARBUNCLE STONE)
6. Forefathers of Adhikari Group - KOVERU (WHITE HORSE)
7. Forefathers of Kagguchchi- Jagadala Group - BELLIE (SILVER)
8. Forefathers of Pannemanai-Kenduva Group - SELANDI (SPIDER)
9. Forefathers of Porangadu Group - MADHUVA (HONEY BEE).

Each clan is exogamous, i.e., man belonging to one clan cannot marry the girls of the same clans as they are the descendants from the same ancestors. Men of one clan can marry girls of different clans affiliated to different totem.

Direct words from from his piece -
"It is claimed that the main merkunadu group,viz, the Hebanad-Halatanai-Thangadu group and the Jakkanarai group are descended from the same forefather. The Late A.N. Kadagowder, former Moniagar of Merkunad, Denad Village and the Late.M.Doddayya Gowder of Halattanai informed the author (Late.Thyagi.K.P.Raju Gowder) that the forefather of the Jakkanarai group of the Badagas was uterine brother of Huliajja, Guruajja and Haraajja, the forefathers of the main group of the merkunad people. The Jakkanarai forefather Batti Hettappa joined the Porangadu forefathers at Thalaimalai and accompanied them to Betalada where he married Yelingi Amma, the sister of 7 forefathers of Porangadu people. The above informants asserted that they belong to the MANIKA CLAN."

NAGA KOLA
Hatti’s founded by Solur Group Forefathers
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Soluru Solur
2. Bekodey Solur
3. Kotatti Solur
4. Bikkekandi Solur
5. Hosahatti Solur
6. Thalemaley Solur
7. Hakkosu Solur
8. Addakorey Solur
9. Devala Devala

ANEY KOLA
Hatti’s Of Thoodagur Group Forefathers
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Hullathi Hullathi
2. Karepalli Hullathi
3. Meluru Hullathi
4. Kavaratti Hullathi
5. Yekoni Hullathi
6. Kadasoley Hullathi
7. Malekotey Hullathi
8. Athigallu Hullathi
9. Kilinjimora Hullathi
10. Nanjanadu Nanjanad
11. Kuruthugui Nanjanad
12. Kallakorey Ithalar
13. Morakutti Hebbanad
14. Nerimora Hebbanad
15. Bandumi Jagadala
16. Kukallu Kukal
17. Yediyuru Kukal
18. Kukalthorey Kukal
19. Nerikambey Kukal
20. Seegehola Kukal
21. Degili Kukal
22. Uyilhatti Kukal
23. Kurumidi Kukal
24. Kotada Hassanur Melseeme
25. Hosahatti Hassanur Melseeme
26. Attapadi Hassanur Melseeme
27. Seegehatti Hassanur Melseeme
28. Punajuru Chamarajnagar Taluk


MARI KOLA



MARI KOLA
Hatti’s of DODDUR Group Forefathers
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Kadanadu Kadanad
2. Davaney Kadanad
3. Benthatti Kadanad
4. Kokudalu Kadanad
5. Nandahatti Kadanad
6. Jakkaluru Kadanad
7. Havarey Hullathi
8. Mel Kauhatti Nanjanad
9. Kil Kauhatti Nanjanad
10. Thuneri Thuneri
11. Baragallu Thuneri
12. Hannikorey Thuneri
13. Mragallu Thuneri
14. Thorehatti Thuneri
15. Ulupatti Thuneri
16. Ooramaley Thuneri
17. Karegallu Hebbanad
18. Kodumudi Keeyatti Hebbanad
19. Iduhatti Hebbanad
20. Mainaley Thummanatti
21. Madithorey Thummanatti
22. Kundesoppey Thummanatti
23. Thummanatti Thummanatti
24. Kendorey Thummanatti
25. Kappachi Thummanatti
26. Thummanda Thummanatti
27. Kambhatti Thummanatti
28. Billikambey Kagguchchi
29. Kethorey Kethi
30. Jakkalhodey Jakkanarai
31. Nidugula Keeyatti Nidugula
32. Kurukathi Nidugula
33. Kadekodu Nidugula
34. Pandaluru Pandalur

