Sri Shivakumara Swamy

Biography:  Dr. Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamigalu also known as Nadedaduva Devaru and better known as the Shivakumara Swami, is a Lingayat religious figure and humanitarian. He is the head of Sree Siddaganga Matha and provided education to many people in Tumkur, Tumkur District, Karnataka, and South India. He is the founder of the Sri Siddaganga Education Society. He is described as the most esteemed adherent of Lingayatism. He was initiated into the Viraktashram Order in 1930. Swamiji was born in Veerapura near Magadi Taluk, Ramanagara District. He studied English in college and is proficient in Kannada and Sanskrit. He has established educational institutions which offer courses in traditional learning of Sanskrit as well as modern science and technology. He is widely respected for his philanthropic work by all communities. In recognition of his humanitarian work, Sri Swamiji was conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Literature by Karnataka University in 1965. He continues his humanitarian work at the age of 111. He is also known as "Nadedaduva Devaru" (Walking God) in Karnataka. The Karnataka government and many people also sought for Bharat Ratna for his social service. He is the oldest person living in India. Death Dr. Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji passed away at Tumkuru Siddganga Mutt after a prolonged illness on Jan 21st, 2019. He was 111 years old.