Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Sep 22: Dr R K Shetty (Radhakrishna Krishna Shetty) – a renowned financial advisor, internationally acclaimed economist, distinguished insurance consultant, and managing director of Issar Financial Services Pvt Ltd and R K Shetty & Co, hailing from coastal Karnataka and a respected Tulu-Kannadiga leader in Mumbai – has been honoured with the LIC Guinness World Record achiever recognition.
In a simple felicitation programme held recently at LIC’s headquarters, Yogakshema Auditorium, Jeevan Bima Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Guinness World Records president Alistair Richards presented the Guinness World Record Certificate to the Life Insurance Corporation of India. On this occasion, LIC’s CEO & MD Siddhartha Mohanty extended special congratulations to Dr R K Shetty for his outstanding contribution.
Dr Shetty, who has earlier received the Global Indian Award from the Vice President of India, the Rajyotsava Award – 2010 from the Karnataka Government, and recognition in 2022 from Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, has once again created history by being among the Indians whose names are etched in the Guinness Book of World Records.
On January 20, 2025, LIC set a world record by selling 5,88,107 life insurance policies within just 24 hours across India – the highest number of policies sold in a single day. This achievement not only showcased the Corporation’s strength and credibility but also highlighted the key role of Dr R K Shetty is making this milestone possible. Guinness World Records has officially documented this, crediting his bold initiative and powerful performance. LIC has expressed deep gratitude for his invaluable contribution. CEO Siddhartha Mohanty noted that this accomplishment has given LIC a special place in Guinness history, presenting India’s life insurance sector as a symbol of strength and reliability before the world.
Dr R K Shetty is the first Indian to be elected as Divisional Vice President of MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) in its near century-long history. With numerous achievements in finance, industry, and social service, he has delivered a Focus Session address as a keynote speaker at the MDRT Global Conference 2025 in Macau, China this August, drawing worldwide attention.
A multiple-time recipient of MDRT’s highest honours, Dr Shetty also represented India as session chair at the MDRT Annual Meeting 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, where he addressed global professionals as a “Connetion Zone Speaker.” He is also a proud member of the MDRT Quarter Century Club.
Beyond finance, Dr Shetty has dedicated himself to social service, supporting thousands of underprivileged families while serving in various leadership roles: Honorary general secretary (twice) of Bunts Sangha, Mumbai, president of Karnataka Janapada Parishat Maharashtra Unit and advisory member of the Kannadiga Patrakartara Sangha Maharashtra and associate with many more.
Originally from Kambihalli, Chikkamagaluru, Dr R K Shetty is admired as a humble, straightforward, and noble personality – a true son of Tulunadu and Karnataka, who has taken the prestige of his community to the global stage through his achievements. He has also travelled extensively across many nations, gaining international recognition as a financial consultant and receiving countless awards and honours.
Among his many accolades are the Bharat Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award 2019 from Mangalore University on its Foundation Day, an honorary doctorate (Senate Doctorate of Honours) from the Open International University of Sri Lanka, and felicitations in 2010 by Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He has also been honoured with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Achievement Award 2015 by People’s Art Centre (Mumbai) along with hundreds of other prestigious recognitions.