Monthly Archives: July 2024

An Ode to Mother Cauvery, the lifeline of our region

The people of Cauvery basin, including Bengaluru, were struggling for every drop of drinking water, let alone irrigation water, thanks to severe drought in the State.

DK Shivakumar, KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka /Photo | Express

The rain gods have finally smiled on Karnataka soothing the parched lands, streams and rivers yearning for the elixir of life. Mother Cauvery has once again come to life in all her glory. She is brimming with water giving hopes of prosperity to millions of people in her path and quenching the thirst of the neighboring state as well. It is my good fortune that I have the opportunity to offer the traditional ‘bagina’ to her on behalf of the people of the State.

The people of Cauvery basin, including Bengaluru, were struggling for every drop of drinking water, let alone irrigation water, thanks to severe drought in the State. Goddess Chamundeshwari has blessed us with copious rains and the smiles are back.

To pay our obeisance to Mother Cauvery, our Government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, will offer bagina on July 29, 2024. It is an auspicious occasion for us to be paying respect to our lifelines at Krishna Raja Sagara and Kabini reservoirs.

Cauvery is not just a river for us. She is emotion and she is devotion. Daughter of King Kavera and wife of Agasthya Maharshi, Cauvery took birth in the Brahmagiri hills of Kodagu. Kodavas revere Cauvery as their mother and kula devathe. Kodava culture is full of traditions and rituals praising her. Panje Mangesh Rayaru, a well-known poet from Kodagu, has praised her in his poems. Such is the importance of Cauvery that great literary works such as Kaviraja Marga of Sri Vijaya identify Karnataka with her.

Equated with river Ganga, Cauvery is considered to be one of the seven sacred rivers of India. It is a common ritual even today to recite ‘Gangecha Yamunechaiva Godavari Saraswathi, Narmade Sindhu Cauvery Jalaismin Sannidhi Kuru’ while taking bath.

Such is her sacredness that places of religious importance dot her path. From TalaCauvery in Kodagu to Sri Ranganath in Srirangapatna and Gajaranya Kshetra at Talakadu to Shilabedhi Kshetra at Shivanasamudra, her path is punctuated by places of great religious significance. There are about 700 temples along her path in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It won’t be hyperbole to say Cauvery is a blessing for the people of Kodagu, Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, Bengaluru and surrounding areas. She has spread prosperity wherever she flows.

Legacy of KRS

The Wadiyars of Mysuru revered Mother Cauvery highly. It was the monumental foresight, determination and effort of Maharaja Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wadiyar, Sir M Visveswaraya and others in Mysuru kingdom which gave birth to Kannambadi, or what is popularly known as KRS. The construction of this reservoir started in 1911 and ended in 1932. More than 10,000 workers sweated it out to build this reservoir, which continues to water lakhs of acres and quench the thirst of crores of people. We owe the prosperity of this region to Mysuru Maharajas and Sir MV.

Nadaprabhu Kempegowda laid the foundation for Bengaluru 500 years ago. Perhaps he was aware that it would go on to become a global metropolis. He built over 300 lakes to fulfil water needs of the town. As the city grew, the lakes shrank and it was no more water self-sufficient. That is when Cauvery water was pumped to Bengaluru city from a distance of 100 km. Cauvery water quenches the thirst of more than a crore people of Bengaluru today. Mother Cauvery flows in the veins of Bengaluru, which has become one of the leading technology centres of the world.

Save Water

Cauvery isn’t just water, it is the lifeline of our region. The recent water crisis has demonstrated that every drop of water is precious. Given the uncertainties around climate change, it is our bounden duty to conserve water. Be it for drinking purpose or for irrigation, we need to be mindful of the use of water. Our government is also creating awareness about water conservation. The mantra of water conservation must flow through our every vein, only then can we pass on a secure future to our children.

We have decided to organize ‘Cauvery Aarti’ on the lines of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. We believe this is just a small token of our obeisance to the Mother, who continues to feed us and nurture us.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / July 29th, 2024

From Coorg to Command: KM Cariappa’s record ascent

By the end of WWII, 20 Indian Army officers emerged as prominent figures. Most came from elite backgrounds, but KM Cariappa, from humble beginnings in Coorg, stood out. Rising through the ranks, he became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949, leading with distinction during the Jammu and Kashmir conflict and earning widespread respect.

