Udupi: Education should not be limited to securing marks in examinations, but must also focus on acquiring knowledge through active participation in extracurricular activities and developing the ability to face challenges in society, said Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president of the Udupi District Cooperative Union.
He was speaking while presiding over a district-level essay and debate competition for high school and pre-university college students, jointly organised by the Udupi District Cooperative Union and the Department of Cooperation on Saturday at the Jagannatha Auditorium of the Badagabettu Credit Cooperative Society.
Students must develop knowledge beyond textbooks
Jayakar Shetty Indrali said students should make efforts to gain knowledge in different fields rather than confining themselves to academic lessons and examination preparation.
He emphasised that education should help children develop general knowledge, broaden their understanding of society and prepare them to deal effectively with challenges in their lives.
He observed that young people possess the potential to lead the nation and play an important role in shaping its future. To realise this potential, students must cultivate awareness of various subjects and develop their abilities through activities beyond the classroom.
Participation in extracurricular activities, he said, provides students with opportunities to express their thoughts, improve their communication skills and gain confidence. Such experiences, alongside classroom learning, can contribute to their overall development.
Essay and debate competition organised
The district-level competition was organised to provide high school and pre-university college students with a platform to demonstrate their writing, analytical and communication skills.
The event brought together students from different educational institutions, with essay writing and debate providing opportunities to explore subjects, develop arguments and present their views.
The organisers aimed to encourage students to take an active interest in learning and develop abilities that complement their academic education.
Officials and educationists attend
M.M. Ananda, Deputy Director of the Audit Department for Cooperative Societies; Sudheer Kumar, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies; Udupi District Cooperative Union directors Sudheer Y. and Harish Kini Alevoor; Shweta, principal of Christian High School; and retired lecturers Yadava T. and Dayananda D. were present.
Anusha Kotian, chief executive officer of the Udupi District Cooperative Union, welcomed the gathering and compered the programme.
The event highlighted the importance of providing students with opportunities beyond routine classroom learning and encouraging them to develop a wider understanding of the world around them.