As Rani Channamma University prepares to host its 14th Convocation on November 25, 2025, one of the most inspiring figures to receive an Honorary Doctorate is Shivaji Kagnikar, a humble Gandhian and social reformer whose life’s work has transformed rural communities around Belagavi. This will be his second honorary doctorate, the first having been awarded by The Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag, recognising his lifelong commitment to sustainable development and human dignity.
A Shepherd of Social Change
Born in Kattanbhavi village, Kagnikar is the founder of Jana Jagrana, a movement that has revolutionised rural education and water conservation. Through tireless grassroots work, he established night schools in remote villages, promoted community-led watershed management, and empowered people to become self-reliant.
Despite facing discrimination and economic hardship in his early life, Kagnikar remained deeply rooted in Gandhian philosophy, inspired by the writings of Sane Guruji, whose call for literacy and compassion became his life’s mission. Always dressed in simple Khadi half-pant and shirt, riding a bicycle from village to village, Shivaji represents humility in action rather than ideology.
Transforming Kattanbhavi and Beyond
When Kagnikar returned to his village decades ago, water scarcity, unemployment, debt traps, and alcoholism devastated families. He initiated discussions on watershed management with leaders like Late Shri Ram Apte and Sadashivrao Bhosle, and helped villagers understand the power of collective action.
Through Jana Jagran’s support, he led a group from Kattanbhavi to Anna Hazare’s Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra, learning practical models that could be replicated. What followed became a miracle of rural transformation:
- 100,000+ trees planted using Continuous Contour Trenches
- Groundwater levels revived, restoring the village’s only well
- Establishment of ponds, cattle sheds, gobar gas plants
- Milk production increased from 30 litres per day to 1,400 litres
- Growth of birds and wildlife, restoring ecological balance
- Emergence of self-reliance and end of bonded labour
Inspired by its success, he replicated the model in Ningenhatti, planting another 100,000 saplings and constructing lakes that turned barren land fertile again.
Today, Kattanbhavi has an Anganwadi, schooling up to 7th standard, and a thriving night school, proving how education and water can rewrite destiny.
Awards & Recognition
Shivaji Kagnikar’s contributions have earned him many honours, including:
- Rajyotsava Award 2019
- D. Devaraj Urs Award 2018
- All About Belgaum – Belgaumite of the Year (Lifetime Achievement) 2013
- Honorary Doctorate (Gadag University) (2023)
- Honorary Doctorate – Rani Channamma University (2025)
A Legacy of Hope
With more than 30 years of service, Kagnikar continues to work daily at the grassroots level, teaching sustainable living, environmental conservation, and dignity of labour. To the people he has uplifted, he is not just a leader—he is a guardian, a teacher, and a symbol of hope.
As he receives the Honorary Doctorate this week, his journey reminds us that one person with courage and conviction can transform thousands of lives.
“Shivaji Kagnikar is a shining example of what change looks like when compassion meets action.”