Pics by: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 12: Teachers are the architects of society who shape students into responsible human beings, and their profession is one of the most sacred, said Monsignor Francis F Lewis, vicar general of the diocese of Udupi.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the diocesan-level Teachers’ Day celebration organised by the Udupi Catholic Education Society at Anugraha Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje, on Saturday.
“Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge. It is a means of developing compassion, kindness and humanity in a person’s life. Teachers sow the seeds of curiosity in students and undertake the noble task of nurturing them into responsible citizens,” he said.
He added that Teachers’ Day is not merely an occasion to celebrate the teaching profession but also to recall the mission and responsibility entrusted to teachers.
Dr Ashok Kamath, principal of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Udupi, and Deputy Director of School Education (Development), Udupi district, who was the chief guest, said teachers inspire students through their service and help inculcate values in them while encouraging them to face challenges.
He expressed concern over children becoming increasingly addicted to mobile phones and said the availability of narcotic substances had also reached the classroom, which was a dangerous development.
“Teachers have the responsibility of winning students through love and guiding them to become responsible citizens despite such complex challenges,” he said.
He noted that love for children, love for the subject being taught and love for the school where one works are essential qualities of a good teacher. With society’s expectations from teachers increasing, he urged them to pay greater attention to their responsibilities.
During the programme, retired teaching and non-teaching staff of institutions under the Catholic Education Society, award-winning teachers, meritorious students and educational institutions that recorded outstanding results were felicitated.
Captain Shiny Asma Saldanha, who achieved the distinction of becoming the woman commercial pilot from Udupi district, was also honoured on the occasion.
Catholic Education Society secretary Fr Vincent Crasta welcomed the gathering, while Sister Anita, headmistress of Milagres Kannada Medium High School, Kallianpur, proposed the vote of thanks. Suresh Hegde and Loylsis D’Souza compered the programme.