Heritage
“K.L.E. since 1916 – 2016 Years of Selfless Service”
The K.L.E. Society, perhaps the largest voluntary education organization in the country, dates back to 1916. Thanks to an inspired team of noble young men who dedicated their lives and energies to the cause of education, the KLE made a humble beginning with the founding of its first institution in Belagavi.
Three great selfless visionary Founder Members Sri. Sardar Veerabhadrappa Gunappa Naik-Rao Bahadur Desai of Chachadi, Rao Bahadur R.C. Artal, Sri. Vaijappa A. Anigol and the Seven Founder Life Members Sri. M.R. Sakhare, Prof. S.S. Basavanal, Sri. H.F. Kattimani, Sri. B.B. Mamadapur, Sri. B.S. Hanchinal, Sri. Panditappa Chikodi and Sri. V.V. Patil got together and their efforts led to the K.L.E. Society’s founding.
It was their firm belief that education was the only means of bringing about the material, intellectual, and spiritual attainment of mankind. They were inspired by the ideals of Satya, Prema, Seva, and Swartha Thyaga, found inscribed on the society’s emblem.
An Anglo-Vernacular school at Belgaum, the first institution of the KLE, was established in 1916. The school was named GILGANCHI-ARTAL High School, after two well-known social workers, Shri Gurusidappa Gilganchi and Rao Bahadur R.C.Artal.
The present Northern Karnataka region, particularly Belgaum and Dharwad Districts, wore a desolate look in the education field in the earlier part of the 20th century. Since then, a large number of thinkers, educationists, and philanthropists have contributed their time, energy, and efforts to build this great institution, literally brick by brick, to the present gigantic, incomparable, and enviable role model. The KLE society occupies a very special niche in the field of education in the Indian sub-continent, with over 18,000 employees working in 300+ institutions catering to the needs of more than 1,38,000 students with assets running into hundreds of crores and a huge annual budget, which have all been the rewarding results of the unparalleled visionary leadership provided by the incumbent team of dynamic leaders.
The collaborations with universities in the US, UK, and Malaysia have added a whole new dimension to the K.L.E Society making it on par with reputed educational institutions worldwide. The legacy of selfless service and sacrifice left behind by the founding fathers is pursued sincerely by the Management to this day. Under the unparalleled leadership of Dr. Prabhakar Kore, the KLE Institution has reached enviable heights. His spectacular chairmanship beyond 35 years, with the active support of his team of elected members, embodies the collective efforts of everyone in KLE Society.
The guiding principles of the KLE Society, however, remain the same – TRUTHFULNESS, LOVE, SERVICE & SELFLESSNESS. One feels blessed to be a part of this great movement in world-class, high-quality education.