Prof. BK Thelma. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
BK Thelma, who led the first genetic study of the Kodavas, has been selected as the ‘Coorg Personality of the Year 2025’ by the news and tourism portal www.coorgtourisminfo.com.
Promoted by journalist and author PT Bopanna, the portal annually selects the ‘Coorg Personality of the Year’ based on a survey conducted through the portal.
“The origin of the Kodavas in Karnataka has been a constant puzzle for ethnologists all these years. The credit for solving the mystery of their origin should go to Coorg-born Professor Buttiyanda Kuttappa Thelma and her team,” the portal said.
“By conducting a systematic sampling of Kodavas from across Kodagu, using available genetic analysis tools, Thelma and her team were successful in publishing a scientific paper on the genetic makeup of Kodavas,” the statement added.
Prof. Thelma, aged in her 70s, belongs to the Kodava community, which is known for its distinctiveness, especially when it comes to dress code and cuisine.
“She is the recipient of several awards to name a few – CNR Rao Lifetime Achievement Award from Karnataka S&T Academy (2021), Meritorious Service Award from University of Delhi (2021), National Science Chair (2021-2026), JC Bose Fellowship (2011-2021), Bilic SP Raycha Society of Cell Endology, Indiana SP Raychment Award (2018), Sanghvi Oration Award, Indian Society of Human Genetics (2015), Sunder Lal Hora Medal, Indian National Science Academy (2014),” the statement said.
Published – 29 Dec 2025 19:53 IST
