“V.R.Gowrishankar Profile Ordinary Man..... Extraordinary Service Bete with a city upbringing... morse to a village to Serve a cause. mer who has brought a new face to Ksy ri- the me ion of all who seek peace ‘(O DECADES oe INUOUS SERVICE TO SOCIETY IN A REMOTE AREA IN MALNAD 3KV.R. Gowri Shankar CEO, Administrator & G.P.A. Holder Sri Sringeri Math & Its Properties Sringeri 577 139 BRIEF RESUME OF SRI. V.R.GOWRI SHANKAR (GURUSEVA DHUREENA, KARNATAKA STATE RAJYOTHSAVA AWARD WINNER, RECIPIENT OF MANY OTHER CITATIONS AND AWARDS) V.R.Gowrishankar took the challenging responsibility as Administrator and General Power of Attomey Holder of Sti Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, in 1986 as per the directions of His Holiness the Jagadguru ‘of Sringeri, as an Honorary post. Gowrishankar abandoned a promising career as a pioneer entrepreneur ‘of the service industry to dedicate himself totally to this spiritual cause and service to humanity, He has been administering, sti Sringeri Moth with its vast estate and properties, having more than 150 Branch Maths, spread far and wide and stil growing in number through hard work, planning, organising, ditecting, scouting for new helpers humoting the old and venerating great vedic pandits and so on. He has also been speatheading many glorious events and momentous occasions evoking awe and admiration of everyone.‘GOWRISHANKAR: MAN WITH EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENTS. Person who brought Sringeri Maha Samsthanam on the social service map:- The world renowned Stingeri Maha Samsthanam is well known for its philosophy, tradition, culture and its scriptures. Somewhat unknown to public is their interest in social service. However, duting the post two decades under the leadership of Gowrishankar, social service activities of the Math has reached great heights and can be looked upon as a golden era. Some of the key social service activities of the Math are highlighted herein. A. FREE MEAL TO SCHOOL CHILDREN The students of various schools in Sringeri Taluk are provided attemoon meals. An average of 000 school children get aftemoon meals every day in a systematic way. Many educational institutions are receiving the benefit of this scheme. Some of the institutions benefling from this Piogiomme are Government Junior College, Navodaya High School, Goverment High School Nemmar, Govt. Hight School Holekoppa, Govt. High School Sringeri, Rajiv Gandhi Kenctiya Sonsksit Vidyopeeta, Sringeri, AVBP School Singer. VILLAGE ADOPTION & SWASTHI GRAMA YOJANA: To commemorate 50th Birthday celebrations of Jagadguru $1 Bharathi Theertha's the Math under the leadership of Sti Gowrishankar has taken up adoptions of villages under Dathigrama Yojana. Under this programme, 25 villages were adopted with the aid of the Government, and for its integrated and overall development, the Math has been playing a pivotal role, This Datthu ‘Grama Yojana is a new concept of Stingeti Sharada Peetha and in fulfiling its objectives ‘Gowrishonkars role is unique, and has found success in this venture. Along with the adoption of villages, effort 1o toke care of the health of the entire vilage and moiniain health and hygiene, has been taken up with all the costs being bome by the Math. A village called Menase near Sfingef is the first beneficiary of this programme and Gowrishankar has envisaged fo take up ‘other villages of the taluk and suppor them through this programme. Bhoomi Pooja of a Project by His HolinessC. SWASTHYA HEALTH PROJECT: TAKING HEALTHCARE TO DOORSTEP OF THE NEEDY IN REMOTE HILLY VILLAGES The first Blood Bank was opened in Sringeri Sharada Dhanvanthati Hospital. Under the Swasthya Scheme, in order fo provide health care facility a mobile health unit has started, This mobile health unit visits every vilage, and in this connection Gowrishankar service is exemplary. Through his efforts. Stinger Sharada Dhanvanthari Hospital has been equipped with latest and state of the art ‘equipments and has been able to provide its facilities to four taluks around Stingeri in Malnad region. AS Chief of Sharada Rotary Health Care Centre at Bangolore , he has arranged to provide EYE CARE ‘and DENTAL CARE FREE OF COST to thousands of needy patients. A fully equipped rural health mobil unit has launched recently. A modem renal dialysis centre is providing excellent support to poor and needy patients in Bangalore. Other heaith related projects which have been started by the Math under the leadership of ‘Gowrishankar are: ‘* Blood Bank ‘* Outpatient ward for free medical aid, Free Nursing Training Centre, a boon for women coming from remote rural villages. Visit of specialists for free check up every month. ‘* Conducting de-addiction camps. D. SCHEME FOR HELPING CHALLANGED PEOPLE: ‘On the occasion of birthday celebrations of the Guru of Sringeri Sharadapeetham, Sil St Bharatitheertha Maha Swami, a new scherne was initiated by Sri Gowrishankar to provide the Recessary help to handicapped, helpless and poor persons. This scheme has successfully taken shape in the last 5 years, The Math has distributed free wheelchairs, sewing machines, Braille watches, heating aids, mats and blankets to needy people under this scheme. E. MENTALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN PROTECTION CENTRE: A protection centre for mentally challenged children hos been set up Noida near Delhi, under the chaiimanship of Sti Gowrishankar. This centre provides necessary protection and trcining to the Mentally challenged children, and for proper running this Centre a CHILD PROTECTION FUND has also been creaied. This scheme is also providing necessary support to about 18 institutions in various parts of the country doing service for physically / mentally challenged children. Recentty, a similar school has been started at Tiupur.PROVIDING FREE COMPUTER KIT TO SCHOOLS: ‘A brain child of Sti Gowrishankar, under this scheme high school students are provided computer figining Kiis fo create awareness amongst them with respect to the latest technology in the field. In Chickmagalur District 75 schools were selected as beneficiaries for this programme and each school has been given free computer training kits each worth Rs.1 lakh. MINI HYDEL GENERATOR IN A VILLAGE IN MALNAD FOREST: ‘Goymishankar has initiated steps for helping vilogers in Sitimane a small village near Stinger, 1o set uD ‘a mini hydel generator & electify the enti vilage. KNOWLEDGE CENTRE: A place for children to learn more ‘Gowrishankar conceived and is implementing a project called "Knowledge Centre’, Here ony student an just walk in and access any information through a computer. Such a centre in a remote Mainad fea like Sringeri has created interest in people to be in touch with the world. The entire facility is being set up through Gowrishanks efforts. Free computer training, computer games, CD-ROMs etc {Gre made available in the centre. EDUCATION THROUGH COMPUTER: Making available CD Kits 750 School's who have computer facility in the entire district of Chikkarnagalur have been provided with CD Kits through which schoo! students up to 91h standard can learn curriculum knowledge and general knowledge. Gowishankar has conceived this scheme and with the help of big IT companies, this project has been successfully completed. Hon'ble C.M. Dharamsingh distributing the Free CD Kits to AVBP High School in SringeriADVAITHA SHARADA PROJECT: Scanning & digitising ancient knowledge: The fich culture of Incia is witten on palm leaves. The responsibilty to permanently safeguard the same lies on all of us. In adcition very old literature in book form are to be reprinted in order fo make ifaccessiole to the people. Sringeri Simoth has taken this big responsibilty, With help and co-operation of Goverment of India, Advaitha Sharada Project has been started and is headed by Gowrishonkar. Under this project, old sacred terature and books are scanned and igitised. Later on this will be incorporated in to web sites moking them accessibie in any nook and comer of the worid. Hundreds of books have already been scanned ond digitised. DREAMER WHO HAS BROUGHT MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO A REMOTE MALNAD AREA Gowrishankar, an Engineering Graduate has brought into reality through the construction of Sringeri Math buildings the state of the art technology in construction to this rural area. BHARATHI THEERTHA PRASADA: This is one of the biggest Dining Halls in Asia with a capacity to seat 3000 people at a time to sit and have meals, There are no pillars and natural cir and light is ‘abundantly spread over the entire hall. Steam Cooking is installed and hence firewood tequited for cooking is saved The effluent water is not let out, instead the effluent treatment plant cleans the disposals. Cleaned