ಪ್ರೊ. ಕು. ಶಿ. ಹರಿದಾಸ ಭಟ್ಟ ಜಾನಪದ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪ್ರದಾನ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ

 ತಾರೀಕು 21-06-2025ರಂದು, ಡಾ. ಎನ್.‌ ಟಿ. ಭಟ್ಟರಿಗೆ ಮೊದಲೇ ತಳಿಸಿದ್ದಂತೆ, ಅವರನ್ನು ಎಂ. ಜಿ. ಎಂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಟಿ. ಮೋಹನದಾಸ್‌ ಪೈ ಕೌಶಲ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಸಭಾಂಗಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಜರಗಿದ ಪ್ರೊ. ಕು. ಶಿ. ಹರಿದಾಸ ಭಟ್ಟ ಜಾನಪದ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪ್ರದಾನ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗಲು ಸುಮಾರು 2.30 ರ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಮನೆಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ, ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ  ಕಾಲೇಜಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಕು. ಶಿ ಹರಿದಾಸ ಭಟ್ಟರ ಮಗಳು ಆಶಾ ಮತ್ತು ಅವರ ಅಳಿಯ ಶ್ರೀ ಅಶೋಕ ಕುತ್ಯಾರ್‌ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಜಿತ ಪ್ರೊ. ಕು. ಶಿ. ಹರಿದಾಸ ಭಟ್ಟ ಜಾನಪದ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪ್ರದಾನ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಡಾ. ಡಿ. ಕೆ. ರಾಜೇಂದ್ರ (2024) ಹಾಗೂ ಡಾ. ವಿಜಯಶ್ರೀ ಸಬರದ (2025) ನ್ನು ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು. ಕನ್ನಡ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಪ್ರಾಧಿಕಾರದ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಡಾ. ಪುರುಷೋತ್ತಮ ಬಿಳಿಮಲೆ, ಮಾಹೆ ಸಹಕುಲಾಧಿಪತಿ ಡಾ. ಎಚ್‌ ಎಸ್‌ ಬಲ್ಲಾಳ್‌, ಮ್ಯೆಸೂರು ವಿ ವಿ ಕುವೆಂಪು ಕನ್ನಡ ಅಧ್ಯಯನ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕಿ ಡಾ. ಲೋಲಾಕ್ಷಿ, ವಿಶ್ರಾಂತ ಕುಲಪತಿ ಡಾ. ಬಿ ಎ. ವಿವೇಕ ರೈ, ಮ್ಯೆಸೂರಿನ ಡಾ. ಡಿ ಕೆ ರಾಜೇಂದ್ರ ಹಾಗೂ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಡಾ ವಿಜಯಶ್ರೀ ಸಬರದ ಅಬಿಪ್ರಾಯ ಹಂಚಿಕೊಂಡರು. ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಗಾಂಧಿ ಆದ್ಯಯನ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಸಂಶೋಧಕರಾಗಿರುವ ನನಗೆ ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ಆರಂಭವಾದ  ಎಂ. ಜಿ. ಎಂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಟಿ. ಮೋಹನದಾಸ್‌ ಪೈ ಕೌಶಲ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಬಗೆಗೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ನೀಡಿದರು. 

ಪ್ರೊ. ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯರಿಗೆ ಕಡಿಯಾಳಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಹಿಷಮರ್ಧಿನೀ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಶರ್ವಾಣಿ ಮಂಟಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರದ್ಧಾಂಜಲಿ ಸಭೆ

