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A Day of Pride, Legacy, and Renewed Purpose Smt. Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Higher Primary School, Heradi

News: P. Archibald Furtado Pics: Viswas Studios, Barkur.

A Day of Pride, Legacy, and Renewed Purpose

Smt. Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Higher Primary School, Heradi

Thursday, 10th July 2025

In the vibrant coastal hamlet of Heradi-Barkur, a century-old light of learning shone brighter on Thursday, 10th July 2025, as Smt. Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Higher Primary School (SRSMNHPS) hosted two landmark events that marked a defining moment in its illustrious journey:

Twin Highlights of the Day:

1. Distribution of New Uniforms to all students—celebrating dignity, discipline, and the inclusive spirit of the school.

2. Formal Release of Centenary Celebration Appeal Letters (1925–2025)—a heartfelt invitation to alumni, donors, and the community to be part of the school’s 100-year milestone.

A Century of Educational Service: From Humble Beginnings to a Glorious Legacy:

In brief, established in 1925 by the late Maskibail Ramachandrayya, a visionary leader with a missionary zeal for rural education, the school began as a small effort but grew to become one of the most respected Kannada medium primary institutions in the region. He nurtured the school for an unprecedented 35 years as its Founder-Correspondent, laying strong foundations for academic excellence and value-based education.

Over the decades, a succession of committed Correspondents upheld his ideals and guided the school forward:

List of Correspondents (1925–2025)

1. Late Maskibail Ramachandrayya (1925–1960)

2. M. Vasudeva Rao (1960–1974)

3. Mrs. Durga Bhavani (1974–1981)

4. B. Manjunatha Pai (1981–1985)

5. B. Narayana Poojary (1985–1992)

6. N. Bhojaraja Shetty (1992–2007)

7. K. Chandrashekhar Shetty (2007–2024)

8. A. Ratnakar Shetty (2024–Present – Centenary Year)

Their dedicated stewardship has preserved the school’s ethos and enabled it to flourish as a centre for excellence and character building.

In 1981, there were some constraints to run the School, hence it was handed over to ‘The Barkur Educational Society’, while Mr VL Roche was serving as President and progressed under Mr Manjunath Pai as Correspondent….

Rebuilding with Love: The 1988 Renaissance:

A major turning point came in 1988, when proud alumni Maskibail Anand Shetty and brothers re-established the school in memory of their beloved mother. The generous donation brought new buildings, a stage, playground, and infrastructure, earning the school its present nam Ri Memorial National Higher Primary School.

It stands today as a living tribute to the values of gratitude, community service, and educational empowerment.

Celebrating the Moment: Dignitaries, Guests & Community Leaders:

The special programme was presided over by Sri B. Shantaram Shetty, President of The Barkur Educational Society.

 Other Prominent guests included:

Sri Prakash Shetty – President, Yedthadi Village Panchayat and the main sponsor of Uniform over the years, through Katileshwari Developers, Heradi.

Sri Shedikodlu Vittal Shetty – Vice President, Barkur Educational Society

Sri Ashok Kumar Shetty – Secretary, Barkur Educational Society

Sri P. Archibald Furtado – Administrative Coordinator, National Group of Institutions, Barkur

Sri Rajarama Shetty – Chairman, NJC Barkur Platinum Jubilee Committee

Sri A. Ratnakar Shetty – Present Correspondent, SRSMNHPS Heradi

Sri Karunakara Shetty, Sankadi – President, Centenary Celebration Committee

Sri Prakash Tantri – President, Old Students’ Association

Sri Udaya Poojary – Atula Youth Club

Sri Mohan Poojary – President, SDMC 

Members of BES, Principals and Heads of National Educational Institutions, along with retired teachers, community leaders, parents, and enthusiastic alumni. All the guests spoke highly about the Heradi School and assured their support for the forthcoming Centenary Celebrations…

Remembering the Mentors: Headmasters across time:

Earlier in his introductory address Mr Prakash Tantri, President Old Students Association, and in the followed Welcome speech Correspondent A. Ratnakar Shetty and others paid rich tributes to the teachers and headmasters who dedicated their lives to shaping young minds: 

In short, 

Maskibail Subbanayya (1925–1927 & 1929–1940 & 1945–1955)

Venkataramanayya (1927–1928)

Venkataramana Nakshatri (1928–1929)

Nagappa Adiga (1940–1945)

M. Vasudeva Rao (1955–1976)

H. Raghurama Shetty (1976–1983)

B. Gopala Bhat (1983–1999)

K. Chandrashekhar Shetty (2000–2005)

G. Srikantayya (2005– )

Mrs Tulasi, Mrs Gauri, and currently, H. Ratnakar Shetty.

Their combined efforts laid the bricks of success upon which thousands of students have built their lives.

A Gift of Dignity: Uniforms & Cultural Pride:

New school and sports uniforms, generously sponsored by Katileshwari Developers, Heradi, were distributed by the dignitaries on the dais. The sight of smiling students in crisp attire added colour and vibrancy to the event.

The Centenary Appeal: A Call to Hearts:

Earlier a beautifully written Appeal Letter for the Centenary was formally released by Mr Shantaram Shetty, president of The Barkur Educational Society along with the dignitaries. In a touching speech he called upon the alumni, patrons, and well-wishers to come forward and contribute—whether modest or substantial—to rejuvenate the school and carry its noble mission forward.

He reminded the gathering that SRSMNHPS is not just a school but a sacred space where generations of children from modest means have found the light of knowledge and values.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Dream for 2025.

As the school marches toward its Centenary Grand Finale slated for November / December 2025, several development projects—infrastructure upgrades, technology integration, and more—are envisioned. The day’s programme concluded with a note of unity, gratitude, and renewed enthusiasm to make these dreams a reality.

A soulful prayer by the students invoked blessings on the institution, and the proceedings were smoothly anchored by Mr Babu Naik, retired HM, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration.

In Conclusion

10th July 2025 will be remembered as a day of pride, remembrance, and purpose—a day when past and present came together to shape a hopeful future. With collective support, SRSMNHPS Heradi is poised to soar into its next century as a temple of learning, compassion, and opportunity.

‘Let us come together – to preserve the past, participate in the present, and prepare for a glorious tomorrow, -  Mr Prakash Tantri, President of the Old Students Association, rightly concluded with a vote of thanks.


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