M Haranaath Rao Mattikoppa: A Rare Gem in Public Life

Bengaluru: M Venkatagiri Rao Haranaath Rao Mattikoppa of Mattikoppa village, Sagara Taluk in Shivamogga district is an unassuming noble personality with a variety of unimaginable accomplishments and yet grounded to the hilt. Recently the state Co-operative Department felicitated him with the Sahakara Ratna award for his lifelong contribution to society in general and to the field of cooperation in particular.

 

A genuine uncut gem!: Although the Co-operative Department deemed it fit to honour the 87-year-old humble gentleman at such a ripe age, public recognition of Haranaath Rao in several fields is nothing new nor is he elated or bothered about such awards in his glorious public service. It goes without saying that in the present day of selfish, mediocre and power-craving politicians he not only appears outstanding but is a genuine uncut gem!

Multiple spheres benefitted: By felicitating Haranaath Rao it looks like the Co-operative Department is trying to put forth a brave face as the sector continues to be dominated by tainted characters more known for a penchant for swindling public money for personal advantage and amassing huge assets in the shortest tenure possible. The footprints of Haranaath Rao in the agricultural, dairy, educational, industrial, political, social, and religious fields are exemplary and mind-boggling.

From a humble background to astonishing heights: Though M Venkatagiri Rao was a high court lawyer, Harnaath Rao studied only up to SSLC and underwent GDC training. It was just the beginning of formal education but treaded a long hard way to achieve a series of accomplishments hitherto unheard of and establishing milestones all along!

The first person to grow pineapple: Harnaath Rao was the first person in the Shivamogga district to grow pineapple crops during 1955-56 and became a role model in introducing the same to fellow farmers. Not only that, but he also was the first person to introduce the 'Jan Pas' pineapple juice. He also established a soft drink outlet for the purpose in 1959 and ran it successfully for a prolonged period of 36 years! It also goes to the credit of Harnaath Rao for growing Acacia and Eucalyptus variety of plants in barren wastelands in 1980.

Agitation against water cess: Harnaath Rao entered public life by becoming a Member of the Bheemanakone Gram Panchayat from 1960 to 1963. In 1970-71 the then-state government tried to levy tax on the water supplied to the Areaca plantations perturbing the growers. Harnaath Rao came like a messiah to the rescue of farmers by organizing them to wage a relentless agitation against the government action, until it withdrew the anti-farmers move. People of the old generation still remember the strike and express their gratitude for the selfless efforts of Harnaath Rao.

Compensation to Areacunut planters: Again it was in the same year that the Arecanut trees developed yellow leaf blight due to cold waves. Haranaath Rao didn't start worrying over the adverse situation for the farmers and organized the peasants to launch another agitation. The struggle paid dividends with the state government relenting to pay due compensation to the aggrieved planters.

Setting up of the largest Areca procuring co-operative organization: Arecanut prices collapsed to rock bottom level during the early 1970s leading the growers to a pathetic plight. Thanks to the efforts of Haranaath Rao and many other visionaries, their nationwide tour to study the market situation paved the way for setting up the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO). This establishment happens to be a multi-state cooperative to support Arecanut and Cocoa growers in Karnataka and Kerala.

Launching of Bheemanakone Agricultural Service Cooperative Society: In 1973 Haranaath Rao founded the Bheemanakone Agricultural Service Cooperative Society and served as a founder President for five years. In the same year, Haranaath Rao became the Founder-Director of the prestigious Arecanut Processing And Sale Cooperative Society Limited(APSCOS) in Sagara. He was the President of the organization for two terms and served as a Director for 21 years.

Founder President of the Sagara Taluk Industrial Cooperative Society: Looking back, it looks so intriguing that Haranaath Rao managed to set up, stabilize and ensure the smooth running of any number of organizations. Sagara Taluk Industrial Cooperative Society was one such which he started in 1985 and served as President for two years. Much before i.e. in 1980-81 Haranaath Rao was nominated as a Director of the Shivamogga District Central Cooperative Bank. He was also nominated as a Director of the Bheemanakone Primary Land Development Bank in 1985.

Association with the Malenadu Abhrivruddhi Pratishtana: Lal Bahadur College is one of the oldest and a reputed educational institutions headquartered in Sagara while Malenadu Abhrivruddhi Pratishtana is the parent body. Haranaath Rao served as the Vice President of the Malenadu Abhrivruddhi Pratishtana from 2000 to 2011. He also served as the President of the Malenadu Abhrivruddhi Pratishtana and was responsible for setting up several sister concerns.

Founder Director: Haranaath Rao founded many farmer-friendly institutions. He is the Founder and Director of the Sahyadri Coffee, Pepper, Horticultural and Forest Crops Cooperative Society, which commenced its services in 2001. From 2013 onwards, he has been the President of the Agriculturists Multipurpose Sales Cooperative Society Limited, Sagara.

Never-ending awards and felicitations: The number of awards and felicitations that have been making a bee-line to Haranaath Rao look never-ending. A simple, straightforward octogenarian gentleman to the core Haranaath Rao is blessed with apt guidance from elders of yesteryear and is a guiding spirit to the younger generation. Some of the significant awards include the Havyaka Vihushana, Samaja Seva Ratna, and Hongirana Nada Siri. Sahakara Ratna happens to be the latest feather in his cap.

-Manohar Yadavatti