News : Anand Kumar Barkur. Pics : Subhanu, Barkur
Barkur, June 14, 2025 – National High School and National PU College, Barkur, kicked off the 2025–26 academic year with a heartwarming celebration of student achievement at the annual Prathibha Puraskara ceremony. Held on Saturday, the event honored outstanding SSLC and PUC students who excelled in the 2024–25 State Board examinations, bringing pride to their institution and families.
The ceremony held special significance as it coincided with the birth anniversaries of two luminaries associated with the institution: its visionary founder and legendary Headmaster (1946–71), late Shri P.N. Bhoja Rao, and distinguished alumnus, late Sri Sri Sri Purushottamananda Swamiji. Their legacies were fondly remembered, adding a solemn and inspiring tone to the event.
Presided over by Mr. Shedikodlu Vittal Shetty, Vice President of The Barkur Educational Society, the program celebrated the institution’s academic milestones, including a remarkable 100% pass rate in the SSLC examinations. Mr. Shetty lauded the dedication of the faculty, particularly the High School staff, and commended Principal Mrs. Usha Kiran Shetty for her leadership in upholding the institution’s 80-year tradition of value-based education.
Chief guest Mr. Ashok Kumar Shetty, Secretary of The Barkur Educational Society, delivered a stirring speech, motivating students to pursue excellence in academics while embracing personal values and social responsibility. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to providing top-notch infrastructure and a nurturing environment, especially for economically disadvantaged students in the region.
The event began with a soulful prayer hymn by Class IX students, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp. Principal Mrs. Usha Kiran Shetty warmly welcomed the gathering, while Mr. Archibald Furtado, Administrative Coordinator, highlighted the enduring contributions of Shri Bhoja Rao, Purushottamananda Swamiji, and other donors, urging students to draw inspiration from their legacy.
Mr. Gopala Naik, Correspondent of the institutions, congratulated the awardees and extended a warm welcome to new students of Class VIII and I PUC, encouraging them to embody the institution’s values. The names and achievements of the High School award winners were announced by Senior Science Teacher Mrs. Jyothi Shetty, while PUC Lecturer Mrs. Jyothi shared the accomplishments of the college’s top performers.
Scholarships and endowment cash prizes were awarded to the meritorious students, recognizing their hard work and dedication. The program, skillfully compeered by Kannada teacher Mr. Maruti, concluded with a vote of thanks by Headmistress Mrs. Hemavathy P.S., who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, staff, students, parents, and supporters.
The Prathibha Puraskara ceremony was a vibrant celebration of academic brilliance, institutional heritage, and community spirit, setting an inspiring tone for the year ahead at National High School and PU College, Barkur.