Category Archives: Inspiration / Positive News and Features

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

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
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

Muslim organization donates Rs 50 lakh to Kodagu flood victims

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All

Madikeri:

The Jamiat Ulema-e, a Muslim organization, on Thursday distributed Rs 50 lakh among nearly 350 . The funds were distributed at function organized by the organization at Kaveri Kalakshetra in .

“Humanism is above religion and each one should cultivate humanity,” said Maulana Mufthi Ifthkar, president, Karnataka Jamiat Ulema-e.

Hajarath Maulana Mufthi Shamsuddin, secretary of the organization, said, “We have come forward to help the people in need and no religion will come in the way of this godly act.”

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source: http://www.milbankmonitor.com / MilBankMonitor.com / Home> World News / by Milbank News Writer / February 06th, 2019

Infosys to build 200 houses in Kodagu

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District in-charge minister Sa Ra Mahesh chairs a meeting at the DC’s office in Madikeri on Friday, on rehabilitation activities in Kodagu. Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty, MLAs M P Appacchu Ranjan and K G Bopaiah, MLCs Sunil Subramani and Veena Acchaiah, Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy and ZP CEO K Lakshmipriya look on.
District in-charge minister Sa Ra Mahesh chairs a meeting at the DC’s office in Madikeri on Friday, on rehabilitation activities in Kodagu. Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty, MLAs M P Appacchu Ranjan and K G Bopaiah, MLCs Sunil Subramani and Veena Acchaiah, Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy and ZP CEO K Lakshmipriya look on.

Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty said that the foundation will construct 200 houses for flood and landslide victims in Kodagu.

Speaking after inspecting the site earmarked for rehabilitation of victims on Friday, she said that during the inauguration of Dasara celebrations in Mysuru, Infosys Foundation had promised to contribute Rs 25 crore for the victims.

“It has now been decided that Infosys foundation will itself construct houses with the fund. Nearly 100 houses will be built in two different phases. The government has agreed to fund Rs 9.85 lakh for each house,” she added.

“The foundation will contribute an equal amount. The remainder will be used to repair damaged houses. Contractors hired by Infosys Foundation will build the houses in a government approved model. The representatives of the foundation will monitor the constructions,” she said.

Other than building houses, 100 cowsheds and 100 poultry farming centres would also be built by Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murty said, adding that there was a plan to construct a poly house for farmers, at a cost of Rs 25 lakh.

Sponsors

District in-charge minister Sa Ra Mahesh said that people ready to sponsor houses for flood victims were welcome.

“The government will undertake river desilting and funds will be set aside in the state budget for it. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will chair the meeting of the Kodagu Reconstruction Authority on February 10. A final decision on the disposal of timber washed away during the flash floods will be made at the same meet. A discussion on ‘C’ and ‘D’ land in the district, will also be held,” said the Minister.

The minister directed officials to complete the rehabilitation projects before the monsoon.

Members of Legislative Assembly M P Appacchu Ranjan and K G Bopaiah, Members of Legislative Council Sunil Subramani and Veena Acchaiah, Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy and ZP CEO K Lakshmipriya were present in the meeting.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / February 02nd, 2019

Mangaluru: Catholic Sabha gives financial aid to flood and landslide victims of Coorg

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features

Mangaluru :

Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh and Udupi Pradesh (R) gave Rs 4 lac financial aid to flood and landslide victims on January 27 at St Michael’s Church Community Hall, Madikeri. Eighty facilities were supported with Rs 5,000 each for all religions. Victims were identified by Fr Alfred John Mendonca and Catholic Sabha Mangalore & Udupi Pradesh (R) helped 50 families.

Rolphy D’Costa, the president of Catholic Sabha Mangalore diocese welcomed the gathering and Alwyn Quadros, the president of Udupi diocese rendered the vote of thanks. Fr Alfred John Mendonca was present as guest along with them from Udupi diocese Walter Cyril Pinto, Dr Gerald Pinto and Santosh Cornelio were present.

Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R) with the help of Udupi diocese earlier sent five containers worth Rs 23 lac, three to Coorg and two to Kerala.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / January 30th, 2019

CAD initiative donates 100 ECG machines in remote areas

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technology
An ECG machine being handed over to a remote Primary Health Centre in Kodagu district.
An ECG machine being handed over to a remote Primary Health Centre in Kodagu district.

The PHCs in Guthigar, Bellare and Aranthodu in Sullia taluk can now boast of well-equipped ECG machines thanks to the efforts of like-minded doctors led by Dr Padmanabh Kamath, HoD of Cardiology and professor at KMC, Mangaluru.

Dr Kamath, who started CAD (Cardiology at doorsteps), a crusade against coronary artery disease initiative— a WhatsApp network of over 450 like-minded doctors across eight doctors in Coastal Karnataka and Malnad region, is engaged in screening poor patients for cardiac problems in remote areas for free. The group was set up in February 2018 and has installed 100 ECG machines in the PHCs of interior villages with the help of donors. “When a patient visits with a symptom of a heart attack, an ECG is immediately carried out and the results are shared on WhatsApp. If it’s a heart attack, then the patient is referred to the nearest hospital for treatment,” Kamath told DH.

He said, “We want to instal 250 ECG machines by 2020 and cover three more districts including Hassan and Kasargod. The PHCs in Humcha, Koppa, Muniyala, Shikaripura, Sajipanadu will get ECG machines next week. In fact, one of the pilgrims who suffered a cardiac arrest, supported the CAD initiative to instal ECG machine at Humcha,” Kamath added.

