The Yakshagana Kalaranga of Udupi has handed over its 98th free house to a student under its series of free houses being built for students from economically weaker sections of society.

Beneficiary students should be enrolled under the Vidya Poshak scheme of the Kalaranga to get a free house.

The 98th house, built at Gangolli in Udupi district for second-year pre-university college (PUC) student Manisha Kharvi, was handed over on Friday, June 12. She had scored 95% marks in the SSLC examination and 97% marks in the first year of PUC.

The construction of the house was sponsored by Mumbai-based couple R. Sundar Rao and Prema. They got the house built in the memory of Raghavendra Rao and Jalajakshi, the parents of Mr. Rao.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rao said that amid poverty, his father went to Mumbai and began a hotel business, and was helpful to others.

The Diwan of Udupi, Pejawar Mutt Raghurama Acharya, said that the Kalaranga had constantly worked for the uplift of art, society, and education.

The Kalaranga is an organisation dedicated to the promotion of Yakshagana and education. Its Vidya Poshak initiative, launched in 2005, provides students with scholarships, textbooks, a book-bank scheme, health check-ups, medical facilities, and free coaching.