Amazing Transformation and Continuous Journey of Sarvotham Shetty Towards Exceptional Excellence | Global TV
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In the remarkable journey of the Indian diaspora, there are individuals whose contributions extend far beyond their professional achievements. Their dedication, vision, and commitment create institutions that preserve heritage, unite communities, and inspire generations. Sri Sarvotham Shetty is one such distinguished personality whose life reflects determination, leadership, cultural passion, and an unwavering spirit of service.
Native Roots & Foundation | Mumbai: The First Roof | Making of a Visionary Leader
Born in the small village of Pareeka in Udupi district of Karnataka to Sri Mattar Parari Soorappa Hegde and Smt. Pareeka Saraswathi Hegde, Sarvotham Shetty grew up surrounded by the rich traditions and cultural values of coastal Karnataka. His humble beginnings shaped his personality and gave him the strength, discipline, and simplicity that later became the foundation of his leadership.
After completing his pre university education in Perdoor and Hiriyadka, he moved to Mumbai with dreams of higher education and professional growth. Life in the city demanded courage and perseverance. Following the principle of earning while learning, he worked in hotels and later in a solicitor’s office while continuing his studies. His determination helped him complete a Government Commercial Diploma from Bombay University and later earn his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the prestigious R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics in 1978.
Mumbai became the place where his leadership qualities and artistic talents emerged. As an active student leader, he represented R.A. Podar College as a Student Representative to the Senate of the University of Bombay in 1977. At the same time, his passion for theatre and cultural activities continued to grow.
His memorable performance in the Kannada play “Haggada Kone”, written by renowned writer Parvathavani, brought him appreciation among cultural circles. His love for Kannada and Tulu traditions inspired him to establish Kala Jagattu in 1979 with the support of his friends. As Founder President, he created a platform that promoted Kannada and Tulu theatre in Mumbai. The organization became a respected cultural forum and served as the first major expression of his lifelong mission to preserve and promote regional heritage.
Professionally, his association with Syndicate Bank strengthened his knowledge of banking, finance, and administration. The experience he gained during these years later helped him manage large community organisations with professionalism and efficiency.
Building a Cultural Oasis in the Arabian Desert: The Evolution of Community Leadership
A significant transformation in Sarvotham Shetty’s life began when he moved to Abu Dhabi following an invitation from International Distribution Establishment, a leading business organisation in the UAE. His dedication, sincerity, and administrative skills helped him rise to a senior management position, where he served successfully for more than two decades before starting his own entrepreneurial ventures.
While building his professional career, he remained deeply connected to his cultural roots. During his early years in the UAE, he observed that thousands of Indians living away from their homeland needed a platform to preserve traditions, celebrate festivals, encourage talent, and maintain emotional connections with Karnataka. With this vision, Sarvotham Shetty began creating institutions that became important pillars of the Indian community in the Gulf.
As President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha since 1981, he transformed the organisation into a vibrant centre for Kannada cultural activities. Under his leadership, the Sangha organised literary programmes, theatre performances, cultural festivals, and interactions with artists and writers from Karnataka. His efforts ensured that Kannadigas living abroad remained connected to their language and heritage.
He was also instrumental in establishing UAE Bunts Association and UAE Tulu Koota, which provided platforms for community interaction and cultural celebration. These organisations became symbols of unity, friendship, and collective identity among expatriates.
One of the greatest milestones in his leadership journey was his election as the first Kannadiga President of India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi. He created history by becoming the only person to be unanimously elected as President in the 55 year history of this prestigious organisation. He served as President twice and had earlier served as Vice President, earning widespread trust and respect from the Indian community.
His contribution to Tulu culture also reached global recognition. As International President of Tuluva Mahasabha International, he played a major role in organising historic events such as Vishwa Tulu Ayono in 2016 and Vishwa Tulu Sammelana in Dubai in 2018. These gatherings brought together thousands of Tulu speaking people from different parts of the world.
Through his vision and dedication, Sarvotham Shetty created a cultural ecosystem where traditions could flourish even thousands of kilometres away from Karnataka.
Sarvotham Shetty’s leadership qualities became evident during his college years. While studying at R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, he actively participated in student activities and was elected as the Student Representative to the Senate of the University of Bombay in 1977, a distinction that reflected the confidence and trust reposed in him by his peers. His organisational abilities and commitment to public service continued to grow with time.
