The convocation ceremony for the 72 Staff Course of the Tri-Services Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiris), was held recently.
A total of 421 Officers from the Indian Armed Forces, 40 Officers from friendly foreign countries and five Civilian/ Paramilitary Officers graduated from this institution, on completion of the eleven-month course.
Dr. Krishan Kant Paul, Governor of Uttarakhand, was the chief guest.
At the ceremony, Commander Battianda Kaveriappa Ponnappa was awarded the Manekshaw Memorial Medal and the Royal Purple Gorkha Brigade Medal.
The Manekshaw Medal, instituted in memory of Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, MC, is awarded to the Officer standing first in the Overall Order of Merit in the course in each wing (Army, Navy and Air Force), whereas the Royal Purple Gorkha Brigade Medal is awarded to the Officer who displays the best spirit of true jointmanship in each wing.
Cdr. B.K. Ponnappa was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 2003 and is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla.
He was the only Kodava Officer among 461 Officers in this batch. At present Cdr. B.K. Ponnappa is posted at Naval Head Quarter, New Delhi.
Commander B.K. Ponnappa, son of Major (Retd.) Battianda Kaveriappa and Prema, is married to Nivya Chengappa, daughter of Kattera A. Chengappa and Roopa, residents of Mysuru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 17th, 2017
A tribute to Lt. Gen. B.C. Nanda, who recaptured Siachen, the world’s highest Army Post, from Pakistan
By Santhosh Thammaiah, Columnist and Journalist
You might be aware of the latest development. The Prime Minister’s Office has called for an emergency meeting. Senior Intelligence officers will be present and you are requested to be present with your staff with a detailed report.”
When such a fax arrived at the Delhi Army HQ from Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Office in 1987, the Army Chief was startled. Well-known as the Honest General, Gen. Krishna Swamy Sundarji knew about the situation but did not have enough time to prepare as the Chief of the Northern Command was supposed to arrive from Udhampur. It was important to sit with him and prepare for the meeting at PM’s Office in New Delhi. Which meant the Army Chief and the Chief of the Northern Command wouldn’t have time to sleep.
The next day when the Chief of the Northern Command arrived for the meeting at 10 am at the PM’s Office, the Army Chief, his deputies, Intelligence Officers, Prime Minister and the Defence Minister were all seated. After a few minutes of silence, the Prime Minister began his conversation with a mention of 1949 Karachi Treaty with Pakistan and put forth the agenda for the meeting.
The Army Chief and the Chief of the Northern Command looked at each other with an appreciation on the PM’s ability to present the situation so eloquently and thoroughly. The way he presented with historical references, the Army heads knew it was time to pull out their weapons from the barracks.
The Siachen Glacier located in the Eastern Karakoram Range of the Himalayas.
Strategic meeting
The PM had said, “We have conducted ourselves as per the 1949 Karachi Agreement and as per the agreement we have withdrawn our forces from the borders. We respected the agreement and we have even withdrawn from ‘NJ Point 9842’. But now I feel that might have been our first mistake. Because Pakistan is now planning to handover that territory to China and they are eyeing Siachen Glacier. What is disturbing is that our key post Saltoro Ridge has been occupied by Pakistan a week back. You know Chief, Pakistan has named it “Quaid Post” after Mohammad Ali Jinnah and have set up their army post.”
“Yes, Mr. Prime Minister, I understand. The strategy for the future will be explained by our Chief of the Northern Command, Lieutenant General B.C. Nanda (Biddanda),” said Army Chief Krishna Swamy Sundarji. Lt.Gen. Nanda spread a large map on the table and started presenting. “If we closely examine the new post setup by Pakistanis, it clearly indicates that they are trying to challenge us. They have violated the peace agreement and occupied our territory. Also they have named it after Jinnah. It is very difficult to recapture this post which is located at 21,153ft above the main sea level. But it is possible. We have to recapture it at any cost. Mr. Prime Minister, any country would always have an eye on a place like Siachen Glacier. They will fight even to protect even an inch of that land. The one who controls Siachen can control a key part of Asia.”
