Today is Army Day. Every year, 15 January is commemorated as ‘Army Day’ to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) K M Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.
Field Marshal Cariappa is known for his exceptional secular and leadership qualities. Soon after taking command, he did away with the British “Martial Race” concept of recruitment in the Armed Forces and opened it up for all Indian nationals.
“A Soldier is above politics and should not believe in caste or creed”, he said.
Kodagu is known as the land of Generals and Soldiers. In the not too distant past, every Kodava family had at least one person serving in the Armed Forces or retired from the service. The Armed Forces has been a part and parcel of Kodava Culture. Many retired servicemen reside in Kodagu and also those who have been martyred in battles are remembered with pride. Many statues have been erected in their honor – and there are others who have died unsung and unheard.
CLN contacted the Office of the General Thimmaiah Memorial Museum in Madikeri to enquire about Army Day functions across Kodagu. It is rather unfortunate that other than the ex-servicemen’s union/office, there were no significant events planned/organized by the people nor the District Administration. Kodava Armed Forces members have been the utmost pride and distinction of the community. In addition to two Chiefs’ of Army Staff, this small community has provided 25 Lieutenant and Major Generals and equivalent of number of Brigadiers, 4 Air Marshals, 1 Rear Admiral, hundreds of other Officers and thousands of Soldiers. Besides Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya, a few senior officers like General C N Somanna and B C Nanda have proactively involved themselves in community matters for the long term welfare and good of Kodagu. This tradition should continue. It is therefore only appropriate that this important occasion be commemorated and celebrated with due respect and honor.
The hallmark of the Armed Forces has been the secular camaraderie and discipline that is instilled in all Armed Forces personnel at every level. It is most common to see a Temple, Church, Mosque and Gurudwara side by side on most campuses and everyone wholeheartedly participates in every celebration. A parallel in Kodagu was the unique inclusive leadership that Kodavas provided from time immemorial to forge a community spirit on the principles of Kodavaame where almost everyone spoke a common language (Kodava Thakk), wore similar dress (Kupya/Saree with Vastra), ate similar cuisine and celebrated/danced at festivals together. Even to this day it is quite common to see members of most communities sporting a Kupya and dancing at Temple festivals together, with the Deva Thakkas from all communities.
It is surprising to see the conspicuous absence of Armed Forces personnel participating as Thakkas or Mentors or heading Community Organizations, as they are ideally suited and trained to quash the misdemeanors of vested and unwanted elements from creating communal disharmony. The recent fracas at a Temple that caused widespread tensions may have been avoided with the timely involvement of retired Army Personnel.
Talking to retired Armed Forces personnel, they reminded us that in overseas countries members of the Armed Forces are treated with utmost respect in every sphere of civilian life. These officers and soldiers would have loved to see the community celebrating the Army Day at all levels within the District, from the Panchayat to Community Organizations like the Kodava Samajas, Educational Institutions and last but not the least – the District Administration. They were quick to add that this won’t happen unless our political class initiates it. It was sad to hear their lament that they will quietly have a drink at home.
It is time the community stood up and recognized the contribution and valor of the Armed Forces on this auspicious Army Day.
Absolutely true post, as the time goes by when the public or a community realizes that they (armed forces personnel) are only being used as a Gun fodder and nothing more. Also seeing the plight of their war widows and children as compared to their comrades at arms alive, with lip service aid being provided by the politicians,they are disillusioned and look for other greener pastures,as it has happened in Punjab and Rajasthan.
To keep the fire burning in their belly the nation and individuals/the community have to rise to look after its men who defends it’s borders, at land, sea or air. If not that nation is bound to perish in times to come. 🙏
I liked the statement by Cariappa Ajja – ”A Soldier is above politics and should not believe in caste or creed”
Retired Armed Firces personnel should be encouraged and requested to join various civil organizations from the grass root level upwards. It would help in inculcating a sense of discipline, professionalism and community building efforts – which the erstwhile Thakkame provided.
Okay the cynic would say that the officers think it below their standing to get involved in mundane matters. With mutual respect and opportunity, retired Officers and soldiers can contribute significantly to the overall well-being of Kodagu.
Soldiers are disciplined and principled both of which are hugely disliked by politicians and most bureaucrats that serve them. It is well known that a Politician does not have cheque signing authority!
Politicians will honour others only if they get VOTES.
It is not an uncommon sight to see Service Personnel attending their respective Ur Nammes. They are well respected on such occasions and with a little bit of encouragement could instill discipline and a can-do spirit in their respective Nad and Keri. These soldiers are trained to be fit, protect, be disciplined and generally know how to get disparate groups to work with one another. Such personnel should be encouraged to join Committees of various Organizations to instill discipline, integrity and purpose.
We were reminded by elders in the community that a flag hoisting ceremony used to take place in the Fort at Madikeri. Wonder if this good tradition continues – if not the District Administration should restore this practice and invite retired Officers and service personnel to the function and honour them. Kodagu has a strong history of producing valiant soldiers, its martial traditions, and its contribution to various regiments in the Indian Army.
