January 28 marks the birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa aka K M Cariappa, who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Cariappa is known for his pivotal role in shaping the country's armed forces.
Born on 28 January 1899 in Madikeri, Karnataka, Cariappa remained Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from 1949 to 1953.
Cariappa was born into a Kodava family, a community known for their martial traditions, and completed schooling at the Central High School in Madikeri and later went to the Presidency College in Madras.
In 1919, Cariappa joined the Indian Army as a commissioned officer and underwent training at the Royal Military College in Sandhurst, England.
Spanned over three decades, during his military career, Cariappa served in various capacities, including as a company commander, battalion commander, and brigade commander. He saw action in World War II, serving in Burma, Iraq, and Italy. Cariappa was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1945 for his distinguished service.
On January 15, 1949, he became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General Sir Roy Bucher. As the head of the Indian Army, Cariappa played a crucial role in shaping the country's military strategy and modernising its armed forces. He was instrumental in establishing the Indian Military Academy and the National Defence Academy.
Cariappa retired from active service on January 14, 1953, and was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, the highest rank in the Indian Army. After his retirement, Cariappa served as the High Commissioner of India to Australia and New Zealand. He passed away on May 15, 1993, at the age of 94.
Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa's legacy is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and vision. He will always be remembered as a pioneering figure in Indian military history, who paved the way for future generations of Indian military leaders.
Honors and Awards
- Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1945
- Padma Vibhushan in 1972
- Field Marshal of the Indian Army in 1986
During the 1965 war, Field Marshal Cariappa’s son, Nanda, was shot down over Pakistan. He was captured and became a prisoner of war (POW).
When the authorities at Radio Pakistan realised who he was, they quickly announced that they had captured the younger Cariappa. General Ayub Khan, who was in charge of Pakistan at the time, contacted General Cariappa, who was living a peaceful retired life in his hometown, Mercara, to inform him about his son's safety.
Ayub Khan offered to release Nanda immediately, but General Cariappa reportedly laughed at the suggestion. He told Ayub Khan not to offer his son any special treatment just because he was his child. Cariappa replied, “He is no longer my son. He is a soldier of this country, fighting for the motherland like any other patriot. I thank you for your kindness, but I ask that either all POWs be released, or none at all. Please, do not treat him differently.”
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