-P.Archibald Furtado
Barkur, a quaint town nestled in the coastal district of Udupi, has once again etched its name in the annals of educational excellence. The recent announcement of the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) results for the academic year 2023-2024 has brought immense pride and joy to this humble hamlet, as all three of its prestigious high schools have recorded an astounding 100% pass percentage.
A glorious Past Revisited
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Barkur and its surrounding villages were abuzz with anticipation as the SSLC results were published in local newspapers. The National High School, then the sole beacon of secondary education in the area, would witness a grand celebration, and the successful students were hailed as heroes for days on end.
The Advent of New Institutions
Over the years, the educational landscape of Barkur evolved, with the establishment of the Maryknoll High School for girls in 1965 and the Shri Vidyesha Vidyamanya English Medium National High School (SVVN) in 2004 at Heradi. As primary schools in neighboring villages like Shankernarayana, Bidkalkatte, Kokkarnne, and Mandarthi transformed into high schools and junior colleges, Barkur's educational prowess continued to grow.
The Challenges of Modernity
However, the surge of city-based colleges and the mushrooming of specialty English-medium schools posed challenges to the traditional institutions. While some families sought better opportunities in urban areas, others were lured by the promise of quality education, sometimes at the expense of ethics and integrity.
Amidst this turmoil, several esteemed local institutions faced setbacks, and a few Kannada-medium schools were forced to close, leaving behind mere memories.
Resurgence of Excellence
In the recently announced SSLC results, Udupi district secured the top position in the state with a remarkable 94% pass percentage, closely followed by Dakshina Kannada district with 92%. This achievement rekindled the pride and glory of bygone eras.
Barkur's Shining Stars
Amidst this resurgence, Barkur's three high schools – National High School, Maryknoll High School, and SVVN High School – have emerged as shining stars, each recording an incredible 100% success rate. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the students hail from rural backgrounds, with limited access to specialized tuition classes.
The unwavering efforts of the students, the dedicated guidance of the teachers, and the steadfast confidence of the parents in these esteemed institutions have collectively contributed to this resounding triumph.
Heartfelt Congratulations
Team barkuronline.com wholeheartedly congratulates the individual achievers, Headmistresses Hemavathy P.S. of National High School, Sr. Jasmitha Crasta of Maryknoll High School, and Mrs. Likhita Kotary of SVVN High School, along with their respective teams of teachers, management, and parents, for this glorious accomplishment.
As Barkur basks in the glory of its educational renaissance, it serves as an inspiration for communities across the region, reminding them that dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence can overcome all obstacles and pave the way for remarkable achievements.
