About Rural Education Society

🌿 Early Life

Born in 1900 at Sorekayidoddi village, Sathanuru Hobli, Kanakapura Taluk, on the auspicious occasion of Ramanavami, Sri S. Kariappa pursued higher education at Maharaja's College, Mysore, completing his graduation in 1929 — recognised as the first graduate from the Kanakapura region from Mysore University.

🎓 His Vision for Education

Sri S. Kariappa firmly believed that education was the most powerful means of transforming rural society. He began his educational work with very limited resources, starting a school in a modest thatched hut. His dedication and renunciation of self-interest led to the founding of the Rural Education Society in 1932 — the beginning of a wider educational movement in Kanakapura. When his Professor Wadia asked him to reveal his dream, he expressed his vision: to give education to his native people who were poor, illiterate and superstitious, and bring change in their lives through knowledge.

🕊️ A True Gandhian

Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom movement, Sri S. Kariappa was widely revered as "Kanakapura Gandhi" for his simple lifestyle, principles and commitment to public service. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for four terms and, despite his public stature, remained a Brahmachari and devoted his life entirely to the upliftment of rural people through education. He became a source of inspiration for generations of educators, including Sri. Madegowda (founder of Bharathi Education Society in Maddur) and Prof. H N Narasimhaiah (former Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University).

🏫 His Educational Legacy

The institution he established grew into the Rural Education Society, which today operates multiple educational institutions in Kanakapura and surrounding areas across a 24-acre campus. His educational vision also lives on through institutions bearing his name, including Sri S. Kariappa College of Agriculture, affiliated with the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru.