Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 31: Prominent Mumbai-based entrepreneur and former president of the Tiya Samaj Mumbai, Chandrashekar R Belchad of Katilu, has been unanimously elected as the new chief trustee of the historic Sri Bhagavathi Temple in Sasihithlu, located near Sasihithlu, close to Haleangady in Mangaluru taluk.
The announcement was made on Saturday by temple administrative committee president Vaman Idya and hereditary trustee and chief priest Srinivas (Appu Poojary).
Along with Belchad, Vishwanath Belchad of Pandibettu (Udupi), a noted entrepreneur and social worker, has been appointed as the new vice-president of the temple’s administrative committee.
The appointments come ahead of the grand Brahmakalashotsava set to be held at the temple in March 2025. As per the official schedule, the Brahmakalasha Mahotsava will be celebrated from March 4 to 8, followed by the Nadavali Mahotsava on April 10, and a week-long Bharani Mahotsava beginning April 11.
The newly appointed leadership team is expected to oversee and guide the successful execution of these spiritual and cultural festivities. Temple trustees and local Gurikars have expressed confidence in their leadership and commitment to the temple’s development.
About Chandrashekar R Belchad:
Hailing from the sacred town of Katilu, home to the famous Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple on the banks of the Nandini River, Chandrashekar R Belchad is the son of Rama Timmappa and Seetu Rama, residents of the region's upper banks.
After completing his secondary education in Katilu, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a degree in commerce. While still a student, he joined a leading company in the refractory materials sector and later founded his own firm, PP Refractories Corporation, in the Thane suburb of Mumbai.
Through his company Corrosion & Control, Chandrashekar expanded operations across India and internationally, successfully executing projects in Singapore, Lagos, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. His achievements earned him recognition as a dynamic young entrepreneur on the global stage.
In 2019, he was conferred the Asia Pacific Achievers Award at the Global Foundation Achievers Summit held at the Kushbegi Street Amar Auditorium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for his contributions to economic growth and social development.
Chandrashekar has also represented Mumbai’s vibrant social organisations at major international forums. In September 2018, he was a special invitee at the 10th A.K.K.A. World Kannada Conference held in Dallas, USA, under the banner of the Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA) and the North Texas Mallige Kannada Koota.
His election as chief trustee is being seen as a step forward in strengthening community involvement and development initiatives at the revered Sri Bhagavathi Temple, which holds deep historical and religious significance in coastal Karnataka.