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History Of Padmashali Samaja Seva Sangha

Journey towards Ashta Dashaka Utsava 1936-2016

( 01-Jan-2012 = 31-Dec-2016 )

The activities carried out by the Mahila Balaga have encouraged them to celebrate the Silver Jubilee to commemorate the successful completion of its existence. A grand celebration was arranged on December 29, 2013 at Vishweshwarayya Hall, Matunga and a souvenir ‘Rajatha Kamala’ was released on the occasion. During the celebration, ‘Shaali Bhaashe’ a book written by Shri Boloor Gangadhar Shetty was released.

After a long wait, the Sangha and Society jointly purchased a plot in Dombivali East for the construction of Padmashali Kala Bhavan in December 2015.

To commemorate the completion of its existence of eighty years, a grand function was held on August 14, 2016 at Buntara Bhavana, Kurla East. The function was inaugurated by Shri K C Kondayya, MLC, Govt. of Karnataka. Smt Umashree, Minister, Govt. of Karnataka unveiled the plaque of Kala Bhavana. Shri M D Lakshimanarayana, MLC, Govt. of Karnataka delivered a speech on ‘Horanaada Kannadigaru’ on the occasion.

In a place like Mumbai, the Sangha and its affiliated units has been carrying out its defined objectives and completed eighty one years of its purposeful existence. The strong commitment of the Committee members of the Sangha, Society and Balaga and active participation by the community members, it has helped to face the many challenges on its way. The Sangha assures its community members that every effort will be taken to increase the level of education of their children and related activities. 


Platinum Jubilee Year 1936-2011

( 01-Jan-1997 = 31-Dec-2011 )

The Silver Jubilee function of The Padmashali Education Society was celebrated on December 30, 2001 at Gala Auditorium, Santacruz East. The souvenir ‘Rajatha Rashmi’ was released by Shri Ambathanaya Mudradi, writer, poet and Jina Haridaasa.

The Platinum Jubilee function was held on December 25, 2011 at Gala Auditorium, Santacruz East. The souvenir ‘Padmamrutha’ was released on the occasion. 


Diamond Jubilee Year 1936-1996

( 01-Jan-1988 = 31-Dec-1996 )

To encourage the participation of women in the activities of the Sangha and Society, Mahila Balaga was formed on January 26, 1988.

The Sangha started to celebrate the Kuladevatha Shri Veerabhadra Mahammayee Pooja from August 22, 1997. On December 28, 1997, the Diamond Jubilee of the Sangha was celebrated at Gala Auditorium, Santacruz East. A souvenir named ‘Vajra Jyothi’ was released. 


1986-1987

( 01-Jan-1986 = 31-Dec-1987 )

On August 9, 1986, Mumbai Kannadigas and other Kannada organizations organized a felicitation function to the ex Home Minister & Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The Sangha and Society participated in this function.

By mid 1987 the members of the Sangha promised a total amount of Rupees 4,00,000/- towards Samaja Mandira project. During this year life membership of the Sangha crossed 1200.


Golden Jubilee Year 1936-1987

On August 23, 1987 the Sangha celebrated Golden Jubilee Function at Shanmukhananda Hall, King Circle. The Dance Ballet in Hindi “Parivarthan” was performed by Producer-Director Yogendra Desai with his Nirman & Bhoomika Arts in aid of the of The Padmashali Education Society building fund. The performance was applauded by the guests and members. Shri Arun Govil, a well known TV artiste who played the character of Sri Rama in the famous Ramayana serial graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Souvenir by the name “Suvarna Padma” was released. In the afternoon, the felicitation function was held. Dr. A R Acharya, Industrialist and Social Worker was the Chief Guest. Shri Konda Laxman Bapuji, ex minister of Andhra Pradesh presided over the function.

Shri K Brahmanand, Mangaluru, Shri Mudradi Keshav Shettigar, Shri Mukhyaprana Kinnigoli, Shri Lingappa B Shettigar, Shri Babu V Shettigar, Shri D Rajeeva N Shettigar, Shri Srinivas S Shettigar, Shri Narayana A Padmashali, Shri Gopal L Padmashali, Shri Jeevi Shettigar were felicitated at this function for their outstanding service in the field of social work, Yakshagana, Arts and Painting Journalism and Linguistic literature.


