Mangaluru: The ‘Neravu 2025’ financial assistance programme organised by the Asha Prakash Shetty Foundation of the MRG Group was held on Thursday evening at Gold Finch City, Bangrakuloor. The event marked another milestone in the foundation’s humanitarian journey, with over ₹9.5 crore distributed to nearly 4,000 families and more than 100 organisations.
The programme was inaugurated by the dignitaries through the traditional lighting of the lamp. Addressing the gathering, MRG Group Chairman Dr. Prakash Shetty recalled his humble beginnings and life journey.
“I was born into a simple family in a small village. I still remember my childhood days of hardship, when I studied while sharing food and play with people from all communities, without discrimination of caste or religion. There is nothing greater in this world than a mother. A mother alone shapes our future. My mother’s affection, my father’s love, and the values of Tulunadu culture have shaped me into what I am today,” he said.
Dr. Shetty further shared that he moved to Bengaluru in 1983 to build his life and faced humiliation and struggles for nearly 15 years before achieving success. “Step by step, I entered real estate and the hotel industry. With God’s blessings, I grew as an entrepreneur. Even then, my thoughts were always with the people of Udupi and Mangaluru. With encouragement from my close associates, I launched the Neravu initiative in 2019 with the intention of giving back to my roots,” he added.
Emphasising the purpose of the initiative, he said the financial support extended to beneficiaries across seven districts should be utilised meaningfully. “Once, I too sat where you are seated today. Seeing you all now gives me immense happiness. This programme is meant to inspire. Children who benefit from this support must rise to respected positions in society and, in the future, stand for the oppressed and marginalised, just as I did,” Dr. Shetty stated.
He noted that Neravu has now completed seven years and will continue for at least three more years. “After completing a decade, we are considering giving Neravu a collective and expanded form by involving the beneficiaries themselves. This expansion could help us support at least 14,000 families every year. Although modern medical treatment has advanced significantly, access remains a challenge for many. A major portion of our assistance is dedicated to healthcare. We see this as our small, sincere step towards democratising access to advanced medical treatment,” he said.
Dr. Shetty also highlighted the growth of the initiative, stating that in its first year, ₹1.25 crore was distributed to 28 organisations, while in the seventh year, support is being extended to more than 100 organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader said, “When we are born, we have breath but no name; when we leave, the breath is gone but the name remains. In that sense, the MRG Group has created a meaningful legacy through this programme. Life is a priceless gem, and it must be lived with peace, harmony, love and trust. Dr. Prakash Shetty’s life should serve as an inspiration to all of us.”
He stressed the collective responsibility of passing on human values to the younger generation and future society. “Bringing together people from all castes and communities and standing firmly with the oppressed reflects Dr. Prakash Shetty’s strong moral conviction. We must all support such efforts to build a harmonious and peaceful society,” he added.
Dignitaries present on the dais included Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, Asha Prakash Shetty, Dr. Mohan Alva, President of Alva’s Education Trust, Moodbidri, Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, and MRG Group Managing Director Gaurav P. Shetty.
Among those present were Aikala Harish Shetty, President of the Global Federation of Bunts Organisations, Gurupura Vajradehi Swamiji, MP Brijesh Chowta, Mangaluru North MLA Dr. Y. Bharath Shetty, Mangaluru South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath, and Devananda Shetty.
Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty delivered the introductory address and welcomed the guests. Following the formal session, financial assistance amounting to over ₹9.5 crore was distributed to approximately 4,000 families and more than 100 organisations.
The programme was compered by Damodara Sharma and Nitesh Ekkar, while Samiksha Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.