In a groundbreaking move, the Karnataka State government has sponsored an extraordinary trip for four of its brightest SSLC toppers from the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) to the United Kingdom. These exceptional students will explore some of the UK’s most esteemed academic and cultural landmarks, including the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) and the historically significant Ambedkar House Museum, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar resided during his studies in London.
This seven-day immersive visit is meticulously crafted to offer government school students an unparalleled insight into Dr. Ambedkar’s profound academic journey and the institutions that shaped his revolutionary ideas.
The selected students distinguished themselves by topping the SSLC examination in 2024 from KREIS schools and subsequently enrolled in KREIS PU Colleges.
Minister for Social Welfare, H.C. Mahadevappa, shared with The Hindu, “This program will become an annual tradition, designed to inspire our highest-achieving KREIS students to pursue even greater academic goals. It will not only expose them to the rigorous standards of world-class educational institutions but also immerse them in heritage sites intrinsically linked to Ambedkar’s powerful legacy.”
He further elaborated that such visits vividly demonstrate how profound education and unwavering dedication can unlock opportunities far beyond their current horizons.
“By establishing this as an annual initiative, we aim for each group of toppers to become beacons of inspiration, encouraging thousands of other students across Karnataka to aspire higher and excel in their studies,” Minister Mahadevappa added.
The four remarkable students are: Keerthan T.B. and Kiran Kumar, both from Morarji Desai Residential School, Mulki taluk, Dakshina Kannada, each scoring an impressive 617 marks (OBC category); Ashwini Hanumanthappa Lamani from Morarji Desai Residential School, Gadag taluk, with 597 marks (SC category); and Savita Mahadevappa Tapal from Morarji Desai Residential School, Hukkeri taluk, Belagavi, who achieved 601 marks (ST category). They were accompanied by an experienced team: Roopa G.N., Principal of Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential School, Tumakuru district, renowned for its consistent strong SSLC results, and Nagaraj Pujar, Taluk Development Officer with the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation, who played a key role in coordinating the visit. The entire program received support and felicitations from the World Book of Records, London.
During their journey from September 6 to 13, the students explored the vibrant cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford, and London. Ms. Roopa recounted, “In Scotland, the students delved into the workings of the Scottish Parliament and visited the historic residence of economist Adam Smith in Edinburgh. This offered them valuable lessons in governance and economics, forging connections between real-world institutions and influential historical thinkers. They also toured Edinburgh Castle, blending history and heritage with civic education. Engaging interactions with local student groups in Glasgow and Manchester provided unique peer learning experiences and insights into diverse classroom practices.”
At Oxford University, the students toured iconic locations such as the Bodleian Library and various lecture halls, witnessing firsthand the vast scale of research infrastructure and the intellectual environment of one of the world’s foremost universities. Ms. Roopa emphasized that this exposure aimed to instill in the students an appreciation for the academic rigor and extensive resources that define global scholarship. In London, the group visited the LSE, observing the facilities and learning methods that profoundly influenced Ambedkar’s own education. Their visit to the Ambedkar House Museum offered a poignant glimpse into his living quarters and personal study space, connecting them intimately with his inspiring journey.
A significant highlight of the tour was the students’ interaction with ‘Prabuddha students’ – beneficiaries of the Karnataka government’s Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship Scheme. This vital initiative provides financial assistance for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) community members to pursue higher education internationally across various academic disciplines.