Mahantesh G K , Founder of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

Dear all, today we had guest lecture by Mr. Mahantesh G K founder of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. He is visually impaired and highly qualified person. Though he is visually impaired but his achievements are really great. He shared his life journey with DFP6 fellows during his visit to Deshpande Foundation, Hubli.  He was born in a village called Neginala in Bailahongal taluk of Belgaum District. He completed his early education in Ramana Maharishi School Bangalore and his Post Graduation studies in English Literature from Bangalore University. Mahantesh sir lost his eye sight due to typhoid at a very early age. After experiencing so much in life with a aim to guide and encourage visually and physically challenged children to provide education and to pursue higher studies he, along  with two other visually impaired friends, in the year 1997 he started an organisation called 'Samarthanam Trust For The Disabled' in Bangalore. The word 'Samarthanam' means capable in Sanskrit. 

Samarthanam provides free lodging, boarding and education to the visually impaired, physically and economically challenged students. Samrthanam also provides free computer training to its students. The students of Samarthanam have represented India in the "World cup cricket Tournament for the Blind -1998 and 2002". 

According to Mahantesh sir there are 6 D's which plays very important role in an individual's life.

• Dream
• Desire 
• Dedication 
• Discipline
• Determination 
• Destination     

He said if we want to achieve something in our life these 6D's should be very clear and need to follow these in life. To achieve success we need to believe in ourselves and need to be more confident. I was really motivated by his speech and his work. He inspired me to work hard and to be humble in life. He always believe in sharing so it made me to think in his perspective and to give small contribution to the society by doing service.