In a heartwarming homecoming, US Congressman Shrinivas Thanedar returned to the halls of his childhood to celebrate a monumental milestone. The valedictory function of the centenary celebrations at Government Chintamanrao High School in Belagavi's Shahapur area was graced by the distinguished alumnus on Sunday, marking the culmination of a historic event for the institution.
A Grand Celebration of History and Legacy
The two-day centenary festivities, held under the leadership of local MLA Abhay Patil, were a vibrant affair. The second day witnessed a grand procession that marched from Saraf Galli Corner to the school campus, filling the streets with pride. A significant moment was the unveiling of a statue of the great donor, Chintamanrao Patwardhan Maharaj, on the school premises, honoring the visionary behind the institution's founding.
MLA Abhay Patil detailed the school's rich history, tracing its origins to 1914. It was established by Rajasaheb Chintamanrao Patwardhan of Sangli and Rani Saraswati Devi Patwardhan with the noble objective of promoting education. Initially starting as a primary school (classes 1 to 5), it was upgraded to a high school in 1920–21. Its silver jubilee in 1945–46 led to the construction of an assembly hall named after Damodar Ramanna Anagolkare.
From Belagavi Classrooms to the US Congress: Thanedar's Journey
Addressing the gathering, Congressman Thanedar, an American businessman, author, and US representative from Michigan, was visibly emotional. He expressed immense pride in being an alumnus and stated he would never forget his childhood and education in Belagavi. He candidly shared his inspiring journey of struggle, recounting how poverty led him to work as a cleaner in a dental hospital.
Despite the challenges, he earned a BSc degree and later seized an opportunity to go to the United States. After completing his MSc and PhD, he ventured into business and eventually ascended to the position of a member of the US parliament. His story served as a powerful testament to the foundation laid by his early education.
Investing in the Future: Modern Upgrades for a Historic School
Highlighting the ongoing commitment to the school, MLA Abhay Patil announced significant modern developments. A state-of-the-art hi-tech auditorium built at a cost of Rs 8 crore has been constructed for the school. Furthermore, as part of the Smart City project, smart classrooms have been installed. A massive LED screen, a rarity among government schools in North Karnataka, has also been set up.
Patil added that further development works worth Rs 2 crore are planned, ensuring the institution continues to evolve. MP Jagadish Shettar praised the school for its inclusive approach, imparting education in Kannada, Marathi, Urdu, and English mediums, calling it a matter of great pride for a government school.
In his address, Thanedar also made a strong case for Belagavi's growth. He emphasized that government schools possess good teachers and provide quality education. He stressed the year-round utilization of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi for the city's development, asserting that proper use of available resources would accelerate Belagavi's progress.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries including donor Vijayaraje Patwardhan, mayor Mangesh Pawar, and others, who collectively celebrated a century of educational excellence and looked forward to a brighter future for the historic institution.
