N.S. Ponnappa (19.04.1926 to 15.09.2025), fondly known as “Pommie Lawyer”, was the third of six children of Rao Bahadur Rao Sahib Nellamakada .C. Subbaya, who served as the District Magistrate and the first Superintendent of Police of Kodagu during the 1940s.
Pommie graduated from the Madras Christian College and then went on to study law at Madras Law College. He returned to Madikeri to establish his law practice. A well-known and highly respected lawyer in Kodagu, widely known for his eloquence, he was also a dedicated Freemason and a member of the Coorg Lodge 55 for close to sixty years.
Beyond his profession, Pommie was an avid golfer and an enthusiastic motorist. He often rode his Yezdi motorcycle to Bangalore to appear in court, making the return journey to Madikeri the very same day.
A lifelong bachelor, Pommie is remembered with affection and respect; survived by his nieces and nephews.
Met Pommie uncle few times during my visit to Madikeri. A humble soul always used to offer Chocolates to my kids from his stock. We used to have long discussion on Morgan cars and Willys jeeps. May uncles soul rest in peace. Om Shanti 💐
Pommie uncle who was my mother’s first cousin was a very handsome man known for his unique style. Pommie uncle had a class of his own had a huge collection of Pipes being a pipe smoker and was very fond of driving his Morgan car in which he gave me multiple rides when he came to Mysore. As a kid I still remember how much I waited for his visits which were far apart mainly to get a ride in his classic Morgan. May Pommie uncles good soul rest in eternal peace.
Wow, that’s really interesting! I just wanted to know if their mansion is in Abyathmangala near Siddapur. I remember my dad often pointing it out whenever we passed by, saying it was the Rao Bahadur’s mansion.