On February 2026, U.T. Khader, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, emphasized the need for students to be both smart and street smart during the inauguration of Alva’s Pragati-2026, a two-day free job fair organized by Alva’s Education Foundation (R.) at the Dr. V.S. Acharya Auditorium in Vidyagiri, Moodbidri. Khader stated that acquiring skills is crucial for employment, and students should not only excel in the classroom but also develop street smarts to increase their chances of getting hired by companies. He cited politicians as examples, who, despite not being book-smart, are street smart, enabling them to navigate complex situations. Khader advised job seekers to work honestly and commit to their jobs, rather than quitting for various reasons, and to uphold the reputation of coastal youth as trustworthy individuals. Dr. M. Mohan Alva, President of Alva’s Education Foundation, highlighted that over 350 companies participated in the job fair, offering more than 26,300 job opportunities. The event honored several individuals, including K.N. Janardhan, Dr. K. Prakash Shetty, Kusumadhara D. Shetty, Vincent Cutinha, and Mohammed Ashchaq, for their contributions to job creation, entrepreneurship, and social service. Umanath Kotian, MLA of Mulki-Moodbidri Assembly Constituency, presided over the event, which was also attended by D.K. MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, State Commissioner of Scouts & Guides P.G.R. Sindhya, and former minister K. Abhayachandra Jain. Bhagyashree Kulal, a physically challenged individual, secured a job as an accountant at Reddy’s Foundation in Mysuru, demonstrating that physical challenges do not have to hinder employment opportunities. The first day of Alva’s Pragati 2026 saw 13,016 job seekers participate in the event.
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📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK