Bhaskar Hegde had a profound impact on shaping the future of journalism students: Shraddha Amith

Bhaskar Hegde's impactful 33-year career in journalism education at SDM College shaped countless students' futures, says Shraddha Amith.

Bhaskar Hegde, who retired from service on Saturday (February 1, 2026) after serving as a lecturer and head of the journalism department for 33 years at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College, Ujire, had a profound impact on shaping the future of students through his simple personality, practical experience, effective leadership and value education, said Shraddha Amith, CEO of Kshemavana, Bengaluru.

Ms. Amith, who is also an alumnus of SDM College, was speaking after inaugurating “Bhaskara Parva,” a special felicitation ceremony organised by Mr. Hegde’s old students at Ujire on Saturday (January 31, 2026). She said Mr. Hegde had immense love, trust and respect for students. His mannerism and thirst for knowledge, which made quick access to information with all kinds of facilities possible in a rural college, served as a guiding light and motivation for everyone.

She remembered Mr. Hegde telling his students that they need not tell him their happy moments; but they were free to approach him at difficult times. Under the guidance of the then Principal B. Yashovarma, he started many new experiments. Congratulating Mr. Hegde, Ms. Amith said this vast student body was a precious asset for the professor.

Dignitaries, including Kshemavana CEO Shraddha Amith release “Bhaskara Parva,” the felicitation book on Bhaskar Hegde, head of journalism department, Sri Dhamrashtala Manjunatheshwara College, Ujire, on the day of his retirement on January 31, 2026. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Releasing the felicitation book, SDM Educational Institutions Secretary S. Satishchandra said that due to the practical training, knowledge and skill development activities provided by Mr. Hegde, it was a special honour and pride for the institution that his students were serving as cultural ambassadors of SDM in high positions in the country and abroad.

College principal P. Vishwanath said when the student-centered education system was introduced under Late Yashovarma, Mr. Hegde successfully implemented it.