P.Archibald Furtado
BARKUR, April 3, 2025 - Students at the 78-year-old National High School in Barkur have reason to celebrate as their computer science laboratory received a significant upgrade yesterday afternoon. In a ceremony marked by gratitude and optimism, software company Robosoft donated three new computer sets valued at approximately Rs. 1 lakh to the prestigious Kannada-medium institution.
The handover ceremony, held at 3:00 PM on the school premises, saw Mr. Chakri Hegde and his Robosoft team personally delivering the equipment to the school's Headmistress, Mrs. Hemavathy P.S. This contribution comes as part of Robosoft's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at supporting educational infrastructure in local communities.
"These computers will open new worlds of learning for our students," said Mrs. Hemavathy, accepting the donation. "In today's digital age, technological literacy is essential, and this generous gift helps ensure our students won't be left behind."
Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Mr. Ashok Kumar Shetty, Secretary of the Barkur Educational Society (BES), Mr. Archibald Furtado, Administrative Coordinator of National Educational Institutions, Barkur, and Mrs. Usha Kiran Shetty, Principal of National PU College, Barkur.
Mr. Maruthi, a Kannada language teacher at the school, welcomed the guests and expressed special appreciation for Robosoft's contribution. The company was represented by Mr. Hegde and Mr. Prakash, who took time to interact with faculty members and curious students eager to see the new equipment.
In his address to the gathering, Mr. Ashok Kumar Shetty highlighted the importance of such partnerships between the corporate sector and educational institutions.
"This donation represents more than just hardware," Mr. Shetty remarked. "It represents Robosoft's commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and thinkers right here in Barkur."
As a token of appreciation, Mr. Shetty honored Mr. Hegde with a traditional shawl and commemorative memento amidst enthusiastic applause from students and staff.
The donation is expected to significantly enhance the learning experience at National High School, which has been serving the community for nearly eight decades. With technology increasingly central to education and future employment opportunities, the new computers will help bridge the digital divide and prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven world.
For National High School's students, many of whom come from modest backgrounds, access to modern computing resources represents a crucial stepping stone toward digital fluency and expanded career possibilities.
As the ceremony concluded, the excited chatter of students eagerly anticipating their turn with the new equipment filled the corridors, symbolizing the bright prospects this donation brings to the historic institution.