In 1979, he played a pioneering role in forming the UAE Bunts Association, an organisation that has become one of the most respected community forums for Bunts in the Gulf. As its President for nearly five decades, he has guided its growth with remarkable dedication and vision. His commitment to leadership development also led him to become the Founder Vice President of the first Toastmasters Club in Abu Dhabi, where he encouraged communication excellence and confidence among professionals.
Further extending his service to the Indian business community, he served as Chairman of the Indian Professional and Entrepreneur Forum for two years and later as an Executive Committee Member of the Indian Business and Professional Group, where he headed the Membership Division for five years, strengthening professional networking and community engagement across the UAE.
Leadership Beyond Boundaries: Education, Sports and Community Empowerment
For Sarvotham Shetty, community service has always extended beyond cultural programmes. He believes that a strong community must focus on education, youth development, sports, and leadership opportunities.
Since 1997, he has served as a Board Director of Abu Dhabi Indian School, one of the leading educational institutions in the Gulf region. As Chairman of the Education and Sports Division, he has contributed significantly towards student development by encouraging discipline, creativity, teamwork, and leadership qualities.
His involvement in education reflects his belief that children growing up outside India should have a strong connection with their heritage while preparing themselves for a global future.
His contribution to sports promotion in the Gulf is equally remarkable. Recognising that sports can bring people together, he introduced and promoted throwball among the Indian community in the UAE. The sport gradually gained immense popularity and became an important part of community life.
For the past three decades, he has organised the prestigious Koosamma Shambu Shetty Memorial Throwball Tournament for ladies, gentlemen, and children. The tournament attracts teams from various Gulf countries as well as cities across India including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Haryana. It has become a symbol of friendship, participation, and healthy competition.
His leadership style combines professional management skills with genuine concern for people. The discipline acquired through his corporate career helped him plan and execute large scale community initiatives effectively.
Even after decades of service, his passion for creativity remains strong. He entered the world of cinema through his memorable acting performance as Rathnakara Jantottu in the Kannada film “Gajanana Cricketers”, demonstrating that his artistic spirit continues to inspire him.
A Legacy of Excellence and an Inspiration for Future Generations
The remarkable contributions of Sri Sarvotham Shetty have been recognised through numerous awards and honours from organisations across India and abroad. These recognitions represent not only his achievements but also the gratitude and respect of countless people whose lives have been enriched by his service. The Government of Karnataka honoured him with the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 1998 under the Horanadu Kannadiga category for his outstanding contribution to promoting Kannada culture outside India.
Under his leadership, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha received the Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2006 for its dedicated service towards Kannada and Karnataka causes in foreign land. Among his many honours are the Aryabhata International Award in 2008 for social service and community welfare, the Globalman Award in 2009, the Sunderram Shetty Award in 2016, the Mayura Vishwa Kannadiga Award in 2017, the Tulu Prashasthi in 2017, the Vishwa Kannadiga Award in 2018, the Kadamba Award in 2018, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Vishwa Buntere Sammelana in 2018, and the Rangachavadi Award in 2019.
He has also received the Dr. D.K. Chowta Award in 2022, Karnataka Ratna Dr. Jawre Gowda Award in 2022, Baleyendra Prashasthi in 2022, Anivasi Tuluva Sadhaka Award in 2023, and Vishwa Deshi Vanijyodhyami Prashasthi in 2024. Beyond awards and titles, his greatest achievement remains the strong community spirit he has created. He has brought people together through culture, education, sports, and social initiatives. A dramatist, entrepreneur, educationist, sports promoter, cultural ambassador, and community leader, Sri Sarvotham Shetty represents the finest qualities of leadership and service.
Supported by his wife Smt. Usha from Kaup Kothwalguthu and children Samarth and Samyuktha, who have established successful professional careers in Abu Dhabi, he continues to inspire those around him.
From the quiet village of Pareeka to the international stage of Abu Dhabi, his journey talks about an extraordinary transformation from professional excellence to collaborative leadership. He did not simply preserve Kannada and Tulu traditions; he created a global platform where culture, friendship, and community continue to thrive. Sri Sarvotham Shetty is a powerful example of how one person’s vision, dedication, and commitment can create a legacy that transcends borders and inspires generations.
