K.A. Kushalappa, the son of Saraswathi Aiyappa and the late Kelapanda Aiyappa (Sunny), hails from the School Estate in Ammathi, Coorg. He has been managing School Thota – A Vintage Getaway Homestay, a division of School Estate, since 2014.
His paternal grandparents are Captain K.A. Ponnana and Kammava from Ammathi, and his maternal grandparents are Cherriapanda Kushalappa and Povamma from Ponampet.
Kushalappa’s educational journey began at Good Shepherd International School in Ooty, where he is now the Chairman Emeritus of the Alumni. He went on to study at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, where he served as General Secretary during his PUC, and later at Madras Christian College, where he held the same position for Selaiyur Hall.
He is married to Anjana Mukatira (Harihara), from Kutta, and together they have a 19-year-old son, Dhruv Achappa, who is pursuing his undergraduate degree at Ashoka University, Delhi.
The Birth of REBUILD KODAGU 2018: Kushalappa’s deep commitment to society took root during the devastating 2018 monsoon disaster in Coorg. Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, he joined forces with individuals from various walks of life to form REBUILD KODAGU 2018, a movement dedicated to restoring the natural beauty and providing relief to the people of Kodagu. This movement continues to evolve, taking on larger projects that have made a tangible impact on the community.
A Success Story – Pramila’s Journey: A significant success story of REBUILD KODAGU 2018 is that of Pramila, a young girl from a devastated part of Coorg. She became part of the movement in 2018 and was enrolled at Sai Shankar School, where she began her studies in First and Second PUC. When Pramila first arrived at the school, she was shy, reserved, and struggled with fluent English. However, through dedicated support and education, she grew into a confident young woman who excelled in her studies, eventually becoming the topper of her batch.
Today, Pramila has completed her graduation in Commerce with Computers from Field Marshal K M Cariappa College in Madikeri. She dreams of becoming a banker, and REBUILD KODAGU 2018 remains committed to supporting her as she continues her educational journey with pride and determination.
Philanthropic Impact of REBUILD KODAGU 2018: Philanthropy is a core value within Kushalappa’s family, and the work of REBUILD KODAGU 2018 reflects this dedication to helping those in need. Below are some of the key contributions made by the movement:
- Started in 2018, with the mission “TIME TO GIVE BACK.”
- Primarily accepting goods (based on requirements) in kind.
- Over 15 Government Kannada schools received books, stationery, and food.
- Established 3 computer centres and book libraries for rural students.
- Made significant donations to Punachetana Special School in Napokalu and Kodagu Vidyalaya Special School in Mercara.
- Employed 25-30 tailors to stitch face masks, shirts, cotton bags, and embroidery bags, generating income for their families.
- Created a post-medical equipment bank in 2023 to help the community with healthcare needs.
- Engaged children in various participation-based activities to foster their development.
- Provided 100% scholarships for over 30 students from 8th to 10th grade.
- Directly supporting the needs of two girls: Pramila (1st-year degree) and Vaishnavi (9th
standard). - Over Rs 2.5 Crores worth of relief has been distributed.
- Focused primarily on children from Kannada government schools, with a special emphasis on girl children.
- The REBUILD KODAGU 2018 sole founder is Mr. K.A. Kushalappa.
- The core philosophies of REBUILD KODAGU 2018 are: “TIME TO GIVE BACK” and “JOY
OF GIVING”. - Donated LED solar lamps to schoolchildren in the district in celebration of their 6th Anniversary
on 25th October 2024. - Facilitated the provision of prosthetic legs for two patients with amputations on 26th January
2025.
Philanthropic contribution exclusively for Ammathi:
- Ammathi High School
Scholarships for Students every year.
Refurbished the Science Laboratory with equipments
Established a huge library with donation of numerous books
Donated computers to the school
Organised various activities such as painting competition, singing, dancing and etc.
Sports Day celebrations
2.Ammathi Hospital
Donated bedsheets, Donated Wall Mounted Fans, Dedicated to the Equipment Bank for patients of post discharge, Donated Vacuum Cleaners Worked closely with K. Lakshmipriya IAS DC and CEO of Coorg during the floods of 2018-2019.
Supporting the Tailors by providing them raw material and sewing machines to make masks, bags, shirts and others during the global pandemic of Covid 19.
3.Girl Education
In 2018, Pramila was taken in and provided with education and other daily needs of the child. Today she has completed graduation in BCA and aspires to work in a bank. We are helping her to get the job for her in a bank.
In 2020, Vaishnavi was taken in and provided with education and today she is in 10th standard.
- A computer centre was setup with all necessary equipment’s for both boys and girls in Mercara.
- We gave free masks to few villages – Kangla Village during covid 19.
- Had a close interaction with Sadhguru, an Indian guru and founder of the Isha Foundation and
Vereendra Heggade. - The famous author, writer and philanthropist P.T Bopanna honoured me as the Unsung Hero of
Coorg in 2024. - The Chennai Kodava Samaj hounoured for my noble work for REBUILD KODAGU 2018.
- Few other associations have accoladed with awards.
Through these efforts, REBUILD KODAGU 2018 continues to bring meaningful change to the lives of many, fostering a spirit of giving and community support in the heart of Kodagu.
