Udupi Catholic Education Society Celebrates Teachers’ Day, Honours Retired Teachers
Udupi: The Vicar General of the Diocese of Udupi, Monsignor Francis F. Lewis, said that teachers are the sculptors of society who shape students into responsible human beings, and that their profession is among the most sacred and noble.
He was speaking after presiding over 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 nurturing kindness, compassion and humanity. Teachers perform the noble task of sowing the seeds of curiosity in students and helping them grow into responsible citizens. Teachers’ Day is not merely a celebration of the profession but also a reminder of their mission,” he said.
The chief guest, Dr. Ashok Kamath, Principal of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Udupi, and Deputy Director of the Udupi District School Education Department (Development), said that teachers inspire students through their service and instil good values in children while accepting challenges.
“Today’s children are increasingly becoming addicted to mobile phones. The availability of narcotic substances reaching classrooms is also a dangerous development. Teachers have the responsibility of winning over students through love, helping them overcome such complex problems and shaping them into responsible citizens,” he said.
He further said 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. He added that society’s expectations of teachers have increased and urged them to pay greater attention to these 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 achieved outstanding results were recognised and honoured.
Captain Shainy Asma Saldanha, who achieved the distinction of becoming the first woman commercial pilot from Udupi district, was also felicitated.
Rev. Fr. Vincent Crasta, Secretary of the Catholic Education Society, 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.