News : Ashok Gundmi, Pics : Subhanu Studios Barkur
It was around 2:00 in the afternoon. The stage of our school library had been beautifully decorated like a bride. Behind this elegant decoration was the creative effort of the Class IX students, guided by their class teacher Mr. Maruti. The stage had been specially adorned for the “Guru Vandana Programme” and the Farewell Ceremony for the Class X students.
At 2:15 p.m., a group of teachers led by senior teacher Mrs. Hemavathi P. S. escorted Mrs. Jyothi Shetty, the central figure of the Guru Vandana programme, into the library hall. As she entered, all the students gathered in the hall stood up and greeted her with deep respect.
The programme began under the compering of Mr. Maruti K. P., Kannada teacher of the High School section, who shouldered the responsibility of conducting the event. The dignitaries then occupied the stage. As is customary, the programme began with a prayer by the students, which marked the formal start of the event.
With the conclusion of the prayer, the Guru Vandana programme commenced. High school students spoke warmly about their beloved Science teacher Mrs. Jyothi Shetty, describing how she had become a “light of knowledge” in their lives. Their words felt sincere and very close to reality.
Listening to the heartfelt expressions of the students, Mrs. Jyothi Shetty’s eyes became moist, almost without her realising it. Through the students’ words, her professional life and personality seemed to be reflected before her. Indeed, sometimes truth reveals itself in unexpected moments.
Although she accepted the Guru Kanike (token of gratitude) collected by the students, it appeared that the gesture weighed heavily on her heart. She seemed to accept it only because it symbolised the love and affection of the students.
The felicitation organised by the students, far beyond expectations, left her astonished. It was truly a recognition that exceeded her expectations. The thoughtful gesture of the students, beyond their age and maturity, left her almost speechless. Words faded into silence, and emotions hesitated to turn into sentences.
When she rose to respond after receiving the honour, she spoke with a choked voice. She expressed her happiness at seeing that students still possess the culture of recognising and respecting their teachers.
A particularly touching moment was when the students presented a pencil sketch portrait of Mrs. Jyothi Shetty and her husband, drawn by the students themselves. The gift brought immense joy to her heart.
After receiving the Guru Vandana from the students, Mrs. Jyothi Shetty, in a gesture reflecting the saying “returning the water of the lake back to the lake,” handed over the monetary gift received from the students to the Headmistress, requesting that it be used for the benefit of the students. One must truly say “hats off” to her affection for the school and its students.
The Correspondent of the institution, Mr. Rajgopal Nambiar, and the Administrative Co-ordinator Mr. Archibald Furtado were present on the occasion and appreciated the role played by Mrs. Jyothi Shetty in the growth of the institution.
The programme was presided over by the Acting Principal of the College, Mrs. Usha Kiran, who briefly highlighted the admirable personality of Mrs. Jyothi Shetty. Indeed, her personality is one that words alone cannot fully capture.
The programme was also graced by the presence of Mr. Uday Shetty, Headmaster of Hanehalli Primary School, and Mr. Umesh Shetty, Physical Education Director of our college, which added further dignity to the occasion.
The Guru Vandana programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ashok Gundmi, Social Science teacher of the High School section.
After this, the stage opened for the Farewell Programme of the Class X students.
This programme was organised by the high school students with the support of the Class VI and VII students. In fact, the concept that junior students should organise the farewell programme for senior students was once an idea envisioned by Mrs. Jyothi Shetty herself. She might never have imagined that the farewell programme she once initiated would one day coincide with her own Guru Vandana on the occasion of her retirement. The coming together of these two events seemed purely coincidental.
The junior students of the high school shared their thoughts and best wishes for the Class X students.
The farewell programme was presided over by senior teacher Mrs. Hemavathi P. S.
The Class X class teacher Mr. Ashok Gundmi handed over a projector worth ₹15,000, contributed by the Class X students, to Mrs. Hemavathi P. S. through the students.
A permanent name board was also prepared and handed over to the school head to record the names of students who secure the highest marks. This will remain displayed in the Class X classroom as an inspiration to future students.
On this occasion, Mr. Sridhar Ullittaya, who had earlier served the institution for a decade as a Sanskrit teacher and strengthened the roots of Sanskrit in the high school section, was also honoured on behalf of the students.
The farewell programme for the Class X students, successfully organised under the leadership of Class IX students, concluded with a vote of thanks.
After the programme, the students enjoyed a light refreshment prepared by the Akshara Dasoha staff. Later, the Class X students gathered in front of the flag post to take photographs with their teachers. The Administrative Co-ordinator and the Correspondent joined them as well.
Mr. Suresh, owner of Subhanu Studio, captured the memorable moments through photographs.
Except for a brief interruption caused by a temporary power failure, the entire programme proceeded smoothly and successfully.
The sweets distributed by Administrative Co-ordinator Mr. Archibald Furtado added sweetness to the occasion.
Finally, wishing all the Class X students great success, and sharing the memorable moments captured during the Guru Vandana Programme and the Farewell Ceremony, this report comes to a graceful conclusion.