DK Automobile Association Honours Industry Veteran A. K. Jayaram Sheka

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, September 24, 2024: The Dakshina Kannada Automobile & Tyre Dealers’ Association honoured industry stalwart A. K. Jayaram Sheka (80) with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at St. Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Auditorium, Bendur. Starting his career as a bus conductor in 1962, A. K. Jayaram Sheka went on to found Mahesh Motors, one of the largest transport operators in the region, as well as Mahesh Auto Store. He has also served as President of the Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners’ Association and Vice President of the Karnataka Bus Owners’ Federation.

The award was presented by Association President Kasturi Prabhakar Pai, with other office bearers. “Sri A. K. Jayaram Sheka is widely respected for his visionary business leadership and commitment to employee welfare,” noted the citation read by Secretary K. Vilas Kumar. Vice President Harsha Kumar Kedige, Treasurer Maroor Shashidhar Pai, Joint Treasurer K. Laxminarayan Nayak, and managing committee members were also present.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Sheka reflected on the challenges he faced throughout his career. “I started as a bus conductor for six years, ran a taxi for one year, and then, with encouragement from a well-wisher, launched my own bus service. My first bus, purchased from Dr. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, for Rs. 15,000 in 1972, set the foundation for my success,” he shared. After 50 years in the business, he presented Dr. Heggade with a silver miniature bus, now displayed in his museum. “Though I only studied up to the 8th grade, learning from others gave me a wealth of knowledge. I owe my success to the support I received from everyone,” he added.

Felicitation of Outstanding Students

For the past decade, the association has recognized the children of members and their employees for academic excellence. This year, 19 students were felicitated with certificates and cash awards for outstanding performance in the SSLC and PUC exams. The felicitated students—Naman S., Reethan Menezes, Ashel Fernandes, Swaroop Prabhu R., Chinmayee Chandrakanth, Yajna B. Bangera, Namratha R., Disha G., Sthuthi Shetty, Jaden Lenard D’Souza, Sinchana J. Kotian, Thrisha, Sapthashree, Ahana P. S., Gayan P. Hegde, Prachi, Pranathi, S. Shreya, and Prajna—hail from families associated with Karnataka Agencies, Prabhu Enterprises, Arvind Motors, Mandovi Motors, Shrinidhi Automobiles, Supreme Auto Dealers, Hegde Automobiles (Udupi), Sand King Minerals, and Ramanath Enterprises.

Three new members—G. K. Automobiles, Shree Sai Lubricants, and Vishnu Automobiles (Kadaba)—were welcomed into the association with flowers. The AGM concluded with a cultural programme and family get-together, hosted by Preetham Kumar Nayak. The renowned Tulu comedy troupe Prashamsa Kaup entertained the audience, and a trade fair featured product displays from various manufacturers and distributors.

President Kasturi Prabhakar Pai welcomed, while Secretary K. Vilas Kumar presented the annual report and Treasurer Maroor Shashidhar Pai delivered the financial report. The programme was compered by T. Ratnakar Pai.