By the end of World War II, around 20 Indian Army officers in their forties had emerged as prominent military faces. Most of these officers had bravely led infantry battalions—large groups of foot soldiers who fight on the ground, typically organized into units of several hundred troops. A few had commanded tank squadrons—military units consisting of several tanks and their crew, organized to operate together in combat and designed for armoured, or protected, warfare and ground assaults—across various battlefields in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia.

All but one came from elite feudal backgrounds or royal lineage and received the King’s Commission— officially appointed as officers in the military after completing their education at the Royal Military College—after graduating from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, or the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich in southeast London.

However, the one remarkable exception was a person destined for greatness. Born into a humble, yet proud, family in the former Coorg state (now Kodagu), he never left India until he was called to serve in World War II, writes Lt-Gen (retd) Baljit Singh in the Tribune.

On the night he was born (January 28, 1899), his maternal grandmother had a dream where she heard the thunder of horses’ footsteps and drumbeats. She believed this meant the newborn would become a great military leader. This child, KM Cariappa, was born and raised in Mercara village, in Coorg, and later attended Presidency College in Madras.

Shortly after, in 1918, he qualified for the first group of teenagers to attend the Temporary School for Indian Cadets at Daly College in Indore. Upon being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Indian Army on December 1, 1919, he spent the next two decades gaining combat experience along the turbulent North-West Frontier.

At the same time, he worked hard to become the first Indian to graduate from the Defence Service Staff College in Quetta, located in Pakistan. By April 1942, he was promoted to Lt-Colonel rank and took command of the 17 Rajput Battalion, once again becoming the first Indian to achieve this milestone.

During World War II, he worked in logistics. He started at the headquarters of the 10th Indian Infantry Division in Iraq and Syria and later, moved to the headquarters of the 26th Indian Infantry Division in Burma, part of General Slim’s 14th Army. In this role, he embraced the 14th Army’s motto: ‘We’ll handle the impossible right away, the difficult will wait’.

For his outstanding service, Lt-Col Cariappa was ‘mentioned in dispatches’, meaning that he was officially recognized in military reports for exceptional bravery or outstanding service, three times and was awarded the Order of the British Empire on April 5, 1945.

In the period before Independence in 1946, it was decided to send one army officer and three bureaucrats to the Imperial Defence College in London to improve their understanding of both political and military strategies. Brigadier Cariappa was selected as the army officer for this opportunity. He soon put that knowledge to use when another brutal war over Jammu and Kashmir broke out in October 1947.

Since Pakistan acted first, the Indian Army’s initial response was not enough to meet the challenge and it looked like Ladakh might soon fall. In January 1948, Maj.-Gen. Cariappa, who was leading the Army Reorganization Committee, was promoted to command the newly formed Western Command. He became the first Indian to hold this position and was tasked with leading the war in Jammu and Kashmir.

True to his usual style, the very next day, the General was in Srinagar, offering inspiring leadership and firmly declaring, “We will not let Gen. Tariq capture Leh. We must stop this, and we will stop it… We’ve decided to move tanks up the Zoji Pass, something that’s never been done before.” The rest is history, says Lt-Gen. (retd) Baljit Singh.

The J&K war ended on January 5, 1949, creating the perfect opportunity for the army to appoint an Indian Commander-in-Chief, as Gen. FR Roy Bucher’s term was coming to an end. The choice was clear: Out of about 20 distinguished candidates, Lt-Gen. Cariappa stood out.

However, two other names were also suggested: Lt-Gen. Maharaj Rajendrasinhji of the Cavalry, who was the brother of the Jam Sahib of Nawanagar and Lt-Gen. Thakur Nathu Singh of Dungarpur. Despite this, both officers agreed that the honour of becoming India’s first Commander-in-Chief should go to Lt-Gen. Cariappa, known as ‘Kipper’, because he was the seniormost Indian officer. This was noted by Air Marshal (retd) KC Cariappa in his father’s biography.

