News n Pics : Navyalatha and Bridget Gonsalves
Educational institutions across the Barkur region marked the beginning of the new academic year 2025-26 on June 2nd, 2025, with warm welcomes for fresh admissions and returning students. Despite recent pre-monsoon showers and cyclonic conditions, bright weather complemented the celebratory atmosphere as rural children embarked on their educational journey.
The National Higher Primary School campus in Hanehalli buzzed with renewed energy as students returned after the long summer vacation. The festive atmosphere encompassed the entire National Educational Campus, bringing together students from the PU College, High School, and Primary School who joyfully reunited with friends and teachers.
Head Master Mr. Udaya S Shetty, alongside his dedicated teaching team of Ms. Shailaja, Ms. Navyalatha, and Ms. Suma, had meticulously prepared a vibrant and welcoming environment for the new batch of young learners and their parents. The day held special significance for ten newly admitted Class I students and other fresh entrants beginning their academic journey within the National family.
The ceremonial beginning commenced at 10:00 a.m. with the first School Assembly of the academic year. During the heart-warming welcome ceremony, teacher Ms. Shailaja extended cordial greetings to all attendees, including parents, students, and distinguished guest Mr. Archibald Furtado, Administrative Coordinator of the National Group of Educational Institutions.
In a touching gesture, the Head Master and staff offered fresh roses to the ten newly admitted students, who gleefully introduced themselves during the assembly, creating a personal and memorable experience. Textbooks were distributed to students, establishing a productive foundation for the year ahead.
Parent representatives expressed their appreciation for the care, concern, and dedication demonstrated by the Head Master and staff, particularly teachers Ms. Shailaja, Ms. Navyalatha, and Ms. Suma, throughout the previous academic year.
Mr. Furtado addressed the gathering, thanking parents for their unwavering trust and support. He highlighted the institution's proud legacy of providing quality education 'from KG to PG' within a serene, unified campus. Speaking directly to the young children, he emphasized, "Your teachers here are more than just educators—they are your parents in this home of learning and joy."
He also explained to parents the challenges facing rural institutions, noting that despite being built through the sacrifices of elders and serving as "a light to life for hundreds," these institutions now struggle to survive and need community support. He mentioned that admissions remain open across all six National Institutions: National Primary Schools in Heradi and Hanehalli, SVVN English Medium High School in Heradi, National High School Barkur, National Industrial Training Institute Heradi, and National PU College Barkur.
Adding a personal touch to the event, Mr. Udaya S Shetty, who had recently toured Thailand and East Asia in May, presented special souvenirs including wristwatches to his colleagues as tokens of appreciation and goodwill.
The celebration concluded with all attendees being served sweets and malt, making the day particularly special and memorable for the young learners and their families.
SVVN English Medium School inaugurated its new academic year with a sacred Pooja ceremony dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The spiritual beginning set a reverent tone for the educational journey ahead.
The event commenced with a warm welcome of students, who were showered with flower petals as they entered the campus. Mr. Trishul Rao, a Class 10 student, performed the sacred Pooja ceremony, while Mr. Aditya Acharya enhanced the spiritual atmosphere by singing a prayer hymn.
Mr. Rajaram Shetty, the school's Correspondent, delivered an inspiring address advising students to utilize their time effectively. He also congratulated the staff on securing excellent academic results in the previous year, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.
Mrs. Likitha Kotary, the Headmistress, delivered an introductory speech welcoming everyone to the new academic session. In a symbolic gesture representing the beginning of their educational journey, newly admitted students were welcomed by being offered pens.
The well-organized program was conducted by Mrs. Bridget Gonsalves, ensuring smooth proceedings throughout the ceremony. Mrs. Aparna proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and marking a meaningful and auspicious start to the academic year 2025-26.
Both institutions demonstrated their commitment to providing quality education in the rural Barkur region, emphasizing the importance of community support in sustaining these vital educational establishments that serve as beacons of learning for local children.