Where vision meets tradition, and every structure tells a story.
In a world where cement and steel often speak louder than soul and spirit, one man has quietly built a legacy that balances both — rooted deeply in tradition yet stretching confidently toward the future. His name is Mulky Jeevan K Shetty, and his brainchild, SHARADA ASSOCIATES, is not just a construction firm — it is an embodiment of cultural preservation, engineering precision, and entrepreneurial grit.
In the heartland of Dakshina Kannada, where temples rise like poetry in stone, SHARADA ASSOCIATES has redefined what it means to build. But before the first brick was ever laid, there was a boy in Mulki with a dream far larger than the skyline he would one day shape.
Origins Etched in Ink and Ambition
The story begins in a modest home surrounded by the steady rhythm of a printing press — SHARADA PRINTERS, founded in 1973 by Mulky’s father. It was there, among reels of paper and the hum of industrious machines, that Jeevan first learned the essence of dedication, precision, and purpose.
His father’s unwavering work ethic and community-driven values laid the foundation for what would become his own philosophy — one built not merely on ambition, but on intentional impact. Though engineering was his chosen path, it wasn’t just about blueprints and building codes; it was about creating something meaningful, something lasting.
Armed with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Construction Technology, Jeevan stepped into the real world not just as an engineer, but as a man with a mission.
The Birth of SHARADA ASSOCIATES: Where Passion Meets Purpose
In February 1996, at the mere age of 20, Jeevan founded SHARADA ASSOCIATES — a bold move by any standard. Starting as a small consultancy firm, it was driven not by market trends or flashy strategies, but by a singular purpose: to beautify his hometown, generate employment, and blend culture with construction.
Over time, the firm grew — slowly, steadily, and purposefully. What set SHARADA ASSOCIATES apart was not just its technical expertise, but its soulful touch. Specializing in temple construction, the company carved out a niche that not only required structural precision but emotional and spiritual sensitivity.
Today, the firm stands tall — a name synonymous with aesthetic innovation, on-time delivery, and eco-conscious development. From civil works to interior design, from timber imports to heritage preservation — SHARADA ASSOCIATES has evolved into a powerhouse that still remains intimately connected to its roots.
Beyond Buildings: A Blueprint for Social Progress
For Jeevan, buildings are just the beginning. What lies behind the structure is more important than the structure itself — and that’s where SHARADA ASSOCIATES makes its deepest mark.
The company has become a significant contributor to local employment, skill development, and academic-industry integration. Collaborating with educational institutions, it offers internships and training for students in civil engineering, commerce, and management — nurturing the next generation of professionals.
In this way, SHARADA ASSOCIATES doesn’t just construct — it educates, uplifts, and inspires.
Facing the Storms: Resilience as a Cornerstone
No great journey is complete without its trials. The early years were marked by intense competition and resource constraints. In a crowded market, standing out wasn’t easy — but Jeevan refused to compromise on quality.
He expanded his reach beyond the local scene, adapted to market needs, and constantly innovated. His greatest strengths during this phase? The goodwill earned by his father, and the quiet yet constant support of his wife — both of whom stood as unshakeable pillars during testing times.
From these challenges, Jeevan learned lessons in resilience, adaptability, and perhaps most importantly — humility.
The Road Ahead: Building the Future, Respecting the Past
With nearly three decades of excellence behind him, Jeevan is far from slowing down. The future for SHARADA ASSOCIATES is one of expansion, innovation, and deeper impact.
Plans include:
- Forays into hospitality and real estate development
- Strengthening the design-build-sell property model
- Exploring government collaborations
- Bringing eco-sensitive architecture into the mainstream
His vision is to make SHARADA ASSOCIATES not just a leading construction firm, but a cultural and economic force — one that builds with conscience and creates with care.
Inspired by a Titan: The Legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya
Every great leader has a muse. For Jeevan, it is none other than Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the engineering luminary who helped shape modern India.
Jeevan sees in him a reflection of what he hopes to become — an engineer who builds nations, not just structures. His admiration for Visvesvaraya isn’t just symbolic; it fuels his every endeavor, pushing him to strive for integrity, excellence, and societal upliftment.
Advice from a Builder of Dreams
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Jeevan offers this honest and powerful message:
“Don’t chase trends. Chase truth. Know your strengths. Get your hands dirty. Build something that reflects you — not someone else.”
He firmly believes that authenticity, continuous learning, and purposeful innovation are the real cornerstones of any lasting success.
Honors Along the Way: A Life Recognized
Jeevan’s quiet dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. His accolades include:
- Rashtriya Gaurav Award (2016) – Presented by Dr. Bhishma Narayan Singh
- Sir M. Visvesvaraya Best Engineering National Award – Bangalore
These honors are more than trophies — they are tributes to a man whose work transcends concrete and touches lives.
Final Words: A Living Monument of Vision and Values
In a country teeming with engineers and entrepreneurs, Mulky Jeevan K Shetty is something different — a builder of legacies, not just projects. Through SHARADA ASSOCIATES, he continues to redefine what success looks like in construction: less about square feet, more about soulful impact.
His structures may rise from the ground, but his story soars — rooted in tradition, powered by vision, and guided by a heart that never forgets where it all began.
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