KASTURI KOLA
Hatti’s of Sinnakunur-Ketti-Kundah Forefathers.
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Sinnakunnur Kadanad
2. Baramannu Kadanad
3. Konagatti Kadanad
4. Malligorey Kadanad
5. Nellimandu Thuneri
6. Nattakallu Kotagiri
7. Porore Ketti
8. Mokkatti Ketti
9. Kerkandi Ketti
10. Kekkatti Ketti
11. Yellanhalli Ketti
12. Hulhada Ketti
13. Ketti Oor Ketti
14. Achanagallu Ketti
15. Manepattu Ketti
16. Melhatti Ketti
17. Kammandu Ketti
18. Kerehada Ketti
19. Soregundu Ketti
20. Theedehatti Ketti
21. Dimbhatti Kotagiri
22. Naregiri Nidugula
23. Kanneri Nidugula
24. Thalorey Naduhatti
25. Kethikeri Jakkanarai
26. Selave Jakkanarai
27. Bungalada Jakkanarai
28. Mudiyakambe Jakkanarai
29. Thumburu Jakkanarai
30. Melkundah Melkundah
31. Attumannu Melkundah
32. Hosahatti Kinnakore
33. Keeyakundah Keeyakundah
34. Thuneri Keeyakundah
35. Manikal Keeyakundah
36. Bakorey Keeyakundah
37. Mattakandi Keeyakundah
38. Manjuru Keeyakundah
39. Kariamaley Keeyakundah
40. Kechigatti Keeyakundah
41. Bikkatti Bikkatti
42. Hosahatti Bikkatti
43. Kerapadu Bikkatti
44. Yedakadu Bikkatti
45. Naduhatti Bikkatti
46. Sundatti Bikkatti
47. Mukkimaley Bikkatti
48. Mulligur Mulligur
49. Mullimalai Mulligur
50. Gaikandi Mulligur
51. Gundunai Mulligur
52. Kunjanarey Mulligur
53. Masikandi Balakola
54. Baigehada Balakola
55. Kavasapadi Attapadi
56. Hosuru Attapadi
57. Ummathapadi Attapadi
58. Pattanakallu Attapadi
59. Soonagadde Attapadi
60. Agali Attapadi

MANIKA KOLA
Hatti’s of Hebbanadu-Halhattane-Thangadu Group Forefathers
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Hebbanadu Hebbanadu
2. Kengamudi Hebbanadu
3. Kallimora Hebbanadu
4. Hosahatti Hebbanadu
5. Mel-Kodumudi Hebbanadu
6. Murutuva Hebbanadu
7. Meluru Melur
8. Hosahatti Melur
9. Naihatti Melur
10. Halhattane Melur
11. Bengal Balakola
12. Kothiben Balakola
13. Kokalhada Balakola
14. Denadu Balakola
15. Mainaley Balakola
16. Nunduva Balakola
17. Thangadu Balakola
18. Halakorey Balakola
19. Arehatti Balakola
20. Manihatti Balakola
21. Karigalbey Ithalar
22. Pudugatti Ithalar
23. Mel-Koderi Adigaratti
24. Karimorahatti Hubbathalai
25. Ottimorahosahatti Ketti
26. Thattaneri Solur
27. Bikkatti Hullathi
28. Kalinganatti Kagguchi
29. Kattabettu-Hosatti Jagadala
30. Kodamalai-Hosatti Burliar
31. Honnorey Naduhatti(Kattabettu)
32. Gathugui Kotagiri
33. Benthatti Kotagiri
34. Kottanhalli Nidugula
35. Nandahatti Gudalur
36. Soladi Nelliyala
37. Odemandu Melseeme-Hassanur


Hatti’s of Meekeri-Ithalar-Balakola Group Forefathers (MANIKA KOLA)
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Meekeri Balakola
2. Balakola Balakola
3. Mudugula Balakola
4. Kanneri Balakola
5. Ithalar Ithalar
6. Happukodu Ithalar
7. Thoodaley Ithalar
8. Umarkandi Ithalar
9. Bikkol Adigaratti
10. Baigemandu Ketti
11. Kavilorey Kadanad