1976-1985

( 01-Jan-1976 = 31-Dec-1985 )

The founder members Shri K C Shettigar with his wife and Shri A B Shettigar were felicitated by the Ex Mayor Mr. Boman Behram on January 25, 1976 at the AGM. The oath taking ceremony by the newly elected Committee members was introduced during this period. On February 16, 1976, The Padmashali Education Society was registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 and Society Act. The ownership of the office premise at Andheri was transferred to The Padmashali Education Society.

On June 26, 1977, Rules and Regulations of the Sangha were amended and The Padmashali Education Society got 80 G exemption certificate from Income Tax authorities.

Akash Ganga dance program was held at Birla Mathushri Sabhagriha on March 12, 1978 by the troupe of Shri Yogendra Desai for raising fund for educational scholarship and collected around Rupees 1,25,000/- The Sangha felicitated Shri Konda Laxman Bapuji, ex Minister of Andhra Pradesh and a very prominent leader of the Padmashali Community. Vijaya Vahini, a Yakshagana Bayalata was performed at Shanmukhananda Hall on September 6, 1980 for raising fund towards Ladies Scholarship. Nearly Rupees 20,500/- was collected through this programme. The Sangha participated in the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Karnataka Padmashali Sangha at Bangalore in December 1980 and 11th Akhila Bharatha Padmashali Mahasabha.


Project - Samaja Mandira

Extra-ordinary General meeting of the Sangha and Society was held on August 15, 1981 to approve the long term project to build its own Samaja Mandira. A Committee consisting of 34 members under the presidentship of Shri D Rajeeva N Shettigar was formed. On September 25, 1981 another founder member Shri K C Shettigar left for heavenly abode.

On January 26, 1982 at the Annual General Meeting, the photos of late Shri Krishna P Shettigar and Shri K C Shettigar were unveiled.


Visit by Pontiff of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Peetham, Sringeri

The year 1982 was a very special year for the Mumbai Padmashalis. The Parama Poojya Sringeri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shri Shri Abhinav Vidya Theertha Mahasannidhanam along with his successor Shri Bharathi Theertha Sannidhanam came to Mumbai. On April 4, 1982, the Sangha and the Society along with its members and families offered ‘Paadapooja’, Gurudakshina Samarpana and Sahasranama Seva at Gokul Hall, Sion.

The Sangha felicitated Shri Janardhan Poojary, central deputy Finance Minister on April 18, 1982 at Mumbai. On August 20, 1982 Shri Sanjiva T Shettigar, one of the senior most member and ex President of the Sangha expired.

On October 10, 1982, as a part of Golden Jubilee celebration, a preliminary function was attended by Lok Sabha Member Shri Rajesh Pilot at Damodar Thakersey Hall, Parel. The Deputy Minister for city development Shri Leeladhar Vyas was the Chief Guest. On May 20, 1983, Shri K Brahmanand and his wife were felicitated for their selfless service to the Padmashali Community.

During this decade, Shri D Rajeeva N Shettigar, Shri Babu V Shettigar, Shri Srinivas S Shettigar, Shri Y Chandrashekhar G Shettigar, Shri U A Laxman, Shri T Shrinivas Shettigar, Shri K Devaraya Padmashali, Shri Krishna C Shettigar, Shri Vasu L Shettigar have contributed to build the Sangha and Society in its progress.


Youngsters Support

During this decade well educated, hardworking, dedicated youngsters came forward to shoulder the responsibility of continuing the work of the Sangha and Society. Shri Balakrishna M Shettigar, Shri Vishwanath B Shetty, Shri Govardhan R S, Shri Chennaraya J Shettigar, Shri Dayananda D Shettigar, Shri Keshav K Padmashali, Shri Bhujanga R Shettigar, Shri Jayanth C Shettigar, Shri Jagannath T Shettigar, Shri Devdas K Shettigar, Shri Madhusudhan S Shettigar, Shri Omprakash D Shettigar, Shri Janardhan C Shettigar were few of the individuals who carried out the various responsibilities bestowed on them by the Sangha and the Society. Shri Balakrishna R Shettigar and Shri Sunder G Shettigar contributed as internal Auditors of the Sangha and Society.


1966-1975

( 01-Jan-1966 = 31-Dec-1975 )

During 1966-1972, Sangha’s activities were slowed down and this was followed by a complete stoppage of its activities. At the end of 1972, some of the enthusiastic members of the Dakshina Kannada Jilla Padmasabha discussed the issues with erstwhile Committee members of the Sangha. As a result, in 1973, the activities of the Sangha restarted with a new vigor. On January 7, 1973 an Extra-ordinary General Body Meeting was held under the presidentship of Shri D. Rajeeva N Shettigar and a new Committee was elected.

