Marimallappa's institution recalls founders' sacrifice

MYSORE: Had philanthropist Gurikar Marimallappa and his wife Mallamma, a childless couple, thought of either adopting children or simply help children out of charity, the Marimallappa's institution would not have celebrated its 137th anniversary on Saturday.
The philanthropic work is now the city's premier education institution, which is commemorating the servings of its founder. Marimallappa PU College Employers' Association hosted Smaranotsav in fond remembrance of the founders. The institution was a dream child of the couple who were keen on imparting quality education among many generations over a century. Gurikar Malappa was born at Dabbeghatta in Chikkanayakanahalli in Tumkur in 1818. Knowing the virtues of imparting education, he set up Marimalappa High School, the parent institution which has transformed the lives of lakhs since its inception in 1876.
The couple sacrificed a lot to establish and continue the institution they built, which was remembered during Smaranotsav. The event was aimed at creating awareness on the founders' struggle for the student community. During the event, students who have excelled in II PU exams were felicitated by University of Horticulture Sciences vice-chancellor S B Dandin. Among 924 students who attended the exams, 730 have excelled with distinction, said college principal M E Shankarappa.
Toppers awarded
Gurikar Marimallappa Award was presented to Shreyas Ananthnayak for scoring highest marks in science (590 marks) in the college. He has got second rank in the state. Aishwarya Rao L, who scored highest in commerce stream (576 marks), was conferred Mathrushri Mallamma Award, while Manasa s of arts stream was felicitated with Bhagyashilpi Award instituted in the name of K N Shivalingaiah for scoring highest in arts (561 marks). She has secured fourth rank in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Dandin asked them not to get carried away while they learn modern ways of living. "Be firmly rooted in tradition," the VC said, emphasizing the need to have a balance between the sustenance of traditional systems with modern living. He asked the students to think futuristic. DDPU H Krishnaiah and S Paramashivaiah, president, and K N Panchakshara Swami, secretary of the Marimalappa's Education Society, were present.