D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmasthala Pattadhikari, M. Mohan Alva, Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, and others unveiling the bust of Mohini A. Naik, the founder of SDM Mangala Jyothi Integrated School, during the institution’s silver jubilee celebrations in Mangaluru on November 29.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmasthala Pattadhikari and Chairman of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara group of educational institutions, said that differently-abled children become as empowered as other children when they get love, affection, and compassion from their companions.
Speaking after inaugurating the silver jubilee celebrations of SDM Mangala Jyothi Integrated School at Vamanjoor on November 29, Mr. Heggade said it is also important for society and the government to help differently-abled children get employment when they acquire the required educational qualifications.
He said the late Mohini Appaji Naik’s dream to help such children has become a reality after many years. Students of the integrated school have been excelling in academics, cultural activities, and various art forms, he said.
M. Mohan Alva, Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman, said it is society’s responsibility to bring differently-abled children to the mainstream. One should be sensitive enough so specially-abled children do not feel inferior to others. The integrated school, therefore, has been empowering these children, he pointed out.
Complimenting Naik for her farsightedness to help the differently-abled, Dr. Alva said the SDM Institutions took over the responsibility of running the integrated school later on.
Y. Bharath Shetty, Mangaluru City North MLA, K. Bhaskar, former mayor, Raghavendra S. Bhat, Karnataka Bank Managing Director, and others were present.
SDM Institutions secretary Satishchandra, Treasurer K. Devaraj, Naik’s daughter Sujatha R. Shetty, and others were present.
Published – November 29, 2025 08:10 pm IST
