Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 29: Bondala Sachidananda Shetty, an education enthusiast, social worker, and entrepreneur, has been selected for the prestigious International Aryabhata Award during its golden jubilee year. The Aryabhata Cultural Organisation, Bengaluru, is conferring this award for the 2024–25 term to Indian citizens who have made notable contributions at the state, national, and international levels.
About Bondala Sachidananda Shetty:
Born on September 25, 1961, in Bondala of Shamburu village in Bantwal taluk, Sachidananda Shetty studied at Narikombu Government Primary School and Sharada High School, Panemangalore, before completing his degree at SVS College, Bantwal. He began his professional career in Mumbai, serving for around 14 years in the accounts departments of Indian Airlines and various companies. Later, he returned to his hometown and established Durga Facilities Management Services Pvt Ltd in 2007, expanding its branches across various regions of the state.
Adoption of a government school:
Driven by a passion for education and social service, Sachidananda Shetty adopted the Government High School in Shamburu in 2012. Using his own funds and support from others, he has transformed the school comprehensively. Named after his late brother, Bondala Jagannath Shetty, the school has now earned the distinction of being a model school in the state. Catering mainly to underprivileged students, it offers facilities equivalent to private institutions, including well-equipped classrooms, a library, kitchen, and spaces for sports and cultural activities. Through his Durga Facilities company, Shetty has also provided employment to about 800 men and women from poor and middle-class backgrounds.
Social service:
Shetty established the Bondala Charitable Trust, through which he undertakes various social, religious, and cultural initiatives. As president of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Ganeshotsava of the local Yuva Seva Trust and the Bondala Bayalata Committee, he successfully organised the silver and golden jubilee events. He also honours talented students and notable achievers from the community with awards.
Bondala Award:
In memory of his grandfather Patel Bondala Janardhan Shetty, a well-known Yakshagana Bhagavatha, and his father, retired land survey officer Bondala Ramanna Shetty, he annually presents the 'Bondala Award' to senior Yakshagana artistes. He also extends financial support to artistes, institutions, and religious organisations. The traditional "Bayalata" performance of the Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Dashavatara Yakshagana troupe held at the Bondala residence continues under his guidance.
Awards and recognitions:
In recognition of his tireless work in education and social service, Shetty received the District Rajyotsava Award from the Government of Karnataka in 2017. He has also been felicitated by 'Yakshangana Mangaluru' for his contributions to Yakshagana. For his achievements in the field of business, he has received national-level honours including the Skoch Order of Merit Award and the India 5000 Best MSME Award.
Shetty is married to Kadambettu Anusuya, and the couple has two children – Devika and Deviprasad. They currently reside in Padil, Mangaluru.
Award presentation in Bengaluru:
Bondala Sachidananda Shetty will receive the International Aryabhata Award during its 50th-year celebration at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bengaluru, on May 22.