Category Archives: Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021)

‘Rotary Sainik Desh Rathna’ Award Conferred On Brig. B.M. Cariappa

Mysore/Mysuru:

National Security Guard (NSG) Force Commander Brigadier B.M. Cariappa (Baleyada Muthanna Cariappa) was conferred the prestigious ‘Rotary Sainik Desh Rathna’ award at a programme jointly organised by Rotary Mysore Midtown and Shrisainik Foundation at Rotary Centre Hall on JLB Road here yesterday.

Speaking after conferring the award, Col. (retd.) Ravi Shirahatti lauded the acts of Brig. B.M. Cariappa during the victorious Kargil War against Pakistan.

Pointing out that Brig. Cariappa’s achievements and works are a model to young servicemen as well as armed service aspirants, Ravi Shirahatti said that though several will be willing to don Army uniform, it is not possible for many.

Noting that donning the Army uniform is a pride for everyone, he said that it is important to understand the past and history of Wars. Maintaining that those serving in the Army should be ready for sacrifice, he said, as such, the honour of Armymen will continue even after their retirement from service. Observing that a tree’s future depends upon the deep-rootedness and sturdiness of its roots, he said that the service profession demands valour, integrity, sacrifice and commitment. In the absence of these, the purpose of serving in the Army cannot be fulfilled, he said adding that he (Ravi) feels proud to have served the Indian Army.

Brig. Cariappa who spoke after being conferred with the award, reminisced on how he led his group during the 1999 Kargil War.

Noting that the first two attempts of the Indian Army in capturing the Khalubar Hills in Kashmir had failed, he said that he was then entrusted with the responsibility of capturing it, following which he came up with an innovative operation and succeeded in doing the job.

Explaining how the Kargil War was won, he said that crucial decisions were taken by the Indian Army during the War which resulted in a crushing defeat for Pakistan’s misadventure.

Earlier, Brig. Cariappa was accorded a grand welcome at the venue with Hootagalli KHB Colony’s Rotary Midtown Academy students playing Musical Instruments and saluting him.

Rotary Midtown President Rtn. M.S. Naveen Chandra, Hon. Secretary Rtn. S. Kumaraswamy, Rtn. K.L. Rakesh Babu, Rtn. S. Abhilash and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 23rd, 2023

Nitin Kushalappa’s Book “Dakshin: South Indian Myths And Fables Retold” Launched

Mysuru :

Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa’s English book “Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold” was launched at Atta Galatta Bookstore auditorium in Bengaluru on April 2.

The event was attended by Maha Vir Chakra awardee Lt. Col. Puttichanda S. Ganapathi, IRS Officer Preeth Ganapathy, retired Superintendent of Police Mookonda K. Ganapathy, Col. Maddanda Uthappa, Ponnakachira Machaiah, retired Assistant Commissioner of Customs Muckatira Suresh and others.

This book, which was earlier released on Amazon on Feb.13, 2023, is already a bestseller in various book categories. Atta Galatta is located in Indiranagar and has a cafeteria with an auditorium attached to its bookstore.

Presenting the slide show to the audience along with his wife Deepthi, Nitin spoke of the 15 stories in his collection, the regions and sources they came from, the illustrations and the rhymes that support the stories.

Lt. Col. P.S. Ganapathi, MVC, spoke of how he came to meet Nitin a few years ago and how they worked together on a previous book, ‘The Major Who Kept His Cool’ (Col. Ganapathi’s biography authored by Nitin).

Sanjeev Rajarao spoke of how he reaches out to Nitin for any information on Kodagu and Kodavas and how Nitin connects the dots.

Mrs. Leo, Nitin’s school teacher, Preeth Ganapathy, IRS, Bayavanda Monnappa, COO of BHive, Mookonda K. Ganapathy and Vishwanath also spoke. Nitin’s mother Mookonda Pushpa Poonacha spoke about the importance of folklore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 07th, 2023

Commoners appointed SVEEP ambassadors in Kodagu

Kodagu DC B.C. athish (second from right) with SVEEP ambassadors Eshwari, Ravi Muthappa and Basavaraj Badiger in Madikeri on Thursday. Kodagu ZP CEO S.Prakash is also present. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Kodagu district administration has appointed a few commoners drawn from the civil society as its ambassador for Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) drive.

The ambassadors are S.K. Eshwari of Mekari village who is specially abled; Basavaraj Badiger, an arts and painting teacher from 7 Hoskote Government Higher Primary School; and K. Ravi Muthappa who is a Home Guard personnel. They were felicitated by the Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu B.C. Satish, ZP CEO S. Prakash and others on behalf of the SVEEP committee with shawl and fruits on Thursday and the posters to create voters awareness and education were also released on the occasion.

