His Life, His Dream Vision and Call for Action and Support
P. D. Ravindra’s journey in engineering excellence began with his graduation in Mechanical Engineering, leading him into the heart of the defense industry at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Demonstrating remarkable leadership and expertise, he ascended to the role of Chief Engineer and head of the Helicopter Maintenance Division. By the age of 40, Ravindra embarked on a bold new path, resigning from his prestigious position to establish his own industry. This venture focused on designing and manufacturing equipment for the defense and public sectors, specifically tailored to helicopters, aircraft, and heavy machinery. His innovations contributed significantly to the country, saving substantial amounts of foreign exchange.
Parallel to his professional achievements, Ravindra nurtured a passionate hobby that aligned with his industry work. Utilizing his workshop facilities, he crafted science experiments that eventually evolved into a museum. Today, this museum is called “Kalaspoorthi” and stands as a testament to his creativity and dedication to education, welcoming the public free of charge and promoting the concept of “Do it yourself” experience. The museum’s popularity has been acknowledged widely, with nearly 40 plus newspaper articles across the country, extensive coverage by over a dozen TV media channels, and numerous videos in YouTube, celebrating Ravindra’s contributions to science education and public knowledge.
Roots in a Rich Family Heritage
P. D. Ravindra’s life narrative is deeply interwoven with the values and accomplishments of his forefathers. His great grandfather Ramanna, a devout priest, was closely connected with spiritual practices. Ravindra’s paternal grandfather, Dr. P. R. Subba Rao, a distinguished surgeon of those British Raj ruled days, pursued the path in medicine, exemplifying resilience and intellect. Sri P. S. Devadas, Ravindra’s father, continued this legacy of achievement and generosity, becoming a prominent criminal advocate and philanthropist. Smt. Saraswathamma Devadas, Ravindra’s mother, added a dimension of divine grace and artistic talent in him. His maternal grandfather, Sri Venkata Subba Rao, an foreman at the Power Generating Hydro Electric Station in Shivana Samudram. His innovative engineering spirit, coupled with a profound love for nature, deeply inspired Mr Ravindra who continues to carry forward the family legacy with humility and humbleness.
Transformational Journeys of Ravindra.
In 1973, Ravindra embarked on a journey to England for professional training, which included a personal visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. Approaching Avon visit with an engineering mindset like yet another tourist spot, with no exposure or curiosity in literature or poets, he was profoundly taken aback when he experienced the resonance of the place, which was preserved in all respects in Shakespeare’s time and era. In this state of mind taken back in time, he suddenly experienced a moment of profound transformation and stood offering prayers in homage to Shakespeare of all these contributions to literature and humanity.
This visit left an profound mark on Ravindra, igniting a persistent echo in his mind to recognize and honor all the ancient authors and poets of Karnataka. Many years later, in 2003, inspired by his visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, Ravindra collaborated with a book publisher to organize a five nights tour that would pay tribute to all Karnataka’s ancient authors and poets. He gathered a distinguished group, including Professor Dr. Venkatachala Sastry from Mysore University, artist T. K. Rao, the Director of All India Radio, experienced singers, and several Kannada professors from Bangalore University, embarking a journey on an 18-seater bus rich with knowledge exchange.
The tour was akin to a traveling classroom, visiting significant sites like the birthplace and home of Kumara Vyasa, the Gadagina Veera Narayana temple, where he composed his rendition of the Mahabharata, as well as locations associated with poets Pampa, Bendre, and Shishunala Sharif. Motivated by these experiences of the journey, a book was published named “Kavinamana, Ondu, Vishista Pravasa”. To spread the message and pay homage to the brilliant Kannada authors poets of our cultural heritage.
Vision to be realized!
Following his transformative journeys to Stratford-upon-Avon and the birthplaces of renowned poets, Ravindra experienced a profound and vivid dream that marked yet another turning point in his life. In his dream, he saw another powerful transformation of the great sage Valmiki. Valmiki being a Bandit in his early days who underwent a metaphorical change to write the divine epic Ramayana. The change happened with Valmiki dedication and meditation, and it was so intense, a large ant hill grew around him. This Ant hill, called upon his inner voice and conscious constantly to build and establish a Ant hill like structure and name it Valmiki Mandira, a sanctuary dedicated to the pursuit of art, dance, music, and sculpting, welcoming individuals from all castes and religions. This vision aimed to create a space where the true principles of Sanatana Dharma would be upheld and practiced, reflecting the miracle transformative journey of Valmiki from a bandit to the revered author of the sacred Ramayana. This dream resonated with Ravindra, its message echoing powerfully in his daily life, urging him to bring this vision into reality.