Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MB)

Mangalore, May 14: G Haridas Acharya (85), founder of Laxmidas Jewellers and New Sharada Niketan educational institution at Kinya near Talapady on the city outskirts, passed away in a private hospital here on Sunday, May 13.

Second-born in the family of Gundibail Subbannacharya family, Haridas had actively participated in the freedom movement during his student day. Having discontinued his education half-way through, he joined his uncle's jewellery business in Alappuzha in Kerala. Uncle the uncle's guidance, he learnt the skills of running jewellery businss.

Returning to Mangalore, Haridas founded the now-renowned Laxmidas Jewellers firm. Being the founder-president of the Tulunadu educational trust, he was largely instrumental in the founding of Sharada Vidyalaya, New Sharada Niketan and also Shubhodaya institution in Pilikula.

Haridas had promoted several educational schemes for poor students. He had motivated the establishment of 'Vipra Samaja Vedike' in the city.

He is survived by wife, four sons and a daughter.