Lieutenant General Buttiyanda K. Bopanna

PVSM, AVSM, VSM – Indian Army

Lieutenant General Buttiyanda K. B. Bopanna is a distinguished retired officer of the Indian Army who hails from Kodagu, Karnataka. He served in the Indian Army for several decades, holding important command, staff, administrative and instructional appointments. He is also known for his service as the Director-General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and for his deep interest in orchids, which earned him a unique botanical tribute.

Military Career

Lt. Gen. Bopanna was commissioned into the 11th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army on 14 February 1965. During his distinguished military career, he held several important staff, command and instructional positions.

He took active part in the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1965 and 1971. He also gained extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, contributing to his reputation as an experienced military leader

Director-General of the National Cadet Corps

In 2001, following his promotion to Lieutenant General, Bopanna was appointed Director-General of the National Cadet Corps. He assumed charge of the position in New Delhi on 1 November 2001

As NCC Director-General, he emphasized the role of group commanders and the importance of the organization in shaping the country’s youth. During his tenure, he visited NCC directorates and reviewed training and organizational activities.

Dean at Amity University

Later he served as a dean in Amity University.

Decorations and Military Honours

In recognition of his distinguished service to the nation, Lt. Gen. Bopanna received the following decorations:

• Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
• Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)

He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1998 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2000.

Education

Alongside his military career, Lt. Gen. Bopanna pursued higher education in defence and management. He obtained a postgraduate degree in Defence Studies from the University of Madras and an MBA from Osmania University.

Oberonia Bopannae – An Orchid Named in His Honour

One of the most distinctive tributes to Lt. Gen. Bopanna is the naming of a new orchid species after him.

The species, Oberonia bopannae, was discovered in 2015 by Krishna Chowlu, a scientist with the Botanical Survey of India, at the Tengapani range in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh. The species was formally documented in the scientific journal Phytotaxa in 2017.

The specific name bopannae was chosen in recognition of Lt. Gen. B. K. Bopanna’s enthusiasm and love for orchids. His association with Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast through his military service adds further significance to this botanical honour.

The naming of the orchid represents a rare distinction, commemorating a Kodava military officer through the scientific recognition of a species of India’s natural heritage.