Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Sep 5: Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Udupi, celebrated Teachers’ Day by felicitating teachers for their invaluable contribution in the field of education, at its showroom on September 5.

The programme was inaugurated by offering floral tributes to the portrait of former president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan by the dignitaries, followed by a cake cutting ceremony along with the dignitaries and teachers.

On this occasion, six teachers were honoured: Denis Banz, principal, Government PU College Manur Padukere; Jaya Shetty, teacher, Government Higher Primary School Kachur, Hebri; Mohiddin, teacher, Karnataka Public School Padubidri; Prakash Shetty, principal, Government PU College Kokkarne; Dr Dayanand Pai, principal, SVS PU College Katapady; and Kristika, teacher, Nachiketha Vidyalaya, Amruthabharathi Institution, Bailoor.

A special recognition was also given to Vidhushi Deeksha V, who recently set a new world record by performing Bharatanatyam continuously for 216 hours, earning her a place in the Golden Book of World Records.

Speaking on the occasion, Lalaji R Mendon, former MLA, lauded the contributions of teachers, remarking, "Teachers have always corrected and shaped us, and no other profession commands the same respect. Today, India is progressing, and much of this growth is due to the immense contribution of teachers. When Vidhushi Deeksha began her dance marathon, many of us doubted she could sustain it for nine days with limited breaks, yet she proved us wrong. It is often said that behind every man there is a woman, but in Deeksha’s case, it is her husband who stood firmly behind her.”

Hariprasad Rai, president, Udupi district Athletic Association, said, “Teachers transform a child with no knowledge into a person who can achieve greatness in society. I also wish Malabar continued success in all its future endeavors.”

Geetanjali Suvarna, former Zilla Panchayath member described Malabar Gold as a role model in social service and said, “Malabar Gold is a true face of social service and a role model in society. When I was serving food to people free of cost, they stood by me. Teaching today is very different from earlier times, now many students, after completing their education, tend to forget their teachers.”

Delivering the introductory note Vidya Saraswathi, said, “Home is the first school and mother the first teacher, but only for the first few years. Later, teachers shoulder the responsibility of guiding and shaping more than a hundred students at a time. In earlier days, Teachers’ Day was celebrated only in schools, but today even parents are seen as teachers. Teaching has become increasingly difficult as teachers are no longer allowed to discipline students, yet they continue to provide value-based education, moulding our personality and instilling discipline. Just as even a stone idol cannot be carved without chiseling, parents too must understand the challenges teachers face. We honour them today because we know their true value—what we are is because of our parents and teachers. Malabar Gold and Diamonds has always recognized achievers, and in the case of Vidhushi Deeksha, her husband has been her guiding teacher, supporting her throughout.”

Deeksha, receiving the felicitation, said, “I am also a teacher and have been running a dance school for the past five years. Even a small flower from a student brings immense joy to a teacher. I am grateful to Malabar Gold and Diamonds for recognizing my achievement and honouring me. I now plan to establish an academy for underprivileged children and teach them all the art forms I know. If you know such children, please send them to me, I will gladly teach them.”

Denis Banz, principal Government PU College Manur Padukere, expressed gratitude to Malabar for supporting students through scholarships and said, “I thank Malabar for recognising us and for supporting our students with scholarships worth about Rs 1 lac.

This year alone, we have applied for assistance for 11 students. Over the years, I have witnessed many changes in education—teachers can no longer discipline students as before, and the influence of mobile phones has become a major challenge. It pains us when students take the wrong path or when even rank holders resort to suicide after a small failure. Today, teachers often have to visit students’ homes just to bring them back to school. We must reflect on whether education is losing its true value or if we are failing to impart value-based learning.”

Prakash Shetty, principal, Government PU College Kokkarne, praised Malabar for their social initiatives and said, “Malabar Gold and Diamonds is a renowned brand in this region, not only for jewellery but also for its social initiatives. Many children discontinue studies after pre-university, but Malabar’s scholarships encourage them to pursue higher education. I request that more scholarships be extended to students from rural areas.”

Krishtika, teacher, Nachiketha Educational Institute Amruthabharathi, Bailoor, shared, “As a trans woman, my achievements are a matter of pride. Education gave me the strength to continue working with dignity. I was a teacher before my transformation, and even today, I proudly continue in the same profession.”

Other dignitaries who shared their views included Mohiddin, teacher, Karnataka Public School Padubidri; Dr Charishma Shetty; principal Dayanand Pai of SVS PU College Katapady; and GP member Udyavara Yogish Kotian.

Store head Hafeez Rahaman delivered the vote of thanks, while Vignesh welcomed the gathering and compered the event.

The event was attended by staff members, well-wishers and others.