"Hope is the light that guides us through the darkest storms, reminding us that even after loss, life offers new beginnings."
Motivation
This biography is dedicated to my wife, Shashikala, whose unwavering support would not be there if I were not able to achieve everything I am today. It was a time when, for the most important decision of my life, I had to choose between what should have become, and could become at best, and what I wanted to be for myself. She used to run a tutor for lesser-known subjects, I used to be a guest lecturer in some professional colleges, and we used to be involved with many NGOs. So, when this opportunity came my way in 2010 to work at Dubai One Power Plant, I went to her and told her about the available opportunity I must remain here, or this road was open. Despite her little education, she dispelled such foolishness and said sensibly, “You know better than me what to do. Go ahead if it is good, I will support you.”.
Her faith in me gave me the courage to take that one step that changed my life forever. I never shared it with anyone else, not even friends and relatives, but only with her. Her trust and encouragement became my greatest strength. All this journey and everything that I have accomplished is as much hers as it is mine.
Chapter 1: Against All Odds: Navigating a Tough Childhood
With Grandparents-(Krishnappajja and Maakajji)
I, Dr. Siddoji Rao Madane, was born on June 5, 1973, in Anaveri, a village in Bhadravati Taluk in the Shimoga District of Karnataka State, into a world that seemed to conspire against me from the very start. The fact that I lost my father when I was a kid, cast a long shadow over my childhood. There are many moments when I wonder how things would have been had he been alive to guide me.
By the time I was ten, misfortune befell me again. My mother, my comfort and love, left me. Such a hole, an empty feeling, could never be overcome. I was an orphan, luckily adopted by my maternal grandparents (Krishnappa and Makubai), whose unconditional love became the grounding of my being. They faced the world with courage, but I could feel their pain, which made me even more determined to overcome our hardships. My childhood photo with my mother and MY PARENTS PHOTO (Rathna bai and Maruthi Rao) my brother Late: Mohan Rao Madane who died in may-2024.
Education and Struggles
Their guidance helped me complete my schooling. The pride they reflected in their eyes when they saw me pass out from school remains one of the most inspiring memories in what is otherwise this disastrous beginning in my life. But then, no detour lined the road ahead. I had just entered adulthood when I was quickly reminded that more trials were still to come in life.
My elder brother helped me, but it was still not easy to manage both ends. Being of adamant willpower, I did various part-time jobs, like agricultural labour jobs and doing many other mall tasks that came to my mind. Those long hours are vividly remembered; hot sunshine had blistered on my head, and the sweat beads were dripping relentlessly as I stood there to serve meals to strangers. This was very tough, but it was a necessity. Every penny earned brought me nearer to my dream. I had completed my graduate studies at Kuvempu University in 1995. After all the hard work and the putting up with, it was a big accomplishment. But even with pride welling in my heart, I knew my journey was not even over yet.
Inspiration Through: Kannada Literature and Cinema -Dr. Raj Kumar
(ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಡಾ. ರಾಜ್ ಕುಮಾರ್)
In my early days, I was profoundly influenced by the actor Dr. Rajkumar, an icon of Kannada cinema. His films resonated deeply with me, instilling values and principles that shaped my character. Through his performances, I learned important moral lessons and adopted a strong ethical philosophy that has guided me throughout my life. To me, he is not just a film star but the real hero of my journey—a true role model whose influence remains etched in my heart.
Additionally, my passion for reading played a significant role in my development. I regularly explored journals and weekly magazines, with Hai Bangaluru and Lankesh Patrike being my favourites. The works of Ravi Belagere, (ರವಿ ಬೆಳಗೆರೆ) a renowned journalist and writer, particularly inspired me. His insightful articles, along with his engaging videos and voice recordings, taught me the importance of confidence and self-expression. These influences have collectively enriched my life, helping me navigate challenges and inspiring me to strive for excellence in all my endeavours.
