Mangaluru: Billava Sangha Kuwait a non-profit community association established in 2013 in Kuwait has been consistently striving to achieve its objectives of unity and community welfare through cultural and social activities.

The association is into its third year and this year a conscious decision was made to initiate a meaningful programme to assist the less privileged deserving students of the community in their education. Then social reformer Narayana Guru had spread the message 'Education liberates oneself' and the association believes that only education can lead to the path of progress, thus bringing them to the mainstream of society. Their sincere effort in this direction is supported by the great work of Shree Guru Charitable Trust, Mangaluru who is doing the extensive work in identifying the deserving children from DK, Udupi and remote areas. The association considers it a privilege to be associated with the Shree Guru Charitable Trust, Mangaluru in this noble cause towards educating the less privileged students.

It was their resolve to make a large base of associates for the education programme. Nearly 250 community members from all walks of life in Kuwait supported them and made them successful to a great extent in reaching their goal. With this strong base and univocal support, the programme will continue to serve the community in a bigger way year after year. There are some individuals from other communities who have contributed to this cause and their contributions are appreciated.

This is Billava Sangha Kuwait's first year into the education programme and they can proudly boast that 89 less privileged deserving students pursuing post graduation, engineering, diploma, law, degree, pre-university and trade courses have been selected for scholarships. A total of Rs 5. 40 lac will be distributed as scholarships among these students. Scholarship distribution and motivation programme will be held on Sunday August 28 from 10.30 am at Shri Vishwanatha Kalyana Mantapa (Glass House), Shri Gokarnanatha Kshetra, Kudroli, Mangaluru.

H S Sairam, president of the Shri Gokarnanatha Kshetra will inaugurate the programme by lighting the lamp. Shylendra Y Suvarna, managing director of SRR Industries will be chief guest, Harikrishna Bantwal, spokesperson of the Billava Mahamandal will be the keynote speaker, Dr Ramila Shekhar, dean PG department, Roshni Nilaya will deliver the motivation speech to the students. Ganesh A Bangera, president of Shree Guru Charitable Trust will also grace the occasion as one of the guests of honour.

The association's slogan – 'Proud associates for education to the deprived, path to enlightenment and life' will remain and the pledge to carry on with more enthusiasm year after year will stand.