MR. GOVINDRAY DAMODHAR SHANBHAG – A life devoted to social work. : An Introduction by Shri Vasudev B Shanbhag , Secretary , Sirsi Taluka GSB Seva Vahini, Sirsi.
Born in 1934 in a remote village Holegadde-in
Kumta Taluk of North kanara District of
Shanbhag is a self made man.War clouds were
gathering and it was a life of penury.Having lost
her husband at an early age and having no
assets and support of any sort in the
village,Girijabai- Govindray’s mother migrated to SIRSI town with her eight
children, It was life full of struggle for Shanbhag’s family here in Sirsi town.
Young Govind had to say ‘good buy’ to his school when he was in sixth standard.
he has to help his elder brother Mohan in his MITHAI business.” MOHAN
MITHAI” was soon the talk of the town. Fresh home made mithai became so
popular in Sirsi,the family was identified with the nick name ‘Mohan mithai’
family.
Mithai business was not sufficient to make the ends to meet, young Govind
started petty business and succeeded in providing education to his younger
brothers and marriage of sisters. Having seen the hard life from his very young
age, Govind decided to serve the society voluntarily, for which he selected the
Home guards field.
During Mumbai Govt period he joined HOME GURDS in 1955 at his 20 years age as
a cadet.... and retired as platoon commandant, after putting in 40 years of valuable
and fruitful service. It was one of the record breaking event in the field of Home
guards. During his tenure as a home guard, he has helped the police department in
several occasions, in catching criminals and antisocial elements. In one or two
occasions he did his duties by putting his life to risk. This fact was sent to Guiness
Book of world records .
In recognition of his services to mankind, Mr. Govindray Shanbhag has been honored
with awards and rewards. He has received ‘SURAKSHA AWARD’ from Rotary International , ‘CIVIL DEFENCE AWARD’, NEHRU CENTENARY AWRD, and finally
“RASTRAPATHI PADAK” from Govt. of
he has been honored by samaj and swamijis, because since last 50 years he has
served all the three temples of Sirsi town - Shree Mahavishnu , Shree venkatramana
and Shree Hanumanth Dev. For the last 30 years he is working as the president of
Shree Hanumanth Dev Seva Samithi,even today at the age of 76 years he is still
continuing in this post.
Being a social worker Mr.Shanbhag was elected by the Rayarpete ward voters for
Sirsi Municipal Council for two periods - first from 1972 to 1976 and the second one
from 1984 to 1989. During his tenure he has made several developmental works for
his ward.
Mr Govindaray is the founder member of “Market Sarvajanika
Ganeshotsava Samithi” since 1964.He has become vice
president of the Samithi in 1990,and in this period
new permanent building was constructed for the samithi.Till
today he is working as a “volunteer” for the success of the
Ganeshotsava.
Mr Govindaray’s service is also utilized in the education field of Sirsi Town.He is
serving as a director of Prgressive Education Society which runs High Schools and
Junior College in Sirsi. Mr Govindray is also one of the directors of Consumer Co-Op
society of Rayarpete Sirsi.
Thus Govindray’s life is a model for younger generation. It is a life well lived in
the service of samaj in particular and mankind at large.
Click here to view Shri Govindray Shanbhag's photos
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