As the son of an Indian naval officer, Bidanda Bopaya was born in Pune, has lived all over the Indian coastline, and was sent to a boarding school in Ooty at a young age. His wife, Louella, daughter of an Indian air force officer, is a psychologist in private practice.
The Bidandas moved to Pittsburgh in 1987 after graduate work at Penn State and have raised two children in the Burgh. Their daughter, Maya is pursuing a PhD in finance & economics after an early career on Wall Street, and their son Rahul is an engineering graduate from Pitt. The Bidandas live in Fox Chapel.
Bopaya, a professor of engineering at the University of Pittsburgh and President of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers, has authored/edited 13 books in the subjects of his specialization. Here is Bopaya in his contemporary dress and also in the traditional Kodava attire.
Editor’s note:
My early childhood was in Madikeri (earlier name Mercara) in Kodagu District, earlier known as Coorg (population: over 500,000 people) in Karnataka State. Madikeri is the headquarters for Kodagu and the home of the Kodavas, a small, accomplished, and colorful community in the Indian social tapestry. Kodavas are ~20% of the population of Kodagu District, and have contributed disproportionately to India’s armed forces, sports teams, and other professions including as India’s first female ambassador, India’s first PhD in sports medicine, the founder of the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, and of course, India’s first Commander-In-Chief (Gen. Kodendera Subbayya Thimmayya), and India‘s first Field Marshal Kodendera Madappa Cariappa.
Location of Coorg District and Madikeri town in Karnataka.
After sixty years, I chanced to drive through Madikeri. I had a vague memory of Omkareshwara Devasthana, a Shiva Temple there. Since it was the only temple I knew in my childhood, it made no impact then. When the driver showed me the temple from a mile away from the hills, I told him it looks like a mosque. His reply: was saar, iduve devasthana. (No sir, this IS the temple.) Stunned at the unique architecture for a Hindu temple with a typical Islamic dome including the four minarets, I stood in silence in front of the temple absorbing the ambience.
Then during the Patrika fundraising, I saw one Bidanda Bopaya as one of the on-line contributors. From the name, I recognized he is a Kodava (known earlier as Coorgis). I contacted him with my Madikeri roots, and one thing led to another in our exchanges, which finally culminated with Mr. Bopaya writing this article for the Patrika. – Kollengode S Venkataraman
The Omkareshwara Temple is a picturesque and unique place of worship in Madikeri, the heart of a salubrious and verdant hill station in Karnataka. Our family spent summers in Kodagu, and the place remained a well-kept secret because of the absence of a railhead. Now, it is a weekend getaway to Bangalore IT techies arriving in hordes.
Steep hills studded with vibrant homes surround the temple. Legend has it that the Raja of Kodagu, Lingarajendra II, built the temple repenting for some terrible act he committed. He was advised to build a Shiva temple that would awe people, as long as the sun and the moon are around! He commissioned the temple, consecrating it in 1820, with a Shivalinga brought from Kashi enshrined at the temple’s sanctum.
Omkareshwara Devasthana with its dome and four minarets
Omkareshwara Devasthana is the only known example of a Shiva temple for that matter, any Hindu temple built like a mosque with four turrets (or minarets) at each corner and a dome at the center. The rationale for this one-of-a-kind architectural style (Islamic with a Gothic touch) for a Hindu temple is not precisely known even though the temple is only 200 years old, given the frosty relations between the Kodavas and Muslims, thanks to Tipu Sultan (1750-1799), who repeatedly invaded and unsuccessfully tried to take control of the region. Search the web under Tipu Sultan and Kodavas to get multiple perspectives of this complicated relationship.
Given today’s strife-ridden global situation among all religions, it is inspiring that one Hindu temple integrated multiple styles of architecture into its place of worship two centuries ago. As children, we played hide-and-seek with our extended family around the temple.
The Rajaâ’s tomb located nearby, built in 1809, also has an Islamic architecture. My great-great-grandfather Bidanda Bopu was the Commander-in-Chief of the Kodagu Rajaâ’s army and is buried next to the Raja. Growing up, our family often celebrated festivals and visited the tomb to pay respects to our ancestors.
The Kodavas are proud people and maintain unusual traditions. Kodagu is often called the land of generals, beautiful belles, coffee, cardamom, pepper and honey, all because of its hilly terrain and suitable weather, honey, large number of military leaders, and charming and gracious women! Some interesting features of Kodavas
1)Are Kodavas Hindus? While Kodavas are governed by the Hindu laws, they are technically not Hindus, with the absence of a caste system; Kodavas are ancestor- and nature-worshippers. Most festivals are centered around agrarian and martial themes and traditions. However, many Kodavas have now adopted a Hindu lifestyle and traditions.
KODAVA FESTIVALS: Kodavas are rooted to their land as farmers and agriculturists. No wonder, all Kodava festivals are around farming.
2) Kailpodhu: After the paddy fields are transplanted in early September, Kodavas worship their weapons and tools, after cleaning and decorating them. This is followed by festivities (shooting competitions, athletic prowess, while feasting on spicy food and copious alcoholic beverages). Kodavas have the right to bear firearms and weapons without license.
3) Kaveri Sankramana: The river Kaveri originates in Kodagu District in a small natural spring in Bhagamandala, close to Madikeri. In mid-October, at a specified time, the sacred River Kaveri ” yes, for Kodavas in particular, and for all Kannadigas, Kaveri is sacred ” renews with new divine springs gushing towards a larger body of water. This is the birthplace of the river. People take dips in this holy water. Goddess Kaveri is then worshipped in Kodava homes with youngsters touching the feet of elders for blessings. Kaveri is perhaps the most common name for girls among Kodavas. This is the only meatless festival among Kodavas!
Kodavas in the field during the the Puttari Harvest festival
4)Puttari (meaning New Rice), is the traditional harvest festival, celebrated in early December when people gather in their traditional family home (ainamane) nicely decorated with farm motifs. Like Onam, Pongal, Lohri, Baishakhi, Bihu, and of course, Thanksgiving here, special culinary items are prepared. An important part of this festival is the matriarch of the family leading others into the fields for a symbolic first harvesting of rice paddies.
In addition to these, individual villages have temples that celebrate colorful festivals, including walks thru hot beds of coals. The best way to experience these is to be with Kodavas in their home during the season.
Pattaya, a traditional granary decorated for the Puttari harvest festival.
5)Is there a Kodava cuisine? Yes, of course. Kodava cuisine is replete with unique and fiery dishes including Pandhi Kari (pork curry cooked in a special vinegar), Baimble-Kari (bamboo shoot curry), mango paji (mango chutney), kuru kari (kidney beans, green beans, in a coconut gravy), akki rotti (rice chapattis) and the list goes on!!