Hatti’s of Harnai-Porthi group Forefathers (MANIKA KOLA)
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Horanally Balakola
2. Attuboilu Ithalar
3. Porthi Ithalar
4. Hosa Attuboilu Ithalar
5. Bingasagallu Nanjanad

Hatti’s of Bembatti- Belda Group Forefathers (MANIKA KOLA)
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Bembatti Ithalar
2. Belda Ithalar

Hatti’s of Kasoley-Mandhaney Group Forefathers (MANIKA KOLA)
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Kasoley Adigaratti
2. Mandhaney Balakola
3. Godalhatt Adigaratti
4. Sakkalhatti Ketti

Hatti’s of Jakkanarai Group Forefathers (MANIKA KOLA)
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Jakkanarai Jakkanarai
2. Aravenu Jakkanarai
3. Kallada Jakkanarai
4. Thinniyuru Jakkanarai
5. Odenu Nidugula
6. Dabbakambe Konakeri
7. Beragani Hosahatti Nidugula

Hatti’s of Kateri-Ajjur Group Forefathers (MANIKA KOLA)
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Kateri Adigaratti
2. Naduhatti Adigaratti
3. Thoorhatti Adigaratti
4. Ajjuru Kagguchchi
5. Jeenatti Kagguchchi
6. Nadu Ore Kagguchchi



KOVERU KOLA
Hatti’s of Adhikari group Forefather’s
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Adhigaratti Adigaratti
2. Anehatti Adigaratti
3. Muttinadu Adigaratti
4. Oranalli(Katery) Adigaratti
5. Harahatti Melur
6. Manjakambey Balakola
7. Sogethorey Ketti
8. Dodhanni Ketti
9. Kothanghatti Ketti
10. Halhada Ketti

BELLI KOLA
Hatti’s of Kagguchchi-Jagadala Group Forefathers
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Kagguchchi Kagguchchi
2. T.Manihatti Kagguchchi
3. Honnathaley Kagguchchi
4. Jagadala Jagadala
5. Berhatti Jagadala
6. Malligorai Jagadala
7. Karekorey Jagadala
8. Honnamudi Jagadala
9. Manjidala Jagadala
10. Mel-Bikkatti Jagadala
11. Kil-Bikkatti Jagadala
12. Thambhatti Adigaratti
13. Nidugula Nadukeri Nidugula

SELANDI KOLA
Hatti’s of Pannemane-Kenduva Group Forefathers
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Pannemanai Hulikal
2. Hulikallu Hulikal
3. Kenduva Hulikal
4. Denaley Ketti
5. Kandibikkey KilKundha

MADHUVA KOLA
Hatti’s of Porangadu group Forefathers
Village Name Nearest Point
1. Beragani Porangadu
2. Jakkakambe Porangadu
3. Sundatti Porangadu
4. Selakorae Porangadu
5. Kavilore Porangadu
6. Miliden Porangadu
7. Kerkambe Porangadu
8. Thanthanadu Porangadu
9. Horasoley Porangadu
10. Gundhada Porangadu
11. Pudiyangi Porangadu
12. Maralakambe Porangadu
13. Bhattakore Porangadu
14. Harakambe Porangadu
15. Hanehatti Porangadu
16. Keeye Hanehatti Porangadu
17. Kannerimukku Porangadu
18. Haiyuru(Aiyooru) Porangadu
19. Samaldittu Porangadu
20. Kadekambatti Porangadu
21. Kechchigatti Porangadu
22. Kunnu Attu Porangadu
23. Kerbetta Porangadu
24. Betalhada Porangadu
25. Gadugu Battagore Porangadu
26. Pedduva Porangadu
27. Kalhatti Porangadu
28. Byangi Porangadu
29. Addavale Porangadu
30. Kerben Porangadu
31. Pudumandu Porangadu
32. Irupugallu Porangadu
33. Thothamokke Porangadu
34. Kattabettu Porangadu
35. Thogalhatti Porangadu
36. Naduhatti Porangadu
37. Bettatti Porangadu
38. Ellithorai Porangadu
39. Yedapalli Porangadu
40. Halakarai Porangadu
41. Kodamalai Porangadu
42. Hubbathalai Porangadu
43. Koderi Adigaratti
44. Kinnakorai Kinnakorai
45. Hiriyaseegai Kinnakorai
46. Kengal Kadanad
47. Mothakambe Kadanad
48. Barlhatti Thummanhatti
49. Morigallu Thummanhatti
50. Kendore-Kodamalai Thummanhatti
51. Bikkemorahatti Kagguchchi
52. Bettatti Jakkanarai 

Perhaps the above work of Late Thyagi. KP Raju Gowder was inspired from Late MK Bellie Gowder of Achanakall Village who enumerated the houses of all the clans/kola of the community in 1932.

