In the serene town of Mulki in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, where temples echo with tradition and streets hum with quiet determination, a legacy was born—not of noise or headlines, but of vision, discipline, and purpose.
That legacy belongs to Mulky Jeevan K Shetty, the founder of SHARADA ASSOCIATES—a construction firm that began as a modest consultancy and today stands as a pioneering name in temple architecture, civil engineering, and design innovation.
This is the story of a man who chose to build not just structures, but values. Not just homes, but heritage.
A Humble Beginning, A Strong Inheritance
Jeevan’s earliest lessons in entrepreneurship came not from boardrooms or business schools, but from a printing press. His father, a man of principle and perseverance, had founded SHARADA PRINTERS in 1973. From that small yet impactful venture, Jeevan learned the value of honesty, hard work, and creating something with lasting meaning.
Though raised in a business environment, Jeevan’s path took shape through civil engineering—first earning his Bachelor’s, and later, a Master’s in Construction Technology. But his purpose was clear: to return to his roots and contribute to his community in a way that could outlast his own lifetime.
And so, in February 1996, at just 20 years of age, he laid the first stone of his own dream: SHARADA ASSOCIATES.
The Rise of SHARADA ASSOCIATES: More Than Construction
SHARADA ASSOCIATES began with humble consultancy work, but Jeevan’s vision expanded quickly. He recognized a gap—not just in infrastructure, but in the preservation of architectural heritage. With a deep respect for culture and craftsmanship, he carved a path that would lead the firm into temple construction, an area where spirituality and design intertwine.
This specialization soon became the firm’s signature. Using eco-friendly materials, blending traditional wisdom with modern techniques, and focusing on timely, ethical execution, SHARADA ASSOCIATES became a name trusted for both its artistry and its integrity.
Today, the company works across civil works, interiors, temple structures, and timber imports, seamlessly balancing form and function.
Building People, Not Just Projects
What sets Jeevan apart isn’t just what he builds—it’s why he builds.
SHARADA ASSOCIATES has become a vital pillar of the local economy, creating employment, supporting entrepreneurship, and offering mentorship and training to aspiring professionals. Students in civil engineering, commerce, and management find hands-on experience within the firm’s ecosystem, as Jeevan continues to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
For him, every site is a classroom. Every structure is a lesson in precision, patience, and purpose.
Challenges: The Hidden Blueprints of Success
Jeevan’s journey, though admirable, hasn’t been without challenge. In the early years, the firm faced intense local competition and limited recognition. But rather than scale back, he doubled down—expanding into new geographies, raising quality benchmarks, and investing in long-term client trust.
It wasn’t easy. But with the goodwill of his father, the unwavering support of his wife, and his own unshakable commitment, he navigated each obstacle with quiet strength.
“Every delay, every doubt—it shaped my resilience,” he reflects. “Sometimes, struggle is the architect of clarity.”
A Unique Model: Flexible, Focused, Future-Ready
At the core of SHARADA ASSOCIATES lies a model that’s rare in today’s industry: personalized service, process-driven delivery, and an unwavering respect for the craft. Each project is tailored. Each deadline honored. Each material chosen with care.
Clients return not just for results, but for a relationship—a partnership built on trust.
And with Jeevan’s focus on sustainability, heritage preservation, and modern construction methods, the company continues to balance the old with the new.
Looking Forward: Scaling with Purpose
As the demand for design-and-build solutions evolves, SHARADA ASSOCIATES is ready to scale—mindfully, strategically, and sustainably.
Upcoming plans include:
- Expanding into hospitality and trading sectors
- Entering government infrastructure projects
- Strengthening the design-build-sell real estate model
- Extending operations across new cities
But growth, Jeevan insists, will never come at the cost of integrity.
“We don’t just build faster. We build better. We build with heart.”
Guided by a Giant: The Influence of Sir M. Visvesvaraya
Few engineers inspire generations the way Sir M. Visvesvaraya does—and for Jeevan, he has always been more than a historical figure. He is a compass.
“His vision wasn’t about building monuments—it was about building a stronger India,” Jeevan says. “That’s what I strive for. Engineering that empowers.”
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Build What You Believe In
Jeevan’s message to aspiring business owners is grounded and honest:
“Don’t imitate success—understand it. Discover your own strength. Be ready to learn, fail, adapt. And above all, stay true to your purpose.”
In a world of quick wins and fast exits, his words carry weight—because they’re backed by decades of lived experience.
Recognized Excellence
For his contributions to engineering and enterprise, Jeevan has been honored with:
- The Rashtriya Gaurav Award (2016), by Dr. Bhishma Narayan Singh
- Sir M. Visvesvaraya Best Engineering National Award, Bangalore
These awards speak of technical brilliance—but those who know him, know the real reward lies in his work’s quiet, lasting impact.
Final Thoughts: A Name That Will Outlast Structures
Mulky Jeevan K Shetty has built more than a company. He’s built trust, inspired youth, preserved heritage, and proven that true success isn’t loud—it’s lasting.
As SHARADA ASSOCIATES continues to rise, so does the story of a man who chose to lead with humility, build with precision, and dream with purpose.
Because in the end, the best foundations are not poured in concrete—but laid in values.
