Media Release
Udupi, Nov 11: A parent–teacher meeting was held at Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM) on November 8. The meeting was organized to strengthen the relationship between parents, teachers, and students and to discuss various aspects of academic and personal development among students.
The session began with a warm welcome by Dr Deepika, followed by Lolita Pasiya Castelino, who cordially welcomed the dignitaries, including Dr Nagaraj Bhat, dean of Academics, and Soujanya Shetty, an experienced counselor from Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi.
Dr Nagaraj Bhat emphasized the shared responsibility of both parents and the college in shaping students’ future. He stated that while 10% of a student’s character formation happens in college, the remaining 90% is influenced by parents and home environment.
He urged parents to take an active role in their children’s counseling and academic growth. He also stressed that academic and placement training is a joint responsibility of parents and the institution, as students are the future investment of both. Dr Bhat cautioned against malpractices and shortcuts, emphasizing that “there are no shortcuts to success.”
Soujanya Shetty spoke on the topic ‘Young Adulthood: A New Chapter in Parenting’. She highlighted the importance of parental support and understanding during the transition to young adulthood. Parents were advised to create a friendly and supportive environment instead of being overly restrictive or controlling. She explained that too much control can push children away, while open communication fosters trust and responsibility. She cautioned parents about the negative influence of money, media, mobile phones, and motorbikes during the education phase and encouraged them to help their children develop problem-solving skills and patience.
The session concluded with a reminder that teachers are role models for students and should strive to influence them positively. The meeting successfully highlighted the collaborative role of parents and teachers in ensuring students’ holistic development.