7)Interesting fact: No priests at Kodava weddings. Family elders lead all the religious rites, with a frenzy of Kodava dancing, pandhi curry, libations, and ceremonies steeped in family traditions.
Drs. Palecanda and Nirmal Chengappa, longtime Pittsburgh residents, in traditional Kodava dress and jewelry at the wedding of their daughter Kaveri.
Websites offer a ton of information on tourism-related questions on Kodagu — places of interest, cuisines, lodging, what to do, how to reach, the best time to visit. One website is: www.coorgtourisminfo.com
source: http://www.pittsburghpatrika.com / The Pittsburgh Patrika / Home / by Bidanda Bopaya, Fox Chapel, PA / October 2022 issue
“Utharkand, Telangana, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have become separate states after a long fight. Why should Kodagu not get an autonomous council?,” he questioned.
Madikeri :
“I will fight for your (Kodagu) separate existence within Karnataka state but with an autonomous council,” declared former minister and economist Subramanian Swamy in Kodagu. He was addressing the gathering at the 32nd Codava National Day celebration in Madikeri on Saturday. The event was hosted by Codava National Council (CNC).
Subramanian Swamy in his speech assured CNC about the organization’s goal of achieving geo-political autonomy through a legal battle. “Great injustice has been done to you (Kodagu/Kodavas). But keep fighting,” he added. He assured to file a petition in the Supreme Court shortly to get Geo political autonomy status to Kodagu. He stated that he will seek support from his legal advisor Satya Sabarwal. “Utharkand, Telangana, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have become separate states after a long fight. Why should Kodagu not get an autonomous council?,” he questioned. He assured that Kodagu will be an independent council by November next year.
Meanwhile, speaking with the media Swamy said, “The former minister Chidambaram has faced serious charges in many cases followed by Rahul Gandhi in the young India case. Prisons wait for them.”
He commented on the Modi regime and spoke, “I am not opposing Modi. But his policy of appeasing China is opposed by me. He should not allow the Chinese to occupy our territory. India should fight back. I also oppose some of the wrong economic policies of the present government. No one in BJP has the guts to question the wrong policies except me. Even the PM has failed to declare Ram Setu as a heritage spot despite several appeals by me.”
Virat Hindusthan Sangam national secretary Jagadish Shetty, Supreme Court advocate Satya Agarwal and CNC president NU Nachappa also spoke. Several resolutions including the demand for ST tag for the Kodavas were passed during the session.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / November 26th, 2022
At the first glance it seems to be another piece of metal with the sign of a star embossed on it. The hardly visible recipient’s name along with the date it was received is engraved in a corner. To own this piece of metal is an irrepressible desire of every soldier who goes to war. That’s because it represents valor. It’s the ‘Maha Vir Chakra’, second highest gallantry award given to those who exhibit exemplary courage and valiance. It is the Indian equivalent of the ‘Distinguished Service Cross’ of the British. Since 1947, Only 218 braves of the mighty Indian Army have been the proud recipients of the Maha Vir Chakra. 6 among them have received the Maha Vir Chakra twice, also called the Maha Vir Chakra Bar. Considering this, only two from Karnataka, a state which has given some of the most valiant soldiers and officers to the Indian army, have been the illustrious recipients of this gallantry award.One is Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devaiah famously known as the ‘Tiger of Sargodha’ and the other is Major (Later Lt. Colonel) P S Ganapathi. While the former was martyred in action during the 1965 war and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, the latter is a living example of unparalleled gallantry amongst us today.
Saga of a living memorial
Unlike the brave souls of Punjab, there have been no books published about this hero. He hasn’t given any interviews to TV channels or attended public events which are flashed all across the media. Almost nothing is known about him yet. He is relatively unknown even in his own hometown, Coorg, the land of the brave warriors. Shy of any kind of publicity and one who lives by the dictum ‘Safeguarding the nation is my duty alone’ is how Lt. Col. Puttichanda Somaiah Ganapathi has led his life throughout. Participating in public events is not at all a difficult task. However, Lt. Col.PS Ganapathi believes that safeguarding the honor of the esteemed medal is his paramount duty and is more valuable than any kind of publicity.
At 73 today, Lt. Col.Ganapathi might not have a large frame but his baritone voice, characteristic of military officers, hasn’t waned a bit. Lethargy that comes with age is alien to him. The agility of his mind is intact despite many years of retired life. Currently residing at ‘Sena Vihar’ in Bengaluru, Lt. Col.Ganapathi’s retired life is anything but idiosyncratic with lives of retired people who prefer a laidback existence.An effervescent man, unlike most people his age, he drives to his hometown in Coorg once every month on his own.His life in the concrete jungles of Bengaluru hasn’t sapped his love for farming one bit.His suave demeanor and absence of any signs of pretension for being the proud owner of a national gallantry award, is the true nature of this hero.
While seated at his home in the multistory apartment complex at the Army’s ‘Sena Vihar’, Lt. Col. Ganapathi began to narrate the stirring story behind his Maha Vir Chakra. He was soon joined by his wife on her wheelchair, with a cup of coffee in her hand. Although, she had heard her husband’s heroic tale umpteen times,her desire to keep listening to the saga made her tolend her ear once again. The showcase behind the Lt. Col. was decked with the upright photo which had captured the invaluable moment when he was presented the MVC by the President. Adjacent to it was the photo of his son, who departed untimely, adorned with a sandalwood garland. The enduring agony of the deceased son was apparent, albeit fleetingly,in the stern battle-hardened face of the Lt. Colonel.
As a worthy prelude to his tale of heroism, Lt. Col. Ganapathi began by recollecting his childhood.
Madikeri Central High school, 1952
After completing his primary education from Napoklu in Coorg, Ganapathi was admitted to the Central School at Madikeri for High school studies. This was the school from where towering personalities like Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimmayya studied, played hockey and graduated. The Central School was famous all over Coorg for its quality English education, encouragement in sports and its discipline. While most kids ran towards the ‘Mens Compund’ Ground to play hockey as soon as the school bell rang, Ganapathi used to run to the school auditorium to gaze at the large portraits of FM Cariappa and Gen. Thimmayya which were hung on its walls. Years of gazing and drawing inspiration from them, sowed seeds of desire within Ganapathi to join the military and become a decorated officer like the two greats.As soon as he completed the ‘Seventh Form’, he began his preparations and started to spend a lot of time on the ground. He used to sit and listen to the stories of war and valor from retired soldiers in the town. Though many years had passed, the inspirational portraits from his school never ebbed from his mind.