 ಎಂ. ಜಿ. ಎಂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಮಾರು ಮೂವತ್ತಮೂರು ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಗಿಂತಲೂ ಮಿಕ್ಕಿ ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದ ಪ್ರೊ. ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯರು ತಾರೀಕು 03-06-2025ರಂದು ದೈವಾಧೀನರಾದ ಕುರಿತು ತಾರೀಕು 16-06-2025ರಂದು ಕಡಿಯಾಳಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಹಿಷಮರ್ಧಿನೀ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಶರ್ವಾಣಿ ಮಂಟಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರದ್ಧಾಂಜಲಿ ಸಭೆ ಜರಗಿತು. ಆ ಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಎಮ್.‌ ಜಿ. ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾದ ಪ್ರೊ. ವನಿತ ಮಯ್ಯ, ಉಪ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾದ ಡಾ. ವಿಶ್ವನಾಥ ಪ್ಯೆ, ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯರ ನಿಕಟವರ್ತಿಗಳಾಗಿದ್ದ ಪ್ರೊ. ದಯಾನಂದ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ, ಪ್ರೊ. ಆನಂದ ಭಟ್‌, ಶ್ರೀ ಶರ್ಮ, ಶ್ರೀ ನಾಗರಾಜ ತಂತ್ರಿ, ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ನಿಕಟ ಪೂರ್ವ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲರಾದ ಪ್ರೊ. ಕಾರಂತ್‌, ಅವರ ನೆಚ್ಚಿನ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಾದ ಅಕಡಮಿ ಆಪ್‌ ಜನರಲ್‌ ಎಜ್ಯುಕೇಶನ್‌, ಇದರ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಗಳಾದ ಸಿ. ಎ. ವರದರಾಯ ಪೈ, ಮಣಿಪಾಲದ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ಲೆಕ್ಕ ಪರಿಶೋಧಕರಾದ ಸಿ. ಎ. ಮುರಳೀಧರ ಕಿಣಿ,  ಅವರ ಜತೆ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದ ಡಾ. ಸುರೇಶರಮಣ ಮಯ್ಯ, ಪ್ರೊ ಎಂ. ಎಲ್‌ ಸಾಮಗ ಹಾಗೂ ಇತರರು ಅವರ ಗುಣಗಾನ ಮಾಡಿದರು. ಪರಮಾತ್ಮನು ಅವರಿಗೆ ಸದ್ಗತಿ ಪ್ರಾಪ್ತಿ ಅನುಗ್ರಹಿಸಲಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಅಗಲಿದ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಚಿರಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲೆಂದು ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ ಎಂದು ಕುಂಜಿತ್ತಾಯ ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯರು ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸಿದರು. ಎಂ. ಜಿ. ಎಂ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದ್ದ ಪ್ರೊ. ಕುಸುಮ ಕಾಮತ್‌, ಪ್ರೊ. ಎಸ್.‌ ಆರ್‌ ಅರುಣ ಕುಮಾರ್‌, ಆಪೀಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದ್ದ ಶ್ರೀ ನರಸಿಂಹ ಮೂರ್ತಿ, ಊಪನ್ಯಾಸಕರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಪೊ. ಭಾಸ್ಕರ ಆಚಾರ್‌, ಲೆಕ್ಕದ ಉಪನ್ಯಾಸಕರಾದ ಪ್ರೊ. ದೇವದಾಸ ರಾವ್‌, ಫ್ರೊ ರಾಜಮೂರ್ತಿ, ಪ್ರೊ ಜಯರಾಮ, ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಶ್ರೀಪರ್ಣ, ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ವಿಲಾಸಿನಿ, ಮಣಿಪಾಲದ ಶ್ರೀ ಬಿಜಿಕೆ ಮಯ್ಯ, ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯರ ಧರ್ಮಪತ್ನಿ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಶೋಭಾ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯ, ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಕುಸುಮ, ಡಾ. ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಮಯ್ಯ, ಸಮಗ್ರ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಸಂಯೋಜಿಸಿದ ಸಿ ಎ. ಪ್ರಮೋದ್‌ ಬಲ್ಲಾಳ್‌ ಹಾಗೂ ಹಲವಾರು ಬಂಧು ಮಿತ್ರರು ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು. ಮಿತ್ತಭೋಜನದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಮುಕ್ತಾಯವಾಯಿತು.  

ವಿಡಿಯೋ ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಲು ಈ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ

My Participation in the Student Interaction Programme at PIM Udupi

Date: 05 June 2025
Venue: Poornaprajna Auditorium, Poornaprajna Institute of Management, Udupi

Today, as per the kind invitation from the Director of Poornaprajna Institute of Management (PIM), Udupi, I participated in the student interaction programme held at the Poornaprajna Auditorium. I arrived at the venue by 1:45 PM. His Holiness Shri Shri Eeshapriyatheertha Swamiji, President of the Udupi Shri Adamaru Matha Education Council, was already present in the Director’s chamber. Upon offering my respects, Swamiji graciously recalled our previous meeting a couple of years ago at Adamaru.

