MP MLAs NEWS SPECIAL REPORT – EXCLUSIVE By Dr. Ashok Shetty BN. MOST ELIGIBLE FOR PADMA SHRI AWARD: SARVOTHAM SHETTY – 48 YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO KANNADIGAS IN UAE – THE UNSUNG HORANADU KANNADIGA

Abu Dhabi / Mangaluru: In the glittering desert of Abu Dhabi, for 48 long years, one man has kept the lamp of Kannada, Tulu and Indian culture burning bright. He is Sarvotham Shetty from Pareeka, Udupi – Founder President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha.

While many have received national honours, the true cultural ambassador who built the Kannada community brick by brick in the Gulf remains without the highest recognition he truly deserves – the Padma Shri.Why Sarvotham Shetty Deserves Padma Shri?*
This is not just an award demand, this is the voice of lakhs of Kannadigas in UAE.

1. 48 Years of Continuous Service (1978-2026): From a small hamlet Pareeka to leading 12,000 strong Indian School Board, his service is unbroken.
2. Only Kannadiga to Lead ISC Unanimously: He is the only person in 55 years history of India Social & Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi to be elected President unanimously twice (1999-2000, 2002-03).
3. Keeper of Kannada Culture in Gulf: He founded Kalajagathu in Mumbai in 1979, then Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, UAE Bunts Sangha, Tulu Koota, Namma Tuluveru. Under him, 44th Karnataka Rajyotsava, 15th Vishwa Kannada Sanskriti Sammelana were celebrated.
4. Social Service Beyond Community: As Chairman of Education & Sports Division, Abu Dhabi Indian School, he shaped future of 12,000 students since 1997. He introduced Throwball in Gulf and runs Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Tournament for 30 years.
5. Honoured by Karnataka but Not by India: He has received Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 1998 (Horanada Kannadiga), but the nation is yet to honour him with Padma Shri – which he richly deserves.
   A Humble Family Man with Noble Values*
   Son of Soorappa Hegde and Saraswathi Hegde, husband of Usha from Kaup, father of Samarth and Samyuktha – all serving in Abu Dhabi – Sarvotham Shetty is the definition of humility.
   Today, as President of Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust – UAE Unit, he continues to promote Yakshagana, our pride.
   MP MLAs NEWS demands:* The Government of India and Government of Karnataka must recommend Shri Sarvotham Shetty for Padma Shri Award 2026. If service to Kannada, culture and community away from homeland is a criteria, no one is more eligible than him.
   This is not just his honour, this will be honour to all Horanadu Kannadigas.*