Sharjah: Mayura Global Kannadiga Award for Sarvotham Shetty

Shodhan Prasad
November 3, 2017

Sharjah, Nov 3: Sharjah Karnataka Sangha is all set for its 15th Anniversary celebration on November 17 at Sharjah Indian Association Auditorium, Sharjah. Well known non-resident Kannadiga leader, President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Rajyotsava Awardee, Sarvotham Shetty will be conferred with the Mayura Global Kannadiga Award on the occasion.

It will be a historical event wherein a Kannadiga who have served in the UAE for more than four decades holding the proud flag of Karnataka high above in this part of the world is being unanimously elected for this ‘Mayura Global Kannadiga Award’ for the year 2017, stated a release issued by the organizers.

Sarvotham Shetty, being the founder President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, has always promoted Kannada language, art, folk, culture and tradition throughout his career taking up leadership and binding all the Kannadigas under one umbrella parent organization in Abu Dhabi. 

He always used to take up initiative in Kannada activities all over the gulf thus promoting our language and culture during the programmes of Karnataka based organization with his constant touch with the leaders of the organizations elsewhere.

Sarvotham Shetty’s footsteps

As a true Indian, Kannadiga and Tuluva, Sarvotham Shetty has always supported the culture, art, folk and language through various programmes in this part of the world. Being an artist himself with his leadership qualities he has guided many fellow Tuluvas/Kannadigas in very many events thus contributing to the community.

Born to Soorappa Hegde and Saraswati Shetty couple of Pareeka, Udupi District of Karnataka had completed his elementary and pre-University studies in Perdoor&Hiriadka; later travelled to Mumbai where he got graduated in Commerce in R. V. Podar College. In 1978 he was elected as the leader of the Senate in Mumbai University.

The acting skill within him was show cased when for the first time he participated in the very famous ‘HaggadaKone’ penned by the well-known writer Parvathavani during the inter college drama competition. During his course of studies for the first time ‘Kannada SahityaSangha’ was opened up in R.V, Podar College, Mumbai. He stroked first in very many drama competitions and was a good sportsman too; having received honours from Indian Cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and Pakistani Cricketer Sarfaraz Khan during his time. Indian Cricketer Vengsarkar& Politician Gurudas Kamath were his classmates.

He completed his studies in the year 1979 and wanted to start an Art Centre for Drama along with his friends and close associates in Mumbai. Soon ‘Kala Jagathu’ was formed and he became the founder member thus paving way for those Kannadigas in Mumbai to enhance their cultural activities. Now this organization with 37 years of existence is one among the several other Art Centre in Mumbai who dedicate themselves to Tulu and Kannada dramas.

After serving in Syndicate Bank, Mumbai for around 10 years he landed in the Arabian Gulf searching for better opportunities. He served continuously with International Distributors for around 26 years as General Manager and later started his own Automobile Workshop which is running successfully for the past 12 years in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf journey

For the last four decades he has been an ardent supporter of very many Tulu-Kannada Associations and has encouraged many talents to get a stage opportunity.

In 1995-96 he was elected as Vice President of Indian Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi and later elected for two terms in 1999-2000 & 2002-2003 as President which was for the first time any Kannadiga would have achieved in the past 37 years of the Centre’s existence. It was during his tenure the Centre was able to get a own land and permission to build huge independent premises for Indian Social & Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi which created a record for himself too.

He was also elected as honorary Director of Abu Dhabi Indian School in the year 1997 wherein more than 7500 students of Indian origin as studying. He took leadership in inducing discipline and sportsman ship among the students of the School thus lending his time for overall developing. He was also the Chairman of School Sports Committee and main man behind opening up of the new branch of the school in Al Wathba where around 3000 students are studying currently.

In 1998 he was awarded ‘Karnataka Rajyotsava’ as he has been serving President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha spreading the fragrance of Kannada language, art and culture in a vibrant way in this part of the world. He also participated in the ‘Vishwa Kannada SanskritiSammelana 2004’ wherein the then Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramayya along with 14 delegates of Karnataka as well as representatives of Karnataka from around the world had gathered. This was one of the biggest event of Kannada ever organized until then.

