A new bilingual first-grade classroom, offering instruction in both English and Kannada, was officially inaugurated on Monday at the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School in Bajal. The ceremony was led by MLC Ivan D’Souza, who expressed strong support for Karnataka’s initiative to introduce bilingual education for young learners.
During his address, D’Souza highlighted that the state government’s decision to implement bilingual schooling is a forward-thinking step aimed at the holistic growth of students. By learning in both Kannada and English, children will gain better academic exposure and improved communication skills, helping them become more informed and confident individuals.
He further pointed out a concerning trend: declining enrolment in Kannada medium schools. Many such institutions are at risk of shutting down due to dwindling student numbers. To counter this, he stressed the importance of community involvement. According to D’Souza, school alumni and parents must actively contribute to the school’s progress by launching development initiatives and programmes tailored to the institution’s needs.
He called on former students, especially locals, to take responsibility for enhancing the school’s infrastructure and learning environment. Organising events, fundraising, and ensuring access to essential amenities are among the ways they can support the school’s revival and long-term sustainability.
The inauguration marks a significant step towards inclusive, future-ready education, combining language preservation with modern learning demands.