CM Urges Value-Based Education, Warns Against Caste Bias and Mobile Addiction
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday emphasized that education must go beyond academics to ignite awareness and shape a humane society. Speaking at the state-level Teachers’ Day celebration at Vidhana Soudha’s Banquet Hall, where awards were presented to outstanding teachers, he said the government spends ₹65,000 crore annually on education, making it a top priority.
Recalling his personal journey, the CM said, “I learned school education from Rajappa Master and political lessons from Prof. Nanjundaswamy.” He underlined that ideological education should prepare students to address social problems, not merely accumulate knowledge. “Education is not filling a pot but lighting a lamp,” he added.
Highlighting constitutional values, Siddaramaiah said liberty, equality, and fraternity must be instilled through education to build responsible citizens. He criticized caste-based discrimination, noting that both Shudras and women were historically denied education. Today, he said, the Right to Education has enabled more girls to access learning and achieve success.
The CM urged teachers to instill rationality, scientific thinking, and tolerance among students, warning against perpetuating ignorance or casteism. He also cautioned against rising mobile addiction, calling on teachers to encourage students to “put down the mobile and hold the book.”
Remembering Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Siddaramaiah said following his ideals is the truest tribute. He also hailed pioneers like Savitri Phule and Fatima Sheikh for empowering oppressed women through education despite hardships. Ministers Madhu Bangarappa and Dr. M.C. Sudhakar were present at the ceremony, where Siddaramaiah reaffirmed that teachers’ values and conduct deeply shape children’s futures.
