The ‘Short Range Rifle Firing Range’, built at a cost of Rs 5.50 lakhs by the Old Students’ Association of Madikeri Field Marshal Cariappa College, was inaugurated recently by 19th Karnataka Battalion NCC Commanding Officer Colonel Rejith Mukundan and Kodagu University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ashok Sangappa.
Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Rejith Mukundan said that there was no firing range for NCC cadets in the surrounding area of Madikeri. This rifle firing range is invaluable for the 19th Karnataka NCC Battalion and he called on the cadets to take advantage of it. Colonel Rejith Mukundan expressed his appreciation for the fact that the old students’ association of Field Marshal Cariappa College, realizing the need for a firing range, donated to the NCC right next to the college grounds.
Inaugurating the program by watering a plant, Kodagu University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ashok Sangappa Alur said that the old students’ association of Field Marshal Cariappa College has made lot of contributions to the college. He hoped that such cooperation would continue in the future also. He advised that NCC students should also set their goals in life in the same way that a bullet fired from a gun reaches its target. It is possible to inculcate discipline and patriotism as NCC cadets. Therefore, all students should join the NCC. When necessary for the defense of the country, they should also come forward to serve the country, said Prof. Ashok Sangappa.
Retired Superintendent of Police Mukkatira A. Appaiah told the students about the training he received through NCC and the experiences he gained in various camps during his student life. He explained the services he rendered in various parts of the state including Kodagu district, including the police department through the NCC ‘C’ certificate. He advised them to set a clear goal for their future during their student life. He expressed regret that the firing ranges that were previously in the district are now being encroached upon. He congratulated the old students’ association of Field Marshal Cariappa College for building a firing range on the grounds of Field Marshal Cariappa College.
Speaking on the occasion Bollajira B.Aiyappa, President of the old students’ association of Field Marshal Cariappa College, said that students who studied at Field Marshal Cariappa College have served in high positions, including in the Indian Army. In the operation held in Sri Lanka, former student of the same college, Army officer Puttichanda S. Ganapathy, has also been awarded the first ‘Mahaveera Chakra’ award. He expressed pride that Field Marshal Cariappa College has contributed dozens of such valuable Army officers to the country. He assured that the cooperation and support of the Old Students’ Association will always be there for Field Marshal Cariappa College.
Major Prof. B. Raghav, Principal of Field Marshal Cariappa College, said that the Old Students’ Association of Field Marshal Cariappa College is the backbone of the college. With the cooperation of the Association, several development works have been done in the college. All the former students who studied in the college should further strengthen the association by obtaining membership of the Old Students’ Association. He said that this will also help in the future of the college. He expressed his joy that the old students’ association had built the rifle range needed for NCC gun training in time and donated it to the college. He also said that students should always be active without being lazy.
S. Nanaiah, a former student of the college and a lawyer, speaking on the occasion said that shooting sports are also in the forefront in Kodagu district. Now, training for state and national level shooting sports can be given in the firing range built by the old students’ association of the college.
The program was attended by 19th Karnataka Battalion NCC Commanding Officer Colonel Rejith Mukundan, Kodagu University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ashok Sangappa Alur, Principal Major Prof. B. Raghav, Retired S.P. Mukkatira A. Appaiah, Advocate M S Nanaiah, President of the Old Students’ Association Bollajira B.Aiyappa, Rifle Range Contractor Paramesh, NCC officers and army personnel were felicitated and honored by the Old Students’ Association of Field Marshal Cariappa College on this occasion.
The program was attended by the leaders of the Old Students’ Association B Ganapathy, Shyam, journalist Chandan Nandarabettu, writer Rashmi Medappa, Damayanti, college lecturers Ravi Shankar, Krishna, college staff, and NCC cadets.
