Dr.Mahantesh GK is the Founder Chairman of Samarthanam International, Chairman of Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Former President of World Blind Cricket (WBC).
“I wish to witness People with Disabilities as not just mere dole recipients but worthy tax payers,” is one strong belief of Mahantesh which led him to be the leading light for millions of people with disabilities.
Mahantesh, born in a farming village, had lost his vision when he was six months old. Despite various setbacks faced in school and college, a resolve to thrive beyond difficulties and significantly contribute to the disabled fraternity, did not stop him from moving ahead. He completed MA & M.Phil in English literature from University of Bangalore and taught for 5 yrs as faculty of English at university Law College. All through his academic career Mahantesh had scored distinction at every level and because of his excellent academic record, he was able to execute his ideas without imperfection.
His inspiration and interest was to ensure disabled people receive all possible support to pursue education and sports equally with their non disabled peers. A vision to empower people with disabilities and make them completely independent at various levels has led Mahantesh look beyond the various challenges and conceptualize Samarthanam in 1997, an organization which would cater to people with disabilities and the underserved.
Mahantesh, a technology follower also advocates on the use of latest technology in all the programs at Samarthanam. Apart from being a great visionary, Mahantesh is also known for his strategic and fundraising skills. An ardent traveler, Mahantesh has travelled alone through different parts of the world.
Mahantesh believes that persons with disabilities should also be considered as agents and beneficiaries of development, and also need to value their contribution to the general well-being, progress and diversity of society equality in spite of their disabilities.
SP Nagesh is the Co-founder of Samarthanam Trust and Founder President for Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI).
SP Nagesh had begun the journey along with Mahatesh GK, Founder Chairman of Samarthanam and the President of CABI, and played a pivotal role in building Samarthanam. Nagesh has been a pillar of strength to the organization and its people. His contribution was of high significance in conceptualizing Samarthanam, working for its initiatives and leading the blind cricket association.
Though partially blind by birth, Nagesh was the major driving force behind initiating blind cricket and improved the skilling and livelihood training programmes at Samarthanam with his fundraising skills. He believed in equal rights and wanted people to adopt technology at every step. Nagesh was instrumental in driving the Skilling programme of Samarthanam.
Nagesh was an avid cricketer himself who believed that blind cricket and the players need utmost recognition on par with other disability sports. He served as the President for Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and played a key role in organizing the first ever T20 World Cup for the Blind in India (2012). He was the prime person to effort towards the upliftment of Blind Cricket and his dedication towards popularizing Blind Cricket was remarkable.
SP Nagesh passed away on 24 April 2016. Samarthanam and CABI remembers his efforts put towards encouraging cricket for the visually impaired and the plethora of tournaments organized under his administration. His legacy to cricket for the blind and his contributions to the growth story of blind cricket will not be forgotten.
Vasanti Savanur is the Trustee of Samarthanam Trust, who joined hands with Mahantesh GK and Nagesh SP to support them with the administration of Samarthanam. An educationalist by profession, Vasanti has been instrumental in inspiring students with disabilities to excel in their chosen fields of academics.
Vasanti was a teacher for 15 years who believes that education is the most important tool for an individual in making successful careers. Vasanti oversees Sunadha, the cultural wing of Samarthanam, where artists with disabilities are trained in cultural and folk dance forms. Sunadha has progressed leaps and bounds due to her persevered efforts along with her team.
Sunadha team travelled across many countries and performed on many international stages garnering acclaim, under the guidance of Vasanti Savanur. She encourages the artists, stands next to them and helps them deliver the best.
Vasanti Savanur provides practical support to the team in managing the operations and administering the organization.
Uday Kumar is the Trustee of Samarthanam Trust who is also a passionate sportsperson. His dedication, passion and hard work for the welfare of people with disabilities helped him join the Board of Trustees at Samarthanam. Uday Kumar heads the North Karnataka division of Samarthanam.
Uday Kumar is very passionate about sports and the laurels received at the many State and National level championships are the evidence. He is also a successful track and field athlete. He worked towards promoting the game of blind cricket in North West Karnataka.
Uday Kumar is a committed individual who is visually impaired and believes that the true potential of a disabled person is not limited by his disability. He started at Samarthanam with the idea to promote the organization’s programmes in the Northern regions of Karnataka and support persons with disabilities from these regions. In the year 2009, Samarthanam was launched in Dharwad with a Livelihood Resource Centre (LRC) to provide livelihood training to people with disabilities.
Under his leadership, Samarthanam LRCs are up and operational in Dharwad, Belgaum and Bellary which are pivotal for the disabled communities in North Karnataka.
Buse Gowda is the Trustee of Samarthanam Trust who is also a professional classical dancer. Buse is a visually impaired artist who has been supporting Samarthanam since its inception. He joined Samarthanam Board of Trustees in 2016 to support the organization with his expertise in arts and sports.
Buse Gowda a highly acknowledged artist holds the name “Mayura” for his famous dance performance on stage. He holds a degree in Bachelor of Arts and is a trained Bharathanatyam dancer who has delivered over 1000 performances on many stages in India and abroad. His passion for arts and classical dance is remarkable. Buse Gowda is also a sports enthusiast with interest in chess, athletics and cricket.
Buse Gowda dedicates his skill and capabilities towards realizing Samarthanam’s vision of building an inclusive society for people with disabilities and the underserved.