Years later, after completing his college education, Ganapathi joined as a Forrester. While he was posted at Kolhapur in Maharashtra, he attempted to join the military. He failed. He attempted again in Bengaluru and failed yet again. But he did not give up and again attempted to join the military at Bengaluru. He succeeded in this attempt. Ganapathi’s ambition that blossomed at Central High schoolin Madikeri had now come true.He was deputed to the Officers Training Academy (OTA) at Chennai. After the successful training in Chennai, Ganapathi became an officer of the 14th Mahar Regiment.
Within a few days of joining the military, PS Ganapathi duly ingrained the military traits of discipline and diligence. Those portraits of Central High school had only become larger in his mind. He was selected for the Anti-Insurgency battalion formed to tackle the militancy spread in Nagaland and Mizoram. He worked in various areas in the North-East like Palampur, Gangtok, Nathu La, etc. He received further training for a few years in Belgaum. He was then deputed to Assam Rifles. During this period, Ganapathi has served in various regions, under different environments and had experienced adverse conditions from close quarters.
Colombo, 1987 July 29
That was an era during which rivers of blood was flowing all across Sri Lanka. India too bore the brunt of the bloody strife there. Lakhs of people from the affected areas from Sri Lanka sought refuge on the shores of Tamil Nadu daily. The Tamils of Sri Lanka had the sympathy of Indians. India was caught in a quandary over the dispute in Sri Lanka. On the one hand, the Lankan government was adamant on not granting any kind of special status to the Tamils there. The then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, with the arbitration of the then CM of Tamil Nadu MG Ramachandran, invited LTTE’s Chief Prabhakaran to Delhi to deliberate on the Tamil issue. Indian Intelligence institutions had exerted considerable pressure on the LTTE chief. Soon after this, Rajiv Gandhi undertook a tour of Sri Lanka. However, the Tamils of Sri Lanka were displeased at the way their leader was purportedly treated in Delhi. On the very first day of his visit, a Sri Lankan soldier had attacked Rajiv Gandhi with a gun during the ceremonial Guard of Honor. Subsequently, Rajiv Gandhi and the then Sri Lankan President G R Jayavardhane conducted bilateral talks and signed a deal. As per the deal, the Sri Lankan government would recognize the Tamil aspirations and grant special status and privileges to them. India on its part had promised to send its military to Sri Lanka and undertake the task of persuading the Tamils to lay down their arms.
The world assumed that this historic deal would solve the century old dispute and put an end to the 3-decade old cycle of bloodletting in Sri Lanka. India’s initiative to solve the crisis was lauded the world over. It was deemed that the Intervention of India would change the situation in the island nation. Everyone believed that the fighting Tamils would lay down their arms and hoped that the lives of Tamils, who formed 20% of Sri Lanka’s population, would change for the better. Many even penned poems over the cause. Congress leaders in India started to sing paeans to Rajiv Gandhi and even declared that there was no difference between King Ashoka who sent saplings of the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka and Indira Gandhi’s son Rajiv in their speeches.While all these events were happening, Tamils the world over had exercised a conspicuous silence which was ominous of the lull before astorm. The world had thought that a single treaty would resolve India’s refugee crisis, establish peace in Sri Lanka and assuage sorrows of the Tamils.
Tamilnadu, 1987 August
The Indian troops arrived in Sri Lanka with much zeal to fulfil the obligations of the peace accord. With the over-confidence brought by the success of signing the pact, Indian government sent over ten thousand Indian soldiers to Sri Lanka in the first week of August itself. All the three arms of Indian armed forces crossed the ocean into Sri Lanka. The India troops which consisted of The Sikh Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry, Mahar Regiment, along with battalions of 10th Para Commandos, Armored regiment with U-72 battle tanks, Gorkha and Rajputana battalions, soldiers of 4th mountain division, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters of the Air Force, several units of ‘Marcos’ commandos of the Indian Navy, landed at several places in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, and Urumpirai with overweening confidence.
In a land that it did not belong to, in an environment that it was alien to, the Army did not have a faint idea about the war that was about to ensue. The only plan of action in mind was to establish peace. Hence there were no adequate preparations or efficient battle plans. Even the intelligence gathering was not robust enough. The maps of the area were woefully inadequate. In such circumstances, the truth of the grim scenario dawned on the Indian army. The LTTE had armed even the women and children with guns. The LTTE terrorists who had hidden capsules of cyanide, stunned the Indian soldiers. The troops which had arrived with the sole aim of establishing peace in the island, had its plan turn topsy-turvy in just a few days. The LTTE which had mastered the art of subversion, began to hoodwink the Indian Army. At several places, in a beguiling act of reciprocating to the peace accord, LTTE cadres surrendered old and rusted weapons to the Indian Army. A few days later, a leader of the LTTE committed suicide by consuming cyanide. This incident completely grounded any chances of establishing peace in the island nation. LTTE’s Chief Velupillai Prabhakaranused this as an opportunity to declare a direct war against the Indian troops. The war resulted in the martyrdom of 1138 brave Indian soldiers, the same soldiers who had come to the island with an idea of establishing peace. More than 3000 Indian soldiers were critically wounded. By the time the Indian government decided to recall its peace-keeping forces, the Army was decorated with 1 Param Vir Chakra (posthumously) and 6 Maha Vir Chakras. Among the six recipients of the MVCs was PS Ganapathi.
Trincomalee, 1987 July 30
(In first person) I was deputed from the Assam Rifles to the 8th Mahar Regiment. Pursuant to the orders of the government, the first batch of the peace-keeping force was airlifted from Tiruchirapalli to Jaffna on 30th July, 1987. I was in this batch. The dense jungles around Jaffna made me anticipate the struggles we would face in event of a military operation. I had a premonition of the same at the first glance of Jaffna. It did not take many days for my apprehensions to become true. This was because the LTTE waged a direct war against us. Within a few days of our landing, the LTTE attacked the Palali Airbase on the outskirts of Jaffna. The CRPF troops which were part of the peacekeeping force, were also attacked. The Jaffna Radio station was captured. Despite several counter-attacks by our forces, the LTTE did not capitulate easily. Jaffna was LTTE’s bastion and it was fighting to hold on to it at any cost. By this time, we understood that unless the LTTE loses Jaffna, its strength would not be depleted. But the Land mines buried unsuspectingly, suicide squads whose strategies were difficult to comprehend, disheveled all plans of our troops. The situation turned so grave that the then Chief of Army Staff Krishnaswamy Sundarji had to pay a visit to Sri Lanka in October 1987 and guide our troops in the peace keeping operations. The LTTE attacks were so dreadful and brutal that the Sri Lankan army abandoned and withdrew from areas which were the strongholds of LTTE. We were then clear that our next goal was Jaffna.
