Yearly Archives: 2025

Senior students of JSS Free Residential School, Suttur Math (SSLC 2005–06 batch), came together to honour over 100 teachers at the Guru Vandana programme. The picture captures the principal, teachers, and alumni sharing a proud and memorable moment.

Senior students of JSS Free Residential School, Suttur Math, from the SSLC 2005–06 batch, organized a special prasada arrangement for thousands of hostel students as part of the Guru Vandana programme, marking the occasion with devotion, gratitude, and service.

A touching moment from the Guru Vandana programme at Suttur Math Residential School, where students honoured their beloved caretaker Shri H.D. Mahesh with a gold ring, an expression of pure love, respect, and gratitude. Beyond classrooms, caretakers here shape lives as mentors and second parents, nurturing values along with education. A beautiful reminder that true teaching leaves a lifelong imprint.

Suttur, December 12, 2025: In Indian tradition, teachers are revered next only to one’s mother and father. While parents give birth, teachers guide students in the art of living. If a mother is considered the first teacher, school teachers are often seen as the second mother—shaping character, values, and direction in life.

Residential education, especially school education with hostel facilities, plays a distinct and vital role in this journey. In day schools, once children return home after classes, parents or guardians take responsibility for homework, meals, cleanliness, and health. However, in residential schools, these responsibilities are shared and fulfilled by hostel wardens, room teachers, and caretakers—who effectively stand in for parents and become consistent mentors in students’ daily lives.

Among the numerous institutions run under Suttur Math, the Suttur Math Residential School stands out for its unique features and service to society. The institution was inaugurated in 2002 by the then President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and has since been a boon for children from economically backward families. Today, around 4,000 students from all districts of Karnataka, neighbouring states, and even distant states such as Meghalaya, Manipur, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh study at the school from Classes 1 to 10. With the extensive facilities and support provided by Paramapujya Jagadguru Shri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamy, students are achieving strong academic results while also growing into cultured and responsible citizens.

At the Suttur Math Residential School, student learning extends beyond classrooms. After attending lectures and classes, students return to hostels where they are guided and supported by caretakers. The campus houses more than 3,000 students in the Basaveshwara and Akkamahadevi hostels, and the institution has appointed one caretaker for each dormitory to ensure consistent and personal care. These caretakers are D.L.Ed/B.Ed graduates and shoulder a range of key responsibilities, including monitoring homework, overseeing meals, ensuring bathing and cleanliness routines, and most importantly, taking care of students’ health. Through these roles, caretakers truly become mentors, and students respect and admire them as much as their school teachers.

Reflecting this deep gratitude, senior students at the residential school have been organizing “Guru Vandana” programmes frequently. A notable such programme was held on December 6, 2025, organized by senior students who completed their SSLC in 2014–15 and who are now engaged in various professions. The event honoured the school’s principal, teachers, caretakers, and also the kitchen staff, acknowledging their essential role in students’ academic and personal growth.

A special moment during the programme drew widespread attention and appreciation. Students from one room presented a gold ring to their favourite caretaker, Shri H.D. Mahesh. The unexpected gift surprised everyone present and stood as a powerful example of students’ selfless love and gratitude.

This gesture also recalled a similar incident from February, when senior students gifted a bike worth lakhs of rupees to another caretaker, Shri Sagar, on the occasion of his wedding, highlighting the long-standing culture of appreciation among students of the institution.

Such grateful and value-driven actions, many observed, reflect the strong foundation built by the Suttur Math Residential School, which continues to shape students not only academically but also emotionally and culturally, instilling respect, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility toward those who guide them.

The 2014–15 SSLC batch of Suttur JSS Free Residential School reunited at Suttur to honour their teachers through a memorable Guru Vandana. Felicitated teachers and the alumni are pictured here.

The 2014–15 SSLC batch students of Suttur JSS Free Residential School organized a Guru Vandana programme at Suttur. Shri G. L. Tripurantaka, Coordinating Officer, along with the wardens of the boys’ and girls’ hostels and the alumni, are seen in this picture. More than 4,000 students witnessed this meaningful event.

