Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Indian National Army veteran Lt. Madhavan Pillai celebrates 99th birthday by paying tributes to Netaji and fallen soldiers

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He joined the INA at the age of 17. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at the National War Memorial at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. Photo: X/@adgpi

Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), celebrated his 99th birthday on Thursday (March 13, 2025) by laying wreaths at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path.

The wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Army was attended by senior military personnel and the public. “Today’s wreath-laying ceremony not only honours the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for India’s freedom but also serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing journey to break free from colonial legacies while upholding the spirit of their sacrifice,” an officer said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: ANI

Lt. Pillai was born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan township of Rangoon district in Burma (now Myanmar). His father hailed from the Sivaganga region in Tamil Nadu. He joined the Indian Independence League as a civilian in 1942 under Rash Behari Bose. When Netaji arrived in Singapore, Lt. Pillai formally enlisted in the INA, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.

After receiving his commission from the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer, according Army officials.

Serving as a recruiting officer and fundraiser, he mobilised support for the INA across 32 locations in Burma, including Hanthawaddy, Sawbwagale, Ywadanshe, Swryan, Yangon, and Mayongone. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Later, he served in the administrative branch at the INA headquarters in Rangoon under Major General K. P. Thimayya (elder brother of former Army chief General K.S. Thimayya). He was officially recognised as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on August 1, 1980.

On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated him on the occasion of Parakram Diwas at the Red Fort.

The Azad Hind Fauj was formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Netaji on October 21, 1943. United by the war cry “Chalo Delhi,” the INA aimed to secure India’s complete independence from British rule.

Several volunteers, soldiers, and overseas Indians — from regions as far as Malaya and Burma — joined the force. Lt Pillai’s life story embodies the courage and unity that defined the INA, another officer added.

In 2021, on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji, Lt. Pillai was awarded a silver medal for his role in the INA and India’s Independence movement.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025

Players’ auction held for Kodava Cricket Leather Ball Premier League Season-2

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Mysuru:

The auction for selecting over 175 players for 10 franchisees of Season-2 (April-2025) Kodava Cricket Leather Ball Premier League to be organised under the aegis of Coorg Cricket Foundation at Pollibetta, was held at The Roost Hotel on Hunsur Road here yesterday.

The 10 Franchisees, which took part in the auction, are Kodava Warriors, Coorg United, Team Kodava Tribe, MTB Royals, Team Wildflower, Pragathi Cricketers, Coorg Blasters, Kodava Rising Stars, Western Ghat Warriors and Team Leverage.

Over 180 cricketers of Kodagu origin such as C.A. Karthik, C.R. Ayyappa and K.S. Devaiah took part in the auction and the Franchisees succeeded in getting the players they wanted by making a successful bid. Following the auction, Ranji player C.A. Karthik has been selected as Captain of Coorg Blasters, while C.R. Aiyyappa joined Western Ghat Warriors. Each franchisee selected 14 to 17 players depending upon their bid money.

Players aged from 15 to 60 are eligible to take part in the Tournament. The notable feature this year was the selection of 2 women players for the Tournament, which will be held on the lines of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL).

Coorg Cricket Foundation (CCF) President Porukonda Sunil said that the Tournament will commence from Apr. 1 and all the matches will be played at Tata Coffee Cricket Grounds at Pollibetta. The schedule will be finalised shortly, he said adding that the tournament is expected to be held over 12 days.

CCF office-bearers Palachanda Jagan, Madlanda Darshan, Charmandadanda Somanna, Chandira Rachan, Ballanda Reena Devaiah, Kulateera Shantha Kalappa, Keertiyanda Ganapathy, Annalamaada Roy Chinnappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 09th, 2025

World War II veteran Dr. Kandanda K. Kuttappa passes away in city

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Mysuru:

Dr. Kandanda K. Kuttappa (97), a World War II veteran and a resident of No. 952, 8th A Main, 10th Cross, Vijayanagar 1st Stage, passed away here yesterday morning. His wife Shanthi Kuttappa (87) had passed away on Sunday morning (Jan. 22).

He leaves behind his son Lt. Col. Ravi Ayappa, daughter Meera Madappa, daughter-in-law Lekha Ayappa, son-in-law Arvind, grandchildren, great grandchild and a host of relatives and friends.