Even though the Prime Minister was in agreement, the Defence Minister seemed to feel that the nation might misconstrue and point fingers at the Congress government. He showed a sense of irritation at those suggestions, just the way Baldev Singh felt in 1947, Krishna Menon in 1962. “Lt.Gen. B.C. Nanda, you seem to be doubtful of capturing it and even if you capture do you have a plan to protect it,” questioned the then Defence Minister.
Two Army officials stood up and said, “Yes we have an answer.” They closed the historical agreement which caused such embarrassment and the meeting came to an end. The Army was all set to leave immediately to Siachen. Army General Krishna Swamy Sundarji completely trusted Lt. Gen. Nanda.
War time
With his direct involvement in the 1962 war, Nanda had the experience of the harsh climate in Siachen Glacier. He had the freedom to pick his team. But Siachen is unlike other war zones and he knew no such battle in the world had ensued in the past. Because at such an high altitude of about 21,000 ft above the main sea level, with a freezing temperature of minus 40 degree centigrade and cold winds blowing at 45 kmph, it was a much worse enemy than the Pakistan army.
The second tallest glacier in the world had a glacier and its tributaries which few knew of its existence and approximately 75-km long. But it was impossible for a sepoy to know where it was located and which direction it flows.
Hostile weather
Interestingly, the helicopters had to survive first to ensure that human beings survived in such weather conditions. It was important to ensure that the fuel didn’t freeze. Every half hour the guns had to be heated on fire from a kerosene stove or boiled with hot water to prevent it from jamming. The human body becomes weak due to low oxygen.
More than recapturing Siachen, safety of the soldiers in such harsh weather conditions was more bothersome. But it was inevitable and Army Chief General Sundarji stationed himself at Udhampur. Just a few days back he did have a long discussion with Lt. Gen M.L. Babbar.
An oil painting of Lt. Gen. Biddanda C. Nanda, PVSM; AVSM.
Team Command
Finally he asked Lt. Gen. B.C. Nanda, “Where is your Best 20?” 20 Army personnel walked in hearing the bell from Lt. Gen. B.C. Nanda’s chamber. It was decided that Col. A.P. Rai would command the team consisting of Second Lt. Rajeev Pandey, Nayak Subedar Hemraj, N.S. Bana Singh and others. On June 23, the team of 20 left to Siachen in a Helicopter and their aim was Saltoro Ridge.
Death at icy mountains
At 20:30 hrs, a few soldiers of Jammu Kashmir Light Infantry left for Saltoro Ridge. It was pitch dark with freezing temperatures and the Pakistan army’s “Quaid Post” was only a few meters away. They had to take a circuitous route along the icy mountains at a height of 21,153ft. They had to walk one behind the other and had to cut through ice.
By the time one passes through a short opening, ice would fill up again. Naib Subedar Bana Singh was the tenth man and he had to undergo the agony of seeing nine of the men who were ahead of him dying. Because as they got closer “Quaid Post” they died of breathing problems. A few were killed by enemy firing.
Second Lieutenant Rajeev Pandey and N.S.Hemraj were now dead. After noticing their half-burnt body, he immediately called the command to send additional reinforcements. The next day Indian Air Force helicopter flew with 2 officers, 3 JCOs and 57 soldiers towards Sonam Post near Siachen. Thus began ‘Operation Rajiv.’ The second team took almost eight hours to cross just 150 meters. They lost two soldiers during the move.
Subedar Bana Singh
First grenade hurled
On the 26th of June, the first thing Subedar Bana Singh and his team saw at sunrise was men in white uniforms — Pakistani soldiers. There was nothing the Indian Army had to wait for. Bana Singh threw the first grenade at the Pakistani bunker and it was blown into pieces. Even before the Pakistani army could realise what was happening, the Indian soldiers started firing towards them. There were a few casualties on the Indian side after heavily numbered Pakistani soldiers started firing.
