Mangaluru: At a time when a popular saying goes that “students forget their teachers and doctors forget their patients once the work is done,” the alumni of Sri Durgaparameshwari First Grade College (SDPT), Kateel, offered a powerful counter-narrative — that gurus who shape one’s life remain eternal.
Founded nearly three decades ago on a hillock near the famed Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, the institution that once drew scepticism with the question, “Who will climb so high to study?”, has today produced professionals who occupy prestigious positions across dozens of countries. What began as a modest college in a then-remote hamlet has grown into a nationally recognised educational hub.
Drawing inspiration from the temple’s long-standing Anna Dasoha, the institution initiated Akshara Dasoha nearly a decade ago — a tradition that continues uninterrupted. Faculty members, widely acknowledged as the driving force behind the institution’s success, were felicitated during the event, setting an example for society at large.
The SDPT REUNION, held on Sunday (December 21, 2025) at Kateel, brought together hundreds of accomplished alumni from diverse fields including business, chartered accountancy, education, and social service. Alumni currently working across several countries participated in the day-long brainstorming programme, sharing experiences and mentoring young aspirants, particularly start-up enthusiasts.
In a rare and touching moment, scholars and Vedic experts were seen reconnecting with their former teachers, reaffirming the enduring guru-shishya bond.
Addressing the gathering, Senior Professor Nagesh Rao stressed the importance of adapting to technological change, urging students to prioritise learning in artificial intelligence, given its growing role in the future workforce.
Senior Sanskrit Professor Dr Sonda Bhaskara Bhat highlighted the role of spirituality in maintaining mental and physical well-being amid professional pressures.
Professor Dr Krishna Kanchan underlined the importance of auditing and accounting across sectors, noting with pride that hundreds of SDPT alumni have emerged as experts in the field. Professor Keshav H emphasised the value of service, stating that contributions to society often return in unexpected ways.
Professor Dr Vijaya Kumar called for regular student-teacher reunions in educational institutions, describing the teacher-student relationship as one that “runs in the blood” and serves as a foundation for social harmony.
Former principal Balakrishna Shetty said that remembering one’s teachers forms the very backbone of an educational institution, while Professor Jagadish Chandra urged alumni to ensure their education serves as a guiding light for others and strengthens their alma mater.
Physical Education Director Jayaram Shetty highlighted the need to integrate physical fitness into daily life, beyond schools and colleges, as a key to long-term health.
The SDPT REUNION also emerged as a platform to promote ideas such as a plastic-free environment, educational reform, and skill development, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to societal progress.
