Mysuru: Kodagu, famed for its longstanding legacy in the Indian Armed Forces, has once again made headlines as three young individuals from the region have been commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in the Indian Navy.

Sub Lt. Kadiyamada Rea Achaiah
A native of Kodagu and resident of Mysuru, Rea Achaiah has joined the Indian Navy and is currently serving on INS Sujata, a frontline patrol vessel. An engineering graduate in Information Science from Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru, she realised her childhood dream of wearing the uniform by clearing the SSB and joining the Indian Naval Academy in July 2024.

Rea had the rare honour of being selected for both the Army and Navy but chose the latter. An exceptional sportsperson, she is a former international roller speed skater, the first Indian woman to clinch an individual medal at an international skating event. Her accolades include 155 gold, 28 silver, and 11 bronze medals, including two bronzes at the 2018 Asian Championship in South Korea. She also excels in ice skating and sailing, winning multiple medals for the Navy.

Sub Lt. Chiriapanda Atul Somayya
Hailing from Kanoor, Kodagu, Atul Somayya is the son of Lt. Col. (Retd.) Chiriapanda Vivek Muthanna and Asha. A Civil Engineering graduate from PES Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Atul has fulfilled his ambition of joining the Armed Forces with his commissioning into the Navy.

Sub Lt. Areyada Chaman Poovana
Also commissioned on May 31, 2025, Chaman Poovana is the son of Areyada Kiran Ganapathy and Beena. A dedicated and disciplined individual, his entry into the Indian Navy adds to Kodagu’s glowing military tradition.