Dr. Mantar Gowda, MLA of the Madikeri Assembly Constituency, speaking after presiding over the Teachers’ Day and District Best Teacher Award ceremony held at St. Joseph’s High School, Madikeri, said that the role of teachers in building a better society is immense. Without teachers, society would have taken a different path, and because of teachers, negative aspects are being transformed into positive ones. Hence, teachers hold an invaluable place in everyone’s lives, he explained. The programme was organized in association with the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, School Education Department, and State Teachers’ Welfare Fund.
The MLA expressed concern that the number of students in government schools has been declining in recent years. He emphasized that many new initiatives and programs are being introduced to encourage admissions in government schools. He assured teachers that he would listen to their grievances and strive to resolve them. He called on teachers to unite in addressing their issues and added that they should receive all the privileges they rightfully deserve. He also expressed gratitude to teachers who have served with sincerity and dedication.
He further stated that discussions would be held with officials regarding the re-employment of retired teachers. If retired teachers wish to return as guest faculty, they should be given the opportunity.
Delivering the keynote address, Nagaraju S.P., lecturer at the Government Teacher Education College, Mysuru, said that the Guru must be revered first, even before relatives and deities. He stressed that knowledge, guidance, and liberation are attained through the Guru.
He recalled Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s wish that his birthday be celebrated as Teachers’ Day as a tribute to his own teachers who shaped him as a thinker, writer, orator, and statesman. He described Dr. Radhakrishnan as a uniquely selfless individual.
Nagaraju also reflected on the challenges teachers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they had to rely on online methods instead of direct classroom interaction. He said such hardships should never be repeated.
He emphasized that teachers are needed from primary to postgraduate levels. “Teachers are like wax that burns itself like a candle to give light,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of their role.
Quoting Basavanna, he said that teachers must lead their students with values and guidance. He added that teachers should impart not only academic lessons but also moral values, traditions, respect for elders, and social conduct. Education without morality, he said, is incomplete. Citing Buddha, he reminded that “desire is the root of suffering” and one must rise above desire to truly see the world.
Chetan, General Secretary of the Karnataka State Primary School Education Association, paid tribute to teachers who, with dedication, have guided thousands of children. He thanked the district administration and MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda for organizing the Teachers’ Day celebration in memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who served as Vice President, President, and Chancellor, while remaining a teacher at heart.
The winners of the District Level Best Teacher Award for 2025-26 were Shalini K.R., Meenakshi A.D., Vanaja M., Jhansi K.V., Yogesh S.A., Abdul Rab M.S., A.K. Machamma, Susha K., and H.D. Lokesh. MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda presented the awards and honoured them. Retired teachers were also felicitated on the occasion.
Basava Raju, Deputy Director of the School Education Department, delivered the welcome address. Mohan Peraje and Manjula Chitrapura presented a musical rendition, and Bindu proposed the vote of thanks.
Among those present were Sadashivaiah Palled, President of the Physical Education Teachers’ Association, Purnesh, President of the Government Primary School Grade Physical Education Teachers’ Association, Devaki, President of the District Pre-University College Principals’ Association, Mohan Peraje, President of the Taluk Primary School Teachers’ Association, and several others.