Prof. P. S. Aithal, Director of PIM, mentioned to Swamiji about my appointment as the Honorary Treasurer of Alevoor Nehru School, to which Swamiji responded warmly and expressed his happiness. Prof. Aithal then requested Swamiji to offer Phala Mantrakshate following the programme, and Swamiji kindly agreed.

With the divine blessings of His Holiness, the event titled "Student Interaction on Inspiration and Motivation in Life” by Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy, MD & CEO, Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai, commenced on time. The programme was presided over by Dr. G. S. Chandrashekhar, Honourable Secretary, PIM, Udupi.

The dignitaries present on the occasion included:

• Shri Deepak Goel, CFO, BSE, Mumbai

• Dr. A. P. Bhat, Honourable Secretary, USAMEC, Bengaluru

• Shri CA Krishna, Honourable Treasurer, USAMEC, Bengaluru

• Shri CA T. Prashanth Holla, Honourable Treasurer, PIM, Udupi

• Shri Gopal Shabaraya, Personal Secretary to the President, USAMEC

• Dr. P. S. Aithal, Director, PIM, Udupi

The event was conducted in the Poornaprajna Auditorium with enthusiastic participation from students and faculty.

After the programme, His Holiness Swamiji graciously invited me onto the stage and personally offered Phala Mantrakshate, conveying his blessings and best wishes for success in my new endeavour.

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Sri Srinivas Rao – The Guiding Light of Eshwar Nagar

It was a deeply saddening day for all of us in Eshwar Nagar. We received the shocking news that Sri Srinivas Rao, the Senior Advisor of the Eshwar Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, passed away on 23rd May 2025. The loss was immediate and overwhelming. Along with several fellow residents, I rushed to his home to pay our final respects. As we stood together in silence, mourning the departure of a beloved guide and mentor, memories came flooding back—of his presence, wisdom, and irreplaceable role in our community.

Sri Srinivas Rao will always be remembered for his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and tireless service to the residents of Eshwar Nagar. In fact, it was he who played a pivotal role in founding the Residents’ Welfare Association. A testament to his lifelong commitment, the registered address of the association was none other than his own home. For us, he was more than an advisor—he was the backbone of every major initiative, the guiding force behind every decision.

His suggestions for the welfare of the residents were always practical, thoughtful, and widely respected—not just by our members, but even by local political leaders and civic authorities. Whenever we faced difficulties in selecting the right individuals for important posts in the association, it was Sri Srinivas Rao whom we turned to. Just a few days before his passing, the current President of the Association had requested him to help select a new President, Secretary, and Treasurer. He graciously agreed and invited Sri Sree Rajavarma Ariga to his home to discuss it. Fate, however, had other plans, and the meeting that was to shape the future of the Association now remains unfulfilled.

I have had the privilege of working closely with him—when I served as the Secretary, and he was the President of the Association. It was during this time that we passed a resolution to formally register the Association. His guidance was meticulous and legally sound. I was required to fulfill every statutory requirement before moving forward, and thanks to his thorough understanding and encouragement, we successfully completed the registration process.

Professionally too, Sri Srinivas Rao commanded immense respect. He held a senior position in Syndicate Bank before opting for voluntary retirement. He was known for his integrity, discipline, and leadership—qualities that seamlessly carried over into his work for the community.

On 4th June 2025, the Vaikunta Samaradhane Ceremony was held at Sri Krishna Prajna Pratisthana, Kalsanka. The ceremony was solemn and dignified, attended by all the office bearers of the Eshwar Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association and numerous well-wishers. Eminent residents like Sri Sree Rajavarma Ariga, Colonel Madhav Shanbhag, and Sri U. Shridhar spoke eloquently, paying tribute to his visionary leadership and his deep contributions to the development of Eshwar Nagar. Every word spoken echoed the immense admiration and love we all felt for him.

Today, as we come to terms with this irreplaceable loss, I find comfort in the thought that his values, teachings, and memories will continue to guide us. He leaves behind not just a legacy, but a living spirit of community, selflessness, and leadership.

I pray that the Almighty grants strength to his family members during this difficult time. May the soul of Sri Srinivas Rao attain eternal peace. His memory will forever live on in the heart of Eshwar Nagar.