In the year 2006 when Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha completed 25 successful years he was instrumental in bringing the then Chief Minister of Karnataka H.D. Kumaraswamy to inaugurate the Silver Jubilee function which was a record attempt made in the history of Karnataka that in 50 years a Chief Minister attending such event in the Gulf. It was in that year Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha was bestowed with ‘Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava’ Award which is another feather in the cap of Sarvotham Shetty as President of the Sangha.

Sarvotham Shetty actively participated in many Karnataka Associations including UAE Tulukoota, NamaTuluveru UAE and Abu Dhabi TuluKoota. He as the President of UAE Bunts has keptencouraging community members into forming new committee every year thus delegating responsibilities and paving way for the success of various cultural activities of the Community every year. In UAE Tulu Toota he has been supporting the Committee Members for the past two decades in their annual events including Tulu Parba, Tablos, Sports Activities, and Art & Folklore.

In Abu Dhabi he was instrumental in starting the ‘KoosammaShambu Shetty Memorial Women’s & Men’s Throw-ball Tournament under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha which gave opportunities for very many Kannadigas who participate in this Tournament and win accolades. Teams not only from UAE but also from other Gulf Countries including India are participating annuallyin this event; which has given platform for around eight strong teams in both Women’s and Men’s whoseteams challenge every year.

Honours 

In 2009 he was bestowed with ‘Aryabhata Award’ for his service towards society. In Kuwait during the ‘Vishwa Kannada SanskritiSammelana’ he was bestowed with ‘VishwaMaanya’ Award honoured by the great Poet Dr. Shivarudrappa.Felicitated by Al AinBuraimi Kannada Sangha felicitated by Bahrain Kannada Sangha. Felicitated by Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha. Felicitated by Dubai Karnataka SanghaFelicitated by Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty at Narayana Hryudalaya, Bangalore. Felicitated by UAE Bunts & Bunts Throw-ball Dubai. Felicitated by Delhi Bunts Sangha. In1998 won ‘Karnataka Rajyostava’ Award honoured by Chief Minister of Karnataka, J.H. Patel.‘SuvarnaKarnataka Rajyostava’ Award honoured by Chief Minister of Karnataka, H.D. Kumaraswamy. ‘Hryudayavantharu’ Award by Vishwa Kannada Sammelana in Mumbai;plus many other felicitations for his charity support towards the needy.

Currently in 2017, Sarvotham serves as Committee Member in Indian Professional & Entrepreneur Forum and Indian Business Professionals Group.  For the past more than three decades he serves in the Bunts UAE Association and has been pivotal in arranging annual programmes, creating new committees, forming leaders and allocating responsibilities to the new leaders in arranging various cultural, social responsibilities as well as sport activities in the UAE.

Through his collections of emails and contact numbers of Kannadigas, he shares information of various Kannada/Tulu activities around the world through email media. He participates in various Blood Donation and Health Awareness programmes lending his moral support to these events and organisers. Almost all organizations in UAE invites him to their programmes whenever scheduled and he attends those without fail.

He was also the honorary President of ‘VishwaTuluvereAyona’ a programme conducted in Badiadka, Kasargod during 9th to 13th December, 2016 an International Tulu Event and got recognition.

Sarvotham is also elected to be the Honorary President of ‘Tulunadochayya 2017’ event to be hosted during December 23rd and 24th this year.  He is also elected as President of PatlaYaksha Foundation of UAE.  He is also the Vice President of Karnataka NRI Forum for the year 2017.

Shetty has acted in many historical & family dramas as well. Whether it is a meeting, event, sports day or picnic you will find him there with a mike in his hand and with his golden voice commanding the event. Always keep mingling with all his fellow associates, members of various communities freely and encouraging them every time.

Married to Usha Shetty in the year 1984 he is blessed with son Samarth Shetty & Daughter Samyuktha Shetty who are all well settled and had celebrated his silver wedding anniversary in the year 2009 with hundreds of friends in a grand event.

