During the Freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation stressed the need for quality rural education and development of women education and urged the leaders and youth to help in promoting it. Senior Freedom fighters and public of Shimoga were first to respond to the call of Mahatma. In 1946 they set up the National education society at Shimoga which is the important place of Malnad Area of Western Ghat Region in the Country which is endowed with rich and enchanting grace of Nature.

The Society with the zeal dedication of senior leaders of the district like Mr. S.V.Krishna Murthy Rao, former deputy speaker of Loksabha, Mr.H.S.Rudrappa, Former Minister of Karnataka. Mr. P. Murudappa, Mr. R. K. Jayatheerthachar and Mr. S. Narasimha Murthy senior Advocates, Mr. S. R.Nagappa Shrestty, Ex-MLA and a great social worker and others strived hard to build the institution as founders to achieve the aspirations of Mahatma. The society started independently Managed High School in the district during 1946 and constructed its own building with public assistance. With a view to give thrust towards girl's education NES opened the first Girl's High School in the district in 1954 and gradually opened educational institutions in rural areas of the district to cater the needs of rural people.