Air Marshal K.C. Cariappa
Air Marshal K.C. Cariappa (Retd.), is a former Indian Air Force officer and the son of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Born in January 1938, Air Marshal Cariappa pursued his education at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, before joining the National Defence Academy in 1954.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in May 1957, he began his career flying the Vampire aircraft in 20 Squadron, the first jet aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Over the years, he piloted various aircraft, including the Hunter Air Defense and Ground Attack aircraft, and played a key role in multiple military operations.
In September 1965, during the Indo-Pak war, he displayed exemplary courage while attacking enemy targets. Despite being shot down and spending several months as a Prisoner of War, his indomitable spirit remained unbroken. Post-repatriation, although unable to fly fighters due to war injuries, he transitioned to helicopters, commanding the 111 Helicopter Unit during the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence.
After regaining his full flying medical status, Air Marshal Cariappa returned to flying fighters, commanding a MiG-21 Squadron. His distinguished service led to numerous Staff and Field appointments, culminating in his promotion to Air Marshal in 1994. He later served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force South Western Air Command, retiring in 1996 after a remarkable career spanning decades.
Even post-retirement, Air Marshal Cariappa has continued his dedication to service and social causes. A passionate advocate for wildlife and environmental issues, he frequently treks across North India, Ladakh, and Nepal.
He is married to Mrs. Meena Cariappa. Mrs. Meena Cariappa has been instrumental in establishing Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School in 1996, the first institution in Kodagu for differently-abled children. He has always stood by Mrs.Meena Cariappa in this noble cause.
He has been a great supporter of the school Kodagu Vidyalaya, the school founded and named by his father.
It is a great privilege to have Air Marshal K.C. Cariappa, an icon of courage, service, and commitment as an advisor to Kodagu Vidyalaya.