Pandyanda Belyappa’s Life Should Inspire the Present
Generation: MLC Suja Kushalappa
Member of the Legislative Council Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa called upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from the life and ideals of eminent freedom fighter Pandyanda Belliappa, popularly remembered as the “Gandhi of Kodagu.”
MLC was speaking at the programmeorganised by the United Kodava Organisation (UKO) to commemorate the 60th death anniversary of Pandyanda Belyappa.
As part of the programme, Suja Kushalappa paid floral tributes to the statue of PandyandaBelyappa at the KollimadaKarumbaiah Bus Stand in Gonikoppal.
Addressing the gathering, he said that Pandyanda Belyappa distinguished himself as a fearless freedom fighter whose contributions extended beyond Kodagu to the State and national levels. He observed that Belyappa’s sacrifices, patriotism and ideals should be introduced to both the present and future generations.
Suja Kushalappa also pointed out that more than 300 freedom fighters from Kodagu, including over 100 women, had participated in India’s freedom struggle and undergone imprisonment. He stressed the need to commemorate their sacrifices by installing statues in villages across the district.
He further appreciated the United Kodava Organisation for its sustained efforts over the years in preserving and protecting Kodagu’s identity and heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Kodagu District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee Chairman Teetheera Dharmaja Uthappa said that Pandyanda Belyappa played a significant role in strengthening the freedom movement from Kodagu.
He remarked that the younger generation can scarcely imagine the level of sacrifice made by leaders like Belyappa, who dedicated their entire lives to India’s freedom struggle.
“In today’s era of instant communication and social media, it is relatively easy to gain recognition. However, during the freedom movement, when there were no such facilities, mobilising people, organising resistance against British rule and providing leadership demanded extraordinary courage and commitment. Remembering such great personalities is a sacred responsibility,” he said.
UCO President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa said that the sacrifices and ideals of true patriots and Gandhian leaders like Pandyanda Belyappa are gradually fading from public memory.
He observed that the lives of such exemplary personalities represent the pride and heritage of Kodagu and should never be forgotten.
Expressing concern over what he described as attempts to distort Kodagu’s history, he said that while genuine historical records are being overlooked, alternative narratives are being created, affecting the district’s historical identity.
“It is with this objective that UCO has undertaken the task of commemorating the true freedom fighters of Kodagu,” he said.
Referring to the installation of Pandyanda Belyappa’s statue, Manju Chinnappa said the organisation’s demand had received support from Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, following which the statue was installed. He added that it was now the responsibility of the community to preserve and uphold the significance of the memorial.
Among those present were BJP Mandal President Machimanda Suvin Ganapathy, Gonikoppal Police Station Inspector Kalegowda, Crime Division Officer Venkatesh, Murnadu Kodava Samaja President Telapanda Subbaiah, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy member Chotteyanda Sanju Kaverappa, UCO office-bearers and members including Cheppudira Pratima Kariappa, Kaklichanda Dina Uthappa, Kokkalemada Rathi Kushalappa, Kunjilanda Gracie Poonacha, Sullimada Shilpa Appanna, Pudiokkada Ramya Vipin, Cheppudira Madaiah, Cheppudira Sanju Karumbaiah, Machimada Ramesh, Ajjinikanda Suraj Thimmaiah, Kallichanda Robin Subbaiah, Katimada Giri Ayyappa, Kottagada Monnappa, Bolliyangada Bopanna, Thithimada Bose Ayyappa, Pudiokkada Dinesh, Kallichanda Dhruva Kariappa, Ajjikuttira Girish, Ajjikuttira Sunitha Girish, and several members of the public, who paid floral tributes to the freedom fighter.
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