Kuntiappa came to Sumanahalli from Hubli. After treatment and rehabilitation, he got trained in leather craft. He obtained a job as a peon at the Khadi Board. His department recommended him to the Central Government for an award. He received his award for "Most Efficient Employee" on World Disabled Day in 1994. Today, he is happily married to a non-leprosy-affected woman and has 2 healthy children as well!