MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda has sanctioned a grant of ₹3 lakh from the MLA Local Area Development Fund for the development of the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and its surrounding park in Madikeri.
During their visit to Madikeri on Tuesday, Tennira Maina, district president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organisation, and Mandira Sada Muddappa, nominated member of the Madikeri City Municipal Council, submitted an estimate for the proposed development works. Responding to their proposal, Dr. Gowda announced the grant.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gowda said that Field Marshal Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya were exceptional military leaders and it is the duty of every Indian to honour their contributions.
The MLA said that he would continue to extend full support to all programmes and initiatives associated with these great leaders.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / October 28th, 2025
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
Kodavas and the Arebhashe Gowdas are two prominent communities in Kodagu, Karnataka.
On February 2, thousands of Kodava men and women in traditional attire took out ‘Kodavaame Baalo’, an 82km, six-day peace march led by the Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) in Kodagu, Karnataka. They did so to reassert their distinct identity and to draw attention to the social, religious and political challenges their community faces.
The trigger for the march was a temple entry row that has pitted two prominent communities in Kodagu―the Kodavas and the Arebhashe Gowdas―against each other.
The newly built Sri Mrutyunjaya (Shiva) temple, in Kattemadu village near Madikeri town, is the epicentre of the dispute. On December 27, when some Kodavas turned up for the annual festival in their traditional attire, some Arebhashe Gowdas stopped them from entering the temple. The “common dress code” as per the bylaw did not allow Kodava attire.
The situation escalated with both sides sticking to their guns. They filed separate complaints and announced massive jaathras (marches) in protest, forcing the district administration to intervene and impose prohibitory orders around the temple. The Arebhashe Gowdas held a massive rally in Madikeri, which the Kodavas followed up with their march from Kutta to Madikeri. The run-up to the two marches was marked by a social media war with both sides uploading provocative videos and posts.
“The Kodava community will not take part in any peace process initiated by the district administration till the police identify and arrest those who attacked Kodavas and attempted to restrict their cultural attire at the temple,” said the memorandum submitted by the AKS to Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja.
Said AKS member J. Ganesh Aiyanna: “A few years before the Mrutyunjaya temple incident, we were prevented from entering Talacauvery during ‘Teerthodbhava’ (annual sacred event at the place where the Cauvery is believed to originate) for wearing our traditional attire. We will not tolerate the assault on our tradition and cultural identity.”
Harsha Kodagana, member of the Arebhashe Samaja, said they were just following the rules. “The temple was built at a cost of around 06 crore, which was collected from devotees belonging to all communities. The 43-member temple committee (which includes nine Kodava members) passed a bylaw with 13 points, including the common dress code. This is meant to build a sense of equality among all communities. Some committee members stopped those wearing the Kodava attire as it violated the bylaw. The temple priest was attacked. We want the police to take suo motu action against people posting derogatory posts on social media and making casteist slurs.”
The Kodavas, however, claim that this is not an isolated case. “Some people from a particular community have belittled our icons Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya, who are India’s war heroes,” said Aiyanna. “The Kodava community has a long tradition of serving the Indian armed forces. People have also petitioned the courts to curb our gun rights but the court has restored it till 2029. The gun is revered in a Kodava family as it is an integral part of all our customs. We announce the birth of a baby boy with gunshots, and baby girl by beating brass plates. We have never used these weapons for violent purposes. We are nature and ancestor worshippers and are not involved in any politics. But the assault on our culture is growing.”
The memorandum submitted to the deputy commissioner said that the government must ensure a safe atmosphere for Kodavas to practise their traditions on their own land. It also urged the government to take steps to facilitate Kodava community participation in the Talacauvery rituals, extend constitutional protection for Kodava land, culture, traditions, religious practices and social security, and to curb “political oppression” by dominant communities.
The district administration has sought a report from the temple committee, but notably, the elected representatives―Congress MLAs A.S. Ponnanna (Virajpet) and Mantar Gowda (Madikeri), and BJP MP from Mysore-Kodagu Yaduveer Wadiyar―have kept a safe distance from the controversy.
Interestingly, when it comes to elections, the two communities have supported candidates without caste considerations. Previously, BJP leader Appachu Ranjan, a Kodava, had won the Gowda-dominated Madikeri assembly seat three times, while fellow party member K.G. Bopaiah, a Gowda, had won the Kodava-dominated Virajpet assembly seat thrice.
The temple entry episode is the latest incident that could galvanise the Kodavas, who for long have feared losing their identity. The 1.5 lakh-strong population has been dwindling; there has been fragmentation of families because of migration for education and employment, and inter-caste marriages. The community, under the banner of the Codava National Council, has been resisting the change in demography, loss of land and the alienation of the younger Kodavas from their language and culture. The long list of the council’s demands includes geo-political autonomy, inclusion in the scheduled tribe list, exemption from the Arms Act, inclusion of Kodava language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, recognition of river Cauvery as a living entity, UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage tag, inner line permit system to prevent demographic changes, and greater representation of Kodavas in Parliament.
The influx of people from outside, commercial exploitation of forests for tourism and massive infrastructure projects have resulted in water scarcity, landslides and floods, say locals. The people of Kodagu include Kodava, Arebhashe Gowda and 21 other Kodava-speaking communities who have lived in harmony despite the many challenges.
“After the backlash by Kodavas over Tipu Jayanti celebrations, the Congress government was forced to stop it,” said a local leader who did not want to be named. “But now, some vested interest groups are playing mischief to divide the Hindu community.”
source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> The Week / by Prathima Nandakumar / February 16th, 2025
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
The Kodava community in Karnataka will hold an 80-km peace march to highlight cultural erosion, identity concerns, and ecological challenges in Kodagu.
