An alumnus of Subodha High School in Panaje village, Puttur taluk, is making headlines for his noble cause. Rakesh Rai Kadamaje, a 2002 batch student, has cycled nearly 300km and raised approximately Rs 1.2 lakh to save his alma mater. Rai, an event organizer and professional bartender in Bengaluru, dreams of transforming his school into a model institution.
Rai, also a badminton coach, emphasizes the untapped potential in rural children due to the lack of proper guidance and facilities. His initiative began during the Covid-19 pandemic and has since grown into a campaign where he cycles long distances to raise funds, targeting Rs 5 lakh to establish a full-fledged library at the school. Notably, Rai ensures all donations go directly to the school’s bank account via a QR code, avoiding cash transactions.
The correspondent of Subodha High School, Giliyalu Mahabaleshwara Bhat, praised Rai’s efforts. He highlighted the school’s cent percent SSLC exam results in the past two years, despite a decline in admissions due to new schools in nearby villages. The Kannada medium school, located near the Kerala-Karnataka border, now serves 86 students in classes 8, 9, and 10.
Rai’s commitment to cycling for this cause not only showcases his dedication but also encourages others to support rural education.