Hometown: Pareeka (Pareekha) Village, Near Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka. Son of Mattaru Parari Soorappa Shetty and Pareeka Saraswati Hegde.
Childhood: Born and brought up in a simple middle-class Bunt family in a tiny hamlet. Known for his down-to-earth nature and clear oratory skills from childhood.
Education:
- Primary and Pre-University Education at Perdoor & Hiriyadka, Udupi
- Moved to Mumbai for employment
- Worked in a Hotel to earn livelihood, later worked in a Solicitor’s Office
- Completed Government Commercial Diploma from Bombay University while working – His motto was “Earn and Learn”
- Completed B.Com in 1978 from R.A. Podar College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai
- In 1977, elected as Student Representative to the Senate of University of Bombay from R.A. Podar College
- Formed theatrical group “Kalajagatthu” in Mumbai with friends
Abu Dhabi Journey:
- Moved to Abu Dhabi nearly 30 years ago (in 1980s)
- Now managing his own successful business in UAE Capital
- Proved as a gritty administrator and shrewd business person
Positions Held:
- President, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha – Since 1981 (48 Years)
- Patron, UAE Bunts & UAE Tulu Koota
- First Kannadiga President of INDIA SOCIAL & CULTURAL CENTRE (ISCC), Abu Dhabi – Twice Elected (1999-2000 & 2002-2003)
- Vice President, ISCC (1995-1996)
- Member, Board of Governors, Abu Dhabi Indian School – Since 1997
- Founder Vice-President, Toastmaster International, Abu Dhabi Chapter (CTM)
- Former NRI Member, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy
- President, Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust, UAE
Major Contributions:
- Organized World Tulu Conference in Dubai – 2018
- Promoting Kannada language, art, folk, culture and tradition in Gulf for 4 decades
- Promoter of Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Throwball Tournament for 30+ Years
Awards:
- Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 1998 (As Horanadu Kannadiga)
- Aryabhata International Award 2008
- Mayura Global Kannadiga Award 2017 (Sharjah Karnataka Sangha)
- Lifetime Achievement Award 2018
- Rangachavadi Award 2019
Inspiration: World Leader Nelson Mandela and Padma Shri Dr. B.R. Shetty
Family: Wife – Smt. Usha Shetty, Children – Samarth & Samyuktha Shetty
MPMLA’S NEWS TV Requests Padma Shri for Sarvotham Shetty – The Most Eligible Person – Appeals to PM Narendra Modi Ji
