Halakki Vokkaliga

The Halakki Vokkaliga are a sub caste group of vokkaligas of Karnataka, India. They are found predominantly in Uttara Kannada district. Halakki Vokkaligas living in the foot of Western Ghats are known as the "Aboriginals of Uttara Kannada". Their way of living is still ancient. The women adorn themselves with beads and necklaces, heavy nose rings and distinctive attire.[1] Halakki speak a different dialect of Kannada called as Halakki Kannada. Taking Halakkis cognisance of the tribe’s demands to be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe a study was commissioned by the social welfare department in 2010 and a report was submitted.[2] Sukri Bommagowda is notable Halakki Vokkaliga and has won the Padma Shri award for folk singing, she is fondly known as "Nightingale of Halakis".[3] Vaidya Hanumanath Bommu Gouda[4] is also a notable Halakki Vokkaliga and he holds many respected posts such as member of the Department of Folk Science in Hampi Kannada University, member of Western Ghats Forest Products, member of the J.C. club and a few others. Observing his humble service in the medical field and social service he was honoured with fellowship in New-Delhi in 2005, Vaidya Ratna award in 2005, Karnataka's most respected award Kannada Rajyostava Award in 2014.[5]