Media Release
Udupi, Feb 28: Adani Foundation, in association with Adani Power Limited, today distributed scholarships total amounting to Rs 25 lac to 790 meritorious students belonging to 12 Grama Panchayats in the project vicinity of its thermal power plant located at Yellur village, Kaup Taluk, Udupi District.
The scholarship distribution ceremony was held at Buntara Bhavana Auditorium, Padubidri and was formally inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp by chief guest Fr Francis Xavier Gomes, emeritus principal of St Philomena College, Puttur and Milagres College, Mangaluru.
The event was presided over by Kishore Alva, president and executive director of the Adani Group and was graced by public representatives, Surekha from Tenka Grama Panchayat; Janardhana Acharya from Majoor Grama Panchayat; Reshma Mendon from Hejamadi Grama Panchayat; Saritha Shetty from Inna Grama Panchayat; Mamatha Poonja from Balkunje Grama Panchayat; and Usha from Yelluru Grama Panchayat.
Addressing the gathering, Kishore Alva highlighted that Adani Power Limited, in hands with Adani Foundation, has been consistently implementing a wide range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives every year in the key focus areas of education, healthcare, rural infrastructure development, sports and cultural activities across the project influence region.
Emphasising the pivotal role of education in shaping a progressive and inclusive society, Alva stated that education is one of the strongest foundations for personal development and for the overall progress of the community. He further informed that education continues to be one of the core focus areas of Adani Foundation’s CSR interventions, with special emphasis on the eradication of illiteracy and the promotion of quality education in rural communities.
Addressing the students, he also highlighted that in today’s rapidly evolving digital world, Artificial intelligence is playing a crucial role across sectors and encouraged them to develop digital and technology driven skills to remain future ready.
As part of its continuing educational initiatives, Adani Power Limited – Udupi Thermal Power Project provides education kits to nearly 8,000 students studying in Government schools every year, extends academic support to students from economically weaker sections of society, and also offers opportunities for students to visit the power plant to gain practical exposure and industry awareness.
Alva informed that, with the active support and coordination of the 12 Grama Panchayats in the project vicinity, Adani Foundation identified 790 students who have excelled in their academic performance during the academic year 2024–25 for the award of scholarships, amounting to a total of Rs 25 lac.
He further added that nearly 20% of the annual CSR budget of Adani Power Limited – Udupi TPP is dedicated exclusively to education-related initiatives, reflecting the organisation’s long-term commitment to human capital development in the region.
Highlighting the larger impact of the scholarship programme, Alva said, “Scholarships are not merely financial support. They are a symbol of opportunity, recognition and hope. A scholarship is not just financial aid; it encourages students to pursue higher education and helps nurture confidence, aspiration and a healthy competitive spirit among young minds.”
The chief guest, Fr Francis Xavier Gomes, lauded the Adani Group and the Adani Foundation for their sustained and well-structured contributions towards educational development in Kaup and the surrounding areas. He appreciated the initiative for motivating students from rural backgrounds to excel in academics and to pursue higher education.
Addressing the scholarship recipients as the toppers of 12 Grama Panchayats, he encouraged them to become achievers in life, rather than limiting themselves to being academic toppers alone. He remarked that education is a form of training for the mind and advised students to move away from ego-centric thinking. Referring to the present global scenario as a digital world, he urged students to use digital platforms responsibly and meaningfully, and to inculcate a strong service mindset. He further stated that, if students utilise their education in the right manner, they can grow into good organisers, administrators, service-oriented individuals and effective listeners.
The programme witnessed the participation of elected representatives from the surrounding Grama Panchayats, educationists, parents and a large number of students. The event marked yet another significant milestone in the Adani Foundation’s continued efforts to empower rural youth and strengthen communities through focused and impactful education-led CSR initiatives.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Ravi R Jere, AGM of Adani Power Limited. The programme was compered by Deviprasad Bellibettu, who also delivered the vote of thanks. Employees of the Adani Foundation, namely Anudeep, Shubhamangala, were present at the event.