Despite being such a relatively small Community, the Kodavas have done well in serving the country – something to be proud about. Rather disappointing that despite a lot of statues and a Museum, the actual Army Day goes past relatively unnoticed. This should be remedied in future years.
This is a good article that captures the lack of commitment to venerate the contribution of Armed Forces Personnel from Kodagu. I am reminded of the Veteran’s Day in the USA, as also the Armed Forces Day. Service personnel are given huge respect by the public be it in Air Travel, Malls or any sphere of civilian life when they get back to their family. The soldiers feel special and respected.
We don’t see that happening in Kodagu or for that matter in the country. Armed Forces personnel guard our Nation with a Service Before Self attitude. It will be good to see the District Government Administration and Civil Bodies including Community Centres like the Kodava Samaja giving due importance to Army Day.
Beautifully written column. It’s becoming more rare to see kodavas in the armed forces unlike the older days
The article is very well written and so relevant in the current environment. It is highly time that the society recognise the immense sacrifices and contributions done by the armed forces personnel from the Kodava community who deserve to be remembered, respected and honoured for which we would need unstinted support from all the powerful personalities who can help in making this happen.
Very well explained article.
It’s time to differentiate between the value of tradition and value of contribution.
Value of contribution has to given when a person is alive and not after his demise where people demand for for statue or a bust of a person.
“On Army Day, in Coorg a gratitude function can be organized to honor the sacrifices and dedication of our soldiers.”
The two comments from Mr. Subramani Kaveriappa and Maj. Gen. Vombatkare are significant and deserves further consideration across all sections within Kodagu to encourage Retired Armed Forces Personnel to participate more proactively in all spheres of civilian life.
Their presence at all levels of elected bodies such as the Panchayat, Public-Private Initiatives by Government such as Kodava Sahitya Academy, Temple Committees, Community bodies such as Kodava Samajas, Not-For-Profit Organizations such as Education Funds, etc, will bring much needed discipline, purposeful execution, professionalism and apolitical leadership. One sees this widely prevalent in similar societies such as in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and of course Punjab.
To summarize, such trained and accomplished personnel have a lot to offer to society at large because of their professional training, interpersonal skills and welfare before politics.
Most importantly they are trained to respect Authority and not challenge everything just for the sake of doing so.
Unlike the political representatives, the Armed Forces do thorough check on basic educational qualifications, no criminal record and good health standards.
“They are fit to do their job.”
The Kodava people are known for their qualities of courage, strength and toughness, perseverance and fortitude. These area qualities which a soldier needs, and that is the reason for there being so many soldiers (all ranks of all three Armed Forces) of note from among Kodava folk. Of course, FM K.M.Cariappa & Gen K.S.Thimayya, are the best known, loved & respected of Kodava soldiers, but there are huge numbers of unsung Kodava soldiers who have contributed to the fair name of Kodava, over the centuries.
Like all soldiers do, when they join service in the Armed Forces, Kodava soldiers have taken Oath to fight and if necessary die, for our Nation, and to protect our Constitution and its core values & our National Flag.
Kodava soldiers have been both fighters & leaders, always following the priority of Country first, Men under command next, and Oneself last, always and every time.
I salute all Kodava, and especially our matchless Kodava soldiers.
JAI HIND!
Very well written, shows the apathy of current state of affairs in once called THE LAND OF WARRIORS.
From early morning I’m getting WhatsApp forwards from various groups out of Kodagu wishing Indian Army Day, pity none of the groups/Media in our own Kodagu has mentioned about Indian Army Day.
On 10th September 2024 I was in Demchok (China India border) biking, happened to meet a Brigadier from Armored Division. For security reasons they enquire civilians travelling to Demchok. I mentioned I’m from Kodagu. He called his Captains and introduced me as “He is from land of Field Marshal Cariappa”. It was a great pride.
Wish our district administration will look into this important day in future…
Very well said ….The people of Kodagu have long stood as pillars of bravery and dedication in the Indian Army. Their contributions, from the fierce Coorg Regiment to countless other soldiers, have been vital in protecting our nation. These warriors have shown unwavering commitment, often making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage and sacrifice embody the spirit of selflessness and patriotism. Kodagu’s legacy of service continues to inspire future generations.
Kodagu as it’s evident is known for its unique culture and harmony, famous sports personalities and contribution to armed forces, especially from kodavas which is a micro miniscule community when compared with the mammoth population of India.
It’s a pain where “army day” passed without much of a celebration or fervour that too in kodagu.
Coming to the recent incident in a temple in kattemaad village, the author’s observation to deploy the retired army men into the Temple committee is the need of thr hour.
As the army men are trained to uphold the secular values if the country and i also feel such incidents wouldn’t ave taken place if the committee consisted of one or two retired men from any rank for that matter.
Such temple committees be it a voluntary body or from the government should make ammendments to include at least one or two reserved seats in the board, which will avoid groupism within the communities and help in protecting the thin fabric of social structure