The authorities said though Ms. Eshwari is specially abled she was determined to overcome it and despite certain limitations, mastered various types of crafts and has been described as a role model for others. Determined to be self-reliant, Ms. Eshwari mastered sewing and has taken to sports in a big way including wheel chair race, swimming etc. As an individual who was schooled at home, Ms. Eshwari is also into writing poetry and stories, scripting plays and has won state-level prize in poetry writing, the authorities added. This apart she is also into vegetable carving and has spread the message of Swacch Bharat, wealth from waste and plastic-free drive among other such national programmes and has won many awards.

Similarly, Mr. Basavaraj Badiger has his own achievements and has been a fine arts teacher since 16 years. His works have been exhibited in different parts of the State including at Pattadakal festival, Badami festival etc and he has won the best teacher award at the taluk level. Besides, he has also won a state-level award for teachers’ co-curricular activities.

Mr. K.Ravi Muthappa has been with the Home Guards sinc 13 years. Belonging to Ivathoklu near Cheerambani, he has engaged himself in social service since many years. His services are sought during accidents in rivers, waterfalls and lakes and he has retrieved 39 human bodies so far. In the 2019 floods that ravaged the district Mr. Muthappa was instrumental in retrieving 5 bodies of a family that was buried in the slush in Korangala.

The three will take part in various voters awareness programme in the days ahead, said the authorities.

www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / April 06th, 2023

Two From Kodagu Bag Chief Minister’s Medal

Madikeri:

Two Police personnel from Kodagu have been selected for the Chief Minister’s Medal for their exemplary service in the Department.

They are Madikeri Division’s CID Forest Mobile Squad Sub-Inspector C.U. Savi and District Crime Detection Unit Head Constable M.N. Niranjan.

Savi has been serving in the Police Department since 13 years and has served at many places including Nanjangud and Bylakuppe and is presently serving in Madikeri Division. She is a native of Kolakeri.

M.N. Niranjan is a resident of Ashokapura in Madikeri and is serving in the Police Department since 22 years.

He had served in various Police Stations including Madikeri Rural Police Station and is presently serving at District Crime Detection Unit.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 03rd, 2023

Obituary: Col. Madeyanda C. Appanna (Rtd.)

Retired Col. Madeyanda C. Appanna (Rajappa), son of late M. K. Chengappa and a resident of KHB Colony, Hootagalli, Mysuru, passed away yesterday. A native of Ballamavati in Napoklu, Kodagu, he was 80.

He leaves behind his wife, two sons and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were performed at Muktidhama in Vijayanagar 4th Stage this noon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / April 02nd, 2023

117th Birth Anniversary Of Gen. K.S. Thimayya

The 117th Birth Anniversary of General K.S. Thimayya will be jointly celebrated by Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru and Shri Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha, Mysuru, at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar I Stage here on March 31 at 10.30 am.  

Samaja President Mechanda M. Shashi Ponnappa, Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa, Sangha President Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah, office-bearers and members will be present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / March 29th, 2023

The Brave Warriors of Coorg: A Salute to the Kodavas

The Kodavas have a unique culture and history rooted in martial traditions, and have made significant contributions to the Indian Armed Forces. Defence and aerospace analyst Girish Linganna explains 

The Brave Warriors of Coorg: A Salute to the Kodavas

The Kodavas, a small warrior community from the Coorg district in southern India, have a long-standing tradition of serving in the Indian armed forces. This is due to a number of factors, including their martial culture, sense of duty and loyalty to the country, and the prestige and honour associated with military service in their community.

The Roots of Warrior Culture 

The Kodavas are an ethnic group with a distinct culture and language. They have been living in the Western Ghats region for centuries, with a history dating back to even before 1100 AD. They have a martial culture, and the men are trained in the use of traditional weapons such as the odi katti (traditional Coorgi sword). They have a rich history of military service, with many Kodavas having served in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions. 

In fact, Coorg is the only district in India to have produced all the ranking officers in the Indian army, despite having a population of just over 1.5 lakh. Coorg was once a state and had its own chief minister. Four diwans served the Mysore maharajas; many held the commander-in-chief position even pre-independence during Mysore rajas’ rule.

Dedication to Duty: The Kodavas in the Indian Army 

The Kodavas have a strong tradition of serving in the Indian armed forces, driven by their martial culture, sense of duty, and desire to protect and defend their country. Many come from families with a history of military service, and it is not uncommon for multiple generations of a family to have served in the armed forces. There are even Kodava couples who have served together in the Indian armed forces. They are also known for their physical fitness and discipline, which makes them well-suited for military service.

In addition, serving in the armed forces is often seen as a way for Kodavas to protect and defend their country, and many view it as a matter of great pride and honour. As a result, many Kodavas are willing to make significant sacrifices, including leaving their families and communities to serve in the armed forces.

Bravery in the Face of Danger: Kodavas in Action 

The Kodavas have a rich history of military service and have played a significant role in defending the country in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions. They have been known for their bravery and dedication in the face of danger. 

