The Inspiring Rise of Mulky Jeevan K Shetty and SHARADA ASSOCIATES
In the coastal town of Mulki in Dakshina Kannada, where tradition weaves into every structure and every soul, a legacy of craftsmanship and purpose is being quietly constructed. At the heart of this movement is Mulky Jeevan K Shetty, a visionary who transformed his childhood inspirations into SHARADA ASSOCIATES—one of the region’s most respected names in design-and-build services, with a distinguished flair for temple architecture.
This is not just a business story. It’s the journey of a man who took his roots, education, and inherited values, and built something truly enduring—something that reflects not only his passion for civil engineering but also his deep commitment to community and culture.
A Childhood of Quiet Aspirations
Born into a family that valued hard work and ethics, Mulky Jeevan K Shetty was surrounded by entrepreneurial energy from the start. His father was the force behind SHARADA PRINTERS, a local printing press established in 1973. Growing up amid the rhythmic hum of printing machines and the silent determination of his father’s work ethic, young Mulky absorbed the values that would later define his journey—discipline, perseverance, and purpose.
Encouraged to pursue civil engineering, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and later a Master’s in Construction Technology. But what truly set him on his path wasn’t just formal education—it was his father’s dream: to see his son contribute meaningfully to their hometown’s development.
In 1996, at just 20 years old, Mulky took a bold leap. With passion in his heart and a vision in his mind, he established SHARADA ASSOCIATES, a firm that would grow from humble beginnings into a beacon of excellence in temple construction and civil engineering.
The Rise of SHARADA ASSOCIATES
What started as a modest consultancy quickly gained momentum. On February 10, 1996, SHARADA ASSOCIATES officially came into being. In its early days, the firm focused on civil and interior works, but soon found its unique identity in temple construction, a niche that beautifully aligned with both technical expertise and cultural reverence.
Today, SHARADA ASSOCIATES is synonymous with trust, tradition, and innovation. It has completed numerous landmark projects, blending eco-conscious materials, modern construction techniques, and a timeless aesthetic rooted in Indian architecture. The firm also imports high-quality timber, enhancing its capabilities in heritage-style building.
More than just constructing buildings, SHARADA ASSOCIATES has built livelihoods—generating employment, empowering communities, and offering hands-on industry exposure to students of civil engineering, commerce, and management.
A Social and Economic Catalyst
Mulky’s mission has never been limited to concrete and steel. With every project, SHARADA ASSOCIATES contributes to a larger vision—uplifting local communities and integrating educational collaboration into its operations. By offering internships and practical exposure, the firm actively connects academia with industry, ensuring that students enter the job market with real-world experience.
What truly distinguishes the company is its client-centric approach. With a flexible operating model and a strong emphasis on timely delivery, technological integration, and environmentally responsible practices, SHARADA ASSOCIATES continues to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Lessons from the Trenches
No entrepreneurial path is without hurdles—and Mulky’s journey was no exception. The early years were rife with local competition, limited exposure, and the usual teething issues of a growing enterprise. But he met every challenge head-on, expanding operations beyond regional boundaries and continually upgrading the firm’s quality benchmarks.
Throughout the roller-coaster ride, he found strength in his father’s goodwill and the steadfast support of his wife. These anchors kept him grounded and gave him the resolve to keep going when times were tough.
“Patience and lifelong learning,” he often says, “are the greatest teachers in business and in life.”
Vision into the Future: Scaling New Heights
With nearly three decades of successful operations, SHARADA ASSOCIATES is now setting its sights on broader horizons. Future plans include:
- Expansion into urban markets
- Ventures in the hospitality and trading sectors
- Stronger focus on government projects
- A full-scale design-build-sell property development model
Mulky believes that by blending architectural elegance with functional utility, the company can redefine how infrastructure contributes to both economy and community.
A Legacy Inspired by Legends
Mulky draws profound inspiration from Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of India’s greatest engineers and nation-builders. “Engineering is not just about structures—it’s about serving society,” he often says, echoing the legacy of his idol.
Like Visvesvaraya, he sees engineering as a means to create meaningful change. Each temple built, each home completed, each student mentored—adds a stone to the monument of progress he’s building.
For Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs
To the next generation of entrepreneurs, Mulky offers simple but powerful advice:
“Don’t copy others. Find your own interest, nurture it, and build from experience. Passion, patience, and persistence will take you further than imitation ever could.”
He believes that the most sustainable ventures are those that come from within—from purpose, not pressure.
Honoring a Trailblazer
Mulky’s contributions have been acknowledged with multiple awards, including:
- Rashtriya Gaurav Award (2016) – Presented by Dr. Bhishma Narayan Singh, Former Governor of Tamil Nadu
- Sir M. Visvesvaraya Best Engineering National Award – Bangalore
These accolades stand as testimony to a life devoted to excellence, humility, and service.
Building Beyond Brick and Mortar
In the story of Mulky Jeevan K Shetty and SHARADA ASSOCIATES, we find more than just construction success—we find a philosophy. A belief that true entrepreneurship lies in empowering people, preserving culture, and bridging the old and the new with grace.
From temples that touch the sky to careers that touch lives, Mulky continues to build a future rooted in legacy—and lifted by vision.
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