LTTE had assembled a strong army at a place called Maruthanamadam to defend Jaffna. Unless Maruthanamadam was cleared of the LTTE forces, the path to Jaffna would not be easy. We had to proceed towards Maruthanamadam from our station in Uduvil. Though our troops did not have exact information about this path, we were aware of the fact that LTTE cadres were present on the entire stretch. It was 6AM in the morning of August 11, 1987 when I was summoned by my Commanding Officer of the 8th Mahar Regiment Colonel BS Rathi. He informed me that he was entrusting the task of clearing Maruthanamadam from LTTE militants to me. Maruthanamadam was about 3 KMS from the place we were stationed. Without further delay, I along with 60 of my regiments’ soldiers proceeded towards Maruthanamadam. Our troops were adequately equipped with Medium Machine Guns, Hand grenades, personal weapons and few 106 RCL guns. As we reached Maruthanamadam, we faced heavy resistance. Those 3 KMS we traversed to Maruthanamadam that day is etched in my mind,just like a movie,even to this day.It was an uninhabited area, with kutcha roads.We neared Maruthanamadamaround 7AM. It was an atmosphere of stoic silence characteristic of a graveyard. Though we could see a few houses, no humans were visible. As we mulled over the scenario, a sudden barrage of gun fire fell upon us. We were stunned for a moment. While we deliberated our action, we realized that our estimation
that LTTE had modern weapons was indeed true. We also realized that the gun fire was emanating from within the houses there.Tackling the militants who are hiding inside such houses is a very dangerous operation. We had to overcome the danger at any cost. Lobbing grenades inside the houses through the windows was our only option. I then order my troops to lob 36 High Explosive grenades into the houses. Our soldiers blasted atleast 40-50 houses and destroyed the safe havens of the militants. Havildar Kaka Phule was grievously injured in the operation and attained martyrdom later. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for his courage.
Anaicottai, October 15, 1987
The success of the first operation had given lot of confidence for our troops. Jaffna was still in the hands of the LTTE. We had only advanced by a single step. With each step we took, the dangers only increased. Our next target was the town of Anaicottai. It was also called as Jaffna junction. The path to Jaffna would be easier only if we cleared this junction. LTTE agents were active throughout the path. The stretch was deserted with no signs of human activity. But in the silence that pervaded the area, temple bells used to ring all of sudden. It soon occurred to me as to why the Temple bells tolled when there were no one visible. I had realized at Maruthanamadam that the LTTE was a step ahead of us in gathering intelligence. The temple bells were used from far distances to convey to the LTTE cadres that the Indian Army was approaching Anaicottai. We proceeded with caution after we realized their modus operandi. We now only had enough arms and ammunitions to fight for 12 hours. We did not carry surplus arms as we had expected the 41st Brigade to arrive at Anaicottai by the evening of 16thOctober. As soon as we reached the Jaffna junction where four roads meet, we were attacked by the LTTE with their full might. We had to fight back hard and stop the enemies from advancing further. As the fighting ensued, the sun started to set and darkness had engulfed us. We would not retreat for any reason come what may.By nightfall, it started to rain and our adversaries were merely at a distance of 200 to 300 meters from us. While plain wetlands were behind us, scrub forests lay ahead of us.The ground beneath was sludgy. We were forced to consume rain water itself to quench our thirst.The incessant military operation since morning was taking its toll on our fatigued troops. Everyone ran the risk to slipping into deep sleep if anyone attempted to shut their eyes even for a moment.The gun fire from the enemies used to stop intermittently and start again all of a sudden. This continued throughout the night.I opined that we had to defeat them through the waiting game. I then sent the corresponding message to our headquarters. I received the communication that the 41st Brigade had departed from India and we should keep the enemy engaged until the Brigade arrives. We then received the message that a troop of 1st Maratha Light Infantry commanded by Colonel Oberai and armed with 81MM mortars would come to our rescue. As day and nights passed, we continued to fight the LTTE without as much as battling our eyelids. The putrid rainwater that had accumulated around continued to quench our thirst for days. The LTTE had come as close as 50 meters from us. We could not delay further and began our intense counter attack. Our soldiers fought valiantly like I had never witnessed before. By this time, the 8th Mahar regiment supplemented out efforts with their 81MM mortars and the 31st Light Regiment safeguarded us with their 120MM mortars and they fired upon the LTTE fiercely. While the battle raged on, I was forced to witness the deaths of several of my beloved boys. Unanticipatedly the LTTE fired a large explosive which landed close to me. The intensity of the blast was so deafening that my left ear started ringing. Decades after the war was over and even many years after my retirement, this was the only sound I heard in my left ear. The LTTE forces advanced further maybe after they realized our condition. During one of these nights I positioned myself in the Rifle trench and had my aim directed at the enemy. Despite the incessant and intense gun fire from their side, we did not fire a single shot. Silence from our side gave two soldiers of LTTE the confidence to walk towards our lines with the help of torch lights. I waited in my trench until they came very close to me. When I could see their face clearly, I fired upon them using my Sten machine carbine. Those two bullets I fired at that instant had a tremendous effect on the enemy’s psyche. LTTE’s courage had taken a beating.
The next day, a contingent of 15 soldiers led by Capt. Sunil Chandra arrived to deliver food and ammunitions to our troops. Capt. Sunil was a handsome young man but a tad impulsive, maybe owning to his young blood.While he was conversing with me in the rifle trench, Capt. Sunil got up to light a cigarette. I had forewarned him that lighting cigarettes could be dangerous. He must have taken a puff when his headsurfaced a few inches above the trench. A sniper bullet pierced through his scalp. Capt. Sunil Chandra breathed his last right in front of me. I took a headcount of my troops while lying in the trench itself. 11 of my brave boys had laid down their lives in the battle. I then could feel the heaviness in my heart. Finally on the morning of 19th October, 41st Brigade commanded by Brig. Manjit Singh arrived for our support. By then we had almost vanquished the enemy. A few of them had fled from their positions. For an operation that was supposed to last only 12 hours, we had fought relentlessly for 72 hours.
Uduvil, 25th January, 1988
Pursuant to the operations at Maruthanamadam and Anaicottai, Maj. Ganapathi was deputed to serve at the Army Headquarters at Uduvil. It was 8.30PM in the night of 25th of January. As usual, everyone in the camp were listening to news on the radio. A special bulletin was about to be broadcast. But none were aware of this and were eager to hear the news related to the Republic Day which was a day later.Then the announcement came on the radio that the ‘Indian Government had declared the Maha Vir Chakra for Maj. PS Ganapathi for exemplary courage demonstrated during the operations to clear Jaffna of LTTE militants and for the gallantry displayed during the operations to capture Maruthanamadam and Anaicottai’.
