From the world of performing arts to a world of serving social causes, it has been a paradigm change for Nagathihalli. He has decided to give something back to the society and what better than his own home town near Bangalore. Well known Kannada film director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar is known as a contemporary film maker who usually makes movies that appeals to the youth. Before he entered the film world, Nagathihalli was teaching Kannada at Mysore University. He was a prolific literary writer too.
The urge to do something for his village Nagathihalli started a decade back. Taking his social cause to newer heights, he decided to get eye surgery done for 25 people from his village (Nagathihalli) totally free of cost. Speaking about this recent effort, Nagathihalli said, “Doctor Praveen R Murthy has come forward to do free eye surgery for these villagers at a well known eye clinic in Bangalore.”
“Apart from this, we have recently conducted a Nagathihalli village cultural festival, which is an yearly event that happens around Ugadi. The festival is not only meant for cultural activities but we focus on certain treatments for orthopaedic, gynaecological, dentistry problems. During this festival held between April 13 and 15, Dr Praveen visited our village and did free check up for almost 150 people. He also identified around 25 villagers who needed surgery. That’s when he decided, he would do the operation, free of cost along with hospital stay, food and medical facilities. I am so happy and grateful for the concern shown by the doctors,” he explained.
Nagathihalli has further adopted the government school where he studied. “I added my village name Nagathihalli to Chandrashekar. My social work has nothing to do with my being a teacher, professor or writer. I wanted to go back to roots and give back something to the village and particularly to the school where I studied. I have been doing this for almost a decade now,” said Nagathihalli who has established three buildings namely a theatre for performing arts, where the villagers can learn folk art, play etc, a computer lab for villagers to have global awareness and a library housing nearly 10,000 books. “This library has definitely helped some youngsters in doing their PhD’s and writing certain professional examinations,” he added. Nagathihalli clarified that he is neither attached to any NGO nor has any political motive. “This is all done from the money I have earned in my long professional career. Every year, I make some time and take up this activity religiously,” he said.
Nagathihalli has also provided help to at least 50 village women by setting up a milk dairy. “I took the help of Karnataka Milk Federation in getting a job for them which is basically to financially empower them. These ladies also participate in theatre group activities,” he explained.
Various stalwarts, writers, and the scientific community have supported Nagathihalli’s work. “Senior writers like UR Ananthamurthy and others have periodically visited our village and supported our cause.” he signs off.