Media Release
Udupi, Sep 10: Hanumanthappa Rangappa Gvasappanavar (Hanumanth R G), who has dedicated his career to social service, emergency medical care and humanitarian service, has been selected for the prestigious ‘Jagruti Kranti Medical Seva Ratna Award-2026’ presented by AV Kannada OIGAKHA.
Born on June 4, 1979, at Madaga Masur, Hanumanthappa hails from a humble farming family. From his early years, he developed a strong commitment towards social service and helping those in need.
He completed his primary education at Kannada Higher Primary School, Tippayikoppa, and later joined Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dharwad, where he completed his schooling. He pursued commerce at Navodaya Pre-University College and obtained his BCom degree from CSI Commerce College, Dharwad. He later completed an MBA from Kousali Institute of Management, Karnataka University, with high academic performance.
Hanumanthappa began his professional career in Delhi through TCI and returned to Karnataka in 2004. He worked as a lecturer at IBMR and later gained experience with MetLife Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Insurance.
A major turning point in his career came on March 25, 2010, when he joined the 108 Ambulance Healthcare Service under the Karnataka State Health Department. His dedication, punctuality, administrative skills and leadership qualities soon earned him greater responsibilities.
He served as district manager and regional manager before being entrusted with state-level responsibilities in 2017. In June 2019, he was appointed Head of the Karnataka State 108 Ambulance Healthcare Service, a position he continues to hold.
Hanumanthappa's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic became one of the most significant chapters of his service career. At a time when the state faced an unprecedented health emergency, he coordinated and guided more than 4,000 personnel, ensuring uninterrupted emergency ambulance services across Karnataka.
His leadership and efforts to motivate frontline personnel while ensuring that emergency medical assistance reached people across the state were widely appreciated.
Over the years, Hanumanthappa has received several honours for his social and humanitarian service, including the Karnataka Seva Ratna Award and recognitions from organisations such as the Karnataka Book of Records, Karnataka Red Cross Society, Rotary and various social service foundations.
The Jagruti Kranti Medical Seva Ratna Award-2026 recognises his belief that professional responsibility can become a means of serving humanity. His leadership of the state's emergency ambulance network and commitment to saving lives have made him an inspiration to many.
Regional officer Sadananda, district programme manager Munish and district in-charge Mahabala congratulated Hanumanthappa on receiving the award. They said the recognition was a matter of pride for the entire 108 Ambulance service team and appreciated his dedication, determination and efficiency.
The 108 Ambulance staff also congratulated their chief, stating that the award was a recognition of the collective service of the organisation. They said his ideals, leadership and guidance continue to inspire them in their service to the public.