Kodandera M. Cariappa

Kodandera M. Cariappa was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant in the British Indian Army. He served in the 2nd Battalion, 88th Carnatic Infantry, beginning a long military career.

Cariappa served in the Middle East and Burma during World War II. He commanded the 7th Indian Infantry Brigade in the Burma Campaign, earning a reputation for leadership and tactical skill.

Cariappa commanded Indian forces in the Kashmir operations during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48. He led the successful defense of Srinagar and the capture of key positions in Jammu and Kashmir.

Cariappa was appointed as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in January 1949, succeeding General Sir Roy Bucher. He oversaw the Indianization of the army's officer corps.

Cariappa retired from the Indian Army in 1953. He later served as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand from 1953 to 1956, representing India diplomatically.