One of the most notable Kodavas to have served in the Indian Armed Forces is Field Marshal K M Cariappa, who was the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army. He played a key role in the integration of the Indian states after independence and was honoured with the Order of the British Empire and the Legion of Merit.

Another notable Kodava is Lieutenant General K S Thimayya, who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Distinguished Service Order. Other notable Kodavas who have served in the Indian Armed Forces include Brigadier B K Ponnappa, who fought in World War II and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Lieutenant General B K Krishnan, who served as the Director-General of Military Training and the Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, Lieutenant General P K Dewan, who served as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff and the Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, and Major General K S Chandrashekar, who served as the General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s Southern Command.

In conclusion, the Kodavas have a unique culture and history rooted in martial traditions and have made significant contributions to the Indian Armed Forces. Their sense of duty and loyalty drives their dedication to the military to the country and their desire to protect and defend their country. 

They have a rich history of military service and have played a significant role in defending India. The Kodavas of Coorg are a shining example of bravery, honour, and sacrifice, and their service to the nation should be revered and celebrated.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> India News / by Team Newsable / February 21st, 2023

National Defence College team in Kodagu

An 18-member team from National Defence College, New Delhi visited Gen. Thimayya Memorial Museum at Madikeri in Kodagu district on Wednesday.

The team was led by Air Vice-Marshal Tejbir Singh who said that the museum is a source of inspiration for present and future military leaders and eulogised Gen.Thimayya’s role in strengthening the defence forces.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 01st, 2023

In pics: Crowd at Book Fair, postal stamp unveiling and more news from Kolkata

A quick look at the day that was for Kolkata.

pix: Suvendu Das/My Kolkata

To commemorate the distinguished services rendered by General KS Thimayya, Padma Bhushan, DSO, a commemorative postage stamp and the first day cover were issued by the Department of Posts and Army Postal Service Corps at Fort William, Kolkata on February 4, 2023.

Lt General RP Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, and Col of the Kumaon & Naga Regiments and Kumaon Scouts unveiled the stamp and signed the First Day Cover in the presence of prominent dignitaries, veterans, senior serving Army officers and the present and Ex-Commanding Officers of 4 & 8 Kumaon, the battalions where General KS Thimayya had served.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> My Kolkata > News / by Kolkata Web Desk (edited) pix 2 of 4 / February 04th, 2023

Kodava Ex-Servicemen Meet In City

Advocate A.S. Ponnanna assures to resolve their problems

Mysore/Mysuru:

To project and seek solutions for the problems of Ex-servicemen and ex-Para Military personnel from Kodagu district, a Kodava Ex-servicemen Meet was held at The Roost Hotel in Mysuru on Sunday.

Former Additional Advocate General Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna was the chief guest at the meet convened by Army Veteran Appachangada Motaiah, General Secretary of Kodagu Ex-servicemen Welfare Association, Mysuru. A large number of Ex-servicemen, ex-Para Military personnel attended the meeting.

Many Ex-servicemen aired their problems with Advocate Ponnanna during an interaction  and sought his help to resolve the same. Ponnanna assured that he would resolve their problems in all the justified causes.

Most of their problems were with  regard to difficulty in getting their names and their children’s names included in the Record of Rights / RTC of their share in Jamma land.

Advocate Ponnanna, while addressing the gathering, spoke about various problems faced by Ex-Servicemen and ex-Para Military personnel and their children concerning Record of Rights /ownership of Jamma land.  He opined that the procedure / system to include Jamma land owners’  names in the Record of Rights / RTC should be simplified with concerted efforts by impressing upon the Government.

Ex-servicemen and widowed wives also projected their problems and Ponnanna assured to resolve their problems if the copies of connected documents are sent to his Office.

Cheppudira Arun Machaiah was the guest of honour.

Mandetira N. Subramani, President of VeKare Ex-servicemen Trust, highlighted the problems of two widows of Ex-servicemen who have been denied Death Certificates of their husband even after one-and-a-half years and requested Advocate Ponnanna to intervene.

Subramani said that one of the affected widows, Moodera Juby, aged  74  and wife of Sepoy Moodera Arjuna, did not get her husband’s  Death Certificate due to callousness of the concerned  Revenue Inspector according to the deceased’s son Cariappa.

The other helpless widow was Meederira Kamala Kumari, wife of Meederira late Havildar Bheemaiah, who too could not get the Death Certificate  as the concerned Village Accountant and Revenue Inspector failed to conduct mahazar or find out who is the living wife of the deceased since Bheemaiah married Kamala Kumari after the death of his first wife Damayanthi (Dharani) and lived with second wife for over 6 years.

Subramani requested Advocate Ponnanna to help both the widows in getting them the Death Certificates of their husbands so that they could claim their defence family pension as well as civil family pension since late Meederira Bheemaiah was re-employed and retired from BEL, Bengaluru while late Moodera Arjuna was re-employed at Mysore Sales International Ltd.

Ponnanna agreed to intervene  and help both the widows.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 01st, 2023