Allaranda Vitthala Nanjappa, President of the Allaranda Ranga Chavadi, has urged that the prestigious Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College campus in Madikeri be named after Pandiyanda Belliappa, popularly known as the “Gandhi of Kodagu” and one of the key visionaries behind the college’s founding.
Addressing a press conference, Vitthala Nanjappa clarified that he has no objection to the institution bearing the name of the valiant soldier Field Marshal Cariappa. However, he believes it would be more appropriate and meaningful to name the college campus in honor of Pandiyanda Belliappa. He also mentioned that a formal request has been submitted to Dr. Ashok Sangappa Alur, Vice Chancellor of Kodagu University, who has responded positively.
Belliappa, who actively participated in the freedom struggle, was deeply concerned about the lack of higher education facilities in Kodagu. In 1948, he engaged persistently with the central government, which ultimately led to the establishment of what is now known as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College in 1949.
“It is unfortunate that the contributions of Pandiyanda Belliappa are gradually being forgotten,” said Vitthala Nanjappa. “Neglecting public servants like him is akin to erasing them from history.”
He recalled that during a felicitation program held in 1965, General K.M. Cariappa himself had acknowledged Belliappa’s immense sacrifices for the nation. Cariappa had noted that Belliappa did not receive institutional support due to his uncompromising stand for Kodagu, which clashed with the views of the central authorities. He was often misidentified as M.A. Belliappa and subjected to unfair treatment. Despite this, Belliappa remained steadfast in his principles and refused to compromise his ideals for power or material gain-something documented in the Kodagu newspaper of that era.
Vitthala Nanjappa further noted that Belliappa was instrumental in bringing Mahatma Gandhi to Kodagu, highlighting his deep commitment to national service and Gandhian ideals.
He concluded by urging that the college campus be named after PandiyandaBelliappa, his statue installed on the premises, and his life and legacy shared with the student community to inspire future generations.