Profile:

Dr. K.K. Kuttappa had served in Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) in Burma during 1941-45 after which he obtained his Ph.D in Psychology from Mysore University and served as a Psychologist in Services Selection Board (SSB) for almost three decades before retiring from SSB, Bengaluru, in 1983.

He had also served as a Professor at Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. Having known Gen. K.S. Thimayya personally in Burma and being a great admirer of the General, he had collected a lot of material on his life and had personally initiated the shifting of his grave to the Army Service Corps (ASC) Centre in coordination with HQ Southern Command. Dr. Kuttappa was also a social worker.

Last rites were held at Chirashanthidhama in Gokulam yesterday afternoon, according to family sources.

As a tribute to the departed soul, wreaths were laid by the representatives of the Chief of Army Staff and the Director General of NCC, New Delhi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 24th, 2023

South Korean envoy pays tribute to General Thimayya at Indo-Korean Friendship Park

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Lee Seong-ho, the Ambassador of South Korea in India, and other top diplomats on Friday visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park in Delhi Cantonment, fondly recalling the contribution of Indian forces during the Korean War of 1950-53.

During their visit to the park, a symbol of strong ties between India and South Korea, the officials also paid tribute to late General K S Thimayya, a celebrated soldier who led the Indian contingent as Chairman of Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) in Korea headed by India.

“Ambassador Lee Seong-ho and his team visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park on the 21st of February and paid homage to General Thimayya, who headed a UN unit dealing with the repatriation of prisoners after the Korean War,” the South Korean Embassy in India posted on X.

“We also recalled that India sent the largest number of medical personnel during the Korean War. Remembering the enduring friendship between Korea and India, the Korean Embassy will do our best to further develop our Special Strategic Partnership.” the post further added.

India’s First Indo-Korean Friendship Park was jointly inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Korean counterpart Suh Wook in March 2021.

The park, spotlighting India’s contributions as part of 21 countries which participated in Korean war 1950-53 under the aegis of the United Nations, was developed in joint consultation with India’s Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Indian Army, Delhi Cantonment Board, Embassy of Korea and Korean War Veterans Association of India.

Spread across a green area of six acres, the park has an imposing handshake artifact standing tall at the entrance bearing flags of India and South Korea besides a larger than life statue of General Thimayya.

South Koreans still remember General Thimayya, who was awarded a Padma Bhushan for his service in Korea, with gratitude and affection. General Thimayya also served as the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) after the armistice and contributed to resolving the humanitarian issues arising out of the War.

India played an important role in the Korean peninsula after Korea’s independence in 1945, sending an army medical unit – the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance comprising 627 medical personnel, commanded by Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj – during the Korean War as part of the UN Command. The unit treated about 220,000 patients. During the Korean War (1950-53), both warring sides accepted a UN resolution sponsored by India and the ceasefire was declared on July 27, 1953.

India-South Korea diplomatic relations were elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015 during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seoul.

Source: IANS

source: http://www.socianews.xyz / Social News XYZ / Home> Diplomacy / by Gopi / February 21st, 2025

‘Kodavaame Balo’: Behind the Kodava march

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This ‘journey by foot’ (kaal nadp) was called ‘Kodavaame Balo’ (‘May the Kodava way of living live on’). The participants walked through several towns over six days (from February 2 to 7).

Thousands of people at the march in Madikeri. / DH Photo by Rangaswamy / Credit: Special Arrangement 

In the hills of Kodagu, a six-day walk was conducted, by Kodavas and other native Kodava speakers (Bhashikas), spanning 82 kilometres. Kodava is an endonym used by the natives of Kodagu, who were otherwise called ‘Kodaga’ in Kannada or ‘Coorg’ in English, and has two usages. One is for the language and culture followed by Kodagu’s indigenes and the other is for the most populous community among these people. Twenty one different communities speak the Kodava language.

People dressed in colourful attire walked from the southernmost town of Kodagu (Kutta) to the district headquarters (Madikeri). The men wore kuppya chele (a wraparound kurta and cummerbund) and mande vastra (head dresses). The women wore kodavathi podiya, sarees draped in the Kodava fashion. An incident at the Kattemad temple, where Kodavas in traditional dresses were denied entry, was the catalyst for the event. 

