Sri S.Kariyappa was born in Sorekayidoddi village, Sathanuru hobli, Kanakapura taluk on Ramanavami in 1900. He did his primary education in the native hobli and high school education in Channapatna talluk. After matriculation he went to Mysore and did his under graduation in B.A. in English (Hons.) in the Maharaja College, Mysore. During this period, a tremendous transformation in his thinking took place. He started thinking about bringing transformation in his taluk through education. When his Prof. Wadia asked him to reveal his dream of his future, He expressed his vision to give education to his native people who are poor, illiterate and superstitious and bring change in their life through education. He had an unflinching faith in education that is the only panacea to remove superstitions and bring light in the life of the people who are illiterate and superstitious. He strongly believed that only education can empower people who aspire it diligently and sincerely with knowledge, skills and positive attitude. With his dedication and renunciation of self interest of this earthy life, Sri S. Kariappa started his pioneering journey towards education by registering Rural Education Society in 1941. He began his school in a small thatched hut with a small number of aspired disciples. His selfless service was recognized by the people of kanakanahalli and donated acres of land to his school. Today is the reality of Poojya Sri Kariyappa’s dream. He dedicated his entire life for the Development of the unlettered in Kanakapura Taluk.

Poojya Sri. S Kariyappa was known as Kanakapura Gandhi. He was a man of principle. He was a true follower of Gandhi and his freedom movement. He led a saintly life in a small room and sleeping on the mat. He remained a Brahmachari. He became a role model to many gandhians like Sri. Madegowda, the founder of Bharathi Education Society in Maddur taluk and Prof. H N Narasihmaiah, the former Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University who founded the National School of Education in Bengaluru, Bagepalli and Gowribidanuru taluks. Our visionary educationist S.Kariyappa was a source of inspiration for generations. Presently there are 8 institutions on the RES campus of 21.5 acres and the other 2 institutions are in Sathanuru. Present management is headed by Sri H.K. Srikanta. He is leading a 14 member team to achieve the goals set by the institution’s founder.