Shantaram Siddi

Stride as far as the path is visible, the way forward will start appearing thereafter. Everyone lives for themselves, but those who sacrifice their entire life for others alone are authentic. It’s a reality that there still are people in our society, who work selflessly for others and that is why the Indian society still stands with respect and will continue to do so in future also. Such a selfless and hard-working person is Shri Shantaram Budna Siddi Ji, who dedicated his entire life to the beautiful future of our society. This dream can be realized only when the people, who so far have remained untouched by the mainstream society will also play an active role in nation-building.

When Shantaram Budhana Siddi Ji had completed his graduation, he met Mr. Prakash Kamat Ji, who worked for the welfare of Vanvasi for many years. During their discussion, Kamat Ji said that after getting the degree, you alone get success and a job but what about those forest dwellers and other tribals who still are not included in the mainstream even today. Impressed by these words, Shantaram Budhana Siddi Ji, without thinking much, ventured out to help the person who stood at the lowest rung of the society and the welfare of the tribals was his ultimate objective. In 1988, under the guidance of Lieutenant Shri Prakash Kamat Ji in Chipgar, North Kannada district, he started the first hostel of Vanvasi welfare.

It was challenging to run the hostel without any financial assistance, but at the same time, other concerns like conversion and human trafficking of forest dwellers as well surfaced. Due to which parents were not ready to send their children to the hostel. However, due to his determination, Shantaram Budhana Siddi Ji achieved success and today this hostel has been running smoothly for almost 32 years.

It is the result of Shantaram Budhana Siddi Ji’s selfless service, that though 32 years ago he stood at the lowest rung of the society but having studied from the same hostel, he went on working at prestigious posts for various government and personal dimensions. Likewise, numerous affiliated students too are contributing their service in the Indian Army and facilitating in nation-building.

For the last 32 years, Shantaram Budhana Siddi Ji has extended his services extensively in Karnataka tribal areas. The Government of Karnataka not only recognized his undertakings but he was also nominated as a member of the State Legislative Council.

Shantaram Budhana Siddi Ji’s endeavours must be appreciated at length. To ensure that his selfless work for various forest regions and tribals continues to inspire other as well, Sant Eshwer Foundation has honoured Shantaram Budhana Siddi Ji with Sant Eshwer Award for the year 2021.