A Public School with an Indian Philosophy
With deep regret and much sadness, we record the passing of Dr. Sharanabasappa Appa, the eighth Peetadhipathi of the Sharanabasaveshwar Samsthan, Kalaburagi, who left us on August 14, 2025, at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife, Smt. Dakshayini, seven daughters, and a son. His life was an extraordinary blend of spiritual leadership, educational innovation, and distinct social service.
We in this magazine had a special bond with Appa that goes back more than two decades. Around the year 2002, we published an article titled “A Public School with an Indian Philosophy”, describing the unique vision behind the institutions he founded. That phrase caught Appa’s attention. He promptly extended a warm invitation to us to visit Gulbarga. It was typical of him to notice even small efforts and encourage them wholeheartedly—a quality that endeared him to all who came into contact with him.
It was a memorable journey. We were received with rare hospitality. Appa personally guided us through the Sharanabasaveshwar Residential Public School and other institutions, and asked us to speak to the students and teachers. From that moment, a relationship of mutual respect and affection blossomed. Ever since, whenever our magazine reached out to his office for support, the response was unfailingly generous. He remained not only an admirer of our work but also a patron, encouraging us in ways that few leaders of his stature ever did
Born in 1933, Appa pursued his postgraduate studies at Karnataka University, Dharwad, and went on to become a syndicate member there. He played a crucial role in persuading the government to start a postgraduate centre at Kalaburagi and later chaired the state-appointed committee to identify land and facilities for a new university in the region.
After ascending as the eighth Peetadhipathi in 1983, Appa took upon himself the mission of modernising and expanding the educational institutions of the Samsthan. He firmly believed that education must shape the whole personality of the learner, blending modern knowledge with the moral and spiritual wisdom of Basavanna’s vachanas. Under his leadership, the institutions grew into centres of discipline, quality, and research.
One of his most pioneering contributions was establishing the first specialized engineering college for women in North Karnataka, a bold move at a time when women’s higher education still faced many barriers. He often pointed with pride that in his institutions, women teachers outnumbered men—a reflection of his progressive outlook. In this, he left behind not only institutions but a legacy of empowerment for generations of young women. Many of his students went on to become leaders in their own fields, carrying forward his ideals in society at large.
Appa’s passing has left a great void, not just in Kalaburagi but across Karnataka. Thousands of devotees, students, alumni, and admirers thronged the Sharanabasaveshwar shrine complex to pay their last respects. His mortal remains were laid to rest with full state honours, in the presence of family and dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other leaders.
For us, however, the memory of Dr. Sharanabasappa Appa is more personal. We will remember him as a man who combined rare vision with rare humility, who embraced modernity without letting go of tradition, and who encouraged this magazine. A rare personality indeed. May his soul rest in eternal peace..
V. Isvarmurti
Founder, School – Unique Journal of Education