In a moment of pride for Karnataka, renowned educationist and philanthropist Dr. Prabhakar Basaprabhu Kore was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu at a Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.
Dr. Kore has dedicated more than four decades to transforming the fields of education, healthcare, and rural development through his visionary leadership of the Karnataka Lingayat Education (KLE) Society. Since assuming charge as Chairman in 1984, he has expanded the institution from just 38 educational establishments into a vast network of 317 institutions serving over 1.45 lakh students across the country.
A significant aspect of his work has been his focus on rural empowerment. Nearly half of KLE’s institutions are located in rural areas, ensuring quality education reaches students beyond urban centres. Under his leadership, KLE established premier institutions such as the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER) and KLE Technological University, which have emerged as leading centres of higher learning.
Dr. Kore’s contribution to healthcare has been equally remarkable. He spearheaded the development of a healthcare network comprising over 5,500 hospital beds, including the renowned Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Belagavi. The network also includes specialised cancer care, Ayurveda, and Homeopathy hospitals, providing affordable and advanced medical treatment to people from North Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa.
Beyond education and healthcare, Dr. Kore has played a pivotal role in rural development by establishing a cooperative sugar factory, a bank, an agricultural science centre, and community radio stations aimed at empowering farmers and local communities.
A former three-term member of the Rajya Sabha and a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, Dr. Kore has consistently worked towards inclusive growth and social development.
His contributions have earned international recognition, including honorary doctorates from Thomas Jefferson University, USA, and Universiti Sains Malaysia. He is also a recipient of Karnataka’s prestigious Rajyotsava Award.
The Padma Shri honour recognizes Dr. Kore’s lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social service, and his efforts in creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for millions, particularly in rural India.
The award has been widely welcomed across Karnataka, especially in Belagavi, where Dr. Kore’s institutions have played a transformative role in shaping generations of students and providing critical healthcare services to the region.
