Bhadra's poem becomes school anthem in Kerala; Kollam native makes history

KOLLAM: “Mazhameghangal Panthalorukiya…” is how it starts. This poem will echo across schools in Kerala on Monday with the start of the new academic year. The poem came out from the creative genius of Bhadra Hari, a 10th-standard student of S V V H S School in Thamarakudy, Kollam. This is the first time a student’s poem is being used as the entrance song for a new academic year in Kerala schools.

When CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates the new academic year in Kalavoor Government Higher Secondary School, Bhadra’s poem will reverberate across the school assembly hall.

Bhadra is now an overnight sensation in her school. Along with this, her cent per cent result for Class 10 made the joy double.

She penned a poem during last year’s vacation. When the government invited poems from students for the new academic year song, Bhadra didn’t think twice before sending her work. However, the government went ahead with another poem, leaving Bhadra dejected. The pain was salvaged when she received a call this year from the Education Minister's office, saying that her song was chosen for the big day.

The poem was then composed and sung by famous music director Alphons Joseph. Anu Thomas, Aleena Mary, Shibu and Jerin George sang the chorus.

Bhadra is the daughter of Harindranath, Deputy Tahsildar of Adoor and Suma, a school teacher in Thamarakudy. Her younger sister Dhwani is a third-grade student.

Bhadra admires Kumaranasan's works. Whenever she gets free, Bhadra indulges in writing and asks for her mother’s opinion. She received an A grade twice for Malayalam poetry writing at the State School Arts Festival. The poems she wrote and sang are available on the YouTube channel 'Bhadrayude Pattukkal'. Bhadra has her mind set on Humanities for Plus Two. The young talent now dreams of becoming a Malayalam teacher.