Priority for Skill-Based Technical Education: Empowering Youth Resources
Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar
Ujire: The state government is prioritizing the strengthening of knowledge-and-skill-based technical education across all industrial sectors. A process is currently underway to empower youth resources to meet the specific expectations of various fields, stated the State Higher Education Minister, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar.
He was speaking at the Graduation Day programme held on February 6th 2026 at the Indraprastha Auditorium of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Autonomous College, where he presented degrees and rank honors to graduating students.
“The strides taken in skill-based technical education will remain aligned with the frameworks of the prescribed curriculum. We are focusing on reshaping sector-wise skill learning methods by keeping the expectations and priorities of both traditional and emerging vocational sectors in mind,” the Minister added.
Highlighting the educational infrastructure, he noted that as per NITI Aayog’s observations, there is a national shortage of institutions providing higher education relative to demand. While regulations suggest a minimum of 30 institutions per one lakh population, Karnataka has exceeded this benchmark with over 66 institutions. He attributed this achievement to the government’s encouragement of the private sector alongside public initiatives.
Rise in Women’s Graduation
The Minister highlighted a significant increase in the number of women graduates due to collaborative opportunities between the government and private sectors. Over the last two and a half years, the number of female graduates has been remarkable. “This indicates that the days are not far when we will identify ourselves as a female-dominated society rather than a male-dominated one. This is a promising development on the path to women’s empowerment,” he remarked.
He further explained the ‘Deepika’ scheme, implemented through an MoU with the Azim Premji Foundation. Under this project, female students who have completed their 10th grade and PUC (I & II) in government institutions will receive an annual scholarship of ₹30,000 for three years. So far, 1.6 lakh students have registered. He praised Azim Premji’s commitment to social development as exemplary.
Accolades for SDM College
Dr. Sudhakar lauded the excellence of Dakshina Kannada district, stating that SDM Institutions have created a benchmark across Karnataka. “SDM College, Ujire, has earned the NAAC A++ grade. Obtaining this is no small feat, as NAAC prioritizes quality over influence with rigorous evaluation criteria. SDM’s achievement in this regard is commendable,” he said.
Announcement of Agricultural University
Presiding over the event, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, President of SDM Educational Institutions and Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, announced the plan to establish an Agricultural University.
“Significant achievements are possible only when there is a clear goal. Graduates must possess the grit and ambition to engage in nation-building. Such determination sparks innovative ideas and the commitment to execute them,” Dr. Heggade advised the new graduates.
He noted that students from across India, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, come to Ujire for higher education. To cater to these aspirants, the institution has always prioritized introducing new courses. “The dream of starting an Agricultural University is a continuation of this legacy,” he added.
The ceremony commenced with a formal welcome by the Principal of SDM College, Dr. Vishwanath P., and Vice-Principal K.P. Nandakumari. Following the welcome, the Registrar of Evaluation, B. Ganesh Nayak, officially announced the graduation results and formally petitioned the President of the SDM Educational Institutions, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, for permission to confer the degrees. Upon receiving presidential assent, the graduates were officially inducted into their respective academic folds.
In a moment of solemn commitment, Dr. K.R. Kavitha, the Joint Director of Collegiate Education for Mangalore, administered the convocation oath, charging the new graduates to uphold the integrity of their professions. As a mark of institutional gratitude, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade honored the Higher Education Minister, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, with a commemorative memento.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Satheeshchandra S., Secretary of SDM Educational Institutions. The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the Registrar of Administration, Prof. Shridhar N. Bhat, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem to mark the adjournment of the convocation.
