Shantaram Siddi

Shantaram Budna Siddi is an Indian politician who is a nominated member of the Karnataka Legislative Council from the Bharatiya Janata Party. A member of the Siddi Tribe, he is the first Indian legislator of African descent. In the year 2021 Shantaram Budna Siddi won Sant Eshwer Sewa Samman 2021 for their Social Service and Sewa in the Field of Tribal Development and Education.

Early life Born into a family with poor economic and social background, He is from the Hitlalli village of Yellapur taluk in Uttara Kannada district. He topped his class in seventh standard while studying at his village school, after which his teachers recognized his "hunger for knowledge" and got him enrolled in a school in Ankola. He pursued the Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the Arts and Science College, Karwar, during which he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He became the first graduate from the Siddi tribe, and wanted to get a government job after his graduation. He initially worked with the Siddi community, but now works with all tribal communities in Karnataka. He thanked Karnataka chief minister B. S. Yediyurappa and Indian home minister Amit Shah for the nomination.

Shantaram's nomination brought joy to the Siddi community. Akhila Karnataka Siddhi Foundation Trust president Diago Basthyav Siddhi said, "Our people came here in the 12th century. But we remain unknown. We struggled for our identity. We requested many political parties to give us representation. This has been a good recognition. We thank the governments both at the state and Centre." Akhila Karnataka Siddhi Vikas Sangh president Saver Louis Birji Siddi said, "We are thrilled that after so many years of being part of India, having given our sweat and blood to the country, our community has finally been recognised."