Chapter 2: A Brother’s Bond: Trials and Sacrifice
Struggling with what has been, my life still hasn’t been easy, but the deepest bond in my journey has been with my older brother, Mohan Rao (MRM). My family were only two of us—me and him. He was two years my senior; however, he was, in many ways, a guiding force whose influence played out some of the hardest times in my life. He died May 2024, and the pain still feels fresh. His absence is indeed felt, but his sacrifices and the struggles that we both went through will always be remembered by me.
It was far from easy when I was young. My brother worked for a company. But he wasn’t in a job that paid much. It was an apprentice job at Mysore Paper Mills in Bhadravati, earning only about Rs. 380 per month as stipend. With this little income, he could provide partial support to me. It is not 100% but was something, and I am grateful for what he could give to us. We are not just brothers because we share the burden and responsibilities
for one another as we try to make sense of the world around us.
At the time, I was studying at Bhadravati. We both lived in a small room, just getting by. My brother used to go out and earn; I concentrated on my studies. His income alone would not be sufficient to bear all of us. Therefore, every Sunday, I used to do half-day some part-time work. Not very much, but it was my bit for the household income.
In 1990-1992, it mattered to me. That money helped me buy my study materials, books, pens, and even clothes. The “digests” we used during that period are what we know as “study material” today. Every single rupee I made from all those labouring Sundays went towards saving for my education; more than money, it was a source of survival, a will to carry on.
My brother’s sacrifice in those days never allowed my memory to fade. He did his best, day after day, to ensure that I could continue with my studies. And I did everything I could to help him-earning just a few extra rupees over weekends. We never had any luxuries, never any comforts, but the only focal point was how to go through the day the week, or the year.
Losing my brother was indeed very hard for me and my family. He was not just family but a warrior who fought alongside me in battle, my support when I needed it the most. His tiny contributions may be considered small to others, but enormous for me. Without him, I really do not know if I would have survived those tough years. Thus, while alive, he nurtured in me the value of their sacrifice and that memory still carries me forward today, fighting every day for a better tomorrow. Every step forward is one we started together.
Chapter 3: Career & Education
Career and Education Development
Along with the tutoring and small income, I did DBA (Diploma in Business Administration) and PGDMM (Post Graduation Diploma in Marketing Management) from Kuvempu University. I was proactive and attended many debates and seminars as a student. It was at the beginning of my life that a series of seismic shifts. I continued to be a tutor from 1994 to 2010, but my industrial experiences were extremely worthwhile. After all, I had acquired three years of experience as a technical writer for documentation and not just the nitty-gritty about the job but also a sense of professionalism, which would take me a long way in the future. I did my Dip. In Mechanical Engineering.
Early career with G M Murthy sir
Tank tuition at Anjaneya temple. Started teaching career with Sri Gangadharappa and Murthy sir; there I learned many methodologies and was recognized by students and parents. I worked about 5 years (1993~1998).
MPM FACTORY /Company life:-
I was getting an opportunity in October of 1998 that was mindboggling— a job in the Government of Karnataka at Mysore Paper Mills Limited (Company was built by Maharaja of Mysore). This was destiny, especially since my father, mother and brother had once worked for the same company. It was as if the universe was giving me a second chance to connect with my father’s legacy. I was first appointed as Boiler Helper, but after few years, my role changed. I moved on to become a 2nd class Boiler Operator, each promotion was in the form of validation of my hard work and determination, which only reinforced my belief that perseverance pays off.
In fact, during the early days of my career at Mysore Papers Limited, I received little support from my MPM colleagues, including Nagabhushana, K R Vijayan, Kulkarni, Venkatesha, Sathish and Manje Gowda. Whereas Tutorial partners Mr. Kare Gowda, HN Pawar also played significant roles in my development. Additionally, the role model BJ Mariyappa and his family, especially his son, Mr. Ramesh, provided invaluable assistance throughout my life. Their encouragement and support were instrumental in helping me navigate my early and later career.
