Media Release
Karkala, Dec 23: The Karkala taluk-level Prathibha Karanji and Kala Utsava–2025 was held in a grand and vibrant manner under the joint collaboration of the Department of Public Instruction, government of Karnataka; the office of the block education officer, Karkala; and Christ King Educational Institutions, Karkala.
The event was formally inaugurated by Karkala MLA V Sunil Kumar, who lit the ceremonial lamp and blossomed the coconut flower, symbolically launching the festival.
Addressing the gathering, he said that identifying children’s talents and nurturing them is the collective responsibility of teachers and parents. Society too must continuously encourage platforms that allow young talents to flourish. He expressed pride in the youth of Karkala who are excelling at state, national, and international levels, and wished for their achievements to continue.
Udupi District Guarantee Implementation Committee vice-president Muniyalu Udaykumar Shetty said that managing children in the present times is a challenge and stressed the importance of value-based education in shaping disciplined citizens. He added that strengthening democratic values among children is a shared responsibility.
Karkala Taluk Guarantee Implementation Committee president Ajith Hegde remarked that Prathibha Karanji provides an ideal platform for talented students and urged them to make the best use of such opportunities. Hebri Taluk Guarantee Implementation Committee president Shankar Sherigar said that such programmes are excellent avenues to bring out children’s hidden talents and called upon parents and teachers to encourage greater participation.
Member of Christ King Education Trust Dr Peter Fernandes, in his address, said that at a time when art, literature, and culture are gradually losing prominence, programmes like Prathibha Karanji are a blessing for children. He emphasised that children should live joyfully, not under pressure or distress.
Block education officer Girijamma, who presided over the programme, congratulated everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
International sportsperson and Christ King 9th standard student Shagun S Verma Hegde was felicitated by Bharat Scouts. Students who performed excellently at the Class 10 motivational camp held last year were also honoured, along with last year’s CRP Balakrishna, who played a key role in their achievement.
Before the formal programme, dignitaries were given a grand welcome with a ceremonial procession from Gandhi Maidan, accompanied by chende, band, and kombu performances, along with Poorna Kumbha reception. Students, teachers, and members of the Parent-Teacher Association entertained the audience by donning costumes of great leaders and various folk traditions.
Among those present were Christ King PU College principal Lakshminarayana Kamath; headmistress of the High School section Josna Snehalatha; head of the primary section Rudolph Kishore Lobo; PTA presidents Dayanand Malebettu (PU), Sherita Noronha (High School), and Udayaravi (Primary); office-bearers of various teachers’ associations at taluk and district levels; and several education department officials, including taluk-level Prathibha Karanji Nodal officer and BRC Umesh K S.
Assistant director of PM Poshan Abhiyan (Akshara Dasoha), Karkala taluk, Bhaskara T welcomed the gathering, while field resource coordinator Indira proposed the vote of thanks. Krishnakumar, CRP, Hosmaru, compered the programme, and Kannada lecturer Umesh Bellippadi anchored the event.