SDM Mangala Jyothi Integrated School Celebrates Silver Jubilee

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov. 30, 2025: Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari and chairman of the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) group of educational institutions, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, said that differently-abled children become as empowered as others when they receive love, affection and compassion from their peers.

Speaking after inaugurating the silver jubilee celebrations of SDM Mangala Jyothi Integrated School at Vamanjoor on Friday, Dr. Heggade emphasised the need for society and the government to support differently-abled children in securing employment once they attain the required educational qualifications.

He said the late Mohini Appaji Naik’s dream of supporting such children has been realised after many years. Students of the integrated school have excelled in academics, cultural events and various art forms, he added.

Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr. M. Mohan Alva said it is society’s responsibility to bring differently-abled children into the mainstream. Sensitivity and empathy are essential so that specially-abled children do not feel inferior, he said, noting that the integrated school has been consistently empowering them.

Complimenting Naik for her farsighted initiative, Dr. Alva said the SDM Institutions later took over the responsibility of running the school.

Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty, former mayor K. Bhaskar, Karnataka Bank Managing Director Raghavendra S. Bhat, and other dignitaries were present.

SDM Institutions secretary Satishchandra, treasurer K. Devaraj, Naik’s daughter Sujatha R. Shetty, and others also took part in the event.