Prof. N. C. Parappa (1927–2001): Teacher of Generations, Physical Educationist · Coach · Sports Administrator · Mentor.

Introduction

It is both a privilege and a responsibility to present the life story of my father, Prof. N. C. Parappa, a man who, to the outside world, was a physical educationist, coach, and administrator, but to me, was first and foremost a father, guide, and role model.

Growing up, I witnessed how he lived by the very principles he taught. His discipline was unwavering, his humility constant, and his faith in the power of education and sport unshakable. What stood out to me most was not just his achievements in wrestling, basketball, or administration, but the way he touched people’s lives with fairness, encouragement, and a deep respect for every student who came under his care.

As his son, I saw how his passion for physical education was never about personal glory but about building others, be it athletes, teachers, or institutions. His home was filled with students and colleagues seeking guidance, and he gave freely of his time and wisdom. To him, teaching was not a profession, it was a lifelong duty.

This biography is not only a record of his milestones but also a reflection of the values he stood for discipline, service, and integrity. My hope is that these pages will help future generations understand not only what he accomplished, but also the spirit in which he lived: that sport builds character before career, and that true success lies in shaping others.

For me, he will always remain not just a father, but a constant source of inspiration, whose legacy continues to guide my steps.

GaviRangappa S P.

#828

Draft Version 

1.Early Life and Foundations

Prof. N. C. Parappa was a towering figure in physical education and sports administration, whose lifelong dedication transformed college sports and basketball in Karnataka. Revered for his discipline, vision, and warmth as a teacher and coach, he not only strengthened institutional sports programs but also inspired generations of students and educators to pursue excellence.

Born on 20 January 1927 in Bangalore City, Parappa was the youngest of four children. His father, Yajamana S. Narasimhanna, a respected silk merchant, passed away when Parappa was only two years old. His mother, Smt. S. Arasamma, raised the family with resilience, insisting that her children prioritize education over the family trade. Her farsightedness bore fruit: Parappa’s elder brother, the late S. N. Parappa, became Principal of SJP Polytechnic, later serving as Joint Director of Technical Education for Karnataka.

Parappa’s formative years balanced academics and sports. After vernacular schooling, he joined United Mission High School and later studied commerce at the University of Mysore. Yet, it was wrestling that defined his early journey. Training at Kodanda Gymnasium, Bengaluru, he displayed natural talent, becoming All India Inter-University Wrestling Champion (bantamweight, Lucknow) and later competing against K. D. Jadhav, India’s first Olympic medalist in wrestling, at the 1949 Bangalore championships. Though he lost, the experience deepened his respect for sport as a pursuit of both physical excellence and moral discipline.

2.Professional Training and Global Exposure

Determined to professionalize his passion, Parappa enrolled at the YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai, excelling as both wrestler and basketball player, while representing Madras University.

In 1951, he married Smt. S. V. Sarojamma, whose enduring support anchored his career. Recognition soon followed: in 1954, he was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Sports Health and Physical Education at the University of Oregon, USA. There, he was exposed to modern coaching techniques, fitness education, and sports administration, experiences that profoundly shaped his outlook.

Returning to India, he began as a lecturer at YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai, coaching teams to landmark victories and establishing himself as a mentor known for both rigor and empathy.

When the Government of Karnataka created the Government College of Physical Education, at Bangalore whose campus was situated at Sri Kanteerava Stadium Bengaluru he joined as its vice principal and later became Principal of the college. When the college was transferred to Bengaluru University's jurisdiction as its University College of Physical Education, he was its Principal, HOD, and Dean of Education faculty. Just before his retirement he was appointed as Register of Bangalore University a first for a physical educationist.

In 1961, he was certified as a wrestling coach by the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, Punjab the predecessor of Sports Authority of India, and served as an instructor with the Malabar Special Police, Kerala, further honing his reputation as a trainer of discipline and strength.

