Daily wager Ravi donates Rs 5.12 Lakh collected through Ashtami Vesha to 7 children
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “This poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Bible: Luke 21:1-4)
Udupi: The above lines were perfectly applicable to the daily wage Labourer Ravi Katapdi for his earning for a special cause from the last three years. He is not just a creative man but has a large heart too. Despite earning just Rs 500 to 600 per day as a centring worker, he has helped 7 children suffering from health issues by wearing the Ashtami costume. The collected money of Rs 5.12 lakh was distributed to 7 children who are suffering from various health issues on Tuesday, September 19 in the presence of Sri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Kemaru Math, Anuradha G Additional DC of Udupi and Mahesh Shenoy entrepreneur of Katapadi.
Ravi and his team collected Rs 5,12,746 in the district wearing the Ashtami costume on September 13 and 14. This year the team helped 7 children namely Lavnya daughter of Jagannath and Sandhya of Moodbidri (Rs 2.5 lakh), Mehak from Shivamogga Daughter of Shaheena (Rs 60,000), One and half month baby of Sunitha and Prakash of Dendoorkatte Udupi (Rs 55,000), Kishan Udupi (Rs 50,000), Arun Bannanje (Rs 35,000), Athish Shetty Udupi (Rs 30,000) and Arun Alevoor (Rs 15,000). Earlier Ravi and team had decided to help four children but after people got the information of Ravi’s help through the media, Ravi’s team received many applications. Finally, they decided to help a total of 7 children this year.
Speaking on the occasion ADC Anuradha praised the humanitarian efforts of Ravi Katapadi and asked the public to propose his name for the upcoming Rajyotsava Award.
Sri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Kemaru Math appreciating Ravi and his friends’ efforts said, “In my life I have visited many Brahmakalsa and other religious functions but today I feel proud to attend Ravi Katapadi’s programme. As a common labourer, Ravi has proved that a person can achieve anything and bring changes in the society without being in a high position. We are building many Temples, Churches and Mosques but wiping the tears of the poor is the noblest work. Many people say that the youth now do not show any concern for the society but here Ravi and his 70 friends who have worked for the society is appreciable. It shows that humanity and the instinct to help is still alive in people’s hearts.
Ravi hails from a poor family and intends to give back something to the society. People were overwhelmed by Ravi’s gesture of helping the poor children. This year Ravi wore the Krampus costume, a half-goat, and half-demon. Ravi is known to wear creative costumes and mesmerise the people, it is not just wearing costumes but his intention of helping the people is clear. Ravi is involved in centring work and apart from collecting money by wearing the costume he also keeps a part of his monthly savings to help poor people in need.
In 2014 he collected Rs 1.04 lakh and helped Anvitha from Ellampalli. During the 2015 Sri Krishnashtami Ravi disguised as a Lizardman from the movie Amazing Spiderman and performed for 20 hours collecting Rs 3.2 lakh which he donated towards the treatment of five children. Ravi had handed over the amount in the presence of Annamalai former SP of Udupi. Annamalai had also helped Ravi with rupees 10,000 at that time moved by the good gesture and spirit of Ravi. In 2016 too Ravi collected money and distributed it among 4 needy children.
May God shower his choicest blessings
on Mr. Ravi Katpadi and his family, and
his friends, who work towards humanity
and charity.
Neeraj
7 years ago
Hats off Mr. Ravi for your big heart!!! This is a noble gesture to be appreciated and followed by all of us! Surprised to see very few appreciations for this man. ( There is no BJP- CONG or Hindu- Muslim obessions to be invloved) This noble man is not rich in money, but has a rich heart. This noble man did it not for publicity, unlike most policticans do.Did not call for press meet to show off either! This is the slefless deed should have been elevated by all. Why this guy should not be a candidate for the next… Read more »
May God shower his choicest blessings
on Mr. Ravi Katpadi and his family, and
his friends, who work towards humanity
and charity.
Hats off Mr. Ravi for your big heart!!! This is a noble gesture to be appreciated and followed by all of us! Surprised to see very few appreciations for this man. ( There is no BJP- CONG or Hindu- Muslim obessions to be invloved) This noble man is not rich in money, but has a rich heart. This noble man did it not for publicity, unlike most policticans do.Did not call for press meet to show off either! This is the slefless deed should have been elevated by all. Why this guy should not be a candidate for the next… Read more »