All his friends were elated and joyous. Congratulations poured in from his senior officers and staff. However,Ganapathi was reticent throughout. He neither felt proud for the award nor did he thank anyone.But he asked the only question that was haunting him. “You have bestowed the Maha Vir Chakra on me. But will it be possible to get back those 11 boys whom I lost?”
source: http://www.santoshthammaiah.wordpress.com / December 02nd, 2016
Mysuru entrepreneur Kuppanda Chayaa Nanjappa Rajappa has been appointed as the National President of Association of Business Women in Commerce and Industry. She is a first generation rural woman entrepreneur and Founder-Managing Partner of Nectar Fresh.
Nectar Fresh, backed by Khadi and Village Industry Board, has its unit in Srirangapatna, Mandya district. It offers various products like honey, jams, sauces, chia seeds and natural vinegar.
A recipient of various awards like CNBC-TV18 and Women Entrepreneur Award in 2014-2015, Chayaa was also honoured by Indian Federation of Culinary Association for breaking the monopoly of the international brands. She bagged the Business Person of the Year Award by Mysore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) in 2019.
Nectar Fresh has been the first brand in India to be using the ‘Women Owned’ logo of ‘We Connect’. Their latest venture ‘Veeravrutham’ is the first social enterprise in ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ which will support over 3,000 tribals and rural artisans locally. Tribal and rural artisans’ products will gain place not only in the Indian market but will also find place in the international market.
Born to Paruvangada Nanjappa and Poly Nanjappa of Nalkeri village in Kodagu, Chayaa is married to Kuppanda Rajappa, who was the first businessman to bring in the concept of supermarket (Nilgiris) to Mysuru. The couple has donated one acre of land for a Bharat-Israel Study Centre through Diya Minora Foundation, a sister concern of Veeravrutham Foundation. It will be a culture and technology exchange platform between India and Israel.
Chayaa is motivated by the principles of Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and has implied the principles in her profession besides working in various fields apart from business. She is the first woman to hold a national-level position in Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and also holds a position in the State Committee of RSS’ Laghu Udyog Bharti.
She is a member of the executive committee of the R&D Institute for Food and Technology at Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) and is one of them from the industry to be chosen as part of the National Honey Mission.
IIM Professors chose Nectar Fresh story as a case study for the Ivy League Competition, adding another feather to the cap of Nectar Fresh that grew up as a brand with ethics and quality than investing in marketing.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 25th, 2021
By Mandetira N. Subramani, President, VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust, Mysore.
Most of the Ex-Servicemen of yore, who joined the British Indian Armed Forces during early 1940s, and participated in World War-II, are no more. However, there are still numerous widows of World War-II veterans, around 70 odd years of age, living in Mysore and Kodagu region, who narrate their helplessness and pathetic stories.
It was customary for men of yesteryears to marry a life partner who is younger to them by 10 to 15 years. It is quite but natural that most of such wives become widows and may live for 10 to 15 years, or even longer, after the demise of their husbands. Trends have changed. The present day men don’t mind marrying a life partner elder to him by 3-5 years and the educated ladies consider it as out of fashion and a mismatch to marry men who are 3 or 4 years elder to them.
Reverting to the subject of helplessness of widows of World War-II veterans, a gentleman barged into my office a few days ago with a complaint that his 76-year-old mother, living in a remote village called Kiggal, near Murnad, Kodagu (erstwhile Coorg), is not being granted defence family pension even after a lapse of 12 years after the demise of his father, due to some vague reasons projected by the Army’s EME Record Office, Secunderabad. The hapless widow happened to be one Mrs. Kaveriamma, widow of a World War-II veteran, Naib Subedar Ballachanda Nanjappa Ayyappa.
Mrs. Kaveriamma & late Nb Sub B.N. Ayyappa.
I, being not only an Ex-Serviceman myself but also a son of a World War-II veteran who served in the Corps of EME and died unsung and unheard 22 years ago, decided to help the Late Nb Sub Ballachanda N. Ayyappa’s widow Kaveri-amma with whatever little bit of knowledge and expertise I had gained during the course of taking up the cause of Ex-Servicemen and widows of Ex-Servicemen since the past 22 years after I quit the Armed Forces.
I believe in “seeing is believing.” Hence, I told late Naib Sub B.N. Ayyappa’s son, Ganapathy, that I wished to see his mother Kaveriamma personally, without doubting his (Ganapathy’s) version of the pathetic story of his mother. Without a second thought, Ganapathy informed me that his 76-year-old mother has been suffering from all sorts of old age ailments and that if I wished to see her, I would have to visit his ancestral Ballachanda House in Kiggal village in Coorg, which is well over 150 kms from Mysore. He also suggested that I could accompany him the following day itself to his village to see his mother. Though there was a clash of opinions between my mind and heart regarding his suggestion, I decided to listen to my heart, which is always weaker than the mind. The widow’s old age and ill health became a priority over my next day’s assignments and engagements all of which I had to abort.
It was indeed a huge expedition on the next day. It took almost nearly three-and-a-half- hours to reach the 100-year-old ancestral house of late Nb Sub Ayyappa in his village, which resembled a bit of British architecture. However, it took me waiting for nearly two hours to get the audience of the grand-old-lady, as she took time to wake up from her sleep, get ready and come out of her bedroom with the support of her son.
B.A. Kaveriamma, widow of late Nb Sub B.N. Ayyappa.
During the waiting period, in Kaveriamma’s house, I had to perforce spend my time speaking to an 87-year-grand-old gentleman, who was resting in his easy chair. I was amused when he kept showing extra attention and courtesies to me than what I really deserved. This grand-old-gentleman, however, kept firing some uncomfortable questions to me such as, when did I join the Armed Force? When did I quit? Why did I quit? What was the last rank held by me? What I have been doing after quitting the forces etc… etc… as if I were put in a witness box for some crime committed by joining the Armed Forces! If someone around my age had asked me those questions, I would have blown my trumpet about my life in the Armed Forces, my last rank held as equivalent to one of those one star or two stars rank etc. But, I held back, because, in my subconscious mind I saw something very special in him that made me to tell him only the truth, including the last rank held by me, that is, Sergeant in the Indian Air Force.
While answering all the questions fired at me by this grand-old-gentleman, I was also looking at the walls of the huge verandah to deter him from firing anymore questions. However, I found some old photographs of late Naib Sub Ayyappa’s father, who was a Sub-Inspector of Police during the British regime, hung on the wall. Among the numerable old photographs on the walls, I also noticed a certificate framed and hung in a remote corner, which I could not read because of the size of the certificate, and my failing eye sight. I was compelled to remove the framed certificate and read it just out of curiosity. To my surprise, it was a citation of a gallantry award, that is, “Mention in Dispatches” awarded to Flight Gunner Sgt. Ballachanda N. Medappa.
