After completing a historic 40-year tenure, Dr. Prabhakar Kore has stepped down from the presidency and chairmanship of the prestigious Karnataka Lingayat Education Society (KLE), a move that has sent shockwaves through educational circles. Under his leadership, KLE gained not only national recognition but also an international reputation. His sudden decision to withdraw from the top post has created widespread discussion.
On Thursday night, Dr. Kore withdrew his nomination form, bringing to a close his tenure that began in 1985. Following his decision, the election of 12 directors of the KLE institution was held unopposed.
In the newly elected board, Dr. Kore’s daughter Dr. Preeti Dodwad and his son Amit Kore have been included and will continue on the board. Mahantesh Kavatagimath has been elected president and Basavaraj Patil as vice-president. Amit Kore, Pravin Bagewadi, Preeti Dodwad, Mahantesh Kavatagimath, Mallikarjun Koli, Vijay Metgud, Jayanand Munavalli, Manjunath Munavalli, Basavaraj Patil, Vishwanath Patil, Yallangowda Patil and Anil Patil were elected unopposed as directors.
Dr. Prabhakar Kore took charge of KLE at the age of 36. What began with just 36 affiliated institutions has grown into a vast network of 316 institutions today, a phase widely regarded as the golden era of the organisation.
Over the past four decades, almost all Prime Ministers, Presidents, and most Chief Ministers of Karnataka have visited KLE, reflecting the stature the institution achieved under Kore’s leadership. He also played a key role in taking KLE to the global stage and building its international identity.
Several reasons are being discussed for Kore’s exit. Some sources claim he withdrew his nomination due to concerns over having three members of the same family on the board. It is also being said that the decision was taken to pave the way for younger leadership.
His sudden departure has taken KLE and the wider state by surprise. The new president and chairman of KLE will be elected on February 8. Attention is now focused on whether Dr. Kore will continue to guide the organisation in an advisory role in the future.
Dr. Prabhakar Kore, who earned a place in the ‘Saptarishi’ tradition of KLE’s founders and was recognised as the ‘Ashtam Rishi’, has carved an enduring legacy. His historic contribution will remain an inseparable part of KLE’s history.
