New Delhi/Madikeri: The army parade ground in New Delhi has been named after Field Marshal Cariappa who served as the Commander-In –Chief of the independent Indian armed forces from 1949-52.
The serving and retired defence personnel from Kodagu are happy with the decision taken by General Dalbir Singh before his retirement and consider it as a proud moment. General Dalbir had assured of naming the ground in the name of Field Marshal Cariappa during his visit to Kodagu few months ago.
General K M Cariappa was honoured with the meritorious award “Field Marshal” in the year 1986 by the Government of India and is one among the two army generals to receive the coveted award (other being General Sam Maneckshaw).
A statue of brave heart K M Cariappa was also unveiled in the parade ground.
It may be recalled that Karnataka Member of Parliament and former union minister for petroleum and natural gas, M Veerappa Moily had mooted the idea of naming the Delhi parade grounds after Field Marshal K M Cariappa, the first commander-in-chief of the independent Indian armed forces with the then defence minister A K Antony.
