-P. Archibald Furtado
A Tribute to a Beloved Teacher, Mentor, and Principal
Late Prof. Venkataramana Aithal
(31st March 1946 – 16th May 2025)
"A good teacher is like a candle—it consumes itself to light the way for others." – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
With profound grief and deep respect, we bid farewell to one of the most revered educators of our times, Prof. Venkataramana Aithal—a man whose life was a shining example of simplicity, sincerity, and scholarly dedication.
Born on 31st March 1946 into the respected Koteshwar Brahmin family, father Mahabaleshwar Aithal and Seeta Aithal, ( 2 brothers & 3 sisters) young Venkataramana imbibed the values of discipline, humility, and knowledge from an early age. After his early education in his native village, he pursued a B.Sc. degree from the prestigious Bhandarkar’s College in Kundapur, University of Mysore, graduating with distinction—an academic achievement that set the stage for a long and illustrious journey. Fueled by a passion for numbers and logical precision, he completed his M.Sc. in Mathematics, equipping himself for a lifelong mission to educate and empower.
In 1971–72, when National Junior College (NJC), Barkur was still in its formative years, he was rightfully appointed as a Lecturer in Mathematics. Thus began a dedicated and selfless service of 33 years, during which he left an indelible mark on the institution and the thousands of students who passed through its gates.
His commitment to education was not confined to the college alone. Prof. Aithal also taught SSLC Mathematics at National High School, where his engaging style and deep understanding of the subject left a lasting impact. This writer, too, was among the fortunate to have been his student. His methodical approach—selecting and solving three categories of problems: easy, average, and difficult—became a hallmark of his teaching, admired and remembered by generations.
Prof. Aithal was more than an educator. He was a mentor, guide, and gentle motivator, known for his calm presence, patient counsel, and unwavering dedication. As Senior Assistant and de facto Vice Principal, he stood steadfastly alongside the legendary Shri B. Seetharam Shetty, helping shape what is now considered a golden era for NJC—marked by academic excellence, discipline, and integrity.
In 2004, following the retirement of Shri Shetty after 25 years of visionary leadership, the mantle of Principal was passed to Prof. Aithal. For the next six years, he led the college with quiet grace, unwavering commitment, and a profound sense of responsibility, before retiring to a serene life in Koteswar. They had a Typing & Short hand School near Moodlakatte and for a few years he was teaching Maths in a nearby Engineering College.
In his personal life, he was blessed with a loving and equally modest partner, Mrs. Shantha Aithal, and two accomplished sons, Siddarth and Niranjan, the pride of his life and living reflections of his values.
Tragedy struck on the evening of 16th May 2025, when he met with a fatal accident while riding his beloved bicycle. A severe head injury claimed the life of this noble soul, and at the age of 79, Prof. Aithal left for his heavenly abode, leaving behind a grieving family, colleagues, and an entire community of former students.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Though death is certain, the timing and manner of it remain in the hands of the Divine. What truly matters is how one lives—and Prof. Aithal lived with unassuming greatness, a heart full of compassion, and a mind ever dedicated to learning and sharing.
As alumni and well-wishers of National Educational Institutions, we bow our heads in sorrow, but also in deep gratitude. We pray for sadgati to his noble soul and strength to his bereaved family in this moment of unimaginable loss.
"The influence of a great teacher can never be erased."
It is a particularly painful coincidence that we have lost two towering personalities—Principal Seetharam Shetty and Principal Venkataramana Aithal—within just four months. Prof. Aithal had come to Barkur to pay his last respects to his mentor and friend of 25 years… little did anyone imagine that he would soon follow in his footsteps, forever etched in our hearts.
Farewell, dear Sir.
Your legacy lives on—in the classrooms you taught, the lives you shaped, and the values you embodied. You may have departed from this world, but you will never leave our memories.
With heartfelt respects and eternal gratitude,
On behalf of the The Barkurian Education Society & National Group of Educational Institutions, Barkur
P. Archibald Furtado
Admin Coordinator