Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College, Udupi

Dr. H. Shantaram

A member of the well known Hattiangadi Kamaths’ family, Dr. H. Shantaram was born in 1928 at his maternal grandparents’ house in Nagar, Shimoga District. He obtained his Masters Degree in Zoology from the prestigious Central College, Bangalore, in first Class topping the list of successful candidates in Mysore University. Research work in Entomology earned him the diploma of Imperial College and Doctoral Degree of London University. Dr. Shantharam spent most of his time in the field of education. He served as member of faculty St. Philomena's College, Mysore, Delhi University, Kasturba Medical College and Bhandarkars College, Kundapura. Dr. Shantharam is the trustee and member of governing council of many of the academy colleges, and also the administrative officer of academy of General Education.

Swapnashilpi

“The hands which toil for realization of the marvelous aesthetic splendor often go unthanked or unrecognised. Only when these hands behind marvels are recognized, they become known to the world,” said Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade. Releasing ‘Swapnashilpi,’ Dr H Shantharam Abhinandana Grantha, Dr Heggade said that for any institution to thrive and succeed, the leader of the institution must have confidence and courage in him. “Wealth and well-being is only a false belief. Youth must realize the truth behind this life that is only illusion at the end of all the materialistic wants and achievements,” he said and added that it is only will power, determination and invincible faith that takes an individual towards his goal. For downloading "Swapnashilpi", a rare book of 456 pages in pdf format (2.37mb), click here.

More Details

His educational expertise and mastery of rules and regulations are well recognised and his advice is being sought by Manipal University and many educational institutions and individuals in this and neighboring districts. Dr. Shantaram is a widely traveled man and has visited USA, UK, most of the European and far Eastern countries.

Early education in Nagar and Shimoga - Obtained Master's Degree with First Rank from Central College Bangalore in 1951. Obtained D.I.C. from Imperial College of Science & Technology, London and Ph.D. from London University in 1954. Fellow of the Entomological Society of India and The Academy of General Education, Manipal.

Has spent most of the time in the field of education. Was a faculty Member of St. Philomena's College, Mysore, Delhi University, MG.M College, Udupi, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal and Bhandarkars' College, Kundapura, He was the Head of the Department of Basic Sciences in the Kasturba Medical College.

The Principalship of Bhandarkars' College (1976-82) that he accepted at a crucial period on public demand and pressure from friends provided him an excellent opportunity to face the challenges and prove his mettle. His administrative acumen helped him to bring back the much needed discipline in the institution and the substantially contributed for the overall development of the college providing all the needed infrastructure including a well-equipped modern library and Ranga Adhyayana Kendra, an unique Arts School. Even today he is closely associated with the developmental work of the College.

His educational expertise and mastery of rules and regulations are well recognised and his advice is being sought by quite a few educational institutions in coastal Karnataka and neighbouring districts.

Positions Held

President of the Association of Principals of Mangalore University (2 Terms)

President of Manipal Consumers' Co-operative Society ( 2 Years).

Editor of 'Manipal Record' for 4 years.

Charter Vice-President of Manipal Jaycees.

Member of the Konkani Advisory Committee of Central Sahitya Akademi for one term.

President, 'Rangabhomi', Cultural Organisation of Udupi (for 22 years).

President, Nataka Spardha Samithi, Udupi (organising State Level Kannada Drama Competitions) - for 27 years.

Current Positions

Administrative Officer of the Academy of General Education, Manipal, Member of Supreeme Governing Body and Administrative Committee.

Director, Dr. Kota Shivarama Karanth Samshodhana Kendra, Bhandarkars' College, Kundapura.

Director, Smt Radha Bai P.V. Shet Ranga Adhyayana Kendra, Bhandarkars' College, Kundapura.

Working President of Total Quality Management in Higher Education District Committee of Udupi District.

Correspondent, S.V.S. High School, Agumbe, Shimoga Dist.

Correspondent, Annapoorna Vidya Mandir English Medium High School, Agumbe, Shimoga Dist.

Correspondent, Sidhivinayaka Residential School, Hattiyangadi.

Trustee of Several Educational Institutions.

President of the Association of Private College Managements, Mangalore University.

President of Manipal Cancer Society.

Vice President, Manipal House Building Co-operative Society.

Working President, District Task Force, Total Quality Management in Higher Education, Udupi District.

Chairman of MGM College Research Monitoring Cell, Udupi – 576102.

Life Member of Sangeetha Sabha, Udupi.

At Bhandarkars' College, Kundapura, established Ranga Adhyayana Kendra for performing arts (Drama, Dance, Music, Bharatanatyam, Yakshagana etc.) ten years ago. At this Kendra, started now a Diploma Course in Drama of one year's duration, with the recognition from Kannada University, Hampi. Rural youth (Boys and Girls) are being trained absolutely free providing food and shelter.

Dr. H. Shantaram Sahitya and Samskriti Kendra was established at the College to provide a forum for all cultural and literary activities. Started Kannada Major as a subject in B.A thirty years ago and it has become a very popular course attracting more than forty students every year while it has failed to pick up in most of the colleges of the area.

Yakshagana Talamaddale programme started by him and held on Kannada Rajyotsava Day has completed 30 years and attracts thousands of people to see and listen top artistes in the field.

In 1963 Club of Udupi-Manipal invited Dr. Shantaram to join the Rotary's fold. Ever since then he has dedicated himself to the cause of service. With sound knowledge of Rotary, its purpose, Object and laws, he is capable of discussing any aspect of Rotary in a convincing manner and expresses his thoughts in a simple language. He was the President of the Club during 1972-73 and led the Group Study Exchange Team that visited USA in 1981. He served Rotary International District 3180 as its Governor during 1984-85. He is a major Donor of the Rotary Foundation and all members of his family are Paul Harris Fellows.

Dr. Shantaram is the recipient of New Year's Award 1996 instituted by the Rotary Club of Udupi-Manipal in collaboration with Academy of General Education, Manipal and Syndicate Bank for his distinguished work in the field of education.

Dr. Shantaram is a widely traveled man and has visited USA, UK, most of the European and Far Eastern countries.

His only daughter, Dr. Shalini Shenoy, is a Pediatric Oncologist and Haematologist, now settled in USA. She has earned a name for herself in her chosen field of specialization.

His spouse, Vijayalakshmi, hails from Machilipatnam and is lending full support to her husband in all his activities. She is an active social worker.