News : P Archibald Furtado. Pics: :Subhanu Photos Studio Barkur
Barkur, September 12, 2026: The Barkur Educational Society (BES) celebrated Teachers’ Day with a colourful and meaningful programme, bringing together the teaching fraternity of its educational institutions to honour dedicated educators—past and present—and recognise excellence in the field of education.
The programme commenced with prayers led by the lecturers of National Sujnana PU College, Barkur, followed by the welcome and insightful and inspiring keynote address by Mr. Ashok Kumar Shetty, Secretary, BES, himself a celebrated teacher and recipient of the National Best Teacher Award.
The event was compered by Mr. Archibald Furtado, Admin Coordinator, National Group of Educational Institutions.
The highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of three distinguished retired educators: Mr. Venkatesh Kramadhari, former Principal of NITI; Prof. Jaganath Sheregar, former Professor of NITI; and Mr. Ratnakar Shetty, former Headmaster of Smt. Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Higher Primary School, Heradi. Their long and dedicated service to education was gratefully acknowledged.
Excellence among serving teachers was also recognised. Mr. Maruthi K. P., Kannada Language Teacher in National High School, Barkur, was honoured as the Best Teacher of the Year 2026, sponsored by Infosys.
Mr. Prabhakar, NHS Sanskrit Teacher, was specially recognised as a proud recipient of the Udupi District-level Best Teacher Award, sponsored by Adarsha Hospitals Group.
All the honourees were felicitated with a traditional shawl, garland and memento, while fresh roses and pen sets were presented as tokens of appreciation. The pen sets were generously sponsored by BES Vice President Shri Shedikodlu Vittal Shetty, whose continued support for educational causes was specially acknowledged.
Special recognition was also accorded to Shri Shedikodlu Vittal Shetty, philanthropist and Vice President of BES, for his valuable contribution to education, and Mrs. Janet Lewis, alumna of National High School, Barkur, and donor and Trustee of the Pai Foundation, for her support to educational causes.
The celebration also warmly welcomed several previously served lecturers, including former Principal Mrs. Usha Kiran Shetty and Mrs. Aswini Anchan, who were honoured in recognition of their association and service.
The felicitation addresses were delivered by Dr. Bhaskar Shetty, Principal, Government First Grade College, Barkur, and Dr. Ramesh Shetty, President, Sujnana Educational Trust. Mr. Karunakar Shetty, President, Old Students Association, National High School, Barkur, congratulated all the teachers and appreciated their valuable contribution to education.
Responding on behalf of the honoured teachers, Mr. Venkatesh Kramadhari expressed gratitude to the Barkur Educational Society for the thoughtful recognition.
The programme was presided over by the Sahakara Ratna awardee and President of Barkur Educational Society, Shri B Shantarama Shetty who paid rich tribute to the teaching community and emphasised the enduring importance of educators in shaping society.
The colourful celebration brought together teaching staff from National Higher Primary Schools, Hanehalli and Heradi; National High School, Barkur; National Sujnana PU College, Barkur; NITI, Heradi; SVVN English Medium High School, Heradi-Barkur; and Government First Grade College, Barkur, making it a memorable gathering of the wider educational fraternity.
BES Treasurer Mr. Krishna Hebbar proposed the Vote of Thanks.
Adding a warm and generous touch to the celebration, all the teachers were served a sumptuous lunch sponsored by BES Vice President Shri Shedikodlu Vittal Shetty.The celebration was a fitting tribute to teachers who, through knowledge, dedication and commitment, continue to shape generations.
“Teachers may retire from service, but never from the hearts and lives they have shaped.” 🌹
