Mangaluru Nov 6: The Annual Sports Meet 2026–27 of Shakthi Preschool and Shakthi Primary School, functioning under Shakthi Residential School, for students from Nursery, LKG, UKG and Grades 1 to 5, commenced with great enthusiasm on Friday at the school sports ground.
The programme began with an impressive march past by students representing the four houses – Bhakti, Nishtha, Karuna and Shraddha. Dressed in their respective house colours of red, blue, green and yellow, the students displayed discipline, unity and coordination. This was followed by an attractive drill performance by the Nursery, LKG and UKG students. The rhythmic movements and enthusiasm of the little performers won the appreciation of the audience.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Bhojaraj Kalladka, State Executive Committee Member of Kreeda Bharati Karnataka, as the Chief Guest, and Anjana Kamath, Educationist, Child Psychologist and Founder of Hakuna Matata Adventures, as the Special Invitee.
Dr. K.C. Naik, Administrative Director of Shakthi Educational Institutions; Mr. Ramesh K., Chief Advisor; and Dr. Surekha R. Bhat, Principal of Shakthi Residential School, were present on the occasion. The Chief Guest, Mr. Bhojaraj Kalladka, formally inaugurated the sports meet by releasing pigeons.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bhojaraj Kalladka stated that sports are not merely a form of recreation but an essential means of developing students’ physical and mental abilities. He encouraged students to develop an interest in sports from an early age and pursue their goals with regular practice, discipline, dedication and determination. He highlighted that sports help develop self-confidence, leadership qualities, teamwork and the ability to face challenges. He urged students to bring laurels to their school and country by achieving success at state, national and international levels.
Anjana Kamath, in her address, emphasized that participation is more important than winning. She advised parents not to focus solely on the positions secured by their children but to encourage them for participating in competitions. She highlighted that winning and losing are natural parts of sports and that children should learn to accept defeat as a challenge and celebrate success with humility. She also stressed the importance of parents recognizing and encouraging their children’s interests and talents.
Ramesh K., Chief Advisor of Shakthi Educational Institutions, stated that sports play a vital role in the holistic development of students. He encouraged students to balance academics with sports and cultivate discipline, hard work, self-confidence and true sportsmanship. He expressed his hope that students would emerge as achievers who bring recognition to Shakthi Educational Institutions at state, national and international levels.
Dr. Surekha R. Bhat, Principal of Shakthi Residential School, appreciated the students for their impressive march past and commended their discipline, coordination and confidence. She stated that their performance reflected the school’s commitment to quality training and disciplined education. She encouraged students to carry the same enthusiasm and sportsmanship into every aspect of their lives and strive towards higher goals.
Dr. K.C. Naik, Administrative Director of Shakthi Educational Institutions, conveyed his best wishes to the students and encouraged them to excel in both academics and sports.
As part of the programme, medals were presented to students who secured first, second and third places in various sports competitions. The dignitaries congratulated the winners and encouraged them to achieve greater success in the future.
The Chief Guest, Bhojaraj Kalladka, and Special Invitee, Anjana Kamath, were felicitated with mementoes as a token of appreciation.
Sushma Sathish, Coordinator of Shakthi Preschool, delivered the welcome address. The programme was efficiently compered by teachers Annet Parab and Pravalika.