Cleansing of Siachen
Col. Rai had fallen with eight bullets. Subedar Bana Singh and his companions realised that rules of the game had changed, there were no more orders. They started killing Pak soldiers indiscriminately and a few of the Pak soldiers started running away. Col. Rai asked Subedar Bana Singh to get at least a few alive. He replied that they anyway were not his cousins to save them. In a few minutes, Siachen was cleansed.
Bana Singh Post
Subedar Bana Singh applied bandage on Col. Rai’s arm. By then, four helicopters landed at Siachen. Army Chief Sundarji and Lt. Gen. B. C. Nanda arrived. By the sight of it, they realised the intensity of the fight in the steep ice walls. Army General asked Subedar Bana Singh, where was “Quaid Post” located. The damage was such. Lt. Gen. Nanda replied, “Sir, that is now Bana Singh Post” and hugged Bana Singh. Even today ‘Bana Singh Post’ exists in Siachen. Bana Singh is Siachen and Siachen is Bana Singh, the brave fight at the highest glacier in the world stays as a symbol of bravery.
Decisive battle
This is how Lt. Gen Nanda groomed fine soldiers like Subedar Bana Singh. On that eventful day, B.C. Nanda may not have been there on the battlefield but he decided the fate of that battle. Nanda, who often suggested all through his career that every valour of the brave soldiers should be awarded, sent a recommendation to the Government for one Paramveer Chakra, one Mahaveer Chakra, seven Vir Chakras and one Sena Medal.
Prime Minister Modi during his surprise visit to Siachen in 2016 to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers.
Military honours
After the recapture he was entrusted with the task of modernising the base at Siachen. He increased the troop size at Siachen and ensured higher pay for troops stationed at Siachen and also brought a policy that troops can only be posted there for short-term. And today Siachen is not just world’s highest Army post, but also the well-equipped post. Siachen for Lt.Gen. Nanda was not just another Himalayan Army post, but he shaped it like a new-born baby.
For his contribution to India’s military might, Lt. Gen. Nanda was honoured with Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
During his tenure as the Chief of the Northern Command, he visited Siachen every month along with his wife to mingle with soldiers, share food with them and trying to distract their loneliness — because he always knew India will remain safe only if Siachen is safe. Wonder what his thoughts were when he left for his heavenly abode on Dec.12, 2018 at the age of 87. But he must have been proud that now the Prime Minister of India can freely visit Siachen.
He was called ‘Fake Environmentalist’ by greedy mafias in Kodagu
All through his life, Lt. Gen. Biddanda C. Nanda looked upto his maternal uncle Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa as his role model and after his retirement he decided to settle down in Kodagu like his uncle. After his retirement and until the death of K.M. Cariappa, ‘Roshanara’, the residence of Cariappa in Madikeri had become Lt.Gen. Nanda’s centre of learning.
He learnt the importance of preserving nature and environment of Kodagu from Cariappa. By then Kodagu had begun its journey towards mindless development and destruction. Cariappa’s death was a big relief for many who were into looting the natural resources of Kodagu. Now their last obstacle was forever gone. The dance of demons towards destruction in the name of development had by then begun.
Lt. Gen. B.C. Nanda in traditional Kodava attire.
Cariappa-Thimmaiah Forum
Lt. Gen. Nanda brought together like-minded citizens and started to energise Coorg Wildlife Society. He started environment awareness programmes across the district and personally donated one acre of his land to Coorg Wildlife Society. He tried to make others realise the importance of Cariappa-Thimmaiah Forum for the overall development of Kodagu.
Hundreds of retired Army personnel from the district joined the movement under Cariappa-Thimmaiah Forum. He invited many Army officers to the district and ensured to sort the problems of the ex-servicemen from the district. B.C. Nanda had a plan to protect the environment of Coorg through discipline and dedication of the ex-servicemen of Coorg. But sadly, the district did not take notice of Nanda’s concern. He was now getting older. He stood by the protestors when thousands of trees were being axed for the high tension powerline project to Kerala through Kodagu. He demanded that the truth of environmental reports should be placed before the people.