water is used in the garden. Gowrishankar is the person who hos started such an Effiuent Treatment plant in the region for the first time. In fact, he is the first to put such a plant in any Pilgrim centre. All the necessary infrastructure facilities are under the direct supervision and Observation of Gowrishankar. This Annapooma Chatra is well appreciated for its cleanness and. Quality of food from the pligims & devotees.VEDIC PATASHALA BUILDING: SADVIDYA SANJIVINI PATHASHALA This free school, run by Sringeri Math has a century old history. During the centenary celebration Of the school, a new building has been constructed at Norasimhavana. The building has been ‘adomed with artistic wood carvings. Architecture of this building has been conceived in the ancient fiadifional style and has received a National Award. Even though it is in the midst of thick forest, no 4iees have been cut and the environment and ecology have been maintained. INTERNATIONAL ADVAITHA RESEARCH CENTRE: This Centre was started for doing research and publication of rare, unedited texts in the year 2001. A modem full-fledged building and infrastructure has been established under the Chairmanship of ‘Gowrishonkar, Five critical research publications have come out of this centre in the last 3 years. (GURUBHAVAN: The number of pilgrims visting Stinger is increasing, in order to have darshan of Sharade Devi, Guru ‘and witnessing the pooja is increasing. Recently a unique Gurubhovan has been constructed with a 30 mtr x 30 mtr prior hall without any columns or pillars and thus an engineering marvel. single chandelie’ lighting arrangement is made to light the entire building. An artistic clock and the world's biggest Veena adom this Gurubhavan, It is a treat for alll the pilgrims visting this place. VIDYATEERTHA BRIDGE: Under the responsibilty of Sri Gowrishankar a walkway bridge has been constructed across river Thunga connecting the two sides of the Math. This is a unique bridge in technical terms. ‘Gowrishankar has proved his engineering expertise through the construction of other buildings like Bharathi Vihar, Sharada Krupa, Yatrinivas, VIP Guest House, and renovation work of Branches of the Math in places like Chennai, Mumbai, Rameshwaram, Varanasi and nearly 0 other places.HOW HE SERVES. ‘A practical man and a thinker Gowrishanokar has been serving many social end spiritual organizations ‘associated with sti Singerl Peetharn. He is also associated with many cultural organizations and educational institutions ‘A man of many facets, it would be too long to list al the posts occupied by him. However, to state o few; * Managing Trustee of Sri Stingeri Sharada Peetam Charitable Trust- which gives away in charity ‘over Rs. 2 crores every year * Chairman of Sti Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamiji Golden Jubilee Charitable Trust, which disburses over Rs.25 lakhs to vedic scholars every year. '* Director of Sir M.Visveswaraya Co-operative Bank Ltd. Bangalore, * Chairman of the Kalpataru Research Academy, Bangalore which specialises in publishing fare manuscripts and research work. ‘+ Responsible for hosting the Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidya Peetha at Sringeri and Chairman of the Local Advisory Committee. ‘+ Trustee of Vidya Bharathi Foundation, New Jersey. * Chairman of Jnanodaya Institutions, Bangalore. * Governing Council Member of Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering & Technology, Kalady. * Initiator of Shankara Special School at Noida, a school for mentally challenged children. The ‘school not only helps fo uplift the children mentally but also serves to allay the anxiety of their families. * Chairman of the Managing Committee of sri Sringeri Sharada Institute of Management, New Delhi. Other social and cultural institutions that he is associated with are: '* Trustee of All India Movement for Seva, New Delhi ‘* Promoted the concept of Mobile Hospital in rural areas, * Is @ Paul Harris Fellow’ of Rotary Intemational * _ In-charge of Shankara Rotary Library, Bangalore. ‘* _ In-charge of Sharada Rotary Healthcare Centre, Bangalore * Nominated on Committee by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to monitor the Patashala tun by Vaishno Devi Temple Board. * Member of Uttaranchal Sanskrit Academy. © Chairman of Sti Bharathi Theertha Cultural & Folk Research Center Trust. . Coordinator in India