MAHE is sponsoring 50 houses for deserving Yakshagana students and artists

Yakshagana Kalaranga, Udupi was felicitated by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) President Dr. Ranjan R Pai and Vice-Chancellor Dr. HS Ballal as the duo visited the Yakshagana Foundation Yakshagana Development, Training and Research Center in Udupi on June 16, 2026 | Photo credit: UMESH S SHETTIGAR

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) President Ranjan R Pai on June 16 promised to sponsor 50 houses, 10 per year, to be built by Yakshagana Kala Ranga, Udupi and handed over to the families of poor meritorious Yakshagana students and artistes.

Dr. Pai was speaking after visiting the new building of Kalaranga, the Infosys Yakshagana Foundation’s development, training and research center in Udupi. After walking through the building and watching the documentary in the auditorium, he lauded the gesture of the Kalarangs who had houses built and donated them to the poor deserving students and Yakshagana artistes without any fanfare.

MAHE said Dr. Pai, will sponsor 10 such houses every year for five years.

Kalaranga President Gangadhara Rao in his opening speech recalled the financial support given by MAHE to Kalaranga for the purchase of land for its construction and maintenance of the building. Secretary Murali Kadekar briefed the audience about the work to be done at the center in the coming days. The Manipal Hospital and Educational Institutions founded by TMA Pai were nurtured by Ramadas Pai and were spread throughout the world by Dr. Ranjan pai, he remarked.

MAHE Chancellor Pro Chancellor HS Ballal said that the university supports deserving students by providing financial support. MAHE would also stand for Yakshagana Kalaranga, he said.

Dr. Pai and Dr. Ballal were honored on the occasion.

Kalaranga Immediate Past President K. Ganesh Rao, Vice Presidents P. Kishan Hegde and VG Shetty, Treasurer K. Sadashiva Rao and others were present.

Published – 17 Jun 2026 13:16 IST