Unfortunately everything stopped working as per his plan. Political interests and mafia started labelling him as ‘Fake Environmentalist.’ The man who planned to recapture Siachen for India couldn’t ensure his home district is protected from the powerful mafia within. With such meticulous planning he could chase the heavily armed Pakistanis at the border, but he could not stop the people who were looting his home district Kodagu. His cries “The district has reached its threshold, don’t mess with the Western Ghats,” went unheard.
About the author: Manippanda Santhosh Thammaiah hails from Nadikeri in Ponnampet, South Kodagu. At present, he is working with ‘Aseema,’ a nationalistic monthly magazine, as an Executive Editor. His weekly column ‘Haadu Hoguva Haalegalu’ is being published in ‘Hosa Diganta’ on every Wednesday.—Ed
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Santosh Thammaiah / December 26th, 2018
A drill on rescule and relief being conducted in the Harangi backwaters by the Kodagu Disrtrict Disaster Management Authority, on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Kodagu district administration displays its monsoon preparedness
The Kodagu District Disaster Management Authority tested its monsoon preparedness and its capabilities to conduct rescue and relief operations during natural calamities, at the Harangi backwaters on Thursday.
This is part of an exercise in the run up to the monsoon conducted by the Authority not only to test their capabilities but also to infuse confidence in the public.
The exercise was conducted at Basavanahalli in the backwaters of the dam and entailed putting all the equipment at its disposal and using it for various missions that were simulated for the drill.
Kodagu has been affected by floods and landslides in the recent past and hence the focus was on rescuing people trapped amidst swirling waters or from landslides and protecting human and animal life.
Deputy Commissioner B.C.Satish said the District Disaster Management Authority and the district administration had taken precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incident and was also equipped to deal with any eventuality. The exercise conducted by the district police and fire emergency personnel, was a demonstration of the strengths and capabilities, he added.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was expected to arrive and be stationed in key and vulnerable areas of the dsitrict next week, said Mr. Satish. Both the NDRF and SDRF will coordinate their activities in areas identified as vulnerable based on the floods and landslides that hit the district since 2018, he added.
In addition, scientists from the Geological Survey of India are also expected to pay a visit to the district and map the vulnerable areas. The DC said task forces will be constituted at the district, taluk and gram panchayat levels during monsoon to coordinate rescue and relief in case of any eventuality. Nodal officers have already been appointed to coordinate the efforts at all hoblis and necessary instruction and information provided on the ways and means of handling any situation in an effective manner, said Mr.Satish.
Fire Officer P. Chandan said that all preparations were in place to rescue human and animal lives in case of floods.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – May 26th, 2022
The contribution of Tibetans Soldiers , who have served in the Special Frontier Force (A unit of Indian Armed Forces) in fighting with enemies by joining with the Indian Soldiers, have been hailed by Air Marshal (retd.) Nanda Cariappa, son of First Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal late K.M. Cariappa.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a felicitation programme organised by Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS), Bylakuppe, in honour of Tibetan ex-Servicemen of Special Frontier Force and the families of deceased ex-Servicemen recently.
He further said that the security of India depends on the freedom to Tibet. “Tibetan soldiers are protecting our country in an altitude of 18,000ft. without oxygen and they have also participated in India-Pakistan War for liberation of Bangla. According to them, the time will come when Tibetans residing in temporary houses in India will certainly go back to Tibet for permanent houses, he added and appealed Tibetan youths to follow the footsteps of their forefathers.
Meena Nanda, wife of Nanda Cariappa, attended the event.
Earlier, B.V. Javaregowda, President of ITFS, Bylakuppe, explained the purpose of the day. Settlement Officers of Tibetans Government Lobsang Yeshi explained the history of Tibet and another Settlement Officer Chime Dorje introduced Air Marshal (retd.) Nanda Cariappa to the gathering. A.A. Chengappa, Secretary of ITFS briefed the activities of the Society. Members of Parliament (MPs) of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile Lobsang Sithar and Ngodup Dorjee also spoke.
Pema Sithar, President of Tibetan ex-Servicemen Organisation, briefed on the roll of the Tibetan Soldiers in Tibetan Army.
Presidents of Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association and Heads of various Monasteries were present. More than 500 ex-Servicemen and their family members participated. J.P. Urs, South Zone Co-ordinator of Tibet Support Group, proposed a vote of thanks.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 23rd, 2022
The city-based VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust has urged the State Government to give exemption from entry fee to the armed and paramilitary forces personnel visiting ‘Sunny Side’ that houses General K.S. Thimayya Museum in Madikeri, Kodagu district.
Trust President Mandetira N. Subramani has written a letter to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai urging to fulfill this demand by exempting entry fee to those in service and retired Armed Forces personnel.
Urging the Kodagu District Administration and the Government to consider the request, he said the exemption in paying an entry fee of Rs. 20 has been sought as a respect towards the Armed Forces fraternity.
Subramani has also urged the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement, to impress upon the Chief Minister to pass orders in this regard.
He has suggested the exemption should be granted upon production of identity cards issued by the competent authority.
The suggestion came from an 85-year-old ex-serviceman Manira T. Nachappa, who had fought three major wars when he served the 37 Coorg Medium Regiment from November 1957 to December 1977.
“Nachappa met me at the recent annual general body meeting of T. Shettigeri Ex-Ser-vicemen Welfare Association in Kodagu and urged me to take up the issue with the authorities concerned,” Subramani said. The museum was inaugurated in February 2021 by President of India Ram Nath Kovind. “Sunny Side”, the ancestral house of General K.S. Thimayya, who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961, has been converted into a museum.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 10th, 2022
Get-together of Kodagu Ex-servicemen Welfare Association held in city.
Mysore/Mysuru:
Asserting that ex-servicemen must get all facilities extended by the Government, JD(S) MLC C.N. Manjegowda, who himself is an ex-serviceman, said that he was committed to get all due Government benefits to ex-servicemen.
He was speaking at the 4th anniversary and get-together of Kodagu Ex-servicemen Welfare Association organised at Sri Chamundeshwari Convention Hall on Bannur Road here yesterday.
Maintaining that he is fighting for the cause of ex-servicemen, Manjegowda said he had questioned the Government on the facilities extended to the family members of martyred Pulwama attack soldiers. Manjegowda said he likes to be remembered as an ex-serviceman and a honest politician who always worked for the cause of the general public.
Asking ex-servicemen to contact him any time for getting work done by any department, the MLC contended that the JD(S) was the only party that gave a party ticket to an ex-serviceman to contest the Legislative Council polls.
‘I have apprised the Chief Minister and the Home Minister on the services rendered by ex-servicemen. I will always be in touch with the Government to discuss issues concerning ex-servicemen”, he said.
Pointing out that Kodagu district has given many soldiers and warriors to the country, Manjegowda said that the nation should be indebted to Kodagu for this and also the sacrifices made by brave and valiant soldiers.
Noting that the Army and the Police are two pillars of the society, he urged the Government to distribute P-caps to the Police personnel just as is done in other South Indian States. Observing that most of the people who join the Armed Forces do not have a sound financial background, he said that after retiring from the Army, he joined the Police force and served in other departments later before quitting Government service.
Pointing out that those who had served in the Army want to be in a place where there is discipline and dedication, Manjegowda explained his political journey. Referring to allotment of Government land for ex-servicemen, the MLC bemoaned that ex-servicemen are being made to wait for years while private organisations are getting land much easier and quickly.
He announced that he would exert pressure on the Government to clear pending land allotment applications of ex-servicemen. Manjegowda presented Rs. 50,000 cheque to the Welfare Association, during which he announced that he would give Rs. 10 lakh out of his Legislator’s fund for the construction of the Association building.
The MLC also promised that he would make all efforts to get a CA site for the Association if the audit report and all records are straight.
Senior ex-serviceman K.G. Kuttappa and Association members K.B. Aiyappa and A.C. Subbaiah, who excelled in sports, were felicitated.
Association President K.K. Aiyappa, Vice-President K.U. Bheemaiah, office-bearers A.P. Motaiah, C.K. Basappa, K.S. Achaiah, N.K. Ganapathi, A.P. Appaji, K.S. Prabhakar, P.K. Bopaiah, Jaishankar, A.S. Lokanath, Chitra Subbaiah, K.A. Geetha and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 08th, 2022
Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s son, family visitPark, War Memorials; recall warm ties
Madikeri :
The Cariappa Park at Baramulla in Kashmir, named after India’s first Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa has been renovated at a cost of Rs. 3 crore.
Baramulla is located on the banks of River Jhelum, downstream of Srinagar.
It is a matter of pride for Kodagu and Karnataka that India’s legendary Armyman is being commemorated at Baramulla, a place that was once a hotbed of militants.
The winds of change began blowing through the Kashmir Valley after the Narendra Modi Government revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by revoking Article 370 in August 2019 and took steps to change how the region will be governed.
Though records are not available on when the Cariappa Park was created, its renovation began in 2020 and now it stands as a beautiful park. On Apr. 10, 2022 the family of Field Marshal Cariappa including his son Air Marshal (Retd.) K.C. Nanda Cariappa visited the park and paid respects.
The family was warmly received by officers and they also visited a Sikh War Memorial, Dagger War Memorial and the Cariappa Park in Baramulla.
Nanda Cariappa and the family appreciated the work of the Indian Defence Forces, especially the Indian Army for maintaining peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir which has won many hearts.
The Cariappa Park has been set up by the Baramulla City Municipal Council along with a hi-tech digital library and the funding of Rs. 3 crore has been obtained from the Jammu and Kashmir Government and Rajaram Mohan Roy Library, Kolkata.
Nanda Cariappa recalled his father’s association with the people of Baramulla and said that the people had a special place in the Field Marshal’s heart.
The family visited Baramulla following an invitation from the heads of Baramulla Park Trust.
Nanda Cariappa signed the Visitor’s Book at the War Memorial and spoke to the media about Field Marshal Cariappa, Kodagu and Karnataka.
The family also visited the digital library that has state-of-the-art services and equipped with all the facilities considering the needs of users in the modern digital era. The library is linked with the National Digital Library of India to facilitate user access to around 3.5 crore academic resources including e-books, audio-books, lecture materials, thesis, reports, articles, journals, and question papers.
The Field Marshal’s family members K. Rohit, Sanjitha Cariappa, sons-in-law A.K. Devaiah and Saurabh Gupta, granddaughter Arushi Anand and daughter Gayatri Gupta were present.
Cariappa was close to people’s hearts
The Cariappa Park is one of the oldest parks in Baramulla and it was lying in a state of neglect. Senior citizens and political leaders in Baramulla narrate the stories of the ‘Kipper’ (as Cariappa was fondly called) and how he is still close to the people there.
(Left) Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. Picture right: Cariappa’s son Air Marshal (Retd.) K.C. Nanda Cariappa recalling his father’s association with the people of Baramulla.
Once, after chasing the raiders from across the border beyond Uri, Cariappa, who was travelling in a military jeep, was stopped by a group of people including women and children at Baramulla and was told that they had suffered a lot due to the absence of food supplies, including salt.
It was a puzzling task for Cariappa, a General then, as no stocks were available with the Army so that they could be distributed among hungry residents. But he fulfilled his assurance the next day when he visited the old town and distributed flour, rice and salt to the needy families.
Cariappa followed this gesture in many ways in various parts of Kashmir. His noble act was appreciated by the Government those days. K.S. Thimayya (who rose to be General later), whom Cariappa had put in command of the 19th Infantry Division at Baramulla, followed Cariappa’s gesture and continued the support to the local population. Grateful Baramullians named the park after Cariappa.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / April 12th, 2022
Senior Police Officer M.A. Aiyappa took charge as the new Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Mysuru district here yesterday.
A native of Gonikoppa in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district, Mukkatira A. Aiyappa replaces N. Rudramuni, who has been posted to the DG&IGP’s office at Bengaluru.
Aiyappa, an ex-serviceman, had served the Indian Army as a Short Service Commissioned Officer for seven years before joining the State Police force as Dy.SP in 2012. After his appointment, he had served at Tumakuru, Bhatkal and a few other places and also in the State Intelligence, Bengaluru.
Prior to his appointment as Mysuru ASP, he was serving as Chief Vigilance Officer of Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) in Bengaluru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 08th, 2018
The Management of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, celebrated the 116th birth anniversary of late General K.S. Thimayya at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar this morning.
Picture : (L to R) Mechanda M. Shashi Ponnappa, Samaja President; Malachira M. Ponnappa, Samaja Vice-President; Kuttimada D. Muthappa, President of Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club and Machimada P. Nanaiah, Samaja Hon. Treasurer, offering floral tributes to the portrait of the late General. Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah, President of Shri Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha, Appanderanda Tara Somaiah, Samaja Joint Secretary, Mukkatira B. Jeevan, Samaja Hon. Secretary and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / March 31st, 2022
Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General K S Thimayya, both from Kodagu, broke down several barriers for Indians in the army.
The entrance to the General Thimayya museum. Photos by author
The General Thimayya Memorial Museum commemorates the life of the Indian General and is meant to inspire the younger generation to join the armed forces.
The museum was originally called Sunnyside and was the family home of Gen Thimayya. But not many people know that it was his mother Cheppudira Cheethavva (aka Seethamma) who inherited the house from her father.
Thimayya’s two brothers went on to serve in the army as well. Thimayya himself had a four-decade-long career in the armed forces from 1921 to 1961. A distinguished combat officer, he saw action in the Second World War, then in the 1948 war against Pakistan and went on to serve as Army Chief from 1957 to 1961.
After his retirement, he was sent on a peacekeeping mission to Cyprus, where he passed away in 1964.
But his illustrious career in the armed forces could have turned out differently. At one point, as a young lieutenant, he wanted to quit the army and join the Indian freedom movement, but was dissuaded from doing so by the Motilal Nehru.
“Nothing will please the British more than your resignation. For 30 years we have fought for Army Indianisation. We are now winning the fight. If you give up, we shall have lost it,” Nehru told him. “We are going to win independence. Perhaps not this year or the next, but sooner than later the British will be driven out. When that happens, India will stand alone. We will have no one to protect us but ourselves. It is then that our survival will depend upon men like you.”
Nehru’s prescient words led Thimayya to stay on in the army. The rest is history, and is on display at Thimayya’s family home.
For some years, the Sunnyside House served as the RTO office in Madikeri. This was until the Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum, whose president Col (retired) Kandrathanda C Subbaiah and convener Major (retired) Biddanda Nanda Nanjappa renovated and converted it into a museum.
This museum is spread over 2.6 acres and located on G T Road in Mahadevpet in Madikeri, and was inaugurated in February 2021 by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind.
An old-style building, many rooms in the house have been dedicated to various members of Thimayya’s family. One room has been dedicated to General Thimayya’s wife Codanda Nina. Another room is dedicated to Thimayya’s brother Freddie, the painter, while a third has been dedicated to General Thimayya’s home regiment, the Kumaon.
One room also displays Kodava culture: there is a Kuppya Chele (traditional male costume) on display accompanied by a hand-wound, Pani-katt, white turban.
The house itself has several pictures from Thimayya’s life, along with a video film. There is a famous photo of the General riding a Lambretta scooter. There are also pictures of Thimayya during his wedding.
A photo of the General on his scooter at the museum. Photos by author
Besides this, a replica of his uniform and medals are on display.
The museum also houses 24 weapons donated by General Bipin Rawat.
Outside the house, near the entrance, stands a battle tank called Himmath, donated by the Army training centre in Pune, a decommissioned MIG21 supersonic fighter jet and interceptor aircraft, a 24-feet INS Shivalik ship model, a Sindhughosh submarine and a Navy gun mount (anti-aircraft gun).
A rocket launcher is just one of the many weapons on display at the museum. Photos by author
Both the tank and the jet were used during the 1971 war.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum / by Mookonda Kushapallpa / DHNS / March 19th, 2022
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