Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Nov 30: In a gesture to support education, 50 students at Koila Government High School received free bicycles during the school's annual day celebration on Wednesday, sponsored by Canara Robeco Financial Services.

Muralidhar Shenoi, head of the sponsoring company, and M Durgadas Shetty, president of the School Development Committee, were present at the event.

Retired headmaster Narayana Nayak Kapre, who inaugurated the event, stressed that no child’s education should be affected by poverty. He urged philanthropists and private organisations to step in and provide financial support to talented yet underprivileged students.

Durgadas Shetty, chairing the event, also highlighted the critical role of government support in ensuring the survival and growth of government schools.

Shenoi spoke about Canara Robeco’s commitment to public welfare, explaining that the company allocates 2% of its profits to community initiatives.

Retired headmaster Cyprian D'Souza extended his best wishes for the event’s success.

Prominent attendees included Suresh Shetty, president of Loretto Hills Rotary Club; Vijay Fernandes, vice-president; and various local leaders and community members.

The event was also marked by a welcome speech from senior teacher Soumya H and an introductory address by headmistress Soujanya Rao. Physical education director Janardhana gave the vote of thanks, with teacher Ramesh Maiya anchoring the ceremony.