Remembering Field Marshal Cariappa, the legend

The Indian government showed great respect, as seen in Sardar Patel’s letter: “Your impressive achievements give us confidence in your ability to lead during this crucial time in our country’s history. We assure you of our full support and cooperation.”

On January 15, 1949, a very upright man, accompanied by a young boy and a seven-year-old girl, visited the Gandhi Samadhi early in the morning. After taking his children home, Gen. KM Cariappa went to his new high office without any ceremony or Guard of Honour.

(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also the Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> India News> Defence / by Girish Linganna / July 29th, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Spa Resorts in Madikeri

Madikeri, nestled in the heart of Coorg, Karnataka, is renowned for its lush green landscapes, aromatic coffee plantations, and serene environment. It’s a destination that promises both adventure and relaxation, but for those seeking the pinnacle of opulence and rejuvenation, luxury spa resorts in Madikeri offer an unparalleled experience. These resorts combine breathtaking natural beauty with top-tier wellness services, providing a sanctuary for anyone looking to unwind and indulge. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the luxury spa resorts in Madikeri that stand out for their exceptional offerings.

1. Old Kent Estates and Spa

Old Kent Estates and Spa is an epitome of luxury nestled amidst the verdant hills of Madikeri. This heritage resort, built in a colonial style, offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern luxury. luxury spa resorts in madikeri is renowned for its comprehensive wellness programs that include Ayurvedic\ treatments, aromatherapy, and rejuvenating massages.

The spa’s signature experience, the “Coorgi Coffee Ritual,” utilizes locally sourced coffee beans in exfoliating treatments that leave the skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. Guests can enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the spa’s private rooms, which overlook the lush estates, making every treatment a soothing escape into nature.

2. The Tamara Coorg

The Tamara Coorg is a luxury resort that seamlessly integrates with the natural environment of Coorg. It offers an exceptional spa experience at its ‘SwaSwara’ wellness center, which focuses on holistic well-being. The spa at The Tamara Coorg emphasizes Ayurveda and offers personalized treatments designed to balance the mind, body, and spirit.

Guests can choose from a range of therapies, including the “Ayurvedic Bliss,” which combines ancient techniques with natural ingredients to promote relaxation and detoxification. The spa’s tranquil setting, surrounded by the estate’s coffee plantations and verdant greenery, enhances the overall rejuvenating experience.

3. Evolve Back Coorg

Evolve Back Coorg is a luxurious retreat that offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary wellness practices. The resort’s spa, named ‘The Viraat Spa,’ is designed to provide a holistic experience with a focus on ancient Indian therapies. The spa’s architecture, inspired by traditional Kodava homes, adds to the authenticity of the experience.

One of the standout treatments is the “Panchakarma Detox,” a therapeutic regimen rooted in Ayurvedic medicine that aims to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. The spa also offers various massages, facials, and wellness rituals tailored to individual needs, ensuring a personalized and effective approach to relaxation.

4. Serene Woods

Serene Woods is a boutique luxury resort that offers an intimate and personalized spa experience. The spa at Serene Woods focuses on creating a serene environment where guests can escape from everyday stress. With treatments that include Swedish massages, deep tissue therapies, and reflexology, the spa caters to a variety of wellness needs.

The “Serene Signature Ritual” is a highlight, combining traditional techniques with modern practices to offer a unique and rejuvenating experience. The spa’s emphasis on using organic and locally sourced products ensures that each treatment is both effective and environmentally friendly.

5. Orange County Coorg

Orange County Coorg is a premium resort known for its luxurious accommodations and world-class spa services. The resort’s spa, ‘The Spa at Orange County,’ offers a range of treatments designed to promote relaxation and well-being. The spa’s ambiance, with its natural decor and soothing music, creates a perfect setting for relaxation.

Guests can indulge in the “Kodava Massage,” a traditional therapy that uses herbal oils and techniques passed down through generations. The spa also offers a variety of other treatments, including hot stone massages and rejuvenating facials, all designed to enhance overall wellness.

6. The Lotus Hotel & Spa

The Lotus Hotel & Spa offers a luxury retreat with a focus on personalized wellness experiences. The spa at The Lotus is renowned for its extensive menu of treatments that cater to both physical and mental well-being. With a range of services from deep tissue massages to holistic therapies, the spa is designed to meet the diverse needs of its guests.

