Category Archives: Inspiration / Positive News and Features

When General Thimayya’s Grandson Comes Calling At ‘Sunny Side’

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Uncategorized, World Opinion

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Madikeri:

‘Sunny Side’, General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya’s house in Madikeri that is being converted into a museum and a war memorial, had a special moment last week when the celebrated General’s grandson Kongetira Belliappa visited the museum.

‘Sunny Side’ is located on G.T. Road in Madikeri and it is being renovated at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 crore. Belliappa is the son of Thimayya’s daughter Mireille, who married Maj. Gen. Kongetira M. Chengappa.

Visiting the museum that earlier functioned as RTO Office for the first time, Belliappa went around the museum and saw his grandfather’s photos, memorabilia and other artefacts. Stopping in front of some of the photographs, he turned emotional, recollecting the service of General Thimayya who was known as the “Soldier’s General.”

Some of the photographs portrayed the legendary General’s brilliant strategies and daring that have set the standard for professional soldiering and leadership. Belliappa appreciated the collection of photographs, artefacts and other items related to the Indian Army at the museum.

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa-General K.S. Thimayya Forum Convenor Major Biddanda A. Nanjappa, who is instrumental in setting up the museum and the war memorial, explained the museum and its various sections.

Providing a detailed account of how General Thimayya inspired his soldiers to carry parts of Army Tanks up to a height of 12,000 feet snow-clad mountains of Zojila Pass — one of the highest Passes in the world — when Pakistan planned to annex Kashmir by force during their offensive of 1947-48, Nanjappa told Belliappa that it was a daring move and the Pakistan army ran away after seeing the Tanks staring at them. The parts of Tanks were carried up the mountains overnight and were assembled by early morning of Nov. 1, 1948.

The very appearance of the Tanks utterly dampened the morale of the bewildered Pakistanis who either fled or were vanquished. Once Zojila was taken, the road to Kargil was reopened and Ladakh was safe. Ultimately, on Nov. 24 Kargil was re-taken. Thus the unofficial 1st Indo-Pak War (and perhaps the longest and toughest of them all) ended in success owing to the bold, shrewd and relentless pursuit led by Gen. Thimayya, explained Nanjappa.

Nanjappa then requested Belliappa to hand over certain items that belonged to General Thimayya that is in possession of the family to be kept in the museum.

Art works featuring the valour of Indian soldiers on the battlefield will occupy the centre stage at ‘Sunny Side.’ Other main attractions of the museum will be the articles used by Gen. Thimayya, military uniforms, books and information on Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Apart from an Army Tank, weapons that were used by the soldiers of Indian Army in the past during many operations have been donated to the museum.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 20th, 2019

‘Kaluru Stores’ 2nd outlet to open on April 14

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
Women Kaluru, who had been affected by the natural calamity in Kodagu, have turned entrepreneurs by releasing ‘Yashaswi’ spices, initiated by ‘Project Coorg’.
Women Kaluru, who had been affected by the natural calamity in Kodagu, have turned entrepreneurs by releasing ‘Yashaswi’ spices, initiated by ‘Project Coorg’.

The second outlet of ‘Kaluru Stores’, exhibiting and selling articles made by the women affected by the natural calamity in the district, will be inaugurated in town on Sunday, April 14.

The store has been conceptualised by ‘Project Coorg’.

Post-floods, ‘Project Coorg’ identified women from Kaluru, who had been affected by the natural calamity, and trained them to prepare spices at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kodagu centre. The spices graded and packaged were sold in the market under the brand name ‘Yashaswi’.

The first outlet of ‘Kaluru Stores’ was opened near Raja Seat with assistance of Kodagu district administration.

The second outlet is ready to be opened in front of Shishu Kalyana organisation near the government bus shelter in Madikeri.

‘Project Coorg’ head Balaji Kashyap said that the opening of the second outlet of Kaluru products had boosted the confidence of the women entrepreneurs. The women underwent training for 180 days in preparation of the spices, he added.

