KM Cariappa birth anniversary: Famously known as Kipper, Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa was born today, 123 years ago on January 28, 1899.
He was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and was the first Indian Officer who was given command of a unit before independence.
Notably, Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s son Air Marshal KC Cariappa was also a Squadron Leader during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War.
KM Criappa is the second General of the Indian Army to have been conferred the rank of Field Marshal in 1986, after Sam Manekshaw.
The day Field Marshal Cariappa took command of the Army on January 15, 1949, is celebrated as Army Day in India.
One of his famous quote reads:
An Indian and to the last breath would remain an Indian. To me, there are only two Stans – Hindustan (India) and Foujistan (the Army).” – Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa
Some interesting facts about him that you must know:
- K. M. Cariappa’s full name was Kodandera Madappa Cariappa
- He was born at Shanivarasanthe in Kodagu, which was a princely state in Karnataka
- Cariappa was selected to the first batch in King’s Commission after the World War I in 1918
- His permanent regimental home was 2nd Queen Victoria’s Own Rajput Light Infantry
- In 1933, he was the first Indian officer to undergo the course at Staff College
- Cariappa served in many countries like Iraq, Syria and Burma
- In 1949, he was appointed as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army
- After his retirement, he served as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956
- He was awarded with the General Service Medal, Indian Independence Medal, Order of the British Empire, 1939-1945 Star, Burma Star, War Medal 19391945, Indian Service Medal and Legion of Merit
- He died on May 15, 1993 at the age of 94.