He keeps attending Kannada and Tulu programmes regularly in India as well as abroad and most of the time he will be the Chief Guest therein. Programmes in Mangalore, Mulki, Bangalore, Hubli, Belgaum, Pune, Pimpri, Chinchwada, Nasik, Delhi, Mumbai, Sangli, Oman, Bahrain & Qatar he had attended various programmes where he delivered his speech on Tulu Kannada Culture.

Sarvotham Shetty is mainly inspired by two great personalities; first the world leader Nelson Mandela who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to dismantle the apartheid system and secondly the soft spoken proud son of Tulu Nadu, Padma Shree Dr. B R Shetty the patron of Kannadigas in UAE.

Sharjah Karnataka Sangha is proud to felicitate Sarvotham Shetty this year with the title ‘Mayura Global Kannadiga Award 2017’.

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News Network
May 4,2024

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Mangaluru, May 4: A tragic incident unfurled last evening in Subrahmanya of Kadaba taluk in Dakshina Kananda, where a young gentleman, who had recently entered the bonds of matrimony a mere ten days hence, met his untimely demise due to a lightning strike.

As twilight descended, a tempestuous thunderstorm, accompanied by billowing rain clouds, cast its shadow over the locale.

Somasundar was diligently engaged in the task of piling up dried nuts in the yard to shield them from the impending deluge, when fate cruelly intervened, subjecting him to the fatal force of a lightning bolt.

Despite the expeditious efforts to convey him to Kadaba Community Hospital subsequent to his sudden indisposition, he tragically succumbed to his injuries. 

Somasundar, who operated a car washing enterprise in proximity to Subrahmanya, is mourned by his mother, sister, and wife.

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News Network
May 6,2024

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Bengaluru: The Congress and BJP will lock horns on the electoral battleground again in less than a fortnight in Karnataka, as the stage is set for the second phase of elections in the 14 remaining Lok Sabha seats on Tuesday.

It is going to be a straight fight between the ruling Congress and BJP in Parliamentary segments in the northern districts. The JD(S) is not contesting in these seats and is supporting its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner -- the BJP.

The state has a total of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies. The first phase of polling in 14 seats in most of the southern and coastal districts was held on April 26.

A total of 227 candidates -- 206 men and 21 women -- are in the fray for the second phase.

More than 2.59 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 28,269 polling stations where voting will take place between 7 am to 6 pm.

The segments where elections will be held on Tuesday are: Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davangere and Shimoga.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP had swept all these 14 seats, defeating Congress and JD(S), which were in alliance and ruling the state then.

Having scored a thumping victory in the Assembly elections last year, the Congress now appears determined to put up a strong show.

Karnataka is the most important state for the BJP in south India as it's only here that it has held power in the past.

Speaking to PTI, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena said adequate security arrangements have been made for Tuesday's polling.

"Around 1.45 lakh polling officials have been deployed across the 14 constituencies. In addition, 35,000 civil police personnel, 65 companies of Central Paramilitary forces and armed police of other states will be deployed for the polling day," he said.

Besides this, 4,000 micro-observers will also be on duty and 17,000 polling stations will be covered by webcasting, he added.

Davangere has the maximum number of 30 candidates, followed by 23 in Shimoga and Raichur has the least number - eight.

Former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai (Haveri) and Jagadish Shettar (Balgaum), Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad) and Bhagwanth Khuba (Bidar) -- all from BJP; Congress' Geetha Shivrajkumar (Shimoga) -- wife of actor Shivrajkumar and daughter of former CM S Bangarappa and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani (Gulbarga), are among the prominent names in the fray.

Also in the contest are MP and veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa's son B Y Raghavendra, suspended party leader and former Deputy CM K S Eshwarappa -- both from Shimoga, former Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and ex-Minister B Sreeramulu of BJP from Uttara Kannada and Bellary respectively and retired IAS officer G Kumar Naik of Congress from Raichur.

Stakes are high for several Ministers in this phase with their children in fray.

Sons of Ministers Laxmi Hebbalkar and Eshwar Khandre - Mrinal Ravindra Hebbalkar and Sagar Khandre - are contesting from Belgaum and Bidar respectively, while daughters of Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and Shivanand Patil -Priyanka Jarkiholi and Samyukta Patil- are in contention in Chikkodi and Bagalkot respectively.