for the Project, "Development of an Intelligent Cognitive System for Sanskrit based on Indian Logic"- a EU-India Economic cross cultural programme. * Project Director, Sharada Advaita project.DONATIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS TO DESERVING AND NEEDY INSTITUTIONS, PEOPLE: Everyday several requests are received from poor and needy people seeking financial support for ‘conducting mariages, education of children, health check-up etc. Neary Rs 30 lakhs is spent annually by ihe Math for such requests, Sringeri Novodaya High School, Kannada Bhavan, Community Grave yard, mini hydel generators, drinking water scheme in Stingeri, Menase, V.Pura Jaycees Education Society, Vidyabharathi Mariage hall, Koppa Community grave yard, Jayapura Durgaparomeshwari Marriage hall are examples of institutions and societies which have received support from Sri Sharada Peetham and the same has been done under active management and responsibility of Gowrishankar. ABLE ORGANISER AND PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR Allover the world, Sringeri Sharada Peetham has more than 150 branches and the administration of these is under the active supervision of Sri Gowrishankar. He is a good organiser. His organising power ‘and capabilities, have made Chickmagolur District and Sringeri Peetham get.c place of recognition in the World Map. in the history of Sringeri Mahapeetham, the Gurus of this Math do handle ‘administrative functions, The Administrator of this Math shoulders the entire responsibilty of running the institution, With his unrivalled organising power and excellent management skis Sti Gowrishonkor has co-cooidinated and conducted hundreds of special programmes all over the world. Some of the events held under his leadership are: * _ ‘Peetharohana’ (Coronation) of Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Swamij in 1989. _ Kumbhabhishekam of the grand Adhisthana Mandiram attended by 3 lakh devotees in May,1993. * Bringing together the Shankaracharyas of all the four peethas in a historic meet at Sringeri in May 1993 to discuss national issues. © First Athi Rudra Maha Yajnam outside India in USA in 1997. Took over 100 scholars to participate in this. First ever Vedic worship on foreign soil. Execution of the exquisite Golden Chariot for Goddess Sharadambal. * — Suvarna Vardhanthi programe of His. Holiness Sti Sri Bharathi Theertha Maha Swamiji.GOWRISHANKAR'S ACHIEVEMENTS AND SEVERAL SPECIALITIES: UN WORLD PEACE RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE -2000 Millenium wold peace conference of religious leaders from over 100 Counties was held at United Nations in the year 2000. Gowrishanker wos one of the invitees given the privilege of addressing the delegates in the UN assembly hall. Gowrishankars soeech on Adi Shankara's thoughts for a Peaceful society was very well received. Kr —_ SHANKARACHARYA SANGAMA1993 AND 2002 ‘Adi Guru Shankaracharya hes established in our country four amnoya peethas. Iris a rare and unique ‘occasion where the heads of all the four peethas meet at one place. Ste Gowrishankar worked || titelessty towards this made It hoppen in 1993. ‘Another achievernent in the crown of Gowtishankar is the congregation of all the gurujs of Advaitha eethas in Kamataka in one place, that too in Siingeti, The historical function was held in Stingetl in the year 2002 and hos paved way for many useful activities for the bene of the society. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES Stinger is nesiied in the wesiem ghats with natural forests and the divine Tunga tiver flowing majestically through if. With a view to protect the environment and also use the biowaste property a lot of thinking has gone info projects involving new construction. Be it the mammoth dining hall or the new ‘Gurubhavan, core has been taken fo have total protection of the environment. ‘Gowrishankar with his keen interest in this field has been supporting environmental associations and ther institutions working in that area. HERBARIUM. Most valuable and rare medicinal plants and herbs in western Ghats have been collected and a herbarium has been established at Menose village near Sringeri on 10 acres of land, This project done under the leadership of Gowrishankar is a valuable gift to nature and environment protection. SOLAR STEAM To save diesel and also to stop pollution from carbon-dioxide, solar steam