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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Sep 6: The Catholic Educational Society of Udupi diocese celebrated Teachers’ Day 2025 with a grand felicitation ceremony at Amoolya Auditorium ground floor Anugraha Pastoral Centre on September 6, honouring retired teaching and non-teaching staff members, toppers, and achievers in education, sports, and extracurricular activities.
The programme began with a prayer song by the students of Milagres English Medium School, Kalliyanpura followed by a guru vandana dance from St Antony English Medium School, Sastana and a welcome dance by students of St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady.
The programme was inaugurated with the floral honour to the portrait of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan by the dignitaries.
In his presidential address, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, Udupi diocese and president, Catholic Educational Society of Udupi diocese, Udupi, extended heartfelt congratulations to the teachers and said, “Teachers are the true creators of future leaders. As Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan said, teachers help us think independently and shape our lives. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam described teaching as the noblest profession and rightly so. Today, we gratefully acknowledge the dedicated service of teachers. They are not limited to teaching lessons from textbooks, rather they shape lives. Every Catholic institution shines as a beacon of knowledge. The hard work of teachers is treasured in the eyes of God. A true teacher is not just one who imparts lessons, but one who touches lives and transforms them.”
Lokesh C, deputy director of the School Education Department, Udupi district, said, “When we compare results, unaided schools, particularly Christian institutions, have consistently outperformed aided schools. This year, Udupi has secured the first place, and it is important that we continue to maintain this position. Teachers are the true foundation for students’ success, and the credit for this achievement goes to them. Our district is poised for even greater accomplishments. The department keeps introducing new programmes, and teachers are implementing them effectively. With 60 working days being fully utilised, the issue of backwardness in education has been completely eliminated.”
Dr Dayanand Nayak, Political Science lecturer, Mangalore University, in his address stressed the role of teachers in shaping society. “Whatever work we do, good or bad, it must benefit four groups, the educational institution, the teachers who are like priests, the parents, and society at large. Where there are teachers, there will be students; and where there are students, there will be teachers. In fact, students are the best judges of their teachers. If parents are the first gurus, then teachers come next. Before admitting their children, parents always study about the school, which shows the importance of institutions. The very reason Udupi is known as an intelligent district is because of its educational institutions. Teachers have the power to shape and uplift students. Students must set a goal for themselves: to study well and stand on their own feet. Today, we face several challenges, social challenges, leadership and power challenges, and the challenges of constant changes in education policy. Yet, teachers never let their personal difficulties affect their students. We often celebrate students who score high marks, but we must also encourage those who struggle academically. True education nurtures both mind and spirit. If we wake up between 3 am and 5 am, we can harness a unique positive energy that brightens our day.”
Shreyans Gomes, UPSC rank holder, shared his journey, dedicating his success to parents and teachers. “This has been a long journey of five years, and I dedicate my success entirely to my parents and teachers. The values and resilience they instilled in me are the reason I stand here today. My education has taught me that not everything in life comes easily. To achieve anything meaningful, one must constantly introspect and stay committed. I urge everyone to pursue what truly interests them, because once time passes, the opportunity may never return,” he said.
A silent prayer was offered in memory of teachers and students of the Catholic Educational Society who passed away recently.
Retired teaching and non-teaching staff were honoured for their service on this occasion. Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres College, Kallianpur, and Herald Monis, principal of St Mary’s College, Shirva, read out the names.
On the occasion, Lokesh C, Dr Dayanand Nayak, and Shreyans Gomes were also felicitated. Students who excelled in board exams in the academic year 2024-25 were honoured, along with achievers in sports and extracurricular activities. Institutions that secured 100 percent results were also recognised.
Fr Vincent Crasta welcomed the gathering. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Vijay Joachim D’Souza, principal of St Mary’s ITI. Sr Anitha D’Souza and Savitha Shetty compered the programme.