The Indian Navy will extend support to Field Marshal K M Cariappa Museum coming up at his residence Sunny Side here, Commandant of Indian Naval Academy (INA) (Ezhimala) Vice Admiral S V Bhokare said.

He was speaking at the 118th birth anniversary celebrations of Field Marshal Cariappa organised by district administration, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy here on Saturday. “Kodagu has given birth to first Indian commander-in-chief K M Cariappa. His service to the country is remembered even to this day,” he recalled. “With dedication and hardwork, one can achieve success. Cariappa is a inspiration for present generation,” he said.

Recalling an incident,  Bhokare said Cariappa’s son K C Nanda Cariappa had crossed the Line of Control once. The then Pakistan General Ayub Khan called Cariappa and informed that all efforts will be made to release Nanda Cariappa. Cariappa said there is no need to give special treatment for his son and asked him to release his son on the day when all others are released. He was a true patriot, he recalled.

MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan said Cariappa was known for discipline and honesty. The youth should imbibe Cariappa’s qualities to achieve success in life, he observed. Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimmaiah Forum Convener Major (retd) B A Nanjappa said, “While visiting Cariappa’s house, one had to compulsorily have pen, notebook and a kerchief. He would daily offer honour to the portrait of his parents with a sepoy.”

Forum President Col (retd) K C Subbaiah said, “The district administration has sanctioned land for museum at Sunny Side. The forum will make an effort to enrol students from Kodagu to Sainik School at Koodige.”

Winners
As part of Cariappa’s birth anniversary, various competitions were organised for students. The winners are - Essay—Shafana (I), Deepthi (II), Rishika (III); patriotic song — General Thimmaiah School (I), Ammathi High SChool (II), A V School, Nelyahudikeri (III); marchpast — Government PU College, Madikeri (I), Kodagu Vidyalaya (II) and General Thimmaiah Public School (III); PU category — patriotic song — PU College, Moornadu; marchpast — PU College, Moornadu; Degree college category — patriotic song — FMC College (I), Government First Grade College (II); marchpast—Field Marshal College (I).