Mangalore: Rotary Club of Mangalore Central jointly with Rotaract Club of Mangalore City conferred the prestigious Vandana Award on noted NRI entrepreneur Dr B.R. Shetty at a function held at Eden Club in the city on Monday, 14th April, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.

Dr Bhavaguthu Raghuram Shetty is the CEO of NMC Health Care, Abu Dhabhi, UAE and this award was conferred on him for his outstanding lifetime achievement. City Mayor Sri Mahabala Marla was the Chief Guest and Rtn PHF Dr. Aravind Bhat, Assistant Governor (Zone IV, RI Dist. 3180) and Rtn. PHF Rajeev, District Rotaract Representative, RI Dist. 3180 were the guests of honour.

Introducing the recipient Dr Nandakishore described Dr. B.R. Shetty as a successful man and a great philanthropist with deep concern for humanity. In his acceptance speech, Dr B.R. Shetty was uncharacteristically candid about his personal journey in life. In a rare display of emotion, he kept the audience spell bound with his firsthand account of his humble beginnings and his hard grind up the ladder of success.

Observing that he shared Rotary’s ideal of philanthropy, he said, “Philanthropy is very important. It is only my clean heart which helped me in life. Money has no value if it is not invested properly.” Dr. Shetty also offered to collaborate with Rotary Club for introducing a new campaign for the eradication of Malaria funded by the Abu Dhabhi government. “This is my contribution, my way of giving back to my homeland,” he said.

In his address, Mayor Sri Mahabala Marla lauded the choice of Dr B.R. Shetty for the award. Dr. B.R. Shetty also released a book ‘Learn ECG in a Day’ authored by Rtn Dr. Sajjan.

Past District Governor MPHF Rtn Dr. B. Devadas Rai introduced the Vandana Award, which was first instituted by Rotaract Club for recognising professional excellence. It has been co-sponsored by Rotary Club since 2004, with the scope enlarged to Lifetime Achievement.

Rotaract President introduced the Mayor Sri Mahabala Marla. Rotaract Secretary Rajesh Salian expressed gratitude. Rotary President Rtn Rajgopal Rai presided over the function.