The 127th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa was observed with reverence in Madikeri on Wednesday. In collaboration with the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Kannada and Culture Department, and various organizations, dignitaries laid wreaths at the statue of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa in the city and paid their respects.
Air Marshal (Retd.) Nanda Cariappa, former Minister M.C. Nanaiah, former Member of the Legislative Council Veena Achaiah, Municipal Council Chairperson P. Kalavathi, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena, District Superintendent of Police Bindu Mani, Additional Deputy commissioner R. Aishwarya, President of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, Tahsildar Sridhar, DySP Suraj, Medappa, Madikeri Kodava Samaj President M.P. Muthappa, Omkareshwar Temple Management Committee President Chummi Devaiah, Padma Shri awardee Rani Machaiah, Scouts and Guides District Chief Commissioner K.T. Baby Mathew, Sarvodaya Samiti President Ambekal Kushalappa, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy members Pappu Thimmaiah and Chotteyanda Sanju Kaveerappa, Deputy Deena Bojanna, P.K. Kuttappa, Bollajeera Ayyappa, prominent Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, Napanda Ravi Kallappa, B.S. Thammaiah, Ulliyada M. Poovaiah, Municipal Councillors Satish, Anita Poovaiah and Sabita, Municipal Commissioner H.R. Ramesh, Ex-Servicemen Association President Somanna, Palengada Amit, Murnadu Kodava Samaj President T. Subbaiah, B. Aswath, Vinu, Cheyyanda Satya, Suraj, Assistant Director of the Kannada and Culture Department Kumar, Scouts Commissioner Jimmy Swekwera, Scouts and Guides organisers Damayanti, Sulochana and Ganesh, Awaremadanda Sharan, ex-servicemen, admirers of Field Marshal Cariappa and several others were present. Floral tributes were offered and respects were paid.
Speaking on the occasion, former Minister M.C. Nanaiah said that Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s discipline and punctuality are an inspiration to everyone. He said that as the country’s first Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Cariappa should always be remembered, and added that his biography serves as an example for all. He described Cariappa’s contribution to the military as unique and unparalleled. Â On the occasion, M.C. Nanaiah urged the district administration to protect all statues in Madikeri city, including those of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, General K.S. Thimmaiah, Mangerira Muthanna, and Squadron Leader Ajjamada Devaiah.
Addressing the gathering, ADC R. Aishwarya said that Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s service in the military field stands as a guiding example for today’s youth. She noted that Cariappa, known for his discipline, dedication, and punctuality, carved a distinct identity for himself in the field of national defence.
Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy President Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah said that Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who was born on the soil of Kodagu, rose to national and international prominence through his service. He stated that Cariappa held a special place in the Indian Army as a highly disciplined soldier and a nationally recognised military commander who left an indelible mark on the armed forces.
Litterateur Mullengada Revathi Poovaiah, speaking on the occasion, described Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa as a jewel of the Indian military. He recalled that Cariappa was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Air Force, and Navy and was the first Indian General of the Indian Army after Independence. He said that the government honoured Field Marshal Cariappa with the highest recognition in view of his outstanding performance, patriotism, and immense contribution to the armed forces.
Revathi Poovaiah further said that Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa attached great importance to loyalty to duty and punctuality. He often said that it is better to work hard when no one is watching than when someone is watching, and emphasized that punctuality should be practised at all times.
An audio message from Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and MLA A.S. Ponnanna was played on the occasion. In his message, A.S. Ponnanna said that everyone should know about Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s patriotism and love for the nation, adding that his civic consciousness was admirable. He said that Cariappa’s life exemplifies how one should live with discipline and punctuality.
MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda and Legislative Council member Suja Kushalappa sent messages conveying their greetings on the birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa.
Students of General Thimmaiah Public School offered prayers and sang the national anthem, while students of St. Michael’s Guides also rendered the national anthem. The programme was compered and welcomed by C. Anitha.
Prior to the programme, dignitaries laid wreaths at the portrait of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa at General Thimmaiah Circle, in Madikeri and commenced a procession. Students of Kodagu Vidyalaya accompanied procession with their beautiful musical band system during the procession. Scouts and Guides from various schools, teachers, ex-servicemen, and members of the public participated in the procession.
