Academic: Born in 1976 in a small village called Kolakeri, in Coorg to Late Kundyolanda Kariappa and Sarsu Kariappa. Schooling was at Napoklu, and Kudige. PUC, Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in business administration from Christ college, Bangalore. Secured another Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Trade Management from St Joseph’s college, Bangalore.

Marital: Married to Kekada Nethra Ganapathy, a software engineer at Microsoft. Blessed with a 15 year old son, Gyan Kushalappa and 12 year old daughter, Bianca Cariappa.

Professional: Started professional career at Kirloskar Batteries for 2 years. Then worked for Floriana international as Area Sales Manager. In 2003 started working with Veneta Cuisine as a business consultant.

Entrepreneurship: In 2008, started a holiday home business in Coorg called Aavaas Holiday Homes. In 2013 setup a boutique hotel called The Fort Mercara in Madikeri, Coorg. In 2014, started a company called Switch Swop and started importing building construction materials and interior products from China. Managing partner at Galore Inn LLP Mysore. In 2024 launched FORT MERCARA BOTIQUE HOTEL AT VIRAJPET.

Social Outreach In 2016 conceptualised, initiated and presided over the Kodava Entrepreneurs Organisation called WAKE (Welfare Association of Kodava Entrepreneurs) and in 2018, elected as the president of KESCCL ( Kodava Entrepreneurs Souhardha Credit Co-operative Ltd. Madikeri).

Member of Rotary Misty Hills, Madikeri, Working Committee member at Mercara Downs Golf Club, Madikeri. Convener of Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival, which hosted the 24th edition of largest field hockey tournament in the world in 2024 recognised by GUINESS WORLD RECORDS.