Mangaluru: Two teachers from Dakshina Kannada district were recognised with the prestigious state-level Best Teacher Award by the Department of School Education and Literacy on the occasion of Teachers’ Day in Bengaluru. The award celebrates educators who have made outstanding contributions to student development, school growth, and community service.

The awardees include Satish Bhat, headmaster of Sri Ramakunjeshwara High School in Ramakunja, Puttur, and Jagadish Shetty A, head teacher of the Government Higher Primary School in Amblamogaru under the Mangaluru South BEO, Ullal taluk.

Satish Bhat: Inspiring excellence in rural education

With over 34 years of teaching experience, Satish Bhat has become a well-respected figure in the field of education. Despite working in a rural school, he consistently ensured that students excelled in academics, particularly in mathematics and science, where results have remained above 90%.

Bhat’s contribution extends beyond classroom teaching. As a district-level resource person for mathematics, he has conducted hundreds of workshops, training both educators and students. His efforts in capacity building have left a lasting influence across the district.

He has also integrated holistic education into his school by serving as a yoga instructor. Many of his students later became yoga trainers themselves, carrying forward the culture of wellness and discipline.

Since 2015, he has served as a senior graduate assistant, playing a pivotal role in guiding students towards competitive scholarships. Under his mentorship, 111 students successfully secured NMMS and NTSE scholarships, helping the school maintain a reputation as one of the best in the district and state.

Innovation has also been a hallmark of his career. He developed over 72 educational videos that reached thousands of learners and established well-equipped science, mathematics, and language laboratories in his school, ensuring students had access to modern learning resources.

Jagadish Shetty: Building schools and communities

Equally remarkable is the career of Jagadish Shetty, who has served in the teaching profession for 37 years, including 13 years as a head teacher. Under his leadership, the Government Higher Primary School in Amblamogaru saw significant growth in infrastructure, enrolment, and academic standards.

Shetty spearheaded the establishment of a new high school in Amblamogaru, securing 2.3 acres of land and overseeing the construction of a state-of-the-art building with a grant of ₹1.3 crore. His initiatives more than doubled the school’s enrolment from 106 students to 217.

He introduced bilingual education for Classes I–VIII, an innovative step that bridged learning gaps for students. With community and donor support, he also facilitated smart TV and computer-based teaching, creating a modern learning environment for children in a rural setting.

Shetty’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in his efforts to provide free school bus services and appoint honorary teachers to support the school’s expansion. His initiatives earned the institution several accolades, including awards for Best Discipline and Cleanliness.

Beyond academics, Shetty dedicated 35 years to Scouting, training countless students and teachers. For his service, he was honoured with the Long Service Scouting Award, further highlighting his role in shaping disciplined and socially responsible citizens.

Honouring dedicated service

Both teachers represent the strength and dedication of Karnataka’s education system. Their contributions illustrate how committed educators can transform not only academic outcomes but also the social and cultural environment of their schools and communities.

The recognition of Satish Bhat and Jagadish Shetty on Teachers’ Day serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of passionate educators in nurturing future generations.

Conclusion

The state-level Best Teacher Award bestowed on these two Dakshina Kannada teachers is both an honour for their personal achievements and an inspiration to the teaching fraternity. Their careers showcase how vision, dedication, and innovation can elevate schools, enrich communities, and shape young lives for decades.