In the verdant heart of Dakshina Kannada, two teachers—Satish Bhat and Jagadish Shetty A—have been bestowed the prestigious State-Level Best Teacher Award, celebrated on Teachers’ Day in Bengaluru by the Department of School Education and Literacy.
With over three fruitful decades shaping young minds—34 years for Bhat and 37 for Shetty—their stories intertwine tradition and innovation in elegant harmony.
Satish Bhat, headmaster of Sri Ramakunjeshwara High School in rural Ramakunja, has woven a tapestry of academic excellence in a setting often overlooked. Under his guidance, students surpassed 90% success in mathematics and science year after year. As a district-level resource in mathematics, he orchestrated hundreds of workshops that rippled through the teaching community. He also embraced holistic education—teaching yoga, producing over 72 educational videos viewed by thousands, and mentoring students to secure 111 NMMS and NTSE scholarships. His establishment of modern math, science, and language labs breathed life into learning.
Jagadish Shetty A of Government Higher Primary School in Amblamogaru charted a path of transformation too. His visionary leadership turned a modest primary school into a thriving educational hub. With a remarkable ₹1.3 crore grant, he helped build a high school on 2.3 acres of land. Enrollment more than doubled from 106 to 217 students. He introduced bilingual education (Class I–VIII), free school bus services, honorary teaching staff, and digital tools—smart TVs and computers—through generous donor support. The school was celebrated for its discipline and cleanliness, and Shetty earned the Long Service Scouting Award for 35 years of inspiring young scouts.
In a world hurtling toward change, these two educators stand as timeless beacons—roots anchored in tradition, eyes fixed on tomorrow. Their service is a living poem, a testament to how steadfast guidance and nurturing souls shape futures.