Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Sep 26: B D Shetty, popularly known as Barkur Dharmaraj Shetty, a prominent industrialist from coastal Karnataka and one of the founders and former executive president of the Bunt's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, now known as the Indian Bunts Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCCI), passed away at the age of 79 on Saturday morning at his residence in Edonia, South Avenue-B, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai.
Shetty was the founder of Unitop Chemicals Limited, a well-known name in the chemical industry in India and abroad. He served as the founding executive chairman and managing director of the company and its group entities, which operate manufacturing units in Mumbai, Thane, Patalganga and Silvassa, besides offices across the country.
He also played a role in securing train halts at Barkur railway station on the Konkan Railway and contributed to the development of facilities at the station.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Shetty established a successful specialty chemicals business and expanded its products into international markets. Born in Barkur in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, now part of Udupi district, he maintained a strong connection with his hometown and sought to contribute to its development.
As part of this vision, he established Dharmavara Auditorium and Resorts. Passionate about agriculture and rural development, he pursued projects in his native region with careful planning, hard work and determination.
Shetty graduated in chemical engineering from the Regional Engineering College (REC), Surathkal, now known as NITK Surathkal. His entrepreneurial abilities were reflected in the steady growth of the companies under his leadership and their growing reputation in the market. His determination, vision and ability to encourage teamwork contributed to the company's success.
He served as the former president of the Bombay Industries Association, which represents thousands of large, medium and small-scale industries.
He was also actively associated with several professional and social organisations, including the Indian Institute of Materials Management, Indian Institute of Paper Technologists, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, Indian Oil Technologists Association, Indian Specialty Chemicals Manufacturers Association, Indo-American Society and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
He was also associated with the Lions Club, where he served as zone chairman and cabinet member, contributing to the growth of various organisations.
Shetty took a keen interest in the activities of the Bunts' Sangha, Mumbai, and served as executive chairman of the advisory committee of its publication, 'Bantaravani'. He worked to enhance the organisation's reputation through the publication and extended generous financial support to several of its initiatives.
He also supported the Sangha's S M Shetty Educational Institution, established in 1998, and served as deputy chairman of its higher education committee.
He sponsored a floor of the Shrimati Shashi Manmohan Shetty Higher Education Complex, managed by the Bunts' Sangha, in front of Bunts Bhavan at Chunabhatti, Kurla East. He also supported the establishment of the Barkur Dharmaraj Shetty College of Mass Media.
Unitop Chemicals Limited was recognised by the Maharashtra Industries Commission as the best-performing small-scale industrial unit in Raigad district for 1991-92.
In recognition of his achievements, the Indian Institute of Marketing Management, New Delhi, conferred the Silver Award on him for 1992-93.
He is survived by his wife Saibala Shetty, son Jeenanath Shetty, daughter Rajeshwari Shetty and a large family of relatives.
Prominent members of the Bunt community, industrialists and other dignitaries attended the funeral and paid their last respects.