State Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation's future on Saturday, after inaugurating the Teachers' Day programme at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in Mangaluru.
Speaking to a gathering organised by the Mangaluru North Zone under the Dakshina Kannada District Administration, the minister said teachers possess the power to mould the architects of the country. He added that when educators devote their intellect and talent to students, the outcome can become the nation's greatest wealth.
Khader warned that merely providing formal education is insufficient; value‑based learning must become a priority. Recent incidents involving educated individuals in wrongdoing, he observed, underline the urgency of instilling ethical foundations alongside academic knowledge.
Addressing the impact of modern technology, the minister urged teachers to upgrade their skills, especially in artificial intelligence, to stay relevant. “If educators do not adapt, their teaching journey will become increasingly difficult,” he remarked, noting that embracing AI can bring teachers closer to pupils and prevent a disconnect from society.
During the ceremony, twenty‑one teachers from junior, senior and high schools across Dakshina Kannada received the Best Teacher Award. Retired teachers and non‑teaching staff from the Mangaluru North Zone were also felicitated for their contributions.
Prominent guests included MLC Ivan D'Souza, MUDA President Santosh Shetty, Cashew Development Corporation Chairperson Mamatha D.S. Gatti, Karnataka Eco‑Tourism Development Board Chairperson Shalett Pinto, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V., Zilla Panchayat CEO Vinayak Karbhari, City Corporation Commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey, Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi Arya, DDPI G.S. Shashidhar, North Zone BEO James Cutinha and officials of the Teachers' Association. The program was compered by Manjula Shetty.
A cultural showcase performed by teachers preceded the awards, and many participants voluntarily donated blood in partnership with the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, Wenlock.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK