After a 60kms bike ride, we entered The Thousand Pillars Temple (Saavira Kambada Basadi) and got the taste of the cultural richness of the town. We rushed to the office of the architect of modern Moodbidri, “Jaina Kashi of the South”. Office of a founder, educationalist, sportsperson, dancer, doctor, industrialist and more importantly- a philanthropist. At his office we could see about 3200+ different idols of Ganesha, an artist’s best friend. The interview turned out to be a display of Ganesha within him- qualities like entrepreneurship, a fun-loving nature, love for arts and sports, big heart to risk it out, troubleshoot in worst of times, broader vision, list of achievements. Presenting you Cultural Ambassador of Modern India, Dr. Mohan Alva (Read Dr. Mohan Alva biography)
Confused Beginnings
I didn’t have any motivation to become a doctor. Like any kid then, we had almost zero guidance for our career. That was the time I think when my parents injected those thoughts of being good and noble to society, being jovial with relatives and friends, praying for best to happen to everyone… And I see it’s still deep down in my system! That was the environment that I grew up. I graduated at the age of 22 – a long journey of confusions indeed. I took up commerce, then science, I failed a year, moved to polytechnic, then to B.A, then to B.Sc., then to Ayurveda! But I think I was destined to go there, today I am way happy with how the things worked out after that phase of juggling the options!
We had a hearty laugh together. The first of many. A person’s simplicity is always in making someone smile.
The Alva Temple
After I graduated in 1981, I somehow had an idea of starting a pharmacy to prepare my own medicines. I didn’t know how to begin! So I set off to work and over after a year it was time to start on my own! I sold my truck for INR 1 lakh to set up “Alva’s Pharmacy”. I started off as a doctor; this was my first of many risks I took, with a Rs. 10,000/- loan for setting up a clinic. With a slow start, things started changing gradually and I had around 150 patients consulting me. On weekends I used spend my time marketing the medicines that we prepared. I struggled, worked hard! Even with this I could not make ends meet! In 1984, I started the first multi-speciality hospital with all facilities like x-rays, laboratories, surgical wards, a feat that was unimaginable in minds of people here, it was like diving down to deep sea. I had recruited 15 specialist/doctors to manage the patient flow! I struggled for 10 years- to build on ethics I followed; to repay the huge loan that I had continuously incurred; to set up such a hospital- any word wouldn’t describe this story!
I was busy with the regular activities of the hospital! I was missing something, my activities, my life, sports & cultural. I decided to establish the “Ekalvya Sports Club”, where we took up students from the nearby schools & colleges and provided them with the training necessary for sports. Now I could see my long cherished dream taking shape!
In 1996, “Alva’s Educational Trust” was started in a rented place to nurture my students at “Ekalvya Sports Club”, who won shields and brought laurels. With time, we established many more institutions and gradually moved to “Vidyagiri”, 60 acres of land that turned out to be lucky, bought it piece by piece and I owe it to almighty for showing/granting us this land.
Dr. Alva is still repaying his loans, no government has funded him, he has no power of religion, no backing of multi-crore Pundits, but he is still going strong. He has two friends- Society and Ethics!
Arts and Sports
I remember obtaining 133 prizes/awards for dance, drama, music and sports in a single academic year, from taluk level to national level- in various events. In my school days I was very actively involved with all sort of extra-curricular activity. Sportsmanship brings out the fighter in you and any stage activity boosts your self-confidence and personality. I had taken a pledge that I would nurture my talents. Although I give dance performances today, I could not change myself to become a professional in either of them. But even today, I hold my love towards both and worship them. With “Alva’s Virasat” and “Alva’s Nudisiri”, I am striving hard to create culturally motivated audience by bringing in best of artists from all over world. Back then in my college, I used to have a truck that helped me and my 50 other friends for all these activities in college!
In 1980, 5 Indians were selected as Best Talented Youth in the World – by Oxford University, U.K. Needless to say, Dr. Alva was one among them.
Craft Your Dreams
I believe in education that enables to grow an individual culturally. Man is a social animal and society can progress only if it is made up people who cherish and worship our arts and sports. I take pride in nurturing such talent with my Student Adoption Scheme where beneficiaries chosen are under four categories namely: High Distinction Meritorious Category, Excellence in Sports Category, Excellence in Cultural Performances Category and Physically Challenged Category. The Adopting scheme runs through the graduation. Today, I have my athletes representing India for Olympics, Asian Games, Common wealth games, etc. Today, I have students performing at best of stages in field of dance and painting- in and around the world.
It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. The Alva’s light from a small village is enlightening lives around the world & is already lighting up the Olympics dreams of India.
I was and always am with the society. People have nurtured me. People have been there for me at tough times. People have always backed my initiatives. Where I am today is not my achievement, people around me have pushed me and they are instrumental for the incredible things you see here, year after year! I’ll create those culturally strong citizens who’ll guide the future India to innovation and success!