Belagavi Educationist Prabhakar Kore Awarded Prestigious Padma Shri
Eminent educationist and institution builder Prabhakar Basavapraphu Kore from Belagavi district has been selected for the prestigious Padma Shri award in the literature and education category. This national honour recognizes his far-reaching and transformative contributions to both education and healthcare sectors over several decades.
From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition
Born on August 1, 1947, in Ankali village of Chikodi taluk to an agrarian family, Kore's journey represents a remarkable story of dedication and vision. Rising from modest beginnings, he evolved into a prominent cooperative leader, respected educationist, and influential politician who has left an indelible mark on India's educational landscape.
Transformative Leadership at KLE Society
Kore's most significant contribution has been his four-decade leadership of the Karnataka Lingayat Education (KLE) Society, serving as chairman from 1985 until stepping down just a few days ago in 2025. Under his visionary guidance, the society underwent unprecedented expansion and transformation.
The growth statistics are truly remarkable:
- The institution count expanded from just 38 to an impressive 316 institutions
- Geographic reach extended across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Delhi, Dubai, and Malaysia
- Educational offerings now span schools, pre-university colleges, degree colleges, and specialized institutions in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, engineering, and management
Today, KLE institutions collectively serve nearly 150,000 students and provide meaningful employment to approximately 18,000 staff members, creating substantial social and economic impact.
Pioneering Higher Education Institutions
Kore played a pivotal role in establishing two significant higher education institutions that have elevated educational standards in the region:
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER) - A deemed-to-be university established in Belagavi in 2006
- KLE Technological University (KLE Tech) - Established in Hubballi in 2015 to advance technical education
Healthcare Contributions and Social Impact
Beyond education, Kore's contribution to healthcare has been equally significant and socially conscious. He was instrumental in developing a 2,400-bed hospital complex in Belagavi, with an impressive 1,000 beds dedicated exclusively to charitable treatment for underprivileged patients.
The healthcare infrastructure developed under his leadership now includes:
- Nearly 7,000 hospital beds across KLE institutions
- Support from more than 2,500 medical professionals
- Comprehensive healthcare services accessible to diverse communities
Political Career and Previous Recognitions
In public service, Kore served with distinction in legislative roles, including:
- Three terms as a Rajya Sabha member
- One term as a member of the legislative council (MLC)
His visionary approach to institution-building has created lasting social impact, earning him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indo-American Press Club (USA) in 2022, which foreshadowed this national recognition.
Recognition from Peers and Community
Members of the KLE fraternity and several eminent personalities have extended heartfelt congratulations to Kore for receiving the Padma Shri. They describe this honour as a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to education and selfless service to society, acknowledging how his work has transformed countless lives through accessible education and healthcare.
This Padma Shri award not only recognizes Prabhakar Kore's individual achievements but also celebrates the transformative power of education and healthcare institutions in building a stronger, more equitable society.
