Instil scientific temper and rational thinking in students: Minister

Minister in-charge of Mysuru district H.C. Mahadevappa said that students should cultivate interests in art, literature and cultural activities along with their academic pursuits, and advised teachers to instil scientific temper and rational thinking among them.

He was speaking after inaugurating the district-level Pratibha Karanji at the high school section of Maharaja College here on January 6.

Describing Mysuru district as the cradle of art, literature, archaeology and music, Dr. Mahadevappa said Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, during his reign, accorded great importance to literature and education.

He said Wadiyar laid the foundation for a progressive public life even before Independence and initiated reforms in education, reservation, women empowerment, health, agriculture, horticulture, electricity and railways. He also established institutions such as the Mysore Paper Mills and the Kannada Sahitya Parishat. Students should learn more about him, the Minister added.

Dr. Mahadevappa said Mysuru district should strive to secure the top position in the field of education. Teachers must nurture scientific temper in children and promote the constitutional values of liberty, equality and fraternity. Students should be made aware of the freedom of expression and Preamble of the Constitution so that they emerge as responsible citizens of the country.

K. Harish Gowda, Chamaraja MLA, said Pratibha Karanji provides an excellent platform to showcase students’ talents, and urged them not to worry about winning or losing, but to focus on showcasing their abilities.

Mysuru District Primary School Teachers’ Association president K.B. Some Gowda said students participating in Pratibha Karanjihad emerged victorious at the school, taluk and cluster levels. Reaching the district level is the result of their hard work, he said.