Opposite Mahakali Temple, Pumpwell Service Road, Kankanady, Mangalore 575002
In a country that has a 1.4 billion population, many go hungry, many are orphans, many grow old without support and many stay homeless. In India, it takes a loud magnitude to contribute to social sustainability. At such times, institutions, small or big, matter when they step out on the path of philanthropy. One such providential institution is the Suvarna Trust. For people across Dakshina Kannada, Damodar Suvarna epitomizes humanitarianism and benevolence.
The Suvarna Trust was registered as a public charitable trust in 1998. It is under the ownership of Udaya Chandra Suvarna, established in accordance with the will of Damodar Suvarna. The Trust is multi-faceted in nature, with the basic aim to promote social development. Besides providing education, food, and shelter to orphans and underprivileged women, the trust has been instrumental in conducting mass marriages, enhancing civil society and rural livelihood, and providing scholarship grants.
1969 – Founded construction company named Jyothi Construction Company
1970 – Established factories to manufacturing RCC poles and allied concrete products and centres for electric poles
1976 – Elected as the President of Billava Association
1977 – Awarded gold medal for performance of Kulai Ice Factory
1977 – Organised Billava Sammelan at Mulki, graced by the then Chief Minister, Karnataka, Sri Devaraj Urs and his cabinet.
1978 – Instrumental in enabling his community to represent in the state government (5 MLAs and 1 MP from Udupi and Mangalore got elected from the community.
1982 – Founded Hotel Roopa, Balmatta Road, Mangalore.
The Damodar R. Suvarna Education Trust was established in memory of Late Damodar Suvarna with a firm belief that education is the foundation of a strong and progressive society. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Udaya Chandra Suvarna, the Trust has been actively empowering students from economically weaker sections through scholarships and merit awards.
Every year, the Trust supports hundreds of deserving students pursuing medical, engineering, nursing, and other professional courses across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod districts.
On 23rd December, 2025, Sunday, a significant event was held at the Kudroli Shri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, where the Damodar R. Suvarna Education Trust hosted its Scholarship Distribution and Merit Award Ceremony, marking the birth anniversary of Damodar R. Suvarna. The event was inaugurated by Member of Parliament Kota Srinivasa Poojary, who emphasized that dedication and hard work contribute to both individual success and societal progress.
Under the leadership of Dr. Udaya Chandra Suvarna, scholarships worth Rs.63 lakh were awarded to 861 students this year, deserving students pursuing medical, engineering, nursing, and other degree courses from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod districts.
The Trust believes that education is the foundation of a strong and progressive society. The Trust continuously expands its initiatives and plans to introduce interest-free education loans for needy students. Through sustained dedication to education and social service, the Trust continues to shape brighter futures and stronger communities.
Member of Parliament Brijesh Chowta highlighted the challenges within society and acknowledged the guidance provided by social reformers. M.L.A of D. Vedavyas Kamath noted that several students supported by the Trust have achieved success in various professional fields. All India Billava Union President Naveen Chandra Suvarna announced plans to undertake additional social service activities through the Trust.
Trustees including Asha Suvarna, Dr. Uday Chandra Suvarna, B.E (Mech), Nikhil Suvarna, B.E. (Mech) and Tanvi Suvarna, B.Com, C.A were present. The event was concluded with a cultural program.
Seethappu Kodoor proposed the vote of thanks, while Meena Dinesh assisted in the proceedings. Managing Trustee Udayachandra D. Suvarna welcomed the gathering, and Jagadeep Suvarna delivered the vote of thanks. Keshava Bangera skillfully compered the program, ensuring its smooth flow.