M. Raghunath Shet

Raghunath Shet was a well known enterpreneur, philanthropist and social worker. He was actively involved with many social, cultural, religious, educational activities and organisations. He was born on 16-07-1947 in Mangalore. He was the son of Subraya Lakshman Shet who established S.L.Shet Jewellers. He was a B.Com graduate from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore.
Career
After the graduation Raghunath Shet joined S.L. Shet Jewellers & Diamond House, a family business established by his father. He dovoted his initial years to learn the business thoroughly. Based on this experience, he developed his own vision for his business. Under his leadership, the firm recorded steady growth and became famous jewellery house of the coastal Karnataka. In order to enable the low and middle income families to buy gold and jewellery, he formulated and launched an innovative small savings cum gold purchase scheme. This scheme became successful and very popular. He established the reputed Navarathna Group of Hotels. Raghunath has a deep sense of sympathy for the social causes and genrously supported community development initiatives, both financially and by devoting his time and efforts. Apart from serving his own community, he has also been a pillar of strength for the mass movement to revive Konkani language and culture. He was associated himself with innumerable religious and spiritual causes. He was actively involved in executing many works in Gold and Silver at many temples. He was responsible for executing three silver doors and silver chariot at Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, Kadri, Mangalore. He was very keen collector of art and artefacts. He generously patronised upcoming artists, writers and performers and gave them opportunity to prove themselves.
Awards and Honor
His contribution to society had earned Raghunath Shet many awards such as Dr. TMA Pai Foundation outstanding Konkani Award, Sri Krishnanugraha Prashasti Award by Sri Pejawar Adhokshaja Mutt and Sri Puttige Mutt, Udupi. He was life member of Chitrakala parishad, Bangalore, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mangalore, Gem & Jewellery Fedaration Mumbai. He was Managing Trustee of S.L Shet Memorial Charitable Trust, Chairman of Vishwa Konkani Kendra construction Committee, Mangalore, Vice President of Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation, President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Karnataka, President of Canara High School Betterment Committee, Urva, President of D.K Swarna Vyapari Sangha.