Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 24: Renowned entrepreneur and social worker from Dakshina Kannada, Bondala Sachidananda Shetty, has been conferred the prestigious Aryabhata International Award for the year 2025. The award was presented by the Aryabhata Cultural Organisation during its golden jubilee celebrations held on May 22 at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru.

Sachidananda Shetty was recognised for his outstanding contributions to the fields of education, social service, and Yakshagana. He adopted the Bondala Government School and transformed it into a modern institution, now known as the Late Bondala Jagannath Shetty Memorial High School. His extensive community service through the Bondala Charitable Trust also contributed to him receiving the honour.

The award ceremony was inaugurated by Dr Ashok B Hinchigeri, chairperson of the Karnataka Law Commission. Aryabhata Cultural Organisation founder-president Dr H L N Rao presided over the function.

Prominent guests included Nadoja Dr Mahesh Joshi, president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat; Padma Shri awardee and veteran actress Bharathi Vishnuvardhan; actress Dr Jayamala; filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu; and music director Premakavi K Kalyan.

The event also witnessed the presence of welcoming committee members Dr K N Adiga Aduru, Gururaj, Dr Basavaraju, H S Hanumanth Rao, and Mangaluru representative Prof Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli. The ceremony was compered by Sugganahalli Shadakshari and Sarthavalli Narayanaswamy.