Molahalli Shiva Rao

Molahalli Shiva Rao was a famous lawyer. He was the founder of S.C.D.C.C. Bank. He was also known as father of co-operative society. He spent about 58 years in Co-Operative movement and he was the founder president of S.C.D.C.C. Bank for about 21 years. He played a prominent role in alround development of Puttur Taluk. He was born on 04-08-1880 in Puttur, Sulya Taluk. Rangappayya and Mukambika from Saraswat Brahmin Community were his parents.

Co-operative Movement

Molahalli Shiva Rao started his career as a school teacher in Madikeri. After 2 years he left his job and passed pleader examination. Then he started his career as a lawyer. He became very famous as poor man’s lawyer. He has handled criminal, civil and revenue lawsuits. All India Co-operative law established in 1904 by British Government. Shiva Rao wrote letter to the Madras Government for the permission to start co-operative society. Finally he succeeded and established co-operative Town Bank at Puttur in 1909. He visited every village in Puttur taluk to create awareness and importance of co-operative society and established co-operative society in every village of Puttur Taluk. He left his pleader job and concentrated in the development of co- operative Society. He established S.C.D.C.C Bank to finanacial support all co-operative society in 1914. He was president of the bank for 21 years. Other Co-Operative societies which he established include – Farmers co- operative society, Harijana welfare co-operative society, Puttur Land Development Bank, Gruha Nirmana Sahakari Sangha, Dakshina kannada Jilla Sahakari Sagatu Marata Samsthe, Sahakari Dhanyada Bank, Sahakari Labour Union, Sahakari Life Insurence Company, Sahakari Naukarara Sahakari Sangha, Vartakara Sahakari Sangha, Mahila Kaigarika Sahakari Sangha, Uttama Jeevana Sahakari Sangha, Jenu Krushi Sahakari Sangha, Meenugarara Sahakari Sangha. He established hostels for Gauda, Banta, Dalita and Jaina community students. In 1917, he established Sadananda Sahakari Chapakhane, which is first ever co-operative printing press in India. He started primary schools in every villages of Puttur Taluk. He established Vidyavardhak Sangha, which played an important role in establishment of Vivekananada College. He also fought to eradicate social evils like untouchability, casteism and drinking alchohol. With the help of famous writer Dr. Shivarama Karantha, he encouraged the primary school children to play the stage shows, which gives good messege to the society. Every year he organised 10 days dassara festival. Sahitya Sammelana, religious and cultural programs were conducted during dassera to support local artists. Thus he played an important role in economic, social and cultural Development of Puttur.