News : P. Archibald Furtado, Pics : Vishwas, Barkur
Barkur, October 8, 2025:
Sri Sharada College, Basrur, in association with the Department of History, Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Government First Grade College & PG Studies, Barkur, Milagres College, Kallianpur and with the support of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Government of Karnataka, organized an inspiring heritage programme titled “Parampare Nadige” (Walk towards Heritage sites) on Wednesday, 8th October 2025.
The event was aimed at rekindling interest in the glorious past of Barkur and Basrur—two historic coastal towns once renowned for their flourishing trade, culture, and architectural splendor. Both the towns once known as maritime ports and Gateway to the West.
Interestingly, 3 Village Panchayats viz Barkur, Hanehalli, Yedthady, Rotary Club of Barkur, Rajadhani Youth Club, Barkur, Sports & Cultural Club, www.barkuronline.com, Shourya Emergency Brigade and other socially concerned platforms and individuals extended their moral and economic support to this initiative to introduce, restore, understand and preserve the priceless monuments in Barkur and surroundings, once dominated as capital of Tulu Nadu with Two ancient Forts, good number of Jain Basadi’s, 12 large all season water lakes, and once upon a time 365 temples, dozens of holy Moolastanas, ancient mosque and about 175 year old Gothic pattern Church, an architectural marvel…
The inaugural ceremony took place in the hands of Prof B Jagadish Shetty, Retired Principal, Poorna Prajna College, Udupi, and director of RRC, at the sacred premises of Sri Somanatheshwara Temple, Manigara Keri, near Kalchapra, Barkur at 9.30 am on Wednesday, 8th October, 2025.
In his inaugural address shed light on Barkur’s rich archaeological and political history as the capital of the Alupa dynasty. He emphasized the importance of preserving monuments and inscriptions as tangible links to our cultural identity.
His talk was a real food for thought for students of all the three College's gathered in large numbers.
Mrs. Anupama S Shetty of Sharada College, Basrur, gracefully presided over the function, who underlined the significance of experiential learning through such field visits and heritage walks, urging students to become ambassadors of cultural preservation.
Prominent scholars, local leaders, and well-wishers graced the occasion, including:
Sri B. Srinivas Shettigar, Administrator – Sri Brahmmalinga Veerabhadra Durgaparameshwari Temple, Barkur, flagged off the visit to site's.
Sri Prakash K. Shetty, President, Gram Panchayat, Yedthadi, expressed his happiness and profusely thanked the organisers.
Smt. Mallika Poojary, President, Gram Panchayat, Hanehalli
Prof Bhaskar Shetty Salvadi, Principal, SRSM National Govt. First Grade College
Dr. Jayaram Shettigar, Retired Professor in History, Milagres College, Kallianpur.
Rotarian Mrs. Kishori S Shetty, President, Rotary Club, Barkur
Sri Sathish S. Amin, President, Barkur Sports & Cultural Club.
After the brief inaugural, participants embarked on a heritage walk, visiting the ancient temples, forts, stone inscriptions, and ruins of Barkur, followed by a guided exploration of Barkur, once a vibrant port town known for its maritime trade and cultural diversity.
The programme was meaningfully coordinated by Mr. Raghavendra Shetty, Head, Dept of History, Sharada College, Dr. Mohan K. N., Administrator, Sri Sharada College, Basrur, and Prof. Chandravathi Shetty, Principal, Sharada College, Basrur in her crispy message congratulated all for a wonderful beginning in Barkur and expected this initiative must reach to District Administration and steps to be taken to restore the monuments in Barkur and Basrur.
Mr Raghavendra Shetty, proposed the vote of thanks, while the programme was compeered with grace and enthusiasm.
The “Parampare Nadige” turned out to be an enlightening and memorable journey into the past, instilling among students a deep appreciation for the region’s historical significance and a commitment to safeguard its enduring legacy.