Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Mar 20: The foundation stone for a new auditorium at Punjalkatte Karnataka Public School was laid on March 8, an initiative undertaken by the Sacred Heart Credit Co-operative Society, Madanthyar.
MLA Harish Poonja, who presided over the ceremony, recalled his connection to the institution as a former student. "I have witnessed the growth of this school first-hand. During my first term as an MLA, I ensured the selection of this school for development and facilitated a grant of Rs 3.50 crore for its improvement. Today, Punjalkatte Karnataka Public School has earned recognition," he stated.
Lancy Pinto
Vivek Vincent Pais
Poonja reminisced about the past, mentioning that the school had only one hall and two old classrooms, making it difficult for students to move around, especially in the heat. "I had envisioned a well-equipped auditorium for the school. Today, that dream is being realized through the efforts of the Sacred Heart Credit Co-operative Society, which has contributed to this noble cause of education," he added.
The Sacred Heart Credit Co-operative Society has sanctioned Rs 25 lac for the project. Additionally, the MLA assured that he would work to secure more funds from the government’s budget allocation for the Karnataka Public School. "I will submit a request to the concerned minister on behalf of the school and strive to secure additional funds to complete the auditorium with an estimated cost of Rs 50 lac," said Harish Poonja.
Sacred Heart Credit Co-operative Society president Lancy Pinto emphasized that their contribution was purely for the growth of the educational institution. "This grant is not a personal donation; it is our society’s way of supporting the development of education," he said.
Director Vivek Vincent Pais highlighted the cooperative’s commitment to social service. "The Sacred Heart Credit Co-operative Society has always worked diligently. Our directors operate like workers and soldiers, ensuring discipline and efficiency. The president leads by example, maintaining the highest deposit levels to drive the society forward. We have consistently extended help to those in need," he noted.
Dr Sarojini, the school principal, expressed gratitude to the cooperative society for fulfilling a long-pending demand. "The need for a well-equipped auditorium has existed for years. During the previous annual day, we had submitted a request to the MLA, and today, the Sacred Heart Credit Co-operative Society has responded by granting Rs 25 lac. This cooperative has already established itself through various social welfare initiatives, and now, with its support for our school, we extend our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of everyone," she stated.
The ceremony was also attended by Madanthyar Primary Agricultural Co-operative Society president Joel Mendonca, directors Ronald Sequeira, Cyril Sequeira, Celestin D’Souza, Gracy Rita Rebello, Gregory Sequeira, Francis V V, Leo Rodrigues, Madanthyar gram panchayat president Roopa Naveen, CEO Valerian D’Souza, and other dignitaries. Representatives from local cooperative societies, contractors Prashanth M and Prashanth from Bantwal, JCI president Amit Ashok Bhandary, Lions Club president Divakar Shetty, along with JCI and Lions Club members, local leaders, teachers, and students were also present.
The religious rituals for the foundation-laying ceremony were performed by Parenki Sri Mahisha Mardini Temple’s chief priest Sridhar Rao. Principal Dr Sarojini welcomed the gathering, teacher Dharanendra Jain compered the event, and teacher Jayashree delivered the vote of thanks.