Prabha Mallikarjun, wife of Minister S S Mallikarjun and daughter-in-law of veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, is in the fray from Davangere.

The Congress' performance in the elections, especially in the second phase which covers almost all Lingayat-dominated districts, is crucial, as the party did not win one of them in 2019, and to also check whether the grand old party has managed to retain the support of a section of Lingayats -- considered as the BJP's core vote-base -- which seemed to have somewhat shifted towards it in the 2023 Assembly polls.

The Lok Sabha election is being seen as a big test of sorts for Congress state unit chief D K Shivakumar, who has made no secret of his ambition to become chief minister, amid speculations of change in guard mid-way of the Assembly term. The stakes are also high for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, as victory in this election is seen as key to strengthening his hands, analysts say.

It is also seen as a kind of a "litmus test" for state BJP president B Y Vijayendra, who has the onerous task of helping the party retain its supremacy in the Lok Sabha polls, by regaining its traditional Lingayat vote-base.

Ensuring a BJP sweep is paramount for the son of veteran leader B S Yediyurappa, to consolidate his position and silence critics who have questioned his selection to the post, overlooking seniors and seasoned hands.

The ruling Congress is mostly banking on the implementation of its populist five guarantee schemes while the BJP seems to be leveraging the "Modi factor" to the hilt.

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News Network
May 18,2024

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Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and other state ministers on Saturday rubbished allegations about their role in the circulation of pen drives containing explicit videos involving Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna.

BJP leader and advocate G Devaraje Gowda, who is in custody after being arrested in a sexual abuse case and is also facing charges of video leak, on Friday alleged that Shivakumar and four other ministers are behind the circulation of the pen drives and was being fixed in false cases as he did not agree to be part of their plan.

He has even alleged that he was offered Rs 100 crore by Shivakumar to "bring a bad name" to the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to tarnish the image of JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy in Prajwal Revanna's obscene video case.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said, "Better, let him (Gowda) file a case before Lokayukta or any other agency. I think he has some problems mentally. I'm very sorry, the national and state media shouldn't have picked up such baseless allegations. A person who is in jail, how can he make such allegations? All these are baseless. I don't want to comment." 

Asked if he will be filing any defamation case against Gowda, he said, "I don't want to make any comment or speak on a person who is mentally sick. I appeal to his party people to get him a good treatment." Shivakumar also asserted that his government's commitment to get justice for women victims of the sexual abuse case, and expressed confidence about the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) ongoing probe.

While being taken from court in Hassan, Gowda on Friday spoke to media and alleged that Shivakumar is behind pen drive case, and a team of four Ministers -- N Chaluvarayaswamy, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge and another minister -- was formed to handle this, with an intention to bring bad name to BJP, PM Modi and Kumaraswamy.

He said Shivakumar had asked him to say that Kumaraswamy is behind the distribution of pen drives, but as he did not agree to it, he is being fixed in false cases.

Minister Priyank Kharge said Gowda has alleged that three responsible ministers in the state government were part of a team and that there was a conspiracy. "We will discuss whatever legal course, we will take it." 

"Devaraje Gowda might be doing this to defame Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. If he had a Rs 100 crore offer, he should have told Amit Shah (Union Home Minister) and get it investigated. He could have got CBI, ED, or IT raids done. Why didn't he do it? Claims have been made that he (Gowda) was sent Rs 5 crore as advance at a club, let them get CCTV footage and see who were all there," Kharge said.

While speaking to reporters here, he further said Gowda is a lawyer. When he was deposed before the Judge he should have told about the documents he has and should have presented to the court.

Minister Chaluvarayaswamy said allegations about the role of Shivakumar and a team of ministers being formed to oversee the circulation of pen drives are 'baseless', and he questioned Gowda's morality to make such accusations.

"If Gowda proves that Chaluvarayaswamy, Priyank Kharge and Krishna Byre Gowda had held a meeting on this case and we as a team were given responsibility and we were involved in this case, I will apologise," he said and alleged that Gowda was being used to mislead and deviate from the main case of sexual abuse.

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