‘Eco-Friendly Schools’ award ceremony held at Mangalore University

‘Eco-Friendly Schools’ award ceremony held at Mangalore University

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 31, 2023: Mangalore University under the Adoption of Government Schools has organized a program on the occasion of  the  official visit of Prof. M. R. Doreswamy,  advisor  – education reforms (cabinet rank)  -  Government of Karnataka -  and  ’Eco-Friendly Schools’ award ceremony at Mangala Auditorium.

 
Prof. M. R. Doreswamy inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp and said in his speech that today’s children are tomorrow’s nation builders. Providing quality education, especially in primary and high school, plays an important role. Government school students should not be deprived of any facilities or infrastructure to get a good education. The public should also cooperate for the improvement of government schools. Higher education institutions including universities should adopt government schools as a part of Institutional Social Responsibilities and participate to uplift them. In this regard, the Government of Karnataka has launched a new initiative  called Adoption of Government Schools since 2020 for the first time in the country under the Education Reforms. I try my level best to propose a special package in the budget and implement it.

“Out of 42 thousand government schools, 20 thousand schools were deprived of infrastructure. Many schools have been developed under the government school adoption programme. I would like to express my gratitude to the educational institutions and the generous people who have contributed with a social concern.  However, there is still a lot of work to be carried out in this regard. Along with the Government, non-government organizations and citizens should join hands for this noble cause.  A contribution to the education of children from poor families is a great service that the Lord will appreciate. The self-satisfaction that comes from it brings joy and peace to the mind.

A draft report of the first phase activities along with a list of proposed projects was handed over to Prof. M.R. Doreswamy.

Prof. P. Subrhamanya Yadapadithaya, Vice Chancellor, Mangalore University in his presidential remarks said that it was one of his dreams to take the university to villages. The University has taken the lead by undertaking many programs that are beneficial to society. Many academic activities useful to students have been organized under the schools adoption program. Many other developmental activities are in pipeline.  With an initiative of organizing eco-friendly schools competition, we have tried to inculcate environmental concern in children along with encouraging many environmentally friendly activities in schools and congratulated all the schools that responded positively to this.

Awards were presented to the winning schools in the ’Eco-friendly Schools’ competition organized in collaboration with the Association of British Scholars - Mangalore Chapter. First place: Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government High School, Pavoor; Second place: Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government High School, Konaje Padavu; Third place: Ramakrishna Government Aided High School Harekala and 13 other schools were honored with incentive prizes. Dhanalakshmi Bolar, Rajeev Nayak and Thyagam Harekala from the first three awardee schools shared their experiences in developing an eco-friendly school.
     
Prof. Ramachandra Bhatta, Vice President, Association of British Scholars - Mangalore Chapter mentioned in his speech that environment is getting highly polluted due to anthropological activities. As a consequence, we have been facing many adverse effects. Awareness about environmental protection needs to be created among today’s children. The basic objective of the Eco-Friendly Schools competition is to inspire many environmental activities among the students to protect the environment and wildlife.

Mrs. Chanchalakshi, President of Konaje Grama Panchayat speaking as the Chief Guest said that many people who studied in government schools including in Kannada medium have achieved in their fields and many got recognitions at the international level.  It should never be ignored that it is a government school.

As a part of the program,  the university has felicitated  Prof. M. R. Doreswamy with a citation in recognition of his lifetime achievements, and academic and social contributions. Students of the adopted schools who have excelled in sports, cultural performance, studies and other fields were honored.

Kavya, a student of Government High School, Pavur won the appreciation of everyone by reciting a poem about an eco-friendly school. After the formal program students of the adopted schools performed various cultural programs that mesmerized the audience.

On this occasion, Mr. Sathish Bhat Bilinele, Headmaster, Ramakunjeshwar High School, Ramkunja, , delivered a lecture on ’Education is the foundation for a bright future’ and Dr. Ananth Prabhu G., Professor of Computer Science, Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management created awareness on cyber security.

Prof. Prashantha Naik, the program coordinator gave the introductory speech and welcomed the guests and audience.

Dr. Dhananjaya Kumble performed the master of ceremony for the formal function and  Dr. Laveena K. B. anchored the cultural program. Shri Sudhakara K., Deputy Director (Administration), Department of School Education and Literacy, Dakshina Kannada District delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. Vishwanath T. announced the results of the eco-friendly school competition. Dr. Sabita read the citation of  Prof. M.R. Doreswamy.
Block Resource Centre Coordinator, Mangalore south,  Dr. Prashanth Kumar was present on the stage.

Nodal officers of the adopted schools,  teachers and around 300 students from 14 adopted schools have participated in the program.