The Sangha participated in the Silver Jubilee celebration of Dakshina Kannada Jilla Padmasabha in 1973. During this celebration, it was brought to the knowledge of the Sangha that Shree Adi Shankaracharya is the Kulaguru of Padmashalis and there was enough proof in the books available at Sringeri Mutt. The sixteen point formulae were adopted at this celebration. Thereafter, the Sangha started remitting the ‘Gurukaanike’ to the holy feet of Jagadguru Shree Adi Shankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt.

From 1974 AGM onwards, a scheme of awarding prizes to meritorious students was started. Keeping in view of expanding and promoting the educational activities, ‘Padmashali Education Fund’ was started on December 22, 1974 by the Padmashali Samaja Seva Sangha under the guidance of Shri D Rajeeva N Shettigar. The number of founder members of the Padmashali Education Fund consisted of twelve members.

One of the founder members Shri Krishna Pundu Shettigar left for heavenly abode in 1974. In 1975, the number of Managing Committee members was increased to sixteen. The Committee members started participating in marriage ceremonies and other family functions as Guides.

On January 26, 1975, in the Annual General Meeting of the Sangha, the formation of ‘The Padmashali Education Fund’ was approved. In order to augment the Fund, a dance ballet ‘Santa Sakhu’ was held on March 2, 1975 at Shanmukhananda hall by the team of Shri Yogendra Desai. An amount of Rs 75,000/- was collected through this programme. Padmashali Education Fund was subsequently renamed as Padmashali Education Society. On August 15, 1975, a new office room was inaugurated at G-16, Jumbo Darshan Society, Andheri East, Mumbai. One of the dreams of the Sangha to have its own office had been fulfilled. It can accommodate 12 students at a time for their stay at this premise.


1956-1965

( 01-Jan-1956 = 31-Dec-1965 )

The new Rules and Regulations were approved in the year 1956. On December 25, 1960 “Nishan” motion picture was exhibited at Roxy theatre as part of a fund raising programme.

Silver Jubilee celebration

In 1961, the Silver Jubilee Committee was formed under the presidentship of Shri A B Shettigar. “Padmashali Guards” came into existence during this time. To commemorate the development and progress of the Sangha, Silver Jubilee was celebrated on January 31, 1962 at Cowasji Jehangir Hall. Smt. Shera N Vajifdar, a well known Social Worker was the chief guest & Advocate Shri M D Shetty of Mumbai High Court presided over the Silver Jubilee function.

In 1963, conducting of half-yearly AGMs was discontinued. During 1956 to 1965, Shri Sanjiv T Shettigar, Shri K K Shettigar, Shri B Y Padmashali, Shri Vaman G Shettigar, Shri Babu V Shettigar, Shri T Ramayya Shettigar worked for the overall progress of the Sangha and the community members.


1946-1955

( 01-Jan-1946 = 31-Dec-1955 )

During 1946 and 1947, many of our people participated in India’s struggle for independence. Shri Dayanand Konchady was felicitated in 1946 just before proceeding to America for higher education. In 1947, Shri Vyasaraya Shettigar, Mundkur was awarded scholarship for pursuing education in medicine. He became the first Doctor of our Samaja.

Padmashali Students Society was established in 1949 and continued its existence till 1954 with commendable service to the Padmashalis.

In 1950, three classes of membership were introduced (Class A, Class B and Class C). A motion picture by name “Chandralekha” was screened at Central Theatre for the purpose of mobilizing funds for the Sangha on July 9, 1950.

Smt. Satyavathi Narayana Padmashali was the first lady member to speak on the progress of Ladies at the Annual General Meeting held on January 26, 1953.

On March 27, 1953, the Sangha was registered under Public Trusts Act. In 1955, a decision was taken to extend help to the students who wanted to continue their education in Mumbai. In the same year, “Ratna Deepa” motion picture was exhibited at Roxy theatre in Mumbai. During 1948 to 1955, the membership drive was carried out vigorously under the leadership of Shri S M Padmanabha. 

During the above decade, Shri Janardhana B Shettigar, Shri Vannaya N Shettigar and Shri Narayana B Padmashali contributed a lot for the onward progress of the Sangha.

