Founder of Maithri Trust R. Sridhar Dies at 80

R. Sridhar, the visionary who established the charitable body Maithri Trust, has died at the age of 80. The news, announced by the trust’s management, marks the end of a six‑decade journey that began with a simple aim to serve the under‑privileged in coastal Karnataka.

Born in the early 1940s, Sridhar devoted his professional life to social work after retiring from a career in public service. In 1975 he founded Maithri Trust, initially operating from a modest room in Mangalore. Over the years the organisation expanded its reach, running schools, health‑care camps and livelihood programmes across the Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada districts.

Colleagues recall Sridhar’s hands‑on approach: he would often be seen at the ground level, supervising distribution of food packets during monsoon emergencies or visiting remote villages to assess the impact of educational scholarships. Under his guidance, the trust secured partnerships with several government agencies and international NGOs, enabling it to scale up projects that benefitted thousands of families.

Family members, friends and beneficiaries gathered at the trust’s headquarters to pay their respects. A simple ceremony, attended by local officials and community leaders, reflected Sridhar’s lifelong preference for humility over fanfare. The trust announced that a commemorative scholarship will be instituted in his name, supporting higher‑education aspirants from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

While the loss is deeply felt, the organisation’s board affirmed its commitment to continue Sridhar’s mission, stating that “the foundation he laid will guide us for generations to come.”

Image for illustration purposes only

📰 Source: The Hindu National