The second outlet will be inaugurated by the Dakshina Kannada Kannadigara Sangha president Ramachandra Upadhyaya at 11 am on April 14.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavana Kodagu Kendra president K S Devaiah, legislators K G Bopaiah and Appacchu Ranjan, MLCs Sunil Subramani, and Veena Acchaiah, Kodagu Shishukalyana Samsthe president K Mohan Monnappa and writer Nagesh Kaluru will take part in the inauguration of the outlet, sources said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Ashwani Kumar NKR / DH News Service, Madikeri / April 12th, 2019

War Memorial & Wall Of Heroes Inaugurated At Sainik School

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

WarMemorialKF08apr2019

Madikeri:

A War Memorial and Wall of Heroes was inaugurated at the Sainik School premises in Kudige village near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district last Thursday. The memorial was built to invoke patriotism among students and to show gratitude to the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The memorial comprises graphic panels, stone murals and an inverted bayonet with a helmet structure. The ‘Wall of Heroes’ depicts details of all the 21 Param Veer Chakra awardees and quotes of brave martyrs are engraved on the memorial.

The memorial also pays homage to the martyrs of the 1962 Indo-China War, martyrs of 1947, 1965 and 1971 Indo- Pak Wars and Kargil War.

Inaugurating the war memorial, Air Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, called upon students of Sainik School to work with dedication, honesty and unity. Appreciating the efforts of the management of the School for installing the memorial, he asked them to focus on intellectual and physical stability apart from impacting quality education. War memorial must inspire the students to join Indian Army, he added.

Speaking as the guest of honour Air Marshal K.C. Nanda Cariappa, PVSM VM (retd), lauded the school for its significant growth in a short period.

Sainik School Principal Group Captain R.R. Lall, Vice-Principal Lt . Col. Seema, 19 Kar NCC Battalion(Coorg Battalion) Commanding Officer Col. V.M. Naik, Teaching Staff and Cadets were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 08th, 2019

$10,000 Donated To Kodagu Relief Fund

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's

Dr. Subramanya Bhat and his wife Dr. Annapoorna Bhat of Atlanta, USA, donated $ 10,000 (about Rs. 7 lakh) to Kodagu Relief Fund recently.

BhatKF28mar2019

Picture shows the couple handing over the cheque to Rtn. PGD G.K. Balakrishnan of Rotary West at a function held at Radisson Blu in city.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo New / March 2019

Bangalore Kodava Samaja Distributes Cheques To Kodagu Flood Victims

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Uncategorized

KodavaSamajaKF27mar2019

Bengaluru:

In a noble gesture, Kodava Samaja Bangalore had organised an event yesterday where relief cheques were disbursed to victims of floods and landslides whose lives were torn apart in the natural disaster that ravaged some parts of Kodagu last year. In all, cheques worth Rs. 2.65 crore were distributed to 355 flood victims.

Speaking to Star of Mysore over the phone, President of Bangalore Kodava Samaja Mukkatira T. Nanaiah said that the Kodava Samaja had constituted Kodava Samaja Flood Relief Fund and they had identified the victims through a committee and screened them for relief fund assistance.

“We had also invited applications from the victims and we had constituted an independent survey team to visit each victim’s house to assess the damage. The list of beneficiaries was prepared after a thorough assessment and survey and all the communities – Kodavas and non-Kodavas were included in the list,” he said.

Relief cheques were distributed to victims and the money was decided depending on the extent of damage. “We have distributed cheques from Rs. 30,000 and in excess of Rs. 2 lakh depending on the damage they have sustained,” Nanaiah said.

Kodava Samaja sources said that more than 500 people including non applicants had attended the event. “We have collected all applications and will look into the possibility of distributing compensation to them,” sources said.