💠 A Tribute to My Friend, Philosopher, and Guide – Prof. Srinivas Upadhyaya

It is very difficult to accept the reality that Prof. Srinivas Upadhyaya is no longer with us. I have lost not just a colleague, but a friend, philosopher, and guide—someone who shaped my journey in more ways than I can express.

I first met Prof. Upadhyaya in 1992, soon after my transfer to MGM College, Udupi. Even then, he was a revered figure in the college—a teacher deeply respected by students and faculty alike, entrusted with several responsibilities, and yet, ever humble and approachable. I was immediately drawn to his gentle nature, sharp intellect, and his sincere commitment to education and service.

When I took charge as NSS Officer at MGM College in 1992, it was Prof. Upadhyaya who became my real mentor. Though I was the NSS Officer officially, it was he who truly coordinated the activities, kept the records, and guided the students. We worked closely in two NSS camps—one at Patla and another at Mandarthi. I will never forget his meticulous approach with students, his strict yet caring demeanor, and his lifelong bond with former NSS volunteers, many of whom would return to share sweets and stories, and participate in our cultural programs. Those evening walks after long activity-filled days are still vivid in my memory.

I had known him much earlier, when I was a student at Poornaprajna College in 1987, pursuing the BBM course. At that time, many of my classmates—especially those from non-commerce backgrounds—attended his tuition classes. I still remember them saying things like, "Prof. Upadhyaya told us to debit or credit that item," showing the deep influence he had over students across streams. He was a teacher who never carried an attendance register; he knew every student by name. His classroom was full of life, and his examples were so impactful that they stayed with us long after we graduated.

Throughout his career, Prof. Upadhyaya held many key positions with diligence and grace. He served as the Student Welfare Officer, Examination In-Charge, and Coordinator of the Mid-Day Meals Program—to which he was also a major donor. He personally supported several students in need, helping them continue their education. His sharp mind, quick decision-making, and compassionate nature made him indispensable to the successive principals of the college.

I will never forget our experience organizing the State-Level Symposium "Commerce Education 2000", where I served as the Organisational Secretary and he was the Treasurer. We travelled extensively across Udupi and Hebri to gather advertisements for the souvenir. His planning, persuasion, and quiet leadership were at the heart of the symposium’s success.

We also travelled together to Varanasi, where we attended a seminar. On the way, we spent time at the Mumbai home of one of our old students, Mr. Praveen. In Varanasi, he performed a pre-arranged Shraddha ceremony, bathed in the sacred Ganges, and offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath, Durga Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and other sacred places. His spiritual depth, calm conduct, and quiet devotion were profoundly moving.

After his retirement, I often visited him at his home. Just two weeks ago, he had asked me to meet him. He opened up about his health, and expressed gratitude for my help in documenting his pension revision. I never imagined that would be our final meeting.

On the morning of 2nd June 2025, he left this world. His absence has left a deep void in our lives and in the academic community of Udupi. I pray that the Almighty grants us the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. Prof. Srinivas Upadhyaya will forever remain in my heart—as a brilliant teacher, a noble soul, and above all, a cherished friend and mentor.

A Day of Celebration and Serenity: A Trip to Naravi and Kuthlur

Today (20 April 2025) unfolded as a perfect blend of celebration, nature, spirituality, and family bonding. As planned, we set off on a delightful journey to Kuthlur, Naravi, in Belthangadi Taluk, to attend the housewarming ceremony of Kiran, the son-in-law of my brother Dinesh.

🌄 The Journey Begins

Shreemathi and myself started from home at 8:30 AM, driving through a refreshing green corridor—Manipal – Hiriyadka – Karkala – Bajegoli – Hosmar – Naravi—finally reaching Surendra Nivasa. The route was a visual treat, flanked by thick greenery and well-maintained roads, making the drive smooth and picturesque.

☀️ A Spiritual Stop: Sooryanarayana Temple, Naravi

Reaching Naravi earlier than expected, we made a spontaneous and rewarding stop at the historic Sri Sooryanarayana Temple, one of the most revered and ancient shrines dedicated to the Sun God in Karnataka.

Sun Temple

Situated in a quiet corner of Belthangady Taluk, this 14th-century temple is steeped in history and legend. It is said that Saathvi Rama Devi, a devout woman from the Ramera Guthu family, received a divine vision of Lord Surya. Following his guidance, she unearthed his idol near the Suvarna River and consecrated it in Naravi.

