Puttur: Kanakamajalu, June 25: The Educational Rural Camp 2025, organized by the Postgraduate Department of Social Work, St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, concluded with a valedictory ceremony held at Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Primary School, Mugeru, ManiMajalu. The event was a celebration of community spirit, leadership, and social values nurtured through immersive rural engagement.
Presiding over the ceremony, Rev. Dr. Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of St. Philomena College, emphasized the transformative role of rural camps in cultivating responsible leadership and strengthening human relationships. “For any program to be successful, the cooperation of the local community is crucial,” he noted, while commending the support extended by the village residents and the school’s development committee. He also inspired the youth with reflections on how children should grow to become value-based members of society.
Nagappa Bommetti, retired high school teacher and chief guest, highlighted the camp’s potential in instilling foundational human values. He praised the college for its longstanding reputation for discipline and academic excellence.
Another chief guest, Anand Master, expressed his joy and appreciation, urging students to internalize the teachings of Mankuthimma Kagga, a classic literary work revered for its ethical and philosophical insights. “Camps like these offer students a unique chance to live those values in action,” he remarked.
The event was further graced by a host of dignitaries including Diwakar Kalappajjana Mane, President of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (S.D.M.C.), D.K. G.P. Junior Primary School, Mugeru; Sharada Uggamale, President, Gram Panchayat, Kanakamajalu; Sridhar Kutyala, Vice President, Gram Panchayat, Kanakamajalu; Savitri, Vice President, S.D.M.C.; Narayana Bommetti; Gayatri K, President, Senior Students’ Association; and Rati, Headmistress of the host school. They each addressed the gathering with heartfelt messages, applauding the successful conduct of the camp and the active involvement of the students and organizers.
In a deeply personal segment of the event, Shubha P.G. (teacher), Dhanushree Palatadka (parent), Indresh Korambaradka (senior student), and Sneha Rose Jacob shared moving reflections on their camp experiences.
As part of the valedictory ceremony, prizes were awarded to local school children and winners of various competitions held during the camp.
The camp report was presented by Camp Officer Pratibha, who detailed the activities and accomplishments of the initiative. Sheetal Kumar extended a warm welcome at the beginning of the event, while Coordinator Srimani proposed the vote of thanks. The program was compered by Ganyapratrashi, Vaishnavi, and Tejashwini.