Kodagu: The Chief of Armed Forces (CDS) of Indian Armed Forces Bipin Laxman Singh Rawat had a special fondness for the tiny district of the State, Kodagu. He had visited the district four times. The district has the distinction of contributing a field marshal, a general, over half a dozen lieutenant generals and thousands of warriors to Indian defence forces. The District has at least 10000 houses of ex-army men.
As the news of helicopter fall spread, retired officers and former soldiers of the district were shocked. They all prayed to for Rawat to come alive. Officers recalled that when Rawat was invited to attend army-related events in the District, he came here to take a break despite the stressful work.
On August 7, 2016, Rawat was accompanied by the then Chief of Army Staff Dalbir Singh Suhag, to attend a conference of retired veterans from Karnataka and Kerala sub-regions in Madikeri. Rawat was then the Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Region. He also participated in an army golf tournament held in Madikeri.
Rawat also unveiled the statue of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa and General K. S. Thimmayya at the Kaveri College premises in Gonikoppalu on November 4, 2017. Rawat was accompanied by President of India Ram Nath Kovind, during inauguration of newly established General Thimmayya Museum in Madikeri on February 6, 2021, which now will remain as Rawat’s last visit to this tiny District. On the occasion, Rawat was accompanied by his wife to the function. He had said that it was amazing moment to witness that General Thimmayya’s name still lingers in the minds of people. It is the name forever etched in the minds of Indian warriors, he had stressed.
Speaking to News Karnataka Field Marshal Cariappa and General Forum Convenor Major (retd) Biddanda Nanjappa said that Rawat had a special love for our District. When the Thimmayya Museum Committee requested him to provide the necessary military equipment, Rawat had sent an old war tank and a war plane. He also sent firearms used by late General Thimmayya during his service. Further, he also helped to mobilise funds for the construction of the museum. His love for the District was out of respect that it has been contributing thousands of warriors to the nation.