generators have been installed for cooking Prasadam for devotees visting Sringeri. This is a major step in step in ol Conservation, environmental protection and use of renewable energy resources.00000 ° AWARDS & TITLES Title" Guruseva Dhurina’ decorated by His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sti Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamiji in 1993. The prestigious "Rajyotsav2a Award by Government of Karnataka on the Rajyothsava Day 2003. Gowrishankar was also given the District level Rajyothsava Award during 2003. eee ne * rad Prestigious Vijayasri Award in 1990 Coveted "Outstanding Young Person" Award in 1990-91 The Krishna Anugraha Prashasthi conferred in 1998. Bestowed Sharada Navarathna award in 2002 for contribution to the mentally challenged. Title Samartha Sarathi Awarded by Kalinga Navada Foundation. Honoured as Citizen of the Year, 2001 Krishnanugraha Prashasthi in 2002 by Sri Pejevara Swamiji. Attended the World Peace Summit held in United Nations in 2000 AD. Addressed the invited dignitaries and delegates from Member countries in the UN General Assembly Hall. Rajiv Gandhi Excellency Award 2004. Jagajothi Sri Basaveshwsara Sadbhavana Award 2004. “Hoysala Ratna” Award 2007. 10LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES: For the development of Kannada and Sanskrit languages Gowrishankar is providing valuable ‘guidance and help. He was the President of the organising committee responsible for the successful conduct of the Sahitya Sammelan at Sringeri and also helped in the construction of the Sahitya Parished Kannada Bhavan. “SAMARTHA SARATHY." HIS LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS ‘book highlighting his fe and achievement in the service field have been brought out in the form of a book named Samartha Sarathi. Here the country’ political and religious leaders have spoken about the services of Gowtishankar paying glowing tributes to his contribution to Sringeri Math and the society. Book + Samartha Sarathi. Editor : Ramesh Begar Released by : Gowrishankar Abhinandana Samithi, Sringeri Released on : 14th Marh 2002 GOWRISHANKAR IN MEDIA: In Newspaper media: English dallles lke Indian Express, Hindu, Deccan Herald and Kannada dailies tke Kannada, Prabha, Projavari, Udayavani have carted interviews, programmes and ‘atticles on Gowrishankar and his service activities. TV Channels such as Udaya, Sun Net Work, Chandana and other channels have also featured the work of Gowrishankarl Local newspapers like Janamitra, Shrinkona, Nagesh Patrike, have carried special interviews with Gowrishankar several times. He is the publisher Shankara Krupa a monthly Magazine in Kannada and is adviser to Totivaloka an English monthly Magazine with worldwide circulation. VW(GOWRISHANKAR'S ACTIVITIES: THROUGH THE EYES OF EMINENT PERSONS: PARAMAPOO,YA JAGADGURI SRI SRI BHARATHITEERTHA MAHASWAMIJI; "Under any circumstance, right decision is taken by him, this is the git of God, .....his continuous efforts has resulted in the present day overall development of Siingeri Math’ SRI SRI SACHIDANANDA SARASWATHI MAHASWAMIJI HARIHAPURA MATH; When ‘Jagadguru with his wonderful knowledge power and penance power is increasing the wealth of the spiritual Sharadapeetha, Gowrishankar with his rich education, devotion to work, has been playing a vital role in the overall develooment of the Sri Kshetra." TIRUCHI MAHASWAMUJI. * his relentiess work, day and night, has contibuted fo the overall development within a short span of time. RAJARSHI Dr. VEERENDRA HEGDE "Gowrishankar is educated and intelligent with coolness and goodness able fo provide a powerful administration" H.D.DEVEGOWDA FORMER PRIME MINISTER. "He has built both Gurubhakthi and workmindedness , and hence is an able follower of the orders of Guru" $.M. KRISHNA FORMER C.M. "The role played by Gowtishankar in Sringeri Temple town development is significant" D.B .CHANDREGOWDA "From the last decade, Sringeri Math is achieving fast progress. Sharada Temple has become golden temple, social service development can be seen, and clearly Gowrishankar is a fit person for felicitation* S.GIRIJASHANKAR , WINNER OF AWARD OF STATE ENVIRONMENT JOURNALISM. “An Administrator should have farsightedness, discipline and tightness and all this are in one character and i.e. Gowrishankar. In the administrative line he has put a new step” Public felicitation held in