Rao Bahadur HB Ari Gowder
All about Great Badagas
....Uncrowned 'King' of the Nilgiris
Compiled by A.Kari Gowder and published ( May 2006) by
" Prongadu Seeme Welfare Association "
C-10 Hope Park, Kotagiri, Nilgiris - 643217, Tamil Nafu (India)
The above article in Tamil is translated by Bellie Jayaprakash
[ This article is for the present younger generation to know our history as well as for the wealthy -who are interested in the welfare and upliftment of our society - to come forward to help the needy]
Shall we learn about Rao Bahadur H.B.Ari Gowder,
the uncomparable leader of the Badaga Community?
Rao Bahadur H.B.Ari Gowder
Born - 04 - 12 - 1893
Parents - Rao Bahadur H.J.Bellie Gowder and Lakshmi Nanji Ammal
Brothers - Messers: Haldorai, Bhoja Gowder, Raju Gowder and Joghee Gowder, Sister- Mrs. Idy Ammal
Wife - Gauri Ammal
son - Bhojraj
1. Ari Gowder was born in a wealthy family. (Eldest son of Rao Bahadur Bellie Gowder)
2. He was the first Badaga graduate.
3. He was not associated with any political party but was a true representative of the people, a powerful orator and welfare minded social reformer
(more info under translation and will be added)
Ari Gowder in his MLA days
Mrs. Gauri Ammal , wife of Ari Gowder
(Original painting by a Britisher [1917?)
Mrs.Idy Ammal, sister of Ari Gowder
Ari Gowder 's son H.A.Bhojraj who was the first Badaga to win the South India Golf Championship
Ari Gowder's son Bhojraj, Daughter -in- law Rukmani (Daughter of Kundah Ketchigatti B.K.Bella Gowder) and grand children Nandini, Jaiprakash and Tara
Ari Gowder's grand daughter Tara with her husband Wg.Cdr.Bellie Jayaprakash (Grandson of Rao Bahadur Bellie Gowder and son of Ari Gowder's sister Mrs.Idyammal)
The bridge connecting Tamil Nadu & Karnataka States at Theppakadu, Gudalur (Nilgiris) built in 1938
...and is named after Rao Bahadur H.B.Ari Gowder
Rao Bahadur Ari Gowder's father Rao Bahadur Bellie Gowder
Some great links about Badagas :
http://badaga.community.googlepages.com/
Photos : (Courtesy Rao Bahadur Ari Gowder Family) - Digitised by Wing Commander Bellie jayaprakash
GREAT TO BE A BADAGA , GREATER TO BE AN INDIAN