Media Release
Udupi, Mar 10: Adani owned Adani Power Limited, which is operating thermal power plant in Yellur village of Kaup taluk in Udupi district, today in hands with its CSR wing Adani Foundation, distributed scholarship worth Rs 20 lac to the identified 846 meritorious students residing in 12 Grama Panchayats around UPCL plant.
The scholarship distribution ceremony was held at the Bantara Bhavana auditorium in Padubidri. The event was inaugurated by lighting the lamp, with the presence of chief guest Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, along with guests including Yelluru gram panchayat president Raviraj Rao, Belapu gram panchayat president Dr Deviprasad Shetty, Bada gram panchayat president Shivakumar Mendan, Balakunje gram panchayat president Mamata Divakar Poonja, Majoor gram panchayat president Prasad Shetty, Kuthyaru panchayat president Janardhan Acharya, Tenka gram panchayat president Surekha, Palimaru gram panchayat president Soumyalatha Shetty, and Padubidri gram panchayat vice president Hemachandra Salian. The event was presided over by Kishore Alva, president and executive director of the Adani Group.
In his introductory speech, Kishore Alva highlighted that Adani Power Limited, in collaboration with the Adani Foundation, has been conducting various CSR activities every year in the fields of education, healthcare, rural infrastructure development, sports, and cultural activities. He emphasized the importance of education, stating, "Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and social development. The CSR initiatives of the Adani Foundation are dedicated to providing better educational opportunities to students in rural areas." He also informed that Adani Foundation has identified and awarded scholarships worth Rs 20 lac to students who have excelled in their academics in academic year 2023-24. He thanked gram panchayats for identifying the meritorious students.
Alva, emphasized that education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and social development, but unfortunately, financial barriers often hinder access to quality education. Scholarships play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, he stated. "A scholarship is not just financial aid; it represents opportunity, recognition, and hope for students," he added. The scholarship programme not only encourages students to pursue higher education but also fosters a competitive mindset among them. Education is a key focus area of Adani Foundation’s CSR initiatives, Alva highlighted. The foundation is committed to eradicating insecurity and promoting education in rural communities. He revealed that around 800 talented students receive scholarships every year under this initiative. Additionally, 16% of the total CSR funds of the Adani Udupi plant are allocated to the education sector, he stated.
Addressing the event as the chief guest, Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty appreciated Adani UPCL's CSR efforts in various development sectors, particularly education. He commended the company for its significant contribution to education and for raising awareness about its importance. Recognizing talented students and awarding them scholarships has encouraged them to pursue higher education, making the scholarship initiative a meaningful and student-friendly programme, he remarked.
He also advised students to not only focus on academics but also build strong moral values, stay away from bad habits, and contribute positively to their families and society. He further noted that since the Adani Group took over the Udupi plant, several development projects have been implemented in different villages under the CSR initiative, benefiting the local communities. The MLA acknowledged that Adani’s CSR programmes have been well-received in coastal Karnataka and that the people of the region appreciate and support the company’s development efforts. He described Adani’s CSR initiatives as a boon to society, helping in the overall progress of the region.
Speaking at the event, Dr Deviprasad Shetty, president of Belapu gram panchayat, expressed happiness over the various development projects undertaken by the Adani Group under its CSR initiative, which have significantly benefited the local villagers. He pointed out that before Adani took over the Udupi plant, the previous administration failed to implement CSR initiatives effectively and struggled to gain the support of the local community. However, since Adani Group took charge, multiple development projects have been successfully carried out in the surrounding villages through CSR efforts, gaining strong public support. He further stated that Adani Foundation has introduced several initiatives in the field of education, making it a boon for students. Encouraging students to make the most of the scholarships provided by Adani, he urged them to work hard, achieve great heights, and contribute to the progress of society.
Palimaru gram panchayat president, Soumyalatha Shetty, also spoke at the event, highlighting that Adani Group has not only focused on education but also implemented several projects in healthcare and infrastructure development across villages. She expressed satisfaction that the local communities are benefiting from these initiatives.
The event began with a welcome speech by Ravi R Jere, AGM of Adani Power Limited, while Deviprasad Bellibettu hosted the programme and delivered the vote of thanks. Adani Foundation employees Anudeep, Shubhamangala, and Yashwanth, were also present at the event.