"I still don't know what Prof. M. P. L. Shastry saw in me," Prof. B. R. Seshadri Iyengar once reflected. "But I knew I shouldn't let him down." That sense of responsibility became the guiding force of a career that has spanned more than six decades, during which he helped shape generations of students and transformed the Mysore Education Society (MES) into one of Karnataka's most respected educational institutions.

From Sanskrit Student to Teacher

Born in 1932, Seshadri Iyengar studied at the University of Mysore, earning a B.A. (Honours) and an M.A. in Sanskrit. He later worked at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Mumbai, assisting Prof. A. D. Pusalker on the History of India project, and taught Classical Languages at NKES School. He also began doctoral research under eminent Sanskrit scholars such as Prof. D. T. Tatacharya, and Prof. S. K. Mitra of the University of Calcutta.

When the newly established MES College invited him to join as a lecturer in 1957, he chose teaching over completing his doctorate. Looking back, he recalled that his own journey into Sanskrit had begun simply because a schoolteacher encouraged him to pursue the subject after he excelled in it. "Back in those days, we'd do whatever our teachers told us," he said.

Building MES

Seshadri Iyengar spent his entire academic career at MES College, becoming Reader in 1968, Professor in 1977 and Principal in 1983. During his tenure, Sanskrit was introduced as a first-language option for undergraduate students, and postgraduate programmes in Mathematics, Management and Marketing were established.

He also served as NCC Officer between 1966 and 1974 and later became a member of the MES Governing Board before taking over as Secretary of the Mysore Education Society in 1986.

His years as Principal coincided with one of the institution's most celebrated periods. He fondly recalled the pride of seeing the India Today magazine rank MES among the three best educational institutions in the country—a moment he says has remained with him throughout his life.

A Second Innings at MES Kishora Kendra

Although he formally retired in 1990, retirement proved short-lived. At the insistence of his mentor, Prof. M. P. L. Shastry, he became Principal of the newly established MES Kishora Kendra School. What began as a primary school soon expanded under his leadership into a respected institution with high school classes and, from 1993, Pre-University courses.

He remained there until 2004, later recalling that he could still imagine Prof. Shastry walking through the campus, discussing education and watching the institution grow into what they had envisioned together.

Education Beyond the Classroom

For Seshadri Iyengar, education extended well beyond academics. He encouraged students to participate in literature, music, dance and theatre, helping establish MES as a centre for cultural activity alongside scholarship.

Working closely with the late Prof. K. V. Rajagopal, he acted in numerous plays and organised inter-class drama competitions that ran continuously for nearly a decade. Many participants later went on to pursue successful careers in theatre. He later fulfilled a long-held dream by establishing the MES Rangashala, which continues to offer diploma courses in theatre in collaboration with Kannada University, Hampi.

Preserving India's Intellectual Heritage

One of Seshadri Iyengar's most enduring contributions has been the establishment of the MES Indological Library and Research Centre under the guidance of Prof. M. P. L. Shastry. The centre today houses over 13,000 rare books, including more than 150 palm-leaf manuscripts, many of which are unique and have never been reprinted.

The centre supports researchers, publishes scholarly works, organises national conferences and seminars, and annually honours distinguished Sanskrit scholars, continuing a tradition that has recognised more than fifty eminent academics.

Recognition and Legacy

Prof. B. R. Seshadri Iyengar's contributions to education, Sanskrit and theatre were widely recognised. He received the Karnataka Nataka Akademi's prestigious Samsa Award, the titles Samskruta Samskruti Prachara Vidwan and Shikshana Ratna from Sri Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Matha, and the Shankarashree Award from the Parampara Trust for his service to Sanskrit. Throughout his life, he credited his achievements to his mentor, Prof. M. P. L. Shastry, whose faith in him shaped the course of his career. Through the institutions he strengthened, the cultural traditions he nurtured and the generations of students he inspired, Seshadri Iyengar left a lasting mark on Malleswaram's educational landscape.

Sources and References

‘Malleswarada Rashtra Shilpigalu - Brief life sketches in Kannada of eminent citizens and organisations of Malleswaram Locality ‘

Published by: Malleswaram Residents Welfare Association

Faces of Bengaluru. “Prof. B. R. Seshadri Iyengar.” Instagram post. September 9, 2020. Instagram