1900 – 1950

Born in 1900 to Hammabba and Beefathima in the nearby village of Kaje Kolombe in Dakshina Kannada district, Sairaka’s early occupation was digging wells. Seeking better opportunities, he migrated to Madikeri in 1920 where he secured contracts for digging hundreds of wells. Later, he became involved in government road construction work and emerged as a leading contractor in the field.

During that era, owning a car was a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Sairaka, however, defied this trend and became one of the first Bearys to own a car. His residence in Kaje Kolombe village was adorned with colorful mirrors, earning him the nickname “Kannattirag” (mirror house) among the villagers.

Sairaka was known for his generosity towards the poor in Kodagu. Many sought his assistance, especially religious brethren, and he was quick to extend help. Besides financing the weddings of numerous Muslim girls, he also gifted gold ornaments to the brides. His circle of friends largely comprised religious brethren, and he maintained harmonious relations with everyone.

During the rainy season, Sairaka would embark on a charitable journey to the town, accompanied by 3-4 bullock carts laden with goods. He used to distribute groceries to the needy townsfolk. They would remain in the town until the end of the rainy season before returning to Madikeri.

Once, a Lingayat man from Somwarpet taluk approached Sairaka seeking financial assistance for his daughter’s wedding. With the wedding day approaching and financial worries mounting, the man turned to Sairaka for help. Upon learning of the man’s predicament, Sairaka promptly offered him a loan of two thousand rupees, with the assurance that repayment was unnecessary.

Grateful for Sairaka’s generosity, the Lingayat man managed to arrange the required funds for repayment. However, instead of accepting the repayment, Sairaka directed the Lingayat man to use the money to assist another poor girl’s wedding.

The Lingayat man, influenced by Sairaka’s kindness, later extended assistance to a Muslim man in marrying off his daughter, citing Sairaka’s support as his inspiration.

Sairaka also owned a coffee estate in Kodagu. His residence, which he constructed and lived in, still stands on Man’s Compound Road in Madikeri. However, as his vision deteriorated, he decided to sell off his assets in Kodagu and return to his hometown to settle down.

Sairaka, who hailed from Dakshina Kannada and made his mark in Madikeri, passed away in 1950 in his hometown.