-News : P. Archibald Furtado, Pics: Umesh Shetty.
Barkur, December 30, 2023 - The National Campus at Barkur gleamed with jubilations and celebrations as the esteemed National High School and National PU College organized their Annual Prize Distribution Day. With a combined history of 77 years and 52 successful years, respectively, these institutions had ample reasons to make this year's event exceptionally vibrant.
The festivities commenced at 10:00 am on a bright Saturday, with the School Choir setting the tone with a prayer song. Mrs. Jyothy Shetty, the Emcee, skillfully orchestrated the meticulously planned 3.5-hour presentation.
Mrs. Hemavathy PS, the Headmistress of the High School section, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, office bearers, and members of the Management board. The event featured a crisp Annual Report by Principal Prof U Kottraswamy, highlighting the landmark achievements in academics, sports, games, and cultural fields by the students.
Acknowledging stellar performances at the District and State levels, Prof Kottraswamy affirmed, "National educational Institutions are incubation centers for growth, success, and progress in a balanced format, preparing students to face challenges and exhibit budding talents."
Various teachers called out lists of achievers, performers, and winners, adorning athletes who represented the College at various tournaments and cultural competitions with shawls, medals, and roses.
Mr. Ashok Kumar Shetty, the Secretary of BES, expressed gratitude to two associations—the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Committee and Old Students Association—for their transformative contributions to the campus.
Addressing the students, Mr. Balakrishna Hegde, a proud alumnus and the Chief Guest, reminisced about his college days in Barkur, urging the current students to bring more laurels to the Alma Mater. He emphasized the lessons of life, wisdom, hard work, and knowledge imparted by the institution.
Chairman of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, Mr. Rajaram Shetty, urged senior students not to forget their second home and encouraged them to give back in due course. Mr. Archibald Furtado, the Admin. Coordinator, congratulated the prize winners and encouraged them to acknowledge their efforts and achievements.
Presiding over the program, Correspondent Mr. Gopala Naik expressed gratitude to Old Students, donors, sponsors, and well-wishers for their roles in maintaining the temple of learning. He called on students to concentrate on studies and excel in their final exams.
The lengthy prize distribution program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Usha Kiran Shetty, Lecturer in Maths. Teachers, lecturers, physical educators, and non-teaching staff were lauded for their efforts in making the event wonderful and enjoyable.
All students were treated to lunch and laddus as they left carrying medals, trophies, gifts, cash prizes, certificates, and mementos—a testament to their hard work and achievements on this special day.