Mangaluru: Charmadi Hasanabba, a selfless social worker known for his tireless efforts in saving lives, has been honored with the Kannada Rajyotsava award by the state government for his remarkable 38 years of service to the community. 

Hasanabba, born in 1951 to Ijjabba and Bifatima in Lala near Ujire in Belthangadi taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, displayed exceptional dedication to social service, especially in saving lives, irrespective of caste and creed.

Despite facing early challenges and limited educational opportunities, Hasanabba exhibited extraordinary resilience. At the age of eight, he moved to Balehonnuri and worked as a dishwasher in a small hotel, mastering the art of the hotel industry. At 18, he returned to his hometown, opened a small hotel, and built a home nearby.

Hasanabba's journey in social service began in 1985 when he learned about daily accidents on the route frequented by truck drivers. Motivated to make a difference, he and his friends would rush to accident sites in his Maruti 800 car, providing immediate assistance and transporting the injured to hospitals. His dedication saved numerous lives, including a father-son duo from Chikkamagalur who were critically injured at Charmadi Ghat. Their recovery and gratitude inspired Hasanabba to continue his mission.

Beyond saving lives, Hasanabba actively participated in clearing roads after landslides, fearlessly navigating treacherous terrains to ensure safety for travelers. He also assisted the police as a witness in various cases, including murder and robbery.

Hasanabba's contributions extended to community leadership as well. He served as the President of Juma Masjid from 1984 to 2015 and played a pivotal role in founding organizations like Belthangadi Taluk Muslim Union and the Muslim Unity Forum. His involvement in the Dakshina Kannada District Waqf Advisory Committee showcased his commitment to social causes.

Recognizing his outstanding service, Hasanabba received several awards, including the Beltangady Taluk and DK Zilla Kannada Rajyotsava Award, 'Sarathy No. 1' from the All India Drivers Association in Bangalore, the Person of the Year Award from Beary’s Welfare Association in Bangalore, the A Shyamarao Memorial Award, and the Alwas Nudisiri Awards from Beary Sahitya Academy, among others.

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New Delhi (PTI): Essar Group co-founder Shashi Ruia has died after a prolonged illness. He was 80.

Ruia, who co-founded metals-to-technology conglomerate Essar with his brother Ravi, died in Mumbai around 23.55 hrs on November 25, family sources said.

He had returned from the US, where he was undergoing treatment, about a month back.

His mortal remains will be kept at Ruia House from 1 pm to 3 pm on Tuesday. The funeral procession will leave from Ruia House at 4 pm towards the Hindu Worli Crematorium.

Shashi, a first-generation entrepreneur industrialist, started his career in 1965 under the guidance of his father Nand Kishore Ruia.

He, along with his brother Ravi, laid the foundation of Essar in 1969 by constructing an outer breakwater at Chennai Port. The group expanded into various sectors, including steel, oil refining, exploration and production, telecom, power, and construction.

He is survived by his wife Manju and two sons Prashant and Anshuman.