Namma Kannada Nadu

Bhadragiri KeshavDas was born on 22 July 1934 in the small village of Bhadragiri, Karnataka, and was an initiated disciple of Shrimat Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji of Kashi Mutt, Madhwacharya Sampradaya. At the age of 11, he had a mystical and illuminating vision of God at the dilapidated temple at his native place. Lord Krishna commanded him in a vision to "sing my name, sing my praises". Although this singular event marked the beginning of a dedicated life of spirituality as a Haridasa, it is important to note that he followed in the tradition of the singing saints by leading the life of a householder and maintaining a family.
Before he began his world tours he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College in 1956 and a Law degree from Udipi Law College in 1958 . Soon he relocated to the West where he set about on a path of teaching Bhakti yoga in the Vaishnava tradition, along with many other eastern spiritual disciplines. He was a modern East Indian guru who was well regarded and well known in the United States and India as a saint of the Vaishnava Haridasa tradition of the Madhwa sampradaya. Guru Mata, the devoted wife of Sant Keshavadas, assisted her husband in his universal mission since their marriage in 1951.

His world headquarters was established near Bangalore, India at Vishwa Shanti Ashram or World Peace Ashram. December 4, 1997 saw the passing of this great soul and living saint . Guru Mata continues the mission begun by Sant Keshavadas.

He also authored a number of books, initiated disciples and formed several spiritual centers.

Vishwa Shanti Ashram was established in April 1982 by Sadguru Sant Keshavadas to promote international peace and understanding. Its located 24 kilometers outside Bangalore in Karnataka State. The Bhagavad Gita Mandir is an architectural wonder whose octagonal walls display engraved on polished black granite plaques all 700 verses of wisdom sung by Lord Sri Krishna to His disciple Arjuna, a warrior prince who was confused about his duty on the battlefield.

His son Shyam Pai , trained in the classical music under the tutelage of his father the late Sant KeshavDas, and Tabla under the tutelage of maestros such as Ustad Zakir Hussein and Pundit Swapan Chowdhry has taught Hindustani classical music and Tabla at India International School , Virginia and elsewhere for the past several years.

Like his brother Bhadragiri Achyutdas is also following the same path & he is popular for his Keertane / Harikathe in Kannada & Konkani. The depth of Achyutdas's scholarship is apparent in his discourses where he extensively quotes from the Gita, the Dasa literature and the Bhakti Saints. In fact, it is he who coined the term Kathakirtan, a combination of text (Katha) and music (Kirtan).

To mention a few of the awards

Keertanagresara, Keerthanacharya, Haridasa Kulabhushana and awards from the state and Central Sangeet Natak Academies.