Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Jan 27: Entrepreneur, social worker and Billava leader, recipient of Dakshina Kannada district Rajyotsava award for 2022-23, Sesappa Kotian (75) passed away at Hubballi due to a cardiac arrest.

Sesappa is survived by wife, son and four daughters. Sesappa founded Shubha Beedies and provided employment to thousands of people. He started off by selling the beedies on scooter and auto rickshaw and grew step by step.

Sesappa also began Shubhalaxmi Bus Travels for the rural people. He also founded a soft drinks unit, Shubalaxmi Auditorium and involved himself in religious and social activities. He was the president of Billava Samaja Seva Sangha of Bantwal taluk for 26 consecutive years.

Sesappa Kotian renovated Koragajja Kshethra at Aadi Mogerkala, built the entrance of Kaikamba Shree Kshethra Polali and Shri Manglimaar temple. He rebuilt the dilapidated Padenklimar Kalurti Daivastana. He was the president of Shri Annapoorneshwari temple of B C Road police line.

During the Corona pandemic, Sesappa provided 25 kg rice and Rs 500 each to 1500 families. Recognizing his social work, the Dakshina Kannada district administration had conferred the Rajyotsava award on him in 2022.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, former minister Ramanath Rai, MLA Rajesh Naik, former union minister Janardhan Poojary and others have expressed their condolences on the demise of Sesappa Kotian.