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Shivakumara Swami: The Silent Giant of Service
He lived for 111 years!
In a world too frequently dominated by ambition, greed, and self-interest, the life of Shivakumara Swami is one of humble but powerful contrast. For over a century, this humble Indian monk lived without ego, riches, or desire for personal renown. He was not a king, celebrity, or CEO. And yet when he passed away in 2019, millions had come to regard him as a living icon of selfless service and spiritual simplicity.
Although born in a traditional Hindu environment, Shivakumara Swami's life is not religious. His life is about touching hearts and souls not through preaching, but through living the life he desired to—every morning, rain or shine. This is a man who rose early, fed the poor, educated the needy, and found divinity not in temples or scriptures—but in the eyes of children and the dignity of work.
Early Life: A Seed of Compassion
Shivakumara Swami was born Shivanna on 1 April 1907 in the tiny village of Veerapura, Karnataka, South India. He was one of thirteen children and the youngest. While the village was rural, his father was an educated man and educated Shivanna at formal school—a decision that would transform the lives of thousands.
He displayed immense potential for study, which later led him to Central College…
