Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Byndoor (VP)
Byndoor, Jul 6: Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader emphasized that a strong nation can be built through the education of students, and lauded the societal contributions of figures like H S Shetty for their dedication to addressing social injustices within the Hindu community. He made these remarks during a free uniform distribution event held at JNR Hall, Yedthare, Byndoor, organized by the Rajeev Shetty Charitable Trust in collaboration with Samruddha Janaseva Charitable Trust and the district school education and literacy department.
During the event, 41,000 free school uniforms were distributed to students from 350 government and aided schools across Udupi district. Khader, who was the chief guest, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, stating, “It is easy to be born into poverty, but it is not necessary to remain poor until death. Through quality education, individuals can achieve high positions and become influential. The education sector alone can empower individuals to become highly capable. With determination, purpose, and goals in life, success is achievable. Philanthropists like H SShetty are instrumental in providing such support."
He added, "While there are many who possess wealth, few offer it with a spirit of dedication. Students should aspire to reach the stature of individuals like H S Shetty. Having a goal in life is paramount, and with the right objectives, success in life is attainable."
Dr H S Shetty, president of Rajeev Shetty Charitable Trust, shared that the trust, established in 2008, initially provided uniforms to 1,500 students. The trust now distributes uniforms to 41,000 students and allocated Rs 7 crore to the education sector last year. He also announced a project to construct 100 houses for economically disadvantaged Koraga families, with 14 houses already under construction and plans to complete the remaining 86 within five years. Additionally, IIT coaching and counselling for 150 schools and PU colleges will commence in August.
During the event, the Heggunje Rajeev Shetty Vidya Peetha Award was presented to senior teacher and Yakshagana artist Kandavara Raghuram Shetty. The award was conferred by Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty.
The event was presided over by MLA Gururaj Ghantihole, with Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary extending his congratulations. Poojary highlighted that although literacy rates have risen from 9% pre-independence to over 85% today, crime rates have also increased significantly, underscoring the need for quality, value-based education.
Other dignitaries present included MLAs Yashpal Suvarna and A Kiran Kumar Kodgi, businessman Molahalli Dinesh Hegde, deputy director of the school education department K Ganapathi, Byndoor block education officer Nagesh Naik, trust vice president Halady Nagraj Shetty, secretary Dr Sumana Shetty, and others.
During the occasion, U T Khader was felicitated, and Samruddha Janaseva Charitable Trust secretary Vishwanath Shetty read the citation for journalist Jayashekhara Madappadi, who was also honoured.
The event commenced with a prayer by Ramani. B S Suresh Shetty, president of Samruddha Janaseva Charitable Trust, welcomed the gathering. Teacher Rajeev Shetty expressed gratitude, and lecturer Akshay Shetty Molahalli conducted the programme.