Mangaluru: Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba seeks support for new PU College building
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Mangaluru: Padma Shri recipient and ‘Akshara Santa’ Harekala Hajabba has appealed for assistance to build a permanent structure for the newly established Government Pre-University (PU) College in his village. Though classes began a year ago, the college still functions without its own building, forcing students to manage in limited space.
Hajabba, who has dedicated his life to education in his native Harekala, fears that the lack of proper infrastructure may lead to a drop in student enrolment next academic year. Despite personal hardships, including the recent loss of his wife, the 68-year-old is tirelessly meeting government officials, legislators, private institutions, and companies, urging them to help fund the project.
After years of efforts, the government had sanctioned 1.30 acres of land for the college on November 21, 2022, near the Gram Chavadi area in Harekala. Later, on January 9, 2024, the Department of School Education and Literacy officially approved the upgradation of the existing government high school into a PU College. Classes began during the 2024–25 academic year, with the college temporarily functioning from the high school building.
The Public Works Department prepared a blueprint and estimated the construction cost at Rs 5.30 crore in June 2025. Speaker U T Khader also wrote to the Education Minister on July 8, requesting early release of funds. Meanwhile, Hajabba continues to pursue both government and private support.
Local contributions have already started coming in. Belthangady MLA contributed Rs 5 lakh towards the project, and the P.A. Educational Institutions donated furniture worth Rs 6.5 lakh. A borewell has also been installed, and the land has been levelled for construction.
Hajabba said, “We have started the PU College, but without a proper building, it will be hard to sustain student interest. I hope the government and private donors will extend their support so that this college can stand as a lasting symbol of rural education.”
Currently, the college runs Arts and Commerce courses. The first PU batch has 11 students, including two boys and nine girls, while the second-year batch has 13 students, eight boys and five girls. The college functions with guest lecturers and a principal in charge.
Hajabba, who opened his first school in 1999 in a small madrasa building, became a symbol of selfless service to education in rural Karnataka. His determination to provide learning opportunities for children in his village continues to inspire many across the country.
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Trekking without nature guide won't be allowed; Karnataka forest minister releases SOP
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday said that trekking will no longer be permitted on any approved trekking routes under the forest department, without a certified nature guide equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies.
Speaking after releasing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated for the safety of trekkers, he said that there will be one local nature guide for every 10 trekkers. A maximum of 150 trekkers will be allowed per batch on any trekking route.
According to him, online registration for trekking is mandatory. Even if a single individual registers for a particular day, a guide will still be provided, and trekking without a guide will not be allowed.
He said the SOP was introduced following recent incidents, including a woman from Kerala who went missing for three days in the forests during a trek at Tadiandamol hill in Kodagu, and a minor girl who went missing and was later found dead near Manikyadhara in Chikkamagaluru, which is outside forest jurisdiction.
In a statement, the Khandre's office said that nature guides will be mandatorily equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies on all trekking routes. "Additionally, a mobile app containing trekking route maps will be installed on trekkers' phones. This will help locate trekkers if they lose their way", it said.
As per the SOP, before the trek begins, trekkers will be briefed about the distance, duration, and local conditions.
"Instructions on how to respond if wildlife is encountered will also be provided. Loud devices, sharp metal objects, weapons, and campfires are strictly prohibited on trekking routes," it said.
The SOP further stated that separate toilets for men and women and drinking water facilities will be provided at base camps.
Directional arrow markings will guide trekkers along the route, and rest points will be created along the way, it said.
Citing the SOP, the statement said that nature guides must ensure that no trekker moves ahead of them or is left behind. Headcounts must be conducted at base camps and rest points.
"Guides must communicate with the base camp via walkie-talkie every 30 minutes. If there is no communication within an hour of the trek starting, base camp staff will contact the guide to confirm safety," it said.
The SOP states that minors must carry a consent letter from their parents or guardians, and senior citizens must provide a fitness certificate confirming their physical capability to undertake trekking. To be able to respond to unexpected health issues, trekkers and guides must carry a first aid kit.
However, flash photography, single-use plastics, and carry bags are prohibited and trekkers must bring back their waste and dispose of it only at base camps, as per SOP.
It further said that all trekking routes under the forest department will be integrated into the official website (https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in/) to enable advance booking of tickets.
