In a significant step towards social upliftment, the Heggunje Rajeeva Shetty Charitable Trust from Bengaluru is set to formally hand over 14 newly constructed houses to families from the Koraga community at the Ulloor Koraga Colony in Kundapur, Udupi district. The Griha Pravesh ceremony is scheduled for Thursday and will be graced by Shri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swami of the Pejawar Mutt, who will personally visit each home for the dedication.
A Divine Inspiration in Ayodhya
The roots of this housing project lie in a profound personal moment experienced by the trust's founder, Dr. HS Shetty. The 66-year-old merchant exporter and renewable energy entrepreneur recounted that the idea was born during his visit to Ayodhya for the Prana Prathishte rituals. "After the ceremonies, I sought guidance from the Pejawar seer on performing a meaningful service for Lord Shri Ram," Shetty shared. "The answer was clear: build houses for those who need them the most."
Shetty's own life story is one of resilience. Hailing from an agricultural family, he faced hardship after his schoolteacher father's demise and the subsequent loss of land due to land reforms. He moved to Mumbai in 1980, starting his career as office help before finding success. "God has been kind. Whatever I achieved, I want to give back to society," he stated, highlighting a growing sense of responsibility towards mitigating social inequality.
A Fateful Visit to the Colony
The project's focus on the Koraga community crystallized following a poignant visit. On the very day the seer advised him to build houses, Shetty missed his flight and was subsequently urged to visit the Koraga colony in Kundapur. "I was shocked by the living conditions," he admitted. A woman from the colony approached him, recalling that she had once worked for his family and that Shetty's mother had tenderly applied a bandage to her injured hand.
"That small act of kindness stayed with her all these years. It struck me later that it was because the stigma of untouchability persists," Shetty reflected. This emotional encounter solidified his resolve. "That day, I decided firmly that I must build houses for the Koraga community and discussed the idea with Pejawar Swamiji soon after."
Project Details and Future Plans
Each newly built house is a two-bedroom terraced structure complete with a kitchen, electricity, tiled flooring, and basic amenities. The construction cost for each unit is approximately Rs 19 lakh, with the entire Ulloor project amounting to Rs 2.5 crore. "I personally supervise the construction to ensure quality," Shetty affirmed.
This initiative in Ulloor marks the second phase of the trust's dedicated housing drive for the Koraga community. The first phase was completed in February this year, with 14 houses handed over at Jennady near Bidtalkatte in Kundapur. With the latest project, the trust has now completed a total of 28 houses. Ambitious plans are already underway for another 28 homes, with 14 each planned in Amasebail and Mandarthi.
Over the last 18 years, Dr. Shetty has channeled around Rs 55 crore into various social initiatives. Beyond housing, his trust actively supports education through scholarships, school adoptions, annual uniform distribution, and welfare programs for children and Koraga families.
