Major Sunil a torch bearer of Kodagu military legacy

Madikeri, Aug 17 (UNI) Major Sunil Thimmaiah Ganapathy, who was one of the three army personnel killed in the chopper crash in Leh on the Independence Day belonged to the true tradition of the Kodagu families serving the Indian Armed force.

The Major was the son of Col (rtd) Charimanda Ganesh Ganapathi of Chembebellur village in the district.

The whole family has a history of serving in the Army. Sunil's mother also hails from the warrior's family. Her mother Bhavani of Napoklu village is the daughter of late Kanganda Major Kangada Muthappa, while Sunil's brother-in-law is also serving as a Colonel in Delhi Regiment.

Sunil had married Ballachanda Shubha. He left behind his wife, four year son Ahwan and two year old daughter Gowri.

He was actually transferred to Andhra Pradesh in a recent order but his voyage to save a soldier trapped in an avalanche however turned fatal before he left for the Southern state.

He went in the helicopter with two of his other fellow army men and after a while lost communication. The helicopter was found crashed after hitting a hill.

The hilly district of Kodagu is known for contributing illustrious persons to the armed forces and this includes Field Martial Kariappa and Gen Thimmaiah.

UNI XR RS TS1833