National Junior College, Barkur takes initiative to revive golden era of historical Barkur

By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Pics: Dolphy DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Barkur, 07 Dec 2023: ‘It is a well organised one full day awareness programme to popularise the forgotten legacy of Barkur, once reigned as the capital of Alupa rulers, with 365 temples and other monuments. This National High School started during pre independence era i.e. 1946, since then  was the centre of higher education, continuing to play this role even now with this Seminar especially planned to spread awareness, belongingness and feel of responsibility…………’ retired Headmaster and currently the Gen Secretary of Barkur Educational Society Mr Ashok Kumar Shetty observed.

 

He was delivering the presidential address to the most promising young students of Class X in and around Barkur viz, SVVN (Shri Vidyesha Vidyamanya National English Medium High School), Heradi Barkur, Maryknoll High School, Barkur and the host National High School, which exhibited solidarity and unity in understanding each other and Barkur’s glorious past.

 

Whole day – Thursday, 7th December 2023 was engaged, first to pay visit to chosen ten historical sites at 9.30 am – Chauli Kere, Jain Basadi’s, Kalchapra, Panchalingeshwara Temple, Moodukere Temple Complex, Kalikamba, St Peter Church, Kachhur Malthi Devi Shrine, Manik Dinar Mosque etc and reached the famed Kula Mahastree Amma Temple in Benne Kudru, around 12.30 pm, where a warm welcome and stupendous lunch was organised for visiting troupes in 2-3 buses.

 

Second part of the eventful day was given a start at 2.00 pm in the College Auditorium with the prayer song by students. Principal Prof U Kotraswamy extended a warm and homely welcome to all Guests and speakers especially the Guest students of nearby High Schools and teachers.

 

 

To start with the series of short talks Prof Archibald Furtado, Admn. Co-ordinator of National Edu. Institutions, spoke on the historical past of Barkur vis a vis its current status. ‘Barkur has seen heights of prominence in all the fields – viz political, religious, cultural as well as the commercial nerve centre of Coastal Karnataka’. Its significance though diminishing he expressed happiness today it’s showing signs both as a centre of quality higher education and tourist destination.

 

Retired Principal Mr B Seetarama Shetty, who accompanied the youngsters in the morning, again revived and refreshed their memories with some insightful thought provoking incidents and called upon them not only to be proud of great historical past but imbibe great qualities of our forefathers. While thanking Secretary BES, for distributing pen and writing pads to all participants, he announced attractive prizes for students who submit Essays on today’s experience, rather a study tour.

 

Mrs Prathima, Lecturer in History, NPUC, beautifully narrated the efforts and initiatives of the College in the preservation and restoration of articles and various educative programmes and workshops the institution arranged.

 

Then it was a great ordeal of words by the learned historian Dr Jagadeesh Shetty, Retired Principal of Poornaprajna College Udupi and Director of Kanaka Vidyapeeta MAHE. He admitted, ‘it is impossible to focus volumes of history that Barkur have, in allotted 30 minutes….’, however kept the audience engaged with his scholarly presentation – political, cultural, economical and religious contribution by various dynasties, over the centuries  that ruled from Barkur throne. He specially cautioned to be careful about hearsay stories but gave authentic proofs to prove his points and infered with thorough studies of epigraphs, monuments, literature and travelogues by visiting foreigners from time to time.

 

Mrs Jyothi, Lecturer, Dept of Kannada, meticulously compered the whole session with her brilliant observations and to conclude the Seminar, Mrs Hemavathy PS the Headmistress of National High School section proposed vote of thanks.

 

It was a day full of fun filled learning experience to Class X students, as all the participants served with snacks and tea as they headed back to their respective schools with pleasant memories.

 

All the teaching and non-teaching staff of PU and High School extended best guest treatment to visiting students to feel at home atmosphere in the National environment.