[It may be pointed out here that Prof.Paul Hockings who has done a lot of work on Badagas has mentioned Mr.MK Bellie Gowder in his works/books. It is claimed that the original manuscript of Bellie Gowder is now with Prof.Paul Hockings. Is it so Prof? - Wg Cdr JP]

Badaga Dance Numbers - HUTTY BAPPANEY - eSnips

Badaga Dance Numbers - HUTTY BAPPANEY - eSnips

SUCCESS STORY OF [Hubbathalai] SIVAN

I have always believed that success comes when one works with tireless zeal and single minded dedication to do something for the society. Recognition, of course, comes knocking down sooner than later.

One such unassuming Badaga who has achieved a lot of success and recognition is Hubbathalai Nandi Gowder SIVAN. He has traveled widely and is easily approachable for any sort of advise.

Recently, he was bestowed with the following awards at New Delhi.

Bharat Excellence Award with Gold Medal of FFI in 2012, presented by Dr.G.V.G.Krishnamoorthi, Former Election Commissioner,Govt of India for the growth of Indian Economy. and Inspiring Pillar of India Award with Gold Medal of FFI in 2012, presented by Dr.Premnath, Former Deputy Director General, United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (UN-FAO) for successful achievements and contributions in the chosen fields.

Wonderful to see  Siva receiving the award attired in traditional Badaga dress.

Wishing Siva[n] many more success in all his endevours. We are proud of you, Siva.

SUCCESS STORY OF  THE NILGIRIS HORTICULTURE CLUSTER  PROJECT.

  The Objectives. To strategically involve and integrate small farmers engaged in the hi-tech horticulture ventures through specific clusters in various agro climatic zones of The Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu with clear focus on production of quality cut flowers, premium vegetables and exotic fruits under under one brand.  

The Promotion  of Hi-tech Floriculture Cluster Zones in The Nilgiris. This integrated initiative has been implemented since 2004 with 100 floriculture units of 500 sq mtrs area  with 100 small farmers. Now 10 Floriculture Clusters are in place in the Nilgiris today covering 3 lakh sq mtrs under green houses and many premium cut flowers such as Lilium. Carnation, Gerbera, etc., are grown  and marketed at farmer-fixed prices. Around 1500 small farmers and 3000 families  are benefited by the cluster initiatives. The average annual income from cut flower production in 2004 was  Rs.3.00 crore.

Now the average income from this venture to the  Nilgiris District is approximately Rs.35.00 crore. This model has impacted many others into this sector from other nearby areas like Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Kodaikanal, Kerala, etc., to  venture into this green-field trade in their places also. The Establishment of Cold Storage and Post Harvest Management Systems. This cluster-based project has also paved ways for importing planting materials directly from Holland in refrigerated containers at -1.5 Degree Celsius and stored in cold storages established by small farmers in many cluster zones right at their farm gates thereby eliminating losses in pre and post harvest conditions.  

The Significant Benefits to the Small Farmers. 1.The small farmers have been integrated, a strong back bone and team work having clear focus-Initiation-Implementation-Improvement-Innovation- Income Generation on sustainable approaches thereby saving around 30% of cost of the farmers project without compromising quality parameters. 2. Easy and integrated access to land acquisitions by long term lease, competitive bank rates, technical training programmes of the government, government subsidies under NHM schemes, etc., 3.The farmers have become price-fixers and not price-takers since many buyers are buying  flowers right from the farm gates of many clusters of the district.  