The “Lotus Serenity Package” is particularly popular, featuring a combination of massage therapies, body scrubs, and facials designed to provide deep relaxation and revitalization. The spa’s tranquil environment, coupled with its expert therapists, ensures a memorable and rejuvenating experience.

Conclusion

Madikeri’s luxury spa resorts offer an exceptional blend of natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and holistic wellness treatments. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life or seeking a rejuvenating retreat, these resorts provide a perfect sanctuary. From the colonial charm of Old Kent Estates and Spa to the holistic approaches of The Tamara Coorg and Evolve Back Coorg, each resort offers a unique experience tailored to enhance your well-being.

A stay at one of these luxury spa resorts promises not just a getaway but a journey into relaxation and rejuvenation. The combination of stunning natural surroundings, top-notch spa services, and luxurious accommodations ensures that every moment spent in Madikeri is truly unforgettable.

source: http://www.foxinterviewer.com / Fox Interviewer / Home. / by Mohsin Beg / July 30th, 2024

Passion drives her to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, alone

Mysore/Mysuru:

Scaling heights is what enthrals her most. Jammada Preeth Appaiah, a resident of Bannimantap in Mysuru, has recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa. She reached the summit of the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet).

Also called a stratovolcano (a term for a very large volcano made of ash, lava, and rock), Kilimanjaro is made up of three cones — Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, Kibo is dormant. The highest point on Kibo’s crater rim is called Uhuru.

Medical condition did not deter her

Preeth Appaiah is a housewife who had a sciatic nerve problem and doctors had advised her not to do any physical activity which could aggravate her pain. But her medical condition did not deter her from achieving the feat and her main source of inspiration is her younger son Aryan Kuttappa who went on an expedition to the Himalayas in 2018.

She went on her first expedition to Mount Bhrigu, Himachal Pradesh, in 2018. Since then, she never looked back and she has climbed many mountains like Mount Sar Pass, Valley of Flowers and the Great Lakes of Kashmir. Her instinct to climb Kilimanjaro was kindled in 2022 when a group of people from Mysuru successfully climbed Kilimanjaro.

Though she had made up her mind to go ahead and her instinct said she could do it, the advice given by her doctors against any misadventure was playing at the back of her mind. But her elder son Pratham Poonacha was a constant motivator who goaded her to pursue her passion.

Preeth Appaiah then spoke to various persons in Mysuru and booked an agency for the trekking and the training started under the mentorship of Yoga Guru Mahadeva. She left Mysuru on Mar. 2 and began the actual trek to Kilimanjaro on Mar. 3. She returned to Mysuru on Mar. 11 after scaling the mountain on Mar. 8.

Not an easy task

“I tried coaxing people to come along but none from Mysuru came along. But I was determined to go and took the yellow fever shot and set the rucksack in order and went to the airport to board for Kilimanjaro. It was not an easy task for a woman to travel alone and in the journey, you do not know if there will be anyone coming along on the trek from the Marangu Gate in Tanzania,” she told Star of Mysore.

Preeth Appaiah trekked through the rainforest to Mandara Hut and from here she went to Horombo Hut and reached Kibo Hut walking amidst the Alpine Desert. “The view of Mount Kibo is just mesmerising but here I was totally out of shape due to altitude sickness. But as advised by my mentors, I took lots of liquids to keep myself hydrated. From Horombo Hut, I trekked to Kibo Hut which is physically challenging and steep too,” she added.

From here, many return. “But in my case, I had overcome altitude sickness and was going well and finally had a good rest. Mar. 8, 2023, International Women’s Day coincided with my summit feat and I got on to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro,” she said. She started the final walk on Mar. 7 at 11 pm and reached the summit at 8 am on Mar. 8.

“It was an enthralling moment of my life as I set foot on Kilimanjaro via Gilman’s Point. It was not an arduous task. After walking more than 10 hours, I reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and Uhuru,” she recalled.

It was a proud moment, she said as she held the National Tricolour. This would not have been possible without the support of her husband Jammada M. Aiyanna, who is an advocate in Mysuru. Preeth is the daughter of Hon. Captain late Kunjiyanda Appaiah and Gowramma couple. Her brother Kunjiyanda Machaiah (Machu) is a wildlife photographer.

