Category Archives: Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021)

Indian National Army veteran Lt. Madhavan Pillai celebrates 99th birthday by paying tributes to Netaji and fallen soldiers

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He joined the INA at the age of 17. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at the National War Memorial at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. Photo: X/@adgpi

Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), celebrated his 99th birthday on Thursday (March 13, 2025) by laying wreaths at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path.

The wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Army was attended by senior military personnel and the public. “Today’s wreath-laying ceremony not only honours the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for India’s freedom but also serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing journey to break free from colonial legacies while upholding the spirit of their sacrifice,” an officer said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: ANI

Lt. Pillai was born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan township of Rangoon district in Burma (now Myanmar). His father hailed from the Sivaganga region in Tamil Nadu. He joined the Indian Independence League as a civilian in 1942 under Rash Behari Bose. When Netaji arrived in Singapore, Lt. Pillai formally enlisted in the INA, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.

After receiving his commission from the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer, according Army officials.

Serving as a recruiting officer and fundraiser, he mobilised support for the INA across 32 locations in Burma, including Hanthawaddy, Sawbwagale, Ywadanshe, Swryan, Yangon, and Mayongone. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Later, he served in the administrative branch at the INA headquarters in Rangoon under Major General K. P. Thimayya (elder brother of former Army chief General K.S. Thimayya). He was officially recognised as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on August 1, 1980.

On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated him on the occasion of Parakram Diwas at the Red Fort.

The Azad Hind Fauj was formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Netaji on October 21, 1943. United by the war cry “Chalo Delhi,” the INA aimed to secure India’s complete independence from British rule.

Several volunteers, soldiers, and overseas Indians — from regions as far as Malaya and Burma — joined the force. Lt Pillai’s life story embodies the courage and unity that defined the INA, another officer added.

In 2021, on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji, Lt. Pillai was awarded a silver medal for his role in the INA and India’s Independence movement.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025

World War II veteran Dr. Kandanda K. Kuttappa passes away in city

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Mysuru:

Dr. Kandanda K. Kuttappa (97), a World War II veteran and a resident of No. 952, 8th A Main, 10th Cross, Vijayanagar 1st Stage, passed away here yesterday morning. His wife Shanthi Kuttappa (87) had passed away on Sunday morning (Jan. 22).

He leaves behind his son Lt. Col. Ravi Ayappa, daughter Meera Madappa, daughter-in-law Lekha Ayappa, son-in-law Arvind, grandchildren, great grandchild and a host of relatives and friends.

Profile:

Dr. K.K. Kuttappa had served in Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) in Burma during 1941-45 after which he obtained his Ph.D in Psychology from Mysore University and served as a Psychologist in Services Selection Board (SSB) for almost three decades before retiring from SSB, Bengaluru, in 1983.

He had also served as a Professor at Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune. Having known Gen. K.S. Thimayya personally in Burma and being a great admirer of the General, he had collected a lot of material on his life and had personally initiated the shifting of his grave to the Army Service Corps (ASC) Centre in coordination with HQ Southern Command. Dr. Kuttappa was also a social worker.

Last rites were held at Chirashanthidhama in Gokulam yesterday afternoon, according to family sources.

As a tribute to the departed soul, wreaths were laid by the representatives of the Chief of Army Staff and the Director General of NCC, New Delhi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 24th, 2023

South Korean envoy pays tribute to General Thimayya at Indo-Korean Friendship Park

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Lee Seong-ho, the Ambassador of South Korea in India, and other top diplomats on Friday visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park in Delhi Cantonment, fondly recalling the contribution of Indian forces during the Korean War of 1950-53.

During their visit to the park, a symbol of strong ties between India and South Korea, the officials also paid tribute to late General K S Thimayya, a celebrated soldier who led the Indian contingent as Chairman of Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) in Korea headed by India.

“Ambassador Lee Seong-ho and his team visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park on the 21st of February and paid homage to General Thimayya, who headed a UN unit dealing with the repatriation of prisoners after the Korean War,” the South Korean Embassy in India posted on X.

“We also recalled that India sent the largest number of medical personnel during the Korean War. Remembering the enduring friendship between Korea and India, the Korean Embassy will do our best to further develop our Special Strategic Partnership.” the post further added.

India’s First Indo-Korean Friendship Park was jointly inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Korean counterpart Suh Wook in March 2021.

The park, spotlighting India’s contributions as part of 21 countries which participated in Korean war 1950-53 under the aegis of the United Nations, was developed in joint consultation with India’s Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Indian Army, Delhi Cantonment Board, Embassy of Korea and Korean War Veterans Association of India.

