With inputs from Jyothi Shetty, Nagendra Achar and P.Archibald Furtado
The reopening of National Educational Institutions after the long summer break was celebrated with remarkable enthusiasm and festive fervour across multiple campuses, heralding the beginning of the academic year 2026–27. National High School (Barkur), SVVN English Medium High School, Rukmani Shedthi Memorial National Higher Primary School (Heradi), and Hanehalli National Higher Primary School were all beautifully adorned with colourful balloons, vibrant decorations, and attractive hoardings to warmly welcome students back. The occasion was especially delightful for the youngest children and new entrants, who stepped into their learning environments with excitement and curiosity, with thoughtful arrangements made to ensure every child felt at home from the very first day.
Hanehalli National Higher Primary School
A special inaugural programme was organised at Hanehalli National Higher Primary School, commencing at 10:30 a.m. The event began with a prayer, followed by a heartfelt welcome address delivered by Headmaster Mr. Udaya Shetty, which set a positive and inspiring tone for the academic year ahead. Teachers Ms. Shailaja, Ms. Navyalatha, and Ms. Suma took special care to ensure that all children felt comfortable and joyful on their first day. Textbooks were distributed to all students in a well-organised manner as part of the occasion.
The Block Development Officer of Hanehalli Panchayat, Mr. Puranik, graced the event as Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasised the importance of compulsory education and highlighted various government schemes aimed at ensuring access to education for all. Addressing parents present at the gathering, he also shared valuable insights on cleanliness, sanitation, healthcare, and the safety and security of children both at school and at home. The programme was further dignified by the presence of SDM President Mr. Naik and Vice President Mr. Kotary.
Mr. Archibald Furtado, Administrative Coordinator, proudly recalled the outstanding achievement of Ms. Gayathri Shettigar, an alumna of the institution, who secured the 10th Rank in the Karnataka State Public Examination held in April 2026. Her remarkable success served as a powerful source of inspiration for the assembled students and reaffirmed the institution's unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
SVVN English Medium High School
The reopening celebrations at SVVN English Medium High School were marked by an inspiring and ceremonially rich programme. Mr. Rajaram Shetty, Correspondent of the school, delivered a motivating address emphasising the critical importance of time management and disciplined study habits. He encouraged students to make the best use of their time and strive relentlessly for academic excellence. He also extended warm congratulations to the teaching staff for their dedicated efforts in achieving outstanding academic results in the previous academic year and appreciated their deep commitment to the institution's success.
Mrs. Likitha Kotary, the Headmistress, addressed the gathering with an introductory speech that underscored the importance of education, discipline, and dedication as guiding principles for the new academic year.
A special and meaningful welcome was extended to newly admitted students. In a symbolic gesture marking the beginning of their educational journey, all new students were presented with pens — signifying knowledge, learning, and future success. Additionally, the first ten students who had secured admission to the school were presented with school bags as a token of encouragement and appreciation, as had been announced earlier by the Headmistress.
As part of the ceremony, Master Shubhang, a Class X student, performed the sacred Saraswati Pooja, invoking the blessings of the Goddess of Learning. The spiritual atmosphere was further enriched by a devotional prayer hymn dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, melodiously rendered by Miss Shreya and Miss Shamitha.
The programme was efficiently compered by Mrs. Jyothi Shetty and Miss Ashalatha, who ensured its smooth and orderly conduct throughout. Mrs. Sujatha L. Rai read out the list of newly admitted students, and the ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Brijith Gonsalves, who expressed sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to making the programme a success.
National High School, Barkur
The school reopening celebrations at National High School, Barkur, were marked by exceptional energy and a deeply ceremonial welcome for new students. Teachers arrived at the school premises the day prior to the reopening to decorate the campus beautifully, preparing it to receive students in a festive spirit.
On the reopening day, a band led by Class X students filled the school premises with music, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Newly admitted Class 8 students assembled at the main entrance, while students of Classes 9 and 10 lined up on either side of the pathway from the main gate all the way to the Class 8 entrance. The senior students welcomed the juniors with warm applause as they walked through the guard of honour. Physical Education Teacher Mr. A.H. Goud of the high school section ensured that the procession moved in perfect step and order.
As the Class 8 students walked through the lines of their seniors, the remaining teachers welcomed them at the classroom door with smiling faces. Headmistress Mrs. Hemavathi P.S. led the procession alongside the school's pride, Ms. Gayathri — the alumna who secured 10th Rank in the Class 10 Karnataka State Public Examination — whose presence on the occasion served as a living inspiration for the incoming Class 8 students.
Also gracing the occasion were the religious head (Dharma Guru) of the local Jumma Masjid of Ranganakeri, and former alumnus and local entrepreneur Mr. Gokul Das Kamath.
At the formal gathering held in the Class 8 room, Mr. Gokul Das Kamath addressed the students, stating that schools are temples of knowledge and that a disciplined academic life alone can bring success in the future, urging students to imbibe discipline as a core life value.
Headmistress Mrs. Hemavathi P.S. welcomed the newly admitted students and assured them that the entire teaching staff was fully prepared to provide quality education along with discipline and value-based learning in the new academic year. She also informed students that, in accordance with government regulations, free textbooks and stationery materials were being distributed on the very first day, and urged students to make the best use of them.
The Dharma Guru of the local Jumma Masjid, who was also present on the dais, extended his best wishes for the students' academic life.
Sanskrit teacher Mr. Prabhakar G.P. of the high school section shared words of wisdom with the students, advising them to be models of discipline, to cultivate the habit of daily study, to maintain respect for teachers, and to keep away from social media.
The programme's compere, Mr. Maruthi K.P., inspired students with heartfelt words — encouraging them to identify and nurture their talents, reminding them that education is not limited to academics alone but encompasses sports, public speaking, and cultural activities, and assuring them that teachers would always stand by them without hesitation whenever guidance was needed. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Maruthi K.P.
Embroidery teacher Ms. Kamala, with the support of the mid-day meal staff (Akshara Dasoha), made special arrangements for a festive sweet meal for all students under the mid-day meal scheme. Newly joined science teachers Ms. Keerthika and Ms. Ashwitha also played a notable role in the success of the reopening programme. Hindi teacher Mr. Novel D. Silva of the high school section actively coordinated the organised distribution of textbooks and notebooks to all students.
The dedicated leadership of Hanehalli Headmaster Mr. Udaya Shetty, together with the efforts of SVVN Principal Ms. Likitha Kotary, National High School Headmistress Ms. Hemavathy P.S., and Headmaster Mr. Ratnakar Shetty across the respective institutions, ensured a warm and homely reception for all students across campuses.
The reopening day across all National Educational Institutions concluded on a joyful and motivated note, leaving students, parents, and staff inspired and eager for a productive and fulfilling academic year 2026–27.