Founders
Visionaries who laid the foundation
Every great institution stands on the shoulders of visionaries who dared to dream. These are the pioneers whose unwavering dedication transformed a vision of holistic Vedic education into the thriving Gurukula we see today.
"We did not build a Gurukula; we planted a seed of ancient wisdom in modern soil. Our dream was that this seed would grow into a mighty tree, providing shade and fruit to generations of seekers."
— Sri Na Krishnappa
The Founding Journey
Principal Founders & Visionaries
Na Krishnappa
Senior RSS Pracharak & Visionary
"Kutumb Prabodhan - upholding and inculcating the value system within Hindu families is the foundation of a strong society."
Vision
To establish institutions like Veda Vijnan Gurukulam and Prabodhini Gurukulam that serve as sources of inspiration and preserve ancient wisdom.
Key Contributions
- Introduced the concept of 'Kutumb Prabodhan' (Family Awakening)
- Instrumental in the genesis and growth of Prabodhini Gurukula
- Authored 'Maneya Mangalya', a guide on Hindu family values
- Groomed thousands of Karyakartas across South India
A lifelong Pracharak whose wisdom guided the creation of Gurukulas. He is remembered as the inspiration behind the character 'Shankara' in Dr. S.L. Bhairappa's novel 'Dharmashree'.
Dr. M.K. Bharathiramanachar
Distinguished Scholar & Author
"Bridging the gap between North Indian and South Indian spiritual traditions through translation and scholarly work."
Vision
To make ancient epics and devotional literature accessible to the common man without losing their original spiritual potency.
Key Contributions
- Translated Goswami Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas ('Tulasi Ramayana') into Kannada
- Authored 'Epic Characters of Mahabharata' series
- Wrote extensive commentaries on Madhwa philosophy
His monumental translations and writings are considered essential reading for Haridasa sahitya and are cherished by seekers of spiritual knowledge.
Prof. G. S. Mudambadithaya
Renowned English Educationist & Author
"Combining high standards of English education with the deep cultural roots of Indian tradition."
Vision
To integrate traditional Gurukula concepts into modern education, fostering holistic development through mastery of language, writing, and speech while ensuring students remain connected to their native traditions.
Key Contributions
- Textbook Leadership: Served as head of the Karnataka State Textbook Preparation Committee and authored over 50 English textbooks for various states
- Academic Excellence: Dedicated decades to education as a lecturer, professor, and principal, pioneering competency-aimed teaching-learning activities
- Literary & Cultural Works: Authored Modern English Grammar and Teaching of English, and translated Bharatiya Habbaharidinagalu into English
- Institutional Impact: Championed the Gurukula system, emphasizing character-building and effective language learning for students and teachers
Recipient of the National Award for 'Best Teacher' conferred by the President of India, and the Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava Award for outstanding contributions to the state's educational landscape.
Prof. S. R. Rohidekar
Renowned Educationist & Author
"Educational reform must focus on methodology and curriculum relevance to truly benefit the student."
Vision
To shape educational thought and critique school curriculum for better learning outcomes.
Key Contributions
- Founder member of the Council for Teacher Education (CTE)
- Authored 'Sothu Geddavalu' and other works in Kannada/Tulu
- Critiqued and guided school syllabus reforms
Remembered as a dedicated educationist, with the 'Late Prof. S.R. Rohidekar Best Research Paper Award' established in his honor.
Prof. Ramachandra G. Bhat, Kotemane
Sanskrit Scholar & Vice Chancellor
"The Gurukula system is the best environment to inculcate values and foster holistic physical and mental development."
Vision
To integrate ancient Vedic wisdom, Yoga, and modern science into mainstream education.
Key Contributions
- Vice Chancellor of S-VYASA University
- Director of Veda Vijnana Gurukulam
- Chairman of Veda Vijnana Shodha Samsthana
- Authored 'Veda Vijanana Paramyam' and 'Veda Based Ecology'
Honored with the 'Bhavabhuti Puraskar', 'Vidya Varidhi', and 'Doctor of Literature', he continues to lead the revival of Gurukula education.
Dr. Upendra Shenoy
Visionary Thinker & Social Architect
"Students of Gurukula should be able to move forward and excel in all fields of life."
Vision
To strengthen the foundational beliefs of Gurukulas, making them deeply rooted in Bharatiya tradition while remaining relevant to modern times.
Key Contributions
- Foundational Leader: Founding member of Prajna Pravah, Vijnana Bharati (Swadeshi Science Movement), and Krishi Prayoga Pariwara
- Educational Reformer: A primary thinker behind the Karnataka Gurukula Prakalpa and the Shishu Shiksha framework for personality development
- Rural Development: Conceptualized the Grama Vikasa platform to drive holistic growth and empowerment in Indian villages
A dedicated RSS Pracharak and medical expert who mentored teachers and mothers through constant guidance, working tirelessly to revive traditional values for future generations.
Kuruvalli M. Purushothama Rao
Sage of Agriculture & Organic Pioneer
"Have you touched all the plants in your land? Have you stepped on every part of your land with bare feet?"
Vision
To transform agriculture from a commercial industry into a spiritual evolution rooted in self-reliant, organic living.
Key Contributions
- Organic Movement: Catalyzed the organic farming movement in Karnataka, advocating for the "psychology of plants"
- Institutional Founder: Inspired the creation of Krishi Prayoga Pariwara and established Kisan Kootas for village empowerment
- Gurukula Support: Served as a foundational pillar and managing trustee for the inception of Prabodhini Gurukula
Remembered as a 'Krishi Rishi' (Agricultural Sage) whose life's work continues through the Purushothama Rao Agricultural Research Foundation.
Shri Seetharam Kedilaya
Visionary Social Reformer & RSS Pracharak
"Know Bharat, Be Bharat, and Make Bharat the World's Teacher."
Vision
To achieve 'Grama Vikasa' (Rural Upliftment) by awakening the spirit of self-reliance and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) within every Indian village.
Key Contributions
- Bharat Parikrama Yatra: Completed a historic 5-year, 23,000 km barefoot journey (2012–2017), visiting over 9,000 villages to promote rural values
- National Leadership: Served as the Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukh of the RSS, leading nationwide service activities
- Rural Empowerment: Focused on 9 vital issues including cow protection, organic farming, water conservation, and preservation of native village culture
- Prabodhini Gurukula: Served as a primary guide and key mentor, instrumental in shaping its educational philosophy focused on character-building and traditional wisdom
Recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his monumental effort to reconnect with rural India and instil a sense of national unity at the grassroots level.