PUTTUR: The Sthanika Brahmana Global Conference, held at Puttur on 24 and 25 January 2026, witnessed the formal felicitation of Shri Shreepada R. Rao, Founder and Chairperson of Yakshit Yuva Foundation, in recognition of his sustained contributions to sports governance reform and humanitarian service.
The two-day international conclave was organised by the Sthanika Brahmana Mahamandala (Registered), the apex federated body representing various regional Sthanika Brahmana Sanghs. The conference brought together approximately 3,000 delegates from across India and overseas, including eminent scholars, Dharmadhikaris, institutional leaders, administrators, and social workers, to deliberate on issues of cultural continuity, education, social welfare, and community development.
The felicitation ceremony was presided over by Manjunath Hebbar, Hon’ble President of the Sthanika Brahmana Mahamandala, and jointly conducted by Shri Jagannivasa Rao, President of the Conference, in the presence of Shri Ashok Kumar Rai, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Puttur, and Smt Vidya M. Kale, Commissioner of the City Municipal Council, Puttur.
Taekwondo Master Shri Shreepada R. Rao was presented with a ceremonial shawl, a commemorative memento, and a formal felicitation certificate, symbolising institutional recognition of his leadership in strengthening sports governance systems, promoting ethical administrative practices, and advancing youth empowerment initiatives through Yakshit Yuva Foundation. In acknowledgement of his influence among young people and his sustained community engagement, he was also formally recognised as a Youth Icon during the proceedings.
Responding to queries regarding his achievements and accolades, Rao adopted a tone of profound humility, attributing the entirety of his journey to spiritual guidance rather than personal endeavour. He stated that the recognition was “neither the outcome of individual effort nor personal service, but the manifestation of divine blessings and spiritual direction bestowed by His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahasannidahana of Dakshinamnaya Shri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri.” He further remarked that every initiative undertaken in the sphere of youth development and humanitarian service derived its strength from this spiritual inspiration, which, he noted, continued to guide his commitment to ethical leadership and selfless service.
Representatives of the Mahamandala highlighted Taekwondo Master Rao’s role in integrating structured sports administration with grassroots humanitarian outreach, observing that his initiatives had contributed significantly to discipline, social inclusion, and capacity building among youth across multiple regions.
The conference featured deliberations on preserving cultural heritage while adopting contemporary strategies for education, social responsibility, and organisational coordination within the community framework. Delegates reaffirmed their collective commitment to service-oriented leadership and sustainable community development.
The felicitation of Shri Shreepada R. Rao emerged as one of the highlights of the Global Conference, underscoring the growing recognition of youth-focused humanitarian action as a vital instrument of social progress.