Spread across a green area of six acres, the park has an imposing handshake artifact standing tall at the entrance bearing flags of India and South Korea besides a larger than life statue of General Thimayya.

South Koreans still remember General Thimayya, who was awarded a Padma Bhushan for his service in Korea, with gratitude and affection. General Thimayya also served as the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) after the armistice and contributed to resolving the humanitarian issues arising out of the War.

India played an important role in the Korean peninsula after Korea’s independence in 1945, sending an army medical unit – the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance comprising 627 medical personnel, commanded by Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj – during the Korean War as part of the UN Command. The unit treated about 220,000 patients. During the Korean War (1950-53), both warring sides accepted a UN resolution sponsored by India and the ceasefire was declared on July 27, 1953.

India-South Korea diplomatic relations were elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015 during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seoul.

Source: IANS

source: http://www.socianews.xyz / Social News XYZ / Home> Diplomacy / by Gopi / February 21st, 2025

Sky Force: Kodava people condemn misrepresentation of Squadron Leader A B Devayya in Hindi movie

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Some section of Kodava community have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The bronze statue of Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya

Madikeri:

The issue of portraying the character of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya, as a Tamilian in the Hindi movie ‘Sky Force’, directed by Sandeep Kewlani has drawn the ire of people from Kodagu.

The move by the filmmakers has been criticised on social media. Tweeting about Ajjamada B Devayya, the people opined that even though the movie is based on him, his character has been misrepresented. 

Some have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The film was released on January 24 and is said to be inspired by the life of Ajjamada B Devayya and by his role in destroying a Pak aircraft during the Indo-Pak war in 1965. He was martyred during the fight. 

Speaking to DH, Codava Makkada Coota president and publisher Bollajira B Aiyappa said that the real name of the patriot should have been used for the lead character in the film. Even though the character’s name is changed, the identity of him being Kodava should have been shown. The change of his identity as a Tamilian has hurt the sentiments of Kodavas. Kodagu has given Field Marshals, Generals and Squadron leaders to the country, he said.

Ajjamada  B Devayya./ File Photo

“The movie makers had come to Kodagu to collect information about A B Devayya. The opening and closing credits of the movie have made a mention about the story being based on A B Devayya’s life, he said.

He further stated that a book has been published about Ajjamada B Devayya – ‘1965 ra Yuddha Hagu Kodagina Mahavira’.

The Coota has been observing his commemoration on September 7 every year at A B Devayya Circle in Madikeri where the statue is situated. The statue is erected and is being maintained by Codava Makkada Coota, Aiyappa added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Ashwani Kumar N K R / January 30th, 2025

126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa: Tributes pour in for the first Indian Commander-in-Chief

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Mysuru:

On the 126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, tributes poured in from across the nation this morning, honouring the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

The Indian Army took to ‘X’ on January 28, writing, “Remembering the Legend…On his 126th Birth Anniversary, the Indian Army pays homage to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, OBE.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared his respect, posting, “Remembering First Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army Field Marshal Sir Kodandera ‘Kipper’ Madappa Cariappa.”

In Mysuru, as part of the celebrations, floral tributes were offered to the statue of the Field Marshal at the Circle named after him on JLB Road.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda emphasised that the name of Field Marshal Cariappa, whose contributions to the country’s defence are immeasurable, should be honoured as long as the Sun and Moon exist.

Stating that the annual commemoration of the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary is a fitting tribute, he highlighted that Field Marshal Cariappa was known for his discipline, dedication and determination.

The MLA also mentioned that the Mysuru Kodava Samaja had previously proposed the installation of a statue of another Kodagu warrior, General K.S. Thimayya. He announced that work has now begun on the statue, which will be installed at the Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar, with funds allocated from his Legislator’s fund.

Kodagu’s contributions recalled

Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa pointed out that Kodagu is likely the only district in the country where almost every household has at least one member serving in the country’s defence forces. He also lauded Field Marshal Cariappa for his pivotal role in shaping the post-independence Indian Army, as well as his involvement in Iran’s army structure. Srivatsa added that Cariappa also had a deep love for sports and music.

MLC C.N. Manjegowda stressed the importance of celebrating the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary, encouraging youths to draw inspiration from his legacy and consider joining the army.

Manjegowda, an ex-serviceman, urged the Government to ensure that Field Marshal Cariappa’s birth anniversary is celebrated as prominently as those of other great personalities.

