Udupi: Udupi-based Yakshagana Kalaranga on Saturday handed over possession of the 95th house constructed under its Vidyaposhak Scheme to II Pre-University student Sinchana at Keradi village in Kundapur taluk.
The newly constructed house, built with contributions from five philanthropists, has been named “Pancham”, according to a press release issued by the organisation.
Support for meritorious students
Yakshagana Kalaranga has been implementing the Vidyaposhak Scheme for the past 17 years to support academically talented students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Under the initiative, the organisation has provided scholarships worth Rs 7.74 crore to 4,153 meritorious students so far. In addition to financial assistance for education, the organisation has also been constructing houses for deserving students living in dilapidated or thatched-roof homes.
Kalaranga secretary Murali Kadekar said Sinchana was identified by volunteers as one of the deserving students in need of proper housing support.
He explained that after receiving applications, Kalaranga volunteers personally visit the homes of students to assess their living conditions before recommending beneficiaries for housing assistance.
Focus on Kannada medium students
Kadekar said the Vidyaposhak Scheme is aimed at meritorious students who studied in Kannada medium schools and secured good marks in Class 10 examinations.
He stated that new applications from Class 10 students have already been received and scrutiny of applications would begin shortly.
According to him, the organisation remains committed to supporting talented students who face financial hardships and lack access to basic facilities.
Five more houses nearing completion
Kalaranga officials said construction of five additional houses is currently nearing completion. The organisation is also preparing to hand over its 100th house to another meritorious student by the end of June this year.
Kadekar added that during the 2025–26 financial year alone, the organisation has constructed 24 new houses for deserving students.
The initiative has received appreciation from various sections of society for combining educational assistance with social welfare support.
Philanthropists appreciate initiative
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Keradi Chandrashekhara Shetty inaugurated the programme and congratulated Kalaranga for its sustained efforts towards supporting economically weaker meritorious students.
He assured continued support for such initiatives and advised Sinchana to focus on her education and eventually help other students facing similar challenges in life.
Sponsors of the house including architect Yogishchandra Dhar of A.G. Associates, engineer M. Gopal Bhat, engineer Panduranga Achar of Span Associates, engineer Hariprasad Shetty of Padmashree Constructions, and engineer P. N. Shashidhar of Malavika Constructions also spoke on the occasion.
Kalaranga vice-president V. G. Shetty and several members of the organisation were present during the programme.
Blending education with social service
Yakshagana Kalaranga, widely known for promoting traditional art and culture, has also emerged as a major contributor in the field of educational and social welfare through the Vidyaposhak Scheme.
The organisation’s efforts to support meritorious Kannada medium students with scholarships and housing have positively impacted hundreds of families across coastal Karnataka over the years.