17/01/2024

Ravi Katpadi (Social Worker) Age, Wife, Biography & More

Ravi Katpadi is a construction worker known for his social work. Mr. Katpadi has devoted more than 9 years of his life to raise funds and use them to pay for the health care of those who are in dire need of medical help such as treatment for heart disease, cancer, eye problems, and for those suffering from any type of skin disease.

Wiki/Biography

Ravi Katpadi was born in 1983 (age 37 years; as of 2020) in Udupi, Karnataka. Ravi had studied till 9th grade and after that he had to drop out of school to earn money and support his family. Ravi works as a daily wage laborer in construction, and he earns up to Rs. 450 to Rs. 550 per day.

Physical appearance

Height (approx): 5′ 6″

Eye Color: Black

Hair Color: Black

Ravi Katpadi gets ready for the costume

Family & Caste

Not much information is available about Ravi Katpadi’s family.

Social work

Ravi is part of a group of artists who showcase their art at various festivals; appearing in different mythological and folklore characters. Ravi has been participating in this practice for the past few years to entertain people and raise money. However, in 2013, Ravi realized that he could use this money to help those in need of financial assistance. He saw an ad on TV where a woman desperately needed money for her daughter’s treatment. Ravi decided to collect funds on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janamashtmi and gave the money to the lady. He donned a costume and went door to door across Udupi district to collect funds. The festival lasted for two days and in those two days, Ravi and his team collected Rs. 1,04,810 which he again gave to the woman for her daughter’s treatment. The following year he collected Rs. 3,65,000 onwards, his collection from the fund continues to increase. Several crowdfunding platforms such as MILAAP and Ketto have come forward to help him in his initiative. MILAAP made a documentary titled ‘Ravi Katpadi, the Kindhearted Giant,’ and they collected Rs. 16,80,000. Over the years, Ravi has donated more than Rs. 52 lakhs for the cause, and he has helped more than 28 children.

Award

Rajyotsava Award in 2017
Yuva Seva Award
6th Moolathva Vishwa Awards in 2020

Ravi Katpadi received the 6th Moolathva Vishwa Award in 2020

Facts/Trivia

Ravi works with different groups of people where one team takes care of the garment work, one team takes care of the logistics, while the last team looks for the cause the money can be donated to.

For every outfit that Ravi wears, he needs at least 24 hours to get ready and during that time, he is only allowed to drink coconut water and juice for the next three days. The excessive use of oil on his body had caused a skin rash, and the toxins had caused his skin to break out. Ravi ignores this and says-
It took me 24 hours to get ready. I gulped soft coconut water and other juices for these three days because I couldn’t eat anything. There are times when I get skin rashes from the paint used on my body, but I don’t mind because it’s for a good cause. Growing up, I saw a lot of struggle and hardship. It hurts to see children suffering, that’s why I continue to support or provide for them”

The cost of clothes used by Ravi during this festival was managed by him and his friends. According to Mr. Katpadi, the most expensive dress she ever wore was ‘The Amazing Monster;’ the garment was exported from the US for Rs. 40,000.

Ravi Katpadi wears ‘The Amazing Monster’ costume

In 2020, Ravi took permission from the deputy commissioner of Udupi district to wear the outfit and spread awareness about the coronavirus outbreak. He did not raise any funds during this drive.

Ravi Katpadi in his costume while driving to spread awareness about the coronavirus
On 15 January 2021, Ravi Katpadi appeared in a special episode of Karam Veer ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ with Anupam Kher.