City BJP President and former MLA L. Nagendra highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Deepavali every year with the Armed Forces at the country’s borders. He noted the renaming of Metropole Circle as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle in recognition of the late Commander’s accomplishments and called for it to be referred to by its new name.

Former Mayor M.J. Ravikumar suggested that the busy junction at the Circle be made safer by constructing a shelter that covers the entire area to prevent accidents from speeding vehicles. He also called for further development of the Circle.

Former Mayor Srikantaiah, former Corporators Maletira U. Subbaiah and Prameela Bharath, Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Mukkatira C. Ashok, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Abhimaani Balaga President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and community leaders were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / January 28th, 2025

Soldier from Karnataka’s Kodagu district dies after injuries in Poonch accident

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Soldier from Karnataka’s Kodagu district dies after injuries in Poonch accident

Mysuru :

A soldier from Kodagu district, who was seriously injured after a vehicle fell into a gorge near a forward post in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch last Tuesday, succumbed to his injuries.

The martyred soldier, Deevin Palangoti, was 28 years old.

With his passing, the number of soldiers martyred in the incident from Karnataka has risen to four.

Deevin, a resident of Siddapur Alur, had been serving in the Indian Army for the past 10 years. He was the only son of Jaya and the late Prakash from Alur Siddapura in Kodagu district.

His marriage was scheduled for January 2025, and the family had been busy with preparations when the tragic incident occurred.

Following the accident, his mother Jaya traveled to Srinagar, where he was receiving treatment.

Sources reported that Deevin had sustained severe injuries to multiple organs.

Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, who had been in constant touch with the doctors treating him in Srinagar, expressed his condolences. “He made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. We stand with the family during this difficult time,” he said.

“His sacrifice will always be remembered,” Dr. Gowda added. “He set an example for young people to serve the nation and society.”

I am shocked, says Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer KC Wadiyar: “I am shocked by the untimely death of the soldier Deevin. His sacrifice to the country is always remembered,” he told TOI.

“He sacrificed his life for the nation. We will stand with the family in this hour of grief,” he said.

source: http://www.msn.com / TOI> The Times of India / Home / by Shrinivasa M

When Field Marshal KM Cariappa ticked off Nehru for not replying to his letters

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On the 125th birth anniversary of K M Cariappa, here’s a look at one of his letters to Jawaharlal Nehru.

After his retirement, Field Marshal (then General) Cariappa served as the high commissioner of India to Australia and New Zealand from 1953 to 1956 and after completing this tenure he settled in Madikeri in Coorg. (Source: Express Archives)

Field Marshal K M Cariappa , the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army, wrote a series of letters to then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru with several suggestions — from the Kashmir issue to the setting up of a National Defence College.

After his retirement, Field Marshal (then General) Cariappa served as the high commissioner of India to Australia and New Zealand from 1953 to 1956 and after completing this tenure he settled in Madikeri in Coorg.

On the 125th birth anniversary of K M Cariappa on January 28, here is a look at one of his letters to Jawaharlal Nehru.

In his letter dated April 14, 1960, a plain-speaking Cariappa expressed his annoyance to Nehru for not replying to two of his letters. “Since we last met on 16th January at Bangalore I have written to you two letters on matters which I thought and still think are of some importance. Taking you at your own word I have always written and talked to you quite frankly, without beating around the bush with no ulterior motives or political ambitions of any kind whatsoever. I know what a very busy person you are. But I did expect at least a line or two In reply to those letters. Have I said anything, traitorous or unpatriotic? At any time that you should so totally ignore the matters. I have written to you. Panditji, I never expected this of you. This is indeed a sad and tragic ‘discovery’ for me. I am afraid, I cause and create unhappiness to myself By being too much of an idealist,” wrote Cariappa.

Cariappa then went on to raise three issues in his letter which he had mentioned on previous occasions to Nehru. He referred to the urgent need to look into the morale of officers in the Army, and also opposed the setting up of a National Defence College citing expenses and administrative issues about it.

Field Marshal Cariappa also emphasised to Nehru the need to reach out to the then president of Pakistan Ayub Khan and solve the Kashmir issue, saying that it should not be left pending for future generations. “Panditji please do this in your lifetime. We cannot live forever and we cannot hold office forever. Ayub will be prepared to discuss things with you if you show your desire to thrash out the matter between you two. Please let India and Pakistan settle the 12-year-old matter between themselves. This will then secure a more permanent feeling of goodwill between the two countries than if it were left to someone else — third party to settle it for us,” he said.