Ex-Warrant Officer B.N. Medappa, M-In-D
I became very curious and asked Ganapathy as to who this Flight Gunner was ? Ganapathy pointed out at the grand-old- gentleman who was sitting on the same easy chair busy reading a Kannada daily Mysooru Mitra and said, “he is my father Nb Sub Ayyappa’s younger brother Ex-Warrant Officer of the Indian Air Force.” I realised that he is really an ‘Ex-Air Warrior,’ a term commonly referred to all Ex-Air Force personnel of late. I too sometimes proudly call myself as an Ex-Air Warrior to my advantage but it proved to be otherwise all the time with my retired rank ‘Ex-Sergeant.’
In the meantime, the widow of Nb Sub Ayyappa managed to come up to the verandah with the support of her son. As per the customs of the Coorgs’, I touched her feet to seek her blessings, and took a few photographs of her from my worn camera. After speaking to her for a few minutes I casually told her that I would try to resolve her defence family pension issue, at which she nodded her head casually, without any anxiety or hope of receiving it in the near future. I understood that she was fed up of trying for her defence family pension for the past 12 years.
On our way back to Mysore from Coorg after having met the widow, my thoughts were more on the unassuming Ex-Air Warrior I met that day than the problem of the widow of World War- II veteran Ayyappa. I tried to make a guess as to how many such great war heroes were still living or dead, unheard and unsung, among the tiny Kodava Community besides the number of General Officers this tiny Coorg District has produced till date. I even started calling up all my fauji friends, as if there was an impending war.
All armed forces veterans who served three decades ago know that there was a separate Coorg regiment, which largely included people from non-Kodava backgrounds while the Kodavas themselves served in different other regiments; this is in keeping with the Army’s non-bias policy. Field Marshal Kodandera Cariappa of the Rajput regiment and General Kodandera Thimayya of the Kumaon regiment are the most distinguished Army men among the Kodavas. Other illustrious Kodavas from all ranks lead from the front in their own way, not only during wars but also in war-like situations and counter insurgencies.
Lt. Gen. Apparanda Aiyappa is best remembered for his contributions towards the Corps of Signals and towards Bharat Electronics Limited. There were several war heroes as well such as Nadikerianda Bheemaiah, a JCO who was the first among Coorgs to be awarded the Vir Chakra for conspicuous bravery in J&K Operations during 1947, and Air Marshal Cheppudira D. Subia, a daring fighter pilot, was awarded the Vir Chakra during 1950 for his courageous and relentless attacks on the enemy targets which has largely contributed to the successful capture of Garais in Jammu & Kashmir.
Squadron Leader Ajjamada B. Devayya (known as the ‘wings of fire’), a fighter pilot of rare acumen, was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra after the 1965 Indo-Pak War, posthumously. Lt. Col. Ganapathi Puttichanda Somaiah (then known as the ‘Major who kept his cool’) was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his conspicuous bravery of fighting against the militants under odd condition while deployed in Sri Lanka as part of Indian Peace Keeping Force.
Lt. Col. Anjaparavanda Ganapathy was decorated with Vir Chakra for his valour during the 1965 war. Maj. Gen. Kuppanda Nanjappa and Colonel Mandettira Ravi were decorated with Vir Chakra for their valiant display of courage and gallantry in the face of the enemy on land during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Sqn. Ldr. Mandepanda Ganapathy was awarded Vir Chakra for shooting down one of the first Pakistani Sabre Jets, which intruded into Indian air space during the 1971 war.
Wg. Cdr. Ballachanda Karumbaya is another war hero to be decorated with the Vir Chakra for displaying his gallantry in the air during the 1971 war. The youngest among the above said war heroes is the then Capt. Baleyanda M. Cariappa to be decorated with Vir Chakra on 21st June 1999 for displaying repeated acts of valour, bold leadership, unparalleled courage, leading from the front and devotion beyond the call of duty in the face of the enemy.
Kodagu being one of the smallest districts across India, today boasts of the highest density of devoted, daring, dedicated, disciplined and duty-bound gentlemen soldier officers, with many adorning the highest echelons of the defence services in India.
At any given point of time, till 1980, the number of persons serving the forces far exceeded the proportion of any other set of people from any other region in India. The contribution of Coorg to the cause of the nation has been phenomenal and Armed Forces Martyrs from Kodagu District are innumerable.
The appended list of Army General Officers the tiny District of Kodagu [population 5 lakh and population of Kodavas is about 1.3 lakh] has produced over the last 65 years is testimony to the fact that the District is a cradle of mighty Generals:
1. Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, OBE; 2. General Kodandera S. Thimayya, DSO; 3. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Apparanda C. Aiyappa PVSM, MBE; 4. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Biddanda C. Nanda PVSM, AVSM, ADG; 5. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Codanda N. Somanna PVSM; 6. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Bittianda K. Bopanna PVSM, AVSM, VSM; 7. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Ballachanda K. Chengappa; 8. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Guddanda C. Somanna; 9. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kongetira M. Chengappa; 10. Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kotera C. Bheemaiah; 11. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Codanda K. Karumbaya SM; 12. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Cheppudira I. Jay Appachu AVSM; 13. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Somaiyanda K. Kariappa AVSM, YSM; 14. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Madaiyanda M. Belliappa AVSM, VSM; 15. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Bovverianda M. Aiyanna; 16. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Bachamanda A. Cariappa; 17. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Moovera C. Nanjappa AVSM, VSM; 18. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kuppanda P. Nanjappa AVSM, VrC; 19. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kelapanda B. Swaraj; 20. Maj. Gen. Kodandera Arjun Muthanna; 21. Maj. Gen. Paruvangada M. Cariappa VSM.
Courtesy: Star of Mysore
source: http://www.ex-servicemen.in / Ex-Servicmen India / News>Views>Articles / by M N Subramani / October 19th, 2012
He appreciated the efforts of the people’s representatives in the district in the establishment of a well-equipped court building.
The newly established Kodagu District Court building in Vidyanagar
Madikeri:
It was a historic moment in Madikeri as the iconic District Court building witnessed a grandeur inauguration on Saturday. The Rs 39 crore magnificent Court building was inaugurated by Justice AS Bopanna, the Supreme Court Judge.
“The notion of democracy will be lost if people lose faith in the judiciary. Lawyers must keep this in mind and work for the betterment of society,” spoke Justice Bopanna.
“Courts are upgraded with time and this does not indicate an unstable society. People believe in the judicial system and it is the duty of every advocate to keep a stronghold on this faith of the people,” he added.