He was a sports administrator and a certified coach in wrestling, but he was well-known as a basketball coach for the Mysore State Basketball, men, women and boys teams.

In 1946 along with senior citizens of Cubbonpet, and his associates created Devanga Union Sports Club, K  G Road, Bengaluru. Today it is named after him as 'Professor N C Parappa's Playgrounds'.

3.Pioneer of sports administration, and Physical Education in Karnataka

By the early 1960s, Prof. Parappa returned to Karnataka, bringing with him international exposure and fresh vision. Basketball, then a developing sport in India, found in him one of its earliest champions. His deep association with the Devanga Union Sports Club, Bengaluru, became central to this mission.

Here, he introduced structured training methods modeled after American professional coaching emphasizing fitness, tactical drills, and teamwork, revolutionizing local basketball standards. His ties with Dr. Edward Steitz, legendary American coach and “Father of Modern Basketball,” further inspired him to elevate Bengaluru basketball to global benchmarks.

Simultaneously, as teacher and administrator, he redefined college-level sports education. He insisted that physical education was not an extracurricular diversion but an integral part of holistic learning. He upgraded curricula, standardized exams, and professionalized PE teacher training across Karnataka. His leadership in tournaments, camps, and selection processes ensured transparency, merit, and fairness values that defined his career.

4.Administrator, Mentor, and Visionary

Through the 1970s and beyond, Prof. Parappa’s role expanded into sports administration and educational leadership. As a respected voice in universities and state forums, he championed reforms giving physical education equal footing with academics. He streamlined sports governance, built coaching networks, and inspired young athletes to balance study with discipline.

His colleagues hailed him as a “teacher of teachers.” Many of India’s physical educationists, coaches, and administrators were shaped by his guidance. He combined theory with practice, strictness with compassion, and constantly reinforced values of punctuality, teamwork, and humility.

Nationally, his expertise was sought at conferences, policy forums, and workshops. His contributions to curriculum design, coaching frameworks, and ethical sports administration influenced not only Karnataka but also the broader Indian sports ecosystem.

5.Later Years and Enduring Legacy

Even after retirement, Prof. Parappa remained closely involved with institutions like the Devanga Union Sports Club, guiding their programs and mentoring youth. Known as a “teacher of generations,” he stayed connected with students, offering advice and encouragement. Many of his protégés went on to become leaders in education and sport.

He lived simply, embodying the values he preached discipline, honesty, humility, and service. His belief that “sport builds character before career” remained constant.

Professor N C Parappa was awarded numerous awards in the course of his lifetime, but four must be mentioned:

1.In 1980 he was awarded the prestigious Buck Award given by YMCA College of Physical Education Chennai for outstanding achievements in the field of physical education in the country.

2.In 2001 Government of Karnataka awarded the professor with the State's second highest award the Kannada Rajyotsava award for his achievements in Education.

3.For his contributions in popularising basketball among school children in Bangalore, and improving the performances of Mysore state basketball teams in national basketball championships.The trophy that is given annually to the winning basketball team by Karnataka State Basketball Association's senior division basketball tournament is named after him.

4.For his services for the Devanga community, he was given the title of 'Devanga Ratna' in 1993 by Sri Sri Sri Dayanand Puri Maha Swamyji Jagatguru, and head of Sri Gayatri petta, Hampi, Karnataka.

When he passed away in 2001, Prof. Parappa left behind more than personal achievements. He left behind a living ecosystem of students, athletes, and administrators carrying forward his vision. His legacy stands today as the foundation of sports culture and modern physical education India.

Prof. N. C. Parappa’s story is one of discipline, integrity, and service. From the wrestling mat to basketball courts, from classrooms to sports policy boards, his influence reshaped India's sporting and educational landscape. More than medals and trophies, his greatest achievement was shaping generations, instilling in them the conviction that sport is not just about winning, but about building character, community, and nation.

"My father’s achievements are my inheritance of honor.”

Prof. N. C. Parappa remains, above all, a Teacher of Generations.