12/01/2026
K. Narayana Naik, an 83-year-old retired teacher from Karnataka, is affectionately known as the “Scholarship Master.” For over two decades, he has travelled across rural villages and educational institutions in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, helping underprivileged students learn about and apply for scholarships. Through his persistent efforts — often riding his own bike and spending his modest pension on travel and support — he has helped more than 1 lakh students secure scholarships totaling around ₹5 crore. His work has significantly improved access to education for financially disadvantaged youth in the region.