This ‘journey by foot’ (kaal nadp) was called ‘Kodavaame Balo’ (‘May the Kodava way of living live on’). The participants walked through several towns over six days (from February 2 to 7). Lunch was provided by samajas (associations) along the route. At each village, the Kodavas and Kodava speakers such as the Ammas, Heggades, Kembattis and others, joined the procession from their homes. The Kodagu Muslims came out to greet and support the procession during the march. 

The crowd was the largest on the final day. The main procession from South Kodagu covered 8.5 km from Kaggod until the Mand ground in Madikeri. Among those who walked from Kaggod was 82-year-old Maha Vir Chakra awardee Lt Col Puttichanda S Ganapathi.

Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, president of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Akademi, walked along with me during the last day. He said, “A worldwide message has been sent that a community’s culture is their right which should not be hindered or opposed by others. An awareness has been created and this march will be remembered for years to come by our children and their generation.”

Historical and current significance 

Even before the reign of the Haleri rajas (1600-1834), Kodava paddy agriculturists were living in Kodavu, now called Kodagu. They were employed in the army and the government. Some other castes employed in different professions also lived in Kodagu under the rajas. They spoke the same language and more or less followed the same culture. 

During the 18th-century Anglo-Mysore Wars, Kodagu’s population was decimated. Many either died during the warfare or were deported as prisoners. 

In 1834, the British took over Kodagu, renamed it Coorg, and made it a province. In 1947, it became part of independent India and, in 1950, it was one of the 28 states of the Indian Union. In 1956, Kodagu (Coorg) was merged with Karnataka. 

The Kodavas speak a distinct Dravidian language. They worship their ancestors, nature, weapons and village deities such as Mahadeva, Povvadi and Ayyappa. 

Kodagu lies between Kannada, Tulu, Tamil and Malayalam-speaking regions. Hence, along with the Kodagu distinctness, we see influences from these communities and cultures.

Key Demands

Bollajira Aiyappa, President of Codava Makkada Coota, who walked for two days, said, “This is the first time in history that all the Kodava and Kodava-speaking organisations came together. In the future as well, everybody should come together like this to solve problems.” 

The event culminated with the President of the Akhila Kodava Samaja presenting the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, followed by lunch. On the final day, the organisers counted more than 30,000 lunch plates.

The main demand of the marchers was for the government to protect the Kodava identity, culture and constitutional rights. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Mookanda Kushalappa / February 13th, 2025

Kodava Peace March retains momentum on Day-3

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Kodava Muslim community expresses solidarity

Ponnampet:

The third day of the ‘Kodavame Baalo Padayatra,’ a peace march from Kutta to Madikeri advocating for the Constitutional rights and unique cultural identity of the Kodava community, began from Ponnampet Kodava Samaja this morning.

By joining the march, participants are setting new records for a foot march, as Kodavas and Kodava language speakers set aside social, organisational and political differences to march towards Madikeri.

The march, which commenced on Feb. 2 from Kutta, reached T. Shettigeri on the first day. On Feb. 3, it continued from T. Shettigeri to Ponnampet. Today, participants paid homage at Ponnampet, garlanding the statues of the town’s founder, Diwan Cheppudira Ponnappa, and Mahatma Gandhi before proceeding to Gonikoppa. After lunch at Gonikoppa, the marchers are scheduled to reach Bittangala by evening.

The massive foot march to protest the oppression of Kodavas will culminate on Feb. 7 at the district headquarters in Madikeri, where over 40,000 people are expected to attend. The overwhelming response from Kodavas and Kodava speakers indicates a massive gathering on the final day.

Throughout the march, Kodavas are showcasing their pride in their culture and identity. Despite the scorching heat, men, women and children — some in traditional attire and others in plain clothes — are marching silently, seeking to safeguard their cultural identity and community rights as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Traditional welcome

The march stands against political and administrative neglect, unchecked migration, cultural and geographical loss and the denial of Kodavas’ right to practice their customs and traditions in their homeland. The camaraderie within the community has been evident, with local elders, women, family Thakkas and village elders, and community heads wholeheartedly supporting the cause.

Hospitality, an inherent trait of the Kodavas, was on full display over the past two days, as participants were spontaneously offered food and shelter all along the route. They were traditionally welcomed at various points where heads of families and aged women blessed the walkers.