Kodava Community Plans 80-Km Peace March to Protect Cultural Identity
The Kodava community, an indigenous group in Karnataka known for its unique traditions and martial heritage, has announced an 80-kilometer peace march from February 2 to 7. Organized by the Federation of Kodava Samajas, the march will begin in Kutta, near the Kerala border, and conclude in Madikeri, Kodagu’s district headquarters.
The initiative aims to draw attention to the community’s dwindling population and threats to its cultural identity. According to reports, the Kodava community has been raising concerns over cultural erosion, socio-political neglect, and restrictions on traditional practices.
The Kodava population, once estimated at 300,000, has declined to approximately 125,000. Speaking to The Times of India, Chandapanda Prajwal Poovanna, a real estate professional, highlighted the demographic shift. “Only 40% of Kodavas continue to reside in Kodagu, leading to a loss of political representation and influence,” he said.
The community has also voiced concerns about the increasing sale of ancestral land to outsiders. Wealthy buyers, including politicians and businesspeople from Karnataka and neighboring states, are reportedly converting plantations into commercial establishments.
“Many Kodavas are forced to sell their properties and migrate due to economic pressures. This not only threatens our cultural roots but also disrupts Kodagu’s ecological balance,” Theethramada Satish Bopanna told The Times of India.
Despite their small numbers, the Kodavas have made significant contributions to India’s armed forces and sports. Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General K S Thimayya are among the community’s most celebrated military leaders. Sports icons like hockey player M P Ganesh, cricketer Robin Uthappa, badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa, and tennis player Rohan Bopanna also hail from the region.
“Even with such contributions, the state and central governments often overlook our concerns because we are a small community that does not significantly impact vote banks,” cultural expert Poyyatira Raj Chengappa told The Times of India.
The Kodava community has been advocating for special status to protect their cultural and ecological heritage.
Bayavanda Sharath Kushalapoa, secretary of SVG Kodava Sangha, highlighted the importance of such measures. “Special status would prevent outsiders from purchasing land for commercial purposes and help conserve Kodagu’s distinct culture and environment,” he said.
Organizers have called for widespread participation to highlight the urgency of their cause. Kodava Community Plans 80-Km Peace March to Protect Cultural Identity
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Sowmya Sangam / Hans News Service / January 28th, 2025
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
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
Tributes were paid to K. Mireille Chengappa, daughter of KS. Thimayya at Thimayya Memorial Museum in Madikeri on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Tributes were paid to K. Mireille Chengappa, 86, daughter of Gen. K.S. Thimayya, India’s 6th Chief of Army Staff, at Thimayya Memorial Museum in Madikeri on Saturday.
Ms. Chengappa passed away in Bengaluru on Friday and the staff of the museum made floral offerings to her portrait and recalled her contribution to the establishment of the museum and observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 14th, 2023
Kongetira Mireille Chengappa, aged 86 years, wife of Maj. Gen. Kongetira M. Chengappa and daughter of General Kodandera S. Thimayya, passed away in Bengaluru at 7 pm yesterday. She leaves behind her son K.C. Belliappa and daughter Amrita.
Last rites will be performed at Hebbal crematorium in Bengaluru today at 6 pm, said family sources.
General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1957 to 1961 in the crucial years leading up to the conflict with China in 1962.
Mireille was born in 1936 and Gen. Thimayya and his wife Nina (from Codanda family) named her Mireille as Nina was sent to France for schooling as a 13-year-old. She stayed there for 5 years and found the name Mireille popular in France.
Mireille studied at Bishop Cotton Girls School in Bengaluru for a brief period before she went to Woodstock at Mussoorie and later had a stint at J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai
Her son (Gen. Thimayya’s grandson) Belliappa lives in Bengaluru and is married to Nicole, a professional photographer. The General’s granddaughter Amrita is married to a German and they live near Almora in Uttaranchal.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> January 14th, 2023
He appreciated the efforts of the people’s representatives in the district in the establishment of a well-equipped court building.
The newly established Kodagu District Court building in Vidyanagar
Madikeri:
It was a historic moment in Madikeri as the iconic District Court building witnessed a grandeur inauguration on Saturday. The Rs 39 crore magnificent Court building was inaugurated by Justice AS Bopanna, the Supreme Court Judge.
“The notion of democracy will be lost if people lose faith in the judiciary. Lawyers must keep this in mind and work for the betterment of society,” spoke Justice Bopanna.
“Courts are upgraded with time and this does not indicate an unstable society. People believe in the judicial system and it is the duty of every advocate to keep a stronghold on this faith of the people,” he added.
Justice AS Bopanna at the inaugural ceremony of the new Court building in Madikeri
He appreciated the efforts of the people’s representatives in the district in the establishment of a well-equipped court building.
Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, Prasanna B Varale began his speech by singing the traditional Kodava ‘baalopaat’.
“Kodagu is the land of warriors and the district has contributed immensely to the Indian Military. The district has made a mark in every field and General Thimmayya, and FMKM Cariappa have been an asset to the nation. The court is equivalent to a temple and it is our duty to extend justice to the people in need,” he said.
HC judge Cheppudira Poonacha, SC judge Shukure, HC judge ES Indresh and district BAR association president KD Dayananda were among the veterans from the judiciary system present at the event. MLAs KG Bopaiah and Appachu Ranjan assured to extend bus services to reach the newly established court in Vidyanagar premises.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / November 12th, 2022
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