R-day: Balamandira students register feat after 10 years

Competed with police, NCC and students of other schools

The inmates of Balamandira were the cynosure of all eyes at the Republic Day parade held in Hassan recently.

The students of the children’s home had not participated collectively in such an event for the past one decade. They posed a stiff competition to students from individual schools at the parade held this year.

During the 80s the district stadium had not been built. So Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations were held at the government high school grounds. People used to gather at the grounds to watch the students performing march past and other programmes. For 30, years the students of Balamandira bagged the first place in the parade.

Later, with changes in government rules that no disparities should be shown between orphans and others and that inmates of Balamandira should study in general schools, the school run by Balamandira was closed.

As the inmates were admitted to various government schools, they did not get an opportunity to participate collectively in any programme. Meanwhile, physical education teacher Manjegowda of Balamandira, who used to train them retired.

Thanks to the interest shown by superintendent of Balamandira T Mallesh the inmates again took part in the parade and competed with the police, NCC and students of other schools to win the first prize. Interestingly, Manjegowda, post-retirement, once again trained the inmates this year.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Mallesh said the inmates started rehearsals three months ago with the aim of recreating history.

At a meeting earlier, it was decided to involve the inmates of Balamandira in the parade, supported by assistant director of education department. The idea was supported by many others, who also donated uniforms, ties, belts and other requirements. Mallesh said Manjegowda played a major role by imparting training to them for an hour every day.

The hard work of 28 students has resulted in Balamandira receiving the trophy from district-in-charge minister V Somanna.

The team was led by Pradeep, who is an orphan and had only a grandmother. She too passed away on January 24. This came as a shock to Pradeep, who had practiced hard for the parade. His aunt took him to his native place. But, by the time he reached the place, the funeral was over. He returned immediately and led the team to victory.