Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Raichur

Raichur, Sep 8: Harekala Hajabba, an orange vendor from Mangaluru, has called for a collective effort to save government schools and improve their quality.

Speaking at a state-level Teachers' Day event in Raichur, he emphasised the need for everyone to work towards the development of their local schools and not neglect them. Hajabba, who built a primary school in his village using his earnings of just Rs 150 per day, expressed satisfaction at being recognised for his efforts. He stressed that education is crucial and no child should be deprived of it.

Hajabba, who has been honoured with the Padma Shri award for his remarkable contribution to education, spoke during the event organised by the Kala Sankula Trust at Rangamandira in Raichur on Sunday, September 8.

Minister of minor irrigation N S Boseraju, who inaugurated the event, highlighted the Karnataka government’s increased priority towards education in the Kalyana Karnataka region. He noted that the state government has already released additional funds for educational development in underdeveloped districts. Boseraju also mentioned that educational progress is achievable when there is a proper ratio of teachers to students.

Rekha Badiger, president of Kala Sankula Trust, presided over the event. The programme began with a moment of silence to honour school children who lost their lives in an accident in Raichur. Floral tributes were offered to a portrait of former president late Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

The "Karnataka Ratna Award" was presented to Sangeeta Sharma, a teacher at Maji Government Higher Primary School in Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada. The "Samaja Seva Ratna Award" was given to Nafeesa, president of Peruvai Grama Panchayat, and Muhammad Sharif, owner of Melkar Chandrika Vegetable Shop. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to selected teachers and social workers from various districts.

Dr. Sharanabasava Patil from Seva College praised Rekha and Maruti Badiger for creating an excellent platform to recognise achievers in Raichur and for setting a role model example.

Television actress Rajini Bengaluru and artist Bharathi Gopal Hebri were honoured, along with Dr N Vijayashankar, who received the "Vaidya Ratna Award." Libin Krishna from Kerala was also present.

The event was welcomed by secretary Maruti Badiger and hosted by Dr Vijay. The ceremony included performances by Amaragouda, Mahalakshmi, Chiranjeevi Yadav, Syed Ali, Mounesh, Mahesh, and Govind Vadavati, among others.