BARKUR, April 1, 2025 - The serene campus of National Higher Primary School in Hanehalli buzzed with excitement today as the much-anticipated 'Chinnara Chilume Summer Camp' was inaugurated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The beautifully decorated Rotary Bhuvan provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion that brought together students, educators, parents, and community leaders.
The four-day extravaganza, scheduled from April 1st to April 4th, commenced at 10:30 AM with a soul-stirring prayer song performed by the talented school children. This melodious rendition set an inspiring tone for what promises to be an enriching journey of discovery and personal growth for the young participants.
Mr. Udaykumar Shetty, the dedicated Headmaster of National Higher Primary School, delivered a heartfelt welcome address that underscored the crucial role of extracurricular activities in holistic child development. In a poignant moment, he paid tribute to the late Principal B Seetarama Shetty, acknowledging his unwavering support over the years both as a BES office bearer and Lions Club member. Mr. Shetty also expressed profound gratitude to the numerous sponsors and well-wishers whose generosity made this educational initiative possible.
The ceremonial inauguration was performed by Mr. Srinivas Shettigar, Correspondent of the School, who unfurled the camp banner in a symbolic gesture representing the illumination of knowledge. In his presidential address, Mr. Shettigar emphasized how summer camps foster creativity, teamwork, and leadership qualities among children. He commended the school administration for their foresight in organizing meaningful activities during the vacation period.
Mrs. Veena Shetty, Senior teacher at Government School Hungarkatte, provided a comprehensive overview of the meticulously planned schedule for the four-day camp. She eloquently articulated the camp's objective: to unearth hidden talents and engage children in creative pursuits that stimulate both mind and body.
The Secretary of Barkur Educational Society, Mr. Ashok Kumar Shetty, delivered an inspiring message to the assembled students. "Make the best use of the opportunities offered here and learn from experience, physical exercises, and games," he advised, encouraging them to temporarily set aside digital distractions such as mobile phones.
The event demonstrated remarkable community collaboration, with Prof. Srinivas Shetty, President of Lions Club Barkur, pledging continued support for initiatives promoting children's holistic development. Similarly, Mr. Ganesh Shetty, President of Rotary Club Barkur, expressed delight at partnering with National Campus on educational endeavors.
In a heartwarming gesture of appreciation, all major sponsors and their representatives were honored with traditional shawls and fresh roses. These distinguished guests included Mr. Praveen Shetty, representatives from National Primary Old Students Association, Kishoo Enterprises, Daijiworld Udupi, office bearers of Lions Club and Rotary Club Barkur, and Mr. Archibald Furtado, Administrative Coordinator of National Group of Educational Institutions.
The ceremony also recognized the resource persons who will guide and mentor participants throughout the camp. The honorees included Mr. Ratnakar Shetty (Retired Headmaster, Mandarthi), Mr. Ganesh Shetty, Mrs. Kamala (NJC Crafts teacher), Mr. Muralidhar (Teacher, Bhairampalli School and rangoli expert), Mrs. Veena U Shetty, Mr. Seetharama Shastri (drawing teacher and artist), and Mr. Vishal Mahesh Hanehalli. Each received a commemorative memento presented by the dignitaries.
Mr. Ramesh PK, Planning in-charge of Shri Dharmastalla Kshetra, and Mrs. Lalita, CRP Brahmmavara Cluster, spoke glowingly about this rural Kannada-medium primary school. They particularly praised Headmaster Mr. Udaykumar Shetty and his dedicated staff for their visible commitment to the holistic development of their students over the years.
The proceedings were masterfully conducted by Mr. Ratnakar Shetty, who served as the Master of Ceremonies, enriching the event with pertinent information and insights. The inaugural function concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Shailaja, Senior Teacher at the school, who expressed sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for their collective efforts in bringing the summer camp to fruition.
As the inaugural ceremony drew to a close, anticipation filled the air for the diverse activities planned over the coming days. The Chinnara Chilume Summer Camp stands as a testament to the community's dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals through experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom learning—promising to be a transformative journey for all participants as they embark on this adventure of skill development, knowledge acquisition, and personal growth.