-News n Pics : Anand Kumar Barkur
BARKUR, October 24, 2026 — The Children's Film Festival 2026, sponsored by the National High School Alumni Association (Regd.), Barkur, was held today, Saturday, October 24, at 9:30 a.m. at the College Kalabhavan and concluded with great success.
The highlight of the festival was the screening of award-winning children's films, honoured at the national and international levels and valued for their educational merit.
Inauguration
The festival was inaugurated by Shri Pradeepchandra Kuttady of Udupi, a well-known television actor and veteran theatre personality, who lit the ceremonial lamp to open the programme.
In his address, he observed that in today's age of mobile phones, children watch fewer good films. Film festivals of this kind, he said, help nurture humane values, cultural awareness and imaginative power in children. He praised the alumni association for the initiative, calling it commendable.
Presidential Address
Shri Harindranath Shetty, Vice President of the association, presided over the function. He said the festival had been organised to introduce students of the institution not only to textbook learning but also to art, culture and cinema. He added that more educational programmes would be organised in the days ahead.
Chief Guests
Two chief guests addressed the gathering:
- Dr. Ramesh Shetty, President of the Sujnana Educational Trust (Regd.), Kundapura, said that good films work like a good teacher for children.
- Shri Ashok Kumar Shetty, Secretary of The Barkur Educational Society (Regd.), extended his good wishes to the organisers and participants.
Dignitaries on the Dais
Also present on the dais were:
- Shri Balakrishna Hegde, General Secretary of the Alumni Association
- Smt. Jyothi A. Shetty, Treasurer of the Alumni Association
- Shri Ashok Gundmi, Senior Teacher, High School Section
Film Screenings
From morning until afternoon, national award-winning children's films were screened. Hundreds of students, teachers and parents watched and enjoyed them. The children followed the films with keen curiosity and discussed them afterwards.
Concept and Coordination
The concept and coordination of the entire festival were handled efficiently by Shri G.P. Prabhakar Tumari.
Participation
Students of National High School and the Pre-University College, teaching staff, and members of the Alumni Association's executive committee took part in the programme.
The programme was compered by Shri Ashok Gundmi, Senior Teacher of the High School Section. Smt. Jyothi A. Shetty proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of the association, expressing gratitude to all who attended.