FAMOUS KODAVAS (COORGS)

There is something extraordinary about the Kodavas (Coorgs) in Karnataka’s Kodagu district who gave free India its first Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and the soldier’s general, Gen. K.S. Thimayya.

The contribution of Kodavas in the field of sports, especially in hockey, is extraordinary. More than 50 players from Kodagu have represented India in international hockey tournaments. Two Kodavas, M.P. Ganesh and M.M. Somaiya, have captained the Indian hockey team.

The other outstanding sportspersons include, Rohan Bopanna, Robin Uthappa, Joshna Chinappa, Ashwini Ponnappa, Ashwini Nachappa and M.R. Poovamma.

Pemmanda K. Monnappa headed the police forces of three Indian states. C.G. Somaiah was the Union Home Secretary. Ambassador C.B. Muthamma was the country’s first Indian Foreign Service officer. Justice A.S. Bopanna is Judge of the Supreme Court.

Ketolira M. Chengappa was the first Indian District Magistrate who was appointed by the British in 1921.

Biddu Appaiah is an internationally known music composer.