Karnataka school textbooks set to feature a chapter on late Puneeth Rajkumar’s life

The life and values of late Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar are set to reach young minds in a new way. His journey — from a child artiste to a socially conscious star — will now find a place in Karnataka’s school textbooks, a move that has touched his family and admirers alike. The Karnataka Textbook Society has stated that steps will be taken to place the proposal before its chairman during the textbook preparation or revision process. With this, future editions will include lessons on Puneeth’s life and achievements, transforming a cinema icon into a classroom inspiration.

Reacting to the development, his wife Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar said the recognition filled her with joy and gratitude. “I’m just really happy and elated. I would like to thank the Karnataka government for this distinct honour to my husband and my family,” she told us.

‘Not everyone in the cine field gets such recognition’

Sharing the news with their children was an emotional moment for Ashwini. “Our kids understand that this is a huge honour and recognition for their father,” she said, adding, “Not everybody gets this kind of honour. Cinema has so many people, but being remembered in an academic space feels different.”




A long-awaited recognition

The proposal to include Puneeth Rajkumar’s life in school textbooks dates back to 2022, when a fan from T Narasipura appealed to the state government. The Karnataka Textbook Society has confirmed that the addition will be considered during upcoming revisions. Dr Rajkumar’s life and contributions are already part of the academic curriculum, featured in the sixth standard first-language Kannada textbook. Fans state that Puneeth’s journey — spanning cinema and philanthropy — deserves focused attention.

‘Children need to know the kind of person he was, not just the actor’

For Ashwini, including Puneeth’s life story in textbooks is also a way of ensuring that his values and social commitment live on. “Definitely, this move will help the next generation know him better,” she said, adding, “It’s important for children to know the kind of person he was, not just the actor. There is no age to stop learning; we just need to keep learning and bettering ourselves in whatever we do. That’s what he did,” she said.

Ashwini recalled his deep belief in effort and sincerity. “He always believed in hard work and giving his 100 per cent. He used to say that when you give your hundred per cent, there is always a good chance of success. You need to put your heart and soul into whatever you do.” She added, “And he didn’t just say it — he always lived by it.”



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