Tag Archives: Kodavas in the Indian Navy

Capt. Nithin Cariappa commands INS Kolkata

Mysuru:

Capt. Maletira Nithin Cariappa, Indian Navy, is the Commanding Officer of INS Kolkata, a state-of-the-art destroyer and a symbol of India’s naval prowess.

A resident of Bogadi in Mysuru, Capt. Nithin Cariappa is an alumnus of St. Joseph’s School and later joined the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, followed by the National Defence Academy.  Over his 24-year career, he has commanded INS Ajay, an anti-submarine warfare corvette and INS Kadmatt. He also served as the Naval Advisor at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, becoming the first Kodava officer to hold this post in Pakistan and to command a Kolkata-class destroyer.

The 163-metre-long, 7,500-tonne warship, with a cruise speed of 30 knots, is equipped with cutting-edge telecommunications and armed with anti-air missiles, anti-submarine weapons, the lethal BrahMos missile, and long-range surface-to-air missiles. Built by Mazagon Docks Ltd., Mumbai, the Kolkata-class destroyers are a testament to India’s naval strength.

His journey stands as an inspiration for Mysuru’s youth, encouraging them to explore the promising career opportunities in the armed forces. Married to Rohini, he is also an avid sportsman, recently completing the Tata Mumbai Full Marathon. 

Capt. Nithin Cariappa’s parents are Maletira Ganesh Bopanna and late Cauvery Bopanna (Gummattira). Ganesh is settled in Bogadi and his second son Nayan Chengappa is a Chief Marine Engineer, assisting New Zealand Navy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 07th, 2025

Three from Kodagu commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in Indian Navy

Mysuru:

Kodagu, a region renowned for its extraordinary contribution to the Indian Armed Forces, has added another proud chapter to its legacy as three of its youth have been commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in the Indian Navy.

Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah

Sub Lieutenant Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah, a Mysuru-based native of Kodagu, has been commissioned into the Indian Navy and is currently serving aboard INS Sujata, a frontline patrol vessel.

Rea, an alumna of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE), Mysuru, completed her degree in Information Science. Inspired by a long-standing dream to serve the Armed Forces, she cleared the Services Selection Board (SSB) exams and joined the Indian Naval Academy at Payyannur, Kerala, on July 1, 2024. She was formally commissioned on May 31, 2025.

Rea had the distinction of being selected for both the Indian Army and the Indian Navy, ultimately choosing the latter. A multi-talented achiever, she is a former international Roller Speed Skater and has represented India in three World and Asian Championships.

She made history by becoming the first Indian female skater to win an individual medal in an international competition, claiming two bronze medals at the 18th Asian Championship in South Korea (2018). She has a medal tally of 155 golds, 28 silvers and 11 bronzes across various competitions.

Apart from roller skating, Rea is also a national-level ice skater and sailor. She recently won gold in the Indian Navy Laser Sailing Championship held at Karwar and secured gold and bronze medals in the Biangular Sailing Regatta at the Indian Naval Academy.  She is the daughter of Kadiyamada Arun Achaiah and Priya Achaiah of Athur village, Gonikoppal and residents of Vijayanagar 1st Stage, Mysuru.

Chiriapanda Atul Somayya

Sub Lieutenant Chiriapanda Atul Somayya, son of Lt. Col. (Retd.) Chiriapanda Vivek Muthanna and Asha, hails from Kanoor, Kodagu.

An alumnus of PES Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering with distinction, Atul was inspired from an early age to join the Armed Forces. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on May 31, 2025.

Areyada Chaman Poovana

Sub Lieutenant Areyada Chaman Poovana, son of Areyada Kiran Ganapathy and Beena, has also been commissioned into Indian Navy on May 31, 2025.

His achievement marks a proud milestone for his family and community and highlights the continued tradition of military service in Kodagu. Known for his dedication and discipline, Chaman looks ahead to a promising career in naval service.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 03rd, 2025