The Establishment of  Premium Vegetable and Fruits Cluster Zones. The Nilgiris Districts’ economy is fully dependent on horticultural produces and tea since many decades. While all infrastructure and marketing facilities have been created for the tea sector,but, nothing of that sort has been done for the main horticultural produces such as Premium Vegetables and Exotic Fruits grown in the Nilgiris District by the small farmers. There are around 20000 small farmers growing premium vegetables such as Ooty Potato, Carrot, Beans, Cauliflowers, Green Peas, Beet Roots, Iceberg, Brocolli, Chinese Cabbage, Leeks, Celeries,etc., exotic fruits such as Plums, Peaches, Pears, Mangostein, Avocado, Durian, Persimon, etc., The total value of these produces is approximately Rs.1100 crore at farm gate.

Our Consortium has already established cluster level farmers clubs by involving 2000 small farmers in  various vegetables clusters and forward linkages with the market place for providing total farm to market solutions like the above floriculture project model and is set to establish required state of the art infrastructure facilities at a prominent vegetable Cluster at Ooty having good agricultural  practice methods, complete grading lines, pack houses, cold chains, supply chains, marketing channels, value added products, etc., and implementing its initiatives for the sustainable income levels of the farming community of The Nilgiris in the years to come.  

Awards and Recognitions for above projects.  

1. Florex India National Level Award in 2007, presented by Shri.Sharad Pawar,  Union Agriculture Minister, Govt of India for cluster based commercial horticulture ventures for the country’s economic development.

2. Annual Ooty Floral Carnival in 2009 First Prize Cups, presented  by Shri.Ramachandran, State Minister, Govt of Tamil Nadu for commercial floriculture and vegetable initiatives.

 3. Bharat Excellence Award with Gold Medal of FFI in 2012, presented by Dr.G.V.G.Krishnamoorthi, Former Election Commissioner,Govt of India for the growth of Indian Economy.

 4. Inspiring Pillar of India Award with Gold Medal of FFI in 2012, presented by Dr.Premnath, Former Deputy Director General, United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (UN-FAO) for successful achievements and contributions in the chosen fields.

Presented by—H.N.SIVAN, Promoter Director&CEO, Nilgiris Horti-Tech  Company Private Limited,(Nilgiris Horticulture Consortium) Golflinks, Kotagiri, The Nilgiris-643217.Tamil Nadu.

Ph-9443856694/9843908540

Email-  sivan@ootyfresh.in, sivan@nifcoflowers.com

Web-www.ootyfresh.in   www.nifcoflowers.com

Badaga Baray [Script] - A request from Anandha

Dear Wg Cdr JP,

May I entreat the visitors of your websites to do what they can for the cause of making Badugu, hitherto a spoken language, a written language?

I want every Baduga to stand by me in my endeavour to publicize the wealth of Badugu literature through the Badugu Alphabet.

Please find attached herewith the following files containing

1. The Badugu Alphabet and their International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Correspondences

2. Badugu Sayings with Phonetic Transcriptions using the IPA

Please do the needful. Thanking you, with kind regards,

R.Anandha(n)

 

 

Krishnamoorthy, B. S. commented on Badaga Script Great Job... Kudos to both of you Sirs. BaduguAnandha works nicely... I can write words in our own script (couldn't get the letter "sha"). Hope it will be nice for every badaga to do some writing practice using BADUGU BARE, So that we can teach to our children very soon...
 

A Very BIG Thank You

Badaga is now in FACEBOOK also. See https://www.facebook.com/badagas

Two hundred thousand [200,000] – Not Out

AS WE GET CLOSER.....to the 200,000 visitors mark...[ http://www.badaga.co ]

That is a lot of hits for a website [weblog] that is focused on a a small community of the Blue Mountains - the Nilgiris, in the southern part of India. Is it due to...

the urge to know the unknown about ourselves....
to sift the truth from fiction....the satisfaction that we have a very unique history.....the mystery about the mistaken migration.....the traditions that are still steadfastly followed.....the great language that has survived for centuries without a script....

The simple fact that this site's motto of 'Proud to be a Badaga ; Proud to be an Indian' has become an accepted norm...

You all, my dear and loyal friends, have made me bow my head in gratitude. I feel humbled but proud.

Proud to be an Indian and a Badaga, indeed.

Hope to say 'thanks a million' soon...