The year 1916 was the most spectacular year in the history of Karnataka, for the voice of seven young and enthusiastic idealists rolled into the streets of the towns and cities of educationally backward north Karnataka, then a part of the Bombay Province. Renouncing lucrative government jobs, which they could have got easily at their command, those brave young men decided to render selfless service with a view to lifting the veil of illiteracy from the brows of ignorant masses around them.

They were all in their twenties and had just passed their graduations from Pune. They were indeed inspired by the ideals of the founders of the Deccan Education Society, Pune. With these ideals in mind and their own fertile imagination in heart, they resolved to begin the educational activities of their own. Restless as they were, Shriyut S. S. Basavanal H. F .Kattimani M. R. Sakhre B. S. Hanchinal, B. B. Mamadapur, P. R. Chikodi and Sardar,  V. V. Patil pledged to do something for the cause of education. We address them today reverentially as "Saptarishis " [Seven Saints] inhonour of their unparalleled service in the field of education. Truly, they were acknowledged as seven out of "Ten Founders" and also recognised as "Seven Founder Life Members". This galaxy of brave youths approached Sardar V. G. Naik Bahadur Desai of Chachadi, RaoBahaddur R. C. Artal and Sri. V. A. Anigol and sought their blessings in the accomplishment of their mission.

Thus, on the pleasant evening of the 13th day of November 1916, this inspired band of young men started an Anglo-Vernacular School in a rented building in the fort area of Belgaum which heralded the humble beginning of the Karnataka Lingayat Education Society. This School was later on named. "G. A. High School " after the renowned social workers and leaders of the community.

Having noticed the healthy growth of the K.L.E. Society, in her infancy, the public of Belgaum and its neighbouring districts came forward with their helping hands in the furtherance of the activities of the Society. The public were convinced that our founders had a definite purpose. Therefore, the public support started pouring in, in the form of cash and kind. Enthused by such support, our founders planned to widen their sphere of activities. Raja Lakhamagouda Sardesai of Vantamuri blessed these selfless youngsters with his princely donations. Another Angle Vernacular School came into existence in 1922 at Dharwad and it was aptly named after him.

With the passage of time, the Society was well able to consolidate its position. By 1927, the Society conceived an idea of starting a collegiate institution. However, the idea could become a reality only in June 1933, when the Lingaraj College came into existence. In between, a couple of schools were started in Belgaum district and the neighbouring state of Maharashtra too.

Thereafter, the science courses were introduced in Lingaraj College which became a full-pledged Arts and Science College in 1944. It was graciously inaugurated by Dr. C. V. Roman, the Nobel Laureate. However, the Science wing was separated from Lingaraj College later on. Five more institutions were added to the strength of the K.L.E. Society.

lt was after 1945 that one could notice the discernable and rapid progress in the activities of the K.L.E. Society. A very liberal donation by late Shri. B. V. Bhoomaraddy enabled the Society to start the College of Engineering and Technology at Hubli, in 1947. During the year, two more institutions were also added to the empire of the K.L.E. Society.

The times change and we must change with the time if we want to progress. To he true to this, a new constitution was drafted and brought into force in the year 1945. Thus, the Board of Management took over the administration of the Society from the Life Members. The administration was streamlined and more than a dozen institutions were established in the next few years at various places.