The cheque disbursement ceremony was led by Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kodandera Arjun Muthanna, President of Kodava Samaja Flood Relief Fund and was presided over by Kodava Samaja President Mukkatira T. Nanaiah. Kodira Kavya Pratap Somanna rendered a prayer, Kodava Samaja Secretary Chiriyapanda Suresh Nanjappa welcomed and Samaja Vice President Mallengada Meera Jalajakumar proposed a vote of thanks.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 2019

Defence Investiture Ceremony II – C.P. Cariappa

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

New Delhi:

President Ram Nath Kovind presents Ati Vishisht Seva Medal to Major General Codanada Poovaiah Cariappa during Defence Investiture Ceremony – II at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, on March 19, 2019.

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source: http://www.prokerala.com / ProKerala.com / Home> Latest News / March 19th, 2019

General Thimayya’s birth anniversary on March 31

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
General K S Thimayya's Sunny Side residence which is being developed into a museum.
General K S Thimayya’s Sunny Side residence which is being developed into a museum.

The 113th birth anniversary of General K S Thimayya will be observed on March 31 at his residence ‘Sunny Side’, said Colonel (retd) Subbaiah, General Thimayya and Field Marshal Cariappa Forum president.

Speaking to reporters in Madikeri on Tuesday, he said that the district administration has joined hands with the forum to conduct the event.

Elected representatives will not be part of the event owing to the model code of conduct.

“A discussion has been carried out with the district administration towards the preparations for General K S Thimayya’s birth anniversary. Grants were sought from the government on the occasion,” said Col Subbaiah.

He stated that Rs 3.50 crore out of Rs 5.50 crore grants has been released towards the development of the ‘Sunny Side’ residence of General Thimayya into a museum.

The remaining Rs 2 crore grant has been awaited. The work needs to gather pace. However, it has been planned to inaugurate the museum next year.

The Indian Army has already sent the ammunition to be displayed in the museum. General Thimayya’s life and achievements will be featured in the museum.

Major B S Nanjappa (retd) said that the project cost of General Thimayya museum has escalated during the last 10 years. When the project was proposed, the estimated cost of the development of the museum was rupees two crore.

Had the grants been released then, the project costs would not have increased, he added.

He said that the records related to General Thimayya such as his photographs and documents related to his school education have been procured.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri – March 20th, 2019

When India’s First Army Chief Refused Pakistan’s Offer To Release His Son Captured As A PoW In 1965 War

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

The legend of Field Marshal KM Cariappa is well known as he was the first chief of the Indian Army after independence. But one anecdote from the life of the legend himself elevated him far above others who could rival his glory.

GENERAL AYUB KHAN AND FIELD MARSHAL KM CARIAAPPA, PIC COURTESY: AFP/WIKIPEDIA
GENERAL AYUB KHAN AND FIELD MARSHAL KM CARIAAPPA, PIC COURTESY: AFP/WIKIPEDIA

Yes, the battle of 1965 where he refused the offer of Pakistan General Ayub Khan to release his son who was an IAF pilot and was captured and kept as Prisoner of War (PoW), the legend Field Marshal Cariappa not only refused General Ayub Khan’s offer but also asked to treat him at par with other PoWs.

Caught by Pak army when his plane was shot down
Sqn Ldr KC Cariappa was flying near the border and his plane was shot down. He had to eject and during the process of ejection and landing, the Sqn Ldr Cariappa ‘s spine was injured. Soon after the capture, like all other PoWs, the Sqn Ldr Cariappa told his name, rank and unit number. Like Wing Abhinandan, he also didn’t divulge any information.

News soon reached General Ayub Khan

REUTERS
REUTERS

Soon after his capture, the news reached General Ayub Khan that Pakistan army had captured son of India’s first army chief Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the General announced it on Radio Pakistan that his forces have captured Sq Ldr KC Cariappa, the son of legendary Indian Field Marshal.

When General offered Field Marshal to release his son
General Ayub Khan had served under Field Marshal Cariappa in the British Indian Army and always held him in high esteem. General Ayub Khan asked Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi to personally meet Field Marshall who in return politely refused General’s offer.

