Two-day camp organised by Seva Sangama Shri Narayana Guru Shishumandira with community partners draws dignitaries, resource persons and enthusiastic young participants
BARKUR: The Dasara Children's Shibira (Dasara Children's Camp), organised at the Barkur Shri Pattabhiramachandra Sabhabhavana, concluded successfully with a valedictory ceremony and prize distribution. The camp was hosted by Seva Sangama Shri Narayana Guru Shishumandira (Badanagoli, Hosala, Barkur), in collaboration with Rotary Club Barkur, the RCC Club Barkur, and the "Nammuru Barkur" Facebook group.
Inauguration
The camp was formally inaugurated on Monday, 5 October 2026, by Vedamurthy Shri Prabhakara Bayari of Hosala. It concluded on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, with the valedictory programme and distribution of prizes.
Valedictory Ceremony
The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Shri B. Srinivasa Shettigar, Lifetime Honorary President of Seva Sangama Shri Narayana Guru Shishumandira, Barkur, and owner of the Shettigar Industries group of institutions at Ranganakeri, Barkur. Prizes were distributed by Vedamurthy Shri Umesh Bayari of Santegudde, Barkur.
Chief Guests
A number of community leaders and public figures attended as chief guests:
- Shri Manu Handadi, Kundapura Kannada Ambassador and permanent member of the Kundapura Kannada Advisory Committee, Mangalore University
- Shri Ashok Prabhu, President, Jai Ganesh Credit Co-operative Society, Saibrakatte
- Shri Jagadish Kemmannu, President, Lions Club, Kemmannu
- Shri Subramanya N. Poojary, President, Swagath Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd., Barkur
- Shri Srinivas Shetty, General Secretary, Jeernoddhara Committee, Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Barkur
- Shri Rakshit Poojary Barkur, President, Rajadhani Raja Youth Club (Reg.) and the Barkur Sarvajanika Shri Ganeshotsava Committee
- Shri Gokul Das Kamath, businessman, Barkur
- Shri Suresh Pai, President, Administrative Board of Shri Pattabhiramachandra Temple, Barkur
- Shri Sudhakara Rao, Honorary Advisor, Shishumandira, Barkur
- Shri Anand Kumar Barkur, Administrator, Nammuru Barkur Facebook Group
- Kirti Prasad Kuradi, member, Rotary Community Corps
Office-Bearers and Others Present
Also present were the Shishumandira's President Shri Krishna G. Poojary; Honorary President Smt. Yashoda Suvarna; Supervisor Smt. Jahnavi A. Poojary; Treasurer Shri Ganesh Acharya; Secretary Manjunatha Poojary; Matajis Smt. Gauri V. Poojary and Tulasi (Assistant Mataji); along with camp participants, parents and committee members.
Resource Persons
Several resource persons guided the children over the two days:
- Shri Raghavendra Rao, Vice-President, Dharmasthala Bhajana Parishat, Brahmavar
- Kum. Pooja, Bachelor of Visual Arts teacher, Sujnan College
- Smt. Pavana Shrisha Bhat, Heradi, Barkur, music teacher
- Smt. Savita Ermal, lecturer, KPS Pre-University College, Brahmavar
- Mukta Bai, Sub-Inspector of Police, Brahmavar Police Station
- Shri Udaya Naik, recipient of the Udupi District Rajyotsava Award
- Shri Damodara Sharma, religious thinker, Barkur
- H. Udaya Bhaskar Shetty, retired teacher, Mandarthi
- Dr. Suresh Shetty, Padma Clinic, Kuradi
- Smt. Smita K. Shastri, yoga trainer
- Shri Mahesh Kumar, Mandarthi, recipient of the Udupi District Rajyotsava Award
-
Shri Sachin Maindan, teacher, Government Higher Primary School, Naduru
-
Activities for the Children
Over the two days, the camp offered children a varied programme of cultural activities, art skills, sports, folk traditions and entertainment.
Vote of Thanks
The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the camp a success, including:
- The presiding guest, Shri B. Srinivasa Shettigar, and Vedamurthy Shri Umesh Bayari, who distributed the prizes
- The chief guests: Shri Manu Handadi, Shri Ashok Prabhu, Shri Jagadish Kemmannu and Shri Subramanya N. Poojary
- All the resource persons who offered valuable guidance to the children on both days
- All donors, parents, teachers and well-wishers who contributed directly or indirectly
- The Administrative Board of Shri Pattabhiramachandra Temple, Barkur, for providing the venue
-
The organisers said they hoped the community would continue to offer its encouragement for the all-round development of children.
Issued by: the President, Secretary and office-bearers of Seva Sangama Shri Narayana Guru Shishumandira, Barkur; the President and all members of Rotary Club Barkur; Rotary Community Corps, Barkur; the administrators of the Nammuru Barkur Facebook Group; and Shaurya Vipatthu Nirvahana Ghataka (Disaster Management Unit), Barkur.