Nanjangud, December 5, 2025: ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra celebrated World Soil Day and the Sahyadri Red Mukti Rice Variety Field Festival on December 5, 2025, in Nagarle village of Nanjangud taluk. Dr. Dushyant, Research Director, Keladi Shivappanayaka Agriculture and Horticulture University, Shivamogga, and the lead researcher behind the Sahyadri Red Mukti rice variety, addressed the gathering. He highlighted the decline in soil health due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides, and advised farmers to safeguard both their own health and that of the soil through the use of green manure and organic inputs.

He explained that the Sahyadri Red Mukti variety has been developed as an alternative to the Jyoti rice variety, offering resistance to fire blight. The grains of Sahyadri Red Mukti are thicker and shinier than Jyoti, contributing to increased yield potential. It was noted with satisfaction that farmers in the Nanjangud region have already sown this variety across more than 500 acres. Dr. Dushyant also introduced the newly developed small red rice variety ‘Sahyadri Sindhur’, enriched with iron, protein, zinc, and other medicinal properties. He announced that this variety will be distributed to farmers for seed production in the next season.

Chairing the programme, Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR JSS KVK, shared that the organic carbon content in the current farm soil has increased. He urged farmers to conduct soil testing every two years and to apply fertilizers based on scientific recommendations.

Highlighting the long timeline of crop improvement, he noted that developing a new variety typically requires 10–15 years of sustained effort. With the Jyoti variety being cultivated for nearly 25 years, a replacement had become necessary. In this context, he appreciated Dr. Dushyant’s contribution in developing Sahyadri Red Mukti, which has brought renewed hope to farmers. He added that Dr. Dushyant has developed several other rice varieties, such as Tunga and Jalamukti, suited to different regions and has received several awards in recognition of his contributions.

During the programme, subject experts from KVK, including Shri Shamraju, provided introductory remarks on the field festival, while Mrs. H.V. Divya shared insights on soil health. Sri Guruswamy, Prashant, and more than 50 farmers from Nagarle village actively participated in the event.

Suttur, December 3, 2025: Shiva Deepotsava was celebrated with traditional fervour and devotion at Suttur Srikshetra on Wednesday evening. Special puja programs were held at the shrine of Adijagadguru Shri Shivaratreeshwara Shivayogi and Sri Someshwara, Sri Mahadeshwara, Sri Veerabhadreshwara, and Sri Narayanaswamy temples, in the divine presence of His Holiness Jagadguru Shri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji. As part of the celebrations, Mahamangalarati and the Prakarotsava of the Silver Chariot were performed, marking the auspicious Krittikotsava.

Dr. Nagamani S. Khandre, researcher at Illumin Knowledge Resources (Pvt.) Limited, addressed the gathering and highlighted that Indian festivals are rooted in scientific principles that contribute to creating a harmonious and joyful life. Despite historical challenges to India’s ancient cultural traditions, these are being revived with renewed strength, she observed. She emphasized that preserving and nurturing India’s rich cultural heritage is a collective responsibility, noting that Indian culture stands apart for its grandeur and uniqueness. Speaking on the significance of the occasion, she said Shiva symbolizes auspiciousness, and Shivadeepotsava is a festival that dispels darkness, illuminates knowledge, and reinforces the importance of wisdom. She described Suttur Srikshetra as an abode of beauty, divinity, and spiritual heritage, a place where devotion and emotion merge. Suttur Srimath is a distinguished heritage monastery known for its threefold devotion, she added.

The special lamp decorations prepared for the Shivadeepotsava captivated thousands of devotees, illuminating the temple premises with brilliance. Spectacular fireworks displays lit up the night sky, adding excitement and joy to the celebrations for the large gathering of devotees.

