Shantaveeriah, our veteran beekeeper, fondly recalled his connection with "Punyabhoomi," a government seva institution, and its trustee, Vijaya Angadi. Vijaya Angadi, who is now the Director of Akashavani, Hassan, first came into contact with Shantaveeriah about 10 years ago, recognizing his exceptional expertise in beekeeping. With a reputation that precedes him, Shantaveeriah was approached by Angadi, seeking bees and bee boxes for his institution. This request deepened their association, which continued over the years as both worked towards promoting beekeeping. Every year, Shantaveeriah attended the Jeevika Mela organized by Punyabhoomi, an event that showcased rural livelihoods and celebrated community efforts in sustainable agriculture. 

A significant moment in this journey was when Shantaveeriah, alongside his apprentice Apoorva, transported three bee boxes by bus to Vijaya Angadi. It wasn’t just about delivering bee boxes; it was a symbol of collaboration and the spreading of beekeeping practices across the state. Apoorva, an engineering graduate, had been under Shantaveeriah’s tutelage for three intensive years. Under his guidance, Apoorva transformed into one of India’s most prominent beekeepers. The journey from engineer to beekeeper wasn’t an easy one, but with Shantaveeriah’s wisdom and dedication, Apoorva excelled and became a key figure in the field.

 Teaching Beekeeping from Our Author's Perspective

For Shantaveeriah, teaching beekeeping has always been a labor of love. His passion for the craft goes beyond just maintaining hives and harvesting honey—it extends to spreading this knowledge to every enthusiastic person who comes to him, seeking to learn. Shantaveeriah has always believed that beekeeping should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or profession. This belief is what drove him to take on apprentices like Apoorva, who, though starting with no experience in agriculture, had a deep interest in the world of bees.

Shantaveeriah’s teaching method has always been immersive and hands-on. He believes that beekeeping cannot be learned purely from books or lectures—it requires getting one’s hands dirty, quite literally. Whether it’s inspecting hives, handling bees, or understanding the intricacies of pollination, each task involves observation and practice. Shantaveeriah teaches his students how to approach beekeeping with care and respect for the bees, ensuring that every action is mindful of the delicate balance within a colony.

One of the key aspects of his training is patience. Many newcomers to beekeeping are eager to see results quickly, but Shantaveeriah emphasizes the importance of observing the natural rhythms of the hive and letting nature take its course. He teaches his students to develop a relationship with the bees, to understand their needs, and to react calmly and strategically when faced with challenges. In Apoorva’s case, these lessons helped shape him into a successful beekeeper, one who is not only skilled in the technical aspects but also deeply in tune with the bees themselves.

Shantaveeriah’s efforts to teach beekeeping to anyone who seeks knowledge have helped foster a new generation of beekeepers. His approach is one of inclusivity, ensuring that regardless of one’s profession, education, or background, beekeeping remains an accessible and valuable practice. From training rural communities and women’s groups to mentoring individuals like Apoorva, Shantaveeriah’s dedication to spreading the knowledge of beekeeping has had a lasting impact on many lives.

Each time he meets a new student, Shantaveeriah sees an opportunity to contribute to the greater good. He knows that beekeeping is not just a livelihood but a way to contribute to environmental sustainability and community development. His students learn how to be self-reliant, how to cultivate honey, and how to nurture their hives in a way that promotes harmony between humans and nature.

In summary, Shantaveeriah’s lifelong mission has been to pass on his invaluable knowledge to anyone willing to learn, ensuring that the art of beekeeping continues to thrive. Whether it’s through events like Jeevika Mela, mentorships like Apoorva’s, or training sessions across Karnataka, his efforts have undoubtedly enriched the world of beekeeping and inspired countless individuals to take up the craft.