SOLO SUPERSTAR!- Dr. RATHNAKAR SHERIGAR
We're so grateful for your solo contribution! You're making a lasting difference in the world of Tulu children's music.
Diamond Patron & Global Tulu Guardian
Dr. Rathnakar Sherigar
Roanoke, Virginia, USA
Biography & Professional Journey
Dr. Rathnakar Sherigar is an accomplished medical professional and a passionate advocate for Indian culture and heritage. Moving to the United States from Delhi in 1995, he pursued extensive residency training spanning Internal Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, and Endovascular Medicine.
Dr. Sherigar has made Roanoke, Virginia his home since 2002, where he practices medicine at the Carilion Clinic hospitals and the Salem VAMC. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Nationally active within the medical community, he is closely involved with the Association of Physicians of Indian Subcontinent and various other cultural organizations.
Roots & Early Education
Born and brought up in Maala, Karkala, Dr. Sherigar’s heritage runs deep in the region: his father hails from Maala and his mother from Kellaputhige – Marnad in Moodabidri. He completed his early education at Sri Gurukula Primary School and pursued his PUC at Bhuvanendra College, Karkala. He earned his medical degree from Mysore and completed additional post-doctoral studies at the University of Delhi.
Family & Personal Life
Dr. Sherigar lives in Roanoke with his wife, Reshma—an accomplished Bollywood and Bharatanatyam dance artist—and their three children: Nikheel, Nikitha, and Nishanth. Outside of his demanding medical career, he enjoys playing chess and badminton.
Passion for Tulu Culture
Despite living miles away from his homeland, Dr. Sherigar remains deeply enthusiastic about Tuluva traditions (Tuluva Parampare). He holds a profound love for Tulu culture, including Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, Tulu dramas, and Tulu cinema, standing proudly as a dedicated global patron supporting the preservation of the Tulu language and literature for future generations.