Justice AS Bopanna at the inaugural ceremony of the new Court building in Madikeri
He appreciated the efforts of the people’s representatives in the district in the establishment of a well-equipped court building.
Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, Prasanna B Varale began his speech by singing the traditional Kodava ‘baalopaat’.
“Kodagu is the land of warriors and the district has contributed immensely to the Indian Military. The district has made a mark in every field and General Thimmayya, and FMKM Cariappa have been an asset to the nation. The court is equivalent to a temple and it is our duty to extend justice to the people in need,” he said.
HC judge Cheppudira Poonacha, SC judge Shukure, HC judge ES Indresh and district BAR association president KD Dayananda were among the veterans from the judiciary system present at the event. MLAs KG Bopaiah and Appachu Ranjan assured to extend bus services to reach the newly established court in Vidyanagar premises.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / November 12th, 2022
An invitation from Air Marshall K C Cariappa to join him and his wife Meena for dinner at his home was the highlight of my trip to Coorg.
There is something about the Air Force men that arouse feelings of awe, and this strapping man was even more special. Not only because he was the son of Field Marshall K M Cariappa, but a hero who was once captured as a prisoner of war (Indo-Pak, Sept ’65) My colleagues and I left Mahindra Resort, where we were staying, in good time to be able to reach Roshanara, the ancestral home of the Cariappas in Madikeri. The appointed hour was “10 minutes past eight”.
Driving in the daytime in the Madekeri hills is tricky enough with endless stretches of narrow tree-lined roads, so you can imagine how it was at night. The dark seemed darker and we got quite lost on the hilly roads. Trying to find someone on the lonely path, to ask for directions, was a task in vain. , , , .
We were feeling pretty rotten because you just don’t keep people like the Cariappas waiting. Punctuality is the norm with them.
When we did reach our destination, gracious as he is, the Air Marshall was more concerned about our predicament rather than the fact that we messed up with his idea of “an early dinner”. Brushing aside our apologies, he immediately put us at ease by introducing himself simply as Nanda and insisting we address him so. “Let´s get the drinks out of the way,” he said, “who is drinking, what?” he enquired, rubbing his hands.
The drinks order taken and quickly executed, he returned with a tray in hand and was leading us out the back door and into the back yard where chairs and tables were set, along with a two-seater metal swing under a fabric canopy, painted by his grandchildren.
“So! What brings you to Coorg, my Coorg?” he asked, eyes twinkling. I told him about the magazine and the popular UpperCrust Destination section that our readers look forward to, where we now planned to feature Coorg. But I didn’t tell him just then that I was hoping to include them too and that in my handbag I had a ´verrry´ serious camera.
Instead, I asked him when did he retire and how does it feel. “Oh, it’s been marvellous,” he said. “I retired on Jan 31, 1996 and drove down straight from Jodhpur, where I had given up charge. I reached Coorg on Feb 6 and have been here ever since. I hate leaving Coorg and do so only when I really have to. It’s strange, but just before you retire, you dread it, and now it’s been 15 years and I don’t know where they have gone!”
By and by as one conversation led to another, each of us felt more and more comfortable with the warmth that Meena and Nanda exuded. The night was chilly and we were sitting out in the open, under the stars which were shinning brilliantly in the clear skies. Pointing towards the sloping land and in the direction of the dark shadows, Nanda nonchalantly informed us that there could be wild animals right there. Brrr…
Roshanara is a house with character. Not a showcase kind of a house, but one which tells a tale. Where each artifact has a story to tell, a reason to be there.
I don’t normally ask for a tour of a house I am visiting, that too for the first time, but this one I was curious about.
“Chalo,” said Nanda Cariappa, when I asked if I could prowl around. And actually accompanied me. The anteroom was so rustic. Sports jackets and long coats, mufflers hanging on hooks, walking shoes and boots in another corner, hats, one with a feather stuck to it an a stand… not the kind of things we city people often see in homes. The large living room with a fire place “that works brilliantly and has never ever given us any problems” led to another sunken sitting room, painted a soft blue. The chandeliers, with delicate glass work were obviously antique, but then the house itself qualifies as heritage being 160-years old. “It’s been in our family since 1944. We have some nice drawings and water colours done by the different residents, it is a remarkable house. When Father bought it, it came with some 50-odd acres, but now after bequeathing some to my sister and other people, also the municipality, it´s down to 33, but it´s much more than enough,” said Nanda.
When I asked to be shown Field Marshall Cariappa’s favourite room I saw it was a modest room, opening to the garden and had many picture frames in it.
Again, each with a story. But one was extra special. An original black and white photograph of the Himalayan range with Mount Everest Massif with signatures of members of the first expedition, including those of Edward Hillary, Tenzing Norway and Capt John Hunt. It was then and with some trepidation that I checked if I could click some photographs. Nanda Cariappa looked at me, paused for just a moment and then said a quiet, ‘yes’ and I got to work as inconspicuously as possible. I respect people like Nanda who though fiercely private will not make a fuss about it. It was in that instant that I was reminded of another photo shoot, the very first cover story of this magazine, in 1999.
Co-incidentally it was with Air Marshall Idris Latif and Begum Bilkis Latif in their house in Hyderabad. Publicity shy as they were too, they could not refuse a request from Behram and I. Latif´s only plea was could we eat without interruption the Hyderabadi food which his wife had lovingly cooked. And could I shoot pictures of them and their guests, after we had eaten lunch?
Keeping that memory in mind, I put my camera away after taking just two pictures at the dining table. Some things we have to save in the memory chip of our mind’s eye.
Dinner was typical Coorg fare. Meena is a good cook. Used to entertaining, she had set a good table and at such short notice. But she was apologetic. And invited us to come again when she would do better. Naw…
After dinner, with GJ (Gulab Jamun) nestling in the Air Marshall´s arms and Tojo at his feet, we again sat talking and discussing everything under the sun (moon, actually), like old friends. Life in Coorg, life after retirement, food, wine, music, travel, religions of the world.
Both Meena and Nanda love the quiet life in Coorg. They are happy to spend time by themselves and few close friends. Nanda enjoys his golf, and sometimes goes angling. He used to ride, but has now got himself a mountain bike, which he loves to ride. He likes wearing the traditional Coorg kupiya when he goes for weddings.
At home, at night they both love to listen to Indian Classical Music. Nanda writes a fair amount for journals on subjects like Wild Life, Environment and International Relations. He had in fact spent four months in the U.S. in 2001 writing a paper on ‘Confidence Building Measures’, between India and Pakistan, a collaborative exercise with a fellow Air Marshall from Pakistan. The paper, due to the many unfortunate events (read terror activities) that took place around and since that time, got shelved. A pity.