Urging Nehru to give “a kind and charitable thought” to his suggestions, Cariappa ended the letter by asking Nehru not to dismiss his suggestions by saying “yet another irresponsible thing from one who is mental”.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Chandigarh / by Man Aman Singh Chhina / January 28th, 2025

Obituary: Lt. Col. Kulletira B. Appanna

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Lt. Col. Kulletira B. Appanna (retd.), a resident of No. 537, 14th Main, B-Block, 3rd Stage, Vijayanagar, Mysuru, passed away yesterday. He was 89.

He leaves behind his wife Sarasu Appanna (Sannuvanda, Mayamudi) and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at Muktidhama in Vijayanagar 4th Stage here this afternoon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / January 11th, 2025

Another soldier from Karnataka succumbs to injuries sustained in J&K accident, hailed from Kodagu

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The soldier, identified as Deevin Palangoti, hails from Alur Siddapura in Kodagu.

Deevin Palangoti / Credit: Special Arrangement 

A 28-year-old soldier from Kodagu district in Karnataka succumbed to his injuries on Monday that he sustained after an Army vehicle, in which he along with others were travelling, fell into a gorge in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on December 24.

The soldier, identified as Deevin Palangoti, hails from Alur Siddapura in Kodagu.

His lungs were critically damaged when the army vehicle fell into a gorge. He was admitted to a hospital in Srinagar for treatment. Divin’s mother, Jaya had reached the hospital.

Deevin was the only child of his parents and had joined the Army ten years ago. He was engaged to be married in February. In fact, he had built a new house for the family a year ago.

It may be recalled that three jawans from Karnataka – Subedar Dayanand Thirakannavar (44) from Belagavi, Lance Havaldar Anoop Poojary (33) from Kundapur and Mahesh Marigond (25) of Mahalingpur in Bagalkot district were earlier killed in the Poonch accident.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Naina J A, DHNS / December 30th, 2024

NCC fetes two next of kins of 1971 war martyrs

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‘Vijay Shrankla Aur Sankritiyon Ka Maha Sangram’ celebrated

Mysuru/Mysore: 

Marking 75 years of Independence as also 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war leading to the creation of Bangladesh, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) is celebrating the occasion as ‘Vijay Shrankla Aur Sankritiyon Ka Maha Sangram’ across the country from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19 this year.

As part of the celebrations, the Mysuru NCC Group felicitated the Next of Kins (NoKs) of the two martyrs — Flying Officer K.P. Muralidharan of 20 Air Squadron and Risaldar B.M. Kaveriappa of the 66 Armoured Regiment — at a programme held at Cauvery auditorium in Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) premises on Hunsur Road here this morning.

The NoKs who were felicitated are Lalita Krishna Kumar, sister of Flying Officer K.P. Muralidharan and B.M. Machaiah, son of Risaldar B.M. Kaveriappa.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) C.K. Karumbaya, SM, was the chief guest. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere, VSM was the guest of honour.

As part of the celebrations, 75 NoKs of martyrs of 1971 war will be felicitated at 75 locations across the country.

Defence Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks posted locally at Mysuru including NCC Group Commander Col. R.R. Menon, NCC cadets and Associate NCC Officers, Air Veteran Mandetira N. Subramani, President, VeKare Ex-servicemen Trust, Mysuru were present on the occasion.

About Flying Officer K.P. Muralidharan: Flying Officer Kotteiezath Puthiyavettil Muralidharan hailed from Nilambur Kovilakom in Mallapuram district of Kerala. Born on Oct. 6, 1945, he was commissioned into the India Air Force on Oct. 29, 1966 at the age of 21. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Muralidharan was serving with 20 Sqn. known as ‘Lightnings’ and was based at Air Force Station in Pathankot. He took off in his Hunter (A-462) for a mission from Pathankot and was involved in a dog fight with enemy aircraft. He was last seen flying north of Peshawar in combat with a PAF Sabre and was shot down by the enemy Sabre. His aircraft crashed inside the enemy territory.

Risaldar B.M. Kaveriappa: Born on Feb. 4, 1931 at Kadangamarur in Virajpet of Kodagu district, Kaveriappa joined the 66 Armoured Regiment in September 1969 and was appointed as a Troop Leader which he served till the last day of his life.

Kaveriappa was in command of 1 Troop Bravo Squadron. While moving to reinforce 3 Troop, his tank was hit by an enemy RCL Gun and he along with his crew were killed.  

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 30th, 2021