The program was graced by revered pontiffs from various maths of Chikkathuppur, Chunchanahalli, Navilur, Madapura, Honnalagere, Hangala, Mudukanapura, Sosale, Kallipura, Madivalaswamy, Dandikere, Thorenur, Neelakantaswamy Math, Ramapur, Baradanpura, Haraguru Charamurthi; Hanur MLA Shri M. R. Manjunath; and JSS Mahavidyapeetha officials Shri S.P. Manjunath, Shri S. Shivakumaraswamy, Shri S.P. Udayashankar, along with thousands of devotees from nearby villages.

Suttur, December 4, 2025: ‘Women in Agriculture Day’ was celebrated on December 4, 2025, at the ICAR JSS Agricultural Science Centre, Suttur. Mrs. H. V. Divya, Subject Expert, ICAR JSS Agricultural Science Centre, Suttur, delivered the introductory address and observed that rural women are not limited to cooking alone, but actively contribute to several crucial stages of agriculture such as sowing, planting, weeding, threshing and many other important operations, thereby standing as the backbone of agriculture. She noted that, in order to duly recognise the vital role of rural women in agriculture, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, has been celebrating ‘Women in Agriculture Day’ on December 4 every year.

As part of the programme, Dr. Noor Fatima, Associate Professor, JSS Ayurveda College, advised farmers to prepare decoctions and teas from medicinal plants available in their own backyards and to use them in their daily routine to improve health. Progressive farmer Mrs. Gayatri encouraged participants to develop home gardens and grow fruits and vegetables for better nutrition and well-being. Dr. Ramegowda, Professor at Yelawala College, highlighted the ingenuity demonstrated by the women of Eerangere and remarked that the contribution of women farmers to agriculture is significant, congratulating all women farmers present.

The programme also featured a special recognition of progressive woman farmer Mrs. Gayatri Sai Upendra Babu, who is engaged in organic farming at Nagatwadi village in Nanjangud taluk and sells organic vegetables at the Bogadi farmers’ market. She has developed a terrace garden where she grows flowers and vegetables, and cultivates crops using inputs such as decomposed flowers and their extract, sour buttermilk, and decoctions made from various bitter leaves. Deeply interested in agriculture, she has participated in several agricultural trainings, including beekeeping and organic farming, and is keen to take up beekeeping in the near future. She was honoured on the occasion by the guests and fellow farmers.

More than 70 farmers, women farmers, students of JSS Ayurveda College, and Dr. Dhanush, Associate Professor, JSS Ayurveda College, Mysuru, were present at the programme.

The Prasara Rath for the Shri Shivaratri Shivayogi Mahaswamiji Jatra Mahotsav was flagged off on the occasion of Shivadeepotsava, in the divine presence of His Holiness Jagadguru Shri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji. Devotees are also seen participating in the moment.

Suttur, December 1, 2025: A five-day training programme on Apiculture and value addition was organised at ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur, from December 1 to 5, 2025, in collaboration with the Agricultural Technicians Training Institute of the Agriculture Department, Mysuru.

Addressing the participants as the chief guest, Dr. Rajagopal, retired professor of the Agricultural University, emphasized that the survival of honeybees is crucial for the survival of humankind, as they form an integral part of the biological chain. He noted that Apiculture was introduced as a subject in the Agricultural University in 1996 to highlight its ecological importance. He stressed the need for conducting Apiculture training programmes in large numbers and creating greater awareness among farmers.

Presiding over the programme, Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR JSS KVK, highlighted that honey with medicinal properties holds an important place in Ayurveda. He explained that Apiculture enhances pollination in crops, thereby increasing agricultural yields. He further added that even individuals without land can practise honey farming by taking permission from landowners and placing bee boxes on their plots. He urged the trainees to encourage other farmers to adopt Apiculture in their respective areas.

Mrs. Anusha, Agriculture Officer, KR Nagar, briefed the participants on the facilities and support offered by the Agriculture Department for Apiculture.

Earlier, Dr. Y.P. Prasad welcomed the gathering, followed by an address by Dr. Deepak. Shri H.V. Divya proposed a vote of thanks. A total of 42 farmers and farm women from various taluks of Mysuru district participated in the programme.