Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 29: Mangalore University conferred honorary doctorates on Rohan Monteiro, managing director of Rohan Corporation, philanthropist Kanyana Sadashiv Shetty, and SCDCC Bank president Dr M N Rajendra Kumar during its 43rd annual convocation held on Saturday, March 29, at the Mangala Auditorium, Mangalore University campus.
Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, vice president of the Association of Indian Universities and vice-chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, delivered the convocation address as the chief guest. Dr M C Sudhakar, Karnataka’s minister for higher education and the university’s pro-chancellor, also graced the occasion.
Vice-chancellor Prof P L Dharma was present at the ceremony, where the university also awarded 64 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees—12 in Arts, 38 in Science, 11 in Commerce, and 3 in Education—along with 54 gold medals and 56 cash prizes.
A dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropist, Rohan Monteiro has played a pivotal role in Mangaluru’s development. As the founder of Property Real Estate and Rohan Corporation, he revolutionized the city's real estate sector. Beyond business, Monteiro has dedicated over three decades to social service, significantly impacting education, healthcare, rehabilitation, culture, and community development. He is also a director of the renowned Daijiworld Media Private Limited.
Sadashiv Kanyana Shetty is the founder of Heranba Industries Ltd, established in 1992. He currently serves as the executive chairman of the company and holds the position of non-executive chairman at Daikaffil Chemicals India Ltd. Additionally, he serves as a director at multiple companies, including Heranba Crop Care Ltd, Insunt Trading Pvt Ltd, Alden Exim Pvt Ltd, Chemino Pharma Ltd, Mikusu India Pvt Ltd, and Heranba Organics Pvt Ltd. An alumnus of the University of Mysore and St Aloysius University, Shetty is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He has provided financial assistance to many underprivileged individuals, making a significant impact on society.
Dr M N Rajendra Kumar is renowned as a cooperative leader, organizer, and social worker in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. He has played a vital role in shaping various cooperative institutions and introducing innovative financial models that have transformed the credit system of the district cooperative bank. His contributions to women’s empowerment and the introduction of interest-free loans for farmers have been widely appreciated. Through his efforts, he has brought a new perspective to the cooperative banking sector, helping countless individuals achieve financial stability.
The honorary doctorate ceremony recognized the outstanding contributions of these three individuals in their respective fields, celebrating their dedication to social and economic development.