Character Development Through Value-Based Education

"Only value-based education can cultivate good character in children," said Dr. Basavaraj Sadar, a member of the Central Sahitya Academy, New Delhi. He was speaking as the resource person at the fifth session of the ‘Arivina Deepige’ lecture series held at SDM College, Ujire, on September 20, organized by the Kannada Department in memory of Dr. B. Yashovarma. The event also featured a Vachana Darshana and recitation program.

Dr. Sadar emphasized that education without values serves no purpose. "In today’s context, education alone does not seem to be effective in instilling discipline in students. However, a few institutions like those in Suttur, Sirigere, and Dharmasthala are successfully imparting value-based education," he noted. Sonia Yashovarma, reflecting on Dr. Yashovarma’s life, shared that he had a deep passion for reading and was known as a ‘walking library.’ "He viewed mobile phones as a learning tool, though today they are often used for entertainment.We should strive to use them as learning tools," she advised. Presiding over the event, Principal Dr. B.A. Kumar Hegde remarked, "A person’s character is reflected in their speech. Basavanna’s vachanas teach us how to live and remain steadfast in the face of challenges." The event also included a vachana recitation by Srividya Aital and Dr. Basavaraj Sadar. Faculty members and students of the Kannada Department were present. The program began with a prayer led by Kavana and her team. Dr. Rajshekhar Halemane welcomed the gathering, Tejashree M. delivered the vote of thanks, and compered the event.