Gubbi Thotadappa

Rao Bahadur "Dharmapravartha" Gubbi Thotadappa (Kannada:ರಾವ್ ಬಹದ್ದೂರ್ ಧರ್ಮಪ್ರವರ್ತ ಗುಬ್ಬಿ ತೋಟದಪ್ಪ),(1838-1910)(place:Gubbi), was an Indian businessman and philanthropist.[1] He founded a free lodging place for tourists from across the nation called "Thotadappa Chathra".[1] He was honoured with the title "Dharmapravartha" by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and "Rao Bahadur" by the British government.[1]

Rao Bahadhur Dharmapravartha

Gubbi Thotadappa
Personal details
Born1838
Gubbi, Tumkur, Kingdom of Mysore (now in Karnataka)
Died1910
Bangalore
NationalityIndian
Spouse(s)Gowramma
OccupationDoner, RBDGTC Trust Founder
ProfessionBusiness man
Rao Bahadur Dharmapravartha Gubbi Thotadappa Charities (RBDGTC)

Early years

Thotadappa was born in 1838 in a Lingayat family of Gubbi. His family moved to Bangalore in the later years where he started his business in Mamulpet.[2]

Social work
Gubbi Thotadappa statue in front of RBDGTC trust

Having no children of his own, Thotadappa decided to use all his property to the benefit of tourists and students. He founded a trust called Rao Bahadur Dharmapravartha Gubbi Thotadappa Charities (RBDGTC). In 1897, the trust bought a piece of land near Bangalore City Railway Station and, on 11 Feb 1903, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV officially opened the Dharmachathra (for visiting tourists) and Free Hostel (for students).[3] During his last days he donated all his property to RBDGTC trust and appointed K. P. Puttanna Chetty as first president of that trust. The trust continues its work today. This hostel facility was extended to all over Karnataka. In the year 2005, the hostel was reconstructed. For its centenary the trust built Bell Hotel at Kempegowda Bus Station as a source of income. The lodging facility offers accommodation at a nominal rate and is open to all, irrespective of their religion.[3] Use of the hostel, however, is exclusive to students belonging to the lingayat community. To date the hostel has not received Government grants. The trust awards scholarships for merit to Lingayat students every year.[4]

Rao Bahaddhur Dharma Pravartha Gubbi thothadappa Idol

Honours
  • In 1905, he was given the title "Dharmapravartha" by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, for his social services.
  • In 1910, George V, Emperor of India, granted him the nobility of "Rao Bahadur".

Death

On 21 February 1910, Thotadappa died at the age of 72.

Influence

See also

References
  1. Divya Sreedharan. "For now, this old shelter". Online Edition of the Hindu, dated 2 February 2003. 2003, the Hindu. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  2. Suresh Moona. "Over 100 years of hospitality: Gubbi Thotadappa". bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  3. Y Maheswara Reddy. "A model for sustainable charity". the Indian express, dated 6 December 2011. 2011, the newindianexpress. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  4. Staff Reporter. "Applications invited". Online Edition of the Hindu, dated 23 September 2012. 2012, The Hindu. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
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