SringeriBY NEWS PAPERS; HERRALD Sonata as, merc o New look to the Stinger Samsthan, in the villages of Mainad and has filled. ‘and light, INATAKA, Kannada Daily " Intecent limes, the development of Sharada Peetha’is the resutt of the efforts of Gowr'shankor and if can be Clearly seen, it has grown as a model institution. KANNADA PRABHA, Kannada daly. Stingeri Math hos mote than 150 branches, and has spread throughout the country and worldwide. For this huge institution, the responsibilty is vested by His Holiness in Gowiishankat and he has been ably ‘administering and has won accolades for his services. HINDUISM TODAY Any visiior 10 Sringeri Mutt comes immediately to appreciate its Chief Administrator, Sti. Gowtishankar. Since India's independence, successive laws have deprived the Mutt of most of its traditional forms of income. Now, after 15 years of service, Gowrishankar has succeeded in putting the Mutt on new, firm financial fociing, generating support from all round the world. New construction in the last decade, including a huge dining hall and hospital for the local community, are noted by pilgrims who earlier witnessed the Mut!s poor shape. INDIAN EXPRESS The tradition of the Sharada Peeta is that the pontiff of the Peta never interferes in any of the matters {elating to the administration of the Peeta. He usually spends his time by studying the scriptures, in Spitual practices, offering puja and giving caishan fo the devotees. An Administrator has fo look after everything. So far.an administrator the jab is not simple ond easy. Despite his busy schedule ‘Gownishankar gives attention to every minute details in the administration. He has developed fool proof Method in the administiation so that nothing goes trom the Math for any unreasonable works. His Motto is to serve the Math and the Society with selflessness. 13Gowrishankar with Former Prime Minister Sri Rajiv Gandhi ‘Gowrishankar with Former Prime Minister Sti H.D. Devegowda J { Gowrishankar with the King of Nepal Sri Birendra Singh ‘Gowrishankar escorting Former Prime Minister Sri A.B. Vajapeyee fo Sharada Temple in Sringeri 143 Gowrishankar with Former President of India Sri R Venkataraman sowrishankar taking Former Home Minister ri LK. Advani round the Sharada Temple. Gowrishankar with Former Prime Minister Sri PV. Narasimha Rao Gowrlshankar Addressing the Audience during q felicitation function.Gowrishankar with Sri N.D. Tiwari Chief Minister of Uttaranchal Gowrishankar with Maharaja of Mysore Sti Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wodeyar ‘Gowrishankar with Former Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri S.M. Krishna A public felicitation in Bangalore by Former Chief Minister of Maharastra Sri Vilasrao DeshmukhGowrishankar with His Holiness Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Maha Swamiji Gowrishankar at a Shiva Temple in Kashmir With His Holiness during a visit to Tirumala Temple in Tirupathi Gowrishankar with His Holiness Sti Sri Bharathi Theertha Maha Swamiji at Kanyakumari. Gowrishankar attending a Kumababhisheka at Mumbai Temple 7Gowrishankar with Vedic scholars at Bharatiya Vedic Sammelan Gowrishankar with Former Chief Minister of Kerala Sri Karunakaran Gowrishankar addressing a public meeting in Sringeri Gowrishankar with Bhajan Samrat Sri Anup Jalota |‘Gowrishankar honouring Vidushi Smt Sudha Raghunathan Gowrishankar with Padmabhushana Dr. M.Balamuralikrishna Gowrishankar with Padmabhushana Dr. Rajkumar & Former Minister Sti D.B. Chandregowda Gowrishankar honouring Padmashree Dr. K.J. Yesudas 19= Gowrishankar with Honouable. Minister of Government of India Sri Arun Singh ‘Gowrishankar with Former Governor of Karnataka Smt. V.S. Ramadevi Gowrishankar with Former Governor Mr. Motilal Vora ee 20Scholastic Background: B.E. (Elect)-1class with distinction-BMS College of Engineering , Bangalore. DilSc(I.M.)- First in the Order of Merit- Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore MIMA- Member of All India Management Association, New Delhi. Personal Details: Age & Date of Birth : 50 Years, 30th November, 1954 Marital Status : Married Address Administrator & G.RA. Holder Sri Sringeri Math & Its Properties Sringeri -577139 Phone: 08265-250123 (O) 250192 (R) Fax: 08265-250792 Mobile: 94482 72144 email:vrgowrishankar@sringerisharadapeetham.org vrgowrish@yahoo.com Design : Navoharath, Ph: 080-2956 1142, 2346 4682