Mysore, Jan. 2:
P.M. Belliappa, a retired IAS officer of Tamil Nadu, who was decorated early this year with the Most Excellent Order of the ‘Member of the British Empire’ (MBE) by the Queen of England is the ‘Coorg Person of the Year 2011.’

Pemanda Monappa Belliappa was given the MBE award for his contribution towards improving the Indo-UK relationship, especially in his capacity as President of the Association of British Sch-olars (ABS), over many years.

Belliappa was selected ‘Coorg Person of the Year’ in a poll conducted among the members of www.coorgtourisminfo.com, a news portal of Kodagu (Coorg).

Presenting the MBE award, Mike Nitharvrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner in Southern India, had said that the award was in recognition of Belliappa’s services to environmental protection and for promoting Indo-UK alumni relations.

Belliappa, in his 35-year-long service in the IAS, had occupied important posts, starting as District Collector and also held the posts of head of the National Hydro Electric Corporation of India and the Chairman and Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Corporation of India.

He was leader and member of several Indian delegations to ESCAP, UNIDO, World Bank and other leading international institutions. He served as Chairman of International Workshop on “Clean Technologies” orga-nised by the Regional Institute of Environmental Technology (RIET) Singapore, a European Union sponsored institution.

He established the ‘Pemanda Monappa Scholarship’ in perpetuity, in Cambridge University in the name of his late father, Pemanda Monappa, former Karnataka Inspector General of Police, which will enable one student from the southern States of India to pursue a Masters course.

Belliappa has Masters degrees in both Economics and English, and also a law degree. He was a Research Fellow at the Centre for South Asian Studies, Cambridge University and also obtained a Diploma in Development Administration from Manchester University, United Kingdom.

Among the others who were nominated for this year’s ‘Coorg Person of the Year 2011,’ include M.C. Nanaiah, MLC, N.U. Nachappa of the Codava National Council (CNC), Ashwini Ponnappa, badminton champion and Sarita Mandanna, author.

The past winners of the ‘Coorg Person of the Year’ are Dr. Ka-very Nambisan, novelist, 2005; Dr Boverianda Nanjamma Chinnappa, researcher, 2006; Robin Uthappa, cricketer, 2007; Dr. Moodera Jagadeesh Sub-baiah , scientist, 2008; Air Marshal K.C. Cariappa, Retd., environmentalist, 2009; Tennis player Rohan Bopanna, 2010.

The news portal www.coorg tourisminfo.com has been promoted by senior journalist and author P.T. Bopanna.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / January 02nd, 2012

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, hailing from Kodagu district of Karnataka, is best known as the first Commander-In-Chief of the army of independent India. He has often been described as ‘The Father of the Indian Army’. He was born on the 28th of January 1899.

His Early Years

Cariappa was one among the six children of Kodandera Madappa, who was an official in the revenue department. He completed his schoolingfrom Central High School at Madikeri in Kodagu. He later studied atPresidency College, Chennai.

Even at a young age, he was always up for challenges and he displayed tremendous determination in achieving whatever he put his mind to. As a student, he is known to have taken an active interest in academics, sports and debates.

Cariappa’s Military Exploits

At the age of 20, Cariappa was selected to be among the first batch of boys to be trained for commissioning in the British Indian Army. After a stint at Daly College, Indore, he was commissioned as an officer and posted to the second battalion of the 88th Carnatic Infantry in Bombay, to serve as a Second Lieutenant.

There was no looking back after that. He steadily rose among the ranks, and even had stints in places like Iraq, Iran and Syria.

During the period of Partition in 1947, Cariappa oversaw the division of the Indian army. During the Indo-Pak war of 1947-48, he led the Indian forces on the western front. Later in 1949, he became Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army.

Incidentally, it is a well-known fact that Cariappa had been nick-named ‘Kipper’ by his colleagues in the army. After serving in the Indian army for almost three decades, Cariappa went on to serve as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand.

Honors and Recognition

In 1949, Cariappa was conferred the Order of the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit by Harry Truman who was the President of the United States at the time. In 1986, the government of India conferred him with the honorary rank of Field Marshal in recognition of the exemplary services rendered by him to the Indian army.

Personality Traits and Information

Cariappa was a tall man with a commanding personality, besides being a good conversationalist. He was admired for his dedication to his work, his courage and unwavering integrity and his strong sense of patriotism.

However, he was also a strict disciplinarian and had a quick temper.

His Final Years

Towards the end of his life, Cariappa spent much of his time in his estate Roshanara located in his native town of Coorg. He was involved in spreading awareness about pollution and environmental conservation.

He died in Bangalore in 1993, and he was 94 years old.

source: http://www.Karnataka.com / Home> Personalities