“Before trekking to Kilimanjaro, I used to keep the mountain photo as my mobile phone status and was dreaming of scaling it one day. Now that I have accomplished the feat, I feel fulfilled. I want to continue this passion and scale more peaks,” she said.

Preeth Appaiah was initially trained in mountaineering by Tiger Solanki of Tiger Adventure Foundation (TAF) and later on by Vinay Singh and Shankar Subramanya of Royal Riders and the International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Sports / March 16th, 2023

Ramakrishna Vidyashala alumnus awarded Sword of Honour and President’s Gold Medal

Mysore/Mysuru:

Cholanda Varun Ganapathy, an alumnus of Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, Mysuru, has been awarded the Sword of Honour and President’s Gold Medal after being adjudged the Best All Round Cadet and standing First in Overall Order of Merit respectively at the Passing Out Course (SS-110) held at Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai recently.

He secured AIR 14 (All India Ranking) in the merit list of candidates to secure admission to OTA, Chennai, for Course Serial SSC (NT) – 110. His training commenced in Oct.2019 and on successful completion of training is commissioned as a Lieutenant.  

Varun, an alumnus of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bengaluru (up to Cl VII/2008), Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, Mysuru (PUC/2014) and Sir M. Visveswaraya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (BE in Mechanical Engineering) had always been focused on joining the Armed Forces. To fulfil this ambition, he appeared for NDA, AFCAT and CDS examinations at various stages clearing these exams seven times. He also appeared in various SSBs, clearing it thrice. 

 After he secured admission to OTA for Course Serial SSC (NT) – 110, he was also selected for Air Force in Jan. 2020 having cleared AFCAT exam and SSB.

 Varun Ganapathy’s success must be attributed to his determination and perseverance which was bolstered by his parents and mentors. He relentlessly pursued his dream to join the Armed Forces and went about his preparation in a very methodical manner. He kept himself updated about various entrance exams and the different syllabus for each exam. His preparation included personality development and physical fitness. 

He also attended classes at Bangalore School for Civil Services under Dr. Arjun Bopanna for UPSC and KPSC exams. On being selected to join OTA, Chennai in SS-110 course, Varun was appointed as Academy Cadet Adjutant and was awarded Sword of Honour for being Best All Round Cadet and Gold Medal for being First in Order of Merit. He was commissioned into 2 Special Forces on Nov. 21, 2020. 

Varun joins the following elite rank of Kodava Officers who topped their courses: Col. Pattada N. Thimmaiah – IMA Sword; Lt. Gen. Pattachervanda C. Thimmaiah – IMA Sword; Sqn. Ldr. Mallengada B. Chittiappa – NDA Gold and Lt. Cdr. Mukkatira Suraj Aiyappa – Naval Academy Sword and Gold.

Varun is the proud son of Cholanda Poovaiah (Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta, Chikkaballapura District) and Dharini Poovaiah (Manavattira, Nelaji), originally from Kalmotte, Virapet, Kodagu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 23rd, 2020

Codagu Agritech launches Biocapsules for agriculture

Mysuru:

Codagu Agritech at Kudlur in Kushalnagar has come out with Biocapsules for agriculture to provide beneficial bacteria and biocontrol agents to enhance growth, root production, nutrient mobilisation and better yield.

Disclosing this at a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here on Saturday  Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Codagu Agritech said that the biocapsule is the world’s first technology where biocontrol agents like Trichoderma and good bacteria are delivered in capsule form which is convenient as one capsule is equivalent to one kg or litre of formulation and handling is easy along with cost effectiveness.

She further said that the biocapsule technology is researched and patented by Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode, Kerala, invented by former IISR Director Dr. Anand Raj.

Dr. Chaitra added that MP Pratap Simha had launched the biocapsules at IISR in Appangala near Madikeri last year.

Continuing, Dr. Chaitra said that Codagu Agritech is the first and only licensed commercial manufacturer of biocapsules with a wide market base in Kodagu, Chikkamagalur and gaining momentum in Maharashtra and a few other States with positive response from farmers.

