Three Names Proposed for Renaming Kodagu University, Including Cauvery, Dodda Vira Rajendra and K.M. Cariappa

The proposal comes as the state considers naming nine universities after eminent personalities.

Madikeri: The Karnataka Higher Education Department has received proposals to rename Kodagu University after one of three prominent names associated with Kodagu — Cauvery, Maharaja Dodda Vira Rajendra and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa.

The proposal comes as the state considers naming nine universities after eminent personalities. For Kodagu University, three names have been put forward. However, the fact that educational institutions already bear two of the proposed names has led to some discussion.

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College is located in Madikeri, while institutions bearing the name Cauvery are present in Virajpet and Gonikoppa. Some have therefore expressed concern that using either name for the university could create confusion, according to sources.

Among the three proposals, the name Cauvery has reportedly received considerable public support. The river originates in Kodagu and is regarded as one of South India’s major rivers, providing water to large areas of the region and beyond.

Meanwhile, the Codava National Council (CNC), led by Chairman N.U. Nachappa Codava, has urged the Karnataka government to name Kodagu University after Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, India’s first Commander-in-Chief.

According to the CNC, three names have been proposed for the university by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ashok S. Alur. The organisation said Field Marshal Cariappa’s name would be the most appropriate, citing his military legacy and contribution to the nation.

The CNC described Cariappa as a distinguished military leader and a proud son of Kodagu. It also referred to General V.K. Singh’s autobiography Courage & Conviction, which discusses Cariappa among India’s notable military figures.

The organisation has appealed to the state government to name the institution “Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa University”, saying it would serve as a tribute to the legendary military leader.

The name of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, a native of Kodagu and the first Commander-in-Chief of independent India, has also been proposed in recognition of his contribution and connection with the district.

The third proposal is Maharaja Dodda Vira Rajendra (1780–1809), the ninth ruler of the Haleri dynasty. He is associated with the history and development of Kodagu and is credited with founding Virajpet, originally known as Vira-Rajendrapete.

According to Prof. Ashoka Sangappa Alur, Vice-Chancellor of Kodagu University, all three names are considered suitable and the final decision will rest with the Higher Education Department and the state government.

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