Abu Dhabi/Karnataka :For 48 years in the desert land of Abu Dhabi, one man has kept the Kannada and Tulu culture alive. He is Sarvottam Shetty from Pareeka, Udupi – Founder President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha.
MP MLAs News special report demanding Padma Shri for him has now crossed *1,14,100 views*, with lakhs of Horanadu Kannadigas supporting the demand.
Born to Soorappa Hegde and Saraswati Shetty of Pareeka, Sarvottam Shetty completed his studies in Perdoor and Hiriadka, graduated in Commerce from R A Podar College, Mumbai, and was Senate Leader at Mumbai University in 1978.
Since then his service has been unbroken.
He founded KalaJagathu in Mumbai in 1979, and later founded Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, UAE Bunts Sangha, Tulu Koota and Namma Tuluveru.
He is the only person in 55 year history of India Social and Cultural Centre (ISCC), Abu Dhabi to be elected President unanimously twice* – in 1999-2000 and 2002-03. He was Vice President in 1995-96.
Since 1997, he has been Member, Board of Governors and Chairman of Education and Sports Division, Abu Dhabi Indian School, guiding 12,000 students.
He introduced Throwball in the Gulf and has been running the Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Tournament for 30 years.
He was honoured with Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 1998*. He also received Aryabhata International Award, Mayura Global Kannadiga Award, Hrudaya vantharu Award and Vishwa Tulu Ayano International President honour.
Married to Usha Shetty in 1984, he is blessed with son Samarth and daughter Sanyuktha.
Kannadigas in UAE say he is the true cultural ambassador who built the community brick by brick.
Following the overwhelming public response, MP MLAs News has formally requested Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to recommend *Padma Shri Award 2026* to Shri Sarvottam Shetty for his contribution to social work and promotion of Indian culture abroad.
Congratulations to Shri Sarvottam Shetty.
