Udupi: Master Deepesh Deepak Shenoy, a recipient of the prestigious Hoysala Shaurya Award conferred by the Government of Karnataka in November 2025, has appealed to Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, seeking urgent intervention to address frequent and unscheduled power outages affecting students preparing for the SSLC examinations scheduled for March–April 2026.
A Class X student of T A Pai English Medium High School, Kunjibettu, Udupi—an institution under the Academy of General Education, Manipal—Deepesh has written to the Chief Minister highlighting the severe disruption caused by irregular electricity supply during critical study hours.
Appeal for student welfare
In his representation, Deepesh urged the State Government to direct immediate inspection and remedial measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply, especially during morning and daytime hours. He stressed that continuous electricity is vital for students appearing for the SSLC examinations conducted by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board.
He pointed out that repeated power cuts adversely affect daily study routines, online learning sessions, access to digital educational resources, and even the basic ability to charge electronic devices. These challenges, he noted, have led to increased stress and anxiety among students and their families at a crucial stage of academic preparation.
Speaking up in public interest
Clarifying his intent, Deepesh stated that his appeal was neither for publicity nor for personal benefit, but made in the larger interest of the student community. He candidly acknowledged concerns that raising such issues might invite harassment, yet reaffirmed his determination to speak up for the public good.
Drawing strength from the civic values for which he was honoured with the Hoysala Shaurya Award, regarded as the highest civilian recognition for children by the Government of Karnataka, Deepesh said he would continue to raise issues that affect students and society at large.
Education in the digital age
Quoting former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who described education as a “liberating force,” the student underlined the responsibility of the State to provide a conducive learning environment for children.
While appreciating the initiatives and administrative efforts of the Karnataka Government, Deepesh cautioned that in today’s digital era—where education, communication, and learning resources are deeply dependent on electricity—frequent unscheduled power outages risk disconnecting students from their academic future.
“As a student and as a member of this community, I respectfully urge the Hon’ble Chief Minister to act promptly—not just for me, but for every SSLC student striving to secure their future,” he said.
The appeal has drawn attention to a critical issue faced by students across several localities, highlighting the need for reliable infrastructure support during one of the most important academic phases of their lives.