Rajashekhar Ragati

Rajashekhar Ragati was born in 1981 in Halasangi village, Vijayapura district. After enrolling in science college, he left and spent years working odd jobs—sometimes sleeping on the platforms at Bengaluru’s Majestic bus stand—before returning home, resuming his studies, and completing PUC, BA, and BEd.

He prepared for competitive exams including PSI, FDA, SDA, and KAS, clearing KAS prelims and appearing for mains. In 2009 he focused on the high school teacher recruitment exam, secured 8th rank in the Belagavi division, and joined Government High School, Hirenandihalli, in Chennamma Kittur taluk in 2010.

He is the first teacher from Kittur taluk to receive the Karnataka state-level Best Teacher award—first in 2010 and again for 2025–26, presented by the Chief Minister.

His classrooms blend academics with personality development, yoga, goal-setting, and meditation—supporting students to aim high while staying grounded.

Frustrated by abstract social science lessons, he envisioned a hands-on lab: maps, models, charts, digital globes, smartboards, and projectors. With alumni and community support (starting from a small Deepavali seed contribution), the lab became the first of its kind in Belagavi district and a model for experiential learning in government schools.

During the COVID-19 pandemic he helped create digital learning materials for Karnataka’s schools. His YouTube channel shares SSLC lessons and guidance for competitive exams for students who need support outside school hours.