Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Feb 12: Ravi Kakyapadav, who became a successful entrepreneur despite illiteracy, provided jobs to about 300 people and is helping the poor is selected for the annual Mangaluru Press Club Award being presented to the special achievers.
The selection was made by the committee of senior journalist Manohar Prasad, Indian Red Cross society, Dakshina Kannada branch executive committee member, social worker Ravindranath K and Sahyadri Engineering College professor Dr G Ananta Prabhu.
The award will be presented during the Press Club anniversary celebrations at Tannirbhavi Tree Park, on March 6. The award consists of Rs 10,001 cash, an award panel and a certificate, stated Mangaluru press club secretary Mohammed Arif Padubidri in a press release.
Ravi Kakyapadav is the eldest son among two children of late Chandu Poojary and Kamala, residents of Uli grama, Bantwal. The family was poor and he was sent to school at the age of six. His father who used to cut wood suffered injuries to his leg from the axe and Ravi had to give up schooling. As he had gone to the school only for 15 days, he is unable to read and write.
He began working at the young age due to the responsibility to look after the family and became newspaper distributor at Dharmasthala and assistant in the shop. He worked as hotel cleaner in Mumbai. He worked as helper to mason. He also worked as the assistant to the priest.
He came to Subrahmanya in 2000 and became painter and transport worker before becoming a contractor. He later started his own Anugraha construction and Amratha Anugraha Industries at Anekal and became a successful contractor. He has constructed more than 265 houses and five apartments providing jobs to about 300 people.
He spends about 25% of his earnings for social work providing stationery and uniforms to school children every year. He has bought 80 cents land at Kulkunda gram panchayat and donated it to poor families. He has also constructed houses for the poor. He donates rice to the poor during Shasti festival every year.
He has indulged in JCI for social work. He was the zonal vice president and zonal officer of JCI. Dr Rajeshwari Gautham has written a book titled ‘Benkiyalli Aralida Hoovu’ on his achievements. He has received more than 270 felicitations. His achievements are an inspiration to others.