Mangaluru: Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba seeks support for new PU College building
_vb_47.jpeg)
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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rain washes out Super Eights match between New Zealand and Pakistan
Pallekele (Sri Lanka) (PTI): New Zealand and Pakistan shared a point after incessant rain forced the abandonment of the opening T20 World Cup Group 2 Super Eights match here on Saturday.
Amid a slight drizzle, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
But the steady droplets soon transformed into relentless pouring, forcing the officials to call off the match without a ball being bowled.
Before the skies opened up, Pakistan made one change to their eleven, bringing in Fakhar Zaman in place of Khawaja Nafay.
New Zealand made three changes with skipper Mitchell Santner back after missing the last match against Canada due to a stomach issue and Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi also found a place in the XI.
But all those calculations and combinations will have to wait for another day, as Pakistan will now face England here on February 24.
New Zealand will make a light travel to Colombo to face home side Sri Lanka on February 25.
The washout has also placed both the Kiwis and Pakistan in a relatively tighter place ahead of their remaining two Super Eights matches.
A similar result in any of the following matches, a possibility considering Sri Lanka’s weather pattern, or a defeat can put their semifinal ambitions in serious jeopardy.