A key highlight of Day-2 was the red-carpet welcome at Thuppanani and Biloor Junction leading to Hudikeri, where lunch was served at Kodava Samaja. The marchers also received warm support from Theethira family.

At Mapillethod, Kodava Muslim Alira family extended a hearty welcome, with Muslim community members gathering in large numbers to express their support. They provided snacks, buttermilk, tea and coffee, to marchers in a show of solidarity.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 04th, 2025

Commending Culinary Excellence: Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Brings Coorg’s Rich Flavours to Life

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New Delhi : 

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi welcomes guests to an exceptional Chef Pin pop-up featuring the authentic Kodava cuisine crafted by Home Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda from February 6 to 8, 2025.

The culinary showcase at the hotel’s international restaurant, Tamra presents cherished family recipes passed down through generations, offering diners a genuine taste of Coorg’s rich heritage. Home Chef Smitha, a classical dancer, published author, and storyteller, brings her multifaceted expertise to this unique dining experience that celebrates the traditional flavors of Kodava households.

Home Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda brings to Shangri-La Eros New Delhi the culmination of a remarkable 15-year culinary journey. From her initial venture ‘Limited Overs’ to the establishment of Baked Delights and now Global Theeni, she has consistently delivered flavors that reflect her Kodagu roots. Her impressive track record of curating food festivals at renowned hotels like Taj Fisherman’s Cove and Hyatt showcases her dedication to sharing personal, memory-laden interpretations of Coorg’s rich culinary heritage.

The Chef Pin pop-up captures the essence of Coorg’s culinary heritage with a carefully curated menu showcasing the region’s bold and earthy flavors. The experience begins with starters like Nugge Elayithkande, a flavorful drumstick and potato preparation, Kumm Barthad with crispy fried mushrooms, Balekai featuring golden fried raw plantains, and the richly spiced Erchi Barthad, a mutton fry.

The mains celebrate both vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties, including Kumbala Curry with vibrant pumpkin, Baimbale Curry with bamboo shoots, and Kaad Maange Curry with wild mango. Meat lovers can savor Kaima Curry, Erchi Curry, and the iconic Pandi Curry with succulent pork.

Accompaniments like Kadambutt, Nooputtu, and Tarkari Pulav perfectly complement the meal, which ends on a sweet note with Kaskase Payasa and Madd Kool. Paired with Coorg’s celebrated coffee, this pop-up promises a memorable journey through Kodava cuisine.

The exclusive Chef Pin pop-up at Tamra promises an intimate dining experience where each dish shares a story from the heart of Kodagu. Guests can enjoy the Lunch Buffet at INR 3,200 plus taxes per person or the Dinner Buffet at INR 3,500 plus taxes per person, making it a truly memorable experience.

source: http://www.contentmediasolution.com / Content Media Solution / Home> Business / February 05th, 2025

Bopanna conducts tennis trials for ‘Bhoomi’ programme in J&K, meets LG

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Indian Tennis player Rohan Bopanna with young players during ‘Bhoomi’ programme for under privileged an initiative of Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy at MA Stadium in Jammu.

Jammu :

In a major step towards promoting tennis among underprivileged children, the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy, in collaboration with the J&K Lawn Tennis Association and J&K Sports Council, conducted selection trials for its “Bhoomi” Programme in Jammu and Kashmir.

The trials, held in Jammu and Srinagar, aimed at identifying talented young players aged 8 to 10 years who come from underprivileged backgrounds.


The initiative, supported by the Kamal India Foundation, focuses on providing free tennis training, education, and overall development to deserving children.

Around 70-80 children participated in the trials in Jammu, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm for tennis.


BS Jaggi, General Secretary of the J&K Lawn Tennis Association, praised the event’s success and emphasized its significance in identifying and nurturing young talent. He also mentioned that Rohan Bopanna himself visited Srinagar and Jammu to personally oversee the selection process.


The selected children will receive free boarding, lodging, and education, following the CBSE syllabus up to the 10th standard, at the Sports School in Bengaluru, home to the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy. In addition to the education, these children will undergo world-class tennis training to enhance their skills and prepare them for competitive play.


Meanwhile, Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna also met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the programme.

