Sri. Bolar Ramappa Karkera famously known as B R Karkera was born in Mangalore, Karnataka during July 1892. He participated in the Indian freedom struggle and worked as a veteran social, cultural and political leader.
After completing his studies in Mangalore, he started his work at the age of 16 and traveled to Bombay for the same. He worked hard in one of the prominent companies and established his reputation and his financial standing. With his interest in serving the nation, he decided to participate in the Indian freedom struggle and joined INC as “fourth” member.
As part of his party responsibilities, he was the elected member of the Municipal Board in Jorhat in 1936. In 1939, he was again elected to be a part of the Municipal Board at Tezpur. In his political career, he was able to successfully break down the Saadulla Ministry – by taking the tribal MLAs into confidence. As part of his responsibilities in the state of Assam, he played a key role in the flood relief measures. He pioneered and led a lot of work in the social space for the upliftment of neighboring villages in Assam. He had worked in upliftment of backward classes in Assam.
In 1946, he returned to his hometown with an interest to serve his people. He was focused and dedicated to uplift his region and the values it stood for. After the demise of the then president of Gokarnatheshwara temple Late. Koragappa, B. R Karkera was elected. He held multiple roles in the local jurisdiction in Karnataka in his later years. Under his leadership, “Harijans” were allowed to enter temples – which was a notable work that he did. In local history, Mangalore is known for the Sri Gokarnanatheshwara temple and the Dussehra celebrations around it. This was pioneered by Sri. B R Karkera when he took over the leadership. He sponsored the celebration until his lifetime. He personally funded an amount of Rs. 2000 for the concrete structure and Rs. 4000 for beautiful idol jewelry for the goddess Annapoorneshwari. Sharadha visarjane is the charm of the Mangalore Dussehra and is now considered as a national attraction. He had donated land for the temple which is currently used as a vehicle parking area by the temple. He was also the President of the Billava Union – which is the largest cultural group in Mangalore. He also operated as the Vice President for the South Canara District Board. In 1942 when there was scarcity of food and people were helpless, he purchased food from outside for Rs. 10,000, distributed it among the people, and guided them. He purchased lands at Bolar and donated it to fishermen in critical situations to support them economically. He was the torchbearer for more than 22,000 youths involved in toddy tapping who faced unemployment in 1947. He traveled around at his own expense and built ‘103’ co-operative societies. He involved local authorities and Congress political figures to help with alternate forms of employment for these individuals in local cottage industries to ensure their situation is managed. B. R Karkera built a hall in the surrounding area of ‘Sootar Hostel’ and named it as ‘Chandramma memorial hall’, which was donated for the hostel. In 1957, the people of Mulki elected him as the first MLA of Mysore presidency. He was a member of ‘Jathi Samithi’, which was formed for resolving issues related to tenacity. He traveled around Mysore region as a part of “Bhoo sudharane” and gave suggestions which was for the betterment of the region.
Sri B.R. Karkera genuinely cared for his country and his people. He tried living for their uplifting and empowerment throughout his life. His dedication was unparalleled and focused only for his country. He stands as an example for the local youths and the people of Dakshina Kannada. When there was a financial crisis during his time he helped students for education through “Shiva Bhakthi Yoga Sangha”. His contribution to Educational institutes, temples and churches irrespective of religion and caste are noteworthy.
In 1959 March, he was demised at the age of 67. Even after many decades, he is remembered fondly for his sacrifices, patriotism, charity and visionary qualities.
Contributed By: Runal Karkera