ECG machines are already installed at PHCs in Gonikoppa, Suntikoppa and Siddapura in Kodagu. The CAD initiative wanted to instal it in 15 places in Kodagu. Owing to natural calamities that wreaked havoc in Kodagu district, the initiative saw a setback, he said.

So far, cardiac diagnosis was achieved in more than 1,000 patients and 985 cases of ischaemic heart disease and 345 of unstable angina have been detected. About 124 heart attack patients were picked up and 95 angioplasties have been conducted, said Dr Kamath.

Dr Kamath said 71-year-old Leelavathi, a resident of Sullia and a heart patient, responded to Kamath’s mission of installing ECG machines and donated money from her pension to instal the ECG machine at Guthigaru. Sri Veera Venkatesh Charitable Trust has paid for five ECGs to be installed in village PHCs recently.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by Naina J A / DH News Service / Mangaluru / June 05th, 2018

War Hero, Son Of Kodagu Lt. General B.C. Nanda Passes Away

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

LtGenNandaKF08jan2019

Madikeri:

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Biddanda Chengappa Nanda passed away last evening in Madikeri. He was 87. Family sources said that he was suffering from age-related ailments and died en-route to a private hospital in Mysuru. He is survived by his wife and four daughters and one of his daughters Shalini Nanda Nagappa is a well-known Canada-based food blogger.

The last rites were scheduled to be performed after 3 pm today at his residence on Abbey Falls Road, with full military honours. Senior officers of the Army are expected to pay their last respects to the decorated soldier.

One of the most loved military officers from Kodagu district who served in the Indian Defence, Nanda rose to eminence in the Army. He served as the Army Commander, Northern Command and settled down in Kodagu after his retirement and was involved in many social service activities.

He was born to Biddanda S. Chengappa and Bollavva couple on May 12, 1931. Bollavva was the sister of Field Marshal (first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army) Kodandera M. Cariappa. Nanda had served in the Army between 1951 and 1989.

Nanda’s father Chengappa was the Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Chengappa also served as a forest officer in Commonwealth Nations and had given priority to forest conservation.

A college in Coimbatore is named after Chengappa. Also, the biggest bridge in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Austin Bridge) connecting Middle and North Andaman Islands is named as Chengappa Bridge as Chengappa, in the capacity of a forest officer, prepared a working plan for these islands.

After completing his primary schooling in Madikeri, Nanda moved to Madras and later to Dehradun for his higher education. He also did his higher education in Royal College of Defence in London.

Close associates of Nanda said that the Indian Military Academy was situated in front of his house while he was pursuing his post-graduation at Dehradun. He was inspired by military officials at the Academy. Though his family wanted him to be a doctor, Nanda was attracted to the military and subsequently joined the Indian Army.

When Nanda was the Army Commander, Siachen was occupied by Pakistan in June 1987. He ordered his troops to evict them from Siachen and for the first time Siachen, the world’s highest Army post, was occupied by the Indian Army. Subedar Bana Singh captured “Quaid Post” after defeating Pakistan and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Today, “Quaid Post” is named as “Bana Singh Post”.

For his contribution to India’s military might, Lt. Gen. Nanda was honoured with Param Visishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and Athi Visishist Seva Medal (AVSM). He was an ardent lover of sports and attended hockey, football and cricket tournaments in various parts of Kodagu, post his retirement. Nanda was a voice of ex-servicemen and pressed for various demands for the benefit of ex-servicemen.

General Nanda headed the Kodagu Natural Sciences Society which was set up to trace the origin of Kodavas by ascertaining the ancestry, customs, culture, language and a study of genealogy by the Kodagu Natural Sciences Research Society. He spent his autumn years in his residence at Abbey Falls Road.

General Nanda had participated in the function held last year to unveil the statues of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and Gen K.S. Thimayya at Cauvery College, Gonikoppal. He was seen wearing traditional Kodava dress, greeting Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 13th, 2018

Joshna Chinappa pledges her eyes

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports
Chennai, 03/01/2019 : Joshna Chinappa, International Squash player pledging her eyes during an eye donation awareness campaign held in Chennai on Thursday. Looking on are (From Left) Mohan Rajan, Chairman, Rajan Eye Care Hospital and Dr. Sujatha Mohan, Medical Director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital. Photo : S. R. Raghunathan | Photo Credit: S_R_Raghunathan
Chennai, 03/01/2019 : Joshna Chinappa, International Squash player pledging her eyes during an eye donation awareness campaign held in Chennai on Thursday. Looking on are (From Left) Mohan Rajan, Chairman, Rajan Eye Care Hospital and Dr. Sujatha Mohan, Medical Director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital. Photo : S. R. Raghunathan | Photo Credit: S_R_Raghunathan

Joins the list of prominent sports personalities who are part of the eye bank

Squash champion Joshna Chinappa became the latest celebrity to pledge her eyes in a long list of Ambassadors for the Rotary Rajan Eye Bank.

Ms. Chinappa, who has won several trophies as a squash player, became the ‘Eye Bank Sight Ambassador’ by pledging her eyes at a function held at the Rajan Eye Care Hospital recently.

She joins the list of sports personalities, including Vijay Amritraj, Ashwin Ravichandran and Syed Kirmani, to be part of the eye bank.

Mohan Rajan, chairman and medical director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital, said in a country like India where more than 25 lakh people suffer from corneal blindness, donation of cornea could help in making these people see the world through the donor’s eyes.

Celebrities like Joshna could help in creating more awareness among people to come forward to donate their eyes after their death, he said.

Ms. Chinappa said it was an honour to pledge her eyes for a noble cause.

Sujatha Mohan also participated in the function held at the hospital.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / Chennai – January 06th, 2019