The Lt Governor lauded Bopanna’s efforts, appreciating the academy’s dedication to providing educational and sporting opportunities to underprivileged youth from Jammu and Kashmir. He further assured full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of sports as a vehicle for empowering youth and promoting holistic development.

source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com / DailyExcelsior.com / Home> Sports News / by Daily Excelsior / February 02nd, 2025

Sky Force: Kodava people condemn misrepresentation of Squadron Leader A B Devayya in Hindi movie

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Some section of Kodava community have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The bronze statue of Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya

Madikeri:

The issue of portraying the character of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya, as a Tamilian in the Hindi movie ‘Sky Force’, directed by Sandeep Kewlani has drawn the ire of people from Kodagu.

The move by the filmmakers has been criticised on social media. Tweeting about Ajjamada B Devayya, the people opined that even though the movie is based on him, his character has been misrepresented. 

Some have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The film was released on January 24 and is said to be inspired by the life of Ajjamada B Devayya and by his role in destroying a Pak aircraft during the Indo-Pak war in 1965. He was martyred during the fight. 

Speaking to DH, Codava Makkada Coota president and publisher Bollajira B Aiyappa said that the real name of the patriot should have been used for the lead character in the film. Even though the character’s name is changed, the identity of him being Kodava should have been shown. The change of his identity as a Tamilian has hurt the sentiments of Kodavas. Kodagu has given Field Marshals, Generals and Squadron leaders to the country, he said.

Ajjamada  B Devayya./ File Photo

“The movie makers had come to Kodagu to collect information about A B Devayya. The opening and closing credits of the movie have made a mention about the story being based on A B Devayya’s life, he said.

He further stated that a book has been published about Ajjamada B Devayya – ‘1965 ra Yuddha Hagu Kodagina Mahavira’.

The Coota has been observing his commemoration on September 7 every year at A B Devayya Circle in Madikeri where the statue is situated. The statue is erected and is being maintained by Codava Makkada Coota, Aiyappa added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Ashwani Kumar N K R / January 30th, 2025

126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa: Tributes pour in for the first Indian Commander-in-Chief

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Mysuru:

On the 126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, tributes poured in from across the nation this morning, honouring the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

The Indian Army took to ‘X’ on January 28, writing, “Remembering the Legend…On his 126th Birth Anniversary, the Indian Army pays homage to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, OBE.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared his respect, posting, “Remembering First Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army Field Marshal Sir Kodandera ‘Kipper’ Madappa Cariappa.”

In Mysuru, as part of the celebrations, floral tributes were offered to the statue of the Field Marshal at the Circle named after him on JLB Road.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda emphasised that the name of Field Marshal Cariappa, whose contributions to the country’s defence are immeasurable, should be honoured as long as the Sun and Moon exist.

Stating that the annual commemoration of the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary is a fitting tribute, he highlighted that Field Marshal Cariappa was known for his discipline, dedication and determination.

The MLA also mentioned that the Mysuru Kodava Samaja had previously proposed the installation of a statue of another Kodagu warrior, General K.S. Thimayya. He announced that work has now begun on the statue, which will be installed at the Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar, with funds allocated from his Legislator’s fund.

Kodagu’s contributions recalled

Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa pointed out that Kodagu is likely the only district in the country where almost every household has at least one member serving in the country’s defence forces. He also lauded Field Marshal Cariappa for his pivotal role in shaping the post-independence Indian Army, as well as his involvement in Iran’s army structure. Srivatsa added that Cariappa also had a deep love for sports and music.

MLC C.N. Manjegowda stressed the importance of celebrating the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary, encouraging youths to draw inspiration from his legacy and consider joining the army.

Manjegowda, an ex-serviceman, urged the Government to ensure that Field Marshal Cariappa’s birth anniversary is celebrated as prominently as those of other great personalities.

City BJP President and former MLA L. Nagendra highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Deepavali every year with the Armed Forces at the country’s borders. He noted the renaming of Metropole Circle as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle in recognition of the late Commander’s accomplishments and called for it to be referred to by its new name.

Former Mayor M.J. Ravikumar suggested that the busy junction at the Circle be made safer by constructing a shelter that covers the entire area to prevent accidents from speeding vehicles. He also called for further development of the Circle.

Former Mayor Srikantaiah, former Corporators Maletira U. Subbaiah and Prameela Bharath, Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Mukkatira C. Ashok, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Abhimaani Balaga President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and community leaders were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / January 28th, 2025