Siddapura (Kodagu): “Soulful Sojourns: A Tale of Two Souls” — an autobiography on the lives of late freedom fighter couple Pandyanda Belliappa and Pandyanda Seetha Belliappa — was released at a programme organised  at Swarnamala Kalyana Mantapa in the town recently.

Speaking after releasing the book, United Kodava Organisation (UKO) President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa said that Bommanda Savera Chengappa, granddaughter of freedom fighters late Pandyanda Belliappa, who is popularly known as ‘Kodagina Gandhi’ and his freedom fighter wife Pandyanda Seetha Belliappa, has scripted the book in English.

Pointing out that Pandyanda Belliappa, who had great concerns for social welfare, always  worked for the cause of the society, Manju Chinnappa said he is also considered as a pioneer in Co-operative movement in Kodagu. Elaborating on the contributions of the late freedom fighter in education sector, Manju Chinnappa said it was he (Pandyanda Belliappa) who got sanctioned the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College in Madikeri when Nehru was the Prime Minister. Stating that the two freedom fighters had made a mark in different fields, he called upon everyone to read the book in order to draw inspiration for doing social service.

‘Poomale’ newspaper editor Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah in his address, said that the younger generation should read books on such great achievers and draw inspiration from their work and lead a purposeful life.

The book author Bommanda Savera Chengappa said that he scripted the book for posterity to younger generation. Highlighting the achievements of her grandparents, she said that the book makes an interesting reading for everyone and draw inspiration from the freedom fighter couple.

Addanda Vittal Nanjappa, Col. Bommanda Dheeraj Chengappa, Tapas Devaiah, Neravanda Shanti Nanjappa, Kusuma Ayyappa, Pandyanda Vijay Belliappa, Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa Forum President Kandratanda Subbaiah, A. Thammu Poovaiah, Delhi Kodava Samaja President Machimanda Thammu Cariappa, Col. Mandepanda K. Ayyappa and others were present.