Madikeri: Padma Bhushan late General KS Thimayya’s 120th birth anniversary was celebrated across Kodagu district on Tuesday with tributes, memorial events and social service activities.Dignitaries offered floral tributes to Thimayya’s portrait at Sunnyside, the birth house of General Thimayya in Madikeri, which is now a memorial centre. The district administration and the Kannada and culture department also organised a commemorative event at Thimayya Memorial Hall. Virajpet MLA and chief minister’s legal adviser AS Ponnanna described Thimayya as a disciplined, honest and inspiring army general whose service to the nation and role in border security should be remembered every day.Madikeri Kodava Samaj also celebrated the occasion at Gen Thimayya Circle, where MLAs Manthar Gowda and AS Ponnanna offered flowers to Thimayya’s statue. A procession later moved to Madikeri Kodava Samaj Hall, where rich tributes were paid. Former minister MC Nanaiah, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy president Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, retd Lt. K Mullera Kaverappa, and others spoke. At General Thimayya Public School, retd air marshal Kodandera Nanda Cariappa paid homage to Thimayya’s statue. As part of the celebrations of FM Cariappa and Gen Thimayya Foundation, MLA Ponnanna distributed flowers to the residents of Tanal Coorg Ashram, and personally served meals. Ashram manager Mohammed said the institution does not only provide shelter to vulnerable people but also supports their rehabilitation and self-reliance. Retired army veterans and ashram manager were felicitated.
