Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 26: Well-known industrialist and president of the Dakshina Kannada Automobile and Tyre Dealers Association, Kasturi Prabhakar Pai (75), passed away on Saturday, October 25, at around 7 pm following a brief illness at a private hospital in the city. He is survived by his wife, mother, son, and daughter.

Born on October 26, 1950, in Mangaluru, Prabhakar Pai was the son of Kasturi Mangesh Pai. He completed his schooling at Canara High School (Main) and later pursued Mechanical Engineering at Manipal Institute of Technology (then Manipal Engineering College) between 1968 and 1973. He went on to earn his MBA degree from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Upon returning to India, he joined his family business, the Kasturi Group of Companies, where he managed the fish meal and fish oil production division. In recent years, he headed Quest Marketing & Services, a wholesale trading firm dealing in automobile spare parts and cement. He was also actively involved in the transport and ready-mix concrete pumping sectors. Additionally, he served as a director at Benchem Corporation and Aspa Logistics Pvt Ltd.

A socially active and respected figure, Prabhakar Pai maintained close ties with several community and professional organisations. He had been associated with the Dakshina Kannada Automobile and Tyre Dealers Association for over three decades, serving as secretary (1999–2013), vice president (2013–2017), and president since 2017. Members of the association have expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a leader who rendered dedicated service to the industry for nearly 30 years.

The final rites will be held on Sunday, October 26, with the last viewing at 9 am at his residence, 'Prakruti', Balmatta Collector's Gate (near DC Bungalow), Mangaluru.