Empowering Rural Karnataka for Two Decades: Lohia Thinkers Forum Distributes Laptops to Village Residents
In a small village in Dadadapura, nestled among the lush green fields, a humble beginning unfolded for Shivanna B S in 1960. Born to illiterate farmers, Shivanna's journey has been anything but ordinary. Today, he is affectionately known as 'Laptop Anna' for his significant contribution to rural education and development in Karnataka.
At 64 years old, Shivanna is not only an inspiration but also a trailblazer. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D., demonstrating that age is no barrier to learning and growth. His recent laptop drive, part of a 20-year journey, has been a game-changer for students in professional courses like engineering and medicine in Malavalli Taluka.
Shivanna's influence extends beyond education, as he has been instrumental in implementing various development initiatives. In 2013-14, he constructed 1,000 free toilets in Bandur and Dugganahalli, reducing health risks and promoting hygiene. His advocacy led to the 1989 Panchayat Raj amendments for political reservations, giving a voice to the marginalised.
Shivanna's activism has also resulted in sustainable development projects, including agriculture, healthcare, and economic empowerment. One of his most notable achievements is the 'One Nation, One Education' campaign, which calls for a unified curriculum to bridge the gap between urban and rural education.
In 2016, Shivanna brought LPG cylinders to 500 households in Bandur, creating Karnataka's first "smoke-less village". His dedication to environmental conservation is evident in his initiative to plant 1 lakh saplings in the 1980s.
More recently, Shivanna has been investing Rs. 4 lakhs yearly in LIC policies for manual scavengers, rechristened as "Civic Warriors". This initiative, started in 2022, aims to provide financial security and dignity to this marginalised community.
Founded by Shivanna in 2004, the Lohia Thinkers Forum is based on the socialist principles of Ram Manohar Lohia. Through this forum, over 475 laptops have been distributed to rural students since 2020.
Shivanna's conviction is rewriting the futures of Karnataka's rural students, dismantling barriers of caste, class, and geography. His work serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and development in rural communities.
Shivanna's dedication to education and self-development is evident through his pursuits, such as his current Ph.D. and the laptops he has distributed to students in Malavalli Taluka, which is revolutionizing professional courses like engineering and medicine. Additionally, his founding of the Lohia Thinkers Forum, which has provided over 475 laptops to rural students since 2020, underscores his commitment to incorporating technology into lifestyle changes, aiming to bridge the urban-rural education gap.
