His bravery and sacrifice an inspiration to youth: Retired Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa
The 61st commemoration of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Devaiah, the brave soldier from Kodagu who sacrificed his life after shooting down an enemy fighter aircraft during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, was observed in Madikeri. The programme was organised jointly by the Kodava MakkadaKoota, Ajjamada Okka and the late Ajjamada Devaiah Trust.
The programme was held at Sq. Ldr. Devaiah Circle near the old private bus stand in the city, where floral tributes were paid to the war hero. Paying homage to the statue of S.L. Ajjamada Devaiah, retired Air Marshal Kodandera Nanda Cariappa called upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from the soldier’s courage, patriotism and sacrifice for the nation.
He said S.L. Devaiah had fought a heroic battle against Pakistan in a fighter aircraft in defence of the country. Although he was killed in action in 1965, his story came to wider public attention nearly 23 years later. The Government of India subsequently awarded him the Mahavir Chakra posthumously.
Indian Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer, Radar and Missile Instructor Munjadira Raja Appiah said that during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, S.L. Ajjamada Devaiah displayed exceptional courage and skill by shooting down one of the most advanced fighter aircraft then operated by Pakistan, despite flying an aircraft that was inferior to the enemy aircraft.
He said Devaiah accomplished the feat through tactical skill, extraordinary courage and determination. The incident remained unknown for many years before details eventually emerged through a Pakistani Army officer who had participated in the war.
He also commended the Kodava Makkada Koota for installing a statue of the decorated war hero with the support of Ajjamada’s family members and others. Â Â Principal of F.M.K.M. Cariappa College, Major Prof. Raghava B., said the commemoration was not merely a remembrance of S.L. Ajjamada Devaiah’s martyrdom but also a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in the service of the nation.
He said Devaiah’s bravery and unwavering commitment to national defence should serve as an inspiration to today’s youth. He urged people to remain grateful to Kodagu and its environment, which had produced brave soldiers like Devaiah for the service of the nation, and called upon young people to develop an interest in serving the country.
Ulliada M. Poovaiah, an office-bearer of the Cauvery Nature Conservation Committee, said that, considering S.L. Devaiah’s bravery and sacrifice, he should have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the country’s highest military decoration, posthumously. He said Devaiah’s unwavering loyalty and patriotism were an example to everyone.
Bharat Scouts and Guides District Commissioner K.T. Baby Mathew said schoolchildren across Kodagu should be made aware of patriotism by teaching them about the lives and sacrifices of brave soldiers from the district.
Air Force Junior Warrant Officer BaleyadaMandappa recalled that during the Indo-Pakistan war, S.L. Devaiah not only ensured that the other 11 fighter aircraft accompanying him remained behind during the attack on the enemy, but also engaged and shot down an enemy aircraft despite damage to his own fighter. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â He said the world subsequently came to know about Devaiah’s extraordinary feat when the BBC interviewed Anjat Khan, a Pakistani Air Force officer who had participated in the war, many years later.
Presiding over the programme, Kodava MakkadaKoota President Bollajira Ayyappa said that two recipients of the Mahavir Chakra had their roots in Kodagu. He said S.L. Devaiah was awarded the Mahavir Chakra posthumously in 1988, 23 years after his sacrifice. Lt. J. Puttichanda Ganapathy, also a native of Kodagu, was another recipient of the honour.
Former Legislative Council member Ad. Veena Acchaiah, DySP P.A. Suraj, Kodagu University Examination Department Special Officer Prof. Mechira Ravishankar Nanaiah, Kodagu Vidyalaya School NCC Officer Major Damodar Gowda I., Madikeri Kodava Samaj Governing Council Vice-President Kekada Viju Devaiah, Secretary Boppanda Sarala Karumbaiah, Joint Secretary Nandinereva Dinesh and directors Moovera Jayaram and Shanteya Ad. Vishal Kariappa were among those present.
Former president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat T.P. Ramesh, Kodava Sahitya Akademymember Chotteyanda Sanju Kaveerappa, Bharat Scouts and Guides District Chief Commissioner K.T. Baby Mathew, District Stationery Commissioner H.R. Muthappa, Kodava MakkadaKoota Secretary Puttari Karun Kalaiah, writer Bojjangada Dr. Avanija Somaiah, members of the Ajjamada Okka and several others also attended the programme.                                     Members of the Ajjamada family, donors, ex-servicemen, retired military personnel, representatives of various organisations and members of the public were also present.
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