The temple architecture showcases traditional coastal Karnataka aesthetics—with sloping tiled roofs, ornate wooden interiors, and a 2.5-foot Rudraksha stone idol of Lord Suryanarayana holding lotus flowers. A major renovation in 2011 enhanced its charm while preserving its heritage.

Nutmug Tree

Jain Influence on Nagaradhane in South Kanara in Sooryanarayana Temple

🛕 Jain Influence in Temple Architecture and Iconography

In several temples across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, one can find intriguing elements that reflect Jain influence, especially in iconography and subsidiary deities. A notable example is the presence of serpent idols (Nāga idols) that resemble Jain Tirthankara images—seated in meditative postures under a hooded snake canopy. Even in Sooryanarayana Temple one can see in the above the same influence of Jain theerthankara.

This fusion likely stems from the region’s rich Jain heritage, particularly during the rule of Alupa kings and other dynasties that patronized Jainism. Many Jain basadis (temples) were established, and the philosophy deeply influenced local art and spiritual practices.

In Hindu temples, particularly those with Nāga shrines, the depiction of serpents in Padmasana (lotus position) with hands in Dhyana mudra and no distinct iconographic weapons or attributes is a strong indicator of Jain symbolism. These are thought to be representations of Tirthankaras, possibly assimilated into local beliefs over time.

This intermingling of Jain and Hindu traditions is a beautiful example of religious harmony and syncretism, where ancient philosophies coexist and enrich one another through architecture, worship, and iconography.

🌿 A Walk Through Tranquility: Shri Anantha Shanti Tirthankara Vana

Just a short walk away lies another spiritual gem—Shri Anantha Shanti Tirthankara Vana, a Jain spiritual garden dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras. Set amidst lush greenery, the Vana offers a serene space for reflection and mindfulness.

Sureshramana Mayya

• Life-sized statues of all 24 Tirthankaras line a circular pathway, each inscribed with their teachings and symbols.
• The park is landscaped with flowering plants, fruit trees, and peaceful walking paths.
• Benches and gazebos allow quiet moments for meditation under the shade of tall trees.
• The layout of the Vana embodies eco-spiritual themes, echoing Jain values of Ahimsa and environmental harmony.

Whether you're spiritually inclined or simply a nature lover, this space offers peace, quiet, and a chance to disconnect from the rush of daily life.

🏡 Housewarming at Surendra Nivasa

Our next stop was Surendra Nivasa, the newly built and beautifully renovated five-bedroom village house inside a thriving arecanut plantation. The property is surrounded by a wide variety of trees—mango, jackfruit, jambunerele, guava, and more—creating a lush, green retreat.

We were warmly welcomed by Kiran’s parents, whose kindness and hospitality made everyone feel at home. They had conducted Vasthu Homa the previous night, and today’s Satyanarayana Pooja was attended by a large gathering of family and villagers. A delicious lunch followed the rituals, served with care and love.

Sathyanarayana Pooje

Sathynarayana Pooje

A walk through the arecanut garden led us to a large well, full of water—an impressive structure that my brother Dinesh estimated would cost around ₹15 lakhs to construct today.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Moments to Cherish

It was a joy to meet several close relatives:

• Somanath Karanth (my brother-in-law) and Kasturi (his wife)
• Prashanth, son of Shuka
• Srikanth, son of my sister Vedavathi
• Dinesh and Bharathi

Before leaving, we expressed our heartfelt thanks to Rajendra, Kiran’s father, his mother, and his elderly grandmother for their generosity and affection.

🛣️ The Journey Back

Our return was equally pleasant, taking the same route back. Somanath Karanth and Kasturi accompanied us till Karkala, where they got off at Karkala Bypass to board a bus to Mangalore. As I was feeling sleepy after festive lunch, I allowed Shreemathi to drive till home.

We stopped briefly at Athradi weekly market to pick up fresh vegetables—a vibrant end to our countryside sojourn. By 4:30 PM, we were back home, our hearts full from a day of spiritual blessings, family love, and joyful memories.

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Final Thoughts:

The visit to Naravi was not just about attending a function. It was a celebration of tradition, family, and nature—an immersive experience into the soul of Tulunadu. From ancient temples to spiritual gardens and warm village hospitality, it reminded us of the richness that lies in our roots.