She added that the biocapsules also protect crops from soil-borne pathogens and it is eco-friendly, easy to store and handle, with a long shelf-life of one year at room temperature and can be applied through drip irrigation.

She further said that the biocapsules are available in two forms — Trichocap (pure formulation of Trichoderma) and Powercap (combination of three plant growth-promoting bacteria strains).

The website of the company www.codaguagritech.com was launched by Dr. P.G. Chengappa, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture Sciences, Bengaluru.

Dr. B.C. Nanjappa was also present at the press meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 17th, 2017

BOOK : Enabling Military to Military Cooperation as a Foreign Policy Tool

Author: Colonel K A Muthanna

There are various facets of international defence and military cooperation as part of the larger defence diplomacy and security cooperation, which can be employed to create a peaceful security environment.

It is an institutional means of engaging foreign militaries and Defence Ministries which could weather political upheavals while affording many means of developing mutual understanding, leading to trust, reduction of threats and conflict prevention. These go a long way in impacting on the defence and security, and economic and social development of a nation.

In this context, it is interesting to comprehend the conduct of international defence and military cooperation of other countries and then in that light, analyse the Indian approach.

source: amazon.in

Touching The Sky

More power to those who dream with their eyes open, navigate through every challenge and eventually emerge as winners.

Flt Lt Punya Nanjappa, Indian Air Force

Nari Shakti being the theme of India’s 75th Republic Day celebration, the grand parade on Kartavya Path, in the heart of the National Capital, New Delhi, displayed a spectacular combination of military feat and cultural vibrancy on January 26, 2024.

IAF showcased a breath-taking performance with a flypast featuring 51 aircraft during the Republic Day celebrations. This impressive line-up included 29 fighter aircraft, 8 transport planes, 13 helicopters, and one heritage aircraft. When 51 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircrafts zoomed over the Kartavya Path, piloting one of the fighter jets in the flypast was a young woman pilot from Mysuru. Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT) Punya Nanjappa was piloting the MiG-29 fighter and was among the eight female pilots who flew in various formations at the Republic Day parade. It was indeed a proud moment for India.

Breaking barriers is nothing new for Punya Nanjappa. She was the only girl in her batch training with 40 male cadets and the only female cadet from Karnataka to be selected as a trainee pilot for the flying branch training at the Air Force Academy, becoming the second woman from the state of Karnataka to be a fighter jet pilot after Meghana Shanbough from Chikkamagalur to do so. The training for cadets who are selected for the flying branch is divided into three stages. Punya completed Stage 1 training at the academy in Dundigal and was selected to join the fighter stream. Commissioned into the IAF in December 2020, FLT LT Punya is from the No. 47 Squadron of the IAF.

“ Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT) Punya Nanjappa was piloting the MiG-29 fighter and was among the eight female pilots who flew in various formations at the Republic Day parade. It was indeed a proud moment for India”

The sky is literally the limit! While choosing a career path, not many students are able to pursue their dreams and turn them into reality. Mysuru-based Coluvanda Punya Nanjappa is one such dreamer who followed her childhood passion to be a fighter jet pilot and worked hard towards achieving it. Not only is it a personal and professional achievement for Punya, but a social one too, a rare distinction for a woman who has her roots in Kodagu, a land of many ‘defence personnel’. Though the district basks in the glory of producing a Field Marshal, a General, and innumerable Lieutenant Generals, Brigadiers, and Majors in the Indian Army and their equal ranks in the Navy and the Air Force, for the first time a woman fighter pilot emerged from the tiny district.

Punya is the daughter of Coluvanda Anuradha Nanjappa, who served as a teacher at St. Joseph’s Central School, Vijayanagar, and the late Coluvanda P. Bala Nanjappa, who held the position of manager at Prabha Theatre. Though the family hails from a small district, they encouraged their daughter to aim high and achieve through hard work and courage.

Punya Nanjappa’s achievement represents a remarkable moment, highlighting the strides made by women in the IAF and representing women-power, equity and equal ownership in every walk of life with their male counterparts.

source: http://www.outlook.com / Outlook / Home> Brand Studio / by Outlook Bureau / March 08th, 2024