Field Marshal said other PoWs are also his sons
In his reply to the High Commissioner who had come on behalf of General Ayub Khan, Field Marshal Cariappa told him that he doesn’t want Pakistan to release his son but treat all PoWs well as all Indian soldiers are his sons.

FIELD MARSHAL KM CARIAPPA AND HIS SON AIR MARSHAL KC CARIAPPA, PIC COURTESY: WIKIPEDIA/BHARAT RAKSHAK
FIELD MARSHAL KM CARIAPPA AND HIS SON AIR MARSHAL KC CARIAPPA, PIC COURTESY: WIKIPEDIA/BHARAT RAKSHAK

Recently speaking to the media, Air Marshal KC “Nanda” Cariappa said “My dad was a man of high principles. For him, his son and all other soldiers were the same. Even though Ayub Khan was his junior and was close to him, he refused to get me released before the others. I was later released with all others”.

Air Marshal was quoted by the News18. Sq Ldr KC Cariappa was caught on last day of the war and when he came back, he commanded a helicopter unit of the IAF and retired as Air Marshal. He had also took part in 1971 war.

(With News18 inputs)

source: http://www.indiatimes.com / India Times / Home> News> India / by Maninder Dabas / March 06th, 2019

Coop society donates Rs 8.52 lakh to flood victims

Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
Sullia Venkatramana Credit Cooperative Society office-bearers distribute compensation to the natural calamity at a customers' meet in Madikeri on Tuesday.
Sullia Venkatramana Credit Cooperative Society office-bearers distribute compensation to the natural calamity at a customers’ meet in Madikeri on Tuesday.

Sullia Venkatramana Credit Cooperative Society distributed a compensation of Rs 8.52 lakh to the victims of natural calamity in the district.

The financial assistance was given at a customers’ convention organised under the leadership of the society president K C Narayana Gowda in Madikeri on Tuesday.

Kodagu Gowda Samaja President Periyana Jayanand said, “The society has posted profit and the profit has been distributed among the victims. The compensation should be utilised properly.”

Kodagu Gowda Vidya Sangha President Hosuru Ramesh Joyappa said the government should take up rehabilitation work before the monsoon. The money given by the donors should be utilised for the educational requirements of the children, he added.

Society Director P C Jayaram said, “The members from Kodagu region have been responsible for the growth of the bank in the last four years. The membership of the bank should be increased in the future.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / February 19th, 2019

Kodagu calamity victims given relief

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Awaiting distribution: A view of the Madikeri Junior College building where the relief materials have been stored
Awaiting distribution: A view of the Madikeri Junior College building where the relief materials have been stored

The Kodagu district administration has decided to supply the relief materials meant for the natural calamity victims that were stored in Junior College building for the last six months, to various orphanages and old-age homes in the district.

There were allegations from the public that the stored relief materials are getting spoiled over a period of time. Even the Zilla Panchayat meeting had discussed the issue at length and had decided to distribute the relief materials among the needy.

‘Priority for victims’

Officials said, “Priority will be given for the natural calamity victims. The remaining relief materials will be supplied as per the directions of the deputy commissioner.”

Representatives from Swasthya Kendra, Suntikoppa, Sthree Shakti old age home, Madikeri, Vikasa Janaseva Trust, Hiriya Nagarikara Vedike and Amritavani arrived on Monday to collect the food grants.

Swasthya Kendra representative Sathish said, “I have come here on the direction of the officials. The officials have promised to give 25 kg rice, which will be beneficial for us to serve the children at the kendra.”

Vikasa Janaseva Trust president Ramesh said, “Officials should ensure that food grains at the godown are not wasted.”

A large quantity of relief materials are stored in the godowns of Madikeri and Kushalnagar.

Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy said that food grains will be distributed among the victims. The remaining food materials will be distributed among old-age homes.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by DH News Service, Madikeri / February 11th, 2019