Prakash Shetty’s ‘Neravu’ aid project supports 4,000 beneficiaries, sets example for society: Speaker Khader

Prakash Shetty’s ‘Neravu’ aid project supports 4,000 beneficiaries, sets example for society: Speaker Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 26, 2025: “When a human is born, they have no name—only breath. But when the breath ends, only the name should remain.” Guided by this philosophy, Prakash Shetty, promoter of MRG Group, has made social service the purpose of his life. Through the ‘Neravu’ aid initiative, he has wiped the tears of countless underprivileged people, setting an example for society, said Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Asha Prakash Shetty Neravu–2025’ aid distribution event, organized by MRG Group at the Gold Finch Grounds in Kuloor, Mangaluru.

Highlighting Shetty’s work, Khader praised the MRG organization, established in the names of Shetty’s father Madhav, mother Rekha, and son Gaurav, for providing medical, educational, and financial support without discrimination of caste, creed, or religion. He added that Shetty’s life exemplifies the values of patience, love, trust, altruism, coexistence, and compassion, showing that life becomes meaningful when such values are embraced.

Dr. M. Mohan Alva, President of Alva’s Education Institutions, noted that although Shetty could have celebrated his 60th birthday lavishly, he chose to mark it in a way that sends a message to society. True to his belief that “if my birthday is meaningful, it should convey a hundred messages to society,” Shetty launched this service initiative by providing financial support to 60 achievers over 60 years of age. Over the past seven years, more than 15,000 people have benefited from this philanthropic effort. This year marks the seventh edition of the program, benefiting 4,000 underprivileged families and over 100 organizations. The initiative, which began with ₹1.25 crore, has grown to ₹9.5 crore this year, a remarkable achievement.

Addressing the gathering, Prakash Shetty reflected on his humble beginnings: born into an ordinary family and raised in a small village, he grew up immersed in the soil and culture of Tulu Nadu. Despite hardships, sharing meals and friendships across caste and religion in the village shaped his commitment to social service. He emotionally added, “Nothing in the world is greater than a mother. She dreams of how her son should be, and I take pride in fulfilling that dream.”

During the program, Kapu legislators welcomed guests and introduced the background of the ‘Neravu’ initiative. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar was moved when the service activities of Puneeth Rajkumar were described. Film producer Puneeth Rajkumar symbolically handed over financial assistance to beneficiaries, organizations, and achievers on the stage.