For the present, Nanda Cariappa finds solace in trekking. Which he says he discovered only after retiring. Every year he goes into the Himalayas for two weeks of intensive walking and climbing. The next one in August is already planned right down to the last detail.
Lastly, I learned that Nanda is pretty fascinated by two other religions, Islam and Sikhism. He reads the Quran in the ´Roman English´ version and its translation in English, going to the local mosque for clarifications from the maulvi, if he does not understand something.
He even recommended a book he was currently reading; Foundation of Islam, The Making of a World Faith by Benjamin Walker. He is so influenced by Islam, his speech is peppered by Insha’allah and Masha’allah.
Come to think of it, when we were leaving, he had said, Khuda Hafiz.
‘Sambandha,’ the Silver Jubilee celebration programme of Kodagu mattu Dakshina Kannada Jilla Gowda Mahila Samaja, Mysuru, was inaugurated by Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme, Bengaluru, Assistant Director P.S. Leelavathi at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar this morning.
SAADHYA Trust for Social Development Founder-Head Achuda Arathi Harish was the chief guest. Samaja President Devajana Geetha Montadka presided. Income Tax Department, Bengaluru, Additional Commissioner K.M. Sulochana released the souvenir on the occasion.
Speaking after inaugural function, P.S. Leelavathi said that youths of today must utilise education and job opportunities and achieve in their respective fields. Elders should guide the youngsters, she added.
Samaja President Devajana Geetha Montadka spoke about the establishment of the Samaja and its objectives.
Uluvarana Lalitha Madaiah, T.M. Meenakshi, Paanathale Asha Vasanth and Mukkati Divya were felicitated on the occasion for their achievements in their respective fields. Samaja office-bearers were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 06th, 2022
BP Govinda is very impressed by the Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s attacking unit.
New Delhi :
With less than 100 days to go for the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Hockey World Cup Bhubaneswar-Rourkela 2023, the anticipation to witness the world’s best hockey players at one of the world’s most preferred hockey destinations – Odisha, is only increasing by each passing day. While the Indian team carries out their preparations to end the medal drought in the prestigious event, it’s time for the hockey fans to relive the memories from India’s historic World Cup campaigns through Hockey India’s Flashback Series – World Cup Special.
Through these Series of articles leading up to the marquee event in Odisha, Hockey India will bring you thoughts, anecdotes and trivia from Indian Hockey Legends who ruled the world with their wizardry and panache.
Winner of the Silver Medal in the 1973 World Cup held in Amsterdam in Netherlands, and the Gold Medal in the 1975 World Cup held at Kuala Lumpur, the legendary BP Govinda recalls his memories from the years gone by.
One of the most crucial cogs in the system for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team in the 1973 and 1975 World Cups, it was BP Govinda who ensured a berth in the Final at Amsterdam with the winner against Pakistan in the Semi-Final. The former forward terms that semi-final as one the best games in what was a decorated career.
“The Semi-Final against Pakistan is one of the best matches of my life. We won that game by one goal, and I scored the winner. I reverse flicked the ball and the keeper didn’t know where the ball was going and it went and hit the roof of the net. It was regarded widely as one of the best goals, by my teammates and the media,” he recalled.
“People used to love watching India and Pakistan in hockey when we were playing, we had full stadiums.”
Unmissable on the field of play due to his stylish long hair, Govinda said that the Indian Men’s Hockey Team believed that playing as a unit would always yield results. “Our team always had the thought process where we believed, no matter how strong the other team is, if we play as a team, we can achieve anything. Whether it was a practice match or tournament, I always played to win.”
Speaking about his camaraderie with the Captain of the 1973 team, MP Ganesh, the former forward said, “As a Captain, he was very straightforward and he would ask the players to play according to the plan. He wouldn’t scold any one, but he would tell everyone to go all out for the win, all the games. He used to guide all the players.”
Turning his attention to the glorious 1975 World Cup campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Govinda, who was considered to be among the fastest players at the time, recalled the love the team received from the fans.
“We outclassed Pakistan in the Final and the stadium was full with plenty of fans. When we came back to India, people told us that commentators made them feel like they were in the stadium and not listening in another part of the world.”
“I remember landing in New Delhi, and the fans were there with drums and they carried all of us. I don’t know where we finally went and landed, but it was definitely well outside the airport. It was a reception that I will never forget. I remember coming out of the aircraft and then the fans took over, we hadn’t got a chance to get our baggage either.”
‘Indian Men’s Hockey Team Will Not be Easy to Beat’
A former national selector himself, Govinda is quite impressed with the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and noted that they would not make an easy opposition at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. India have been drawn in Group D along with Wales, Spain and England.
“I think the current Indian Men’s Hockey Team is quite fit. And I think our forward line is playing well and I think the strikers have also improved a lot. It was nice to see the team scoring more field goals.”
“In the upcoming FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, I think the Indian Men’s Hockey Team is not an easy one to beat. They will give a good fight to each and every top team who are taking part in the World Cup,” he signed off.
Link to video of BP Govinda taking us down memory lane –
Progressive farmer and Rajyotsava awardee Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah shares his thoughts
Madikeri:
Kodagu’s progressive farmer Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah of Nallur village near Ponnampet in the southern part of the district has won the Rajyotsava Award for agriculture.
Though coffee and pepper are the prominent commercial crops in Kodagu, Ganesh Thimmaiah has been growing both agricultural and horticultural crops in integrated farming methods and has scripted success.
He is actively involved in innovative agricultural practices since the last 30 years and had earlier served the Indian Army. After retirement from services, he took up agriculture in his 15-acre land and has grown more than 60 varieties of paddy.
To gain additional income, he has a poultry farm and is also involved in apiculture and pisciculture. Apart from the regular crops of coffee, pepper, ginger, mango, orange and jackfruit, Thimmaiah has cultivated rambutan fruit.
In the integrated method in agriculture, he grows areca, coffee and paddy as main crops and a variety of vegetables and fruits and sub-crops. Thimmaiah has also been growing the ‘Beth’ plants required for honey bees and has implemented a mechanised system in agriculture.
At a time when more and more youths are showing interest in jobs and businesses, Ganesh Thimmaiah has earned name and fame as model farmer and has bagged many awards in the past. He won the National-level Babu Jagjivan Ram Krishi Samman Award. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, conferred the prestigious award on Thimmaiah on the occasion of its 92nd Foundation Day in 2020.
In April this year, he gave comprehensive training in agriculture to the batch of IAS officers at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.
“I am honoured to be conferred with the prestigious Rajyotsava Award and this gives me an opportunity to innovate further. I have been involved in agriculture for three decades and there is a need of attracting more and more youths to agriculture as it is profitable if innovative,” he said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 31st, 2022
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