Ravi Katpadi was a construction worker who was known for his social work. Mr. Katpadi spent more than 9 years of his life collecting funds and using them to pay for the medical expenses of people who were in dire need of medical assistance, such as treatment for heart diseases, cancer, eye diseases and people suffering from various skin diseases.
Wiki/Biography
Ravi Katpadi was born in 1983 (37 years old in 2020) in Udupi, Karnataka. Ravi studied till 9th grade, after which he had to drop out to earn money to support his family. Ravi worked as a daily wage labourer in the construction industry, earning a maximum of Rs 450 to 550 per day.
appearance
Height (approximate): 5′ 6″
Eye color: Black
Hair color: Black
Ravi Katpadi preparing his costumes
Family and caste
There is not much information about Ravi Katpadi’s family members.
Social Work
Ravi is part of a group of artists who showcase their art on the occasion of various festivals and appear in the guise of different mythological and folklore characters. Ravi has been participating in such activities for the past few years to entertain the masses and raise funds. However, in 2013, Ravi realized that he could use the money to help those who needed financial help. He saw an advertisement on television where a woman was in dire need of money for the treatment of her daughter. Ravi decided to raise funds on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janamashtmi and give the money to the woman. He donned a costume and went door to door in Udupi district to collect funds. The celebrations lasted for two days and during these two days, Ravi and his team raised Rs. 1,04,810 which he in turn gave to the woman for her daughter’s treatment. The next year, he raised Rs. 3,65,000 and so on, and the amount he raised kept increasing. Several crowdfunding platforms like MILAAP and Ketto came forward to support his initiative. MILAAP produced a documentary titled ‘Ravi Katpadi, a Kind Monster’ and raised Rs 16,80,000. Over the years, Ravi has donated over Rs 52 lakh to the cause and helped over 28 children.
Awards
- Rajyotsava Award 2017
- Yuvaseva Award
- The 6th Moolathva Vishwa Award 2020
Ravi Katpadi wins the 6th Moolathva Vishwa Award 2020
Facts/Trivia
- Ravi works with different teams, one of which is responsible for the costumes, another for the logistics, and the last one for finding causes to donate to.
- Each outfit Ravi wore took at least 24 hours to prepare, during which he could only drink coconut water and juice for the next three days. The overuse of oils caused him to develop rashes and the toxins caused his skin to break out. Ravi was not impressed and said-
It takes me 24 hours to get ready. For three days I only drank fresh coconut water and other juices because I couldn’t eat anything. A few times I got a rash from the paint on my body but I didn’t mind it because it was for a good purpose. Growing up I saw a lot of struggle and hardship. It was heartbreaking to see kids suffering and that’s why I continue to support or provide for them.”
- The cost of the costumes Ravi wears during these festivals is borne by him and his friends. According to Mr Katpadi, the most expensive costume he has ever worn is the “Fantastic Monster”; the costume was exported from the United States and cost Rs 40,000.
Ravi Katpadi in his “Fantastic Monster” costume
- Ravi took permission from the deputy commissioner of Udupi district to wear the costume to spread awareness about the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. He did not raise any funds from the event.
Ravi Katpadi wears a costume to spread awareness about the coronavirus
- On January 15, 2021, Ravi Katpadi appeared in Karam Veer’s ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ special episode along with Anupam Kher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjtSqXNITx0
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education