 


1936-1945

( 01-Jan-1936 = 31-Dec-1945 )

The first monthly Committee meeting was held on Sunday, January 26, 1936 in the office of H M Mehta & Co. and approved the Rules and Regulations of the Sangha. The first Extra ordinary General meeting was held on February 2, 1936 and first half yearly General Body Meeting was held on July 7, 1936. A savings bank account was opened in Travancore Bank in March, 1936. Shri Angara Shettigar, a senior sepoy working for a cargo ship between Mumbai – Mangaluru was the first person to donate a handsome amount to the Sangha. On January 7, 1937, the first Annual General Meeting was held. It was decided to reimburse the funeral expenses of a bereaved family. The first educational scholarship of Rs.50/- was awarded to Shri Derebail Sesappa Shettigar in 1938.

In 1940, ‘Shree Durga Parameshwari Yakshagana Sabha’ was established by the members of the Sangha. Well appreciated programs were conducted and continued for over 60 years since then.

A scholarship was sanctioned in 1942 to Shri Dayanand Konchady who was pursuing Engineering in Madras (now Chennai). He was the first to become an Engineer of the Padmashali Samaja.

The ‘Quit India’ movement was at its peak. Many of our Samaja members participated in this movement in 1942. The First World War continued during this period. Those who did not have a place to live and did not have employment were provided with a big room in Khar for temporary use. The room was handed back to the owner soon after the First World War was over.

On January 12, 1943, the Annual General Body meeting adopted the symbol for the Sangha. The symbol consists of Charaka, Lotus and a thread connecting Lotus and Charaka with saffron background.

In 1944, the Sangha was renamed as ‘Padmashali Samaja Seva Sangha’. The ‘Padmashali Death Fund’ was established thereafter. The membership of the Sangha crossed 100 in 1945.

During this decade, the Sangha tried to unite Padmashalis to eradicate social impediments and encourage youngsters to go for higher education. Other than the founder members of the Sangha, Shri Krishnappa Shettigar, Shri Lakshminarayan Shettigar, Shri Govinda Shettigar contributed a lot for the progress of the Sangha.


Birth of Padmashali Samaja Seva Sangha and its rise in Mumbai

( 01-Jan-1900 = 31-Dec-1934 )

At the end of 19th century, the people from different communities in Karnataka came to Mumbai in search of job for the purpose of their livelihood. Many people from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts (erstwhile South Canara) of Karnataka came in groups and started their own Sanghas and Associations in Mumbai. Mogaveera Vyavasthapaka Mandali was established in 1902 followed by Devadiaga Sudharaka Sangha in 1925, Buntara yane Nadavara Sangha in 1927, Kulala Sudharaka Sangha in 1929, Billawara Association in 1932, and so on.

According to reliable sources, some Padmashalis started ‘Guru Fund’ in 1930 and later established ‘Temple Fund’. In 1932, ‘Thaleyara Sangha’ too was established, but all these were short lived.

Around 1934-35, India was struggling for its independence. Mahatma Gandhi was travelling all over India and was spreading the message of unity irrespective of language, religion and caste. The collapse of the handloom industry forced many of the Padmashalis to migrate to Mumbai to earn their livelihood. Some of the Padmashalis were inspired by the voice of Mahatma Gandhi.

In the year 1935, three Padmashalis assembled at the Fort area. After a prolonged discussion, they came to a conclusion that they need an association for the unity and create awareness for proper education. Those three Padmashalis were none other than Shri Krishna Pundu Shettigar, Shri Kookra Chinnu Shettigar (K C) and Shri Annappa Basappa Shettigar. They started meeting the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Padmashalis residing in the Fort area and discussing the problems faced by them. Shri Dooma Shettigar and Shri Hoovayya Shettigar supported them in their interaction with community members.

On December 31, 1935, a circular was released by Shri K C Shettigar to 30 Padmashalis to meet and discuss the issues faced by them. On January 5, 1936, the first meeting was held at H M Mehta & Co., 105, Apollo Street, Fort, Mumbai, the work place of Shri Dooma Shettigar. Seventeen Padmashalis were present in the meeting. To promote unity, self help and co-operation among the Padmashalis, to eradicate social and other impediments, to grant scholarships for higher education, etc were some of the main points discussed in the meeting. With the above intentions, this Committee unanimously decided to establish ‘Padmashali Samajika Sangha’. A managing committee consisting of eight members was unanimously elected at this first meeting.