Field Marshal K M Cariappa and Padmabhushan General K S Thimayya will now be remembered as national heroes by the district administration.

In the past, Field Marshal K M Cariappa’s birth anniversary was celebrated at his memorial in Roshanara, Madikeri, by his family members and students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-Kodagu Vidyalaya.

After General Thimayya School was started by the Kodava Samaj in Madikeri a decade ago, students regularly assembled at Thimayya’s statue to offer floral tributes.

Apart from this, when VIPs and Army officers visit the district, they garland the statues of the two great sons of Kodagu.

After a garland of shoes was hung on Field Marshal K M Cariappa’s statue some time ago, a few retired Army officers and senior citizens decided to create awareness on the importance of these leaders by setting up the Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum. The Forum celebrates the birth anniversaries of Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya which fall on January 28 and March 31 respectively.

In 2012, GOC-in-C of the Southern Command of the Indian Army Lt Gen A K Singh, senior Army officers, retired Army officers and people’s representatives took part in Field Marshall Cariappa’s birth anniversary celebrations that were held on a grand scale.

This year, the administration has decided to celebrate his 114th birth anniversary at Madikeri on Monday while the Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum will simultaneously host celebrations in Gonikoppa.

Celebration Gets More Response

Forum president Col (rtd) K C Subbayya VSM, told Express that celebrations are usually held in Madikeri, Gonikoppa or Shanivarsante.

Forum secretary U M Poovaiah said competitions with themes related to the life of Field Marshal Cariappa had been organised to spread awareness among school and college students to highlight the importance of discipline and honesty.

This year’s competitions received good response, he said.

District Minister M P Appachu Ranjan said the government has sanctioned `3 lakh for the celebrations. Cariappa’s birth anniversary has also been added to the National Festival List and celebrations will be held at Madikeri, he added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> States> Karnataka / by B. C. Dinesh / ENS – Madikeri / January 28th, 2013