Most of the Kodava Families have contributed to the armed forces from ancient times starting from Legends like Gen K.S. Thimmaiah, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, Lt. General B.C. Nanda,
Lt. Gen. A. Aiappa and many more officers and non commissioned officers and we are proud of that contribution and achievement.
In my family starting from my father late Dr. M.T. Aiappa, a Captain during second world war who was decorated with Maple Leaf Mention in dispatch and two of his brothers one who was Commanding Officer of B.E.G. Poona. Late Col. M.T. Belliappa and the other Commander Late M.T. Thammaiah of INS Vikranth.
To this family tradition my brother Col. M.A. Muddappa of Artillery who was a pilot for the Army and my son Maj M.C. Thimmaiah of 6 Kumaon Regiment
My son after his passing out from the Military Academy was posted in all the border areas and he had undergone young officers training of various Army Courses like Commando course/etc one such posting was posting to Siachen Glacier.
Before going to Siachin Glacier he had come home on leave for ten days. We had heard how tough it is the posting in Saichin Glacier. Everyone whether an officer or a Jawan they had carry their own ration and other necessities about 20 kg and climb the Glacier.
Before leaving home my wife had knitted a Bright Red Woolen Cap almost covering the head and neck and asked my son to wear the Cap on the snow mountain and my son jokingly said, Mom we get very warm and perfect winter wear to beat the snowing terrain and I don’t think I need this. Because of Mothers Compulsion Reluctantly took it.
While he was there we did not get any news and we were anxiously waiting for his return and eventually he came home as usual before joining the unit. He had lot of stories to tell how tough it is the Glacier after spending few days he left.
Two days after he left we found a framed picture of a Red Cap which his Mom had given. He had framed it and hung it inside the Cupboard. Later on we came to know that when the Army Team was coming down the Glacier a Severe Avalanche hit and every one were thrown Helter Skelter and two other Officers and few Jawan’s perished under the snow. My son who was wearing the Red Cap was spotted precariously hanging and his fellow Men pulled him out from the snow as his Red Cap was only visible under the snow and he was rescued. Thank God for his Mercy and his Mother’s Cap and even today the Framed Red Cap is hanging on the wall in the Children’s room.
