Udupi Student Ankita to Receive New Home Through Educational Welfare Program
Ankita, a first-year Pre-University student at Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple PU College in Mandarthi, Udupi district, is poised to step into her brand-new home this Wednesday. This life-changing opportunity has been made possible through the dedicated efforts of Yakshagana Kalaranga, a non-profit organization committed to supporting academically promising students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Vidya Poshak Initiative Transforms Lives
Ankita is a beneficiary of the Vidya Poshak welfare program, which operates under the umbrella of Yakshagana Kalaranga. This initiative systematically identifies students from economically disadvantaged families and provides them with comprehensive educational and social support. The organization further extends its impact through complementary programs like Yakshanidhi and Yakshashikshana, which focus on uplifting the children of Yakshagana artists and other marginalized communities.
87th Home Handed Over to Deserving Student
Murali Kadekar, Secretary of Yakshagana Kalaranga, confirmed that this will be the 87th house handed over by the organization to a deserving student, thanks to the generous support of donors. Kalaranga maintains a dedicated team that scouts for promising scholars from underprivileged backgrounds and connects them with willing donors. To date, 20 donors have come forward, with 10 houses currently under construction and 4 houses scheduled for inauguration this month alone.
The construction of these homes is overseen by Kalaranga President M. Gangaghar Rao, a builder and engineer by profession. For Ankita's specific project, retired lecturer Sooryanarayana Adiga and his wife sponsored the construction at an approximate cost of Rs 6 lakh, commemorating their golden wedding anniversary through this philanthropic act.
Ankita's Inspiring Academic Journey
Until recently, Ankita did not even own a mobile phone. Her family resided in a house in deplorable condition, with the sheet roofing completely damaged during heavy rains and strong winds, creating unsafe living conditions. Despite these severe hardships, Ankita managed to score an exceptional 94% in her SSLC examination, topping her school. Her father, a daily-wage labourer, is unable to work due to neurological issues, leaving her mother to support the family as a daily wager.
Inclusive Support Beyond Barriers
Kadekar emphasized that the initiative consciously rises above barriers of caste and religion. "We have even witnessed seers come forward to sponsor construction projects," he added, highlighting the inclusive and community-driven nature of their work. This model of identifying talent and providing holistic support continues to transform lives, offering hope and stability to students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise against all odds.
